A King's Legacy Chapter 23: Answers
Aster awoke with a shaky groan, his head feeling as if he had been severely beaten the night before. Every pulse of blood that pumped into his skull brought with it a searing throb, and a flash of pain. His mouth was dry, and his eyes stung as he forced them open, recoiling from the light shining through the window. The boy squinted in a bit of confusion, struggling to remember what the last half of his evening had entailed, and finally burned in his embarrassment as more and more pieces of the night returned to him. He pulled his forearm over his eyes to block the rays of sun, and grunted to himself, cursing the very morning itself, and the hangover it brought with it. A light chuckle came from Aster's side, and the boy moved his free hand to nudge lightly against the source, grazing the pelt of his wolf idly as the beast spoke in a bit of a teasing tone.
"Well, seems somebody had a little too much last night. The day after is always rough, but I can tell that's a nasty one. I hope you at least slept well? Oh! And good morning Aster." It took everything Stahl had not to poke fun at his mate too badly. Aster just grunted out a half whine in protest before speaking in a drier voice.
"This is worse than the broken bones were..." The human rolled over a bit, nuzzling into his wolf's chest as he desperately tried, (and failed,) to shake the throbbing ache behind his eyes. The beast let out an amused chuckle at the boy before speaking up once more.
"Well... Did it help at least? I'm a bit sour I wasn't there to see what you were like for your first taste of alcohol, but I know a drink can help ease heavy thoughts... And there were certainly no shortage of those around... Just, maybe not quite as much next time? Haha!"
Stahl finished his statement with a laugh, but the boy certainly didn't feel like laughing. Instead he simply grumbled out something along the lines of "Never again..." Bringing another slight chuckle to the wolf, the beast knowing how that tended to go. Instead, he brought up the real reason he had returned to the room.
"Well... Hate to be the one to tell you, but we will be heading out soon... Our supplies are already almost fully loaded, and our preparations near complete. Think you're up for a walk?" Aster most certainly was not up for a walk... Far from it, but even so, he answered his beast, perking his head up slightly at the news.
"Already? Its just... Everything that happened..." Stahl smiled at his mate kindly, understanding the feeling, but answering regardless.
"I know... It seems too soon, but we do have a job to do here. We simply can't afford to waste any time getting the prince where he needs to be..." Aster nodded lightly in acceptance, knowing the wolf was right. Stahl glanced at the impaired boy again, making a final jab. "We can't all sleep the morning away, after all." The beast flashed the human glaring up at him a playful smirk before he was finally satisfied with the teasing, delivering some hope for the human after all.
"Well... I guess your insane luck holds out for another day... Go ahead, Rust." Before Aster could ask for some explanation there, he suddenly felt a soft warmth replace the pain in his head, clearing his aches as his body was purified from the toxins. Aster suddenly found himself a lot more awake at the surprise, rolling over to see the burnt orange fox, (with the most overwhelming smile plastered across his muzzle,) staring right back at him. Aster finally broke the silence a moment later with a not so strained voice.
"Wait... YOU'RE THE HEALER RUST? WHEN-" The cub enthusiastically cut the human off, too excited and proud of himself to keep from spilling everything to his uncle. The fox told the human all about the demon that made it to the village, dropping his evident joy as he mentioned losing his mentor, but remaining a bit boastful of his rise to action regardless, and his swift resolve after to heal the wounded. The human had his own soft smile as the cub finished his recount, answering the young beast in turn.
"Wow... Your first kill was a demon... And you've got prayer magic now, thanks for fixing my ankle by the way... You're really growing up, Rust." The human reached a hand over to idly pat at the fox's head, a gesture he had picked up from his own father when giving praise. The cub beamed back towards the human, and looked over to Stahl with a mischievous smirk. The young fox spoke once more, barely containing his excitement.
"Well... There's one part I left out... I wanted to wait and just show both of you first. When I charged that demon... Something happened to me, and not just prayer magic..." The fox stood, walking a few paces over to the other end of the room where he stopped in place, and turned back towards his uncles in anticipation. The fox let his smile overtake him once more, lowered his eyes just a bit, focused on the wolf, and spoke confidently.
"Don't blink... Mark."
In a sudden flash, the young fox was sitting between his uncles, beaming his exuberant smile in sheer pride as both recoiled from the instant change of location. Aster's face lit up at the realization, excitedly grasping a hold of the cub's hands, and immediately talking the young beast up about the incredible gift... Stahl, however, found it suddenly very hard to breathe. A sweat broke out across his brow, his mouth hung ajar ever so slightly in the silent gasp he sucked in, and his mind slowed to a near halt, focusing on a single thought through his panic. `He inherited it... He will be exposed... They will come for him...'
