"The trauma of death is the key to power and strength."
Light fluttered in the enveloping darkness that I had often found refuge from the world filled with its blinding rays. Its warmth touching my cheek like Nyxis would often do to calm my heart in the eve of heartache brought on by past memories and phantom faces of slain foes hoping to drag me with them. The gentle song of birds chirping outside was like a blessing from the nightmare that replayed in my mind. Silken bed covers felt smooth against my bare back as an accompanying pillow stuffed to the brim with feathers supported my neck. All aspects were by far favorable compared to the corrupted words whispered in darkness.
[(Where am I? Breura? Or some Inn?)]
Pain screamed throughout my chest when jolting up to a seated position as the Ghoul's face made a hideous appearance. Placing a hand over my chest, I discovered that fresh bandages with splotches of blood bound me fully. I couldn't help but smile when I noticed that even my left arm was properly bandaged and the faint scent of alcohol used to fend off infection tickled my nose. My body groaned in protest when laying back down to its original position comfortably tucked under the weighted blanket. Wherever I was, rest was my main concern at the moment instead of worrying about the relieved eyes watching me from the windowsill.
Zeke's voice boomed with laughter, "Welcome back to the land of the living!"
Noting the since of long held grief in his words, "How many times?"
For some time, Zeke didn't say anything as he blankly stared out the window and into the world filled with light. His brow was somewhat furrowed as his mind tried to form the words he wished to say but was troubled in doing so. He had always considered me like a brother ever since saving his sorry ass from that Aranea Den long ago and the feeling was mutual. I could tell by the way he was delaying his answer that he didn't know if we'd have a chance to talk again. Though he hides it when the need comes, Zeke always cared for those he considered family despite not being by blood.
His eyes met mine as a tear ran down his left cheek, "I stopped counting after five. You've been asleep for almost three and a half weeks. During that time, it seemed that your heart stopped beating multiple times a day, sending panic throughout everyone."
He wiped the tear away and made his way to kneel beside me. "To be honest," he placed his head on my shoulder, "Scar and I didn't know if you'd pull through this time. We thought we would have to say goodbye."
[(If I wasn't weak, they would not have to worry about me.)]
I put my hand on Zeke's shoulder and allowed him to weep long held tears hoping for the comfort of my survival would bring him. Men like Zeke and I are prone to remain pillars of strength to all that look upon us but moments like this are by far hidden away for those truly trusted to bear witness to. He had lost his brother like I had lost my parents but not by tools of men but by greed. Though the youngest, Zeke had been chosen as the heir of the sapphire eye and the title of chieftain that came with it. His heart shattered at the betrayal of his brother who slew their father before his eyes and made him to be the villain of the tale.
I knew the pain he held in his eyes contemplating whether or not the loss of another family would come to pass. Sighing, "I'm sorry to have put you through so much pain, brother."
Zeke placed a hand over mine as his body began to calm once more and the need to cry came to pass. Using the purple cover, he wiped his tears before standing over me and reached into the adjacent drawer. Curious, I watched as he placed several articles of clothes in a pile at my side before making his way to the window once more. I sorted through each piece of clothing and found them somewhat desirable to the eye. Most were made for elegant parties where nobles tend to kiss each other's asses while plotting behind one another.
"Get dressed," Zeke muttered with his back toward me, "a lot has happened since you've been asleep."
After searching through the pile, I settled with a pair of black pants with gilded lines stitched in around the pockets making it easier to find them. The cloth was somewhat luxurious to the eye but was a simpler design than the other choices. The same could be said about the short sleeved white buttoned down shirt I thought would pair nicely with the pants. Each was more nicely made than the clothes I usually wore but they would have to suffice. To be honest, I would have more than willingly worn the tattered garments I had worn into battle but you can't always do what you want in life.
