คืนค่าการตั้งค่าทั้งหมด
คุณแน่ใจว่าต้องการคืนค่าการตั้งค่าทั้งหมด ?
ลำดับตอนที่ #10 : Chapter 10: Judgment (บทที่ 10 คทาพิพากษา)
CHAPTER TEN: JUDGMENT
Grezer had in his hands a large wand topped with a white crystal ball. Its black wooden handle was blanketed in an eerie pattern; like human silhouettes joining hands spiraling down its length, beautifully engraved with gold in Black Elvish script by the Komuses, the sorcerers of Demos. Trailing from the wand’s end was a long tassel made of a handsome phoenix tail feather. Even at first glance, it was already evident the wand possessed immense power.
“Please consider this wand Demos’s repayment to you.”
Said Grezer, handing the wand to Kalo, who for some reason did not seem interested in the least, while Felin looked excited.
“I have no reason to accept it.”
Kalo’s simple response made it impossible for Felin to stay put for any longer.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake just take it! What the hell d’you need reasons for? It’s not as if we have to go steal it.”
Grezer, however, seemed to understand Kalo’s true motive, for he chuckled softly.
“We’re not trading the wand for the princess, you can rest assured. I have three reasons to give this staff to you: First of all, we haven’t found anyone with enough magic in him to be able to make full use of the wand. You are the only one worthy of it. Second, as the princess is now your betrothed, if the Wand of Demos is with you, it will have a chance to protect her. And lastly—”
Grezer smiled then.
“We pay you back your wand, so you’ll no longer have an excuse to mistreat the princess.”
The prince wasn’t at all amused, his expression stony, whereas the princess gulped noisily. She didn’t like that second reason at all, though the third one sounds right.
“And I have three reasons to deny it. First, I’m not as prodigiously talented as you think. Second, whether the Wand of Demos will have a chance to protect your princess or not does not concern me in the least. Lastly, even if you give me this staff, I’m afraid this is already the best I can do for your princess.”
Grezer’s eyes hardened at that aloof, inhospitable reply. Noticing that, Felin quickly laughed and spoke up to ease the tension.
“Uncle, give it to me. I want it! I have three reasons I should receive it. First, I’m sure I can find a talented wizard to use this wand when necessary.”
She grinned, insinuating that the said wizard could be none other but the snobbish one by her side.
“Second, you can rest assured the Wand of Demos will have a chance to protect princesses if it’s with me, because I like helping damsels in distress.”
The audience in the main hall laughed softly.
“And lastly, I might use this wand to teach someone a lesson if he dares try anything on me.”
Grezer grinned broadly as the giants who have gathered in the main hall roared with laughter. However, the Prince of Kanoval remained wordless without any visible reaction, and Grezer was silently perplexed.
How on earth did a boyish Princess of Baramos and an Ice Prince of Kanoval become lovers?
“I’ll give it to you, then.” Grezer concluded and continued, “I’ve sent word to the frontier. Your men are waiting at the entrance to the Forgotten Forest. It’s only a noon’s ride from here. Whenever you’re ready, just say the word. I’ll have Bacher escort you.”
At that, Felin turned to Kalo for his opinion with a scarce agreeable question.
“What d’you think?”
“The sooner the better, I say. We still have lots to do. Besides, Rowen’s probably worried by now.”
“We’ll do it your way, then.” Felin nodded and turned back to Grezer, “We’d like to set off right away, Uncle, if it’s not hard on you. All our things are packed. We’re ready anytime.”
The Giant King was visibly taken aback, before he finally nodded.
“It’s a pity you have to leave so soon, but you probably have urgent business to attend to, and I understand. I’ll take care of that in half an hour.”
“Oh, right. One more thing; there’s someone in the jail I know…” Felin spoke up again, and Grezer froze, “I think he’s Uncle Kendel Wanebli from Kanoval. Can you let him out of his cell?”
“My uncle Kendel?” Kalo repeated. Felin nodded calmly then turned back to Grezer, who looked hesitant.
“I know you don’t string connections in Demos. I’m not asking for his freedom, but can you at least give him a better life, please, Uncle? He seems quite ill, too. If he happens to die in Demos, someone round here will think us heartless.”
Felin hinted and Kalo started warily. Grezer nodded slowly.
