The Lightbearer's Gift

I was alone in a small room in a shallow meditation. Everything I could desire was provided to me by elven servants. Sianna and Endali were busy politicking, the council of matriarchs was still ongoing and had been for over six hours. Lilian was busy socializing; she was garnering considerable attention due to the majesty of her shadow cat. I had my pieces on the board now and I didn’t want to add anymore complications by taking new lovers or making deals with elves I didn’t know. So, I requested privacy and left instructions to not be bothered unless it was important.

“Pardon Moon, you have a visitor.” A voice said, there were no doors in these dwellings.

I opened my eyes to see Neakle, she was an elven equivalent of a teen. The cartilage in her ears had yet to fully harden and they slightly drooped; She was adorable. A shameful thought entered my mind when I first saw her. Would this be what a daughter of my own would look like? I imagined instead of her brown locks and emerald eyes, the white and purple of my own. Why in the world am I having so many thoughts about having children? I need to leave these elves as quickly as possible.

“Really now, it must be someone important.” Neakle beamed with an exuberant and almost conspiratorial smile, that reminded me of Benny.

“It’s Kerelia.” She said in a whisper.

Now that was interesting, I would have assumed that she would be a second to her mother during the council. What in all the world would she want to talk about? I considered if she had harmful intentions then abandoned that idea. If the daughter of one of the accused tried to assassinate me, during the council no less. Then I could bury their entire clan, elven law was just that brutal.

“Send her in and bring some Guyara.” I said to Neakle. She nodded and ran off with a hop in her step. I had rather enjoyed the drink. It didn’t do anything on a biological level beyond what normal caffeine did. And with my constitution it didn’t really aid me in any real way. What I did like, however, was the overwhelming sense of nostalgia that came over me every time I drank it.

The room I was in was considered one of the best in the dwelling, but it was rather utilitarian. A cushion to sleep on, a small desk, a table with a few two chairs and even an attached wardrobe. There were guards, but the idea that an elf would break the peace seemed to be a concept that wouldn’t even be considered.

Neakle walked in, carrying a silver platter with two steaming porcelain cups, followed by Kerelia. She was dressed in the same, simple, but well-made dark blue tunic, with her black hair in a tight bun. These elves really didn’t have any sense of fashion. I had switched to my more impressive ensemble. Comprising of a purple and silver close-cut doublet and high collared overcoat. It made me stick out like a sore thumb.

“Do join me.” I said. At the same moment I got up off the cushion and made my way to the small table. Kerelia gave me a nod and in short order we sat down, our drinks were served, and Neakle left the room.

“I am surprised you decided to converse with me.” She said and took a small sip of the brown liquid.

“Why would I not?”

“Our clan's actions lead to the death of your apprentice and harm to yourself. Most would not drink with those they consider enemies, regardless of the accords.”

I smiled and said. “I wouldn’t if you were guilty, why bother conversing with someone who will die in short order.”

She flinched at my callous tone, but I continued regardless. “Neither through my own resources nor Endali’s were we able to determine if you were involved. So, for the moment you are only the child of my enemy.”

“Some would say that is enough cause for hate.”

I really dislike these personality tests, but she wants something. Before she asks, she needs assurances, which likely is the reason for this discussion.

“I hate those who deserve it. Mindless hatred is for children and fools.”

She chuckled without humor and said, “I expected that answer to some degree. But I must ask regardless, do you hate clan Lit’havn.”

“No, but I will take my pound of flesh for the crimes against me. Once that is finished the rest of the clan will bear no enmity from me.”

She was about to say something, but I cut her off. “I will kill Xalia, your mother and matriarch. Perhaps this will forever cause your clan to hate me and perhaps they will seek vengeance. In that eventually, to end the cycle of vengeance, I would have to end clan Lit’havn.”

She didn’t bat an eyelash at my threat, only nodded in acknowledgement.

