The Augo ship sliced through Iskanda's towering skyscrapers.
Brekan's grim thoughts filled the passenger cabin as he stared out at the city below. I'm going to kill an underage girl, he thought.
"Landing soon," Leutnant Hanu announced from the pilot cabin.
Brekan shifted his attention to his friend and Inquisitor colleague, Joven. They were a study in contrasts: Brekan, muscular and gray-eyed, and Joven, scraggy with sharp eyes.
The cabin was tense, unusual for seasoned Inquisitors like them. This mission felt different, with a tip about cultists in Diamond Gate, including an underage girl.
Bright orange light from a crystal on the ceiling of the Augo filled the space with an almost blinding radiance. It was the same type of crystals, that stood scattered below in the city, their energy veins crisscrossing the city.
With a soft rumble the Augo landed and the crystal engine turned off.
"Let's fulfill our duty", Joven said and grabbed the white sword sheath, which leaned beside his seat.
Brekan did the same and put his sword on the blue belt, which fixated his pristine white Inquisitor garb, which covered his front and back.
Hanu joined them and looked at them with his sharp eyes that peeked out of his scarred face.
"In. Kill. Out", he said and opened the hatch on the back of the Augo.
The morning sun painted the airfield gold, Augoships decked out in vibrant cloths ascended and descended around them, flaunting the district's opulence. Brekan, Joven, and Hanu flashed their Inquisitor badges at a checkpoint official who swiftly recognized their authority, allowing them to skip the queue as they headed to the Kelson Mansion.
Following the winding road of Diamond Gate, Brekan noticed the meticulously polished cobblestones that gleamed underfoot. Lush trees and shrubbery bordered the road, tended to by skilled gardeners.
Brekan's watchful eyes darted around as he scanned their surroundings. The bustling streets teemed with well-dressed residents following their morning routines, their attire adorned with gemstones that sparkled like stars in the night sky.
But Brekan didn't trust any of them. Faces adorned with smiles could always concealed a potential darkness that Brekan and his comrades were tasked with uncovering. He exchanged a quick glance with Joven, both of them silently acknowledging the need for caution.
Mansions, grand and varying in size, lined the street with opulent gardens and cascading fountains.
Approaching the Kelson Mansion, the atmosphere shifted. The relic, worn and neglected, was overgrown with vines, its windows hollow eyes.
In front of the unhinged gate they stopped and looked at the mansion.
Before the unhinged gate, they paused, recalling the briefing mentioning an abandoned mansion and a possible underage cultist.
A vulnerable soul who fell prey to the cultists. Brekan couldn't help but feel a sting of sadness. Maybe she sought comfort, Brekan thought. Desperate for belonging.
His thoughts briefly drifted back to his own past, the years spent in the orphanage, a place where he faced hardships. But also where he forged bonds that saved him.
Leutnant Hanu broke his reverie, urging, "Draw your weapons. Stay cautious. Be ready."
Swords drawn, they crossed the threshold, disturbing settled dust and revealing footprints, old and new.
Inside, the mansion's former grandeur lingered as a haunting echo. The entrance hall boasted a twin wooden staircase, its once-intricate balustrades now obscured by dust.
Rows of closed doors lined the hall, ornate handles and panels hinting at the mansion's past grandeur. Some doors creaked open slightly, revealing hidden mysteries, while others remained sealed.
Morning light streamed through glass-less windows, casting elongated shadows on faded wallpaper. The walls, once adorned with tapestries and portraits, bore the scars of time, their colors muted and peeling.
A thick layer of dust coated the marble floor, and the air smelled of age and abandonment.
He nodded as he watched Hanu signal him with hand signs and glanced toward the cellar.
Brekan descended the narrow stone staircase into the mansion's basement, clutching an orange crystal on his necklace. Its soft glow cast a flickering shadow as the air grew cooler, carrying the scent of dampness and decay.
