55 A Druids remorse (2/2)

'Yes, it is I, Rarsu.' The voice answers as it agrees with Rarsu's confirmation. 'As long as the sparrow is within close range, I have the power to speak with anyone at that proximity telepathically. Also, you are gripping the bird harshly. Kindly release the poor thing.'

Rarsu absentmindedly nods in response as he did so.

The sparrow was clearly relieved that it was out from the scaly uncomfortable clutches of the lizardling's hand as it catches its breathing.

\”*Chirp!!!* *Chirp!!!* *Chirp!!!* *Chirp!!!*\” The sparrow is now seen with an angered look, evident by its multiple tweets of annoyance and its action of pointing the lizardling accusingly with one of its wings.

\”*Hiss!!* It's not my fault that you are eavesdropping suspiciously you stupid bird!! I have every right to be distrustful.\” Rarsu seemed to have understood the creature's rants, all thanks to his class which allows him to comprehend some of the animal languages, in this case, a bird's.

'Still the same young Rarsu, I see.' The High Druid chuckles heartily inside his mind. 'I'm glad that some things never changed.'

'What do you want old fool?' Rarsu instantly assumed a serious expression with his tone aggravated, not sharing the same feeling with the man. 'I assume you are not here for some heart to heart talk.'

'I see.' The High Druid said sadly. 'You still hold some resentment against me.'

'What do you think?' Rarsu responded to him with only irritation. 'Now tell me, what's your business here before my patience runs out. I can only assume it's about my new elven apprentice, right?'

'Correct.' The High Druid replied. 'I couldn't help but also overhear about your conversation with the elf and his cat-folk companion, thanks to my mental connection with the sparrow. As a matter of fact, I've been tailing the young boy for quite some time even before when he arrived in this town. I could not help but be impressed by the remarkable display that he has been showing during his endeavors. How he saved a village with his wits by misdirecting the bandits with false information and his invention of some new form of entertaining dancing at this town's tavern the other night ago.'

'Yes, yes, the cat-folk filled that gap to me about the elf's deeds during the time when the latter passed out.\” Rarsu answered. \”So, this means that you know of Gray's legendary status, huh.'

'Indeed.' The old mage answered in agreement 'As such, it would be best if you hand the Paragon over to me. I can train him even more properly in the magical arts and grant him the necessary knowledge in his fight against the terrible darkness that will occur in the near future.'

'And what? Let him be another puppet for you to easily dispose of? Just like her? I refuse.'

'So, you are still caught up in the shadows of the past.' The old man's voice felt grim. 'You do know that her actions were of the utmost necessity to save our order. If it weren't for Amiyah's noble actions, then-'

\”DON'T YOU DARE FUCKING UTTER HER NAME WITH THAT HYPOCRITICAL TONGUE OF YOURS!!!\” The Lizardling instinctively yelled out loud upon hearing the woman's name. Despite being in a telepathic conversation, he completely loses himself in a fit of boiling emotions, causing him to express his rage vocally instead.

He then realizes what he has said harshly shortly after as it was unbecoming of a normally collected individual like him. As such, he opted to recompose himself with a series of breathing as he held his chest and went back to communicating mentally.

'I believe we are done here.'

The High Druid absolutely disagreed with him, his tone pleading in an effort to reason with the lizardling.

'But Rarsu, you don't know what is at stake here!! The Paragon, the prophecy stated in the grimoire, we need to set aside our differences for the sake of this entire land!!'

'I said, we are done here.' The lizardling simply said to the old man, not wanting to hear anymore what he is going to say. 'I'll be a better master than you will ever hope to be.'

The dark tension in the room seemed to have become heavier as both druids felt the obvious animosity between them, mostly being emitted as the High Druid felt the sheer negativity inside Rarsu's mind.

'I see.' The High Druid simply stated. 'Very well, I'll respect your decision as you were once one of my prized and beloved apprentices and thus, also more than capable of teaching the elf. But I'll be sending some form of my assistance, to at least aid the Paragon in his later undertakings.'

Rarsu merely said nothing with a dejected frown.

'Then, I suppose this is goodbye.' The High Druid said with slight remorse. 'I'm not asking for your forgiveness but I hope one day that you'll see reason. I only hope nothing but the best for this land and I'm sure even you of all people know that.'

And with that, their mental connection was cut off as Rarsu's state of mind was back among the living.

After that, he turns his sights at the sparrow as the creature could not help but be unnerved by the look that it is receiving from the lizardling.

\”You,\” Rarsu spoke up with a deep serious voice, causing the sparrow to flinch. \”If I'm not mistaken, then you must be one of the High Druid's new protege, correct?\”

\”*Chirp!!*\” The sparrow nods proudly in response, standing tall and proud.

\”Then a word of advice for you.\” Rarsu retains his frown with his arms crossed. \”Leave the Order while you have the chance. The High Druid may look benevolent on the outside, but he is nothing more than a cowardly old fool who will not hesitate to use everyone close to him in furthering his goals.\”

Before the sparrow is given the chance to retort, Rarsu was having none of that with his foul mood. He then channels his wind magic once more and lifted the bird, directing the creature away into the window going outside.

\”Amiyah.\”

The lizardling could only utter the woman's name in sorrow, his expression filled with pure grief.