“By your power I can assume that you do indeed stand a strong chance at victory, for the love I still bear for my mother, I will not tell you of her abilities. But in the case that you do end up dying, I want to settle all dealings.”

I had no idea what she was talking about. What dealing?

“Explain.” I commanded.

She had a playful smile on her lips. “I am here for my Su’ran. You promised two, yes, for what price Sianna did not mention? One is for me.”

Is this why Endali and Sianna were so cagey on who the Su’rans were going to. I suppose I could see why. This is a first step to douse the flames of hate that could spring up due to the duels.

“The other is for Boriel’s heir?” I asked.

She nodded, “Yes, we spoke in short before the council, not long after your speech. My compliments by the way. The other matriarch’s are thirsty for one of their own. Though Lilian’s beast is even more impressive, especially the control she has. In a few decades she could grow into one of the fiercest hunters in the clans.”

“How long have you been in contact with Sianna?” I asked. I did not like being left in the dark about these things.

“After the failure of the second assassination attempt. Your words and rumors of your power were starting to spread as well as the potential harm in having you as an enemy. A change needs to happen, who better to embrace this change than the clans who held the strongest opposition”

Apparently, my dislike of being left out showed on my face. “No need to be offended, Sianna wanted me to see the surprise in your face. This proved two things to me.” Kerelia said.

“And what did you find?” I asked neutrally.

“One: You can be reasoned with. Two: You are true to your deals. It has been mentioned many times that once you strike a deal you will never betray it. Even now, after the crimes my clan has committed and the slight by Sianna to not forewarn you of my visit. You will still provide the enhancement.” She explained confidently, and she was correct. I disliked how Sianna decided to play this.

A part of me was suspicious that she was involved but again, nothing even close to proof was found. It wasn’t until Endali explained that it was common practice to completely isolate an heir from plans that could result in a situation like this, that I started to accept the possibility that Kerelia wasn’t guilty.

In fact, from the brief conversations I had with other elves, her lack of guilt wasn’t surprising. I suppose she could be lying, but that would be stupid. One conversation with Endali or Sianna, who were currently in council would be enough to verify her words. I’m sure the clans will be awash with rumors of her visit and her receiving an enhancement for her Su’ran. If Endali and Sianna wanted to avoid gossip, then they should have included me in this little plot.

“Why aren’t you a second to your mother?” I asked.

“She doesn’t want my open support and wishes to forestall any suggestion that I am supporting her defense. Even if she wins the duel with you her reputation is in shambles and even worse the clans do not want her to win; your speech tipped the balance..”

“Her loss in either case.” I said in understanding.

“Tell me Moon.” Endali said, grabbing my attention. I gave her a raised eyebrow in response.

“You hold no reverence for our ways, yet you are abiding to the accords.”

“Is there a question there?” I asked.

“What was offered to you? As far as I can see you are not the type to bend to rules that no one has the power to enforce on you. Either you were given something of value or there is something else you desire, that you cannot get with threats.”

I considered her for a moment, then abandoned thoughts of her being of use to me. I didn’t know enough about her, and I didn’t want to complicate my alliances. I’ll leave Sianna and the rest to hand things with the elves. I have far too many things on the fire as it is. I downed the last sip of Guyara before I stood and said.

“Let’s see to the Su’ran then.” She flinched at how abruptly I cut off the conversation.

“Very well.” Kerelia said.

30 minutes later we were in a small clearing where clan Noct’hum’s Su’rans were grazing. I could even see the large form of Sianna’s, towing over the others. We got some odd gazes as we walked through the clan, but none seemed hostile, just confused. It was near sunset and the council meeting was still ongoing. Through some stupid custom or another I wasn’t allowed to attend. I didn’t really care. So long as they gave me what I wanted little mattered to me. In truth I was beginning to tire of the elves and their strange ways.

Kerelia started singing in a slightly different tone than Sianna, though still beautiful. A single Sur’an came running over. Its brilliant white fur and metallic antlers were mesmerizing in the setting sun.