===
Oust was busy loading the musician's wagon with the help of a few orcs, the captain, and the husky Dally. They had been working through most of the morning, making final preparations and goodbyes as they loaded up their supplies, and the two resting beasts among them. Alice had still not awoken, and it seemed Madame Mist was now in a similar state, so the pair had been gently secured in the covered wagon. Prince Tyfin was becoming worried for his high mage, but found it a bit strange the husky didn't seem too worried about the peacock at all. It was if he had expected as much. The prince wanted to ask, but couldn't come up with a good way to do so, so he simply avoided the question.
After a short while, the prince noticed Stahl returning with Aster, whom they had all agreed to simply let rest a bit longer. Trailing a bit behind them was Rust, looking down dejectedly in deep thought, seeming to be greatly bothered by something. As the three approached, the young king nodded in greeting before he spoke.
"I do hope you were able to get a little peaceful rest, Aster?" The human smiled in embarrassment, returning the nod as he answered the beast.
"Yeah... I might've overdone it a bit... But I think I'm better off now for it. What about you? Get any rest at all?" The prince closed his eyes, smiling softly as he recalled his own unexpected night.
"It went better than I had expected it to. I think I got a few things out of my system... It still doesn't feel like we won though." The human nodded, fully agreeing with that statement, but happy Tyfin found his own comfort. The prince deserved such peace in Aster's eyes.
Just as the last bit of supplies were loaded, Sir Corper walked up to the wagon, Milky trailing behind him idly. As he did so, Oust took a knee, greeting his master with respect. Prince Tyfin took a few paces forward and nodded towards the beast with both respect, and a hint of appreciation for what he had done the night before.
"Sir Corper... I want to thank you again for your help in the battle. I am told you had a large part in killing both lesser demons. Your help was truly invaluable to us." The bear made not a sound, crossing his arms in deep thought for a moment as he closed his eyes. The burly bear made a small frown as his eyebrows furrowed in thought. Finally, the beast did answer the lion patiently waiting.
"I did what I felt I needed to at the time... Just as I am now. I believe this to be the path I am to walk now..." The seasoned warrior surprised everyone present by what he did next. The bear lowered himself on his right knee, and placed his right fist against the dirt in true Aloran fashion. He closed his eyes, and lowered his head, speaking firmly to the taken aback lion.
"Prince Tyfin of Alora, allow me to join your ranks on the mission to return you home safely... You may be the only chance any of us have left for a peaceful rule. You need to make it back to that throne, and I can help... That is, if you will allow me to." The young lion scrambled to answer, beyond humbled by the beast yet again.
"YES... Yes, I would be honored to have you, Sir Corper... Are you certain though? I know your history with both my mother and father..." The great bear looked up to the lion, speaking smoothly as he stared into his eyes.
"I once failed to protect your mother, my sworn duty. I feel this is justice in a sense... I will not fully pledge myself to any king, so know, this only extends until you have been escorted to safety. Personal feelings for your father have been set aside for now, as his justice has already been served. Do you accept my offer, knowing even this?" The prince answered once more, in a bit more assuring tone this time.
"Yes." The bear stood, giving a final bow in gratitude to the young king before he walked over a few paces, coming to tower over the intimidated human who was mostly averting his gaze in nervousness. Sir Corper took another bow, placing both knees in the dirt this time as he lowered his head before the boy, and began to speak once more.
"Aster Venatus... I am truly sorry for the way I behaved when we met. I allowed my anger to take a hold of me, and for that, I am ashamed... I understand more than most of the struggles you've had to have faced in getting where you are. I did not mean to put more burden on you... However..." The bear raised his eyes, locking onto the boy's own as he continued, making sure he understood every word.
"Your father is another matter. Should our paths cross, I will deliver my judgement on Jagón Venatus for his crime. I will deliver onto him a fitting and equal punishment for taking my wife from me, should I so choose. Knowing this, will you allow me to travel by your side?" The human took a step back, surprised by both parts of the statement. Aster clenched his jaw, turned away, and answered the bear shortly.
"I can remain peaceful. I can fight alongside you... But if the day comes, should you ever place my family in the path of your vengeance... I will defend them with everything I have. Until that day comes, nothing you pledge to my prince will change my stance." The bear stood, nodding in acceptance of such an answer. They would simply cross that bridge when they came to it.
With a few more short goodbyes, the party departed the orc village at last, leaving behind the monumental tree where Mollis had fallen with a twinge of remorse. By this time, there were only a handful of members of the traveling party left that chose to push forward. Prince Tyfin, Captain Rix, Aster, Stahl, Rust, Oust, Sir Corper, Dally, and Milky making up the bulk of the party. The unconscious Alice and Mist were also in tow. Aside from them, there was a single beast choosing to press forward with the group, the same crocodile that Aster had knocked unconscious in the captain's training for belittling Stahl. The only other beast left that made it through the most recent Selection, Fraxis Maxillos.
