Chapter 139: A Will

The word of warning from Staxius had gently brushed against Julius’s mind. It didn’t seem all that important at first. As time went on, the same words now grew to be heavy and piercing. Become strong and adapt, this slowly imbedded itself, the night continued without stop.

A day had gone by since the journey back to Arda began. The trio back at Rosespire completed quests at a high pace, reputation increased slowly and so did their overall financial situation. The potion shop got a few customers who weren’t put off by the kid and the price of fifteen silvers. Meanwhile, Aceline and her assistant got ready to head for the capital too. A journey that would take about four to five days, considering transportation and a place to live.

Dawn approached, the orangish sky lit dimly. The breeze felt quieter than usual, the tavern empty. The noble council of Dorchester stood outside, Staxius and the elf said the last goodbyes. “Thanks for everything, and do invite me for the wedding,” he added in jest, the eyes stared at the Silver Guardians who shyly looked away.

“Yeah, yeah,” Adelana shrugged. ‘What’s this feeling,’ on the way inside the car, Staxius blinked and an aura put the subconscious on guard. The door closed, a glance behind revealed Millicent, she looked normal. But the aura around her was not human, it rather felt demonic in nature. Curious to why, the eyes closed, and all sharpened. It remained there, a black shadow of a hand that grabbed Millicent. For the most part, it didn’t seem dangerous, probably just an attachment. “Give me a second,” the door reopened. “Did you forget something?” Julius asked seeing Staxius return.

Nothing, not a word, not a sign, he ghosted straight past the others and headed for Millicent. “W-what is it?” she mumbled; her mind shuddered. *Tap,* the cursed steel blade manifested, *click,* it unsheathed; a feeling of nausea filled the courtyard. “W-what is happening?” despair, hate, resentment and fear, everything rushed out, the temperature dropped. The eyes remained closed, the strange aura around her seemed to react, *slash,* a quick diagonal swing near her head sufficed. The demonic hand released its grip and lashed onto the sword, it was too good to let go. A feast of dark emotions, the thing it wanted. It sheathed again, all the vile emotions vanished.

“Sorry about that,” he turned around and left. “This feeling,” she spoke, the eyes teared up. “THANK YOU, MASTER,” she yelled, at last, the suffering ended. No longer did the voice spoke, peace came back. “Next time do speak to someone about the troubles. You’ve got good friends and companion by thy side, use them – it’s what friends are for,” the door closed and the car shot out.

“Millicent, what was that about?” Adelana asked; the girls gather around. “I-I’ve j-just been saved. I-I’m sorry for everything,” she bowed and explained the situation. “No need to cry,” a group hug followed, Julius remained by the side-line and thought. ‘This is the reason why I admire you, my dearest friend. Unexplainable actions and unpredictability but with a goal to always bring a smile on the faces of the people you care about. Resent it as much as you want, by heart, you’ve got the qualities to become a hero. Not one of justice and righteousness, but a hero that the people actually need – not some guy who forgives and forgets, but someone who doesn’t even blink when taking a life. One who makes rash decisions whilst considering every other possibility.’

.....

“Brother,” Autumn called, “snap out of it, we’ve got a job to do.” To that, the town went back to the daily grind.

“Are we far off?” Klaern asked, “we’ll be at the noble district in a few minutes or so,” he replied. The sun rose right behind Void, it shone its light onto them till the ex-noble district came into view. It remained abandoned, many of the houses were demolished. Apparently, Julius had plans to turn this small district into a place where factories could be built. Seeing as Staxius was out of the noble council now, it didn’t matter what they did. The church stood, the plan was to climb up and gain access to the portal.

“We’ve arrived,” the car parked; one jump sufficed, Staxius decided to showoff. A single leap sent him on the roof, “go inside, there’s a stairway,” he yelled from above.

“Arda, here we come,” the portal remained, ‘-I’m coming back Xula,’ he thought with a smile. Trees and vegetation, the duo came out underneath the capital. A few steps forward and the entrance was spotted, guards stood watch, their armor shone in the waking sun.

“Who stands there,” they detected the girl’s presence. “-No one particular,” the leaves got brushed aside, Staxius stepped into the open. “Who is that?” they asked, to which one had his head slapped. “That’s King Staxius,” thus bowing respectfully. “No need for formalities,” he approached, they raise their heads. “How’s the monster situation?” Staxius asked. “A few guards set off on patrol earlier today, a horde of goblins roaming around the outskirts were reported by the elves.” With that answer, Staxius turned and closed his eyes, no strange auras were detected. “Could I request a portal to the castle?” he asked, the guards escorted the king to the closest doorway. Located in the barracks, “the people were already informed of your arrival, just step on through,” one of the guards added, Staxius smiled and walked inside.

“Welcome back King of Arda,” a familiar voice spoke, “thanks,” he replied gently. The sage stood on the other side of said portal, he waited with arms open and ready to welcome his dear disciple. “Excuse me, but what is this King business? Aren’t you human,” the elf raised a good question. “Sorry, I should have introduced myself earlier, but I’m Staxius Haggard, husband to her majesty the queen,” the tone friendly and soothing.

“May I ask who this lady is?” the sage asked. “This is an elf whomst I found and decided to bring back. Remember the lady I killed when the goblins first attacked? She’s one of her siblings. Has there been any news to where the boy is located now?”

“The Aebalar, yes, the boy lives in one of the orphanages on the lower floors,” he added. “Thanks for all the work, master. Could you please get her some food, clothes and a nice bath.”

