The Angel Fell Twice

Chapter 13. Right Or Wrong?

In the sanctum of the Order of Karma, Marina stood alongside Floris, tending to the fallen knights resting upon several beds. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow for those who had perished in battle. The flickering torches cast long shadows, illuminating the somber expressions of the knights.
Arthur, their leader, stood near the entrance, his eyes haunted. "Arthur, how many more men must we lose for you to realize... this path is futile? Abandon this endeavor. We face formidable adversaries we cannot vanquish at present. Cease this madness," Marina implored, her voice trembling with emotion.
Arthur's shoulders slumped as he turned to her. "I am deeply sorry, Marina. I cannot ask you to lay down your lives for my cause," he replied, his gaze cast downward, eyes dull with grief.
Isabel stepped forward, her face contorted with anger. "You are not to blame. It was Marina who let him escape! We had Ragnar within our grasp, and she failed to deliver the final blow."
"Is this accusation true, Marina?" Logan asked, his eyes fixed upon her.
"It is true. I could not bring myself to do it," Marina admitted softly, looking down at her hands.
"You are incompetent and lack the resolve. You are a knight, Marina. Behave as one," Isabel retorted harshly, stepping closer, her eyes burning with fury.
"That is enough, Isabel," Arthur commanded, his voice firm, "I am sure there is an explanation."
"It is because I do not believe they were born evil," Marina stood up, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands, "Ragnar endured a dark childhood. He lost his parents at a tender age."
"Oh, spare me," Isabel scoffed, crossing her arms. "He was an orphan, so now he creates orphans?"
"It is not so simple," Marina clenched her fists, her knuckles white. "I do not excuse his murders, but killing him makes us no better. What right do we have to take another's life? We are not gods. We should not descend to their level. Instead, we can construct a prison secure enough to trap him," Marina argued, her eyes pleading with Arthur.
"Imprison him? He is sick, twisted, and vile, he does not deserve to be spared." Isabel spat, her words like venom.
"Marina, this is not how our guild operates. We must eliminate the gravest threats to prevent further massacres," Arthur stated, his voice broke, eyes darkening with pain, "You nearly died, Marina. I thought we had lost you, as we have many others. It hurts knowing those who slay our people continue to live. They robbed others of their existence. It is not fair."
Marina stepped back, her hands trembling. "I am sorry, but I cannot take another life. I do not have that right, just as they do not."
Arthur sighed, looking away, his expression one of defeat. "We seek only justice, Marina."
"If this is what justice entails here, then I cannot stay," she said softly, her voice filled with sorrow.
"After all the effort I invested in training you," Isabel glared, crossing her arms. "Leave. Do not show your face here again."
"Very well," Marina replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. She paused at the door frame, glancing back at Isabel and Arthur. "Farewell," she murmured, her voice breaking, "And you can have this back." She unwound the sheath over her back, the sword clanging on the floor as she rushed out.