Falsified (Tarnished Book 2)

16 The Wolf and Crow

"Your Highness, you must have learned it. It does not make any sense for you to have an affinity for every element known to these isles." The Old Crow said while he continued to gawk at the transformation I took in the grove.

"Same for me, it does not make sense," I said glancing at him. "Why have you brought me here without the trickery of your tongue or I will claim your life?"

He went silent for a moment. Then he smiled light and continued to feign the same kindness from when we first crossed paths. "You ran off before I could explain as I recall. May I inquire why you are being more cooperative now?"

"No," I said. "You want to explain yourself granted, but this does not mean I forgive you for what you did."

He bowed at his waist. "The Revival was the reason. Your power has no parallel in recreating this world the way it was before. Magic should still be known to this world, but the alliance of the Realms is not sufficient in using gifts as you." He straightened and I glowered. "You will be the one to bring magic back to all the realms, and back in Erstonia you would waste that power for mere rebellion."

I crossed my arms. "I will not destroy this world." As soon as I spoke it, his eyes widened. "I know what is going on here. I was confused as to why wyverns and magical beasts of old exist to this day, but you placed the barrier to block them from harm. You do not think highly of the maidens, which led me to believe you are the Corruptor I was searching for."

"A corruptor? You are mistaken, that thief earns your loyalty like that." He said hoping to salvage himself, but my mind was set. I was not trusting him. "Your Highness, I had no intention to kill you."

"No, but you were willing to kill Zelme's fiancé and my closest friends for this ludicrous Revival," I said dropping my arms to my side. "You make it sound innocent, but it is not. You are not a man anymore, Old Crow." I eyed him. He did not seem bothered by what I just said. No flinch came from him despite the fact it was true. "You are not King Regales, you are Ravela himself."

"Where did you hear such a thing?"

"Your departed son,"

Everyone present was not staring wide-eyed at their king. They were all instead of staring at their king watched me.

I sighed. "That affirms what I thought," I glanced away from them. "All of you know who he is, but none of you know a thing from my viewpoint. A monster is what you are, Ravela,"

"Come now your Highness must you label me as such a devil," he said smoothly. "It is a bit unbecoming to call me names like a child."

I glared at him. "You ruined me the second you set our meeting into motion. Do not deny it," I strode up to him. Pausing a mere foot from him, I tightened my grip on my sword hilt. "You knew where I was all this time, watching and waiting for the opportunity to snatch me,"

"Kid, you need to calm down," Mesmer said.

"You killed the bearer before me because he refused, and I would do the same. I will not aid you in reviving anything if it means the world will be destroyed." I swore to the maidens and all those who pledged their loyalties to me. "Calmness inside me no longer exists thanks to you,"

He scoffed briefly. "Your Highness, are you referring to what happened in Dulai?"

I slowly drew my sword from my scabbard. "No," I answered. I took in a sharp breath and pushed it out. "You know full well what you have done to earn my distaste for you,"