Path Of The Broken

9. Liaison-1

9

Liaison

Alex flashed through the veil, drawn to the surging power that called to him. He knew what he would find. It was the Sundered, the mad ones. He had no idea how long the last period of blackout had lasted. Alex wasn't even sure if he was in his own mind now. Although he thought perhaps he was. Generally, though, if his flickering memories were correct, at those times he was at his worst—times when he would kill someone he’d encountered for looking at him the wrong way. Well, to be honest, not quite for that; some unfortunate had to make the mistake of attacking him first or be Sundered. Still, as the dead thief in the alleyway had shown, it didn't seem to take much. It wasn’t like money was much of a concern. He could get more from the palace anytime he wanted with no one noticing. Or by asking William.

He believed an increase in the surging power of the veil channelling into him was what caused his mind to overload and black out. It heralded an onslaught of pain and confusion, and pushed him out of control. Alex checked absently, once more reassuring himself that he was wearing clothes and had a sword. At least he hadn’t blacked out with an unknown amount of time between the alleyway and now. Going up against the Sundered naked and unarmed probably wasn’t the most spectacular idea

As he flew through the veil, Alex looked around and saw the thick strands of the veil arcing through the air, through him, from him. He winced, realising that in the past this would have been enough power to sink him into unconsciousness or madness. It seemed, despite everything, his impression that he was getting stronger was correct. Or maybe he was just getting used to the level of power. He smiled ruefully. Perhaps it was both. The thing that concerned him most was what he did while he experienced those black periods. Still his mind shied away, but the flickering pieces of memories told him things he didn't want to know.

Alex reached his destination and what he saw in the courtyard below gave him pause. It was a sight he hadn't seen before: three Sundered fighting against, well, he couldn't say who the fourth person was. The hooded figure fought against the Sundered, using a merged fighting style, incorporating the power of the veil with sword work. The hooded figure wasn't Sundered, he was certain about that, but seemed to be like himself, Kyle or Jess—someone he guessed going through transition. Or at least further along the path than himself. Whoever it was, they seemed to have a firm control both of their own power and ability to fight. The figure drew in an impressive amount of power. Alex shook himself out of his introspection and shifted into the courtyard below. Another thing he found odd: every other time he fought the Sundered it had been in more remote areas. Although, he could tell this place was situated on the forest edge, which might explain the unusual sighting.

Without giving it further thought, Alex threw himself into the battle, aiding the stranger in the fight against the Sundered. Now he was closer he could see that the figure was female, although he was suddenly too busy to notice much detail. Whoever she was, she made short work of the Sundered she had been fighting. She turned her attention to another of her attackers and it didn't take long before the head of the one she had been fighting hit the ground. He felt her probe him, then dismissed him as a threat, or at least not the most immediate threat. Alex dispatched his own opponent, then turn to help with the last remaining Sundered only to see she had already slain her enemy. Alex smiled, noting that she didn't sheathe her blade. Instead she stood watching him, waiting. She seemed so confident and self-assured, with good reason—both qualities he liked.

Alex knew she was assessing him, just as he assessed her. She reached a decision and pushed back her hood. She smiled, her mind voice low and somehow soothing.

I'm Isabella.

Alex licked his lips, then replied in kind. I'm Alex.

Isabella smiled, her head c*****g to one side. Thank you for your help against those.

Alex glanced around the courtyard, realising they were in the back yard of an inn. If the noise coming from inside was anything to go by, it was a boisterous one. Alex assessed his current state, then grinned. He seemed to be stable, or at least as stable as he got these days.

Can I tempt you to a drink? We seem to be in the right place.

Isabella laughed and sheathed her sword, then turned with him, falling into step as they walked to the inn. The warmth and lively music hit him as they walk through the door. Alex barely paused scanning the room, spotting an empty table near the back. He placed a hand on Isabella's back and guided her through the crowded taproom towards the table. At their approach a group of men about to sit at the table froze; one horrified glance at Alex and they backed off hands raised in the air. Alex frowned, then noticed he still held his sword. He shook his head and raised a hand an apology, sheathing the blade. The men grinned at him uncertainly, but went off to find another table.

Alex sat next to Isabella on the bench, his back, as was customary, against the cool stone wall. He raised his hand to the serving boy.

Beer, wine or…?

Beer will be fine, thanks.

Alex ordered a pitcher of beer and a plate of whatever the food of the day was from the kitchen for them both. Out of habit these days he checked his pockets and belt for money. He breathed a sigh of relief when he discovered that he had money on him—the money from the thief he’d killed. Isabella, noticing his brief panic, chuckled.

"It's all right, Alex. I've been in the same position in the past more times than I can count."

Isabella was still assessing him, and he didn't blame her at all. Still, he could tell she liked what she was seeing. When the food and beer arrived, they both took time in between eating and drinking to exchange brief histories. Her full name was Isabella Katrina Hunte, and his eyes widened when she admitted to being from Ilarith. In the light of the taproom he took in her long blond hair, spilling around her shoulders, and her blue eyes he found he couldn't look away from. She intrigued him.

She took the news of who he was in her stride with only a faint look of surprise, her eyes widening.

"You're that Alex?" Isabella laughed as he nodded in reply. "Of all the people I thought might encounter someday, you were certainly not among them."

Alex smiled in return and, leaning back against the cool stone wall, he relaxed, placing one of his booted feet up on the bench.

“Why do I get the distinct impression you are not being terribly sincere?”

Isabella chuckled, the sound low and pleasing. “All right, Alex. Yes, I know who you are. I’ve been looking for you.”

Alex looked at her appraisingly and realised to his shock she was not what he had first thought as he’d caught the flare in her power before it had dampened again. He guessed it had been deliberate, since she was remarkably good at hiding her true nature.

“So, you found me.” Alex picked up his beer and swallowed a mouthful without taking his eyes off her.

“Yes, or rather you found me.” Isabella reached across and picked up some cheese, nibbling the corner cautiously before smiling and taking a larger mouthful.

“Okay, I’ll bite. Why were you looking for me?” Alex had to admit to curiosity.

“Damien thought you could use a mentor.” Isabella smiled again at seeing the shock on his face.

“Damien?” Alex felt his mind racing, memories of things attributed to the hunter falling into place in his brain. “Ah, he is Kin?”

Isabella’s eyes crinkled as she held back laughter. “No, Damien is of the Elder. He has taken in your friend, Jess, as his protégé.”

Alex tilted his head to one side, amused despite himself. “I’m supposed to be yours?”

Isabella shook her head. “I’m a friend, if you allow it. More if you wish.”

Alex unaccountably felt his cheeks go red; he had no doubt at all about what the more entailed.