Guard vs. Mage Part 8
Duo watched as his guard swept their new quarters; he'd already scanned them himself for magical traps. "What do you think?"
"I think there's something going on between Barton and Winner."
"That was obvious," Duo tossed himself down on the plush sofa and frowned. "What else?"
"Winner is worried. These attacks must be getting worse."
"I agree. I can't wait to see the reports. I wonder what Chang will say?"
"Do you think he'll refuse to help?"
"Doubtful. Lake wasn't a nice group before this- he supported River's attack. Hm. Suppose your father would be interested to hear about this?"
"I'm sure he would." Heero finished his check and took his place beside the door. "If you like, I'll send him a message- once you've seen the proof."
"It might not be a bad idea." Duo tugged at the end of his braid thoughtfully. "I have a feeling this situation is going to get worse...."
~*~
Duo watched as his bodyguard ushered the last of the eyewitnesses out of the room. He tapped the folders under his hand and sighed. This was not the mission he'd expected to be facing when he'd agreed to this little jaunt, and he was sure Chang was going to be surprised with his report.
"Orders?" Heero returned to the side of the desk and stood there waiting as Duo sorted his thoughts out.
"Let someone know that I need to talk to Winner again. Then I'm going to need someplace quiet to do some long-range spell casting. Chang needs to know about this- and soon. I don't dare send a sprite- Lake will be looking for those."
"Very well."
"Oh, considering their location, do you think your father might have any interest in this as well?"
"I can contact him and ask. He's the closest to Lake as it is- his enclave would be the ideal one to launch attacks from."
"Arrange a messenger."
"No need." Heero tapped his necklace. "I can use this. Any other orders?"
"Not yet." Duo sighed and leaned back in his chair, rubbing at his eyes. "This was a hell of a time for you to do your two week trial period- I'm sorry."
Heero's lips curved into a faint smile as he headed for the door. "Well, it beats fighting sandworms."
~*~
Winner looked more exhausted than he had the day before, and Heero wondered if something else had happened. Duo's colleague was still chained to the desk, but considering the worried look in his eyes when he watched the head of the Sand enclave, Heero knew there had to be something more going on.
He noted too that Winner didn't even bother to hide the relief that swept across his face when Duo asked for permission to relay their request for help to Forest.
"You can use my workroom. Thank you- I can't express my gratitude enough-"
"No need. It is obvious that Lake has returned and is making trouble for you. I'd also like permission to contact River- they are closer to Lake geographically and might be willing to assist."
"I've sent a messenger there already, but it would help if you added your request as well."
"Then we're agreed." Duo surprised his bodyguard and Winner when he suddenly leaned over the desk and grasped Quatre's arm. "In the meantime, go get some sleep. You look like hell." Letting go, he got to his feet and turned towards the door. "I'll let you know when we get replies."
Heero followed him out, amused to hear Barton repeat Duo's order to Winner in a tone that pretty much sealed the idea in his mind that there was something going on between the two of them.
"I hope you're going to take your own advice." He said in the most neutral tone he could manage.
"Which part?"
"The getting some rest part. You were up late last night reading reports, up early interviewing people and now you're about to attempt some serious spell casting. You will need to rest afterward."
Duo frowned at him. "You aren't my mother."
"Thankfully no. But it is my job to make sure you do yours the best you can."
"You're just lucky that necklace of yours prevents me from turning you into a frog."
~*~
After the usual precautions, Duo sat down in the middle of the workroom that Winner had provided and began to cast his circle. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Heero standing beside the door, alert for danger.
The guard really was working out very well- he'd have to make sure that Chang got him a good position with one of the others- Heero was very good at his job.
For a moment Duo toyed with the idea of keeping him- he was magically protected and so much better than some of the others that had come through... but no. It wasn't fair to keep this one just because he was good at his job. He didn't deserve being stuck with Duo.
Dismissing the thought, he focused on the task ahead of him.
TBC...
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