Chapter 15. Truths Beneath the Elixir

"Ah Prince Axelon, what brings you here?"

The chuckled as he took a swing from his glass that was filled with a thick dark liquid.

"I heard your laughter after some guy got knocked out here and onto the street."

He grinned a bit as his head rocked from his right shoulder at the start of his sentence, and then to the left shoulder at the end of it.

"Oh yeah, that man thought I was all talk and no bite, and as you saw. It didn't exactly go over so well."

I noticed that there was a little sweat on my forehead and wiped it away with my sleeve before taking my seat next to Alcides.

"I don't know if it's me, but it seems hotter here than out there."

The bartender was a big burly fellow with short brown hair and brown eyes and a beard, overheard us and simply stated.

"Yeah it's designed that way to help patrons like your big friend sweat out the Spiced Brew."

I looked at him confused, making him sigh and give a followed up explanation.

"I can already tell you're not from here, so I'll break it down for you kiddo. Sure this kingdom is known for our Lord of Fire and the incredible blacksmiths that live here. However no one has ever bothered also adding that this place has Strong Brew and those big fucking Desert Drakes. Now you see the molasses for this drink is squeezed from a special plant that grows in this land. Once we wrung the plant dry, we add water and yeast to it. After that we put in a barrel of our finest Ingenious Wood and let it age to perfection. The second half of this drink is the coffee, which grows from a shrub like plant. Now usually these shrub like plants would be extraordinarily hard to find cause we life in a fucking desert, but thanks to our Prince. That issue is being solved, now then. Once we extract the bean from the small fruit that the shrub bears, we will then start to ground it until the bean is in tiny bits. We'll then boil them in scalding hot water until all of the grounded coffee bits have dissolved. Now then after explaining all of that can you guess what we do with these two drinks in order to make Spiced Brew?"

"We mix them together?"

I was unsure if there was any other step to whatever drink the bartender was talking about.

"That's right! mixing these drinks creates the perfect concoction for anyone, any time of day."

The bartender said, with Alcides raising his glass and shouting.

"I'll drink that!"

I meanwhile put a few pieces of silver on the counter and asked to try this concoction. The bartender looked at me and back at me before asking if I was old enough to drink? Alcides nods, before taking a swig of his drink. The bartender shrugs and serves me a tall glass of this Spiced Brew before warning me to not chug it all at once, as he walked away from us to serve the other guests. I took a deep breath and raised the glass to my face before taking a whiff of the drink. It was quite strong to be sure, with a single whiff of the stuff filling my nose with burning sensation. Making me move the glass away from my face, before shaking my head while Alcides laughs.

"Burned your nose eh? Well don't worry my Prince, it happened to me too. Pretty strong stuff to say the least, I'd even say putting a glass of this stuff near your father's nose would have waken him up immediately. That man did always have the nose of a beast. I heard from Avorion that he once tracked down a Geluian Lion, just by getting the faint scent of the beast alone."

Alcides said as he took another drink from his glass. I looked over and saw that he had seven previous glasses of the stuff before I even arrived with the one in his hand being his eighth. I looked up to him and asked.

"Are you okay Alcides? I don't ever recall Avorion saying you were a drinker of sorts, only being the occasional drinker when it came to festivals and celebrations."

Alcides was about to take another drink but paused when he heard my question, setting his glass on the counter as his smile faded a bit. He then ran his hand through the hair on the right side of his head and said.

"It's been such a long time since I was asked that Axelon, but if you want to know. Then please indulge me for a bit and share a drink with me. By the time we're done, you'll get your answer."

I nod and take a sip of my drink, trying my best to ignore the burning feeling in my throat from me swallowing a small amount of the warm beverage. I then started to get a warm sensation in my body while I looked at Alcides, who nodded in approval before finishing his glass and ordering a ninth.

"This'll be my final drink for the day, and I'm feeling pretty loose and since you asked if I was okay. I hope you don't mind giving this warrior your ear."

I nodded and hesitantly took another swig of the Spiced Brew in my glass. I tried my very best to drink the throat burning concoction, being barely able to do so while taking deep breaths afterwards. Alcides lets out a roar of laughter as pat my back before saying to me.

"Hey, don't force yourself now. I'd hate to see you get sick over a drink that you don't have the acquired taste for, but I appreciate that you're trying it out so we can have this moment."

I set the glass on the bar's counter, thankful that I didn't have to drink anymore of that Spiced Brew. These people are so obsessed with heat that even their drinks have it. I couldn't help but wonder what's wrong with them? Anyhow once the burning sensation in my throat settled I looked to Alcides who began to speak.

