The Voice of Thunder: Misfits of Gambria, #2

By pdmac

Be careful when you get what you ask for…

Especially when others believe they deserve the prize more than you. And some will do everything necessary to get what they want, even murder.

Duncan's confidence has failed to account for a paranoid High Priest, a jealous King unhappy with the way the people have taken to this stranger, and a certain ambitious Priest who wants nothing better than to get rid of the High Priest and Duncan at the same time. Unfortunately, Vix, Gambria's High Priest, has a more immediate problem. He must eliminate Duncan before the contest reveals Vix is a fraud. It's time to call in assassins and eliminate this obnoxious threat.

And where is Alexis when you need her? Unhappy with a woman as Berserker, especially one who is untested in battle and still learning the language, King Diad tells his Battle Commander to place her on a weak flank against the Rugian army. Hopefully, they can take care of the problem and Gambria can find a new Berserker.

Then there's Bradwr, King Diad's brother, who believes Diad is no longer worthy of being king and has determined that the title is now within his reach.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trimble Hollow Press
• Release date: May 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9781946495440

pdmac

pdmac is a diverse author, writer, and editor. He has a MA in Creative Writing, a Ph.D. in Theology, and is a member of the Steampunk Writers and Artists Guild, and the Georgia Writers Association.  He has also sung back-up for Broadway plays, provided voice for radio plays, and acted and directed theater stage productions.  In his off time, he and his wife race mountain bikes, kayak, and occasionally backpack sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Book preview

A picture containing calendar Description automatically generated

Misfits of Gambria

The Voice

Of

Thunder

by

pdmac

Text Description automatically generated

The Voice of Thunder is a work of fiction.  Names, places, characters, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is purely coincidental.  This Series, The Misfits of Gambria is a reworking of a former series titled Wolf 359.  Unfortunately, too many readers associated it with a well-known TV show and the two are in no manner similar.

Copyright © 2023

All rights reserved

Printed in the United States of America

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express permission of the author or publisher.

Published by Trimble Hollow Press

eISBN: 978-1-946495-44-0

Front cover art by Victor Yang

Cover design by Trimble Hollow Concepts

For Terri Lynn

My Soulmate and Best Friend

& a very special thanks to Shawn

for his enthusiastic and unwavering support

& excellent input to this series

Characters

Alexis: Gambria’s Berserker

Alric: A proven and mighty warrior, he is King Diad’s second, and favorite, son

Athdar: A subordinate partner of the Lord Purveyor, responsible for executing the illegal

financial practices of the Kingdom’s Chief Financial Officer

Bradach: Youngest son of Lord Kylar

Bradwr: King Diad’s younger brother and Lord of Aberhond

Brenna: A mighty warrior and the only woman member of the elite Twelve

Cattwg: Senior Prelate of the Temple and fourth in line for the office of High Priest

Cedrych: Lord of Radnor

Darroch: Steward to the High Priest

Dade: Prince of Glanon, eldest son of Kylar

Diad: King of Gambria

Drubal: Once the Secretary General to the High Priest, he has been demoted to the Temple’s

kitchen as a cook.  He is also the Temple’s poisoner

Duncan: One of two survivors on the fated ship, Future Hope, he is a linguistics expert

Emer: The King’s oldest son and heir to the throne.  He is also a top-level scholar

Garbhan: Senior Prelate of the Temple and Head of Temple Administration

Gefnyn: Diad’s cousin and Lord of Brecknot

Guina: Queen of Gambria

Heledd: Rhun’s daughter and only child, carousing partner of Pavia, Siani and Meinwen

Konrud: Prelate of Aberhond and third in line for the office of High Priest

Kylar: Diad’s uncle and Lord of Glanon

Lord Purveyor: The Kingdom of Gambria’s Chief Financial Officer

Lucan: Vix’s younger brother and High Chancellor of the Temple

Meinwen: Lord Harun’s daughter and carousing partner of Pavia, Siani and Heledd.

Menec: Tarrac Master of Gambria and the King’s Friend

Mostyn: Secretary General to the High Priest Vix

Pavia: Daughter of Bradwr and wife of Emer.  She is the future Queen of Gambria.

