The Hidden King

Untitled Part 5

The toll of the temple bell marked the approach of midnight, its somber chime echoing through the night.

Under a moonless sky, torches in hand, people gathered in twos and threes, making their way toward the temple. It was time for the funeral rites to begin. Milia stood with the elders on the temple steps, watching as the shrouded body atop the towering pyre was consumed by flames that seemed to lick at the very heavens.

"Let this end quickly," a voice whispered in Milia's mind, urging her to flee the sorrowful crowd. Yet, another voice cried out, warning her not to trust what she saw. Unexplainable events were unfolding, mysterious clues hinting at something hidden beneath the surface.

Milia reached out to touch the bracelet brought with the body, its significance unclear. Did it hold a message, perhaps a scroll revealing secrets locked within the golden archer's cabinet?

Amidst the priest's chants, mournful songs rose, blending with the crackling of flames. A fireball ascended from the temple's altar, casting a crimson glow over the gathering. The werewolf tribe did not mourn their leader's departure with surprise; any conflict or war could claim their warriors, even their chieftain.

After the ceremony, as the crowd dispersed, Milia stood silently before the cooling embers. Tears mingled with ash streaked her face, dimming her beauty. Heidi approached, offering solace with a comforting embrace.

Seated at a table, untouched glasses of wine before them, Milia broke the silence. "Heidi, do you believe Kenny took his own life? I can't bring myself to believe it. Kenny would never..."

Heidi sighed, understanding Milia's disbelief. "I know the truth," she said, shocking Milia. "What do you mean?" Milia asked.

"I know Kenny owed a substantial sum to the Cheno tribe," Heidi explained. "Right after Kenny's body was found, Chief Mas and his men came to see the high priest. Thomas even brought a contract, signed by Kenny, stating that the gold pieces were to be repaid by the entire Lorenz tribe."

"So, everyone now believes Kenny ended his life because of this debt?" Milia struggled to accept it.

"Not only did Kenny owe the Cheno tribe money," Heidi continued, "but Thomas also had a contract stating that Kenny intended to cede control of the river domain to the Cheno tribe to repay the debt."

"So, this contract only proves Kenny owed them money, and it was an irrational and dishonorable attempt to escape debt," Milia mused, still finding it hard to believe Kenny would make such a decision.

Heidi pushed the wine glass closer to Milia, attempting to comfort her unease. "Regardless, debts vanish when a person dies," she said.

Milia shook her head with a bitter smile. "Kenny wouldn't end his life over debt, Heidi. I know my husband, his bravery, and his sense of duty."

Heidi's expression faltered in the flickering candlelight. "I believe everyone was taken aback. Both the high priest, who deeply trusted Chief Kenny, and Elder Gabriel were deeply affected by this news."

"Milia, I know it's hard for you to accept reality," Heidi said gently. "But if you continue to investigate, have you thought about Kenny's reputation?"

Milia silently drank the wine, hugged Heidi, and left the temple alone. She had nothing more to say. She had always known that, regardless, she would have to decide everything herself. Even the best of friends couldn't fully understand the thoughts deep within her heart.

Milia stood at the edge of the cliff, enveloped by dark fog, her chestnut hair damp against her forehead. She felt a suffocating ache in her heart. What lurked in the darkness below? Would Kenny's shadow wander there?