STORIES
189 - Noble
2015
Karanthir Zyfan Trey
Late evening ...
KARANTHIR:
… This took place long ago. I was younger and quite full of myself.
ZYFAN:
You?
ZYFAN:
… Forgive me, it just slipped out. I cannot imagine a time
when you were not sure of yourself. Please continue.
KARANTHIR:
Nice save. As I was saying ...
KARANTHIR:
… Fin and I were on our own and I had not yet been infected with
vampire blood. He insisted I attend school, so we got into the habit
of settling in small towns, periodically, so I could be entolled.
ZYFAN:
He has always been a good brother to you, Karan.
KARANTHIR:
… We were living in the inn where he worked. Winter came and
he became ill, very ill. I had to bring the Healer. The remedies
needed were quite expensive. So I needed money quickly.
ZYFAN:
What did you do?
KARANTHIR:
I went to one of those taverns, where the human traders
congregated. After all, rumor had it that humans couldn't resist
us pretty elves, and … I offered myself to the highest bidder.
KARANTHIR:
… That's how I met Trey.
ZYFAN:
He … purchased you?
KARANTHIR:
I never caught his name, but it was him. The arrangements were
made and up to his room we went. Once there, I didn't know
quite what to do next. I saw a book and glanced through it ...
TREY:
That's written in a language from my realm.
KARANTHIR:
It's directions, isn't it? To a destination, a map without drawings ...
TREY:
You can read that?
KARANTHIR:
Sorry, I didn't mean to pry.
TREY:
How do you know Latin?
KARANTHIR:
Is that what this is? I must have seen it before. I pick things up easily.
TREY:
Wine?
KARANTHIR:
There's no need to get me drunk. Really, I have no inhibitions.
TREY:
In my realm, it's impolite to drink alone. Please?
KARANTHIR:
Shall I undress, or is it your plan to gaze at me with admiration?
TREY:
You're not at all what I expected.
KARANTHIR:
You'll find I'm full of surprises.
TREY:
Intelligent, quick witted, well-read, you speak my language perfectly
And yet you say you've never been to my realm. Why are you doing this?
KARANTHIR:
To get things started.
TREY:
That's not what I meant. Tell me how you came to be in this line of work.
KARANTHIR:
A lad's got to earn a living …
TREY:
OK, we'll play this your way. You do realize that once you entered
this room you became mine to do with as I please?
KARANTHIR:
Isn't that what you're paying me for?
TREY:
As long as we understand each other …
TREY:
Did that hurt? It looked like it hurt. I've been hit like that more
than once and there were times I actually saw stars floating
about my head. Is that happening to you right now?
TREY:
… Feeling helpless are you? I could go on like this just for sport.
What's to stop me from killing a pretty little whore like you?
KARANTHIR:
Get off!
TREY:
Hush! I'm teaching you a lesson. I want you to realize the danger of the profession you've chosen. Has it never occurred to someone as clever as you how much you could lose in one night?
KARANTHIR:
Let me go! I'm leaving.
TREY:
You're not going anywhere. I ask again, why are you doing this?
TREY:
I can cause you so much damage that you'll never be
able to sell yourself again. Now answer my question.
TREY:
… The barkeep told me you aren't one of the regulars.
Why tonight? What prompted you to do this?
KARANTHIR:
Money.
TREY:
There are other ways to make money, especially
for someone as clever as you.
KARANTHIR:
No! Don't!
TREY:
Tell me or I'll strike you again and again.
KARANTHIR:
My brother's sick. I thought he might …
Had to get the Healer. Pay him tomorrow. Promised.
TREY:
I believe you.
TREY:
Don't try to leave, the door's magically sealed.
KARANTHIR:
Couldn’t anyway … those stars … are spinning above me.
TREY:
I have a something to cure that … Ah here it is. I'll prepare it.
TREY:
Drink. If only you had just answered me the first time...
KARANTHIR:
I don't understand you.
TREY:
Once you take this path, it's very hard to get off it.
I know from experience.
KARANTHIR:
It didn't occur to you to just say that in the first place?
TREY:
You needed to be left with a stronger first impression.
KARANTHIR:
You could have at least done me the courtesy of removing your ring.
TREY:
You are a funny one. This will ease the pain and eliminate swelling.
TREY:
… Apply pressure and soon all traces of my hand will be gone.
Now we need to discuss this money you need.
KARANTHIR:
Am I to pay for this healing too?
TREY:
No, however I do have a proposition for you.
KARANTHIR:
Is that gold?
TREY:
It is and it's yours. Consider it a loan.
KARANTHIR:
I'll never be able to pay that back ...
TREY:
I don't expect a monetary payment. The next time you meet someone
who needs help, give it. That's how you pay me back. And you're
never to sell yourself again. Those are my terms. I want your word.
KARANTHIR:
… There was enough gold in that bag to last a few seasons.
ZYFAN:
He saved you.
KARANTHIR:
I suppose.
ZYFAN:
Do you think he remembers you?
KARANTHIR:
Yes, and now I understand why he won't acknowledge it.
ZYFAN:
It is a very noble thing he did. Does Fin know?
KARANTHIR:
No and he never will, that's most important. Do you understand me?
ZYFAN:
He will not hear of it from me. How did you explain the gold to him?
KARANTHIR:
I didn't. I kept the gold to myself and when things got tight,
I'd tell him I acquired it somehow.
KARANTHIR:
… Oh I know that that sounds selfish on my part, but Fin's always
prided himself on being the one who takes care of us,
and I won't take that away from him.
ZYFAN:
That is very noble of you, Karan.
KARANTHIR:
I know.
ZYFAN:
There is that modesty of yours that I love so much.
KARANTHIR:
It's very late my prince. Time for sleep.
ZYFAN:
Or something else …
- OMAKE -
TREY:
… You're healing already. How are you feeling?
KARANTHIR:
The stars have stopped orbiting my head.
TREY:
That's a good start.
KARANTHIR:
You're not what I expected- that you should
take an interest in what becomes of me ...
TREY:
I lived as the property of a cruel and sadistic man for years before
becoming free. I swore to myself that I would not allow any who crossed
my path to suffer as I did. Just think of me as your fairy godfather.
KARANTHIR:
Fairies are pesky little creatures that cause nothing but
mischief. Why would I think of you as that?
TREY:
Sorry, I forgot where I am. It's just an expression from my realm.
KARANTHIR:
Come closer.
TREY:
I thought I made it clear that your services
were not to be performed tonight.
KARANTHIR:
Can't a fellow say thank you? Besides, I honestly didn't saunter
over to you just because I thought you'd be good for business.
Am I not your guest? Here in my realm, it would be impolite not
to grant your guest all that he desires – and he desires you.
