Chapter 36 - Doubt

"Brother? Why do you have such an expression on your face, is everything good?" Viola spoke, concerned.

"EVERYONE, in the truck this instant, we are leaving for Krigi, I'll drive throughout the night, we need to get there as fast as possible."

"But why are we in such a hurry?" Adelana asked, confused. "I thought you were happy about Eira saying her first words…" Annet added. "Mhmm…" They all unanimously agreed.

"I'll explain further, just get in." Mana injected; the car purred. The more mana it had to consume, the faster it drove, said mana wasn't an issue. With a big inhale, he gave away half of the mana he stored. The car started off innocent, but the blackened and dense fuel made the engine roar.

"Quick, quick," He got impatient. Seeing how he behaved, everyone got anxious.

As night slowly seeped in, Staxius crossed Savaview bridge. The same old excuse worked, castle Garsley looked normal for a pair of neutral eyes, however, brewing inside; a plot that was going to turn this entire region upside down.

Sat inside the dining hall, Sten had dinner in the company of the young apostle. His mood was jovial, it was the first time he had fun apart from the torture and grim fetishes. A virtuous and innocent bit of fun, he held a comforting smile throughout the night. By his order, messages were sent throughout the noble district and addressed everyone who formed part of the council.

"Oh Astrid – the apostle of goddess Tharis, I wish to offer up my gratitude by serving you this exquisite dinner. Please, don't bring shame upon the people who starved so you can have a filled stomach. If you don't wish to eat, I shall be forced to reprimand the people who cooked such a feast.

You may say I'm cruel, however, this is the fate of anyone who doesn't stand up to my standards; you not eating proves that my cooks weren't up to the task of arousing your sense of smell and appetite." He spoke mysteriously, he threatened the innocent, thus forcing her hand.

"Duke Sten Parcyvell, your reputation behooves you; I see that the rumors about you being a vile individual is accounted for by that stench you call your aura. I must say though, this meal truly is succulent, it was made with love and passion, I can feel all the sadness through each bite."

"You insolent little bitc..." Gareth tried shouting but Sten calmed him. "Why are you hesitant commander Gareth, weren't you going to put me to the sword?" She spoke, after finishing her meal elegantly. She ate as if her eyesight was normal; though she was blind.

"My, my, Astrid you are also sly, I command your boldness. You tried provoking my servants into striking; thus, verifying if I was going to protect or let them kill you. I ask you this, what would have happened if, by misfortune, one of my men would put you down?"

After wiping her rosy lips using the handkerchief she carried, "Thank you for the meal, and for your question, I've but to say this. Try and you shall find out." She smiled. "If we're done, can one of you kind gentlemen please escort me to my cell or room, I need rest, me being here will trigger a holy crusade, best be ready, Parcyvell."

"As you wish, Gareth if you'd be so kind," Sten nodded as if saying sorry. "Very well," the commander gave up.

"Duke, let me give you a word of advice. The heir has arisen; protected by his five guardians and two demi-gods, he comes. Try as hard as you may, he will only bring chaos and suffering. Beware, this country is soon to change, none can predict how the thread of destiny for this man will intertwine on this tapestry called our fate, farewell."

"Heir of what?" Sten asked sarcastically, "The rambling of a fool, what a waste of breath. The country is soon to change, cause I, Sten Parcyvell, will soon overthrow Kreston and rule as if I were king."

Hidros is on the brink of war; back in the capital, the princess schemed yet again. "Theodore," She shouted, still not budge since earlier.

"At your service your highness."

"Please, take this to the orphanage, tell the elder that I want a full report on their research,"

Carrying a bag of gold; Theodore left. "Sten Parcyvell, you are so gullible it's unbelievable. I, Gallienne Riverty, never give anyone an advantage over me. You think you can win a war against Kreston on your own, armed with only a few nobles who secretly serve under me? What a joke. This kingdom shall be ruled as it was intended to from the start; by the royal family and not some incompetent council of nobles." She laughed, held an old looking notebook that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

'Research on artificial elements. Author, Tempest Haggard.'

"Thank you so much for leaving me with such a treasure, my dear uncle-in-law." She opened the notebook once again, the pages were frail, one false move and it could all crumble away. Resting on the table under a concealment spell, the same notebook but newer.

Night fully engulfed the surroundings, visibility was awful as the fog began to emerge from seemingly nowhere. Having no choice in the matter, about ten kilometers away from the castle, beside a massive bolder situated in the middle of nowhere; Staxius set up camp. A quick glance at the pocket watch indicated nine o'clock, Krigi was still a way off. The trail leading there wasn't that pleasant to ride on, hence his decision to wait out the night. Despite saying he would explain everything, so focused on driving, he forgot.

The subtle sound of wood burning put everyone at ease. The stars weren't that visible thanks to the fog. Instead, all the attention switch to the burning flame. Millicent slowly got along with everyone; she could finally hold a conversation. The silver guardians laughed and played around with Eira, the babe knew only one word; papa. Everyone was trying to make her say their name but to no avail. Sat opposite them; Staxius stared eagerly.

"Why don't you join them?" Undrar finished answering nature's call. "I see you feel relieved." Staxius jokingly added. She blushed with embarrassment, "Shut it."

"Undrar, thank you." The sincerity within his broken tone was palpable. He looked as if he were about to break down and cry, he felt awful. "W-where is this coming f-from." She spoke, confused.

