Return to Jorgaldur Volume IV: Reunion

An explanation (II)

"Grandpa, how's the Blood Queen?" the young ox-boy asked.

"They say that she's an incredible fighter. Very elegant and sophisticated. Is it true?" her sister asked too, her eyes shining.

"Ha, ha. She's without a doubt an exceptional fighter, and elegant in her own way. Although, I wouldn't define her as sophisticated. Ha, ha. I don't know what she'd think if she heard you," the robust ox-man couldn't suppress his laughter when imagining it.

His once-golden brown hair had bleached white over the years, but his muscles held the power of the past. However, the passing of the years hadn't been innocuous. While he could continue to wield all of his power, it took much longer for him to recover. Besides, perhaps, his reflexes were no longer what they used to be.

"What do you mean?" the girl insisted.

"Well, she doesn't really behave like a queen. It was a time..." he began to tell one of his stories, but stopped suddenly.

"Grandpa?" the boy was surprised.

"I'm sorry, something's come up. I'll tell you the story later," he got up, looking out the window.

"You promise?" he insisted.

"Promised," he assured, while affectionately caressing their heads. "Honey, there's a purple code. I have to go."

"Be careful," she asked, worried, as she raised her face from the painting. Two children with their grandfather could be seen half sketched.

He nodded, as a layer of liquid engulfed him. It was a powerful armor that he had obtained many years ago. It was hidden in a bracelet. With just a thought, it covered his entire body and solidified, as he opened the window.

The children watched in amazement as the armor appeared, and as his grandfather jumped out the window. They even ran to see him jump from roof to roof.

Maybe, it wasn't the first time they had witnessed something similar, but it always left their mouths open. They admired their grandfather, who was a legend in the city. They only turned when he was completely out of sight, while wishing he would come back and tell them about his new adventure.

"What explanation do you need?" the commander insisted.

She didn't reveal that she had called the general, but there was a glint of respect in her eyes that she had lacked before. In other circumstances, she would have found it hard to believe, but her identity provided a simple explanation for everything, as simple as it was incredible. To her calmness. To her confidence. To call the general by his nickname.

However, she hid it. She still couldn't be entirely sure. Her subordinate didn't know her personally, he had only seen her from afar many years ago. He believed it was her, but had some doubts. Therefore, she had to continue to maintain her composure. No matter that the Blood Queen was her idol.

Gjaki sighed. Insisting that they call the now general didn't seem like the best option. It was time for plan B.

"My friend Talto, the innkeeper, hasn't returned yet. That idiot came in bragging that he had been arrested. The first question is why. He had gone to ask for help, and it seems that he have been detained," Gjaki began.

"Why does he have such a big mouth!?" Fonhvor asked himself, swallowed, and glared at his nephew with suppressed rage.

This was starting to get complicated. If he ended up involving him in front of that commander, he didn't know what would happen. She was tremendously strict. He didn't doubt that she would act against him, even though he was also a commander. He didn't even want to think about what would happen if this ended up attracting the general's attention.

"The second is how that braggart idiot knew it," the vampiress continued.

The commander glanced at her colleague suspiciously. Then, she looked at her assistant. Without the need for her to say anything, he perfectly understood her orders. He slipped towards the exit without anyone paying attention to him, to fulfill the mission that had been entrusted to him.

"Why do you think it was?" Rinak asked. On one hand, she was curious, and on the other, she wanted to stall for time.

"That's a good question. All I know is that they had been harassing the inn until it had run out of customers, which was why he had gone to ask for help. The reason is unknown. I don't think it has anything to do with that idiot wanting my friend's son to break up with his girlfriend. Apparently, the idiot has taken a fancy to her, and isn't man enough on his own to compete. He should be quite inferior to his rival."

It was evident that, even though her words denied the possibility, she was pointing at it without hesitation. It was such a flagrant accusation that she seemed to be laughing at them, even if her words said otherwise. In fact, she was having quite fun.

"How dare you!? Do you know who I am!? Who do you think you are to insult my son!?" Fanhla finally couldn't take it anymore before the provocations.

"Oh? Who's her excellency?" Gjaki asked.

There was clear sarcasm in her voice, which infuriated the wealthy merchant even more. Her brother this time didn't stop her, but watched the commander. He was hoping that her sister could divert attention from what might involve him.

Rinak, for her part, said nothing. She was watching curiously and even a little amused. Perhaps, that way, she could confirm the identity of that vampiress.

"I'm Fanhla! From Fornh's house!" she exclaimed with indignation and pride.

"Really?" Gjaki seemed surprised.

"That's how it is! Now do you understand who you're up against!? You better release my son!" she ordered.

"The truth is that I have no idea who you are," Gjaki acknowledged with a mocking smile on her lips.

Actually, that name ringed a bell, but she didn't quite get it. She didn't think it was anything important either.

Meanwhile, Eldi and Goldmi had to make great efforts not to laugh. It was obvious to them that her friend was having a great time. Even Rikala, the innkeeper, had to suppress a giggle, despite being worried about her husband. Her son Ralko didn't even know what to think.

The commander broke into a smile as she saw the completely stunned face of the merchant, surprised at Gjaki's unexpected slight. Fanhla was speechless for a few moments, while her face reddened with anger. Also, several of the soldiers were chuckling, which made her feel even more humiliated.

Her brother, for her part, didn't know what to do. It was already too late to try to calm her down.