Another Lost Soul

Chapter 14

"How are you feeling?" Han walked me back to the city quietly and calmly, making light conversation.

"I'd like to go to the pier and see for myself what they were talking about."

"We can make a quick detour if you wish."

"No. I'll go next time I have the chance. I just want to get this over with."

"I see." He sighed. "I have a proposition for you."

"What is it?"

"Why don't you work for me? Maybe a higher rank than simply fighting in an arena?"

"What?"

"Don't you want revenge? That man let you die."

"He feels bad about it, isn't that enough?"

"He wouldn't even let you make your own decisions. He manipulated you into staying with him simply because you were lost and confused. He took advantage of your vulnerability and gave you nothing but lies in return."

"I'd rather that than stay lost and confused."

"You have a power within you. Power close enough to a god that you could rain hell on all that lied to you. And yet, you stay kind to them."

"I have no power."

"Your sense of magic will return. When it does, Alenor will be first in the line of fire."

"I'm not angry."

"He's a monster. It's in his DNA. Do you really plan to forgive him so easily?"

"I do."

"You sound unsure."

"I'm not."

"Look me in the eyes and tell me you want to run back to him then." He stopped, glaring at me softly with a small frown. "Go on. Say it."

"I-...I don't want to hurt him-"

"Why? I know you must be tired of his mischief."

"He was kind to me."

"He hurt you."

"He didn't mean to."

"The offer will stay open to you, no matter what. If you change your mind, all you have to do is let me know. You have all the power here."

"I appreciate it, but I have to decline."

By the time we made it to the city, he had led me to a castle like structure surrounded by guards. "We've already got a line of executions up due to my beast being released. You'll be quite busy tomorrow."

"I've never killed anyone before."

"You'll be put through training tonight. Would you rather fight with weapons or magic?"

"...I'm squeamish."

"I have herbs that help with nausea. You'll be just fine."

"Which works faster?"

"Weapons give those who watch quite a show, but I'm sure your magic will be quite interesting as well. It's all about what riles up the crowd."

My heart's starting to sink as we walk further down the dark blue carpet. "I don't like hurting people, Han."

"Damage won't be undone." He turned to me and grabbed my hands tightly. "I want to see you succeed and conquer those who hurt you. Don't sympathize with those who don't deserve it."

"I think you're just cruel, Han."

He frowned. "Follow me. We're going down." He led me to a closed off room that consisted of a single cellar door built into the wooden floor. It looked old, like it would break if I stepped on it.