Chapter 16

Springtime trading season came, and Doumeki was inevitably drawn away with work. Watanuki found himself hard pressed the fill the spare hours, now that a trip to Bowerstone wasn't simply a trip to town anymore.

The warlock was decidedly disappointed in his former drinking companion—and himself. He was sure he had sufficiently guarded his cup.

Suppose not.

He thanked the gods that the Hero's concern had kept him at the Cottage, prevented him for going after the misguided (or else just stupid) young man. The Archer's greater renown and the number of quests that came with it allowed him to pick and choose his jobs, but it had not always been so. Doumeki had done things in the name of the Guild and his employers that Watanuki knew he was less than proud of. He wouldn't want to cause the Hero to do something he would later regret.

Spring meant rain, and because the shield that had once prevented heavy rainfall from turning the clearing into a soupy mess was still…not quick up-to-code, Watanuki spent more time than he cared for inside, cleaning. It had been a while since the Cottage had gotten a good dusting, and the elusive scent of rotting herbs was beginning to wear on his nerves.

But sorting and shuffling things around could only occupy his attention for so long, and sooner rather than later…

…he was bored out of his mind.

He was relieved when the messenger came.

Less so, understandably, once he received the actual message.

I have no excuse. Sorry for the length of this update-I just wanted to get something posted, and figured a midget-chapter would be better than none at all.

-Oceans