Delen and Peril Round 2

There were two students that stuck out above the rest in both the Grabs and Grappling and Weapons Work classes. One was Ryker Peril. His speed, strength, and fierce disposition on the Sparring Grounds were infamous among the first-year Warriors. He was shaping up to be a contender, no doubt about that. He knew it too. He was becoming increasingly arrogant about his abilities with each passing day.

The other student the people had chosen for the limelight was Delen Rothwar. He was not as physically impressive as Peril, nor as skilled in unarmed combat, but his speed with a rapier was a force to be reckoned with. Rumor had it Delen's sword was so quick it was invisible in his hand. Nonsense, of course, but Delen smiled when he heard it.

Delen and Peril had fought before. It was practically the first thing Delen had done at the academy. He had won then, but he was unaware the only reason he had done so was because of covert interference by Chant. Delen and Peril had never been friends, but neither had they been enemies. Delen considered them friendly rivals, though they hadn't even sparred since that first day. He was feeling particularly curious one day in Weapons Work, and decided to challenge Ryker to an officiated duel. He accepted, and the two squared off. Professor Trowe himself presided.

"I've waited a long time for this, Rothwar." Peril snarled. Delen smiled cockily in reply. Peril charged, hoping to catch Delen off-guard, but Delen spun out of the way and smacked his blade against Peril's back.

"Point: Rothwar!" declared Trowe.

The fighters took up their fighting stance again. Peril advanced more carefully this time, feinting left and right, ever advancing on his opponent. Delen took the initiative this time, moving to the right as Peril moved left. Peril attempted to spin around, but Delen was again too quick for him.

"Point: Rothwar!" Most of the classed stopped their bouts to watch, and some cheered or applauded, angering Peril further.

Peril slink back to his corner, murder in his eyes. He tried to force himself to be calm. He knew anger was the enemy, that cooler heads would prevail. Besides, he thought, now he knew Delen's attack patterns. Delen, more confident now, advanced a little too eagerly, raising his sword a little too high. Peril smacked him hard in the midsection, winding the boy.

"Point: Peril!"

Delen recovered quickly. He had re-learned a lesson: Discretion is the better part of valor. Most of his attacks needed to be quick and decisive. He couldn't afford to get into an all out brawl with Peril. Peril was obviously the stronger of the two, Delen knew that from previous experience, so he had to doubly rely on his speed and agility. He watched Peril advance in the familiar back and forth pattern. Delen advanced to the left again as Peril dodged right. He completely missed the fact that Peril stuck his foot out, tripping Delen and conceding another point to Peril.

Before the two had time to square off again, a dark robed man called Professor Trowe over to him. They exchanged a few hushed words, and Trowe addressed the class. "I have an urgent matter to attend to, so class is dismissed."

Several groans accompanied this, as most of the class was enthralled with the bout between Delen and Peril. They reluctantly filed out of the room. Peril stared daggers at Delen and growled "This isn't over, Rothwar."

Practical Decorum

Delen hurried to prepare for his dinner date with Celyni. This was going to be his first real date, and he was awash in excitement, but there was a bit of trepidation in the back of his mind. He realized it was illogical, Celyni already liked him, and they had spent so much time together he knew it would be hard to screw up tonight, but he couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was somehow different. He had made arrangements with the innkeeper to have a private space in which to dine so as not to deal with potential rowdy customers, something that had cost him a week's pay that he was happy to pay nonetheless, so that wasn't the issue. The fact that it was called a "date" was what really bothered him. He had never been good around girls, but Celyni was different, easier to talk to, someone he could connect with despite their differences. He could almost ignore the fact she was a girl in most instances, but in this context, he was forced to deal with the fact that she was, in fact, an attractive female, and he was, at least in his opinion, an attractive male, and they were going to be in a romantic setting. He took a few deep breaths and went through some relaxation techniques to calm himself before continuing the grooming process. Running through a mental checklist, he was satisfied he had everything and left the room.

