“C-Carlaylin…” He said with a shaky voice. Tears streamed from my eyes and I had to fight back my ever-keen will to cry, but alas I couldn’t help but let out a reluctant sob.
“I knew it.” I tried to gather myself, but my voice was frail. “I knew it.” I was on the verge of breaking down. Sooner than I could predict, I burst into tears. Through my sobbing I tried to manage my words, not daring to leave him so clueless as to what I meant.
“I’m Carlaylin Thorel. I’m Carlaylin Thorel!”
Cassius’ eyes widened for but a second before he calmed. He wasn’t as shocked as I first anticipated him to be. I saw more a look of realization in his eyes than anything else.
“C-Carlaylin?” his voice had almost left him.
“Yes! Yes!”
I saw what looked like a faint smile tugging on his lips, but it was soon interrupted by a wince of terrible pain that caused his body to jut but slightly upright.
He pulled the dagger from within his chest and let it fall to the ground. He grasped at his heart, but he slowly fell back down again with me lending him a gentle helping hand. I cradled his upper body in my arms.
My eyes couldn’t leave the sight of so much blood welling from his fatal wound.
“Y-You look just like your…m…mother.” He forced a smile along with a terrible coughs, more blood running down the side of his mouth.
My heart ached, more than it had ever ached. I bit down on my lower lip, trying to subside its quivering, but it was of no use. My stomach twisted into endless knots and it felt as though I had swallowed a marble.
“Please don’t leave me!” I begged. “I only knew you for so long!” Cassius didn’t reply, but I saw as the life slowly drained from his body. His entire body was cold.
“Please,” I whispered. Cassius weakly took my hand in his.
“H-How…could I have been…s-so foolish not to realise?”
“Don’t say that! I have been the foolish one! Besides, where do I go? I don’t want to leave you! Not now! We barely know each other.”
He brought his weary hand to my drenched cheek wiped the tears from my face. Before he could take his hand away, I grabbed it and held it in mine, pressing it against my cheek. I sniffed.
“We might not… have had much time together, but… I’ll always be… in your… h-heart.” I shut my eyes tight.
“M-Merlin…” I heard him muttered and I opened my eyes, frowning questioningly.
“Murray?”
“Y-Yes,” Cassius couldn’t help but cough several times. I tried to help ease him. He tried to continue, “your grandfather…h-he’ll explain all. At least…y-you will have him…”
Murray’s my…? No, no time to ponder on that.
I shook my head dejectedly, refusing to let him drift away from the material plain. A sense of panic settled over me as he only weakened with the passing of time, the colour draining from his face with every second running away, his breathing getting heavier and his heartbeat growing slower and slower and… slower.
Not to mention the large pools of blood surging from his chest. His voice grew softer, slower, more silent and more inaudible as his eyelids grew heavier.
“Whatever happens… I’m… p-proud… of you.”
Slowly his smile faded, his eyes closed and his body went limp.
“I still need you! Please, Dad!” It felt strange to be able to call someone a father for a change, but warming and comforting all the same, but what would that matter now? I didn’t have that chance anymore. I burst into tears as Cassius – my father – died and took his last breath.
My true father… dying in my arms…
I tried my luck at trying to revive him, trying to heal him, trying to bring him back, but it was all useless! I couldn’t so much as ignite a white spark in between my fingers. I gritted down on my teeth and grunted with frustration. Through my crying, I cried, “Come back!” but as much as I hated to admit, there was nothing more that could have been done now. As much as I hated to admit it, my father was gone, dead, passed away, too far away to be saved by any form of magic. Being poisoned is one thing, but being murdered with fatal wounds is another…
***
Time had flew me by and carried the sun further across the sky. At long last I had recollected myself – hardly – and gently rested his head on the soft grassy meadow, spears of the setting sun lancing down from between the roofing branches and leaves, like dancing specs.
I withdrew the sword he had once gave me from my belt and stuck the blade into the ground next to him, letting all my rage out along with it. Tears ran down my cheeks, but I was done crying. I couldn’t anymore.
I ripped off a piece of my shirt and bound it around the hilt, observing as the long piece of tattered material waved gently in the currant of the wind.
I knelt in front of my father and bowed my head, closing my eyes as I gave a silent prayer, jadedly saying but a single sentence in the dragon’s tongue, “Por nius fastun ma sala beca casdin...”
May life forever be in your soul…
CHAPTER 38
BETRAYED
TERROWIN
The evening was silent – an eerie, unwanted silence left to linger about. There was little sound. My ears listened as the horses trampled the large stone bridge with their hooves and carriage wheels rolling by.
The giant walls of Hayley, Ysellian’s capital, grew larger as we approached them. I sat on the back of Thomason’s horse, both my hands tied up. My gaze was dropped down to the ground, riddled with the glint and sheen of shame, despair and regret that so constantly washed over my mind. My words were left stuck in my throat and I could only think of the moment I would be forced to meet my father’s eyes again.
I was far from prepared.
Thomason let his horse come to a stop at the entrance of the great Haylian gates. There he looked down from the horse and upon a guard keeping watch over the colossal gates.
