Jaxith and Irene stood side-by-side at the mansion gate, the night air growing increasingly chilly. Officer Ronald and two other soldiers stood guard before them.
"You’ve caused quite a stir, hunter, yet here we are, escorting you out and wishing you well. You’re a peculiar individual, but I’m glad my fireball missed its mark. And I suppose I should thank her," Officer Ronald said, a wry smile playing on his lips as he gestured towards Irene, who regarded him with a quizzical expression.
“Disregarding my aversion to witnessing the demise of a valiant warrior, she demonstrated to me that bravery knows no bounds, irrespective of age or lineage,” Officer Ronald remarked, his gaze fixed on Jaxith. “She was the sole individual who intervened, unafraid of you or the impending fireball, even with full knowledge of my incantation. Now I comprehend your decision to aid her. She is truly extraordinary."
Irene, taken aback by the unexpected compliment, was astonished. After the tragic loss of her friends, she had anticipated nothing but scorn and contempt from everyone, except Jaxith of course. Yet, here stood Officer Ronald, acknowledging her courage and resilience.
“She is indeed unique,” Jaxith confirmed, tossing a coin purse towards Ronald. “I entrust you with the task of returning this to the town’s treasury.”
“Why?” Ronald inquired, perplexed. “Isn’t this precisely what you sought?”
“Recall my earlier assertion that you will understand in due time,” Jaxith reminded him, his hands nestled in his pockets.
“Indeed, I do,” Officer Ronald acknowledged. “Now I grasp the rationale behind your demand for payment. You were merely asserting your dominance, correct?”
“Precisely,” Jaxith confirmed. “I abhor imposition, and he needed a reality check. Despite his mayoral status, he was the suplicant, not I. Hence, I employed this tactic. However, I cannot profit from the townsfolk, so return the funds discreetly. Perhaps divide the sum into three portions to obfuscate its origin. Additionally, I aimed to curtail his incessant harassment of her. Money, as it turns out, is an effective means of controlling an individual like Holstone.”
Officer Ronald, a knowing smile playing on his lips, listened intently to Jaxith’s explanation.
“Very well, I shall comply,” Officer Ronald affirmed. “Incidentally, Desmond shared a similar sentiment. That’s precisely why I inquired about your monetary request prior to the manticore hunt. Your actions were shrouded in mystery, but now the puzzle pieces have fallen into place. I understand why Desmond hailed you as a hero in your village.”
As Ronald finished speaking, a soldier approached, leading a magnificent steed. It was Jaxith’s horse, the faithful companion that had carried him from Lumina and awaited his return at Desmond’s stable.
“Your steed awaits,” Ronald announced. “You left it at the gate when you arrived in haste to inquire about her. Farewell, hunter, and may fortune favor you.”
Jaxith accepted the reins, gently stroking the horse’s mane.
“Farewell, Officer, and may you remain safe,” Jaxith bid, ascending the saddle. He then extended a hand to Irene, assisting her as she mounted behind him. As she approached the horse, a flicker of unease crossed the horse’s face, a familiar discomfort that Jaxith had observed before when Irene was riding behind him at the hills too.
With a firm tug on the reins, Jaxith spurred the horse into a swift retreat from the mansion. The resolution of the mayoral conflict marked a significant milestone, but it was merely the prelude to a grander adventure. Irene and Jaxith were poised to embark on a perilous journey across the vast continent of Plistura, where they would encounter both allies and adversaries, unraveling the enigmatic secrets that shrouded the land. This was the dawn of a new era, a dark age filled with mystery, intrigue, and the unfolding of Irene’s enigmatic role in the grand scheme of things.
“How’s your head now?” Irene asked calmly, her voice barely a whisper over the clip-clop of hooves.
Jaxith, his expression unreadable, replied, “What do you mean?”
“What do you mean, ‘what do I mean’?” Irene retorted, her sarcasm dripping. “I just whacked you over the head with a vase! You’re lucky you didn’t bleed or even faint. A little headache seems like the least you could expect, unless your skull’s made of iron.”
Jaxith shrugged. “You said it yourself, I was lucky. Just a mild headache, that’s all.”
Irene paused, her hand hovering over his head. “Now what?” Jaxith asked, turning to face her.
