The Forsaken Hero

After I left Trithe, I retreated to my quarters and collapsed to bed, tossing and turning until the Sunpurge allowed me to sleep. Nightmares colored my sleep, but I felt better than I had for days the following morning. I was surprised, however, when I received an invitation to meet with Lord Griffon following breakfast.

The maid ushered me to his private study, where I found him scanning a scroll. His study was large and spacious, dominated by an imposing oak desk and brightly lit by several crystal chandeliers. Bookshelves lined every available wall, adorned with thousands of books, their titles ranging from political commentary to theology.

He glanced up as we entered and gestured to a padded chair across from him. The maid gently shut the door behind me, leaving the two of us alone. Tentatively, I sank into the chair, my heart aflutter as I settled into its luxurious cushions.

”Xiviyah, the Fate Hero,” he murmured, laying aside the scroll and folding his hands. His gaze locked onto mine, unwavering. ”Thank you for accepting my invitation this morning. I trust your accommodations were sufficient?”

I nodded shallowly, the tip of my tail twitching from a sense of expectation and tension in the air. After a long, searching pause, the Lord cleared his throat and relaxed his posture.

”I must request your forgiveness for my inappropriate question yesterday. It was not my intention to drive you from the banquet, and as your host, I deeply regret my actions. The dance that followed was enchanting, and many of our soldiers were disappointed by your absence.”

”Then it might be for the best. I wouldn’t know where to begin-” I started, but he raised a hand.

”It’s not about the dance. You saved lives yesterday, and none of our men will forget it. We were ill-prepared for the assault on the Demon Gate and nearly paid a steep price for it. During our concluding war council last night, Commander Riven described you as an indispensable asset for the war, and I concur. We’ve conveyed this in our report to the Divine Throne, and I hope you receive due recognition.”

”Thank you for your consideration,” I replied, attempting to keep my response neutral. His eyes narrowed as a hint of despondency crept into my voice.

”So that’s how it is,” he said, stroking his beard. ”It seems the Sun Hero’s tale wasn’t all arrogance and alcohol. In that case, I can only give what little my domain has to offer. Is there anything you would ask of me?”

His heartfelt gratitude warmed my heart, and I allowed myself to relax further into the plush cushions. ”If it’s not too much to ask, I would like access to higher circle magic. As you heard last night, I’ve had little time to prepare for my role, and my selection is small, far more limited than a mage with my ability warrants.”

He frowned, brow creasing as he fell deep in thought. I held my breath in nervous anticipation as he tapped his fingers together.

”Very well. We have a few spells spells that might pique your interest. However, spells above fifth-circle are considered invaluable treasures, so I can’t part with them easily. But I believe I can persuade our branch of the Mage Council to lend you some. The Sun Hero’s path intersects with our city after you complete your duties in High Valley, allowing you to return them then. Does this arrangement suffice?”

I exhaled a sigh of relief and nodded enthusiastically. ”That’s more than enough. I was worried I’d be stuck until we returned to the Divine Throne, so this is far better than I imagined.”

He smiled, genuinely pleased by my reaction. ”I’m glad to hear that. I regret that other matters require my attention, but please know that you’re always welcome in our city. If you ever find yourself in trouble, our soldiers will offer you shelter, regardless of the adversary. We owe you at least that much.”

”Thank you,” I began, standing to offer him a respectful curtsey. My words hung in the air, incomplete, but I couldn’t fully express the depth of gratitude in my heart. Their kind reception and support had exceeded all of my expectations, kindling a hope that one day, there might be a place I could truly call home.

We left Viriden several hours later, having restocked our supplies and bid farewell to the Crimson Guard. As the carriage rumbled through the swamp, I hugged my satchel to my chest, eager for the time I could begin studying the newfound spells. Soltair and Trithe shared one side of the carriage, while I sat beside Fyren.

Our journey passed mostly in silence, affording me the opportunity to study one of the fifth-circle Life spells Lord Griffon had given me: Regenerate. This spell, an advanced version of Restoration, could heal permanent damage, including lost organs and limbs. Not only did it sound crucial for our upcoming battles, but I hoped that a deeper understanding of Life Magic might offer insights into curing the Sunpurge.

I was starting to grow accustomed to the perpetual ache, but the smallest provocation could set it off. During those moments, I could only grit my teeth and endure. The pain was so great it prevented me from so much as summoning my mana, let alone defending myself should the need arise.

After what felt like forever, we re-entered High Valley territory. The road ran parallel to the river, and I entertained myself by watching the barges pass by. My thoughts drifted back to the bridge, where something had beckoned to me. Although my recollection of the sensation was faint, It tugged at my mind like a familiar itch.

I glanced at Fyren, who dozed with his head against the carriage wall. If anything, it reminded me of the chaos within his soul. I hadn’t pressed about it further, and I felt reluctant to delve into his soul using the Eyes of Fate again. Just the mere sight of that internal storm was enough to throw my soul into disharmony.

Just thinking about it caused my mana riot, and I looked away, feeling a twist in my stomach. But the sensation persisted, and my mana grew increasingly unstable. Suddenly, my eyes snapped open and I leaped to my feet.

”Aegis!”

Scarcely had the glowing shield appeared around our carriage then a tremendous explosion engulfed us.

The horses’ screams and the coachman’s shout vanished in the roar of the flames and the bursts of pressure seeping through the shield. Cracks appeared in the Aegis, spiderwebbing across its surface until it threatened to burst. Seizing the precious moments the spell had bought us, I conjured a Fire Shield, reinforcing our defenses with more potent magic.

”What’s happening?” Soltair gasped, jolting awake.

In an instant, the flames vanished, leaving the ground charred for fifty feet in all directions. Only a small circle around the carriage remained untouched, where the verdant grass of the overgrown road abruptly ended, replaced by ash.

”We’re under attack,” I gasped, clutching my arm. The frantic horses had jolted the carriage, and I collided with the wall, causing searing pain in my shoulder. As Soltair and Trithe burst from the carriage, Fyren helped me back into a seat.

”I-I’m fine,” I groaned, wiping tears from my eyes as the pain receded.

The carriage shuddered again as the coachman fought to regain control, and the adventurer grabbed my arm, steadying me. ”We need to leave,” he said, wrapping his arms around me.

Before I could catch my breath, he propelled us out of the gaping doorway and into the air. We landed gracefully, and I summoned my staff, leaning on it for support. With me no longer aboard, Fyren unsheathed his sword, and we joined Soltair.

”At last,” the Sun Hero exclaimed, his face lit by a boyish grin. ”Bandits. I’ve been waiting for something like this to happen!”