The Binder

Nial’s eyes flickered open as lightning cracked the sky, leaving only pain and the luminescent memory of its passing. As his other senses returned, he felt the hard rain soaking him to the core, pain in his limbs, the smell of fire, the roar of thunder overhead. He was on his back, he realised, the flashing sky filling his vision. His breathing came in shallow gasps, and he had no strength with which to move. Rolling his head to the side, he made out the image of a man retreating into the rain before the weight of his wounds dragged his eyes closed.

The high sun scattered thousands of glinting crystals amongst the gentle waves in the bay of Verine. The early autumn breeze blew through the sails of the many tall galleons and heavily laden trading ships in the harbour, on through the city itself carrying the scents of sea salt, street food vendors, and spice merchants. The people of Verine went about their daily lives, the murmur of conversation as well as the occasional shriek of playing children accompanied the hustle and bustle of merchants selling their wares, and labourers transporting goods to and from the various ships and warehouses.

The summer heat had yet to fade, and the inhabitants of Verine still wore their colourful, short, summer garb as they mingled amongst the streets of the Middle Star district, home to wealthy business owners and purveyors of many of the goods brought in by the city’s reputation as the chief naval trading hub this side of the Pentagen Sea.

Among the colourful inhabitants, one figure stood out. Clad in a dark grey travelling cloak with the hood covering their face, they strode through the streets gaining little attention from the citizens of Verine, distracted as they were by their own lives. After some time they arrived outside of a single storey building constructed of pale stone. The sign above the door proclaimed this building to be the establishment of “Windle, Kaird, and Trellum. Traders of fine goods.” The observer watched as several people entered the building through the front door, all dressed in the current fashions and of obvious means.

Nial removed his hood, revealing the face of a greying man with slicked back hair and a neat, pointed moustache. It had been some time since he had visited Verine. The trappings of city life had never appealed to him. However, a city run by pirates and a well renowned hive for scoundrels, rogues, and other ne’er do wells? He could possibly make an exception for Verine. Here we go, he thought. Letting himself into the building, he strode to speak with a young woman behind a sleek, wooden counter.

“Good afternoon.” He flashed a winning smile. “I’m here to see Mr. Windle. Is it through here?” He pointed and began to move towards a door to the side of the room, flanked by two men in leather armour armed with shortswords who immediately blocked his path. Grumbling rose from the clientele sat in wooden chairs around the room.

The woman started “Sir! I’m afraid we can’t let you in without an appointment. There are others ahead of you.”

Nial feigned shock “Oh, I am so sorry.” Still smiling. “Were you not informed? I’m Mr Windle’s old business associate. We used to work together in Hubbard and he invited me to speak with him about a very important trade deal. I simply must get through; I believe I’m already running late.”

“Mr Windle has asked not to be disturbed this afternoon.” the woman insisted, looking Nial firmly in the eyes.

“Perhaps Mr. Windle has asked that because he does not want our meeting to be interrupted.?

“Well I haven’t been told to expect anyone.”

Nial laughed softly, “That’s Windle for you. Always a busy man. I imagine he’d lose that scar under his left eye if it wasn’t a roguish yet permanent feature.” The woman looked shocked, Nial hoped mentioning the scar Windle had received in that narrow scrape with those Ashaxi relic hunters would buy him some credibility. He grinned inwardly. They’d be even more livid if they found out he’d since lost their precious relic on a bad hand of cards.

“Mr. Windle does occasionally forget to tell me things.” The young teller mused.

“We’re none of us perfect. If there’s any trouble, I will assure Mr. Windle that you defended his door with honour and ferocity,” he said solemnly. The clerk still looked uncertain. Nial lined up another of his tried and tested lines.

“Very well, Sir. Let him through.” The guards nodded and moved aside. Pleased, Nial bowed slightly as he thanked the young women. He sauntered casually up to and through the door, shooting the guards a cheerful smile as he passed into the corridor beyond. Roughly halfway down the richly decorated hallway, a sign informed Nial he was standing outside the office of Gerric Windle – Senior Partner. Nial braced himself, beyond this door were answers a long time coming. He knocked twice and a voice from inside called “Enter.”

The office was well appointed. Deep red carpets and rich furniture including a large, dark wood desk, behind which sat a small, middle aged man peering closely at papers spread before him under his bushy greying eyebrows. “Yes, what is it?” the man said without looking up. “Hello, Windle.”

The man stopped and slowly raised his head, eyes growing wide as recognition dawned “Nial?” Windle exclaimed.

“Yes,” the tall man paced slowly around the room, stopping in front of a shelf of colourful ornaments and lifting one to inspect closely. “I can understand why you’d be surprised to see me, after leaving me for dead and all.”

Windle stared incredulously, “What do you mean?” the trader mopped his brow with a handkerchief pulled from his cuff. “The last time I saw you, you were face down in the mud covered in blood. What was I supposed to think? How are you here?”

“I suppose I’m just lucky.” Nial sneered, all traces of humour gone from his voice.

Windle shrank under Nial’s gaze, “Nial, I think there has been some sort of misunderstanding. Perhaps I should call for a drink and we can discuss this.“ He began to shuffle inside his desk drawer, watching with a rising panic as Nial crossed the room to him. Producing a small bell from the drawer, he was unable to ring it before Nial’s arm shot out, faster than he would have expected, gripping Windle’s wrist in his black armour-clad left hand.

“Let’s cut to the chase, Windle.If you think I believe that you being a fancy businessman now means you’ve gone straight, then I’ve got news for you. Why do you think I’m here?”

Panicked eyes ran from the gauntlet and along the rest of Nial’s fully armoured arm. “What are you doing? How would I know?” Windle had to resist leaning backwards away from Nial’s unwavering stare. “I’ve not seen you in years.”

“Two years.” Nial stated flatly, his expression stern “though with you not looking back as you fled I can see why you’d think it was longer.” Nial plucked the bell from Windle’s grasp with his unarmoured right hand, releasing his wrist after he had done so. Windle fell back into his chair, massaging his aching wrist.

“That’s hardly fair, Nial. I could have died!” A gauntleted hand slammed onto the ornate desk, gouging out a small piece from the wood, “I very nearly did!”

“Nial, calm down.” Windle stammered, holding up a hand “Please. This is all a big mistake. Tell me why you’re here and I’ll see if I can help.”

