Chapter 72: Chariot
There was a loud and persistent rumble of thunder, accompanied by flashes of lightning that illuminated the dark sky. In the distance, a massive beam of light shot up, piercing the heavens. It originated from the country of Cypriox, and even from a great distance, the entire nation could see its immense speed and height.
"Get back! That’s the work of the priest Coventher!" Sentheria’s voice cut through the stormy air. She knew Coventher well. Reports had reached her that the country of Cypriox was in chaos due to a new system proposed by its three kings, one of whom was Hebronor, a king Sentheria despised. "That’s incredibly dangerous. It has the power to destroy the entire country in an instant, as if it were a breath of pure energy made of light and raw force."
Sentheria turned to the members of the Aopudes clan. "Evacuate the people! The ocean waves might rise because of this!"
Xerxez finally saw the true form of the Aopudes—they were bird-people with magnificent wings, capable of transforming into normal humans at will. Without a moment’s hesitation, one of them, a woman with wings of vibrant colors, swooped down and carried Xerxez away to safety.
"King of Thallerion, hold on tight to me. I’ll fly you to a safe place," she said.
"Thank you," Xerxez replied, wrapping his arms around her. He could feel the immense power radiating from her wings as she ascended. As they flew away, he caught a glimpse of Sentheria performing a ritual, but her movements quickly became a blur as the woman’s flight accelerated.
He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the brilliant column of light piercing the sky. "What is that thing?" he asked the woman.
"What I know is that it’s made from a rock element found on the islands in the Fercelle ocean," she replied, the feathers on her neck shimmering. "But I’m sorry, that’s all I know."
Xerxez tried to make sense of the phenomenon, but he had no answers. Yet, as he stared intently at the light, a memory of his dream surfaced in his mind. It was not as vivid as the first time he experienced it, but the images were unmistakable.
The Aopudes woman successfully brought him to Queen Pyramia’s palace, and there he was finally able to think clearly. He saw Garith there, folding his black wings, which were much larger than those of the Aopudes clan. Garith’s true heritage was undeniable; he was of Elanthro blood.
"King of Thallerion, I’m glad the Aopudes woman brought you here," Garith said, his eyebrows raising in a sharp line. "How pathetic for a man to have no entity to rely on." He smiled smugly. Xerxez knew he was being mocked. "Why didn’t your child inherit your lack of an entity?"
"If you’re just here to boast about the Entity you have, perhaps the Aquila entity made a mistake," Xerxez shot back, then walked away, leaving Garith with a stunned expression and furrowed brow.
Xerxez made his way to Pyramus’s room, where Perlend’s aide from Thallerion was waiting.
"We are going home," Xerxez announced. "Pack Pyramus’s things." He collected his own belongings as well.
"Yes, my lord," the maid said, carefully and quietly packing the baby’s items.
"Were you not harmed by the earthquake earlier?" Xerxez asked, as he put his sword in its container.
"We weren’t affected, sir. In fact, some Peronicans helped us," the maid replied. "Everything is ready, my lord."
"Let’s go say goodbye to the queen of Peronica," Xerxez said.
Upon reaching the throne room, Xerxez found Queen Pyramia looking troubled. He assumed her concern was about the shocking events in Cypriox. The palace was abuzz with chatter about the incident, but Xerxez was focused on one thing: returning to Thallerion.
"My son and I will be leaving Peronica," he said to the queen.
"Xerxez, please don’t take this the wrong way, but the clan will not allow you to take the baby back to Thallerion," Queen Pyramia said, her voice heavy with sorrow. Xerxez had already lost his wife, and now he was being told he could not have his son.
"I know the rules, but I will not agree to this," Xerxez said with an unwavering resolve.
"We will take care of raising the baby," Sentheria interjected, leaning on her staff. Her gaze was sharp. "You will find it difficult to balance your responsibility to the child. After all, you are a king of the vast lands of Thallerion."
Xerxez sighed, acknowledging the truth in her words, but he couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness. Was he, as a father, not allowed to witness his son’s growth?
"I am the child’s father, and what I say goes," he said bravely, meeting the eyes of the clan leaders. He adjusted his gear, ready to leave.
"Here’s the compromise," Queen Pyramia said, taking the baby from the maid. "Pyramus will stay with you after six months here in Peronica."
"Six months?" Xerxez’s voice rose in protest. "Are you not going to let me introduce myself to my own son?"
