Sun was shining brightly which was really annoying, especially on a day like this when almost evry older member of guild was depressed. Remembering that they did not manage to protect their most defensless member plagued their minds especially when the annyversary of her death is approaching. But Claude and Dunne... They turn to living corpses on that day, but few days before and after they are just like growling and mad beasts.
''Her presence is still very much alive, isn't it?'' Sam asked master.
''Alive and torturing. Reminding us that we terribly failed her. Sometimes, I curse our luck to come across her during that days of Star Tower and that i let her join the guild...'' master tok one more long swallow of strong wine that was red as blood that she spilled that day.
''But she was the light of our guild... That day... it feels like part of our guild died along with her. If only i was faster. I could have saved her!'' Sam clenched a fist on the table.
''It is of no use to blame yourself now. She is gone for good and nothing can be said or done to bring her back.'' Master said just when doors made a squeeky sound and a person came through, carrying on the back a childish figure and bringing a wave of utmost silence while the person stopped at the enrerance. Child was apparently in deep slumber, oblivious on changes in the atmosphere of big hall they were all in. Silently, person moved to the bar and pried open the child's hands, putting it on the clear part of the bar table in sitting position while the torso and head of the child was resting on the shoulder of that stranger.
''I need to see master. Is he here?'' Low voice asked and it sounded louder when no one dared to speak. Master was a bit surprised by that man's foolishness, but he still felt that gnaw of curiousity towards stranger.
''Perhaps... Who is asking and for what reason?'' Forteza was helping behind the bar today and she had cold eyes. Not surprising, because she also was in a strage mood when anyversary was getting near.
''Where is master?'' That low voice spoke again and with long, gloved finger removed the part of cloth. A scarf that was covering mouth and nose, almost like the cloth that was over her head hiding the eyes, like people from desert.
Master gave a big sigh and started his way between people of his guild. Forteza was going to blow, and he did not want to fix the damage again.
''Are you deaf? I asked...'' Forteza was silenced by loud bang when the door crashed open and Dunne flew in flat on the back breaking few chairs and the table. Stranger quickly pushed the child, which was still asleep, in to Forteza's arms. In the same time, two more persons flew in and crashed on top of Dunne, knocking the wind out of him.
''What the hell...'' Sam whispered behind the master expressing shock that master himself could not do. Claude showed up on the doorstep, sending something flying over to stranger and Forteza which receaved the kid and was about to sheald him. ''Careful!'' Sam shouted but it was unnecessary. Stranger swinged the hand and percepted the thing's pathway, knocking it down on floor. The duo stood up away from Dunne and then Claude came in with feral look in his eyes.
''Beasts should sleep untill they are calmer.'' Stranger said, throwing himself on Claude. They both fell down on floor where both of them were wrestling for top position that would give them advantage.
''Master, stop them.'' Sam was worried, looking at Dunne and other two mages who were getting up among broken furniture. ''If Claude gets even a bit more wild, we will have to...''
''I know, Sam'' master was annoyed now. ''Silence!'' His shout echoed and evereyone stopped movin except Claude and stranger that were still wrestling on the floor. Claude managed to grab the cloth that covered the head of stranger, revealing a mass of silver strands and eyes like quicksilver covered with ice. That stunned Claude for a moment.
''You almost hurted Ame, you beast. Unlucky for you that i was arround. Now sleep!'' Stranger said and Claude went cold.