NIal pushed off from the desk and returned to pacing the room inspecting the various contents of the shelves. “I’m here because I have reason to believe that you know where Paedran is.”

Nial watched the emotions flicker across Windle’s face. Confusion, shock, and briefly, was that sadness? Before becoming flat. “I haven’t a clue where Paedren is.” the trader stated “We cut ties years ago.”

“That’s not what I hear. As I understand it, Paedren’s a key part of how you managed all this.” Waving his unarmoured hand to the room in general, Nial approached the desk once more, “Now, Windle. We don’t have to do this the hard way. Consider this a courtesy in respect of our old friendship.” moving his armoured hand to his hip, Nial revealed the hilt of a sword strapped to his waist.

Windle’s eyes lingered on the pommel “A strange courtesy to break into my office and threaten me. That doesn’t seem like you.”

“Times change. Now, tell me…” a knock at the door cut him off.

“Sir?” a muffled voice from outside the door, “I’m here to get your approval on these invoices.” Nial turned to the door and back, locking eyes with Windle, the threat implicit. Approaching the door, he crouched beside it.

Windle opened his mouth but hesitated. “Come back later, I’m busy.”

“But Sir,” the voice came again, “you asked me to come now.” Nial placed his hand on the grip of his sword.

“You must be mistaken!” Windle’s voice was now increasing in pitch as the panic rose in him “Come back later, Sothar take you!.”

“Sir, if I could just…” the door opened a fraction before Nial slammed it shut from the other side. The voice cried out in surprise but the door rattled again. “Sir, is everything alright in there?”

Nial turned back to Windle to find him standing over him, dagger in hand. Damn it, I really am getting old. Nial threw up his left arm as the dagger descended, causing it to skitter along the black metal. Beginning to stand and swinging with his right, Nial’s fist connected with Windle’s side, driving the smaller man to the ground in front of the door. “Tell me where Paedren is or this gets ugly.” Nial growled. The door pushed open into Windle as the person outside tried to get in.

Windle wheezed on the floor, the breath knocked out of him “Can’t… tell you. Paedren would… kill me.”

Nial sighed, “She may not get the chance if you don’t start cooperating.” Dragging Windle to his feet, Nial pushed him against the door. The voices outside became louder and more frantic, he was running out of time. “I’ll ask one more time, Windle. Where is she?” holding on to Windle’s collar with his armoured left hand, Nial drew back his right, fingers spread. Windle struggled to get away, pulling at the metal with both hands, kicking weakly against Nial’s legs as he struggled to breathe. His eyes shot up to Nial’s right hand as lines of blue-white energy began to flicker around it.

Eyes wide, Windle redoubled his efforts to get away trying to choke out cries for help. “Tell me, Windle.” Nial moved his hand closer to Windle’s face, soon Windle’s vision was completely taken up by the energy and its afterimages, Windle could feel the hair on his neck standing straighter as his death approached, the clamour behind the door still boiling. He managed a nod, pleading with his eyes. Nial drew back his arm, and slightly relaxed the grip on Windle’s collar. Trying not to appear too desperate he said “Go ahead, quickly.” .

Windle spluttered and cough, sucking in air. His hands still grasping Nial’s arm. His face became hard, fixing Nial’s gaze he took a deep breath.

Nial reacted too slowly, his hand darting forward as Windle bellowed “Binder!” as loud as his weakened state would allow. Nial’s fist connected and knocked WIndle to the floor, but too late. The cry of Binder was now taken up and echoed down the hallway outside.

Nial grimaced. Glancing at Windle he growled “This isn’t over.” and, after lifting his hood, made for the door. The hallway outside contained several panicked looking men and women in professional looking attire. At the far end of the corridor, a pair of figures in armour rounded the corner, swords at the ready, and began pushing their way towards Nial. Retreating along the hallway, Nial reached a plain-looking door. Pulling on the handle, he found it open, slipping inside and closing the door behind him. A quick glance revealed a store room full of crates, some closest to him revealing folders of paperwork inside. He spied a door on the other side of the room, daylight leaking in around the frame. Holding on to the metal handle, Nial waited. Surely enough, soon the handle was grasped from the other side. At feeling the movement Nial sent a jolt of energy into the handle. A scream came from behind the door followed by a thud. A brief pause before the handle was tried again. Once more a jolt followed by a scream and a thud. Nial waited for a few seconds, listening, pulse racing. When no further attempt to open the door came, he turned, rushing towards the outside door. The handle held fast as he tried to exit. Locked. Swiftly, he drew a thin metal rod from inside his cloak and inserted it into the keyhole. Closing his eyes, he moved the rod slightly as a gentle humming began from the lock followed by a click. Nial grinned in triumph and fled from the building, turned down the alley to the main street, and disappeared into the crowd once more.

Hours later, sitting atop one of the city walls, Nial sat below the main walkway with his back to the wall itself. The commotion he’d cause in Middle Star would prevent him from returning for some time. From his perch near the North Gate he could easily see the crowds still milling around the trader’s office. Many of them would be City Guard. News of an unexpected Binder in the city would cause them to be on high alert. Nial raised his eyes to the sky and sighed “Jewl, it’s been too long since I’ve seen you. You’d know what to do.” He knew there would be no reply, but the silence still saddened him.

As he gazed out over the buildings and into the bay, his mind travelled back to that night two years ago, lying on his back in the mud, the rain pelting his blood-splattered face as he watched the image of Windle disappear into the storm. If you hadn’t come for me then, I wouldn’t be here now he thought. A warm feeling passed through his body, causing the hairs on his arms to stand on end. He smiled, I know. Sentiment won’t get me anywhere right now.

Nial had been watching the traffic through the North Gate since his arrival atop the wall, searching for familiar figures using a spyglass. He had surmised that Windle was still in contact with Paedren, obviously scared of her, and would likely want to let her know Nial was alive and looking for her. The traffic had thinned considerably given the hour, the bulk of business concluded for the day, and Nial patiently waited, searching for some sign of Windle. If he didn’t come, Nial would have to try again at his office. He still had means, though risky, to get to Windle.

