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Wylo stared at the boy with blank eyes. “Hey? Are you ok?” Was that really what he said? He had appeared out of nowhere. The High-duck was so startled that he couldn’t really think. Part of it was because he had lived the past several years away from positive human contact, but most of it was just surprise — surprise that a person would…. Care, maybe? Or just be so bone-headed to do such a thing?

He didn’t speak for several seconds, but then he folded his bloody fingers farther into his arms and cleared his throat. Funny, it seemed choked.

“I am fine, thank you.” He continued to stare at the boy with narrowed eyes. Was it a trick? Was he trying to assess his weakness? Was he spying for that curly-headed girl?

Still keeping an eye on the boy, he nonchalantly leaned back against a smooth, mirror-less part of the wall and hung his head down so that his red-gold hair fell in front of his eyes. He didn’t want to be talked to, he wanted to be left alone. He heard the soft voice of the blind girl speak up, suggesting that they form teams, have a back up plan, and find leaders. The High-duke tried to shrink into a corner, but his shiny silver suit made it impossible.

He did not want to interact with those people. He did not want to talk.

There was no way that he would face those faces. There was no way that they would get him to do anything.

He was on his own, just like it had been for years.

***

“I think it’s a good plan. I’ll go. Anyone with me?” When the last of the words passed from his mouth, Kiark felt stronger; immediately stronger and more sure of himself.

It was then that he understood.

Wylo. 

He had felt that man’s eyes boring into his head ever since he found him in the woods. Somehow, the High-duke made it seem as if his every move required scrutiny. Kiark had only ever looked up to his father, but the father he knew was gone. Waynot Reni was the only man who could make the prince look down at his feet, but he was gone. So maybe that’s why Wylo had such a hold on him. He was his uncle, after all.

But not anymore. The prince was scoffing at himself for his gullibility when the boy — Idiota, was that his name? — passed by him and went up to Wylo. Kiark watched with wide eyes as he asked “are you ok?” He heard his uncle answer in a dry tone, then saw him back away.

The nerve of that kid, Kiark thought. Just then, the blind girl started speaking. He turned his attention to her, and marveled at her train of thought. She had a quick mind, and he agreed. Then:

“I believe Eltar would be a suitable leader!”

It was a girl speaking, and then she leaned over to speak to the blind girl.

Kiark didn’t have anybody to vouch for him, so he suggested himself. “I don’t know if being a prince has anything to do with leadership, but I’m currently in charge of an army.” He didn’t mention the fact that there were also officials in charge of the army. “I promise not to make anyone march, but I offer my services.”

He restrained himself from bowing.

***

Ok, so I just wanted to say I think that after this post I’ll change to first person to get a better feel for my characters, fyi 😉