Vol.2 Ch.38- Operation Sandervile. Act.1

Adrianna Sandervile's POV

"Should we… say something to him?" Tris asked me.

"No… I don't think we should bother Kaladin," I said softly.

We were outside in Mom's flower garden. It was the place Kaladin suggested we spread Muriel's ashes, and we just had a little funeral for her. It's hard… so hard.

Why did Muriel have to die? Martin said she died in her sleep, that she was getting old… But Muriel wasn't even that old? And she seemed so happy to see us when we came home.

"Are you okay, Adria?" Tris asked me with concern.

"I'm sad… I miss Muri… and— hic"

I started crying again before I even knew what to say. Muriel was like a second mother to me. I remember Mom liking Muri a lot too. When Mom died, Muri was the one who took care of me every day. She was always so kind and warm and whenever I would cry about Mom, she would hug me and tell me it was all going to be okay. I loved Muri a lot…

"P—please don't cry, Adria," Tris said quickly while trying to comfort me. But it was too late. "Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry…"

I wiped my tears and calmed down a little from Tris rubbing my back. It was Kali, Tris, Sylros, and myself here right now. Sylros was just standing to the side, and Kaladin was unmoving, silently staring into the garden.

Kali hasn't said very much in the last few days. I mean he didn't talk very much in the first place, so it was hard watching him be sad like this. It made my chest hurt even more than it already did.

I know Kali and Muri were close. Muri was the first person Kali met here. And she was always so nice to him even though he would mess up sometimes. But then he got a lot better and made almost no mistakes at being a servant.

But I never cared about him being a servant or a slave or how good he could do stupid chores. I just wanted him to be happy. I just want to be his friend and right now, my friend is in pain.

When I saw him for the first time in the back of the cage, I almost cried. I hadn't been outside of the mansion since Mom died, and when I saw a little girl who looked so sad and hurt, I couldn't take it. Then Sylros told me she was actually a boy, and that boy was Kaladin, but… it's kind of hard to tell with Elves I guess.

His long black hair is so much prettier and shinier than my hair. And his two different colored eyes are beautiful. The purple one looks like a gem, and the gold one looks like a swirling pool. I'm kind of jealous.

But right now, those eyes look so cold and sad. Just like they did when I first met him that day. Over the last few years, it seems Kaladin has been getting happier and happier with every passing day. I was afraid to ask him what had happened. The scars on his body and that really long scar across his chest look painful. I can tell he doesn't like talking about it. The first time I ever saw Kaladin smile was when he spoke about his mom, but that smile faded almost as fast as I saw it.

Kali just… doesn't show a lot of emotion most of the time. I wish he did… maybe… maybe I should just talk to him about it? Muri said that I should wait for Kaladin to talk about his past when he was ready. But what if he is never ready?

What if he never talks about it, and it keeps hurting him. Seeing him like this hurts me. And I know it hurts Tris too. They had become good friends in the last year. I feel like they have a lot in common, I guess.

So maybe…

"Kali? Are you…" I said weakly. My voice just couldn't go very loud right now. Kaladin didn't stir. But if I wanted to help him, then I had to say something. "Kali?"

"Adriana," He said flatly while turning to look at me. His golden eye just seemed so… sad. And don't call me that… please.

"I'm… sorry, Kaladin…" Sylros said while walking over to Kaladin. He placed his hand on his shoulder and whispered something into his ear, but Kaladin just nodded. "I should take my leave now. Please don't stay out too long, Lady Adria and Sir Tristian," Sylros said with a bow.

The silence was deafening as the only thing I could hear was Sylors's footsteps as he left. Kaladin continued to face Muri's ashes, and none of us said anything. It felt like a long time before eventually, Kaladin said something,

"Let's go to the market after school tomorrow," Kaladin suggested. He didn't even turn around, and I wasn't sure who he was talking to.

"Kaladin? What… are you okay?" Tris asked him while putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm fine. I just ne—" he stopped himself and took a breath. "I just thought we all needed a little break so I thought going to the market would be fun. Do you two want to go?" he asked while finally turning around to look at us.

