" 'Since one being is to be born between the two races, a Treaty of Protection has been added in regard to this being's safety. If any side harms the heir to the Nard Kingdom, retribution will be paid, and the cease casualties will no longer be in effect.' "
"Now do you understand, Creed. Your birth is a scar on our history. Not only did the Nards disregard the treaty, but they also ousted you. You have neither home, nor race to call your own."
Again, Siphon burst into a fit of laughter. Almost near crying and out of breath, he finally stopped and suddenly announced, "The council grants your wish," he heaved, exhaling air as he spoke. "At least the council will be rid of your filth for a while."
Creed's gaze wavered, as the other council members began to pass around the document to be stamped. Finally, after all twenty-eight of them branded it, a venerable council member in a mechanical wheelchair handed it to Siphon.
With an ill-tempered tone, Siphon took the document and threw it at Creed, announcing, "Your request is granted!'
Creed turned toward the door to his left and walked out of the darkened council chambers. He was met by the rainy outside world of Casalynn.
As soon as Creed left the Chamber of the Council, the members began to murmur among themselves. One member, slightly younger than the rest, jumped up, seething. "What have we done, Siphon! That arrogant fool will reveal us all. The Humans will turn their disgusting attention to us!" the younger member huffed, sitting back down.
Siphon sat down, contemplating his answer. He smirked. "Plans are in motion . . . the insufferable brat will not survive."
"Are you sure?" the younger member asked, feeling satisfaction upon Siphon's words.
"Most definitely! That is why one of Casalynn's greatest warriors guards the portal as we speak."
When Creed reached the outside, he took a deep breath. The rain seemed to pour harder, as if he had infringed on a private moment. He looked toward the sky and murmured, "Filth." It was a word he had heard all of his life. It was a word that he never seemed to escape, despite all his efforts to do so.
He was not at the top of his class in grades, but when it came to other things, like debating, fighting, using a sword, or learning how to become a knight to the king, he exceled at those things. He was at his best when it came to them.
Tears cascaded down Creed's face, but he covered his eyes with his hands. Creed bent down sobbing carelessly. He suddenly felt a hand resting on his shoulder. He did not tense because that presence felt familiar, safe even. It was soothing to him. The hand gently slipped down his back and rubbed the middle.
"Did you get what you asked for?" The voice was masculine, with a touch of quiet darkness. Creed started to stand, and the hand retracted. He turned around to face his half-brother, Vincent.
"Yes." Creed's tears began to falter. "But it is because I am filth."
The tears completely stopped, but now his voice faltered.
Vincent stared at Creed and took a breath before he spoke. "You are what saved us all. I am truly sorry you have to bear this." His hand found Creed's shoulder again. He tried to console Creed as best he could. "If not for you, the Casalyians and the Nards would have destroyed each other."
Creed swallowed thickly. "I know that," he whispered.
Vincent gently released Creed and turned away. "I think we need to start preparing for your journey to the Humans."
Creed nodded in agreement, then realized his brother was already walking away. He blushed in embarrassment and followed him, their shoes clacking against the metal surface of Casalynn.