“How does it work?” Kerelia asked as she ran her hand along its neck.

“All you have to do is place your hand. I will do the rest. A small amount of your life will be used to forge the bond. Worry not, as I have said before. It is like taking a bucket of water out of a great lake.” Her instant hesitation at the proclamation that it would cost her some of her life, decreased a bit, but didn’t disappear.

“You control life itself. Quite the potent power you have.” Kerelia said. She did as instructed and placed a hand on the flank of the Su’ran. I began the process for a third time. In quick order it was completed, and animal was writhing on the ground in agony.

“The process takes time but worry not for its life.” I said over the sound of the creatures bleating. It took well over an hour until it finished. And the same bond was forged as all the others.

“Moon!” I heard from behind me. I turned to Lilian atop her shadow cat sprinting towards me across the field faster than even the Sur’an. She had to be close to 90 miles an hour, the beast skidded to a stop and she hopped off her face beaming with excitement.

“The council is over. The duels will take place at sunrise.”

A silence fell over us as Lilian informed me. I felt odd. I presumed that I would feel relief, anticipation, fear, vengeance was so close at hand. Yet I felt almost nothing, killing these elves was just another task that needed to be completed.

“Thank you, Lilian. I will prepare myself.” I said.

Then I turned to Kerelia. “I desire privacy so I will have to bid you a good eve.”

I left the two elves behind without another word and headed to my room. I wanted to contemplate my feelings.

I didn’t regret my actions in the slightest and no part of me was opposed to the act of killing. So, what was it that caused me unease? No, I was lying to myself. I did feel regret, but not for this action. Everything fell together as Endali and Sianna wished. Their opposition will be eliminated, enemies will become friends, and they can begin gathering power. All of this was done through my capitulation. What did it cost me? A small amount of power. A bit of time. I know the secret of royal mithrite and now have a path to finding the truth of myself. Not bad for only a week and a half with the elves.

Was I so arrogant that even getting what I want from a method not of my own design, bothered me? Even if I did indiscriminately slaughterer, I stood to gain less than I did now. Yet there it was, I disliked getting what I want on another’s terms, through another’s plans. I was a pawn to be played on Sianna’s chess board and she played me well. Then there was that being and his advice.

I felt like a pawn on an even larger board. I took a deep breath and released the growing frustration I had been feeling since being with the elves. They were too foreign, too different. Even if I was an elf in a far distant life. I still didn’t feel like I was one, not truly. The dysphoria at my own reflection was long gone but now I felt it again while being amongst the elves.

I didn’t speak, talk, or walk as they did. I hated this sense of doubt and hesitation that was welling up in me.

“Enough wallowing.” I said aloud.

I was in my room in a shallow meditation. Dressed in my full armor with my staff across my lap. I had both amplifiers on my hands and was as ready as I could be for battle. Baelathor was circling high in the sky. I banished the feelings. They were a weakness I didn’t need at the moment and settled in for a calming meditation.

“Moon it is time.” A voice said.

Sianna was standing in front of me, her eyes focused and worried.

“You look concerned?” I asked.

“You could actually die in this battle. Power alone does not dictate victory.”

“You are correct. But in truth I’m not going to lose. If I must abandon my honor to survive then so be it.”

Sianna’s eyes tightened. “You would violate your own terms?”

“To survive, yes. If you believe that I subscribe to the idea of death before dishonor. You have not been paying attention.”. I got up off the cushion. I stretched and got a satisfying pop out of my neck. Sianna did not look pleased. Did she really think I would die to preserve my honor?

An hour later.

The Fields of Honor was a massive clearing of land exactly as the elder described. Nothing but a large expanse of grass. The duel had some pageantry. The participants would meet in the center of the field, accept the terms and it would begin. Sianna, Endali, Leithani, Lilian, and dozens of other elves rode to the center of the field. I was riding along with Endali once again. I could just start to make out Xalia’s group and the overly large Sur’an of Kerelia. Already in the center there were 10 elves dressed in fine robes. The other matriarchs I presume. In the distance amongst the trees, I could see probably a thousand elves watching.

