“What d'ya think The Enlightened meant Tan? About true service and Anthin.” Dav’s curiosity peaked, they knew little about Anthin before they were part of his life.

  “I don’t know. It could be anything, I mean he had a life before right?” Realisation dawned on Tanisins face as something came to him. “Unless...”

  Dav waited expecting elaboration. When after a minute none came he spoke. “Unless what? No secrets, I can’t believe you're hiding something.” A hurt look came over Dav’s face. They’d always told each other everything so for Tanisin to find something out and not share stung.

  “No secrets, really!” Tanisin was adamant. “Something I heard Brother Mchale say to Anthin one night long ago. I didn’t understand at the time… not sure I do even now.”

  Dav made another confused face while Tanisin continued. “It was maybe three, four years ago. You know how there’s one night each year that we’ve been with Brothers Anthin and Mchale?”

  “Ha, yah!” Dav exclaimed. “When they both get into their cups together. Happens every year.”

  “Yes, well I’ve always had the feeling that it was something more than just their one night of indulgence per year. I don’t know. It always seemed like they were remembering something. Something from the past they went through together. Anyway this was one of those nights. I woke up thirsty and went to the larder when it was really early in the morning before dawn. When I reached the bottom of the stairs I heard Brother Mchale. He was loud and angry and he said, "Despair's Balls! YOU, Anthin should have been The Witness and you would be if not for those idiots back at The Citadel.”

  Dav stopped walking and stared at Tanisin. “What? Brother Anthin. The Witness!”

  Tanisin grabbed Dav’s arm urging him to move. The streets were crowded and he was in the way standing there looking gobsmacked. “That’s what I heard. Like I said I didn’t understand at the time. I froze at Mchale’s raised voice and heard Anthin answer him. ‘Let it lie Brother. Sayoshti’s Grace has brought me down a different path and though it’s difficult and long and I cannot fathom its end nor understand its purpose, it is the path I must walk.” Tanisin paused. “I made some noise after that and to cover up my eavesdropping came round the corner into the room, got my water and went back to bed. Neither Anthin nor Mchael said a word to me or each other.”

  “I think you should have told me.” Sulked Dav. He was upset, perhaps for nothing other than the pending change coming to their lives.

  “Truthfully I went to sleep and never even thought of it again until just now.”

  They had come back to Market Square and were torn on what to do with their free time. Dav wanted to go home and start organising for the journey. He was always one to get straight to work on something. Tanisin’s counter was a visit to the common room where they were certain to meet up with friends. Reluctantly Dav agreed on the condition Tanisin listened when he was told it was time to leave. He didn’t argue it much, he was sweet on one of the serving girls Anna and he wanted to see her.

  The two walked the streets of Dimabri City with a spring in their step feeling that a whole new world was opening. The prospect of the next chapter of their lives before them.

  “Dav, you think we’ll ever return here?” Tanisin had a longing feeling that they wouldn’t.

  “Surely we will Tan. I mean should we not be back to visit. Certainly there’s a chance of one of us being posted here in the future.”

  “You maybe,” Tanisin interjected. “Not too likely for me considering the Corps is based at The Citadel and focuses on making sure the Grant stays safe.”

  “Not only that Tan, they do lots. Escorting functionaries, recruiting trips and dealing with issues the locals can’t. Bandits, outlaws and raiders.”

  “I suppose. Still I can’t help but feel I’ll never see home again.” Tanisin sighed. He wanted nothing more than to join the Corps and now that the moment arrived he couldn’t help but feel trepidation about it, a sense of loss.

  “Cheer up! It’ll be an adventure, the best one of our lives I bet. More so for you even. By next summer you’ll be an officer leading men on missions.” Dav’s enthusiasm was contagious and when they arrived at the tavern Tanisin was smiling and joking having put his morose thoughts aside.

  Since they were young they had run in the streets of Dimabri City’s alleys and byways. Orphans couldn’t expect much in Dimabri City and though Brother Anthin had taken them in they both held a close regard for street life and its less savoury habitants. By their teens they'd developed a reputation among the local sneaks and toughs. Fair in their dealings, tough on those that crossed one or both of them and they had a soft spot for helping those in need.

  Amira’s Tavern had become an unofficial base of operations for them. People sought them out there for help with various issues that the town guard or local militia would rather not be involved in. If those issues or the solutions were on the outside of technically legal, no matter! The guard looked the other way most times. Happy to have these things dealt with quietly and discreetly. The two entered Amira’s with the bittersweet feeling of being somewhere they loved with the knowledge that it would likely be the last time.