"All my life, I've been fighting, struggling and doing what I could for my brothers and I to survive in that forsaken place we called home. Watching intently as beasts that blended in with the snowy fields looked for the vulnerable. Always stalking,  waiting for their chance to get a meal. It was truly survival of the fit. Yet I found liberty in that, knowing that my brother's and I were the strongest things out there. Despite that fact, my power was bested by the likes of Avorion and who served under your father when we first met. By all rights we should've died, however your father presented the option to either serve and have my power be used for something other than hunting or die. The choice was obvious, and that is how we came to dutifully serve. Protecting the people, going on hunting missions and even making a few friends along the way. Eventually after proving my worth to the King, I was made one of the King's Strides and obtained my Soul Forge Pale Regulus."

I looked on at Alcides as he spoke, ordering myself a glass of water as he continued his story.

"Upon my introduction to the King's Stride, I met you and your mother. I was shocked at first, since such a powerful man married and even reproduced with a women; whose dainty appearance at first glance looked like she could've been knocked over by a light gust. That's when I met you, a small long haired boy, hiding behind his mother's legs as if I was some beast of sorts."

Alcides chuckled to himself for a moment, before he grew silent with him staring into his drink and signing.

"I never stopped thinking about that day."

He said in a low tone, as if the very memory itself weighed down upon his soul.

"Which day?"

I asked him. Honestly thinking back on it, I should've known what day he was referring to, but I was hoping he was thinking about anything else then that.

"The day madness broke into our home Axelon, the day where I truly became an animal. I always find myself back on that day, fighting my former friends as they unleashed horrific screams while in our engagement. Before long, there I was; stand alone against my brothers. While I can get over losing our home, I just always find myself at the end of my dreams committing patricide over and over again. I honestly believed that we were the strongest Axelon, but meeting King Surt made me realize something. That I was arrogant in thinking that I could've changed anything with just my power alone."

I couldn't help but sympathize with him but before I could give my condolences. The Bartender came back and looked at the two of us with his arms crossed.

"I get that you two must've been through something incredibly awful, but take it from a man who's lost someone important to'em. As impossible as it seems, you have to let it go and build yourself up again. It'll take time but you'll be better off for it, even if it hurts a little."

After the man said his piece, he turned around and walked to the other side of the bar with Alcides rising up from his seat. Shouting at the man for saying something so simple, while the man just shrugged a continued his work. Since in reality, what he said was much harder to do.

"What do you know about loss huh?! What could you have lost to make such a-"

Alcides' words fell short as I followed to see what caught him so off guard that he stopped mid sentence. I saw the Bartender polishing glasses in a photo of a Dark Heart female who appeared to be with child, though the light was dim in this place, her darkened hands and dark hair made it obvious. The man just looked up at us and then looked at the photo before speaking.

"We were supposed to get married and our child was supposed to take over this business. However she was a Fetcher and so I went to barter with the smith that she served and instead of taking the money I offered him. H-he.."

The man teared up a bit before taking a deep breath to calm down before he became overwhelmed. After which he wiped whatever tear escaped his eyes for a moment before he spoke again.

"He sent her to the mines, knowing that she was with child. I begged for him to reconsider but the  his heart was so cold that my words fell on deaf ears... I doubt she lasted long, but I'm glad her suffering was brief... Those who speak in the mines work tirelessly until their usefulness has come to an end. What comes after that, well no one knows for sure"

The man looked away as he started to get back to his work. Alcides looked at me as I just looked at the photo, with my blood starting to boil.

"I-I'm sorry for your loss."

The Bartender sighed and shook his head.

"It's okay... Just get out of my bar, I don't need you or your friend bringing up more emotions within me. So just go for the day while I recollect myself."

I nod before walking out with Alcides with both of us noticing that it's already near sundown. We both agreed that it would be better to return to the castle now and so we walked through the streets of this kingdom, unsure of what to think or say about these people at this point. So we walked in silence to make sure our thoughts don't come out and cause trouble with anyone we pass by while on our way back.

When we got back we were greeted by King Haco and everyone else in the throne room; as they were talking about the day they've had exploring the kingdom and learned about it's people. Alcides patted my back and signaled for us to join them. He then leaned in and smiled before saying in a quite yet mischievous manner. 

"Let's tell'em about the Spiced Brew we tried today, I'm sure that would get a few kicks out of everyone."

Alcides chuckled at the thought of everyone's reaction to me drinking the stuff, but I declined his idea and instead went to my room without a word as my stomach had this sickening burning feeling to it.

"No thanks, you can go on and tell them for me thought...I think I need to lay down and rest for a minute."

Alcides understood what was happening and nodded before heading to the others.

I then slowly walked to my now hot and dry room, with the sensation in my gut getting worse.

"Ugh...what's wrong, why does it hurt so much.."

