Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [239]
“I’m sorry, but I’ve done nothing of the sort,” the scholar said, his voice noticeably quieter. “I can understand why you would be tempted to believe such delusions. I understand, but it is entirely without basis in fact. No one in our world knows how to avoid being chosen, if indeed there is a way at all.”
“Lies! You can’t trick me, little man!” the beastkin roared. His bloodshot eyes were opened wide and spit flew from his mouth. “It’s her blood on your hands if you don’t tell me! I’m serious!”
The beastkin tightened his grasp on Romy’s throat. The slender woman appeared to be in considerable pain.
Wataru began to move between the stacks of books, trying to position himself at the beastkin’s side.
“I know you’re serious. And indeed, none of us shall rest easy until Halnera is done,” Dr. Baksan said consolingly. “For all I know, it may be me who is chosen. This affects us all. We must cling to the thread of hope that only one person will be chosen. That, and faith, are the only two ways we can master our fear.”
Wataru circled around to the beastkin’s left. From his hiding place, he had the beastkin on his right, and a window on his left. If he fired a shot from his blade, he might be able to get him to release his grip on the woman. Then he could dash forward, getting himself between them.
There was another thing to consider: from a few moments before, he had been hearing voices from outside the entrance to the study—probably the Highlanders coming up the hallway. The moment they knew Romy was free, they would be inside in a flash.
It’s all in the timing. Wataru slowly drew his Brave’s Sword, and steadied his grip on the hilt. Come on, just turn a little more to the left—just a little more. I don’t want to hit Romy. Just a few inches more and I’ve got you.
Just then, with a heavy clang of armor, a knight appeared in the entrance to the study. “That’s enough,” he said with calm authority. “Dr. Baksan has told you the truth. No matter what you do here, no one can help you. The only thing you’ll earn is a trip back to prison.”
Blinking, Wataru lowered his sword. It’s Captain Ronmel of the Knights of Stengel!
Sheathed in platinum armor, the captain looked like he was made of solid steel. But on closer inspection, Wataru saw that his chest plate and greaves were covered with countless nicks and scratches. The captain’s helm was off, his hair was tussled, and his cheeks looked more sunken than they had when Wataru had first met him.
Sword still at his waist, and gauntleted fists hanging loosely by his side, the captain walked toward the beastkin.
“Halnera is ordained by the will of the Goddess alone. All we can do is humbly wait until she makes that will known to us. Now, release your hostage, and come here.”
The beastkin froze, drawing his breath in ragged gasps, still holding on to Romy. For a moment, it looked as though he might follow the captain’s instructions. His arms pinning his captive’s hands behind her back relaxed ever so slightly.
But in the next instant, something like a violent storm surged up from inside the beastkin, and he began to tremble uncontrollably. “You’re one of the Knights of Stengel,” the beastkin growled between clenched teeth. “I don’t listen to murderers!”
Both Wataru and Dr. Baksan were taken aback. The Knights of Stengel, protectors of the peace in the south, murderers?
Captain Ronmel made no reaction. Then, slowly, he reached out his left hand, pointing at the beastkin. “If you are Gyu Titus, peasant of Nacht—and I think you are—then that title is better directed at yourself.”
“More lies!” the beastkin howled. “I’m no murderer!”
“You were involved in a theft in Ghoza. You took down two Highlanders on the scene and escaped. The Highlanders asked for our help, and I sent men—who you also killed,” the captain said, calmly. “You were caught for that crime, tried in Gasara, and sent to Golgog Prison to be executed. Three days