Chapter 2 – Forgotten Dreams
The same morning, in the Council meeting room, sighted rows of benches and tables, and quite packed crowds of Council members.
They are wearing black long coats and black trousers, arguing and debating at each other throats. Every word they produce escalated even further, added with various table slam sounds. Such usual melody for the Council.
More louder yells escalated in the midst of the debate - coming out from three elders, two men and one woman, whom seemingly having hard time to stand up with their walking sticks.
"Are you saying that the forbidden scroll is in the wild? Do you know how much dangerous that it could be toward our Kingdom?"
"It could be lost and possibly destroyed, but the guards are currently searching it as we speak. We both know that we do not rule out the possibility of someone having that cursed item. That person will surely destroy our future!"
"What was the guard doing back then? We heard that they lost to two bandits when transporting that damned item? Did we pay so much tax for this Kingdom for their incompetence? I don't want to somebody ruin me and my family life because they trying to mess up with the Time and Space!"
The sound creaking coming from two giant doors of meeting room.
Two guard sighted opening the door. A middle-aged man and a woman walk in.
Few people that were debating back there - approaches them. Every council switches their focus to those persons who have just entered the room. The louds and yells fade into abrupt silence.
"Gentlemen, It's the Horgans from Technology Council."
One of them asked, with worried expression. That pair seemingly won't slowing down their fast walk.
"Do you have any means to find that cursed item?"
"No."
"What do you mean, No? Mister Gerrard?"
The pair stopped for a brief moment. He sighed and then responding to the man behind him.
"It is just a paper written with ink. Unless somebody chanting that spell, it will not spread a magic trace. Furthermore, certain people must be nearby to detect such trace."
"And do keep in mind that we are citizen of Akgardia, we hold various magic books from various Ranks. Do you expect anyone would tell a magic based on the trace alone? We are talking about a lot of magic traces surrounding us." A woman beside him replies.
Some people gasped, their worries seemingly enhanced into despair, followed by the murmurings of Council members.
Gerrard taps his left hand to Hesse's shoulder. He whispered something to her ear. And they sitting in the front row seats.
A middle-aged man stands up from his chair and approaches those pair. He gazing on Gerrard's eyes and then switches his gaze to Hesse's eyes. Then he slammed his hands on their table really hard in front of them.
He is trembled in anger, seemingly frustrated, yells directly to Gerrard and Hesse.
"Hopeless! All of you! What's the point spearheading your little Technology Council if there is no solution to this problem? Do you know the burden of this situation? We have this peace era perfectly fine for 200 years until yesterday! Was that concern really nothing for you? Do you? Do you? Let me tell you something, Horgans."
Before he finishes his words, a sound of door opening was heard, followed with a distinctive voice.
"That's enough. Let's get back to our seats, Ladies and Gentlemen."
The man rotates his neck, utterly disappointed for being interrupted, yet he decides to walk back toward his seat.
"I'm here brought a proposal regarding the solution for this incident."
Everyone calmed down for a brief moment, then a loud statement can be heard by a female Council member on the back seat.
"Let's hear it, Mister Olford! Besides I'm sick with all those wasteful time on endless debates."
The crowds raise their voice, hardly to tell if they are debating or agreeing with the woman said just now.
"Very well. Let's get into the discussion here."
He clears throat and continue the speech.
"Let's wind the clock back to what was happened before. Yesterday in the midnight, The Time Reversal Magic Spell scroll that we retrieved from the depths of Silver Mine, as you might know already, is being stolen by the works of two bandits. The good news is that we have detained two bandits with ease, and gathered some clues connected to that matter. The bandits did not own any parts of the scroll, or the chest. There's high possibility that they hide away the scroll somewhere hidden. But worry not, we have pinpointed the possible location and gathered squads to locate the forbidden scroll."
He paused for a brief moment, watching all pairs of eyes and ears focused on him, especially what he's about to say.
"The only challenge is that what Mister Gerrard said earlier is definitely true. We can't detect the magic traces unless the holder of the said item decided to cast that spell. The possibility of the holder casting this forbidden spell scroll to our soil is also very low, as it bears heavy curse for the user from casting it. According to written ancient journal from Akashic Records, backed by several research reports written by members from Magistra Council and Technology Council, if the holder decides to read the first paragraph of the spell, the said person will experience whole body frozen state, followed by disintegration of any part of the caster's body into ashes. This case is happened once with Gordon William, High Wizard Rank who tries to attempting Time Reversal Magic."
