CHAPTER 6: DIVERGENCE
The sunlight danced across a bustling harbor lined with gabled rooftops, timber-framed houses, and stone keeps. The salty tang of the sea drifted through the air, mingling with the scent of tar, fish, and woodsmoke.
Siah entered an inn near the docks. "That bastard doesn't respect my time—how long have we been walking around in circles? He can't even decide which apples to buy," Siah mumbled inwardly as he gestured for the innkeeper to come.
"I want the best thing you can make. My brother will pay—he is a knight of the Pantheon." The innkeeper nodded.
"Hahaha, he has to pay for taking me on his little adventure. Does he think I have nothing better to do with my time?"
Theal entered in the inn approached the innkeeper, greeting her politely and handing her Equi.
Siah sneered at the sight. "Does he think I can't pay for my own meal? Arrogant brat. I think went too easy on him earlier."
Theal pulled out a chair opposite Siah, placing a basket of fresh fruits on the table before sitting down.
Siah slumped in his chair, throwing his feet onto the table beside the fruit basket. "Why are we here? You could've bought your fresh fruits in the village market."
Siah's eyes narrowed, brimming with suspicion. "Do I need to grab a knife to defend myself?" he chuckled, grabbing an apple from the basket.
The waitress stood, balancing steaming plates, clearly waiting for Siah to remove his feet from the table. Siah acted oblivious.
Theal rose, took the plates from her, and handed her five gold coins in gratitude. She left quickly.
Siah snorted coldly. "Ungrateful wench. I helped her get a hefty tip, and she ignores my kindness."
Theal picked up a steaming cup of tea, taking a steady sip and breathing in its aroma. "Father's health is declining, and working in the Ract Stone Mines will only worsen his condition."
Siah scoffed. "The old man wants to die toiling in the mines. Let him die in peace."
Theal put down his cup, staring at Siah intently. "I found work for you—from a trusted friend."
Siah removed his feet from the table and rolled his eyes. "I don't remember requesting this kindness."
"I don't think you did," Theal said, taking a long sip from his cup, forcing himself to put it back down, inhaling the tea's fragrance. "But I insist."
Siah frowned, his gaze growing cold. "What makes you think I will obey?"
"Have you never found Father's condition strange?" Theal spoke with with a saddened tone.
Siah chuckled, shaking his head. "Old men lose their minds all the time. What's so strange about that?"
"You do have a point," Theal nodded. "Father has always been deaf and mute—it would be surprising if he didn't suffer psychologically."
Siah chuckled lightly. "Did you bring me all the way here to mourn the old man's impending death?"
Theal paused mid-bite, looking deeply at Siah, a long sigh escaping him. "Do you think there is anyone in there?" His tone was unhurried.
Siah straightened in his chair, giving no response. Theal lifted his tea and blew on it. "When that thing came to Gouging Village—"
Theal's teacup left the grip of his fingers, shattering against the wall. Siah sat back down, waving his hand to dry the tea spillage.
Siah cleared his throat speaking softly.
"I will give you this one chance to reflect on your words— i get the feeling that this might be my last kindness to you as your brother."
Theal removed the fruit basket from the table, unperturbed, and locked eyes with Siah. "Many lost their sons and fathers on the spot. Some were later discovered at the top of Mournmound—mindless, savage beasts, acting on raw instinct. Cannibalism was one of the acts they took part in regularly on that mountain."
Siah listened closely, posture sharp as a blade.
"Similar acts did not just plague Gourmand and the Grelon Empire the entire Eastern Hemisphere couldn't escape it—they even happened in the Western Hemisphere, and the Northern Hemisphere didn't fare well either. Only the Southern Hemisphere was spared."
Siah's expression grew tense, his blood-red eyes fierce. Theal's own crimson gaze grew calmer. "I am aware of your recent actions."
Siah casually picked up a knife, twirling it between his fingers. "What are my recent actions?"
Theal glanced at the tea stained part of the wall, then placed both hands on the table. "Mr. Michael told me that you used a mysterious power to kill."
Siah's brows furrowed. "So what if I did?"
"There are only two outcomes—accept the job offer, or we both die today," Theal said, drawing a slow, steady breath, eyes fixed on the knife in Siah's hand.
Theal pushed Siah's untouched plate of food towards him speaking in a solemn tone."Gourmand is very small. Nobles of house Gullet disappear, and you suddenly use mysterious abilities to kill—it's only a matter of time."
Siah started eating, ignoring him.
The door opened, and a tall girl entered the inn. Her long, silvery-white hair cascaded in loose, windswept layers. Sharp, violet eyes swept past Theal, fixing on Siah, whose face was buried in his food, paying her no mind.
Theal smiled and pulled out a chair for her. "Siah, this is Lady Asha of House Ardour—a trusted friend from the Academy."
Asha extended her hand in greeting. Siah didn't spare her a glance, chewing loudly. She withdrew her hand with an amused smile. "Well, you weren't wrong about his good looks."
"Lady Asha, my brother's time is very precious to him, so I warn against beating around the bush," Theal said, pulling Siah's plate away to draw his attention.
"You should know the situation you are in. I just need your decision." Asha spoke plainly.
Siah abandoned the effort to reclaim his plate, lifting his cup instead. He drained the ale in one gulp, setting it down and meeting Theal's eyes.
Theal didn't flinch under the cold gaze, returning it with equal intensity.
Siah shifted his gaze to Asha. "Asha, was it? I will take that compliment you just gave me." He looked back at Theal. "I will also take your last kindness as my brother."
He stood, placing a silver coin on the table. "This is for the milk maiden. I think she will be working tomorrow morning."
Siah walked out of the inn.
Asha patted Theal's shoulder with a concerned expression. "I will do my best."