God Mage - D.W. Jackson Page 0,3
it flowed around their bodies was slightly different than Bren was used to.
“You have returned before your contract has been concluded Hayao,” said the elder man in the middle wearing a deep, dark blue robe with odd symbols embroidered on it.
“Yes master. My contract was signed over to this man,” Hayao said, bowing and waving his hand toward Bren. “Lord Torin.”
“Lord Torin, it is an honor that you grace us with your presence. We have heard much of you over the past year,” the elder said with judging eyes. “What has brought you to our village?”
The question was asked with a slight hint of anger to it. The real question the elder was asking was why Bren and the others had dared to come to the village. “We have come for sanctuary. The Brotherhood is after me. Hayao said that we could find refuge here while we plan our next move.”
The elder nodded his head then looked toward Hayao, who looked as stalwart as ever, though Bren could see the insecurities that were raging in side of him. It looked like a mix of red and black were fighting for control in the center of his chest. “Master, the Brotherhood has killed the Miko of the Ice Temple. Lord Torin avenged their deaths and drew the wrath of the Brotherhood. I believed it only right that we shelter him during this time.”
“Hayao, I believe the Brotherhood have already been after Lord Torin; also, from the news we have acquired, Lord Torin earned the Brotherhood’s wrath for another reason.”
“That is true,” Bren admitted. His words drew the Master’s glare, but he didn’t stop Bren from speaking. “I did go after the Brotherhood for my own reasons, though I will admit that I did find their senseless slaughter of the shine maidens to be more than slightly disconcerting. If you ask us to leave, then we shall, but I hope that you will allow us to stay. At least for a time.”
“It is not that simple, Lord Torin,” the elder said with a slight frown. “This village is kept secret. If we decide that you are a threat, you will not be leaving. That aside, for now it is too late for us to stop your knowledge the location of our village, so tonight, you will be provided lodging until we decide your fate.”
The elder’s words were a dismissal as well as a warning, and all of them knew it. Without saying another word, Bren and the others left the room and followed closely behind Hayao, who led them to a large building near the edge of the village.
As they neared the house, an older man in his late fifties greeted them with a stern glare and a stiff bow. “Son, I heard that you have returned and with guests as well,” the man said, his voice rough and uneven. “It is a pleasure to have you as guests within our home. Hayao, once your friends have settled, father wishes to have a word with you.”
“What is his problem?” Cass asked as the older man disappeared into the house.
“Please forgive my father’s rudeness; it was not directed toward you,” Hayao said bowing. “The truth is that if you are deemed a danger to the village, not only will you be killed but my clan will be severely punished for allowing you into the village.”
“If there was such a threat in us coming, then why would you bring us to your village?” Bren asked, trying to sound concerned, though he didn’t feel it.
“The Miko are considered sacred, even more so among our people. My sister was one of those chosen to enter the Ice Temple as a Miko, and her blood covered the temple grounds along with the others. You avenged them, even if that was not your intent. For that I am grateful, and I am willing to take the chance. You are a good man, and I am sure that the masters will see that as well.”
“I believe you have too much faith in me,” Bren said with a sad smile. “I am just a man after his own goals. I have done nothing because it was the right thing, or because it was just.”
“That may be so, but you do not seek to hurt innocents. Even if your actions are not done for the good of people, the way you go about it is. This says much about a man,” Hayao said bowing.
Bren could think of nothing to argue with