Hagar approached the table slowly, his steps heavy with thought. Returning from stepping outside to relieve himself, he sank into his chair with an unenergetic slump. He stared at the wooden grain of the table, his voice low and burdened.
“I abandoned the Holy Soul Empire,” he said quietly, sighing as emotion crept into his words. “I couldn’t watch them anymore…” His voice faltered, choking on the weight of his memories.
Agnar leaned forward, his words simple yet profound. “I understand.”
Hagar lowered his head, shame pooling in his gaze. “I’m sorry for what happened, Agnar. I didn’t realize then what the Holy Soul Empire was capable of. If only I had listened to you…”
Agnar’s tone was firm but not unkind. “Don’t dwell on the past, Hagar. Focus on what’s in front of you. Tell me—how bad is the charge?”
Hagar averted his eyes, the weight of his confession dragging his gaze down. “Murder of the Holy Soul General,” he said grimly. “I killed the Bishop’s son.”
Agnar barked out a laugh that was more bitterness than mirth. “The Bishop’s Supreme Holy Knight killed his son? Well, I’ll drink to that.” He poured himself another mug of ale, drained it in a single motion, and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. “Ah.”
Hagar scratched the back of his head, his voice trembling with anger as he spoke. “The Bishop ordered his son to lead an army to raid the Soldas region in search of sacrifices. When I got there, I saw the aftermath…” He paused, collecting his thoughts. His hands clenched into fists. “They made the men watch as their wives and children were burned alive in holy flames as a sacrifice—before slitting their throats.”
Agnar’s expression darkened, the pain in his soul mirroring Hagar’s words.
Hagar continued, his voice breaking as tears welled in his eyes. “When the Bishop sent me to deliver a message to his son, I saw it all with my own eyes. I tried to bury the grief, but when I saw her…” His words caught in his throat as tears streamed down his cheeks. “It was like I was back there, on that night 20 years ago. I saw a little girl, her face twisted in horror as she watched her mother burn. Her screams… they’re engraved in my mind. I watched like a coward.”
He covered his face, his sobs muffled but raw. “Then the Bishop’s son came. He dragged the girl toward the flames. I… I fell to my knees, shaking. Rage consumed me—so overwhelming that I blacked out.”
Agnar leaned closer, his voice solemn. “That’s when it happened, isn’t it? When you obtained that power.”
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Hagar nodded slowly, wiping his eyes. “When I woke up, I was surrounded by blood and bodies. The front line of their army was gone. I… I was holding the Bishop’s son’s severed head in my hands. His face was frozen in terror. And that girl…” His voice wavered. “She just stared at me, horrified. I tried to approach her, but she ran.”
Agnar placed a hand on the table, his voice resolute. “You protected her, Hagar. You saved her from those monsters.”
Hagar looked up, his tone distraught. “What if I was the monster?”
Agnar slammed his hand on the table, his voice thundering. “Don’t you dare blame yourself! That child survived because of you. In the end, you stood against the Holy Soul Empire. That’s more than I ever did.” His voice cracked slightly, the weight of his own regrets surfacing.
He softened, his tone fatherly now. “Hagar, I’m proud of you. It doesn’t matter who you once were. What matters is who you are now.” Agnar’s gaze shifted to Tyr, sleeping soundly on the couch. “You took care of that boy. A man who abandoned everything and everyone to live like a hermit in the woods found something to protect.”
Hagar turned to Tyr, his expression softening. “When I found him, I felt responsible. I don’t know why. I told myself I’d never put myself in that position again.” He sighed. “But I see a part of myself in him. Maybe I thought I could keep him from going down the path I did.”
Agnar smiled faintly. “I see a bit of you in him too. But I also see a boy who’s going to change the world.”
Hagar finally smiled, a rare warmth breaking through his pain. “I can’t help but agree.”
Agnar’s tone shifted, serious once more. “You know you can’t stay here.”
Hagar nodded. “I know. I made too much noise bringing him here. I’ll have to leave for a while.”
“Where will you go?” Agnar asked, raising an eyebrow.
Hagar stared at the ceiling before meeting Agnar’s gaze. “I’m going back to the Holy Soul Empire.”
Agnar’s concern flickered briefly, but then he smiled. “I understand. Whatever you do, come back. He needs you.” He gestured to Tyr.
Hagar’s smile grew. “I’m going because of him. I need to finish what I started. This is the path I must walk to protect the ones I care about.”
Agnar nodded, rising from his chair. “I won’t stop you. Just… make sure you say goodbye to the boy before you leave.”
“I will.”
Agnar moved toward the door on the far side of the room. “Don’t be a stranger.”
Hagar chuckled softly. “I won’t. Goodnight, old man.”
Agnar laughed as he opened the door, letting it creak shut behind him with a quiet click.
Hagar approached Tyr, kneeling beside the couch. He closed his eyes and whispered, “I know this is sudden, but I have to leave now. I’m leaving you in Agnar’s care. He’ll teach you, guide you, and make you stronger than me or him. Whatever comes your way, I know you’ll be strong enough to face it.” His voice trembled slightly. “Meeting you… it’s made me realize what I must do. And when I return, I promise I’ll make you the best rabbit stew you’ve ever had.”
Standing, Hagar placed his bow and spear beside Tyr. “A parting gift. May they serve you well.”
He walked toward the ruined doorframe, stepping into the moonlight. Placing a hand over his heart, he whispered, “Elaina, Gilda, Tyr… I promise to protect the innocent from the Holy Soul Empire.”
Hagar strode into the night, his heart heavy yet resolute, a newfound purpose driving him forward—to destroy those who had taken so much from everyone.