Chapter 239: Memento Mori (Cirayus)

Chapter 239: Memento Mori (Cirayus)

Greesha appeared as a white essence, semi-translucent. She did not look pleased to be here.

Youre like a cockroach, Cirayus. I see you survived the Ash, Greesha said, her thin lips taut. Her voice trembled for a quick instant, and she scratched her neck.

Shed never been one to show her emotions, but having known the woman for centuries, Cirayus had become quite proficient at reading her tells.

Shes happy. Relieved.New novel chapters are published on

And the boy? she asked sharply.

Alive and well. And about to return to right all the wrongs weve wrought.

This time, Greeshas brows raised in genuine surprise.

She exhaled deeply, as if shedding a heavy burden. I see.

Kamesh offered Cirayus a ceremonial dagger. You know what needs to be done.

What good will killing Greesha do? Cirayus asked, refusing the dagger.

This abomination has the blood of an entire clan on her hands. Yet did she die like the rest of us? No. She lives in comfort while we perish.

Cirayus looked to his wife, who nodded. Kamesh is right, Cirayus, Kiyara said, locking eyes with Cirayus. Had Greesha not divulged her prophecy to Maion and Shari, Sarvaak would have been born normal. There would have been no war between the Chitran and the Garga.

And I would still be alive, her expression said. More than anyone else present, it was her words that cut through Cirayus the most. Hed treasured her. Theyd fought together. Theyd loved together. Shed been his other half in nearly all aspects of life.

As old as Cirayus was, until he'd met her, hed been convinced hed never find that again. He valued her companionship more than most things in the world.

Most, but not all.

I cannot. You know this. Killing Greesha will not bring you back to life.

No, but it will allow us to move on, Kiyara replied.

Cirayus paused. Is this true? he asked Kamesh. Are you unable to rejoin the cycle?

Kill her, and we will be free, the elder said. Absolve yourself of your sins!

Greesha? Cirayus asked. You have always had a stronger command of these matters than I. Do their words ring true? Does this make sense?

Does it make sense? he asks! I was happily sleeping in my cot when my soul was rudelyand rather painfullysnatched away to this place. Only in prophecies does such a thing occur, and I assure you, this is no prophecy. So, no. No, it does not make sense, Cirayus.

Cirayus nearly chuckled despite the situation. This was Greesha, alright. Despite what must have been grueling years, living under the Chitrans thumb, she hadnt lost her fire.

What I can tell you, Greesha said, pointing at Kamesh, is that you have no knowledge of the workings of death and rebirth. Rejoin the cycle of incarnation? Nobody knows what comes after! Least of all lost souls like yourselves. Im of a mind to believe youre not even real.

How dare

How dare you! Greesha snapped, spitting at Kameshs feet. What sin has Cirayus committed? The sin of dissuading you all to fight on behalf of the Garga? If I recall, it was you lot who pointlessly threw your lives away. Dont blame him for your inadequacies. I swear, it disgusts me to see you all like this. Have you no shame?

Kill her! Kamesh roared.

Cirayus crossed his four arms. No.

You would deny us our final wish, father? Satish said, his face full of anguish.

Cirayus shook his head. I will. For this is not your wish, Satish. I raised you better than this. My son would never behave this way.

Satish scowled. Then it seems you do not know me at all.

Greesha cleared her throat. As much as Id like to agree, we cannot be sure of that, Cirayus. We are not here. This place is a fabrication. But their souls? Less certain.

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Cirayus expression darkened. You mean to tell me that these ghosts are real?

Their bodies crumbled away, leaving milky white ghosts behind.

They floated to Cirayus.

Move, you dolt! Greesha shouted. Do not allow them to touch you!

Cirayus regarded each in turn.

There is no need.

All three placed their hands upon Cirayus, but his soul was not sucked away.

You were a protector, a teacher, and a father to me. No son could ask for more.

Satish, Cirayus whispered, surprised to hear such genuine words out of the mouth that had only just cursed him.

Live, for our sake, oh great warrior. For your role in this is not yet over.

Kamesh.

Know that I love you. Now, and always.

Tears fell down Cirayus face like a waterfall, and he sank to his knees. Kiyara I wish I could have done more. His voice trembled and broke. Oh! How I wish

Hush now. Her voice was gentle, yet strong. Full of confidence. We depart this realm without regret, knowing we stood true to ourselves until the end. Be it battlefield or bed. May Fate reunite us again, my dearest Cirayus.

The ghosts faded, and Cirayus heard their sighs of relief.

May we meet again, he whispered, still on his knees. On the calm shores of destiny.

Minutes later, a bony hand touched his shoulder.

You chose the hard path, Cirayus. Know that it was the correct one.

How fares Samar Patag? Cirayus asked, standing to his full height. How fare the Garga?

Surviving. That is all that matters.

Greesha fell silent, and Cirayus knew what she was thinking.

He is capable, Cirayus said. He will be the one to unite the clans.

Assuming he is safe, Cirayus didnt add. Thoughts of the boy had plagued him the moment hed been snatched away. If any harm had come to him, gods or not, nobody would be safe from his wrath.

They said the same about Ekanai. We all know how that turned out.

VirSarvaakis different. He will not shirk the mantle.

Greesha regarded her hand, which had faded away. Like the others, she, too, was disappearing.

For all our sakes, let us pray you are right, Greesha said, her white form fading. Alas, it seems our time together draws to an end. Too soon, as usual.

Cirayus chuckled. You havent changed one bit.

Life under Chitran rule could not have been easy for the Gargan seer. In fact, he was surprised to find her alive at all.

Ha! As if a little war could bend me. Ill be expecting you soon, then?

Cirayus nodded.

The old lady sighed deeply. It seems preparations are to be made.

Though, despite her words, Cirayus saw the barest hint of a smile buried under her face.

She had hope again. They all did.