Page 1623 (Patreon)
Content
Samira seemed more than a little caught off guard when the Lord Elroy moved in close and hugged her, even lifting her off her feet like a sack of potatoes.
Hector stared, arguably even more shocked by what he was seeing than she was.
Oi--! Hah--! Y-yes! It is good to see you, too, Lord Zeff! Her Valganaccent was much thicker than Asads, and her gold-and-black robesdangled loosely over her whole body, covering everything but her faceand hands.
Zeff let her back down, leaving the woman looking somewhat traumatized by the experience, and then went for Midhat, first shaking the young mans hand vigorously, only to pull him and lift him off his feet, too.Oh, I havent seen you in ages! Youre almost a grown man, already!
Yes--I--Lord--thank--!
Samiras apparent reaper floated forward. Lord Zeff, what are you doing? I am not sure this behavior is appropriate.
Ah, I apologize, said Axiolis. Zeff and I have been through quite a lot, lately. We are genuinely overjoyed to see you.
The other reaper didnt argue further.
Zeff let Midhat down. I wish I could stay and talk more, but I must go and retrieve Asad.
It was then that Mr. Easton approached Hector from the side and took hisattention. His uniform was different than Hector remembered. The suit was even blacker than the man himself was. Lord Goffe. There was no word of your return. We would have organized a welcome.
Ah, yeah. It was kind of sudden. I thought Id be, uh--ah... well, itdoesnt matter now, I guess. He took a breath and rethought his next words. I havent actually returned yet, though. I have to leave again for, like, a day or two. Then Ill be back.
I see. I thought you might have returned after hearing the news.
Hector paused at that. What news?
So you havent heard. Two of Atreyas four largest banks havecollapsed. More than a million people have declared bankruptcy in thelast two weeks alone.
Holy fucking shit-grenades, said Garovel privately.
Hector just sighed and rubbed his forehead.
Theyre saying were about see the greatest economic depression in the history of the country, said Mr. Easton.
Hoo boy. Mr. Sheridan walked up behind Hector. Sounds like a real pickle. He offered Mr. Easton a handshake. Good to meetcha. Names Robert Sheridan. West Intar Company.
Jamal Easton. Head of Security for Lord Goffe.
Oh! Head of Security, eh? You sure this kid needs anyone to protect him?! From what Ive seen, hes the one doing the protecting!
Ah. Well, yes...
Only teasing, of course, said Mr. Sheridan. Importan fella, your lord here. Nothin but respect for him. Saved my life, yknow. Great guy. Just the best. I hope we can--
Mr. Sheridan, said Hector. Im sure youre tired. Mr. Easton will show you to a room where you can rest.