Threads of Fate

Chapter 49 ~ The Worthy Heir

    Azael hadn't allowed himself to remain tormented by his thoughts for long. Rain had begun to fall harder, but the stable was still burning and thanks to the explosions, the fire had spread to the inn. It was Kahari's horrified gasp that had roused him from his stupor, and at the sight of the blaze, he'd thrown himself into action.

    He'd barely even spared a thought to shield himself before he ran into the inn and began waking all those who remained inside. Those who were able to manage for themselves, he sent out on their own while he remained to look for others.

    There were a few rooms that had already begun to collapse from the fire and that was where he found those with the worst injuries. There had been an elderly man and his wife, and a young mother with two children. Azael had shielded them all and helped them out of the inn, carrying one of the children himself, to where Kahari was waiting to heal them.

    He had to make several trips back inside the burning inn before all of the patrons were out. There had been several that were drunk and too heavily passed out to hear him shouting to them, and he had to break his way into their rooms to drag them out. But by the time the inn began to cave in on itself, everyone was accounted for and had been moved to safety.

    The rest of the village was awake before the sun had poked above the horizon, and most of them were gathered around, watching the dying blaze. Azael stood off by himself, not interested in any more thanks from those he had helped. He didn't want their gratitude. Their praise. It made his stomach twist with guilt.

    He closed his eyes against the morning sunlight and turned his face away, unwanted memories pushing to the surface of his mind. It had once been routine for him and his mother to rise before dawn and watch the sun rise together.

    It was during one of those times when she'd first explained to him why he was called Oriana's Heir, and what it meant to have god-blood. He could still remember the small smile on her face as she brushed her hand over his hair and remarked how the sunlight seemed to be drawn to him. He had been so proud then, as if he'd accomplished some great feat.

    But now, he didn't want it to be drawn to him. He didn't want to be seen. He just wanted to sink into the ground beneath his feet or slip away into nothingness. He wanted the world to stop. He wanted to just...cease. As if he never were.

    Azael glanced over his shoulder as quiet footsteps approached. Kahari had one arm wrapped around herself while the other held her staff. "Vael is finally awake," she said. "There was a woman bringing him some food. I tried to pay her for it, but she refused." Kahari shook her auburn head with a sigh. "These poor people. All of this destruction is because of us, but they don't seem to be holding it against us."

    "A true testament of their character," Azael murmured. "I'll try to do what I can to make amends. After I return to Arcan, I can arrange for supplies to be sent for them to rebuild the inn and stable. I'm afraid it won't make up for the loss of their Innkeeper and the stableboy though."

    Kahari bit her lip, appearing hesitant to reply. Azael gave her a prompting look. "You are going back then?"

    He lowered his gaze once more. "Tissaia and Talarion made it clear they don't want me, and I have to do what I can to try to have Roshan removed from my father's Court and convicted before he has a chance to do anything more."

    The female rested a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You don't believe they would have let their father kill you, do you?"

    "I don't know what I believe anymore. I thought I was starting to figure out what I was supposed to do with my life. Who I was supposed to be. The part Tissaia was going to play. But I've been taken for a fool so many times. How long should I continue to delude myself into thinking that I am what Asterria needs? That I'm what they need?" He jerked his chin towards the people nearby.