I felt a surge of resentment and uncertainty toward the relationship I once held so close to my heart. I wanted to yell, to argue… but the person I could do that with wasn't here. And it wasn't even certain that Heather had lied a second time, only a strong likelihood.
Ultimately, whether she had lied or not didn't matter. I would have to find her first to learn the truth either way. My plan hadn't changed in the slightest.
I looked at Diane.
"I appreciate the honesty, but I trust my partner. If nothing else, then at most they would have been unaware of their nature."
I wasn't sure Diane would accept that answer, but she seemed more receptive than I expected. Something seemed to click in her mind, her eyes widening after a moment of thought.
"Brother… I may be intruding, and I know that while we share blood, we don't share a bond, but may I say something to you, and then ask something after?"
She looked so serious that I simply nodded. Oh, how I missed Kushim and his humor right now. Without his jokes, everything felt unbearably heavy, like the weight of the world was pressing me into the ground.
"You see, we came here for a reason. And while I admit you were brought up in the planning… you are not the reason we attacked this city."
I furrowed my brows. It was strange to hear of others including me in their plans. Even as a slave my whole life, I had never been privy to hearing such things, even if they had happened. But what struck me as even stranger was that something else entirely had been the true reason they came here.
"We came here under orders from the council. You see… the new Saint was foretold to be here."
Her expression lit up, a mix of excitement and nervousness, her eyes fixed on me with almost childlike glee. But when I didn't react the way she expected, that brightness slowly faded from her face.
"Ah yes, I forgot, you're not one of us. I'm sorry… Well then, let me ask… how much do you know about the war?"
She calmed down quickly, slipping back into the reserved, stoic expression she normally wore.
"Pretty much nothing. It's not like they tell slaves much beyond what's absolutely required and even then, that's limited. I barely heard anything other than that our country was at war, and we had been winning. But considering you're here… I don't think that's very true."
She nodded, raising a hand thoughtfully to her chin.
"Well… yes and no. Caldrithy was winning at first, but that was mostly because they struck first, killing our Saint and kidnapping several of our Devas. I might add, those Devas had been sent on a peacekeeping mission, to provide food and aid to many of the rural areas of Caldrithy."
I interjected.
"How? I mean, I know my strength, and I can't imagine being completely overwhelmed at full power by a regular person."
She looked at me, shook her head slightly, and continued.
"Edric, you're not normal… even for a Deva. Take me, for example I'm a being made to nurture and heal souls. That's true for others as well….I know it was for my sister, at least. But you… I can smell it on you. You were made to shepherd souls to our God. That's not always a peaceful process. While most Devas, including myself are creatures of healing by nature… you were created for conflict."
I wasn't very happy to be told that my whole purpose was to be a killer for a god I barely understood.
"As for the Saint… well, we do have a council, but they act only as advisors to the Saint. So when Caldrithy killed our last one, it became difficult for us to coordinate as a nation. It wasn't until we reformed many things that we could make a serious war effort. But now that we have… winning is no longer much of an issue."
I held up my hand.
"Now hold on… Lord Thorne told me a while ago that the war was about iron mines and things like that…"
Diane answered without hesitation.
"Well, yes it did have to do with that. So when they struck first, it made it difficult to contend with their expansion into our lands. But overall, they couldn't make much headway. Your soldiers here are mostly conscripts and slaves, while ours are properly trained and well-equipped career soldiers. They are not equals in the slightest."
"But returning to what I meant to say our Saint is here, within the walls of this city. They may not realize it yet, but once we find them, they will be escorted back to Emberland and taught everything they need to know to fulfill their role properly.
"As for you… along with the infernal scent I noticed, I could also detect the fragrance a Saint carries. That means you must have interacted with them recently."
I had to think. I didn't normally meet many people, so I wasn't entirely sure.
"I mean, I wish I could help you, but I don't know what to tell you… other than my partner, it's only been people you've already met."
She glanced around for a moment.
"You keep saying partner, but I would suspect they would have made themselves known by now. Where are they?"
I really didn't want to answer that to someone I barely knew, so I gave another incomplete reply.
"Well… we had a fight, so I'm not fully sure right now. I was going to find her after the match, but seeing as you all invaded the city, I haven't been able to."
Diane thought for a moment before nodding.
"Okay, Edric. I'll do something for you I'll let you go. But only if you're escorted by some of our men. Find your partner, then come back to me. I'll be in this city for a while to get everything under control."
I tilted my head in confusion.
"Why would I come back here? I mean, no offense, but I could probably win against your men…"
She let out a melodious laugh.
"Probably. But our God trusts you and so do I. Your beloved won't be in danger. And if she is the one we're looking for, the two of you could live a truly extraordinary life in Emberland. But first, just think about it. Go find her. If she isn't the Saint we seek, you're still welcome with us."
I thought for a moment and figured this was the best deal for now.
"Alright, I agree to your deal. So… when can I leave?"
She smiled brightly.
"There's no need to wait. I'll arrange for your escort now."