Chapter 36: Lila's Decision
"Yes," she replied, her voice firm. "I believe you can teach me."
Aldwyn leaned against the wall, his arms folded across his chest. The shadows played with the contours of his face, creating an air of mystery and danger. "I'm sorry, but unfortunately I have very limited information about it myself."
He paused for a second before continuing. "But I can give you the information I have, the rest is up to you." He pulled out his diary and handed it to her. "They are written in the diary, read it and absorb it. I'll wait here until then."
Lila took the diary with trembling hands and opened it, her eyes scanning the pages filled with Aldwyn's neat script. The candle on the bedside table flickered, casting dancing shadows across the room.
The information was sparse but intriguing. It spoke of ancient rituals, of sacrifices and of the whispers of gods long forgotten. The Pathways, it seemed, were a way to connect with these deities and their powers.
After Lila had finished reading everything, she closed the diary and handed it back to Aldwyn, speechless.
"It's a lot to take in," Aldwyn said, placing the diary back in his pocket. "But if you truly wish to walk this path, you must be prepared for what lies ahead."
Lila looked at him and then asked, "Which path do you belong to? And would it be possible for you to bring me into it?"
Aldwyn sighed heavily and leaned against the chair. "I am in the Assassin's Path," he revealed, his eyes never leaving hers. "But that is not something you wish to undertake."
He paused briefly before continuing. "It would be a path that wouldn't suit you, it's important that you make the right decision as your actions play into it."
"So which paths interested you the most?" He asked her.
Lila took a moment to consider, her gaze drifting to the flickering candle. "The Warrior's Path appeals to me," she said finally, her voice filled with determination. "I wish to stand against the darkness that threatens our lands, to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
„As expected." Aldwyn thought.
Lila added after a while, "The Creator's or Magician's path also sounds interesting. These might be alternative options."
Aldwyn nodded, his expression contemplative. "I understand. Well, I can't help you here, neither do I know the ritual, nor do I know people who belong to these paths," he admitted. "You'll have to search on your own. With a bit of luck, you'll find someone in the guild."
"But if you would like to choose the Prophet's Path, I have someone for you. But you'd have to give up fighting in close range... You would have to live with that consequence." He added.
Lila nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of her decision. "I'll think about it," she said, though the gleam in her eye spoke of a determination that would not be easily swayed.
"Thank you, Aldwyn," Lila said finally, her voice thick with emotion. "I won't forget your guidance."
„Guidance is a bit of an overstatement, but well..."
Aldwyn nodded, his silver eyes reflecting the candle's glow. "Just remember, the choice you make will shape your future."
The next two days passed in a blur of shadows and whispers. Aldwyn waited impatiently for Lady Célia's information on Gaines while Lila delved into the lore of the Pathways. He knew he had to prepare for his meeting with the Lycan-cult.
When the sun began to set on the second day, he received a message from Lady Célia.
He read the letter with a furrowed brow. The words on the parchment were simple but alarming: "Craig Gaines has not been seen for days. His whereabouts are unknown. His room in the Merchant's Guild is untouched."
„I knew something was wrong... It doesn't confirm that it might be a trap, but it's very likely. But who could possibly be after me? Maybe Caius?"
„I will accept the invitation, but not without preparation. At the moment I only have a bit of the endurance potion left, which helps me, but that's not enough."
....
On the following day, Aldwyn made his way to the bustling market, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and suspicions. The cobblestone streets were lined with stalls hawking a cacophony of wares, from the mundane to the mystical. The smell of roasting meats and baked goods mingled with the scent of exotic spices, creating an intoxicating aroma that wafted through the air. He pushed through the throng of people, his eyes scanning the crowded area for anything that might be of use.
He passed a weaponsmith, the clang of steel on anvil ringing in his ears, and a tailor flaunting the finest silks and leathers. Further on, an apothecary displayed an array of bottled potions, their vibrant colors hinting at the secrets they contained. Yet, none of these caught his eye as he continued his search.
It was then that he stopped at a stand that looked like any other, but something about it was different. A cube, no larger than his fist, sat atop a velvet cushion, drawing his gaze. The cube is made of an unknown, matt black material. The surface of the cube is perfect and has no recognizable patterns or features.
The vendor, a hunchbacked man with a crooked smile, noticed his interest and called out to him. "Ah, the cube of possibilities," he cackled, his eyes gleaming.
Aldwyn approached, his hand hovering over the mysterious object. "What is this?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
The vendor leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It's an artifact of the old world, a gateway to the realms of fortune and fate."
He paused briefly before continuing, "It can manifest any possibility or decision in life, but each can have a serious and often unexpected consequence."
Aldwyn listened and nodded to signal that he should continue speaking.
The vendor recognized it and continued speaking. "The person who holds it has 24 hours to decide what action to take based on the alternative outcome of their original decisions. The manifestations are extremely variable and can have both positive and negative effects."
Aldwyn was surprised. „That could help me immensely in my current situation, but the potential consequences could be devastating."
Aldwyn's interest grew stronger, seeing potential in this peculiar artifact. "How do I use it?"
The vendor's smile grew wider, revealing crooked teeth. "It's quite simple, really. You hold it tight in your hand and think of a decision you've made, or one you're about to make. Then, whisper the alternative choice to the cube. It will show you the outcome of that choice, but remember, the price of knowing is steep."
Aldwyn was slightly confused. „So it's a kind of future vision? But I have to be sure of my decision before I can see a possible alternative? What benefit would that bring me? Maybe I can still throw away my original decision and follow the alternative... But that would probably lead to unforeseeable consequences..."
Aldwyn studied the cube intently, his mind racing with the implications of such power. "Where did you get this?"
The vendor's eyes glinted with a knowing look. "It came from the empire of the forsaken, a place where the desolate rule over the ruins of once great civilizations. They say it was discovered in the tomb of an ancient seer, buried with the wisdom of the ancients."
„Empire of the forsaken? The place where the gods fought against humans. The place from which the pathways originate, no wonder such a powerful artifact comes from there."
"How much does it cost?" Aldwyn asked, his voice steady despite the racing thoughts within him.
The vendor's eyes narrowed, sizing him up. "For a man such as yourself, I'll part with it for 100 gold coins."
Aldwyn's eyes widened when he heard the sum. „I could afford it, I currently have more than five hundred gold on me, plus another seven thousand in the bank."
"Very well," he said, he took out his pouch and counted the gold coins until he reached one hundred. He handed them over to the vendor.
The vendor's eyes lit up, his smile growing even more crooked. "Ah, a man who knows the value of a good investment," he said, taking the gold greedily.
He placed the cube in a sealed titanium box and handed it to Aldwyn. "Be careful with it. Do not hold it in your hand unless it is necessary. The box retains its effect, keeping you safe."
Aldwyn nodded, the weight of his new possession heavy on his mind. He tucked the box into his inner pocket and made his way back to the Hall of Swords, the artifact's potential echoing in his thoughts.
„Something I didn't consider is, that he said the person using the cube only has 24 hours to make a decision. So I have to use it very wisely and carefully. I don't want to know what will happen if I don't make it in that time." He thought to himself.
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