The two parties were dismounted and met at the center. I finally got a good chance to see my opponent. Xalia looked magnificent.

It was the first time I had ever seen an elf in plate armor. It reminded me of the armor I found near Wigmore. She wore an entire suit of scale armor. Thousands of individual pieces of steel shaped to look like drake scale. Above the scale was a suit of half plate designed to protect only vital organs and to not disrupt mobility. Under her arm was a helmet with cut outs for her ears. Everything she wore was enchanted, especially her sword. The way the ether rippled around it reminded me of the mage killer. I smiled; by the rules of this battle that entire suit of armor along with everything else she wore would belong to me. Underneath all of that I could sense a powerful etheric gem around her neck. How glorious would I look in full royal mithrite?

Xalia herself didn’t look angry or filled with hate, just determination. Rumors were that even if she won this duel she would relinquish her position to Kerelia. It seems she intends to prevent further deaths since I would have to do this again and no one in their right mind would want to fight Baelathor.

The same overseer from the day before was standing between us in his black robes.

“Moon, Xalia step forward.”

We did as instructed, and met in the center.

“Through a unanimous decision Xalia has been found guilty for attempted murder of another elven. As well as a secondary offense of killing that elven’s apprentice. Both parties have agreed to the terms put forth and a duel of honor will occur this day. The terms are as thus, a duel between Moon and Xalia with all weapons and armor but no mounts. Do both parties affirm this decision.”

The elf looked at us and we both said in unison. “Yes.”

“Then let it be known that both participants have agreed, and all must accept the outcome of this duel. Once the field has been cleared, we will begin.”

Then without another word everyone left but Xalia and I.

The overseer performed a light spell and a small floating light levitated roughly 100 feet into the air.

“Both combatants will take 100 paces away from the center. Once the light disappears the duel has begun. None may interfere and none may leave the field of honor until the duel has ended through death.”

Then without even a pulse in the ether the elf disappeared. Now I stood facing Xalia. She pulled a mithrite longsword from her waist, placed her helmet on her head, turned on her heel, and walked away. Her helmet only covered her skull but left her face bare. It was rather elegant. I followed suit pacing out 100 steps. In the distance around us well over a thousand elves were watching the duel. I turned around and watched the light.

It was a cool morning, and the sweet scent of the forest was relaxing. Xalia stood as still as a statue watching me from two hundred paces away. The time it took for the light to disappear was random. A minute passed. Then two. Then ten. Still Xalia did not so much as twitch. It was as if her entire being was focused for this very moment. Surprisingly, I was feeling excited. I have never craved battle in any real sense, it was just another chore like clipping a nail. Still, there it was. An anticipation and an eagerness to test myself against what is essentially a master elven mage.

The light went out.

Faster than thought Xalia, rocketed forward pushed by a pillar of water that wrapped around her chest like a cloak. In barely a fraction of a second, she crossed the distance between us, her sword pointed at my heart.

But I was no slouch, at the same moment four radiant lances popped into existence intercepting her path nearly 10 feet in front of me. She was dead. There was no dodging the pillars of light and not even enchanted plate would stand against something that burned hotter than the surface of the sun.

At least that is what I thought. In the barest instant before the lance was released, she changed direction and the pillars of light did nothing other than disintegrate the ground where she once was. I was surprised. That kind of reaction time was impossible. Right?

At an even higher velocity she made an ark wide arc around to strike from the rear. I summoned lances that should instantly kill her but each time her trajectory changed, and my lance went wide. With a massive burst of ether her speed increased and once again she rocketed towards me, sword first, aiming for my heart. I could of course change the orientation of the lances once I summoned them but not fast enough to match her speed.

