Effugium

II - SUSPICIONS

Eydis 

Soliana has been scorched by a massive fire for the past two years. There are no buildings or houses left standing after the dangerous spread of fire but ashes. With the charred remains of dead animals and ash-covered trees and plants, Soliana appears to have been hurled into hell. We were scorched by the Monarchy's rage, just like fire, and it was all because of a single mistake made by a Northerian that we did not know was wrong.

They used our ignorance to their advantage. But I am not like the others; I am aware of what the Monarchy had been doing to us. They have the control over our lives without the Northerians' knowledge. They never gave thought to the possibility that the monarchy is manipulating them. Furthermore, the only people who gain from exploiting us are the Royal Family.

Along with Ivele and my fellows, we explored the Province of Elsarro. Ivele is with us because she made Barron allow her to accompany him so she could take care of him and keep him safe because I was with him. 

I am the only one here who wears a cloak to prevent people from knowing me. Barron told me to cover my face, even though it is not really necessary.

Looking back, Barron and I had a conversation so late last week during that night that we just stop when Ivele called him almost early in the morning.

"How did you met my lawyer?"

"Oh, Mr. Theon?"

"Indeed."

"I worked at a fancy tavern where I once met him. He walked up to me and spoke to me as if he knew me well. He introduced himself to me as the owner of a wine factory in Garnar."

I noticed from what he had said that his identity changes depending on who he speaks with. "Have you noticed that he is choosing who to approach?"

"Yes but I didn't suspected him yet as he's not wearing his pin. I have just learned from you that he is a Drevo."

I brought out Mr. Theon's pin and examined it carefully. "Even his name appears questionable."

After lighting the bonfire, he took a seat next to me. Picking up the pin out of my hand, he gave it a quick glance as though it were well known to him. He posed this question to me with his eyes still fixed on the pin. "Would you like to move to Santi?"

"Why at Central?"

"I would like to bring Mr. Tiago and his companions with us. I saved money in case we need to buy a shelter for everyone."

He seems to be taking on the role of a father figure for those who do not require guidance or support, which is something I had not noticed before.

"Let them handle their own lives." I told him. "It is not that I am self-centered; rather, they must learn how to live independently of other people. Their lives will never be your responsibility, but I know you wanted to support them with everything you worked so hard for. However, I do not want to get to the point where you are left with nothing."

"Since when did you learn how to let go?" he sarcastically asked.

"I have already learned how to let go of people, but I did not know when to do it until we talked about this. Captain Tiago is able to support himself. Remember he insisted on sheltering you and its not your obligation to pay back more than what you're only supposed to give. He is treated almost like your father because of your extreme kindness."

After I finished speaking, a small smile appeared on his lips. His smile exudes bitterness. "You have grown too much since you were imprisoned." He pulled something out of his pocket and hid it in his palm; when he opened it, I saw the armband that I have been working so hard to obtain.