I charged the burning golem, Knut veering off for the other, when Eryn's voice called out clear and strong from behind me.
“I love you too! Don't do anything stupid!”
A heat fully different than the one I got in combat rushed through me.
Roq's derisive snort echoed in my mind.
“Ugh, human sentimentality. Can we focus on the KILLING, pretty please? There's a place for your smoochy-smoochy, and now is definitely not it!”
“Armor break.”
Roq's head hummed for a single heartbeat and then my hammer glowed red.
The golem's burning arm was held high, keeping the flames away from its own body — a deliberate tactical choice. These monsters were smarter than they looked, and I didn't like it at all. Thinking monsters adapted quicker to dangerous situations, which was eerily human-like.
“Let us DESTROY this walking bonfire! And once it's down on the ground, maybe you can piss on it for effect!”
My cloak whipped in the wind and as an arrow whistled past, catching one of the approaching Glowcaps in the throat. The monster dropped, and a moment later a cloud of toxic spores billowed into the air like, well, a mushroom.
“Nine left!” Eryn called out. “Targeting the next one!”
The burning golem's stride brought it into range. I ducked under a swiping arm the size of a tree trunk, and swung Roq at its knee while bringing my shield up to protect myself.
The golem's knee exploded in a shower of splinters, and the creature's lumbering run staggered to a halt.
“TREE BLOOD!” Roq's satisfaction flooded my mind as the stored power tore through wood like paper. “Feel my love!”
The monster crashed down hard, its burning arm lighting a series of small fires.
Further ahead, Knut's tower shield rang like a temple bell as he deflected a massive blow from his opponent. I knew if it had been me, I'd be thrown across the air like a doll, but that guy had some serious power and know-how.
“Ha!” Knut bellowed. “Hits like my grandmother!”
Another of Eryn's arrows struck a Glowcap, but this time the monster only staggered, and then returned to running, green-tinged spores spurting like blood from its wound.
I ran around my golem when Knut finally found his opening, his mace cracking into the golem's leg with devastating force. He dodged beneath its grasp as it fell to the ground.
“Wait!” Knut said as I was about to run into the caps, and I stopped to look at him.
His eyes flickered between the burning golem and the approaching Glowcaps.
“Have idea,” he said, making us back up, putting the fallen golems between us and the Glowcaps. “Let mushroom men fight with fire at backs.”
“On it,” I replied and backtracked but kept my shield up.
“Little bird!” Knut called to Eryn. “When monsters come, aim for ones trying to go around!”
“What are you waiting for?” Roq said. “Charge them! I want to make them explode!”
“Focus.”
As Knut predicted, the Glowcaps charged between and around the fallen golems, carefully avoiding the burning one.
“What are you doing?” I asked, raising my shield as Knut hung his mace on his belt.
“Watch for big boom,” he said and triggered his ability, launching himself skyward, then landed with earth-shaking force among the monsters, his impact staggering those close to him.
His massive hand shot out and closed around the nearest Glowcap's throat, his shield tight against his side as the others turned on the big northerner and swarmed him.
“Is he mad?” Roq's disbelief rang clear in my mind. “Has the southern air finally overheated his—oh. OH! Now THIS is tactical thinking! Yes! I like him! We need to have a drink later and celebrate his manliness!”
Knut hurled the struggling Glowcap onto the burning golem just as it sat up. It tried to avoid the golem's arm, but the fire had climbed up to its shoulder, and caught on the aerial spores.
The monster exploded, smacking the golem back down, and flames showered the two closest Glowcaps. Their bodies ignited as well as Knut curled behind his tower shield. The monsters erupted, and the warrior was sent flying backwards, rolling past me as I too huddled behind my shield. The blastwave was so strong that it rammed the golem into the ground with such force, that it imprinted on the soil.
I peeked from my shield to find the six remaining Glowcaps scattered across the ground, picking themselves up. Each one had pulled their caps tight against their skulls and necks, stopping their spore release and stopping themselves from blowing up.
“Adaptable monsters,” Roq said. “It doesn't matter what they do. Their blood belongs to me!”
The burning golem's wooden bark had cracked from the explosion, and its entire body was on fire, even the insides.
“That one won't be getting up again. Only a matter of time before it dies and the second goes crazy.”
“Time to slay the Glowcaps! Onward, my trusty steed!”
“Enough, Roq. Please. My head hurts.”