Another four lances popped into existence this time targeting both her and her possible paths of evasion. Once again, to my surprise her movement stopped completely and she rocketed upright pushed by another pillar of water. It was the only path that would allow her to live. Then she retreated outside my range. Even during her retreat, I summoned nearly 50 lances pushing my casting speed to the limit but every time she dodged an instant before she was incinerated.

She left behind a cylindrical trail of water around chest width that hung suspended in the air I considered destroying it with a fireball. It was a strange mirror of her movement. But I was weary of the amount of ether that flowed within it. The entire bout lasted only a second. Such was her speed and my casting ability. I kept a close eye on her and switched my vision to the ether, weary of traps. There was a truly impressive amount of ether within the water. Slowly the water dispersed and drifted towards her.

Once more surrounding her like a cloak. I wasn’t going to let her rest, however. I summoned the two circuits needed for Meteor and began to charge them through my fire amplifier. The moment I did so she rocketed towards me again. Fire wasn’t my primary affinity, so my casting time was slower. I immediately abandoned it and switched to casting lances again. She was just too fast.

Then another bout began, this time she was persistent. Every time I summoned a lance she dodged it and I finally began to realize how. She, in nearly an instant, could examine the circuit and based on its orientation predict the path the lance would travel before it was released. That gave her enough time to change her trajectory. She had to do this in less than a fiftieth of a second for four lances simultaneously. She had to be perfect even a slight miscalculation would mean her death. Can someone really maintain perfection for so long? To my surprise she did.

“Amazing.” I whispered to myself.

Ten, fifty , a hundred , two hundred, five hundred. As the seconds passed, I summoned lance after lance. She would dodge and continue her attack from another trajectory. Above, close to the ground, behind. She could use that pillar of water to attack from any trajectory in 3d space. She grew so fast I couldn’t rely on my eyes anymore, just the ripples in the ether. I simply couldn’t turn around fast enough to track her with my eyes. Finally after 10 seconds and hundreds of lances there was a massive ripple ether and she disappeared. No, her speed increased to the point where I couldn't track her. I activated my radiant shield and pumped massive amounts of ether into it. In the same instant her sword connected. The amount of ether drained was staggering in fact. Still I dont think it could break my carapace with a single blow whoever it would send my flying. She was clearly aiming for my heart. A single killing blow that is how you kill someone with the healing abilities I have.

I turned around to see her held aloft by the pillar of water sword being held back by the shield. I’ll have to thank Duchess Shorcast for the gem since even with my insane stamina that sword would be a problem. She sustained the absurd pressure for a few seconds before retreating once again. Leaving behind a trail of water, instead of coalescing back into her cloak it wrapped around my shield, but didn’t drain any of its strength.

Even more water began to surround me until it looked like I was under an ocean. I was wondering how I would handle this before the water exploded. How exactly she turned thousands of gallons of water instantly to steam was beyond me. But even with fueling the shield with my amplifier the strain of sustaining the shield drove me to my knees. But my stamina was massive and with my amplifier she could hit me with a hundred of those and I’ll still have stamina to spare. This was something of a stalemate.

I stood up and contemplated what to do. I cycled through every spell I knew with her speed there was no chance I would ever hit her with a fireball or air blast. Perhaps I can try something else? It was rather inefficient though. I’ll just dial the power back a little. I just need her to get in close after all I don’t have to summon spells close to my body.

As soon as the steam cleared, I got a good look at the surrounding field. It was destroyed and I stood in the middle of bare earth brought to ruin from the force of the blast.

Xalia pressed the attack once again and it was my lances versus her speed. However, I only used three and left an overcharged air blast as bait and kept a radiant shield in reserve. Maintaining concentration on three different spell circuits while tracking her was challenging, but I was able to handle it.

The bout continued once again our duel was a combination of her insane speed and my unending lances. The field was lit up brilliantly as each lance popped into existence the pillars of water that marked her path refracted the light. It was beautiful in a way. Once again, her speed increased to the point I couldn't keep track of her with my eyes. I was ready she was going to strike from an unexpected angle. After fifteen seconds and hundreds of lances later she made her move. She came in from the left. Pushing my ability to the limit I dismissed the airblast and I summoned 3 lances nearly 30 feet behind her, an enormously inefficient endeavor. But she couldn’t see it which means she couldn’t predict their path.

