Makings of a Monster

- "Winski?"
- "Yes, Jelena? Not sleeping yet?" The midnight was hours past, and only the lonely street lamps flickered in the darkness. Jelena was wearing a blue robe, her blonde curls a mess around her face. Winski couldn't help thinking what he had noticed before: if she was in control of her spirit, confident and proud, she'd look very beautiful. Now she looked even more worried than usually.
- "I couldn't sleep and when I heard you moving about in the kitchen I came to talk."
And of course, you knew that Reiltar sleeps soundly by this time as he has no conscience to keep him awake at nights, thought Winski dryly. The two had their own bedrooms, but once in a while Reiltar visited Jelena's. Technically it wasn't rape, since it probably didn't even occur to Jelena that she could refuse his advances, but the way Reiltar went about what he considered his marital privileges certainly could fool anyone. It was plainly audible for anyone sleeping in the household. No wonder that Sarevok thought that was what was happening.

- "I have stuff to do, but I suppose I can spare time for a customary cup of tea. Here, have some. I'm afraid it's not half as good as yours, but I bet it has been a while since someone made YOU tea."
- "Sarevok sometimes does, when he has the time and Reiltar doesn't know. He doesn't approve, and I should not encourage it, but it feels so sweet to me... and he's just a child, " said Jelena, a sweet, drowsy smile on her face, while Winski was pouring the tea.
- "Can't see the harm in that. Everyone can do with a little kindness and pampering once in a while," replied Winski, careful to make his voice conversational and casual. If Jelena was too aware of what exactly he thought of Reiltar, it could be trouble.

- "This "stuff", Winski. I don't know what you are up to, but you are not taking Sarevok with you?"
- "Whatever gave you the idea?" Oh, drat. Winski really didn't need this just now.
- "Reiltar says the time has come for him to make himself useful, and he's been studying combat at the Throne. Somehow I didn't think Reiltar meant that Sarevok should help me with the laundry or sell cookies door-to-door to collect money for the Iron Throne."
Winski chuckled at the uncharacteristic display of sarcasm. Apparently, deep down there in her abused and humiliated soul, a she-wolf was stirring, ready to protect its cub with a bite. This could be an interesting development, but Reiltar probably would react violently to say the least to any display of disobedience.

- "Very well, Jelena." he sighed. "I'll level with you. You are not stupid, I think you just pretend you don't know what sort of thing Reiltar does for living. He is a merchant, of course, but one who doesn't shy from illegal means if he can avoid getting caught. The 'stuff' is about something like that, and yes, I'm taking Sarevok with us, unfortunately."
- "But, for Ilmater's sake, why? He's just a child!" Jelena looked shocked, and as Winski was pleased to note, a little angry as well.
- "You don't have to tell me that. I told that to Reiltar, who of course ignored me. And Sarevok, the little hothead that he is, was just thrilled with the idea. When he saw that I wasn't he threw a fit and..." Winski still blushed in shame, "we had an argument. So, it's Reiltar's orders so there's not much I can do about it."
- "Will there be... fighting?" Jelena looked grave.
- "Not if it goes according to plans. And if there is, well... I promise you that my first priority will be to protect Sarevok."
Jelena was in tears. She took hold of Winski's hand and squeezed it.
- "I suppose Reiltar thinks he is old enough now and should do his part... but does it have to be something like that? What will he become if this is what his father demands of him?" she mused in a shattered and small voice.
- "Whatever he will become, it will be something grander than any of us. And it will be our Sarevok, proud, bold and beautiful. I'll see him unharmed to reach his destiny, or I'll die in the process."
Such melodrama! Winski could have kicked himself . But Jelena didn't seem to mind.
- "Didn't know you had that in you, Winski! You always say that love doesn't even exist."
- "Eh, well, I think I'll have to go to Sarevok now." he started to retreat.
- "I suppose I have no choice now but to let you go, then. And Winski... please take care of him."
- "I intend to, Jelena. Try to get some sleep."

Sarevok, preparing in his room, was glowing. He was dressed in dark, light clothes and leather. His shortsword was sheathed at his waist, and his movements were agile and precise even as he paced the floor, impatient. Winski thought it quite possible that he had never seen the boy so full of life and purpose, so beautiful and glorious. Ready to fight, to kill...
- "Perhaps you should eat something first, Sarevok. Or at least drink some tea."
- "No, I couldn't. I can't even sit still. It is like I'm made of thousands of little pieces and they are all about to explode inside of me."
Winski couldn't help smiling, even though it was a sorrowful smile.
- "So I can see. But try to keep in one piece, all right? You'll get to do a lot more stuff like this, I'm sure. This is a nation of fierce economic competition, and it is never peaceful for long time in that war."
- "That's what we are doing?"
- "In a way. We are trying to gain an advantage over a business rival of Reiltar's. More power for Reiltar is perhaps not the most inspiring of motivations, but we can always translate it into more power for you, if we think long-term," explained Winski.
Sarevok shrugged. "I have no motivation problems anyway. Winski... thank you so much for taking me after all!"
It's not like I had a choice, little one.
- "Come here, Sar."
He did, looking a bit puzzled and apprehensive. Oh, of course. Usually those words preceded a belt beating his bare back and buttocks, and just a night before he had shown the boy that he wasn't above hurting him either. Winski was still so mad at himself for it that he felt a flash of shame and self-hate like a stab-wound in his gut.
- "I just want to hug you. This is our first dangerous mission together," he explained in a soft voice. Sarevok's face relaxed and he threw his arms around his tutor. Winski hugged him back, fiercely, and whispered: "Don't do anything reckless, little one. I love you too much..."
- "I love you too, Winski..."

A few moments of deep emotion and physical closeness, and then Winski retreated.
- "Off we go, then. Let's go to the Throne to meet the other ones."
The man, worried, and the boy, full of joy and enthusiasm, silently walked the street and disappeared into the darkness while a worried Jelena watched and prayed silently to Ilmater to keep her child safe.