demiGod: Part II

By JA Laflin

Having been exiled from the D'Tari Guild, Aiden is called back to protect Megan, a young ambassador to the secretive Shadow Congress. As Aiden's past seems to be catching up with him, he finds himself trying to prove a senator's connection to a dark plot which could threaten the stability of the Agnec world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Agnec Press
• Release date: Nov 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310846458

JA Laflin

Having written everything from comic books to song lyrics, JA Laflin loves to write, and has been doing so for many years. He also tends to write lots of different things. When he's not writing fiction or music, he occasionally writes non-fiction, or just blogs. When he's not writing, you might catch his recorded music, or he might even be creating some work of visual art. He generally feels pretty useless when he's not being creative. His influences are wide and diverse, but he tends to come back to the classics (Shakespeare and Homer), the forerunners of modern fantasy (JRR Tolkein, George MacDonald, and CS Lewis), and a few newer influences (Orson Scott Card, Neil Gaiman, and JK Rowling), just to name a few. Born in the US Pacific NorthWest, JA Laflin lives in the Portland, OR metro area with his wife and son.

Book preview

demiGod : Part II

by

JA Laflin

Smashwords Edition

Published by Agnec Press

Copyright ©2014 by JA Laflin. All Rights Reserved.

Cover design and art by JA Laflin.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

demiGod is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locations is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Gryphon Claw

Chapter 2 - Home Again

Chapter 3 - Turlin's Request

Chapter 4 - Stepping Up

Chapter 5 - Further Education

Chapter 6 - Banquet of Shadows

Chapter 7 - The Opposition

Chapter 8 - Toad's Corner

Chapter 9 - Man Against Elf

Chapter 10 - RobThumb Healer's Hospice

Chapter 11 - Dwarvahall

Chapter 12 - The Griftwalker Estate

Chapter 13 - Casting the Beast

Chapter 14 - The Lockdown Before the Storm

Chapter 15 - The Proof

Chapter 16 - Moving On

Author's Note

Chapter 1 - Gryphon Claw

Aiden had been dreaming, although he could never remember exactly what had happened in those dreams.

What he had thought to be a scream quickly melded into the incessant high-pitched tones of his alarm clock, which he struggled desperately to silence. He sighed--it was too early. He smacked the alarm until the buzzer stopped and squinted open his eyes. It would be so much better if he could just stay in bed. He finally made it to his feet and got dressed.

He dreaded thinking about starting his day. It had been a long night, but he had to wake up. At least he tried to tell himself that.

Aiden stumbled into the hallway, shielding his eyes from the natural light that seeped through the blinds in the adjoining living room. He trudged along, trying to adjust, and began smelling something that resembled pancakes. He hoped they didn't taste like rubber this time.

He glared hazily at the wicker table and chairs that sat, ever so unfashionably, in his miniscule dining room. Taking a seat, he grabbed the disheveled Ambler newspaper without much thought. In a moment, he wasn't sure why he had bothered. Naturally, there was nothing but a slew of political mishaps, sports flubs, and fashion missteps. He'd seen it all before.

Good morning.

Aiden looked up to see his roommate Chuck wielding a spatula, standing guard over the pancake maker. Aiden nodded silently, still groggy.

He'd been up nearly all night long, searching for bail-jumpers in the dark of night. Those backyards filled with dogs and barb-wire fences hadn't made things any simpler. He wished he hadn't taken the job, but it was a job after all. One he did well. He smirked a bit, thinking of the thick wad of bills in his pants pocket.

He returned to his paper.

Another riot had broken out somewhere, Aiden noticed from a short blurb of text on the front page. He was sick of reading the same news. He shrugged and turned the crisp pages, hoping to find something more tantalizing. Aiden sighed, wanting to voice his opinions out loud, but knew that Chuck wouldn't care to listen.

For someone who had essentially been a nobody in both worlds for the last fourteen years, Aiden had always wanted to stay informed of the world at large, but it wasn't always easy. Had it really been fourteen years? He looked to the date at the top of the page, only to verify that it was in fact the year 2011. Aiden sighed, willing himself not to think about that fateful time when everything had gone so awry.

Aiden's thoughts were interrupted by a loud crack and the cacophony of shattering glass. Chuck ran out of sight, rushing to see what had happened, just as Aiden stood.

