Chapter 171

The Angel Express - 6:19 PM

I walked out of my room after a successful bout of meditation. My Mental Points, like my medallion, were full to the brim and ready to be worked. Stretching, I entered the dining car to see Jeff and Mercury sitting across from each other having a discussion.

“- is a deadly and precise weapon,” Jeff said, tapping the table with an extended finger to punctuate his words. “I agree that a longsword has the advantage when wielded by someone with the same level of skill, but you can’t just say that invalidates a rapier because the competition is common.”

“How can you say it’s not, Sir Jeffry?” Mercury protested. “We are living in a world where that kind of weaponry is all over the place! I’ve seen more longswords than any other type of swords. Now, I’m not doubting your skill-“

“Which you shouldn’t,” the man interrupted.

“I’m not! But you’re going to run into situations where a different kind of sword is going to be useful.”

“I’m going to stick with the rapier, Merc,” Jeff said with a shrug. “So far, there’s only been a handful of people who can match me blade to blade, and the only ones close to us that I know of are on this train.”

I cleared my throat as I leaned against the door frame, and they both turned to look at me in surprise. “In this argument, you’re also ruling out pole arms. Spears are way more common for a reason,” I said. “Then there’s bows, crossbows, guns. Let the knight use what he wants to use, Mercury.”

“Well, yeah,” the ninja said, exasperated. “But we’re talking about just swords.”

“He’s right, boss, we were talking about just swords,” Jeff agreed.

I shrugged and walked fully into the room, keeping my gaze on the older man. “I thought you were heading out with your wife.”

“I was, but we caught Jamie on the way there. Asked her if she could escort Kayla and she agreed when I said Corwin was going with her,” he explained. “I wanted to go with you wherever you were going next.”

“Any particular reason why?” I asked, arching an eyebrow. I certainly didn't expect him to ditch his wife. 

“We hadn’t gone adventuring for a while,” he answered with a shrug. “Figured it’s about time, especially because the last time we fought together was back in Etson.”

Mercury slowly raised his hand. “Could I be invited?”

“Next time we have a guy’s night out, I promise you’ll be involved,” I told him honestly. “But right now, I need you to go to your sister. I’m putting out a curfew for our members. No activities after dark unless it’s in a storm or fog. The Shadow Sniper will only be more powerful at nighttime.”

“Damn, that’s a good point,” Jeff said, leaning back. “I didn’t even think about that. No wonder you mentioned coming and getting us.”

The ninja grumbled but nodded. “It’ll take me a while to get to her, but I can bring her back in the morning. That should give me enough time to explain everything and get her comfortable with the idea. She’s shy around people.”

“No worries, Mercury. I promise we’ll be fighting together for a long, long time yet, so you take care of your sister,” I said. “Especially now that Demons are after us.”

“That could put a damper on things, yeah,” he replied as he stood up. “But, I joined up. I said I would, so I’m in. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

I smiled. “I know, Mercury. Go on, then. Get out of the city before it gets dark.”

Mercury blinked before remembering that I knew things I wasn’t supposed to, then he nodded. He gave Jeff another firm handshake before leaving the dining car and running towards the Subspace Depot’s exit.

“He’s a good kid,” the knight remarked. “A little skittish, but a good kid.”

“Yeah, he’ll do well,” I remarked before gesturing to him to follow me. Once he stood up, we started walking off. “If I can be honest, I’m surprised you left your wife even if she is in good hands. And paws, I suppose.”

Jeff shrugged, and he seemed uncomfortable. “I can be overbearing,” he admitted. “I figured Kay needed a break from me for a bit, considering we’ve spent nearly every waking moment of the last, like, month together. Plus, she should be safe with those two.”

I didn’t correct him on the timeline, but nodded as I remembered what Kayla had told me back in Cordele. Doting on her was how he coped with stress, and the fact that he had an entire class dedicated to protecting her showed it off without question. Regardless, this was a step in the right direction, and I wanted to make sure he was rewarded for that.

As we stepped out onto the cold Pittsburgh streets, I patted him on the shoulder. “I’m glad to have you out with me, man. It’ll be good to fight by your side again.”

“Same, I’m looking forward to it.”

