I had remained in my studies for a long while, pondering on my life as the troubling questions I plagued myself with. My servant Alen reminds me of my transgressions... I, however, spent these last months of winter indulging in Cresalin’s company. Together, we walked for endless miles around the cathedral, immersed in dialogue regarding religion and our observations of the world around us. When the night arises, I continue with my curious adventures, practicing the art of conjuring that has left me disturbed—also intrigued to some extent... I hate to admit to my faults, but the bottle still plagues my cravings until I discover a way to remove such temptation. The black scarf... comforts me in my times of isolation, making alcohol a distant memory. I still wonder who that strange woman was and why she chose to help me, wishing I could show her my appreciation somehow.

Perhaps the company of a woman is all I truly need at this point. These days of labor are becoming the question of reason; reason to why I put myself through all this strife... In this time of need—I can hear Cresalin’s footsteps. The door opens as she walks through the frame to approach my desk peculiarly, waltzing for my full attention. I reframed myself from her allure only to be pulled further into her questionable embrace.

She asks: “Why do you look away from me? Does my presence scare you...?”

I replied: “No—it’s a complicated matter; I’m lost in my thoughts.”

She presses her fingers against my shoulder. “But you and I had spent so much time together. What brought forth these worries?”

“I’m deeply disturbed... I shall not explain anymore, and please—let go of me.” She lowers herself down to catch my distant gaze. I turned away in response.

“Why do you hate me so?” she asked solemnly.

I pushed myself away from the chair and held my tongue so I could begin to calm myself down before responding with my bad temper: “I—don’t hate you, Cresalin. My worries are holding my rationality down and bringing forth my desires into the fold... But with everything that has happened to me in the past, I don’t know if I can trust you. Even now... How you show yourself to me, I’m lingering in despair.”

She gives me that reassuring smile once again. “Why would you worry about such nonsense? Have I not been by your side through these many long days?”

“The days are nothing compared to my worrisome nights...” I felt her bosom against my back and her hands around my chest.

“I know of your plights, Karthuras. You allowed yourself to practice heretic ways and taste the fruits of true freedom. You had murdered those who spired against you from their ignorance...” My body became numb as my thoughts cleared in an instant. The very motion to respond became its obstacle. “Do not worry... your secrets are safe with me. As for your mind, you should not worry about it so much at once. Instead, why not devote your attention to me? Allow me to lead your thoughts and worries.” She kisses my cheek and then leads her fingers against my groin.

A devious maneuver could unbind the tethers that restrain me—oh, why would I do so? My deeds lead me down this path... I crave absolution.

I pushed my helpless self away from Cresalin’s grasp. I then wrap my hand against her throat to pull her in for a kiss. Her sweet moans entice the limbs connected to my body with an unending reluctance! I quickly picked her up and smacked her back against the stone wall. She wraps her legs around me as I lift her skirt, feeling her already exposed self. How shameful of me not to show the same courtesy... I insert myself inside as she quivers and moans with a loud echo. The pace was never ending—nor was I exhausted, oh no... She gave herself to me.

“Karthuras... give your soul to me!” She whimpers.

And thus, my anguish ends...

#

Euphoria spreads through my body—removing the burdens hindering the contemplations within my busy mind. Drowning, this sensation can be felt. I fell into that deep spiral without dreading such a fall... Cresalin finds comfort around my arms as we sleep together through the eternal dream. In my reverie—I could not see a world of beauty, just the spiral—darkness foreshadowing my end, and within that void of nothingness, my head pounds more remarkable than a hammer crashing against the sword.

My eyes open again, seeing the bottle of black liquor looming over the table, taunting me with its menacing exquisiteness. I removed the cork and then gave it a whiff, sensing the strong alcohol and—a sweet berry-like scent. Without much thought, I drank the liquid until my throat burned and my lips spurred from its bite! The taste is profoundly magnificent. I turned my gaze towards Cresalin, who was nowhere to be found... I could have sworn she was there. Aw... I see; this is a game of cat—and mouse. I shall indulge like a good participant if this is how it must be.

I tossed on my mantle and pulled up my trousers, proceeding into the halls of mind-fuckery! Step by step—staggering as a true drunkard would. Wandering until I sink further into the bottle or into the arms of that curious woman.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Whispers? Whispers I hear... I follow those curious voices emitting from behind the door. My dastardly eye peeks through the crack, and I see something I had never expected: Cresalin is sitting with Archphader’s advisor, who is accompanied by a few of his knights. Why is he here? I was not given any warning of his arrival...

Cresalin told him: “Yes, I have to say these sad state of affairs are all so tragic. But I have not seen any sign of betrayal from Karthuras.”

The Advisor wipes the dust from his luxurious garments as he replies: “I do not care for your wandering eyes. More—intricacies need my full attention than your care for him. He is under suspicion alongside his partner Horton, whom I have not seen yet. Come to think of it, I have not seen Alen either.”

She replied: “You know Alen is well versed in his conspiracies. But I’m sure you will each other soon enough.”