“As you wish, then. Consider it done.”
They departed in the light of the late morning sun, with many of the locals seeing them off. Their wagon was cubic, made from beautifully carved wood, with a door of metal bars. It was comfortably furnished, with a large bed and table and also food. After the passengers had climbed on board, the wagon was balanced on two logs and carried out by two giants amidst the cheers of the townspeople.
And Giantcity was left behind.
“Wonderful hospitality! How about we ask them to carry us all the way to the palace?”
Felin pounced over to the dining table. Leaning across, he grabbed an apple and leaned back, chomping on it merrily.
“If I’m not mistaken, Evides has put an enchantment on the giants. If they cross Letis River in the Forgotten Forest, they'll shrink until they’re no bigger than us humans.” Kalo explained as he studied the map given to him by Grezer, then went on.
“According to this map, when we reach the Forest’s entrance, it’d take at least four to five days to venture through. Then it’s Skull Valley. We might have to spend a couple of days there while the wand is being mended. After that, we'll reach Lake Moonbeam, then the capital’s not so far off.”
“All in all, how long ‘til we reach the capital?” Felin asked.
“Approximately fifteen days.”
“Half a month?”
Felin repeated with a pout, then shrugged before grinning.
“Well, so long as they all have celebrations like in Giantcity, I won’t mind. At first I thought it’d be boring. Turns out I quite enjoyed it.” He concluded, finishing his beloved apple.
“Tone down your fun-loving streak, Felin. There’s a myriad of enemies we can’t see lying in wait.”
“Relax, prince! I can’t see where they can all be.”
“Have you forgotten that whirlpool?”
Felin frowned at that, thoughtful.
“The reason we made it this far unscathed might be that the culprit hadn’t planned for you being sent to Giantcity. Kil and the others might be having a harder time than us.”
The prince went on calmly, his eyes sweeping over the map, but Felin could stand it no longer. He sprang to the chair facing Kalo.
“You say it like I’m their target. Aren’t you getting a little too worked up? That dwarf might have been just a normal thief, after all.”
“What normal thief would want our lives more than money?” Kalo argued.
“Well, he might have had some brilliant way to retrieve stuff from whirlpools, who knows. Don’t you go forgetting what we've got stowed in the wagon; the honest-to-gods Wand of Power, mate!”
“That’s possible, but…” The prince still wasn’t fully convinced.
“And if he really was taking someone’s life like you say, that might have been Princess Vivien. I’m not the only one dangling over the whirlpool that day.”
“But if someone were to risk his life assassinating a person under the protection of both Rowen and Arthur, I don’t think his target is plain low as Venol.”
The prince’s argument still rang dreadfully reasonable, and Felin was starting to look troubled.
“You’re talking about Baramos?”
“And maybe Demos as well.”
“Then why me?”
“Felin, you should know you are the one heir of both kingdoms.”
An awkward silence descended between them as Felin fell deep in thought, then he finally heaved an irritated sigh.
“You’re always worrying too much. My life is mine. I decide my own life. Remember, Kalo; I won’t die easily. Not when I’ve got the best King, Bishop, Knight and Rook of Edinburgh here with me. We’ll defeat that mysterious little sneak and return safely to Edinburgh.”
After they had dismounted and joined the others, the giants left. Kalo strode off to bring Rowen up to speed the moment his feet touched the ground, leaving Felin behind to reunite with Kil.
“How have you guys been?”
Felin glanced around. Kalo and Rowen were talking beside a small stream they were to cross, their brown wagon with two dark mares ready at their places parked nearby. Princess Vivien poked her head out and stared in bewilderment at the giants’ retreating backs.
“Nothing out of the ordinary. Just twice that someone came rummaging.”
“Rummaging? Anything taken?”
“Some money.”
“Well, you just went through the Land of Sinners. Not surprising if there’s more robbers than usual.”
“Rowen said so too.”
“Hmm?” Felin squinted at his friend, eyebrows raised. “And what do you think?”
“Me?” Kil repeated then shrugged, “They came twice and they didn’t take much. If they’re really thieves they would have taken more. I think they had their eyes on something else but couldn’t find it, and took a little money just to make us think they’re thieves.”
They were quiet for a moment, still walking on.
