NOVEL NEXT 135. The Start Of A New Legacy
The night came as it went. Many of the people who came to the gathering bid farewell to one another, carrying their drunken friends away with tired but happy gazes. Tucker stayed by Mary's side, socializing with the other soldiers he had fought along with. They each shared stories of their battles, tales of valor, and their hardships. Once they had paid their respects, they exchanged pleasantries and carried on their way, leaving the two alone.
Mary gently held onto the bottom seams of her blue shirt, hearing the tales of what Tucker had endured. When she first met him, she didn't think much of him. He was just a young watchman who seemed torn after his mission, but now it was different. In the time they spent apart, he had matured.
His comrades died in droves around him; his best friend sacrificed himself for a cause that made her heart ache. Yet, despite everything that's happened, not a single tear came down. He simply kept things to himself and gave a polite nod here and there.
Once the last group left the tavern, carrying Ray like a sack of potatoes over their shoulders. It was just Tucker, Mary, and the staff. She tilted her head to the side, watching as the waiters and waitresses cleaned the tables. Wooden chairs scraped softly against the floorboards, each tucked beneath the tables as their legs creaked. The gentle clink of glass mugs rattling echoed in the room. However, Tucker didn't say a word. Just savouring the moment while taking a small sip of his drink.
"Well, I guess that's that," Tucker said with a smile. "It's about time for us to leave as well."
"Mhm." Mary nodded. "I had a pleasant time hearing all about what you've accomplished."
"It wasn't just my accomplishments; it was everyone who fought with me." Tucker set the glass on the table and slowly stood up. "I just… wish they made it out."
She quietly sat there, catching a flicker of sadness flash in his eyes. There was so much she wanted to ask, but now wasn't the time. It would only open up his wounds. The sound of footsteps drifting across the wooden floorboards entered her ears. She slowly glanced up to see Tucker extending his hand once more.
The corners of her lips slowly curled upwards. "You know, I don't need your help to stand."
"But I want to."
Mary softly chuckled, accepting his hand as she was gently pulled up from her seat. From the corner of her eye, she could see the tavern owner approaching them, and she wasn't the only one who noticed. Tucker was already looking over in his direction.
"Excuse me, sir," the man began with his head slightly lowered. His fingers threaded nervously through the dark curly hair, revealing streaks of grey. "I was just wondering if ya had a moment."
"Of course, is there anything I could do?" Tucker asked.
"Ah…" The man's brown eyes fell onto Tucker. "I was told my boy served under you."
"Your son?"
"Yes, Alfred Junior."
Tucker's gaze softened upon hearing his words. He immediately took off his hat, holding onto the worn leather, and held it above his heart. "I'm so sorry for your loss. Alfred was an exceptional soldier."
"I always told that fool to be careful," Alfred Senior said with a light scoff. "He was never one to listen."
Tucker silently listened. He knew that Jones and Liam had discovered this tavern, but he never expected it to be owned by Alfred's father. No wonder the stew had such an odd sense of familiarity.
"Anyway, that's not why I wanted to speak to ya," he said. "I wanted to thank ya for trying to keep my boy alive. The other soldiers told me about what happened on the walls, and it was heartbreaking to hear…"
Alfred Senior held out his hand. "But I know ya did your best to save him."
Stolen story; please report.
Tucker hesitated while staring at the outstretched hand. He didn't deserve to shake his hand because no matter how much Tucker wanted to deny it. He had failed the men that followed him. If he were a better leader, a better captain, then he could've saved them. But he wasn't and was doing his best, even enough?
Before he could spiral into his thoughts, Alfred Senior firmly grabbed his hand and gladly shook it with a warm smile. "What ya did was nothing short of a miracle, and even though I miss my son. I know it wasn't your fault. I'll say this once more: thank you for everything you've done."
Tucker nodded with a faint smile as Alfred's father went back into the kitchen. He was surprised to find out that Alfred's family owned the tavern, but it was a pleasant surprise. When they finally left the Lousy Tavern, it was just Mary and Tucker walking side by side down the quiet street.
