Chapter 35 - The Confrontation with the Past (1/2)

Persephone

There was an image at the center of the page. It was a black ominous shape. From what seemed like a head peered out blood red eyes. It bore into me, looking for the best way to torture me. The image sent shivers down my spine. It felt visceral, imbued with a primal fear. Despite the small size, it seemed to dominate the entire page, drawing all eyes on it. With a image like this, I shuddered to think what the real thing was like.

Xavier slammed the book shut. With a burst of rage, he threw the book back at Carolinus, it impacting against the chair behind Carolinus with a heavy thud. ”Are you trying to pour salt into old wounds?” There was a hint of violence in his voice. His murderous aura returned, darkening his face and the room.

”So it was this.” Carolinus remained calm, speak with a tone that merely suggested a satisfied curiosity. He picked out the book, setting back on the table, flipping it back open to that page. ”995 men. This thing killed 995 of the best in three days, by itself.” His voice was filled astonishment. He stared into the page, studying every word on it.

”Praise the gods that it is gone!” exclaimed Epoch. His eyes flickered around the room quickly as he said that. There was an uneasiness about him that was always present. He never sat still, always looking around. It was fairly obvious that he was nervous about something. Carolinus was right. Epoch would make a terrible liar. His emotions are like bright flares at night on his face.

I wanted to see what the others thought about all this. But as I glanced around the room, I saw that it wasn't much use. Solskin had his eyes closed, muttering to himself. He looked like his mind was ready to melt from running a impossible obstacle course. Savah was even worse. He wasn't even thinking, ȧssuming a complete spectator role. He leaned against the wall, mesmerized by the dumpster fire of a conversation.

With a look of helplessness, I turned back to the conversation at hand. Xavier was still staring daggers at Carolinus while Epoch drummed his fingers against his ancient tome. Carolinus, sensing the tension, looked up again, meeting Xavier face to face. ”Shut the door!” he barked. The guards, shaken from the shocked stupor, immediately slammed the door shut. A lock automatically fell into place, giving out a loud click.

”Xavier, as your older brother, I am going to ask one last time. Will you come back?”

”Carolinus, you should know me. I never, never, change my mind.”

”That is unfortunate,” Carolinus let his hand fall to his axe. ”You know, you are technically a deserter.”

”Try me.”

Weakly, Solskin stood up finally. ”Can we all just drop the weapons?”

Solskin

I felt dwarfed by them, like a little child trying to stop his parents from arguing. My blood ran cold from the intensity of the argument. My sword shook at my side, my hands trembling with fear. I gripped my pants tightly, trying to calm my nerves.

Carolinus got up slowly. His every movement had a slow deliberation behind it as he ambled his way over in front of Xavier. Side by side, I could notice quite a few differences. Carolinus seemed much more aged, as if he had the world weighing him done. His build was larger than Xavier's, but it had an unmistakable presence about it.