“You mean…the thing?”
“Yeah, the thing that’s with either Rowen or Arthur.”
The two boys met eyes then grinned.
“And you think the culprit—”
Felin began, but before Kil could answer, Vivien cut in and threw herself at Felin so suddenly that he barely had time to spread his arms wide.
“Sister! Vivien miss you so much!”
The soft, warm body felt nice in his arms as always, but…strangely, she couldn’t send his heart pounding the same way someone could. The unwitting comparison had him silently apologizing to the princess.
“I’m…a boy right now. You’d better not hug me. It’ll complicate things.”
The princess froze and quickly backed off, looking awkward. Felin was still smiling, while Kil chuckled.
“Has the journey been smooth? I’m sorry I worried you with my waywardness.”
“Vivien’s not upset, just regretted having stayed behind. Everything was so sudden back then, and you ended up having only Prince Kalo with you. Vivien was so worried Vivien didn’t know what to do.” Vivien said and pouted a little, “It might be better if Vivien had followed you. It’s so boring down here. Everyone’s so complicated and we’ve even been robbed twice.”
Felin laughed, his eyes glinting happily.
“Complicated? Nah. Prince Arthur might be a bit scary, yes, but as for Kil here, you’re already used to him. And that Prince Rowen…he’s the greatest gentleman you could ever lay eyes on!”
“Well, Kil’s not always there to talk with Vivien. He just keeps vanishing! And Vivien’s left with that playboy Prince Arthur and Prince Rowen the liar.”
What?
Felin nearly choked on his breath and roared with laughter. Glancing over to Kil, the lad met his eyes for less than second then had to turn away to stifle his laughter.
How on earth had Prince Arthur become a playboy and Prince Rowen a liar to the Princess? He felt like correcting her but didn’t know how to.
Then he saw the princess, by now more travel-oriented, clad boyishly, and pitied her. The beautiful princess was in such hardship. Surely she could be granted the privilege of grumbling, could she? Tolerating journeys without creature comforts and a bunch of men around her must have been so stifling for her for these past few days.
Still, having her clinging to him all the time was uncomfortable for him, too, as he didn’t know how to act, especially when he was hoping for some boys’ time with his friends. So, when he saw Rowen waving for him, he smiled a little and glanced at the Princess, who instantly became disgruntled.
“And will you join me if I’m going over to the playboy and the liar?”
“Vivien will wait inside.” She pouted and sprinted off, leaving Felin to turn to Kil with an amused expression.
“What’s going on here? How did Prince Arthur become a playboy and Prince Rowen a liar?”
Kil merely shrugged.
“Dunno. Girls like to assume stuff by themselves. Dunno what they’ve got inside their heads. How on earth d'you expect me to understand her?”
By the time Kil finished, they had reached the group. Rowen noticed the wand Felin had slung on his back. He narrowed his eyes a little before speaking up.
“Your wand…?”
“Oh, this?” Felin grabbed it and handed it to Rowen. He made no move to take it, his expression taut.
“The Wand of Demos, also known as Judgment. Its handle is made from Sinner Wood and topped with a Dragon Crystal, with a pattern of humans interlocking hands spiraling down its length, engraved in gold with Black Elfin characters by Komuses. Its tassel is made from the tail feather of an abyssal phoenix.”
The answer came from Arthur the lion-hearted prince instead. A queer gleam moved inside his dark eyes for a moment then he smiled.
“Where have you got this, Felin?”
“King Grezer of Giantcity gave it to Kalo to replace the wand he lost to the whirlpool, but he refused it, so I took it instead.” Felin answered and continued, puzzled, “Why? Is there something wrong with this wand?”
Felin twirled the wand deftly and glanced at everyone in turn, first Rowen, then Arthur, Kil, and lastly Kalo.
“The Wand of Demos is a cursed wand of astonishing power. With every use, it would bring out the darkness within its master’s heart. The more you use it, the more you’ll be consumed by darkness, and the crystal at the wand’s tip will become more clouded. When the crystal turns completely black, the Wand will suck the owner’s soul into itself.”
Hearing that, Felin jolted and whipped around to Kalo, dropping the Wand in shock.
So that was why he refused it. Why hadn't he said something!? Now what was he going to do with this blithering wand? Was there anything else the dolt was keeping silent?