“Do you have the khopesh? Or did you leave it with the ladies?” I asked as I looked at everyone around. The streets were much more crowded than they were even a day ago. With the population returning and places for them to stay, things were looking up for the city.

“Left it with them,” he said. “I figured we could zip back to the train with your portal, so I left it with them.”

“That’s how I’d do it, so good job,” I said. “Now, give me a minute, because I’m going to send out the new rules. Hopefully, once I’m done with that, Sara will be able to provide me with directions towards one of Pustibule’s potential hiding spots.”

“Take your time.”

Nodding, I got to work. The message I wanted to send out wasn’t all that different from what I had told Jeff and Mercury back in the dining car, though I added more to it. No one was allowed to be out after dark, but it was fine during times when there was reduced visibility. This normally meant during storms, but the morning fog would do as well.

Shadow Snipers were in their element in the dark. They would get a slight boost from Pittsburgh’s usually cloudy sky, but not nearly as much as they would at night. Not to mention that they could see perfectly at insane distances when there wasn’t as much light. The class was meant to be both the sniper and spotter, taking care of both roles at the expense of less effective part of the time.

In addition, I requested everyone’s presence in the morning for a meeting. Not only did Jamie have to meet Mercury, but everyone would have to meet his sister and get comfortable with her circumstances. Once my reasoning was carefully laid out, I spent the points to send it out.

Jeff got the message immediately and started going through it, and I helped him through the crowd by Gateway Station as he read. It was just as popular as it was when Mercury and I came through, and I checked the crowd with Aura Sense like I did before. Nothing out of the ordinary popped up this time, and no one suspicious followed us in.

“Reasonable,” he said as he swiped the message away. By the time he did, we were already on our way downstairs. “What’s this about Mercury’s sister’s circumstances?”

“We’ll get into that tomorrow,” I said as we reached the bottom. “Sara, think you can-“ A screen popped up in front of me before I could finish.

[[Patron Message]]

Yes, Anthony, I can. However, I wanted to double and triple check my directions so it took longer than expected. The Pitt is a labyrinth, and I didn’t want you both to get lost. Sure, you could finish a dungeon or take your Broken Boundary back, but that would mean I had failed as a navigator.

The directions are below. There’s two sets, just in case. The first one leads to a place that’s central to most of the other veiled dungeon destinations. If you’d like to leave a doorframe there, then there’s a good chance that it won’t be discovered for a while. If not, follow the second set of directions.

Anyway, here goes…

I whistled at the long lists. “Dang, Sara. This is some good work,” I praised before tapping Jeff and walking off. He started following me. “My Patron is the best, you know.”

“Yeah, I think I’ve gathered that by now,” he said with an amused snort. Then he looked up. “Thank you, Sara.”

We made our way in silence for the first leg of the journey. The amount of people down here mimicked that of the surface, but it seemed like a lot more because we were in an enclosed area. Thankfully, the tunnels nearer to the surface seemed to have been made with that in mind, and we were able to slip through the crowd easily enough.

Once we started getting into what I’d considered the second and third floor of the Pitt, the number of people reduced drastically. A lot of Pittsburgh was neighborhoods, and there were several people who were trying to find their homes. Those tended to be smaller dungeons that were closer to the surface. Our guild had liberated a few, but it was such a small number that it was pretty much negligible.

“Kayla tells me that you’ve ended up in something of a rivalry with Jamie,” I said, making conversation once we had some privacy

Jeff seemed caught off guard by the statement, but nodded. “Yeah, she told me about your little conversation in the greenhouse the other day,” he admitted. “And that little emotional telepathy you did with her.”

“That got a little heated, but I think things’ll work out,” I told him with a shrug. “I should do the same with you, by the way. The sooner you’re used to it, the sooner we can use it in battle.”

“Oh, sure, go ahead,” he said.

With a nod, I reached up and prodded the taller man on his forehead with two fingers. The Mental Link connected, and I easily felt Jeff’s feelings through them. Anticipation, excitement, trepidation, and a little shame. That was curious, and right after I mentioned Jamie. On reflex, I held back from showing what I felt. Now that I figured out what he was feeling on a fairly intimate level, though, I let him feel waves of calmness.

“That’s kind of freaky,” Jeff admitted, though he visibly relaxed once my emotions were sent his way. “Reassuring, in a way, but still freaky.”

