“That so? Well, if it’s any consolation, I didn’t ask to be born with it. Back home, Bearers are uncommon, but they’re subjugated and used for their abilities. Deemed too dangerous to be kept well-fed and rested. At least in some parts. This castle’s usual home is in a land called Ash, one of the few places Bearers can walk around without a brand on their faces.”

Cid continues to walk a little funny, but he refuses to complain about it. Instead, he hands the beer bottle back to Vander. He’d probably had enough, but that wouldn’t stop him.

“Nothing new, the King is always disappointed in me. But I doubt he’ll show his face. He’s high up in that tower, busying himself with prayer like as not. I’ll just take you to my workshop instead. There’s a bathhouse on the way in.”