===
It was shaping up to be a pleasant day in Byron Aschefell's opinion. The sun was shining brightly, its golden rays warming the old wolf's bones as if it enjoyed showing him such kindness. There was a soft breeze, bringing with it the pleasant scent of the flora still blooming in late Spring for the wolf's enjoyment. To top it all off, they had been making steady progress on their trip, the dawning of the second day showing to be just as gentle as the first had.
The long ride may have rattled his bad knee a bit too much, but the wolf was enjoying the seclusion that nature provided, appreciating the countryside as he always had. There was something healing about being out of the city in the beast's opinion, and sharing that time with his family and friends both old and new only made the time spent that much sweeter to the veteran. He released a long, drawn-out yawn before turning to his son at the reigns, speaking in his usual, soothing tone.
"This truly is the best time of year, wouldn't you agree, Amboss?" The blacksmith was holding the reigns steady with his left hand, the ropes looped around his right prosthetic as he learned to work around it. He was getting much better at holding just enough pressure on it to secure things. The cheerful son answered his father in turn.
"It really is. I think it's all the life in the air." The older wolf nodded in agreement, steering the conversation as needed.
"You may just be on to something my son... But I just can't help to wonder..." The old wolf paused, side eyeing his son in a familiar way. Amboss was well aware of what that look was about before his father ever continued. "What has you so down on a day as promising as this one?" The son simply let out a sigh before confessing, his father always could see right through him.
"Last night... Rouge had a dream about Rust." The blacksmith paused, frowning just a bit as he tried to drop the subject to no avail. His father urged him on regardless, finding his interest piqued.
"And what exactly was in this dream of hers? What was it about?" The younger wolf shifted uncomfortably before reiterating for the older one.
"He was caught up in a fight. He was cornered by something... He was crying out for his father." Byron nodded, not wanting to leave this alone quite yet. Amboss continued on.
"Well... His father came to his rescue... But it wasn't me. It was him... It was his birth father. He placed a weapon in Rust's hand, and Rust grabbed a hold of it, charging at the monster and killing it with his father's weapon." Byron was deep in thought now, not liking the idea of what remained of the Sicario line ever being anywhere near the young fox. He hid his worry for his son's sake, but Amboss wasn't finished yet.
"Afterwards, Rouge called out to him... Rust turned his back on his mother, never saying a word as his father led him away, as he led my son into the darkness... She prayed I would save him, crying out for me in her panic, but when she turned back towards the monster he had killed..." The wolf trailed off, not wanting to finish that statement. He looked over to his father with a jolt when the older wolf finished it for him.
"When she turned back towards the monster, it was you lying there, killed by his weapon instead, wasn't it?" Amboss lowered his head, closing his eyes solemnly for a moment as he simply nodded. The older wolf turned back forward, staring off into the distance for a while before speaking again.
"Amboss... I am certain it is only a dream... She most certainly carries that guilt even to this day, and that guilt is playing off of her fears and anxiety in the time since separated from her cub. The same cub whom she is desperately afraid of losing like she thought she only recently had. Nothing more." The blacksmith scoffed a bit, knowing his father was only trying to ease his mood, but not feeling so certain himself.
"And what if it isn't? What if it is an omen?" Byron answered without missing a beat.
"It is merely a dream... But perhaps, it is time you tell Rosten the truth about his father? He can handle it, and he will never turn his back on his family, on his REAL family. He is a smart cub, he will understand why we did what we did now. He will love us even still." Amboss shuddered, putting the argument to bed with a final sentence.
"If he can forgive us... That may be even worse somehow..." Byron prodded no more, letting his mind process what he had heard. The veteran's seasoned instincts just couldn't seem to keep the topic out of his thoughts for very long.
===
Stahl was walking a bit behind the wagon, taking a bit of space from everyone as he processed his own worrisome thoughts. Aster was a bit surprised the beast had requested some solitude for the first time, but understood based off of Stahl's unsettling reaction to Rust's latent bloodskill surfacing. Aster knew there were things he did not know yet, but trusted his wolf to fill him in when he felt it was necessary. Stahl was ever grateful to his human for that understanding, and was midway through a thought when he heard a throat clear beside him, drawing his attention over to Sir Corper just as the beast started speaking.
"We should talk." Stahl turned away from the bear while he answered shortly, not exactly having good experiences with the beast.
"No, we should not. You've attacked me and my mate once already, unprovoked I might add, made a promise to have your revenge upon his father afterwards, and have repeatedly stated you will not truly serve any king of Alora. I'm not sure what everyone else sees in you, but I just see a problem waiting to happen. I have no plans to become attached to those I know will betray me when it suits them." Stahl half expected the bear to swing on him, but Corper only chuckled a bit before answering the wolf.
"You are wise to recognize that. Yes, we may undoubtedly find each other enemies one day, but this is not something I can simply forgive. Could you?" Stahl ignored the question, yet knew he certainly wouldn't ever forgive anyone that took his mate away from him. The bear pressed on.
