Chapter 6
Tomasi's Revelation
Tomasi stood at the center of the formation, murmuring the chant beneath his breath.
The air grew heavier.
Hotter.
Harder to breathe.
The symbols around him began to flare, trembling as if they possessed a life of their own.
His voice cracked.
Then it tore into a scream.
Red flames burst from his eyes.
Crimson fire exploded from his body, lashing wildly against the tent walls. The divine names burned brighter and brighter, glowing as though the gods themselves were staring down at the world.
The soldiers froze.
No one dared move.
Tomasi suddenly rose into the air.
Higher.
His blazing gaze snapped toward the north.
His arm lifted.
A finger pointing.
Tomasi (broken whisper): She… is there.
On the Road
Hooves struck the earth in steady rhythm.
Guinevere rode proudly at the front, the Princess beside her. The journey had begun again.
Behind them, John and Commander Marco followed.
Guinevere glanced back.
Her eyes found John.
A mischievous smile appeared.
She leaned closer to the Princess.
Guinevere: Who is he, Flora?
The Princess stiffened.
Princess: Mind your manners.
And who are you talking about?
Guinevere (teasing): The boy with Marco.
Princess: John.
Guinevere: Ah, yes. The gardener.
She hid a laugh behind her glove.
Guinevere: It's impressive. From tending flowers… to escorting royalty.
So tell me, what did you see in him?
The Princess lifted her chin.
Princess: His combat ability is remarkable.
We require capable soldiers.
Guinevere hummed, unconvinced.
Guinevere: Fifty weren't enough?
What can he do that the others cannot?
She leaned closer, grin widening.
Guinevere: Or is he… special?
The Princess's composure cracked for a second.
Her eyes drifted toward John.
Just a moment.
But Guinevere caught it.
Guinevere: I knew it.
Princess (flustered): Shut up!
Guinevere laughed brightly.
Guinevere: I also heard he stole your necklace last night?
Princess: He didn't!
Guinevere: And you are certain because…?
Silence.
A perfect answer refused to come.
Guinevere's teasing softened into warmth.
Guinevere: My, my… someone finally brought back your gentle side.
And he's only a gardener.
In one swift motion, the Princess drew her sword.
Steel flashed.
Princess: Another word and you'll regret it.
Guinevere only laughed harder.
Behind them, John stared.
John: Commander… who is she?
Marco: Guinevere. A genius with the blade.
Pray you never stand on the wrong side of her anger.
John swallowed.
John: She seems very close to the Princess.
Marco: She's her cousin.
Closest to the throne after her.
John watched them again, feeling smaller with every step.
Inside the Carriage
The rumble of wheels filled the silence.
Esabell sat near the window, absorbed in her book.
Tomasi faced her.
Tomasi: Don't you get bored?
Esabell: No.
Reading makes me forget everything else.
Tomasi: What is it about?
Her eyes lit up.
Esabell: The gods.
I love their stories.
Tomasi: Which one?
Esabell: The Goddess of the Afterlife.
She was a miracle.
Tomasi watched her carefully.
Tomasi: I'd like to hear it too.
Esabell blinked, surprised.
Esabell: Really?
Tomasi nodded.
Excitement bloomed across her face.
She began.
Esabell: Her name was Mayamisa.
The Past
A child stood in a small room.
Blind.
Yet speaking gently to someone unseen.
The door opened.
Her mother entered.
Fear overtook her face.
Mother: What are you doing?!
Mayamisa: I'm speaking to this poor soul…
Her son abandoned her in the jungle. She died alone.
Tears slid down Mayamisa's cheeks.
Mayamisa: I want to help her.
Her mother trembled.
Mother: You're a monster!
She ran.
Mayamisa: Mother! Please!
The spirit cried beside her.
Spirit: Help me… I want peace…
Mayamisa: I need to give you a funeral… but I can't go there…
She entered another room.
Her brother sat inside.
He screamed.
Brother: Stay away! Mother!
The white-eyed witch will kill me!
Mayamisa: No! I would never hurt you!
I only want to help!
Doors burst open.
Villagers dragged her outside.
No one listened.
A pyre waited.
She searched desperately.
Mayamisa: Mother! Please!
Her mother's answer was colder than death.
Mother: You should have died the day you were born.
They threw her into the fire.
Flames devoured her.
In her endless darkness…
a presence unfolded.
Wings of heat.
Ancient power.
A voice.
Phoenix: You are dying.
Do you have a wish?
Mayamisa: I want every soul… to find peace.
Phoenix: Then kill me.
Become a god.
Your wish will come true.
Her heart shook.
Mayamisa: I can't kill someone for myself!
Phoenix: After you ascend… you will forget.
Forget.
No guilt.
Only salvation.
Hope trembled inside her.
Mayamisa: If that is the cost…
then I will pay it.
Present
Snap.
The book closed.
Tomasi leaned back.
Tomasi: Gods are strange.
She didn't want guilt, yet she wanted her wish.
Is that truly divinity?
Esabell frowned.
Esabell: Are you doubting her purity?
Tomasi (smiling): No.
I'm only thinking.
Esabell nodded slowly
Next outside of the carriage
Hidden within the tall grass, armored figures watched the royal convoy.
Their eyes never left the Princess.
…CHAPTER 6ENDS….