Chapter 25 Part 2

"I see you found the Balkan Semerite swords. They used to keep them extra-sharp. Funny thing about swords is that you don't usually want them to be terribly sharp. if they are too sharp, another sword can impact the blade and snap it in two. The Balkan Semerites kept their sharp because they did not expect to encounter another sword when they struck. They expected to hit flesh and bone, regardless of what the other person had as a means of defense."

Rei glanced at the Rogue. he didn't seem to be disheveled, or look like he had been anywhere whatsoever.

"Did you find the other person, or what?" Rei asked.

"Oh yes, the other person," the Rogue began. "I did find him on a Palcan, completely stone dead. His tattoo had turned entirely red. The good news is that he'll be out in a few seconds."

Rei and Sal looked puzzlingly at one another.

Sal asked first. "So you mean to tell me that you just revived a dead chimera? What the fuck good does that do any of us, and how the fuck do you bring back someone dead anyway?"

The Rogue turned to face Sal. "You aren't much for patience, are you young man?"

Sal blinked in response, then turned an angry crimson. "And you aren't much for answers. I think it's about time I be going."

The Rogue went to the door and opened it wide. "Absolutely, be gone on your way, Mr. Grimone. Of course, as soon as you step out of that threshold you will find yourself right back in this abode. Even if you wanted to leave, you'd find yourself unable."

Sal gave the Rogue a hard look. He then stiffened, and adjusted his gait to something approximating boldness, and took himself out of the house.

Rei searched the Rogue's expression as Sal left.

"You just let him leave? How long is this meeting going to last anyway?"

The Rogue smiled, "He'll be right back, don't worry."

As soon as the Rogue finished suggesting this, Sal Grimone came flying back in the door, only with more stubble and longer hair than he had left with. He was panting, and visibly shaking.

"I trust you found the truth of my words?" asked the Rogue.

Sal sat down quietly and held his head in his hands. "Yeah," he said between breaths.

"Good. Perhaps you might be more in the mood to listen to what's going on?" inquired the Rogue.

Sal didn't say anything. His usual cockiness had left him utterly.

"Alright then, before I begin, I think we should wait for our honored guest."