Different Paths (Paths #1)[ON HOLD]

CHAPTER 7

Ranou

Rage was something alive and breathing inside me. All I saw was red.
Betrayal like I have never known coursed through me and if I was a weaker man I would be shedding tears by now.

I march into Ari's bedchamber and stopped just inside the door as I took in her ethereal beauty.
The rage returned with a force and I came to stand behind her as she finished her nightly....whatever it was that women did.

"We need to talk." I tried to suppress the growl,I really did. She lifted one slender brow,"I'm sure whatever it is,it can wait until the morrow."

"No it cannot. We are going to talk now."

"I am in no mood to entertain your nonsense right now. I just want to go to bed."

With a flick she dismisses me like some common servant. "Take one more step and I will serve you your lover's head for breakfast."

As quick as lightening she turns to face me. Pure shock was etched on her face. There was fear lurking somewhere around too with the hope that I was bluffing.

I give her a predatorial smile,"What is his name again? Harris? No.....ah,Henri,that is it." I watch as the fear overcomes others and her eyes widen.
"Did you think you think I will never find out?

"H-how d-d-did you....."

"I have eyes everywhere,Ariala. I know that you make frequent visits to the woods particularly,the Algeb tree."

Her face was a huge picture of shock,"N-no. No." Her eyes began to glisten.

"Tell me,how many of my seed have you offered to that beastly tree? How many?!"

Her tears began to fall in earnest,"Th-three. Ranou please......"

"How many were sons?" I growled. I did not know whether to be astounded that my mother spoke the truth or relieved that the number was little. I looked at her again,her face was ashen her tears making straight tracks on her face.

"I..I never asked. Ranou..."

"I knew there was so much I did not know about you but never the extent. I never knew that... I never thought you could..."
I take a deep breath and release it slowly.

"I will not kill him,your lover I mean. I see now he will make quite an asset since he is so valuable to you. Oh no,I have just the thing for him."

I turned around trying to gather my thoughts and hide the betrayal I was sure was clear on my face,"Tell me,it is also true that you take lessons with the Old Prophet? On magick?"

"Yes." It was so soft I strained to hear it.

"What for?" "I-I am a...."she takes a audible breath,"I'm a Naurae" she searches my face to gauge my reaction.

"I really know nothing about you,do I?".
I was unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.

I whirled around to face her, her features still not recovered from shock. "I have new rules for you and trust me when I say you would not want to dare me on this,Ariala."

I pause for effect and she holds her breath,"No more secret lessons with the Old Prophet. If you must continue I must be there. You will be under constant watch;you are not to step foot outside these walls without guards by your side."

She trembles,"Even if it's just to meet up with the girls?"

"Especially if it is to meet up with the girls.
I am angry as it is,Ariala. Do not incur my wrath."

I spin on my heels and march out her door and enter my bedchamber, ten paces away from hers.
I close my eyes and breathe audibly, counting in my head to get my temper under control.

I sigh deeply and begin stripping down to my breeches.

I felt myself dozing off when Ari climbed into my bed offering to placate me the only way she knew how.

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Somewhere else in the empire

I knelt with my head bowed before the dark mass. From the corner of my eye I counted ten of them. Ten!

"What knowledge do you seek,daughter?" The walls rumbled with every word it spoke.

Unbidden pleasure coursed through me as it called me daughter but it will be stupidity at its finest to reply it so informally.

"My lord,the gods have given the prophecy. I have tried reading and seeing but to no avail. I still can't discern which of the Breeders was chosen. This,my lord,has robbed me of sleep."

It chuckled deeply and.....darkly,"Such is impatience of this present generation. You must wait,exercise some patience. All will be revealed in all but a short while."

"But my lord, I whined,"I have done nothing but wait and w....."
"Then you shall wait some more!!" It thundered. "You shall watch and learn, child. You shall mediate and build your strength,your perseverance. Do you think the war would be easy? If you thought so then you have such a long way to go."

"No,my lord. I know the fight will not be easy as I know that the darkness must prevail." I took a slow breath,"But my lord, what of the Breeder I told you of? Ariala?"

"What of her? She will be a valuable asset in the war. Yes,a very valuable asset."

I felt my jaw unhinge and I was sure my face was one huge picture of shock, this could not be happening. "B-b-but my lord....."

The dark mass swiveled to stop directly in front of me,"She is to become your responsibility. You must ensure she comes to no harm especially these coming days, I see wars being fought. You must ensure she stays alive till the day. Do...you...understand?"

I bow deeply,"Yes,my lord." I scramble out of it's presence gritting my teeth. So now, after everything I'd done,I was to be repaid by watching over Ariala of all people.

I don't feel the cold in the heat of my rage. I smile, it never said she will be an asset after the day. I surely will get rid of that hag.
My heart felt much lighter as I came to this decision.

A/N:Hi everyone, sorry this took so long. I got tied up with school work.
Anyway pls vote and comment. They are so needed. Love ya
Naurae:Someone who is able to control nature and its elements. Include men and women(I totally made it up) ;)

P.S: Ariala's lover is named Henri, sorry for the typos xoxoxo