Book 2: Chapter 28: Team Dynamics

Book 2: Chapter 28: Team Dynamics

I'll admit up front this isn't a plot heavy chapter. All the fun violence and scourge is coming soon, though!

Arthur couldn't quite figure Penn out.

When he'd first met his cousin, he was gregarious and outgoing -- no, that wasn't true. The first time he'd met his cousin, Penn had helped ruin Arthur's behind-the-bar juggling act. But of course, he'd been too drunk to link a random bartender with "Earnest Kane".

Now, though Penn no longer acted overtly suspicious, Arthur sensed a new distance between them as they walked the halls toward the commissary. Penn kept calling him 'Kane' and remained unusually silent.

That was fair, considering Arthur had robbed him blind.

He didn't feel bad about it, either. Penn's father had no doubt done far worse by Arthur than he ever could in return. Penn, in fact, stood in place for Arthur's old rank.

He was struck by a sudden thought: Had Calvan never lost his rank, would Arthur have the Master of Combat card?

Perhaps, though it made him feel oddly squeamish as if the cards in his heart rebelled at that thought.

In any case, the silence between them was growing pointed. Arthur decided to break it. "I suppose this means we're competitors again," he said, though he kept his voice light. "First for the Rare egg, and now for this Legendary."

Penn gave him an odd look. "We're not competitors, Kane. We're on the same team. Take this right, here. It's a short cut."

It seemed Penn had used his weeks at the hive to learn its layout better than before.

Within moments they walked into the commissary. Arthur glanced at the pouch of coins Marion had given him... and nearly staggered in pure shock.

"What is it?" Penn must have been watching him like a hawk because he was instantly at Arthur's side. He glanced in the bag and whistled. "You think he'll let us spend it all?"

"I think we could buy out this whole shop and still not spend it."

Good old fashioned paranoid fear made Arthur pull the top of the bag tight. He shoved it into Penn's hands. "You take it."

"Why?"

Arthur stared at him as if he were an idiot. "Because you're the Master of Combat. I'm the craft-skills guy."

Sure, he could throw it in his Personal Space, but he'd dare any pick-pocketers to take from Penn. Arthur had seen him duel before.

Penn gave him an odd look, then shrugged and slipped the bag in his shirt pocket. "Should we go up to a higher level? There would be better goods, there."The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.

"No time. I don't want to risk being left behind when the call comes." Arthur moved past him to the inner store, already browsing.

Just then, the bells began to ring. Not the joyous sounds of announcing a high tiered egg laid, but the sounds of a scourge-eruption.

The seers had been correct.

Whitaker and Valentina arrived as if teleported.

"It's time. Stand up and follow through us through this door. Transport dragons will be waiting on the balconies--"

"But the rest of my team hasn't gotten back yet!" one girl cried out.

She found no sympathy from Whitaker. "They were warned to make ready and be back here. If they want to prove themselves as viable recruits, they'll find their way there. Now, move!"

Late-comers streamed in through the front door, and Arthur was certain any noble who could afford a Legendary could afford to bribe a dragon rider to take them to the eruption. He didn't spare any pity, either.

Everyone at their table stood and got in line for the balcony. It went fast. It seemed the leaders had already planned well in advance.

A small cloud of purples buzzed, hovered, or simply flew in tight circles in the night sky, according to their preference.

Arthur searched the dark sky for a familiar face, but she found him first.

"Tess found boy!" A moment later a four-winged purple swooped down to hover to a stop just over their heads. All drew back, except Arthur who tried not to cringe.

Rider Johanna craned over to look down at him. "Heyya Arthur, surprised to see you here."

What are you doing mixing with Legendary noble recruits? her expression silently asked.

Arthur shrugged and tried to plead with his eyes to keep quiet about it. The problem was, while Johanna might get it... Tess, not so much.

"Tess fly boy!" the purple crowed to everyone within hearing range. "We flied far, far, far..."

Thankfully, Johanna stepped in. "Land, Tess. We'll carry Arthur again."

"Yay!" the dragon did just that.

Arthur decided to make the most of it. From his time at the hive, he'd seen a lot of dragon saddle configurations. Tess was rigged up for two additional passengers aside from her rider.

Johanna stuck her fingers in her mouth and whistled. A moment later another purple, quieter than Tess, but similarly saddled up, landed beside them.

Arthur turned to his team. "I guess we're line jumping. Who wants to ride with me?"