Zerokb the Summoner

*Picture done my the fabulous Shiyu-chan aka Asrielle of Kujata.

Someone was watching me. As a thief I can sense when something is just not right and as I sat with fishing pole in hand subtly scanning my peripheral vision my skin tingled. I admit a little bit of paranoia along with a whole variety of other unpredictable emotions had victimized me lately but I was sure this was something this time.

A hume approached me. Setting down my pole and wrapping my fingers around the hilt of my dagger I looked up at him menacingly.

“Bad time?” he asked with a warm smile.

I stared hard.

“You’re Alison aren’t you? I’ve seen you around but I haven’t had the chance to say hello.” He extended his hand in typical hume greeting. I ignored it.

“I’m Zerokb. You can call me Z if you like. Mind if I rest my feet?”

I nodded acceptingly and he sat near me pulling his summoner robes out from under himself as he got comfortable on the dock planks.

“I know that name.” I said. He had thick strawberry blond hair and a youthful warm face hidden behind thin framed glasses. Clearly he was a well experienced summoner by the look of his gear and the easy confident air about him.

“I know yours.” He said with a chuckle. “Gurok talks about you all the time. He makes you sound like quite the woman. He and I have been friends for a long time. The big guy has been worried about you. He said you went missing and not even your linkshell mates have seen you and if I spotted you I should tell him right away.” He looked at my round middle. “That’s why I had to make sure it was you.”

Without thinking I brought my arm protectively around my belly. “Have you told him yet?”

“No. Is that why you’re hiding?” he went to touch the arm over my belly and before he could react I had stabbed his hand pinning him to the boards beneath us. He hollered in surprise and pain before clinching his teeth and looking at me through squinted eyes.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have...” He groaned. “I won’t do it again.” He pleaded in a hushed pained voice.

“I’ll make sure of it.” Kjarbo’s blade was at the summoners throat and Jenjen was running up behind him.

The dagger was lodged into the hardwood planks firmly and I had to wiggle it back and forth a bit to get it free. The motion sent the summoner howling in pain again. Freed he eagerly clutched his hand to his chest as he quickly muttered a healing spell on himself until only the blood stains on his clothes showed evidence that anything had happened to him.

“I guess that means I’m not invited for dinner.” Zerokb said with a remorseful smile. “Friends of yours?”

“I think it’s time for you to move on stranger.” Kjarbo firmly insisted.

“He is a friend of Gurok’s.” I said.

“Is that why you stabbed him?” Jenjen said cheerfully as she picked through Zerokb’s pockets. “I think the whole town heard him squeal like a girly man.”

“You can’t tell anyone I’m here.” I pleaded as I pushed Kjarbo’s blade away from Zero’s neck. “It’s a secret.”

“I can see that.” He said a little wide eyed. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I make it a policy to stay out of people’s personal affairs. I really only meant to say hello for Gurok.” Zerokb reached in his bag and handed Jenjen a handful of ginger cookies without even looking away from me as if he knew exactly what she was looking for. He was right. Jenjen took them eagerly and sat down fearlessly close to the hume as she gobbled them.

“You were going to be a dancer at my bachorette party.” Jenjen smiled mischievously. “Kammy told me all about it.”

Kjarbo raised his eyebrows. “A what?”

“A stripper.” She chirped as she swayed her hips in demonstration.

“Just a little talent/hobby of mine.” Zerokb smiled clearly pleased to be known as he winked at Jenjen.

Covering his eyes and sighing deeply he said, “Some things I really don’t want to know Sis.” Kjarbo looked at me. “So what is he? Friend or foe? He already knows too much now. What do you want me to do with him? I’ll kill him if you like.”

I knew he wasn’t kidding about the death part though his desire to protect was stronger than his skill as a red mage. He improved daily until I interrupted him with my little emergency. “I’m not sure. Let’s invite him in for dinner and find out.” I replied.

“You heard the lady. Up you go.” Kjarbo prodded the now smiling hume lightly with his sword as if to remind him he had one.

“So, what’s for dinner?” Zerokb asked cheerfully as he stretched.

“Fish.” Kjarbo answered dryly.