Page 32 of The Missing Sentinel
“Two things. The first is to talk to you. The second is to train with my daggers. You are welcome to talk to yourself if you think it will help, but you do not have weapons and you have no desire to use any extra blades lying around.”
“I will admit that I have discussed things with myself plenty in the past; sometimes that makes it worse.”
“Ah, well, maybe it is a communication issue. Try listening to yourself more and talking less. It is the best way to get to know someone.”
“Your way of looking at life entertains me.”
“I am happy to be of service.”
The spark of joy that had leapt into Drexley’s gaze as they spoke dimmed, and he scooted his chair back. “I should check onAdney. He needs rest, but we are down to two skeletons, and I want to ensure he has everything before he falls asleep. Will you meet me in the library?”
“Of course. While you are about your duties, give some thought to what book you wish me to read next. I have but a few chapters left of this blasted romance.”
“You are enjoying it. I will find you another love story.”
“Good, I am growing addicted to the damn things. It must have something to do with Fate and her choice to bring me here to meet you.”
“Ducarius?”
“Yes?”
“Have you kissed before?”
Ducarius shook his head. “Sentinels lack sexuality until we meet our mates. I am sure I mentioned this. You surely noticed that you did not get an erection until the day I arrived?”
“Yes, but I was not around anyone except Adney, and I am definitely not attracted to him. There is nothing in the library that explains anything about sentinels, and I have learned not to trust in my memory as it often fails me.”
“Adney’s housekeeper was an elf. You have learned about them, correct? Sentinels are similar except we cannot interpret beauty beyond our other half.”
“Thank you for the example; I hope it will help keep things straight in my mind. I find you extremely beautiful.”
“I accept that as your opinion, but no one can compare to your loveliness.”
“Is it a competition between us?”
“I am afraid so. You will unfortunately learn that sentinels are often accused of being competitive.”
“By whom?”
“Everyone who is not a sentinel.”
“Why do I get the feeling that you do not care about those opinions?”
“Because you are a perceptive man. I do not give a shit what anyone thinks about me or the people I love. I follow the example of the men in my family. You could even say it is a family tradition.”
“A bold one.”
“The wordbrazencomes to mind.”
“You take pride in it. I can see it on your face.”
“Indeed, I do. You are proud of your education and how hard you have worked to attain all the knowledge in Adney’s library. Perhaps it is an innate part of sentinels to be pleased by our accomplishments.”
Drexley chuckled. “Adney would be horrified for me to find anything in common with another sentinel. I think I prefer to think of myself as something separate. I am caught between my people and his. Lacking magic, I can never be a necromancer, and without weapons or a wish to protect anyone, I will not blend in with the rest of my people either. Your arrival here and what little information I have gleaned about the Council has taught me that I am an oddity.”
“Sentinels find gratification in our sameness, but that makes us stand out in the Council. Some wise members of my extended family created a sanctuary celebrating outcasts. They search for and happily accept people like you who blaze a path of their own. They have taught me that everyone should take pride in who they are. I thought such advice might be useful to you. And if you ever have a question about the Council or the world beyond this realm, I am here for you day or night.”
Ducarius regretted the last sentence the second the words were out of his mouth. Drexley did not want to discuss his future, and his gaze hit the floor.
