We ported in Sentinum in the early morning. I was thrilled when we left the ship and was once again reunited with the firm ground beneath my feet. Overall I was in a better mood and came to terms with the reality of what was.
“I'd be happy to shift to Spy division,” I said to Brutus once we were out in the open country, riding our way back to Lux. The country was still besieged with the whiteness of snow.
“I’m glad to hear that. I’ll handle everything. Like I said, I know both Captains very well. I’ll put you on leave for a week or so while I handle everything. You can rest and come to terms with your new decision. It wouldn’t be the worst idea to visit your family. You’ll be away in the Spy division camp for the next few months.”
“I’ll do that. And thank you, for everything.”
“I’m sorry I’ll lose such a pledge as yourself. I like you, Antonius, you’re a good, although a bit tormented – ha ha – person. I had this one pledge, I tell you, he drove me nuts! Every time he spoke he got nervous and sweaty and he either whispered or yelled. He didn’t last long. He got married later, I heard, had a few babies. Anyhow, I’m glad you made the decision you did.”
“I thought of drinking the Elixir when we come back to Lux. What do you think? I drank it not long ago.”
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“I’d advise against it. It’s too soon. You’d be trying to forcefully get an answer and some form of peace and that is not how Elixir should be used for.”
“Our ambassador in Abydos told us Alec and his lot lick skins of snakes that live in the Atlas Mountains. That they use this to contact something powerful, something sinister. What do you think, is there any truth to this?”
“I believe there is. Some sages even experimented with our own Elixir. Trying to go to realms that are dark and full of misery, anger, terror. Powerful creatures dwell there that try to seek control of this world through us mortals. I suspect the League’s administration is under the domain of something of that sort. They know too much, they know how to act, which cord to tie, untie… It’s rather strange everything is going so well for them. And a dark shadow hangs over that peninsula. Hard times are ahead, that much is certain.”
“You remind me of my former camp master, Kato.”
“Ah yes, the new Vicelord! I don’t care for him, honestly, he stole a girl from me when we were young! A beautiful creature from Megalopolis, had hair down to her knees. Ha, Kato, the girl-thief! But he’s competent. And fair. And seems to be aware of what’s to come in the near future.”
“Tell me more of this girl!” I laughed.
“Ha ha ha! Another time, Antonius. If you don’t mind, I’d like some quiet time. I had some vile dreams last night and didn’t get much sleep. I hope you understand.”
“I do,” I nodded and remembered my by now already frequent dreams of Orcs and Julia.