Another hour or so had passed and the light was fading with it. Nial sighed and stood, turning away from the street and tucking the spyglass back into one of the pockets lining his cloak. I suppose I’d better get some rest. My joints are already starting to ache. A prickly feeling traced down his left arm I know he thought, I should take better care of myself. The feeling returned, sharper this time. “Ow!” Nial exclaimed “What are you…” He looked left, down towards the cobbled street in front of the gate to where a carriage had just drawn up. He pulled the spyglass from his cloak and extended it, focusing on the carriage which bore the sign “Windle, Kaird, and Trellum. Traders of fine goods” on its door.

That idiot Nial thought. Sure enough, when one of the Guard approached the coach, the window was lowered and Windle’s head popped out, glancing nervously this way and that as he handed over papers. The guard nodded briefly and handed the papers back after inspecting them, calling to the other guards to let the carriage through. Nial smiled in triumph. I’ve got you now, you snake. Grabbing hold of a rope he’d tied to a convenient piece of masonry, Nial gripped it in his armoured left hand, using it to slow his descent as he plummeted to the ground.

The highway North of Verine was a well-travelled trading route kept relatively bandit free by the City Guard. Nial knew he was going to lose time on the carriage, so he needed to be quick. He fell into a steady jog a few meters from the road itself, concealed by the tall foliage so as to not arouse suspicion. Once he was certain he was sufficiently far away from the road and Verine itself, he concentrated, pouring power into his legs that caused his synapses to fire far faster and increased his speed. He dashed through the undergrowth, heightened reflexes giving him enough agility to dance between obstructions. Before long he could make out the gas lamps on Windle’s carriage and slowed to maintain a safe distance. Speed would be of no benefit if Windle knew he was being followed.

Clouds had begun to gather in the pink evening sky by the time the carriage pulled to the side of the road in a nondescript section of the highway. Nial was confused, why here of all places? Quietly, he crept closer to the carriage as Windle along with two guards dressed in leather armour emerged from the inside. Windle spoke briefly with the carriage driver who touched the brim of his hat in acknowledgement. Windle then turned and gestured to his two associates, leading them off road into the woods. Nial began to follow, glancing back to the carriage which hadn’t yet moved. Not far from the treeline, Windle picked up another path, partially covered by the dense vegetation, and trudged along with his guards, seemingly unaware of the shadow stalking them.

Nial waited for his moment, he didn’t know how far Windle was travelling before meeting others. Getting jumpy and stumbling into a large, hostile crowd would not serve his needs. Satisfied no one else was nearby, Nial deliberately stepped on a fallen branch. The ensuing noise, causing the guards and Windle to stop and quickly look towards Nial’s hidden location. On breaking a second branch, the guards whipped their weapons from their hips, shortswords reflecting what little light there was in the late evening air. Nial exhaled. Here we go.

The guards squinted as a flash of light burst from the bushes, the afterimage barely gone before Nial was standing before them, the blade of one shortsword in his gauntleted hand. He twisted, causing the shocked guard to lose their grip as Nial’s other fist connected with the side of their head, forcing them to the ground. The other guard swung their blade, Nial dropped the other weapon and caught the attacking edge with the armour on his left forearm. He kicked, taking the guard’s legs out from under them. The guard let out a cry as they fell and Nial was quickly on top of them, touching his bare fingers to their temple “Sorry about this.” The guard saw the crackling fluorescent energy arc along Nials arm before the world went dark. After seeing to the other guard in the same way, Nial turned to see Windle fleeing into the trees, stumbling against the uneven terrain and foliage. There’s something I never wanted to see again, he thought as he once more increased his speed, gripping Windle by the collar as he caught up.

Windle yelped and flashed a dagger towards Nial, who grabbed Windle’s wrist before it could find its mark. “Windle, dear friend. We really must stop meeting like this.”

“Paedren is expecting me!” Windle gasped for breath, the years had clearly made him soft and unfit. “If I don’t arrive soon, you’re dead!”

Nial plucked the dagger from him and tucked it into his own belt “Unlikely. Even if you have arranged to meet Paedren soon, I doubt very much that you’d have given any messenger you sent information about me.”

Windle gritted his teeth. “So what now?” he asked, locking eyes with Nial. .

“Now you’re going to tell me what I’ve been missing these last two years. Then you’re going to take me to where Paedren is hiding and we’re going to have a little chat, just like old times.” Nial pulled a loop of rope from his belt, after tying Windle’s wrists together, he began pushing him further into the forest.

“Lead the way and start talking. Any sign of calling for help or trying to escape and I won’t hesitate to stop you more forcefully this time”

Windle turned, rubbing his wrists for the second time that day. “What did you do to my guards?”

“They will be fine.” Nial said with a sigh “It doesn’t last that long and I’m sure they’ll find their way back to the carriage from there. Now go.”

Windle turned, getting his bearings and then began to walk, all urgency gone from his gait. “How do you know I won’t lead you astray? I don’t take well to being threatened.”

“How could I forget?” Nial stayed closed, almost speaking into Windle’s ear “You’re smart, Windle. You know cooperating is the surest way of you getting out of this in one piece. I’m sure you remember how I loathe idle threats.”

Windle scratched his face with his bound hands, digesting the situation. After a few moments he sighed and said “What do you want to know?” he asked.

“Let’s start with why I ended up lying in a puddle almost dead that night.” Nial’s reply was almost a growl. “Was it planned?”

“No.” Windle shook his head as he walked. ”Until it happened I’d thought it was just a normal job, like you”

Nial grunted “Well that’s something. Wouldn’t have liked to find out you’re a schemer as well as someone who abandons their friends.”

“I panicked.” Windle said quietly, barely audible above the sounds of the forest. “I thought you were dead and I didn’t know what else to do.”

“We’ll get to that,” snapped Nial “Let’s start from the beginning.”

“Alright.” Windle took a breath “We’d reached the site as planned. We spoke on the way there about what we were going to do with the money that Ochesian guy was going to pay us.” Nial smiled behind Windle. The trip to the ruin had been like many of their other jobs. The three of them sharing stories as they travelled, enjoying each other’s company as they had on so many other jobs. “That’s right. You said you were going to take up residency in a Verinian brothel until the money ran out.”

Windle cracked a small laugh “I did. You said you…”

“I know what I said.” Nial interrupted, “What happened inside?”

