Redemption Arc

By the time that Lucian and Aurelia went to rejoin the battle, it was already finishing up. The combination of divine beasts and skilled combatants was an incredibly potent one. There was a reason why the monastery held such esteem, and it was because they had earned a great deal of reputation in the last demonic invasion. There were few more valuable allies in outright war. That said, the elven group had single-handedly dealt with one half of the city, lightening the burden.

Once Miriam arrived, she was able to act as translator, and that seemed to significantly ease the tension. As it turned out, Enoch’s decision to send people to fetch them was unnecessary. The place that he was awaiting them was N’narathazni—the city that they intended to reach anyway.

As the others rested and recuperated for the journey back, Lucian updated his Evercodex. The blessing that he’d obtained was highly situational, but it could be incredibly potent, especially for the build he’d been developed.

You’ve received the Blessing of the Ruined Garden

+5 CON

+10 HP

+3 DEX

Whenever you’re poisoned, gain all stats up +2 as long as you remain poisoned. Stacks for each unique poison.

Between dealing with the gorgons and getting this blessing, he’d helped secure a strong lead for himself relative to the other Student Ambassadors regarding constitution and health. The Shadow Gorgon provided a good deal of MAG, too, so its death couldn’t be underestimated.

Fighting is such an efficient way to raise prowess, Lucian reflected. And… honestly, it’s less daunting than it used to be. I’m not sure I’m comfortable with fighting against people yet,but monsters? I think Rowan might’ve had a point.

Then, Aurelia tapped his shoulder, bringing him out of his thoughts. “That was exceptionally brave, using yourself as bait like that. You generally prefer to use me as bait,” Aurelia noted.

“…where’s the punchline?” he asked expectantly, figuring she was setting something up.

“I am capable of genuine conversation,” Aurelia said in irritation. “All I meant was that a wound to the soul bypasses any bravery you might have. Have you made any progress on that front?”

Lucian rubbed his hands together. “I don’t see how I could. I’ve tried getting others to use dark magic against me in friendly duels—hell, I even managed to rope in one of the high-ranking instructors of the Collegium to cast Phoenix’s Watch so that we could genuinely draw blood. The fear doesn’t activate then. It seems like it has to be real, or it just doesn’t activate.”

“Mmhmm,” she nodded. “And when it is real, it’s the last place you want to practice overcoming that fear.”

Lucian didn’t like talking about the soul wound. He asked, “Why are you so fixated on it, anyway? You bring it up a lot.”

Aurelia’s irritation deepened. “You never really will trust I’ve changed, will you? Can’t it be out of genuine concern?”

“Sorry. I am… I am starting to believe in you,” Lucian said, and she visibly brightened. “Hell, that last battle proved a lot to me about how much I already trust you. But… I don’t know. It’s just difficult to reconcile the Aurelia that I knew with the Aurelia of today. Surely you can appreciate that.” He rubbed his hands together, then turned back to his Evercodex.

“I can. I’m having difficulty reconciling that myself,” Aurelia said distantly, and then sighed. “But my dear Algard will love me for who I am, surely.”

Lucian shook his head.

***

The journey to N’narathazni was made much smoother by their elven escorts. They knew the region well enough to expedite their journey. Compared to the ruins that they’d come from, this city was practical, simpler. That didn’t mean it was smaller in scale. If Valmere had been large, this city was gigantic, and built in the same style that they’d already seen. A river ran through it, providing easy riverine access. Canoes paddled in a steady stream up the calm waters.

Their escort ensured that they were able to bypass the city guard without so much as an inspection check. Lucian knew that Enoch had some connections in the city, but he didn’t know they were to this extent. But the consequence of using those connections meant that they needed to make good on their word to meet him.

Out here, Miriam wasn’t an oddity. She was a normality. It was plenty common to see people missing arms, legs, or other such horrible disfigurements. This was something that Lucian had seen before, but for many of the Student Ambassadors it was the first time that they really saw the scale of the Black Bloom.

Aurelia didn’t seem to be irritated at Lucian anymore, but she was speaking to Rowan a good deal more. Miriam was shadowing her consequently. Eventually, though, he pulled Aurelia aside as they walked toward the meeting place with Enoch.

“I hadn’t intended to meet Enoch yet, but if I can, I want to use this as an opportunity to dissuade Miriam from supporting him,” he told her. “I want to see if we can draw out his true nature. Considering how good you are with people, if you could get him to show his vengeful side… well, that would be wonderful.”

Taken from NovelFire, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“You know just the right things to say to persuade me,” Aurelia said. “But I imagine a man that has followers this dedicated won’t let his mask slip so easily. If you have more solid evidence, I could use that to pressure him,” she suggested.

Lucian shook his head. “Sorry. Pockets are empty. All I have is knowledge of the future, and that won’t exactly fly easily.”

“She’s privy to that. Why don’t you simply tell her?”

Lucian sighed. “Because that’s a very difficult conversation, whether here or in—” he choked on the words ‘War of Four.’ “…whether here or there. Enoch might as well be her second father. She feels that she owes everything to him, and she also genuinely believes the message that he preaches. The problem isn’t the message, though. The problem is what he’ll actually do.” He shook his head. “Ultimately, it probably doesn’t matter enough to risk telling her. Without a miracle, he doesn’t have a chance of winning.”