“It does take some getting used to, but you’ll see how good it is in battle. It can be a lifesaver,” I said. “But about that rivalry. How’s it going for you?”

The knight shrugged. “It’s going. Really more one-sided than Kayla was letting on. I’ve fallen behind at the Fieldhouse, too, so it looks like she’s going to come out on top.”

“Chasing a woman who’s not your wife, huh?” I teased. “That seems unlike you.”

“That’s a little too far,” he said.

I could feel the shame grow in him, and understood that I had overstepped my bounds. “Sorry, man. I really was just joking,” I apologized with a grimace. “Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind, yeah?”

“Yeah, I can do that,” Jeff replied, though he crossed his arms after. I recognized his thinking face, and could tell that he was figuring out what to actually say. I felt some confusion and more shame from him while I focused on navigation. After a few more turns, he finally spoke. “I really didn’t want to bother you with it, but seeing the quality of the crew you go out of your way to pick up, I’m feeling… inadequate.”

“That makes sense,” I said with a nod. He glanced over at me, and I pointed at my head. “We’re connected, Jeff. I might not be able to read your thoughts, but I’m damn good at guessing using your emotions.”

“Well, I’m not exactly sure how to put it. Kay’s the one who’s good at words. You want to take a crack at it?” he asked, pointing at his head. “What’s rattling around in my skull, I mean.”

I gave him a sidelong glance. “You sure?” I asked back. “I’m going to let you know now that you’re probably going to think I really am telepathic. This is a skill I’ve honed over centuries, and the Mental Link only makes it easier.”

“You want my palm to make it go by faster, psychic boy?” he snorted.

“Nah, none of that,” I laughed. “But alright, let’s figure out your predicament.”

“Ready whenever you-“

I cut him off. “You don’t think you’re fit to help me. Which is something you said back in Georgia and I completely brushed off because I know your worth better than you. However, just when you start feeling better about yourself and your skills through the tournament, you get pulled away from it thanks to administrator shenanigans. Not only that, but I bring on two new recruits at the last second. Ashley’s fine, you’ve never been one to show anything but admiration to craftsmen of any kind. But, there’s the other.”

“Jamie,” he said.

“Not only was she the most skilled combatant in the Chaos Cup that wasn’t me, but she got a personal invitation to come join. Even paid her a hefty sum for it,” I continued with a nod. “Before that, the bar was set so astronomically high with me alone that it never bothered you. I’m this unknowable, eldritch existence that’s been alive longer than anyone has any right to be. We weren’t competing, because you felt like you were learning.”

Jeff opened his mouth to say something, but I put a hand up. I was on a roll now. “Then Jamie waltzes in with a fat paycheck and the attitude that she can do anything. Not only that, but I give her the hard missions. I let her go and do her thing. You see that, and suddenly there’s a standard. Not only that, but it's one you don't feel like you meet.

“And then there’s the feelings of shame,” I said, patting him on the shoulder. “You’re here with me not because we’re having some guy time, but because you want more experience. It’s worse than a need; getting stronger is a compulsion. A necessary one at that. You want to learn, and you don’t feel like you can do that with Kayla around. Even with Corwin, taking care of someone in a combat situation is stressful and hard.”

“Ant, I-“

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Jeff,” I interrupted. “Trust me when I say I understand. Not everyone can keep up. She’s not at a level you think is acceptable for the task at hand, and it hurts you to leave her behind. But also trust me when I say this, it’s absolutely okay.”

“It is?” he asked, bemused.

“Of course!” I exclaimed. “Knowing limitations is essential in this line of work. Plus, Kayla’s not a combat class like us. She's a hybrid, sure, but the abilities outside of backstabs are lacking. And, whether it was through the ages like me, through war like Jamie, or though practice like you, she’s never been a fighter. Which is completely okay because she’s been helpful in other ways. Even with that, you’ve still been training her up, right?”

“Every chance I get,” he answered. “Jamie’s been helping, too. Grumbled a lot about how you requested it at first, but that’s been going away.”

“Then you are doing your part. More than, actually, because you’ve recognized both her limitations and your own. She even says that you and her have been going undefeated at the Fieldhouse, though that conversation happened a few days ago.”