"We have no intention of taking away your right as Pyramus’s father," Sentheria said. "We only wish to protect the phoenix within him."
"Ah, so it’s only the phoenix you’re after," Xerxez snapped, his temper rising. "Why don’t you just remove that creature from him so this can be over?"
"Quiet, King of Thallerion! If you have anger towards entities, keep it to yourself. What we are doing is for Pyramus’s own good," Sentheria said, annoyed by his outburst.
"You’re lucky it’s only six months," Arthen said. "But remember, when Pyramus becomes a young man, he will return to Peronica, whether you like it or not." Romerg agreed, his eyes seeming to size up Xerxez. Hm, Xerxez dresses well, he thought. But I’m a bit younger, so I’m more handsome.
"You know, Xerxez, if not for the alliance, you wouldn’t even be given six months. The blood of the Vrupercan is that important here in Peronica," Romerg said with a slight smile.
"Don’t worry, Xerxez, I’ll visit Thallerion for the alliance’s sake. Pyramus and I will visit from time to time," Queen Pyramia assured him.
"It’s better if you don’t leave yet," Arthen added, looking exhausted as he sat on a bench. "The whole world is in chaos because of the light that struck the heavens."
"I am the King of Thallerion, which is why I must return to check on my people. You know the reason—we don’t have an Entity Protector to help them," Xerxez replied.
"I understand. Just try not to take the six-month separation from your son the wrong way," Arthen said, his voice carrying a deep, fatherly tone. Xerxez remained silent.
Arthen was close to the Vrupercan clan, as Perlend’s father was the son of Chief Arthen. A secret trait of the Aopudes was that their wings would grow and appear whenever they focused on that ability.
"Arthen, are you coming with us to Cypriox to figure out what’s happening there? The terrifying light still hasn’t stopped," Sentheria’s voice boomed. She was gathering her followers for an investigation into Cypriox.
"My apologies, but one of my wings is in pain," Arthen said, his eyebrows drooping. "I think a nerve is pinched. I need to see a specialist for my wings."
"No problem. I’ll give you a report when we get back," Sentheria said, her earrings jingling as she walked away, her staff thumping against the floor.
"Ah, Xerxez, why don’t you join me in my ride? We will pass by Thallerion," the old Sentheria said, stopping and looking back at him.
Xerxez sighed, then looked at the baby. He shook his head, thinking that six months would pass quickly. He approached the baby and kissed his forehead.
"Take care of my son," he said softly to Queen Pyramia. The old Sentheria waited patiently.
"I promise you that, as Pyramus’s grandmother. You can expect that your son will get to know you," she said. Xerxez simply smiled and left.
Outside the palace, a curious carriage without wheels waited. It looked like a large basket. A man opened its door, and Sentheria entered gracefully, her movements suggesting she was a veteran of this unique form of travel.
"What are you waiting for, Xerxez? Come on, get in," she called. Xerxez walked silently towards the vehicle, still unconvinced.
Four men in green clothes stood at each of the carriage’s corners. On closer inspection, Xerxez realized their clothes were made of feathers—wings that had wrapped around their bodies. Moments later, their wings unfurled like blooming flowers, and a cool gust of wind swept over the ground. Slowly, their feet lifted from the pavement.
"Let’s go!"
The four muscular Aopudes men flew the basket-like carriage towards the direction of the light—the country of Cypriox. They were powerful and tireless, their green wings beating rhythmically. Sentheria sat in silence, looking out at the distant horizon.
"I never thought you would marry Perlend," she said, sighing and propping her chin on her staff. The line on her staff glowed continuously. "It’s painful to accept that Perlend has left us, but even if I don’t admit it in front of others, I am grateful to you. The long-held wish of the Vrupercan clan has finally been fulfilled."
"Grandma Sentheria," Xerxez said, his voice gentle. "I don’t want to judge you or your clan, but please, treat Pyramus like family, not just according to your rules. Everyone has a heart."
"A heart?" Sentheria’s voice became hard. "What does the Phoenix’s curse have to do with the hearts of the Vrupercan? Aren’t we hurting now because of the heart you’re talking about?"
"I’m telling you, Xerxez, I’m ready to sacrifice my life for the generations to come. I hope you can understand the difference between being cursed and being blessed. I know you don’t feel the burden of having an ability from an entity, but I’ve come to think... that people who are free from the chains of entities are more fortunate." Her voice was filled with sadness. "Perlend wouldn’t have had to go through that."