What Memory Remains
Chapter 29: A Bittersweet Hope

“Do you have everything you need?” The King asked, a slight furrow in his brow.

“Yes, King Priotus. We can’t thank you enough for your help.” Sade bowed. “if there is anything we can ever do to help you or your people in the future, we would be more than willing to do so.”

“And again…I apologize for bringing such ruin to your town. If we didn’t have such urgent business with Krane, we would stay and help you rebuild,” Zenapharr added.

“While it would be easy to stay angry with you for what you brought upon us, I cannot.” The King replied. “You were only trying to replace this precious child, and did not know of Luke’s true intentions. I wish you well on your journey, and hope to hear the good news of that man Krane being killed. Any man who would subject elf, Magi, or non-Magi to any kind of treatment like that should be dealt with. I only hope this feeling of foreboding about this situation is not as grand as it feels.”

“It will be our pleasure to do so. We should be able to reach our next destination and meet your contact there soon. Thank you also for your provisions.”

“Sire! Sire!” The four turned to an elf noblemen entering the King’s chamber. “I have grave news!”

“What is it, Morae?”

“The President… he’s been killed!”

“What?” The King’s eyes widened.

“Yes, it only happened within the last day or so. He was murdered in his study, as well as his bodyguards. And that’s not the worst part. There was a manifesto left behind, claiming to be someone part of an Anti-Tech faction. They said that technology should not be a part of this world, and if the North continues advancing technology further that many more deaths will follow.”

“By the Star of Eden…this could be bad. We must keep constant watch on our borders…people could easily blame Elves for this act. Though we don’t support the advancement of technology, people’s ignorance will throw aside the fact that elves are not a hostile race.”

“People will always need a scapegoat to ease their fears,” the Chancellor chimed in. “I will see to it that we rebuild even faster and that we double our guards on the borders.”

“Krane…” Zenapharr whispered, narrowing his eyes.

“What?”

“Krane, he’s got something to do with this. I know I have no proof but…you feel it too, don’t you?” Zenpharr elaborated, looking over at Alice who nodded her head.

“Your Majesty, we will be quick as possible in replaceing Krane. I am only half-elf, but I still feel that I am a part your people. People speak of elves as if you’re some cult of prideful elitists. Yet, I have seen differently, and I don’t want you living in fear of attack. We’ll get to the bottom of this, with my powers back or not.”

“Well, we are prideful,” The King said with a chuckle, and clasped a hand to Zenapharr’s shoulder. “There is no denying that. You are much unlike what I expected, great assassin. I’ve heard many a tale about you…and so before you go I must ask this…did you kill innocent people as they say, or is that another propaganda from the lying lips of bureaucrats?”

“Unfortunately, that is true.”

“I am grieved to hear this, but there is always hope for the future no matter how dark the past. This is your chance to be someone else. Never let someone tell you that your past sets your future in stone. There will always be an opportunity to be better, so take as many of those as you can. It doesn’t change what you were, but it can change what you are now.”

“Yes, sire. Thank you.”

“Let the light of the stars guide your way.”

The three shook hands heartily with the King, and made their way out of the town where the horses awaited them. All was done in silence, as the darkness of their situation had begun settling upon them. It unsettled their minds and gave chase to many a worry as they traveled down the High Plains Road. There may be an uprising or even worse…war if their suspicions about Krane were true.

They rode for hours through the day, stopping occasionally to check the map that the elves had given them. To Alice’s dismay, she had to ride with Zenapharr since Sade’s skin could not be agitated much. The city of Langmus was another day’s journey, and it was going to be dark soon. They found a nice spot far enough from the road as not to be easily seen by uncouth passerby’s.

In the light of the campfire, they ate and settled. The stars were bright that night, and they saw how the elves were so transfixed with them. Their twinkling was much a splendorous beauty, and it was curious how it was so easy to overlook it from seeing them so often. So many simple things in the world could be taken for granted.

“How are you feeling?” Zenapharr asked over to Sade, who was applying some medicine to his skin.

“Better, just not very comfortable yet. Othelia said within a week I should be fully recovered from the burns.”

“That is good to hear, my friend.”

“I’m cold…I still can’t sit next to you?” Alice queried, a tinge of begging in her eyes.

“No, dear. The more it’s agitated, the longer it’ll take for me to recover. I’m sorry.” Zenapharr gave Alice an invite with a funny sideways glance, and Alice reluctantly walked over to him. He opened his coat for her to nestle inside and lean against him. He tried not to show too much, but he felt a non-temperature-related warmth inside him. It was the first time that Alice had been near him since the fiasco with the Rainmaker, and he realized how much he missed having her near.

