James followed Faust around the streets of Arendton, one of the main cities in the Legion and one of the biggest in Azurvale's history. High-rising pillars accompanied bustling crowds, all draped or painted with colors. People around them wore sashes and togas dyed with yellows and bright blues. Even some reds and greens. It was all so… dizzying to James.

The young Jarl was more or less used to the muted colors and lack of variety in Valenfrost. In the north, colors were used to differentiate between friend and foe amid battle. Here, it served only to decorate and embellish the city.

"City of colors," James murmured, recalling a memory from long ago. Faust had spoken about Arendton during their moments of small talk. The Centurion had called it a paradise, with amazing sights and rich culture. He could see now why he was so fond of the city.

"Where are we going?" James finally asked as the two stopped by a vendor cart.

"Don't really have a destination, but there are a few places I want to show you," Faust said as he fished through his side satchel. He brought out some gold clippings, worth around a couple of silver each, and handed them over to the ecstatic vendor. "First, however, food."

James raised an eyebrow as the Centurion received what looked like flatbread wrapped around some mystery meat and toppings. He looked at the suspicious-looking wrap as Faust handed one to him.

"Is this even real?" James muttered a question as he squeezed it.

"Shut up and eat," Faust responded as he took a bite out of his. "Daylight is burning, and there's a lot I want to show you."

James shrugged and began to nibble on the wrap, which didn't taste too bad. He followed Faust some more as they ate, passing by marble statues of men long forgotten. James examined them as he ate, noting their chiseled jaws and perfect poses. Unlike the rest of the city, these were also painted colorfully. Even ribbons were tied to their arms and weapons, their flowing colors almost hypnotizing.

"Here we are," Faust suddenly called out. James stopped and looked at where the Centurion's focus lay. Before the two was a circular fountain, a colorful statue of some goddess spouting water high into the air, and a small pool below. James saw children splashing and running about, yelling and shouting as they played.

"This is the Arendton city square," Faust explained. "That is one of the greatest sights here. The Fountain of Fertility."

"What's the point of this?" James asked, confused. "Why am I here with you, Faust?"

"Just shut up and indulge me," Faust sighed. "I swear, this all has a point in the end."

James stared at the Centurion, who looked back with a look that said: 'Trust me.' He sighed and nodded, his hand bringing the wrap up to eat. Faust smiled at that and turned his gaze back to the gurgling waters and splashing children.

"I used to play in that fountain years ago, back when Cyrus first brought me here," he said. "I was such a little bastard back then. You wouldn't believe the amount of times I dove in there, ruining expensive clothes Cyrus bought for me."

James listened to the Centurion, idly chewing as he watched the fountain. If he allowed himself to imagine just a little, he could see Faust running through the fountain's bubbling waters as a kid. Tan from the sun, messy black hair sticking to his head like a mop, and the biggest grin on his face as he chased other kids around.

For some reason, James imagined his younger self running through that fountain with Faust. Two mischievous kids, ignoring the calls and reprimands of adults as they had the time of their lives.

'I wonder. Would we even be friends if we were both born around the same time and place? Would we hate each other or acclimate quickly together?'

That sentiment echoed in his mind as he watched the young boys shout and curse at each other. Before long, a couple men wearing light mail approached the fountain, their spears clicking against the cobbles as they stomped toward the city center. The boys immediately scattered, laughing as they escaped the disgruntled city guard.

"Time to move on," Faust said. James shrugged and followed, still mindlessly munching on his wrap. He still dragged his feet, and his shoulders sagged with a weight that made him want to curl back into bed. Regardless, he kept going. Mostly out of curiosity and because Faust's confidence and joy strangely kept him going.

'I really hope this isn't all some strange vision or dream.'

He had spent so long isolated in that damned infirmary, so long questioning himself and contemplating death. For once, he'd like to be assured that he was, in fact, not insane.

"This is a good place," Faust said as the two passed a larger building with a dome-shaped roof and wide entrance. James tilted his head at the entrance, where people flowed in and out with scrolls, tomes, and stacks of tablets. They all wore robes not unlike the one James himself was wearing.

