Chapter 161: May the Winds of Winter Compel

Chapter 161: May the Winds of Winter Compel

Chapter 161

May the Winds of Winter Compel

Why did you stop? it was the question that both the Shadow and Sylas posed, though one did so out loud while the other kept it bottled. It had been a while since hed last seen the Doe and the Crow, though it was never quite so intense.

In that final moment, before the time became unfrozen, he could feel a bond of sorts between him and the Doe--those beady eyes that bored into his soul momentarily transferred a want. It was a want so deep and burning that Sylas nearly went insane immediately after experiencing it. The only reason why he didn't succumb is that he'd also had a similar want, though perhaps not on the same level of intensity before. It was a want of death.

He lowered his blade and his head, thoughts racing; they wanted to die, he realized. That feeling... it was unmistakable. After all, if anyone in the world understood it--it was him. The want of death was a powerful thing; no, not simply powerful. It was a bedeviled whisper that, once it finds its roots in the soul, is beyond difficult to exorcise. It is like a plague, like a virus that latches and leeches on anything and everything it can touch. What startled Sylas, even more, was the sheer intensity.

Though the voice spoke calm, beneath it was a storm beyond storms, a raging inferno that made his seem almost childish in comparison. It was humbling, in more ways than one, even. He grasped toward his chest where his heart was being stifled by the memory.

If you will not respond, the Shadow said. I shall eliminate you, then.

... Sylas remained silent still, though rising his sword and focusing. It was difficult, for the array of death was billowing at him. And beyond them, there was the certainty he was awarded--the creatures, the things, the powers behind his summoning as well as his immortality... were the so-called Immortals. The things and beings beyond all else. The unfathomable, the incomprehensible, esoteric in ways that a human mind couldnt grasp.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Even the Shadow before him, the closest a human can get to becoming a God, was frozen in time without even knowing. And there the question began--what can kill that which cannot die?

The Shadow burst forth in the blur of darkness, swarming toward Sylas from all directions, like an omnipresent blade of death. Sylas took a deep breath and drove energy into his senses, detecting the feints and ignoring them, slashing away with his sword at the true strikes, deflecting them. Spinning from the numerous collisions, he clad the wind and flew backward, somersaulting in the air before landing precisely, kicking off from his right foot and blasting forth.

The sword came slashing, leaving behind its afterimage, and then came another; the two quickly wove themselves into a fight of no energy--but one of pure display of skills. Without surprise, Sylas was put on the back foot within a few dozen moves, forced to deflect and deny.

Sliding sideways, he avoided the vertical slash, but before he could even take a breath, a horizontal follow-up came toward his waist. He curved his sword downward and blocked the strike, kicking toward the Shadow with his right leg. The latter parried easily with an elbow strike, destabilizing Sylas footing and forcing him to break the stalemate, forcing energy into his feet to not tumble. Prepping up, he realized that there was no follow-up. Looking forward, he saw the Shadow standing still in place.

You lost, the Shadow said calmly.

Of course I did, Sylas chuckled slightly. I may be an old fuck, but man, youre fuckin ancient.

Why did you stop channeling the energy? the Shadow asked.

cause we had a visitor, Sylas replied. Or, well, visitors, I guess.

Hm?

The Doe and the Crow came.

!!!!!!!!!!!!! the mans expression suddenly widened as his eyes began to look about frantically.

Theyre gone, Sylas said. Now, lets end our little scuffle. Theres much to learn still.

You are lying, the Shadow said hurriedly. Lying to distract me so you can land a lethal blow!

Yeah, no. If I wanted to lie, Id say your dicks hangin out or something stupid, Sylas shrugged. Why are you so frenzied about it, anyway? Theyre nice folk. A bit creepy, sure, but nice.

... nice? the Shadow mumbled. They are omens of death!

Really? Sylas mused. Ive never thought so. Even Asha mentioned they were seen as somewhat akin to death. But... I dunno. My intuition is telling me... theyre not all that.

... will you leave again? she asked after a brief few moments of silence.

Have to, he said.

Can I come?

I saw the Doe and the Crow again. They spoke.

Really? Thats interesting.

Just like him, you dont sound convinced, Sylas chuckled.

Like who?

I have almost all the answers, Asha, he said, glancing to his side and looking into her eyes. But one. When I get it... I dont know what will happen.

What do you mean? she asked, frowning.

I might die, he replied. Permanently. I might disappear, be summoned back where I came from. Or something else entirely.

... is this your way of telling me... this is it?

No, he said. This is my way of asking how far are you willing to follow me.

Ive stopped following you years ago, she said. And started walking by your side. Im hurt that you havent realized!

Pfft, ha ha, alright, my bad, my bad. Its good to have you by my side. Eye candy goes a long way into making people talk.

Thats right. Im the candiest of eyes.

... well, youve got the right spirit, at least, he said, ruffling her hair gently.

And its gone, she said suddenly, smiling.

Whats gone?

That look in your eyes. Well, not gone, I suppose, she added. Just... pushed back, temporarily.

I can bring it back if youd like.

"No, you're much more handsome without it."

I dunno, Sylas said. Ive been told girls like guys who brood in solemn silence.

Yes, but youre not handsome enough to pull it off.

...

Ah, its back! The looks back! Ha ha ha~~ Sylas grinned lightly as she jumped off, running away for a bit before turning around and beckoning him. One more answer, he mused. Its time to march south, I suppose...