He had a faint smile on but I could tell he wasn't smiling for real. Was he trying to make us feel better? Why would he ask us to go do something when he was so hurt? I don't understand… I wish he would just talk to us, but maybe he wants to do it somewhere that we can be alone?

"Okay, let's go to the market then. We can sneak out and everything," I said, trying to be cheerful.

"Adria? Are you sure that's a good idea?" Tris asked with a surprised look.

"Don't worry about it. It's not like anything is going to happen, and besides, you can protect us, right?"

"I suppose I could do that…" Tris said in a small voice while blushing.

So cute.

"Then it's settled," I proclaimed.

Kaladin nodded silently, and Tris agreed with a small smile. If going to the market would make Kaladin feel better, then, of course, I want to go to the market. And if he thinks that going to the market would make everyone feel better, then even better.

The market does sound kinda fun, if it helped mend our broken hearts, then that would be the best. Getting out of this place sounds like a good idea.

—

"It's awfully busy today, isn't it, Kali?" I asked.

"It seems so. I guess this is the difference between coming at a perfect time and a normal time," Kaladin said while looking out amongst the crowd.

After school, we just walked all the way through to the merchant's district. The guards almost didn't let us through, and we tried sneaking by, but that didn't work very well. I'm sure they are already running at full speed to tell Dad we are out here, so I'm sure this was going to be a short trip.

"I haven't been to the markets in such a long time…" Tris mused while scanning the crowd.

We decided that wearing our school uniforms wasn't a good idea so we switched to some regular clothes. Well, Tris and I did, at least. I guess Kali doesn't have any regular clothes, so he was just wearing the black uniform that I had made for him. Maybe I should get him something new to wear today? Just some normal clothes.

"So, where did you want to go, Kaladin?" Tris asked Kaladin with a smile.

"I'm not sure…" he said while looking out into the distance. "Maybe we can just walk around a bit?" he suggested.

I thought maybe he had an idea of somewhere he wanted to go, but I guess not.

"Then you lead the way, Kali," Tris teased.

Tris never uses Kaladin's nickname, so I was sort of surprised. I guess Triss just wants to keep our minds off of Muri. Muri and Triss weren't all that close, but whenever Tris and I used to play together as little kids, she would be there playing with us.

Kaladin nodded, and we followed close behind him. I've gotten used to Kaladin's slow pace over the years. It's not his fault that he is hurt, so I don't blame him for walking so slow. If anything, it's kinda nice since we get to be together for longer.

I asked how he got hurt, and he just said he got injured in an accident. I knew he was lying, and whatever happened to him must have hurt really bad, but I just couldn't bring myself to see him sad, so I didn't ask him again. I've been trying for so long to get him to smile more often, and I feel like we have taken so many steps back.

We walked amongst the stalls, and I stopped and grabbed some food. We had passed on lunch so we could make it to the markets in time. Tris and Kaladin devoured the warm bread in a blink of an eye. It was nice to see Kaladin's appetite hasn't changed. Every time I blinked, he was eating, and he always ate so fast. Maybe he is growing? He has been getting a little taller recently.

"Ohhh, what about this place?" Tris asked as we passed a large clothing store.

"Yeah, let's go in," I said.

I was about to walk into the store when I looked back at Kaladin. He was just staring at the store's sign. I didn't see anything interesting about it. I mean, the store had a cute name I guess, Silver Elk Clothing.

"Something the matter?" Tris asked Kali with a look of concern.

"No. Let's go in," Kaladin said seriously.

What's gotten into him?

We walked into the store, and it seemed nice. It seemed more like a store for boys than girls with all the suits, but there were still plenty of dresses and other things. They even had shoes and accessories here. Maybe Kaladin would like something from this place?

"Greetings, young patrons, may I be of assistance to you?" an older gentleman asked us with a bow.

He wore a gray suit that was similar to the butlers at the mansion. His black hair had dashes of gray in it and he had a neatly trimmed mustache. His voice was warm, and he smiled kindly at us.

"Yes! I would like to get my friend something here!" I asked the man.

"Adria… I don—"

I cut Kali off before he could finish, "Don't listen to him. Can you help us find something for him? Maybe something that you could wear every day? Just some simple clothes?"

