Midnights: The Valley of Ogressia

Chapter 18

Seeing Thadeus laying on the floor covered in blood made my stomach turn over. I had experienced so much bloodshed in the past few days, and I had had enough. My mother and brother were warriors, but I was not, all this carnage was to much for me. I had never felt the emotion of rage strongly, but sat that moment, I could almost feel my blood boiling. Thadeus was like my brother, and seeing him on the floor was ripping out my insides.

I knelt down next to him, placing my head as close to his mouth as I could. His breathing was staggered and shallow, and I knew he was close to death. I was searching the faces of my two companions, trying to read their eyes and emotions. Simon, was standing over Thadeus, tears staining his cheeks. Thadeus had trusted Simon when no one else had, and I could tell that if we lost Thadeus, the Simon would be beside himself.

Arguson was sitting across the room in the chair across from my desk. His expression was unchanged, and he did not seem the least bit phased, and that disturbed me. I had known Arguson for my entire life, and when news of my mother's death reached the temple, he wept for days. I glanced back at Thadeus, and his breathing seemed to be more steady. I shifted my eyes back to Arguson, and I saw a smirk spread across his face.

I have to assume that Simon had witnessed the look on Arguson's face, because before I could stop him, he had lunged towards him. Simon was sobbing and striking Arguson, yelling something that was completely inaudible. I jumped from my spot next to Thadeus, and made my way quickly to intervene with the quarreling men. I reached for Simon's arm, trying to pull him off, but Simon swung his fist and it made contact with my jaw.

I found myself on the ground, momentarily stunned, when I regained my composer I attempted to stand. I felt as if my jaw was broken, and for the first time in my life, I was glad I was a fast healer. Simon had regained his senses, and was now sitting on the floor next to Thadeus. Arguston was curled up in the corner of the room, terror showing through his eyes. I made my way to Simon, and knelt down next to him.

" Simon, my friend, take your leave of this place. You need time to process what has happened, and I need you to be of sound mind. Go, and retrieve Markus, he can help us begin Thadeus' healing process. I will inform you of my findings as soon as I know something.  Please, go." I had placed my hand on his shoulder, as I looked at his face, I saw fresh tears fall. He rose, and with one last look, he took his leave.

I made my way to Arguson, and as I got closer, I heard him breathing hard into his knees. He was mumbling something to himself, and I could only make out a few words. I was at a complete loss for what I felt. Part of me wanted to rip his heart out, but the other half of me wanted to embrace him. I had known this man my entire life, and I could not see him betraying our people. Seeing him there on the floor, told me that there was more to what happened then what my suspicions told me.

" Arguson, I need you to tell me everything. Leave nothing out, for I will hold your punishment to the information you provide. I do not wish to do harm to you, but if need be, I will end you. Speak now, elder, and remember your life hangs in your words." I had never uttered those words in my life, and now I released them to an old and dear friend. I sent Arguson a look that promised that my words were true, and the look that came from his eyes was hurt mixed with fear.

" Nathanial, you have no idea of the words you have just spoken." His voice was deeper, and darker than I had ever heard it. His eyes lost all color, and became black, and he seemed to no longer be himself. " You are a waste of your mother's blood, and I am disgraced to know you. Bragden will reign over all, and you will not stand in his way!" Arguson rose to his feet, and started chanting a phrase in our native tongue. I started to feel very dizzy, and as I tried to stand I felt everything becoming dark. The last thing I heard was  cackling laughter.