"I didn't think so. Now, with that settled, I won't waste your time here... That fox is the real problem waiting to happen. Even I've heard about the mysterious disappearance of the sole heir to the Sicario bloodskill way out in this desert... But his son just showed up twelve years after he went missing... Tell me, with that bloodskill, how long do you think it will be before he is exposed? Do you believe he won't come to the obvious conclusion that your family likely murdered his father?"
Stahl shushed the bear and looked around warily, making sure nobody was within earshot of that conversation. He slowed his pace for a bit, letting the pair fall further and further behind the wagon. He finally turned to the bear sharply, and whispered to him quietly.
"Who else knows?" Corper replied flatly, dropping his own tone for the wolf's sake.
"Nobody else saw it but the simple beast, and a younger orc, and they won't be telling anyone." Stahl replied swiftly, his tone a serious one.
"What do I have to do to keep it that way?" Sir Corper answered honestly.
"Nothing. Whatever the reason, your family has chosen to protect that cub. I never liked the Sicario line... Too sneaky... Too underhanded... Too scummy. That's what got most of them killed in the first place. That fox is nothing like them, and never will be. Your house undoubtedly saved his life, regardless of the circumstances that landed him in your care... But he is in danger once more. Have you told him?" Stahl sighed, relieved his nephew's secret was safe for the time being.
"No... He has no idea about any of it. His parents decided that would be best until he came of age... We thought it had passed over him, that bloodskill... We were praying it would to be honest with you... Because now, he has one of the most powerful skills among all beasts in Alora, but he can't ever use it. It would give everything away, like you stand as proof to." Sir Corper listened to the wolf in understanding, but poked holes in that logic all the same.
"He is going to use it again. The truth is going to come out. How he finds out could determine how he handles the news, and without him knowing why he shouldn't use it, he won't understand. That cub is truly good, but there was something else back there that awoke too... I was there, I saw it. For just a short moment, as he drove that dagger into the demon's heart and took his revenge... That cub was smiling. He is a warrior, whether you want to see it or not. He will start behaving as such sooner rather than later... Teach him what he needs, or risk losing him by keeping him in the dark. I know you are not his father, but you are forced into his role in this moment. A fire never culled or given fodder will always burn out of control, or burn itself away... But a well built one will thrive how it needs. That is all I had to say. Thank you for the conversation." The bear nodded in departure, picking up his pace a bit as he walked off. Stahl called out to the bear once more before he was out of earshot.
"Hey... I don't know what your plan is here, I don't know what you hope to accomplish by joining us... But stay away from Aster, and leave Rust to me. I won't have anymore threats made to my family by you." Sir Corper almost paused to let the wolf catch up, but instead only kept on walking as he left the younger beast behind. He spoke his answer with a laugh, never turning around.
"You truly are Byron's son. He was just as protective of his family as you are. Keep that fire burning strong, Aschefell, for one day, the beasts that actually do want your lover dead may just come for him. I pray it ends better for you than it did for me."
Sir Corper didn't say another word, leaving Stahl both very uncertain of how much he could actually trust this beast, and even a bit sympathetic towards him. More than this, however, Stahl couldn't help but agree with what the bear had said about Rust... Whether or not he should really go against his brother's wishes on the matter was something he struggled with, however.
===
Rust was not exactly having a great afternoon, in fact, the young fox was very much feeling a bit defeated. He had been so proud of himself... He was so excited to tell his uncles about his power, and Stahl just completely squashed the conversation. Rust was not to use his bloodskill yet... Rust was not supposed to talk about it until he reached his father... Rust was not happy about that, and neither was Aster, who finally broke the silence of his pacing beside the cub to ask him something.
"So... How are you feeling?" Rust simply looked away, mumbling as he did so.
"I doubt I'm allowed to talk about that either at this point." Aster understood the frustration, but wasn't planning on just leaving the cub to be so angry at Stahl.
"Not what I asked, Rust. I know how it feels to not know where you come from. I get how belittling it can feel when you aren't allowed to show the world the most amazing parts of yourself... When it feels like everyone around you is always lying to you, and whispering around you... How even if they say it is to keep you safe, it doesn't stop it from just feeling like nobody trusts you. You can talk to me, Rust. I promise, I won't lie to you... But I probably don't have the answers you want right now..." The cub turned his head towards the human, and stared at him with sad eyes for a moment, thinking about what his uncle had said before he spoke out again.
"I know you understand it more than most... Was it like this when you got your shield?" Aster deflated a little himself as he answered that question, but did his best to play it off for the cub's sake.
"Yeah... I was a little younger than you when it manifested in a sparring match with my caretaker. You should've seen the way Cortist freaked out the first time, haha! After... I showed my father. I was told to never use it unless I had to, because it would reveal exactly who I was to the world... I didn't realize fully what he meant back then, but in truth, he was right about that... I've recently learned some things about myself that only proved my father made the right decision, even though I couldn't see it back then... In fact, using that shield almost got me executed back at the Selection, because it did reveal who I was. So I've learned to trust his judgement a bit more, and I've learned that things that may hurt me today, can often someday be looked back upon as necessary." Rust was silent, pacing beside his uncle with a serious look. The cub turned back forward, feeling a bit awestruck at that answer. Finally, Rust did ask another question, one Aster wasn't ready for.
