Master Sorin

Everyone on the top layer ran towards the distracted mages; all were unarmed, but against distracted mages, it was almost comical; all they needed was to get close. However, the mages also knew this, which had some focused on the spell onslaught surrounding them; others were throwing water and earth towards the people rushing in.

In the chaos, Ino was already far ahead of the group, slashing around using fire and wind to outmaneuver her enemies. These mages could barely even master two elements and couldn't be lethal; it was an embarrassing defeat for them as she tore through them with ease.

I suppose even they can't kill Ino if she is surrounded, but that is until they get desperate; once that begins, then they will start killing instantly. And that's when the real bloodshed will begin for both sides.

A firm pat on his back jolted him. “I was right to trust in you then, hero.” Ixul gave him another firm pat before rushing off. “Let's bring the new age with your gift!” he said as he grabbed a green-robed mage and slammed him into the concrete path of the top layer. Just a loud laugh erupted from him, the thrill of getting payback for hours of labour.

Amidst the chaos, Sorin took the chance to jump down the top layer. He rotated his feet, scaling down the massive hundred-meter-tall pillar using earth and wind to control his descent, his eyes locking on a particular tower. His home before everything went down.

I can trust Ino and the others to take out the small fry anyway. I still need answers; then I will deal with the council and Boyle. I want to find out the truth, Mira. I hope we had some real connection, even if it was just a bit. Tell me you didn't fake everything because of a political scheme.

As he kept scaling, he looked down at a bridge hub, his eyes calculating if the jump was possible before a potent blast of earth and wind came from his feet; he launched himself off the pillar. Then, locking eyes with his landing zone, he used fire to balance out his speed and velocity, slowly coming to a stop at the very edge.

That was close.

His steps got faster and faster as he ran across the bridge he used to walk across every day until he stood against the door.

I have to find out the truth even if it ends up hurting me; I won't live with half answers anymore. I will have to lead a whole nation; I can't just back down when it scares me. If I did, then I would eventually make such a mistake that would affect me and everyone.

With a harsh swoop, the door opened without a problem; it was unlocked, which wasn't an issue since mages don't come to this place ever, and even if they did, Mira would always be home waiting for them, otherwise to drive them out if they had a question for Sorin.

He walked in, taking a look around. It was dark despite it being daytime outside. It was almost pitch black; none of the magic candles were on, and the coldness was rampant. Sorin moved up his spiral staircase, lighting up each candle stand one by one as he went up every step. The cold gray bricks, however, did make his shoes somewhat uncomfortable to walk on.

The air was almost too fresh, like someone forgot to close the window. But he kept moving until reaching the second floor. The main hallway greeted him with that same darkness, other than just a small window hatch from above. He took a couple of steps forward until he reached the massive dark-brown elaroth door.

There is no other place I could imagine her being right now, behind this door. I will figure out what I was, what she and I were, what her goal was, and if she succeeded. I want to know it all. And I hope, if anything, she wasn't part of that carriage attack.

He gripped his staff harder; he knew that would break him, the choice of killing her for what she did or to keep her alive because of the bond they formed as mother and son to him.

With a final determination, he pushed the door open as it squeaked loudly; his eyes darted across momentarily towards his closet, his massive bed, the luxurious walls, and how everything looked so polished. But his eyes instantly froze when he saw the one person he finally wanted.

“Master Sorin.” She was sitting on his bed, dressed in her full maid dress from top to bottom, almost like she was expecting him to show up at this moment "I'm guessing you have some questions to ask. I hope to be of most assistance, like I usually am. I have prepared tea for our conversation.”

He took a couple of steps into the room, staring down at Mira, who sat at his bed, her deadpan expression. Her short black hair and her red piercing eyes were softer than usual.

She looked the same as ever; I suppose it has only been three months. Not like she would grow old and wrinkly in that amount of time, but still, seeing her again. I already imagined the worst: that she got exiled or that she got somehow killed for raising me into a traitor, but her being all right means that she has some immunity.

Mira turned around, grabbing a small portable elaroth slab with two cups of tea. She placed it on her lap and poured both cups of tea before handing the cup to Sorin, who rejected it. Instead, he grabbed the other cup and waited until Mira took the first sip. Now she understood the whole grasp of what he had learned during this time, but she indulged and took a sip right before his eyes.

“I seemed to have raised you right to doubt me then. But leading a whole revolution with that witch. I was not expecting it to go this far. Or rather, so well.” She patted the seat next to her. Sorin obliged and sat himself next to her. “Master Sorin can make his own decision on whether to trust me or not. So let me now answer what you want.”