Prepared for whatever lurked below, Brekan knew only one outcome awaited those who opposed the Sun Kingdom: death, without exceptions.
The vast cellar had multiple rooms branching from the main corridor, littered with broken wine barrels and empty shelves hinting at a different past. His echoing steps reverberated through the labyrinthine space.
Amidst the darkness, thoughts of the cultist girl resurfaced. He drew parallels between her and himself when he was in the orphanage, both seeking someone to shield them from the harsh world.
"It doesn't matter," Brekan whispered. This mission was about safeguarding the Sun Kingdom from chaos and death, a duty greater than any individual, even the girl.
As Brekan reached the cellar's far end, a small, dimly lit room came into view. Murmurs reached his ears, and behind a partially opened shelf door, he glimpsed the huddled cultists, tension evident in their voices.
Brekan slowed his breath, sharpening his mind like a blade. In the shadows, their anxious faces twisted in fear and hatred as one of them caught sight of the orange glow of Brekan's crystal.
Without hesitation, they armed themselves with daggers and knives, rushing at Brekan in the dimly lit space. Blades clashed as Brekan swiftly dispatched the first three assailants-one slashed across the throat, one pierced in the heart, and the last one beheaded.
Only one remained - a girl, no older than sixteen, her eyes filled with spite and hatred as she clutched her dagger with unbroken resolve.
For a moment, Brekan hesitated, torn between duty and compassion. But he knew the unyielding mandate of the Codex of the Sun Kingdom regarding traitors and cultists. The Inquisition's duty was to carry out justice, harsh and without mercy, even without trial or hesitation.
With a heavy heart, Brekan steeled himself and, with a deft stroke, pierced the girl's heart, ending her life.
"I'm sorry," Brekan whispered. "The lives of the people and this kingdom are worth more than your life," he thought to himself.
As he stood there, his breathing calm, Joven and Hanu appeared at the doorway, their expressions detached. Hanu simply stated, "Another mission completed."
With his gaze still on the lifeless eyes of the girl, Brekan felt Joven's pat on his back.
"Efficient as always," his best friend said.
Brekan's mind was empty as he cleaned the fresh blood from his elbow pit. The metallic smell hung heavy in the air.
Brekan stepped out of the Augo cab into the crisp evening air. The distant sound of city traffic echoed in his ears, and the scent of street food mixed with the cool breeze. He exchanged coins with the cab driver, the clinking of metal adding to the symphony of the city. He watched the vehicle ascend gracefully, disappearing into the twilight sky like a fading star.
The bustling street before him was adorned with golden lanterns that cast an inviting glow upon the busy street. Brekan's presence in this part of the city was not entirely his own choice. Joven had extended an invitation, and when Joven invited him, it invariably meant one thing: alcohol. Underneath his mantle, Brekan wore a simple shirt and pants, opting for casual attire on this chilly evening. He was well aware that an invitation from Joven often led to questionable decisions, but there was an unspoken camaraderie between them that he couldn't ignore. As usual, being invited by Joven also meant his friend wanted to talk about a sensitive topic. Therefore whenever Brekan arrived in this street he felt uneasy. Not afraid but annoyed and reluctant.
He exhaled a frustrated breath as he recalled Joven's invitation. He rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he made his way through the vibrant shopping district. With each step his desire to just turn around grew.
Brekan arrived at his destination: the 'Gylatena'. The high-class bar bore a nameplate above its double glass doors, radiating a brilliant crystal glow. Two imposing bouncers flanked the entrance, granting Brekan access after a brief nod.
For a moment, he hesitated at the threshold, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his mind. But tonight, curiosity outweighed caution, and Brekan pushed open the doors.
He left his mantle at the wardrobe in the lobby. The walls were decorated with murals and tapestries, depicting scenes from the Sun Kingdom's history and mythology showing the ancient heroes slaying Hemah, the evil beast.
Brekan wandered over the polished marble floor on his way to the second entrance. He passed under a chandelier, whose sparkling crystals lit up the room.
