Chapter 196: The Basilisks
In the age long before humanity ruled the grounds of Komen, the dragons were soaring over them.
Powerful, majestic, and wise beyond their years, the long-lived race dominated as kings and gods on the planet for tens of thousands of years.
They were served faithfully by multiple distinct clans. But the basilisks were perhaps the most loyal of the bunch.
Serpentine, venomous creatures capable of shedding their skin and creating false bodies with which they maneuvered around the world.
Their penchant for secrecy and shedding their bodies made them rather difficult to keep track of. But thanks to Kinslayer’s assurances, Redeemer was able to turn his attention to other matters, believing they were dead.
His displeasure at seeing one alive after all of this time could not be overstated. However, he held off on his display of anger only because he seemed to find the situation amusing.
"Ah... I wonder how you seem to be acquainted with our youngest...?"
Solomon inadvertently tensed up. Something that did not escape Redeemer’s notice.
"Disaster? Something to say?"
Solomon didn’t get the chance to say anything for himself.
"So he’s one of you... I thought you weren’t taking any others into your dreadful little club."
Raidis struggled briefly to get to his feet. As he moved, his skin darkened further until he resembled an ashy onyx color.
He ceased to resemble a hybrid of a serpent and a man, instead becoming a large snake that occupied most of the empty space in the room.
"So... you were one of theirs all along. That explains so much. I can’t believe I missed it."
Solomon’s brow furrowed.
"...Your mind tends to miss many things when you’re too busy meddling in the minds of others."
"Is that judgement I hear in your voice...?"
"Do you think I don’t have the place for it?"
"You have the place for whatever you like. Are you not a lord of this world..?"
Solomon couldn’t tell if he was being provoked into confronting the old serpent, but if he was, then he wouldn’t take the bait.
In his heart of hearts, he deeply wanted to torment Raidis for all of the ways he had meddled in the minds of his loved ones.
But reacting here now would only be to his detriment. Solomon could not allow the other deathless to know just how much his family meant to him.
He couldn’t afford to allow for leverage. Not when he wasn’t nearly strong enough.
"I was wondering... Just how you convinced the girl to run." Raidis wheezed. "...Without her, I suppose I became a bit hasty..."
"Interesting indeed..."
May’Afar’s feet hovered over the ground as he inserted himself between Solomon and the serpent.
"I am very curious about these little plans of yours. Might you be so kind as to share them with me?"
The serpent curled his lips into a sneer.
Redeemer’s flames flickered uncharacteristically for a moment, and the room seemed to grow slightly colder.
"...Griever. I believe that we have kept our youngest brethren long enough. Please send him home."
Solomon barely opened his mouth to protest before he was gone, along with the ever-silent Griever.
As soon as he was gone, Redeemer turned back to Raidis.
"Now... let’s see if we can’t deepen our understanding of one another."
-
Solomon stumbled at the feeling of the ground shifting underneath him. When his feet finally stabilized, Griever was already disappearing again.
"You have our apologies. But this matter is better left in the care of your elders."
"Don’t bullshit me. What is he? How do you all know each other??"
"It is not my place to give you the answers to these questions. Nevertheless, all will be shared in time. Do not leave the realm for the time being."
Before Solomon could protest, Griever became a swirling mass of smoke; disappearing.
For a long time, Solomon stood in place. The thoughts he carried were only known to himself.
"What the... Bear?"
Jiaoying and the group were moving again.
They looked toward Solomon for answers, but he remained quite unaware of what he was supposed to tell them.
With the exception of Jiaoying’s ex-husband, Solomon took the entire group back to the elven realm.
The trip was hardly something pleasant. The mood that settled around the travelers was a dreary one.
Solomon found himself sympathetic. Even for Canari.
He remembered what it was like to have everything ripped away at the drop of a hat. It was not an experience that he would wish on many.
This was the quietest he had ever seen Canari. Her eyes had lost their arrogant light and usual haughtiness.
Now, she just seemed like... a girl. One who had lost everything without ever seeing the end coming.
Solomon wanted to say something, anything really. However, with the two of them being on rather awkward terms, he figured it was best to remain silent.
"What... Happened here..?"
Lia was the first one to speak in over an hour. Her insatiable curiosity made it rather difficult for her to ignore the scale of destruction on display in the elven realm.
Honestly, it was a miracle that she had stayed silent for as long as she had.
"There were rumblings on the streets about how the elven lands were attacked by riders on horseback.... And some blue demon."
Lia and Tavian glanced at their mother and Solomon.
"I-It was to get Yari back!"
"When you consider the value she holds in our hearts, I actually think our reaction was very conservative."
"Right! Very surgical."
Solomon and Jiaoying spoke from a place of complete seriousness. However bad this place looked now, it would be nothing compared to the fallout if Yari were to perish.
Lia raised her hand like she was in class. "So, umm... is now a good time to ask about the whole being a big sister thing??"
"Even if it isn’t, I confess to feeling rather impatient." Tavian folded his arms. "Do you not believe that you three are moving a bit too fast??"
"We’re also getting married."
"This is exactly what I’m talking about!"