Discordant Note: Crescendo | TBATE

Chapter 193: The Heart Versus the Mind

Seris Vritra

My mana flowed through the tempus warp, following the dips and paths arrayed before it as the portal slowly activated. Gradually, a mirror-like pane of purple fizzed into existence nearby, humming audibly with a familiar sound.

I felt an irritating knot of anticipation in my chest as I watched the portal, knowing who was on the other side. I'd resolved myself to draw firm lines between us and finally reassert my status as Scythe. I had more things I needed to discuss with the man, of course, but at the forefront of my mind were the ways I allowed the man to speak and act flippantly around me.

After a week of contemplation and introspection regarding my failure to control myself, I'd come to the conclusion that the liberties I allowed Lord Daen–irrational as they were–couldn't be allowed to continue as they had. They were a detriment, making my thoughts and processes flighty and unpredictable.

I had long ago noticed that my tongue and intent became looser around the young man. I had not fully appreciated the implications of this until Olfred's release from his artifact.

Toren stepped through the portal a bare moment later, breaking me from my thoughts. I opened my mouth, ready to command the man, then was forced to raise a brow as I saw his... companion.

"Lord Daen," I said seriously, looking at the captive elf he hauled behind him. The elf looked back with stormy gray eyes blown wide, trembling as they saw me, then breaking down into something more primal as they saw my horns. "Explain to me why you have brought back a captive."

Toren blinked as he focused on me, his mouth turning into a small 'o' as he seemed to see me for the first time. The young man worked his jaw, visibly contemplating what to say. But the demanding way I raised my brow finally compelled him to speak.

"I spared this one from a squadron of soldiers who were taking turns torturing him," Toren said with a sigh. "The Bastards Victorious, if you know them. I managed to piece together that this elf has a position that would make him far more valuable as a hostage than as a tortured prisoner, though, so I opted to bring him here."

Said prisoner was trembling at Toren's feet, keeping their attention toward the ground.

"I see," I said slowly. "And you did not take this man away from his tormentors simply because of the treatment itself?"

Toren stiffened slightly, his mouth turning into a frown. Knowing the young man, that reaction confirmed my suspicions exactly.

"This is Albold Chaffer," Toren said, gesturing to the kneeling elf. "He is the scion of an important military house with close connections to the Eraliths, with ties to Commander Virion Eralith himself."

I strolled over, inspecting the captive closely. His hands were broken, and I saw several bruising marks around his throat. The elf slammed his eyes shut as I inspected him.

"Make what arrangements you need for the hostage," I finally said into the grim silence. "He shall be your responsibility. Am I clear?"

Toren nodded sharply, a current of relief flashing in his eyes. He masked it just as quickly. He began to pull the elf back to his feet, brushing the young Chaffer's tunic free of dust.

But that only addressed one issue.

"And when you are done," I continued, "You are to meet me in my personal chambers immediately. We have matters to discuss, and you will ensure you will be free for however long I need you," I said, the words feeling uncomfortable and alien on my tongue.

Toren's eyes widened slightly, and his movement became a bit mechanical as he turned to look up at me, his expression skeptical. Belatedly, I realized the potential implications of my words.