Raefgot: King Diad’s illegitimate son

Rastamon: Alexis’ cat

Rhun: Once heir to the throne, he lost his position when his father abdicated in favor of his

brother, Bowyn, whose son, Diad, now rules

Ronell: Leader of the effort to overthrow the King

Rulf: Chief of the Assassins

Siani: Dade’s oldest daughter and carousing partner of Pavia, Heledd and Meinwen

Talane: The library computer for the spaceship Future Hope

Tene: Servant to the Berserker Alexis

Tomos: Senior Prelate of the Temple and fifth in line for the office of High Priest

Tuathal: Chief of the Twelve, the Kingdom’s elite warriors

Vix: High Priest of Gambria

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

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Chapter 1

Sleep.... mon, I need sleep.

Duncan looked up from Oswiu’s records that Tene had placed before him, to see Rasta-mon come into the bedroom, jump onto the bed and curl himself up.

Are you just getting back? Duncan smirked.

Mon, nex’ time I be wantin’ to chase som’ body, you say Rasta-mon be too old for dis kinda jumpin’ and runnin’.  Rasta-mon’s tail swished.

So what happened?"

Mon, him be talkin’ so long dat I fall asleep.  I wake up and de place be dark.  I hafta find de door myself.  So I gets out and nachurally I wants to visit de ladies, but on de way I remember dat de lady frien’ not do so good and how I gonna explain, it not like she hit by a truck, if you know what I mean, so I tink, Rasta boy you just be ignorant and don’ know nuthin’.  And de ladies, dis be crazy, de ladies say ‘mon, she be a pain anyway and glad she go away.’  So I tink dis be great.  And dis one lady she say, ‘hey Rasta-mon, dey say you can talk to da man-stranger.’  An’ I say sure.  An’ she say how come?  An’ I say...

Excuse me!  But is this going anywhere?

Rasta-mon blinked several times.  Mon, it was but now I forget.  Anyway, de ladies, ooh boy, dey wear de Rasta-mon out.  I need to sleep, ya know, kinda catch up on the de ol’ strength.  Gonna be a long night tonight, wink wink.

Duncan chuckled.  Good.  Maybe you can do some recon for me.

Say what?  Aw mon, don’t be a party pooper.  Why I gotta work when I suppose to play?

Because I need your help.  I need to know what’s going on in the King’s chambers.

Rasta-mon sighed loudly.  Oh all right.  Mon de tings I do for you, you gonna owe me big time.  Now can I sleep?

At that moment, Tene came in with a tray of broiled meat, cheese, and bread.  I saw him come in and thought he might be hungry.  She nodded at Rasta-mon.

Rasta-mon jumped up after Duncan’s translation.  Dis girlie be good for you mon.  She know how to treat the Rasta Doctor right.  No, dat’s OK, you don’t need to join if you don want to. 

He watched as Duncan tore a piece off and was about to plop it into his own mouth.  HEY!  You oink gonna make a pig outta youself oink?

Duncan barked a laugh and placed the piece of meat in front of Rasta-mon who said nothing but began devouring it, frequently casting sideways looks at Duncan.

Tene watched the exchange.  What’s so funny Duncan?

Nothing really, he grinned.  He likes your cooking.  Duncan stretched and stood up.  Think I'll go for a little walk.

Tene's eyes widened.  Duncan... I... I don't think that's a good idea.  Remember who you are.  There are people out there trying to kill you.

Duncan pulled her close and smiled reassuringly.  Tene, I told you.  I'll be OK.  You'll see.  Stick with me and it'll all work out.

Tene sighed loudly.  Please don't go.

I have to.

She pulled away.  Why?

He continued holding her hand.  What kind of wizard or future High Priest would I be if I were afraid to go out in public?

Shaking her head, she gazed into his eyes.  I don't like it.  You're not the High Priest yet.

You don't believe me?  He smiled coyly.

Stop making fun of me.  You know what I mean.  She allowed herself to be drawn closer to him.  I'm afraid for you.

He held her tightly, feeling her warmth and the softness of her body.  He looked down at her face, the strawberry blond hair falling carelessly off her shoulders and down her back.  She stared back up at him, her bright eyes full of fear and concern.

Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it.  He kissed her fully and she responded with her whole body, pressing and wrapping herself around him.  He tasted her passion, pulled back and smiled.  You don't play fair.