“Well, aren’t you two peas in a pod,” Sade smirked, knowing it would bug Alice. Alice only crossed her arms in her remaining anger.

“Sade I, I can’t thank you enough for taking care of Alice when I couldn’t. It only makes me feel worse for…”

“No worries, bro’er. I only did what was right. Especially after seeing how much corruption is embedded with everything we’ve been involved with, I’m willing to go through anything to make this right. Krane had people in my own office trying to apprehend me.”

“Is that what the stopped train was all about?”

“Yes. The conductor…he betrayed us.”

“I see. Who shot him?”

“He…shot himself.” Sade’s word took on a heavy tone, his eyes glancing over to Alice. An uncomfortable silence washed over them, and for the first time they had time to really think about the situation. Zenapharr thought it best not to dwell too much over it.

“So we are to meet this Aegis fellow at Langmus. I hope he can provide us with what we need,” Zenapharr prodded to change the conversation.

“Yes, I hope so too. I believe I may have heard of him before. Aegis Wilhelm. If my memory serves correct, he used to be a treasure hunter. Once he acquired enough experience from exploring and collecting relics, he settled with information gathering from his lackeys. Only rarely does he venture outside Lagmus.”

“Interesting. Where are we meeting him?”

“Epsilon Cathedral. Simply tell someone there that ‘the tall king sends his regards.’ A code word to speak with Aegis.”

“Who is this, some sort of secret agent? Sounds odd and unnecessary.”

“I thought the same, but once we get there it might make more sense.”

“I’m not sure I like it too much. We’ll have to keep on our toes.”

“Agreed. While I trust King Priotus, I don’t know much about this Aegis fellow.”

“And if he gathers information, I’m sure the idea of being paid handsomely for the whereabouts of Zenapharr the Great Killer could prove a mighty temptation.”

“Agreed, as well.”

“Do you think we’ll replace him?” Alice said softly.

“Who?”

“Krane. Do you think we can get him in time?”

“I sure hope so. If we do replace him , we need to replace a surefire way to get past that witch.” Zenapharr pondered aloud.

“Who is that?” Sade inquired.

“I don’t know the person’s name…didn’t even get a good luck at him…or her. Some kind of wizard that was with Krane when I was rescuing Alice. Placed some kind of magical barrier that my magic nor my sword could penetrate. Very strong. But he did say it was an enchantment setup previously. Perhaps if we can get the element of surprise, this mage could easily be dealt with.”

“It may not be as easy I anticipated, then. In any manner, I can’t think about all this at the moment. I’m quite tired, as you all probably are. Can you keep the first watch, Zenapharr?”

“Sure. Goodnight, bro’er.”

“Good night, Zen.”

“Night, everyone.”

After twenty minutes of Alice’s uncomfortable shifting, she succumbed to the wiles of sleep. Zenapharr looked over her, and he felt worry for her. Although her abilities were not quite magical, they would be seen as such by many Northerners. If there was a war started, she would not be safe. She had to learn to control her powers so as not to attract any attention for her own sake.

The gentle chirp of crickets invited Zenapharr to join Alice in her slumber, but he had a long ways to go. To keep himself occupied, he slipped away from Alice’s grip and took a seat on a large log and began to sharpen his sword. It seemed a dull task, but Zenapharr soon found he enjoyed it. There was something about the heat of the fire on his skin, the cool breeze of the night, and the crickets song accompanied with the rock sliding over his blade that made him feel peaceful.

“Zenapharr….” A voice whispered to him, and he abruptly armed himself. He kept a keen eye on all of the plains around him for the source, but after a while he found that it did not resound. Paranoia creeped into him as he remembered the strange Voice that once spoke to him before.

“No, it can’t be. It can’t be back.”

His mind stayed unsettled for some time, and he began reflecting back on all that happened recently. So many strange occurrences that were still unanswered…his resurrection from the ashes, his power being taken away, and now the President being killed. Maybe it was coincidence, but he felt something deeper was involved he was not aware of.

After two hours of contemplation, he suddenly heard a muffled sound that resembled crying. He moved towards his sleeping bag, where he found Alice awake and very much upset. Pulling her to his chest, he stroked her hair lightly for a moment while she continued crying.

“What is it?” He said, trying to soften his tone. Alice buried her face into his chest, and was now cradled in his lap.

“I…I’m a bad person.”

“No, you’re not. Why would you say that?”

