The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 75: Crossfire

Chapter 75: Crossfire

The hall fell silent as the voice cut through the air, loud enough to be heard yet not so somehow soft enough to sound sincere. I ducked, refusing to meet the eyes of the speaker. I didn’t need to see his expression to know of the scorn and hatred in the second prince’s eyes.

Alric stiffened, turning his shoulder to look at Prince Vorinth. Somehow, he kept his face calm and voice even. "Ah, brother. I heard you weren’t going to attend tonight. What a pleasant surprise. Although his words sounded friendly, no one mistook them as such.

"Unlike many of you," Vorinth’s eyes swept the hall, "I have urgent matters to attend to. The darkness descends upon our lands, and people look for strength and hope. As prince of Radia, it is my duty to grant that security and pave the way for prosperity. I have little time to attend such frivolous gatherings."

Any lingering conversations died off as he spoke, and all eyes fastened on the two princes. The clergy remained silent out of respect for their titles, but the noble’s watched intently. I realized most of them were from Radia itself, meaning they were personally invested in the struggle between their leaders.

Alric chuckled, a casualness contradicted by the tautness of his shoulders. His chair scraped across the ground as he stood, fully facing the second prince. "And yet, here you are."

"Having obtained a rare moment of leisure, I decided to spend it here, among those who serve our people as I do. But imagine my surprise to find you cuddling up with the very thing bent on destroying our world, the very darkness we are sworn to fight.

Somehow, without even saying my name, Vorinth managed to lay the weight of the contention on my shoulders. I turned red, gripping my dress in my hands, as countless eyes followed his accusations and fastened on me. Unable to handle their gaze, I dropped my gaze, looking at the floor until a metallic ring rent the air.

Harsh whispers rolled around the hall as Alric drew his sword, the decorative handle held in white knuckles. "What are you trying to say, Vorinth? You dare accuse me of consorting with demons? "

Alric backed up, the smug smile on his lips tugging ever higher. "So hasty, brother. I ’d never lay that charge upon you. Although, I heard a rather worrisome rumor... Is it true that you’re responsible for allowing the Sun Hero to bring her here in the first place?"

Alric’s grip on his sword tightened, his silence everything the nobles needed to launch into a new round of gossip.

"Alric, surely you see how this looks? Even if its all just baseless rumors, can the people really trust someone so intimate with demons?" As he laid bare the accusation, Vorinth’s eyes darted around the room, glinting deviously as he weighed the reactions of the nobles. "To think even the glorious church has remained silent with this filthy sluts presence. As a true follower of the gods and prince of the people, I can’t remain blind to something so vile."

I paled as he turned a viciously pointed finger at me and released his aura. I gasped for breath, his might constricting my lungs and freezing my muscles. "I won’t tolerate your presence any longer. Leave these holy halls, demon," he said coldly. His voice was neither a shout nor a whisper, but rang through the banquet hall.

A crimson light shone from the slave crest, registering his order. Desperately, I looked back at Soltair, who had been conversing with the Pope before the prince’s interruption. His face was buried in shadow as he clenched his hands together, but he subtly shook his head. I looked past him and found the Pope gazing on steadily. Despite the insult and allegation Vorinth leveled at the church itself, the man was calm and composed, without the slightest sign of offense. If anything, he looked pleased.

"A-as you say," I gasped, still restrained by the pressure. I rose to my feet quickly, before the slave crest took my inaction as disobedience.

I paused as a hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, holding me fast. Korra stood and held out her hand, her eyes sparkling with fury. Slender ribbons of water materialized beside her outstretched hand, wrapping together and forming a long, fluted staff. As a pulsing sapphire appeared at its tip, the pressure seizing me vanished and Vorinth paled. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he dropped to one knee, and surprised gasps echoed from every corner of the hall.

"Did you think you could waltz in here, a mere prince, and humiliate a hero?" She asked, her voice alone lowering the temperature of the room. Her gaze swept around the room, leaving no one untouched. "Is this the humanity I was called to protect? I count myself fortunate of having traveled the world already, and experienced the good of those outside this den of vipers."

At last, the Pope made his move, standing as the Water Hero fell silent. He waved his hand, and the invisible pressure holding Vorinth disappeared, allowing him to gasp for air. "That’s quite enough, Korra. I will tolerate this conflict no longer. This is a time of celebration, not for fighting amongst ourselves."

She glared at him, refusing to avert her gaze even as his eyes narrowed. "Absurd. You remain silent as the future rulers of this country engage in a vicious power struggle, but not as a chosen hero is forced from their rightful place?"

"I’m afraid I cannot overlook this injustice, either," Victor said, rising to his feet and walking over to me. "Although her potential danger might be great, we cannot punish a crime not yet committed. We must allow justice to take its course"

I blinked in surprise as he passed me a small smile. Was this him finally returning his favor? No, it’s only natural he stands up for his principles. That’s why he’s the Justice Hero, after all.

"Justice?" The Pope asked, raising an eyebrow. "Justice only has place where there are laws. I’m sure you haven’t forgotten who makes those laws. I represent the will of the gods, master of law and their heroes. To defy me on the basis of Justice is blasphemous. As you all are still young, I can excuse your foolish rebelliousness. But I see now that this is something that must be addressed. If we are to win this war, we must work as one. Individual principles, morals, or opinions will only hamper the ability to respond decisively. You would do well to remember that, heroes."

After ensuring neither Korra or Victor had anything to say, he nodded firmly. "Now then, I would be most grateful if we could finish this feast in peace."

With that, he took a seat and resumed eating, looking completely unconcerned about the tension that choked the atmosphere. Victor looked at me and shrugged before returning to his seat. Korra grabbed my hand, dragging me away and out the doors. "Come on." she muttered, "There’s no reason to soak in that fetid swamp any longer."

I stumbled after her, unable to resist the strength of her grip. When she finally stopped, I looked and found us on the balcony where we’d first talked, just a few weeks back. Korra placed her hand on the railing, and I joined her in staring up at the stars. After some hesitation, I lowered my head, gazing at the city. Countless windows, lit by just as many light crystals, mimicked the wide expanse above, yet the works and magic of men felt paltry in comparison. After a moment of hesitation, my lips parted in a sigh.

"You shouldn’t have done that."

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