Village of Hansel, The Fountain Square, Present day.
Xeto dispersed the coal crystals that armored his hand. The murmurs of the villagers grew louder, or was it his imagination?
"By the dual realms," said one.
"He just killed a Zuland commander," said another.
"That boy is unhinged,"
Xeto's eyes jumped through the crowd. To his surprise many of the people shared a look of fear. He could practically see his reflection in their eyes. Colorless, they were swallowed by a layer of darkness. Why was this happening? He inhaled…then came the sensation again. A pain that felt as if his hip was being ripped open. The dirk was lodged into his side, serving as a thin canal for blood that dripped from the handle. It felt as if someone had tied a stone-filled satchel to his back and within seconds his trembling legs gave in as he fell to his knees.
"Commander!" Rebecca's voice echoed. "Hold still…this is going to hurt."
Another jolt of pain found its way up his spine.
Rebecca had a cloth wrapped around the dirk, it turned a deep red within seconds.
Low sobs echoed in his ears, that of a girl's. He looked past Rebecca and saw her. It had been years but she hadn't changed a bit. Short brown hair, a light yellow-colored tunic, and beautiful violet eyes that were layered with tears. "Anaria," he whispered. Her sobs dimmed with every second, and to his surprise, so did the murmurs of the others. His muscles went limp as the last of the light faded and everything went dark.
~~~
"The man was out of control…"
"We may be facing even more dire consequences now…"
"We can only hope that this…"
Xeto opened his eyes and was greeted with a familiar sight.
Ornaments strung together by thin yarn, shined stones and elegant feathers hung from the ceiling. The sunlight from window at his side glimmered off of the stones, each reflecting a unique color. This was Anaria's room—also just as he recalled it. At his bedside was a small stool and end table dotted with vials. Some were empty and others held a modicum unknown remedies.
He heard the voices of his companions just outside of the room. Though their discussions were hard to decipher behind the closed door. He pushed against the warm blankets and groaned from his still throbbing wound as he leaned up slightly. He exhaled with a shuttered breath; the taste of herbs lingered on his tongue. His chest felt lighter as he realized his armor was piled beside the door at the end of the room. Foul images filled his mind, the sensation of when he impaled the commander, the fear in the poor girl's eyes when she died. Petra. That was her name, wasn't it?
The room darkened as the sun was cut by the clouds. Slow winds shook the leaves from the trees just outside.
Anaria's sobs echoed in his mind. She must have known Petra. And for her to be taken away in such a horrid manner. His blood grew warmer. That bastard deserved to die. He was a wretch and a menace. But there was a sense of guilt. Why? He'd only hoped Anaria hadn't witnessed it. The way she and Rebecca looked at him. As if he was a stranger—as if he was the monster…or was it all a dream?
The door creaked open as Anaria stepped in with a wooden tray, a steaming bowl and a piece of bread were balanced atop it. A look of relief took over her as she noticed him. "You're awake." She smiled. "I brought you some food."
Xeto felt his chest tense up, he now hoped that if this was a dream, that it would never end. "I—" He fought the throbbing pain as he sat up.
"No no, don't try to move." She quickly placed the tray on the empty stool. She sat at his side and gently leaned him onto his back. Her hand on his chest, so warm and soft. "I was able to seal the wound completely, but you still lost a lot of blood. My aura can't help with that." She frowned. "You were poisoned by something on Raikal's blade as well." She waved her hands in front of him. "But don't worry, I cleansed it before—"
"Thank you, Anaria," he said suddenly, his voice raspy. He lost himself in her amethyst eyes.
Her cheeks flushed as she looked away and cleared her throat.
He broke from his stupor as he felt his head grow warm. "S-sorry. I'm just…I'm glad to see you're safe." He gulped hard.
She reached out and placed her palm on his forehead.
He flinched as his face grew warmer.
Anaria smiled. "You don't have a fever. Praise the gods." She must have noticed his discomfort as she quickly pulled back her hand. "The others were worried about you. The girl more so than the rest." Her voice was as soft as silk, it was a gift just to hear it. "She helped dress your wounds and has been helping with crafting tonics. She seems to really care about you."
"Rebecca? Yes, she's the best ally anyone could hope for."
Anaria moved her hand over to his lap. "I'm glad that you found others to help keep you safe. I have to be honest; I was scared when you left two years ago. Becoming a knight, fighting to protect others. You did as you said you were, keeping true to your word. I'm glad you're back."
He cleared his throat and attempted to voice the thoughts that plagued his mind. Foul images flashed through his consciousness as a wave of shame washed over him. "Don't speak so highly of me." His voice a near whisper. "I couldn't save that girl. I let her die right in front of me." He fidgeted with his fingers. "What kind of knight lets that happen."
"Petra…" said Anaria. "It wasn't easy…what you did. But you saved the people here, of that there's no doubt."
"If that is true then why did they all look at me like a monster?"
She leaned in close. "You're not a monster."
"I saw the fear in Rebecca's eyes…looked at me as if I was a stranger, it all passed so quickly perhaps it was all in my mind."
"I'm sure she doesn't think any less of you."
His heart thumped in his ears. "And what of you?" He blinked rapidly as he realized he had voiced his thought aloud. "I apologize, I don't know what came over me—"
The door swung open and nearly slammed against the wall.
Alzac strutted in. "Ah, he's awake." He scoffed. "I was hoping you would drop dead and this whole event would—" He was interrupted as Roy entered and pulled him back. "Don't touch me, Archer." Alzac shook Roy's hand from his shoulder.
Roy stepped in front of the irritated knight. "This isn't your home to be walking about as you please."
"Alzac, get out. That's an order." The voice of Kyone came from outside of the room.
Alzac frustratingly stomped his boot on the floor. "Aye, Commander," he said, between gritted teeth.
Rebecca was next to enter, a smile on her lips as she saw him awake.
As Alzac stomped out of the room he pointed an accusing finger at her. "I hope you both are content with igniting a war with Zuland."
Kyone cast a long shadow as he hunched to fit into the small doorframe. His ears rolled back, whiskers stiffs. He frowned as he towered over the rest of the party. "Xeto…we need to talk."