Gazing deeply into the embers of the campfire, Cassian sat alone in the dark night as the rest of the party took their rest. It was his turn to watch for the night. Tended to the campfire absentmindedly, he recalled the battle today as Lucious took Lucson’s barrier and turned it into something different. The survivor of the Grimkeeper. The Cursed One. Tightened his grip on the branch he used for grooming the campfire, Cassian did not turn his head as a broad figure appeared and sat across him, staring intently. Unable to hold himself, Cassian broke the silence.
“What is it, Floki?” The man in question did not answer immediately but instead observing the young knight sitting across him with a firm gaze as one of the shimmering logs snapped. “Cassian, what brings you here?” Surprised by the question, Cassian looked warily at the former Maeism instructor of the Principle. “What with the question? Isn’t it obvious?” “Is that so?” Floki narrowed his eyes. “Then, why did you invite that boy to come with us?” Cassian was quiet for a while before retorting back. “Then, why did you agree to let Lucious join the expedition?” “Because I think it is a good chance for the boy to start anew in Jercflosey. He has no future in Tressmoor.” Looking at the steadfast Floki, Cassian shook his head with a frigid look.
“Lucious has no future here, and it will be so in Jercflosey. His future has already been decided when he walked back from the cave alive.” “That is if you can really be as cold as those goons of Elder Council.” Cassian gazed coldly at Floki who was smiling faintly at him. “I know the Principle has something to do with the demise of some survivors.” “You mean the Cursed One.” “Blessed or cursed, they are but a side of the same coin. You should know it more than anyone else.” Cassian frowned as Floki shut him down. “But the Council do not know of Lucious yet. Your decision will decide the boy’s fate. I wonder if you’re really able to do so...”
A moment of silence passed as Cassian let Floki’s words echoed in his mind and trying to come up with a resolution, facing the elder who lived longer and experienced more than him. “My duty is with the greater good, protected and maintained by the Principle. Anything that poses and will pose a threat to the Principle must be eradicated.” Floki laughed dryly. “But the will of the Principle does not represent the will of the continent. The world lives on even the Principle is gone.” “Watch your mouth, Floki. The Principle does not take these words lightly.” Cassian hissed at the older man, but Floki did not bother by the intimidation.
“Look, Cassian. Don’t try to escape from yourself by trying to become a paragon of the Principle.” Cassian was frozen with his blood running cold as he was caught with surprise by Floki’s words. “I know you were here more than a year ago. Looking aghast with such despair as if the world had come to an end. I allowed Daelous to accompany your rejuvenating journey.” Cassian listened blankly as Floki continued. “Listening around and catching some news from some old friends, I know what happened.” Floki stopped and caught his breath as Cassian remained silent. “You might think you’re here because of the necessity of your presence. Indeed, the situation is bad for Tressmoor, but it does not warrant the presence of the young successor of the Shield of the Principle.”
Floki edged closer to Cassian as the young knight was overwhelmed by the words of his elder. “So you think you are here to incinerate a Cursed One for the greater purpose. But no, you’re not.” Cassian’s lips became dry as Floki probed deeper. “You’re here for Lucious, lad. You want to have a look at the sibling left by your kindred friend. Both of you know more than anyone else what it is like to lose a brotherly tie.” Cassian steeled himself from the stinging words and remained calm. “I don’t know what are you trying to find within the boy, but it does no good to either of you if Lucious was handed a death warrant by the Principle.”
Another moment of silence passed, even the cracking of the burning logs did not manage to sooth the chillness permeated around the two. “What do you want, old man?” Cassian broke the silence in resignation as his eyes closed and grimaced for a second. “Nothing for the moment. Just a gamble. To see if the boy can really become a threat to the Principle. If you can steel yourself and cut the promising youngster from his future.” “If I do, then?” “That’s that. Nothing. But if not, you’re going to help me to bring the boy to Jercflosey.” Cassian pondered for a while before asking. “Why are you doing so much for Lucious?” Floki flashed a big smile as if he was waiting for the question. “Silly. Who do you think I am? A teacher will always worry about his students no matter who they are and how far they have gone.”
Cassian was struck dumb as he knew Floki did not refer to his young trainee only, that the old instructor was still looking out for him. “Well, that’s it.” Heaving himself up, Floki was leaving the campfire when he stopped and turned to look at Cassian for last time. “Why must you have to choose such a way? The path is unrewarding. Only pain and regret await you at the end of the journey. If you can’t shoulder it, let it go.” The older man left Cassian with his words and walked away from the campfire.
The campsite became silent once more, but Cassian’s world was boiled with insurmountable emotions. “This pain...This regret...You don’t know any of that, Floki.” Cassian’s shoulders trembled in rage for the injustice Floki bestowed him. His eyes clouded with conflicting feelings in turmoil as his palms gripped into fists as he muttered silently. “Damn you, Floki. Saying all you want. What do you know about me...?” The strong and reliable silhouette of the young knight seemed weakened with hesitation and questions as he stared into the nothingness of the night, seeking answers the night could not offer.
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