The Paths We Take

The Bonds of Loyalty

Mia's POV

I wake up that morning, and get out of the tree I had been sleeping in.

I make sure that my backpack is tightly slung, and continue my way back.

I sigh out loud.

It's going to take a day to get there again... I don't know if my body can take it...

But I keep on going.

For Drake and Grayson.

Grayson's POV

A female enters my cell the next morning, looking excited.

I don't know why, exactly.

The limp, bloody figure lying down in the corner wouldn't usually be such a blast.

Though, then again, I know this person. And I can't say I'm exactly too happy.

"Grayson the ex Commander." She breathes, looking me over. "It's such a thrill to finally see you again."

"Well that's new." I grunt, glaring up at her. "Usually anyone who sees me wants to kill me."

"Well that's not a surprise, considering you betrayed the Empire." The woman pouted at me. "You could have had a much better life than the one you chose. And for what? An egg that we now currently have in our grasp anyways."

"Tell me something I don't know." I growl.

"You threw away a perfectly good life..." The mercenary got closer. "You also threw away me."

"Look Eve, I said no, okay?" I sit up as she nears. "You weren't right for me."

"But we were, Grayson!" She wails. "You were a mercenary, I was a mercenary, it would have been perfect! But instead, you had to run off with that... farmer's daughter, when you could have been with one of the most powerful assets in the entire Imperial army!"

"Power isn't everything, Eve." I growl, shifting slightly away as she reaches me. "But even if it was, it wouldn't matter. You were a lower rank than me, Eve. I was commander. You were an apprentice at the time."

"Notice how you said were?" Eve grinned. "Guess who's now Major of the Army. Not so strong now, are you, mister commander."

"The only reason you are now of a higher rank than me is because you have no heart." I hiss in return. "I could never kill innocent people."

"Then why did you, Grayson." Eve whispers into my ear. "Why did you?"

"Because..." But for once, I have no answer. "Because..."

"What a pity." Eve shakes her head, and retreats. "I guess now you won't have an excuse to tell your elf friend when they release you."

"What?" I gasp.

"The Emperor has given Drake a decision. If he agrees to the terms, you're free to go. Otherwise, we keep you here. Too bad Drake doesn't know that I have good connections, and I could keep you unscathed. Then maybe he'd reconsider."

"What do you mean?!" I yell, but she closes the door, and walks away.

"Urgh!" I yell in frustration, and slam my hand against the wall.

Whatever goes down today... I have a feeling it's gonna be bad for both of us. Me and Drake alike.