Chapter 166: All the Pieces Come Together

Chapter 166: All the Pieces Come Together

Chapter 166

All the Pieces Come Together

The hardy footsteps could be heard well away from the doors, stomping like the hooves of a warhorse. Both the woman and Sylas turned toward the doors, the latter far more relaxed than the former. Even if she was confident in her abilities, it appeared as though she still held that much respect toward the Commander of what Sylas came to learn was a tiny fortress-town mixture. He, however, was mostly curiouswho could elicit such a reaction from what, by all accounts, was a beyond headstrong woman?

The door opened some ten seconds later and through came a bull of a mansix-seven, eight feet at least, having to bend a good deal just to squeeze into the room. He wore lax clothes, just having tossed on a simple shirt and a pair of leather pants. In fact, he didnt look much different than Sylas himself, all things considered. The main difference stemmed from the height, as the man had some good three-four inches on Sylas, but Sylas frame was a bit broader and better-defined.

The man sported one of those chiseled, squared jaws that made it seem as though he could cut glass with the thing, paired up with a two-days old beard and facial structure capable of eliciting quite a few 'woos' within the right audiences. Vanessa yelped quietly and retreated into the corner, bowing toward the man fully.

"Greetings, Commander," the man, however, ignored her, his gaze falling on Sylas. The pair of eerily silver eyes were clear, void of all emotions, making it impossible for Sylas to be able to read him.

Leave us, he commanded in a deep, booming voice. The woman didnt even protest with her gait, instead speeding out of the room and closing the doors behind her. How did you kill him?

Kill who? Sylas asked.

Its too late in the night to be talking like women, the man said, sitting down. Man to man, face to face. Nobody was coming from the deep north, not with him as the gatekeeper anyway. If you have the ability to kill him, you have the ability to kill us. So, why pretend?

its funny? Sylas grinned. Mighty strange, for everyone to know theres someone like him there, what with the dearest Prince inhabiting the far north.

It really was like that, huh? the man mumbled, reclining back in the chair and sighing. There were rumors and whispers, saying that the Prince still lives. Seemed convenient, however, that he was homed in the northernmost castle, just beyond that thing. You still haven't answered mehow did you kill him?

You seem mighty strong yourself, Sylas said. Why didnt you give it a shot?

You are still chattering. Haah. Fine, I suppose. We can forgo honesty. At least tell me what youre doing here.

reconnaissance, Sylas replied. Soon enough, the north will march south, toward the capital, the mans brows shot up in shock as his eyes widened. And I am simply seeing what will await us.

the man fell silent, rubbing his chin in contemplation. The civil war is inevitable?

If not civil, another would happen, and another, Sylas said. You cant have been that blind to the realities of this Kingdom. If it were a horse-driven carriage, by now, the horses are dead, the carriage is moving uncontrollably, and it will soon careen off a cliff. The Prince merely wants to stand in front of the carriage and stop it, before the whole thing goes up in flames. Then again, chances are the Prince will go down with it, and the true war for the Kingdom will break out anyway.

The Prince will need support, the man said. Might can only take him so far.

And the Prince will get that support, Sylas said. You neednt worry. Question is, who will be deserving of providing that support? You asked me how I killed Abe, he added, smiling faintly. But thats the wrong question. How do you kill someone, anyway? You simply do. The correct question is: why? Why kill him?

... why kill him? the man asked, leaning further in, his eyes finally giving in to the sliver of emotion.

Because he was a fuckin psycho, Sylas shrugged indifferently. And because men like that... cannot be controlled. They are too strong--either they succeed on their own, or they kill everyone trying. Tell me your story, however. Honestly, in my current state, if we went all out, you would be able to kill me. And though that sounds boastful, its kind of a miracle. Save for Abe and the king, youre the strongest person I met.

You met the King? the man arched his brows. Face to face?

To make Prince Valen a King no matter what the personal or the cosmic cost.

I dont know your fears.

To be stuck in this world for all eternity.

... we ride at dawn, the man said, extending his arm over the table. My name is Avaneau. Friends call me Av.

Av, Sylas nodded. Im surprised you have horses can that withstand you.

...

...

Youre a bit of a jester, arent you?

A bit? Youre underselling me.

Maybe I should just off your head and bring it to the Queen. I have a feeling she would reward me handsomely.

She would literally ask you who the fuck is that and how dare you kill such a handsome man? Off with your head!.

...

...

Pfft...

I got you.

Dammit. We ride at dawn.

Bring Vanessa with you.

You havent started fancying her, have you? Av asked before leaving.

Im a man taken, Im afraid. What I fancy is her potential.

... see you, Sylas.

Sleep well, Av.