Immortal Presage: Dark Prophecy

By Vasyl Park

What are memories to us that live and die; Is it joy, pain, regret, hope, pride, hatred. Do those memories become the things we cherish for a lifetime? If the mind forgets does our heart remember? All these things wrapped in emotions and feelings; do these memories make us mortal, do they make us human?

In a world of legends, where religion, science, and magic meld together, there are those who live their lives as well as they can, holding on to their memories and allowing their feelings to guide and move them toward a better future through life and into death. And then there are those whose lives are unending, everlasting, and unchangingthe Amara the Immortals.

Four lives have begun to move along a path bound to the fate of every immortal. Although their lives cannot be given up or taken, they move according to a destinya cursethat was left behind by those of the past many centuries ago. A prophecy has foretold the deaths of the deathless, but who or what could bring an end to the Immortals?

In this novel, the immortals must face the possibility of extinction as the events of an ancient prophesy begin to unfold.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781532016363

Vasyl Park

Vasyl Park has accumulated experience and knowledge in his travels across America, Europe, and Asia. He loves myths, legends, and lore and is inspired by music, movies, and literature. He currently lives in Suffolk, Virginia.

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IMMORTAL PRESAGE

Dark Prophecy

VASYL PARK

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IMMORTAL PRESAGE

DARK PROPHECY

Copyright © 2017 Vasyl Park.

Author Credits: Linford Moore

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-1635-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-1636-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017901354

iUniverse rev. date: 02/15/2017

Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter One: That Which Ends and Begins Again

Chapter Two: Hidden Paths to Walk

Chapter Three: Envisioning an End

Chapter Four: Territory of Enigma

Chapter Five: Ruthful Anamnesis

Chapter Six: Unleavened Lives

Chapter Seven: Eagerly Moving Forward

Chapter Eight: Origins Anew

Chapter Nine: Now is Mayhem

Chapter Ten: Errant Regrets

Chapter Eleven: Forthwith into Hell’s Embrace

Chapter Twelve: Arrival

Chapter Thirteen: Never Always

Chapter Fourteen: Severing

Chapter Fifteen: The Revival of Spirit and Joy

Chapter Sixteen: Having Grace Granted and Returned in Turn

Chapter Seventeen: Expressions of Desire

Chapter Eighteen: Forever Fall to the Fear

Chapter Nineteen: Interpreting for Mnemosyne

Chapter Twenty: Reunion

Chapter Twenty-One: Enrapturing Shadows

Epilogue: Shining Dawn

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Author’s Afterword

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

T o my friends, family and everyone who supported me throughout this long and often arduous struggle to make this a reality. I am very thankful for all your help. I’m sure that my next work will not take anywhere near as long to complete.

Special thanks go to my friend Reiajade, my editor, and the designer of the world map Miss-Hena. Thank you all very much for your help and support.

O h, muse sing to me tales of fire and fate. Oh, muse whisper to me that I may always remember. Tell me oh muse the redemption from sins of the first flame. Show me oh muse that energy will never die.

Stay with me oh muse that I may always sing of the tales and legends of men.

Stay by myside oh my tenth muse.

-Lady Love of Red Fate

Excerpt from the Grimoire of the Aeonian Flame Saga

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CHAPTER ONE

That Which Ends and Begins Again

H e had made his way back to the city of Caerleon with a fraction of the battle group left. The group had departed with a battalion of three hundred black knights and a platoon of fifty-seven mercenaries. They returned with eighteen black knights and two mercenaries.

What was left was battered and beaten. There were some with missing limbs who would have to be given prosthetic limbs. Their armor had chunks cut out, with nicks and cuts covering what was left. They all were covered in second or third degree burns. Looking at them you could believe they had survived a war.

A closer look revealed something even more terrifying and devastating: their armor was not ripped apart by conventional weapons but had instead been melted apart. Deadly corrosive acid had destroyed their bodies.

Most of those who had returned were in their thirties, with only a couple in their twenties. Upon their faces was the look of hopelessness. Most of them had never seen anything like what they had witnessed. The morale of the knights had evaporated, leaving tears on their faces and holes in their souls deeper than the acid that had burned them.

Battle had taught the more experienced knights survival. Yet, experience alone had not protected them from death’s list; luck had been the key factor in the massacre they had just lived through. And the many who were as seasoned had learned the rules of survival quickly.

