—— ? ——

  Simon’s vision swam, his head throbbing. His mind tried to piece together what had just happened as he rolled onto his back.

  Above him stars had started to peer out as the sunlight continued to fade.

  Simon started to push himself to his feet, but was shoved back into the snow. A heavy boot put pressure on his chest and Simon’s blurry vision focused on the scarred face above him.

  “Listen, here.” Maelis hissed, brandishing a shining metal hammer near Simon’s face. “You worthless bunny fucker.”

  Simon’s eyes turned to slits. “What the–”

  “Shut up!” Maelis spat, spittle raining down on Simon. Maelis shook the hammer inches from Simon’s eye. “You’re going to listen to me and I’m going to make myself so stupidly clear that even a brainless moron like you can understand.”

  Maelis paused, waiting for Simon to react. Simon was still. Maelis nodded, a wicked smile cutting across his face.

  “Oh good, it seems the idiot can learn.” He leaned in. “Seem’s that thick skull of yours has more uses than being a target.” Simon frowned at that comment, but Maelis ignored him and continued.

  “Now, you might not realize it, but you have been spitting on the efforts of all metalworkers in town. That oaf Kurda and his associates has been working us to the bone. Day in, day out, all we make are simple metal arches, nails, mindless construction material.”

  Maelis shook his head, a sneer painting it. He gestured in the direction of the tunnel.

  “This project should not just be focused on raising the abilities of one type of artisan. We need– no, deserve– to have the right to focus on any potential to increase our own power.”

  Maelis leaned in close, inches from Simon’s. Simon could see the discoloring of his scars, smell his acidic breath.

  “For you see, Simon–” His voice dropped to a slick whisper. “--In this new world. Power is absolute. Power is everything. To limit someone’s power is a right reserved for the divine.”

  Maelis set his hammer head onto Simon’s sternum. He smiled at the discomfort it caused Simon

  This guy is absolutely insane. Simon’s first clear thought rang.

  “Now, as you can see, those with power can assert their will on people without. That is the rule of this integrated universe. Can you see how you are foiling my efforts? How your choices are limiting my power and those that follow me?”

  Maelis stared into Simon’s eyes, searching. Simon decided it was in his best interest to play the fool in this situation. He looked back at Maelis, confusion bubbling to his face.

  “Huh?” he asked dumbly.

  Maelis scoffed. “I guess I gave you too much credit. That was my mistake. A brute that simply moves stone all day and smiles while doing it is not one to understand the deeper mysteries of the world.”

  Maelis sat down on Simon’s chest, eliciting a wheeze of air from him.

  Holy shit, this guy needs a diet. He’s built like a tank. Simon protested. Maelis didn’t seem to notice Simon’s struggling breath and continued to talk.

  “You see, you think you are just helping that stone-addled fool. But what you are really doing is making him refuse to see reason. You are helping him along a path that ends with myself and others limited from our potential.”

  He looked down at Simon who was taking in short breaths. Maelis gave Simon a pitying look.

  “You are helping the town, and that’s admirable. But by doing so, you rush the tunnel to completion.” Maelis lifted his hammer and pointed it to Simon’s nose. “And why is that a problem you ask?” He pointed to the tunnel with the tool. “Because when the tunnels done, what do you think us smiths will do? What will the council let us do? Let us mine and find metal to advance our craft?”

  Maelis let out a bitter laugh. “No. The gate house will be next. We will need to finish the metal works for it. Then the second wall will be finished. Need smiths for those gates too! They will just find task after task for us to do. Our skills will stagnate as we mass produce the necessities of town, using the same metal over and over and over again.”

  Maelis looked down at Simon. “Do you see the problem? Do my actions make sense to you?”

  Simon was struggling with the weight of the stocky smith, but he nodded.

  Maelis let out a wide grin. “Oh so you do understand! You see I thought you were as dense as the stone you so love carrying day after day. I honestly wasn’t even going to speak with you at first. I figured a day showing you are a ‘helpful’ individual for Varnholt and you would be out of there.”

  He shook his head. “Yet you just won’t stop. But you understand now, right?” With that the Yoreboon got to his feet. Simon took in a massive lungful of air, the ice cold air a blessed relief to him.

  Maelis took a step back, watching Simon breath heavily. After a moment, Simon carefully pushed himself to a sitting position. He stared across the snow into the smith’s eyes.

  Beneath those eyes, he saw madness. Madness tinged with ambition… and something else. Simon wasn't the best at reading people, but this guy was insane. Did his reasons make sense? Sure, kind of. But the fact that he had just laid him out for ignoring him? What the hell was wrong with this guy?

  Simon rubbed the back of his head, still slightly dizzy. How had Maelis known that strike wouldn’t kill him?