Windle screwed up his face in frustration.“Paedren and I went inside as usual. She was always the best with locks and traps, and you stayed outside as lookout. You said you felt a storm coming and always enjoyed the feeling before summer rains.” Nial remembered it. The sun was just descending behind the horizon as they arrived at the stone ruins. Partially reclaimed by the surrounding wilderness, he recalled thinking they were of unusual design. Not something he had encountered in that region before that time. The sky had an orange tinge as dark clouds had begun to roll in. Hot and sweaty from the trip, he’d wanted a chance to cool off while Paedren and Windle gained access. They’d call him if they needed him. “The next thing I remember you came screaming out of there before I was knocked to the floor by some sort of explosion.”

Windle stumbled over something lying in the path “Yes,” he said after he recovered “we followed stairs downwards and after clearing away some rubble we found a door leading inside. Paedren made quick work of the lock and we were in. I said I’d fetch you, but she told me not to bother you.”

Nial frowned in the darkness “Didn’t that make you suspicious?”

“It did, but she hadn’t given me any reason to suspect her before. How was I to know? I thought she wanted to give you more time topside. She always worried about you working too hard.”

“Fine.” Nial replied “What happened after that?”

“Most of the ruin was clear, or full of mouldering trash that was no use to us. The normal stuff left to rot in old abandoned places, you know? I was starting to wonder if the job was a bust before we found the room.”

“What room?”

“It was near the back of the ruin.” Windle glanced back over his shoulder “No door, but the inside was covered in arcane symbols. You’d have loved it.”

That was true, at least. Nial was often picked for these jobs because of his interest in the arcane. Though he’d never studied as a mage, he’d pursued a casual interest which made him useful on jobs like this one. “What else was there?” he asked.

“That’s the strange thing, Nial. I don’t remember. Last thing I can recall is Paedran going inside after again refusing to let me get you. She crosses that threshold and, poof, nothing. Next thing I know I’m standing over you in the rain, thinking you’re dead, looking at the smoking crater where the ruins used to be. So I ran.”

Nial stopped walking. “What? You don’t remember anything?” Windle turned when he noticed Nial had stopped. “No.” he shook his head “Not a thing.”.

Nial’s brain raced, what would cause a person to lose their memory of an event? Yes, there were spells which were capable but he’d never known Paedren to have even the faintest inkling of any magical ability. “So how did you get back in contact with her after this?”

“She approached me.” Windle replied “Found me at a dive in Verine. I’d been doing odd jobs around town trying to keep above water, or below ale anyway. I’d run into some trouble with one of the pirate crews and was trying to lay low. She strolls right up to me like nothing happened and offers me a job. Says she’ll set me up for life with an honest business.”

“What did she want in return?”

Windle shrugged as he walked “She just told me she wanted a share of the business. Didn’t want to get involved but had the connections to make it happen.”

Nial considered this. Paedren had never been someone concerned with wealth, she’d always made out that she went on their jobs for the thrill of it. She never seemed happier than when she was breaking through some noble’s elaborate security measures or skillfully lifting items from unsuspecting marks. Even that job in Hubbard she’d whooped and hollered as they escaped on horseback but frittered away her substantial part of the cut on reckless gambling and drink all the while seemingly indifferent to the joys others found in such hedonism. “Just money?” He asked.

“Just so. I jumped at the chance. A steady income, respect, no more scrabbling for jobs, it sounded too good to be true.”

“Offers like that often are. So where is she now?”

“She’s got a place out here.” Windle nodded in the general direction they were walking “The Golden Claw. A gambling den of sorts.”

“In the woods?” Nial’s disdain was evident “Why not back in the city? Gambling is legal in Verine.”

“Not like this, it isn’t.” Windle’s laugh contained no trace of mirth.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll see when we get there. It’s not much further now.”

“Windle, if you’re about to lead me into a group of…”

“Calm down,” He interrupted, “we’re not heading to the main entrance.”

Night had fully arrived in the time the reunited friends had been walking. The clouds combined with the advancing hour had robbed all but the faintest light from beneath the forest canopy, which rustled as the wind began to pick up. Nial had denied Windle’s request to light a torch, not wanting to risk being seen as they approached Paedren’s location.

Through the cover of the trees they eventually spied a mid-sized stone building situated in a clearing. From the rear, it was nondescript but for a single wooden door next to which stood the outline of a man leaning with his back to the wall. An ember traced from the man’s lips down to his side as he exhaled a swirling lungful of smoke into the night air. The glow of torchlight created a penumbra around the walls, and the sound of chatter became louder as they approached. Nial placed a hand on Windle’s shoulder as they approached the clearing “Wait” his voice hushed “That’s close enough for now.”

Windle stopped, turning to look at Nial “What is it?” he whispered back.

“I need to plan how I’m going to get in there.”

“Oh,” Windle seemed surprised. “I thought you’d just…” a hint of bitterness in his voice, he held up his bound hands and wiggled his fingers in the gloom “You know.”.

Nial looked at him flatly “It doesn’t work like that.”

“Well, how does it work?”

“I don’t have time to go through it with you now, Windle. She’s in there?”

“Usually, yes” The small man replied, sighing “She has an office near the back.”

Nial gave a short nod “And the guards?”

“Numerous and mighty.” Windle grumbled.

“Look, Windle,”

“No, you look, Nial.” He hissed “I’ve thought you were dead for the last two years and now you show up in my office, a Binder and threatening me. You ambush me and drag me through the woods demanding answers all to get to Paedren. I know she’s important to you, Nial and you want answers on why we abandoned you, but I’ve had to deal with the guilt of leaving you for two years. I’ve grieved. It’s a little difficult for me to accept that my once friend is now threatening to kill me without telling me why.”

Windle finished his speech and stared at Nial, his shoulders rising and falling with his now heavy breaths. Nial stared back, eyes wide. The outburst had been unexpected; Windle had used to be such a quiet, unassuming fellow, on jobs he would always be trying to win the approval of both Nial and Paedren, never asking for plans to change to suit him. To think that his actions had pushed his friend this far caused Nial to re-evaluate his actions. “You’re right.” He said, keeping his voice low. “I’m sorry, Windle. Perhaps I have been too heavy handed up to this point.” He pulled Windle’s hands towards him and untied the rope. “You can go. I’ll take care of things here and I’ll come and find you for a drink when I’m done.” he handed back the dagger.

