The Guardian looked out at the people who had watched the scene. Even those who knew the events of three years ago seemed pleased at Borit's embarrassment instead of wary. 'Borit was right about one thing. These people's memories are short. Their loyalty blinds them to the danger.' "You will meet in three days at this same time to begin your training. Conall will let you know the place. That is all."
Dismissing the men, Silver turned to go back to his cottage. He needed time to think. Seeing the Guardian rush away, both Conall and Aiden quickly followed after him. Aiden hesitated when he saw the mayor, but Conall motioned for him to join. "I will need all the help I can get to get through to him," the fat man said quietly as they approached the Guardian.
"You know I can hear you." Silver scoffed over his shoulder, trying to discourage them.
Instead the mayor quickened his pace. "Yes, yes, you have ears like a hawk and eyes that pierce the night. But neither of those is what I am worried about." Conall looked meaningfully at Silver as he came in stride. Silver respected Conall. Indeed, Conall was a sort of father figure or big brother in some ways. They would butt heads often and in the end Silver would usually go with his own plan, but he rarely took Conall's advice lightly. "It is your neck," he added to punctuate his point. "Do not get me wrong: I am happy to see you back among us. However the decision to return may not have been a safe one."
The guardian shook his head sadly. "Safe or not this is my calling. The Fates have told me as much...repeatedly."
Trying to hide the surprise in his eyes, the mayor looked at the dirt road. "I still do not think you should mess with Borit. You could stay but change your appearance and name. Surely he would not follow you then."
It was clear that the mayor cared, but Silver could not agree to the man's method. "You want me to hide in town and let Borit think I have run away again? I told you I am done running. You told me that last time when I left in a rush, Borit terrorized the town until he was called away. A few men--good, hardworking men-- gave their lives protecting me, protecting us. I cannot have that on my conscience again." Silver's voice was firm. Looking up at Aiden, he saw a nod of recognition and the look of growing respect.
Conall sighed. Sometimes talking to the Guardian was like talking to a wall. He tried a different tactic. "But what if, uh, the captain comes for you in the night. You and Ethyn should at least move. No use making yourself a sitting duck ready to be plucked."
The Guardian's hand disappeared into his hood as he rubbed his forehead. "If Borit had wanted me dead quietly, he would have crept into my house in the middle of night and done the deed. Instead he announced his intentions in front of every man in town. No, he wants to do this publicly. A big win for him means another big promotion. While I do not think there is any official blot on his record, he still has rumors that follow him." 'Rumors…or facts that I make sure haunt him.' Silver thought before continuing. "My public disgrace…or even execution would set those rumors to rest."
Aiden broke in, "Pardon the new man here, but what does Borit have against you?"
Conall stopped walking. No one asked Silver personal questions. Doing so was met with either indifference or anger. Either of these was bone chilling when paired with those piercing silver eyes flashing beneath a faceless hood. Conall waited as Silver stared at the former soldier. After what seemed like an eternity, Silver gave a satisfied grunt. Conall exhaled a breath he was unaware he had held.
"You know Borit is a treacherous man. He ruined your reputation and career," Silver said to Aiden. "So you will believe my words more than most. I am a survivor of a village that Borit massacred. All other witnesses including his fellow soldiers have been silenced over the years. I am the final obstacle between Borit and freedom."
The three men stood in the street as Silver's companions processed what he said. Conall was the first to speak, "If this is so, why did you not, uh, come forward with the information when it happened? Why hide the truth?"
Silver stared beneath his hood at Conall. 'I wish I hadn't told him now. I knew he would not understand.' "Who should I have told, Conall? His fellow officers? The king? Who do you think would have been be believed: a soldier sworn to protect the land or a thief? Besides, Borit was already spreading news on my guilt before the fire was even cold. I could not stay and hoped to be believed. Besides, I had something small and precious to protect." The last words were sad and hollow.
Conall's eyes widened in recognition. It was the first time he had heard Silver mention the little girl since his return. No one dare question him about it until now. "Where is Haven?" the mayor asked so low that Aiden could barely make out the words. In contrast, Silver heard the words crystal clear. They were the same words he had asked himself for the past three years. It felt strange to hear someone else say her name after all this time.
'Haven. Where are you Haven? I do not know. If I knew, I would fly there now to be with you and to protect you.' Silver clenched his fists and hot tears threatened his eyes as they flashed silver. "Enough. I have told you more than I should. Good day gentlemen."
As Silver turned to leave, Aiden broke in, "For what it is worth, I believe you. And I will help any way that I can."
The Guardian nodded, unwilling to speak further. With a flourish of his cape, he disappeared between houses leaving no trace of his presence. Aiden gave out a stifled gasp. He had never seen someone vanish before his eyes. Conall watched the exit too and nodded knowingly with a small grin. "Yeah, he does that. You never know when he will, uh, pop in or leave. You get used to it. Well, sort of. Actually, I lied. It is always a little jarring, just less so over time."
"The Guardian is a strange fellow. The rumors do not do him justice." Aiden said with a hint of wonder.
Conall chuckled, "I know. But what's a step above 'frightening'?"
"Horrifying? Petrifying? Chilling?" Aiden said only half joking.
Conall nodded his head approvingly, "You have got a lot of words for a soldier."
"And for a mayor, you are much shrewder than you let on." The former solider spoke without mocking.
"I will take the compliment, friend." Conall held out his hand. Aiden took it without hesitation.
"And I will take the 'friend'. Seems we will be needing a few of those with Borit around."
Aiden had no idea how true those word would be.