Kathyln POV

  “This is madness!” One of the council members shouted as he slammed his fist onto the table. He was shrouded in shadows like the rest of us, with his face covered by a mask that fully hide his features.

  But he has shot up from his seat and boosted a bulky muscular build of a warrior. Despite the vocal alterations the mask has I could still hear his fury and anger as the air was charged with his mana.

  The secret council that opposed the current sitting king, Grey, has called for an emergency meeting after yesterday’s showing.

  An asuran lord, a dragon brought down to his knees in front of everyone. If my predictions of the kinds of people who sat in this council were correct, these nobles and high ranking officials would have some sense of just how powerful these asuras are.

  And it would seem some decided to cut their losses and make a run for it. With many of the council seats that encircled the main central table being empty. To be honest I would deem it a wise decision, even I was apprehensive of coming here.

  But it also made me think that perhaps king Grey was letting these meetings take place to weed out possible treacherous agents within his realm.

  His physical and mental prowess was not something we could underestimate.

  “Then what do you suppose? That we all continue in this fruitless endeavor? Or perhaps you wish to start a rebellion here and now?” Another member said in a mocking tone.

  “And what? Sign all of our death warrants?” A female shouted back. She clearly didn’t hear the mocking tone the man spoke in but it was probably due to her fear.

  Even just the message that had gathered this meeting screamed of desperation and panic. And with so many seats empty, there was always the possibility one of the members could sell us out to save their own skin.

  “Are we going to allow this usurper rule in fear and awe! Do we even know what he truly is?!” The angry man yelled again. The air crackled around him as tendrils of lightning curled around his entire body.

  “He does seem to be conducting this war effectively enough. The Alacryan forces haven’t been able to maintain any real foothold upon our continent.” An older voice reasoned.

  “Indeed. If we were to rise up against him then we won’t have support of the military. The soldiers simply adore him.”

  “A king who is willing to lead his own people. What kind of soldier won’t love that? Especially whenever he takes to the field they are met with victory after victory.”

  “So we are supposed to just sit around as he governs as an illegitimate ruler?” the angry man asked.

  “Was that not the original plan? To have him win the war for us and binding him into a political marriage or sowing deceit and hatred for him in the populous?”

  “It would be more effective to make full use of him while we can. That little showing Lord Windsom had done was the only contact we had with the asuras for gods how long.”

  “And if we aren’t able to remove him from power after all of this over?” The man rose to his feet again. Many of the other council members also rose to their feet, clearly physically threatened by him.

  He was clearly a lightning deviant. Those were still rare, and being able to so effortlessly control fire-type mana to that extent. I wondered if I could even make it out of here alive if it came down to it.

  I was beginning to regret coming here on my brother’s insistence. He had wanted to join me but his work at the Lancer academy had kept him there.

  The rolling sound of thunder could be heard as the dark room was illuminated with yellow lighting.

  “You wouldn’t dare! This council-“ one of the members who was directly in front of the furious man said as he took several panicked steps back.

  “This council, it would seem, has outlived its usefulness. I will overthrow that ingrate with my own two hands then side with some spineless cowards who hide behind masks and darkness.” He stated as he raised a single hand.

  The hairs on my back all stood on end as a bolt of golden death shrieked out of his palm and directly at one of the council members.

  He had clearly taken some precautions, as runes on his robe glowed a dull green as it formed a protective barrier of wind around him. But they all shattered like brittle glass as they clashed with the man’s spell.

  I was about to summon my wand from my dimensional storage in a fruitless effort to slow down the man. But I had little confidence in doing anything when the bolt of lightning popped out of existence.

  Everyone seemed to be in stunned silence, even the man who had casted the spell. It was then when I felt a sudden chill on the back of my neck. Every nerve within my body screamed at me to run but my legs didn’t obey as the overwhelming sense of dread snatched my senses.

  “What is this?” The man was now shaking, trying to move when a voice replied to him.

  “I should be asking the same thing.” A figure emerged from the shadows, as he walked a staff of gold and what looked to be an obsidian-like material phased into his hands. Draped in a dark robe of green and gold.