He was halfway to the Cleric wing where he would pick up Celyni when he realized he forgot the most important ingredient. He sped back to his room, careful not to sweat in his formal attire, another expense which set him back quite a few silvers, opened the door, and sprayed a small amount of cologne on himself. He was more than a little late at this point, but everything had to be perfect. A few minutes wasted was nothing compared to what would happen if he forgot a major detail. Celyni would probably not even notice, he told himself. As he approached Celyni's door, the nervous feeling came back. His insides tightened up, and he almost doubled over. With shaking hands, he knocked softly on the door, fighting an uphill battle to not run back to his room and forget the last few weeks ever happened. Celyni opened the door, and Delen's jaw almost dropped.

"Wow." was all he could manage at first.

She was wearing a crimson dress, gold high heels with open toes and her hair in an elaborate looking knot. She was the most beautiful thing Delen had ever seen. He felt suddenly under-dressed.

"You look amazing." he said.

"Thank you. You clean up rather nicely yourself." she smiled, making her already pretty face radiant, "Shall we get going?"

Delen offered his arm. "The tavern is only a short walk from here. I go there often. I'm pretty well known there. I think you'll like it." The fact that Delen went there to work was a detail he chose not to share at this particular moment. He had asked the innkeeper not to divulge anything about their agreement either.

As they walked, they talked about life outside of Eastridge. As much as Delen loved the Academy, tonight was not about that. This was his chance to get to know Celyni as she really was, not as the studious Mageling he was already acquainted with. They spoke of home, family, friends, and what each wanted for the future. He learned much about Celyni in those ten short minutes. He even started to relax as he realized there was nothing frightening about tonight. It was the same as when they studies together.

When they arrived, Delen strode up to the front desk, and introduced Celyni to the innkeeper. He nodded a greeting, and led them around to a back room where, as requested, sat a lone table with two chairs, and a single rose sitting in the center in an ornate glass vase.

"A private table?" Celyni was astonished. She had not expected Delen to go to these lengths for her and she was impressed. "You must be well known indeed."

Delen smiled, almost an arrogant smirk. "It was nothing. I just wanted you to have the perfect evening."

She was caught off-guard by the statement. He had not, until recently, seemed interested in her in any other sense than a platonic study partnership, but today she started to suspect he may be after more. She cared for him, of course, but she wasn't absolutely positive she wanted a romantic relationship with him. Not that there was anyone else, of course. She just didn't feel ready for that kind of commitment. She was so conflicted, she decided to see how the evening went before considering the matter further. They were seated, and resumed their conversation.

They had been talking for only a few minutes before the appetizer arrived. Delen had ordered the food earlier that day, so it would take little time to be served. The appetizer consisted of mushrooms stuffed with cheese and sauteed in a garlic butter and cream sauce. The main course was a platter of roast turkey served with cranberry sauce. Cold ale was served to wash it down. Dessert, a decadent chocolate cake, was eaten reluctantly. The entire course had been better than even Delen had expected, and the pair was so full by the time dessert came, that they couldn't finish it.

After dinner, Delen excused himself. When he came back, he walked up to Celyni's chair and asked "May I have this dance?"

Celyni was puzzled, "There's no music," she said.

Just then, four men, each carrying an instrument, entered the dining room. They began playing, and Delen smiled. "Isn't there?"

Celyni accepted the invitation. She thought again about how far Delen was willing to go for her, and decided she did, in fact, want to be with him. Anyone willing to go to such lengths to impress her was obviously going to make a good boyfriend. They danced for what seemed an eternity, their bodies seemingly in perfect sync. Delen was one of the best dancers she had ever encountered. They danced a few quick songs, twirling, spinning and ducking in time to the music. Delen's strength was astonishing. She had never been able to properly perform some of the throws and carries they were doing tonight because her partner was not strong enough. She was not scared he would drop her, however. She knew he wouldn't let her get hurt. After the quick songs came a slow waltz. Delen held her close and lead her as though he had been dancing all his life. She rested her head on his shoulder and breathed his scent deeply. She didn't want the moment to end.

