37 Johns Melancholic Memories (1/2)

On the night of the proposal, John is brooding over the mother's temperament. 'That you're willing to protect your son at all costs is admirable. But the future you seek for him...' he contemplates solemnly. Sighing his thoughts turn to the last days of his life.

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A few months before the end the sects head summoned the branch chiefs to give them the bad news. As the leader of the gardening branch of the sect, John too was scheduled to attend. Normally he wouldn't be invited to important meetings but today was different.

The sect head was a graying old man whose skin seems to be melting off his bones. John thought the ancient man couldn't look any older then he did. But the recent events proved otherwise. The sect head was haggard and downtrodden as the branch chiefs file in.

The mood was dark as everyone had heard the rumors of Terry Lohkam deranged proclamation. Everyone took their seats at the ancient meeting table. The sect head stood and solemnly looked at the men and women around him. He'd seen many of them grow up and sacrifice to reach here.

With a voice that sounded like crackling leaves the sect head solemnly addressed the chiefs, ”I'm sure you've heard the news... I'm afraid it's all true. It hasn't been too long since the Lamenters war and now this.” He sighed, looking into the distance as if he could see all those he'd sent to their deaths.

The chief of the right a muscular man pounds his fist onto the table. ”If that little bastard dares to come here we'll rip him apart!” he rages. ”Yeah! That's right sect head don't look so down,” some of the other chiefs cheer in confirmation.

The chief gestures for them to settle down. He then says, ”I'm glad your all enthusiastic. Still, we shouldn't underestimate our enemy. Many of you are new to your positions. You should all make your own preparations. I trust you all to perform admirably.”

After some planning and coordinating between the branch the heads started to file out. As John stood up to leave the discipline head remarked, ”Why did you even bother to come? We might as well cut our own stomachs if we need help from you weaklings.” As he walks by he rudely shoves John not Showing him any respect.

John sighs as he rubs his head. He then continues towards the door as the Chief finishes speaking to the head of the library. ”Come here. I want to have a chat with you as well,” the chief says while gesturing for John to come over. ”Chief,” John says while saluting. He then moves over while some of the other heads sneer at him.

As John nears the old chief eyes focus on him. ”You shouldn't listen to them. While their talents may be beyond you, there are few that can match your accomplishments,” the chief consoles John. John shakes his head and responds courteously, ”Chief there is no need to flatter me. I know my abilities quite well.”

The chief gives a rattling sigh. ”I mean it. Just surviving the Lamenter wars is accomplishment enough. Also, you've stayed in the gardening division your whole time here. Most would have long left when they had the strength. Well, other may not appreciate it I do. To have someone who is knowledgeable and strong enough to be a head in this position is rare,” the chief praises him.

”Thank you chief. Your words make all the trials worth it,” John said with a slight smile. He isn't feeling very comfortable about this conversation. 'Is he trying to butter me up for some bullshit mission,' he wondered.