"So who are you, Aster? Did learning your past help you see it more clearly?" Aster looked off into the horizon, taking a deep breath before answering that.
"If anything, it has only made it all the more confusing... I just wanted to stay who I was, To simply be who I knew myself to be... But I'm starting to see that change isn't always so bad, even if we don't always like the change we may see in ourselves at first... Would you like to know a little about what I learned? Just... Please don't tell anyone about what I'm trusting you with yet... Not until Tyfin is back on that throne." Rust nodded, hoping at least somebody would actually stay honest with him. Aster smiled, and started where he felt was appropriate, telling the cub not a single lie as promised.
"Well... My true name, was Solis Aureus..." Aster continued on, filling the fox in on everything he had learned since the ceremony. He told him of his lineage, of the heartbeat, and of the news about his adoptive family. He told Rust about his revealed human sibling, and all about his panther siblings. When he finally felt he had said enough, Rust thought deeply for a while, seemingly hesitant to ask his next question.
"So... That shadowy fire a while back... You don't really know anything about it? It's just that demon showed up again..." Aster visibly flinched at that inquiry, not too certain he had much to add there.
"Mollis had a guess... He thinks somebody hid something inside of me with a forbidden magic when I was young... But no, I really don't know what happened." Rust was making sure to think over his wording carefully, not wanting to offend the human.
"Are you going to be alright? Nothing is going to happen to you, right?" Aster frowned, appreciating the effort, but still not having a good answer.
"I try not to think about it to be honest Rust... I just don't have any way to deal with whatever it is right now... I think I'm going to be alright. I don't plan on going anywhere if I can help it..."
"And I am ever so grateful to hear that." Another voice chiming in came to Aster's rescue, changing the subject. Prince Tyfin was smiling as he closed in, resuming his praise.
"I have come to enjoy having you as an ally, Aster." The human bowed lightly to the young king, always humbled by his commentary. Prince Tyfin gave his usual wave of dismissal, feeling they were beyond the point of formalities.
"I hope I'm not interrupting?" Aster quickly shook his head, assuring the prince he was not before the lion continued. "Good to know. I had a question of my own, if you don't mind?" The human agreed, but the lion looked passed him to the fox, speaking directly to Rust. "It's actually a question for the young Aschefell cub here. May I ask a favor of you, Rust?" The fox was startled to say the least, but scrambled to answer.
"Yes Sir... How can I help?" The lion smiled softly, motioning towards the wagon just ahead of them as he spoke.
"I'd like you to try your prayer magic on lady Alice. I don't know if it will actually help or not, but maybe it can bring her back... I'm admittedly starting to worry. She's been out for almost four entire days now." Rust happily agreed to the request, and darted off for a bit to go try his luck. He returned a few minutes later, a disappointed look upon his face as he gave his report.
"I'm sorry, I don't think it's something I can fix... She doesn't actually seem hurt at all." The lion gave the cub a nod, thanking him for the effort all the same. Rust looked back to the wagon, and spoke another question.
"So... I never really thought of this before... But what's Lady Alice's story? What's her family name?" Prince Tyfin spoke as if he were repeating a textbook.
"Lady Alice, known also as `The King's Cannon,' was actually rescued over thirty years ago during my grandfather's war with the rodent kingdom to the west. She was reportedly being held captive at the time, and was freed during the siege on their capital. She doesn't have a family name, as far as anyone knows, and she doesn't care to discuss her history very much, but that isn't too uncommon in that part of the continent. Regardless, she's indisputably the most powerful mage among our ranks now, and she has been nothing but loyal to Alora since her freedom was given to her." Rust looked back towards the wagon, having even more questions. He turned to the prince once more, finding himself intrigued now.
"So, how did we free her? Doesn't seem like much could keep her down... Not before anyway." Prince Tyfin looked off a bit in embarrassment as he answered.
"I don't know much more than that honestly... My knowledge is a bit limited by textbooks and reports." Aster released a small laugh, catching both beasts off guard as they turned to him. He elaborated for the pair.
"Sorry, it's just a bit surprising that I'm the one with the answer there. My father told me about it once, when he was having me educated about the different houses and Elite Guards. He's actually the one that freed her at the end of the siege. They had her chained in the dungeons, in an area far away, kept in a dark room, cut off from everything and everyone. They had her bound with five chains, one on each arm, each leg, and around her throat... It always seemed excessive to me, but I guess it is Alice we are talking about. If I made an enemy of her, I'd be certain to take all precautions myself." Rust looked back toward the snoozing cat with a sense of synpathy, the fox commented his thoughts after.