“Because…I….I’ve killed people. I tried not to think about it…about how I killed that man. And the Rainmaker…because of my stupidity he killed all those elves. I’m just as much of a monster as he is…”

“Alice, stop talking like that. You know that’s not true.”

“Really, Zenapharr? Then tell me…what’s the difference between us?”

“The difference is that you’re not out to hurt people. He was…he was going to kill you, and in an act of mercy you gave him a chance to be free. Honestly, that was probably the kindest thing anyone’s ever done for him. That takes a lot of courage.”

“But it was still foolish.”

“Alice, whether it was foolish or not, you were trying to do the right thing. I know you…you’re a kind person.”

“Who’s done horrible things.”

“But that doesn’t make you a horrible person. You are still so young and have a lot to learn. What happened to you isn’t fair. You were born with an extraordinary gift, one that would tempting for anyone to use for ill intent. Because you’re young, you also get carried away with your emotions easily, which makes it easy to use this gift unintentionally or in anger. Even an adult would struggle with that.”

“So am I a good person or a bad person?”

“To be honest Alice, it’s never truly that simple. I couldn’t define myself as good because of what I’ve done and what I’m still willing to do. But I know now that I want to help people. I am Zenapharr, and no one else. When the time is right…I’m willing to turn myself in for my crimes.”

“You can’t, Zenapharr.”

“It would be the right thing to do. I killed innocent people…those who simply said something I didn’t like or even less than that. To feed that stupid urge to kill. I’m still afraid of myself in some ways.”

“Yeah….me too.”

“You’re a unique person thrust into some very unique circumstances. And because of that, you made some mistakes along the way. The fact that you feel bad is a good thing. It means you have a conscience which is more than what I can say for myself for many years. So, for what it counts…from one killer to another…I think you’re great.”

At this, Zenapharr lifted an eyebrow comically, causing Alice to giggle a bit. The laugh caused a warmth to wash over him at her smile.

“Well, coming from the world’s most wanted criminal, that means a lot.”

“I thought so too.”

Alice and Zenapharr exchanged a look, and he saw in her eyes a look of both comfort and elation. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, and Zenapharr felt peace between them once again.

“I…I really care about you, Alice. I want you to be okay.”

“Don’t worry, I am. For now anyway. Are you okay? Done moping?”

“Haha. Yes. Yes I am.”

“I’m sorry for how I was before…”

“It’s okay. Really. I deserved it for what I allowed to happen to Sade. I’m just glad we’re good again. I can’t even tell you how worried I was when I saw the Rainmaker go after you like that. I felt so….so powerless. Unable to protect you. It scared me.”

“We all were.”

“You know, it’s really hard to believe you’re only eight years old.”

“Yeah, I get that a lot. I guess since I read minds I picked up language from adults really quickly and it’s just how I talk too. Growing up too fast, as they say.”

“You were robbed of your childhood, Alice. I want to make sure there’s enough of one left for you to enjoy. I’m going to make Krane pay for everything he put you through. For everyone he hurt.”

“ I hope so.”

There was a silence at this, as Alice began to think again on her strange recurring dreams. After more banter, Alice settled down and fell back to sleep. Zenapharr stood watch over them as a watchful sentinel, daring anything to come between him and his friends. He didn’t have his supernatural powers any longer, but it now made no difference to him. Nothing was going to stop him from getting his vengeance.

Restlessly, Alice began to dream again.

Flames, darkness, and machinery surrounded them. Zenapharr approached Krane, sword in hand and ready to lay waste to him. Krane said something, and it immediately made Zenapharr stop. Krane spoke something else, something that didn’t make sense. It was some series of words, one right after another. The only word that Alice could understand was “red.” Zenapharr locked up, and everyone watching him felt some kind of….process was occuring. Alice and Sade could only sit by and watch, unable to understand what was happening.

Zenapharr stood up straight, intensely looking at Krane. The red in the Seraphim’s eyes was the red of blood, and Krane spoke once more to him. The half-elf assassin now turned to Sade and Alice while brandishing his sword. There were cries of pain, then silence. Soon, there was fire everywhere and multiple people were screaming in pain and shouting war cries. Machines marched towards large crowds of people. Light , fire , ice and lightning shot through the air, and many cried out.

Then the skies were dark, and nothing but a river of bodies decorated the desolate landscape. And then there were the people in chains again, with marks on their head and depravity in their soul. They were all being led into large factories where they would no longer return. At the precipice of a cliff, Zenapharr watched on with his blood-red eyes. Beside him stood Krane, who looked on with his eyes alight with glee.

There was no hope. There was only death.