Hey! Chuck shouted, a sudden panic in his tone.

Aiden peered into the living room from around an adjoining wall, and saw Chuck on his knees at the mercy of a thin blade. A man in white stood there, holding his sword just inches from Chuck's throat. Aiden reached down to his side, greeted by the familiar feel of his own sword's handle.

Chuck looked worried and unsure if he should say something, or anything.

I thought you'd be here... said the man in white--whose face was covered by a deep hood--as he glanced over to Aiden.

Okay... said Aiden, his eyes dancing furtively between Chuck and the man in white. So, here I am. Let him go.

You were a hard one to track down, the man began. But we found you. Are you going to come quietly or do I have to convince you a little?

And you are...?

There was no reply.

Aiden could see the man's sword moving ever closer to Chuck's throat, but that wasn't Aiden's biggest concern at the moment. There was something about the sword itself that made Aiden wonder. Chuck began to take a deep breath, as if expecting the blade to take his head off at any moment.

Before Chuck could exhale, Aiden's blade passed through the midsection of the man-in-white's sword. For a moment, it was as though nothing had happened. Then the weapon slid apart in two clean pieces and fell to the carpet. Three of the intruder's gloved finger tips followed.

Aiden stood before the hooded stranger with his blade still drawn.

Chuck was speechless, looking wildly back and forth from Aiden to the man in white.

The intruder clutched his wounded hand, but said nothing. Aiden searched beneath the hood and rune insignia, imploring the stranger's eyes. He saw youthfulness and fear. He flicked his wrist lightly, smiling softly, and his blade began to fade in a white mist.

So you are N'Iatari... Why you guys always wear white, I'll never know, Aiden said, taking a bold step toward the intruder. You'd think maybe a royal purple or forest green might be just as... nice?

No answer.

Sorry about your finger tips, Aiden said with a smirk.

I still have the hand, don't I? the stranger replied without even a grimace.

Aiden smiled as though impressed, but the hooded stranger's eyes grew thinner.

You won't be so lucky, the man in white spat. He had already set in motion a wild leap toward Aiden, bearing a thick dagger.

The dagger shattered suddenly against the solid, white-alloyed breastplate which manifested on Aiden's chest.

The hooded stranger fell back in surprise but kept his balance. Aiden held out both hands and outstretched his fingers in a basket shape. The energy radiated through him, and he released. Blue energy boomed from his palms and struck the man square in the chest.

The man in white now lay on the other side of the living room, motionless, resting in a crater of drywall and plaster.

Chuck scrambled to his feet, looking panicked. He stammered unintelligibly, eyes still wildly traveling back and forth from Aiden to the fallen stranger. He couldn't seem to gather his bearings, and Aiden kept motioning for him to sit down, but Chuck shook his head.

I-is he dead? Chuck finally managed.

Aiden folded his arms. No. Probably not. He'll have one mother of a headache though.

Chuck looked at him in disbelief.

Aiden sighed, knowing his secrecy was no longer important. If he was a full-fledged N'Iatari, I might've had to kill him... he explained, though uneasy about such an idea. This kid was a trainee. Didn't even have a translated sword yet...

Aiden inspected the fallen man's body as if admiring his handiwork. Then, as if realizing who he was talking to, he looked back to his roommate.

Sorry you had to witness this, Chuck.

Chuck was not impressed nor amused.

As you probably noticed, uh, I can do... It's because I'm... Aiden stopped and looked at Chuck, whose gaze had almost become transfixed, and not in a good way. Ah screw it. I'll pack my stuff.

***

This wasn't the first time Aiden had been kicked out of an apartment, and he was sure it wouldn't be the last. If he could only make just a bit more money, maybe next time he wouldn't need a roommate. It took him no time at all to pack his things. In fact, he could fit all his belongings into his duffel bag. He pushed the thoughts of yet another eviction aside, and tried to walk it off.

The Philadelphia streets were surprisingly warm. Heatwaves radiated off of distant cars and pavement, making the scenery dance to an odd rhythm. The sidewalk stretched out before him until it blurred in the horizon of skyscrapers and city parks. Aiden walked along pavement full of cracks where the occasional weed had forced its way through, and the street signs were littered with gang tags and artless graffiti. He stopped for a moment, adjusting the strap on his bag, and took one last mental snapshot.