With choices made, I listened to Zeke give me a full breakdown of transpired events during the weeks spent resting. Zeke started with the surprised looks the city knights gave when they returned severely wounded with monsters in tow behind them. Veronica had pleaded with Thirteen to allow them entry of the city on the premise that they were under my protection which wasn't entirely false. Of course there were many that disagreed with the plea but the Beastking was driven to approve of such an odd request thanks to the aid of the former paladins led by Nathaniel and those that had lived among the monsters for years. It seemed it was wise to allow Nathaniel to stay among us especially if it will help keep everyone in order.
Zeke continued to explain that some of the city guards including Izras took an interest in the sparring matches between the former paladins and the Guardians of the Grotto led by Duval. Several had willingly taken part in some of the exercises to better understand the unusual guests but Zeke thought it was Izras' attempt at gauging the strength of supposed subjects of the man she acknowledged as the true Jackal. I found it even more interesting that Thirteen's concubine continued such integrated exercises after seeing the ferocity that Duval implemented in battle. Lycans like Duval are known for their unpredictability which tended to go hand in hand with their tendency to not hold back. I've personally seen what two Alphas can do to one another along with those unlucky to be caught in the middle.
My heart felt pained when Zeke stated that Vilra was severely poisoned with miasma and for a time was touch and go. Hearing such a thing made me want to find the Spider and allow her to claim my life for placing her in such a predicament along with her shadowy brother. Erebus had also suffered from miasma poisoning but not at such levels like his sister but enough to put him down for a few days. From what Zeke told me, I gathered that the two retreated into Penumbra to lick their wounds and iron out family business with the one that awaited them. I had allowed Erebus to decide what would be best for Khokbus after freeing him from his bonds.
[(In the end, the old god was dead anyway so what more could I do but allow him to dwell in a world of shadows.)]
After adjusting the pants, Zeke continued to say that my uncle and a few familiar faces made their appearance during the second week. My Uncle nearly fell to his knees upon seeing the state I was in and wouldn't leave by bedside for three whole days. Zeke mentioned the many times he saw my uncle hold onto my hand with his head bowed on my shoulder pleading for a full recovery. Hearing such things made past memories of being upon the old king's shoulders to see the festival parades passing by. Memories of him and Father sharing a cup of wine as they looked to their next generation.
"Tell me," rolling up the left sleeve a little more, "what about you all? Did everyone survive?"
Zeke chuckled as he helped fix the collar of the shirt, "Aye, everyone survived thanks to you for dealing with the Ghoul though I will admit you took your time."
I nodded when the image of the form bestowed upon me by Khokbus flashed in my eyes and the unnatural feel of watching your own body act on instinct came to pass. According to the Death God, it was a gift for freeing him from the bonds he was forced to wear by his traitorous followers. I didn't have much choice but to accept when watching those that I cared for almost die without lifting a finger. The main threat that kept popping in my head was that this was all an elaborate scheme to be rebirthed in the mortal world using me as a vessel to do so. No matter the risk however, I would willingly do it over again if it meant seeing Nyxis and everyone.
"I will be honest however," Zeke sighed as I tightened the boots given to me with the aid of shadowy tendrils, "many of us had to be immediately treated for injuries alongside you. Scar almost died twice before stabilizing while Orion and Nyx refused to be seen until knowing you were alright. Both passed out from their injuries soon after such pleas so they were treated in enough time."
I didn't say anything as I balled my fist digging my nails deep into the palm hoping it would break skin. With the state I was currently in, I couldn't hold order in a kingdom designed for those monsters that have signs of sentience let alone protect them from those that would wish to see them dead. If anything, I would learn to control such a gift or curse to its full capability to protect the future I wish to see. I sighed allowing the muscle of my hand to relax before standing beside Zeke near the window. My goal was now evident to me and I knew of two people that had experienced the same understanding as me.
Looking down at the lively inner grounds, "Tell me Zeke, where are Tartarus and the Ent?"