The older gentleman smiled. "Of course, young lady." The man walked over and began inspecting Kaladin as he mumbled to himself. "What an interesting Elf you are, young man. Where are you from?"

"The Barrens," Kaladin responded.

Kaladin is from The Barrens? I mean, I guessed he was since he was part Dark Elf and all. But he never talked about home very much…

"Of course, of course. I believe I have some things for you to try on, young man. Would you come with me?"

Kaladin followed the man, and Tris and I went to browse the store together. I looked back to see Kaladin saying something to the old man, which made his eyes go big from… surprise? Or maybe shock? But the old man's face quickly returned to normal. It was so fast that if I blinked, I would have missed it.

After a few minutes, Kaladin came out of the back wearing a new outfit. It was indeed simple. The shorts were tan with small black designs on them and cut right off above the knee. His shirt was a sky blue button-up.

It… it didn't really fit him.

"You look great, Kaladin…" Tris said with an awkward chuckle.

"Ah, yes, you like very nice, Kaladin," I added quickly.

Kaladin just looked from Tris to me and sighed. "I guess the other one it is, sir."

The old man chuckled and smiled. "I suppose I was right." Kaladin just grumbled and went to change again.

"I guess we should work on our acting skills…" Tris mused.

Tris looked over at me, and we both just laughed.

Kaladin settled on a new outfit and we made our way back into the mass of people. It seemed people didn't recognize me all that much. I guess my brother gets more attention than I do. But that's fine with me. I don't want to be Mayor of this place or anything.

We packed away his servant uniform and he was now wearing tight-fitting black pants and a purple dress shirt. Personally, I think this looked much better on him. The purple was the same color as his eye.

But as we were walking out, Kaladin turned around and looked at the Silver Elk one last time. He closed his eyes, seemingly content with whatever it is he was thinking about as he followed behind Tris and me.

We were walking through some market stalls when suddenly I had an odd feeling. I turned around and blinked a few times because I couldn't believe my eyes.

Kali? Where…

"Hey, Tris, Kali…" I muttered.

"Huh? What about him?" Tris asked, tilting their head.

"He's—"

"I'm what?" Kaladin's voice rang out from behind me.

There he was… standing right behind me. But… when I turned around earlier, he wasn't there, right? Was I seeing things? I even felt his presence disappear but it was only for a second. Kaladin didn't have much of a presence, but even still, I always knew when he was around.

Kaladin and Tris were both looking at me expectantly. Or maybe they thought I was crazy. "I—uh—I don't know. Never mind, it's nothing…" I said quickly.

"Maybe we should go home. It's been a long day after all," Tris the voice of reason suggested.

"Indeed, I'm getting a little tired from all this walking," Kaladin added.

"Oh… okay. We can go back home."

What… What just happened? Why do I feel so odd? And shouldn't we stay out a bit longer?

Either way, it doesn't matter. Maybe I'm just getting a little sick. But today was fun. I had fun and Kaladin had fun… I think. And I was glad Tris came along with us. I feel like it was always a good time when it was just the three of us.

Together the three of us walked back to school. Of course, it didn't take Sylros very long to find us. However, he didn't seem all that mad.

—

MmmMMMmmm

"Adria, wake up," Kali said softly.

"Don't wanna…"

"We have a very long day ahead of us, so please wake up," Kaladin sighed while crossing his arms.

"Ughhhhhh, just five more minutes, please!" I begged.

"If you have the energy to beg for more time, then you can wake up now."

"Not everyone can be like you and Tris… waking up so early all the time…" I moped while rising out of bed.

"If you did it more often, it wouldn't be so hard. Also, don't worry about packing your things for the trip. I've already gone ahead and packed for us so just get ready."

Wuh?

"You packed everything?" I asked.

"Yes? It's only for a single night. It took me like thirty minutes…" Kaladin said. The confusion rolled off of him.

"You packed all of my things?" I asked again.

"I—I don't understand what you are trying to say? Of course, I packed everything. The only thing I didn't touch was your staff. And why are you looking at me like that? And why are you hiding behind your blanket?" Kali questioned while taking a few steps back.

