Chapter 186

Chapter 186

The tranquil calm of the void encompassed Baledagh like a soothing blanket, sheltering him from the real world and numbing his pain and misery. In bleak darkness, there was no heartbreak or happiness, no sorrow or cheer, only a barren, desolate mindscape where nothing mattered and nothing changed. A perfect place to wait out the end as he cuddled in bed with the pets brother conjured up. Idling away time like the insignificant cast-off he was, he found it all so fitting, almost poetic even, fake pets for a fake man, emptiness within matched by emptiness without.

There was no place for Baledagh in the world, this much was clear. It was unnatural having two minds in one body and since brother was undoubtedly better suited for this life, than it was best he live it alone. Qing-Qings loss left Baledagh shackled with grief, sapping away his ambition and desires, wanting nothing more than to close himself away from the world and sink into blissful nothingness. Not even the thrill of battle was enough to move him, the anger draining his strength and leaving him empty, a pathetic imitation of a man. There was no changing his nature, so it was best to take a step back and let brother enjoy the life he deserved, a hero of the Empire with his two little wives, unburdened by a useless, worthless Baledagh.

Unfortunately, brother was nothing if not stubborn, his daily visits interrupting Baledaghs self-pity and marking the passing of time. Like the good person he was, brother did his best to brighten Baledaghs dark mood but it was a futile endeavour. The love and joy he shared only pushed Baledagh further away, fleeting glimpses of a happy life hed never have. Brother assured him things would get better with time, but he didnt want them to. This emptiness was all that was left of Qing-Qing and he clung tightly to it for fear of forgetting her.

Time moved oddly here in the void. Even though brother came to chat every night before sleeping, sometimes it felt like minutes between visits and other times weeks. How long had it been since her death? Two weeks? So little time, yet already his memory played tricks on him, their short time together fading away. An eternity without her awaited him in this life and were it not for brother, Baledagh would have already started on his promise to find her. Hed come so close to achieving his goal but brother was too skilled, deflecting the unseen dagger away with ease. So strong, brothers talents grew by the day, only lacking confidence to stand alone.

Confidence would come with time, then Baledagh would be free to reunite with Qing-Qing in the next life. Until such a time, there was nothing to do but hide away in the darkness of the void and bide his time. A task made difficult by the sense of disquiet presently intruding on his solitary seclusion, an uncomfortable pall of alarm and concern interfering with his quiet nonexistence. So bothersome, why wasnt brother dealing with it? Was it another tantrum? Several of brothers decisions were questionable of late, like taunting the Shrike and acting against Lins guards, completely out of character. It was possible he was being influenced by the Spectres, their subtle whispers leading brother astray.

Though he tried to ignore the troubling impression as long as possible, Baledaghs nagging thoughts soon prodded him into action. Hed been the one to surrender to the Spectres, inviting them in and devouring them, so he couldnt leave brother to deal with this mess alone. Though Baledagh accepted the label of pathetic weakling, he refused to add disloyal to his title too. If brother was suffering because of the Spectres, it was Baledaghs duty to at least try to fix it, even if all he did was point out the possibility of Spectre influence.

With a sigh, Baledagh reluctantly rolled out of bed and gathered his bearings. Outside the comfort of his blankets, the sensations of his body returned in muted potency, the familiar pain of heartache compounded by an unfamiliar throbbing in his head, ringing in his ears, and nausea in his belly. How unpleasant, had brother been in a fight? With a lazy glance around the void, the endless nothingness shrank into a finite space, making the issue immediately apparent. Willing himself to it, Baledagh inspected the astral body floating aimlessly through the void, brother's eyes closed in peaceful slumber. Holding back another sigh and the urge to lament not again, Baledagh eyed the tiny glimmer imprisoning the Spectres trailing behind brothers body. They'd abandoned Baledagh almost instantly upon brothers return, whispering their sweet lies and false promises to the one who mattered. They knew who held power here, no longer wasting their efforts on a good-for-nothing layabout.

No, this was no time for moping, brother needed help and Baledagh was in position to provide it. Imbued with his new sense of self-worth, he willed himself into control of his body and vomited, the pain and discomfort of his body immediately hurling him back into the void, more wretched and pathetic than ever. How useless. Steeling himself, he tried again, this time prepared for the wave of pain and nausea. Fighting back the urge to lapse into unconsciousness, he found himself slung across a horses hindquarters, its flank stained with blood and vomit. The beasts canter flung him up in the air, and the impact upon landing made him spew the contents of his stomach once again, casting him into the arms of sweet, merciful slumber.

When he came to, the first sensation he noticed was the lancing pain emanating from the back of his head. The ground sped by as he craned his neck for a look around, immediately gagging in discomfort from the putrid stench. He lost what little remained in his poor belly, the bile burning as it rose in his throat and poured down across the horses leg, pumping furiously as it galloped with all haste. Mentally apologizing to the beast, Baledagh gasped and breathed through his mouth, struggling against the chafing bindings which held his arms in place behind his back.

Oi, oi, slow down the bastards awake. The voice came from the right, belonging to an older man, low and guttural.

A second voice responded, thin and reedy. Merciful Mother, whats his head made of? It hasnt even been an hour...

