The Curse of Thir
Chapter 10

The Watchers moved swiftly along with Bonis cart, they had no cargo now to be wary of, or protect from noisy patrons. Duke Ruiter had escorted Bonifacio as far as the fork separating the Dreag road and that of his estate. He paused to give finale commands to the small troupe he left in his stead.

“When you get to the river you are to turn back and head to your respected posts.”

Bonifacio peeked out from under his hooded black cloak,

“You feelin’ better now Duke? Tha’ blast you took looked surprisingly nasty.” Duke Ruiter snorted and forced his horse into a canter, Delvessa followed close behind sneering over her shoulder towards him.

“Like father like daughter.”

The road was empty as usual, and no noises were heard save for the heavy breathing of the horses and their hooves hitting methodically on the ground. The Dukes men and Boni parted ways with no goodbyes at the bridge. The night had fallen heavily around the wooded road. He did not fear the darkness but he felt unsettled as he neared his compound, something was watching him.

The compound was not as well lit as expected as he entered, two guards stood outside vaguely aware of his approach and their duties.

“You lazy louts get the horse and cart in.” Boni was in no mood for noncompliance so he hit both of them on the head as they past him. They grunted heavily and accepted this. He burst through the doors and made his way past the dining hall where most of his men sat idly with their food. He ignored their questions and went straight for the kitchen where Rocca waited.

“I’m goin’ down there now. You know wha’ to do Rocca. NO one follows.” Rocca nodded and locked the two doors that led into the kitchen. Boni stopped before entering the storage room.

“Where’s Aaraos?”

“No one’s seen him since you left with her.”

“Keep a special eye out for him. He migh’ be feeling extra stupid.”

Rocca nodded as Boni closed the storage room door behind him. There was little to no trust in any Dreag compound, which made the relationship between Rocca and Boni unique. Not that either truly trusted the other, but they each followed a sort of honour system when it came to each other. Rocca owed Bonifacio a debt, and that was it. He was to ask no questions and speak of nothing he ever saw, he was to serve Bonifacio without fail for as long as it took to rid himself of the shackles the debt had caused. His large frame sagged slightly, the pale leathery green skin shivered as he thought back to that day. But he doubted he would live long enough to see his debt repaid.