The crowds shuffled back, pushing behind one another. The open space widened and Nico rose, facing the incoming group. The armed man took the lead and stared down at the white haired boy. Nico heard the man’s heavy breaths and glanced at their shifting grip.
The mayor lifted their chin and spoke in a nasally voice, “A feast for the people. My gratitude.”
“Of course. People must eat.” Nico turned and scooped up a bowl of stew, offering it to someone. The man stared at the bowl, opening and closing their month several times before stepping back.
“Surely you know the importance of keeping the guards supplied.” Snapping their fingers, the mayor indicated to a random person. The guards hauled them forward and shoved them to their knees. Nico regarded them, deadpan.
One after another, the guards dragged people forward and put them on their knees. Then they moved and took the stew.
“What are you-” The guards smashed one person in the head. They crumbled to the ground, their blood soaking into the dirt.
“You-” Nico summoned Whispering Reed and stepped forward. The large guard blocked him and smiled, tapping the tip of their sword on the ground. Another died.
“Pathfinder or not, citizen or not, all bow to Soloflames authority.” The mayor flicked their hand and the guards continued to take the food, as well as the remains of the monster. Nico clenched his fists, staring daggers at the mayor and the guards. Whispering Reed manifested and the town went silent. The large guard tightened his grip and the townspeople tensed.
Two bodies. Nico watched. He watched them leave with the food, leaving the townspeople and the consequences of Nico’s actions. He remained in place long after the guards left and let his palms bleed.
“Nico,” Orina stepped forward, flinching as he turned to her. He turned and scanned the gathered people. The stepped back from him with wide eyes and hushed voices.
“They killed two of your own and you did nothing.” His voice was subdued, almost a whisper but clearly heard. “This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.”
“How was it supposed to go?” Nico regarded the farm girl, hiding his emotions. He didn’t feel fear from her, nor outrage. She accepted the deaths like accepting that the sun rose and set everyday.
“I thought I could wrestle control for them.” Nico gazed at the distant buildings. ‘I was naive.’ Nico inhaled, taking in the stale air. A whiff of death choked him. ‘ They used the name of the absent king to justify their acts.’ He turned and walked to the forest, leaving the town.
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
~~~
“Test thirty-three,” Gwen nodded to an awakened. She gripped the railing, her blood cold. Down below was a white floor surrounded by enchanted steel. Housed in the cage were a near dozen death row prisoners. Each was wearing a silver body suit that glowed a faint blue. They moved about like children, shouting in glee and even attacking each other. Unlike mundane people who would only break bones and draw blood, these people tore off limbs and hit with impossible force.
Gwen ordered the awakened to introduce nightmare creatures to interrupt their infighting. Several awakened beasts charged into the field, ready to devour the bloodied humans. Gwen watched with a cold expression as the cohort of inmates tore apart the creatures. Moments later the beasts were dead and the inmates celebrated.
They shouted with ecstasy as they shook at the bars. “We are free!” Remaining still, Gwen counted away the seconds. Eventually, the inmates slowed down. They stopped jumping about and some leaned against the cage or collapsed onto the floor. Indifferent, Gwen left the observation area.
Monitors rang in monotone tunes as Gwen passed and she approached the lone man standing at the entrance of the cage. Zohvel stared at the scene with a wry expression.
“A man is going to be put to death. Does it matter how we do it?”
“They volunteered, knew the risks, and experienced something less painful than the alternatives.”
“Which ones?” Zohvel pointed to the single limbs. Gwen opened the cage and snapped her fingers, setting everything ablaze. In moments the corpses were ash.
“That’s a price I am willing to pay.”
“A price you are willing to take responsibility for?” Zohvel twisted his ring on and off.
“Decent people are dying in the dream realm. Mundane are murdered by the spell. And you are worried about them?” Gwen scoffed.
“They have families too, Gwen. Same as us.”
Gwen slammed the cage next to the man’s head, bending the metal. “Death row inmates. Murder is the least heinous act they had in common.”
Zohvel regarded Gwen’s hand, his expression softening. “People might get the wrong idea from this. I am a married man. Indeed, I have to be careful about my image.” He looked down and pushed his ring back on. “Get me one of these suits. I need to get used to using them.”
“You're mad.” Gwen grabbed his arm before he could leave. “Did you not see what happened? Over exertion causes death. Their bodies can’t handle being forcibly infused with essence.”
“Mine will.”
“Enough of the vainglory, Kyss. You are mundane. Mundane can only go so far.”
“Says you. Says society. But I don’t, miss Gwen. I will bring forth the power of the suit or die trying.”
Gwen gritted her teeth, staring down her friend. He returned her gaze with solemn and calm eyes.
~~~~~
The mayor died annoyingly quiet. Yet, the scumbag was dead all the same. The whole house was too quiet for a night after they stole a feast. Two dozen guards laid dead in the halls. He raided the office of riches and papers to keep up appearances and vanished into the night, his copper blade whispering in the cold air.