Felin felt so irritated, and scared and shaken at the same time. His throat suddenly felt dry.
“At first, the human patterns weren’t there; they appeared one by one when a soul was sucked into the Wand. Most recently, I heard there are now two thousand, nine hundred and fourteen of them.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Felin tried to laugh.
“Those souls inside the wand were once princes, princesses, wizards, legendary warriors like Heilzot, and even Odel the Godsend Healer. The Wand’s power came from these people, so it became extremely powerful. I heard the latest master who was sucked in was Thidar Tarkhan, a Venolite nobleman. He has only one leg.”
Rowen added, and the curious thief bent down to pick the Wand up once more. Examining the last doll, he felt his throat constricting.
Yes, it had two legs, but the one before it had only one. Rowen’s information might not be bang up-to-date, but was obviously fearsomely accurate.
“We should return it, then.” Said Felin, annoyed. Why had Grezer given him such a despicable object? Dammit.
“Evides crafted it. So, to do so is to give it back to your father.”
Rowen's reply was flat, but it sent the daughter of the crafter jumping, quickly abandoning the idea.
“Then…maybe we should destroy it, senior?”
“This wand is one of the hardiest, very difficult to destroy.”
“Evides’s good at nothing but wreaking havoc. Dammit.”
Arthur blurted out, annoyed, but his eyes betrayed a fleeting flash of greed before vanishing. Noticing that, Felin twirled the wand a little and smiled tauntingly.
“But say, it’s a shame, really, destroying such a treasure. It’ll probably fetch a good price if we sell it.” Felin said then studied the wand appraisingly as though it so interested him, “All I wanna know is how powerful it could be.”
“Then you gotta try it. Easy.” Kil said, raising his hand, “Judgement!”
At his command, the Wand’s crystal flashed brightly, then Judgment flew out of Felin’s hand. Before it came within Kil’s reach, however, the Wand halted in mid-air in front of Felin. Someone had stepped in.
It was the Prince of Kanoval. He had raised his hand, pulling the Wand back with his magic. His blue eyes met Kil’s, and the killer smiled.
“Let go, Kalo. I just want to see how deadly it can be.”
“This wand is here because of me. Only I can use it.”
The vain announcement from the haughty prince was so infuriating, but Kil had stuck around Kalo long enough to know that it actually meant: If you want to see its power, I’ll test it for you. Don’t risk your neck when you don’t have to.
“Kalo! Stop!” Kil cried, feeling the pulling force from Kalo strengthening,
“Judgment!” Kalo commanded. Lightning struck as though answering his call. The floating wand vanished.
Thud!
Clunk!
Judgment was left rolling on the ground unattended, for Kalo had something much larger to hold. Someone had thrown himself at him until they both toppled off their feet, and he had to hug the rascal instead.
The others were still recovering from shock. Arthur forgot he was a prince for a moment and swore feverishly. Rowen sighed and shook his head. Kil chuckled. Striding over and bending down to look at the two rolling on the grass, he teased.
“Oi, Kalo, the wand’s over there. That’s Felin you’re hugging.”
The genius prince blushed, while Felin picked himself up. He grabbed the Wand, hugged it tight and laughed loudly.
“This wand’s mine and you two aren’t allowed to touch it. I’ll put a curse on it. Whoever touches this will turn into a dog!”
Kil froze, looking awkward, knowing the rascal couldn’t do much more besides calling lightning and turning himself into a dog. Rowen smiled a little then concluded.
“Very well then, you take good care of it, okay? If there’s nothing else, we’ll be setting off presently.”
“Now?” Felin repeated. Frowning, he glanced at the setting sun. He would transform soon.
“From this point on, we’re entering the Forgotten Forest. A dense, dangerous forest with powerful enchantments, territory of the Black Elves of Demos.”
Rowen stared into the looming trees before turning back to everyone once more. Felin scratched his head and argued.
“But won’t it be too dark to travel at night?”
“There’ll be mists of dark magic during daytime. Those would give us hallucinations.”
Rowen stopped, and, knowing the rascal would ask, he added.
“You’ll understand soon enough when we get in there. Hop on the wagon and let’s go.”
******
ความคิดเห็น