Chapter Eighteen - On the Horns of Dilemma

// Grey //

Rumbling clobbers of my heart echoed in my ears as the sight of the colossal hippodrome came closer and closer. From the side of the doors of the carriage, I could see our distance from the venue for Victaroid shortening.

A tactile veil of apprehension loomed over my entire being as I felt my muscles stiff and tighten at every whoosh of wind booming in my ear. From my side, I could feel Caera's strong gaze burning holes in the side of my head.

"Grey? Are you ok?" She asked, her voice muffled by the voices in my head. Sylvia's voice. Her last moments. The palpable regrets and gloom as she entrusted me with her will, her own body and even her unborn child—Sylvie.

The cognizant fear and apprehension wasn't entirely my own... but it stemmed from Sylvia's will as a conduit, affecting my own body—my thoughts as murky as the darkest night in Truacia.

Without replying I just replied with a weak nod and continued to look down at my interlocked hands. Seris shifted in her seat and placed a hand over my own. Looking up, I saw her smiling—a grace she rarely bestowed upon anyone. "Don't be so confused, Grey. You got this. Besides, we are here. If anything goes wrong, we will be here to protect you", she said. Looking into her obsidian eyes, I paused and then hung my head downwards.

"I... I am not scared of a retainer or any scythe. I am just afraid I would fail Sylvia. I can feel it Seris. Sylvia's will trembling in untrammelled rage and rancour. What if I fail her and am not able to defeat him? What then Seris? You can save me but what use would it be to hang on to this pathetic excuse of li-" A tenuous voice reverberated as Seris slapped my face. It wasn't a full force blow but it was enough to stop my mindless chatter.

"Stop overthinking. You've conquered Relictombs alone. You've climbed up to the pinnacle in the hierarchy of Alacrya, despite the odds that came your way. You can do this", she said, the usual soft tone that she used with me replaced by a harsh, reprimanding one. "Why are you like this? You being a hopeless mess here will have an unpropitious impact in your bond, your daughter—Sylvie. Do you want that?"

"No", I replied looking at her.

"Then get your wits together", She spoke, her tone reverting back to affection glazed one. Looking up, Cylrit shifted uncomfortably in his seat beside Scythe Seris. Our eyes locked for a fleeting, cursory moment before he averted his gaze and looked the other way. Through the perforations on the door of the carriage he peeked outside and then turned back to us, "We are here", he said.

With a quick nod without looking in his direction Scythe Seris opened the door and leapt outside. Motioning for Caera to follow her, she made her way outside and stopped, looking back, "Cylrit will guide you to the appropriate place. You can wait there. I'll drop Caera off to where other academy friends are", she said and walked away without waiting for me.

Once she was away, Cylrit stood up and lowered his head before stepping out. Following closely behind him, we started to walk side-by-side. Cylrit was wearing his custom made armour for Victaroid. However, the armour as well as the horns were hidden underneath the hood of his loose robes.

I looked around as I saw a familiar sight. Years ago, I arrived in Alacrya—with no memories of my new life. Just a tattered piece of cloth draped around my 4-year-old body. Even the money in my pockets was stolen—a result of murders that I had committed as soon as I arrived here.

Looking at myself now, I was totally opposite. I had enough wealth and influence to my name. In the few years I climbed up the hierarchy to a Highblood. Conquered the relictombs. Obtained a somewhat deeper understanding into aether. I even had a god-rune; Godstep. Although, I don't remember my parents—who are they? Where are they? Are they even alive? But still... Here, I had found people I could call family. Sylvie, Cylrit, Caera and... Seris.

I won't fail her. Not her, not my daughter but most importantly, I will avenge Sylvia.

(***)

"Wait here until all the other events are done", Cylrit spoke as we arrived in a wide space. It was empty for the most part, save for the foundations that supported the amphitheatre.

"Why am I hiding here?" I asked, confused at his actions.

"Scythe Seris asked for you to remain hidden until you challenge me for the Retainer spot", he said. Growing up, Cylrit was like an older brother to me. However, at this moment I could feel the bitterness awfully discernable on his face.

"You should confront your feelings as soon as you can, Cylrit", I said. His whole body petrified as he stood like a statue—his body devoid of the minutest twitch or judder.

A subtle sigh escaped his mouth as he looked back. His usual pale complexion was even more pale, like the last drop of blood had left his body. The corner of his lips twitched into a smile, "You bastard", he said as I felt his voice shiver, each breath stumbling over the other.

I looked down. No words needed to say. The silence that lingered like a static veil of restlessness explained everything. He didn't need to say anything, nor did I need to sugarcoat my words and make him feel better.

Looking in his glistening crimson eyes I could see it... something I saw in myself after Cecelia's death—Hopelessness. He had given up already and nothing was going to change his mind.

"See you later in the arena", he said and left. His mana signature vanished in a subtle whoosh of wind as he disappeared from my sight. "Sorry, Seris. There might be a change in plans", I muttered under my breath as I started calculating the risks for deviating from the set of plans Seris had already made.

// Rhadeas //

The scroll shimmered out of life as I received the report. The Alacryan—Nico Sever's seals had weakened. The High Sovereign wanted him back in Alacrya. Or should I call him Elijah Knight now? I practically raised him. But, all of it doesn't matter. In essence he is someone else. Not the soft boy that I raised.

Gripping the bridge of my nose, I looked back, "Olfred".

"Yes, father", Olfred's gruff voice resounded as he walked from the shadows.

"A boy named Elijah Knight is being treated in one of the recovery rooms in Adventurer's guild. Go and retrieve him. You won't have much difficulty since the whole kingdom is in a dilemma", I replied.

"What happened?" He asked, walking over to me. Picking the bottle up from the table he poured some wine in a goblet and offered it to me. Taking the glass I continued, "The Elves suddenly agreed to unite the three races", I replied with a sigh. It was unexpected. The elves had lost their princess. However, a few days ago suddenly, they not only withdrew the claim of waging war but agreed to unite the kingdoms.

Strange...

Really strange indeed.

"I'll go right away, father", Olfred said and started to move out.

"Son... take care. I don't want to lose another one", I spoke, biting on the emotions that somehow resurfaced.

"I will. You too. It's getting late. You should get some rest yourself", he said in a soft tone and then disappeared from sight. Looking down at the goblet of wine, I sighed... a splitting heartache making my chest wince in agony.

"I doubt I can rest anytime soon".

(**********)

A/n Short chapter? Well... you'll have more chapters in a higher frequency, so fret not. Also, those who ask about ship... Just enjoy the plot mate... romance can come later... if you know you know *wink wink*