—— ? ——

  They did not.

  In fact, they actually ended up reducing the amount of options Simon thought he had.

  “Hide in the tunnel?” Simon asked hopefully.

  Brian shook his head. “Horrible plan. Miners have reported footsteps in the tunnel almost every night. The creature never stays, but it seems to be drawn to the area because of the noise and smells. It's the only reason Kurda’s not finishing the gatehouse tonight.”

  “But it has to be better than being on open ground.”

  Brian tapped his fingers. “Maybe there's a way for him to block it for tonight? Seal you in? Let me ask.”

  He was silent for a minute, then burst out cursing.

  “That slimy, underhanded, ugly fucker!”

  “What?” Simon asked.

  “Maelis!” Brian practically screamed his name. “Has magically gained a work ethic. We have no idea how he did it, but apparently he fabricated a metal gate out of his ass.”

  Brian pulled his hair in frustration. “Apparently, he was delighted to inform the council that he would finish installing it tonight. He said the purpose was–”Brian made air quotes “--‘to keep creatures of the dark out of the tunnel and reduce the risk to Varnholt citizens.’”

  Simon grimaced. “So, me.”

  Brian’s face was dark. “It gets worse.”

  “How?”

  “He finished it. He didn’t just install it. Maelis installed it in the gatehouse.”

  Simon blinked. “So? Isn’t that good?”

  Brian leaned back, his face strained. “Yes. For Varnholt. The gate being finished apparently means that the gatehouse is now officially ‘complete’ for Varnholt’s purposes. It’s now considered part of the town’s defenses.”

  Simon fell deeper into his chair. “So you mean…”

  “Yes.” Brian said, his voice venomous. “Maelis has made the entire tunnel and gate house be considered a part of Varnholt. Which means your banishment applies to those structures.” Brian punched fist into palm. “That’s so unfair. Before this it was just a hole in the damn ground. Now it's technically underneath the town's protection. A ‘rudimentary gatehouse’.”

  He looked over at Simon. “He waited until Ryne and Kurda had finished what they were working on and then snuck in. Somehow he installed an entire giant ass metal gate and then accepted the prompt. This is bullshit.”

  “Didn’t he want me to be thrown in prison? I thought he voted against my banishment.” Simon grumbled.

  What the hell does that guy have against me?

  His mind drifted back to their encounter.

  Well, besides that. Arrogant prick.

  Simon shook his head. No use crying over something that was already done.

  “Well then.” He asked. “What’s Plan B?”

  —— ? ——

  Plan B, was to endlessly spiral until the hissing airlock announced Kaelalin’s return.

  The Frost-kin crossed the threshold and looked at the two men.

  "What's with the faces?" she snapped. "What have you guys—has he packed? Do we have everything ready?"

  Brian groaned

  “Yeah, we at least did that.” he gestured a limp arm to a pile of packs. “All the special potions, all of his potions, they are all there. The only thing is, he’s going to struggle to carry all these packs and run effectively.”

  Kaelalin scoffed. "Are you still talking about that that dumb fucking plan? The one where he just runs as fast as he can?"

  "Yeah," Brian said, "unless you've got a better idea."

  "I go with him. We figure something out."

  "So you don't have a plan?"

  “We're not leaving Simon to run out into certain death by himself." Kaelalin snapped.

  "You don't know it's certain death," Brian replied. "But what we do know is it's certain death for you." He pointed at her. "If that thing catches you, you'll die. You can't outrun it. Simon can."

  The two inventors locked eyes. Both unwilling to back down.

  “I think Brian has a–”

  “Quiet, Simon. This is between me and Brian.”

  Simon’s head snapped back. He turned his head to Kaelalin, and snapped back “No, it isn’t.”

  Kaelalin broke the staredown and looked at Simon.

  “But it is. If he would just le-”

  “Yeah, no. It’s my turn to talk.” Simon cut her off. “Brian's right. You'll die if that thing chases you. Me? There’s a chance that I'll out run it”

  Kaelalin opened her mouth, but Simon held up a hand. “Not finished.” The Frost-kin was quiet.

  “Hell, there's a chance that there's an aurora out and this doesn’t fucking matter. In that case I’d just beat bunnies into a pulp all night. That’s something I'm actually good at, and then we deal with everything tomorrow.”

  He set his jaw. “But what I do know is if you come with me, Kaelalin, you can’t outrun that thing."

  Kaelalin’s iron gaze didn’t waver. “We could fight it.”