  Upon the staff were runes of gold and purple, all of which so delicately and masterfully etched onto the surface. The head of the staff ended with a corona-like golden crest, each end razor sharp that caught the light. With an ominous green orb sitting at the center of that sunburst corona.

  The figure walked directly up in front of the man. The way he moved was so casual, yet there was an immense power that was just beneath the surface. He clearly had nothing to fear from this man.

  He reminded me of Grey in some ways. That unearthly power he commanded to silence an entire room, well this figure clearly shared that aspect.

  “I should be asking you the same thing.” The figure spoke as he reached up towards the man’s mask. The man struggled to break free from whatever spell the robed man had placed upon him but it was futile. The gulf between their powers was like the vast ocean.

  The robed figures gloved fingers tightened around the mask. “Lance Bairon Wykes.” The robed figure said at the same time as he unmasked the man, clearly demonstrating that he did this whole performance for us and not for himself .

  The audible gasp filled the entire room as we all stared upon the face of the famous Lance. My mind went blank as I tried to process all of this.

  “Who the fuck are you!” Bairon barked as he was still fighting to break free.

  “Oh don’t waste your strength. I have dealt with things far stronger and smarter than you.” The robed man snapped back.

  “What is the meaning of this!” One of the other council members finally spoke as he regained his bearings.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  The robed man’s hooded face snapped to him, making him jolt in fear.

  “Wasn’t he the one who broke the agreements of this council and tried to kill one of you? I am merely apprehending the oath breaker.” The robed figure replied as if stating a simple fact.

  “And-“ I had to take a breath. “And what are you intending to do with him?” I spoke up.

  Lance Bairon was still my family’s Lance. And was a crucial part of what waning strength, both political and physical, my family held. As well as being one of the pillars of Dicathen.

  “What do you suggest, dear princess Kathyln of Sapin?” The robed figure asked as he fully stated my identity.

  ‘Should have just stayed quiet, you just had to speak up didn’t you?’ I cursed myself.

  Seeing as there was no escaping this now I reached up for my mask as I revealed myself. “By the order of the Glayder family I command you to release Lance Bairon Wykes.” I said with the most command and confidence I could muster.

  I doubt a figure who could freeze a Lance in place would hear what I have to say but it was worth a shot. If he wanted us dead we would already be.

  The robed figure only seemed amused. “You got confidence, I’ll give you that little princess.” He said as he chuckled. He then reached up for his own mask.

  Revealing an old wrinkled face. But the most striking features were the purple runes that marked every inch of his skin and the deep green gemstone-like eyes that matched the orb of his staff.

  “Master chronomancer Vago of the Imperial throneworld at your service.” He said as he took a small bow.

  “You are one of the ancient mages aren’t you?” I asked.

  “Is this little girl the only one here with some balls? Yes I am girl, but I would prefer you refer to us as Djinn.”

  “You still haven’t answered her question.” One of the other members spoke up.

  Vago only shot him a glance to shut him up. “Yes, well. Since this man had broken your rules I was expecting you to be all fine for him to just disappear, yes?” He said with just casual callousness that it was almost humorous.

  “No!” I shouted.

  “And you are gonna stop me?” He said as his eyes turned back towards me. Staring directly into his eyes I felt so small. As if I had stared into the vortex of time, I could see flashes of my past, present, and future. I forced my eyes shut. Reassuring myself that they were just an illusion he was creating to unnerve me.

  Through closed eyes I asked him. “Are you one of Grey’s” and it would seem that that was a mistake.

  “One of Grey’s?! You dare question if a LORD of the Order of Chronos is a lackey of that imposter! I should erase you from this timeline just for that insult.” He said as his staff began to glow and rumble with untold power.

  But blades of lightning came down upon Vago as Bairon finally broke free. The swords harmlessly bounced off Vago’s robes before they made contact but Bairon still pressed on. Other members of the council joined in to support. The entire room was a rainbow of mana as they all struck at the Djinn.