The streets were surprisingly silent. This decay was no surprise.

Aiden adjusted the locket hanging from his neck. He hated it. He hated how it sometimes burned his skin when his fingers touched it. He hated-

The flutter of dark wings interrupted his thoughts. D'Natis swooped down and landed on his outstretched forearm.

On the street again, are you? the raven asked.

Aiden smiled for a moment, looking into the bird's dark eye. Eh... Chuck freaked out when the N'Iatari showed up... Don't know what to do about it this time.

The exile's task is never done, is it? the raven quipped.

Aiden peered out over the endless sidewalk, squinting. ...Never.

Aiden sighed as the bird slowly inched up his arm, finally getting comfortable on his shoulder. Good thing I have you, D'Natis. I guess we're on the road again.

D'Natis didn't respond, but Aiden assumed the silence was a good thing. It often was. They knew each other too well by now, and for far too long, to let something like language come between them.

Aiden kept walking, his thoughts ablaze. He wondered where they would go, what they would do. Of course, he couldn't let on that he had a few mildly anxious thoughts about seeing a N'Iatari apprentice show up in his living room. This sort of thing had not happened for at least five or six years. He remained calm and steady, trying to balance D'Natis; the raven's ever-shifting talons digging into his right shoulder.

He thought about Chuck. For Aiden, explaining the D'Tari properties to the roommate was always a difficult thing. An avoided thing. Usually it never came up. Sometimes, like with Chuck, it destroyed the living room and caused the roommate to seek therapy. Not only that, but Aiden could only assume that at some point, someone like Turlin would likely have to make a few adjustments to Chuck's memory.

Ever since having left the Guild, Aiden had always struggled with the 'control' aspect of harnessing his D'Tari properties. He couldn't even begin to lie to himself about that. He supposed he could have tried to save Chuck some other way without letting anyone know about his D'Tari abilities...

He looked at D'Natis in the corner of his eye and chuckled to himself.

What? the raven asked.

We're a couple of peas in a pod, aren't we? Aiden laughed.

How do you mean?

It's no secret that I'm... Aiden began, trying to think of a funny way to say it.

Out of control? D'Natis completed the sentence sarcastically.

Aiden smirked. Eh, sure. But you're not far off.

The raven cocked his head to get a better view of Aiden's face. How dare you. I am of noble blood.

Aiden laughed mockingly. Like that noble time you pooped on that kid's head?

D'Natis leaped slightly, wings almost fluttering. He dared to think me a common bird. Me! A Raven Lord! It served him-

So who's out of control now? Aiden said, unable to hold back a smile. It was a very lordly thing to do...

Should I have taken an eye? It's not like the child could sue... D'Natis calmly retorted. You and I are about the most protected species on the planet.

Aiden's eye caught the old cemetery they were passing, the tombstones full of very Irish and Jewish surnames.

He knew where this conversation was going, but he still had to say it. For starters: Aiden began. Protection is only a legal term. It means nothing. Just because guys like Turlin and Menlir occasionally show up and clean up after us, doesn't mean we're protected.

D'Natis' large eye peered directly into Aiden's, as if he were thinking to reply.

Second: I hate to tell you this, but you and I aren't the same species.

The bauble around your neck says otherwise, D'Natis said, peering at the locket hanging down into Aiden's shirt.

Aiden glared at the not-so-common bird, unable to make any further debate. He hated that. He stuffed the locket further into his shirt and carried on down the sidewalk. D'Natis was making a victorious clicking sound with his beak. Aiden hated that too.

C'mon, let's get to the pub. Aiden said, hoping he could spend a few hours forgetting his anxiety.

Good. I could use a drink, D'Natis replied. A little bird told me someone wishes to see you there.

First, ravens and ale don't mix, Aiden huffed, raising an eyebrow at the bird. Second, who wants to see me?

I guess you'll have to find out.

Aiden scoffed and continued walking.

***

Aiden and D'Natis made their way to the Gryphon Claw, a small pub that looked as though it had been built in the 1600s. The journey had taken them winding through the alleys and side streets of the old city, passing through historical neighborhoods and old sites now turned tourist traps. The noon sun was still burning overhead as Aiden finally walked up the rickety steps to the old establishment.