"Is this…?"

"The Great Arendton Library," Faust said. "I met Diane here."

"Bullshit," James scoffed. "You read?"

"I wrote poetry in my spare time, jackass," Faust shot back, throwing one of James' own insults back at him.

"Were you good at it?"

"No," Faust admitted. "But that's not the point."

"Then what is it?" James asked.

"When I first met Diane here, I was a young man trying to prove himself to the world," Faust said. "I joined up with the Legion at such a young age, working my way to the top. I was so confident in myself, so proud of my station, that I thought that earning Diane's love would be a breeze."

"It wasn't?" James asked, almost sarcastically, as he crossed his arms.

"She brushed me off without a second thought," Faust laughed. He was grinning widely at the front steps, where James spotted an odd couple. He blinked at the sight of a city guard trying to flirt with one of the scholars. The woman didn't seem at all interested, her tired gaze indicating that this was not the first time this man had tried his luck. Regardless, she leaned against the pillar, hands holding an open tome as she promptly ignored the boasting guard.

"I was infatuated with her since the first time I laid eyes on her," Faust continued. "I tried everything to court her, you know. I learned how to read, practiced poetry, and even sent her love notes. All of it failed miserably, by the way."

James watched in silence, finally noticing that the woman wasn't annoyed at all by the guard's attempts to court. She had a slight smile on her lips, and her eyes glanced at him occasionally as he tried to recite a poem to her. He was fumbling every line. Eventually, she broke and let out a small laugh at his attempts. The guard turned a beet red, trying to play off the moment as best he could.

"Still, she managed to bear with me," Faust continued. "Diane was stubborn. She'd never allow a buffoon like me to chase her away. No, she was determined to outlast me. Expected that I'd soon give up and leave her alone for good. Maybe she was trying to make an example out of me."

James was silent. He was focused on the couple, who were now talking earnestly. No cheesy poems or proclamations. Just a natural conversation, born out of the guardsman's embarrassment and the scholar's resignation.

"In the end, however," Faust muttered. "I somehow managed the impossible."

Both men stared for a moment. Soon after, Faust turned and continued his walk. James followed without a word, his flatbread wrap nearly finished. He took a couple more bites, savoring the flavor as he ate the rest.

They walked on for a while, passing more crowds. James looked up at the sky with hands in his pocket, both eyes now usable. He wasn't sure if that was from the Blessing he had received or the strange vision Faust had put him in. Regardless, he was thankful that he could admire the sky's shifting colors. The once blue expanse was slowly turning to a darker orange, purple twilight approaching bit by bit.

The moons were even coming out, their colorful glow illuminating the night sky. James stopped in place, watching the two moons appear alongside a sea of foreign stars. It dawned on him how little he saw the night sky back in Valenfrost, mainly due to the cloudy weather. Even then, he never really found the time to take in its beauty.

"You know," James admitted as he watched the moons rise slowly. "I never really got into astronomy,"

"I don't think anyone in Valenfrost is really all that into the subject," Faust said. "I don't think I ever heard Dahlia even mention it." He watched the sky for a moment, curious as well. Then he blinked. "Actually, come here. This was going to be our last stop, but I think it works for now. Come on."

James turned and watched as Faust hurried off. He sighed and followed, keeping up with the armored man as he led him through some more streets. They arrived at a small landing not far from the library, a balcony bordering the northern side. James stepped up to the stone balustrade, peering down. This area overlooked a small park within the city, where more marble statues were raised and dressed.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

He looked up at the sky, which was clearer now without the suffocating buildings and pillars in the way. James could see foreign stars and distant constellations, some of which gave him a vague sense of familiarity. Among them all, Luna and Callisto reign like a pair of queens.

"Astronomy was always prevalent growing up," Faust said as he leaned against the balcony. "Cyrus had me learn all the constellations and distant stars." He pointed to a couple of stars. "You see that formation? That there is the Crooked Prince, with his misshaped crown and face. The star, Garus, acts as its tip."

James squinted at the formation, unsure if he could make it out. "Crooked? Really?"

