Duty (Book 2) (41 page)

“The Millim Eri are dead, Gen,” the Pontiff said, “whispers of the past. You were created for one purpose—to stop Eldaloth’s work. Mikkik saw the corruption of the Ha’Ulrich. What better enemy of corruption than honor! Your very destiny is to kill the Ha’Ulrich, regardless of the circumstance. You nearly did it. Mikkik shaped you, turned you into what he needed you to be in order to accomplish his purpose—kill his ultimate enemy. Because of your goodness, or perhaps our ongoing disapproval of Chertanne’s behavior, we turned a blind eye to the enmity growing between you.”

“I am not about Mikkik’s business!” Gen exclaimed, writhing against the power the held. “I could have killed the Chalaine and Chertanne a hundred times over, and instead I put myself to the hazard for them! Mikkik’s work was done when no one countered Chertanne in his ways, when he was left to self-indulgence! The Church worked to shape the Chalaine into the very image of godliness while letting Chertanne run with free rein toward moral dissolution! You create a hen and a fox and expect miracles to make the one love the other when you throw them in the same cage!”

“You have a tongue, but not the understanding to go with it,” the Pontiff wheezed. “The Church tried to harness Chertanne as we did with the Chalaine, but Aughmere is not Rhugoth. In his homeland Chertanne is adored as a God. Unlike the Chalaine, he wandered where he would, and all the instruction in the world cannot change what pride and selfishness the worship of the people planted in him.”

“Be that as it may,” Gen argued, “but his wickedness is no work of mine! Even if I had never met the man, the world was undone. Chertanne will fall before Mikkik without so much as a whimper! He has no will with which to work strong magic, and the Chalaine does not love him and never could, so he will not be protected from harm. Chertanne alive will have no more success than Chertanne dead when Mikkik stands across from him on the field of battle!”

The Pontiff's eyes softened. “I know Chertanne is weak, but there is yet time. Responsibility is his, now, and he cannot ignore it. The burden of Kingship and the office of Pontiff will change him. There is redemption and change. If the very Ilch can learn honor, love, and obedience, cannot the Ha’Ulrich do the same? I never thought that goodness could be turned to do Mikkik’s work, but in you it has. The last revelation of an old life.”

“Did he act any differently after the attack at his Betrothal?” Gen asked. “No. After the massacre at Dunnach Falls? No. I do not have faith that he will change. He will use what power is his to hurt those I care for. He has and will.”

“He hurt them for your sake, Gen. Now that you are dealt with, there is no need for him to bother with them further. Your death will be the best way to protect them. I tried to kill you last night but could not bring myself to do it. You could kill me with Trysmagic if you wanted, couldn’t you?”

“Yes,” Gen replied.

“I think you will not have to do it. I’m am short for this life. Athan’s ward will keep you here after I am passed away. You may be able to keep yourself alive for some time with your power, but this place is poison to you and will do its work ere long. I have but to send a message to Athan and my work will be finished. The people must know you. They must learn the lesson I have learned.”

The Pontiff died that evening and the force that bound Gen to the floor dissipated. Before the old man passed, he chanted his message:
Gen is the Ilch. Publish it abroad.

Be sure to catch the entire Trysmoon Saga!

Trysmoon Book One: Ascension

Trysmoon Book Two: Duty

Trysmoon Book Three: Hunted

Trysmoon Book Four: Sacrifice

Get more information at briankfullerbooks.com