Dawn of Avarice by Tabitha Min

Author:Tabitha Min [Min, Tabitha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ritter House Publishing
Published: 2023-03-13T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

ARMAGH, KINGDOM OF HELMERE

WHETHER CEOLFRID HAD TOLD THE seer of his plans or not, Sidonis couldn’t help but feel as though the gods themselves were staring so intently into his eyes, waiting for his reply. In all his years, he cared little for the gods, seeing them merely as tool for man’s convenience. Yet, here, in this very moment, he felt that he couldn’t be more wrong.

The eyes of Gorhan were as black as night, so that even the torch’s light could not reflect against them. Deep within the shadowy abyss, was where the gods had dwelt. And it was from that place that they demanded he speak. The frail man was merely a vessel; a tool for their use, and he alone stood with their undivided attention. For he was to be judged, and their scales moved in whichever way they deemed fit.

“Do I find their favor?” Sidonis asked.

“That depends,” Gorhan replied. The seer finally removed his gaze from the man and looked toward the king of Abensloh. “Ceolfrid has asked me to bless his pursuit. But such an undertaking would require that I bond you to him as well as to the gods. He wishes to ensure that you honor your word. So, to bless the king, means that I must also be willing to bless you.”

“For a price, no doubt…”

“Everything comes at a price, Sidonis. Either at the hands of the gods, or… by other means.”

Sidonis looked to Gorhan, unsure if it was to the man or to the gods that he now spoke to. Either way, the terms had long been set, and he was required now, to fulfill his obligation. Though, not a word was spoken before Gorhan found whatever answer he was looking for through Sidonis’ eyes. The old man cracked a sinister smile and nodded at him with approval.

“I will bless Ceolfrid’s pursuit as well as yours. But know this, Sidonis, there will be a time when I shall call upon you for recompense. And when I do, you will surely pay it…”

Every word clung to him like a chain wrapped tightly around his neck. Such a price it would be for Sidonis to claim his prize and for a moment, however brief it may have been, he almost regretted it. But such was the game. Every man in this world had his price, even amongst the gods that dwelt beyond the veil. And every price seemed to demand that much more of him, making sure that he would not forget his investors.

And just like that, without so much as single word, Gorhan snatched his answer from within the depths of his pawn, then turned back toward the center of the room. From there, the seer welcomed the king of Abensloh with a simple gesture, and Ceolfrid obliged him with a smile. The hall fell silent as the king rose his hands in air and all eyes went to the men before them. Ceolfrid waited, straining the intrigue just a little bit longer, as though he meant it for Sidonis alone.

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