Afternoon, June 24, 60 AUD
East Valeryn.
Arryn's eyes narrow at the crew sitting in front of him.
"And... you're sure about this?"
The crew is sitting round Arryn, who is on a hospital bed. Clockwise from his left are Elyra, Gavric, Zara in the middle, directly facing Arryn, before Hector and Lyse who are sitting on his right. Zara's ankles have been taped, signifying some healing has already been performed on her feet.
Hector and Lyse give him a smile. "It's what's safest for you, Ryn-dearest." Lyse says.
"Besides, the physician says it's not best to strain yourself too much." Hector says.
"Let us handle the hand-off. It's nothing we can't handle." Elyra adds.
"Yes, indeed we can't keep the young lass from her father any longer..." Gavric says.
Zara looks at all of them. She looks down at the ground. She seems bothered about something.
"Having second thoughts?" Arryn asks her.
"Eh?" Zara looks up at him immediately.
"I'm right across from you, Lady Sheffert. Those eyes don't exactly fool anyone. What's wrong?" He asks, concern showing on his face.
"Do I look bothered? I'm sorry if I made you worry." she deflects.
"Hector told me about the other two girls." Arryn starts. "I agree with what he says. You're too mild. You won't live longer in this world with that attitude. Everyone has a desire, and they stand up for what they want, and as long as their power matches their intent, the world is theirs for the taking."
She looks down, visibly shaken. "You're wrong."
"I afraid I agree with her, Ryn-love." Lyse says. "Even if you are right, that's still a poor way of telling her about the state of the-"
Lyse is cut off by Zara. "You're wrong!" She yells. "As long as power matches intent? Don't give me that shit!" Her tone changes from mild and calm to brash and abrasive.
That's it...Arryn thinks to himself.
"What do you know?!" She continues. "You don't know anything about me! So, people like Willard Sheffert should continue to thrive just because their power matches their intent? People like him should keep on living fine, just because he has the Duke, the Emperor and a Reverend on his side?"
"People like Willard Sheffert?" Hector questions.
"Calm down, Zara. You shouldn't speak of your father like that..." Lyse tries to pacify her.
Arryn appears in front of Zara. He gives her a slap across her face as she falls onto his bed.
"Arryn!!" Gavric yells. "Why'd you have to hit her?!"
"Not the best move, Ryn." Lyse walks to her.
Arryn stares at her with a deadpan look on his face. "What do I know?" He starts. "I know a lot. I may not look much older than you, but you can't compare your sheltered self to me. If you feel that greedy coward should get what's coming to him, then do something about it."
"I can't! I don't know a lot about you and your friends, but I've seen that you all are capable of changing deadly situations. But I can't do anything." Zara explains, her eyes filling up with tears. "I'm up against the Reverends and the Duke's guard here! Even if I were capable of combat before, there is no way I stood a chance against Sheffert's goons, let alone a Reverend."
Arryn turns to the group. "I trust you'll complete the hand-off by evening. Make sure to get the pay."
"But..." Hector starts. "I surely can't hand her over after hearing that. The Viscount must be a terrible father, I can't send someone with that kind of family back home."
"Do you want to lose our only route out of Grimeford, Hector?" Arryn says. "She doesn't have the same story as you. Your family was significantly worse. At least she has maids, butlers, food and a man willing to go to any lengths to find and keep her."
"That doesn't make her situation any better, Ryn." Lyse interjects.
"I don't think I made myself clear before. This is the Viscount of R'ileigh. There's a Reverend assigned to him, and there's a group of clergies searching for us!" Arryn stresses further. "We try anything, and the guild in Valkenburg won't be of any help to us! We've still got to get to Avalanche Peaks by the 29th! Don't you want Ely to attend the festival anymore?!"
"This is a girl's future we're discussing here!" Gavric says. "Surely we don't want to bicker over someone's life against a festival..."
"We'll let Ely decide." Arryn says and the entire room turns to her.
"I...I...I..." She stutters. "I want to do what's right. I want to help her!" Elyra says.
"Oh, brother!" Arryn palms his face.
"Before we go," Lyse says. "What exactly is the Viscount to you, Zara?"
"He is my master." She says with a sorrowful look on her face. "My name is Zara De Valois. I am the heir to the De Valois estate. During the forceful takeover of the nobles of the old regime, my father and mother were executed by the Duke of Valeryn and my estate was relinquished to the Viscount Sheffert as one of his properties. He sold our estates and retained our family manor, forcing me to live in the same house with him.
I've been beaten by him severally when I refuse to give into his filthy pleasures and desires. I'd then be patched up by the physicians in the house. When I try to run away, he locks me up for days and doesn't let me out. The only reason he hasn't actually succeeded in having his way with me is because he's afraid of the Reverend in charge of his safety."
"Mother Yelena Isidro, I assume." Arryn says and returns to sitting on his bed.
"Yes...How'd you know that?" Zara asks.
"I've had the opportunity to speak to her and her older brother Micah. A pretty outstanding duo, both are in the upper 12 of the 24 Reverends." He replies and turns to his group. "If you see her, I suggest you leave Zara and run. None of you can take her on."
They all take in his words with dread. Hector jokes "Come now, surely you jest, Ari..."
"She won't attack you if you choose to run away. If you see her, do NOT engage. She isn't a regular Reverend." Arryn re-iterates.
"I see. She is that strong, huh?" Gavric says.
"Do what you must to free the oppressed lady from her captor, but see to it that you get our money as well." Arryn says to the group. "I'll be at Dock 15 by dawn, tomorrow. Don't be late."
"You got it boss." Hector, Elyra, Lyse and Gavric all echo.
"As for you..." He says to Zara. "hopefully, you learn how to defend yourself soon. You'll be needing that information."
She nods. The group heads out of the room, leaving Arryn to heal from his wounds.
"I pray this isn't a setup." He says as he stares out through the window.