Speak to Dain.

"So tell me Peter, when are we to leave?"

I stared at Dain, confused. What did he mean? Did he already have plans to escape?

"Brother, what do you mean? Are you telling me you have plans to escape Lindisfarne?"

A loud, hearty laugh echoed within the farmhouse. Now that it was just us two, no further than a hair's breadth away, his loud cackling frightened me. There was a hint of manic in Dain's voice I had just noticed. An uncomfortable mix of anxiousness and desperation smeared across his weathered face as he ran his right hand across my shoulder. When he spoke again, there was that same musky sweetness that made my jaws clench and stomach turn.

"Leave Lindisfarne? No, Peter. I mean, when are we going to leave this farm? You've come to rescue me haven't you? To take me into your service?"

I hesitated, not fully comprehending his words. What was I to say next? What did Abo tell him? Take him into my service? Hesitant, I unconsciously backed away only to be stopped my his quick advance.

"Dain... are you alright, you're unlike your usual self."

An unexpected grip startled me as Dain grabbed a hold of my hand.

"Peter, let us speak plainly. We're friends aren't we? We've been in the Order together since we were kids. Surely you wouldn't abandon me, your own brother in his time of need?"

"O-Of course I wouldn't. Yes, I've... plans to get you out."

His hold on me softened as he embraced me once again. Only this time the warm initial feelings were gone, instead I felt the cold, sticky mark of dread.

"Then you've spoken to Vorro? You have his approval?"

"Yes... I've spoken to him. But he's been very busy and stressed with the reconstruction and... and tonight's feast. I will have to speak to him again about your release but I'm sure he will approve after tonight."

"Ah... yes. Tonight's the feast. I was hoping I'd be spared the night."

"I'm sorry Dain, truly. I will come back for you after I've spoken with him. He will approve."

A long silence followed my heartfelt apology. Hopefully my sympathy had masked the uncertainty in my voice.

"Have you slept with him?"

His question caught me off guard.

"Of course I have!"

Brother Dain mistook my hesitation for something else.

"He did not like it?"

"Well..."

"Don't worry Peter. I will make sure you satisfy him tonight."

He motioned me towards the bed and though I was fairly certain of what he'd do, I dared not refuse him.