Work Text:
The nameless apprentice was left alone in the office that afternoon, when his mentor had an urgent matter to attend to. Usually, he would follow Barok van Zieks everywhere he went, but that day, his mentor left without a word to him, which made him realize that maybe Barok wanted that time for himself, free from his presence.
Honestly, he hated to feel like an unwanted burden, but it wasn’t like he had any choice on the matter. Without memories of his own, and ordered never to speak a word, there was no way he could become more than that unsettling specter he was—or make his relationship with his mentor any less cold. Of course, Barok had never mistreated him in any way, so his complaints felt unfounded even to himself. Still, he wished things could be… better, somehow. Warmer, nicer.
He let out a small sigh, turning his attention back to his report of their investigation from that morning, working diligently on it until the sound of the door opening made him look over his shoulder. A man he remembered from the main office walked in with a cane in hand, glancing toward Barok’s desk before looking at the apprentice with an exasperated expression.
“Where is Prosecutor van Zieks?”
He couldn’t have made his displeasure clearer if he tried. As soon as Barok left the office, the apprentice hoped something like that wouldn’t happen. He wasn’t supposed to speak to anyone other than his mentor, which made interactions difficult and unpleasant, to say the least.
The apprentice shook his head, and as expected, the man glared at him as if he were the one to blame for Barok’s absence. Not wanting to start any trouble, the apprentice gestured at the couch, toward which that man walked with an annoyed grunt.
“One would expect to be greeted properly upon their arrival.”
At least that much wasn’t his fault… Even if the man complained to his mentor, there was nothing the apprentice could have done about it. So, without a word, he turned his attention back to his work.
Only a few minutes passed before he heard that man stand, approaching with slow steps, stopping not that far from his desk.
“How unsightly...”
He was taken aback by the forwardness of that comment. Insults weren’t new to him, but usually, people at least pretended they didn’t know he was listening before speaking their mind. And it didn’t stop there, since soon the man continued in that disapproving voice.
“Even if you cover your face, it’s clear you don’t belong in this country. I wonder what prosecutor van Zieks did to invite the Lord Chief Justice’s ire, so he would force you upon him.”
So, he knew that much… The apprentice shouldn’t be surprised, given how quickly word seemed to travel in that city. Still, it stung to have that, of all things, thrown at his face so suddenly. He didn’t respond, and it only seemed to anger that man even more.
“Say something.”
That, he couldn’t do—as much as part of him would like to. That man complained about his manners, as if he wasn’t the one interrupting his work for no good reason.
“Do you think you can ignore me like this?” The man’s tone was sharper than before. “I know that you can understand what I’m saying.”
What a problem… It seemed like all that man wanted was to let his frustrations out on the first poor soul he found who couldn’t fight back—which, unfortunately, had been him. Even if he could speak, he had the feeling it wouldn’t be enough to calm that man’s anger. His silence, however, only seemed to make it worse.
“Is this how you want it to be?” He scoffed. “Sure… I have observed you for a while now, how you act so superiorly because you’re by van Zieks side. He hates your kind, don’t you know? More than most of us do, even if he tries to hide it out of courtesy.”
Once again, the words stung. He had hoped that their complicated relationship would get better with time, as they became more accustomed to each other and their situation. But if Barok had deeper reasons than his mere presence to hate him, then there was little the apprentice could do other than stay out of his way and hope it was enough not to make his mentor despise him even more.
An uncomfortable feeling grew in his chest. It was unfair, wasn’t it? No matter what he did, or how hard he tried, he would never be more than a nuisance. But he had nowhere else to go, so he had to accept it and be glad he was under Barok’s care and not on the streets or back in a cargo ship—or in prison.
Thinking about it through that perspective, things surely could be much worse… He should avoid trouble as much as he could.
“You haven’t the slightest idea of the mess you put yourself into, do you?”
That man was still talking… Not only that, but he had stepped closer to his desk, watching him from above while the apprentice tried to ignore his presence.
“Have you heard what they say about him? The Reaper of the Bailey... I would be careful if I were you, or you might leave this world in a most unpleasant way.”
Those words made something boil inside his chest, and without thinking, he threw that man a glare. He and Barok weren’t close, but that man still gave him a place to stay and something to occupy his mind with. He still didn’t fully know what that horrible title meant, but could tell none of it was true: Barok van Zieks wasn’t the kind of man who would hurt someone if not to defend himself.
