The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 123: Volume one: Epilogue

Chapter 123: Volume one: Epilogue

Hex stood behind the window of the northern tower, looking down. Hestia had taken it upon herself to settle the survivors.

After she had sent the signal to call the Knights and survivors of Grindeston, they had talked about the events of the night. Despite feeling low, Hex made sure he altered his narrative where he deemed necessary.

He told them about Wallen’s death, which pained Hestia deeply. They had known each other for a long time. He also told them about the Templar, about the Witch, and the baroness.

He left out the parts about his origin, his family, and Gorge’s soul fusion. He wanted to make sure what to do with Gorge before disclosing it. And he wasn’t ready to talk about himself. Or maybe - Hex denied it - he was afraid to be seen as a Hex, an abomination, by others.

The sun shone bright and warm. The people below didn’t seem to care who survived or what happened to the town. Their focus was on the now and after this. Where would they stay, what would they do, how would they survive? Those were the questions plaguing them, while children played in the field and the elderly huddled around bonfires, readying soup.

Hex had temporarily agreed to let the survivors remain around the castle. They had to clear up the debris and check the stability of the hills before rebuilding the town.

"Are you holding it together?"

"Yes," Hex replied without turning. The silver-haired lady hadn’t masked her presence.

They both looked at an elderly couple hugging their young son. The son had a blank look but didn’t resist the care he received.

"What will become of him?" Hex asked, subconsciously gripping the window still tighter.

Seeing him tense, Silvera chuckled, sounding like the soft bells of the Temple. "You don’t have to worry about him. I will take him and his parents with me to Pontiffe."

"Why? Can’t they stay in this nation?" He asked with a frown.

Silvera shook her head. "You need to see the world. You already know there are factions, Temples, and other powers at play. Asterella doesn’t like Templars. They are sworn partners with Paladins. If I leave Gorge here, he will become a tool in their hand."

"And in your hands?" Hex didn’t believe any faction would let the chance of having a divine soul go.

"Haha. In ours, he has a chance to become one of the high Altars, becoming one of the most powerful men in the world." Silvera paused and then continued softly. "Only we can manage a divine soul and keep the boy safe."

Hex nodded. They stood side by side. In silence.

"They survived...like the baron said they would," Silvera said suddenly. Seeing Hex look at her questioningly, she explained.

"I don’t know where the baron found you. He left you with me, in exchange for keeping my identity a secret. I had been after Ronan and the Witch for ages. He said I would get them here.

When he suddenly had you thrown out, I was confused. He said he promised someone to keep you safe. In the end, he said, only the slums will survive."

Hex let the words sink in. He turned away, looking at the distant sky. He still didn’t understand him. ’I guess I have to tear that door down so we can speak openly. And then, I will defeat him.’

Silvera turned to leave. "Take care kiddo. With the baron gone, some of the other nobles will come for you. Many desire land but there is so little to give."

Hex didn’t let her warning bother him. He was bound to go against Heaven. Why would he fear a few humans?

"Hex!"

Hearing Althea’s shout, Hex looked toward her and then behind her. A handsome young man, flanked by two beautiful ladies, waved at him with a grin. There was a line of carts and caravans behind him. Their blue and silver flags fluttered in the morning sun.

Hex jumped down the tower. A height like this didn’t faze a Knight.

"Well, nice to finally talk to you, young mister Knight," Sterling said, bowing slightly. There was a sly grin on his face that irked Hex.

"What do we have to talk about?" Hex asked flatly. He didn’t like beating around the bush. "I see you have quite a lot of survivors, but I didn’t see any of these men last night."

The women - Hex recognized both Knights from the tournament - gave Hex an annoyed look. Sterling, however, smiled broader.

"You can’t blame me for keeping my people safe, can you? Plus, I never would have thought the baron, who is known as the Undefeated Knight, would lose."

’How I want to beat the shit out of him,’ Hex thought irritated but held his calm outwardly. "What are you here for?"

"Nothing. Just came to say farewell. We will see each other soon," Sterling smiled. He straddled his horse.

"I don’t think so," Hex said, stepping away. He would rather never encounter the slimy fellow.

"We will, we will," Sterling laughed, letting his horse continue its trail.

’Why is he so sure?’ Hex thought but quickly threw it to the back of his mind.

He stood beside Althea, watching the Silver Serpents pass through his ground. It was the only path out of the town that remained safe.

Screech!

Suddenly, a bird’s cry reverberated in the air, causing everyone to look up. A giant silvery eagle appeared in the sky above the castle. The people panicked. Only the Knights in the castle and caravan realized it was a puppet. It flapped its tens-of-meter-wide wings and set off into the sky.

’Someday, I will save you, little brother,’ Hex vowed, gazing at the bird going further and further. ’I hope they remain safe. Who would have thought, the weak little boy would become an existence akin to a Child of Taboo.’

Hex wasn’t referring to the rank. Gorge or the deity was still too weak. He meant his existence. It wasn’t something Heaven would tolerate.

’Come to think of it, aren’t I also a Child of Taboo?’ He laughed, mocking himself.

He was so occupied in his thoughts that he didn’t notice the last caravan pass by. Neither did he notice the lady peeking from behind the curtains.

Ella remained on guard till they didn’t leave the town perimeter.

"Please let me go. What have you guys done?" Ericka cried softly, pleading to the people inside the caravan. No one paid her heed.

Ella was the only one who went up to her. She caressed her big belly, admiring the golden lines running along it.

"We did? We didn’t do anything. If you hadn’t done the taboo act with your brother, none of this would have happened. After all, a Taboo is created only when a taboo deed succeeds."

She smiled warmly at the crying girl, wiping her tears with her hand.

"And you should be happy; you will be known as the mother of the Divine Lord when you birth this child of taboo."

......

Volume 1: Child of Taboo