"I have to admit, I didn't expect the tavern to be related to one of your men," Mary said in a light tone.
"I didn't either. I guess I should have known better when Liam and Jones suggested it." Tucker gave a weak laugh. "I… just never expected Alfred's father to be there."
"Don't you think you're a bit too hard on yourself?"
He gave a small shrug. "Maybe, but that's only because I want to take this time to reflect on it."
Mary playfully slapped his back. "Geez! There's no winning against you. Just remember that you shouldn't spend all your time criticizing yourself. Take a moment to marvel at your life and the wonders that came with it. Despite everything you've been through, you still grow with each experience, and you should be proud of it."
"Ha, could you be worried about me?"
"Of course I am! Even your men are worried about you."
Tucker's smile lingered as they passed by the fruit stalls. Their owners were closing one after another for the night, and seeing the warmth in Mary's subtle actions made him imagine a life unlike his own. If he didn't join the Order, maybe he would have met someone like her and spent his evenings exploring the city. He often found John silly for his wishful dreams of meeting someone and settling down, but perhaps that was simply him being envious.
After a short stroll, the two found themselves in front of a grand cathedral with a single stone statue of a man. The statue rose high above the stone steps and caught the moonlight in soft silver hues. It was their God—Solas, the bringer of light, standing while draped in a flowing toga. It seemed as if it were alive with folds that seemed ready to shift with the slightest breeze. Yet as Tucker's eyes fell on the statue, a conflict of emotions rose.
"Well, thanks for walking me all the way here, but I should head inside now," Mary said.
Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Tucker had kept his hat under his arm and simply nodded. "No worries, you should make sure to get some rest, and thanks for joining us at the tavern."
"I should be thanking you. I had a great time, and it was fun seeing everyone destress after the battle." Mary politely smiled before waving. "If you're ever in the Capital, you should feel free to visit me. We could grab some tea or something."
"I will."
Tucker watched as she took light steps up the stairs, moving to the grand oak doors that creaked open upon her presence. The light that pierced into the street went just as it came, and in moments the doors moved once more. She glanced back just as the doors closed, her smile meeting his. It was the last thing they shared before a silence filled the area.
He stared once more at the grand statue of Solas. The gods were very much real in the world, but he couldn't bring himself to share the same faith as others. After all, how could he when it was the very same gods that allowed the Empire to continue with its atrocities? It made him wonder how the Souldom could just stand aside and let it happen. Why there wasn't any divine intervention?
Yet, he already knew the answer. It was because the land was out of their jurisdiction, but if that was the case, then they should at least cut off support for the nation.
It was a mess. Every single fucking thing, but Tucker couldn't bring himself to keep complaining. He needed to collect his thoughts and plan a list of actions that could cut into the Emerald Tower's reach. The Order was already stretched thin, so each move had to be precise. If he could build a small but efficient team, maybe it would be enough to spark the formation of a new subdivision.
His boots carried him down the quiet stone road as he turned the worn leather hat over in his hands. The very same one that Alex had given him when he left for the bastion. Soon, he would return to the Order, and maybe Alex would be there too. But with how things were, it was unlikely.
"It's been a while, hasn't it, rookie?"
Tucker widened his eyes, gazing at the voice that was several paces ahead of him. He stared at the man, who wore a green cloak that shrouded most of his body. His hood covered his grey hair, and his obsidian eyes pierced through the night.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," the man jokingly said. "I didn't want to interrupt your little date, but seeing how you've walked her home, I take it you have some free time on your hands."
For a minute, Tucker just stood there. He couldn't believe his eyes before a quiet laugh escaped his lips. He held out the worn leather hat towards him. "I believe this is yours, old man. It's good to see you again."
Alex stepped closer while grinning. Sally rested on his shoulder, wagging its ember-scaled tail. "I could say the same. Welcome back to the Order. We've got much to discuss."
The End of Book Two