A Deal

…Kelford Tower, Flowyn.

Alkoni sat on his wooden stool in the tower, staring out through the only window in the cramp depressing room.

It was almost midday and those useless Harnessers still haven't decided what to do with him. What was the Circle debating about anyway? After stripping him, they should know by now he's no darkhand neither is he a regular Harnesser.

He shook his head when he heard a faint whisper. So faint he almost missed it. It came again, and again until he could make out the words.

Al? Can you hear me?

Alkoni smiled. There was only one person that could communicate with him that way.

Lila? You have no idea how happy I am to hear you, He sent.

Ah! Finally. You bet I do. I'm must be getting close then. Where are you? I can barely hear you.

Some room lined with Yitium I think.

I thought that only works for darkhands and weak Harnessers.

Apparently these Edenians modified it or something. We never did come this far west.

Hmm… Lila mused, At least you aren't doing any better since you left.

Alkoni was silent. He had sent her a letter, he wasn't sure if she'd gotten it..

Say something. You left me for a dead man's wish.

Lila! Please let's not talk about that right now. Please.

But this isn't over. She paused. Do you need help bursting out?

Not really. I got this. Besides… he trailed at the sound of footsteps. Someone's coming.

Metal rattled in the keyhole and the metal door creaked as it opened to reveal the red haired Harnesser.

****

Beredith entered the dark room and eyed the figure at it's end. He was quite handsome. He smiled at her and she took the other available stool.

"I haven't introduced myself yet have I ?"

He didn't respond.

"My name is Beredith Erenflair." He didn't seem surprised. Had he figured it out already.

He shifted his stool close to her, "My name is Alkoni." He said in a warm voice with a faint smile. No man should possess such a warm voice.

She cleared her throat, "The Circle has decided that you are not a darkhand or a regular Harnesser. After the brief inspection." He gave her flat stare. I don't think he liked it. They did tell him to go naked in front of women. She hoped she wasn't blushing.

"I apologize for the inconvenience though it couldn't be avoided." She hoped that would pacify him.

He shifted on his stool, "You don't need to apologize. I want to hear it from that Elder," he wore a faint grimace.

"You did assaulted guardsmen."

"They had it coming," he folded his arms.

"Still the circle is not willing to let you off so easily," she took his silence as a hint to continue, "which brings us to the real reason I'm here. Yesterday, when I first saw you could have passed for a common man. But when I felt your Presence in that alley, it felt different. I felt it's violent nature but I also felt the calmness of it when you were soothing your horse. It made me want to relax." He was listening intently now.

She smiled, "You are a Variant. I've never heard or read about Harnessers that possess such Presence except Variants of course." She leaned forward. He didn't shift back at her gaze. She liked that. "So, are you a variant?"

He sighed and unfolded his arms, seeming resigned, "Yes. I was wondering what gave me away. Since I had no fancy hair or pupils. Or marks and unique body features. Yes Beredith I am as you say."

Her smile widened to a grin, a touch of awe in her eyes, "It's an honour to meet a being such as yourself." She reached for his face to touch him, to feel him. Yes he was flesh, definitely. He closed his eyes to her feel. She was almost caressing him before she stopped herself.

She withdrew her hand, "Sorry. I got carried away," she cleared her throat, sounding embarrassed.

He smiled, "It's alright I don't mind." She was surely fascinated by him and she feared he knew that.

"Well now that that is done. You should know that the Circle is willing to clear charges if you assist us in the war we fight at the west," his face darkened a bit. She continued quickly, "You'll get your own apartments with a pay to fit your office and have say in our plans of attack and consult with generals." He perked up at that last part. She was nervous inside but did her best to make sure none of it showed outside. Please don't reject this offer. For your own good.

"I agree then," he stood and looked relieved. She rose gracefully after him. Jubilating behind a serene face. She gave him a curt nod, "It's agreed then. I'm sure they got that." She arched an eyebrow at him. "You don't seem surprised by that."

"I knew they were there the whole time." His eyes adopted a far off look then turned them to her, "I should make myself clear. I will fight. Yes but as a man. Like every other man in the army with a sword." She very nearly gaped. This man was making a joke of her composure.

"But… but you are not a man. You can do better behind Harnesser lines."

