Chapter 73: Peace and Quie--

Chapter 73: Peace and Quie--

Chapter 73

Peace and Quie--

Walls decked out in precious decorations stretched out in a sharp curve, forming a winding, slightly upslope corridor illuminated by the embedded gems in the wall. Colors beyond count melded together in the canvas of unparalleled beauty, all a prelude to the exit which led into a gardengarden perched on top of a floating rock in the sky.

The garden wasnt terribly large, nor was it terribly smallaverage in size, truly, but not beauty. The peninsulas rarest flowers all were grown here, most of them either on the verge or already extinct in the outside world, but kept afloat and alive here, a historic imprint that cant be forgotten. Beyond the garden, little else existed on top of the rockexcept for a simple, wooden cabin situated by a small, crystal-clear pond of water.

Inside of the cabin reflected the simplicity of the exteriorpast the fireplace, a bed, and a set of chairs near a round table, there was only a cauldron, and some books stacked against one of the walls, not even shelved.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

The fire in the fireplace creaked and cried, the crackling wound beckoning out every so often. Its light cast feverish shadows onto the stone floor and the wooden walls, like puppets dancing by the invisible strings.

All of that, however, was in the background of the two figures currently seated around a tabletwo men, both appearing to be in their mid-fifties, dressed exceptionally differently. One of them wore simple, brown robes made of the cheapest linen, while the other was garbed in lavish, gold and silver-laden gown of sorts that seemed flamboyant even for flamboyance. He seemed impatient as the other man was pouring tea from a kettle for the both of them, all done in silence.

Patience, Estwodar, the man spoke in a soft, melodic, almost ethereal voice, one that seemed capable of dispelling even the harshest of hearts. Had the decades of life taught you nothing?

ugh, just pour the damn thing, Estwodar grunted, rubbing his hand through the thick, bushy beard covering half his face. Is it emoyna?

Oh? This is thrice now you have guessed right, the man said, finishing up and setting the kettle away. Age indeed wizens a man. So, what brings you all the way here, old friend?

I need advice, Tei, Estwodar said, sighing lowly.

An awful long way to trek for advice, Tei who, in contrast, was clean-shaven and bald, replied with a faint smile. Dont you have plenty of men and women to turn to for advice in the palace?

That place is changing, the man said, sighing yet again. Ever since ever since young Val was killed it was as though the world got turned upside down. Its its dark in there, Tei. Dark. Cold.

Yes, the young Princes fate is the most unfortunate thing, Tei said.

I am being asked to do things things that dont seem right, Tei, Estwodar said. Things I have never been asked in my life. I I cant neglect my duties, but my heart and my soul are telling me I am not supposed to be doing those things.

what things? Tei asked.

burning records, Estwodar said. Locking up Ministers. Ordering ordering executions of scholars. Exiling Templars and robbing the Temples. I I dont know what is happening, but there is something happening.

That sounds unlike the King I know, Tei said.

His Majesty is not the one ordering most of them, Estwodar sighed. He He seems entirely reluctant to even leave the Palace. The last time he made a public appearance was during the Princes Valannur. And even then he stayed only for the Passing Rite, and not the Pyre. What what should I do, old friend? Please please advise me.

do right by yourself, Tei said after a momentary pause. You know that I cannot make those choices for you, Estwodar. I can advise you, however, to drink your tea before it goes cold. And then we can play a round of ciciban, just like old times. Clear your mind, for a little while at least.

Who bought your services? Sylas asked.

I dont know. All humans

are the same, yes, yes, I heard that one, Sylas added with a sigh. Well, nonetheless, thank you for not killing us, I suppose. Until the winter passes, there is very little we can offer you, however.

when the winter passes, I shall die, the boy said.

H-huh?

I am of Frostwith the Cold Winds I awake, and with the Warm Springs, I die. It has been so since the time immemorial."

Uh so, like, the Thrall of Fire would die during the winter?

I wouldnt know.

right. Will you like, melt away? And wake up back in the north when the winter comes again?

I shall vanish, yes. But as for where I shall awaken I do not know. It is always cold, harsh winter somewhere in the world.

just just how big is this world? Sylas asked, somewhat excited. Though he was very much aware of the fact that the peninsula he was situated on was a part of something much larger, he could hardly ever afford to care for it.

I cannot say, Iun replied. For I have seen little of it. Strange that a Prophet has such a narrow scope of the world to ask a Thrall about it.

You still seem really hung up on that word, Sylas chuckled. Fine, Im not a Prophet. Im a visionary, lets say. I decipher potentialities and predict realities. I, however, dont just fall asleep and dream up the rest of the world. As sad as it makes me, I am not that magicalwait I missed something. If you knew you would die and be reborn and, I predict, that you cant be saved from that cycle why did you surrender to Valen?

I may be an undying, Iun said. But humans do not have a monopoly on emotions or thoughts. Though I do understand it is difficult to imagine that the dead woken from dirt could feel curious or expectant or hopeful it doesnt make it any less real. The boy had the eyes. The eyes.

Huh. So, it was kind of like pirates running into sirens. You know you probably shouldnt, but damn, the song, the lead-laden ballsacks they have an amazing gravitational pull.

what?

Nothing, just musing aloud, Sylas said. Something to do

Sylas, Sylas! Valen suddenly stormed into the room, interrupting the two of them. The young Prince had a panicked and hurried expression, his eyes red with worry, causing Sylas gut to wring unto itself. Ah shit, here we go again

Whats wrong?

Ryne Ryne is sick!

Fuck, my heart wasnt ready for that.