Chapter 68 The Promise that could be broken (1/2)

It was just before the Winter Solstice that Zaroth managed to take a second batch of samples from Rassa. It'd taken longer than usual because Rassa had taken to attacking the guards to get small sips of blood. Not enough to kill them, but enough that it not only took longer for him to starve, but it was also more of an effort for Zaroth to get anyone to enter Rassa's cell.

It was how Rassa liked it. He'd found he preferred their fear now. He'd once said that fear made them cruel, it felt like a lifetime ago now. But what Rassa had learned was that fear also made them wary, and if they were wary, they weren't eager to come anywhere near Rassa, let alone be cruel to him.

Besides, the darker part of Rassa, the part that had become stronger since his imprisonment, found itself enjoying the fear in their eyes. Enjoying their utter hopelessness when encountering Rassa's predatory instincts. The only two people that seemed to still tolerate Rassa's presence if not enjoy it, were Zaroth, whom Rassa would rather not have around, and Aegin.

The Winter Solstice came, and with it Aegin blew in like the shadow he was getting better and better at becoming.

Aegin knew the tunnels and mine shafts like the back of his hand now, he usually visited Rassa first before reporting in to Zaroth. This time was no different. But his clothing was.

Rassa tilted his head as he appraised Aegin who stood on the other side of the bars.

”New uniform?” he asked.

Aegin, who no longer wore a mask as he had before, smirked as he sat down cross-legged in preparation for his usual talk with Rassa.

”I passed the advancement tests, so I'll be given more official missions now,” Aegin said, ”You should wish me a happy birthday as well”.

Rassa rolled his eyes, ”You say that like it matters”.

Aegin's smirk dropped, ”It does matter, too old and I loose my value, too young and I'm incapable of carrying out the tasks assigned to me”.

Rassa was silent. He'd meant it didn't matter to him, but he hadn't actually told anyone he was immortal yet despite the hints he'd left behind. So far no one seemed to have worked it out though. He could see Aegin's point of view. Had he still been human, Rassa probably would have worried that the rest of his life would be spent in this cell, but he wasn't. Coming to terms with that reality had helped his mentality immensely. This wasn't his end. Though no promises that it wouldn't be the end of anyone else.

”Well, whatever, how've you been?” asked Aegin.

Rassa knew by now that Aegin meant to ask whether or not Rassa was being fed regularly.

”I make do,” Rassa replied.

Aegin sensed the story behind that, and suddenly realised why all the guards had been so wary of coming near this tunnel, let alone the cell Rassa dwelled in. He'd witnessed it on the way down, how the guard patrols grew less and less regular the further into the mines he went.

”Slaves not enough for you?” asked Aegin. He didn't mean it in a malicious way, in fact, he sounded vaguely amused.

”I figured by now they would have taken the hint I don't like Anthrite, yet I'm still stuck in here,” Rassa sighed.

Aegin nodded. Wasn't like there was anything he could really do about that. He was under orders. They were silent for a moment, then Rassa spoke up again.

”Being a Man of the Ridge, is it what you want?” asked Rassa.

Aegin frowned, ”What do you mean?”

”I mean have you ever thought about doing something else with your life besides serving a man who would use you as cannon fodder at the drop of a hat?” Rassa elaborated.

Aegin was silent for a moment, ”I didn't think you knew what being a Ridge Man meant...”

Rassa looked over at Aegin, ”I know a lot more than you think”.

”How much more?” asked Aegin.

”Enough to know that your employer shouldn't inhibit you from asking questions,” Rassa said, ”Those who are inquisitive and curious and can think for themselves serve a better purpose than those who are essentially trained dolls. A leader should not be afraid to allow his subordinates to think for themselves. After all, a leader who leads dolls doesn't get very far”.

”Perhaps you don't know who I serve, or else you wouldn't say that,” Aegin replied.