“Just checking,” she said, gently rubbing the spot where the vase had made contact. “No swelling, that’s good. Any pain?”
“You’re turning into a doctor, aren’t you?” Jaxith teased.
“Just answer the question,” Irene demanded, her voice firm. Jaxith sighed. He didn’t appreciate her tone, to be accurate, he is the type of person that doesn’t like this delicate treatment towards him, but he knew he had to play along. He needed to regain her trust and deepen their connection if he hoped to help her and understand what was happening.
“No, don’t worry. Just the headache I mentioned. No secrets, I promise,” he assured her.
Irene’s eyes narrowed, a look of concern crossing her face. “Hmm, that’s strange. I didn’t think you were that tough. Are you sure your skull is made of bone like a normal person?” she asked calmly.
Jaxith chuckled. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure.” Irene removed her hand from his head.
“Now, tell me,” Jaxith began, “where is your friend? The one who raised you.”
“You mean Lance?” Irene asked.
“Yes, him. You said we should take you there,” Jaxith reminded her.
“Of course we should,” Irene said, her voice firm. “He probably knows something, at least a clue that could help us.” She paused, her expression turning thoughtful. “Well, that is, if you haven’t already left after escorting me,” she added, a hint of sadness in her tone.
Jaxith noticed the shift in her mood. “Don’t make me think you’ve fallen in love already,” he teased, a playful smirk on his face.
Irene rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips. “You ugly, idiotic grandpa, how dare you!” she exclaimed, playfully striking his back near his sword.
Jaxith laughed. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry.” He needed to lighten the mood after everything they’d been through.
Irene chuckled. “Don’t think that was funny, but nice try.” She turned serious again. “Anyway, if there’s anything I can do to help you and him, I will. And if this is all resolved, maybe you can visit that old grandpa in his quiet village.”
“We’ll see about that later,” Irene said, her voice firm. “Now, the important talk.”
“Go on,” Jaxith urged.
“Duskthorne, that’s the town,” Irene revealed.
“Not that far,” Jaxith mused. “Maybe we can stop in a village in between.”
“Fine, then where are we going now?” Irene asked.
“Desmond, the stable owner,” Jaxith replied.
“The one who was with the officer and knew you when the soldiers came after you defeated the scarlet giant?” Irene inquired.
“Yes, that’s him,” Jaxith confirmed.
“Why?” Irene pressed.
“First of all, this horse isn’t mine,” Jaxith explained. “I borrowed it from a friend in my village. That friend knows Desmond, so he told me to keep it with him until I came back. Now, I’m not coming back, so I need to leave it with Desmond. And of course, I need to buy a horse, we need it. That’s the problem now.”
“Why should that be a problem?” Irene asked, her tone curious.
“I’m short on coins,” Jaxith explained, “and we need food for our journey. Plus, I honestly don’t know how much a horse costs.”
“Well, that’s easy,” Irene replied. “A horse would cost between sixty and one hundred Plistura coins, maximum. What do you have?”
“About forty,” Jaxith admitted.
“That’s perfect,” Irene stated.
“Perfect?” Jaxith questioned, perplexed. “I don’t even have enough for the cheapest horse, let alone our supplies.”
“I’ve got this,” Irene assured him, waving a silver chalice in front of him as he began guiding the horse down the town road.
“I recognize that cup,” Jaxith remarked, his voice laced with surprise.
“It’s a chalice, you dumb,” Irene retorted.
“Regardless, that chalice was on the table I overturned when I lost my temper with the mayor. There were others like it,” Jaxith pointed out.
“Exactly, and by the way, I rather enjoyed watching the mayor soil himself. He deserved it,” Irene said with a smug grin.
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“Don’t deviate from the main point, young lady,” Jaxith admonished. “Don’t tell me you stole it.”
“Well, I doubt they’d even notice,” Irene replied innocently.
“You must be joking, Irene,” Jaxith said, his tone exasperated.
“What? It’s the least I could do after what he said about me. I mean, I stopped you from killing him, so we might as well make something of it. You even returned the money, so you should be grateful I’m now covering our expenses,” Irene retorted, her pride evident. Jaxith sighed.