  "Fight it?” Simon scoffed. “Kaelalin, that thing barely touched me and it nearly killed me. It's not a thing you can fight."

  “Oh really?” Kaelalin crossed her arms. “I don't know, Simon. I think I said the same thing about the creatures in the realm of the forger.” She gave him an accusatory look. “Then some guy stood there and acted all cocky and went ‘No…..just... no…’”

  She leaned in. “Where's that Simon today? Where's the man who throws caution to the wind and just mutters ‘no’?"

  Simon hesitated. He remembered how he felt in that sub-realm. The mental state where he decided to just go ‘fuck it.’

  Shit.

  Now he was planning on just running.

  Run.

  Run.

  And run.

  While a horror from the shadows tore across the snow after him.

  Just how long could he run? This thought terrified him.

  Simon looked over to Brian, trying to figure out what he should do. The inventor’s eyes agreed with Kaelalin. They begged. Where was that Simon? The one that said no.

  To Kaelalin.

  Make her stay.

  Don’t let her go out the gate.

  ‘Just tell her no.’

  She’d probably be pissed right? But that would be fine.

  He could just run.

  Running alone in the dark, just him and the creature. Simon would just need to keep it up until the sun rose. Then everything would go smoothly from there. He would leave this crappy valley, it’s scared residents, and just leave his problems behind.

  He would stand his ground here, and just do what he always did.

  Charge ahead with no plan in sight. Just his stubborn resolve to keep him company.

  He opened his mouth.

  “N–”

  “Wait!” Kaelalin exclaimed. “Simon that’s it!”

  Simon closed his mouth. He exchanged glances with Brian, both not understanding.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “What’s it?”

  “We go there!” Kaelalin laughed, relief streaming from her voice. “We need to get going. Right now. It’s so far away, but we can make it.”

  She crossed the room and started lashing packs to herself.

  A kernel of hope grew in Simon. What had she figured out?

  “Kaelalin, what are you talking about?” Brian asked, beating Simon to the question.

  “The realm!” She said excitedly, strapping a pouch to her waist. “The Realm of the Forger! If we make it there before sundown, it'll be easy! We just go into the sub-realm and wait out the night! Then we just leave. Screw waiting on the tunnel. We make our way over the mountains and leave at first light.”

  Simon frowned. It couldn’t be that easy right? What if someone was waiting there to stop them? Surely they thought about that.

  He shook his head.

  Now that was a crazy thought. Who in their right mind would head out into the valley at night?

  Simon sure as hell wouldn’t. No way. This idea just might work. The plan was perfect.

  Too perfect.

  This day was such a train wreck, this had to back fire some way. Simon couldn’t think of how, though. Despite that, a sinking feeling of dread settled into his gut.

  He met Kaelalin’s eyes. She had a look of excitement for the first time today.

  “Would that work? How far is it?” Simon asked, but he moved to the pile and started putting on bags.

  “Let me check.” Brian moved to a book shelf. He searched through it, then pulled out the map Simon had used all those days ago.

  He laid it out on the table, tracing his finger from the outline of Varnholt to the spot marked in red letters.

  “It should…” He said hesitantly. “But, shouldn’t Simon travel light then? Sprint straight there?”

  “I already told you, I’m going.” Kaelalin crossed her arms, staring him down

  “Besides, If he goes into that place he’s going to need help. It took both of us to take them down last time. So we both need to go.” She paused. “In fact, you know what would make it even better? If you came with us Brian. Leave this garbage heap of assholes behind.”

  "They're not all assholes," Brian snapped. "Just some of them"

  "Yeah, but most of the people in charge are.” Kaelalin countered. “You saw the vote. Just leave Varnholt to its own devices. Zerathis can probably figure out that barrier soon enough.”

  Brian shook his head. “Kaelalin you know that isn’t true. If I leave it will set him back weeks.” He gave her a meaningful look. “What happens if an avalanche comes down in those weeks?”

  “Then it happens. So what.” Kaelalin said quietly.

  Brian narrowed his eyes. “You can’t mean that.” He gestured to the room around him. . " This is what I do. This is who I am. I help people. I can't just leave my work just because some people are assholes. There are good people here that I can help."

  “Are they really good?” Kaelalin scoffed. “They all voted to kill Simon. Where were the ‘good people’ then?”

  "That's not fair and you know it."

