Collapse (Part 5), Scene v1

“It is,” said the general gravely. She took her blanket and folded it over to make a thick pad. She gripped the arrowhead with the blanket and began grinding the blades against the stone floor, dulling its edges. “How did you know where Lucas was?”

Kismet looked down at Delphi to make sure she was sound asleep. Her chest rose and fell slowly and steadily, her face at peace. She always was a heavy sleeper, especially when she’s exhausted. “Just after Isella’s execution I followed him and Sara into an alleyway. He was so overcome by emotions that he attacked Sara, so I stopped him and told him he should visit his home to get away from the capital.”

“So you followed him, and when you found him he was alone?” the general inquired.

“Razelin, I hope you’re not implying that Kismet may have killed Lucas,” interjected King Marcus.

“It’s just a possibility. Kismet did suggest for Lucas to go somewhere, and followed him there. She claims he was murdered, and shot at by Sara, who I would assume, only fired because she saw reason to. I also heard Isella was put under Kismet’s care through the return from Lokem, and that she visited Isella after being interrogated.”

“That does sound suspicious,” voiced the king, his words a little troubled. He lowered his eyes to Delphi, who was nuzzled against the Catheran. “But if she were involved in all this, she would have little reason to return with warning.”

“Depends how you look at it. Lucas is dead, and Sara potentially accused of attempted murder. Removing both of them from the picture would further secure her chances of becoming Delphi’s Guardian.”

“I can understand how things may look, but—”

The king cut Kismet short with his boisterous laughter. He quickly lowered himself to a quiet chuckle, eyeing Delphi nervously as he realized how loud he was. Her sleep seemed undisturbed, which made him laugh even more. General Raze watched him with a sly smile, while the Catheran sat there in utter confusion. King Marcus eventually calmed himself down. “I’m sorry, but sometimes you can be really cruel, Razelin. You almost had me fooled.”

General Raze passed him a couple pieces of jerky and her water canteen. “Hah, you were listening more carefully than I thought.”

Wiping the tears from his eyes, he took a quick sip of water. Kismet’s confusion must’ve been as plain as day on her face. The general placed her hand on Kismet’s shoulder, her grin twitching awkwardly from trying to hold back her laughter. “Don’t worry, Kismet. I wasn’t being serious. I’d never believe you would do that, much less conspire against the Empire. Your Majesty, you should get some rest too. It’ll probably only get more difficult here on out.”

“Right, right.” He waved her words away, lying down on the blanket. He reached out to Delphi and brushed a loose strand of hair to the side before closing his eyes. “Make sure you get some yourself.”

Kismet slipped off her cloak and folded it over several times. She gently lay Delphi down and slipped the folded cloak under her head for a pillow. “General, I’ll keep watch. Please feel free to rest.”

General Raze gave her an awkward smile that looked almost a frown. “You really are great to have around, aren’t you? Ever so loyal, and just as sleepless. Alright, I’ll leave it to you then.”



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