Chapter 33 - The Struggle Within (1/2)
Solskin
The inn became eerily silent, as if everyone could feet the oppressive mood exuding the counter. The clinking of beer mugs and plates became subdued, and nearly inaudible as I listened into Solskin's conversation with the barkeep.
”Erik was a good man. I'm sorry; I can't tell you any stories about him, he got transferred before I could fight with him at my side. I remember that he always said, 'Life is too short. Live it without fear or regret,'” the barkeeper said softly, conscious of the mood and fatherly gentleness blanketing his tone.
”Já… Já. He said that a lot.” I remained quiet, my mind elsewhere.
Persephone was also staring at me with a sisterly concern. She reached out to pat my shoulder, but stopped just short. A brief look of frustration flashed across her face as she let her arm fall limp at her side. She leaned in, whispering in my ear, ”He must be proud of you.”
She got up, turning in for the night. I never realized how late it was, remaining there with the barkeeper until the sun rose the next day.
Mordred
I was sitting in my jail cell again. Through the mirror in the corner, I could see my new demonic body.
”This is not artistic at all,” I pouted sarcastically, trying to keep up a good mood. ”Red scales really don't go with fleshy pink.”
”It's all shades of red, why does it matter?” The voice said. I snickered. The voice came from the other side of the cell. I didn't know who he was, but he was the only person who would hold a conversation with me. ”Here, I managed to grab what you wanted.”
From under the door slid a few pencils and a notebook.
”Thank you,”
”No problem, this place really is hell. Any comfort is needed.”
”You don't seem like a guard. Who are you?”
The voice hardened. It was almost like he was in pain, spitting out his words with regret and self-loathing. ”A sinner. A murder. What else do you need to know? I kill people.”
”And?” I questioned plainly.
”What?”
”Well, I can't picture you as a cold-blooded murderer. You are too nice.” I snorted. ”If you hate killing so much, then why do you do it?”