The second golem, which had also caught fire in the explosion, raised its arm towards me, and I dodged to the side, putting a Glowcap between us and raising my shield. The spike slammed into it, knocking me back a step, but as I lowered my shield, I saw the Glowcap collapsing to the ground, a fist-sized hole ripped right through its chest.
The remaining five came at us next.
“Good, no?” Knut said, stepping to my side with his mace back in hand and his beard singed.
I couldn't help but chuckle as I struck the first Glowcap on the side of its head, before hopping back, unsure whether it'd release spores. Knut had three attacking him, striking for their hands and blocking their hits as he walked backwards. He circled around, making sure to keep the caps between him and the rising golem.
“Go left,” Eryn said, not far behind me, and I did. Her arrow struck a monster in the chest and I followed up with two quick attacks. One hit the shoulder, and the other crushed the neck, killing it. The monster's cap remained sealed tight even in death.
“Four left!” Eryn said. “Golem's rising!”
I moved to join Knut, and the day's practice paid off. He kept their attention, his shield deflecting strikes, while I found openings, killing two. When claws slipped past his guard, his armor protected him.
Knut drove the last Glowcap back toward the golem. I winced at its roar and felt the hairs on my arms stand upright as it charged. The northerner kicked the Glowcap in the chest, sending it stumbling into the monster's path. The golem's knee hit it in the back, knocked it to the ground, and then crushed it beneath its weight.
An armor-piercing arrow thudded into the golem’s face, and I headed left to circle around it, Knut going the other way.
“Skill's ready!” Roq said, his eagerness almost overwhelming my focus.
The golem stopped suddenly, looking around as if confused as we surrounded it.
“Armor break!”
Roq's head lit up red as the golem seemed to decide on an action, and raised its leg.
“Stomp!” Knut barked and turned.
But this time I listened to my own instincts and stepped into the attack, striking its other leg before it could finish.
Roq smashed through, breaking away a great chunk in an explosion of steelhusk-like bark and, well, wood.
“WEEE! That's it! Do it again!”
The Golem swiped for me as it fell, and I threw myself toward the arm, narrowly missing the swipe. Even before I landed on the ground, something strange happened. My cloak moved on its own, wrapping tight around my back and arms. Several spikes shot out from the outside, smashing into the golem and pushing me away and to the ground. Knut rushed forward, his mace already glowing, and bashed the Golem's skull in.
“Hammer Lords!” Knut roared, pressing one foot down on the monster, and holding his mace and shield in the air.
“A worthy end,” Roq said. “Though you know I would have preferred the kills.”
“Why so magnanimous?”
“You live for us to fight another day. That has a certain positive flavor. Also, I like the sound of what the oaf said.”
“What?”
“Hammer lord.”
I sighed.
“What about the spikes shooting out from my back?”
“Hmm, maybe we should let another monster almost eat you or something, see if the cloak reacts again. I have no idea what it did and why it did that.”
I rolled over on my back to find Eryn standing over me, a small smile on her face.
“So,” I said. “About what I said earlier?”
“Later,” she replied, but her smile widened. “When we're not standing in a field of burning monsters.”
“Bah! Humans and their mating rituals,” Roq grumbled. “At least there are three gems in these. One in the first golem and two in different Glowcaps.” His tone turned suspicious. “Why are you smiling like that?”
“Because...”
Eryn helped me up and I looked at her and Knut as I squeezed her hand.
“...some things are worth more than gems.”
“Ugh. I wish you were as obsessed with killing things as you are with people.”
“No, you don't.”
“I kind of do.”
“Victory!” Knut's laugh boomed as he came over and pulled me into a hug. “Good fighting, younglings! But now, now is time for beer.”
Among the steelhusk trees, my hand found Eryn's as we headed back, and the warmth in my chest now had less to do with combat.
“Must we leave?” Roq asked. “There could be more monsters to kill! More power to claim! Just over there, or no, there! Around that tree!”
“We have enough for today. We are all tired, Knut doesn't have your healing to mend his wounds, and Eryn only managed to recover a few of her arrows. Instead, aren't you excited to conquer the new materials in the smithy?”
“Well… there is that. Fine. You have my blessing to carry me back home.”
“How magnanimous of you.”
“And don't you forget it. Nor the satin pillow upgrade, yes? We talked about that and I fully expect you to keep your word.”
