Chapter 17: To Outwit the Witter

Chapter 17: To Outwit the Witter

Chapter 17

To Outwit the Witter

For the near week that Sylas awaited the Barons return, he calibrated all the information they managed to squeeze out of the man and took time planning the course of action. Baron was a very guarded man, his squealing in front of the Prince notwithstanding, with an unbendable character. It was also unlikely that Sylas could convince the man that he was the Prophet, especially since the circumstances werent nearly as dire and strained as with Valens.

That being said, Sylas knew he couldnt be just about anybody. He had to be someone of certain repute, certain standing, for the Baron to take him seriously. This was an issue. He hadnt a clue on who he could impersonate, or which persona he could fabricate out of thin air that would work. Luckily for him, it wasnt all do-or-diehe could do it for as many times as he needed to get it right.

He once again snuck into the Barons chambers on the day of the mans return and, just like before, the man walked in with his family before kicking them out, immediately heading over to the booze only to find that it was missing.

Looking for this? that was also when Sylas stepped out, holding the small bottlenow wholly emptyand smiling gingerly at the man. The Baron, just like the last time, immediately withdrew his sword and took a stance toward Sylas, ready to chop and stab at a moments notice.

Who are you?! How did you get in here?! Cyrs immediately fired off the questions in a low growl.

Who I am is unimportant, Sylas settled on first trying the mystique angle. What I know, however, is.

the Barons brows scrounged up, a flicker in his eyes shining.

Not just that, Sylas smile widened as he fiddled with the bottle. Beyond just knowing you were partially behind the invasion. The humiliation by the Queen who wanted what didnt belong to her, becoming an outcast, a laughing stock among other nobles, being sent to this godforsaken place all the way to the offer of gold that would have tempted a saint. Why wouldnt you, then, accept it?

W-who are you?! the Baron repeated once again, though this time with far more terror in his now-trembling voice. How how do you know that? You shouldnt know that! Nobody knows that!

"I see and hear and witness and behold things beyond any and all sights," Sylas' choice of language wasn't randombut purposeful. Baron likely wouldn't listen to someone using slang, but he was far more likely to pay attention to someone spewing words like his life depended on just how many he can squeeze out to form a sentence. "I am in the walls, in the halls, in the chambers, in all the secret passages that lead to even darker secrets. And just like the shadow before me who contracted you to end this castle I am here to offer you redemption, Baron Cyrs. If you reject it, today is the day you shall die. If you accept it, however, though the road shall be long and weary, at the end of it you will find your salvation.

why should I trust you? the Baron growled. I could just kill you. Right here and now.

you could, Sylas smiled once again. But I cannot die. I am eternal. Accept the chance at redemption, young Baron. Sylas said despite the Baron being thrice his age here, and over twenty years older even back on Earth. If you raise that sword and swing it through my neck, youll have not saved yourself and your familyjust doomed them.

Hm, Sylas nodded. In five days, God wants you to dress as though youve been beaten and stabbed and bitten all across your body except for your head. You make sure that your head is in perfect condition. Then, God wants you to go near the main gate and broom about for a few hours."

Valens expression went blank for a moment, as did his mind, trying to process what Sylas just said.

I know that it sounds strange, Sylas added. But God works in mysterious ways. He borrowed the oh-so-famous saying from Earth and injected it here.

God works in mysterious ways, Valen had to agree with that sentiment, and nod once again at the Prophets inexhaustible wisdom. "Yes, he truly does. Very well. If God wants me to do that, I shall, even if I don't understand it."

Good, Sylas nodded and smiled at the Prince, thanking his lucky stars the young man was as nave and easily manipulated as he was. Otherwise, Sylas might genuinely have had to struggle to get to his current position.

The plan was for the Baron to spot the Prince and recognize himin a way. He'd likely think it was just a mirage or something since he still believes that the Sixth Prince is dead. Nonetheless, that was more than enough. Sylas would then use that mirage, that 'ghost' that the Baron had seen, and vaguely imply that there's a connection there. He can't be explicit, however, since the Baron will eventually realize that the Sixth Prince is, in fact, in the castle, and he might start asking questions then.

Though this might work, Sylas realized, it was too short-sighted. The faade would break down as soon as the Baron started asking questions. Should I just outright say that Im with the Prince and then promise to keep the dark secrets or whatever as, well, secrets? No, wait, wont he just chop my head off again? Ah, well see.

To outwit someone like the Baron was difficultthis was also why Sylas never bothered trying to con people like him. Not only was the chance of the con low, the effort involved usually outweighed the benefits, especially when there were much easier targets just waiting for him to approach them.

The difference now, however, was that his failure didnt mean anythinghe could just try over and over again, gaining just a bit of extra information with each new attempt that makes the next one that much easier. All of this culminating into the final run, one in which everything goes smoothly. That was the plan, anyway.

Good thing my plans can fail and Ill be fine, he chuckled, remembering just how often he had to improvise on foot since his meticulous plans would fall apart almost always.

Did you say something? Sylas had forgotten that the Prince was still in the room and was looking at him curiously.

My thoughts escaped my lips, Sylas fancied I spoke without thinking and coughed awkwardly. I should really get some rest

Ah, yes, of course! Valen immediately shot up to his feet, picking up on the message. I shall be in the library if you need me. Sleep well!

Though he had no intention of doing so when he told the Prince, as soon as he was left alone, he did feel tiredness washing over him. He snuggled into the bed and under the thick layer of blankets, closed his eyes, and drifted away. It was a dreamless sleep and one that was quite-so-rudely interrupted by a high-pitched scream that seemingly echoed throughout the castle. Beyond someone screaming so loudly, what was extremely strange about the scream is that it never happened before.

Somethings changed, Sylas concluded, immediately rushing out of the room and toward the source of the scream, wanting to know just what the hell happened.