"It comes from a story Cyrus told me when I was a child. He would always tell me tales about the constellations," Faust explained. "The Crooked Prince was once the son of an honorable King who had built his empire out of goodwill. However, after the King's death, the Prince went mad with greed. He ruled like a tyrant until a crooked witch cursed him. The Prince was to go through trials of merit to prove himself. In the end, however, his own greed failed him, and he was condemned to the stars at a warning."

"That's… blunt," James commented. "Is this your first time telling stories?"

"I was never good at it," Faust said with a laugh.

"What about that star over there?" James pointed to one that reminded him of Polaris.

"Urichal, I think Cyrus called it," Faust muttered. "It's part of the constellation that makes up the Wraith."

"Wraith? What's the story behind that?" James asked.

"Nothing special, really," Faust admitted. "It is a story of caution. The Wraith was once a man who had bargained his life away for power. However, at the end of his journey, he became more monster than man. And so, with what little humanity he had left, he condemned himself to the stars."

"As a warning," James murmured.

"Exactly," Faust said. He gestured to the two moons above, their glow illuminating the scenery. "The sister moons have stories too, you know? There is a particular tale that is my favorite."

"I think I can already guess what it entails," James sighed. "It involves a romantic interest, probably the sun, and a lot of jealousy. Ultimately, both sisters learn an important lesson and grow close as a result. How's that?"

Faust let out a hearty chuckle. "Diane would hate you for that. Accurate as you were, the point of a story isn't to guess its ending or even its lesson."

"Then what's the point?" James asked. "If not for the ending?"

"A wise woman once told me that a story's purpose is to instill a lesson and emotion," Faust said. "To give you another viewpoint or to make you feel something. Most of all, it is to entertain. You can't have fun if you're constantly spoiling yourself."

"I just don't like time wasted," James said as he shrugged. "Not to insult Diane, of course. She sounded wise."

Faust smiled. "As much as I'd agree, Diane didn't say those words."

James raised an eyebrow, but Faust didn't seem to notice. The Centurion had his focus on the darkening sky, face pensive. Before James could even ask, Faust finally spoke.

"We have one more place to go."

The two men arrived at what looked to be a palace, with limestone walls surrounding its perimeter. James examined the building, which stood a good three stories high. Colorful banners hung from balconies and pillars, all embroidered with symbols of flowers, swords, and olive branches. The building was also magnificently built, with carved artistry and elegant stonework. James felt like he was looking at a place of worship.

"This is the Emperor's Palace," Faust said as he approached an opening in the limestone wall. James finally realized that there were no guards at all. In fact, there wasn't any sign of life anywhere.

"Faust…"

"This is where the Emperor usually holds events and banquets," Faust continued, "He doesn't really live here. He usually lays his head somewhere much more secure within the city, kept safe by an honor guard. This place, it's more of a formality."

James watched the Centurion walk into the palace. He cursed and followed behind, looking around himself as he did so. Both strolled through the entrance hall, which was decorated with more banners and expensive art. James caught glimpses of jade vases, golden paintings, and even a statue made of some white marble.

"I attended many events here," Faust said as he ran a hand over some of the pillars. "But I never really felt like I belonged. Regardless of my rank or standing."

James was silent, following Faust as they headed up wide stairs. They continued along the upper floors until they reached a balcony overlooking Arendton. Faust leaned over the balustrade, arms folded as he watched the sun finally set. Stars twinkled in the sky like faint beacons, their constellations vaguely familiar to James.

"What are we doing here?" James asked softly as he looked down at the city streets. People still flowed through the open roads, lanterns alight as they illuminated colorful ribbons and sashes.

"We're enjoying the view," Faust said.

"Not this," James muttered as he gestured all around him. "What are we doing here? In your past? In your memories? It was nice, sure, but why?"

Faust turned to him, brow furrowed. "You're my friend, James."

"That doesn't answer anything!" James shouted, hands thrown up. "You're obviously trying to make me feel better. About everything that happened! You're trying to make me forget."

"Why would I do that?"