  “This world isn’t fair anymore!” Kaelalin shouted, her tone exhausted. “And so, you finish the barrier… then what? The council finds another ‘life or death’ task for you. The conniving people here will use that heart of yours against you Brian.”

  She stomped her foot, causing the table to shake. “Tell me I’m wrong!”

  Brian was silent.

  “You can’t.” she let out a long breath. “Brian, these people don’t care about you. They don’t care about me, they don't care about Simon. They care about what they can get from you.”

  "That's not—"

  "No, she’s right.," Simon said quietly. " They don't care about you. They don't care about any of us."

  "Some of them do." Brian retorted.

  "Maybe," Kaelalin said. "But they are a minority. Look what one healer bent on his goal did tonight. What happens when you're his next target, huh?"

  "I—" Brian looked torn. "I just—I can't. I can't abandon this. I can’t let people die if I know I can stop it."

  Kaelalin’s anger fell, her face went soft. “I know. “

  Brian looked between them. "I—Fuck. Fuck—I just need to think. Give me a minute. Just one minute."

  Metal gauntleted hands pounded on the exterior door, the sound muted but distinct.

  “It’s almost time to go.” Kaelalin whispered, her eyes locked on Brian who was pacing on the other side of the room.

  “Arghhhhhhhhhh” He yelled, pulling on his hair. “Alright!”

  He whirled on Simon and Kaelalin. “So, you’re going to the sub-realm, waiting a night, then just… heading over the mountain?”

  Kaelalin nodded. “Screw waiting on the tunnel. Screw asking permission or hiding out more than a night. We are out of here.”

  The pounding on the outer door grew in volume.

  “Probally a bad time to mention Maelis technically sealed the tunnel, making it impossible for Simon to stay there?” Brian looked sheepish.

  Kaelalin narrowed her eyes. “He WHAT.” Her skin started to color with anger, but then she took a breath. “You know what, whatever. Why wouldn’t that happen?”

  She continued. “But yes, that’s the plan. No more tunnel, no more waiting. If it’s the two of us its possible. The three of us?” Kaelalin gave Brian a long look. “I can’t imagine we couldn’t do it. With our tools and Simon's strength, we shouldn't have any problem. We'll cross the top and be gone.”

  She reached out her hand and grasped Brian's. "Come on, Brian. There's a whole world out there of new things to learn. So many things to invent. If you stay here, you're just going to end up what?” Kaelalin searched deeply into his eyes. “

  The town guy that maintains the shield. Why do they even deserve a shield?"

  Brian pulled away from her, then kept pacing. The room was silent as Simon and Kaelalin just watched the man fight through his thoughts.

  After a minute, the inventor exclaimed. “GAH!” and slammed his fist down on a book shelf. Manuscripts and tomes fell as the shelf gave away.

  Brian turned, his eyes practically glowing with determination.

  “Alright. Here’s the plan.” He started. “I’m going to help Zerathis tonight. I’m positive I can get it going. I’ll finish it, then pack everything I can and head out.” His gaze fell into Kaelalin’s. “That’s what I’ll do. You’re right. I’m done. One last effort, then I’m out.”

  He looked over at Simon.

  “Drop some of those bags, the yellow ones have items for long term. I’ll bring them with me at first light.”

  Kaelalin stared for a long moment, then nodded.

  "If that's what you choose, Brian, then that's what it'll be. We'll hide in the realm of the forger. In the morning, you meet us there, and then we'll leave this place.”

  She looked between the other two in the room. “Me, you, and Simon. We'll head off. There's a whole world to explore.”

  Her gaze landed on Brian.

  “Honestly," she said quietly, "You’re the one I want to explore it with."

  Brian blinked, his face blushing slightly. “What… do you mean?”

  Simon groaned, his hand reflexively moving to his face. “Brian. You dense motherfucker.”

  “Huh?” Brian replied.

  Kaelalin just shook her head, a smile creeping across her face. “You're so dumb, Brian." She laughed. "You're just so dumb. Not with inventing, or magic. Or pretty much anything else.”

  She took slow steps toward Brian, then stopped less then a foot from him.

  “You can't see what's right in front of you.”

  Brian looked confused, still blinking rapidly.

  Kaelalin sighed. “Fine. If this is what we are going to do then I will see you in the morning.” She turned her face to Simon. “Simon take off the yellow bags.” Then she turned back to Brian.

  “And you, come here.”

  Kaelalin reached forward, and hooked two of the many pockets of Brian’s lab coat.