  “Tch.” Was all Vago said as he snapped his fingers as all the spells and people froze dead in their tracks.

  “What part of Master Chronomancer do people not understand? Very well, now that we have some silence.” vago tapped the end of his staff into the ground as I could feel my own body moving on my own. I didn’t have time to register what was fully happening before I was back in my chair.

  And as I tried to turn my head to look I was met with my neck stuck in place. So forced to use only my eyes I could see that everyone else had returned to their seating positions, almost as if time itself was reversed.

  “Let’s take it from the top shall we. I am not one of Grey’s underlings. While I have to put up with him for now I am the same as you all. I wish to see that usurper ended.”

  Arthur POV

  Making our way the steps we had descended was even more painful. Each step my entire body protested and screamed out in pain. If it weren’t for my learnt high pain tolerance and mental fortitude I would have collasped on the spot.

  But even I couldn’t fully hide the stress my body went through and was going through with the activation of the Loom. After we had made it up to the dwarven capital that I had made into my base of operations here on Dicathen I quickly excused myself. I reassured Sylvie and Regis that it was only to get a new pair of clothes to replace the bloodied ones on me.

  I was fortunate enough to be able to make it to my personal room and close the door before falling to my knees. I bent forward as a stream of blood surged out of my mouth. I didn’t even know you could barf up that much blood without falling unconscious or just dying outright. A small part of me wished for the release from pain that death would bring, but I could feel my aether core thrum even under the added stress as my body was in a hurry to keep me from dying.

  ‘Huh, to think that I would loath my body’s resilience.’ I mused as I was lying on the cold stone floor. I tried to move my arms to push myself up but they buckled under the weight and all I accomplished was slamming my face back down onto the ground.

  The entire world was spinning to me. My mind, it felt… It felt so full. As if anymore inner pressure would just pop my head like a balloon.

  I do believe this was the first time my asuran body was pushed to such limits. I wondered if I would actually die or at least be crippled for the rest of my life. North and I had expected some reduction to my aetheric output but this was far more than anticipated.

  With each movement my joints screamed in pain. The aether within my body was repairing my quickly dying body. The healing process was just as painful as the cells dying. Muscle fibers were torn apart and mended back together, I felt as though my entire body was on fire.

  There was a loud banging on my door but I could only barely hear it through the haze of pain. But if I had to guess I would presume it was Sylvie or Regis. I was in no state to maintain a stable mental barrier right now.

  When I could only reply with a small moan as I collapsed onto my stomach. I could feel the cold stone floor on my cheek as I saw the door to my private quarters being blown off it hinges.

  Sylvie rushed to my side, the palms of her hand glowing purple as she channeled her own mana and aether in an effort to heal me.

  She was quickly followed by Regis and Neoth. The former of which leapt into my body as he began to expand his form to encompass my entire body. With Sylvie’s and Regis’ efforts the pain eased somewhat but the mental barrage was still there.

  I could feel my eyes roll to the back of my skull as Neoth cursed to himself and picked my head up.

  “Crazy bastard, I told you to tell me!” He sneered. He seemed to hesitate for a moment as he looked at Sylvie then back at me.

  It was strange, seeing such an expression on Neoth. The only real time I saw joy in his face was when he was collecting for his galleries.

  “Fuck it.” Neoth cursed as he placed his forehead on mine.

  It was as if a door that was forever closed was swung open. I could sense that he was opening up his mind to mine, as information flowed both ways. I saw life. Neoth’s life.

  Images and emotions flowed through me. A dust library. A loving but strict father. Hours studying the ancient histories of races time had forgotten. Cataloging anything and everything I could in an effort to preserve some sense in it.

  I saw an old sick looking man lying on bed. Warmth running down my face as I took his hand. He was saying something to me, I didn’t hear what but I could tell from the emotions that were running through my veins that it was something important. Something I would never forget.

  I saw the Djinn, the ancient race that mastered aether. All in their glory. And I saw it all burn.

