Darsidian Myths, A Promise Heard

Chapter 18

"Do any of you ever sleep?" asked Jayden. "The whole time I've been here I've never seen anyone rest even for a moment."

Lauren sat down across the table from him. "My kind doesn't need to sleep once we've gathered enough energy. When we do rest it's usually because we've exhausted ourselves. Unless you're Rufus of course, he's known to doze off once in a while. He says it makes him stronger, I think he's just lazy."

Jayden had been staying at his new residence for several days now. During that time he learned Rufus and Lauren were not much older than he was, this made interacting with them slightly easier.

In contrast, Bastian was a little difficult to talk to. He was like Stave; quiet, serious, and ghostlike. Compared to other lunvarin Bastion was ancient, and to Jayden's amazement he was also the champion of the ice clan.

Upon discovering this information Jayden asked Bastian why a champion was assigned to protect him. The lunvarin explained Stave wanted someone reliable with plenty of experience to guard their new guest, and there was no one more dependable than a champion.

At first Jayden had been nervous about having bodyguards. At all times one of his protectors were near him while the remainder watched the entrance to the street. Constantly having someone shepherd him was nerve wracking. It made him feel self-conscious of everything he did.

At the moment he was inside Lauren's house. It was very similar to his residence but there were differences. Like his current quarters her home was one massive room. The fireplace was placed at the opposite side of the door with a table placed between the two fixtures. Her bed was located at one of the far corners with a chest and dresser placed beside it. At the end of the bed was a large shelf with jars situated on the upper shelves while baskets and sacks were positioned on the bottom shelves.

"Do you know how long Stave will be at Larcela?" asked Jayden.

"I haven't the slightest idea," answered Lauren. "To travel from Haven and back will take many days, and the discussion of an alliance could take just as long. If you're worried about the decision Stave has placed upon on you, you still have plenty of time to decide."

Lauren had read his mind. He was completely worried about the choice he had to make. How was he supposed to decide whether to become king or not? It was times like these he couldn't help but wonder what his brother would do in his place.

"Out of curiosity," began Jayden, "are you like Stave and Elincia? Stave can read people's thoughts, can you?"

"I wish," admitted Lauren. "There have been only seven lunvarin so far with the ability to read minds. Sadly, three of them died during the war, all by Elincia's hand."

"Stave's ability to read people's minds, was it used to make the eastern realms forget about Haven and the lunvarin?"

"You sure are filled with questions today. Why do you ask?"

"Ever since Bardir told me his father was responsible for everyone forgetting, I always wondered how the man did it. I'm just curious that's all."

Lauren paused for a moment before answering. "Along with the other champions it was Stave's ability that caused everyone to forget."

Jayden shook his head in disbelief. "That's unbelievable. Today people question where they come from and they have no idea they're from Haven. Was there anyone who didn't forget?"

"No, everyone forgot. To my knowledge Stave and the other champions were extremely careful when they adjusted the minds of people. They went to everyone individually and made sure that when a whole season passed...all of their memories of Haven would be forgotten. At least that's what I've been told. Such an event is beyond my time."