The group had walked a long way and come back to the base from which they left. As they approached the gates, the EG, eternal guards, stopped them.

Halt! Identify yourselves.

Lieutenant Sinclair, from the twenty-first company.

Sir, is that you? both EGs asked, saluting. The lieutenant saluted back.

Hey! Call the officer of the guard now! instructed one EG to another. Tell them the lieutenant just walked in. As he turned, his partner was already dialing.

Why did we not get picked up? asked the lieutenant. We requested transportation two and a half hours ago,

Not sure, sir. We got your call, but no one responded after our relay of your call. We’ve been on standby ever since sir, replied an EG.

That’s fine, but it’s unimportant now. We need to get to a hospital; these men need medical attention now.

Aye sir! said the EG, snapping to attention.

Once his partner’s phone call was finished, he went to him and whispered Alright for now, just call a duty driver. It’s an emergency. His partner immediately went right to the phone.

The EG glanced behind the lieutenant to see if anyone was left. He saw someone standing there and put his hand on his spear to make sure it was still there. The man was carrying two of the wounded men, one man on his back and the other one under his arm.

Halt! You there—who are you? said the EG pointing his spear. The lieutenant turned to see who was being questioned and then back toward the EG.

He’s alright. He’s with us, stated the lieutenant. This is the one I spoke of over the phone.

My apologies, sir. That’s him? asked the EG, lowering his spear.

One of the injured knights from the group began to murmur, He was like a monster; he fought like a beast.

I’m glad he was on our side. We would have never survived without him, added another knight.

Lock it up, save your energy! the lieutenant shouted. The chatter from the knights died down. Is the transportation here yet? We need to get them to the hospital. They need to see a doctor.

Not yet, but the duty driver is on his way, sir.

Aye, replied the lieutenant looking concerned. A few minutes later, the emergency vehicle arrived. As the lieutenant walked to the vehicle, he turned to the guard. Just skip the name and other bullshit. I need to get my men to a hospital. We’ll send you the information to fill out your report over the phone.

Aye-aye sir, replied the guard.

The men were placed in the vehicle. As the man previously holding the two wounded knights walked past, the guard noticed something amiss with his appearance. The man had no armor and his clothes were torn to shreds. The dark colored short-sleeved shirt, or rather what was left of it, clung to his body. His dark pants with cargo pockets were a bit loose and tucked into tan boots that came halfway up his shins. His clothes were covered in blood and had acid burns just like the knights. There was, however, one difference. He had no wounds—he did not have so much as a cut on any part of his body not covered by his clothes. Though his face and hands were covered in dried blood, dirt, and sweat, there were no wounds or sign of injury.

The stranger amongst the group was about six feet tall, had a muscular build and broad shoulders. His skin was light brown or tan with no visible marks or cuts. The stranger’s straight, black, medium-length hair that fell just short of his jaw bone, was messy and covered in dirt and grime. He wore a pair of aviator goggles on his forehead. His light brown eyes were serious and focused. All in all, he had a face of a man in his late twenties or early thirties.

So, this is their power; they are truly to be feared, one of the knights said aloud from among the group.

Soon after everyone was in the vehicle, it drove off, sirens sounding, speeding down the road. After arriving at the hospital, the men were admitted into the ER. Several hours passed and the lieutenant walked out of one of the rooms.

Thank you for all your help, said the lieutenant to the stranger. You saved our lives—well, most of the ones that made it back anyway. The lieutenant lowered his head. It’s going to be hard to make all those phone calls to the families of my men who died out there. Anyway, the money was transferred into your account; you are free to leave. I’ll have to make my report to the higher-ups after the situation calms down some more.

The man pulled out his cell phone, pressed a few buttons, and looked up. You all work fast, he stated.

We don’t like owing anyone anything for long, replied the lieutenant.

After they finished speaking, the man turned around and started toward the front doors.

The lieutenant called out, Hey do you want your weapons replaced?

No, I can see to that myself, he answered.

The lieutenant had seen that his two weapons, his sword and katar, were both destroyed. What remained of the sword was wrapped in cloth. This became the standard for carrying weapons that could not be de-materialized for storage, after object coding and object materialization made sword sheaths and gun holsters useless. His katar that formed a buckler around his left arm was melted to the tang of the blade.