Zeke didn't say anything for several moments which began to build a pit of concern in the far reaches of my gut. A knock came from the doorway forcing us to halt our conversation and look to see a young blonde haired Lepus maid standing diligently to the side allowing the familiar figure of the Ent to walk inside. The maid didn't say anything but her eyes seemed to have a dark aura in them as if she harbored some unknown anger towards me yet kept her composure. I didn't pay her much mind as she slowly left the room closing the door behind her but not before ensuring her gaze was well received. For a few moments, we waited in silence as the sound of footsteps left the door and a few more spare seconds for her to realize her presence was still felt in the hallway.
"Elasar," the Ent muttered after the maid trudged away empty handed of what she sought, "my name is Elasar Floranel. Before you get flustered, yes I have a name just as any other creature that calls Aquera home."
Smiling, I nodded my head and made my way to stand before the Ent. "It's a pleasure to finally know the name of the being harbored in that mask," I put my hand out between us as a gesture of respect, "Jackal."
Elasar smiled as he wrapped his hand around my forearm, "I'm glad to see you'll still be able to keep your promise to us."
I didn't flinch not look away as vines began to spread up my length of my arm and began to tighten with the strength of a constrictor, "I try to stay a man of my word even in the face of death but I wish to as-"
"You wish to ask for our aid in making a kingdom for monsters and possible training to master your new found strength," Elasar interrupted.
I didn't say anything as I nodded my head without turning from his ominous gaze unfit for a living thing. "We accept," Elasar smiled as he placed a hand on my shoulder, "or at least for now until you've kept your end of the bargain. I say we because Tartarus and I had spoken about such things over the course of several days since our encounter within your very soul."
"Tell me Silverwind," Elasar turned to Zeke who sat on the arm of a nearby chair, "how far did you get into filling him in on what has transpired in the weeks he's been asleep?"
When I looked at the man I considered family, I found a mask of concern etched upon the flesh that had been through many hardships. His eye seemed darkened by the unknown knowledge of how I would react to the coming truths. Zeke didn't say anything nor did he move from the spot as he stared a hole into the ground between us. I couldn't help but to begin feeling the cold fingers of worry setting in as my mind began to contemplate what happened. With a sigh, Zeke finally gained the composure to look into my eyes.
"It ain't easy to say this," he solemnly started, "but Vaniel has made their presence known. I know you're probably wondering why that affects us but please be patient."
[(I definitely am wondering why it affects us. I mean it's not like we care for what a empire filled with superiority complexes think)]
Curious, I made myself comfortable on the side of the bed and gave my full attention to the two of them. "Three days ago," Zeke continued, "thirty ships flying Vaniel's flag were spotted in the port and five of them made landfall under a white flag of parley. It appears that the General of Vaniel and its princess have come to collect the Beastking's son along with any compensation he deemed necessary. Jackal, he wants not only his sister given over to him but your sister and Nyxis as well. From what I can figure, the Beastking and your Uncle have know choice but to do as instructed or risk the annihilation of Breura."
My mind was in a haze as I got to my feet and made the short trip to a nearby mirror hung delicately against the mantel. The possible future without Nyxis played like a broken instrument over again in my mind as did the thought of losing Veronica after the small rekindling of our relationship as siblings. Pain and warm blood spread throughout my fist along with shards of glass seeking compensation for being broken. The mirror was in the wrong room and unavoidably felt a portion of the anger that continued to grow. Anger towards Thirteen and my Uncle for not willing to stand against a common enemy then again if I knew my Uncle then he would be plotting some way to counter such a decision or for someone to intervene.
"Zeke," I muttered in a low, cold voice, "you said that there were several familiar faces that came with Uncle through the Gateway. Who were they?"
After a moment or two, Zeke went through the names of the faces he recognized and one that only Nyx and I knew. To my surprise, Theo and Liliana were the first two names Zeke mentioned along with Xeth and Solomon. Jack Lloyd had surprisingly come along for the negotiations as a representative of the Slums. I knew if Jack was here then so were Dugan and Åse to ensure no harm came to their patron. Zeke then went on by describing a black haired girl whose eyes held such a seductive stare only found in adults. I couldn't help but smile at the last person Zeke mentioned.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that the left side of my body was made up of the form I had taken upon my resurrection. The clothes gave way to the engraved armor and billowy threads that looked like moving shadows. Runic carved bone replaced the flesh as a burning blue orb glowed in the dark abyss of the socket. Smiling, my eyes looked upon the pauldron covering the shoulder that was carved to resemble my name sake as its eyes stared endlessly. A chill ran down my spine as my eyes wandered to the shadowy limb that shifted endless in and out of existence leaving a trail of blackened smoke.