I said aloud in the dimly lit room, trying to calm myself as I took slow and controlled breathes. However this was to no avail as the sensation now had a rising feeling, almost as it means to come back up...Oh by the light, I think that's what's happening?! I immediately ran to the bathing room to grab bucket before coming straight back to my room. I set it down at the foot of my bed with me being directly over it, on my knees trying to not panic in a vain effort to try and remain calm. I then placed my hands over my mouth as to try and prevent myself from essentially hyperventilating. I closed my eyes and tried to think of something else, think of home...of mother and father...

Yet despite me doing all of this the rising feeling persisted until it finally came up, quickly I removed my hands from my mouth and leaned over the bucket. I then firmly gripped both side of bucket and closed my eyes tight while trying to brace myself for the worst that had yet to come. Not a moment later I started to retch up the thick brown fluids I took in early, heading the fluids splatter in the bucket. Hearing it made it so much worse as the splattering became a splashing sound as more then just the Spiced Brew came up along with the bits of meat that I ate early as well. There seemed to be no end to it all, as the fluids splashed around the bucket as I know that more then just Spiced Brew came up as I'm sure quite a bit of my bile most certain came up with it as well. I couldn't bare to look at it myself as it splashed on my hands as well. Eventfully though I stopped as I looked into the bucket and saw bits of meat I had for lunch floating at the top of the reddish brown fluids, barely breaking the surface.

"Ugh...Degusting.."

I said in a low tone before wiping my mouth off with my sleeve and go to look at myself in mirror and saw my dark refection looking back at me. He laughed and tapped on his side of the glass 

"Had too much to drink eh? Well to be honest it was rather bitter for my own liking so I knew you wouldn't take well to it.. but you live and learn I suppose.."

I grab my head while grabbing the mirror, grinding my teeth before exclaiming.

"Get out of my head...you're not me...so stop acting like you know me!" 

I shake my head a bit and before going to lay down on the bed and attempt to sleep to relieve the pain I'm feeling in my head and stomach.  However that was brief as shortly after I fell asleep I was woken up by one of the servants of the castle, informing me that dinner was ready. I groan for a moment as my stomach was in a knot, but I was at least thankful that my headache was gone for now. Upon arriving to the table I see that everyone was eating and discussing their day, honestly at the moment I couldn't care less and just hoped at I could stomach this spicy food. After a couple of bites from spiced filled dish that I managed were very forced. Each one irritated my stomach as I managed to choke it down. However after my fifth bite, I paused for a bit to listen to what everyone else's day was like.  I couldn't have really cared at that moment , but I just couldn't stomach another bite of the stuff or else I'd be retching it up too. 

So I tried my best to listen to what Jeremy said about what his day  was like; however I know he spent the day in a whore house, getting his rocks off with King Surt. Course he would,  he was only ever a one note kind of man so expectations were low. Navis said she went around helping the teachers of the kingdom in whatever way she could since she didn't know too much about their culture. She's always so kind to others, what more could I think to myself other then that. Seeing her so joyful that she was able to be of some help made me smile a little bit before taking a slow breath and exhaling it just a slow as I took it in. Of course the peaceful moment in my head was ruined by Avorion as he talked to us about how he spent his day patrolling and watching how they do things here. Usually I would be more attentive to his words but the head ache came back and when those came back; I knew he wasn't far behind as well.  Thankfully now there was silence in my aching head, right as Alcidies was going to start talking. I asked if I could be excused from the table, not wanting to make a scene incase my darker half came back. 

I must've looked terrible at this point as King Haco gave me permission to do so in a calm and understanding tone. The older King then got up from his seat as well, saying that he needs to get some fresh air anyway; so he'll accompany me. Upon us leaving the table and heading back to my assigned room, King Haco then gently grabbed my right shoulder as he walked beside me to my left.

"C'mon lets get some fresh air, I think it'd do us both some good actually."

He said in a gentle tone before leading up to the rooftops again, just like the previous night.

We walked up through the Library and onto the top of castle. Thesun was setting over the horizon, behind the hills of dirt and sand. I couldn't help but immediately went to the ledge and leaned over it. I then gently folding my arms upon the ledge while i took a deep breath and looked down at the people below. It oddly enough reminded me of home a bit, watching the people close up their shops and head back to their homes. It was a little bitter sweet if I had to be honest. While I was enjoying the scenery, King Haco walked up beside me and looked upon the setting sun. He then asked me in a concerned tone.

"What's troubling you Axelon? You didn't enjoy your day in the kingdom?"

I looked down at the vast city below us, and thought about the man that owned the bar. It made my stomach churn as I tried to not think about the spiced brew, thankfully I managed to taking a deep breath before I replied in a calm tone.

