Chapter 1.3 Opal Eyes Inn

He now pinched his eyes, and silenced his ears, breathed deep. He heard a faint scream from down the corridor, it was short. He opened his eyes and looked from where he came, not knowing if it was his recollection of that night.

“Feorick Tolson.” said a female voice. A voice too soft for this place he thought.

He turned to meet the beautiful, dark eyed, Feladean L'Ulote. She had sneaked up on him. He would have to go and clear his mind after he left this cold place.

She wore a small white flower and wisp embroidered dark blue dress that fully covered her arms and legs, but revealed an ample bust through a cats eye slit in the front, but tapered and covered her neck.

“Feladean.” he nodded slightly, lips made an effort to smile out of politeness, but his eyes still filled with resentment from a long past relationship.

“You have returned unharmed. It is good to see. You are as handsome as always.”

'This woman wouldn't know good if it struck her across the face.', Feorick thought. Feladean was a creature of material wealth, would do anything to keep her chest filled with gold, and pinched every copper for His Holiness, her brother. She reached for his face with the back of her hand. He avoided it.

“It has been some time. You look as radiant as a deep silver well.” he said with a hint of mockery. 'A deep silver well?'

“Well,” she paused to consider the, complement, an eyebrow raised, “I suppose I've been keeping myself in magnificent spectre.” she wheeled, “Follow me.”

'You do seem ghostly.', he thought.

It was only that he wanted his earnings that he stayed in this dark cell of a castle. He didn't want to be here any longer than he had to.

“I was looking through our account book with you, we have paid deeply for your services. We appreciate all you have done for us. His Highness would like to give you a special gift for this, obligation, that was set for you.” she said coolly, unknowingly, and uncaring, “I don't believe you deserve it, but his words are authority.” She looked back to see his reaction. Feorick bowed slightly. She continued.

“He has granted you access to a particular storage room, many fine pieces are held there. You will be given a single selection from this place, along with the remainder of your pay. Please have a look today, though your selection can be made at anytime.”

“If you don't mind, I'll come back another day and have a look.” he just wanted to get out, and go home, clean off the memories. “It's been a long journey.”

Turning she looked into his eyes, “I'm certain you have been on longer. I suggest you go down today, and have a quick look.” she pressed.

“So be it. Lead the way, my lady.” Feorick almost choked on his words. This woman was hardly a lady. More monster than lady, although her features didn't show it. Her slender waist line contrasted with her chest and hips. Her hair was up wrapped with a dark satin blue and white stripped ribbon.

Before long he was given his large sack of gold and silver, and being lead to the storage room on the north-west wing of the castle. There was no one guarding the entrance, although it was locked under a heavy bolt.