He stood up from his chair and carefully scratched his styled mustache, “If that is all you have to say, my dear, then this meeting is over between us. I shall have Karthuras locked up in his holding cell while you and I proceed with this search.”

I pressed myself away from the door and then hurried to the nearest pillar for cover. Once they exited together, they began walking towards my bed chambers... Damn it all! Why would chaos surround me who wanted no part of it? Now, hunted as a convict, I must find a way to escape—firstly, I need to save Cresalin without killing the others. Even if they are hunting me down, I must remind myself of their ignorance of my situation. I had already caused an unfortunate situation for Alen and those mercs and—krill... No longer should I lose control of my morality, or else I am no better than the followers of Hettalies...

I will need Alen’s help in this situation; however, his mental state is zombified to my whims. Could he speak similarly to his usual self? I headed to his bed chambers not far from my place of rest. I went inside with haste, seeing him standing where I had left him—troubling my thoughts became when I ‘truly’ see him in his current state: His eyes are sunken deeply into his skull, his limbs lacking muscle, legs shivering from his continual stance... This is unforgivable. I shall be damned in the realm of nightmares for this—as of now, the focus should turn to the others outside in the hall. To my misfortune, I hear those many steps approaching the other side of the door. Once more, I needed to hide. The only place I could take refuge was the closet, with little to no belongings inside...

The door opened as Cresalin spoke: “This is Alen’s bed—” she hesitated to talk further.

“Alen?” The advisor’s voice trembles as he says: “Alen, by the great ring! What has happened to you?” Everyone approaches the husk, shaking his shoulders, asking why he is stuck in his current state. “Find Karthuras—find Horton! Find those lunatics and kill them on site!”

Cresalin presses herself against the wall, allowing the three to charge out the door in their search. As she was about to join their company, she turned her gaze perfectly to mine and showed me that signature smile... I cannot concentrate. I’m... What is wrong with me? My hand opens the closet door as my legs step forward to meet with her face to face. She did not utter a single word to me, only holding my shoulder, caressing upwards to my cheek.

I... I know—my purpose now.

#

There is no longer any need to hinder my capabilities. How could I be so ignorant? True freedom was all I needed... The Archphader’s Cock-sucking advisor will see the beauty of a new world; after all, he will become a pawn. Who would dare stop the very Phader who can take their life in an instant? I don’t have to lift a finger to do so—only a simple collection of words is needed...

The Advisor had more knights than previously seen; they lingered outside for their orders until he gave them a new direction. Now, I sneak into the shadows and stalk around every corner. A simple dagger will not suffice in a fight – oh no! Their bulky ox-like designs will break such a weapon.

I hurried behind a group of four, then murmured: “Taketh the soul from the body—become one with the other, guiding the whims to my own.” The two in the back collapsed instantly, and then I controlled the remaining... As their puppet master, I hid myself in the background, allowing these two to work for me. Their swords were drawn—blades grinding against the flesh! Such an onslaught was a beautiful sight, the compensation of torn leather blends with hissing steel. A sight of harmony to endure! When my puppets fall, I then whisper the words once more.

Blood scatters as if they were veils of decoration—as the entrails were monuments of inner beauty... I roll my eyes back from the overflow of ecstasy. I do all of this for you—my love, my inspiration... Cresalin—are you not satisfied with this display?

“Yes—my dear Karthuras.” Her words heal my isolation: “But leave the advisor unharmed. Under no circumstances should you kill him. This—is to our benefit...”

I understand, my love. There is no battle that I falter in disappointment, for the strength you give me will lead me through the very sky and into that vast silver ring.

This skirmish of mine went on for hours, and now, the Advisor is the last survivor. It’s remarkable how feeble the fat man runs through these endless halls. His escape is nowhere to be seen. Alas, he still runs on – and on. Time is being wasted, my dear colleague; does he not understand the circumstances in which I’m placed? Wasting it will only hinder one’s heart into a chaotic rhythm, thumping the soul from the body... What’s this?

He finds himself in an unfortunate place. No more turns, no more stairs, and no more rooms. A place of complete emptiness.

“Under all these predicaments, there was never an escape for you...” I said with a stern grimace.

“Kar—Karthuras... What have you done!? Why – why would you commit this atrocity?”

I replied satisfactorily: “To live in a world with absolute freedom—no more shall I stagger with numb limbs and maddening thoughts.”

As I walk closer to that sniveling buffoon, Cresalin’s soft hand caresses my shoulder, stopping me instantly. She said: “You have done well, my love... Let me take it from here.”

Her movements towards the Advisor were like that of a predator, calculating the movement of her prey so they have no chance of escape. Suddenly, she leaps onto him, stabbing a syringe inside his neck, then injects the fluid contents. He tries to push back only to loosen his vigor within seconds until eventually falling... Once the fat man sleeps, Cresalin turns her darkened eyes to me with a beautifully long, crooked smile. She tells me, "We have only one thing left to do - till the day of reckoning arrives...” She walks to me quickly without taking more than two steps. “Kiss me—so we can begin our final trial.” She opens her big mouth and then protrudes her long tongue into my mouth. Allowing me to taste the sweet nectar that puts me—into... Where...