Unfortunately, it did, of course. They thanked the band for their time, Delen tipped them, and they walked hand-in-hand back to Celyni's room in contented silence. Delen felt there was nothing else that needed to be said. He was extremely pleased with the way tonight went. He felt tired, but he thought it was because he was finally completely relaxed. Next time, and there would be a next time, he would enjoy himself a lot more. He had survived the first date, and more, he felt he had made a lasting impression.

They arrived at Celyni's room shortly. Delen looked into Celyni's eyes one last time, not releasing her hand. Impulsively, he bent to kiss her cheek. Celyni moved her lips to meet his, and they shared their first kiss. Delen was startled and shocked, but he kept his head and returned the kiss. Celyni abruptly broke off, blushed, said a quick "Good night." and was in the door before Delen could respond. He stood at the door for a long time before heading back to his own room, the taste of her lips lingering on his.

Rune Day

In the days following the most romantic night of Delen's life, he and Celyni had been working tirelessly on his rune casting. He was rapidly improving, though he was worried it may be too late to make a difference to his grade. Both of his Mage class grades were dangerously low. Maybe with Celyni's intervention he would be alright. Colwyn remarked on a few occasions during the week that he was improving, giving him hope. At the end of their first week together, Celyni came to Delen with a stack of books and a large stack of papers. Delen got a bad feeling.

"What is all that?" he asked her with trepidation.

She looked at him with irritation seeming to ooze from her gaze. "Rune Day applications. Remember, Professor Colwyn has been talking about them for the last week? Do you pay attention at all in that class?" She gave him a mock exasperated grin, "I suppose if you did, you wouldn't need to lean on me so heavily."

Delen smiled, "Maybe I'm doing so poorly on purpose so you have to spend time with me."

Celyni shoved him playfully. "Ow!" he feigned injury, "I thought you were supposed to heal people, not mangle them!"

Celyni dropped the books in front of Delen. "We have a lot to cover, and not a lot of time to do it," she said, her tone of voice indicating she was in serious mode and Delen better knock it off. "Now, have you given any thought as to which rune you want?"

Delen considered it for a moment. "A Flame Rune would be useful." he decided.

Celyni gave him a puzzled look, as if not sure if he was serious or not. "You must be joking."

It was Delen's turn to be perplexed. "Why? A Flame Rune has all kinds of practical uses."

"It's also a good way to set yourself on fire." Celyni reminded him. "You can barely handle a low level Blast Rune, how do you expect to be able to control something as volatile as Flame? Pick a different one."

After a moment's consideration, he said "Earth Rune?"

"And use it for what? Earth is used in major casting, something a Warrior is usually unsuited for. You need something that will help you on the front line." Celyni picked up one of the books she had given Delen, flipped to a page she had marked earlier, and handed the book to him. "This is what I was thinking for you."

Delen took the book. "The Hold Rune?" he said with some dismay.

Celyni frowned. "What's wrong with the Hold Rune? It would give you a tactical advantage against multiple opponents without causing collateral damage. Besides, it's maybe the only Rune you could get approved with your grades."

Delen sighed. "Fine. Hold Rune it is. Now what do I have to do?"

"Just read all about it, maybe practice it a few times, and fill out these forms." she told him, the exasperation creeping back into her voice.

Oh good. Forms.

Sighing again, Delen took the book, flipped to the marked page, and started reading. There was all sorts of information, including a picture. Delen traced it in the air a few times to commit it to muscle memory, careful not to activate it. He had blown his desk to kindling a few weeks ago studying the Blast Rune like that. The book also contained basic usage of the rune in combat. Celyni was right, as always, the Hold Rune was a useful one to be able to cast quickly. He could hold several people in check at the same time, giving him the opportunity to release them one or two at a time to deal with. The more he read, the more he realized this was the rune for him.

"I finished the reading. Shall we practice now?" he asked Celyni, who still had her nose buried in a book.

She marked her place, stood up, and said, "Let's go."