The Council member starts murmuring with each nearby. Their faces sighted having a sweat drop. Mister Olford continues the speech.
"As you know by now, the chance that spell destroy our live are virtually zero, but it is as you say is true. We cannot let that forbidden scroll loose in the wild. The holder are still hiding it as we speak. Without further ado, let me explain how to lure out the culprit."
A female assistant moving the giant board inside Council meeting room. She explains in firm words about Mister Olford plans.
"The plan is simple. We will be having door by door search in all houses and mansions. Anyone resisted or protecting the culprit will simply be detained in the Court. Every resident will have to obey the instructions from Squad Leader to chant all their registered spells they have. Any illegal spells that is not registered within their Ranks, will be treated as hostile remarks and the said person and entire family will be detained. All the access both entry and exit gates in Kingdom of Akgardia are already locked since the incident declared until we retrieved the forbidden scroll. Rest assured this is the best way of luring the culprit out of the hiding hole."
More murmuring occurs from the Council seats for the brief moment before it fades to silence.
Mister Olford added some sentences
"Let's vote, Ladies and Gentlemen. Raise your red flag if you are against the plans."
5 people, of 70 Council members inside the meeting room, raised a red flag.
"Raise your green flag if you are supporting our plans."
The crowds raised green flags, the assistant and the soldier almost having trouble counting those flags. Gerrard also sighted raising the green flag.
There are several people who didn't raise either one of both flags. They consider themselves abstain from the vote.
"Then we will proceed according to the plans, Dismiss."
Boisterous people rose from their seats followed with various creaking sound from their shoes. Dispersing away from the meeting room.
Meanwhile in the deep water somewhere, sighted Ieza floating, as if he is sleeping peacefully, letting his body following the flow of water
Meanwhile in the deep water somewhere, sighted Ieza floating, as if he is sleeping peacefully, letting his body following the flow of water.
A faint voice can be heard calling the name
"Ieza..."
He opens his eyes slowly
The view is fading in, becoming crystal clear, the spectrum of sunlight waves through his vision, like gentle silk waving.
He is vaguely conscious of what he sees, he mumbles himself
"So peaceful."
A gentle yet soft hand, reaches his cheek, a figure of pale white beauty coming closer toward Ieza, almost as her ruby lips touched his.
She whispering in gentle voice.
"I'll be waiting for you."
The spectrum of sunlight shines brighter toward Ieza's vision.
Slowly, a shadow of someone appearing.
Suppressed voice can be heard, as it progressively clearer each time.
"Hey brother. Wake up."
It's Naruwa voice, calling his name, repeatedly. Until Ieza regains consciousness.
"Brother, we should go home. The night is coming pretty soon."
He helps Ieza standing up and walks together to home.
Naruwa turns his neck for a brief moment, looking onto specific ground they just got left behind.
Few moments later, they have approached the gate of their mansion. They are seeing Shaeri running towards them, seemingly worried.
"Master Ieza! Master Naruwa! You're back. Thank goddess. Are you guys alright? Did something happen to both of you?"
"We are fine, Shaeri. We are just finished intense magic training. We are deeply apologizing for coming home late night and makes you worried. Hey Naruwa, you must apologize too."
"Why should I? This training is all of your idea. You and those ignorant parents pushing me too far."
"Naruwa! You still have the audacity after the mess you've made."
Ieza clenches his fist, while watching Naruwa leaves him and Shaeri behind without saying anything.
"It's okay, Master Ieza. Both of you are safe. That's the most important thing. I can't imagine myself how to explain to your parents if something bad happens to both of you."
"Shaeri, none of this is your fault. You're just doing the duty as a maid. Anyway, let's go inside."
"Yes, Master Ieza. I have prepared warm tea and dinner for both of you."
They walked inside the mansion. Just when Ieza about to enter the guest room, he sees his parents with Naruwa - whom seemingly looking down the floor - already waited him.
"Mother, Father. I'm home."
He is greeted by a slap oh his cheek from his father, as his mother watching him with a disappointed look. Ieza touching his cheek while slowly looking back to Naruwa.
Shaeri averted her gaze, not being ready to see the worst moment appearing right now.
