Deathspell - Chapter Two

An Assassin and a Thief

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The tree remained standing after all these years, guarded by some force of nature that demanded my sole place of sanctuary in this world remained intact. While Paolo knew of its purpose, there was only one other person who knew of its existence. As it rested on his landowner’s property, I could hardly prevent him from making the discovery. I crested the hill leading up to the forest’s edge, spying my brother standing near the place I had called home for two short years.

Whether or not Jeffrey anticipated my arrival, he had placed himself in a prime location to witness it.

I rode to the base of the tree and alighted from my mount. Picking up one of the apples that had fallen from the branches, I pocketed it for my horse and waited, brushing her mane with my hand and positioning myself so that my back would be to Jeffrey when he approached. Within moments, I heard the familiar footfalls stride up to me and pause. A bitter smile tugged at the corner of my mouth when his shadow eclipsed me. “I thought for once I might escape one of our little visits,” I said.

Jeffrey remained silent until I turned to face him. Slightly taller than me, he wore our lankiness in a less emaciated manner, his cheekbones sharp, but his arms much stronger. Eyes the same color blue as mine regarded me with what I could only interpret as solemnness. “I'd be offended if I didn't know better,” he said. “You always complain at me, but then you get chatty after being a brat.” Jeffrey cocked a thumb toward the house. “Why don't we skip the formalities and go back to the house? Anne baked bread before heading to the market and the girls have been asking after you.”

“Someday, I am going to tell them how ill-mannered it is that they make me less vexed with you.”

“I’m sure they’ll listen with rapt attention.”