48 Explosion (2/2)

I had seen Corytheius sit in this chair many times before. 700 years ago Corytheius's core was almost shattered in the fight to defend the Geodenisis Arboreth. Even with repeated use of the Geodenisis Arboreth sap it never fully repaired. This made it harder for him to store sun energy. The amount of sun he could get naturally simply wasn't enough. Ever since, he's needed sun stones to keep him functioning. Even more troubling, over the years he has needed more and more.

Most forests don't have areas that produce sun stones. However, this forest borders many plains and has a few clearings that can produce them. This is actually why an important Grand Elder was located in such an obscure village far from major G'eth centers. The mission the warriors just returned from was to retrieve some newly found sun stones from a clearing further south.

As I looked closer at Corytheius I noticed a few scorch marks that were slowly healing on his legs and torso.

Grief overwhelmed me.

I should have been here.

I could have prevented this.

I owe my life to Corytheius, I never should have left.

Corytheius noticed me, ”Valerian? Why, have you, returned?”

”I... I have important news, but it can wait.”

Silence swept the room.

I felt guilty, ”I'm sorry... I should have been here.”

Corytheius let out a deep sigh, ”No. Valerian, we discussed, this. You have, a greater purpose. That human, Troy, there is, more to him, than meets, the eye, he has, a great destiny.”

”I know, I'm grateful to Troy and I want to, but...”

”Valerian, do you, remember why, I picked you, back then?”

”I remember...”

When the other Grand Elders realized a bud had absorbed the last bit of poison from the attack on the Geodenisis Arboreth they wanted to let it die. If a bud is not picked in time it will wilt, eventually dying. This is almost never allowed to occur, but they were going to make an exception. When Corytheius heard, despite his condition, he traveled the long distance to the Geodenisis Arboreth and picked the bud himself. He assured the other Grand Elders that he would take care of it and train it. That one day it would save all G'eth.

When I was old enough to understanding, he told me the story and said he picked me because I had a greater purpose. As much as I wanted to stay with Corytheius, I couldn't doubt his judgment. It'd be the same as admitting he was wrong to save me 27 years ago.

Silence lingered for a moment before Corytheius spoke again.

”Now, what news, have you brought?”

I quickly began to relay everything I knew about Black Lion Village, Ward, Morrow, Sauer, and Cratagus. Troy told me to tell Corytheius everything, even his personal goals. It surprised me how much he trusted us.

”Interesting. What do, you think?”

”Troy's plans are always ten steps ahead of everyone else. He has a powerful desire to get stronger, but he won't sacrifice the weak or innocent for it. He's willing to kill, but only those who are a danger to himself or others. I trust him with my life.”

Corytheius smiled as if he already guessed I'd say that, ”And the other humans?”

”Troy fears they pose a threat, but he hasn't seen our true strength. I don't think it's a big deal, but from what I've seen humans have the ability to improve quickly.”

Corytheius nodded, but a painful expression appeared and he grabbed his torso.

”You need, to return, to Troy, but first, talk with, Castor,” Corytheius looked at an area to my left.

For the first time I noticed we weren't alone in the room.