  Did he know that? Simon didn’t want to know the answer to that question. All he needed to do here was placate this madman and then figure out what to do from there.

  Maelis cocked his head, a brow arching up. “You can speak now.”

  “Why…” Simon chose his words carefully. “Did you strike me? Aren’t you worried I’m going to tell people you attacked me?”

  Maelis broke into a laugh. “Hahaha! That’s what you’re thinking about?”

  The humor in his appearance vanished far too quickly as his eyes turned cold.

  “You think that people would believe you, the stranger that arrived in corpses, who came out of nowhere? They'll believe you over a smith and council member?”

  His eyes were those of a predator as placed the hammer head in the palm of his hand. Maelis stroked it, his gaze never leaving Simon.

  “They might.” Simon replied, but even he didn’t believe his words.

  “No, they won’t. So let me make myself crystal clear. Tunnel work is dangerous. Cave-ins happen all the time. People get hurt, people get laid up with injuries for days at a time. That’s just the nature of being so deep underground.” He paused, then added. “I have been told that ignoring my advice is also dangerous. Do you understand?”

  Simon bit his lip, his mouth dry. This guy was batshit insane, but he wasn’t wrong. No one was going to believe Simon over Councilor Maelis.

  “Yeah, I get it.” Simon said. “I just want to eat soup.”

  Maelis smiled, his eyes wild. “Good… Good!” His voice changed to a booming jolly tone. “I like it. A simple man. He just wants to work and eat his soup.” The Yoreboon plodded across the snow towards Simon. Simon flinched as Maelis patted his shoulder.

  “Acutally, that’s a great name don’t you think? Simple Simon.”

  Simon just nodded. So the Yoreboon moved past him and started strolling down the path. Simon got to his feet and turned to watch the smith go. Maelis was walking casually, hammer over his shoulder. A jaunty whistling tune carried over the wind as if there was nothing wrong with the world.

  The daze from the blow he had taken had lifted. Simon clenched his fist as he watched the man begin to fade. It was roiling heat that swelled from deep inside. Simon focused on the Yoreboon as he silhouette grew fainter and fainter. His insides felt numb with heat as he took a step forward. This crazy…. Dangerous…

  “Asshole.” Simon hissed through clenched teeth. But beneath the growing rage, images flashed. Of him in the mine with Kurda. Talking with Brian and Kaelalin in the Ember Rest. Despite that, Simon really really wanted to do something stupid.

  He took in a deep breath, squinting his eyes but unwilling to completely shut them. Who knew if there were other hammer wielding assholes just out of sight.

  His anger was still there… just quieter. Simon sighed, feeling like he really should have chased that jerk down.

  But then what? Attack him? Get kicked out of Varnholt? Simon was honestly starting to really enjoy just being the guy that moved stone from one place to another.

  Was that so bad? No it wasn’t. There were plenty of people who just did menial labour. Was it really that horrible of a fate? Would involve a lot less bunnies ripping through his flesh. Simon smiled as he thought of the last few days. He could get used to this. He really should, he told himself.

  Yet, part of his mind still paid attention to the place the Yoreboon had left his sight.

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  That man was arrogant. The type of person who wanted everything to go exactly the way he said, and expected it to happen.

  Unfortunately for Maelis–and perhaps himself–Simon had a knack for pissing off that type of person. It was an ever-growing list of assholes.

  So how was Simon supposed to deal with this? Pretty much every action against the guy would end in drama. Simon had no idea how he should approach this.

  Well, he had some bad ones. But for once, he wanted to make the smart choice here.

  Simon glanced at the retreating light. For now, it was time to get some soup and rest. He could figure out the rest later. Simon got to his feet and walked slowly back to Varnholt, his eyes searching for another threat. He paused briefly and rifled through the bag Kurda had given him. He pulled out the Garb of the Lagomorph and quickly put it on.

  Simon’s face was tight, his expression grim. He knew one thing for certain though.

  From now on, he wasn’t leaving town without his equipment. He could deal with the looks.

  —— ? ——

  Simon had looked for Kaelalin and Brian when he got back to Ember Rest. The Inventors and Zerathis were absent from the evening meal. He had shot off a connection to Kaelalin and had a brief conversation.

  “Hey, got some time to talk?” Simon had asked.

  “Oh Simon! Sorry, we can’t eat with you tonight. Brian and Zerathis found a solution to one of the problems with the barrier and we are making tremendous progress!” Kaelalin replied. “Is it urgent?”

  Simon hesitated, then firmed his jaw. He didn’t need to bother them. He knew how much that project meant to Brian and the town. “That's great! No, don't worry about it. I'll catch you tomorrow alright?”

