The Rifts of Psyche by Kyle West (i love reading .txt) 📕

He sat down at the bench. “Yes. And be quick about it.”

As they ate, Lucian noticed three packs of gear lined up against the wall. He had no idea which was his, but he was glad Fergus had taken care of the details. He didn’t have the first clue about what was needed to survive on this world.

All too soon, they finished their meals. Lucian tried to blink away his weariness. He would have fallen asleep, if not for Fergus standing, causing his bronze armor to clank.

“It’s time we left, men. I’d like to find Serah before the sun sets.”

“Sure thing, Boss.” Cleon stood with the aid of his bronze shockspear. For the first time, he seemed to notice Lucian’s weapon. “Hey. The old man gave you that?”

Fergus shook his head. “No respect.”

“Elder Erymmo did, yes,” Lucian said.

“Maybe you should let me or the captain have it. Until you learn the ropes, that is.”

Lucian gripped the spear tighter. “He gave it to me. It’s mine.”

Cleon shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

“We’re burning daylight,” Fergus said.

Cleon nodded. “My girl should be waiting for me at the gate. That is, if I didn’t tire her out too much last night.”

“We get it,” Fergus said. “You have sex. Congratulations.”

Cleon was about to get his own retort in when Lucian cut him off. “No more bickering or we’ll end up killing each other before the Queen can. Let’s not make the Elders regret their decision of putting us together.”

That made Fergus’s back straighten, while Cleon just rolled his eyes. “Please. They don’t trust us. We’re just their only chance.”

“We leave,” Fergus commanded, puffing out his chest. “Cleon, I would suggest donning your armor. The bronze, not the leathers.”

“Nah,” Cleon said, examining his fingernails. “That’ll only weigh me down.”

“Weak,” Fergus muttered. “Well, have it your way then, but a good set of armor can be the difference between life and death.” He turned to Lucian. “And you, Lucian?”

“I’m not used to wearing armor like that.”

“It’ll go light on you,” he said. “Being an Earther and all. And it’ll keep your strength up.”

“The clothes on my back will work well enough.”

Fergus shook his head. “Very well. Just know that I can’t protect you from every stray arrow or javelin. They fly faster and farther on this world.”

“Like bronze armor would stop a javelin,” Cleon scoffed. “It’s better to stand out of the way. Or use magic.”

“Magic will only be used at direst need. If the Sorceress-Queen or her Radiants are near, they can detect any fluctuation in the ethereal field. You will stream nothing more than wards unless I give the command. I am in charge here, and the chain of command will be adhered to.”

This time, no one raised any protest. They went to their packs, and Lucian waited for the other two to pick their packs before he took the remaining one. It was so heavy. The lessened gravity only meant it had to be stuffed densely. It might be they could make the entire journey to Dara without the need to resupply.

With a grim expression, Fergus took the lead, using the butt of his spear as a walking staff. Lucian looked at Cleon, who shrugged, before following him.

When they reached the village gate, a small gathering was there to see them off. It was still dark outside, almost pitch black. Fergus streamed a weak light sphere to float about a meter above his head, one just bright enough to see by.

“Stay within five meters of me at all times,” he said. “Otherwise, I can’t guarantee my ethereal concealment ward will cover you. And of course, it won’t fully protect against active magic streams. That’s why you don’t stream unless you’re told. At night, I’ll increase the strength of the ward, and you can stream safely then.”

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Cleon said, with a sarcastic salute.

At that moment, a beautiful woman with raven black hair approached Cleon, embracing him fully.

“Lydia, darling,” he said.

“I want to punch you right now.” She held him tighter, her eyes closed.

Cleon held her close as he stroked her hair. “Now, now, Lydia. If I could have it any other way, I would.”

“You rotting fool. You’re going to die out there and leave me all alone!”

When the woman pulled back, it seemed she did have a mind to punch him. And Cleon seemed ready to take it.

“I deserve that,” he said. “Lydia, I will move Cupid itself to get back to you.”

She shook her head. “You’ve made your choice.” When she turned her green eyes on Lucian, they were filled with pure loathing. As if she blamed him entirely for what was happening. What had Cleon told her? Probably things he shouldn’t have been saying.

“Just go,” she said.

Once she was gone, Fergus sidled up to Cleon. “You told her the truth?”

“She pulled it out of me, Fergus. Women’s intuition and all that.”

“Take five minutes to finish your goodbyes,” Fergus said. “Then, we leave for good.”

With that, the three men separated. Lucian found himself standing alone because he had no one to say goodbye to. He pretended to be busy checking the contents of his pack when a familiar face came up to him.

“Morgana.” Some of his fear from last night lingered. But when she looked at him, her brown eyes were lucid.

“I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d see you off. I . . . just wanted to apologize for everything. Even if I don’t remember it.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

She reached for his hand, and Lucian allowed her to take it. “Elder Erymmo explained everything to me. Now, I’m to be the village’s newest mage.” She smiled weakly. “That’s not something my parents wanted. Still, I suppose it’s how I might best serve Kiro.”

“I’m sure you’ll make a good mage.”

She laughed. “Then you don’t know me at all. I will make a terrible watchman.” She watched him, sadly. “When you come back, maybe we can speak more.”

He knew he was expected to say something similar. But he just couldn’t lie