The Elder's Curse by Andrew Walbrown (ereader for textbooks TXT) 📕

agenda whatsoever, believed Kona and I were partners of some sort, then what would Seto believe when we return tomorrow? He already wants me dead, and if he thinks I’m trying to steal his wife then he’ll have all the justification he needs to put my head on a pike.”

Ulam thought for a moment, letting Amantius’ words sink in before replying. “Well, Brother, are you trying to steal his wife?”

Amantius scoffed, but he did not answer the question. Instead, he took a deep breath and shook his head, before once again staring into the vast nothingness in front of him. “It doesn’t matter. It is best for both our sakes if we stop whatever friendly exchanges we have and return to a more businesslike relationship, like how we were in the beginning. Actually, it might be for the best altogether if we don’t even speak to each other anymore.”

Ulam grunted and then reached into his bag, cursing in his mind when he remembered he had exhausted his supply of ebonbrier. “Do you believe it is in Kona’s best interest that you withhold this plan from her as well? Would it not make more sense if she knew, so at the very least she understands?”

Amantius frowned again and shook his head, showering the ground around him with more flakes of ash. “I know it is not fair to her, but I don’t think she should know. She has too good of a heart to go along with my lie. There is no way I could put her in that kind of place. How could I, in good conscience, ask her to lie to her husband just so we can remain friends? And you know she would have to lie to him because there is no way Seto would be comfortable knowing his wife is spending time with an Emberi, especially one she just spent over a week with in the desert. No, Ulam, she needs to think I just don’t desire her friendship anymore.”

Though Ulam did not necessarily agree with his foster-brother’s methods, he could not help but acknowledge the truth in his words. We barely know Seto, but I could see the hate in his eyes. It is the same hate and fear I have seen in the eyes of countless Humans when they see me. He is right, they both would be in danger if nothing changed.

“What do you think?” Amantius asked. “I know you’re thinking something; your mind never stops.”

Ulam nodded. “I agree with you, I just wish there was a different way. Are you going to accept this decision, though? Are you certain you will be able to completely remove her from your life?”

“It doesn’t matter if I accept it or not. It is the only way.”

Offering no further conversation, Ulam climbed to his feet, patting his foster-brother softly on the back. “Try to get some rest, Brother, tomorrow will be a long day.”

They broke camp just before sunrise, right as the sliver of sky just above the horizon turned light blue. The excitement of being back in Yawan kept Ulam awake most of the night, the prospects of having real meals again and a place to sleep without fear of being eaten alive by any number of beasts was almost too much for him to bear. However, those were not the only reasons he was eager to return, he also yearned for a long bath and more ebonbrier for his pipe. Most importantly, though, Ulam was ready to close this chapter of his life and begin his next great quest: locating the unknown wizard in the north.

Much to everyone’s delight, the day had been entirely uneventful. At one point there seemed to be an ash storm brewing in the distance, but after an hour the winds died away, leaving the displaced ash to fall harmlessly to the ground. Because everyone had plenty of sleep they were able to cover the distance from the oasis to Yawan quicker than in their previous trip, spotting the city’s protective embankment in the early hours of the evening. By the time they reached an obelisk at the top of the surrounding hill, the sun was already beginning its dive into the glimmering waves of the sea, basking Yawan in a heavenly glow.

At the edge of the city, where the farmlands ended and paved streets began, a glare of sunlight drew Ulam’s attention. In the distance he saw scores of farmers stop their chores and stand to each side of the road, allowing an organized band of people to march towards where Ulam and the others stood. Though he could not see clearly due to the onslaught of reflected light bombarding his pupils, he instinctively knew an escort of guards was approaching, Seto most likely among them. Ulam looked to Amantius, who was staring at the incoming brigade with a face as hard as stone. He then turned to Kona and sighed, for her expression was just as cold. Remember Ulam, it is the only way.

“Eemoneem be praised! You have returned!” Seto yelled as the brigade drew near, his quickened pace separating him from the rest of his comrades. “I was worried sick, I thought maybe the Emberi had kidnapped you.”

Slowly Ulam reached over and grabbed the back of Amantius’ arm, holding him in place in the event Seto’s provocations went too far. To his surprise, Amantius’ muscles were relaxed, though he assumed his foster-brother was seething deep inside. In the past it would have been only a matter of time until Amantius’ pride would have demanded a retort, however, after their conversation by the oasis, Ulam suspected restraint and reasoning would win the day. After all, any act of aggression would not just harm Amantius, but everyone else as well.

“You said you would be back within the week,” Seto said, “why have you taken so long to return?”

Although Seto had been addressing Kona with a concerned tone, Ulam knew the question was an accusation aimed at the whole group. He