Windle tucked it at his waist and rubbed at his wrists “I don’t know what you’re planning, Nial, but be careful. Paedren’s not who she used to be.” Nial smiled sadly in the darkness “Neither am I.”

The darkness covered Nial’s approach as he crept to the edge of the treeline. The man against the wall continued to smoke, staring contemplatively into the middle distance. As Nial got closer, the small amount of light allowed him to make out the man’s clothing. He was dressed smartly, but his posture didn’t indicate this was from habit. A uniform, then. Upon the lapel of the man’s coat, a glint caused by the man’s cigarette caught Nial’s eye. A badge, perhaps? He lowered his hood and adjusted his weapons and armoured arm to hide them as best he could. Time to turn on the charm, I think.

Nial left the trees walking directly for the man, who was now staring at him, confusion in his eyes. “Ahhh, that’s much better.” Nial beamed with all the friendliness he could manage. “Hang on, this isn’t the front entrance. I must have gotten turned around!” He laughed. The man by the door stood straight, flicking his ember into the grass. Approaching Nial with a slightly menacing gait he asked “What are you doing around here?”

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry, my friend. I came outside for a breath of fresh air and thought to answer a call of nature, but I seem to have wandered too far in the wrong direction.” Nial added a slur to his words and swayed slightly as he spoke. Just a few more steps.

“I’m not your friend and you’re not supposed to be here.” The man growled, reaching out for Nial’s arm. As he got close, Nial lashed out with amazing speed, catching the man’s wrist and twisting it with his armoured left hand. Before the man could cry out his right hand snaked through the man’s flailing limbs and delivered a jolt of blue-white energy to his temple. Causing the man to collapse. “Such diligence.” he said, lowering the now unconscious man to the floor “Don’t worry, I’ll let myself in.”

The interior of the den oozed opulence, Nial kept close to the edge of one of the larger rooms, eyes roving over the clientele. His newly acquired coat had provided him with a set of keys, a basic, ill-fitting disguise, and a new name, Gerthan. That poor man. He had been forced to abandon much of the armour on his left arm to ensure the coat fit. However, the gauntlet remained and he now tried to keep it out of sight.

Passing through what he assumed was the kitchen to get here, the other staff hadn’t paid him a second glance, all seemingly too busy with their work. Nial could feel his heart in his throat. After so long searching, there was now a chance he’d see Paedren face to face. He’d rehearsed the moment hundreds of times over the last few months since he’d heard the rumours of her being spotted in Verine, but now that it was almost here he had trouble finding the words.

He shook his head. Stay focussed he thought. From here, he couldn’t make out the games the patrons were playing, but dared not stray too far from the edge of the room and risk discovery. The clientele all seemed to be fairly rich, and very drunk. He was sure many were residents of Verine, merchants, politicians and the like. Movement from outside of the main crowd caught his eye, a woman in a coat similar to the one he was now wearing picked up a small, padded mallet from an ornamental table and used it to strike an equally small gong. The room quickly fell silent. Nial glanced about seeking the reason for this interruption when, from out of a doorway to his right, she emerged.

Nial smiled, even from this distance Paedren was just as he remembered. Her dark hair, greying at her temples was pulled back out of the way, her pale skin reflected the flickering light from the oil lamps. Wearing a well-tailored long, brown coat, she confidently strode to the centre of the room trailed by a gaggle of followers, all of whom wore the standard uniform.

The crowd parted, and Nial made out several sets of cards and dice on the tables which were now exposed. Paedren turned with her arms outstretched, her smile serving to deepen Nial’s own. He had missed her despite everything that had happened.

“Honoured guests,” Paedren’s voice carried across the quietened room “I hope you are all enjoying yourselves.” The crowd roared its approval before Paedren waved her hands to calm them once more “Wonderful. As always, we here at the Golden Claw want to thank you for your patronage.”

“And our coin!” a voice came from the crowd evoking a wave of raucous laughter.

“Yes, and your coin.” Paedren laughed along. “To show our thanks, I would like to offer you a free round of drinks on the house.” Again, the crowd roared its approval, Nial could certainly see why the venue was popular, but what had Windle meant when he implied things weren’t as they seemed? “I’ll now take my leave and let you get back to your fun.” Paedren announced “Enjoy your evening.”

With that, the crowd cheered and resumed their gaming as severs carried full trays of drinks to the tables. Nial watched Paedren move through the crowd, tapping two individuals on the shoulder who promptly stood and followed her as she made for the door from which she had entered the room.

Nial checked that he wasn’t being watched and walked with purpose to the doorway, which led to a corridor beyond. Without looking back, he stole inside, catching a glimpse of one of three doors closing as he did so. He approached the door carefully, the carpeting easily absorbing the sound of his steps. Upon reaching the door, he placed his ear against it, hearing muffled voices from inside.

What now? He thought. He pressed harder against the door, trying to make out what was being said. Instead, his brow furrowed as he heard the sound of stone grinding against stone. Interesting… After a few seconds the sound stopped. Nial counted his heartbeats, he made it to six before the grinding began again giving way to silence a few seconds later. Nial kept counting. After a further 10 heartbeats he slowly tried the door handle. The latch slid away as the door opened. Sloppy. Nial thought. Or maybe overconfident. He cautiously peered inside, slipping through the doorway after confirming the room was empty.

A large desk strewn with papers, multiple bookcases, cabinets, and a brazier burned down to embers greeted him. The brazier struck Nial as odd. The rest of the building, including this room, were lit by oil lamps. No time for that now. He thought as he approached the desk. The papers seemed to be full of numbers in columns, accounting for the den’s finances, he suspected. The cabinets were mostly empty, holding spare changes of clothing, drink, and spare fuel for the brazier. Moving to the bookcases, he was surprised to find several books on the subject of thaumaturgical theory, many of which he’d read himself amongst treatises on finance and gambling, as well as binders of maps for the local area. Nial was puzzled, he could see Windle was correct when he said Paedren had changed.

Clearly Paedren and her party had come through here, but there was no other door. Nial looked around the room, eventually finding what appeared to be scorch marks on one section of stone wall, normal but for the fact the wall contained no lamp. Classic. He thought to himself, retrieving a piece of parchment from the desk and lighting it using one of the oil lamps attached to the wall. Upon holding the flaming paper near the marks a section of wall became transparent, revealing a lever. Expensive. Nial thought, his brows raised in surprise and appreciation. Clearly Paedren was putting Windle’s money to good use.