She must have sensed the ripples in the ether and through what was either luck or precognition dogged towards the ground and retreated. Though not without damage half of her left ear was completely vaporized, there wasn’t even any blood. I smiled as I finally managed to land a blow.

When she was out of my range, she raised a hand and used some light magic to heal the wound. It was strange to see the spiraling green light.

Her breathing was heavy, but I wasn’t going to give her any reprieve. I summoned four, master level circuits. The Tornado spell was one of Benny’s favorites after all. Using her amplifier I charged them. Let her come, I'll release them regardless I can heal any injury and she would be caught in the wind.

Xalia, realizing the power that was going into the spells, responded in kind. Massive orb of water exploded around her and grew to nearly a hundred feet across. Then tentacles emerged from with massive spikes of ice on each tip. Each was as wide as a carriage and the spike must have weighed several tons. All four of them aimed at me. I released the tornados in her direction and the spiked tipped tentacles rocketed towards me. I activated the radiant shield I always kept in reserve.

The sound of the spikes connecting with my shield was enough to damage my ear drums. The sheer force with which they connected nearly made me almost lose control of the shield even with my amplifier. The massive orb of water was still there and I nearly lost sight of it as before the tornadoes popped into existence, then surprisingly they merged together. Creating a twister nearly 1000 feet tall. Earth trees rocks everything was swept away by the violent winds even hundreds of feet away I could feel the strain on my shield. I poured ether into the barrier and I could barely see the orb of water behind the wind and debris.

The howl of the winds were mildly terrifying. I could just make out the orb turning into ice before completely being absorbed by the twister.

I summoned four sun spells and charged them ten times over along with another shield. It was a truly absurd waste of stamina but I had an amplifier so what would have been nearly half of my total stamina drained was reduced to a fifth. After all the spells I had cast. I was down nearly 30% of my total stamina. I wanted to see just how much she could block with that ice orb. It took several minutes for the tornado to end. And I could see the orb was still mostly intact with Xalia in the center. I immediately released the four sun spells and made them flank her on all sides. Then I strengthened my shield until not even light could pass through. So, I was in complete blackness. While the four spells raged. I could feel the massive amounts of ether that was being drained to block out the light.

Unlike her I can heal practically any damage. Then I began to plan. Xalia always went for the killing blow, always to the heart or the last elf that tried to kill me also went for the heart. Perhaps it is their training? I smiled and used to use living ether to morph my flesh. After several more minutes the sun spells wore off and I decreased the strength of my shield so I could see. Xalia’s former massive orb of ice was reduced to barely 10 feet across. The entire area, however, was a molten ruin. Literal pools of boiling magma were all around me. A testament to just how hot that spell was.

AS much as master level spells were enjoyable, they were costly. Xalia didn’t hesitate though as soon as I dropped the shield she acted exactly as I expected. I suppose she realized she couldn’t match me with large scale magic. I had too much stamina compared to her. As limited as human magic was, it was no less deadly.

The duel renewed lances versus her speed. Even using the trick of summoning circuits outside of her view it was difficult to hit her. And after nearly 30 seconds all I managed to do was char her armor. Still, she didn’t stop, she kept up the insane speed dodging and retreating and attacking in the same motion, occasionally forcing me to bring up a shield in response. What was concerning however was the ether. She was channeling it into herself and her sword. She had to be preparing for an attack so I kept my senses hyper focused on her. How would she use so much ether? Then she moved for a frontal attack? This was perhaps her fastest speed, but I was ready. Then she cut off her attack before I had the chance to respond.

