Chapter 7: Where There's A Will
Somewhere...
How? How could a child’s will be stronger than her’s?! How was it even conceivable?!
I was so certain Yeshtha could lasso Aiden’s mind long enough for Damnation to conquer him. But as I stood over her spiritless body, her failure was undeniable.
“I warned her,” Pathrus said, sipping on a cup of tea, showing no concern for Yeshtha’s mindless state.
“Will she recover?”
“In time. Perhaps.”
Aiden..! I don’t believe it! He only exists because of our plan to bring forth the end of this dreadful world. And that image in the mirror, that alternate reality, he created!
For months it played out with no end. It was so engrossing, so real. I could almost feel the heat of the fire, the sound of carnage; the cleansing of the world. So many dances, so many horse rides after dark, so many possible suitors; I said no to them all believing in Damnation’s eventuality.
But now... it’s like someone else took something that was promised to me. Me! My anger got the best of me and I slammed my fist into that mirror. Of course, it didn’t change anything. That scene still played in spite of the shattered glass, constantly rubbing it in.
And now there’s blood all over my favorite hand chains. Another reason to hate that Midaharian.
“Feel better?” Pathrus asked. And before I could answer he followed up with, “Clean that up.”
“What are we going to do about Damnation?!” I snapped, stomping the shattered glass beneath my heels. “Aiden is the only one that can create the rune again but he sure as Hell isn’t going to give us that satisfaction! Us! His lineage! He has to be dealt with!”
Ignoring my well justified tantrum, Pathrus shook his head and strolled across the room. “You should accept reality,” he said, collecting cleaning utensils. “The vessel has a will of its own.”
“No!” A will of his own? I dismissed that idea. “That’s unacceptable! It’s impossible! He..he wasn’t even supposed to be capable of doing any of the things he’s done!”
Pathrus handed me his cleaning tools. Didn't he realize I was furious enough to break them over his skull?!
But then he looked at me and said, “In time, Chakma. In time.”
...Time; it was the answer to everything!
Ahahahaha! Why hadn't I thought of this??
***
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Nihon
You didn’t see a hamsa, Aiden. You did not see a hamsa.
What would that even mean if I did?!
A new rune? Did I make a new rune??
No, that’s crazy. Snap out of it, Aiden. Focus!
That woman could pop back up anywhere. Gotta stay on my toes.
You probably shouldn’t be strolling through these smoldering ruins, all out in the open either. I checked my palms for the hundredth time; no runic markings. That was a relief, but still, I’m not comfortable using another rune just yet. I mean, what if I use that new one again instead?
Man, I hate this! Who was that woman?! How did she find me?
"Focus, Aiden. Focus!" Worry about her and the new rune after this was over.
Isuko disappeared around here somewhere. He might still be here, dead or alive, I need to know.
If he fell under Matsuo’s influence, I’m sure to run across him again. That was a fact. I stopped searching. Staying in one place for too long was bad for my health.
Horses were headed my way.
Could be another trick, or Matsuo’s men. Either way, I kept my guard up; turning invisible until I got a better look at the riders.
I heard their voices before I saw them; Ramla and Bara.
“Oh Bara! It’s just like before! So much senseless death!”
“Put it out of your mind and move on!”
“But..can’t we take a moment to bury the dead?”
“Do you want to catch up to them or not!?”
Ramla and Bara, leading Isuko’s horse, or another illusion? Guess there’s only one way to know for sure.
“Ladies..”I said, revealing myself. Bara shrieked and nearly fell off her saddle.
“Why you scum!” she cursed. “If I ever catch you sneaking around me like that, I’ll claw your eyes out!”
“Aiden! It’s good to see you,” said Ramla. She looked around. “Where is Isuko?”
“We were separated. I know where he is now.”
“Oh no,” Ramla fretted. “I knew something was wrong when we found his horse wandering around.”
“You two shouldn’t be out here. Isuko and I both fell for crazy illusions. This is about where I lost him.”
“Don’t pretend to concern yourself with us!”
Man, do I hate this woman! “What’re you doing out here again, old lady?”
“Ramla mistranslated the scroll I gave her. Tell him!”
“Yes, my apologies for that, but there’s hope for Mister Yamato. Bara knows a way to reverse what’s been done to him, but we need to find his body first.”
His body? “Isn’t he a giant beetle now?”
“Uhm..it’s more like the beetle is the man. Am I right Bara?”
Bara just stared at me and grumbled. “I’ll correct you when you’re wrong!”
“Ah, I think I understand,” I said.
“Mister Yamato was scheduled to meet with Mister Hajimo and Matsuo accompanied him. We were hoping Isuko knew where the meeting place was. I’m certain that’s where Mister Yamato’s body lies.”
Bara twisted her arms around her chest. “Kind of convenient how Isuko’s not with you.”
“Are you accusing me of something?” The words jumped out of my mouth before I could think.
“You know I am!”
“Bara, please!” Ramla intervened. “We’ll backtrack and gather more information. Will you continue searching for Isuko, Aiden?”
“If he’s fallen under Matsuo’s spell, I’m sure I’ll find him in Yokogawa.”
“Okay. If..if Isuko has been transformed like Mister Yamato, it’s very important that you avoid mortally wounding him. Oh! And his father, as well. Both men and insects are spiritually and physically connected now, so you must be careful not to harm him too much.”
“Time’s wasting, Ramla!” Bara said. She jerked her mule around and rode back the way she came.
Ramla turned to follow the old lady then paused. “I, more than anyone, know how difficult Bara can be, but don’t let her fool you, Aiden. She’s a nice person when she wants to be.”
“How often is that?”
She looked my way and smiled. “Not often enough. See you soon, Aiden! May good fortune be with you!”
So I have to let them kick my butt until the incantation is broken?
Wonderful.
Can I go home now?