“Incurable,” I sighed.
“But let me ask you, oh lordship, do you expect me to keep my word just like you've been doing?”
“Incurable!” Knut said, laughing and gesturing. “Glowcaps exploded! Big bada boom, like mage display, but better! More death!”
Eryn rolled her eyes.
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“Shouldn't you have had enough explosions after that first one sent you flying?” She poked his singed armor. “Or did you hit your head harder than we thought?”
“Bah!” Knut waved her concern away. “Was fun! Good way to kill monsters. Remember? We do again next time!”
He mimed grabbing the Glowcap.
“First you take it like so, then you throw!” His arm shot forward. “Onto fire, and boom! Dead monster chunks!” He spread his fingers wide. “Like throwing bread to angry ducks, but exploding bread!”
I couldn't help but laugh, even as my eyes scanned the shadows between the massive trees. I'd had enough fighting for one day, even more so of explosions.
“And you do good,” Knut said to Eryn. “Hit shots, every time! Except when miss, but not too many. Even when monsters move fast. Very impressive!”
“Thank you, Knut. Though I can't wait to become classed and get my hands on some real abilities and spells. One shield spell and a heal would have made this a prairie ride.”
“What about ME?” Roq said. “I crushed skulls! Shattered limbs! Where are MY accolades?”
I caught Eryn's eye and winked.
“Oh, and that hammer of yours was incredible,” she said, running her thumb across the back of my hand. “The way it ripped through golems like they were kindling! And the Glowcaps?” She narrowed her eyes. “I've never seen anything hit that hard.”
“Well,” Roq preened. “Someone finally notices true talent! Continue, please. Tell me more about my devastating power!”
“Why talk so much about hammer?” Knut asked, scratching his head. “Is good weapon. Ash fought well. But strange to praise tool.”
“Tool? TOOL? I am an artifact of incredible power! A weapon of destiny! You should be on your knees thanking me!” Roq's mental voice turned wheedling. “You know, it really must be troubling to keep a massive secret from such a good friend. Surely Knut deserves to know about my magnificence? Think how much easier battles would be if he could know of my tactical genius!”
“Is that the best you can do?”
“What do you mean?”
“Come on, Roq. You just want me to relay your boasts. Admit it. You're upset Eryn has to relay your 'greatness' second-hand.”
There was a moment of mental silence, and we both knew I had him.
“Well,” Roq said slowly, drawing the word out. “There were certain satisfactions in this victory. And while it would have been better to claim all the kills ourselves, I must admit to a certain thrill of a larger battle. The explosions were quite spectacular. Like the big guy said. Maybe we could do it again, but this time we throw them onto bigger a fire! Or hammer them through the air! Like a new sport?”
“Errm, nope. No new sport. And fighting as a team means we can take on bigger challenges. Grow stronger faster. Become the most powerful duo in the world. As for Knut, he's both a great damage dealer and a tank, so yes, I am very happy we are working together now.”
“Duo? What about the girl and the loud one?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Hmph. I suppose having meat shields — I mean, ALLIES — does have tactical advantages.”
“Now I understand earlier meaning,” Knut said, drawing me back to the conversation. He grinned. “Is like he having whole dialogue in head!”
I scratched the back of my neck, forcing a chuckle and clapped Knut on his massive shoulder, setting my shield bouncing on my back.
“We couldn't have done this without you, Knut,” I said.” Thank you for coming. Boy am I glad that Benedict had us both join his wreck of a party.”
The big man's face split in a wide grin.
“Happy to join. Ask anytime! First time in Dawnwatch my spatial storage is full and had fun fight!” He patted his chest. “Even with half carcasses yours, guaranteed mind gem is good payment. When you need tank, you find me!”
“And the life debt?” Eryn asked. “We wouldn't have survived without you today.”
Knut's hand went to his beard, suddenly self-conscious.
“Ah, about this.” He tugged at the singed strands. “Now owe you two life debts. Should not insist on testing fire arrow on Glowcap. Led to much danger. Very sorry.”
I patted his back.
“Don't worry about it. No way you could have known. Besides, think what a scouting report this will make! 'Glowcaps extremely explosive when hit with fire arrows. Recommend careful application of flame.'“
“It was glorious!” Roq said. “The greatest battle of my existence! So much death! So much destruction! And I'm just a fraction from level seven!”