Remember what Priestess Han said Kanri, that aint no man, only looks like one. Knock him one over the head again but dont break nothing, Guttural said, sounding pleased. Wont be long before we lose our pursuers, and our guestll need to be awake to enjoy the last rites. A chuckle. You hear me apostate? The Priestess will make your sins known to the world, and then well be off to cleanse your heretic tribesmen. This is why you can never trust a fucking savage, can never tell what darkness theyre hiding, alone out in the wilds.

Baledagh tensed and waited for the blow to land, but it never came. Instead, Reedy, or rather Kanri, spoke as quietly as possible and still be heard over the galloping hoof-beats. ...Do you really think were doing the right thing Gunan? I saw him display Purity with my own eyes and were taking action based on nothing but the word of a self-confessed Defiled bandit. If were wrong, then this is tantamount to treason. Wed be lucky to hang for this.

Guttural-voiced Gunan snorted. Have faith in the Priestess, shes never steered us wrong before. Besides, it makes sense, how else would a snot-nosed kid like this already have an Aura? Monstrous and unclean is what he is, dont you be sympathizing with no filth now. Now clap him over the head and put an end to his squirming before he falls off and breaks his neck. Thatd be far too merciful an end.

After a half-day of arduous travel, she finally gave the order to rest, bringing the horses to the river to drink. Bringing Laughing Dragon with her, she went to check on Rain. To her surprise, she found him awake and standing on two feet, covered in filth with his arms bound, but clear-eyed and conscious. Hmph, she sneered, filled with confidence. Your hardiness betrays yourself. You were knocked unconscious this morning, yet already able to heal your injuries. How else if not with your corrupted gifts?

Rain spit in response, his grin dark and bloody. Haven't you heard? Im the Undying Falling Rain, bitch. Curling his lip, he gestured at Laughing Dragon. Guess youve shown your true colours, working with this Defiled coward. How clever, hiding your murderous urges in plain sight, claiming to do the work of the Mother.

One of her Aspirants, Gunan, slugged Rain in the stomach, the savage doubling over with a gasp. You show the Priestess proper respect, else Ill cut out your blasphemous tongue. Bowing to her, Gunan smiled. You have our trust and loyalty Priestess Han. Please guide us through this trial.

Gunan and his partner straightened Rain up, the savage defiant to the last, confident in his subterfuge. Rage burning inside her, she slapped him across the face out of sheer spite, resisting the urge to gouge out his eyes. You think to twist my actions against me, but I know my path is just, as you know your own sins, Defiled.

Confusion flashed across his face, then amusement. Laughable. I am not Defiled, and have proven it. You think the world will take the word of Laughing Dragon over Falling Rains?

Ye are, ye just dont know it. Laughing Dragon chimed in, his voice desperate. I seen it before, those who come to the power in ignorance.

The Taint, she corrected.

Er... yes, the Taint. You see them dont ye? The Spirits? They give you strength, mend your wounds, guide your actions. Dont bother lying boy, I knew the moment I laid eyes on you, hear their whispers even now as ye stand before me. Yer every bit Defiled as I am.

BoLao watched carefully, reading Rains emotions like words on a page as they flashed across his face. First shock, then fear as the words sank in, quickly turning to anger and denial. No, he said, shaking his head, his breath coming in pants. No, Im not Defiled. Youre lying, youre a liar. I am not Defiled, the Spectres are... no, no, brother help me, its not true right? I cant be please...

This was all the proof she needed, though the world would need more. Vindicated, she smiled for the first time in days, a burden lifted off her shoulders. Hmph, as I said, you know your own sins, and soon, the world will know them too. Put him back on the horse, we must continue our journey.

The Aspirants saluted her and she noted the confidence returning, their faith in her renewed after seeing Rains reaction. As she returned their salute, her smile turned to a gasp of alarm as Rain lunged at Gunan, his face twisted in rage. Before she could cry out in warning, Rain was upon him, his teeth tearing through the Aspirants neck, ripping a fist-sized chunk of flesh out and spitting it to the ground. Blood dripping down his chin, the shy, smiling teen whod sapped away her confidence was no more, replaced by a raging monstrosity clothed in human flesh, roaring as he fought back. I. AM NOT. DEFILED!

A cold wave of terror washed over her as his Demonic Aura erupted from him, crushing her resolve and stealing away her courage. So wrong, so feral, she could sense the taint within him, horrifying her in ways unimaginable, his glowing amber eyes drawing her into them and granting her visions of unspeakable horrors. Beside her, Laughing Dragon squealed in glee, shrieking, I told ye, I told ye. See? I werent lying.

Multiple Auras emanated from her Aspirants, soothing and calming her nerves as those closest clubbed Rain into submission. Even as he lay in the dirt, bloodied and broken, she continued to stand and stare, breathless and elated from the brief exchange. Soon, everyone would know Han BoLoa was right, that Falling Rain was Defiled, and that Purity was no longer enough to prove innocence. Overcome with joy, she clasped her hands together, basking in the euphoria of a job well done.

Falling Rain is Defiled, and all is right in the world.

Chapter Meme