  Many who knew them were present and their arrival was met with enthusiasm. Offers to buy them drinks followed as they made their way towards the table that was their usual pearch. Pats on the back as they flowed through the crowd and thanks for past jobs done that had helped any number of the patrons. The pair were popular. They took seats and before they were even settled Anna approached to deposit two flagons on the table. She was fair and pretty and tall for a woman, she could look both of them in the eye. With classic Dimabrian features, light hair, fair skin and blue eyes. She was strong willed and never backed down. Dav had fallen for her the moment they’d met and while their relationship had never been formal she was very fond of him as well.

  “Hello Tan, Dav,” she welcomed them with a warm smile. “Drinks courtesy of Mister Cooper at the bar.” She half turned, nodding towards Berned Cooper who raised his ale cup in salute. They’d helped him with a customer of his just last week, one who had no intention of paying and now he was showing appreciation.

  Dav raised his own mug “Cheers to Cooper!” he yelled above the din. The common room erupted with a resounding cheer of their own directed to the aforementioned as Dav and Tanisin both drained their own drinks.

  “Hi Anna.” Said Tanisin.

  “Hello Anna.” Dav’s face lit up with admiration. “Bring us another please?”

  “I will right away. As long as you let me cover this one.” She smiled. They’d helped her a time or two as well and she didn’t forget. “Remember Dav, you promised me a night out. I’m free tomorrow.”

  “Lovely Anna, I can’t deny you.” Dav proclaimed. “But we have news so if you’ve a chance later can we talk?” His face must have betrayed him, expressing regret at their upcoming departure and sadness at an opportunity lost to circumstance. She nodded with a worried turn of mouth and went to gather the next round.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “You should’ve just told her.” Admonished Tanisin. “No need to draw it out.”

  “Likely correct Tan, but I want to let her know in a gentle way. Muffle the blow. She deserves that.”

  Anna returned with more drinks and deposited them on the table. “We can talk after my shift.” She told Dav. She nodded to Tanisin and left to continue her work serving the patrons of Amira’s Tavern.

  The two settled in and drinking followed, not too much as they never did drink to excess. Well-wishers stopped to exchange pleasantries with them. They ordered food and ate heartily and time passed quickly as it always does when it’s spent in merriment. With dusk staining the sky red it was nearly time to leave. Anna was done with her shift and preparing to head home so Dav excused himself with a promise to meet Tanisin back at the tavern soon. He would walk Anna home. It was nearby and he could break the news of their impending departure to her. Tanisin remained behind watching them leave together and wishing his adoptive brother a silent good luck.

  He mused on the situation as he sat alone. Time to himself without Dav was rare. He thought about Dav and Anna, the missed opportunity for them to build a life together. He also recalled a time he was smitten with her, years ago when both he and Dav vied for her attention. He recalled his anger at Dav then, feeling that the other knew of his feelings and was butting in. For a brief few months the two of them contested to win her affections through small gifts and acts of kindness.

  Ultimately she’d taken Tanisin aside one day and told him that she preferred Dav to him romantically. She assured Tan that she valued his friendship and the closeness he had with his brother. She’d even indicated she would reject Dav as well in favour of a continuing friendship with both.

  He faced reality that day and the strain that competing with Dav had put on their relationship. He respected her decision and while he wasn’t happy about it he put his disappointment aside and assured her he could support her and Dav together. He didn’t like it though and for weeks had been irritable, especially with Dav.

  Now it all seemed silly. He knew even then that a time would come when he and Dav would have to leave. In his reflection he came to realise it was for the best and while he’d miss her friendship he truly valued it. Dav would be leaving as well and they shouldn’t have let the issue come between them.

  About half an hour later Dav returned to meet Tanisin. His face showed all, he never was very good at hiding his emotions, especially from Tanisin.

  “Didn’t go well?” Tanisin surmised.

  “It went well enough Tan. She knew it would come eventually, I’ve made no secret of my desire to join the Church. Still neither of us have to be happy about it do we?”

  “No Dav you don’t. I’m glad she understands and I’m sorry there couldn’t be more for you both.” He knew his brother’s feelings and suspected they ran deeper than even Dav and Anna knew. Impulsively he grabbed Dav in a hug. “Hey, you still got me with you.”

  “Ugh get off me you lout.” Ribs creeking he broke free of Tanisin. “Come on, time to get home.”

  They made their way through the darkening streets with thoughts of home and bed guiding tired steps. Almost home they had only to skirt Market Square and turned down a dim alleyway. As they reached the middle of the alley an ominous shadow stepped into the far end followed by another. Two large men blocked their exit.

  “Trouble Tan!” Grabbing at his companion’s sleeve Dav gestured with his chin towards the shadow cloaked figures.

  “Cursed Despair!” Tanisin’s outburst was thick with anger. “I’m not in the mood for a fight tonight.” He was tired, irritated and the afternoon at Amira’s had brought a recognition of all they were soon leaving behind.