He sees Naruwa's right cheek also red as an apple. He realized he's not the only one getting slapped.
A stern gaze from his father searches through Ieza's retina. A peak tension image that made him remembered for lifetime.
"Do you know your mistake, son?"
"Yes, father. We are coming home late."
"Then explain yourself why both of you are coming home late!"
Ieza gulping himself. He picked his words carefully.
"We were training our magic in higher intensity. We decided to add more training as the magic exam coming soon..."
His father suddenly raised his voice tone, at the same time cutting Ieza's sentences.
"Do not dare to lie to me, son! I heard clearly people talking about both of you creating ruckus in front of the crowds. You and Naruwa tarnished the name of Horgan Family in public. Do you know how hard it takes for us to build the reputation ground up? Do you?"
Naruwa, trembles in anger and sadness, had enough of clutter in his mind.
Without second thought he rushed to his bedroom, locks himself up and covers his ears with both hands as his father yells and banging his bedroom door. He grabs something from his pocket. The magic scroll scribbled with patterns and ancient text he took from the black chest back then. He curls the scroll fiercely and throws it to the corner of the room.
His mother gives Shaeri a command, to help both Ieza and Naruwa to be cleaned and get their clothes changed. Shaeri nodded, gently touch Ieza's back and walks to his bedroom.
Her mother reaches her hands to Gerrard and whispers
"They learned enough. At ease, honey."
They leave the scene, going into their master room.
A gloomy silence fills up the house of Horgan. Nobody saying a word ever since.
Until the cries breaks all silence.
Naruwa imagined everything seemed unfair toward him. He cannot remove that awful memory imprinted on his mind just now. He scratches his hair uncontrollably, then cover his face, unable to contain his cries.
A door being knocked gently.
"It's me Shaeri. May I come in, Master Naruwa?"
Naruwa, only gazes on the floor, moves only his right hand to unlock the door, and barely moved an inch forward, to allow the door opened slightly. Not even a single word coming out from his empty mouth.
"Apologies for the intrusion, Master Naruwa. Let me help you getting changed."
She prepares the towel, helping him getting cleaned, and changes his dirty clothes with the fresh ivory clothes.
"Master Naruwa, if I may tell you something. You are always being loved. Your parents just having their unique way to raise you and Mister Ieza, as their beloved children." Shaeri speaks with gentle voice while combing his hair.
Suddenly heard loud knocking doors. The sound came from the front door.
"Strange. No guest should be allowed at this hour, and yet, there's passed through the gate's security already? What is happening there?" Shaeri murmurs herself
"What's going on, Shaeri?"
"Master Naruwa, I'll check the door to retrieve the guest. If you excuse me."
Shaeri walks to the guest room. She opens the door, and a brief moment later, she shocked.
She seeing a prominent figure from military council. A pinnacle of man physique as the rumors said. General Herga Talon, carrying dual axe on his back, accompanied with several military soldiers and the gates security personnel she mentioned earlier.
"Is there anything I can help, General Herga?"
"Oh certainly. I would like to visit my dear friend. I suppose he is available tonight?"
"Certainly, General. If you may, please make yourself at home."
Shaeri allows General Herga to enter the guest room and offered the seat and the drinks.
"That wouldn't be necessary, I won't be long in here. Perhaps it would be appropriate if you can just let him know that his dearest friend is here."
"Right. Pardon me, General. I will let him know about you being here."
Shaeri walks past Ieza's and Naruwa's bedrooms in slightly hurry. She knocks the master room.
In both different rooms, both Ieza and Naruwa peeking and eavesdropping through the door keyhole.
They are hearing the door knocks from their parents' room sounded as if nervous person visiting them. Followed shortly with distant murmuring between Shaeri and Gerrard Horgan.
The clattering footsteps approaches from where Shaeri came.
Gerrard asked Shaeri to wait on specific spot. She nodded and do what's he instructed.
"Oh, if is not the Legendary Herga himself! Hahaha." Gerrard greets him in friendly tone.
"Gerrard, long time no see, brother! Have you grown skinny today? Man, you do need more meats and spear training every day."
"Oh, shut up will ya? At least I'm not dead yet, as you can see, I'm in the best shape ever, my wife never leaves me at all."