  “Sounds good!” Kaelalin said, then immediately cut the connection.

  Simon had eaten his soup lost in his thoughts. He was still thinking later as he sat in his bed. His mind mulled over what Maelis had said.

  Was he telling the truth? Were the actions of the town, Kurda, the council, favoring some over others?

  Kurda certainly hated parts of his position, and seemed to be forced to work on this project. He was sure that it was possible that the council was pushing things for the betterment of the town while helping some people get a step ahead.

  But the more he thought about it, the less sense it made. Wouldn't everyone just have access to more metal if the tunnel was completed? Wouldn't they be able to go beyond the valley? Not finishing the tunnel seemed incredibly short-sighted.

  There was something about Maelis that put Simon on edge. He couldn’t put his finger on it.

  He sighed.

  Simon was running needless circles in his head. No shit the guy put him on edge, he had hit him in the head with a hammer. So… Now what? Simon felt his face start to grow hot, but he shoved the rage down. He breathed.

  But there was something else besides his rage that gnawed at his mind.

  He couldn’t put a finger on it. His throbbing head wasn’t making it any easier to think.

  While Maylis seemed insane, he didn't seem dumb. What was going on? What did he mean?

  Simon sighed again. He had never been good at this aspect.

  Trying to think and understand and figure out the drama and the hidden workings of different peoples and their ambitions.

  Not to say he was anti-social. He wasn't a loner or shut-in as an IT worker.

  But when things got complicated and tempers rose and drama grew, Simon withdrew.

  Why did everybody care so much? There were so many other things in life to be so wrapped up in petty squabbles.

  Not to say that Simon didn't get involved in some of them. No one can make it through life without ending up in some.

  He let out a final sigh. This was going to suck. He knew one thing for sure.

  Simon wasn’t going to bend over for Maelis. But… He might take a more ‘measured’ approach to this. That was the right move… right?

  There was no way in hell he was going to stop working with Kurda. He would just need to be extra careful.

  Suspicious cracks, strangely colored metal arches and suspicious sounds would be approached with the utmost caution from now on. Simon began to drift to sleep, his mind still hunting for an answer he just couldn’t seem to find.

  —— ? ——

  The next morning, Simon passed Maelis as he made his way to the tunnel. The man was talking with several other people, but his eyes followed Simon. Simon gave him a jaunty thumbs up, a dumb smile on his face. Maelis’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded back. Simon kept up his smile, his teeth clenched.

  Good. Safe for today I think. Maybe he will think I’m going to talk to Kurda about leaving.

  At least that’s what Simon hoped. It hadn’t stopped him from examining every arch they passed as he made his way down the tunnel with Kurda. Was it the paranoia that was shifting through his mind?

  God damned asshole. Simon breathed again. Can’t he just fuck off?

  —— ? ——

  Halfway through the day, Simon and Kurda were resting munching on nutrient bars, when someone Simon hadn’t recognized had come down the tunnel.

  Kurda had excused himself from their conversation then crossed over to the man. They stepped out of eavesdropping range and had a whispered conversation.

  Simon just shrugged.

  Kurda was a councilor after all. Simon was honestly surprised the big man could stay down here in the tunnel for the long stretches he did.

  After a few minutes, Kurda came strolling back. His face had a smile on it but was also thoughtful.

  "Oie, Simon!"

  Simon swallowed the last of the bar then took a swig of water to clear the chalky substance.

  “What’s up Kurda?”

  Kurda moved back to his seat and drummed his fingers.

  "Parently’, the council has a surprise for everyone ter’day." he said after a moment.

  Simon’s eyebrow rose. “Oh? That’s all I get? A surprise?”

  Kurda shook his head. “Yer’, its all I got too. Parently’ Serel–to the surprise er’ no one – has been workin’ behind the scenes to unlock er’ nother’ one of those town features.”

  Simon had moved his waterskin to take another drink, but paused. “Wait, really? After we just unlocked one?” He stared into the dark opening to the waterskin. “Any ideas?”

  Kurda picked up his discarded food bar and waterskin, but just continued to drum his fingers. He shook his head.

  “None.” He took a bite then continued through the mouthful. “Der’ messenger said it was going to be some big announcement near der’ System Hub. Knowing Serel, if she wants it to stay a secret it’s gonna’ stay that way until she reveals her plan.”

  Simon took a sip, then asked. “So, I guess we’re done for the day?”

  Kurda flashed him a grin. “And why do yer’ think that? It ain’t for another few hours. They said it would be when the sun starts to move ter’ set. Right before normal people eat der’ evenin’ meal.”

  Simon put a hand to his chest. “Are you saying we aren’t normal?”