As he watched the man walking out of the hospital, waving down the nurses who approached him in a panic after looking at him, the lieutenant said to himself. What kind of man is he to do such things; how long has he been alive to fight like that?

The Lieutenant watched as nurses and physicians approached him in a panic and he waved each them down.

After leaving the hospital, the stranger walked into the city and found his way to an older part of the city. He walked into a small Mom and Pop store. It was an old, rickety two-story building that had faded and heavily chipped paint. Cracks ran all around the building and wild plants grew on the building. As he walked through the door he heard a bell ring.

Yeah what do you want? the shopkeeper said without looking away from a book he was reading. The shopkeeper was a scruffy man in his forties; his right arm was a prosthetic limb which ran up to his shoulder. His left eye was also cybernetic. He wore a worn-out white t-shirt with what looked like a scarf wrapped around his waist and torn baggy jeans and leather boots.

John it’s me, said the man.

The shopkeeper looked from his book. Gaio? Is that you? ’Sup. How have you been? exclaimed John, jumping up from his chair. Hey haven’t seen you, in what—five years? John scanned him up and down. You look like crap. Another rough job, eh?

Yeah, it’s something like that, replied Gaio.

Go in the back to the bathroom and wash up. John pointed over his shoulder in the direction of the bathroom.

Sure, thanks.

No problem. We’ll talk in a bit.

Gaio headed towards the back and saw a faded bathroom sign on the wall. He opened the door and walked in. It was clean but did not have little extras in it like a small rug, only a hand towel, liquid soap, a mirror, a sink and a small trash can. It was the bare minimum. Gaio began to see why John never has any customers and was beginning to wonder how his shop stayed open.

Gaio turned on the water and began washing the dried blood off his hands and arms. After about fifteen minutes, he put water on his face. He then lifted his head, water running down his face. After drying off, he headed out back to the front of the store.

You’re back. You look much better now; you don’t look like a serial rapist-killer anymore. Now you just look like a serial rapist.

Ha-ha, Gaio replied sarcastically.

So, what is it you need? asked John.

For you to fix these. Gaio held up the broken weapons and laid them down on the table. He placed them on the table one after another. First, he put down a forearm buckle with a broken katar blade attached to the front. The custom-made blade was a pistol sword with pin-break mechanics that used capsules to send a liquid form of ammunition onto the blade via small veins within the blade’s structure using revolver type chambering system. Next, Gaio put down a burst fire carbine rifle with a capsule ejection system using a grenade launcher attached to the under barrel of the rifle. Can you do it in four days?

The shopkeeper sucked his teeth and grinned. You do realize who you’re talking to? I’m the best damn forge tech this far west of the city.

So, who is the best in the city?

Don’t know. Haven’t met him yet.

Gaio smirked.

We’ll let’s see… John bent over to examine the weapons in front of him. …What in the heck did you do? You really did a number on these, and what the hell kind of job did you take?

It was another fiend hunting mission. The black knights hired me to kill it.

Damn you, Gaio. You have no respect for what you’ve been given.

No I don’t. I have no love for this life. What I’ve been given—it’s just a burden. I can never die.

Gaio, you’ve got to move past this. But whatever, I’m just wasting my breath with you. He laid his hands on both weapons and began to mumble something. Three small white orbs floated from the weapons up through his hands.

Damn it Gaio. You really did it this time, Gaio. Both souls are nearly destroyed…

Can you fix them?

…Give me three days. He took his left hand off the weapon and reached into a box full of scrap metal and parts. John’s cybernetic eye began to glow. He pulled out several parts and metals and placed them on the table. He then waved his hand over the parts, and several other white orbs floated up. He rotated his wrist having his palm facing up, and then flexed his hand in and out. The white orbs split into hundreds of parts. John moved the small parts from the other orbs into Gaio’s weapon orbs. John reached into the orbs above the scrap parts and pulled out what looked like tiny puzzle pieces from each of the orbs moving them over to Gaio’s weapon. Like I said, be back in three days. I should have them repaired by then. He paused, but his eyes moved back and forth scanning quickly side to side. Go to the clothing store down the street. You stay in that any longer and my customers will think I deal with criminals.