And where have you been?  Emer fingered the edge of his wine glass.  He had seen her hurry into the house.  She seemed more buoyant than usual.

Pavia glanced briefly at him and then returned to look in the mirror, gingerly placing an errant strand of hair back in place.  Well look who’s here.  Are you lost?

This is my home too, he retorted.

I suppose that is technically true, she sighed.  It just seems so much more pleasant when you’re not here.  She looked at him in the mirror.

A lip began to snarl, but he controlled himself.  I’ll ask again.  Where have you been?

And why would you possibly be interested?

"Well, technically, you are my wife.  He glared at her in the mirror.  Although, that doesn’t seem to matter."

Now really darling, she continued to primp, jealousy so ill becomes you.  It’s as though you really meant it.

He slammed the glass down hard, sloshing the wine over the sides, If you want to sleep with the farm hands, I can’t stop you.  At least you could be discrete about it.

Pavia turned around, smiling.  Now now, dear.  When I sleep with the farm hands, I’ll make sure you’re the first to know.

Emer stared malevolently at her.  I ought to divorce you.

Pavia laughed.  Really?  She walked over to where he sat slouched at the desk and leaned over as if to kiss him, her hand reaching between his legs.  He tensed slightly.  She then whispered, Now why would you want everyone to know that your quiver is empty?

He thrust her away and flung the glass at her, but she nimbly ducked, and it ricocheted off the wall behind her, shattering as it hit the floor.

Pavia burst out laughing.  That’s all the puny strength you can muster?  Where is my brave hero who challenged Alric?  A duel!  A duel to the death.  You and your sword and him and his spoon.  Oh the stories they’ll write, the heroic exploits of a King’s son felled by a spoon.

Emer leaped to his feet, pointing a shaky finger at her.  Laugh while you can.  You are nothing without me.  You hear me?!  Nothing!

Pavia grew quickly calm.  And you are nothing without me.

Wrong! he shouted.  I am the future King!  And when I am King, I will get a new Queen.  One who is young and beautiful, a virgin, not some sailor’s tramp like you.  He watched her react to his venom.

Go back to your books, schoolboy, she spat as she stormed toward the door.  You wouldn’t know what to do with a virgin.

Where are you going? he demanded.

To find a farm hand, she called over her shoulder.

Emer watched her go, picked up the wine bottle and hurled it at the closing door.

Menec saw him from across the cobbled street.  The man moved with feigned nonchalance and smiled when he saw Menec looking at him. 

Rulf you old scoundrel, how are you?  Menec barged across the road, impervious to the bustling traffic of wagons, draft animals, and pedestrians.

Menec!  It's been a while.  Rulf grinned delightedly and gave Menec a big bear hug as he walked up.  I'm fine, just fine.

Good to hear.  He put an arm around Rulf's shoulder and nudged him into moving with the crowd.  We've lots to talk about.  Have you heard about the stranger who calls himself a wizard?

Rulf fell into step.  Just the usual rumors.

You'd like him.  Decent fellow.  Seems to have the High Priest in a fluster though.

Really?  And why's that?

Menec slowed Rulf to a languid pace.  Seems he's issued a challenge to prove who's the rightful chosen one of Safti.

Rulf nodded thoughtfully.  Rather gutsy thing to do, don't you think?

The Tarrac Master was silent for a moment as if pondering.  I suppose so.  But to tell the truth, I think there's something more to him that makes me believe him.

Rulf abruptly stopped.  You honestly believe him?

Strangely enough, yes.  Well, maybe not the promised one part, but there’s something about him, something that says he’s good for Gambria.  Call it a hunch.  Unfortunately, there seem to be some people who want him out of the way.  Can you believe it?  There have already been several attempts on his life.  Menec shook his head.

Really?  By whom? Rulf innocently inquired.

I hear it's assassins.  Must be someone with a lot of money.  Tell you the truth though, I'd certainly hate to back a losing tarrac.  Really, if it was up to me, I would leave him alone and see what happens.

Rulf mused for a moment.  I see.  So, you think he should be left alone?  But if someone has already paid an assassin's price, it won't stop until he's dead.