Inside, some of the patrons cast an odd glance or two when they noticed the large black bird on Aiden's shoulder, but no one bothered to say anything. The world inside the pub was dark, and the air thin with the aftermath of cigarettes. A violinist sat in a distant corner, playing Irish reels, while mellow chatter and laughter flooded the room. The walls, the furniture, and all the architecture had retained its old-world charm, and Aiden loved it for that, despite it's propensity for some cliché.

Aiden approached the bar, giving the man behind it--a tall, balding man with a lazy eye--a knowing look. The man leaned forward over the bar, intent on hearing Aiden's words.

Gryphon's claws make no laws, Aiden half-whispered into the man's hairy ear.

The man nodded, tapped on the bar with satisfaction, looked out over the room, and motioned for Aiden to follow him down the hall just behind the bar. Aiden followed the man into the darkness. He'd been here before, but it had been several months. He never knew what things might occur once beyond this point--especially if certain people recognized him.

The tall man with the lazy eye reached the end of the hall and gave the ornate door several knocks in a specific pattern. After a moment, the door cracked and Aiden was blinded by the light from within. The tall man turned to him and smiled, then left back down the hall.

As Aiden entered, locking the door behind him, and his eyes adjusted, he realized he was looking at Regnir the Half-Dwarf, a short, bearded creature whose skin was the texture of dirt and whose physique was both uniquely human and Dwarf-like. Aiden nodded as Regnir greeted him with merely a grunt.

Good to see you too, Aiden finally said as the Half-Dwarf returned to his table where he'd been playing cards.

The room in here was much like the room he'd just come from: dimly lit, smoky, and ornate. Of course, in here, met the Agnecs. Aiden glanced around the room, wondering where he'd sit, surprised at how full the small space was. There were plenty of Dwarves in the pub today, a handful of humans, and some other creatures in dark corners Aiden did not bother to spy out.

Aiden suppressed a chuckle.

What? D'Natis asked, seeing Aiden's smirk.

It's funny how obvious Agnec meeting places are sometimes, Aiden said quietly, stepping further into the room. "The Gryphon Claw? I mean, c'mon. Even the Ambler part looks like something from some fantasy novel."

Most Amblers will never guess the Agnecs' secrets. People tend to see only what they desire to see, said D'Natis in his oft sage tone.

Along the bar where a large man tended, sat the two Elves, Ton'r and Nin nac Glennfire. Both of them looked very much alike. Aiden was not surprised to see them, as they were among the very few Elves that would regularly frequent the typical Agnec gathering place. Ton'r was down at the bottom of his glass of ale, and Aiden thought it best to look for a seat elsewhere.

Aiden turned to the right, looking at the far wall where a Faun sat cushioned on a wide divan surrounded by smoke from his hooka. It was Menlir. Aiden made to turn away, hoping he could slink back out the door--as Menlir would not be happy to see Aiden in a public Agnec space--but something else drew his attention.

A beautiful woman sat in a chair across from Menlir. They were in conversation, and Aiden grew suddenly curious.

The woman, dressed in somewhat trendy Ambler clothes, seemed to stand out. Aiden must have been staring, because she caught his eye and approached him.

Hi, she began somewhat awkwardly. I'm Megan Rohan, the woman said, smiling as she shook Aiden's hand. Well, the last name's not too important, as you know, she added, suddenly brushing a strand of red hair from her eyes. She straightened up, as if catching herself, and said, Menlir and I need to chat with you, if that's alright.

Aiden raised an eyebrow. How'd you- he started to ask.

D'Natis was contacted, Megan replied. Of course that's how I recognized you. She smiled at the bird just inches from Aiden's head. Who else has a raven on their shoulder?

Megan gestured toward a round table against the far wall, away from the other patrons. Aiden tried to smile hospitably, but couldn't hide the strange feeling he had about this.

He stopped and gestured for Megan to wait. Just a sec, he said, then stepped away.

You knew about this? Aiden whispered to D'Natis.

D'Natis cocked his head. I led you here.

Like hell you did, Aiden muttered. Seriously. Do you know what's going on?

