Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine:

“WE greet you, oh great one.” The voice echoes inside the room. Pillars stood tall with intricate details of vines that made each equally majestic. Natural flowers bloomed inside the room emitting a strong smell of sweetness that relaxes those who enters the room. The room itself makes outsiders adore its beauty. The roof made of glass shows the blue sky above and the bright stars and moon at night. Gold can be seen in every corners of the room, hugging every crevice – a sight that make every noble shake in greed.

“Please, greet me as a friend. I cherish you as my family, formality is not needed.” The man standing in front of the big window, hands behind his back, replied still looking outside. He desires to memorize every details outside this very room. How many trees are there, how colorful the flowers are, how the sun shine and how it makes the surrounding glimmer with magic. He wanted to take it all in as if it was his very first time looking at the scenery. His golden hair glowing naturally because of the magic within him.

“Do tell me what you need.” He turned around facing the last his people. A sad smile showed on his gentle features. His golden eyes reflecting his emotion. Stood before him is the first and last family of his mages. They were the very first people he chose to join him on his ventures – his very first mages. A family of four, a couple with golden heart together with their daughter and son. He found them – no, they found him, helped him learn what he needs to learn about the world he was sent to. They showed so much kindness that made him believe of the capabilities of humans. Gave what they have not minding their own struggles. Accepted him. His family.

“I see you have made your decision.” He gave them his genuine smile. “Forgive us, Neru.” Ebi, the woman he treasured like his own sister bowed her head in shame. All four of them couldn’t look at him in shame of what they were about to do.

“There was no mistake made, there’s no need to ask forgiveness. Raise your head, my dear family.” He stepped down from the elevated center of the room and tapped each of their shoulders. Zin, the brother he cherished, held his hand on his shoulder firmly. They locked eyes. Neru smiled warmly at him and nodded his head in understanding. “I hold no resent nor any negative emotions on all of you. I hope you can listen to my request one last time?” “It will be our honor.” Xiren, their daughter, replied. The usual strong and firm tone in her voice unwavering. He smiled at her. Waving his hand, an object appeared from thin air – remnants of the magic performed floating on the air. He handed it to Pico, their youngest child who grew up to be a brave and just man. He watched him observe the thing on his hands, careful to not tarnish its perfect shape.

“That is a magical object I fused with half of my mana and a part of my life force. Its purpose is to heal any wound and illness no matter how severe. Even a human half dead can be revived as long as a bit of their life force remains and their will to live is bigger than death itself. It’s called the song of gods. Created in from the melody of their heartbeats and breaths. This can only be used once. I trust that you will keep this safe, away from human’s greedy nature.” They marveled at the circular object that’s slightly bigger than a saucer plate in awe on how powerful the man in front of them is. They understood why he wanted it safe and away from humans. They became greedy and selfish as more time pass by and it was terrifying. The way some of them do not hesitate to harm others to get what they want makes their skin crawl. No uncertainty, no remorse, just purely driven with wanting it all, and that include their magic.

Neru waved his hand once more and another object appeared not on his hands this time, but on Zin’s. “The song of gods can only be heard using this. That magical object will play the music embedded within. These two are my greatest creation. Separate them, hide them well.” With one last wave of his hand, the two magical object shrunk in size. “And I bestow to you the blessing of Geda, the goddess of protection, so all of you may always remain unharmed. The blessing of Illa, the god of prosperity, so every land you will stay will prosper and grow. The blessing of Wioa, goddess of nature and kindness, so you will always have what you need and will always see the kindness within every people. Lastly, the blessing of Gera, the god of chaos, so you will have with you the reminder that chaos will come to those who seeks more than what they need.” With his every word, shimmers of magic hugs the family like a blanket. His voice engraved in their mind and heart. They never wanted to leave the man who they consider as family, but they were growing more afraid as days go by.

It proved that human envy is deadlier than death’s scythe. It killed many of them – mages who are governing with the archimage. They are questioning why the gods never gave everyone magic. Why only chosen people. It opt them to kill one mage that pushed to more killing until they were hunted. They want their magic and was willing to kill all of them just to see if the magic passes down when they are wiped out. There are others that protests against the wrong, but it takes more than words to stop the sheer force.

“Do not feel regret. You have done so much for me and for this world. I am thankful that you stayed with me up to this day. I too will perish together with this castle. The deaths of my mages weighted on my life force, draining me. I just want to remain here to remember every last details in and outside.” He returned to his original position earlier, hand behind his back eyes trained outside. “Thank you, Neru.” Was the last thing he heard before the gentle sound of closing door.

He inhaled slowly. “Dear gods who created me, did I do the right thing? Am I in the wrong? Was it supposed to be like this? Was there something that I missed? Why does it hurt? My- my heart ached for the mages I lost. It had kept me up at night, thinking and recalling my every decisions and moves. Calculating if there was any mishaps that I left unsolved. I was left to govern and care and I failed. Forgive this faulty creation, but please, protect the last of my people. This much I ask you.”