He pulled the lever and a section of wall began to grind to one side, revealing a stone passageway beyond with steps descending into the earth. Nial extinguished the paper with his boot before following the stairs down.

Nial crept quietly but quickly along the long stone corridor deep beneath the ground. He had been walking for some time, marveling at the effort and confused by the need for a tunnel this long. He heard voices coming from up ahead and guessed he must be catching up to Paedren. The voices became clearer as he approached “…and of course, your donation is greatly appreciated. You can be sure I will contact you as soon as a suitable partner is found for both of you.” Paedren’s voice echoed slightly in the tunnel.

“Thank you, Lady Dione.” A gruff male voice said “I look forward to it.”

“As do I.” Paedren was using her charming voice. The one Nial had taught her to better sucker in marks. Whatever was happening, she was playing these people. The talk of partners concerned him, but his thoughts were interrupted as he entered a large, well lit room. Paedren and her two associates were standing next to a large pile of various objects.

From his viewpoint, Nial could make out jewellery, clothing, pieces of furniture, a plethora of ornaments made from different materials, blades of all kinds, even shields and pieces of armour. All together he was sure it must be worth a small fortune, but why store it like this? It was then he heard it. A barely imperceptible hum which lay just at the edge of his hearing. He looked again at the pile, a rune here, a gleam in the torchlight there. These items were all magical in nature.

Nial gasped. The sheer concentration of magical energy she was amassing here was dangerous. Much more and it would reach a critical mass resulting in a tremendous explosion of energy. Was that her plan? He hesitated. He needed to find out what was happening and warn someone. He turned to leave, causing a skittering of stone in his haste. “Who’s there?” Paedren called Damnit Nial cursed himself and concentrated, funnelling power into his legs once more. He began to run, but got no more than two steps before he heard a roaring sound accompanied by the walls of the tunnel becoming illuminated in orange and red.

A burst of great energy slammed against his back. His increased momentum caused him to careen forwards, bouncing off the stone floor as he did. Face down, he groaned. He heard footsteps approach before a boot rolled him onto his front. He looked at Paedren, flames dancing along her right arm. “Oh,” She cooed, her expression becoming amused. “Hello, husband.”

Pain awoke in Nial’s skull. He could hear the rain outside, gently drumming against the window pane, no longer below ground then. He opened his eyes. finding himself back in Paedren’s study. Trying to move his limbs, he found he’d been tied to a chair by his wrists and ankles. “Back with us, I see?” He turned to find Paedren leaning against her desk. “Sorry for the precautions, Darling, but you understand.” Her voice was smooth and calm, almost playful.

“Paedren,” Nial shook his head to try and clear away some of the fog “What’s going on? What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing, love.” She replied, coming to stand in front of Nial. “I thought you were dead.”

“I’m hearing that a lot today.” Nial grimaced “What are you doing with all of that magic down there? You’re going to get people killed.”

“Well, yes.” Paedren smiled, “That’s kind of the point.”

“What?” Nial exclaimed, aghast at what he’d just heard “Why?”

“I thought you of all people would be able to understand that, darling.” Paedren gestured to Nial’s left. In the confusion, he hadn’t noticed that his coat had been removed. His arms and hands lay bare under the rolled cuffs of his shirt. His left appeared blurry to look at. The definition of his flesh gone, replaced instead by a fuzzy approximation, as if viewing his arm through frosted glass. Nial’s gaze moved from his arm to Paedren. He knew the extent of his dissociation went far beyond his arm. In truth, much of his body had now succumb to his power.

“Oh, don’t look at me like that.” Paedren rolled her eyes “You’re not so special, you know.” She reached up to the high collar of her shirt, pulling it down to reveal the charred, blackened skin of her neck and shoulder.

Nial’s jaw went slack. “So you’re…”

“A Binder, yes. Just like you. Isn’t this fun? We can share stories about how we met our partners and how the magic is slowly destroying our bodies.”

Nial laughed mirthlessly “You seem at peace with it.”

“Oh, I am. I have a way out.”

“What do you mean?” Nial narrowed his eyes “Is that what that death pile is for?”

“So clever.” Paedren gave mock applause “I’m sure I’d have known sooner if you were around. It’s quite simple. All that magic is going to cause a huge explosion underneath Verine. The energy from the explosion combined with the sheer number of sacrifices will allow me to ascend and bypass these disgusting weaknesses.” Flames began to curl around Paedren, casting a violent orange glow onto the stonework. Nial was dumbstruck, he stared in disbelief at the wife he thought he knew so well.

“You can even share it with me.” Paedren stroked the side of Nial’s face “We could be together forever. A Binder as far along as you can’t have much left.” She ran a gloved finger along his blurred flesh. Her finger seemed to sink slightly into the distortion before it found resistance. “Although you’ve certainly burned through it quicker than most. Even assuming you bonded your partner at the same time I did, that’s dangerously fast.”

“This is madness, Paedren.” Nial whispered “You can’t mean to go through with this.” Nial saw only darkness in Paedren’s eyes as she stood back from him, the disapproval clear on her face.

“I see you’ll need some more convincing. Wait here, I have just the thing.” With that, she turned and left Nial alone with his racing mind.

The binds on NIal’s wrists were tight. He flexed his hands but could barely move. He grit his teeth as he thought of the thousands that could be killed by Paedren’s insane scheme. “Well, Jewl,” he said out loud. “Looks like this might be it. Sooner than I was expecting, but I can’t see another way out. Jewl, I -“The door to the study began to creak open.

Nial tensed, ready for the return of Paedren. She’d surely enjoy what he was about to do. He was ready to blurt out the rest of his speech when Windle’s head rounded the door. “Windle!” Nial hissed. The anxiety on Windle’s face was evident as he backed into the room, breathing quickly. After closing the door, he scuttled over to Nial and pulled out his dagger.

Pausing only slightly to take in the sight of Nial’s left arm, he got to work cutting the bonds on Nial’s wrists “I got worried when you didn’t come back out.” he kept his voice low as he worked.

“How did you get inside?” Nial flexed his fingers as each hand was freed.

“The front door. Easy when they know you.” Windle replied with a wan smile “I’ve seen Paedren, but she doesn’t know I’m here. We need to get out.”