“That’s true, she’s improved a lot,” Jeff allowed. “It’s just…”

“You’ve figured out that protecting her means you can’t fight to your fullest in the way you’re used to, right?” I asked. “You have to pay a lot of attention to your wife to make sure she's not dying. It's turned you into a tank when you're clearly a focused attacker. I hadn't realized that bothered you.”

Jeff grimaced, but nodded. “That’s the basic gist of it,” he admitted. “First and foremost, I’m a duelist. Always have been. It’s rare to find a one on one monster fight these days, and when we do that monster is generally overpowered, but I’m struggling with myself because even the system’s figured out that I’m not supposed to fight alone. That’s why I’m a Queen’s Knight.”

“You’re a Queen’s Knight because of the circumstances and because you wouldn’t be patient enough to be a Needle Lancer,” I corrected. “Not that I’m saying that’s the wrong choice, but you can’t just say the system says it and take it as gospel. It doesn’t even have a consciousness, as far as I’m aware.”

“That sounds about right.”

“Look, here’s the meat of things,” I started, checking for directions as we came across a split in the road. “Mercury’s going to take time to come into his own. He’s a kid that has an ocean’s worth of potential, but he’s still just a kid. Normally it’s Jamie and I that train him, but now he’s also going to have you, too. That’s a solid mentorship to turn him into one of the best, and Kayla will join in on that. When he improves, she will, too. Best case scenario, she’ll feel challenged by getting shown up by a teenager and turn up the heat on training.”

“She’s been boiling for a while, but I get what you’re saying.”

“Good. Because, there'll be a time when her skills are needed, mark my words. You're not going to like it because it's going to be dangerous, but there's nothing you can do but be supportive,” I said. The other man fidgeted, and I felt worry fill him. “Hey, come on Jeff. I need you in top shape. You’re my second best fighter and it’s not even by a huge gap like you’re making it out to be.”

Raising an eyebrow, Jeff looked down at me. “Yeah?”

“Yeah, man,” I said with a laugh before leaning in. “So, this is just between you and me, but the morning after the Fieldhouse was liberated, Jamie and I got to talking. Based on the way she was acting, your fight was far closer than she wanted it to be. All but confirmed that the only reason why she could win was because she watched our fight and noticed your habits. If you met in Atlanta with the same kit, I’m sure you would have won.

Jeff stared at me for a few seconds before pushing me away by my shoulder. “You’re just saying that.”

“Nah, I’m not going to lie to you because you feel bad,” I scoffed. “Jeff, I understand what you’re going through. It’s only natural to second guess yourself. It’s very human. But you’ve been doing a bang up job and I expect greatness from you in the future. Things could go wrong, sure, but that’s kind of an everyday risk now.”

It took him a few moments to digest my words, but ended up nodding soon after. “Alright. Thanks, Anthony,” he said, and I felt his relief over our Mental Link. “That really puts me at ease.”

“Just don’t make a habit about it,” I teased, pushing the man just as he had done to me. “Still, this is better than that toxic positivity angle you tried to spin me back in Etson. I’d much rather you be honest, even if remembering that feelings exist is the absolute worst.”

“Sure, Ant, feelings are terrible and I’m deeply sorry that you’ve had to face mine,” he said with a laugh. 

“And I'm sorry I haven't been around a lot to realize it sooner,” I responded. “This part of the run is hectic, and there's a lot to do.”

“Water under the bridge,” he said, holding up a fist. With a nod, I bumped it. “You up for running? I feel like running.”

“Sure. Just watch your step and don’t get left behind, old man,” I answered. Before he could reply, I had already taken off. His heavy footfalls behind me followed soon after.I whistled at the long lists. “Dang, Sara. This is some good work,” I praised before tapping Jeff and walking off. He started following me. “My Patron is the best, you know.”

“Yeah, I think I’ve gathered that by now,” he said with an amused snort. Then he looked up. “Thank you, Sara.”

Once we started getting into what I’d considered the second and third floor of the Pitt, the number of people reduced drastically. A lot of Pittsburgh was neighborhoods, and there were several people who were trying to find their homes. Those tended to be smaller dungeons that were closer to the surface. Our guild had liberated a few, but it was such a small number that it was pretty much negligible.