Perhaps I dropped some subtle cues, or let you take the lead on coming to the pub-

Screw that, Aiden said, flustered. The only thing Menlir's good for is relaying messages to Turlin and cleaning up my mess... Aiden stopped to glance over at the Faun--whose smile was suspicious. Last time he wanted a favor, I ended up on a plane to California...

D'Natis sighed. I do recall, he said. But I seek your best interest. Hear him out. If the cause is not worthy, what's so bad about turning him down?

Know what it's about?

No, but it does sound urgent, D'Natis said, shifting his weight.

Okay. Fine, Aiden sighed and turned back to face Megan and Menlir.

Megan led Aiden and D'Natis over to a small round table where Menlir had already pulled up a chair. The old Faun looked up at Aiden with something like a forced smile. Aiden sat but did not return the expression.

Once they were all settled, Menlir addressed Aiden despite how Megan was just opening her mouth to speak. "Hello, demiGod. I saw your recent article in the Ol' Rambler... Still clinging to your theory, eh?" Menlir's words felt like a challenge and his tone was ornery.

Aiden ran a hand through his dark hair, sweeping it out of his eyes. He sighed.

Menlir was stuck in his ways, and at every chance, he had tried to challenge Aiden. Ever since Aiden had begun contributing here and there to the local D'Tari newspaper--under the penname demiGod--his ideas had not been well received, especially by the older crowd. He ground his teeth for a moment, then took a breath. He would not even respond.

Menlir looked a little surprised, but came again. Nothing to say? he goaded, smiling.

Haven't we had this discussion before? Aiden replied. I know you were taught that being a D'Tari means you have to follow Sion's Precepts to a tee...

He's the source of the properties. How could you not? Menlir said, his face scrunching in thought.

Explain how the N'Iatari have the same powers we do then, Aiden said, feeling adrenaline rushing into him. They don't follow Sion. Or did you forget about that?

Menlir was silent, looking sullen.

"What if the properties are just neutral?"

Dangerous questions, Menlir snarled, then stopped to look around the room. Watch yourself, he said, soberly. As long as you're in this district, I'll be here for you... But... he shook his head, frustration painting his features. I liked you better when you were just a punk kid wandering around--before you fancied yourself some philosopher.

Aiden shook his head, knowing that look. That look of being written off. He hadn't even realized that Megan had chimed in, apparently offended by Aiden and the Faun's sudden back-and-forth.

"Excuse me, Megan cut in, her face pink. I need to talk to you, Aiden." Megan's face now turned the slightest shade of red, oddly complementing her burgundy hair.

Aiden, surprised and slightly embarrassed, sat back. How did you know my real name?

Megan composed herself, and gave him a no-nonsense look. Headmaster Turlin told me, she said, crossing her arms.

If Turlin was involved, perhaps it was important. Aiden nodded and gestured for her to continue.

Aiden, Megan began. I've been sent by the Guild. They have a proposition for you, she said, looking somewhat tentative.

Aiden's face scrunched sideways. I'm going to stop you right there, he said, lifting a finger in protest. Is this a favor for the Guild, or for the D'Tari Council?

Megan thew him a confused look. Well, she said with a pause. Both, I guess.

Then count me out.

Megan scoffed. You haven't even heard what I'm going to say, she said, taken aback.

At least listen, you thick-skulled Ambler-born, Menlir hissed at Aiden and began to stand.

Megan glared at the Faun. Master Menlir, that seems unnecessary, she chided, gesturing for him to sit down. Now, Aiden, she said, shifting her focus.

"demiGod," Aiden said.

Excuse me? Megan asked, realizing that Aiden was also on his feet.

I don't think that group of Dwarves in the back heard you yet, Aiden said in an even tone. If you're going to shout my name, then call me demiGod.

I'm sorry, Megan said quickly, then took a deep breath. Aiden, she said quietly. "Please sit down and at least hear what I have to say. Please."

It was her sincerity that calmed Aiden, and he sat down with a sigh.

Megan talked quickly, as if trying not to prolong her point, As you probably know, the Shadow Congress is re-adjourning soon in Washington. The Guild is sending a liaison, and well--I've been chosen. They would like you to accompany me.

To represent the Guild? Aiden sputtered in surprise.

For protection.