“But why come back at all, Windle? I told you to get out.”

“Consider it a courtesy in respect of our old friendship.” he moved to begin cutting the rope at Nial’s legs.

Nial smiled sadly before becoming more serious “Windle, you need to get back to Verine. There’s a stockpile of magical objects under the city. Paedren wants it to blow and take the city with it. She’s insane and a Binder to boot.”

“What?” Windle asked incredulously “Sure, she’s more intense than she used to be, but she’s not-” He saw the deadpan look on Nial’s face and paused.

“I’ve seen it and she’s admitted it to me herself. You need to go.”

“What are you going to do in the meantime?”

A flash of lightning briefly illuminated the room, followed almost immediately by a crash of thunder. Nial looked out the window and smiled, “We’re going to stop her.”

Nial sat waiting inside the study, preparing himself for what lay ahead. No problem, he thought. Just take out another Binder while causing minimal damage and loss of life using the limited power I have left. He glanced out of the window “Nothing to it, right?” He could hear the uncertainty in his own voice. He glanced once more at the rope around his wrists. He’d had Windle replace it to look as if he was still restrained, but he tried to move as little as possible so as not to upset the placement.

Minutes later, Paedren returned, carrying a book in one hand and a bottle in the other. “Still comfortable, darling?” She smiled, approaching the chair and holding out the book. “I brought you some reading material to pass the time. It’s by a man called Higertz. Do you know him?”

Nial looked from the book to Paedren “Higertz was a hack whose theories on Binding were disregarded as lunacy decades ago.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Paedren had moved to the desk and was uncorking the bottle. “Maybe he just got too close to the truth people don’t want to hear.”

“Is this where you got your unhinged theory, Pae?”

Paedren turned “You know, keep talking like that and I won’t be able to let you share in the ascension, my love.” Lightning flashed outside once more, Nial’s eyes flicked to the window. “Oh!” Paedren exclaimed, “How rude of me keeping you here. You must get so few opportunities to speak with your partner. Such a shame I can’t let you outside.”

“Quality over quantity.” Nial sniffed “It must be terribly dull for Fire Binders to have access to their partners whenever they wish. It must really make the relationship seem dull.”

Paedren crossed the room and leaned down to be face to face with Nial “Do not speak ill of-” Nial’s arm shot towards her face, emitting a bright flash as it did so. Paedren cried out and stumbled backwards as Nial rose from the chair.

Immediately he turned and ran, crashing through the window with a leap into the driving rain and billowing wind. He rolled across the sodden ground, coming to lie face up towards the sky. Lightning forked, tearing across the sky forming, in Nial’s eyes, the face of a woman that smiled down at him. “Nice to see you again, Jewl.” He grinned.

“Nial, I must say that you are being incredibly reckless.” The flickering, white-blue outline of a woman appeared next to him.

“I know, Jewl. As usual.” The wall of the building exploded outwards, Nial dove to avoid the flying shards of masonry. Paedren emerged, positively glowing with rage, flames swirling around her.

“Nial!” She shouted “Don’t fight this. Don’t you want to be with me forever?”

Nial stood “You expect me to believe that’s what you really want after you abandoned me two years ago?” He shouted to make himself heard over the storm. “You’ve made your intentions perfectly clear, Pae.”

“I couldn’t have known you’d survive my bonding.” she cried “Windle also thinks you’re dead. He’s here, you know. In Verine. I can take you to meet him.”

Nial’s chest tightened. He’d not wanted to believe that the event two years ago was intentional. That she’d deliberately sought this power and disregarded him. “Your words ring hollow, Pae. After what I’ve seen today I can’t let you continue.” Nial fell into a ready stance.

“Fine.” Paedren’s arms began to glow red, thrusting them towards Nial, balls of fire streaked at him leaving him barely enough time to dodge.

She is attacking you Nial. We should fight back.”

“Yes, Jewl. I can see that.” Nial stood with some difficulty, the rain sticking his shirt to him.

“You’re even older and slower than I remember you, Nial.” Paedren taunted, her smirk barely visible in the firelight “Careful not to hurt yourself.”

At that moment there was a flash of light and Nial appeared in front of Paedren, “Fast enough for you?” The pair moved back and forth exchanging blows, flashes of orange and white lit the night around them. “Why do this, Paedren? Power? Eternal life? Those things are myths!” Nial planted a flat palm firmly into Paedren’s shoulder, causing her to stagger backwards but she unleash torrents of fire from her fingers as she did so. Nial recoiled as the flames licked against his face.

“They’re not myths, you just don’t want to see the truth.” She spat back, leaping forwards and driving Nial further to the ground with a kick to his chest.

“The truth that I wasn’t enough?” Nial could barely be heard over the storm. Paedren froze, the flames swirling around her becoming dimmer in the darkness. Nial could see her face reflected in the flames, straining as if against some great force.

”Nial, that’s not what happened. Help me.” Paedren’s pleading voice was at odds with her aggressive posture and taut features.

Standing, Nial tried to approach her but was pushed back by a blast of heat as the flames renewed and Paedren, after missing only a beat, flew at him once more. “Pae,” he breathed heavily as he struggled to defend against her raging attacks “Pae, what’s going on?” Steam rose from Paedren as she roared, long claws of flame leapt from her hands and she slashed at Nial, who cried out in pain as he was driven backwards, falling once more to his knees.

“I am becoming a god, you worthless little man. You have volunteered yourself as my first sacrifice.” Nial looked up, behind the glowing Paedren, a group of staff and customers had begun to form no doubt drawn by the noise. He would have to end this quickly to avoid more casualties.

“Jewl, let’s go.” Nial pushed himself to stand.

“Are you certain?” Jewel asked, “This could be the last. The dissociation is already…”

“I know the risk. Do it.”

“Very well.” The outline of Jewl streaked towards Nial, impacting his chest with a crack of thunder and a flash of light. Nial stood, surrounded by crackling white-blue energy, eyes glowing, his exposed flesh snapping back into hard focus.

Paedren scoffed “You think that will save you?” Nial disappeared, arcing from raindrop to raindrop, a ribbon of energy striking Paedren hard before reappearing in his original spot.

“Not me, no.” Nial growled, his voice now layered with a higher, slightly distorted tone.

