The Last Beacon

XXX

Cain had raised his hood and covered his face as soon as they were outside.

The small action made Sascha wonder why he felt the need to hide his face. She questioned whether it was personal reasons, or something to do with his actions and the people he associated with.

She also couldn't help but glance at his attire. The armour was immaculately designed, with a black and silver shine, the different indentations glinting in the sunlight. She had never seen him wear anything like it. It was as though it had a special purpose, something to do with his appearance in Rabael.

She still could not pinpoint where she had seen the symbol on his chest plate before. It was painfully familiar, but nothing came to her.

As the three of them walked towards a location that Sascha did not know, they were silent. The tension between them felt unnecessarily high, and Sascha felt immensely awkward.

As much of a pleasant surprise it was to see Cain, all she wanted to do was leave and find Laurenz. Despite Cain being there to protect her from his father, she didn't feel safe. She honestly felt as though Sepitus was not the person he made himself out to be the day before.

She knew she should act as though she was calm but remain on guard.

After a while of walking, Sepitus led them through an alleyway to a door that seemed out of place. The door was black, decorated with a small painting of the same symbol that was etched into Cain's armor.

Sepitus knocked twice; the sound of his knuckles rapping against it echoing within the alleyway.

The door opened partly, and a man peeked his face through the crack.

When he caught sight of Sepitus, the door swung open to reveal a man covered in tattoos. He said nothing, but he stepped aside to let them in.

Sascha was growing more anxious by the second. After they entered, she flinched when the door slammed behind them, trapping them in.

She looked around nervously, scanning the room they were in.

The room was enormous; spanning far and wide, with high ceilings. It was dim, far too dim for midday, only lit by various candles that were dotted around. She quickly realised that there were no windows. There were long tables and a few men milling around them. There were thick wooden columns, reaching to the ceiling and forming arched framework at the top. The floors were stone, with long red rugs adorning them. A few banners were hung about, all displaying the same symbol that Sascha had tried so hard to recognise.

Sascha felt as though the architecture of the entire building was old, and she got the impression that it had been around much longer than the modern city that it rested in. A few large dark wood doors were around the room, all closed, contrasting with the cobblestone walls.

"Welcome home, son," Sepitus exclaimed, his voice booming in the huge room.

"You and I both know that this is not my home, and never will be," Cain growled back lowly.

Sepitus shook his head. "I want to speak with you. Alone. Come with me, Cain."

"What about Sascha?" He responded, his eyes narrowing.

"What about her?" Sepitus asked, before his entire demeanour shifted, "I'm kidding! She can stay in here! Help yourself to any food you like darling, I'm sure my men will treat ya real nice."

"Uh, I really don't want to be any trouble, I think I might just leave you be, and go find my friend," Sascha reasoned.

"Oh don't worry about it! I insist, you're the guest! We'll help you find your friend," Sepitus said, waving away her attempt.