Six years after the unsuccessful Novalian invasion of Malvay, John Kado drowns...again. King Gregor doesn't seem to have been paying attention to the regent's activities, a man too occupied by his own pleasures. When John told him the sword of rituals had been destroyed, he simply shrugged and ordered the creation of a replica. His reaction to John's new sword was also similarly rooted in indifference.
John's sudden shift from being handicapped to being whole again split opinion among the masses. While some tagged him a wizard, others claimed he had been rewarded for being exceedingly brave and morally upright. Not that John cared much about all of this, his attention remains fixed on Kardama and his stories.
Waking up to find Kardama seated on his favourite rock, John drags himself to a sitting position. John Kado now sports a beard, thick black hair spanning his entire chin region, making him look older than he normally does. Kardama, on the other hand, hasn't changed a bit. Not even his style of clothing changed.
John adjusts his blood soaked robe. Not even swimming could get the blood off. Leaning on dark nemesis like an elder on a stick, John exhales deeply. The duo sit quietly for half an hour. Kardama decides to end the silence, making a metal cup appear in his hand, and drinking from it as he speaks teasingly.
Kardama: Bad day at work, Baylorson?
John stares at him melancholically, replying calmly.
John Kado: Nothing much. I led an army up north. A small group of indigenous Oragonians took it upon themselves to carry out raids on and sabotage essential material travelling south. When I tried to reason with them, they collectively yelled 'for Oragon' and attacked our much greater force. I am sure you already know, but the red pigment I am currently covered in is blood. I believe there is a reason why you will not let it wash off.
Kardama smiles warmly.
Kardama: It is your mind's eye that needs washing. The blood got off you the moment you stepped into the water, but I wonder why it hasn't left your conscience. Do you feel guilty?
John clutches his attire.
John Kado: I do not wish to talk about it.
Kardama: What pray tell would you like to talk about, then?
John Kado stares into the sunset.
John Kado: The king's council will hold a meeting tomorrow. Obviously, you have no business there, but a vote will be held to determine Geralt Sahara's fate. After Novali signed the no victor no vanquished peace agreement, her life was declared forfeit by the state.
Kardama: Harsh considering the fact that she lost to an act of deception by Malvay's noblest citizen and yours truly. I suppose deathbringers are just that painful to lose.
John Kado: The blue frontier, our first ever locally made battleship will be finished this year.
Kardama squints his eyes.
Kardama: Always commiting to peace by building weapons of destruction. Classic lesser men.
John Kado: We do what we must to show other nations that we are not easy pickings..., but that is not the point.
Kardama smiles tauntingly, cool as can be.
Kardama: What is the point then, son of Baylor?
John exhales sharply.
John Kado: The point is that I expect the majority of the lords to vote in support of having her executed.
YOU ARE READING
DEMON HUNT
FantasyMario Cadel gets caught up in a series of tragic events that opens his eyes to the mysteries and darkness in the world. He begins a struggle to establish peace but whether he succeeds or not is another matter...