"Because I've been curled up in bed for days because I tried to kill myself," James explained, frantic frustration flowing into his voice. It cracked a little, bit by bit. "I saw that same look in Naomi's eyes. That damn look! Like I'm some broken mess in need of repair. You all think you can patch me up and send me back into the fray! That's all that I am, aren't I? A sword to call upon when things look uncertain? I know that's what Lukas wants from me. I know he thinks I'm the answer to this mess. Hell, I'm betting even Freyja thinks the same way!"

Faust just looked at James, a pained expression in his eyes.

"I just… I just don't know anymore," James said, a bit more softly, as his steam ran out. He was already beginning to have second thoughts, especially after what he had been told about his Blessing, which was starting to sound more like a curse.

You shall live to see your every achievement burn to ash.

"I'm so tired," he whispered. "So tired."

"James," Faust muttered.

"I don't know if I can keep going," James said with gritted teeth. "If I can keep continuing to fight. Even with the Blessing, I'm still afraid, Faust. Of what will happen to them."

Faust was silent for a long moment, his gaze still on the stars. Finally, he spoke. "I can't promise you anything. I can't swear to you that things aren't bad right now. Hell, I'm also scared of what might happen from our influence. But there is something that I do know."

James stared at the Centurion, who gripped the balustrade. "If you choose to stay in that bed and do nothing, then our friends will die. Blood-Irk will burn Yorktown to the ground. Ivan will get away with the murder of our crew. Unless, of course, we both do something about it. James, we had enough time to wallow in our misery and past. We both had time to think. Now we have to act."

James looked over at the city below, body trembling as he recalled the horrible experience of dying. Instinctively, he rubbed a hand over the spot where Eilif had stabbed him. He shuddered a little. "I… I'm not strong enough… I don't…"

"James," Faust whispered. "Listen to me. You are not alone."

An air of silence followed those words, both men still as the wind blew past them. James stared at the stars above, hands trembling. He focused on one constellation of stars, one that looked too familiar. An image played within his mind, one of a man drawing the shape into the dirt. Rocks at its points, shaping the image of a bird in flight.

"The Phoenix," his father had said. "A creature of myth, one that carries an important message of rebirth and persistence. My father wanted me to learn the others, like the Wolf or the Soldier, but I had more of a fondness for this one."

James' father stood up straight with a wide grin, his short blond hair swept back from the breeze. He looked up at the darkening sky, his expression faltering as he watched the stars become visible.

"The Phoenix reminds me that the most important step of any journey is not the beginning. Nor is it the end. Do you know what it is, James?"

James felt his mouth dry at the memory, his lips mumbling as he recalled the answer.

"The most important part is the will to keep going. That's all that matters, that next step. That's why we pick ourselves up and press forth," Faust said softly. "Your father told you that, no? You always used to say it to yourself. Regardless of the situation."

James did not say anything. He only closed his eyes, recalling another memory. One that he had buried all these years.

'Don't grieve," his father had said, his once powerful build reduced to a scrawny body. His hair was more white than blond, and his once shiny green eyes were now dulling. "Don't be scared. Just remember what I told you. Keep making that next step. Keep pressing forth. Regardless of what happens. I will always be with you, James."

"I promise."

He had always taken those words to heart, always pressing forth, regardless of his struggles. James had told himself those words constantly throughout his life—through his studies in college, the stressful moments of his job, and the strains in his relationships—even during his time here, in Valenfrost. Through life and death, he had pulled through, even when the weight of it all threatened to break him.

James had come out alive. He had always saved his loved ones. Whether fate was involved or not, he knew his determination had not come from divine intervention. It had always come from his father's last words.

With a deep breath, James steeled himself. His body stopped shaking, regardless of his inner turmoil. The voices were faint, but they still whispered and chanted in the back of his mind. He ignored their taunts and insults for now. Faust was right. There was no time for his misery to take hold, not when the people he loved were in danger.

'Just try, right? That's all I need to do.'

James looked to the Centurion, hands clenched into fists as he gritted his teeth.

"Fine. Let's do this."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.