While Rud spoke, Alexander’s mind raced.he thought bitterly.
“Don’t make me laugh. You will use any means necessary to keep a leash on me.”
He knew better than to voice his thoughts.
The truth was that from the moment he had accepted Rud’s help, he had become a pawn.
The spell Body and Soul had come with a price—a price he would pay as long as he existed in Gareth’s body.
Friends help each other, Rud had said, but Alexander saw no friendship here.
He had survived many betrayals in his life, and this was no different.
He would bide his time, gain strength, and when the moment was right, he would take back his autonomy.
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Rud’s tone shifted, becoming more serious.
“Alexander, you must understand that your return comes with responsibilities.”
Alexander raised his head, meeting Rud’s gaze.
“I understand. What would you have me do, my lord?”
“First,” Rud said, rising to his feet,
“You will solidify your presence within the remnants of Distantias. They are fractured, leaderless, and dangerous. Reign them in. Use Gareth’s reputation if you must, but bring them under control.”
Alexander bowed slightly.
“As you command.”
Rud stepped closer, placing a hand on Alexander’s shoulder.
“Good. And remember, Alexander, trust is a fragile thing. Don’t make me question mine in you.”
Alexander inclined his head.
“I would never dream of it.”
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As Alexander stood, Rud turned away, his attention already shifting to other matters.
Alexander took a step back, his face carefully neutral.
“You think you control me, Rud, he thought, but you’ve only given me the tools to take control myself.”
Outwardly, he smiled.
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As Alexander stood near the doorway waiting for others to pass to leave the chambers of the Dark Father without getting seen by guards,
Rud, at that time, spoke to him again.
“Before you leave, Alexander, there’s one thing I need to confirm,”
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“Have you acquired everything Gareth knew about Blue Hope? His memories, knowledge, instincts—everything?”
Alexander nodded.
“Yes, Lord Rud. The spell worked flawlessly. Gareth’s memories are fully integrated into my mind. I know what he knew—about the ship, its crew, the layout, and its defenses.”
Rud studied him intently.
“And his mannerisms? His habits? Can you convincingly act as Gareth if necessary?”
A small smirk tugged at Alexander’s lips.
“Not just convincingly, my lord. Seamlessly. The knowledge of his behavior, speech patterns, and preferences resides within me. I could fool even those closest to him. As far as the world is concerned, I am Gareth.”
Rud nodded slowly.
“Good. That will prove invaluable. We cannot afford any loose ends or suspicion. You must blend in perfectly.”
Alexander’s expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he bristled at Rud’s tone.
Blend in? he thought. I will do more than that. I will rise above.
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As Rud turned his attention to the mages behind him, Alexander’s gaze followed.
The mages were working on something intricate—a spell or device of considerable power.
He narrowed his eyes, taking in the faint runes and shimmering patterns, but he couldn’t discern the purpose.
“Curious, are we?” Rud asked, not looking back.
Alexander’s face betrayed nothing.
“Merely admiring the dedication of your mages, my lord. They seem to be working on something significant.”
Rud let out a low chuckle.
“Significant, indeed. But not your concern, Alexander. Focus on your tasks. Leave this to me.”
Alexander nodded obediently, but his mind was already spinning.
Whatever Rud was working on, it was something he wasn’t meant to know about. And that made it all the more intriguing.
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As Alexander prepared to take his leave, his thoughts briefly wandered to the Blue Hope Mage Guardians.
These powerful constructs, bound to the ship, were a critical asset to its defenses.
Gareth’s memories made it clear that even most of the ship’s crew were unaware of their existence, but Alexander knew.
Other than some rare experienced guards and people like Redel and Gareth, as well as other high-level officials and crew members of the ship.
Not much is known about them.
For a moment, he considered telling Rud about them.
It would strengthen his position as a trusted ally, and Rud might even reward him for the information. But then, he hesitated.
No, he thought. “There’s more to gain by keeping this to myself. If Rud faces trouble with the Guardians later, it might weaken his position. And if he questions why I didn’t tell him, I can always say Gareth himself wasn’t aware.”
The corner of Alexander’s mouth curled into a faint smile.
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Rud spoke again.
“One last thing, Alexander.”
Alexander stopped, turning back to face Rud with an expression of polite attentiveness.
Rud’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Do not forget who gave you this second chance. You may be Gareth in body, but you are Alexander in soul. And I expect that soul to remain loyal.”
Alexander gave a small bow.
“I have no intentions of betraying the trust you’ve placed in me, Lord Rud. I understand the importance of our alliance.”
Rud watched him carefully for a moment, then waved him off.
“Good. Go now. The Distantias must be restored to their former glory under your leadership. Do not disappoint me.”
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As Alexander left the chamber, his mind churned. The knowledge he carried, the secrets he held—each was a weapon, a tool to be used at the right moment.
Rud believed he was in control, but Alexander knew better.
Loyalty? he thought, a faint smirk on his lips. Let’s see how long that lasts.
For now, he would play the role Rud expected of him. But in the shadows of his mind, a storm was brewing—a storm that would one day engulf everything.