Chapter 122: Ayleth’s return


    Baffled by the answer given, Aceline watched as a very strange man left. Along the way out, the party spoke to one another. Avon cheerfully recounted what he and Aceline had aplished. Without fail, Staxius praised and seemed genuinely interested. The things he saw during that concert got him thinking. A new way to reach people, instead of intimidation why not use a weapon like hers. However, tis was but wishful thinking – the heir to the god of death could not just run off and be a musician. It would be disrespectful to the people who trained for years and decades. They were warriors in their own right, searching for something farther than anything else.


    “Avon,” Staxius spoke, they reached the car. “Yes?” he turned and asked. “Have you seen Alyson or Ayleth during the fight?” the machine turned on. “No I’m afraid not,” Avon vanished, Achilles took the only seat avable. “Why do you ask?” the car drove downhill. “It’s a bit weird for them to note to watch Eira,” with that in mind, Staxius drove to the mansion.


    Once at their destination, all were surprised to see that the girls had left. Alyson knew of the fight but decided to not attend. Ayleth’s demeanor changed and to top it off, Adna had ordered them to return as soon as possible. The butler in charge of said household told all that Staxius needed to know. “Thanks for all the information,” he walked away from the bowing butler. “Aren’t we going to stay the night here?” Avon asked as he sat in the driving seat. “Not really, I want to drive to the capital this instant.”


    Thus, throughout the night, at around time for many to get drunk – Staxius set off. Achilles slept like a baby; her face leaned on the window that grew to be foggy. Avon rested in spirit form inside the one who drove. Fatigue ailed, but he gritted and sped through. Time was of the utmost importance – the tailordy still had the threat of the dark-guilds.


    Concurrently in Dorchester, Alyson and Ayleth arrived. Their transport left earlier that day. “This ce is always lively,” her eyes filled with relief, Ayleth breathed gently. The hill atop which the castle rested was closed off. The wall was quite away from the slightly sloped hill. ns for a harbor was made, for the ravine separating the provinces could be used as a passage for boats. They entered, the town wasn’t as noisy as the capital. However, it felt peaceful, people walked around without worry. Guards stationed here and there, the ce still was in the nning process. No taxes were being taken from the inhabitants; this was to help in the construction efforts. Many skilled artisans and craftsmen took a liking for the hospitality. Dorchester slowly changed into a trading town – many came from all over to experience the rumored serenity.


    Monsters didn’t threaten anyone for Fenrir was present. A need for an adventuring guild became void. Though it helped that some mysterious association helped with the extermination and protection at night. Near the foot of the hill facing Bri height, a small hideout got built. Per orders from Adna, the people living there were exempted from any questioning. The ones who lived there were none other than the Merchants of death. Adna’s trusty allies – they worked at night, dispatching of any unsightly beings in exchange for a ce to hide.


    “Wee back Ayleth,” the car drove towards the castle, banners were ced all over. Most of the inhabitants came to celebrate her return. Stood atop the castle wall, many shouted and wished her good health. It brought joy to the still weakened heart.


    .....


    “Ayleth,” the car stopped, everyone stood before the entrance. Behind, lights and the sound of people drinking. The Silver guardians, Millicent, Julius, Vi, and Fenrir, waited with a smile. “-how much have I missed you,” Adna darted and hugged the one who returned. “I’m home,” Ayleth replied with a tear flowing. None cared about the half-burnt face – it was unrecognizable. “Ayleth,” the remainder proceeded to rush and hug in turn. “Thanks, everyone,” she smiled. Her hands always stayed near the face, Ayleth was embarrassed about how it looked. Not to mention that it ached from time to time.


    “Wee back Ayleth,” Julius spoke, the crowd around her cleared. “Thanks, Julius,” she smiled, he held a ck suitcase. “With the help of everyone here, this is a present for you,” the box opened. “I c-can’t b-believe it,” her body felt weightless. “This makes me so happy,” the voice felt at ease. “We do apologize for giving you this out here,” Vi whispered, her face remained in a constant state of woeness. “Don’t worry about it,” she lifted her present. A mask, half that covered where she was injured. It was of a white and gold color, the eyebrows sparkled, it shone. It was made by the craftsmen and artisan from all – a coboration. Embedded with diamonds and precious stones – it could put a crown to shame.


    “What is this feeling,” Ayleth wore it, a subtle greenlight manifested. “Don’t worry about that, tis but a regeneration spell. It will help to soothe the pain and bring your face back to normal. However, said process will take months if not years – the curse from that weapon holds steady.” Vi exined, everyone remained silent. “Thank you so much,” Ayleth’s happiness could not be contained.


    The night went on with the same mood, everyone celebrated. Sat away from the main crowd, the council discussed. Normally this serious talk would have taken ce the next day, but Ayleth demanded it. “I’m sorry we had to call you back home earlier than predicted.” Julius took charge of the discussion, he exined what happened during the time Alyson and Ayleth were gone.