Well, I suppose that's true.  Still, Menec shook his head, I'd certainly keep my options open.

Rulf furrowed his eyebrows.  If he's dead before the contest, seems like Vix wins no matter what.

They continued walking.  I suppose that's true.  Makes one wonder why someone is so intent on wanting him dead.  Still, I'd love to see ol' Vix sweat for a while.  If I was an assassin, I'd just want to make sure all my options were covered... you know, make sure I was on the winning side.

Rulf glanced sideways at Menec.  I'm not sure an assassin really cares which side wins as long as he gets paid.

Menec turned solemn and nodded slowly.  Yes, I guess that's true.  Still...

A greeting carried above the traffic noise.  Menec looked up to see Duncan grinning as he made his way across the street, dodging the occasional wagon.

Menec!  Good to see you.  He walked up and shook hands with him.

Good to see you too, Wizard.  This is –

Rulf, Duncan interjected.  He watched Rulf's face betray his astonishment.

You know him?  Menec sputtered.

Most certainly.  He firmly grasped Rulf's hand.  "One of your friends visited me the other night.  Unfortunately, we had a problem with the meal and a King's Companion died quite suddenly.  By the way, I love your house.  Rather dark though...you could use some windows.  Still, the candles do add an interesting ambiance.  I was quite impressed with Gwilym.  Imagine hitting the same exact spot with eight arrows in a row!"

Rulf blinked vacantly for a moment.  I don't seem to remember meeting you, he intoned slowly.

Duncan smiled broadly.  True enough, but you must understand; I am a wizard.

Rulf half-smiled and chewed lightly on his bottom lip.  He looked over to see Menec in utter disbelief and knew that it was not he who betrayed him. 

Duncan watched Rulf's subtle body movements, saw him look at Menec, and understood what was happening.  No, it wasn't him.  He is completely trustworthy.  In fact, all of your... um, friends are likewise to be trusted.  Believe me.  Yet, as you would trust your friends, I would ask you now to trust me.  I believe that we can work together.  If you will allow me the opportunity to prove myself, I would be deeply appreciative.  Should I fail, you'll have to get in line behind the high priest if you want my head.  He smiled again, his eyes advertising his confidence. 

Rulf couldn't help but laugh.  He straightened to full height and turned to Menec.  It shall be as you have asked.  He turned to Duncan.  We must talk some more.  Your knowledge is very impressive.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have some unfinished business to complete.  He gave a polite nod and walked off.

As they watched him walk away, Menec placed a hand on Duncan's shoulder.  I don't know how you did it, but that was a good trick.

A wizard never reveals his secrets, Duncan whispered with a grin.  Come, let's get a drink somewhere, and I'll even let you pay.  He clapped Menec on the back, and they walked off together, laughing.

With self-assured smugness, Pavia burst into the room.  Heledd looked up, and seeing Pavia's confidence, shook her head in resignation.

Siani also saw Pavia's radiance and her jaw dropped.  You didn't?

I did.  She plopped down onto the thick cushions next to Meinwen and reached for a jellied pastry artfully arranged on a silver serving tray that rested on a delicate short-legged table.  Heledd and Siani both got up from the window bench and crossed to sit where Pavia was enjoying her coup.

You actually did it? Siani demanded.

Absolutely.

There was a long silence followed by Meinwen softly asking, What was it like?

Pavia grimaced coyly.  Not exactly the best I've ever had.  But still, he was tender and gentle, if somewhat inexperienced.  She laughed easily.

But how do we know you're telling the truth?

Now Siani, would I lie to you?  Pavia batted her eyelashes.

Yes, she shot back, especially when it comes to us spending a week being your servants.  But really, how do we know for sure?  You're going to have to prove your claim.

Pavia nodded her head knowingly.  I know.  The other three leaned in closer and Pavia dropped her voice.  In two weeks, I'm going to tell Lucan that I am pregnant.

That won't help, Siani interrupted.

Let me finish.  Pavia put a hand up to Siani's mouth.  You will all be with me when I tell him.  That way you'll be able to see his reaction and know for sure that I'm telling the truth.  She leaned back, satisfied.

Siani continued to shake her head in amazement.  I’d have never thought that Lucan...

You doubt my power? Pavia queried.

