chapter 6
Tomasi's Revelation
Tomasi stood at the center of the formation, murmuring the chant under his breath.
The air grew heavier.
Hotter.
Harder to breathe.
The symbols beneath him began to tremble—flickering as though they were alive.
His voice cracked.
Then it shattered into a scream.
Red flames burst from his eyes.
Crimson fire erupted from his body, lashing violently against the walls of the tent. The divine names etched into the circle blazed brighter and brighter, glowing as if the gods themselves were watching from beyond the world.
The soldiers froze.
Not a single one dared to move.
Then—
Tomasi rose from the ground.
Slowly.
Higher.
His burning gaze snapped toward the north.
His arm lifted.
A finger pointed.
Tomasi (broken whisper): She… is there.
---
On the Road
Hooves struck the earth in a steady rhythm.
Guinevere rode at the front with confidence, the Princess beside her. The journey had begun again.
Behind them, John and Commander Marco followed at a distance.
Guinevere glanced back.
Her eyes landed on John.
A mischievous smile curled on her lips.
She leaned slightly toward the Princess.
Guinevere: Who is he, Flora?
The Princess stiffened.
Princess: Mind your manners. And who are you talking about?
Guinevere (teasing): The boy with Marco.
Princess: John.
Guinevere: Ah, yes… the gardener.
She hid a laugh behind her glove.
Guinevere: It's impressive. From tending flowers… to escorting royalty.
So tell me—what did you see in him?
The Princess lifted her chin.
Princess: His combat ability is remarkable. We require capable soldiers.
Guinevere hummed, unconvinced.
Guinevere: Fifty weren't enough? What can he do that the others cannot?
She leaned closer, grin widening.
Guinevere: Or is he… special?
For a fraction of a second, the Princess's composure cracked.
Her eyes drifted toward John.
Just a moment.
But it was enough.
Guinevere caught it instantly.
Guinevere: I knew it.
Princess (flustered): Shut up!
Guinevere burst into laughter.
Guinevere: I also heard he stole your necklace last night?
Princess: He didn't!
Guinevere: And you are certain because…?
Silence.
No answer came.
Guinevere's teasing softened into something almost warm.
Guinevere: My, my… someone finally brought back your gentle side.
And he's only a gardener.
In a swift motion, the Princess drew her sword.
Steel flashed.
Princess: One more word and you'll regret it.
Guinevere only laughed harder.
---
Behind them, John watched quietly.
John: Commander… who is she?
Marco: Guinevere. A genius with the blade.
Pray you never stand on the wrong side of her anger.
John swallowed.
John: She seems very close to the Princess.
Marco: She's her cousin. Closest to the throne after her.
John's gaze shifted forward again.
With every step, he felt smaller.
---
Inside the Carriage
The rumble of wheels filled the silence.
Esabell sat by the window, absorbed in her book.
Tomasi faced her.
Tomasi: Don't you get bored?
Esabell: No. Reading makes me forget everything else.
Tomasi: What is it about?
Her eyes lit up.
Esabell: The gods. I love their stories.
Tomasi: Which one?
Esabell: The Goddess of the Afterlife.
She was a miracle.
Tomasi studied her carefully.
Tomasi: I'd like to hear it too.
Esabell blinked, surprised.
Esabell: Really?
He nodded.
Excitement flickered across her face.
She began.
Esabell: Her name was Mayamisa…
---
The Past
A child stood alone in a dim room.
Blind.
Yet speaking softly to someone no one else could see.
The door burst open.
Her mother entered—and froze.
Fear consumed her face.
Mother: What are you doing?!
Mayamisa: I'm speaking to a lost soul… Her son abandoned her in the jungle. She died alone.
Tears streamed down Mayamisa's face.
Mayamisa: I just want to help her.
Her mother trembled.
Mother: You're a monster!
She turned and ran.
Mayamisa: Mother! Please!
Beside her, the spirit wept.
Spirit: Help me… I want peace…
Mayamisa: I need to give you a funeral… but I can't go there…
She stepped into another room.
Her brother sat inside.
He screamed in terror.
Brother: Stay away! Mother! The white-eyed witch will kill me!
Mayamisa: No! I would never hurt you! I only want to help!
Doors burst open.
Villagers stormed in and dragged her outside.
No one listened.
A pyre waited.
She struggled desperately.
Mayamisa: Mother! Please!
Her mother's voice cut through everything—cold as death.
Mother: You should have died the day you were born.
They threw her into the flames.
Fire swallowed her whole.
---
In the endless darkness…
a presence awakened.
Wings made of heat.
Ancient power.
A voice echoed.
Phoenix: You are dying. Do you have a wish?
Mayamisa: I want every soul… to find peace.
Phoenix: Then kill me. Become a god. Your wish will come true.
Her heart trembled.
Mayamisa: I can't kill someone for myself!
Phoenix: Once you ascend… you will forget. No guilt. Only salvation.
Hope shook within her.
Mayamisa: If that is the cost… then I will pay it.
---
Present
Snap.
The book closed.
Tomasi leaned back.
Tomasi: Gods are strange.
She didn't want guilt… yet she wanted her wish.
Is that truly divinity?
Esabell frowned.
Esabell: Are you doubting her purity?
Tomasi smiled faintly.
Tomasi: No. I'm only thinking.
Esabell nodded slowly.
---
Outside the Carriage
Hidden within tall grass, armored figures watched the royal convoy.
Their eyes never left the Princess.
…CHAPTER 6ENDS….