  “Yer’ know it. Ain’t regular hours down in the stone. Yer’ eat and then yer’ work. It’s a simple life.”

  Simon winced and reflexively rubbed his head. Kurda’s brows raised and a look of concern took over his face.

  “Yer’ okay der’ Simon? Yer’ been quiet today. Everything okay?”

  Simon was silent. Should he tell Kurda? He thought about it for a moment, then dismissed the idea. Knowing Kurda, The giant man would throw a fit. He would probably stomp out of the tunnel and wallop Maelis into the wall over and over.

  Simon finally answered. “No I’m good. Just a lot to think about over the last few days. I haven’t really slowed down since I got to Varnholt… So maybe its best we get back to work.”

  Kurda gave him a sad smile, his face filled with understanding.

  “Where’s that slinky Dravlen when yer’ need a good snowball to yer’ head right?”

  Simon smiled. “Didn’t you dunk him repeatedly in a bucket of cold water because of that?”

  “How der’ yer’ accuse a councilor of such childish actions!” Kurda replied, affronted. “I never did dunk him no bucket.” He paused, then added. “Bucket’s are too small for that man’s big head. I dunked him in a vat.” Kurda let out a booming laugh.

  Simon chuckled, then laughed with Kurda.

  “Bahahaha! Yer’ should have seen him run away. Like er’ wet cat after bath time.” Kurda wiped a tear from his eye, then stood.

  “Alright, yer’ ready? Ready to work?”

  Simon blinked. The phrase pricked a memory from the depths of his mind.

  “Could… could you say that again?” Simon asked.

  Kurda, who had already started moving back to an arch outline, paused and gave him a confused look.

  “Say what again? Are yer’ ready?”

  Simon shook his head, mimicking the cadence of a long forgotten phrase “No, ‘Ready to work’”

  Kurda cocked an eyebrow, but then shrugged. In a booming voice he mimicked Simon’s cadence. “Ready to work.”

  Simon beamed. “Prefect. Love it. Thanks, Kurda.”

  Kurda blinked, then eyed him suspiciously. “An’ why did yer’ want me to say that.”

  Simon gave him a smile. “It’s nothing really. It’s just a phrase from something from my home world. A character in a game used to say something in that exact cadence. Kurda you would have made a killing as a voice actor.”

  Memories from that game flooded Simon as he spoke.

  Man, it seems like all of that happened centuries ago to another person…

  Kurda stared at Simon then shrugged again. “So another one of yer’ earth-born sayings.” He cocked his head in thought. “Have to say, it’s not the weirdest one’s i’ve’ heard. Should spend more time with Brian. He’s always saying weird earth-born slang.” He scoffed. “Although, yer’ from earth so yer’ would probably enjoy it.”

  He turned back and moved toward the arch, but before he was out of range Simon heard him speak again.

  “Ready to work.”

  Simon grinned. It would make his year if that phrase caught on with Kurda. He already had Zerathis calling himself Eight-ball. Simon was going to have to add this one to his list of accomplishments. He was going to spread phrases and sayings from his old home and get the other races saying them.

  That brought back memories of earth. Memories that Simon instantly shoved deep, deep, down inside himself. He didn’t have time for this.

  Right now, my job is to pick up rock, put down rock. Pick up rock, put down rock. And then, go to Varnholt and eat free stew or soup.

  He nodded to himself. This was his life. Despite the encounter with Maelis, today was going to be a good day.

  That's all you gotta do, Simon. Just keep moving forward. Simon the rock mover.

  And then after being a rock mover?

  Find out what surprise the council had in store.

  Simon smiled. It would be a great day.

  —— ? ——

  In a room far away from the tunnel, far away from Simon, a group of people met.

  Marden looked into each face of the people gathered.

  “Do you all understand what I expect?” He asked.

  Nods from the gathered people in the house of healing.

  “Good. I expect everyone’s full support. Do not worry, that support will be repaid.” Marden smiled, then turned to the blue-tinged regal figure. “Your cooperation is very important. You are sure your guards will do what you ask? I know I have not revealed my reasons yet, but all will be clear soon.”

  The Frost-kin king nodded. “You have healed my people when others could not. I will repay that debt. My guards will follow my instructions, regardless of what is said.” He had an accusing tone in his voice.

  Marden let out a light laugh. “Oh do not worry. I merely need them to be ready. I am sure that once I reveal what my patron has shown me, you would have done it without compensation.”

  The Frost-kin’s reply was cold, but echoed the sentiment of the room.

  “We will see.”

  —— ? ——

  — AUTHOR NOTICE —

  Also I am over the moon right now. I just finished work for the day and I have the next week off :O

  9 entire freaking days of writing. I'm STOKED.

  Thanks for reading!

  ~TheBusyBard

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