It’s not that... It’s... I'm disappointed in him.  It's...  Siani held up a hand when she saw Pavia's reaction.  It's just that I really believed that Lucan was different... that he was only interested in spiritual things.  I didn't think he was like other men.

All men are alike, Meinwen noted.  There's no difference.

Siani shrugged wistfully.  I suppose you're right.  I'm just disappointed.

Let it go Siani, Pavia chimed in.  Anyway, you're the ones who selected him.

I know we did.  I thought he was a safe bet.

Apparently you were wrong, Pavia smirked.  Still, I want to make sure you all are sure of my conquest.  When we visit our dear almost high priest, you will know.  Pavia reached for a slender pitcher. 

Is this wine? she asked, her eyes twinkling.

Lucan rolled his thick tongue in his mouth and licked dry lips.  His head ached and throbbed with each heartbeat.  Slowly he opened his eyes.  He turned his pounding head towards the tall windows of his bedroom.  Daylight was just beginning to fade.  He felt a draft on his legs and unconsciously reached down to adjust his robe.  As he twisted, his face pressed against something hard on the pillow, he reached up and grabbed a small object, still attached.  Propping himself on his elbow, he stared dumbly at a golden brooch in the shape of two birds, entwined as one.  A large green stone lay in the center of the piece of jewelry.

Frowning in foggy lethargy, Lucan pushed himself to a sitting position and unfastened the brooch to examine it more closely. 

O god...my head...  

He looked around the room.  Nothing seemed to be amiss.  Then he saw the dining table and remembered. 

She was here.

He wobbled to his feet and stumbled to the table.  Leaning heavily on it, he saw only the scraps of food and empty bottles of wine.  He relaxed. 

Water... I need some water. 

He pushed away from the table and made his way to where a pitcher and basin perched on a low bureau.  Leaning his face over the basin, he grabbed the pitcher and poured the entire contents over his head.  The water was cold, almost biting and he caught his breath. 

How long have I been asleep? 

He absent-mindedly grabbed a towel and began drying his head.  It still hurt. 

I didn't drink that much...

He twisted his head to crack his neck.  The room was darkening.  Light...I need some light. 

He pushed away from the bureau and stumbled over to the door and jerked it open.  Light, would you please get me some light?  The acolyte standing outside the door regarded him quizzically; water still dripped from Lucan's soaked hair.

Lucan noticed the momentary delay.  I said bring me a light.  Now, please.  He winced from the headache pain. 

The robed acolyte jumped into action, bowed quickly and hurried over to one of the wall torches.  Lucan numbly watched as the young man carefully selected a taper and gingerly lit the end.  He returned just as quickly, cupping the flame as he walked.

Without acknowledging the man, Lucan retrieved the taper and closed the door behind him.  He went to several of the wall sconces and lit the candles.  Soon the rooms brightened with the warm glow from the smoking flames.  Lucan distractedly continued to towel his head and, as was his habit at sundown, wandered over to the book of Safti.  There, gently nestled on the open pages he saw a folded paper.  Puzzled, he unfolded it and read the handwritten lines.

My Darling Lucan,

I knew you, of all people, would understand.  How jealous I’ve been when I see other women, with children of their own.  You truly are a saint to help me like you have.  I know you said we need to be careful and I agree.  I pray Safti grant my desire.  Hopefully with the Roan I sacrificed this morning, I won’t have long to wait.  One day I hope our child will know his true father.  We must both be very careful.  But I won’t forget how you made me feel.  You do not need to worry about me, our secret is forever safe.  You were wonderful.

You will always be in my thoughts.

Lucan’s chest tightened and his breathing became labored.  He read again the lines and their indictment.  Trying to stand erect, he felt his legs weaken and he gripped the lectern that held the sacred text to steady himself.  His breathing rapidly increased to the beat of the thumping crescendo of his heart, and he pushed himself away only to slump to his knees.

He sat there for a moment, his chest pulsing with each heartbeat, his eyes blurred by tears bursting forth to cascade down his cheeks.  Yet no sound emerged, as he fought to reconcile what he had done.  Looking at the crumpled note in his hand, he stirred to action and forced himself to stand, hurrying to retrieve a wall torch.