[(If he wishes to take them, then he best hopes that army will be enough for what's to come.)]
"There is another matter," Elasar chimed in as he took my hand into his and began to heal it, "it appears that princess has her own agenda for being here. The plants whisper of secret negotiations between her and the two kings. Negotiations of a possible alliance between the kingdoms. For what reasons she would betray her own kin, I cannot say."
[(Interesting!)]
Taking that information into consideration, I needed to know where a key piece of the puzzle was before anything. Looking from Elasar to Zeke, "Where is Tartarus?"
Elasar smiled as if waiting for me to ask, "The snake decided to stay in Windstall upon our initial arrival. He awaits word from you as we speak.'
Curious, I tilted my head trying to figure out the cryptic way he had spoken such words as if knowing something. It was then that I remembered the gifting of the blade he was held captive in and how I felt his presence. Concentrating on such a thing, I held out my hand to the side and focused on that feeling once more. More and more I focused until a faint outline of a shifting serpent resembling the one I had devoured slowly made its way to sit nicely in my palm with its gaze on me. I watched as it slowly came into focus and licked the air as the white scales glistened from the sun.
"I see you survived," Tartarus' voice came from the serpent which somewhat startled me at first because I didn't expect it but weirder things can happen.
His laughter boomed throughout the room as it bounced off the wooden furniture and echoed into our ears. "Before you ask," he sighed after a moment, "I placed the part of my soul that you fed upon into the blade when I gave it back. It seemed that it grew attached to you after such a short time and only natural to give it back."
I smiled as the serpent slithered up my arm and nuzzled my cheek like some pet would its owner as a sign of affection. Tartarus continued, "Anyway, I am in Windstall like the old tree said. It had been so long since I last saw the ocean and wanted to see it while it was nearby. That and to keep an eye on things here. Give me a moment…"
Tartarus' voice was replaced with the sound of silenced screams meeting their ends and faint gasps of air being drawn in. "Sorry about that," he nonchalantly spoke without losing breathe, "a few Vaniel mongrels thought it was a great idea to try and place shackles around me without my say."
"As for where I am," he continued after a moment's pause, "I am currently stowed away on one of their ships with my feet propped up on a desk and five guards strewn around. Figure I'd have some fun while I'm here waiting to hear from you. I must say that your subordinates that stayed behind in Windstall have proven quite capable in a fight. They stopped a little tucked away raiding party from taking away several beastmen."
[( Raiding party?! If I had to guess, Vaniel planned to wipe out the current nobility of Vusta that way free reign over its denizens and exploits would be theirs for the taking. Uncle and Thirteen should've known such things would happen when the nation that prides itself on strength is involved.)]
Sighing, I looked out the window and found two monster children, a goblin and an insectoid resembling a humanoid ant, playing with a brunette child as they tossed a ball to one another. Such sights were the sole purpose of the kingdom I wished to build where humans and monsters could live in union just like Siegfried. I smiled as the two monster children helped the young lad to his feet after he fell and continued to play with one another as their parents watched from the side. No fear could be seen in the lad's father and mother as they spoke to the two parents of the other children. I then noticed that their conversation halted as the mother goblin caught my gaze and nodded in my direction.
Both monsters bowed their heads as they picked up where they left off. "Tartarus," I muttered turning to the serpent which coiled itself on the foot of the bed, "can you and the others deal with things there?"
Laughter came from the serpent, "Is that a rhetorical question? Yes, I believe everything will be dealt with but I must know. What are you planning?"
I gave a small laugh of my own as I turned to face the others. "It's simple," looking from Zeke and Elasar, " I'm planning to make my debut."