~*~

Delen finally finished his application a few days later. He had, at Celyni's insistence, put painstaking detail into his responses. She said Delen needed to prove he could handle actually having a Rune. The person he most needed to impress, at least in his mind, was going to be there. Professor Colwyn had noticed a marked improvement in his Combat Casting, but Delen wasn't sure it was enough for her. It may be a case of too little, too late. Delen fervently hopes his application answers were good enough as he took one last steadying breath as he pushed open the door and walked into the interview room.

The five professors of the Mage Major sat behind a long table, making final notes about the last student to apply. Delen had seen the girl walk out. She must not have made a good impression, as she carried herself with an air of sadness, with stooped shoulders, a slow, trudging pace, and her face a somber mask.

Delen handed his application form to Professor Beven. She glanced at it momentarily. "Hold Rune," she said after a brief pause, "Not a bad choice for a first year. What makes you want this particular Rune?"

"As a Warrior Major, I think the Hold Rune would be beneficial to me because I would be able to render several enemies immobile at once, making my job that much easier. It would also increase the chance that the people around me get out of the engagement with minimal injury." After a pause he added, "Ma'am."

Beven nodded. "Your research looks solid. You definitely made an effort with your application." She glanced at the other professors. Each nodded their consent. All but Colwyn.

"Delen, you have managed to turn even the simplest, least dangerous runes into highly destructive instruments of chaos." Delen flinched inwardly. "But you have shown vast improvement. Just keep doing whatever it is you're doing. Don't make me regret this." She nodded to Beven in consent.

"Alright Delen, you can go." Beven said dismissively, jotting down some notes. "Pending a few more details, your application will be judged. We'll see you on Rune Day. Good luck."

Delen left the room, his pulse racing. Even though the interview seemed to go well, Beven had said there were other things to be taken into consideration. He silently thanked Celyni for making him be so thorough in his application. He imagined he looked like the girl he had seen earlier, as the next student eyed him, fear reflecting in his eyes.

~*~

Rune Day came all too quickly for Delen. He felt unprepared. Not for lack of effort, he had practiced the Hold Rune since the day Celyni had told him about it. They had worked tirelessly on it. In truth, he probably was ready, but his confidence in his magical abilities flagged due to every experience he had in Mage classes since school started.

He sat nervously in the audience, watching students either get their Runes approved and inscribed, or rejected. Delen was pleased to note most first years were getting approved, though they mostly got Light and Shield Runes. Delen wondered if anyone in the first year class was qualified to get a Flame Rune. The students getting inscribed handled the inscription in different ways. Some took it stoically, some cried out in pain, and there were several who found a middle ground.

After what seemed like hours, it was Celyni's turn. She strode up to the stage, Delen couldn't take his eyes off of her, and her name was announced. Delen realized just how much she had done for him, and that he owed her a lot. He resolved to do something special for her that weekend, no matter the outcome of the day, which in his mind seemed rather bleak.

"Perquette, Celyni, applying for the Shield Rune."

I didn't realize she was getting a Shield Rune. I've been too busy worrying about my own Rune, and my grades. This last few weeks has been all about me. I don't think she even got to study for herself! I have to do something about that. I have to stop relying on her so much.

"Approved," boomed Valint.

The crowd cheered as Celyni sat in the chair, pointed to her shoulder, where she was apparently getting her rune, and awaited the inscription. When it came, she winced noticeably, but did not cry out. Delen smiled at her and she returned the gesture. They were arranged alphabetically, at least at first. After their own inscription, most students gravitated toward their friends to watch the rest of the ceremony. Celyni walked over to where Delen waited for his turn.

"How was it?" he asked, more to start a conversation than because he was nervous. If nothing else Eastridge had taught him to block out pain, and if the other students' reaction was any indication, he had taken a lot more punishment for a longer amount of time.

"It hurt at first, but it's better now. It's still a little sore, though." she replied. "How are you holding up? Nervous?" she inquired.

"Please," Delen said, mock arrogantly, "If Ryker can get a Dark Rune, I think I can handle getting a Hold Rune."

Celyni grinned evilly, "But Peril's a competent Mage, remember?"

