"I know your father,Gillian," Pato said as his expression turned soft.
Gillian was stunned. His father died when he was born and after a few years, his mother went missing. He grew up in the local orphanage. "You know my father?"
"Yes, he was a member of the Selestial Council. It's no coincidence that the artifact chose you. He hid the artifact to keep it away from those who misused the powers. He instructed me to guide you for a day like this."
He was surprised at the revelation. "Why didn't you tell me? You should have said something."
"I am sorry. It wasn't intentional. You possess a strong bloodline and that's why you're on this quest. The artifact can choose anyone but...with you, it's different."
"I don't understand," Gillian said in bewilderment.
"With the artifact, you'll stop a secret organisation that has threatened the existence of mankind."
"And what's Xerxes' part in all of this?," Gillian questioned.
Before Pato could give him a reply. The alarm intensified and both of them ran outside. The settlement was in disarray as their swords clashed against Xerxes' men.
The battle was fierce as they fought hard to defend the settlement from Xerxes' men.
Ever since Xerxes won the war against Malador, a kingdom which comprises little villages, he dismissed the Malodor army and placed his men in charge. He ruled the kingdom with tyranny and killed anyone who opposed him.
Now he wants more: Gillian's new found powers.
As they pressed harder, Xerxes' men retreated, leaving the settlement.
Some of the men defending the settlement were injured. His eyes scanned the settlement, he could not find Klarissa.
"Where is Klarissa?"
Pato sheathed his sword. "We'll find her."
Someone ran past them, the hooded advisor from Felix's council. Gillian's eyes narrowed. "That's the traitor working for Xerxes!"
They dashed off in pursuit of the traitor after a while, they caught up with the traitor and Gillian wrapped his arms around the hooded figure and they both fell to the ground, rolling on the hard earth.
Gillian's back hit a large tree and he winced in pain. Pato walked towards them, panting. Then he dragged the traitor up who squirmed under his touch. When Gillian stood up, he saw Felix, Klarissa and some men running towards them.
As they got close, they stood, watching curiously to see who it was.
Gillian dusted off the dirt from his body, then in a swift motion, he pulled back the hood. Revealing the face of the traitor.
Felix's eyes widened in surprise and Klarissa gasped in shock. "Delphi?, Shit!" Klarissa palmed her temple, trying to calm her raging nerves.
Gillian looked at Klarissa and then the traitor, Delphi as she tried to hide her face in shame. "You know her?"
Klarissa nodded grimly. "She is my sister," the words came out in a rush.
"Your sister?"
Klarissa held Delphi's arms tightly as her breath was hot against Delphi's face. Her face was contorted in fury. "Delphi, how could you?" You betrayed this settlement."
Delphi burst into tears. "It wasn't intentional," she whimpered.
Gillian raised an eyebrow which almost touched his hairline. "Are you being serious right now? You almost got us all killed. And you stand there to say it wasn't intentional."
"Xerxes, yes, Xerxes made me do it. He kidnapped my daughter and he threatened to kill her if I didn't give him information about the settlement. When I saw Gillian join the settlement, I told Xerxes everything."
"What is he planning?," Gillian asked in rage.
Delphi became silent as she twisted her fingers together.
Felix drew closer to her. "Don't keep us waiting, Delphi. What is he planning?"
She swallowed hard and wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt. "The other night, when I went to supply him with information about the settlement, I overheard him saying that he will use Gillian to get the elixir of life."
Felix let out a throaty laughter as he threw his head back. He wiped the mirth that had gathered in his eyes but he couldn't help it as he continued to convulse in laughter. He raised his left hand. "Sorry about that. Did you say the elixir of life? Don't be silly Delphi. The elixir of life is just a tale used as a bedtime story to entertain kids. Nothing more."
"I heard him say it," Delphi protested.
Suddenly, everyone started talking at once which made Gillian stare in confusion.
"Hold on everyone. Can we stop bickering like kids? I need someone to answer me. "What is the elixir of life?"
"It contains the elements for immortality. If what Delphi is saying is the truth, then I think Xerxes needs the artifact to show him where the elixir is located."
"I don't believe the elixir exists. It's just a fable," Felix reiterated.
Klarissa turned towards him swiftly. "Xerxes doesn't waste his time on trivial matters. If he is looking for it, then it exists. He needs the artifact which has been imbued with Gillian to get the elixir. Therefore, we can let him win."
"You're right, such powers in the hands of Xerxes will spell doom for what is left of humanity," Pato chipped in.
Delphi's eyes glistened with tears. "Please, my daughter. We can't leave her with Xerxes, he'll kill her."
Klarissa rubbed her shoulder gently. "We will get her alive. Just do as instructed."
Delphi nodded. "Thank you. I am sorry for everything. I acted blindly."
One of Felix's men interrupted their discussion. "Sir, we captured one of Xerxes' men. Am afraid there is bad news."
They all swept their gaze at the guard as they heard his words. Their faces held a look of anticipation.
"What did he say," Felix asked.
"I think it's best if you hear it from him," the guard said gravely.
They followed the guard to a dimly lit room where the man was chained and bound to a chair. He was bleeding from his nose. And a jagged scar ran across his left cheek. His head was bent by the side and his eyes half closed.
Felix slapped the man on his head and his head snapped up.
"All you have to do is tell me the truth," Felix spat.
"You don't know what you're up against," the man sneered.