Both Gerrard and Herga laughed and exchanging shoulder blows, as if they were true drunkard friends.
"So what's brings you here, eh? I'm sure my time ain't worth much for you to just visit here and drinking my tea."
"Sharp as ever, my dear friend. I'll be on point anyway. I suppose you are carrying the Time Reversal Magic Scroll with you. Am I correct?"
Shaeri shivering, as if she notices something wrong with this visitation. Despite all that, she's remained composed, as if nothing is happening.
"Sorry, what did you just say? I must be distracted by our past memories." Gerrard replies, averting his gaze to the painting on the wall, and laughs it off. At the same time, he's suppressing his shocked feeling.
Ieza and Naruwa overheard the conversation, shocked.
Ieza thought about his father being framed by his "friend" over political issues.
Naruwa thought he's been spotted by the guard carrying that chest. Because he knew the chest have Akgardia insignia right on the top cover side.
"Brother, you've gotta help me!" Naruwa whisper near the door that gaps their bedroom
"Quiet, I'm eavesdropping those adult conversations."
"Do you remember when we quarrelling near the waterfall? I accidentally found Akgardian secret chest while trying to hold onto the roots. Remember?"
"Like i said, be qui...What did you say, brother?"
Ieza rushes to Naruwa bedroom through the door that separates his bedroom and Naruwa's bedroom. Ieza grab both of Naruwa's shoulder and gazes directly into his eyes.
They are whispering each other with seemingly intense expression on their faces.
"We have to return it to that General. It is not belonged to us from the start. Now where's the scroll?"
"Return it? Really, brother? Why should I return the only chance to make myself greater than High Ranked Wizard jokes in Akgardian? Isn't this your family idea? To strive upon Horgan's name, fame and wealth?"
"Naruwa, this is not the time to quarrelling. Look our father is there, the danger reaches on his neck if we didn't return the scroll!"
"You are really moron, brother. There is no way i'm gonna forgive you, or your hard headed parents for pushing your god forsaken dumpster idea. Since when you, or them listening to me properly? Since when they will appreciate and respect my opinion? Since when older people trampled over youngsters like us? You were telling me succeed before all of this, and now you want me to give up the only source of power i need?"
Ieza signaling his brother by touching his fingertips on his mouth.
"Hey lower your voice! They might hear us!"
"Ooh, so lively your children right there, Mister Gerrard. Anyway, do tell me a fabled story about Silver Eagle of Akgardia." Herga raised his voice tone intentionally.
The tension growing larger in Horgan's mansion. Gerrard, Shaeri, Ieza and Naruwa sweating profusely as those children's arguments were being heard even it wasn't much noticeable with normal perception. They realized what was Silver Eagle he talked about just now. Gerrard frozen in place as he flashes his life were over in a seconds ago.
"Isn't it about the story where a warrior was being ambushed with seemingly 100 invisible enemies from Empire of Yorukhara and killed all of them with one fell swoop instead of figuring a way to detect those enemies?" Shaeri responded firmly.
"Not all of them, unfortunately. Only several running away after the unleashed attack, but you can call it like that. Such intelligent and beautiful maid you are. Oh, my apologies, we haven't properly introduced ourselves. My name is General Herga Talon. And I'm in charge of Military Council of Akgardia. I'm also the rumored Silver Eagle that lives to tell the tale." He replies as he extends his right hand toward Shaeri.
"I'm Shaeri, a maid in duty of Horgan household." Shaeri replies and accepted the handshake
He pulls her hand and kisses on it.
"You are beautiful. Marry me, Shaeri. I'll promise you a better life and protection with me."
Suddenly the door slammed open.
It's Naruwa, carrying the scroll on his left hand
"Nobody will take my Shaeri away except me! You thief!"
Ieza, watches his brother's action like that, slams his own face with his right hand
"Oh, my goddess. How foolish my brother can be right now."
Gerrard grabs Herga's hand firmly. Before Herga reacted, Gerrard whisper something toward Shaeri.
"It's time."
Shaeri jumps back quickly, as soon as she noticed the glowing white eyes from Gerrard. He is casting frozen magic on entire rooms, freezing Herga and his entire troops nearby. Shaeri immediately grabbed both Ieza's body and Naruwa's body with her both arms.
"Master Ieza, Master Naruwa. We have to leave this place, now!"
Chapter 2 - End