Raemillin considered them all in turn. He scoffed, and turned away.
“Bellami,” He said. “Apologize to the young half-ogre.”
An elf appeared, and bowed to Bin. “My apologies. I didn’t look where I was going.”
Bin stuck his tongue out at Bellami.
“How quaint.” She said, before walking away.
“There’s been an apology. I hope you forgive her rudeness,” Raemillin said, though his head was directed to Nutrose rather than Bin.
The elf moved closer, and nodded to the fairy. “And I hope you and yours remember this day well.”
“Always, dear Raem.” Nutrose said. “Hope you enjoy the book.”
The elf stalked off, his fun ruined. Bin looked at him walk away. Maybe he shouldn’t let this go. Raemillin needed a good smack upside the head. Maybe twelve.
“Come on, Bin.” Nutrose patted him on the back. “Meet the gang.”
“You’ve probably seen each of us around the Circle, but we’ve never had a chance to introduce ourselves.” Nutrose nodded to each of them in turn. “The gnome sisters Pidella and Pidelle are usually in the Archives…in fact, this is one of the few times they’re not.”
“I’m Pidelle,” The first one said. she tossed her blue pigtails away. “That’s Pidella with the green ponytail.”
“It’s how people tell us apart.” Pidella said. “If we didn’t change up hair, we’d both end up searching for the same book for Mister Book or one of the other Masters.”
“And you both like the color.” The dwarf had a mohawk. So gray it almost seemed to shine, it hung on one side of his face, showing off the tattoos that danced around his scalp. They looked like bolts of lightning, colored blue and gold against the gray hair.
He wore a cuirass underneath a leather coat, sleeves ripped off to show the remaining tattoos. He extended a hand. “Call me Ona.”
Bin took the offered hand, and tried not to stare at the grip.
“The troll is…how did you describe it, Kleb?” Nutrose frowned. “On a blood oath?”
“A blood pact,” Kleb towered well over everyone else, well over six feet tall. He wore a cream suit that accentuated his purple hide and red eyes. His hair was black, and well-groomed. Kleb looked like he was about to run off to a meeting.
Kleb tugged at his neck, and pulled out a necklace. The silver chain that hung from his neck was decorated with rubies, dark as blood. “The ancestors needed another mage. I was chosen, and now I study.”
“Which makes you sound like another perfect student,” The last of the group, another fairy, said. He stared at Bin, and smiled, warm and loud. His golden skin, white clothes and shining wings almost blinded the ogre.
He bowed low. “My name is Goldmight, young Bin. Leader of this little group known as the Season Leaves. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Um, likewise.” Bin frowned. “I’m sorry…this will sound weird. But why are you talking to me?”
Goldmight and Nutrose smiled. The golden fairy sat down, and nodded to the Hoppi.
“Well, Ruby Lawks here said that you were not exactly getting along with Raemillin. Something that was obvious when Bellami made the move for her master. Nutrose had to step in when they were being just horrendous to you. But that’s not the whole truth.
“We kind of need your help in an adventure.”
copyright 2018 Jack Holder