As Brekan entered the 'Gylatena' main hall he couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. The warmth and the ambient music momentarily lifted the weight of his duties. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, absorbing the comforts of the bar. The strains of relaxing background music filled the room, played by a live band hidden in the corner.
The centerpiece of the hall was a grand fire, its flames dancing behind a protective glass enclosure.
Brekan inhaled deeply, savoring the fragrant mix of Sunroot and Spice Blossom from the water pipes that wafted through the air.
His steps echoed on the polished marble floor as he passed several round platforms, crafted from sleek black marble. Each of these platforms were shielded by Jinria-Wood privacy screens, their entrances concealed behind elegant cloth veils.
Brekan knew exactly where he would find Joven. The platform both of them always occupied provided both privacy and an unobstructed view of the enchanting fire.
Navigating his way through the hall, Brekan arrived at the designated platform. Joven was already there, seated comfortably and exhaling a leisurely stream of water pipe smoke. Their gazes met, and Joven said: "Thanks for joining me, I know you are not a fan."
Brekan sat down onto the bench, and he and Joven exchanged a knowing smile born of years of shared experiences and unspoken understanding. He watched as Joven took a draw from the water pipe, exhaling a fragrant plume of Silverbloom smoke.
The waitress arrived. Brekan ordered an Emberlight, his choice devoid of alcohol. Joven, on the other hand, looked disappointed by Brekan's selection and opted for Hattuzabrandt.
"We have work tomorrow," Brekan said to his best friend. He knew the reminder was useless. Not because Joven didn't care, but because his best friend always showed up and was fit for action. Not once has he been a liability on any mission, even if he drank the evening before.
Joven waved off Brekan's concern, his tone light and carefree. "You're always too serious, my friend."
Brekan tapped with his finger on the table. "We are Inquisitors, Joven. It is the most serious job in the kingdom." Brekan couldn't help but feel the burden of their duty, the constant vigilance required to protect the Sun Kingdom and its people.
Joven leaned back in his seat. He regarded Brekan with a more serious demeanor, the carefree facade momentarily set aside.
"Brekan," he began, his voice carrying a weight. "You need to marry Sari."
"I knew I shouldn't have come", Brekan said, rubbing his eyes. His thoughts raced like a turbulent river. Duty and responsibility clashed with the longing he felt for Sari. He clenched his fist under the table.
Joven said: "You love her. She loves you."
"It's not possible. You know that." Brekan took another sip.
Joven said: "Sari is right. You know it. I know it."
Brekan's voice rose as he argued with Joven. "You should understand, Joven," he snapped, letting out his frustration. "I can't abandon my duty."
Joven said: "You know I'm not the type to give unwanted advice, but in this case it had to be said." He took a gulp out of his glass.
"I'm not giving up my job," Brekan said, "the fate of the Sun Kingdom is more important than my own."
Joven leaned back and crossed his arms. "I'm totally with you on that, but you can serve the Kingdom in more than one way. Marry Sari and produce a lot of off-spring to contribute to the continuous existence of our people."
Brekan leaned back and took deep breaths. "I would be a terrible father. I'm a lone warrior,. That's my destiny." He wondered why Joven was so insistent on his marriage with Sari. What if he is driven by more than concern, Brekan thought. He could see there was something unspoken in Joven's eyes.
The flames of the grand fire danced behind the glass enclosure, their movements mirroring the inner turmoil Brekan felt.
Joven looked Brekan deep into the eyes. Then he drank the rest of his liquor.
"Let's play", Joven said. He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a set of cards. With a mischievous grin, he extended the deck toward Brekan. "Let's take our minds off duty for a while."
As Joven began to shuffle and deal, the weight of the conversation lingered in Brekan's mind. He was an Inquisitor, bound by duty and responsibility. This was the destiny he chose. And there was no place for marriage. He had sworn an oath and if he wanted to leave the Inquisition he would have to abandon it and pick his own desires over those of the people of this Kingdom.