"She must have been very lonely like that... Do you know what she did? Why they were holding her?" Aster shook his head before answering this time.
"No... To tell you the truth, I've always wondered about that myself... But apparently, nobody knew what the charge was. When my father discovered her confinement, he fought against, and killed the only guard that even knew about the room, not that anyone realized as much at that time... There was no record of anything about her. No mentions of her prison in the earliest layout of the castle. No hints to her name, or even references of a feline prisoner at all. She didn't exist as far as anyone knew, and they were questioned under infallible truth." Rust was staring at the wagon with a furrowed brow by this point. The young fox muttered out, more to himself than anyone else.
"How strange..." Prince Tyfin chuckled a bit as he answered the rhetoric.
"Lady Alice is certainly an enigma in many ways, but I've known her my entire life. She truly is a wonderful person to learn from. She excels at pestering, and is famously impatient, that's for certain... But she has a strong sense of guidance, and a drive to share that guidance with anyone she takes an interest in... I just hope she finds her way back to us soon. Alora could use some guidance right now..." As the prince trailed off, Aster stepped a bit closer to him, reaching a reassuring hand up to the lion's shoulder.
"If Alora gets you back on that throne, we will have all the guidance we need, my king." The prince looked down to the human, smiling benevolently as he replied.
"As long as I have hearts like yours to stand with me, I'm learning to believe that such unified guidance will never steer us astray, Aster." The human smiled back, turning away a bit in his embarrassment. When he did, his eyes briefly caught those of Oust staring from a short ways away. The tiger quickly turned his head away, resuming his conversation with the larger bear walking beside him. A small frown crossed Aster's face, and Rust made a comment about it.
"You and Oust still butting heads?" Aster turned to the fox, answering defensively.
"No... Actually, I should go thank him... He is sort of the only reason I made it back to Stahl last night... I don't know what changed really, but he's different now. It's like he's..." Aster trailed off, the words eluding him. Prince Tyfin finished that sentence for him.
"It's like he's starting to emerge from that pained shell of his. He's opening up finally... Or at least to you, anyway. Perhaps you've already changed the first heart of many, Aster?" The human looked down a bit embarrassed. A moment later, and he had another question for the prince.
"Do you know much about his past? About what had him so angry and hurt before?" Tyfin went silent, thinking on that question for a bit before giving his reply.
"I don't know the full story, and I don't think it's my place to tell it off rumor alone... But I know he and his sister are the only two surviving cubs from the Candori line. His older brother was lost a few years back. He and their mother just disappeared one day... It was reported the two had ran away, but nobody has seen or heard from either since... That led many to wonder about the validity of such a rumor." Aster looked back towards the tiger as he answered.
"So... You think his father had something to do with it then?" Prince Tyfin didn't answer out loud, but he locked eyes with the human, and nodded slightly, confirming his suspicions. Aster looked off to the tiger once more, and felt something within himself yearning to ease such pain. Oust had been there for him through a very low point the night before, and Aster wanted to return such kindness however he could.
Suddenly, that pain became very real, and Aster felt something stab at his heart for a moment, physically jolting him as he clutched at his chest, halting his pace as he doubled over a bit. He was visibly straining in place as he had the most odd sensation come over him. For just a second, before the feeling faded entirely along with the pain, Aster could've sworn he felt a shield raise up, as if he were holding one up himself. The prince and the fox both gave the human a worried glance, but the boy brushed it off without much though, and Instead, they simply marched forward in idle conversation. The group of beasts continued onwards until nightfall before camping. They would reach the thicket in the morning.
===
Cortist was sulking in the darkness, still angry about being forced to watch the recent battle without being allowed to help his brother. Cortist could've made a big difference in the battle, he could've prevented such needless loss, but despite his pleading, the demon would not allow him to leave, never even answering his questions. The demon was fond of silence it seemed, as Cortist soon discovered his questions would stay unanswered, more so considering the creature had departed shortly after the battle, closing up the windows and leaving the panther alone in the darkest solitude for quite some time. Finally, the young mage stood, screaming at the top of his lungs in his despair, his words swallowed into the void.
"I KNOW YOU'RE LISTENING! WHY AM I HERE? WHY MUST I WATCH HELPLESSLY! WHY MUST MY BROTHER FIGHT ALONE? ANSWER ME, YOU STUPID FUCKING GO-" That whispery voice of his master filled the silence, chuckling at his exasperated young envoy before he ever finished cursing the god of death.
"My... Such an impatient child. I suppose your mother is to blame for that... Your separation is temporary, until the shield bearer knows. You may rejoin him after he has chosen... My daughter is already meddling more than I can allow." Cortist jumped at the unexpected answer, but recovered plenty fast enough to answer that voice.
"Until he knows? HE ALREADY KNOWS! He has learned everything he possibly could about himself! What more must I wait for?" Death laughed once more.