  My eyes rolled back as I was broken from the trance. Only to be met with Neoth now convulsing on the ground with blood running from his nose.

  Whatever he had done, the mental as well as physical strain were lessened to a manageable level. My body and core still ached and my head spun but I was functional.

  “Neoth!” I said as I picked him up. He was so frail, he weighed basically nothing. His skin was pale and pulled back as he looked back at me with bloodshot eyes.

  He gave me a weak smile as he coughed up blood. “Quite a life you lived there, or should I say lifes?” He managed.

  “You lived quite a life youself.” I said as I helped Neoth back onto his feet.

  Neoth coughed again and in return I channeled mana and aether to him to aid his healing.

  “You owe me one.” Neoth said when he eventually calmed down.

  “Let’s just call it burden sharing. I’d like to think that we are in this together.” I said as I patted Sylvie’s head to reassure her I was fine.

  Still, I felt somewhat closer to Neoth. Perhaps after spending time together on this project have brought us a bit closer together. While a friendly relationship between us wasn’t strictly necessary and our relations didn’t start on the most friendly terms, it was reassuring to have someone else I could trust.

  And after having seen each other's past I hope he wouldn’t see me entirely as a burden.

  Neoth took a deep breath as he eventually stabilized. “Come on then, I am not going to keep your little friend under my watch forever.” He said as he began walking off, motioning me to follow.

  He was speaking of Nico, who I had Neoth keep a close eye on. While he was under my binding spell it was better to be safe than sorry with any of the reincarnates.

  And yes, it was time I had a closer chat with him. Not as Grey but as Arthur, not as a king but as a close childhood friend. Of both of his lives. If I am successful in bringing him over to my cause then that is one less card Agrona has at his disposal. As well as throwing a wrench into his plans with the Legacy.

  ***

  I gently knocked on the door as I patiently waited for an answer. When none came I simply sat on the ground with my back towards the door.

  “I’ll be here when you are ready to talk.” I said over my shoulder towards the door. I wasn’t expecting him to accept me so soon. I was wondering if I was ready to make peace with him.

  Nico Sever and later Elijah Knight. He was my best friend in both of my real lifes. With both friendships ending in flames. I do suppose it was my fault in the beginning, turning my back on both him and Cecilia.

  Still, in those few years where we were all together we had enjoyed life. It seemed so picturesque and perfect thinking back to it and comparing it to now. Am I the same person as back then?

  I was so innocent back then. All I wanted was to grow up and help Headmaster Wilbeck run the orphanage. Compared to now, heh.

  I didn’t exactly know how long I had waited while I was reminiscing about the past when the door opened. And out appeared Elijah, he had forsaken his glasses and his hair was disheveled, as if he had just woken up. Along with the small stubble of hair that was beginning to grow on his chin I am reminded that even in stasis his body had aged.

  But there was hardness and pain in his eyes. Something you didn’t expect from someone his appearance and physical age. I am sure he was having a difficult time dealing with two lifetime's worth of memories.

  I suppose I was lucky in that respect. I was me, ever since this vessel was born. While Nico, I would guess that it felt like you were in a body that wasn’t quite yours.

  “You aren’t gonna leave are you?” Nico said in a low tone, almost a grumble. Still there wasn’t any direct murderous intent so that was progress I suppose.

  “Nope. And seeing as how you aren’t trying to kill me you have had time to recollect your thoughts?” I said with a weak smile.

  Nico sighed deeply as he looked down on me. There still was unmistakable hatred behind his eyes, but there was something else lingering there as well.

  “Let’s get this over with.” Nico said as he gestured for me to enter. I hopped up to my feet as I did as he allowed.

  ‘Just don’t mess this up with your Grey persona.’ Regis warned in my mind. He wasn’t with me now and I had asked both Sylvie and Regis to stand down for now. This was a personal matter between only Nico and I. I should be the one to deal with this and handle the fallout.

  ‘Just, be careful Arthur.’ Sylvie said, worried about my mental health instead of my physical health.

  I sent them my reassurance. I wasn’t going to loose Nico this time.