The sky was overcast that morning. A lazy mist floated over the garden, and the air tasted like a coming storm.
Ashen had gotten up early. Too early. He hadn't slept well - his body was still used to brutal awakenings, to screams, to fear.
But that morning, everything felt... suspended.
Caldor was waiting for him in the hall.
- Get ready, he said simply. Today, you'll take part in your first trial.
Ashen froze.
- A trial?
- Nothing dangerous. Just a simple test of magical perception. A tradition among my students. You'll be paired... with those you haven't met yet.
The training grounds were vast, surrounded by stone columns and trimmed bushes. Six students were already waiting, in training attire. All nobles. All older than Ashen.
Eyes immediately turned toward him. Nasty smiles appeared. A girl with ivory hair sneered:
- That's him, the stray picked up from the street? That's your "guest," Master Caldor?
Another boy, tall, blond, muscular, walked slowly up to Ashen. He spoke loudly.
- What's your name, "guest"? Or should I say, your beggar nickname?
Ashen didn't answer.
Caldor raised his voice, neutral:
- Ashen. His name is Ashen. And I ask you to behave like students, not like kennel dogs.
But the circle had already formed.
A test.
Each pair had to find an amulet hidden in the field, using a simple detection charm.
Ashen was paired with the blond one - Lexion, the most mocking.
- Listen to me, filthy larva, the latter whispered in a low voice. You do what I say. You stay back. And you keep your mouth shut.
Ashen simply nodded.
They entered the small grove bordering the field.
- Do you sense anything? Lexion asked mockingly.
Ashen crouched. He placed two fingers on the moss, closed his eyes. He felt a vibration. Faint. A magical trace... like a warmth hidden beneath the earth.
- There, he murmured.
Lexion stepped closer... and kicked Ashen in the hip.
- Don't give me orders, rat.
Ashen fell to the ground. He didn't move.
- Want to prove you're worth something? the noble growled. Then crawl for it, your amulet.
He tossed the charm farther, then laughed.
- Go fetch it like a good dog. With your teeth.
Ashen froze.
But in his mind...
Everything tilted.
He suddenly, violently shifted.
A black breath pulled him inward.
He opened his eyes in the dark.
That room again. That void. That smell of ashes.
And there... the throne. And on the throne: him.
The Fool.
His arms spread. His eyes wide open. His mouth distorted.
- YOU HEARD HIM, DIDN'T YOU?! he shouted. "GO FETCH LIKE A GOOD DOG!"
Ashen staggered. He wanted to flee. He didn't want to hear.
But the Fool started running toward him, arms dangling, bare feet slapping the stone.
- YOU DON'T SMILE. YOU DON'T REPLY. YOU ACT STRONG, BUT YOU'RE A DEAD MAN.
His laughter exploded. A horrible laugh, ruptured, full of blood and shattered glass.
- TELL ME YOU'LL SLIT HIS THROAT. TELL ME YOU'LL BURN THEM ALL! DO IT!
Ashen covered his ears.
- I can't... I mustn't...
- YOU WANT IT. DON'T LIE. YOU WANT TO FEEL THEIR SKIN CRACKLE LIKE ROASTED PIG. YOU WANT TO HEAR THEIR SCREAM! YOU WANT-
The Fool stopped, choking on laughter. He dropped to his knees, clutching his chest.
- Aahh... ahhh... HAHAHAHAHAH- !
He laughed till his throat burst.
Then he sobbed.
Then he stood up slowly, eyes red, empty.
- You know what's worse than pain, Ashen?
Silence.
- Forgiveness.
Ashen closed his eyes.
- You don't exist. You're just a remnant. You're what they made of me. Not what I am.
The Fool screamed. He leapt, all claws out, to pounce on his face-
- ASHEN! shouted Caldor.
He opened his eyes.
He was on the ground.
Lexion was looking down at him, sneering.
- What are you doing? Crying? Pissed yourself, freak?
Ashen didn't respond.
He stood up slowly. He had mud in his hair. Blood in his mouth.
He walked over to the amulet, picked it up.
And handed it to Lexion without a word.
The noble, surprised, took it silently.
Ashen looked him in the eyes.
And smiled.