Brekan looked at the cards he was dealt. Just as I expected, he thought.
Brekan stood on a rooftop terrace, bathed in dawn's first light. Flowers' scent filled the air, and the bustling city below was muted by the terrace's elevation, one of the Sun Kingdom's many havens in its crowded metropolis.
Morning dew glistened on vibrant blooms. He scanned below, hand on sword hilt, as the rising sun painted the city in pink hues. His mind, usually serene, wrestled with the darkness since his mission at the Kelson mansion.
In the shade of an old Gold Oak, he inhaled deeply, savoring the oak's scent and the fresh morning air. Beside him stood Sari, a soothing presence. Their eyes met, her gaze reflecting morning warmth, easing the tension in his shoulders and deepening his breaths.
Sari's golden hair gleamed in the sunlight, her skin smooth with a peachy glow. Her white dress complemented her blue eyes, flowing gracefully around her.
"I'm glad you came today," she said in a soft, reassuring voice.
Brekan nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I had to," he replied, his gaze drifting back to the bustling city below, its intricate network of Augo and people heading to work. Each moment with Sari was a precious escape from the darkness of his daily duties.
She gripped his arm and led him to a bench beneath the Gold Oak, her graceful movements captivating him.
Sari turned her affectionate gaze toward Brekan, her eyes brimming with care. "Why did you want to see me today?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "You usually only come on your day off."
Brekan's heart swelled with emotion as he looked at the woman he loved dearly. He took a deep breath, reining in his feelings. "I needed to be with you," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "There's something troubling my mind."
Her unwavering gaze locked onto his, radiating love that always stirred a deep desire within him. He had to be cautious not to lose this connection.
His words came out with sadness and confusion. "I had to do something the other day, something that shouldn't trouble me at all, but it does," he confessed, glancing down at his hands, unable to meet Sari's gaze. "On my mission, I had to take the life of an underage girl. She was a cultist, and while I understand the Codex..."
Sari's response surprised him. She took his hand in hers, her touch soothing to his troubled mind. It sent a rush of warmth through his body, a tangible feeling of her love and comfort.
"I understand," she said softly. "I'm truly sorry you had to go through that."
Brekan whispered, his guilt-laden voice barely audible, "I feel this overwhelming guilt. I understand it was my duty, but it still gnaws at me."
"It would be strange if you didn't feel something after taking a young girl's life, even if she was a cultist," Sari replied, her voice gentle and understanding.
Brekan continued, his words filled with a sense of injustice, "It felt so unjust and unfair. That girl was probably vulnerable, and the cultists exploited her. If someone had paid closer attention to her problems, maybe she would have had a chance. It reminded me of our own upbringing."
Sari's eyes flashed with a hint of frustration. "You can't save everyone, Brekan," she asserted firmly. "Your duty is important, but so is your own happiness."
Brekan grappled with his conflicting emotions, torn between his duty and his love for Sari. "My parents sacrificed everything, even their lives, for the Sun Kingdom," he explained, his voice heavy with a sense of obligation. "I can't turn my back on their sacrifices."
Sari leaned in closer, her tone now laced with determination. "I'm not asking you to forsake your duty," she declared. "I want you to consider your own well-being, your own happiness. Your parents made their choice, and the people of the Kingdom honor their sacrifice every day. But that doesn't mean you have to lead a miserable life."
Brekan felt the weight of her words, and guilt gnawed at his heart. Sari's wisdom struck a chord, even though the sense of duty ran deep within him. "I've witnessed the darkness that threatens our kingdom," he admitted, his voice quivering with inner turmoil. "The cultists, the traitors, they lurk out there, preying on the vulnerable. I can't simply turn my back on that."
Sari briefly closed her eyes, her expression a blend of frustration and acceptance. "I understand," she whispered. "But I hope that someday, you'll find a way to strike a balance between your duty and your own happiness."
