The chronicles of embodiment

Chapter 23

Preistess Masuolga turned to stare in complete shock, while Ruhe was relieved he didn't just lose his eye. The person who held the handle of the dagger was a white-haired, green-eyed young-looking woman.

Preistess Masuolga's voice began to break in a panic, "It's not what it looks like, it's not! Lord Eieamso, you must believe me."

"You've already betrayed me and Estarcress once; I won't dare stand for this. I cannot believe I even allowed you to get another chance of betrayal," Eieamso then paused, tears welling in her eyes. "I truly believed you were a friend, Sarmosis Masuolga. I truly believed you learned, yet you hate me that much, that you can stand by and plan my demise, how could you." Her face stayed plain, while her voice and eyes spoke her emotions. "You've risen so far, become my friend, gained my trust, broke it, and gained it again, only to break it for the final time. We can't all have perfection. You are the furthest thing, you deceitful lying controller."

Preistess Masuolga just laughed, realizing there was no longer a point for her to try. Why continue to lie now? "You're unfit, darling, little body, big heart. I only protect Estarcress by planning your demise because you can't handle it. Throwing you off your prideful roster would be the best thing anyone could do for you."

"That may be true," agreed Eieamso, "yet, this isn't about me. It's about the people. I will continue to run Estarcress until the people call me unfit, not you." She said sternly. "I'm tired of entertaining you."

The preistess began to speak. "No, you're n-" she quickly got cut off by a strike to her face, causing her to shrill.

"Yes, I am," Eieamso replied, striking the preistess with a large whip-looking weapon.

Sarmosis felt her face, looking at the weapon, she quivered. When she removed her hand, she saw blood. "You-you, how dare you! You struck me with your weapon! It will never heal properly. I'll gain a scar!"

"Good, it's marking you for your imprisonment," Eieamso replied. "I can't bear someone who hurts children, who hurts family, who betrays all. You wear a poker face, and you must be punished for it."

Sarmosis looked away, realizing she would be punished for her actions. She was truly scared but didn't wish to show anyone.

"One question," Eieamso then asked, "what memories have you tampered with? Would the students be standing in a prayer room, or must I take them back to the art room?"

Masuolga stared at her, then angrily replied, "why would I tell you?!"

"So, the art room," Eieamso said, placing her hand on her chin. "Go there, make them follow, release your control. Two guards will accompany you, standing at a corner so they won't notice. I want you to say you have forgotten something and go to those guards; you will then be detained." She then smiled. "This is my last time trusting you, so play nice."

Preistess Masuolga nodded, "Yes, my lord." Tears now welled up in her eyes, but no one there looked fazed. She began to walk, controlling the students to follow her, with two guards accompanying.

Eieamso turned to Ruhe and Achel; they were both glad it was over, yet they both looked at the pile of rubble, which was previously the section of the hall's ceiling. They began to sob.

Eieamso sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. She walked to Ruhe and Achel, reassuring them, "Our medic is on her way; she has enhanced healing magic. That stab wound will be fixed," she said to Achel, then turning to Ruhe, "So will your face." She glanced towards the rubble and Alasito. "If they are alive, I'm sure she'll be able to save them."

She then sighed, feeling a bit conflicted, and said, "This may be selfish, yet I must ask you both. If the one under the debris survives, could you not tell a soul?"