AllFreeNovel
Share Us
They had taken in roughly fifteen or twenty prisoners. He was surprised by how little they fought back. It was like all the fight had been sucked out of them before they’d arrived, which was probably for the best. It would’ve been completely useless for them to try to fight. It was always harder to watch the ones who still had fight left in them. They eventually broke, but it was always a painful journey.
A lot of them looked too young to fight, but there were a few grown adults in the mix. Their labor would be useful this winter. Rysburg was still recovering from a nasty virus several months prior. It had wiped out a large percent of the workforce before they had gotten it under control.
Nik couldn’t help but size up each of them that had come through. He mentally sorted them into the jobs for which they’d be best suited. The youngest ones would likely weave or sew, possibly help in the daycare. Safer jobs that took little muscle or endurance. The older ones would help in the greenhouses or on the farms. Eventually, if they assimilated, the sturdy men could help with scouting missions, hunting, and war efforts. But they’d have to earn that trust first.
In all his years working in the prison, he’d seen very few people assimilate. Not that it was a surprise. Demolishing villages created animosity. Nobody truly expected them to join Rysburg’s community. They would simply use the prisoners for their labor until old age or disease claimed them.
Nik’s breath was visible in the frigid air. He was almost to the door of the pub when he heard footsteps running up behind him. Before he could turn around, a pair of hands landed on his shoulders, shaking him gleefully.
“Just the man I was hoping to see.”
“Hello, Marcus.” Nik was a little less enthusiastic. Marcus wasn’t necessarily a friend. They had worked together for many years. Nik didn’t have many friends, though, so he tolerated the man’s company, no matter how grating he could be. “Glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it! Spending time with my pal.” He patted Nik’s back in emphasis. “Where else would I be?”
Nik narrowed his eyes with a little more annoyance than he meant to. “At home with your wife, maybe? I’m no expert in relationships, but I think I’d want to spend more time with my new wife if I were in your position.”
Nik knew what it was like to go home to an empty house and a cold bed. He wouldn’t take it for granted if he ever found someone to hold and cherish.
Marcus gave him a serious look. “Nik, do you want to spend time with my wife?” He laughed when Nik’s jaw dropped. Not at all the point he’d been trying to make. “Man, you are tense tonight. Let’s get you a drink.”
They stepped into the Spotted Salamander, the lone pub in the town of Rysburg. It was primarily visited by lowlifes and young men. It was perfect for Nik. A bit crowded tonight, but that was normal for the end of the week.
Marcus spotted two open stools at the dark wooden counter and squeezed through the crowd while Nik followed. The pub was full of guards, likely celebrating their victory. Nik had heard there were a few losses, but overall the mission had been a success.
One of the men called out to him, “Nik! Where’ve you been? We missed you out there!”
Nik shrugged his shoulders. “Not cleared yet for battle. Doc’s orders.”
Nik was also recovering from the virus that had swept their town. One of the scariest times of his life, and that was saying something since he’d been through a lot of missions and seen a lot of death. It had knocked him on his ass, but he had miraculously pulled through with some rest. The doctor had been monitoring his breathing before he cleared him to go on missions again. It was frustrating for him to stay back while his comrades risked their lives. He was forced to watch over the newcomers instead. Day shifts spent monitoring the greenhouse workers and night shifts were for walking the halls of the prison.
“Ahh, what a pussy.” The soldier rolled his eyes and turned back to his table.
Nik’s lip curved in a snarl and he moved to grab the man from his chair, looking for a fight.
Before he could get too far, Marcus threw out his arm to stop him.
“As much as I’d love to see you kick his ass, I came here for a drink, which I won’t be able to enjoy if you get us thrown out. Don’t listen to him. He hid in the back the whole time. I’m pretty sure I saw him rub his sword in some blood just so he could pretend he contributed. Man is useless in battle and has no room to speak.”
The fire in Nik’s eyes simmered slightly. It was hard being excluded from such an important mission, but Marcus had a point. Nik had contributed far more than this guy ever would. He was the first to volunteer for every mission, and he gave his heart and soul to build and protect this town. He had more kills to his name than this man could count.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Nik was confident he’d get another shot to throw a punch. The Spotted Salamander often got out of control on the weekends. Bar fights were more common than not.
They settled into their seats, and Marcus raised a hand to wave at the bartender. “We’ll take two ales, please.” When the bartender left to grab two glasses, Marcus turned back to Nik. “Of course, I’m right. I’ve literally never been wrong.”
Arrogant son of a bitch.
The bartender came back with their drinks and waited for payment.
“You’re getting this, right?” Marcus asked with a wink. “It’s the least you could do for those of us who had to work hard this week.”
Nik huffed and pulled some coins from his pocket. “Yeah, I’ve got it.” Then he cursed him under his breath.
Marcus paused, about to take a sip. “What was that?”
“Nothing.” Nik hid a smirk behind his glass.
A few drinks later and Marcus was slurring his words while Nik’s head spun.