    “The town has been expanding at afortable pace. Monsters aren’t an issue thanks to the emerald ranked Fenrir. However, I can’t help but feel anxious. How long will you guys keep on fighting,” he voiced a sound argument, “it has been sixteen long years, and even more. Most of you have reached your thirties – I’m not saying you’re old. However, therees a time when people have to retire,” this was brought about by Ayleth’s injury. “I know that you Silver Guardians aren’t weak, not even in the least. Sadly, it’s my job as a friend to tell you what I think.” Everyone understood the point he tried to make. “First and foremost, I wish for you all to be happy. All I want is for you to find your own calling. May it be romance, artistry and even teaching, who cares – just don’t step on the battlefield anymore. There’s no need for that, we’ve got the strongest wall to be made as our barrier – and thanks to the alliance with Arda; things are looking prosperous. I know not how Staxius managed but queen Shanna offered to send over some guards to help in defending Bri heights from Kreston,” he ended.


    “I know what you mean,” Adna added, “yeah we get it,” everyone else followed. “However, this doesn’t mean we’re to run off and find another path. It’s a bitte for that now, romance might have been on most of our minds. I mean, look at Ancret, she’s courting a Lord who drunkenly stumbled on our town not a few months ago,” the secret was out, “STOP IT ADELANA,” her face flushed. “Not just her, most of us here are already in rtionships.” Julius’s breath cut short, everyone shyly looked down. Fenrir and Undrar didn’t look bothered, they focused on the foodid to rest on the table.


    “I didn’t notice,” he added with embarrassment, “we figured as much,” Adna winked. “Most of us aren’tcking in the looks department,” A added in a friendly tone. “Yes, finding out about our private life isn’t something easy. My sisters and I are spies after all,” Ancret boasted. “Therefore, you needn’t worry – when the timees for us to part ways, we’ll tell you, Julius. For now, let us help build a town for everyone to enjoy – it’s thest quest the Silver Guardians are to finish before retiring,” Adna added with a smile.


    “I’m grateful for you all for being honest and open with me. I feel honored that you all have epted me,” he took a sip. “Anyways, Alyson – did you get any news about Eira’s fight, her tournament was scheduled for today wasn’t it?” Millicent asked, her drunken state turned sober. “About that, we had to leave before we had a chance to watch. But I would not worry, Staxius came to visit,” she uttered nonchntly. “Staxius what,” Julius choked, all their stares pierced her. “Is he doing alright, we haven’t heard of master in months,” Undrar asked, her tone felt agitated. “Yes, not since the king’s day of birth,” Julius mumbled. “I think so, I don’t know – that man is always a mystery to me. I’m grateful for his visit – apparently, he paid 80,000 gold coins for Ayleth’s treatment.”


    “80,000 WHAT?” the room echoed with their screams, “how the hell does he have so much money, AND WHY WOULD HE?” Questions went off like an open tap. “IS HE INSANE?” everyone added, 80,000 gold was insanity. “Did he really pay that much just for me?” Ayleth’s eyes were wide open. “Guys stop,” Alyson took a sip, “from what I understood, he felt guilty for sending us in that suicide mission – that was his way of atoning.” It put their heart at ease knowing that somewhere out there, the guardian still watched. The one who they called master, the one who hadn’te back – he cared.


    “Hey, Julius,” a stranger called out from the crowd. “Yeah?” he answered. A strange but familiar man walked closer, “long time no see,” the one standing was none other than Piers Riverty; the princess’s husband. “Long time no see indeed,” Julius stood and hugged the man who seemed partially drunk. “I might have overheard your conversation; therefore, I apologize. However, I have something that might peak your attention.” He pulled a strange device, a phone – one more advance than they ever saw. Technology had leaped exponentially in thest five years, thanks to mages now devoted to implementing magic into everyday life.” The phoneid on the table; it showed the tournament. “Don’t ask how, but I got this sent to me earlier, I think it will be of your interest to see,” a snippet of the end. Everyone watched, “that’s our girl,” it showed the moments before her chest was pierced.


    “WHAT?” the clip yed the part where Eira got bested. “Impossible,” it ended, “that was Staxius wasn’t it?” they saw what happened. In thest moments of the battle, Staxius fought alongside Eira – not to mention the part where everything ended in less than a minute. “Was that even Staxius?” questions filled their mind further, “...” Vi’s face turned pale. “the thing under the cheeks, it can’t be. Did he really get bestowed with a power symbol,” she thought out loud. “-t-this m-means that lord d-death has d-decided to entrust him w-with everything,” she fell onto her knees. “Hey, are you alright?” Adna grabbed her shoulders. “Yeah, I’m fine, just a little bit fatigued,” she stood.


    “Julius, I have a favor to ask,” to which he responded with a nod. “you said that the town is going to be prosperous and that the hard bit is behind us?” she confirmed what he said prior. “Yes, I’m nning to move a part of mypany here – it will help in both defense andmerce, Castle Garsley is pretty muchplete.”


    “In that case, I feel like my job here is aplished. For too long have I stayed away from the one who brought me here,” she spoke with confidence. “Are you speaking about rejoining up with Staxius?” Adna asked. “Yes,” she replied firmly.


    “You are free to do what you want, I’m but a friend. In no way have I the authority to order anyone of you around,” Julius added softly. “Thank you, everyone,” her appearance changed, ‘this beating in my chest won’t go away. I need to regroup with Staxius; our pact might have been broken but I’m still the mighty bringer of death.’ Wings sprouted from her back, “I’ll see you guys soon,” it pped.