Chapter 5

It wasn’t hard to get Aisling to play D&D. They simply sent a message on the group chat, asking if the session was still on. After an anxious moment, Aisling replied with a simple ‘thumbs up’. Unfortunately, she didn’t reply to any messages after that.

Nash waved Pavla away as Sandro came by to pick her up after work, and then he pedalled his way up Cheddar road, excited for the next day.

The following morning was the most he’d seen of Aisling in a good while. Nash tried to be upbeat and casual as he helped her set up in the game room attic.

In truth, Nash had been worried that Aisling would decline and wouldn’t be taking care of herself, but she seemed to be cleaned up well. She wore her thick glasses, hair tied back in a loose ponytail. She had opted for a dark blue pair of jeans and a red sweater with sleeves so long they covered her entire hands.

Nash tried to talk about anything but the kiss. Games, TV shows. But Aisling wasn’t too keen to engage. So he put on some music and they waited.

“Oh yes, I love this track!” Sandro did a little dance as he walked in with Pavla.

“You should, it’s the playlist I stole from you.” Nash laughed. The two guests quickly settled around the coffee table they used as a gamespace and made themselves comfortable on the cushions. Nash was glad they were here, already the mood seemed a bit lighter, and that would be crucial in getting Aisling to open up.

Before long, Aisling’s eyes became unfocused as her mind was in another world entirely, and then she opened her mouth to speak, and let them in.

“It’s late by the time you reach the castle. The sky is dark as pitch and the town is slumber. Before you can consider what to do next, you are approached by a handful of royal guards. They tell you that the queen is eager to have an audience with you, and to hear your report.”

The party was led to a private chamber just off the throne room, where Queen Ieysa and King Samson waited for them.

“Mission success,” Petra said. The bandits have been defeated and the hostage saved.

“Your highness, we’ve been eagerly serving you. May we please have the location of the jewel?” Sylvian bowed.

“No. Not till you’ve given me what I want.” Queen Ieysa was beautiful in an evening gown.

Sylvian threw his hands up in disgust. “What are we missing here?”

“You see my dear, this is what happens when you trust thieves and paupers,” King Samson spoke for the first time. “You aren’t cut out for leading. I told you to leave all duties to me. Enough of these games.” There was disgust in Aisling’s voice as she voiced the king, and suddenly Nash knew what he was supposed to do.

“I’d like to attack the king with my crossbow.”