Chapter 80: Gambit

Chapter 80: Gambit

Once again, a deathly silence had taken hold of the Dungeon Crucible. A silence that ironically spoke of the impasse that had been reached between the three parties in question.

Zirel, for the most part, maintained a stoic expression. His body language and that cold, piercing gaze of his served as a reminder of the fact that while Riven Blackheart had only been a persona, the tales of his exploits had only been slightly exaggerated.

Zirel, on his own, had been enough for three Elite Guards of the Nottrakon Family.

Aleph, on the other hand, seemed to be. lost. While Tom had always known that the cheerful front she put up before him was nothing more than an act, her insight and breadth of knowledge had been crucial in letting them get to this point.

Perhaps it was her conviction that had allowed her to maintain that front, the belief that the path she was on would eventually lead her to what she desired the most- revenge.

Regardless of what it had exactly been though, Tom had spent long enough a time with Aleph to tell that her determination had wavered.

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As for Tom, if he was being truthful to himself he felt guilty. A part of him still wanted to influence Alephs judgment, guide her or atleast make her aware of what he wanted, the vision he saw

Was it because he still couldnt bring himself to completely trust Alephs judgment? Or was he afraid of the eerie composure Zirel still maintained; the possibility that they would lose if it came to a showdown?

He didnt know.

Blast it all, He chided himself for hesitating.

His mind may have been a confused jumble of conflicting thoughts and arguments, but his heart knew what the right decision was.

And besides, how could he convince Zirel to play along his scheme if he couldnt even bring himself to trust his companion.

The third option.

Tom was sure that she hadnt forgotten.

She just didnt want to consider it.

Zirel, can I ask you a question in her stead? Tom asked, drawing the gazes of both Aleph and the prince.

I dont see why not, he answered.

What if, Tom took a deep breath as he contemplated the sheer audacity of his suggestion. ---Look, I know you want to amass power and youre willing to take the shortest way to it.

Alephs gaze immediately sharpened, her melancholic mood temporarily blown back by a sudden interest in Toms words.

You sure know a lot, The prince tried his best not to sound flummoxed, but it was hard not to when confronted by ones own hidden desires and ambitions.

And you have to be wondering asking yourself, why we came to hunt you in the first place. Hunt the notorious Riven Blackheart in his own lair.

What do you mean? Zirel asked. Werent you aware of my identity? Wait, no. That doesnt add up. If your friend there knew my true identity, she would have prepared an arsenal fit to slay tower-dwellers. There would have been no talking, only a ruthless ambush. Then, you withheld that information from her? No, no you seem almost as ill-equipped to deal with this situation as she is. What in the world is going on here?

The clarity in Alephs gaze was back with a burning intensity and Tom could almost feel her gaze boring through his skull.

Look, I get these visions, okay. And theyre almost completely random. I cant control them but, Tom hesitated, or more accurately, feigned hesitation. Except the feelings behind his hesitation were genuine. He really didnt want to betray the nature of his ability, but Aleph was bound to figure it out anyway. Theres a prerequisite. Namely, they dont activate until Ive seen the person at least once, in person. Once Ive seen you, theres no time limit. The vision could be a year from now. A decade. Or as it is for most people, never.

I.. , Zirel began. I dont know if thats a preposterous ability or a completely atrocious one. But. The scenario does make sense if I factor in the nature of your ability. Of course, it could be something else entirely and you could be lying but the fact that I am still alive, gives credence to your theory. Such a powerful ability being balanced by such a heavy restriction.... I suppose I can accept that. Regardless, what is your question, clairvoyant?

What would, no, how would your father feel if..,Tom trailed off, as his heart pounded in his chest.....If you teamed up with the last successor of House Longstradia to conquer the final sector of the Zelez Dungeon.