...but it holds many dark secrets...
(sequel to First by the Star) |
Xael sat in silence as the wizened old man studied him...his aura. With his eyes closed, the old man was able to sense and read Xael's power, his magical energy. He could even see Xael's memories to an extent, and Xael knew that he was studying the memory of Xael's recent fight with the magical warriors at Enclyptus knoll. After what felt like an hour, the old man opened his eyes. "Xael, I can see that you have engaged in a conflict that I did not direct you towards." Xael said nothing. "You know," the old man continued, "that this is a direlection of duty on your part. If you don't recall, I assigned you to defend this town. The walls were almost besieged by the destructive forces of the Dark Master, and you thought it wise to go gallavanting off onto a hill almost a mile away because you thought that you had to fight these magical soldiers." Xael's face showed no emotion as he spoke, "Yet I know that I retain the right to act as I will if I am so called." The old man looked him over. "And what called you to fight these men? What I ask you, forced you to endanger the lives of so many innocent people?" "A voice," replied Xael curtly. "A voice," said the old man, "and what voice would that be?" Xael closed his eyes. "The voices of countless more lives that were lost to the blades of these men. I know that you recall the terror of the Demonic Wars master, and these men were dead set on reigniting the spark of that war. They were intending to do so by destroying this town and then moving on to the next. I know for a fact that they had the capabilities to destroy this town from a distance, master." The old man paused, reading the truth of Xael's words. After a while, he spoke once more. "I see...however, I must tell you that this will not happen again. You will consult with me before taking such action. Understood?" Xael nodded. "Very well then...you may go." |