He held her soft hands tighter.
"You know how I feel," she said. "My plea remains, and it always will."
Brekan remained torn, as he had been so many times before, caught between his unwavering duty and his love for Sari. Her invitation to marry was still enticing, more than enticing; it was everything he had ever yearned for. But the weight of responsibility and his deeply held beliefs burdened his heart.
Brekan summoned all his willpower to contain his emotions. "I am committed to protecting you and every innocent soul in this Kingdom," he declared, his voice brimming with unwavering determination.
"I know," Sari replied, her voice filled with gentleness and understanding. "And I know you. That's why I love you. A noble warrior, tirelessly safeguarding the innocent." A gust of wind tousled her hair.
"The lives of the many outweigh the life of one," he cited the Codex, his voice barely a whisper.
Guilt welled up in Brekan's chest. Sari was his wellspring of strength, the beacon of light in his life. Her happiness and safety were his deepest desires. But how could he find happiness when the lives of so many others were constantly threatened?
Sari closed her eyes and leaned against his shoulder.
Brekan whispered, "I'm sorry." They had circled this issue countless times before, and it always led to the same impassable impasse.
Brekan understood that Sari wanted him to leave the Inquisitors and embark on a new life with her, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. His sense of duty to the kingdom ran deep, and he firmly believed that only the Inquisitors could protect the people from the cultists and traitors.
For a brief moment, they sat in silence, watching the city of Iskanda stir beneath them. Regret washed over him like a tidal wave. Had he truly made the right choice all those years ago?
Sacrifices were imperative for the greater good, he reminded himself. Only then could others find their own happiness. In the midst of chaos and death, happiness remained elusive for all.
Brekan released Sari's hand, severing the flow of warmth and energy that had passed between them. It left him feeling cold. He stood up and said, "My shift begins soon. I have to go."
Sari nodded, her eyes shimmering with tears. "I'll be waiting," she said, her voice filled with love and sorrow.
He turned away and walked toward the exit, leaving behind the woman he loved. Each step hurt more than the last.
The city's crystal lights outside the big windows bathed Brekan's apartment in a rainbow-colored glow as he entered. The kaleidoscope of colors from the crystal lights outside bathed his apartment in a surreal tableau of shifting hues that played tricks on his eyes. Brekan trailed to the window, his steps heavy. He dragged his feet across the floor, shoulders slumped, and a deep sigh escaped his lips.
Because Brekan lived in one of the highest apartment buildings in Iskanda he could look down onto the bustling streets and glistening crystal lights of the capital. Like thousands of stars they pierced the darkness of night. Augo were buzzing through them like fireflies.
Brekan had been on vacation in several cities of the Sun Kingdom but this one was the Jewel of the realm. The culmination and peak of Avalian history.
He staggered a few steps back and sank into his leather armchair. Its earthy smell mingled with the sweet and sour aroma of Zirkana fruit. It always awoke in Brekan a feel of nostalgia. He closed his eyes, letting memories flood his mind. His thoughts drifted back to moments of his father, who used to sit in this chair every evening. His father would always eat and savor Zirkana with delight and contentment on his face. It was a simple pleasure that left a lasting impression on Brekan. The air had always been infused with the tantalizing aroma of Zirkana fruit, a dance of sweet and sour notes. He could almost feel the textured skin of the fruit under his fingertips, smooth and cool to the touch, as he remembered peeling it in his father's presence.
He opened his eyes and his gaze settled on a small clock made from Kaliba Wood. It was a precious relic from his father's days as captain in the army, when he was deployed on the eastern border beyond the Sunthorn Mountains. Brekan had always been fascinated by its delicate craftsmanship and the complexity of its wood marbling.