"And I'm definitely not one of you. I don't have fancy hair or eyes," He rubbed his temple, "Well we can work that out. You can call me to your lines when the battle isn't going well. And you get to decide that." Beredith pursed her lips. It was not bad but still…

She nodded and gestured for him to follow her. He exhaled behind her. That room was really depressing.

*****

Alkoni spared a last glance for the room. A dark haired man came to lock the door.

He followed Beredith, ahead of them were Elders. Their Presences were all over the place. They were eavesdropping. These ones wore calm faces like masks.

They nodded to him curtly and he returned it. He gave one in particular a hard look. He had Silver-grey hair and beard. He was the one who ordered him to strip. He spared a glance for his outfit — long silver coat and silver sandals. That one has a problem. Not just fashion problem.

It seems they were fine with his proposal. Well you can never be too sure with these folks. They usually have a thousand hidden motives for what they do. He hoped they didn't make him regret rejecting Lila's offer.

They left the tower to a nearby… mansion. Yes mansion. It was quite beautiful. He was half sure this was were lesser Harnessers live because he could see a bigger mansion with more intricate architecture down the street.

He was immsered in deep thoughts about his next actions, oblivious of the fancy walls of the mansion. Eventually he stopped by Beredith in front of a door. She pushed it open.

The room was good by his standards. Inns were the best he could afford. A bed with fancy mattresses and pillows. A copper bath tub and door to what he supposed was his own personal privy.

He nodded to himself satisfied. I'll try not to get used to this. He realized Beredith was watching him with those polished gems — gray eyes of hers. That awe was still in her eyes. She tried to hide but it was there.

"Thank you," he said, "you've been very kind to me." He bowed curtly.

She gave him a graceful nod.

"I don't mean to be ungrateful but I'm worried. Where's my horse?"

"Oh… by the stables I suppose. I can make sure it's really there."

"No no," he protested, you've done more than enough already but I'm pressed to ask for one more thing." She cocked an eyebrow. "There's someone I want to see at the barracks."

She blinked. Whether in confusion or surprise he couldn't say. "I… "

"You can get someone to watch me if that helps. You should have other important things to do."

She turned to leave, "Very well. Wait here."

She returned shortly with a young woman about her own age. Her snow hair — that rested on her shoulders— and deep blue sea eyes marked her as an Harnesser. She wore brown breeches and boots, with a gray vest on a white sleeves. And if he were to guess he would say she was Meerlinin. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"Alkoni, this is Nhoni. She'll be your… escort." Nhoni glanced at her then at him. "I thought you'd be taller."

"I thought you'd have a beard. Let's not waste time, it's almost dark."

"I like this guy," Nhoni said, grinning. Beredith leaned close to his ear. Her breath was soft and she smelled of roses. "Try not to get into any trouble. She has a nack for them." He nodded and Nhoni walked by his side. Beredith went the other way.

"So why are we heading to the barracks?" She asked, her long lashes obscuring her eyes.

"I know someone there. A new recruit actually."

******

The sun was a massive orange ball to the west by the time they got to the barracks. Nhoni pursed her lips thoughtfully, "You do know they don't allow unannounced visits. Luckily for you, I'm here," she strolled passed the guards at the checkpoint who nodded curtly at her.

"What's the name of this fellow? I know some people here."

Alkoni was studying the rough stark walls, and rows of buildings, "Pendrick. A bit tall and smiles too much."

Nhoni raised an eyebrow. She led them to one of the buildings and entered a long room. The occupants perked up at their new comers. Two were playing stones by the door.

"Hello Dune," One of them with strong jaw and a hawk face waved at her without taking his eyes of the board. Nhoni frowned at him.

"You are looking good as always, Nhoni," the other fellow with heavy shoulders said.

"Alkoni," another voice called inside the room. Heads turned to meet him except Dune's. It was Pendrick.

"Hello, Pendrick," Alkoni said. Pendrick started crossing the room to meet him — all smiles.

Nhoni leaned on his ear, "He definitely smiles a lot."

Alkoni nodded. Pendrick started narrating his ordeal yesterday.

"Where's Zkel? I was hoping we could go for drinks," Nhoni announced. Alkoni was half listening to Pendrick. Nice,she just made things easier for me, he thought.

"Drinks sound good to me," a new voice said behind Nhoni. Alkoni thought the fellow was Zkel. Shoulder length hair and broad shoulders.

"Zkel darling, then let's get going boys," Nhoni said with fondness.