Lightning flashed around Paedren accompanied by great peals of thunder. Flailing around her, Padren threw fire in all directions. Screams came from around the den as large sections of it succumbed to the magical flames. The crowd fled, running into the dark, wet forest. NIal reappeared in front of Paedren, breathing heavily. Little sparks of energy flew from his body into the pouring rain.

“Pae, this needs to end. Is this why you sought a binding? To cause all of this death?”

Paedren, slumped over in the rain, flames dimming, began to laugh “What I sought is irrelevant, my darling.” The leering grin across her face chilled Nial more than the driving rain “Who I was is irrelevant. There is only the future and my ascension.” Paedren straightened, drawing in the flames from around her and seemingly grew in size.

Towering above even the den now, a giant of roaring flames thrust a burning fist towards Nial who blinked a short distance away to avoid it. Nial could feel the intense heat as Paedren turned to him once more, slinging giant fireballs at him and destroying part of the den as he blinked away. He grimaced, the strain of the bond was pulling him apart. Every time he thought.

Blinking into the air above Paedren, Nial called on his bond to channel shafts of lightning into the mass of flames, each blast leaving after images in his vision. Paedren stumbled backwards, falling atop the den, crushing the structure and setting it ablaze in full. Nial continued the assault, flashing around the fallen Paedren, seeming to pull lightning from the sky itself as he appeared for a fraction of a second at a time, slamming bolts into her. Paedren roared into the night releasing flames all around her to try and catch the blitzing Binder.

Nial stalled, coming to a halt as pain ripped through him, the bond was finally taking its toll. Paedren jumped at the opportunity and plucked Nial from the air as he battled the effects of his exertion. Flames licked along his skin as he struggled, scorching and charring his flesh. “I will not be denied.” Paedren’s words blew over him like an arid desert wind.

“Pae, please. ” Nial struggled to free himself “This can’t be you.” Again, Paedren froze. The flames dimmed slightly and as they did Nial could make out her face beneath them. She looked terrified.

“I can’t stop him, Nial. You have to-” She dropped Nial to the floor, the impact knocking the wind out of him. At that moment, he and Jewl separated, the sparks around him winking out.

Nial looked up at Paedren standing over him, her smile one of malice and ill intent, marred by the freshly charred skin across her face. “So now you know.” she said. “Poor Paedren hasn’t been herself for quite some time now.” The creature held Paedren’s hand up to her face, fire tracing along her fingers. Nial felt weak, his limbs too heavy to move. “Such a shame that she couldn’t be convinced to cooperate. This would have been so much easier.” The creature sighed theatrically “Never mind. I suppose I’ll just have to give her another lesson in what happens to people who stand in my way.”

The creature raised a burning hand, finger tips pointed down at Nial ready to strike. Nial braced himself, he regretted wasting the limited time he had as a Binder. If he’d not frittered away his powers so quickly, perhaps it wouldn’t have come to this. He locked eyes with the monster inhabiting the body of his wife “I’m sorry, Pae.”

The creature laughed. “You may have taken me by surprise before, but I won’t let that work this time.” Their body tensed as the creature raised Paedren’s hand to deliver the killing blow that never came. A knife in the dark, plunged into Paedren’s back. The creature opened Paedren’s mouth to shriek, yet no sound came. Stumbling forwards, Paedren’s blood dried and cracked as it flowed freely from the wound. Windle slashed across the creature’s throat, it’s surprise evident on its face as fire burst from its fingers, blasting Windle back.

Nial’s eyes flickered open as lightning cracked the sky, forming the pained face of Jewl. He coughed weakly. “Here we are again.” he whispered, smiling. Jewel appeared next to him, a flickering outline of arcing electricity. She knelt beside him, stroking his face though he felt nothing.

“Nial, I cannot save you this time.”

“I know.” Nial coughed again “I’m too far gone. I can feel it.” Jewl looked down at Nial, taking in the blurred, fuzzy outline of the skin on his face and arms. Even the colour of his eyes had begun to bleed into the surrounding whites.

“Is that your partner?” Windle’s burned face entered Nial’s field of vision, his thinning hair stuck to his head by the rain.

“Yes,” he replied. “Jewl.” His voice was becoming weaker. “What happened to Paedren?” he asked.

Windle looked away, taking a few moments before simply stating “She’s gone.”

Nial took a deep, shuddering breath. His anger at her for abandoning him had evaporated, replaced only with sorrow for her situation. “Did you get the word to Verine?”

“Aye. I sent my men in the coach.” Windle smiled sadly, a pregnant pause between them. “I’ve heard stories of Binders. What happens to their bodies with the power.”

Nial’s chuckle ended in a fit of coughing. “There’s more than one reason people think we’re monsters.” He looked at Jewl “There are some advantages, though. A good partner can change your life.” Windle followed Nial’s gaze to the seemingly empty space beside him.

Another long pause followed, Nial’s laboured breathing and the remnants of the fire the only sounds. “Maybe I should be off.” Windle said, groaning as he stood. “Still on for that drink later?” he said calmly, though his smile betrayed his remorse.,

“Of course,” Nial winced as he tried to sit up “Though I might be later than intended.”

Jewl turned to him “Nial, I think it unlikely you will be able to join him” but Nial gave no sign that he heard her.

“I’ll just start without you.” Windle replied.

Nial eyed Windle’s singed clothing and burns. He’d be in pain for some time. “Thank you for coming back, Windle.”

Looking down at Nial and then quickly away, Windle simply responded “I figured I owed you after last time.” With that he limped into the night without looking back.

Nial coughed violently, covering his mouth with his ill-defined hand. As he pulled it away from his face, he saw his fingers begin to dissociate. “This looks like it.” looking into Jewl’s white-blue eyes he smiled “Goodbye, Jewl. Perhaps next time, partner with someone who isn’t quite so reckless.”

“I have experienced much of this world through you, Nial.” Jewel’s gaze was unreadable as it often was “I believe I made the correct choice.”

“That’s good to hear.” he said, laying back on the scorched earth and closing his eyes. His mind returned to his days on the road, the smiles and excitement of his life with Windle and Paedren and finally his last two years with Jewl. Uncountable memories and emotions span through his mind as little by little, uncountable tiny particles escaped the bonds of his being and scattered into the wind leaving behind only the memory of his passing.

The End