Finn sighed with exaggerated annoyance and gave Shade a withering look. “The feeling is mutual, but if not for me you wouldn’t be alive now would you? You know you were too close to death to live. You know it had to take more intervention than your pathetic regeneration to save your life. Given what you are I really would have thought you would have improved your regeneration by now. It’s rather sad actually.”
“Really? Is now really the time to criticize the use of my birthright?” Shade growled and shook his head at Finn. He let out a long slow breath and stared at the view screen as he wrestled his emotions back under control. “I don’t have time for your favor Finn. I’m already in the middle of two other favors for people that I like more than you.” He said after a long silence. “And in case you don’t know what the hell I’m talking about, that was a pretty big insult because I really don’t like Onvalla.”
“I know what you are talking about. I watched your little drama unfold in Glis. Your passion is so touching Shade. You know I really do think you will save the whole world.” Finn said in a voice laced with sarcasm.
“I’m willing to bet Divine or not that I can still bruise you, and interrupting my shower is reason enough for me to try. Keep being an ass Sovaesh, test my patience further.” Caleb’s voice was low and filled with warning.
Finn slowly turned in his seat and Shade found himself glancing back as well. Caleb stood just beyond the door of the back room still dripping wet from the shower. He wore black uniform pants and had a towel wrapped over his shoulder with no sign of a weapon on him, but he still looked ready for a fight if Finn chose to rise from his seat.
“Now is really not the time Grim, and I don’t want you in hell any more than I do Shade. So it wouldn’t be in my best interest to kill you should you decide we should fight. Why don’t you sit down, shut up, and listen instead? I have a few things to say to you as well.” Finn pointed sharply at an empty chair as he spoke and then turned back to Shade.
“My friends call me Grim and you are nothing I would consider a friend. I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t use the title.” Caleb snapped as he dropped into the indicated seat with an expression of annoyance on his face.
“Shall I call you the Black Bastard then or Bloody Huntsman?” Finn growled in response.
Shade’s eyes widened at the words and he slowly glanced back at Caleb once more. He knew those titles. Everyone in Sanctuary knew of the Black Bastard of Arovan or the Bloody Huntsman, he simply hadn’t realized Caleb Faulklin was either. He hadn’t even realized the bastard and the huntsman were the same person for that matter. It made the reputation even more infamous. If the stories about either held any truth at all Caleb Faulklin really was a psychopath as he had suggested to Onvalla.
“You aren’t really?” Shade began quietly and his voice trailed off as he glanced from Caleb to Finn and then back to the view screen.
“What you didn’t realize you were giving a ride to the Bloody Huntsman Shade? Didn’t you wonder when he told you his friends called him Grim? That isn’t exactly a nickname that one gives to a sweet tempered individual.” Finn said dryly.
“This is neither here nor there. I sincerely doubt you came here to discuss my reputation.” Caleb snapped with obvious irritation.
“Quite right, I have gotten a bit off track, back to business then.” Finn conceded with a faint nod, but his smirk was still present. It was clear that he found Shade’s current dismay entertaining. “The favor can wait a moment. I have a question for you first Shade. Do you know what Kevala’drin means?”
“This is none of your affair Finn.” Caleb snarled and half rose from his seat.
“The bloody hell it isn’t my affair. I rule hell, Huntsman, and where exactly do you think you will end up? I know the truth about you even if the bards of Arovan fill their lives by telling lies about you. I know what you truly are. If you continue down this path you will die and I will make you my pet when you do.” Finn roared and the power of his voice drove even Caleb back to his seat. Finn’s green eyes flashed with anger and he turned back to Shade who was once again staring at him in utter shock.
“I have no idea what Kevala’drin means.” Shade admitted meekly. He had thought Finn was bluffing about being a Divine right up until his anger had shown. Now he was certain it was the truth. He had never seen so much raw power in anyone, not even Jala.
“It is an old Glis term. It means the Final Reckoning. Your new found friend intends to commit suicide in a very colorful manner.” Finn explained calmly and glanced back at Caleb once more shaking his head with disgust.
“I intend to deliver vengeance for Micah and my family.” Caleb growled.
“And you will die for it, but I have a very compelling reason for you to change those plans.” Finn said with a sigh.
“I sincerely doubt there is anything you can say that will change my mind.” Caleb argued stubbornly.
“Really? Let’s try. Syrah still lives.” Finn shot back without pause.