“Your words mean much,” Knut said softly. “More than you know.”
We walked in comfortable silence for a while, and even though I was truly exhausted, I felt lighter than I had in days. Despite Roq's bloodthirst, I'd been clear headed the entire time, proving our theory about how it was him being a higher level which had allowed him to influence me so strongly. We'd survived impossible odds, grown stronger, and most importantly…
I squeezed Eryn's hand again, remembering her words during the battle. She squeezed back, and I knew we'd have a lot to talk about once we got back to Dawnwatch.
“Oh please,” Roq grumbled. “Must you think such sickeningly sweet thoughts? Focus on the glory of battle! The thrill of combat! The POWER!”
“You're just jealous.”
“I am a SOUL WEAPON. I do not get jealous of primitive human mating rituals!”
“Sure, Roq. Whatever you say. Maybe someday we'll find you a nice soul... anvil? Then we'll see who's sickeningly sweet.”
“I'd bang any anvil into oblivion! I'd crack it in two! I'd—umm... don't know, really. What would I do to it?”
“Hush, Roq. Let us have some peace and quiet. You had your fun earlier, now let me rest my mind.”
“Fine. I will keep a lookout. But no kissing.”
“Deal. I won't kiss you here.”
“You wouldn't dare!”
I smiled at Eryn, knowing we would soon be back at Sentinel Station, our storages full of valuable monster carcasses, and our hearts full with pride.
But for a blessed moment, I was content to walk hand-in-hand with Eryn, listening to Knut's animated battle descriptions, with Roq alternating between reliving his favorite kills of the day and complaining about sharing glory, despite his promise of quiet.
It had ended up being a very good hunt.
* * *
I tried not to grin as the watch commander bounced to his feet when we returned, his eyes going wide at the sight of us.
“By the rift's breath!” He rushed around his desk. “What in all the hells happened to you three?”
I had to bite back a laugh. We must have made quite the sight, espeially Knut. Scorch marks and monster gore covered his armor, and his impressive beard and eyebrows were singed to half their original length. Meanwhile, Eryn and I looked nearly as fresh as when we'd left, having changed back into our backup gear and cleaned up as best we could.
“You should see the other guys,” Roq said smugly in my mind. “Oh wait, you can’t! Because we DESTROYED them!”
“Report, sir,” Knut said, pulling the carefully folded piece of parchment we'd written on the way back from his belt pouch. His formal tone was somewhat undermined by the way a bit of monster goo dripped from his vambrace onto the commander's desk.
Eryn stepped forward smoothly.
“We encountered multiple groups of Glowcap Stalkers and Ironroot Golems,” she explained. “Knut insisted on engaging them systematically to ensure no threats remained to endanger other adventurers or scouts.”
The watch commander's mouth opened and closed several times as he looked between us and the report in his hands.
“You... fought multiple groups? Of both types? With just a single adventurer and two scavengers?” He looked to Knut and shook his head in disbelief. “That's... that's outstanding work! Invaluable to Dawnwatch's security.” He looked at Eryn and me and nodded his head. “What an incredible learning opportunity for you both, watching a warrior of Knut's caliber handle such dangerous creatures.”
Eryn and I exchanged a quick glance.
“Oh yes,” I said, fighting to keep my face straight. “We learned so much just observing his technique. His teachings practically blew us away.”
Knut shifted his weight and cleared his throat.
“Even got to land a few hits when Knut deemed it safe,” Eryn added innocently.
“Safe?” Roq scoffed. “We demolished those tree-things! And the fungal ones! Tell him about how we crushed their heads and how they went kaboom! The glory!”
“Hush, Roq. We want Knut to take the credit.”
The watch commander seemed to suddenly take in Knut's look and called for a runner.
“Parker, get Dr. Ridley immediately! We need to make sure—”
“Oh, that's not necessary,” Eryn interrupted quickly. “I've already examined him thoroughly and his wounds are superficial.”
Knut suddenly swayed on his feet, one hand going to his side.
“Well,” he said, his voice turning weak. “Maybe not bad idea to have pretty doctor look. Check everything where should be.” He winced dramatically. “Especially after monster hit... sensitive area.”
I watched Eryn's eyes narrow dangerously.
“Oh really?” she asked sweetly, then slapped Knut's shoulder with enough force to make him stumble. “And here I thought you said you were 'fine as northern wine' just ten minutes ago.”
