The Makings of Evil

Chapter Ten - Secrets Revealed

Over the next few days, the brave and courageous war trainer was mourned by everyone; we assumed that President Marigold would question her, then kill her. Crowose told us that we also had to get on with life and train, now that we've seen what the Rosary Kingdom will do.

I decided to visit Godwin, to see how he was coping. From what I had witnessed, he and Megan had seemed really close.

I sat with him on the couch in his dorm, which was close to Crowose's office. "So," I began, not really knowing where to begin, "I saw your reaction last night." I gazed at Godwin in the eyes.

"No need to remind me," he replied, looking at his knees. "We were more than best friends. We were best best friends. We always knew each other's thoughts and feelings, and we were always right there for one another, even when we didn't ask for it."

"I've always longed for a friend like that," I said.

"Listen, Lilliana . . ." Godwin continued, leaning closer, "I know that everyone is trying to pry my mouth open so that I can tell them where I've been all these years. But my mission was top secret. A secret to all, but you."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I want to tell someone my life story," Godwin explained, "You were the one to rescue me. You knew Megan well. You were the reason I went on my mission. I feel that I can trust you, Lilliana, but you have to swear not to spill a single word to anyone, ever, no matter the situation. Not even when I'm dead. I want the secret to be buried at the grave with me, then with you. It doesn't matter if your life is at risk. Do you swear?"

"I guess I'm honored," I said, "And I swear."

"Do you swear on my life, on your life?" Godwin questioned, staring at me with icy blue eyes.

"I swear on my life and yours," I swore, my voice barely audible.

Godwin leaned back. "Thank you," he began, "Now, where to begin . . .

"Megan and I were best friends from the start, both born in the Rosary Kingdom, at the time when Queen Tulip was in charge. We were neighbors in one of the poorer communities, though we were nowhere near being the poorest. It was long before the Order of the Wicked, though a few were planning to take down Tulip, she was worse than Marigold.

"When we were teenagers, Megan and I went through a series of training so that we could be a part of the Tulip Assassin Mission. We were accepted, and even though we weren't a big part of the mission, we were still very proud of ourselves. Then President Marigold was 'elected' against most of the kingdom's will.

"Everything went downhill from there. Marigold kicked out half of the kingdom's people, including mine and Megan's families, for numerous insane reasons. That's when the Order of the Wicked was created by the people who were banished.

"It was a long hike into the Pine Jungle. We wanted to get as far away from the Rosary Kingdom as we could get. Then we had to build our new home.

"The construction of the headquarters took years upon years. During that time, we all lived in tents and many people died of many reasons and illnesses, including many of my loved ones. But one young girl – who we now call Crowose – never gave up hope.

"Then something magical happened. An ancient legend, the true story lost to most, came true. A witch appeared from the air to save us, bringing a prophecy with her. She gave us all magic powers to help us defeat the Rosary Kingdom. She told us that we were all given our powers for a reason.

"When we were finally able to move into headquarters, we divided into skill groups; war, engineering, science, and food. We all played a special role and helped each other out with even the tiniest of problems. Everyone elected Crowose as our leader.

"Then Roth Ehvil gave birth to two girls who were thought to be the ones in the prophecy. Even today we aren't sure if they are."

"Finally, somebody agrees with me," I muttered. Godwin ignored me and continued.

"Roth and Charles Ehvil continued to lead many missions into the Rosary Kingdom. At one point, Marigold had had enough and ordered his soldiers to kidnap one of their daughters. They were successful, and everyone tried to get her back, thinking that she was a part of the prophecy. The Rosary Kingdom had no clue about the prophecy or the witch.

"Then the kingdom bombed the jungle where they thought the O.W. headquarters were located. They were close but not exact. Roth and Charles had been caught in that bomb, out on a marcher routine, and died instantly. Most were glad that at least they didn't suffer. The Rosary Kingdom was very happy to hear who they had killed.

"Now, to my mission. Charles had been one of my good friends. I was devastated about his daughter and his death. I was also a loyal soldier to the order, and I also believed that the Ehvil daughters were part of the prophecy. So I set out on a mission to rescue the kidnapped daughter, but then I was caught in a dangerous wind storm and passed out when I collided with a tree. When I woke up I was completely lost, no matter where I flew. I could not find my way back. I had to live off of natural, unknown resources from the section of the jungle I was stuck in. I fought off wild beasts. After a few years, I went mad. Then I wandered far until some creatures attacked me and snapped my TurboWind. I wandered some more until I was rescued." Godwin smiled slightly at me when he finished.

I didn't know how to respond. I was surprised that I hadn't interrupted him more than I did. Godwin's story answered a few of my questions, but also created a few more. I nodded my head slowly, my mouth half open. Godwin looked at me expectantly.

Then I finally spoke. "Katie Izz told me that you were the third most powerful person in the order," I asked, "How did that happen?"

"Well, I was the only one granted the power to fly. Engineers invented an entire new weapon design to suit my power," Godwin replied, "Everyone respected me for being different, I guess."

"How did Dr. Gwen come into play?" I continued, "He's pretty smart and engaged to Crowose."

Godwin gave a slight sigh. "Dr. Gwen is in charge of the engineers and scientists," he explained, "Since he is, his name is pretty well known and, as part of his job, he works with Crowose a lot. He worked his way to the top. Who knows why Crowose had taken a liking to him. Any more questions?" Now Godwin sounded impatient. He had been speaking for a while.

I didn't want to get on his nerves so I shook my head. I stood up and left. When I arrived at my dorm, I sat down on the couch and accidently fell asleep with my Uggs still on, with many unanswered questions.