Gaio looked around the store. Really, what customers?

Go! Get out of here wise-guy.

As Gaio turned around to walk out, John said, Go get a hotel. Get a drink or two and meet some girls. Either way, I really don’t give a damn; you don’t have to go anywhere, you just can’t stay here.

Gaio smiled and walked out, sounding the bell on the door. He walked down the street into the clothing store John had mentioned. He walked into the store. From his left a woman spoke out to him Are you ok, sir? Do you need some help? Should I call a paramedic? Your clothes are— the woman said frantically.

I’m fine. I just came to buy some replacements. Do you have any all-weather gear?

Um, sure this way, said the saleswoman, appearing puzzled. She got up from behind the register and walked to the back of the store. Gaio followed her to the back and after shopping for thirty minutes, came out from the dressing room and back to the front to pay for the clothes.

Excuse me, miss. I’d like to buy this set of gear.

Alright, sure. That comes to a total of three hundred and fifty dollars. Will that be in Qiu or credits? the saleswoman said with a polite smile. She pulled off the tags and scanned each article of clothing.

Credits. Here you go, said Gaio, handing her his ID. He swiped his cell phone over the scanner built into the counter and punched in his password on the keypad. The computer chimed and the word Accepted appeared on the display facing Gaio.

Thank you very much, and please come again, the saleswoman said with a smile.

After paying, he went to the restroom and changed, throwing the old clothing into a trash bin nearby. The new clothes he wore fit him well, without being too restricting. He wore a navy-blue undershirt, with a natural colored sleeveless overcoat stopping at his knees. The undershirt he wore had a slit running up to his midriff. Gaio wore loose-fitted blue jeans with all-terrain hiking boots. Around his neck, he wore a white scarf that came down to about his mid back. Over his clothes, he wore basic leather armor covering his forearms, shoulders and chest and legs. He wore a pair of multi-type goggles over his forehead that could, at the click of a switch, change from night vision, to heat-sensing, to sunglasses used to protect his eyes from the elements.

He straightened up the clothes up and walked outside. The bell on the store door rang as he opened it. The saleswoman waved goodbye to him as he walked out the door. Once outside, Gaio calmly walked to the inner part of the city, the wind picking up his clothes in the breeze.

He walked to one of the hotels which was a three-star. Inside, people walked back and forth through the main lobby. Seeing no line ahead of him, he walked through the lobby and up to the front desk. A receptionist at the front desk greeted him as he approached. Hello, sir. He spoke in a cheerful voice. How may I help you?

Good afternoon. Could I get a room for one please?

Yes sir, right away.

CHAPTER TWO

Hidden Paths to Walk

L ady Ai had been walking through the vast Ashewa Bahiri desert of the continent Mu for what seemed like an eternity. It was past midnight, and within a few hours the sun would rise and warm the desert lands. The cold, sandy wind nipped at her skin, causing her to pull her cloak tighter to her body as she looked up. The light of the stars from the galaxy that filled the night sky were a sight to behold. As she looked up, a green bolt of energy shot across the sky like a shooting star. Ai turned around and continued to walk forward, and she gave a sad smile. Her thoughts moved to the family that she missed dearly.

My son, I am sad to have you part so soon. If I could have one wish it would be to care for you all over again as I did for you those all those years. Her thoughts had turned toward her son, whom she had to leave behind. But alas! Once the wheels of destiny have begun to move, we are powerless to stop it.

The hours passed as she moved forward through the frigid night wind, trudging onward. She soon reached the edge of the desert; she looked beyond the desert’s edge and saw a city on the horizon as the sun’s first light peaked over the sand dunes. She approached the gates of the underdeveloped Fangoulian city, populated by a people often called the beast in mortal form.

Passing through the gates of the city, she looked up to see the barrier that kept wild beasts and monster from entering the city limits. It was a powerful barrier that resembled a magic circle used for protection, forming three detailed circles; two of the circles were parallel with one another and the last smaller circle sitting above the other two.

In this city, the city of Rajauri, to the northern part of the desert, and all about the continent of Mu live those who carried features of animals and beasts. Each are known by the tribes of their animal form: Felidae, the grace and elegance of the felines; Ahigalia, the majestic and prideful reptile; Inuki, the loyal and strong canines; Niao-la, the ever free and high-flying bird; Merama, the ever kind and fluid marine animal; and Entoan, the enigmatic and solitary insect tribe.