The big man's theatrical groan turned into a surprised grunt.
“Ha!” Roq's approval rang clear. “I like her style! Though she should have used something heavier. Like me, for instance. Let him have it for trying to fool her!”
The watch commander looked between us, clearly unsure whether to be concerned or amused.
“Might have found yourself the future beginning of a team here, Steelwall,” the commander said.
“Best kind of team,” Knut agreed, rubbing his shoulder while shooting Eryn a wounded look. “Young, but learn fast. Fight smart.” He grinned suddenly. “Pays well too!”
I couldn't help but smile as the watch commander examined Knut's report.
“Extensive monster elimination, detailed terrain mapping, and—” His eyebrows shot up. “A warning about explosive reactions between fire arrows and Glowcap spores? Complete with blast radius estimates?”
“Thorough testing,” Knut said solemnly, though I caught the gleam in his eye. “For science.”
“For science,” Eryn muttered, but I could see her fighting back a smile.
The commander looked ready to ask more questions when Dr. Ridley's voice cut through the tent.
“What's this I hear about combat injuries?” She strode over to us. “Steelwall, what in the rift’s backside have you done to yourself this time?”
I watched Knut's expression shift back into theatrical pain as the stern healer approached.
“Ahh!” he winced. “Explosions? Protect camp, Dawnwatch, and next generation. Monster knee... sensitive area.”
Dr. Ridley swiped a thin rod from her spatial storage, like a mix of the ones teachers had used in classrooms and the ones cavalry trainers used on the horses, and she tapped it, rather firmly, against Knut's metal codpiece. Knut stumbled back, and it was all I could do not to laugh out loud.
“Seems sensitive indeed,” Dr. Ridley said. “Mr. Steelwall, you're with me. Eryn, scavenger, wait here. I might need you to escort Mr. Steelwall back to Dawnwatch when I'm done with my examinations.”
“Yes, doctor,” I said.
“One of the monsters also stabbed at Knut's lower rear area, Dr. Ri... Katherine,” Eryn said sweetly.
“Good to know. I'll take a look,” the doctor said.
I bit my lip to keep from laughing as Knut shot Eryn a betrayed look.
“Oh, this is delicious!” Roq cackled. “I do so enjoy when others face consequences for their actions. Unless it's us, of course. Then it's completely unfair. But him! To try and cheat a healer of all people, well, he has it coming!”
Dr. Ridley pulled Knut out of the tent. “I want a full account of whatever nonsense led to this state.”
The watch commander cleared his throat.
“Well, considering the thoroughness of your scouting, I believe a bonus is in order.” He reached for his strongbox. “Can't have our best tank holding back due to injury concerns, after all.”
“What about US?” Roq demanded. “We did just as much work! More, even! I demand equal recognition!”
“You told me you're nearly level seven. Let it go.”
“Never! I shall compose an epic saga of our deeds! The Ballad of Roq the Magnificent Blood Devourer! It shall begin with my birth day in steel, blood, and tears!”
I tuned out Roq's mental composition as the commander counted out extra silver.
* * *
Knut's laughter boomed as we walked down the street, heading towards the smithy. He'd decided to join us, wanting to chat with Pa about potentially selling him his carcasses, too.
“Could not do without perfect timing,” he said, slapping me on the shoulder. “And little bird play part so well!”
Eryn rolled her eyes.
“I still can't believe Dr. Ridley actually agreed to a dinner with you,” she said for what had to be the fifth time. “You weren't even hurt!”
“Ah, thanks to your perfect setup, she check everywhere.” Knut waggled his singed eyebrows. “Thorough examination. Doctor very impressed. Said I am prime sample of adventurer. Worth going out with.”
“You're horrible,” Eryn said, but I could hear the smile in her voice.
“And you,” Knut said, pointing at her, “Perfect little bird! See nickname fits? Chirp chirp about injuries, and doctor examine good! You like little sister. I will protect with life!”
“I was trying to get you in trouble!” she chuckled.
“Instead got me date!” Knut's chest swelled with pride. “Shows perfect wingwoman skills!”
I laughed, but then froze as the smithy came into view.
Something was wrong.
“Home already?” Roq asked as I swiped him from spatial storage. “Why do you feel—ah. Danger.”
I ran forward, ignoring Eryn and Knut's calls.
