399 Truth of the Greis Elves (2/2)
With Eedaj pausing so often, Jack found a moment to ask, ”And what skill is that?”
”Cerebral Collapse…” answered Eedaj. ”It renders the brain malfunctional, leaving behind memories but also leaving it unable to activate any motor skills or even speak. All the victim can do is move their eyes, that way they can watch me inspect their minds thoroughly, ripping their consciousness apart bit by bit… And thus was the fate of the sixth god, and the fall of my people…”
Jack swallowed some saliva and asked, ”Do you think Lyrun had a hand in--”
”Yes,” Eedaj answered before Jack could finish his question. ”Don't fall for his ploy. I've heard what Sterfen had to say about Lyrun acting as a rebel in secret, but I refuse to believe it.”
”Why?”
The fury in Eedaj's eyes returned. ”Because that's who he is. I may be branded as the great manipulator of the mind, but he's the greatest manipulator I've ever known. And should someone he knows, especially a mutant younger brother, show more potential than him, he'd rather plot in secret than let the world know his true colors. He's more loyal to Halmut than anyone, I've witnessed that with my own eyes before any other Neutral God had even became a godly candidate.”
”I see… Then, you never managed to find your people after that?”
”Eventually, I did,” stated Eedaj. ”But they had already taken to new customs and called themselves something else. Most had forgotten that they once had their own proper language, let alone how to speak it… And the few tribes I had found that retained our language and most of our culture weren't being targeted by anyone. So… I decided that it might be best for them if I didn't get involved again, keeping a target off their backs.”
”But…” Daliea spoke up with a shaky voice, ”You said you were the first… Doesn't that mean they're your family?”
Looking Daliea in the eye, Eedaj sighed as a shiver ran down his body. ”I lost my family to that foolish beast… And considering the spite that already existed between us and the other elves, I felt it was best that they don't bear the added resentment. But I also didn't know that you would get hunted again… I'm sorry for not protecting you as I should have.”
”It's okay, Palpo.” Daliea got up and sat beside Eedaj. ”Even though we were scattered, we're back now. That's all that matters, that's what you said.”
”Dhendi…” Eedaj wrapped an arm around Daliea and leaned his forehead into hers. ”Thank you…”
”I'm sorry, Father-in-law,” Jack bowed his head to Eedaj. ”I'm the reason you remembered all those old feelings, forgive me.”
”You're not to blame, Jack. I would be curious too, it's only natural,” Eedaj replied, lifting his head. ”If anything, now you understand that I will never again trust Lyrun, and I don't think you should either, no matter what anyone else says.”
”Then… what do we do about Lorwynn? He's Lyrun's disciple.”
Eedaj shook his head with a frown. ”I tried to warn him, but that young mage refused to believe me, ignoring all of my warnings. He had finally escaped Lyrun's control, so I can only hope that he remains outside of it from now on.”
”Well, it's getting late, so we should get going. Thanks for sharing.” Jack again bowed his head. He then looked to everyone else, adding, ”I think it's time we get some rest.”
Everyone stood and bowed to Eedaj. However, Eedaj kept his arm around Daliea. The god asked, ”Dhendi… would you mind staying here tonight? I have a spare room ready and I can prepare you some classic Greis dishes.”
”I'd like that.” Daliea smiled and looked to Jack, stating, ”I'll be staying here tonight if you need me.”
”Sure thing. But next time, I'd like to try the food too,” Jack laughed, waving goodbye as he led everyone else out of the room, leaving the father and daughter to share some ancient traditions and tales.