Delen feigned shock, "What are you implying? I haven't destroyed anything by accident for days!"

"Rothwar, Delen, applying for the Hold Rune..." Valint called from the stage. Celyni wished him luck as he stood, waiting for his verdict. He tried to remain impassive, but on the inside, he was a roiling vat of emotion.

"...approved." A surge of relief and pride swelled in Delen's chest. Against all odds, he had a Rune! He owed Celyni double now. Clapping from the audience accompanied him to the stage. Some other students mimed explosions and feigned injury, mocking him as he passed. He ignored them and strode to the stage.

"Congratulations, Delen." commended Professor Beven. "Where would you like your new Hold Rune?"

Delen was about to say his bicep, but he remembered this was a permanent and very visible procedure. He may be regarded suspiciously went he returned home for the summer. He thought quickly. "The right pectoral, ma'am."

He removed his shirt and waited for the two professors to begin the procedure. It stung intensely, almost like being stabbed yet different in a way he could not readily describe. He tried to keep his face a stone mask. He had taken much more punishment than this, he knew, but this cut at him from the inside as well as the outside. The procedure was completed after a few moments, and the pain receded, though not completely. He replaced his shirt, the sudden, unexpected pain causing him to inhale sharply, and took a small bow. The crowd clapped again, and he rejoined Celyni in the crowd.

She was smiling from ear to ear. "Congratulations, Delen! You did it!" she hugged him, again making his inscribed area explode in pain. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking!" she hastily apologized.

"No Celyni, we did it." Delen intoned seriously. "I couldn't have done it without you. Seriously, you've done so much for me in the last few weeks, and I feel like I haven't done anything for you. Nothing meaningful, anyway. If I've interfered with your own studies, you can focus on them again. I think I'll make it okay now. You've done more than enough."

Celyni smiled, "You're not half as good as you think you are. You still need all the help I can give you. I don't mind, really. It's actually helping me. You cast all kinds of different runes and activate them at the wrong time so often it keeps me on my toes. Besides, I enjoy spending time with you. I get just as much out of it as you do. Stop worrying so much. I like you, that hasn't changed and it'll be hard to make it any different."

Delen sighed inwardly in relief. He was very concerned for her, but she wouldn't patronize him. He believed her when she said she was okay with their extra study time. "I still want to take you somewhere, as a token of my gratitude and to celebrate today. I know a tavern that has the best food in the town. Let's go there tonight."

"I'd like that. Will you wear your cologne?" she asked hopefully.

"Wouldn't leave home without it." he put his arm around her and they watched the rest of the ceremony in contented silence, his new rune throbbing away merrily.

Bandit's and Blossoming Romance

Delen was just leaving the Infirmary after Sparring 1 when it happened. A messenger came running in and informed the Clerics a bandit raid had left a dozen people in critical condition. The first years scrambled to start administering aide. Delen left before things got too crowded.

The rest of the day's classes had been canceled due to the incident, so Delen wearily went to his room to plan his next move. On the floor under the doorway of his room, lay a small slip of paper. Puzzled, Delen stooped to pick it up. It read:

Ask me again at dinner.

-C.P.

Celyni?

Delen's brow furrowed. Why the sudden change of heart? She hadn't so much as given him a second glance during the first day of Decorum, and earlier in the week when he had asked her she seemed completely disagreeable to the idea of going with Delen. Was this just some petty way of her trying to spite him? Was she setting him up for humiliation? Delen immediately discarded the idea. Even at her worst, that wasn't Celyni, or so he hoped. He decided she was being sincere about this, so he was happy. More than just having a date to the Ball, he had his best friend back. They had been so close only weeks before, and Delen truly missed their time together.

Delen decided he wanted to make the occasion special. He remembered seeing a market stall on campus that sold all kinds of items. He was after some cologne mostly. He had never used it before, but he knew people who did. He liked the aromas, for the most part, but never saw a good reason to spend money on it until now. With the recent subtraction of Ladra's housing cost from his budget, however, he saw an opportunity to treat himself. A realization dawned on him then, sending a chill down his spine. He hadn't even considered it as a possibility before now, but had Ladra and the innkeeper escaped the attack? The cologne could wait, Delen decided, as he rushed off to the inn.