  “Truth! Me neither... We can turn around and circle back. Trouble will surely bring the watch and these fellows know it.” Dav was no coward but he recognized an ambush when he saw it and his first instinct was to avoid the situation.

  In agreement they both turned back the way they’d come only to find another pair of indistinct forms blocking that way, both large and both in the way. The figures advanced on them from two sides, menacing and with no hesitation. The brothers would not avoid this encounter.

  “Looks like we caught something in our trap gents.” Echoed from in front of them. “How about we have some fun?”

  They could see him now. Someone familiar to both of them. “What do you want, Rollins? Didn’t get enough last time?” Tanisin’s question was mocking.

  Stabber Rollins was a local pimp, petty thief, extortionist and rough character who ran a crew around Market Square. He was large and brutish, violent in nature and liked to think he held the underbelly of Dimabri City in an iron grip. His face held many scars and his eyes shot menace and anger in equal measure. Dav and Tanisin had prior run-ins with him and his crew. None of them had been pleasant and most recently the boys had run a few of them out of the city with warnings to not return.

  Rollins sneered at them as his associates crowded close. Then he took a sudden vicious swing at Dav’s face. It was a glancing blow as Dav had been prepared, yet his dodge was a fraction too slow and the blow caused specks to dance in his vision. Rollins’ thugs moved quickly as two each grabbed one of Tanisin’s arms and held him firm. Dav was still shaking off the effects of the punch when Rollins flourished a blade. He was never without one. His companion grabbed Dav tightly from behind by a handful of hair and Rollins held the knife to his throat.

  “Dav and Tanisin.The priest's young pups.” A slick smile slid across Stabber’s face. “Is that any way to greet an old friend?” They didn’t bother with a reply nor was one expected. Stabber liked to play coy to draw out the fear with those unfortunate enough to catch his ire. Dav attempted to pull away but Rollins’ lacky had a grip to match his violent nature and held firm to his fistfull of hair. “Now. I’ve got some unresolved business with you two. You cost me guildians and some of my crew. I intend to collect and if you don't pay up well…” The threat of violence hung implied between them.

  “We told you before, you're not welcome around here. We thought you understood that, even with your dim wits.'' Tanisin's voice was ice cold with an implied threat of its own despite the two goons holding onto him.

  “Enough!” Stabber Rollins roared. “You really think a couple gutter rats like you can tell me where and how to run my business?” Spittle flew from his mouth as he yelled. “I run these streets, not you two. ME! You jokers have been lucky till now, that's all. Dumb Luck! Now it’s run out so you know what? I’m gonna have the boys here carve you up and dump you in the fields. When the watch finds you all the little sparrows that whisper in your ears about my business will learn. Do not cross Stabber Rollins!”

  He nodded to his henchmen holding Tanisin. Dav had a flash of worry for his brother but no time to do anything about the toughs holding him. Tanisin and Dav employed the benefit of training, training that Rollins and his crew lacked. Oh they were tough characters for certain but more inclined to street fights and brawling than precision movements and developed skill. Still the numbers were in Rollins’ favour.

  Dav expected the blade to come for him, he tensed ready to try anything to break the grip on his scalp. Before he could prepare anything to counter, Rollins simply head butted him right on the nose. There was a sickening crunch with the connection, light and pain flashed in Dav’s head and with blood gushing from his damaged nose he fell to the ground as the grip in his hair released. A dazed Dav was out of the fight.

  Simultaneously Tanisin sprang into action. He was quicker than either of his assailants. He stomped hard on the booted foot to his right. A cry of pain and the hold on his right arm was gone. A twist and quick elbow to the head of his opponent on the left brought that one down hard. He turned to face his remaining assailants, all of who now flourished blades of their own. Rollins meanwhile had left Dav lying on the ground and made to join his companions in dealing with Tanisin.

  Tanisin looked at Dav and worried he was seriously hurt and found a new resolve. He faced off with the three against him ready to fight for his and his brother’s lives. Blows were traded back and forth with Tanisin getting the worst of it. He managed to land a few of his own while dodging blades and fists but the three striking at him again and again prevented any sort of real resistance. One massive punch delivered to Tanisin’s midriff courtesy of Stabber Rollins staggered him. Tanisin dropped to one knee and braced for the finishing blow. It never came.

  As quickly as they had cornered the boys, Stabber and his remaining henchmen simply took off out of the alley. Confused, Tanisin looked to find a squad of the city watch approaching from the opposite direction. Saved by the watch. The one thug Tanisin had managed to drop stirred in pain as he began to come to. Beaten and bleeding, Tanisin took the moment to check his brother who lay senseless with blood covering his face and tunic. A frantic Tanisin checked Dav over looking for wounds. Relieved he found Dav to be not seriously hurt as the other began to stir.