User:Some Color Mage/Rebuild of Echoes of Strife/Chapter 4

Darren, Telluri and Saldo had washed ashore relatively close to Vellaten. The journey into the city was still relatively slow, as unfortunately the maggot had also washed ashore with them and, after quickly subduing and binding him again, the three kept arguing over who has responsible for carrying him with them.

"It's only been a couple of weeks since the treaty signing," Darren said as he looked around his old home town, "but everything feels so different. So... sullen."

"I know, Darren." The mood was starting to get to Telluri. "I know."

"Do we even have a plan?" Saldo asked.

"We see my father, I guess. I don't know if the King of Labradia would want to be seen helping wanted "criminals", but he has to be willing to help his son. Right?"

"P-Prince Darren?" asked one of the guards at the castle entrance. "It's an honour to see you return home!"

"Uh, hey." Darren was caught a bit off guard. "We're still sort of criminals, so just keep it quiet and let me see dad, okay?"

The guard nodded and entered the castle, signalling the group to follow.

"Gods, we could really use Yuan right now," Darren said as they walked through the halls.

"Magnus would be pretty helpful, too." Saldo was a bit lost in thought. "Hey, we've got one more unaccounted for. Where's Ser Aeon?"

"Don't know, don't care," Telluri replied. "Still don't trust him. As far as we know, he could be betraying us right now."

"Tra-la-la! Wake up, my dear!"

Hevorhend groaned. He had a pounding headache, and worse, he could recognise that voice anywhere. "What have you done now..." he sighed, not bothering to open his eyes.

"Why, I saved you, you nasty little man. Where's your gratitude?"

"Weren't you the one who nearly got us all killed? Padma, you're insufferable."

Hevorhend finally opened his eyes to survey the area. Looked like it was probably an Empire vessel. No sign of anyone from the Order. Padma was standing over her, scowling. Then she suddenly burst into tears.

"How dare you leave me like that!" Padma collapsed to the floor. "I was so worried! So sad! I could barely write any poems!"

"Padma, I-"

"And then I saw you with them! You've abandoned me for those Order people, haven't you? Haven't you?!?"

"I'm a widow, I'm not-"

"You left me!!!!!!!!!! What was I to do? But now, we're together again! Oh, I could write a poem about it! A story of our love, never again to be separated and-"

"PADMA! There was nothing between us! I have never shown any interest in you! You're the one who's been chasing me!"

"-and we shall never leave each other! I have saved you from those foul temptresses! They must have kidnapped you, didn't they? Oh, my poor Aeon!"

Padma hugged him. He tried to break free of the hold, but it just wasn't going to happen.

"Padma. I joined the Order willingly. The Empire wants me dead, and I can no longer believe what they're doing is right. And... you know what's afflicting me. The Order may come across a way to save me. The Empire never will, the darkness is too useful to them. I... don't want to die. Not like that."

"The Empire... the Empire is... wrong?"

Hevorhend sighed. "We've killed thousands of people in the name of expansion and revenge. We've razed large swaths of land. We're making the lives of the common folk miserable. At first, I thought the Empire had a good cause, but the fact is no truly good cause could have these results. With the Order... even if they can't save me, maybe I can heal some of the damage done before I go."

"You're right," Padma said, quickly shifting to a more serious tone. "I didn't think, I didn't know. So, you know what?" She stood up and struck a pose. "I'm going to join the Order, too! Justice will prevail!"

Hevorhend's eye bulged in horror. "You... what?"

"I know you are so glad to hear it, my love. We shall be together at last! Now, to make our escape! I know, we'll talk to Nethy-Rethy! He'll surely agree with us!"

Padma proceeded to grab Hevorhend and drag him behind her, out of the room, ignoring his constant protesting.

Yuan was exploring her new surroundings, with Kayin as her guide.

"This cathedral was built to house a sacred relic," he said as he opened the cathedral doors. "In ancient times, the gods entrusted humanity with a symbol of their power, through which their servants could be called in times of need."

The two approached a grand pedestal in the centre of the main hall. Resting on it, was a crystal staff.

"We invite all who come here and are gifted with the light to hold the staff. Even though none who have been capable of the art of summoning have managed to show the staff's true power, we find that just touching it grants a small amount of enlightenment to the truly worthy."

Yuan hesitated for a second, and then picked up the staff. Pulses of light surrounded here, and the memories of others flashed through her eyes. Dropping the staff, she fell to the ground, clutching her head in pain.

"Ngh... What... just happened?"

Kayin rushed over to help her. "I think that was a failed summoning ritual. With some work, you would be capable of the art of summoning."

Yuan was still clutching her head as she stood back up. "I-if I could wield that power..."

"You could change Amevitai's future."