The Burden of Destiny | Sequel to The Aura Within

19 | Change of Heart

Raven was not too pleased when Darnic returned to the base with a report of his failure. His original goal was to attack Terapago in order to create a diversion, allowing her time to put her own mission into action. Of course, she wasn't surprised one bit that such a proud man like him managed to screw it all up. How did he not consider potential spies within his ranks? He let his guard down like the idiot he was. She had half the mind to just put him out of his pathetic misery right then and there had Claudius not been in charge of this campaign.

"This is a rather unfortunate setback," said Claudius. What scared Darnic the most was his leader's unreadable expression. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"M-My apologies, My King. I became too comfortable and hadn't considered that a spy was among our ranks." Darnic bowed deeply. "That pest has been disposed of upon our return. I made sure he suffered for what he did."

"Tragic that you didn't meet the same fate," Raven snapped with a sneer. "And you had the nerve to question me over my concerns? Hah! How the tables have turned."

Darnic glared sharply at the witch and retorted, "Do you ever know when to keep that bloody mouth of yours closed?!"

"No need to be sour, General." Raven shook her head in fake disappointment. "Your incompetence simply cannot be helped."

Every word that left her lips irritated Darnic further. He despised seeing that smug look on her face. As if his humiliating defeat wasn't enough for him to deal with, she just had to go ahead and rub it in his face in front of the Imperial King! Kicking someone while they're down was low, even for a witch like her. His hands were itching to wrap themselves around her delicate neck and snap it like a twig, but he had to control himself. It would do him nothing to act out right in front of Claudius, especially when he had made his disappointment in him very clear.

Darnic said nothing and only glared at Raven with his brown eyes that blazed with pure hatred for her. There would be a day in which he'd teach her the consequences of those who dared to belittle him, and he'd take great pleasure seeing her whither under his power.

"I may have been careless with our troops as well," Claudius admitted, leaning back against his chair with his arms crossed over his chest. "Betraying our goal, betraying me, is an idiotic thing to do, but it isn't impossible either. Perhaps a purge is in order."

This is it, Darnic thought hopefully. This is my chance to redeem myself!

"My King, please allow me to lead this purge," he volunteered immediately. "I know my recent performance has surely put doubts in your mind about me, but I insist you allow me the chance to do this and prove my worth to you."

"Begging now, are we?" Raven snickered, clearly amused seeing her subordinate grovel in such a manner. "How entertaining! I dare not wake up if this is a dream."

"That is enough, Raven." Claudius stood up from his desk and walked around it, standing face to face with Darnic. "Though your loss at Fort Zen was disappointing, I do not think any less of you. I will always be grateful for the loyalty you have to this cause and to me."

Claudius placed a strong hand on the general's shoulder. "I will allow you to lead the purge. If anyone is able to see through a facade of lies, it is certainly you."

The glumness Darnic felt the moment he returned to the base had practically faded away completely. Now he felt like the powerful general he was meant to be; the confidence that disappeared upon his return from Fort Zen had finally come to embrace him once again. Claudius could see the way his eyes shone with hope. His signature noble grin graced his lips.