"Oh? Will you feign such ignorance with me? You know what he must discover, for it is the very thing that led you to me, that led you to learn how to call for me, my child." Cortist shuddered, answering death regardless.
"The blood magic... Did you put that there? Was it you that cursed my brother?" The voice replied a bit tauntingly.
"Yes, I did, as part of a bargain. A deal was made, and that's the only reason you even have him for a brother at all. He would have perished over twenty years ago were it not for me. Solis Aureus was mine to claim, the last shield bearer was mine to drag into the darkness. The world was mine to drag into the darkness after him... But I made a deal. I gave your world one last chance to fix the imbalance of the gods... To see the folly of your ways. The boy will make his choice soon, and you may run to him then, my child... If there is anything left to run to." Cortist screamed out at the voice once more, finding himself tired of such half answers.
"I'M NOT SURE WHICH IS WORSE, YOUR VAGUENESS, OR THE DEMON'S SILENCE!" Death answered this as if it were a question too.
"My soldier does not answer you because I do not allow him to. I've forbidden him from speaking on certain things. If answers are what you seek, I have already told you, call upon my power, call upon my name. I can tell you many things, my child... But you too shall be forbidden from speaking on them until I allow it." Cortist scoffed, not feeling very compliant as he replied in a tone laced with resentment.
"I am not your puppet." Death laughed loudly, its echo carrying endlessly into that vast darkness, amused by such ignorance.
"Speak your name then, my child, and I will free you from your service to me." Cortist clenched his fists tightly, drawing in a breath as he prepared to yell his name. His voice caught in his throat before the sound ever formed. A shiver ran down his spine, the words clumped together like mud in his mouth, and a penetrating grasp of ice clutched tightly around his heart, threatening to squeeze the very life from it should he dare continue. A terrible feeling came over the panther, as he realized what disobeying his master would mean. If Cortist ever spoke anything deemed forbidden, his life would be taken from him immediately. Death let out a pleased, mocking sentence.
"Why do you hesitate, my child? Do you not want your freedom? Are you perhaps content merely being my puppet after all? I applied that restriction only moments ago... Can the young, prodigal mage of Alora really be bested so easily? Are you such an obedient cub? Let's test that... Kneel." Cortist's knee slammed to the ground below sharply, his body moving on its own as he vainly struggled to stop the action. Death spoke again.
"Not enough. Place your head in the dirt, show me how much you truly want to serve me." Cortist's forehead hit the ground roughly, sending sharp waves of pain through his skull as a cry shot from his maw. Death wasn't through making his point, pressing the panther further.
"Now purr for your master, like a good kitten." A wave of shame overtook the big cat as he was humiliated so easily, his throat betraying him as a low rumble echoed forth, purring as if he were enjoying such treatment. Death amusingly gave the feline a final order.
"Hold your breath." Cortist felt his lungs seize instantly, stopping his purring and stealing away his air as he struggled to defy the god. The young mage was held there mercilessly for a moment, his arms trembling as he wondered when he would black out before the voice finally spoke into the darkness once more.
"You may breathe." Cortist immediately sucked in air, gasping as he choked in a breath of life. The panther panted in place for a moment before Death spoke to him again.
"You certainly seem like a puppet to me, or did you believe breaking your word to a god was so easily done?" Cortist was feeling defeated, he was feeling hopeless, he was alone, he was trapped, and he was silently sobbing in that darkness, his head still firmly ordered against the ground below him. Death took on a mock tone of affection when he spoke again.
"Shhh. It's alright little kitten. Most of your kind cry when they realize how futile it is to fight me. Just remember this the next time defiance crosses your mind. I wonder what the shield bearer would think to be reunited with his brother at last, only for his best friend to tell him how much he hated him, how much he had always hated him... I could order you to first crush his heart with your words, then with your magic... Better yet... What would your fiancée think when her beloved abruptly cut off their engagement? I wonder how many tears she would cry when you told her you have taken a prettier, more worthy bride. That she was merely a useful toy that actually believed a noble son of Alora could ever truly love a common born like her..." Cortist was reaching new levels of panic as the god made his threats. The panther whimpered, finally accepting his circumstances as he spoke in a broken voice.
"Enough... That is enough... I am yours. I know this... Please, do not bring them pain... I will be obedient, just please don't hurt them... Please don't make me hurt them." Cortist's voice was cracking, his heart aching all over again in both his loneliness, and his helplessness. Death spoke at last.
"Then you may rise, my child." Cortist felt the power of the first commands give at last, returning his control to him. The mage did not move from his spot, feeling far too defeated. He would simply lay there, in the darkness, never wanting to upset such a cruel master again, too afraid of being forced to harm someone he loved.
Cortist Venatus curled into a ball after his inconsequential attempt to fight back, and went silent for over an hour. The only reason it was not longer was because a light came to his vision as the sword demon returned, opening up a fresh scar into the stark brightness of the outside world. The panther finally sat up, silently praying this demon would take him from this place once more.