The city was filled with travelers crossing the desert and had become known as the center of trade and commerce within the desert lands. As she walked through the streets of the city, Ai saw many Akamin and Avinirran travelers, each making their way through the crowded streets. The sun beamed down from overhead as she walked to a fountain in the center of the city. Wearing her light-colored cloak to shield herself from the sun, she approached a woman at the fountain.

Ma’am, may I get a drink of water? I have traveled very far and am parched.

A young Fangoul woman looked up; she was of the Ahigallia tribe that resembled dragons. Wings protruded from her back, a short reptilian tail protruded from her lower back, and a pair of horns came out from her head bending along the its curve. She had dark, shoulder-length hair with red streaks tied in a small braid at the end. She wore a knee length skirt that hugged her hips, a small top ending just past her stomach, and a light-colored shawl around her shoulders.

She was tending and drawing water for the wooly beasts she cared for which were large four-legged mammals with wool covering most of their bodies.

Yes, certainly. One moment. The woman turned around and offered a modest bow.

The Fangoul woman began to draw water from the fountain into a cup. As she turned around to pass the cup to Ai, she removed the hood off the cloak she was wearing. Under the hood revealed a woman of gentle beauty, shoulder length chestnut hair, a light brown complexion, and a pair of beautiful light brown eyes.

At seeing Ai’s face, the Fangoul woman’s face was suddenly filled with shock. She dropped the cup, and the water spilled on the ground near the woman’s feet.

Milady! the Fangoul woman gasped. Ai smiled in return. The Fangoulian woman fell to her knees bowing before Ai.

Please don’t do that. Stand, stand. We have known each other far too long for such trivial greetings. Besides, you’re drawing attention to yourself. whispered Ai as she helped the woman to her feet.

My Lady! Is it really you? asked the Fangoul woman as she greeted her with a warm embrace. The woman held Ai her arms. She could not contain her excitement. How have you been? You have been gone for so long the entire family has missed you. How long are you in the city for? Do you have a place to stay? If not, you must stay with my family. I’m sure they would love your company once again.

Thank you for your kind offer. That would be nice. I have no place to stay for the night, and was going to take residence in an inn nearby, Ai replied.

That will not do, Milady.

I would like to stay with your family once again, if it is not too much trouble Ai replied with a warm smile.

You truly mean it, Milady? That would be wonderful! exclaimed the Fangoul woman.

After taking the wooly beasts back to their pen, she walked with Ai to her house. It was a small house near the outskirts of the city. It sat high on a hill overlooking the city out into the desert. The wind in the city caused dust to swirl around the house. It was run down though not in a state of disrepair.

The two walked along the stone path up to the front door. Opening it, the two walked in. There wasn’t much to be heard. The young Fangoul woman called out in a loud voice which echoed throughout the entire house. Everyone! You must come down! I’ve brought a special guest! The Lady Ai has come to stay with us again. Seconds later, an elderly woman walked out from behind the curtain separating the living room from the foyer.

Medi, what are you going on about— The woman looked up and stopped mid-sentence. Excitedly, the woman called out into the house Everyone! Come down quickly!

Medi stood beaming brightly in the entrance with Ai at her side.

A woman’s voice could be heard from behind the curtain. Mother, what is going on? Oh my goodness, praise the Goddess! Lady Ai has returned!

Soon the family came to the door. They all stopped in sheer amazement and utter surprise. The mother of the house spoke. Milady, welcome. Medi, when did the lady get here?

Just now mother, replied Medi. The remainder of the family swarmed Ai in greetings and admiration.

Lady Ai, how were your travels? We missed you, the mother said.

Milady, did you enjoy your travels? asked the eldest son.

Have you been well? the younger son asked.

You have to stay with us longer this time. We missed your company, the grandmother insisted.

Milady, do you have any stories from your travels? the youngest son asked.

The family, excited to see the person they gave much respect and admiration, barely gave her enough room to breathe.

That’s enough. Don’t crowd her, a deep hearty voice comes from above. It’s good to see you again, Lady Ai. The father of the house came down from the second floor.

