บท 2: Chapter 2

The sun breached its way into the restless man's room as he stirred in bed trying to find a comfortable position. Blinking his eyes at the ray of light he mentally slapped himself, he had forgotten to close the blinds and now he had been awakened.

This may be a good thing he decides and gets up to make his way to the grouping, passing many different chambers unique in size he arrives. As expected he was early as no one else was present - or so he thought. Sitting down, he takes out notes he had acquired through vigorous engagement, analysing each and every word in order to be sharp when questioned.

"Rhett I can detect your blissfulness" came his mentor, as soon as Zyair heard the man's voice he straightened his posture and stood before him bowing as a sign of respect before settling back down. Clearing his throat he responded politely.

"Recently I've found it apparent to take care of my punctuality." This cracked a smile on the teacher's face.

"I expect to see you here promptly from now on then." Zyair didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

In turn, he decided to nod and carry on reading his notes, shortly his peers entered one after another.

After a day's worth of teaching class had ended, Zyair set off in hopes of bumping into Silas.

He checked room to room one after the other tirelessly until he came across a familiar figure slumped against a desk. Zyair found it funny how Silas, contrary to his title, slipped between the cracks of the association idly resting on a desk in a mundane classroom, and no one knew his true identity.

It only took two pokes and the youth was startled awake, he turned to glare at the one responsible for waking him up. Once his eyes fell on Zyairs his features softened "Sir?" he questioned. Zyair suddenly felt uncomfortable with the formalities, especially since they were only two years apart.

"Call me by my name surely you must have heard it."

Silas nodded in response.

"Zyair Rhett I'd be a fool not to know, the great man who uncovered the star of the moon. That is why I have chosen you to accompany me."

Befriending Silas would come in handy one day, Zyair also did not want to anger the youth by declining thus he officially agreed to the request.

Silas, followed by Zyair informed the chief of the confirmation, chief Emmanuel was ecstatic and revealed the contents of the mission. Sure enough, it was located yet again in the South of Synedia.

Upon entering his chambers Zyair collapsed onto his bed in disbelief. He made a promise to himself then and there, Xander Ivor this time I'll make sure you are well aware of my arrival.

The pledge he had made to himself was fulfilled; a letter regarding the mission was sent to the southern region. It detailed the task which was to retrieve a sword forged by Maximiliano, a famous swordsmith.

Five days after Chief Ivor had confirmed safe entrance, Silas and Zyair bid their farewells and departed towards the South. The carriage they resided in had a spacious layout, as expected for the chief's only heir. The scarlet seats held an intense impression of precedence which was fitting for the two occupants. It was not long before the pair entered the southern gates but what Zyair did not expect was that his nemesis who he despised immeasurably, would be the one to greet him upon his arrival.

The one who was referred to by his surname 'Ivor' which meant warrior stood proudly. Zyair had refused to call him Ivor, which in retrospect gained Zyair Xander's attention. The petty man exited the carriage and the two rivals stood face to face with one another, as if on cue the sky rumbled.

....

"This way please." A few guards ushered, hands behind their backs Zyair and Silas obliged.

Chief Ivor, who had witnessed the scene, contemplated whether to follow. At the expense of disregarding all morals in order to satisfy the urge to become a nuisance to Zyair.

"Where exactly are those two going?" He whispered to one of his people.

"I believe they are being led to their temporary residence, Chief."

"I see." With a nod, he dismissed the fellow.

While going through a variety of pros and cons he came to his decision.

Being the one in charge of this sector he has reigned throughout the region, therefore wherever he desires to reside shall become his, and every word that leaves his mouth should become law. Though the guests are of prestige they are under his turf, with this in mind he decided to follow the two new guests.

.....

Zyair felt an irresistible urge to scream and instantly found the source of this sudden apprehension.

Xander stood leaning against the doorframe.

"Here to seize me again?" Zyair spat out, to which Xander scoffed "Unworthy" and turned to Zyair's acquaintance.

"You must be Sir Silas Emmanuel, earlier I hadn't the chance to introduce myself. My name is Xander Ivor but many refer to me as Chief Ivor."

Silas had already been informed about this lad's identity, yet he feigned ignorance. Generally, Silas was not a well-mannered soul however he pitied the man for having lost his father at a young age, therefore he decided to respond in a polite manner.

"Well informed indeed, I hope in the future if either one of us needs help the other assists." He had thought it would be a waste to lose the opportunity to form some sort of alliance. Xander in turn nods before turning to Zyair, who had been shooting daggers their way.

Having been caught Zyair shrunk in his seat.

With a false-hearted smile, Xander continued, "It is my pleasure to aid your mission, please feel free to engage with me anytime. Guests stay close to my personal chambers, once you leave here to your left is my room you won't miss it." Xander then turned to leave.

Upon his exit, Zyair lets out a breath of relief before turning on his companion.

"Silas, why did you entertain that beast, what did I tell you?"

"Zyair it's better this way because now that I'm acquainted with the chief of southern Synedia. In the future when I rule over the East I have already built myself a strong backing. If we were to go to war then the South and the East make a powerful duo."

Hearing this Zyair couldn't help but agree, Silas who had seemed arrogant and foolish actually turned out to be quite knowledgeable; despite himself, he was somewhat proud of him.

The two then unpacked and planned the steps in locating Maximiliano.

"My father informed me that he only forges swords for those he feels could achieve greatness in this life."

"Be truthful. That is why you chose me for this mission, right?"

"Eh, well there were other reasons too."

"Such as?"

"You found the sun of the moon and many searched the ends of the earth to look for it. Yet you weren't even assigned to find it, you just did. I find that phenomenal."

Zyair couldn't help but let a smug smile linger on his face after being praised, which quickly disappeared when Silas added on:

"Zyair I know you won't like this but in order to locate Maximiliano, we may have to ask Chief Ivor for assistance."

.....

Once dinner time arrived, Chief Ivor personally delivered the pair of guests' food.

"Thank you," Silas had said.

Yet Zyair crossed his arms and refused to accept, his reasoning went as follows:

"How will I know whether you've put something in there?" He scoffed.

Xander surprisingly instead of throwing a fuss took a mouthful of the soup, proving there was indeed nothing amiss.

"I trust you can eat the rest," he said, raising an eyebrow to which Zyair sneered.

Silas eyed the two men in disbelief, they were practically behaving like children.

Remembering his earlier discussion with Zyair he turned to the chief.

"My father has informed you of my mission. Therefore you must know that I am in the process of locating the swordsmith Maximiliano, have you any knowledge of his whereabouts."

"Indeed I do, but the journey is quite the hassle to describe. Rest up tonight we leave tomorrow morning."

Zyair was stunned "You" he pointed to Xander "are not coming."

"You forget yourself, who's turf do you reside in?" Xander countered, "Shouldn't I decide who should and should not come, you are lucky I have even allowed you to enter here again."

The two then bickered and it was decided that despite Zyair's harsh attempt to reason, Xander was to accompany them.