Return to Fonde SSique as Eddipus and Val venture to the ash-choked Crenith. Hilda must perform an ancient tradition called Exorpanning to defeat inner turmoil. Meet Rachel, Lebanon and Bramble. A vampiric race called Darklings, Spiderlings, Draugen...
"My heart may not belong to you, My lady. But my sword and my--," Said Vinan, as the memory reappeared in Valaria's mind again and again. A forced memory.
He fell into the blade meant for Hilda--
"What did you expect me to do? The little brat jumped in front of me! I only did what I thought was right. I faced my opponent!" Valaria's voice sounded like a mouthful of melting mashed potato.
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She tried to lift her head. Contrite as she was, Valaria had no strength left to lift Seseh's chin. She tried to speak, but only a gurgle came out.
"You could have let Hilda live! All you had to do was give up Eddipus, forget about being queen, forget about power! Yet, no! She had to die! Because you were covetous, jealous, and envious of someone you could not have! That's why you killed an innocent. That's why Prince Vinan Caspent and his father are now dead. Now their mother will be along with them!" Nyxith spoke. Seseh wept for her husband and son.
"All because of your lust for power."
Seseh learned things about the woman she had once put her blind faith in.
"You should have seen the look on your face! Your eyes! They were so consumed with hate and power. You were blind. You must atone for that! Your days are numbered with Fonde SSique. This is your punishment. Now find a vine." A booming voice called but it didn't come from any of them.
They were in the Hallow and there was nothing Valaria could do to hinder her fate. She had been ensnared justly.
The cave of the Red with its walls beholden of microbes carrying water on their backs was a beautiful place. Although she had lived in Castle Cardamon, Seseh could never conceive anything like it. Looking up was like seeing a living night sky.
The possessed thrall approached a large tree. The verdure perched on an eroded piece of land that jutted out of a dried-up ravine. Sharp-edged stalagmites protruded from the pit below.
Valaria tried to move Seseh's arms, but her limbs fell like jelly. Seseh tried to stand firm, but she kept falling into a faint puddle.
Nyxith tried to hold them together and forced Seseh's form to grab a vine. They found one dangling.
Seseh pulled at it and took it.
Valaria was strong enough to speak again. "I only did those things because I didn't want to be a nobody."
"You're about to become nobody because of what you've done. You need to understand. I forgive you, even Seseh forgive's you. There is one in this cavern who doesn't. Now, make the noose out of that vine and string it over the magic tree." Nyxith spoke.
Valaria focused on Seseh's dripping hands, pulled on the vine, and tied the noose. This time she did not need to force her. Seseh wanted to.
They sloshed back to the tree and she threw the tendril over one of the branches.