The demon took two steps in, and disappeared down to two glowing, yellow orbs as the light snuffed away behind him. The eyes bobbed as if the creature were turning his head up, listening closely to something the panther did not hear. After a moment like that, the demon looked back towards the mage, stepping closer to the beast. Cortist nervously waited as the monster approached, not certain if this was a good or a bad thing yet. The raspy, strained voice of the demon called down to the young panther.
"Come. We must guide them." Cortist stared at the golden wisps the monster had for eyes a moment longer before he replied, his frustration showing.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, but you're probably getting used to that at this point... Fine, anywhere is better than here." The orbs simply stared back at the cub for a moment, trying to relay some meaning lost to the panther. Finally the demon did reply.
"You should not fight our master. He is not the enemy." The mage scoffed at such words, feeling he had never faced a greater enemy.
"Did our kind and benevolent god force you to say that? Or did you come up with it on your own when you attacked my home?" The orbs shook slowly from side to side as the creature answered.
"No, although he could force us to lie... Ask him yourself. Death does not lie when he speaks to his children. Death has no need... As far as collecting my debts, I have no apologies for you, or your tyrant..."
Cortist simply shuddered as he stood, not wanting to hear his master's voice again for as long as he could help it. A familiar icy grasp fell around his wrist, and the demon turned, walking the mage behind him just as before, stopping to open a new portal after a few paces. Cortist looked through the rift with a bit of surprise, already coming up with another question for the demon.
"Here again?" The demon turned, his obsidian clad frame now illuminated by the light from the scar.
"Yes. We need to prepare for our visitors. They were supposed to avoid the forest, but the Earthwyrm disrupted that when it called the fiends... Now we have to get them through this thicket without waking the mountain. The sword is not ready." Cortist nearly jumped out of his hide as those words registered to him. The demon was finally answering him... But more importantly...
"Wait, so when you said `We must guide them,' You meant... Aster?" The monster nodded once, keeping its gaze focused on the panther as it confirmed as much.
"Correct. I told you, our master is not the enemy... He is merely a destination at the end... He is trying to end all of this at last. He's allowing me to speak with you more clearly now. I may be able to tell you some of what you wish to know, but not all. You will have to call on him once more before too long. You will have to accept your role in this now. You will have to learn to trust, only then will you learn all you need to."
Cortist sighed loudly as a headache started forming behind his eyes. It seemed the answers were still cryptic, but better than such silence. He didn't trust this demon after what it had done at the arena, and he certainly didn't trust the god of death whatsoever... But knowing he could keep an eye on things himself did make him feel a bit better. He asked something that had been eating away at his mind. Something that struck him as out of place.
"So who are you? You're not just a greater demon... Your eyes are wrong. They should be red. You're also shaped too much like beastmen... like humans. It's like you're only wearing armor, no deformities... And that sword? It has powers that aren't your own, doesn't it? Your kind doesn't usually use weapons like that." The demon stared off for a moment, as if asking permission. He finally answered the young panther after his short pause.
"He will not let me say... Speaking our old names holds some degree of power over the dead... But he will let me show you." The demon stepped through the scar, returning to where the panther had last camped in the forest. Cortist followed him through after, ecstatic to finally get some answers, and for a shred of conversation. As the young mage stepped through, the portal into the void disappeared behind him. The panther quickly recognized his previous setting, and turned to the demon, his next question catching in his throat as he laid eyes on the monster once more.
There among the brush, in the late afternoon sun cascading over the tree line of the dense forest, the demon stood. The fiery wisps of golden yellow burning where his eyes should be was flaring with an intensity that matched the sunshine itself. Cortist suddenly realized who else had such breathtaking golden colors strewn into his eyes... Cortist wondered how he didn't see it before. It was so obvious to him then. The golden Peacekeeper's shield raised before the demon erased any further doubt, regardless of how unsettling it was to the young mage. This thing was Aster's birth father. This demon was what was left of King Calium Aureus. This human had made quite an interesting pact with death.
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Sorry for the delay! I had a hard time deciding what to reveal here. I have a good bit of backstory coming shortly, with at least half of the biggest questions getting answers soon. (I know, the whole father is the bad guy thing is a major cliché, but bear with me, I don't think it'll seem too unrealistic when I get to explain. His story gets covered, and has been tied in from the beginning.) Next chapter covers a bit more prep for later, and then dives into the Thorned Thicket. By chapter 30, we should be well into the Aschefell and Mountain arcs.
This tends to be a busy time of the year for me, as I only get three hours a day to write, if that, so please bear with me. I'm trying to make sure I tell a good story, so sometimes it may be a bit longer between some chapters that I feel need some extra attention. I appreciate hearing any feedback from you as always, and thank you for reading my story so far! I hope you enjoy where it leads.
-Pup Bayou