The door was unlocked, and Delen pushed his way into the building. The innkeeper was not behind the desk. He went around to the stables. Also empty. A cold terror stabbed at his heart. He began to panic, sweat pouring down his eyes. Just then, he heard a noise behind him. He spun warily, expecting a straggling bandit. A shape flew toward him, knocking him off his feet and pinning him to the ground. Something wet and slimy pressed against his face.

"Ladra! Thank the gods you're okay!"

Ladra licked his master's face until the boy shoved the dog off his chest. The innkeeper was trailing behind Ladra. He breathlessly came up to Delen. "We managed to escape with a group of citizens. Some dog you have, Delen. He kept three men at bay and seriously wounded a forth. I don't think we would have all made it without him."

Delen patted the dog's head proudly. "I'm glad you're okay. Both of you. Can I help you do something? Classes have been canceled, so I'm yours if you need me."

The innkeeper shook his head. "No, thank you. I just want to lie down after all this. If you would take care of Ladra though, I'd be much obliged."

"Fine," Delen agreed. He did as he was told, giving Ladra an extra helping of food for his courage, and left the inn. It was getting close to dinner, and Delen still had things to do. He stopped by the market stall first. The stall's owner was very helpful, if a little odd. She made some suggestions based on what Delen was willing to spend and the purpose of the scent. She even recommended a drink made from honey for the couple to share. His items in hand, Delen went to his room to freshen up from the day's exertions.

Delen was cutting it close as he hurriedly dressed and applied the cologne. He fervently hoped he hadn't put too much as he dashed out of the room and into the dining area. He scanned the cafeteria, searching for the only person who mattered to him at the moment. So intent was he on finding her, he did not hear her come up behind him.

"Delen," she called his name softly. He started a little. He felt foolish. With a little luck she didn't notice. "Delen," she tried again, "I'm sorry. I know I've been acting strangely toward you. Truth be told, I was never even mad at you. I think I was just confused by my feelings for you. We're just so different, I think I panicked a little that I could like someone like you...sorry, that came out wrong. That I could feel this way about someone who thinks, feels, and acts the complete polar opposite of me. What happened in town today made me realize, we have no idea what's going to happen in the next minute. We could be alive and well one moment, and lying on a cot with one arm missing the next. Can you forgive me?" She stepped toward him, arms outstretched.

Delen just stared for a minute. He knew things were finally good between them, but this was something he never could have anticipated. He returned the hug, thinking this was the best moment in his life. The embrace lasted several seconds. "You smell good." Celyni said, breathing deeply. Delen sighed in relief. He hadn't used too much cologne after all.

They broke contact. Delen gazed into Celyni's eyes. They were the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. He suddenly remembered himself. "Celyni? Will you go to the Winter Ball with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask," she smiled.

A Change In The Wind

After the Decorum debacle, Delen didn't feel much like attending his regular classes. He reasoned one day off wouldn't hurt him too much. Aside from his Mage classes, which one day wouldn't help even if Colwyn gave everyone double their current grade in extra credit, he was doing well. It was nearing midday, and embarrassment of that magnitude made one hungry, so he decided to visit the cafeteria. Besides, he needed food for Ladra, as he was planning to see his dog soon. It was getting more and more difficult to feed him. Ladra was no puppy. In fact, there were times Delen wondered if his companion wasn't half horse.

In the beginning, when Ladra had first tracked him to Eastridge, Delen had managed to obtain extra food from the kitchen staff by saying he was a Warrior Major and required more food than other Majors. He was so slim, they believed him and gave him double portions. As time wore on, however, more and more Warrior Majors were demanding more food, and the kitchen staff refused anyone more than standard rations due to lack of food to go around. The innkeeper was a nice enough man, but his prices were rather steep, so Delen was hesitant to buy his food.