“Fine, just promise me you won’t do it again. Whatever happens, leave it to me, alright?” Jaxith pleaded. Irene fell silent for a moment. He didn’t want her to be a thief anymore; she deserved a better life.
“Okay, but only because you asked nicely,” Irene conceded, acknowledging the wisdom in his words, she knew he was right. Perhaps her life was about to change.
“Now tell me how you plan to use that chalice,” Jaxith asked.
“I know someone who’ll buy it,” Irene replied. “But that’s for tomorrow. First, we need to find a decent place to sleep and a good meal, because I’m starving. I haven’t eaten since morning.”
“Then it’s settled,” Jaxith said. “We’ll take the horse to Desmond first, then head to the inn for a good meal and some rest. Tomorrow, we’ll prepare for the journey.”
“Now we’re talking,” Irene said, her spirits lifting. Jaxith noticed her returning to her usual self, a positive sign of progress.
“Hey, aren’t you forgetting something?” Irene asked as they entered the quieter town streets. Most people were already indoors for the night.
“I know what you need,” Jaxith replied. “Just wait until we’re at the inn, and I’ll tell you everything. I promised.”
“Alright,” Irene said. “I just thought you might have forgotten, but it’s good to know you’re a man of your word.”
Within moments, our intrepid duo stood before the stables. Mr. Desmond emerged, lantern in hand, seemingly conducting a final inspection of his equine charges as he secured the stable door. His gaze fell upon Jaxith and Irene, a flicker of recognition crossing his features.
“You certainly made a dramatic entry at the stable this morning,” he remarked, a wry smile playing on his lips. “Panting, covered in blood, yet resolute. I knew after that you had triumphed over the beast. This marks the second time you’ve saved us from peril.”
Jaxith dismounted, followed by Irene.
“The news travels swiftly through these parts, it seems,” Jaxith observed.
“I have my ways,” Mr. Desmond replied enigmatically, his gaze lingering on the horse. “I thought you weren’t returning it tonight, but it appears I was mistaken. Secure him while I open the stable.”
With that, Mr. Desmond disappeared into the stable, lantern in hand. Jaxith, a calm steadiness in his demeanor, led the horse inside, Irene following close behind.
“Your leisurely excursion took an unexpected turn, it seems,” Mr. Desmond remarked, opening a stall for the horse. “Assisting a damsel in distress and vanquishing a manticore hardly sounds like a restful holiday.”
“Luck has never been my strong suit,” Jaxith replied.
“That much is clear,” Mr. Desmond acknowledged. “So, how long do you plan to stay? Don’t misunderstand my intent.”
“I understand perfectly, Mr. Desmond,” Jaxith explained. “Despite the pleasantries of Orstone, my stay must be brief. Tomorrow, I’ll depart after tending to a few matters. Once I’ve settled the horse, I’ll retire to the inn.”
“I see,” Mr. Desmond said politely. “Is there anything I can do to assist you?”
“As a matter of fact, yes,” Jaxith began. “I’m heading to the west of Vidin and that requires a reliable steed for the journey. I can’t take Albes’ horse, as he may need it. Please keep It safe until you reunite with him. However, I’m a bit strapped for coin, so a modest, affordable horse would suffice.”
“Now, that’s where my manners fail me,” Mr. Desmond interjected. “After all you’ve done for us, it would be ungrateful to let you fend for yourself. I insist you spend the night here. Given your financial constraints, why waste your hard-earned coin?”
“And he refused to accept payment from the town’s treasury, even after risking his life against the manticore,” Irene added, her tone filled with admiration. She was clearly trying to paint Jaxith in the best possible light. Jaxith shot her a disapproving glance, a clear sign that she shouldn’t have interjected them.
“What? Isn’t that what happened?” Irene said, defending herself with an innocent smile. Jaxith sighed and turned back to Mr. Desmond.
“I appreciate your generosity, Mr. Desmond, but I can’t accept,” Jaxith replied politely.
“I insist,” Mr. Desmond countered. “I’ll have Mary prepare a meal for both of you, and I have a spare room in my house. After all, you gained no reward for slaying the manticore. I know Albes well, and this is simply your nature. But as my guest, please don’t refuse my hospitality.”
