Chapter 288 - Alone in a Castle

"How was I supposed to know?"

Rynold didn't want to appear hostile against the man standing by the door. Despite not wanting to do so, it didn't seem like Rynold had much of any choice. Rynold could only respond like he just did, standoffish all the same.

"I suppose you don't," the man answered, clearing his throat, but his voice remained raspy, "Regardless, I have brought you here now. Before me, you sit, guilty of the destruction you have caused. So, humor me, why are you here? Why have you broken into my home?"

"I...," Rynold paused and didn't continue his sentence. For whatever reason, at the moment, Rynold couldn't really think of a lie. He couldn't say anything to defend himself for what he did. Although Rynold knew better than to keep quiet, he couldn't think of anything to say to save his life. Rynold, right now, was drawing a blank.

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

The man's voice got louder, still as raspy as before. He approached Rynold from behind, causing the latter to tense up. Rynold couldn't move, and whoever this guy was, Rynold didn't want to cross. And, as he stood behind Rynold, the man looked down on Rynold as if he was beneath him. Rynold, despite his reluctance, could agree. The disparity between their strengths was only becoming more evident by the second. Although, it baffled Rynold why the man still hadn't killed him just yet.

"No, no," Rynold perked up, seeing as how there was no way out of the situation but to keep going, "It's just that I think there's a reason why you're keeping me here instead of killing me or kicking me out. I mean, I get that you might want some answers or something, but, coming from someone like you, I'm sure you don't need it. The defenses you have out there and in here are more than enough to keep anybody out. I'm probably just one of the lucky ones who managed to sneak his way in."

"Is that so?" the man replied, a hint of joy in his voice, "If that may be the case, why do you think I didn't stop you on the way in here? I'm sure you've observed that I have control over my territory."

"You know the answer to that."

"Humor me," the man turned away from Rynold and went to the bookshelf on the side. Rynold could almost make out how he looked, but it wasn't anything substantial.

"Uh. Okay," Rynold paused to think before continuing, "Okay, I think you like playing with your food in a manner of speaking. I don't really know why, you know. Maybe it's because you like having interactions before killing off whatever rodent that squirms their way in, for, well, fun. I mean, it's either that or you want information before slitting people's throats."

"Hm," the sound of shifting books suddenly stopped as the man acknowledged Rynold's response. "You're not entirely wrong. I admit information could be of use. However, I am no sadist. As upset as I am when it comes to intrusion, I find their reasons more compelling than anything else. Besides, in all my years living in solitude, I am eager to make new friends."

"Right," Rynold scoffed as he doubted the man's reasons, "Like I'm supposed to believe anything you say. Nothing personal. It's just that, from what I've heard, this place isn't a sanctuary."

"Wherever did you hear such a thing?" the man returned to rifling through his books, leaving Rynold with another question. "There might be a dangerous thing or two here, but, I assure you, my home is perfectly safe. So long as I am in its helm, no harm shall come to anyone here."

"In this dump?" Rynold genuinely asked, "I'm sorry for being crass, but I don't think people should live here any more than you already have. It's dangerous, and it won't be long before this place starts falling apart. I'm sure you have the runes and the magic to help you keep this place afloat. One way or another, though, you're going to need some repairs."

"I won't deny that," the man answered after breathing a heavy sigh. He then looked towards Rynold before rightfully returning to his seat opposite the desk where Rynold was sitting. At that moment, Rynold finally got a good look at who this person was. And, despite all that talk, Rynold wasn't impressed.

The guy was old. Old and sickly, in fact. The lighting wasn't really helping anyone either. The lamp barely spotted the man's face. But, judging by the looks of it, the guy wasn't doing well for himself.

"This place is not habitable by just anyone. But, alas, this is the only place I could call home. The damage is extensive. The repairs will be difficult and tiresome. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about it. Most of my strength goes to maintaining the protective runes outside."

"Let me stop you right there," Rynold spoke up, "If this is some underhanded way to ask for my help, I'd rather you ask me directly."

"You flatter yourself, child," the man smiled and leaned back on his seat, "I do not seek your help in this matter. Like I said, I live alone. So long as I can take care of myself, there is no need to conduct repairs. I am more curious to see why you are here. Finding this place is a difficult task. And, along the way, I'm sure there were signs telling you to turn back. No one in their right mind would set foot here, let alone someone as young as yourself."

That said, Rynold raised a brow. He knew that this place was dangerous, and Rynold had only made it here by pure luck. But, what aroused his suspicion was the fact this guy seemed genuine. His tone, behavior, and presentation expressed nothing but concern. Rynold didn't think it was sweet at all. Hell, for a stranger to act like this was creepy beyond belief.

"Okay, my mistake," Rynold nervously gulped as he maintained eye contact with the man, "If that's the case, then why are you still keeping me locked up? I'm sure you've got better things to do."

"You'd run away and cause more trouble if I let you go," the man answered logically, "It's best for us to talk first. Otherwise, I would have disabled your ability to speak as well. After all, what's a conversation if I were the only one talking?"

"Fair enough," Rynold answered.

"Alright," the man smiled before leaning forward and resting his hands on the desk, "So, tell me, how did you find this place, and how did you know about it?"

"I'm not at liberty to say," Rynold cleared his throat as he narrowed his eyes, "What I can say is that I'm here now. Before I can leave, I need to get something first. Call it my objective for coming here."

"I see," the man nodded as he interlocked his fingers, "And, what is this thing that you seek?"

"Can't say," Rynold calmly responded, "One thing's for sure is that it's here. Or, at least, I hope it is."

"So, you don't know where this item of yours is? You're off on some mission, recovering some object you have yet to know its exact location? That is such a tall order."

"Whatever you call it, it's my problem," Rynold remained apathetic, "For now, at least, tell me what I need to do for you to let me go. I don't really appreciate being held down like this. Let me go, and I swear, I won't run away."

"Hmm..."

The man fell to thought as he sat there, studying Rynold's intentions. The two weren't exactly in the best of relationships, making hostility a constantly explored option. If the man had let Rynold go, there was no telling what he could do. Keeping his word or not, Rynold was much less dangerous tied down. Although to allow the relationship to prosper, one would have to take chances.

"There," the man didn't do anything but say that one word. However, in doing so, Rynold was let go of his chains which enabled him to finally move around once more.

"Thanks," Rynold said as he leaned forward on his chair, then leaned back once more. "So, you've asked me a bunch of questions now. Mind answering just this one?"

"I suppose," the man nodded.

"You said you lived here alone. Any reason why? I mean, coming from the outside, this place is safe and huge. This place could probably house a hundred or so people. And, even then, there'd still be room for a hundred more. I mean, if you are looking for friends like you said, then you shouldn't be living alone. So, what's the problem?"

Rynold didn't run or do anything of the sort. He remained calm, addressing the situation rationally. He wanted to gather information before acting. Rynold was the last person who would jump the gun here. And, by the looks of it, the man was acting the same.