“I see…” Miriam was walking alongside Dorian, a little ways behind the other three, who had told him what it was like during his short skirmish versus the man, and that somehow, whenever that man is around, one can’t help but feel the fear and terror flood through their bodies. “So I wasn’t going crazy when I was investigating him before I left. Every time I felt like I was making progress, I felt what you had described. It took nearly everything I had to continue walking forward. Just how is he able to manipulate emotions though?”
“I don’t know…” Dorian said, keeping his voice low. “I have a theory though that it’s not him manipulating emotions, but the survival instinct we’re trained to hone going off. I noticed that the others never really felt that fear, and with the exception of Digby, most haven’t had much training at all.”
“Digby’s had training before?”
“I believe so. His family has a strong military heritage, and he seems to know the basics and then some…but I believe his lack of experience is leading to his survival instinct having been dulled. The other two probably hadn’t picked up a sword before joining the academy, so it makes sense they wouldn’t sense anything. Plus, from what I’ve read concerning the attack on the farmhouse and the officers, trained, experienced officers experienced that fear. It can’t be a coincidence that those who are trained to fight and have the experience to back it up are the only ones feeling this fear.”
“I’d have to agree with you there…how about your…’friends’? Are they capable of something like that?”
“Probably, if they ever felt the desire to do so, but I never saw anything like it before. Speaking of which, you had told me before that they could be on the move here. Any evidence that’s the case?”
Miriam shrugged. “It’s still a possibility, though I haven’t seen anything else since my initial suspicions.”
“What are you two whispering about back there?” Digby asked, looking back at the two of them. Miriam smirked and slung her arm over Dorian’s neck. “Just catching up! Ever since he came to the academy, he doesn’t keep me in the loop about what’s happening, so I have to use this time to pry for information. Speaking of which…how’s your love life Dorian?”
“W-what?!” Dorian exclaimed, flabbergasted as to why Miriam would even ask such a thing. “First off, that’s none of your concern and secondly–”
“Aww come on! Can’t take a little joke can ya? Judging by your reaction, that must mean it's going miserably. If you ever need some advice in that regard, you can always call me to give you some advice.”
Dorian shrugged off Miriam’s arm. “What advice could you possibly give? The entire time I’ve known you, you’ve been hopelessly single.”
“That you know of anyways.”
“Oh? So is that why I heard you that one night complaining to Mellie during a drinking session about how you don’t know why guys don’t–”
Miriam flung her arm around Dorian’s neck again and squeezed, putting him in a chokehold. “I’d seriously reconsider finishing that story.”
Dorian began tapping against her arm. “Tapping out! Tapping out!”
Miriam released her hold on Dorian as the other three began to chuckle. Dorian glanced over at them. “What’s so funny?”
Olive grinned. “For not being siblings, you certainly act like you are.”
Farnell nodded. “To be honest, you two remind me of what it’s like with me and my older sister.”
Miriam elbowed Dorian. “Hear that? Despite what you think, I am your older sister.”
Dorian sighed and walked forward. “Anyways, we need to stay focused. We have no idea what Jac wants from us, and I’m willing to bet–”
“So, you guys must be that ‘special operations’ group I was told about.”
The group looked to the left and spotted a woman as she walked up to them. Flashing them a press badge, she continued. “I’m Iona Moran, a reporter from the Drengard National Newspaper, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask some questions about the investigation concerning this ‘mystery man’ that’s been rumored to be stalking the streets.”
Dorian and the others looked at each other before Digby cleared his throat. “So what would a reporter like you want to interview just a bunch of students? Shouldn’t you be interviewing the commander or any official source? Besides, we’re just here to assist, and we don’t–”
“I’ve tried to interview the commander, several times in fact. However, every time I try, I keep getting told he’s too busy and to try again later. However, I’ve been told by my editor that you all were in town and assigned to assist in the investigation. Since you guys are here, would you be willing to do an interview? Or at the very least tell me anything concerning the investigation? I’m getting desperate here.”
Miriam stepped forward. “Well, they can’t tell you anything, as there is absolute secrecy concerning this investigation. However, what we can do is take you with us to our destination. The commander is waiting for us, and you’ll be able to ask him for this interview you so desperately want at that time. However, the students talking to you could get them punished for breaking confidentiality. Does that work for you?”
Iona enthusiastically nodded! “That works perfectly! You have no idea how long I’ve been trying to get in contact with him!” Iona looked at the four students. “Would you be willing to tell me your names though? I promise I’m not going to publish them in my article, but I do want to know the names of the key players.”
The four of them all looked at each other, uncertainty still painted on their faces before Iona cleared her throat. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to! It’s all up to you!”
Dorian sighed and nodded. “I’m Dorian.”
“Digby.”
“Farnell.”
“Olive.”
Iona quickly jotted their names down on a pad and nodded. “Pleasure to meet you all! I’ve heard great things about the Westwich Military Academy, and I’ll be looking forward to seeing how you all progress!” Iona glanced over at Miriam. “You look…familiar though. Are you their instructor?”
Miriam shook her head. “I’m not. I’m merely looking over them during the rest of their time here.”
“I see…what’s your name, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“...Miriam.”
“Miriam…pleasure to meet you!” Putting away her notepad, she looked at the five of them. “So…lead the way! Let’s go meet up with the commander!”
Dorian shook his head as they began walking again. This woman is a ball of energy, that's for sure...
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