“But I thought Festus was a man of integrity,” The Queen said with confusion in mid of her heartache.
“King Fagh was one of his kind. May his soul rest in peace,” The King’s horn said, “Nobody can match his integrity and honesty, don’t mistake the two.”
“Mother, please stop crying,” Zita, she comfortingly said before she hugged the woman and pulled slowly away.
She wiped her face with her own towel and exhaled, not realizing that she had been holding her breath form the lemon fragrance that covered the Queens cloth. Her stomach churned, and a voice in her head urged her to get away from the Queen as far away as she could.<
“You deserve better, Abigail. I will be proud of you, even in my grave.” Queen Isabel continued. She was happy to finally say that to her daughter. Zita continued to laugh happily at this. After a moment, she nodded her head to Gilman. The old man walked towards the Queen smiling darkly.“What is it, Gilman? What is happening here?” The queen said and made to stand up when she noticed that something was amiss with the way Gilman was looking at her. However, Gilman forced her back on the bed. “What is going on?!” The Queen demanded alarmed. Zita turned to meet the confused exp
“Don’t Watchers live to old age?” Ginika asked curiously. Vera opened her mouth to say something, but closed them and averted her gaze to the sea. After a long silence, she spoke, “Most Watchers live, but they rarely cross the age of seventy,” She sounded over the wind and the horn of the ship.“How old are you?” Ginika asked. He also wondered why she sounds unsure of her own age. “Sixty-two, I think,” Vera shrugged.
“But, I thought it is being used to in the selection of new Vesslers?” Abigail asked. How can it be used by them as training?“Yes, Zita. It is used with the red Amytal vial to test for the presence of a Vessler. But some scholars argue that it has other use, which are yet to be discovered.” She explained patiently. Ginika studied all the content in the box. The bottles were arranged in three columns and five rows bearing different colors of Amytal fluid. He had not used any of these before, and he even doubts if he was a Vessler. This was the closest he has been to the Amytal fluid, without it being used by the healers to heal him.
Ginika’s stomach knotted as his blue eyes followed the woman. He couldn’t help the voice that yelled at him to run after her. She was his shield and protector. This man hated him and would kill him before she comes back.“Chose your weapon,” Balak said and pointed to the brown bag. He was trying to sound calm, but Ginika could see through that glamor, to that discomfort that burned somewhere on his face.There were different weapons carved out from woods in the bag. Slings, swords, ax, knife, bows and arrows, daggers, quarter spear, quarter rod and all. The brown wood made them look harmless, but Ginika has seen what these weapons could do to a living creature if fashioned into a metal.
“What happened?” Vera’s voice boomed in many tones as they echoed in Ginika’s ears.Darkness still walloped him, peaceful and alluring. The arms were comforting, and he wished he could abide with it forever. There was no hate or death here, just the void that stretched into oblivion.“Gini, are you alright?” Vera’s voice echoed again, but this time more distinct and audible.Ginka’s blue eyes blinked his world open. The ache in his head made his earring. Vera aging skin folded with concern as they stared down at him, with those motherly smiles rapping the lower side of her lips.
“Do I look like I was joking?” Vera asked to no one in particular.“Okay, if you are that serious, then I will come with you,” Ginika offered. He knows he could be of help, and not just someone who would be a burden. What happened earlier with Balak was enough proof. Vera laughed at his words, “You are still a novice Gini, what harm could you possibly do to a demon?”“I will come with you,” Ginika’s stomach knotted. He hated the laughter. It reminded him of those times in the village when Dodo and Zahra would take the lead and let him tag along like a good dog.V
“The boat is ready.” The captain said as the onion in his breath escaped with the cold air and dwindled on Vera’s face. Her stomach churned, and she scoffed within, but smiled uncomfortably. If he was not with his crew, she was sure to give him lessons on how to wash his mouth after eating.“How far to Malikoth?” She said and looked away, hoping to avoid the stench in his breath and, at the same time, not embarrassing him.“About a few hours, I think.” The Captain answered with a frown. Vera nodded and touched her waist, feeling the sword under the heavy wool she wore. Fighting demons was one characteristic of the Watchers. They had left the white mou
Thirty years it has been, yet the memory all seem anew. She was young and naïve and foolish too. Lewis was her first love. And only love.“It is not too late, Vera.” Balak replied softly. He could already feel that Vera was starting to return back to the past. The worst situation for a Watcher was to commit their greatest taboo, bear its seed, before giving it up so the emperor could keep you alive. Though he felt pity for Vera, he also was thankful that she was still alive just like him. “It is not too late?” Vera flared, eyes burning with anguish. “You think I like the fact that I grew fond of Ginika and would have to let him go just to save his life. Are you suggesting I keep him when I am to report back to the White Mountains?&rdq