This continued for several minutes all the while we were at a stalemate though she was slowing down. And didn’t make any more risky maneuvers. What made me concerned though was the ether she had gathered. She hasn’t used it. What was she waiting for? I still had significant amounts of stamina and by the look of her she was running out. Even with the gem I knew she had on her.

Then in what looked like a desperation attack she blasted directly forward with her sword pointed at my heart. But she wasn’t as fast as before, I suppose this would be her end. There was a pulse in the ether so massive I could see it emanating from her. Then pain beyond anything I could imagine ripped through me and I lost control of my circuits. Blood vessels all over my body literally burst. I bleed from my eyes, ears, nose, mouth, even my pores. The lapse in my concentration was enough for her to strike and the mage killer, fueled by massive amounts of ether, tore through my carapace then destroyed the enchantments on my armor piercing my heart, burning the sword to its hilt in my crest.

At least that is what it looked like. After whatever that spell was, Xalia seemed drained of most of her strength and wasn’t fast enough to react. She fell for my trap in the end.

I grabbed at the only bit of exposed,which were her ears and immediately used my ability to sever the connection between her brain and spine. She crumpled to the ground, staring up at me with confusion. I still had a sword buried in my chest and my left lung was filling with blood.

I ripped it out and began the painful process of healing the wound. It took several minutes before I was no longer close to death, though I was still covered in my own blood and I had significant internal injuries, the sword not being the worst of it. After a cursory examination I realized I suffered massive amounts of internal hemorrhaging due to whatever that last spell was. Most of my organs were damaged. If she had actually hit my heart, I would have been dead, not even I can heal that fast. Xalia was completely paralyzed and though she could still use the ether she seemed resigned to her fate.

“I pierced your heart. Is your healing so advanced?” Xalia forced out.

I summoned 4 radiant lances and aimed it at her. Then I sat next to her head as she stared at the sky.

“No, it would have killed me. Not even I’m that good. During the sun spell I moved my heart to the right side of my chest. It was difficult but simple enough. You always aimed for it.”

She chuckled and said. “Clever, I would not have guessed that was possible. I suppose I have lost.”

“Yes, these are your last moments.” I said. Disappointingly I felt nothing, no great sense of victory or satisfaction that justice was carried out.

“I suppose my ambition was my downfall in the end. Over a century I worked to raise my clan to its position. We were the weakest of the clans and suffered the most under the royals.”

“I know the story. Sianna seems quite driven and Kerelia has a good head on her shoulders. I doubt your clan will suffer much.” I said.

“Yes, I know of her dealings, Kerelia is still young but has talent.”

I looked up at the blue sky thinking back to my apprentice. With a sigh I placed a hand on Xalia’s ear.

“I regret nothing in the end however, my orders were to capture your apprentice, not kill. Once you were dealt with she would be released.” Xalia said. I almost wanted to laugh at how casually she mentioned killing me.

“Intention matters little. She is dead, and you are the cause.”

“I know.” She said, sounding even more resigned. I dismissed the lances.

“Is an apology worthless?” Xalia asked.

I shrugged. Regardless; this was the end for her. But I suppose it wouldn’t be terrible to hear it.

“No.” I said.

“I am sorry for the death of Benny. Moon.” Xalia said, Sounding genuine.

Was this really genuine? I didn’t really know. I remembered what the being said about corrupted souls and how they formed. Would she become a corrupted soul, filled with anger and hate? I will never forgive her, but holding on to hate was just another weakness.

“All debts have been paid and after today. I will bear no hatred for your clan. So long as they do not seek further action against me, we will be at peace. They even stand to gain even more.” That’s the best I can offer her.

“They will not, we hold to our laws.” She said with conviction.

“How do you want to die?” I asked.

“Turn my head to the sun. I wish to watch it rise one last time, then you may end it as you wish.”

I did as she asked, and she watched the rising sun silently. After a few minutes I sent living ether into her to render her unconscious. Then I stopped her heart, she was dead within a minute. It was a better death than she deserved in truth. But hatred is for children and it’s time I move on.