The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 328: Negotiations

Chapter 328: Negotiations

A/N: I’ve been reading through some of my earlier Chapters and found there were a few things in my vision that didn’t quite develop in the way I originally planned. So, I took the liberty of retconning a few things in the early story. There’s no major impact on any of the characters or world, just a few terminologies.

The biggest changes are in the identifications at the Shard of Omniscience. In regards to soul strength and mana affinity, I felt that the wording was a little confusing. I had some other ideas that made sense, but the story developed in a different direction. I’ve gone back and made the changes in previous Chapters. You can view the new statuses in the character descriptions available for Xiviyah and Korra.

Anyway, this is also your friendly reminder to leave a review. We just need a few more to get rated and I’ll release like 3 or 4 Chapters. Thanks for reading!

The guards parted to allow me through, though their cautious gazes never left the massive wolf at my side. The leader of the guards, a middle-aged and stern man, kept a watchful eye on me as I peered about the inner courtyard. My eyes grew wide as I found small, colorful garden beds neat cobblestone paths traversing the exterior. They were abandoned and forlorn, the plants withered in the unseasonal cold, but finding them here sent a chill down my spine. It was too warm, to...innocent. A reminder that the devastation I would surely cause was not upon my enemies only, but those who were unlucky enough to be caught up in the fight.

The fortress was a massive lump of blue rock, broken up only by the occasional window or arrow slit. Soldiers gathered on the walls above and in the shadows of the garden, eyes intent upon me for any sign of danger. The inner gate of the fortress was only a hundred or so feet from the wall, yet by the time we reached it, nearly a hundred second and third-level guards watched us. Their eyes dug into my back, causing my chest to tighten and my tail to flick back and forth.

Had anything even changed since Heartland? I had walked into the Circle’s lair with no plan, carried only by a faint hope and a dream. There was no one I could count on here, not allies to appear at the nick of time and save me should I get into trouble.

I took a deep breath and drove away my anxious worries. Things were different now. Before, I hadn’t a reason to live, believing the Glory Chasers had abandoned me, and every star in my life winked out. I may be alone now, but it wasn’t hard to envision Tana and Sorrin’s encouraging smiles and Dyson flashing me a thumbs-up. Rasce might have even said something, had he been here. But, most vivid of all, was my vision of Korra and me sitting atop the monolith. I couldn’t abandon her now, not like Levin had. I wasn’t a hero anymore, if I ever truly was, but at least I could try and be a friend.

Before I knew it, we were walking through cold stone hallways. The guard led me through several corridors before he finally ushered me into a great hall. Tall arches of blue-tinted stone rose against the walls, supporting a distant peaked ceiling. Stained glass skylights stared down like lidless eyes, filtering the morning light into vibrant splashes of color that danced across the polished tile floor. A great banner hung limply behind a raised dais on the far wall, proudly displaying the fortress’s allegiance to Brithlite.

A bearded man sat in a throne-like chair on the dais. It was far from ornate, lacking the gold leaf and jewel-encrusted affluence of Alverin’s throne, yet unmistakable as a symbol of power and influence. The man wore loose, high-quality silk garments, but even his cloak did little to hide his broad shoulders and muscled physique. His soul was near the peak of fifth level, and the naked-bladed sword rested against this throne looked as though it belonged there.

My gaze skitted to the side of the dais, where another group of soldiers stood at attention, then to the other, where I found the inquisitors standing. As in our encounter days before, the High Inquisitor was tall and proud, with dark eyes and carrying his strangely shaped spear. His soul was at the peak of sixth level, and those of his followers were fourth and fifth.

My throat went dry and I swallowed hard, licking my lips nervously. There was enough power here to raid a fifth-level Demon Gate, much less guard a dying hero. Could I really stand against something like this? It felt even less possible than the fight in the Ice Demon Gate, and I had as much mana as I could dream of there.

I gripped my staff tightly and glanced at my side, where Fable glared at the High Inquisitor. Not for the first time, I found myself grateful he was by my side. He must have felt my gaze because his eyes flicked up and his growl stilled. I nodded and turned to the man on the throne, who was scrutinizing me much the same as I had done him not seconds before. My tail twitched with panic as I realized I’d forgotten to ask Orion what the lord’s name was, but I let it out with a long breath. It didn’t matter, really. Nothing did except saving Korra.

After a few more seconds of tense silence, the man on the throne spoke. His voice was low and heavy, filled with unquestionable authority. "Xiviyah, the traitorous hero."

"My Lord," the High Inquisitor said, stepping forward. "Forgive my intrusion, but calling this filthblood a hero is extremely inappropriate. As I stated in my report, we have been graced by a true Fate Hero, who currently remains in Radia. Referring to anyone else by that title is blasphemous."

The city lord coughed lightly and rubbed his chin. "Yes, of course. A slip of the tongue." His eyes hardened once more as he returned his gaze to me. "For what reason have you dared reveal yourself in this country? I pray you have not come to bring us destruction, as you have so many of our kindred, but if you have, know that we are prepared."

As though his words had been some sort of signal, the soldiers drew their weapons and fanned out, moving in sync with the inquisitors. Only the city lord and high inquisitor remained standing in their places, but for them such a thing was unnecessary. With their enhanced strength and speed, it wouldn’t be surprising if they could reach the other end of the room before I even realized they’d moved.

It was another second before I realized he was waiting for a response. My hand on Fable’s shoulder tightened, gripping his fur tightly, as I gathered my courage to speak. When I finally did, my voice came out soft and trembling, forcing them to lean forward to hear me.

"I don’t want to hurt anyone. I just want Korra back. Where are you holding her?"

The city lord exchanged a glance with the inquisitor, who gave a slight shake of his head. Nodding, he settled back in his throne and said, "I’m afraid the Water Hero is in grave condition and is currently being treated by our best healers. With her life hanging in the balance, there is no way in hell I’d allow filth like you near here."

My lips parted in disbelief. "What? I don’t want to hurt her. I’m the one who brought her here in the first place! Please, just let me see her."

The inquisitor’s lips twitched in an unmistakable smile, but it was gone just as quickly, his face returning to an expressionless mask. "My lord, there’s no reason to let this demon filth soil your ears any longer. With your permission...?"

The city lord hesitated for a moment, taking in my trembling tail and desperate, pleading eyes. Then, he let out a short breath and sighed. "Very well. I cannot risk this demon lingering in my city any longer. Just...try not to break anything. Craftsmen are hard to come by this day, and you can expect me to forward any bills for repair to the Divine Throne."

A flash of glee flitted across the inquisitor’s face. "Of course. Now then, filthblood, which will it be? If you surrender peacefully and return the stolen staff, I can guarantee your safety to the Divine Throne. You will be able to expect a fair trial."

My heart sank, and I looked between the faces of the inquisitors and guards, then back to the city lord, hoping for some sign of reluctance or empathy. There were none.

The High Inquisitor’s promises were as empty and fallacious as the faintest stars. Even should I surrender, there was no doubt in my mind I would be returned to the Divine Throne bloody and broken, only to receive an inquisition far darker than anything I could imagine. I couldn’t endure that torment a second time.

The star atop my staff shone for a moment, sucking the majority of my mana dry. It was subtle, escaping all but the high Inquisitor’s eyes, which narrowed suspiciously. My legs trembled with the sudden effort of holding my weight, and I leaned against Fable for support. The die had been cast. All I could do now was move forward.

"I’m not leaving without Korra. Take me to her or...I...I make no promises."

This time, the High Inquisitor’s smile didn’t disappear. "Good. I was hoping you’d say that." He threw his hand forward and commanded, "Take her!"

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