“And Duke Cyril would never turn to the demons. He’s an unshakable man.” Aurelia smiled exaggeratedly.

Lucian grimaced. “Fair point.”

***

Lucian and company eventually came to large building in the city. It was an amphitheater for the most famous of elven recreational activities—their dancing. They also used it for large public gatherings and other such meetings. While the elves of the sovereign territories couldn’t vote in the election, some people had been granted dual-citizenship by owning property in Valmere. N’narathazni had many such citizens, being something of a gateway city between the New Riverrans.

But when Lucian finally came to the amphitheater itself, the Inquisitor’s Mark throbbed violently. It made Lucian pause in his tracks and clutch his hand.

Why is it reacting here? Lucian thought in total alarm. The Mark reacts to rituals—powerful rituals.

“Something wrong?” Ruth, who’d been walking behind Lucian, asked.

Lucian didn’t answer, but resumed walking. There was never a demonic ritual of great scale anywhere in the Republic of New Riverra. Especially not in N’narathazni. It’s definitely an important trade hub, but… here?

Where could it possibly be? In the Amphitheater? Did Enoch have something to do with it, or with this sensation just a coincidence? His eyes darted around in paranoia as his thoughts raced. The demons surely wouldn’t go so far as to make a ritual without having some grand design behind it. It had to be nearby, surely, if past experience was anything to go on. But where?

“Lucian,” someone else said, drawing him from his thoughts. Miriam walked up to him. “You see that building over there? I certainly hope so, elsewise you might need to visitthere.”

Lucian looked to where she pointed. “Is that the hospital?”

Miriam nodded intently. “Yes, and it’s filled with the patients most severely affected by the disease. That’s where I need to visit after to get some samples. But for now… Enoch,” she said, smiling brightly. “I truly hope you’ll like him. Have you met him before? I believe you said something about him being a dark horse in the election. Do you think he has a chance?”

Lucian smiled weakly. “The circumstances are so different, I can’t honestly say. Listen…” he said, gesturing. “Big problem.”

As quickly as he could, Lucian explained what the searing sensation he felt with the Inquisitor’s Mark meant. By the time he finished, Miriam’s face had gone serious.

“Why here, of all places?” Miriam asked, confounded. “Alright. Alright, I’ll… I don’t know. I’ll tell Rowan.”

“Right,” Lucian said. “But for now, let’s meet with Enoch as planned. If we start panicking, it could spook whoever made this ritual.”

“Right.”

Their party gradually entered into the amphitheater. The open-air exhibit didn’t have any performers on stage, but there were quite a few people. Lucian’s eyes immediately gravitated toward the notably eye-catching figure. Enoch commanded a powerful presence. It was like everyone in the room was watching what he was doing for their cues, even though he was just sitting in front of the stage chatting.

Enoch was informed of their arrival, and he rose. Lucian eyed the black-haired half-elf. Was he another of the new converts to the side of the demons, or was he merely a red herring? It was dawning on him the caliber of opponent he was facing. He was trying to resist the First Emperor and all his servants, with all their adaptability and relentless drive.

But what other option did he have? He stepped forward to greet Enoch. Rather than have Lucian and the others approach Enoch like supplicants, the moment that the half-elven politician noticed their presence he started walking toward them with arms wide.

“Miriam!” Enoch called out. “It’s been so long.”

As Enoch walked closer, Lucian got the chance to examine his features. He was a very plausible president. He was taller than Lucian, with broad shoulders and a handsome face. He had short and somewhat loose black hair that implied a casual amiability. His eyes were like two brilliant jades, warm and open. One too many players were suckered into following his quest route their first playthrough, only to be massively disappointed by his decisions by the end.

Miriam stepped forward. “Enoch. It has been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Look at you. I was worried that things would be difficult for you on the continent, but you seem healthier and happier than I’ve ever seen you.” He stopped before them. “Perhaps these people have some part in that?”

“They do,” Miriam confirmed, looking back with a smile.

One by one, Miriam introduced them all. Enoch walked forward and shook everyone’s hand warmly, giving everyone a compliment. When he came to Lucian…

“Ah, I don’t need to be told this one’s name,” Enoch said with a grin. “I saw you in the papers. You cut quite the heroic figure. And taking Belcourt’s arm, no less! It’s fantastic to meet you, Lucian. I must say, the papers didn’t do you justice. You have far more of a formidable presence.”

It was astounding how easily he could flatter others. That said, none of it all seemed ingratiating or forced. Lucian shook his hand. Enoch was a man difficult not to like, in his view.

“Now…” Enoch stepped back, looking at them all. “I do have a reason that I called all of you here, but if this isn’t too much of an imposition… I’d like to show you something, Miriam. A gift.”

Miriam’s eyes widened. “What might that be?”

“Come with me and I’ll show you,” he said with a smile. “Your friends are just in time for the meals to be served. If you’d like a fine meal, everyone, it’s coming. I just want to grab Miriam for a moment.”

Miriam looked back, then started following Enoch. “Oh, um… excuse me, everyone. I’m sure this won’t take long.”

Lucian watched her walk away, concerned. Even as they moved, they both started speaking elvish. What was it that Enoch needed to show her privately?