[Book II Chapter 149] DYLAN: Parting Ways
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Resurrecting the dead… If it had been eleven years ago, the possibility might’ve become an obsession. Today it brought no urgency. Lin Xiao had already grown up without her parents, and he’d already collected a blood repayment from several of their murderers. Those who perished at the Sacred Cloud Sect will be avenged, not brought back.
Dylan leaned on a wall of the great hall. Near him Carol sat crossed-legged on the floor, communing with her familiars on the other side of the veil. Rose and Roxanne were off in a corner discussing quietly. Lastly, Free was out on the balcony, looking out for approaching threats.
I must speak with her, but first… <
Dowart shook his head. <
<
Dowart smirked. <
<
<> Dylan joined Free outside. The girl gave him a lopsided smile, “How do you feel about my true identity?”
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“It explains certains things, such as the looks you’d often get when around others.” He’d always assumed these had to do with her strange creations. “However, there’s still too much I don’t understand. Please tell me more about your past.”
Free nodded, revealing her life at Earth’s End and her voyage to the Isle of Dreams. Listening, Dylan struggle to imagine being weighed down by events from millennia in the past.
“To distinguish yourself from your original you’ve adopted a selflessness that borders on the suicidal.” He determined.
Free winced. “I’m not that bad, probably…” She leaned on the ramparts. “The more I learned about Sola, the more I saw myself in her. I’m even wield her former staff. Saving others alleviates my insecurities.”
“Yet you’ve agreed to aid Debra Sunder.” He observed.
“Which pressures me even more.” She sighed. “I feel compelled to stop the Nightmare King if possible.”
“She’s finished.” Rose called out. They gathered around the fearmancer back inside.
“So?” Free asked.
“My familiar Smiley located and scouted Thornbridge Manor.” Carol explained. “It’s in the Ancient Gardens, on a hill about four miles from the hole to the Undermist.”
“Is it well-defended?” Roxanne asked.
“It’s not.” Carol grimaced. “Moonlight denizens and sovereigns are passing by while maintaining a wide berth. Smiley even found a deserted location nearby that could serve for a passageway.”
“That sounds ideal.” Roxanne commented. “Why the face?”
“Alucard alone could dispatch all of us.” Carol stared blankly. “What could we accomplish if we cross over?”
“We could sway Jonathan to our side.” Rose said. “Convince him to abandon his manor so we can close the rift. At least that’s what Roxanne is now suggesting.”
“It’s worth a try.” Free declared. “Carol could you open the way?”
The fearmancer grumbled. “The only reason I’m going along with this is I know the monsters serving Jonathan won’t chase us if we retreat.”
She sat down again and began channeling. “This will take a while. Since I can only do it in one direction, I’ll make sure the passageway lasts several hours.”
“Take all the time you need.” Free said, walking to the terrace and motioning Dylan to follow her.
“I won’t be accompanying you this time.” He said simply. “If the matter comes down to persuasion, I am not needed, and if it comes down to battle, my strength would be useless against immortals and paragons.”
“I anticipated as much.” Free said sadly. “We both have our own burdens and priorities.”
“I will guard the portal from this side, insuring nothing passes through.” Part of him desperately wanted to rush off into the Land of Nightmares by her side, but rationality prevailed. He had Lin Xiao and his revenge to attend to. Engaging in this folly would betray everything he’d devoted his life to.
“Then pray for our success.” Free smiled, which pained him.
“You know I will.” He offered sincerely.