Letter to Versi (#11)
(Written after meeting Acastus, as the group decide what to do.)
Versi, my light,
I was hoping that I might be able to visit you after we finished our labours, for we have so much to talk about. My past is catching up with me and I would like to work it out with your help, rather than piece together the confusing and painful fragments on my own.
But it seems the Fates had other ideas. We were not even halfway down the mountain when Acastus’ men found us, and requested our presence in Mytros.
And so now we are here, arguing about how to save the city from one of your father’s storms.
Do you ever get the feeling that you are being set up to fail? Acastus was unfalteringly polite, but he has given us so little time and very few options. Two options that don’t bear thinking about, one option that is impossible and another that I am certain he thought was, with the only real option being provided by Vallus.
Not to mention, the indifference he seemed to show towards the fate of his wife was upsetting. If I was being charitable, I might say that it wasn’t for lack of caring, but because he knows Vallus is capable of looking after herself. But then I think of how I might react if we were in a similar situation, and I find myself unable to muster any charitable thoughts towards him.
Regardless, we couldn’t really come up with any other options than those presented. No, that's not true: Braz wanted to sacrifice a dragon to placate Sydon. I thought that he perhaps didn’t understand that dragons are, well, people. But it would seem that I was the one who misunderstood: he just didn’t think their life mattered compared to that of a city. Gods. The steps he seems willing to take in pursuit of the ‘greater good’ once again unnerve me. Even Gaius was upset! Which, now I think about it, is a little odd, considering how willing he was to sacrifice Anora...
I actually tried to speak to him. Gaius that is. I thought there was a chance, although small, that by pointing out his theft of my anklets in front of the court, he might be shamed into giving me them back.
Of course, that didn’t happen. Instead, he swore an oath that if I were to go to his chambers on Yonder, he would just give them to me. Setting aside the skin-crawling nature of his proposition for a moment, his oath worries me greatly: he is either exceedingly confident that I will not be able to reach his chambers, or he has something awful planned for when I eventually do.
I feel a fool walking into such a blatant trap. But do I have a choice?
I don’t want to go to Yonder, Versi. I know logically that the dynasty that kept me there fell long ago, but I just can’t shake my unease. Only a handful of days ago, I barely remembered what it was to be afraid: and now the feeling follows me like a shadow, rearing its ugly head every time someone mentions that stupid place.
I will go, of course. I can not let my fear control me. To do so would be letting that Gygan King dictate even more of my life than he already has; from the grave, no less! No: I refuse to fail you. I refuse to fail Thylea.
But first, we need to not fail Mytros. I suggested that we might be able to ask Estoria to help provide some of the sacrifice needed to calm Sydon’s rage, and I have written a letter to Anora to that effect. But, after my conversation with Gaius, I’m a little loathe to pander to him or the Order so. Which leaves only the option presented by Vallus: a sacrifice of the Five Gods power.
I... suspect it is going to be a long night.
Ever yours,
Calliope