34 His Last Order

He stared up to the sky. There were no stars, only the bright moonlight but it was enough. Sooner or later, he would only see darkness. He feels contented to watch the moon brightening up the sky in his last moments.

His breathing has calmed down, he has accepted his faith. Tonight was no defeat, he believes that they had still won. Although his brother died bringing down someone of importance to Dazia, he feels honored to be the witness of his brother's beautiful success. His wishes are fulfilled even if the consequences are their deaths.

Behind the slender trees of the whispering forest, red piercing eyes watch the creature at its last moments. He waited for it to take its last breath before he commands the branches to scoop the body to bury it in the soil of their home.

It upsets him that he had to witness that without offering any help. It's also beyond his power to assist since his body is in a weakened state. Throwing that tree took him every bit of his strength.

So with a heavy heart, he watched his men fled from the castle but only to be chased by knights who took them down before they can reach the forest to guarantee their safety. One almost made it but he wasn't close enough, he was struck down brutally.

The hooded man with red eyes glances down at the lifeless body. The branches wrapped around it to hold it in place for the man to examine.

"Okay bury him with his brothers," the man commands and he watched the body gently being passed on a tree to another, bringing the body to its resting place.

He begins walking, on his way back to the castle while his mind thinks through how he'll bring up the events that happened tonight. Even though his men were defeated, he carries an interesting piece of information which he believes would be a pleasure for the King to hear.

"This can't wait any longer," he mumbles to himself while he retrieves a cylinder glass bottle with a green substance from his pocket. With a small chuckle from his excitement, he smashes the bottle on the ground creating green colored gas to surround him. In an instant, he disappears.

Teleported straight at the castle, in front of the massive throne where a man with a raven on his shoulder sat. He drops to his knees to bow down to his King.

"Aerlindel what drove you to attack Dazia without my consent," the man with a low but tensed voice, calm as the wind but defensive. Aerlindel rises from the ground, taking his hood off and faces the King.

He scans the area realizing that the torches on the first two pillars except for the moonlight shining from the open balcony were the only light on this massive room, "My King don't you think that it's a bit too dark here?"

And with a flick of Aerlindel's fingers, the torches around the room lights up. The beauty of this place is no longer concealed with eerie darkness. He could finally see the face of the King.

"Don't bother changing the topic, Ranir informed me." the King strokes his Raven, "care to enlighten me about it?"

Aerlindel can't help but smile at the man in front of him. He remembers it like it was only yesterday. He took care of him ever since he was a kid. Aerlindel treated him like his very own son since he didn't have a father and his mother knew nothing about caring for her child.

He can't help but feel so proud that the child he took care of grew to be a great man and a respected leader. Despite his many ridiculously bad decisions.

"I'm glad I went to Dazia-" Aerlindel starts but the King stands from his seat cutting him off, "and as a result, you had my men killed, my people."

"Through their sacrifice, I obtained a piece of important information that I know you'd be eager to hear," Aerlindel assures him. The King's tall physique hovers over Aerlindel's weakened old body. He folds his arms awaiting what Aerlindel has to say.

"She has returned my King," Aerlindel begins and that already took the King's attention. He moves closer ready for what he's about to hear, "what did you say?"

"I saw her tonight, she's changed a part of her appearance but she miraculously remained young. Could she have found a potion to keep herself immortal?"

The King patiently waits for him to finish before he starts walking toward the balcony. Aerlindel follows him, wondering how he'll take this information. He knows how long he's waited for the day that she'll come back to this realm.

"What will you do?" Aerlindel asks when they stop right outside. The balcony at the very center of the castle, overlooking the beautiful Kingdom of Beorene.

The King smiles, "do you think that I deserve an explanation for her disappearance?"

"Yes, my King."

"Hyacintho Luna Festival is happening in a few days, she loved that festival so I'm certain that she'll be there. Send some men after her, capture her unharmed, and bring her to me," the King orders.

Aerlindel nods, "but if it fails, you know Dazia's security is tight especially with someone with significance."

"Why would you doubt the power of Beorene," the King questions him and he flinches, "if it fails, ready the troops for a big attack on the castle. Retrieve her at all cost."

"I understand my King," he bows but he suddenly feels an agonizing pain in his ribs. He brings his hand on the area and slowly loses his balance before dropping on the ground. The King takes a hold of him while Aerlindel breathes heavily, trying to push the pain away but it's too extreme to handle.

"How long do you think you'll last?"

Aerlindel looks up, for a moment he sees the face of a familiar young boy with the moon beside his head shining on the dark midnight sky. The sight eases the pain away so slightly that he can smile, "Luthais, it was an honor to raise you and to serve you until the very end."

"Don't be foolish and speak of nonsense," Luthais scolds placing his hand on Aerlindel's rib before chanting a spell. It healed him but he knows it won't last long for his body is giving up.

"Deliver my message to the troops, that's my last order for you. Then rest, your last moments should be at peace," Luthais firmly tells the man. But his heart breaks seeing the man that raised him with unconditional love is slowly slipping away from his grasp.