WMMAP - [S1] Shelter You - (愛)してる

Chapter 56: Spill The Blood, Draw The Beast

***Major Character Death Warnings*** 

Nikolaos' POV

The day I first saw Carak, he arrived at the hall only moments before the meeting was to begin, flanked by small honor guards, each handpicked. They remained at the entrance as I watched him approach. I smiled, for he was still, at his heart, a gentleman. He wore no signs of rank beyond the telltale scars of a soldier who had seen his share of bloodshed.

Looking at him, I could feel there was something I could not place, no matter how closely I looked. Something truly unknowable, perhaps? Perhaps it was because there was something unknowable about this man, that so many flocked to his side. Whatever the draw, Carak stood before us now, and it was far too late for me to turn back.

Some men cast a shadow greater than themselves, but few could bring darkness such as this. In a way, the shadow that seemed to follow him around the hall was a grim reminder of his unspoken authority. I realized I had not prepared myself for how truly mortal he looked.

We both seemed to be at the same age. While there was grey in my hair, his was as sinister as the night. His fashion reduced his age by a mile. Instead of dressing accordingly to how an individual wore a suit, the jacket draped over his shoulders gave way to a functional coat, and he kept his arms tightly within its folds—as I imagined one of his lineages might.

Now that many years had passed, he became my son's mentor and I was proud of the knowledge he gave Leonidas. Thus, that was the old day. As Leonidas grew older, I was expecting him to grow wiser, not ill manner. I was too focused on the company that I neglected how my own kin behaved.

Disaster had built upon disaster. There were many gathered now for the meeting who demanded more fear and respect, swaying their trust from my grasp with powerful displays of strength. Until Carak himself had appeared before them. I had made sure of that. Everything was in place. I had accounted for it all. Here, where the earth opened into a maze of canyons impossible to escape, I and I alone would determine the future of the company.

After all, was that not what Carak had called upon this meeting to do?

"My trusted officers," Carak said finally. The power in his voice rang out like the drawing of a blade. He paused as if giving us a moment to test ourselves against its keen edge. "Tell me how Sparta may prevail so I heard you wish to bring an end to Obelia and Sparta Diplomacy."

There was no word besides the sound of liquid pouring. I smiled, but Carak was more concerned with the wine poured into his glass as he peered around the table. I stared at my reflection in his glass. I would betray nothing of my intent.

"We can scarcely control the diplomacy with the Obelia ourselves," Carak finally murmured, carefully regarding the fine vintage. "Imagine even a single blood to be spilled. And then tell me, in your imagination, who runs first—the Children of the Sun with their tails between their legs? Or your vaunted self?"

He swirled the wine in his glass, betraying a hint of disappointment due to the silence. "I am not here to talk to myself. Speak or I will leave."

"End the diplomacy," One of the officers spat impatiently from the shadows where he lurked, the darkness seeming almost bright against his skin. "We do not need to live by their funds. It Doesn't even matter."

"An admirable strategy," Carak applauded.

I laughed, nodding to the frowning officer who shared his 'Strategy'. "For a moment, I was afraid you'd find a way for us to actually win."

Silence fell around the table once more. The lights were burning bright in the hall. With a snap of Carak's fingers, wine filled my glass. The others watched as I carefully took the glass to my lips.