Chapter 7: The Call of Hearts ----------------------------- Getting supplies went without much of a hitch, though Xyo didn't get much. She had only gotten rations, a few herbs, and water. There was to be no frivolous spending, for the inn was taking up most of money. Merine refused to sell the other earring. Xyo could understand her reasoning, though she had never really been in her place. It was painfully obvious that getting over this Sascha person would take some time. If anything, it would get worse before it gets better. Xyo grimaced as she lugged the stuff back to their room. When she got there, there was a note on the small table. She dumped the goods on the bed and picked up the note. Her eyes grew wider as she read: Xyo and Merine, I know our meeting was a bit unsettling and abrupt. Please accept the satchel and it's contents in good faith. I pray, that you will come and join us underneath the city for a safer, and cheaper rest. -Banon PS: A guide will come for you tonight if all goes well. Xyo shook her head in amazement and picked up the satchel on the floor next to the table. She gasped as she fished out the short sword that lay within. It was a fine blade of mirrored steel and there was a tag tied to the hile. She looked at the tag and realized that this was for Merine. She tossed the sword onto Merine's bed and look into the bag again. She fished out a smaller pouch. Inside was a goodly amount of gold pieces, about 400. Which was good; they could buy a backpack or something. The only other thing in the bag was non-descript ring made of pewter. It was smooth, she tried it on and it fit her index finger perfectly. Sighing, she sat down on her bed exhausted, she laid there and stared at the ceiling till Merine came back later that evening. When Merine walked in, she immediately spied the blade. "What's this?" Xyo didn't even look at her. "From Banon. He thinks you could use practice. He also left us some money, and he's invited us to their network underneath the city. We should be getting a knock on the door any moment now." "It's a nice blade..." Merine said, almost in a daze. It was as if the reality of possibly using a weapon was beginning to hit her full force. Xyo sat up and studied her with interest. Merine glanced up and glared at her. "What?" Xyo shrugged. "Nothing... you seem... distressed." Merine hurriedly placed the blade back on the bed and walked into the bathroom without a word. A knock came from the door. Xyo slid of the bed muttering irritably and called, "Who is it?" "Dorat, sir, I believe Banon mentioned me?" A young mans voice called through the wood. Xyo could sense the sincerity and opened the door and looked at the stripling of a boy standing there nervously fidgeting. "Come in for a moment, and help us gather our things." Dorat hurriedly darted in and stood by the table awaiting instruction. Xyo walked over to the bathroom and knocked on the door. "Hey, our guide is here. Time to get ready to go." A quiet reply answered her. "I'll be a moment." Sighing, Xyo turned toward Dorat and then gazed around the room. "Help me get this stuff packed. I am too weak to do it myself." Dorat nodded; he was obviously afraid of her. He began to put Xyo's earlier purchases into the sack. Xyo picked up the sword and slid the blade into its scabbard and left it on the bed. "How difficult is the journey?" Dorat, startled, looked up, "Uh, well, there might be some problems. There are wererats down there, though one usually never sees any." Xyo nodded. She sat down and waited for Merine to come out of the bathroom. After a few minutes, she came slowly out, somewhat numb in expression, and went over to the sword. She picked it up and attached it to her belt. Merine looked at Xyo. "I'm ready." Xyo nodded and stood up, absently checking that her veil was in place, she motioned to Dorat to lead on. The trio quietly left the inn and stole into the night. * * * * * * * * * The trip through the sewers was hardly uneventful. Dorat had underestimated the size of the rat infestation. It was all Xyo could do to knock the hungry rodents away with her staff. Dorat and Merine both used their swords and fought fairly well for ones who had little experience. They reached the heavy metal doors that led to the hideout with an ample amount of wounds. Xyo was beginning to wonder if it was worth the effort. When they got inside Banon was there to greet and heal them. Dorat left with their stuff, to be put in their new quarters, no doubt. Xyo sighed and sat down in a chair and placed her head in her hands. Merine sat down next to her and looked expectantly at Banon, "Thanks for inviting us," Merine said, "and thank you for the sword." "I wish I could do more, but funds do not come by easily these days." Banon sighed. "After the defeat of Kefka, times have been tough and reconstruction has been slow enough without all of the attacks from various evil entities." Merine nodded. "Things had almost been back to normal in Kohlingen before... before..." She choked back a sob and remained quiet. Banon stood up, "I hope your stay here is uneventful, but there will be a meeting tomorrow that I would like you both to attend. We are going to discuss Kohlingen. Till then, sleep well, Dorat will show you to your quarters." Xyo watched Banon until he had left and then turned towards Merine, "Are you going to sleep all right?" Xyo asked. Merine nodded and stood up as Dorat entered the room. They followed him to a small room with a couple of sleeping bags on the floor. It was not as nice as the inn but it would do. Merine settled in and was the first to fall asleep. Xyo did not sleep at all; she just stared at the cavern ceiling waiting for tomorrow to come.