Chapter 122 The Power of Lies (1/2)

Both Arran and Lord Sevaril were quiet during the carriage ride back to the castle, Arran still thinking over the events of the day, and Lord Sevaril engrossed in his own thoughts

Now that he thought he understood the true purpose of Panurge's food, Arran was convinced he had been on the losing end of the deal He had sold Lord Sevaril what amounted to an army of Body Refiners at a price of less than a quarter Essence Crystal per soldier, and although Arran had little idea of the value of soldiers, he suspected it lay far above what he had received

But then, Arran had no use for an army — he had neither soldiers to train nor lands to conquer, and the thought of leading a band of brigands or oal was to increase his own strength, and for that, the Essence Crystals were infinitely more valuable than the food had been

And when he considered the matter, he was certain that even if his treasures orth a higher price, there were few places where he would have been able to sell them Within the Empire, it would surely have drawn the Academy's attention, and on this side of the border, he knew no one other than Lord Sevaril who had both the means and the desire to raise an arht about it, the more satisfied he becas hadn't exactly gone according to plan, but the result was still a good one

When they reached the castle and entered the keep, Lord Sevaril finally spoke again From his expression, it seemed as if he had sniffed out an opportunity and was intent on fully seizing it

”This friend of yours,” Lord Sevaril said ”The one who gave you the treasures Who is he?”

The question was unwelcome, but not unexpected Arran knew that Lord Sevaril would want to know more about his mysterious backer, and he had already prepared answers

”He carries many names,” Arran said with a forced chuckle ”But what I can tell you is that he has interests on both sides of the border, and that he is looking to secure new allies”

”Allies?” Lord Sevaril replied, his interest obvious ”Then he has aion?”

”His aion,” Arran replied ”But he has the power to match them”

”That htful nod ”The truth is that I have been looking for allies, as well I built this city froion has grown restless in recent years, and it's a matter of time before the unrest spreads to Goldhaven”

”Is that the reason for your help in curing the Sixth Valley's Patriarch?” Arran asked He was hoping to shi+ft the conversation away from his lies, but he also found himself curious about the motivations of the man in front of him

”It is,” Lord Sevaril replied flatly ”Until his sickness, the Patriarch was one of the few allies I had in the region When he fell ill, it was a great loss”

”The other factions haven't approached you?” Arran was surprised that Lord Sevaril illing to discuss the situation so openly, but he would not pass up the opportunity to learn more