“Kayla tells me that you’ve ended up in a rivalry of sorts with Jamie,” I said, making conversation once we had some privacy.

Jeff seemed caught off guard by the statement, but nodded. “Yeah, and Kay told me about your little conversation in the greenhouse the other day,” he admitted. “That little emotional telepathy you did with her, too.”

“That got a little heated, but I think things’ll work out,” I told him with a shrug. “I should do the same with you, by the way. The sooner you’re used to it, the sooner we can use it in battle.”

“Oh, sure, go ahead,” he said.

With a nod, I reached up and prodded the taller man on his forehead with two fingers. The Mental Link connected, and I easily felt Jeff’s feelings through them. Anticipation, excitement, trepidation, and a little shame. That was curious, especially after I mentioned Jamie. On reflex, I held back from showing what I felt. Now that I figured out what he was feeling on a fairly intimate level, though, I let him feel waves of calmness.

“That’s kind of freaky,” Jeff chuckled, though he visibly relaxed once my emotions were sent his way. “Reassuring, in a way, but still freaky.”

“It does take some getting used to, but you’ll see how good it is in battle. It can be a lifesaver,” I said. “But about that rivalry. How’s it going for you?”

The knight shrugged. “It’s going. Really more one-sided than Kayla was letting on. I’ve fallen behind at the Fieldhouse, too, so it looks like she’s going to come out on top.”

“Chasing a woman who’s not your wife, huh?” I teased. “That seems unlike you.”

“That’s a little too far,” he said quickly.

I could feel the shame grow in him, and understood that I had overstepped my bounds. “Sorry, man. I really was just joking,” I apologized honestly. “Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind, yeah?”

“Yeah, I can do that,” Jeff replied, though he crossed his arms after. I recognized his thinking face, and could tell that he was figuring out what to actually say. After a few more turns, he finally spoke. “I really didn’t want to bother you with it, but seeing the quality of the crew you go out of your way to pick up, I’m feeling… stressed.”

“That makes sense,” I said with a nod. He glanced over at me, and I pointed at my head. “We’re connected, Jeff. I might not be able to read your thoughts, but I’m damn good at guessing using your emotions.”

“Well, I’m not exactly sure how to put it. Kay’s the one who’s good at words. You want to take a crack at it?” he asked, pointing at his head. “What’s rattling around in my skull, I mean.”

I gave him a sidelong glance. “You sure?” I asked back. “I’m going to let you know now that you’re probably going to think I really am telepathic. This is a skill I’ve honed over centuries, and the Mental Link only makes it easier.”

“You want my palm to make it go by faster, psychic boy?” he snorted.

“Nah, none of that,” I laughed. “But alright, I think I know your predicament.”

“Ready whenever you are.”

I took a breath. “You don’t think you’re fit to help me. Which is something you said back in Georgia and I brushed off because I know your worth better than you. However, just when you start feeling better about yourself and your skills through the tournament, you get pulled away from it thanks to administrator shenanigans. Not only that, but I bring on two new recruits at the last second. Ashley’s fine, you’ve never been one to show anything but admiration to craftsmen of any kind. But, there’s another.”

“Jamie,” he said.

“Not only was she the most skilled combatant in the Chaos Cup that wasn’t me, but she got a personal invitation to come join. Even paid her a hefty sum for it,” I continued with a nod. “Before that, the bar was set so astronomically high with me alone that it never bothered you. I’m this unknowable, eldritch existence that’s been alive longer than anyone has any right to be. We weren’t competing because we weren’t in the same category.”

Jeff opened his mouth to say something, but I put a hand up. I was on a roll now. “Then Jamie waltzes in with a fat paycheck and the attitude that she can do anything. Not only that, but I give her the hard missions. I let her go and do her thing. You see that, and suddenly there’s a standard. Not only that, but it’s one you don’t feel like you meet.

“And then there’s the feelings of shame,” I said, patting him on the shoulder. “You’re here with me not because we’re having some guy time, but because you want experience in a less stressful environment. It’s worse than a need; getting stronger is a compulsion. A necessary one at that. Unfortunately, you have an albatross around your neck: Kayla.”

Jeff glared at me. “You be caref-”

“Have you told her about the ring yet?” I interrupted.

