Chapter 12 Echoes

Ryan looked at the gem that lay in his hand. It seemed out of place in it, with the grime and filth that covered his palm. It seemed an ancient relic not fit to be carelessly given to some commoner like him. And this was meant to be some key to some job that he did not intend to go on at all. Not now. At least. He didn't like the look of that prince, he had the face of someone who knew too many things. You just can't trust anyone like that, let alone do what they say on purpose. But even so, why is he holding it now? Why isn't it back in his pouch? And why can't he sleep?

Ryan's senses does that sometimes, keep him up and alarm him at the slightest hint of danger. It was a bother but has saved his life before, so he has learned to trust it. But this time, he did not understand it. He sensed nothing, no aura, no tricks or traps. It was just a gem, right? He sighed, clutching it once before setting it under his pillow. He'll have to go to sleep at some point. Just then, though, Avery st