Protecting you? Aiden asked, his mind racing. When Megan nodded, Aiden asked, But can't you protect yourself? I mean, aren't you D'Tari?

...Yes, Megan replied, her face turning pink. I'm D'Tari, but I'm not very skilled in defense or combat...

Not every D'Tari's a fighter, said Menlir, only somewhat more civilly than his last outburst.

Aiden thought for a moment. The idea that the Guild had asked for him came as a shock.

Aiden returned to the present, struck by a dark feeling. So, let me get this straight, he said, massaging the area between his eyes, wondering if he wasn't getting a headache. The Guild elders want me to babysit you?

Megan half-nodded, her brow furling suddenly. Hang on, I don't need you to hold my hand... she said, defensively.

I just don't understand why they would ask for me, said Aiden, ignoring Megan's protest. Has to be some sort of trap, he reasoned, throwing his head back so fast that D'Natis was forced off of his shoulder.

Both D'Natis and Menlir joined Megan as she threw Aiden an incredulous glare.

How? Megan asked, confused.

Aiden sat up, sweeping his hair off his face. I know the Guild wants nothing to do with me, he said, unsuccessfully suppressing a bitter tone. The Council hates me. Now all the sudden, everybody changes their tune? It doesn't add up. Why? Why would they ask for me?

Aiden sat in a quandary for a few moments. After all these years, he'd done nothing but relive that horrible week in his mind. That week when everyone seemed to turn against him. Even Vodin had failed him.

I can only tell you what I know, Megan insisted. This congressional session is very important--the rights of Agnecs everywhere depend upon it--and I really don't think it's the time to be paranoid...

Paranoid? Aiden laughed. "Who's paranoid? I'm just runnin' the odds here. I can't imagine that they would ask for me, if this were just to protect you. And just to watch a bunch of would-be politicians talk and talk while accomplishing nothing? There's plenty of other D'Tari out there. Let them play stooge for the Council."

Aiden, Megan began, obviously holding back some frustration. "Headmaster Turlin told me to seek you out. And I don't know what this means, but he said you were highly recommended by Vodin."

Aiden sat back, all of his arguments had suddenly begun to disappear.

The power of the D'Tari, and the rights of Agnecs, are on the verge of extinction in this country, Megan added, staring into Aiden's dark eyes, emotion hiding in her voice. Isn't that important enough?

I doubt it's all that desperate, Aiden said, though he knew she was right.

Megan's mouth fell open in disgust. I-I guess I thought Menlir's stories wouldn't be true, she said, as if fighting an inner desire to say something more. "You don't want to help defend Agnec rights?"

What stories? Aiden asked, glaring at the Faun across the table.

Of how you're irresponsible, Menlir chided. You're untamed! You couldn't-

Megan held out a hand, trying to silence the Faun.

Says the gambler and the cheat, Aiden snapped at Menlir.

The Faun fell silent.

Aiden felt himself grow hot. He looked to Megan and said, And what do you mean by rights? What rights?

The rights to our lands and our security, Megan replied, her tone growing stern. The right to be free citizens--some day. I can't understand why you don't think that's worth fighting for.

Aiden's face and ears were now red.

He stood so quickly that D'Natis flinched, almost losing balance. All this political stuff is shit, he spat.

Megan sat back, silent for a moment, her beautiful green eyes staring angrily into Aiden's. Her cheeks were flushed. Aiden tried to gather his thoughts and make sense of them. He surveyed the woman, realizing, despite her appearance, how young she suddenly seemed.

How old are you anyway? he asked her. Fresh out of the Guild I bet. I don't think you understand how this world works.

Megan made to respond, but Aiden wouldn't let her.

Go ahead, Aiden continued, feeling the anger in his words starting to burn. Stand before the Shadow Congress for the D'Tari. It'll be your wake up call. It won't even change a damn thing.

The moment the words had left his mouth, Aiden realized he shouldn't have said them. He didn't really know this girl. She had just pulled at one too many threads.

Surprisingly, Megan sat there in silence. Aiden had expected her to get upset, yell, argue... Do something.

Instead, she took a deep breath and looked up at him. Enlighten me then, she said calmly. How does this world work?

Aiden sat back down in surprise, his anger fading. Uh, well, alright, he said, gathering his thoughts and realizing