As Brekan relaxed in his armchair, his thoughts wandered back to this morning and Sari. He recalled the day he had first met her, the woman who would become the central pillar of his life today. He remembered his early days in the orphanage, a period marked grief and sorrow after his mother's death. His heart had been filled with sorrow and futility. It was during that grim time that Sari had entered his life. Despite herself losing her family, she had been a ray of light in his dark life. She gave him solace, friendship, and then… love.
Brekan's lips curved into a faint smile. Her kindness and compassion had helped him adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings. She had been a beacon of hope and love.
Brekan's grip on the armrest tightened. With every passing year since then his own love for Sari had grown stronger. He wished he could marry her, make her his wife and be the best husband he could ever be.
He remembered the day they had found a godfather for him. Brekan had been fourteen. At that time he already was deeply in love with Sari and reluctant to leave her side. But when he learned that his godfather was going to be an experienced Inquisitor Brekan didn't hesitate. He wanted to protect Sari and everything she stood for. He wanted to protect the innocent. Like his mother and father did. He had lost his parents and had to become strong enough so that he would never have to lose the woman he loved.
Brekan's memories merged with the city's lights and started to swirl around him. Turning into a tapestry of moments that had shaped his life and the choices he had made.
Brekan took a fathomless breath and rose. He grabbed the Clock and walked to the cabinet. After he put it down where it belonged he listened to its soft ticking. His gaze wandered to the various items displayed on the cabinet.
Resting right beside the clock was a casket containing the wedding rings of his parents.
A portrait of Brekan's parents on their wedding day hung on the wall above it. His mother wore a pure white wedding dress and held a ceremonial Sun Kingdom at her side. His father was wearing shining silver armor, raising a Sun Sword in a gesture of honor and duty.
Brekan smiled but it quickly drowned in bitterness. He moved along the cabinet, his fingers tracing the edges of more mementos. At the end of the cabinet he picked up his favorite childhood toy: a miniature Augo. Distant memories of simple joy passed by like a warm summer wind.
Brekan put the toy back down and looked at the child's drawing beside it. It showed his badly drawn parents.
The final item on the cabinet was his father's Sun Codex. A text he knew by heart. It contained the laws and rules of the Sun Kingdom. A sacred guide every member of the guard, military, Inquisition, and government officials had sworn an oath upon. The oath to protect the people of the Sun Kingdom, to stand against its enemies both within and without and to submit to the greater good.
Brekan's gaze lingered on the Codex. He felt the weight of the Sun Kingdoms tradition, honor and duty. And he also felt pride. The principles contained in this tome were the foundations of his life.
But as his feeling of pride waned a bit a storm of conflicting emotions started to rage. Memories of his parents, his love for Sari and his role as Inquisitor clashed and churned in a whirling tempest.
Brekan felt the room close in on him. In a burst of anger and bile he hurled the Codex across the room. It slapped the opposite wall with a loud thud, the pages fluttering like an injured bird.
His chest heaved and he shook with frustration, grief and uncertainty. Brekan ground his teeth, clenched his fists and tried to regain control.
His gaze fell onto the newspaper that was laying on the counter. Two people killed! Cultist activities increasing rapidly!, it had written in bold letters on the front page. They didn't get a choice, Brekan thought.
He walked over to the wall and looked down onto the Codex. The symbol of duty and honor lay discarded on the floor. After a few breaths he bent down, closed the pages and picked it up. Some pages were creased and some had torn corners. Brekan scolded himself. "I lost it."
He placed the Codex back on the cabinet. The exact place it had been before, next to the cherished keepsakes of his parents. He glanced at the portrait, his parents still frozen in a moment of commitment. "Just as you did", Brekan said, "I am going to honor the ideals of the Sun Kingdom."
Overwhelming tiredness gripped him. Not of the body, but of the mind. He felt it was maybe time to visit his parents again. It had been a while.
After a final look at the portrait Brekan turned away. He left the cabinet and the torrent of emotions behind. He dragged himself into the dark bedroom and fell into his bed. In mere moments, sleep pulled his mind into darkness.