SEVENTEEN: A Pawn

The boy with silver hair and golden eyes was practically unrecognizable.

Kel was certain he was the same person she had met many months ago on a bumpy wagon ride to the Serin Empire's central war camp.

But the way he carried himself--even the expression on his face--were completely unfamiliar to her.

Before, he'd looked intimidating most of the time. His natural face seemed to always be scowling, and occasionally he'd open up as a soft and innocent young boy.

Now, however, he was polished, crafty, and confident.

She hadn't paid close enough attention before, but now Kel couldn't help but wonder just what had happened to him since that ill-fated patrol when she was forced to leave him bleeding to death on the forest floor.

Something had changed in him. Something deep inside.

"We don't have time for this nonsense."

Calix responded curtly to the boy's inquiry.

"You already know why you've been called."

"... I see."