Chương 57: 057

The last plant slid into the satchel without protest. I leaned back and surveyed the room with a satisfied breath. Every bench stood bare, every table cleared, every cupboard, shelf, and hidden cubby stripped clean. Time lingered nearby, arms folded, the faintest curve touching his lips as he took in our work.

"We made good time," he said. I nodded, stretching until my shoulders popped.

"Considering how hard some of those plants fought me, I'm shocked we did." Beyond the windows, daylight had softened to a wash of dusky pink. If there'd been one more table to clear, we wouldn't have made it. Time chuckled, shaking his head.

"I am unused to worrying about time." He stretched, a series of quiet pops rippling down his spine.

"Mortal forms and their limitations are… exhausting." I snorted.

"You'll adapt. Be glad no one's making you run a mile at dawn." High school gym class could go straight to hell. He lifted a curious brow.

"Why would someone ask you to do that?" I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Because Earth's school system is a mess. So's the healthcare. Honestly? Everything's broken. Every country has its problems, and none of them are small." The memory of the hoops I'd jumped through to keep my practice running, affordable yet effective, twisted in my chest. Endless regulations, insurance battles, sleepless nights… The list went on. Worth it, yes, but exhausting all the same. Time studied me, then hummed softly.

"I can see why you leapt at the chance for a new life. Though, even if you had hesitated, my wife would have convinced you quickly. Karma is… persuasive." A fond note slipped into his voice.

"She has wanted to adopt you for quite some time." Thinking of the fiery woman, I smiled despite myself.

"Yeah. Karma's pretty incredible." I glanced back toward the window, hesitating.

"How long do you think it'll be before she wakes up?" His expression darkened, something heavy settling behind his eyes.

"There is no predicting such things. For her sake, I hope it is after your business in Dawnmoor." His face hardened.

"She will not wish to set foot in that town any more than I do." Guilt pricked sharp and sudden, and my decision crystallized.

"Don't worry. Even if she wakes up, I won't call for her until we're clear of the city." Dragging a grieving mother back to the place she'd lost her child? I think not. If things went sideways, I'd handle it myself. I always did. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Time's gaze held mine, deep, searching and unreadable. After a long moment, he nodded.

"That would be appreciated. My wife has endured enough." Questions pressed at the back of my mind, but I swallowed them. This wasn't a subject to poke at carelessly. Some wounds deserved distance. I slung the bag over my shoulder and nodded toward the door.

"Let's move. The sooner we're on the road, the sooner this mess is behind us." And the less chance Karma would wake in time for it. I didn't say that aloud, but the resolve in Time's eyes told me he understood.

"Yes. The others should be waiting at the gate," he said.

"But first, lead me to the armory." I nodded and scooped up Volpe from where he'd curled atop a bench. He stirred with a disgruntled little noise, cracking one eye open to glare at me.

"Yeah, yeah," I murmured.

"Sorry to interrupt your nap. Didn't think you'd want to stay here." He huffed and burrowed into my arm. I shook my head, smiling, and followed Time out, closing the office door softly behind us. The guards who'd once lined the halls were gone, replaced by soldiers in armor like Henry's. Not wanting to draw attention, I offered a small wave to the nearest one. The guard nodded.

"Sir Henry said to keep an eye out for you. He and the others are waiting at the gate whenever you're ready."

"Thanks," I said.

"We'll be there shortly." After a quick stop. The guard returned to his post, and we continued down the corridor. No one stopped us, though a few guards offered respectful nods as we passed. At the armory, I led the way inside and headed straight for the staff. Time followed, his gaze locking onto it the moment he saw it.

"Good," he murmured, lifting it carefully.

"It remains here. Life will be relieved." Curiosity bubbled up again.

"Why is it so important? I doubt Life's chosen needs a staff to kick ass and take names, especially against undead." Time snorted.

"Your phrasing is… distinctive." He adjusted his grip.

"But the staff was a gift from her to someone…very dear to her. She mourned its loss and will be glad to have it returned." That explained it.

"And… why does it turn into a scythe when activated?" I asked, intrigued despite myself. A fond smile tugged at his lips.

"That would be due to who her gift was for. Maybe some day I will tell you of its origin, and my part in the story, but now is not the time. We must move." I opened the satchel, but Time shook his head.

"I will keep it until we return it. Nature herself may deliver it once we reach Latica."

"Couldn't we just call her?" I asked.

"Like I did with you?" He grimaced.

"We will need to discuss propriety and social customs before you do something unfortunate." With a sigh, he added, "Mortals can call to us, yes, but it is faint. Easily ignored. I heard you only because of your desperation. That said, this method is considered rude, if there is no life ending emergency at play." He gestured around us.

"You were missing an arm, on the verge of mind control, and the entire resistance army was gone. That warranted summoning me." He tapped the staff lightly.

"Returning this does not." I nodded.

"Got it. I've got a lot to learn."

"You have no idea," he muttered, turning toward the door.

"But we will have time for lessons once we leave." I followed, head spinning with everything I'd learned, and everything still left unsaid. If the rest of this journey was anything like today, it was going to be a long road. Hopefully, it wouldn't feel like college all over again. I'd had enough of cramming to last a lifetime.