Answer Me

Heavy footsteps shivered the ground as Sorin went towards the impaled Capolot. His body was still pointing towards the sky; without the huge spear of earth, he floated. However, the red stains told otherwise.

Sorin himself looked over the helmet, still completely covered, with a solemn face. He did not have any joy in looking down at this man so doomed to die. “I have some questions.”

“Why would I answer the person who will kill me?” Capolot laughed to himself before gritting his teeth at a sudden spike of pain.

Sorin pushed down slightly on the spike, causing further pain. “I don't want to kill people who don't need to die. If you answer one question, then I will see if you deserve to live.”

“Speak.”

Clearing his throat, Sorin prepared, “Were you one of the people who were involved in the attack on my carriage three months ago.”

Most people would answer no instantly, but then it would go down to a deduction battle; I doubt he has the energy for that. He will most likely die even if I try to help him. Maybe Ino could heal him.

“I was- I killed an old man.” He spoke grimly; there wasn't a single piece of pride within him for this killing. “I regret doing this. But it was necessary.”

“You were ordered to? I know from Ino there are multiple people within your squad.” Sorin let Ino walk in front of him as she stared down as well at Capolot.

Ino smirked widely, almost mechanically. “Wow! You're in pretty bad shape; my new student is pretty sharp, isn't he?”

“So the witch decided to come right at the perfect moment. I suppose you really doubted me winning then.” Capolot's face twisted with an almost rage under his mask. It was daunting to see this woman standing above him.

“We're great friends; don't call me that!” Ino, however, didn't laugh at all or give any reaction; her movements were tense and solid. Like ready to pounce onto him if he even moved once. “I also don't care about it anymore. We were- those words matter when saying it like that.”

Sorin sighed out, brushing Ino to the side. “Who were you ordered to do this?” The question was simple and efficient; it was exactly what Sorin needed to know for his revenge to be complete.

“I won’t tell you that much; I owe them my life. So does Ino. She could have told you this entire time.” Capolot laughed louder now; the question amused him when the answer was right next to him. He could have known this witch yet decided not once to tell him.

Ino— She knew?

Turning over towards Ino, she didn't even shrug, just kept looking at Capolot. A deadpan expression. “He's feeding you lies, Sorin. Don't believe it. There isn't a reason for me to do that.”

Capolot spoke, even more amused now. “I will answer your third question then.”

My final question: I need something of use to me. He won't answer anything regarding his boss, but perhaps his comrades. But if they were truly forced to do this, then can I blame them? Were they used like I was? I need to know even if it's just a waste.

Sorin clutched his chest; his hand was still tingly, so it felt odd. “If you were to do it all over again, would you do it? Kill that old man.”

“I wouldn't. I don't have intentions of hunting normal mages or people; the only reason I'm here is that you are. You are a catalyst in itself. Hero, I do wonder what this witch wants with you.”

“Enough about me! I'm not even in the conversation.” Ino pouted out towards Sorin, telling him subtly to stop this man's yapping about her, but he didn't.

Capolot laughed more, “How many words do you think are true?”

That question I can't answer. I assumed it all to be true; I never sensed an intention to lie to me even once.

Sorin quickly asked, “Did she also attack the carriage, considering you both were in the east together?” His hand balled together as he gave a fierce glimpse to Ino, who just stared back casually.

“No, she didn't directly attack.” Capolot knew his choice of words well. It was the way he wanted to say it. And Sorin knew that.

Sorin zoned in on the word “What was she involved in then?”

Ino walked up to Capolot with a sigh, her face tired of the talking, or rather not wanting to continue the topic. She stretched out her hand, magic flowing towards it, an orange light coming out of her. Sorin, in retaliation, stretched out his own.

“Let him finish.”

Ino shook her head. “Like I would let someone continue spitting lies about me, as I would ever kill innocent people. I might not be the most innocent! But I'm just a pure damsel trying to find her way to the top! You can't blame me for that. Don't push it. He can still be saved.” Her hand still pointed at the man, however. She gave a small smile now, though.

Capolot laughed before his mouth turned into rattling words. “Ino and the East are involved not even with that attack but most of your life as they—” Ino immediately burst out flames as they enveloped Capolot fully, causing him to turn to ash. Ino didn't even turn to meet him despite their shared past.

What is she—

“Let's go back now, Sorin.” She gave out a yawn, walking off towards the village. Sorin left, standing at the burning ground around Capolot, who didn't respond even once.

What was he going to say? Why did she stop him? Ino just killed someone who was about to tell me something about her that's important. And now she expects me to go with her? What choice do I even have? I have to leave because the chief and the west and east are both to get me. I have to go with her.

Sorin stood as the burning continued.

Is Ino the reason the carriage attacked? But her leaving after wouldn't make sense. It wouldn't make sense for her to leave the east. She also didn't kill anyone there, so I can't blame her for any of the murders nor the planning, as I can't even prove it, but the killing of Capolot is enough to keep my suspicion of her.

He walked over to grab his staff, picking it up from the barracks shed. He gave one final look towards Capolot. He wasn't even the one to get revenge; it was Ino who made the final attack, and now he just stood watching flames rise with an almost terrified realisation: “I have no choice.” It was time to leave Farmouth with Ino. It had to be with Ino. Nothing else was possible.