"It's nothing," I said quickly.

"O—okay then… well, get ready." Kaladin turned quickly and left my room while mumbling to himself.

Idiot, I can pack my own things…

I got up and started to get ready for the day. Kali was right, today was going to be a long day. Time seemed to fly by, and before we even knew it, the Monster Extermination event was here.

All three of us turned twelve and we will be thirteen before the end of this year. Instead of having a party we just stayed in our dorms and ate sweets together. It was fun… I can't wait till we all turn fifteen so we can have a big party.

Kaladin will turn fifteen before us so we are going to have to celebrate his birthday first. I was a little mad that we didn't celebrate his tenth birthday the right way but that's okay. As long as we make up for it next time. Besides, turning fifteen is wayyy more important anyways. I wonder if Elves celebrate the same way we do? Maybe I should ask Sylros…

Today we would be traveling to Gilcour Thicket, a forest to the east of us. It will take us about half a day to get there, and since we don't want to hunt monsters at night we are going to spend the night outside the forest. I don't want to go but Kali and Tris both said it would be fun so I don't want to ruin their time.

I was looking forward to the Winter Banquet more than anything else. It's going to be so much fun. I just know it! We are going to dance and eat and dance some more! I've even started taking dance lessons in secret but I know Kali keeps watching me.

I can't wait to show them what I can do!

"Adria? Adria? Hey, are you ready in there?" Tris called out while knocking on my door.

"Yes! I'm coming out now," I yelled back.

Hehe, I guess I should get ready a little faster…

—

"Why did you bring our food here?" Tris asked Kaladin while taking a bite out of some eggs.

"It will be faster this way. All the other students aren't going to be used to waking up this early, so the breakfast rush will be miserable," he answered while picking his plate up.

He really does eat so fast…

"Hey, Kali, you have been picking a lot of Magic Lilies, haven't you?" I said.

Kaladin looked back over his shoulder and glared right at me. Then his eyes softened again. "You noticed?"

He's always so tense. I feel like he has been getting tenser as we got closer to the hunt. I wonder if he is nervous since he can't fight?

"Of course, I always knew when you made the flower arrangements back at the mansion, silly. You always make them pretty. And I know you like the color of these Lilies a lot," I smiled at him.

Kaladin turned away. "I never knew you noticed."

I guess you can be cute when you get embarrassed too, Kali.

"That's not the only thing I noticed. I've never seen you braid your hair like that before, Kali? What does that style mean?"

Since Kali's hair was long, he would always have it in braids or sometimes a bun. But he would tell me that different Dark Elf braiding styles had different meanings to them.

"Oh, this style? Well… It's a secret," he said while running his hand down his braids.

The style was far more complex and elegant than I had ever seen him do. But typically, he would tell me the meaning behind it. Like last week he had a style that meant "Good fortune." I'm sure if Sylros saw Kaladin like this, he would be angry. But I liked it, so it didn't matter.

"Ah, come on, you can tell us, right?" I said playfully.

"No… I don't think I will," he answered simply.

Oh, come on, Kali, you're no fun.

"Okay! Let me finish packing then we can head out!" Tris said while finishing off their plate of food.

"Tristian… did you not pack last night?" Kaladin questioned.

He didn't even bother turning around to face Tris, who was starting to stutter. "Ww—Well, you see… I—I was going to finish last night, but I got sidetracked, and kind of fell asleep…"

Kaladin sighed and shook his head. "Fine. I guess I'll help you."

"NO!" Tris shouted out instantly. "I—I don't need your help. I can do it myself. Got it?"

Kaladin just turned around and looked right at Tris, then his eyes roamed over to me. The look of confusion was obvious. Whenever Kaladin showed any kind of emotion, it was very obvious. He was kind of bad at hiding that kind of stuff.

"What's gotten into you two?" he muttered to himself.

Tris went and finished packing while Kali gathered all of our things at the door. Once I was done eating and Tris was ready, we headed out to the courtyard, where we were supposed to meet everyone for the trip.

