Fitzroy’s name was invaluable. It was his Medal of Honor, and he wore it proudly, even after he learned of its questionable origins. His moniker was everything to him. Well… almost everything.
He had known this mission was gonna be risky. He told himself that over and over. It was gonna be tough, but he thought that with his friends by his side, they’d be able to pull through. He was wrong.
Fitzroy knelt in the dirt, one hand on his sword, the other clutching the large gash in his abdomen. Rainer laid battered and shaken at his side, but still breathing. He couldn’t say the same for the rest of their party.
“Barbarian.” Fitzroy looked up to the Warlock atop the dais in the center of the cavern. “Do you know how easy it would be to kill you and your friend right here, right now?”
Fitzroy risked a laugh, and was greeted with pain from his wound in response. “I’d wager pretty d- dang easy.”
“So why haven’t I finished the job yet?” Rainer raised her head with much effort to look at the Warlock.
“You want to give a badass villain monologue?” Fitzroy grimaced. “Believe me, I know how fun those can be.”
The Warlock disregarded his statement. “I’m in the business of pain, young man. Most of my colleagues prefer to produce pain in the traditional sense. However, I know that there is a much more effective form of pain. One much more… permanent.” He eyed Fitzroy, who now looked as though he was going to collapse. “Do you know what I am talking about?” Fitzroy’s lips were glued shut. The Warlock continued, “… My method of creating pain is, shall we say… unique. I take away everything one loves, and then offer it back in return for collateral.” Rainer grabbed Fitzroy’s wrist with a grasp so firm it felt like his wrist might bruise. They both kept their eyes locked on the Warlock.
The Warlock stepped down off the dais and glided over to the two. “Fitzroy Maplecourt, Knight (In Absentia) of the Realm of Goodcastle, I offer you your friends lives in exchange for what you hold most important.”
Fitzroy planted his sword in the dirt and used it to pull himself up to stand, looking the Warlock dead in the eyes. “Rainer stays alive.”
The Warlock cackled. “Oh! Oh no, boy. I don’t want your girlfriend, you sentimental thing. I want your name.” The Warlock extended a wrinkled hand in Fitzroy’s direction.
Fitzroy froze. Rainer pushed herself up to her knees and gripped Fitzroy’s pant leg tight. She looked up at him with eyes that drilled straight into his heart. “You don’t have to do this.” She knew how important his name was to him, and he loved her so much for it.
He smiled weakly down at her and sniffled slightly. “I know.”
He took the Warlock’s hand.
-
“Grandma Rainer, what’s Grandpa’s name?”
“The memory of your grandfather’s name died long before you were born, Angus.”
•
idea credit to @/pigeon_goes_feral on instagram!