“Open the doors.” The guard nodded and didn’t hesitate to follow his orders. Thomason was a well-known figure in the kingdom… unfortunately.
The gates gradually opened with a groan and revealed a large and beautiful city. The streets were crowded since it was market day. People wandered about and bought goods and wide varieties of foods. Even some of the guards felt the need to browse the stalls, keeping law and order all the same. As Thomason entered the city with his men on their faithful horses, people came to a stop and stared at us. They especially focused their eyes on miserable ole me, most likely scratching their heads in question to where I’ve been for the past few months and or why my hands were tied up and why I was kept captive like a slave on Thomason’s horse.
I tried my best to avoid eye contact with absolutely anyone. Problem was that most people already knew me as the commander’s son.
They knew me too well…
We moved through the streets and came to a halt in front of a gigantic mansion – my home. I came from a… rich and noble family, even though sometimes I wished for a simpler life than this.
It was my home, yes, but I didn’t exactly feel much at home. Not anymore. It didn’t have that same feeling of comfort and safety it used to have.
Thomason and the others dismounted.
Before I knew it, he grabbed me by the arm and hatefully pulled me down. I fell to the ground in a crouch, trying to keep my balance, but I struggled to rise back onto my feet.
Bounded hands never made anything easy.
The soon as I was on my feet, Thomason saw the chance and kicked me on the back, causing me to stagger forward, falling at the foot of the stairs.
I tried to get up and found myself sitting on my knees and a burning wound on my forehead from the fall. A trickle of warm blood ran down my head. I tried to keep my vision clear. All the same, I tried not to curse Thomason.
A sound of a door bursting open came from above the widened flight of outside stairs. I hung my head, but slowly raised my gaz
e, seeing my father hurrying his way down.
He came to a stop in front of me. I didn’t dare look into his eyes. I couldn’t look into his eyes.
An expression of hatred was plastered to my face.
At first he gave Thomason his greatest gratitude, turning to me thereafter. He knelt in front of me, raising my head by the touch of my chin. I found it difficult to stare into his eyes. Part of me kept trying to avert my gaze.
He looked at me with such disappointment that it stung. Impatiently, he waited for an answer, but I didn’t reply or respond in anyway but by my detestable glare.
“How could you do something like this? I thought I lost you this time.”
He had a hint of worry in his eyes.
“By the likes of you, I wish you did.”
I stared bitterly at him. His expression turned livid and he stood, ignoring my words and managed to keep most of his anger hidden within the limits of sight. But it soon subsided when he found something missing. His expression turned into concern.
“Thomason, where is Cassius?” Thomason feigned a grim look, dropping his gaze for a truthful effect.
“I am sorry, but he didn’t make it.”
Father worriedly scanned the troop of soldiers in hope to find him hidden within, but there was no sign.
“What happened?”
Absentmindedly, Father gave a step closer.
“A bear attacked us on our way. To save your son he perused it on his own. He managed to kill the beast, but couldn’t survive the wounds. He’s a hero, Rowan. He saved your son’s life.”
It looked as though Father’s legs would give in at any moment now, but they didn’t. He stumbled to the side and tried to support his weight on the railing that supported the set of stone stairs by each side.
“No,” he whispered, unable to take it all in. He was lost in grief and melancholy. It was true that Cassius was his closest friend and most valued companion, above all and above anyone else.
Yet again, Father knew what was best and changed the subject. Swallowing, he shot his gaze to me, spotting the wound on my forehead and, may I guess, the same to my bloody shirt to where the wound on my arm was.
“Did the bear harm you?”
I gave a careless laugh.
“Not even the faintest.” I looked around and forced out a teasing crooked half-smile.
What I was about to say could be suicidal by the likes of Thomason, but I was too enraged to care.
“Thomason kicked me. I fell and my head hit the stone roads. And my arm? Well, shooting me with an arrow to freeze me in my tracks seems to be the new method,” I spat, keeping a fake smile. It wasn’t a very good fake smile. I wanted to make sure that my father saw the ire burning inside of me
Thomason was rather shocked, stunned for the moment, but quickly recovered with a laugh and said, “Ah, ole Terrowin, always one for humour.” Unfortunately, Father seemed to believe Thomason’s lies, but a frown soon appeared when he noticed the rope bound around my hands.
“Why is my son tied up?”
“He was quite difficult and tried to escape. I am sorry, but this was our only hope of getting him here safely without much trouble.” Father gave me a questioning look.
“No, I have been treated like a prisoner ever since I arrived… just the usual,” I retorted hatefully.
“Thomason, is this true?” Thomason gave a smile of respect and a slight bow.
“Of course not, Rowan, you know as well as I do that I would never tell a lie to you.”
“Your whole life is a lie,” I said plainly. “Father, you have to believe me. This man is a traitor!” Father found it difficult to decided, but soon made a choice to which he would believe and put his trust in.
“I am sorry, but I cannot believe you after all you have done. I believe only Thomason.”
I gritted my teeth in anger and raised my voice.