He hadn’t meant to react to those words, but the man’s pleased smile let him know that, despite his efforts, his feelings had come through.
“Oh, so you can feel anger, after all...”
His hand trembled, but he kept his eyes on that paper, despite being unable to focus on it, much less keep writing. Sounding quite pleased, the man continued to speak while circling him with slow steps.
“And here I was, starting to think you were some living puppet of sorts. What else can you do?” He spoke as if talking to a child—or a dog. “Has Prosecutor van Zieks taught you any good tricks, yet?”
Would he be in trouble if he made that man leave by force? Probably… and not only him but Barok too, since that was his office.
“Sit. Bark. Give me your paw.” The man grunted in frustration. “What’s wrong? Do you only obey your master? Or are you nothing but a disobedient mutt? Come on, show me a nice trick and I’ll forgive you.”
He just wouldn’t stop talking… His words reverberated inside the apprentice’s head, so loud and aggravating it started to turn into a headache. He briefly shut his eyes, but soon a loud sound made him open them again. The man had hit his desk with his cane.
“Are you listening? I told you to show me a nice trick.”
When would that man get tired of it? His voice and the repetitive taps of his cane against the wood made the apprentice’s head throb. So loud…
“Answer me, already! My patience is coming to an end.”
Unable to endure it any longer, the apprentice stood up. He shouldn’t leave the office unattended, but if he stayed there with that man, something even worse could happen. He would face any consequences for leaving when Barok returned—it was better than the alternative.
But that man noticed his intentions before he could leave, rushing toward the door, blocking his exit.
“Where are you going? What a shameful behavior... Prosecutor van Zieks should get rid of you and get a more obedient pet.”
It took everything he had not to push that man out of his way. He stepped back, trying to think of what to do instead.
“Do you really think you can ignore me? One word from me, and you will go straight to the cell you deserve. Or, even better…”
Before the apprentice could react, the man raised his cane, this time hitting his thigh with it, making him stumble back in surprise. He hadn’t used enough strength to injure him, but it still hurt a little.
“What?” The man widened his eyes. “No reaction? You don’t fail to disappoint me… You can’t even be called a dog like this.”
He raised his cane again, but this time the apprentice stepped away, avoiding it. Before he could hold them back, those muttered words escaped from his lips.
“Stay away from me.”
Speaking had been a mistake, since it only seemed to add to that man’s enjoyment.
“So, you can talk. And have been ignoring me on purpose all this time… That’s quite discourteous, don’t you agree?”
Once again, he raised his cane, but before it could touch him, the apprentice grabbed it, yanking it from the man’s hands, throwing it aside with a loud thud. The man’s grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recomposed himself, clicking his tongue while shaking his head.
“What an aggressive mutt… You do realize that, if you raise one single hand against me, I could ruin your entire life, don’t you?”
He didn’t care… He just wanted to get out of there. Without another word, he passed by that man reaching for the door.
“You’re not leaving… Not until you take off that mask and answer me properly.”
A hand closed around his arm, another quickly approaching his face, grabbing his mask. Something inside him reacted before his rationality could speak. In a moment, that man’s back hit the wall; the apprentice stood before him, sword in hand, blade against that man’s throat.
“Don’t touch me.”
The apprentice’s voice was low, but so enraged he didn’t even sound like himself. The man stared at him, a scornful huff leaving his mouth.
“Or what?” he asked. “Will you bark at me?”
The man tried to push his arm away, but the apprentice didn’t budge.
“Don’t you touch me again.”
The man laughed, but now there was nervousness in his detestable voice. “Hurt me and you’re dead. Or do you think anyone will believe your word over mine?”
Shut up, already… The apprentice gritted his teeth. “You’re the one who—”
His words were cut by the sound of the door opening. Barok van Zieks stood there, his eyes soon falling upon that scene, his usually composed face contorted into a scowl. The apprentice’s heart seemed to stop.
“What is happening here?” asked Barok.
As if he weren’t taunting him until moments before, a terrified cry left the man’s lips. “Prosecutor van Zieks, sir… This man… This horrible man has attacked me for no reason! I simply asked him when you would return to the office, and suddenly he pulled his sword against me. Please, my lord… get this man away from me!”
The apprentice instinctively stepped away, lowering his sword. Suddenly, he understood his own situation: that man was right… Who would believe him in that cold land? A stranger without a name or a past… He was nothing there—less than nothing, he was an unwanted presence. And Barok van Zieks hated him… Hated his kind. He would be sent to jail just for trying to defend himself.