Nearly broken, slapping his cheeks a few times until it got bright red, he spoke again, "Can't I be grateful to someone I truly appreciate? I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me. From protecting me, taking care of Eira and keeping tabs on the silver guardians; honestly, without you – I'd be lost. Not to mention you got Millicent to open her heart, I'm grateful to have someone like you as my partner." Fl.u.s.tered, Undrar was left speechless. Without any warning,

Staxius embraced her tightly. "W-what are y-you doing?" She tried speaking but Staxius's hug was more than she could handle in terms of physical strength, she choked.

"I've made up my mind, thanks Undrar." He let go and stared at the fire.

*Cough, cough,* Able to breathe yet again, she asked, "Made your mind about what?"

"About what to do next, the silver guardians are important to me even though I act cold and sometimes like an asshole to them. I can't help it, I don't want to get too attached, one day, this party of ours will end." He facepalmed while whining about how emotions were worthless. "Stop it," Undrar spoke seriously. – "Why?"

"You constantly say that emotions are a pain, however, don't you see how much they've helped you. That will to protect someone, the anger when someone goes against you, the pain after losing a battle, it makes you human and ultimately makes you stronger as well."

"You're right, but I still think it's a pain." He smirked. – "I've had this dream ever since we came back to my world. I see Krigi in flame, the people I care about dying and lastly a hydra, a beast so powerful even I can't hope to defeat. If I was the Staxius who was emotionless, I'd have no problem shrugging this feeling off, however, when I see those smiles on everyone's faces and think about how it could all end in an instant, I begin to doubt myself. – Am I truly fit for protecting so many awesome people? Aren't I just a killing machine? Do I deserve this joy after slaughtering others? Damn it, my ideals…"

After a short break, "I've decided to leave them behind, my journey is filled with despair and suffering. I don't want them to end up like me. They deserve better, we are headed to Krigi on a mere dream. No one knows if the hydra will be there, I just want to visit my hometown before everything goes to the point of no return."

"MASTER," Fenrir shouted. Attention caught; he stopped complaining, "Eira is calling for his papa," Ancret added with a smile as big and warm as the sun. "Coming," He shouted back.

"Undrar, you've heard what I had to say," Handing out his hand as if asking for a dance, "Will you still accompany me, little sis?" He smiled. No answer required, she took his hand without any doubt and rejoined with the group.

"Pa...pa," She spoke yet again, "Aw that's it, I'm papa," He smiled and made funny faces while babbling. "Is it just me, or master looks handsome when he tries being all cute with Eira," Ancret asked. "I might fall for you," She whispered into his ears as he sat beside her. "And I might fall into hell If I dared lay a hand on you," He denied her once more. "Rejected yet again," She pouted. "Master, is everything alright?" Alyson spoke out at last. – "Why do you ask so?"

"I saw you nearly break down into tears, honestly, I nearly cried." She replied.

"Master nearly cried?" Everyone got up and rushed to aid him. "Settle down all of you, I just had dust in my eyes that's all." He brushed them off. – "I guess Undrar's back was itchy then." Adelana finally spoke. "OH - someone got caught," Annet called him out.

"Enough," He sighed. "M-master… what w-was that p-power e-earlier." The shy Ayleth asked the question on everyone's mind. – "Yeah, who are you, truly?" Adelana pressed on.

"Do you want to know who I am? After hearing it, there may be no going back; I might slay you for I do not want my identity to be compromised. With all of this do you still wish to continue?" He toggled on dark-arts, trying to change their resolve in wanting to know more. *Gulp,* "YES." They all shouted.

"…" Speechless, he just stared at them, unwilling to talk. Instantly, he glanced over at Undrar who hid her presence. "Damn you."

"Fine, - first, let's start with the first question about why we were in a hurry earlier." After half an hour of explaining what Rose's informants had gathered, he concluded with, "Dorchester and Kreston are going to war soon. My plan was to overthrow the council ruling here, but I guess the holy army is going to do that for me."

"But why go to such lengths?" Alyson enquired. – "Maybe Millicent here can shed some light on our situation, she's one of the factors which helped Dorchester to get a reason for waging war." Surprised, everyone stared at her, waiting for an answer.

"P-please, d-don't b-blame this on me…" She nearly cried. – "No need to worry, I'll explain on your behalf." Staxius reassured her, after another ten minutes, he concluded yet again with, "That's why she was taken prisoner by what I'm guessing were hired mercenaries to act as the holy army. – isn't that right?" Millicent nodded.

"Master, don't you think we can stop this senseless slaughter?" Annet spoke out – "People are going to die for no apparent reason." She concluded.

"Don't be so foolish, people here have it way worse than death, so far I've taken you through a route which doesn't have any bloodshed or how it shows how Dorchester is truly run."

"L-lord Staxius is right, D-Dorchester is h-hell." Millicent approved. "Master, why should we believe in Millicent?" The ever-doubtful Alyson spoke.

"Now that's a worthy question, – why indeed. It's simple, this lady here you thought were an object of l.u.s.t is naught but Duchess Millicent Parcyvell. She's wedded to the ruling duke. – to back my accusations; here: letters, photographs of her prior splendor and her wedding ring, engraved underneath is her signature as well as her family crest. She may not look in now for how she must have been treated, but lady Millicent here was once the fairest lady throughout the kingdom. She was sought out by many, ultimately, fell for Sten and the rest is history."

*Cough,* "H-how d-did you…" She was baffled. – "Are you going to use me as my husband did?" Her tone changed from scared and fragile to stern and frightening.

"Just like I thought, you were playing the role of a lady in distress from the start. You never were truly mentally scarred; I'm guessing you played along just so we would forget you. – One thing baffles me though, why did you choose to act that way?"

"Impressive, so I've been found out…"