“Staxius, you know full well I’m not your personal butler. But whatever,” he smiled, “-I’ll do the necessary arrangement.” With haste, the sage vanished alongside the lady. The throne wasn’t in sight yet, time, since Xula was seen, had been more than he could keep track of. Nervousness made him joyful, ‘damn it,’ he sighed.

*Clop, clop,* footsteps echoed, the atmosphere felt tense. “All welcome King Staxius,” a butler yelled, trumpets were blown, instruments played. ‘What is this?’ a glance at the balcony atop revealed many influential nobles applauding his welcome. It came as a surprise when the elusive Zachaeus Balthazar was spotted.

Xula came in sight, the walk down the red carpet leading to her throne felt long and slow. Her face looked shy, the cheeks flushed to which he smiled, but she bashfully looked away. Before a word was said, she stood and conjured a portal.

After following her, they arrived at the same spot. Under the same tree, the same idyllic landscape, the table filled with pastries. “Morning Xula,” he took a seat next to her. “M-morning S-Staxius,” her voice trembled. “I care not for formalities,” he mumbled and without warning, rested onto her lap. The seats were closer than before. “Welcome back,” her hands ran down the long hair.

“Sorry for taking so long,” he apologized. “No need to worry; things have been more than eventful,” she took a bite and crumbs fell onto him. It was as if it snowed, but rather than snow it was sugar. “Very ladylike,” he added in jest. “Give me a break,” she sighed – the queen wasn’t queen when Staxius was around. Formalities went out of the window; each grew to become comfier around the other.

“Did Avon bring back the girl he found?” Staxius asked; a gentle breeze made her greenish hair dance. Rather than facing forward, the head tilted upwards, a place where all her beauty could be admired. The perfect jaw, cherry lips, the eyes that changed colors. An angel could not even describe her beauty. “Yes, imagine my surprise when she came before my sight. The joy was overwhelming, but I had to keep it hidden. That fox-eared girl belonged to a noble faction that has now disbanded. An attendant I personally trained for her marriage closed in. Sadly, things happened and her presence vanished into thin air,” her eyes softly gazed into the trees.

“Was it a bad thing to have brought her back?” Staxius asked. “Not really, it was sudden and unpredictable. You see, her family has died – that girl is alone and has nowhere to go. I’ve given her temporary refuge in one of the many rooms, though I can’t decide of her fate now,” unknowingly, she pinched Staxius’s ear. “There’s some explaining to do, my dear husband. I’ve heard from Avon that you’re quite popular with the ladies. A quick read in his mind revealed many things, are you sure you don’t want to go into details?” her eyes red and angry. “OUCH, calm down, dearest wife,” the head lifted off the seat. “I’d never do anything remotely vulgar and unethical. You must know that I’ve only got eyes for one lady in particular – that someone is you Xula,” their face stood inches apart, the tone sincere and unfaltering, her heart raced. “S-sure,” before a reply could be given, Staxius went in for a kiss.

For the next few hours, access to this part of the garden was cut off from the rest of the world. It became secluded, the king and queen bonded. The long months of having been far apart made each envious. Not to mention, since the marriage, the couple stayed together for one day till he departed.

“My back itches,” he sighed, both rested on the grass. Xula tightly wrapped herself onto his right side. She slept peacefully,’-I’ve got the best wife haven’t I,’ an obnoxious smile remained fixed. He could not shake this feeling of bliss, the first union of body and soul. In those hours, the king and queen became one. Though resting on the grass half-naked could not but make him laugh. “Every death reaper bares the curse of misfortune; we can never be truly happy.” The words from Lord Death came into mind. A curse that was ever-present.

“I’ll defy creation itself if needed. This curse isn’t going to stop me from loving the people I cherish. God, demon, angel, anyone, I dare you. I swear on this never-ending life of mine, if the day comes where Xula or Eira have to part ways because of this curse, the world shall crash and burn, this isn’t selfishness – it’s my will.” The left hand raised up and clenched into a fist.

“Don’t be so rough,” Xula mumbled, it sounded adorable. Slowly, the calmness caught up and Staxius fell asleep in turn. Another few hours went by; he awoke to a still sleeping angel. “Hey, it’s time to wake up,” the face constantly held a smile. “A few more minutes.”

In the end, both stood and headed out, the couple spent the rest of the day together. From a casual stroll into town to visiting local shops and having fun. An inconspicuous date, Xula had to change her outfit quite a bit. It reached the point where none could recognize her. Staxius remained adamant on the hair staying green, he loved the color and never wanted to see it gone. Thus, the day went by quickly.

historical

She had fun, and so did he – never mind the fact the trouble of monsters looming overhead. A guillotine that hung on a tight string. Night came, a portal got conjured – and the date ended without further troubles. “Thanks for choosing me as your betrothed,” Staxius said quietly whilst staring at the starry night. She hugged him from behind, they were in the royal bedroom. “There’s no need for such things. I’m thy wife, and thou art mine groom – nothing is to ever change,” her voice pure and caring.

“Even so, I promise to always be by your side,” he turned around and embraced with all his might. “Don’t worry about the curse of the death reaper – I’ll always remain close; you’re my conduit after all.” She overheard what was said earlier that day. “You heard all that,” the face flushed in embarrassment. “This is new,” she said, this was the first time the always cold and pale face lit. It looked alive for once, “oh I didn’t realize,” the cheeks burnt.