Barok observed them for a moment longer, then turned his eyes to him. “Is this true, apprentice?”
He could only shake his head in response. His entire body was cold, breathing took more effort than it should. It was over… He would be arrested—and, even if he wasn’t, he had nowhere left to go. What would happen to him? He had no one on his side… no one.
Barok gestured for him to move away, and he quietly did. The man offered Barok a grateful smile.
“Thank you, my—”
“Please, leave.” Barok interrupted him. “I wish to speak in private with my apprentice.”
“Of course, Prosecutor van Zieks. Please, excuse me.”
The man grabbed his cane and rushed to the door, glancing at the apprentice before leaving, an unpleasant smirk on his face as he closed the door behind him. The apprentice lowered his head, staring at the floor. Those thoughts kept swirling inside his head, becoming one with that persistent pain. His heart pounded so violently it was hard to breathe. He could feel Barok’s eyes on him but didn’t have the courage to meet his gaze.
“What has truly transpired before my arrival?”
Did it even matter? Still, not wanting to make things worse for himself, he responded in a low voice.
“That man became upset when I didn’t speak. He threatened me. Said my kind is unwanted in this land. That, even if he hurt me, no one would take my side. He… became violent and I defended myself.”
Those words sounded like poorly thought-out excuses even to himself. Barok didn’t answer for a long while. His mentor was angry, as he thought… On top of everything else, he would be accused of lying and tarnishing the image of a good British citizen. He should have stayed silent… He should—
“Did he hurt you?”
His words caught the apprentice off guard. He looked at Barok, finding no trace of anger on his face. That couldn’t be right… It was almost as if…
“Do you… believe me?”
“Why would I not?” Barok creased his brow. “You haven’t taken that man’s words to heart, have you?”
He couldn’t respond. Barok observed him for a moment longer, then let out a small sigh.
“Of course I am on your side. My apologies, I shouldn’t have left you alone like this. It must have been a frightening experience.”
The apprentice could do nothing but stare at his mentor, part of him still waiting for the moment when all of his suppressed hatred would come out—which never happened.
“Do you really believe me?”
“Of course I…” Barok stopped, eyes widening slightly. “You thought I would not?”
“I…”
He couldn’t say it. Now that things had passed, it seemed unfair to his mentor to expect the worst from him, as if he and that despicable man were the same.
“Forgive me,” said Barok in a low voice. “I have been a horrible mentor.”
“No, you’re not.” The apprentice lowered his eyes. “I’m thankful that you believe me.”
“Don’t worry about a thing. I will ensure that neither that man nor anyone else approaches you in such a manner again.”
The apprentice could only nod in response. He didn’t know what else to do or say, so he simply stood in place until Barok spoke again.
“We are returning home.”
“But…”
“We can finish the paperwork in my place.”
Saying that, Barok moved away, picking something from the floor, offering it to the apprentice.
“Here is your mask.”
He had completely forgotten about it. Never speak, never show your face—he had broken both of those rules on the same day, and still, Barok didn’t blame him for it. Instead of taking that mask, moved by a strange impulse, he held Barok’s hand with both of his for a long while. He didn’t know why, and even when he tried to let go, he couldn’t bring himself to. Barok observed him quietly, then spoke in a gentle voice.
“Were you that frightened?”
He hadn’t been scared—anxious, furious, confused, but not scared, at least not until he fully understood his situation. But knowing he had at least that man on his side made him so relieved he didn’t know what to do.
Since his arrival in that unfamiliar land, the apprentice had grown accustomed to the idea of being completely on his own, without anyone he could trust. But suddenly, he had one single thing: one person who believed him, and who cared enough about him to offer him his kindness.
He couldn’t let go. He knew he should, that his touch would probably make Barok uncomfortable—and yet he couldn’t let go of his hand. With a small sigh, Barok took a step closer, placing his other hand on the apprentice’s head.
“Everything is fine now.”
And for the first time in a long while—maybe ever—that felt like the truth. Like he would be fine, because he was no longer alone. Even if he had nothing else, it didn’t matter… That was enough.
It would only dawn on him later that night, but that was the moment he understood he would do anything for Barok van Zieks; that man was his mentor, his anchor, the one person he valued in his entire world.
As long as he had Barok by his side, there was no need for him to be afraid—not even in that cold, unfamiliar place.