The school's air was buzzing with excitement as the chosen classes were making their way toward the meeting point. All the kids were laughing and talking loudly, saying how excited they were to leave Sandervile. It seems I'm not the only one who doesn't leave the city very often.

A few students were dragging themselves around like they were still half asleep. One student still had her nightcap on her head and her servant didn't even fix his bed hair. I'm kind of glad Kali woke me up earlier than usual today.

I'm sure if I slept in like normal, I'd probably be like those kids, and they didn't look like they were having much fun. But these kids seemed awfully relaxed. Weren't we going to go hunt monsters?

The entire class has been doing combat training for whatever we were skilled at. I was with the mages, and I'm already an Intermediate ranked plant mage! Before I graduate, I'll be at least an Expert, maybe even a Master! I wish Kali could use magic or even fight. Tris told me all about the Shadow Dancers that spared in Luminar, and I wonder if Kali would have liked to be one. I mean, he is part Dark Elf, after all.

Now that I think about it, I did see those two Dark Elves protecting His Majesty King Maxwell. They were tall and big for Elves. Maybe all Dark Elves are just like that? Will Kali get that tall one day? I wonder… I also couldn't see their faces since they wore masks but they looked really strong. With their black armor and spears, they were kind of scary.

"Lady Adrianna and Sir Tristian, I'm glad to see you two this morning," an ugly voice called out to me.

Will you just leave us alone? Gah, you are so annoying.

"Dillian, what are you doing here?" Tris asked with the utmost amount of contempt. Tris did not like this nuisance. And neither did I.

Dillian was clearly showing off his new sword as he had it unsheathed as he bowed towards the two of us. The blade was the same style as Tris's, but the metal was sky blue and gold.

"Oh, you mean my brand new Cobalt Gladius? I had a Dwarven smith from Krunbar craft me this sword. It's truly a work of art," Dillian flaunted.

The sword was undeniably beautiful. I wasn't sure if it was a good sword but since Tris seemed even more annoyed, that must mean it's a pretty good weapon.

"Cobalt?" Kalai said under his breath as he stared at the sword. Did he look a little confused?

"You mean your daddy had it made for you? Why don't you pester someone else? You probably won't even get a chance to use that thing anyways," Tris jabbed.

"Tsh. Fine, you just don't understand good craftsmanship when you see it, I guess," Dillian said. Then his sword vanished from view.

Kaladin's eyes went big, and Dillian looked right at him, smiling with his ugly face. "Oh? What's wrong, gutter Elf? Have you ever seen a spatial storage ring before? I guess you wouldn't have since you are just a commoner. Actually, are you even a commoner? No, I know you are even lower than that, slave," Dillian spat.

"That's enough. Leave now, Sir Stav," I shot back. Both Tris and Kali looked at me in surprise.

What? Did I say something weird? I just don't want this ugly, good-for-nothing insect making fun of my friend. And how does he know Kaladin is a slave? He didn't ask it like a question. It seemed like he knew.

Dillian bowed with a sly grin as he walked away. It's a shame his sister isn't the head of the house. She seems like a much nicer person than her brother. Kaladin never cared about what people said about him.

Even though he was weak physically, he was stronger than most in other places. I just wish people treated him better… Why do people have to make fun of others just because they look different?

"Hey, Tris? Is Cobalt a good metal for a sword?" Kali asked.

"Huh? Yeah, it's amazing metal, didn't you know that? Sir Bril's entire armor set and weapon are made of the stuff. It's way better than steel since it's both lighter and stronger. I even heard it can help with your flow of mana, making you even stronger! But it's really expensive and it's not as good as Mithril."

"Really… and Mithril? Isn't that supposed to be a type of currency?" he asked.

"Yeah, it's both. Mithril coins are really really rare and honestly, they are kind of a waste. Mithril is the best metal you can use for just about anything. Do you remember that War God at Adria's party? His axe was made of Mithril," Tris said with excitement.

Tris always did like talking about weapons and fighting. Even when we were kids Tris always talked about that kind of stuff.

"Well, the more you know," Kaladin said thoughtfully while he watched Dillian walk to his group.