Jaxith hesitated, his gaze meeting Mr. Desmond’s. Then, he felt a tug on his sleeve. Irene was subtly urging him to accept the offer.
“Very well,” Jaxith conceded. “We’ll stay with you, Mr. Desmond. I hope we won’t be too much trouble.”
“Of course not, Jaxith,” Mr. Desmond assured him. “Now, let’s get that horse settled, then we’ll head home.”
With that, Mr. Desmond secured the horse’s stall and led the way out of the stable, followed by Jaxith and Irene.
“Enter, don’t hesitate,” Mr. Desmond urged, the soft glow of a lantern casting long shadows across the modest room. Jaxith and Irene followed him inside, the warmth of the house a welcome respite from the chill of the night. The room was sparsely furnished, with two twin beds, a small table, and a solitary window. Irene, ever the impulsive one, immediately claimed a bed, stretching languidly.
“Rest here, Jaxith, while I fetch your meal,” Mr. Desmond instructed. “And hand me that coat. It’s quite soiled and needs a thorough cleaning. Mary will attend to it, and it should be ready by tomorrow. Now, come on.”
Jaxith paused, his fingers lingering on the worn garment. A flicker of hesitation crossed his face as he removed the coat. Just as he was about to hand it over, he hesitated, pulling it back towards him.
“Is something amiss, Jaxith?” Mr. Desmond inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion. Irene, too, seemed perplexed by Jaxith’s sudden hesitation. The coat was clearly in need of a thorough cleaning, and he had been ready to entrust it to Mr. Desmond. However, he had changed his mind abruptly.
“There’s no need to trouble your wife further, Mr. Desmond,” Jaxith replied calmly. “I’ll attend to it myself after dinner.”
“Don’t worry, simply hand it over,” Mr. Desmond insisted politely.
“I apologize, Mr. Desmond, but I can’t accept any more of your kindness,” Jaxith explained, his tone firm yet polite. Mr. Desmond smiled understandingly.
“Very well, Jaxith, as you wish,” Mr. Desmond conceded. “I’ll retrieve your dinner. And regarding the horse you require, we’ll address that matter tomorrow.” He winked knowingly.
“Thank you, Mr. Desmond,” Jaxith replied gratefully.
“You’re welcome, son,” Mr. Desmond responded, exiting the room and closing the door behind him.
Irene, intrigued by Jaxith’s sudden change of heart, couldn’t resist asking, “Care to explain what that was about? I know it’s none of my business, but a little help wouldn’t harm you. You were going to give it to him, but suddenly you changed your mind.”
Jaxith met her gaze calmly before exhaling slowly. “Well, that will bring us to what happened at the forest. I promised to tell you what happened.”
Irene’s eyes lit up with anticipation. “Go on, I was waiting for that moment.”
Jaxith recounted the entire ordeal, sparing no detail, including his use of the Negative Abyss. Irene listened, her expression a mixture of shock and awe. Their conversation unfolded over dinner, and afterward, Jaxith ventured outside to launder his soiled coat, subsequently hanging it out to dry.
“So that’s why you refused to give the coat to Mr. Desmond,” Irene deduced, “You were afraid that he or his wife would be affected by that manticore’s corrupted blood, right?”
“Exactly,” Jaxith confirmed.
“Then why aren’t you afraid?” Irene questioned. “You washed it yourself. Won’t the blood affect you now if it was corrupted?”
Jaxith remained calm. “I already touched the blood when I killed the manticore, and nothing happened to me.”
“Then maybe it won’t affect anyone,” Irene suggested, “Maybe it was enough to corrupt that beast alone.”
“I can’t depend on that,” Jaxith countered, securing the final pin on the coat. “Maybe I have some sort of immunity to it, and they may still be affected.”
“Now you’re showing off,” Irene teased. “Well, bad news. I’m the special one here. That demoness was after me. A lot of strong people want me now, not you, including the demoness that affected your sanity. Hell, you nearly killed the mayor! Hahahahahaha!”
Jaxith smiled at Irene’s unfazed demeanor. She truly never changes. Even after hearing about his ordeal, the fact that a powerful demoness was targeting her didn’t seem to faze her.