“How can’t you believe your own son?” Father didn’t reply and just simply gestured his guards to lead me inside to where we were bound to have a long and vile discussion. I knew now that if I told him the honest truth that he wouldn’t believe me. Nevertheless, he might’ve been a pain, but he was still my father and it was my duty and pledge to warn him about Thomason’s true intentions. I would be sure to let him know, one way or another that won’t be suicidal considering Thomason’s temper and immorality
Problem was: Thomason had already won too much of his trust…
***
One of our servants took care of the wound on my head and soon my father met up with me inside. Only, I didn’t feel safe with two of Thomason’s guards guarding the doors. They had their ears ready, listening intently to whatever I say and making sure that I won’t cross the line and blurt Father with the cold hard truth.
I didn’t say but a single word ever since I entered our manor. I think my father became annoyed by my actions until I shook my head, crossed my arms and said, “I was there myself. Do you really think I would lie about all of this?” Father didn’t reply, but only kept staring disappointedly at me with folded arms, just as I.
I sighed and rolled my eyes.
“Just punish me now and spare me this unwanted conversation.”
“You think that this is just a joke, Terrowin?” I narrowed my eyes.
“To be honest, I’ve been all and straight serious these days.”
“Do you know about my concerns?” Father continued as though I haven’t said anything.
“No, I guess I wouldn’t.”
“What were you doing in Thorodan? And that girl - who was she?” I sighed uncaringly and impatiently tapped my foot on the red-carpeted surface.
“No one you would know.”
“Tell me! Who is she?” I snorted miserably, but anger soon caught a good hold on me. My face flushed red.
“I told you, no one important, but what I do wish to know is why my brother is dead and why you signed me over as a slave to Brendwin?!” Father’s eyes widened.
“What?”
“Drop the act, Father! Yes, I overheard you whilst passing the inn! How could you? Letting your only son left be taken prisoner to work as a slave?”
He was nervous, his eyes jumping around the room for an acceptable answer.
“But I-”
“No! You don’t love me. You NEVER did!” I saw how Father calmed down, his shoulders slumping, an expression of regret appearing on his face. There was a moment of silence as Father took the moment to think about this. He dropped his gaze to his feet and gave a soft sigh.
“I’m sorry. I let all my anger, fear and sorrow get to me and let it all out on you. Something I shouldn’t have done. I’ll tear the contract and get the armies ready for war – for battle. I just don’t want to lose you again.”
I could see as he came closer to embrace me, but I hesitated and shook his hand instead.
Gently he placed his hand on my shoulder, his stern eyes staring deep into mine.
I thought about this and knew I couldn’t let the whole Ysellian suffer just because I denied my fate, no matter how much I truly hated it. I knew what had to be done.
“No.”
Startled, Father raised his gaze and focused it on me.
“I can’t let Ysellian suffer just because of me. Send me away if you must. Do not let this fall into the hands of war.”
“No, I’m not going to let this happen. Besides, Brendwin would anyway turn traitor and attack Ysellian even if so.”
I mouth fell open in disbelieve, raising both eyebrows.
“If you knew this, then why did you sign that freaking contract in the first place?!”
“It was a chance. Besides, I was under kill pressure.” I sighed loudly and tried to ignore this. From whom you, might ask? This is only of my father’s knowledge, not mine.
“You still haven’t answered my question,” Father suddenly said, also looking for a way to change the subject as it so seems.
/> “Who was that girl?”
“As I told you before – it is no one important,” I snapped, “It’s just… Carlaylin, a girl who works at the Sleeping Goblin’s inn. No, wait… the Sleeping Dragon’s inn. We’re friends. That’s all. Now leave it.” Father frowned suddenly, me feeling the regret of mentioning all of that. I wasn’t thinking straight. My anger had really clouded my mind and I kept no secrets…
Father’s expression was that of realisation as he stared off into the distance, looking as though he was in a deep trance.
“The same girl who eavesdropped on our conversation?” he muttered to himself.
Oh no.
“A conversation not meant to be heard.” I cursed beneath my breath, regretting my words more and more.
“Ah, the same girl I saw helping you with your… wound.”
A voice suddenly said from the side. I shot an immediate look at the double door entrance and saw Thomason standing there. Hatred grew within me and I couldn’t help but scowl at him.
“She must be taught not to meddle with other people’s affairs.”
I anxiously threw myself at him, but Father caught my arm and stopped me from doing so.
“No! Don’t harm her!”
Father exchanged glances between us, deciding his next action.
“I beg of you. Leave her alone. Kill me instead if you must, but leave her alone!”
“You heard him, Thomason. By my orders I forbid you to kill her or even bring a slight chance of harm to her. You are not to harm but a single hair on her head. Is that clear?”
My father loosened his grip on me and I subsided, even though I knew Thomason couldn’t be trusted.
Thomason forced out a smile, but I could see devilish intensions in his eyes, not to mention the loathing of working under my father’s orders.
“By your orders, Commander.”
Instantly he shot a look at me and met my eyes.
“I see you have feelings for her, but does she have the same? She ran away and left you.”
I clenched my hands into fists with the rage that so boiled my blood, but Father put his hand on my shoulder as a sign to stay calm.
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