Five men in black uniforms surrounded Pa and Ma outside of our home. Pa held his largest hammer in one hand, while Ma stood behind him, and my heart lurched at their expressions.
“Roq, trouble. Those aren't customers.”
“Oh? Good.”
The uniforms were black silk with silver trim and red accents forming the crest of House Domitius. But there was nothing refined about how they wore them or how they stood. These were fighters, dangerous ones, and they didn't seem to have any good intentions.
“Calm down, Ash,” Ma called as two of the men turned toward me, iron cudgels appearing in their hands.
“What's going on?” I asked Pa, not taking my eyes off the cudgel wielders.
Pa's face was set in a dark glare.
“These... gentlemen... work for House Domitius. The moneylenders we borrowed from to set up the smithy.”
“The noble house's enforcers.”
“Good people or bad people?”
“Even monsters have more honor.”
Their leader, a thin man with an ugly scar across his throat, stepped forward.
“We're here to collect what's owed,” he said, his voice rasping. “Now.”
“The mortgage isn't due for months!” Pa said.
The leader's thin lips curved into a smile.
“Recent developments have triggered the early repayment clause. Gem-grams to the capital has mentioned your success with high-quality items, and now there is talk of premium prices... a certain auction...”
“There was no such clause in our contract,” Ma said, her voice sharp.
“Page six, paragraph four, subsection C.” The leader's smile widened. “Written in very small print on the back of our copy. Easy to miss.”
“That's crap and you know it,” I said as Knut and Eryn caught up.
“Am I to taste human blood today?”
“The blood of these creatures would be an affront to your metal.”
“For our family, I am willing to make such an ultimate sacrifice! Just let me at them! I will blow them up like the mushroom monster!”
“Time for you to leave,” I said to the leader. “Pa will pay you back in full at the agreed upon time.”
The leader laughed, an ugly sound like a pig's snore.
“And why would we do that when we've come all this way?”
“Because if you don't, I'll make you leave, and that's going to go really poorly for you.”
All five men laughed.
“Have you seen your own equipment, boy?” The leader sneered. “A smith's hammer? We're not iron to be turned into horseshoes or a lock for some shitter.” He gestured at his men. “Even a blacksmith must be smart enough not to take on five classed fighters.” His eyes narrowed. “We're here for the money now, or we take the smithy and stock and throw you in the street. We'll find a new blacksmith to run this place. One who understands gratitude and knows his place.”
Knut spat on the ground.
“Bet date with doctor not one of you above level eleven,” he growled. “Typical trash, taking mind gems and class gems from real adventurers to flex power on Noros.” His face twisted in disgust. “Stench of nobles stronger than sweet forge smell.”
“You wouldn't know nobility if it rode across your corpse, barbarian,” the leader said.
Eryn's bow appeared in her hands, her real bow, not the backup, and she stepped back, putting a broadheaded arrow to her string. It'd rip straight through their fabric, leaving horrific wounds. The men shifted uncomfortably, and despite all their bravado, knew that they weren't in a good position. Not anymore.
I swiped my shield from storage onto my arm as Knut raised his mace.
“I'm going to count to three,” I said. “If you don't leave, I'm breaking your legs. Because this is the frontier. You are far from Kingsworth and your fancy parties. You can't threaten a man in his place of business and expect to get away with it.” I bared my teeth and clanked Roq against my shield. “There are no knights to protect you here.”
“Armor Break.”
Roq's head began to glow red with stored power, showing off I was about to use an ability. That had them panic even more.
“FINALLY!” Roq's eagerness flooded my mind, trying to inflame my anger. “Let us DESTROY these parasites!”
Blessedly, my emotions remained my own.
The leader's eyes flickered between us, lingering on Roq's glowing head. Knut's mace lit up as he activated a skill of his own. Pa raised his hammer, and two knives appeared in Ma's hands.
The leader smiled.
“We'll leave. For now. But sleep lightly, blacksmith. House Domitius always collects.” His lips twisted. “Would be a shame if the smithy burned down, again, wouldn't it?”
The five men turned to go, one trying to shoulder-check me as he passed. I didn't move, and he stumbled, muttering curses.
We watched until they disappeared around the corner.
“What in frozen monster balls was that?” Knut demanded.
Pa's shoulders slumped.
“Seems our past has caught up with us.” He looked at me, his expression grave. “Come inside, son. We need to talk.”
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