Holding the note in his hand, he raised the torch so that the flame barely licked the edges.  He watched with a strange mixture of detached observer and oppressive guilt as smoke began curling up before the paper quickly caught fire.  Letting it burn until it almost reached his fingers, he tossed it into a bowl on the table, staring at the charred embers that disintegrated into ashes.

Chapter 2

The evening was warm and clear with the faintest hint of a breeze.  The stars lay thick upon the night.  Sentries were already posted as the rear supply wagons with Alexis and Brenna in tow came into the main camp.  Cooking fires dotted the open field where the warriors sent to reinforce the on-going battle were to spend the night.  Brenna leaped off the end of the wagon.

My butt hurts.  She fidgeted a bit, massaging her lower back.

Alexis laughed and tugged on the reins to pull Stracaim closer.  Your English is improving. 

Brenna grinned sheepishly and shrugged.  I want learn.  You, me can talk.  Only Wizard know.

Well, I'll teach you English, but I must learn your language first.

Yes, Brenna nodded, then lapsed back into Gambri.  Let's go find my group.  They should have dinner ready by now.  She unlooped Cymy's reins from the rear wagon post.

High Commander Brenna? a high-pitched nasally voice called out in the dark.

I am here.

A slender man of average height came running up.  Oh my.  Thank goodness I've found you.  I've been running all over this god-forsaken field.  Brutal, simply brutal.  He pulled a kerchief from his sleeve and dabbed at his forehead.  I'm positively sweating.

Brenna relaxed, shaking her head.  Hullo Llwyd.  What brings you out here?

"Oh Commander, I've been asking the same question.  All it would take is some rain to make my life utterly miserable.  Can you believe it?  I'm actually to share a tent with some ruffian.  I have to sleep on the ground!"

Poor Llwyd.  Campaigning is rather difficult, isn't it?

Can you believe he actually wants me out here?  What do I know about fighting?  I'm a scholar, mind you, a scholar of the second rank.  I should be home with a tall glass of an aperitif, engrossed in some absolutely fascinating trivia of Gambri history.

Llwyd, did you come here to complain, or was there a reason for you finding me?

Oh!  I beg your pardon Commander, Llwyd bowed stiffly and nodded toward Alexis.  Lord Alric asks that the Berserker join him for dinner.

So ask her.  She understands our language quite well.

Really?  He turned to Alexis.  Um...uh, he hesitated and then stage-whispered to Brenna.  What do I call her?

What did you call her predecessor?

High Commander Oswiu.

Brenna paused for effect.  I believe that Oswiu lost that privilege, rather brutally I might add.  In fact, she now occupies what used to be his house.  Does that answer your question?

Llwyd's voice rose noticeably in pitch.  High Commander Alexis, Lord Alric asks you to join him for dinner.  He bowed slightly.

Alexis had followed the brief discussion and chuckled.  Tell him thank you.  I will come.

Llwyd didn't move, a slight awkwardness to his demeanor.

I will come, Alexis repeated.

Um... High Commander Alexis, Lord Alric said to escort you to his tent.

OK.  Lead on.  She turned to Brenna.  C'mon.  We've been invited to dinner.

Llwyd abruptly stopped.  Um...uh...  he stuttered.  High Commander Brenna...um, I'm sorry, but Lord Alric did not mention you in his invitation.

Then I'll invite her, Alexis stated matter-of-factly.

But...but High Commander!  Lord Alric didn't invite her.

That's alright Alexis, you go ahead, Brenna interjected.

No.  She comes with me.

But...but...

Listen.  I'm not going unless she comes with me.  In fact, I want you to go back right now and tell him that I think he's a rude jerk for only inviting me.  We'll wait right here for you.  She leaned against the wagon.

I can't tell him that! he squeaked.

Then she's coming with me.  She paused only for a moment.  Unless you have a problem with that?

Llwyd blanched and swallowed hard.  Hardly, High Commander.  I'm sure you two will enjoy the meal.  Please follow me.

Alexis looked over to where Brenna was quietly shaking from silent laughter.  You ready?

Brenna cleared her throat.  This should be fun.

Vix stood fuming before the doors to his apartment.  The acolyte had been slower than usual in opening the doors for him, and he thought he detected a subtle arrogance in him, an arrogance that said the high priest