And it always seemed that Kaladin liked learning. He was always in the library and would bring back a bunch of books to read. I wonder if he enjoys reading or learning more? Maybe I could get him some books for his birthday. Oh! Books on magic! That would be a great gift!

"Lady Adrianna, it's good to see you," Ester's voice called out to me.

"Ah!" I screamed by accident.

"What's wrong?" Ester asked me quickly. "I'm sorry did I scare you?"

"No… I just wasn't paying attention. Sorry, Ester…" I said as I felt the embarrassment rise in my face. I was daydreaming about possible gifts, so I didn't even hear Ester and Martin.

Ester just smiled awkwardly, and Martin made eye contact with me, then nodded. Martin didn't talk all that much but he was a really good teacher. He just told me what to do, and I did it. And Martin was kind of funny but no one seemed to know that.

"Lady Adrianna, I have an order from your father," Ester told me seriously.

"Huh? What is it?"

"You are to put this on Kaladin," she said while handing me a red metal band. It was cold to the touch and the crimson metal had designs on it.

This is…

"It's an Obedience Collar. Since Kaladin is still a slave, your father ordered me to have you form a master-servant pact for the duration of this trip," Ester told me.

Kaladin who was standing next to us, looked right at the collar, then at me. His eyes bored straight into me at the mention of an Obedience Collar, but he didn't move.

"What? Why? Daddy would never use this. He doesn't even use this on the slaves at home!" I protested.

Dad… Dad wouldn't do this, I think? Why now of all times? I don't want the others to know that Kaladin is a slave and make fun of him. He already gets enough hate because he is an Elf.

I also didn't want to put this on Kaladin's neck. He wasn't my slave. He was my friend…

"I recommend doing it, Adria," Martin added. "It would be safer for both of you in the long run. We don't want any incidents, right?" Martin suggested while looking over at Dillian's group.

"Accidents? What are you trying to say! Kaladin won't do anything! And since when did that idiot Dillian have any say in our business!"

"Lady Adria," Ester said sternly. "Don't speak ill of other houses… and remember this is an order from your father. If you don't put it on him, I will. So what's it going to be?"

This is… this is wrong.

Kaladin hadn't torn his gaze away from us at all. Instead, he was staring intently at us in silence, almost like he was waiting.

But this was Dad's orders... and if… if he said so, then I have to. And I don't want Kaladin to be bound to anyone. At least I know I won't hurt him.

"Fine… but I'm not putting it around his neck. You can put these things on people's wrists, right?"

This wasn't like the big red collar Kaladin had on when I first met him. This one was much smaller and even though it was metal it also kind of felt like really hard cloth.

"That will work," Martin said with a yawn then started mumbling to himself. "Mind the needle on top or whatever…"

I looked over to Kaladin, and his eyes were darting around. I watched him look at Martin, then Ester, surveying the crowd until he reached me. Our eyes locked, and his jaw tightened in frustration.

Kali… don't look at me like that, please…

"Kali, I'm— "

"It's fine. Just do it," he said coldly while shutting his eyes.

I went to place it on his wrist, but my hands were shaking.

I don't want to do this to him. Friends don't do this to each other… I—

"Lady Adrianna, do you need help?" Ester asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"No…"

I got closer to Kaladin and whispered as quietly as possible. "I'm sorry, please forgive me…" I knew he heard me since his jaw clenched even tighter.

I slid the band around his right wrist. "Now what?" I asked.

"There is a small needle at the top. Use it to poke your finger, and that's all you need to do," Martin informed me.

"Okay…"

I saw the tiny needle and pressed my finger down onto it. The tip was super sharp, and I felt it suck the blood from my finger. Then the needle retracted into the band, and within a blink of an eye, the band tightened around Kaladin's wrist with enough force to make him wince. Then… then I heard the sound of flesh being pierced as Kaladin grunted.

"And that's that. Now, ask him his name Adria," Ester told me.

"What is your name?"

Kaladin opened his eyes and smiled brightly at me. I… I haven't seen him smile like this ever. Why would he be smiling like this now all of a sudden? Did the collar do this to him?

In a chippier voice that Kaladin never spoke in before, he answered.

"Kaladin Ambersoul, Master."