Eric’s eyelids slowly fluttered open. Dazed at first, it didn’t take long to remember where he was. He tried to sit up quickly before Jade grabbed his head and eased him in close to her. She had been by his side the whole time. A minute passed before she and Jacob each helped him to his feet. He was shocked as he peered around for the first time since waking up. Given the silence, he felt as if they were alone, but nothing could be farther from the truth. It seemed as if every cryton in the village were standing here, waiting for him to awaken.
Jade stepped in close as she lightly kissed his cheek. “I’ve loved you since the day I first laid eyes on you,” she whispered in his ear. She then stepped back as she pulled out two daggers and held them in front of her face. Dropping to one knee, she placed them on the ground to either side as she bent her head low. “I swear on the lands of Tarmerria to serve and protect you until my body no longer draws breath!” she vowed as she remained frozen in her low bow.
Jacob approached, embracing his friend as he whispered in his ear, “I told you I wouldn’t leave you. I’m in this until the end.” He stepped back and joined Jade in a low bow before his friend, his brother.
One by one, the crytons all began to drop to one knee as they bowed their heads low. Shantis was among the first. Eric’s eyes scanned across the village as every soul there pledged their loyalty to him, but he didn’t care. Sure, he would protect them to the best of his abilities, but it wasn’t what dominated his thoughts right now. Krytoes…I WILL kill you!
*
Ilirra continued to scramble about the castle, barking out orders to the servants. The poor wretched souls who’d been controlled by the puppeteers were being brought inside the city walls as they regained consciousness. She ordered her men to begin setting up beds as well as buying out the local taverns. It would be a very long time before they could comfortably rejoin society again, but for now, water, food, and a warm bed would be as good a start as any.
“My lady,” said Azek from behind, giving her a start. “You must follow me immediately,” he said, appearing uncharacteristically rattled. But who could blame him, after all they had been through?
“Azek, can’t you see I’m in the middl—”
“Now!” he repeated before lowering his head a bit. She looked at him with frost in her eyes, but nodded agreement. They walked off at a quick pace. Just before approaching one of the many guest rooms, he added, “He won’t accept any medical attention until you speak with him. I suggest you hurry!” With that, he turned and marched off.
She glanced back in Azek’s direction with a look of concern before turning the knob. She entered slowly, wondering what this could possibly be about. There before her was a large man in a dark cloak, kneeling on assorted blankets someone was kind enough to provide, surely so he would not get blood on the floor from his many wounds. They did not appear fresh, but probably were continually breaking open due to improper stitching and constant movement. “My lady,” he said in a deep, steady voice. “We have won the day, true, but yet another threat remains. We must prepare!”
She gazed a long time at the dark, hooded figure before speaking. “So I am to assume you are now completely committed to our cause?” she asked in a cool voice despite the unnerving sight.
“Make no mistake! I bring warning, but I do not serve you!” he boomed as those unnatural, eerie green eyes rose to meet hers from under his hood. “I am sworn only to the Gate Keeper!