  She dragged him forward and brought his face to hers.

  “You’re really such an idiot. Completely oblivious.”

  Kaelalin leaned in close.

  Simon turned away, giving the two their space. He hoped to fucking god that Brian didn’t miss THIS sign. There was no way he was that dense, right?

  But the two shared a kiss, which then turned into a passionate embrace.

  About. Damn. Time.

  A few moments later the two pulled apart. Simon heard Brian stuttering, so he turned back.

  “Wait.. I… You… I thought.. What?”

  Simon laughed. “Oh boy, Brian you’re going to have to check if my bet was good. I’m pretty sure I put down two weeks and the odds were pretty good.”

  Brian’s turned his bright spectacled face to Simon. “Wait… bet?! Two weeks? What are you talking about?”

  "The betting pool on you two.” Simon gestured toward them. “Geez, dude. I've known dense people in my life, but you are by far the fucking densest. Has to be almost half the town that has been betting at Ember Rest."

  Brian's eyes looked around wildly, trying to parse together what had just happened. He touched his face and looked over at Kaelalin. "You, I, um, you and me?"

  Kaelalin let go of his hands. "Yes, you dumbass.” She crossed her arms “What the hell did you think? No, I kissed you for fun. I like you."

  Awkward silence.

  Followed by a longer silence as Kaelalin stared at Brian in disbelief.

  *pop!* A small bell appeared in Simon’s hand.

  Perfect! Thanks for once, you defective skill.

  The bell made delightful dinging sounds as it sailed across the lab.

  *DING!*

  It pinged off Brian’s forehead, causing his head to whip back. The bell bounced and dinged off the floor as it rolled almost all the way back to Simon.

  Brian and Kaelalin stared at him.

  “Brian.” Simon said. “Would you wake the hell up? What’d Kaelalin just say?”

  Brian blinked. “She.. likes me?”

  Simon gave him his best ‘anddddddddddddddd’ expression.

  “Oh… oh!” Brian turned back to Kaelalin. “I love spending time with you!”

  “Oh. My. God.” Simon stepped forward, bent down, and retrieved the bell.

  *ding.* it rang softly.

  Brian pulled back reflexively, then his eyes went wide.

  “Oh right.” He stopped watching Simon with his projectile and focused on Kaelalin. “Yeah, Kaelalin, I, I, I do. Um, I just, I don't know.. I didn't think…" He paused, taking a deep breath before releasing the next words with it. "I didn’t think I was someone that someone like you would go for."

  Kaelalin’s jaw fell open. “Didn’t think you were someone I would go for? You didn’t notice any of the times I came onto you?”

  Brian looked at her sharply. "You came on to me?"

  Simon burst out laughing. “Oh man… We told you Kaelalin.”

  Brian was about to respond when the Frost-kin pulled him into another kiss. When they pulled apart she simply asked.

  “Clear enough to you now?”

  Brian nodded. He opened his mouth to respond, but his words were cut off by the lab almost shaking from pounding metal outside.

  Kaelalin’s eyes snapped to the door. She released an almost primal growl, then started moving towards it.

  “Grab anything else you need, Simon.” She said over her shoulder. “I was enjoying this moment before somebody ruined it. Dravlen told me on the way here, as long as I don’t kill any one he doesn't care.”

  Brian and Simon watched her leave, the first lock hissing into place.

  “Yeah.” Simon said. “I wouldn’t want to be those guys, right now.”

  The second air lock hissed.

  “Simon.”

  Simon turned to meet the inventor's serious gaze.

  “Yeah, Brian?”

  "If anything happens—you'll keep her safe? Or I don’t know… send her back? Please. I just—I don't know what I'd do if I lost her.” He paused, deep in thought, then continued.

  “We've grown into such good friends and I guess there's even more there. I never knew."

  “Ya think?” Simon replied, shaking his head. "I'll try, man. Honestly, she’s more likely to be the one protecting me.”

  Simon stepped to him and put a hand on his shoulder.

  “Look, just finish this stupid shit and meet us in the morning. Everything will be fine.”

  Brian transformed, his face clearing, his mind seeming to snap into attention. "You're right. I've got a job to do. Stay safe out there."

  Simon finished removing the yellow bags, then strolled to the airlock. As the first door slid shut, Simon heard Brian calling after him.

  “Good luck, Simon!”

  The door hissed shut.

  He just had to fucking say it.

  The outer door hissed opened.

  —— ? ——

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