He clamed up immediately, looking away from me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re a terrible liar,” I chastised. “I assume she doesn’t know because it’s a lie of omission?”

“There’s nothing,” he said, doubling down.

I frowned. “The Twinned Rings of Gareth and Lyonesse. To Kayla, it’s a set that gives her 10% of your stats and you 10% of hers. To you, the knight, it sacrifices your life for hers should her hit points drop to 0. Does your honor-bound ass know what I’m talking about now?”

After a few seconds of silence, Jeff sighed. “She doesn’t know.”

I watched him out of the corner of my eye. “During my conversation with Kayla, she asked me how I saw her. Did she tell you that?” Jeff nodded, so I continued. “Without you at her side, she never regains the spark that makes her who she is. You being here today is nothing short of a miracle, even in the grand scheme of things, but you have to think this: what would she do if she lost you now? What would she do if her lack of skill, caution, whatever, directly caused your death?”

“… Nothing good,” he admitted.

“Right. She might keep going now that she’s so ingrained in Sol Ligatus. I could see it happening, but it won’t be the same. She will live with that heartbreak every damn moment,” I said, keeping my voice soft. “I’m not saying to give up the ring – I wouldn’t, if our positions were switched and it was Sara down here – but Kayla has to know the stakes.”

“If I tell her, she’ll take it off,” he countered quietly. “Then, it won’t be protecting her anymore.”

“Then you’ll die in her place.”

“I think you know what kind of man I am at this point, Anthony,” he scoffed. “You know I’ll make that trade any day.”

“You do and not only will she be sad, but I’ll be in a lot of trouble,” I said, and he gave me a look. “Don’t you remember my response back when you opened the box? She’ll know I knew what it does. Hell will rain down on me.”

“Yeah, she’s smart like that, isn’t she,” he said darkly with a half-smile.

“Just… at least consider it?” I asked. “She’s got to go out there anyway. Get in fights, learn, lose, get stronger. The ring is only going to break her, and it seems like it’s already breaking you. You’re worried any time she gets hit, and it’s not just because you’re worried she’s hurt. You’re worried it’ll kill you. That’s a lot on anyone’s plate, man.”

Jeff just nodded. “I’ll consider it.”

“Thank you. I’d like it if you told her, but I’m leaving it up to you. You’ll either do the right thing, or you won’t.”

“There’s only one right thing,” he said.

“Keeping Kayla safe, sure,” I replied with a nod. “But you’re training her, right? You and Jamie?”

“Every day,” he confirmed before looking away again. “Kay’s not as quick to pick up the physical stuff as she is everything else, but she’s trying hard and she uses her abilities in clever ways. She’s just not ready to fight on her own yet. Not at a high level.”

 “I understand, Jeff.” I placed a hand on his shoulder. “It’s only natural to worry, and you’ve got a big helping worrying about Kayla, yourself, and Corwin.”

“Nothing better happen to my precious boy, either,” he said.

I snorted. “All three of you have been doing a bang up job and I expect more greatness in the future. Things could go wrong, sure, but that’s kind of an everyday risk now. I think you need to take a step back and look at this from another perspective. Talk it through with your wife, man; she knows you better than anyone and I’m sure she’ll understand why you didn’t tell you. She’ll definitely be mad, but it’s gotta be better than whatever you’re feeling right now, right?”

It took him a few moments to digest my words, but ended up nodding soon after. “Alright. Thanks, Anthony,” he said, and I felt his resolve over our Mental Link. “You’ve given me a lot to think about. I’m glad we had this talk.”

“Just don’t make a habit about it,” I teased, pushing the man just as he had done to me. “Still, this is better than that toxic positivity angle you tried to spin me back in Etson. I’d much rather you be honest, even if remembering that feelings exist is the absolute worst.”

“Sure, Ant, feelings are terrible and I’m deeply sorry that you’ve had to face mine,” he said with a laugh. 

“And I’m sorry I haven’t been around a lot to realize it sooner,” I responded. “This part of the run is hectic, and there’s a lot to do.”

“Water under the bridge,” he said, holding up a fist. With a nod, I bumped it. “You up for running? I feel like running.”

“Sure. Just watch your step and don’t get left behind, old man,” I answered. Before he could reply, I had already taken off. His heavy footfalls behind me followed soon after.