Thank you. It’s good to see everyone is well. She bowed to him and he bowed back to her. The rest of the family made way for him to greet her.

Milady, welcome again to our house. Please feel free to stay, he exclaimed in a cheery voice, embracing her with a warm hug and a handshake.

Thank you. I had nowhere else to take refuge, so I thought I might bother you once more.

You are not a bother, Milady, he assured. Feel free to stay as long as you need.

Thank you. she replied in earnest.

No thank you. My wife will see to it that you are comfortable.

The wife bowed. Milady, please come with me. The mother of the house came up to the front. Ai walked with her disappearing into the back room. In little time, a bath was drawn for Ai. She settled into her bath.

Here is some fresh clothing, Milady. She placed the clothing on the bed and left the room. A few minutes passed and Medi, the daughter who she met in the town, entered.

Milady, if you may, can I talk with you after you are done with your bath? asked Medi.

Ai turned around pushing the water around her and folded her arms around the edge of the tub. Why wait? I have nothing but time. Speak your mind. replied Ai.

OK then. It’s about my husband.

A pleasant look spread across Ai’s face. Medi, when we met for the first time, a year and a half ago, you were engaged to be married, correct?

Yes Milady… She paused. …I have also had my first child. She just turned five a week ago, She turned her face and smiled.

Oh wow! Congratulations, though it is a little late. Ai was ecstatic. She held Medi’s hands and smiled brightly. A boy or girl? she asked.

Thank you, Milady. She’s a healthy girl. We even named her after you, Milady.

Ai was taken aback hearing this. Named after me? I’m not worthy of such flattery and praise.

Oh, but Milady, you are. You are a goddess send. You have done so much for us. We have several stable jobs and have started to save money because of you and your wisdom.

No, I’m just a simple monk, though I must ask, where your baby and the father are. I would like to meet them.

When you arrived, my husband was caring for the child, Medi explained.

Oh, OK. I see, but for now back to the original topic. What has gone awry in so short a time? Ai inquired.

Milady, my husband loves my family and my siblings a lot, but wishes that the three of us move out and buy a house of our own.

You don’t wish for it. Am I correct?

Medi lowered her head. Yes, milady. Lady Ai understood that in cities mostly inhabited by Fangoul, the lack of space makes it hard to move around. The infrastructure of the city makes it hard to add or change to the cities. Fangoul are a race that carries animal traits which makes it hard for them to move away from the group. Instinct makes it hard for them to want to leave the family and branch off as they tend to value family ties.

Well, where does he want to move to? asked Ai.

He wants to move to a small town, answered Medi.

Hmm, have you thought of moving to another house near this one?

Yes we have, but he says houses in this city are too expensive for him to buy. His job does not provide enough.

Hmm, I see. What about moving the entire family to another city?

Milady, even that is not possible. My mother, my father, and even my grandparents have lived here since birth. They would not be willing to move.

I see…, Ai said with a nod.

Milady, may I ask a personal question?

Of course, Ai replied.

You said before that you were married at one point and had two children.

Yes, I was married, and, well, I had two children and my husband and I adopted a third child.

How did you decide where to live? Ai looked at her with confused remorseful face. I apologize, Lady Ai. Perhaps that was too personal.

No, no. Not at all. It’s just my situation was a bit different. She smiled to herself before continuing; she looked to the ceiling and shed a small tear from her left eye. The tear ran down her cheek, cloaked by the steam from the bath.

My husband who is now passed… Ai paused.

Medi covered her mouth in shock. I’m terribly sorry, Milady. I shouldn’t have brought it up.

Don’t be. It’s an honest question, she continued. My husband was from a, let’s say special family. My husband was banished from this family because of me, because he married me which was against their traditions and customs. She paused. For me, moving somewhere else was easier for me. I owed him so much. He gave up everything he had for me, she sighed. Even my husband’s father, my father-in-law, gave up a lot because of my selfishness. Despite the problems our marriage caused my father-in-law, he was very supportive. Besides, I had no family, so it wasn’t very hard to decide.

I think I know what to do now. She got up and bowed to Ai. Thank you, Lady Ai, so much.

You’re welcome, Ai gave a confused look, though I think before you do anything rash you should talk it over with your husband, then your mother and father, and finally, talk with them about it as a group.

"Yes Milady,