The Sins of the God King

Chapter 34 :Lest

"All is set, Master Lest," the hoarse voice of the craglin called Ta'nu broke the silence. Lest nodded in acknowledgment, maintaining his focus on the landscape beyond the plateau. Wolder, observing the position of the sun and shadows, noted that midday had arrived.

"They will be here any moment," Wolder remarked.

Standing close to the edge, Lest's breathing was slightly heavy as the high altitude took its toll. He surveyed the breathtaking scenery. Mountains from the distance reaching the clouds, grasslands and trees covering the whole landscapes.

Wolder approached him, suggesting, "We can retreat anytime if that's what you want. We can simply join your mother at Highmoon and help."

Lest took a deep breath to ease his nerves. "There's no point in walking away now," he replied,

meeting Wolder's gaze. Lest then asked, "Why do you put me in charge?"

Remaining focused on the view, Wolder responded, "Who's better to initiate the plan than the one who drafted it."

Lest quickly retorted, "What I suggested is barely a plan."

Wolder leaned back, his gaze steady. "A man should wield his words like a blade—only when it counts." He paused, letting the weight of the words settle before continuing. "But I'll give you this. That trap you've concocted? It's brilliant." A small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth, a rare show of approval.

A prolonged silence settled between them as the wind provided a cool breeze, relieving them from the sun's heat.

In the distance, creatures with wide wingspans soared amidst the clouds. Lest recognized them as jade furred wyverns, gracefully moving from one mountain to another.

Wolder broke the silence, asking Lest, "Can I ask you a question?"

Lest nodded in agreement.

"Why do you want to save your mother? The whole Torryn kingdom knows who Lyferia is and what she's capable of. She clearly can take care of herself," Wolder inquired.

Lest took a moment to respond, as if he hadn't pondered this question himself. After a few silent beats, he began, "Back at our home, on the day Sartos, Elly, and I fled away from the Torryn soldiers, my mother tried to stop them so we could escape."

His gaze distant, Lest continued, "I saw her getting shot by an arrow in the leg and being attacked by soldiers."

He paused for a moment, then resumed, "All my life, I've heard stories about how my mother is one of the best conjurers, if not the best warrior in the land. But witnessing her being helplessly attacked that day made me question all of that."

Lest continued, his voice steady, "Somehow, maybe by being by her side, I can prove to myself that I am wrong. Or if she is not what everybody says, I can at least be there to protect her."

"Why base your knowledge about your mother on war tales? And besides, she survived the siege at the north fort, does she not?" Wolder inquired.

Lest swiftly responded, "Where else should I base it? All I have are stories. Most of my childhood, she wasn't around. She and my father were always being summoned by the late king. I grew up understanding that the kingdom needed them more than me. I always see her not just as my mother but a great conjurer too. That's why I never questioned why my parents needed to leave me alone."

"I think you're lying," Wolder said at last, his voice measured.

Lest snapped his gaze toward the elder. "What are you talking about?"

Wolder paced a few steps, his expression unreadable. "I think you trully hated them. Your parents. And you hate yourself for it." He paused, his tone growing quieter but sharper. "That's why you've built this narrative—telling yourself you don't, trying to deny the truth that—" He stopped, his eyes locking onto Lest's.