"It was fine...but I think I stumbled upon something ugly and I really wish I hadn't. However the thought of  it, crawls back into my head; its so horrible that the idea of it has been putting knots in my stomach."

"Oh really? What did you find out?"

He said in a curious tone before I replied to his quandary.

"I heard that some Dark Hearts get sent to mines to work as Fetchers. Working until they cannot be of any more use before being disposed of. Please tell me that isn't true."

The King then placed both arms behind his back, taking in a deep breath that i recognized. It was the kind of breath someone takes before talking about a delicate matter. That's when I knew that this talk would be quite a serious conversation. He then as he stated in a low tone, as if that would've made me more empathetic to his words as he said.

"I'm afraid they're in the mines, forced to work until they can't lift their tools."

The shock of his acknowledgement and acceptance of his statement made me turn to face him with anger and disgust.  

"Why?! Can't you do something about it?!"

I shouted at him before I moved away from the King, looking at him now with a confused frustration. Wondering why he hasn't tried to fix things.

"I'm afraid I can't. While I hold no ill will towards the Dark Hearts, this kingdom is dependent on their constant labor, not to mention if I wanted to impose such change. Not only would I be forced to face my son, who's extremely talented with the Gift. I'd also need to deal with my grandson, whose potential has yet to be seen. So I'd prefer to not face my family, if at all possible. I'm sorry Axelon, but be thankful that you're of a King's blood, since that's the sole reason you're not in the mines with the rest of them. "

I gave a loud reply to the King, unaware that my gem was dimly lighting up again; corresponding with my emotional outrage. Ice then started to form around where my feet were.

"No one should be forced to work till their death! That's not a life worth living and it's certainly not the world my parents wanted! My father was real King. A true Lord who based our home on honor and integrity, there wasn't any needs for slaves. The last thing he said to me was that he entrusted me to fix this wor-"

"Where is he now Axelon?!"

He abruptly said as his fiery aura flared up around himself, making the air around him much more dry. It was obvious he did not take kindly to my comparison, accusing him of being less then my father. I looked at Haco as the hairs along the tip of his eye brows and the bottom of his beard were set ablaze. This basically made him look as if there were burning candles adorning his face. He firmly crossed his arms, before continuing to rebuke my words further.

"Just because a man entrusts you with a wish, doesn't mean that you can just order it to be so! I have nothing but respect for your father and I would've liked to think that his dream could've been something beautiful. However, in order for such a thing to be a reality, you need absolute power Axelon. I'll be blunt and tell you that from what I'm seeing you're severely lacking in that department. So don't go comparing me to your old man; talking to about what really makes a real King. Sure you preach a good message Axelon, but what good will all of those good sentiments be; yourself are incapable of enacting the very thing you peach about?!"

At this point my mind was fatigued, the absolute frustration I felt towards the fiery older man started to make my head pound.  During this time I was unaware of what laid ahead of this crossroad of conflicting ideas. The man's aura was so overpowering, I couldn't help but close my eyes due to the dry air he was creating around us. At this point my head ache was reaching it's peak of pain, and just as I thought that I would pass out. His voice came back at this point, speaking in a frustrated tone with his words reverberating in my already pounding skull.

"I hate to admit it, but he's right. Your power nowhere near close to challenge this man. At this rate your stubborn nature will only have  you'll only burn away into small black flakes before being casted into the hot winds of this land. Accomplishing nothing in your life, unable to bring change and unable to save you swore to. I'll tell you what though, why not let me take control for a while? Your body is quite malnourished from the lack of food and fluids; with that in mind. I'm certain you won't last much longer."

I replied to the voice in my head trying to sound brave, but we both knew it was only a front. Not only that, but I could swear that my skin is starting to burn due to the King not letting up whatsoever. He only applies more of his fiery energy onto me, determined to make me back down and prove his point.

"What do you get from this? You've done nothing but taunt me till this moment. So why do you suddenly want to help?"

Its reply was horrifying but I could tell it was genuine.

"I don't want to die by scared flames, to feel the fluids within us start to boil as our skin blackens and breaks off like fragile charcoal."

Hearing those details swayed me into acquiescing control to the him but I needed to know one last thing before I give him the reigns. So I asked.

"If you say my power isn't anywhere close to being able to challenge him. What makes you so sure that you'll fair much better?"

The reply he gave was filled with uncertainty as he stated to me.

"Honestly I don't know if I can fair much better at this point in time, considering our body is at it's limits, burning and very malnourished. However I can be sure that we'll both make it out of this if I take the preverbal wheel now."

I had no other options and before I know it, I began to sleep. Waking up in the snowy fields of my dream as he now took the wheel...I just hope this isn't a huge mistake.