Chapter 9

It was time, he knew that. Maybe, that time came long ago. He just didn’t notice it. But today. Today he did.

He saw her leave one too many times. And he knew instantly that he missed her. Missed being with her. Missed sharing their secrets. Ah, secrets. That’s exactly why they drifted apart. Or rather he, Finn, pulled away from her.

It wasn’t fair, he knew that. And for the most part he never saw her suffer. He was way too happy in that world of his, he built for himself.

But he couldn’t do it anymore. He couldn’t live without his sister. It was insufferable for him.

He only hoped it wasn’t too late.

Finn suddenly was brought to a halt, when his sensitive (after years of sneaking around) ears picked out another sound. He looked around and quickly went inside one of the nearest rooms. It was yet another empty guest room. Even when the castle was filled with guests, there were still plenty of rooms left. In a way Finn will never understand his parents.

He left just enough of a crack to see through. The voices were nearing. And he recognised one of them instantly. It was Cury. He heard that voice way too often. They had classes together after all. And Cury was always the smart boy.

“Look after her,” the voice that did not belong to Cury said. “And don’t hesitate. Some of my crew will be monitoring all the time. They’ll help if you need it”.

“Understood,” said Cury. “And what about the other part of our arrangement?”

What were they talking about?

“It’ll be done as promised”.

“Good,” said Cury. “Then I’ll see you in the morning”.

And he entered one of the rooms, which appeared to be his room.

Oh, no. Now Finn was stuck here until he was sure Cury was asleep. He sighed. Well, guess talking to Sandy will have to wait until the morning.

The whistling could be heard moving away and down the corridor. Must have been whoever Mercury was talking to.

Finn sighed again, closed the door all the way quietly and sat on the bad. While thinking what he would tell Sandy, asking her forgiveness, he drifted to sleep. And during the whole night he had strange disturbing dreams about women beheading men and mad horses. In fact, Mercury slept so badly the whole night that he overslept for the first time in forever and was late for breakfast.

When he finally woke up, it was to the sound of the whistling. He even thought for a second that it was the same night and he slept for only a second. He surely felt tired. But when he looked at the window, it was already day.

Finn got up quickly and left the room, almost running into Glenn in process.

“Oh, sorry,” he mumbled, getting out of Glenn’s way.

The latter didn’t answer, just kept going, continuing on with his whistling. Finn who was on his way again suddenly stopped dumbfounded. He turned abruptly to see Glenn turning a corner. And taking the whistling with him.