“Hey, what were you seeing that was making you act so irrational, especially when you were with the mayor?" Irene asked, her curiosity piqued. Jaxith looked at her, his mind flashing back to the horrifying visions of the nightmare and the enigmatic woman. Memories he desperately wanted to forget, but the presence of this woman had triggered them once again.
“That’s not important, Irene,” Jaxith insisted, his tone firm. Irene noticed his reluctance to discuss the matter further and decided to drop the subject.
“Okay, but you have to admit I was right,” Irene said, her voice laced with annoyance. “Your negative abyss was the reason you were so exhausted after fighting the scarlet giant and the manticore. And you kept lying about it!”
Jaxith’s expression turned serious. “I didn’t tell you the truth to start blaming me for not telling you earlier. I told you that you weren’t ready, that you were already dealing with too much.”
“I understand,” Irene said, softening her tone. “Now promise me that whatever happens from now on, you’ll always be honest with me. And I’ll do the same. Deal?”
Jaxith smiled. “Deal.”
“Now tell me, is that art dangerous?” Irene asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Yes, of course,” Jaxith confirmed. “But I’ve had my share of training. You were seeing me like that because I hadn’t used it in a long time, that’s all.”
Irene’s expression turned quizzical. “Shouldn’t demons be the only beings able to use dark energy? Then how are you using it?”
“Demons are the only beings able to use dark energy naturally,” Jaxith explained calmly. “Humans, dwarves, and high elves aren’t born with that ability unlike divine energy of course. There are only two ways to use dark energy: becoming a dark caster or tapping into the negative abyss. Dark casters have a special vessel that allows them to use dark energy without it entering their bodies, making it a safer and easier method. The negative abyss, however, involves generating dark energy within one’s body, which can be lethal for non-demonic creatures. And in case you want to ask, hybrids and dark elves, similar to demons, can naturally use dark energy, though their capacity is much weaker than a full demon.”
Irene was stunned by the sheer amount of information.
“Whoa, I really know nothing about this strange art,” Irene exclaimed. “But who trained you, and how did your life move on with a prohibited art like that?”
Jaxith paused, his gaze fixed on the ground. “It’s…complicated. I don’t think I can talk about it.”
Irene sensed the tension in his voice and decided to drop the subject. “Then promise me that you won’t push yourself to a lethal limit.” She added while taking a seat.
“I promise,” Jaxith replied, taking a seat beside her. They sat in silence, both gazing at the moon.
“Do you think that whatever is coming will be good?” Irene asked, breaking the silence.
“You want the possible reality or just our hope?” Jaxith asked, his mind drifting to the ominous words of the demoness and Blamore. Their predictions weren’t exactly encouraging.
“I get it,” Irene sighed. “I just hope I don’t lose someone else. Lance is the only one I have left. If it weren’t for you, I would have been dead from loneliness, if not from that assassin.”
“Don’t worry,” Jaxith reassured her. “Everything will be fine.”
“Hey, Jax, I wanted to tell you something,” Irene began.
“What?” Jaxith asked.
“I saw how you were affected while trying to help me,” Irene confessed. “You were going to die just for me. I know you’re trying to help, but please, I don’t want another one dead because of me. If you want to drop it, please don’t hesitate-“
Jaxith interrupted her.
“Stop that nonsense,” Jaxith interrupted, his voice stern. “I’m not the type to bail out just because of a little headache. You still don’t know me, but I’m the type that never breaks a promise. When I promised to protect you the first day we met, I meant it. So don’t even think about it. Understood?”
Irene was taken aback by his resolute response. He gave her no room for argument, his determination to help her unwavering. She felt a warmth she’d never experienced before, a sense of kinship, as if she were speaking to a long-lost sibling. Though she knew little about her true family, the feeling was undeniable. She smiled, her gaze fixed on the ground.
“Thank you, Jax, for everything,” Irene said calmly.
“You’re welcome,” Jaxith replied. “Now, isn’t the moon nice here?”
Irene raised her head to gaze at the full moon. Jaxith noticed a single tear rolling down each of her blue eyes.
“Yes, it is,” she said with a smile. She felt safe, protected. His reassurance had calmed her fears. He understood her now, more than ever. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again, keeping secrets from her. Despite her tough exterior, she was vulnerable and fragile inside.