Delen was barely managing to keep up with the cost of keeping Ladra in the stable. He simply couldn't afford to buy food as well without further damaging his grades, something he refused to do, no matter the cost. He had lost his oldest friend, gotten nearly mortally wounded, and made plenty of new enemies so far. Failure was not an option at this point. Delen had briefly toyed with the idea of writing his parents to get the dog, but what was the point? Ladra got here once, he could do it again. Now he knew where he was going. Besides, Delen had already told his parents he had no idea where the dog had gone in a recent letter. That was before he realized how difficult it was to have the dog here.

He reached the inn where his companion was housed, and upon seeing the front door kicked in and splintered, he instinctively dropped into a crouch. He peered into the door, which was slightly ajar. The innkeeper was lying on the ground facing away from Delen. Blood pooled around the man's head. Delen silently crept around to the back of the building. Two men, one armed with a knife, one with a cudgel, were rummaging through the kitchen. Delen crept to the stables, went to the one that held Ladra.

The dog was tensed. He had obviously heard the commotion outside. Delen led the dog to the kitchen, pointed to the man with the cudgel, and ordered Ladra to attack. The man turned just as the huge beast crashed into him, knocking the cudgel to the floor.. Delen followed, using the distraction to disarm the knifeman. He also kicked the cudgel from the other man's reach, who was incapacitated as Ladra held him pinned on the ground. Holding the knife point at it's owner, Delen realized the assailant wasn't much older than he was. He was dressed in ragged clothing, and looked as though he hadn't eaten in a while.

"What are you doing here?" asked Delen, his knife hand never wavering. "What have you done to the innkeeper?"

The thief was quivering. He wasn't the bloodthirsty type, Delen realized. "We are poor farmers," he said by way of explanation, "I had to eat something, and the fat man in front seemed the easiest target to rob. You have to understand, my family is starving."

Delen was unmoved by the farmer's tale. Even poverty was no excuse for what had been done here. Ladra gave a low growl, and Delen looked over. The man he pinned was reaching for his cudgel. Delen instinctively brought his booted foot up and sharply down, smashing the man's hand at the wrist. He screamed in pain, clutching his hand to his body.

"Papa!" the boy cried.

It had been a reflex. Delen immediately regretted doing it, even though he doubted the man wouldn't have felt the same were their positions reversed. He had reached his limit. He knew there was nothing more that he could do here. He commanded Ladra to get off the man,and hauled him to his feet. Holding the knife on both of them, he led them to the authorities. They were in no shape to fight back, and they were more than a little afraid of Delen. Delen silently thanked fate for giving him the training necessary, and the good fortune to have come early today, so he could handle this situation.

After the thieves were taken care of, he went back to the inn to check on the innkeeper. He was conscious by the time Delen returned. Perplexed, he stared at Delen. "What happened?" he asked, his voice thick.

Delen quickly recounted what had happened, leaving out nothing. The innkeeper shook his head. "I think I know the people you're talking about. I know the father. He's a regular. Was a regular. Hasn't been a good year for him." The innkeeper winced in pain.

"Do you need a healer?" Delen asked, his brow furrowed.

The innkeeper nodded. "They really did a number on my head. Help me up?"

Delen did as he was asked, and took the man to the nearest healer. "Don't worry about your kitchen," Delen said, "I'll have it put back together by the time you get back."

The innkeeper smiled as Delen left. True to his word, he cleaned the ransacked kitchen, even taking the time to restock the missing and damaged goods. He was cleaning the blood from the front counter when the innkeeper arrived. He greeted Delen, and took stock of what had been done, and what Delen had done to repair it. Everything but the door was restored to it's former place.

"Great job, Delen. If you hadn't been here, I'd be ruined. I want to thank you for all this. You did more than enough for me to pay for the rest of the school year. I'll keep your dog here, food and all, for free. It's the least I can do."

Delen was stunned. He didn't feel he had done anything special. He had only done what he had been trained to do. He wasn't going to argue with the old man though. If he felt it was necessary to give Delen this gift, Delen was prepared to let him. It looked like things were starting to pick up for Delen.