--NARRATOR--
In keeping with his promise, Yiski kicked everybody out early so he could talk to Roland. Soon the only people left in the saloon were Roland, Ny-Lee, himself.
You sure you want Ny-Lee to be here?
Yes.
Yiski gave a deep breath and started the story of how him, Micheal, and Maria met.
Well, you already know your father and I grew up together here in Anvala and joined the Academy when we could. Your mother, Maria,... she was there too, but as a medical student.
What was my mother at the Academy?
Well, when you get a lot of young kids together and keep them in close proximity to guns and other weapons, you're bound to have injuries. Hence, the need for a on-site medic. Well, your father and I got to know her very well, very quickly.
Roland and Ny-Lee sat intently, hanging on Yiski's words.
By the skies, I can still remember that day your farther and I laid eyes on her. We both thought she was an angel.
Well we wanted to befriend your mother quickly because we wanted to see who would woo her first. To do that we hurt ourselves, either through training, or beating the tar out of each other.
Roland's jaw dropped wide open. Yiski laughed.
Well, you can see who won in the end.
Yiski then went on the day Roland was born. His tone and pacing became somber and slower.
Well, I never did tell you what happened when you were born. You know I originally said your mother left you and your father, but that was a lie.
Yiski took a deep breath.
Maria.... your mother.... s... she died givin' birth to you. Docs did what they could, but some complications happened... And Micheal.... well... he never quite recovered from her death.
Why did you keep this a secret from me all these years?
Ny-Lee could tell Roland was angry and reached down to hold his hand. Roland took and he squeezed firmly.
Well, I ultimately made the decision to say she ran off because it was easier to explain to you when you were young. Lookin' back on it, I regret that decision.
Well what about my father? What happened to him after mother's death?
Well.... Yiski struggled whether to tell Roland his father was also the Crimson Bolt. you're father became a bit more reckless in his mission choices and eventually took on a persona to hide his identity. The Crimson Bolt.
Wait... you and father were the Crimson Bolt?
Yup. Basically, your father and I developed the name. We would alternate the use of the name when either one of us was out on the field to make it seem like it was one person.
Yiski took a pause to breathe.
Well, your father was killed as he was comin' back from a mission usin' the Crimson Bolt title. Guild ambush when you were about eight, but nobody knew the Crimson Bolt died in the attack. Yiski took another breath. Well, word had it the Guild was giving a bounty for info on the identity of the Crimson Bolt and find him or relatives to take out. Well, I couldn't let them come after you. So I used BdrLine's help to erase your father from being the Crimson Bolt.
So the bounty hunters which came after you...
Were after your father and myself. I decided to burden everything on myself.
Why?
Because you deserved a life that doesn't involve your father's past and you weren't raised to handle it.
Yiski looked at the clock and noticed hours had passed by.
Damn, it took longer than expected. If you have questions, then I'll answer those tomorrow. The two of you should head of for some sleep.
Roland couldn't wrap his mind around everything Yiski told him. Both Roland and Ny-Lee left the saloon.
Are you going to be okay?
I am not sure. I knew Yiski sacrificed a lot to raise me, but I had no clue to the extent.
It's because he cares for you like his own.
I... I know.
The couple reached BdrLine's place where the two kissed goodnight. Roland walked alone back to his place trying to figure out why Yiski had kept all this a secret and what else Yiski was still hiding.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 36--
