The Soul Keeper

I set off first thing in the morning, after saying my farewells. 

The rift I opened up took me to a familiar place. I could feel the nostalgia – the memories resurfacing. As I stepped on the lush green grass, I couldn't help but smile. 

The alcove protected by the overhang and the cliffs around me had only changed a little. I could see more, bigger and more colourful fish in the lake. Nature seemed to have thrived here since the first day I found this place.

And now that I was more aware of my surroundings, I could feel the flow of magic here. No wonder I had survived thanks to this place back then when the giant horned lion nearly killed me. No wonder I had gotten two skills by stepping in this alcove. Though, I still didn't know what Crystal Sage did.

"Pretty," I whispered as I touched one of the blooming plants' leaves. Mona would love this place – it was probably the perfect place for that morning ritual of hers too. Filled with life and magic, she would thrive here.

Unlike me.

I could feel the life force suffocate me. It didn't hurt, or bother me, really. The Keeper of Souls was in tune with life and death both – though death seemed to be my specialty. I wasn't bothered by the magic here, but I knew my existence harmed the flora. I carried too much – too many pained souls, too many burdens.

So, I quickly left. I flew out of here, heading toward the mountain pass leading to Stonepatch Village. 

I honestly didn't want to leave – that place reminded me of the simpler, nicer times. Or perhaps I was just remembering the good things – I wasn't sure. Nostalgia could do that to someone, right?

On my way, another location caught my eye, and I found myself approaching the tall hill with a single, lonely tree. As soon as I landed by the tree, the smell of hyacinth filled my nostrils. I breathed it in as memories once again flooded my mind.

How weak I was when I last came here... Things were different now. I had a clear goal – not something abstract like 'Win the game', but something more concrete, like 'Get my lost power back and kill the Divine who trapped me'. 

My plan – our plan, was already in motion. Now all I needed to do was to make sure I had the allies I needed. The first step was getting Rina and Alex on board. Once I'd done that… Well, that was a thought for then. 

A cool breeze blew my hair back. I remembered that night I spent here, too afraid to try and go through the forest. Vixia could have easily killed me back then, and many times after that time too. Only recently had I grown powerful enough to fight back and even pressure her.

I stretched my wings and leapt high into the air, allowing the winds to carry me towards Stonepatch Village. Unlike back then, I arrived within the hour. Grateful that I didn't have to walk through the mountain path, I landed just outside Stonepatch Village, on one of the higher branches of a rather tall tree.

Once my wings had disappeared, I pulled up the hood of my robe and began watching the streets before me. According to Fetheion, Rina and Alex had arrived here two days ago, to help put a stop to another creature attack. Since they wholly believed Alina and Joshua's lies about me being killed by a Demon, they weren't even questioning the Ereth and everything else going on around them.

I glanced towards the inn I stayed in for a while. The bartender was a kind, good hearted person. Or, that's what she seemed like at the time. I furrowed my brows. Despite being and Ereth, could she be a good person?

I wasn't sure. I didn't want to think about it. It would be so much easier to consider all Ereth evil. It would be so much simpler.

Yet, Fetheion was also an Ereth. Could an evil person really remind me so much of my uncle? No, Uncle Eion was a good person, and so far, Fetheion also seemed like a good person.

I couldn't allow myself to start thinking of all Ereth as evil. 

Before I had a chance to think about this anymore, the tree I was sitting on shook lightly. I flinched and looked down, only to see a familiar face looking up at me.

He didn't seem surprised at all that I was there, and he didn't attempt to alert anyone either. My heart still racing from the surprise of being found, I pushed myself off the branch and touched the ground.

"It's been a long while, Luhen." I forced a smile, while still staying cautious. What was this old man even doing here? "I'd like to say you look well, but you seem to have gotten a few new scars." I glanced at the deep cuts along his arms and his only remaining leathery wing.

He chuckled. "Such is life – nothing to be done about it." He looked me over from head to toe. "Doesn't look like you've come out of your own trials unscathed." 

I tilted my head. "I don't see what you mean, I'm perfect well." I had no visible injuries, no scars, nothing. The only scars I had were those of the mind and soul – not something he could see, right?

"If you say so." He chuckled again. "Who am I to argue against the Keeper of Souls himself." He suddenly looked at the distant mountains, with an alarmed expression. I followed his gaze, wondering what startled him.

"It's a cold day," He said as he shivered, despite the warm sun shining on us. I raised my eyebrows, what was he talking about?

In fact, thinking about it, what the hell was he even doing here? Why had he come all the way outside the village, just in time to find me up here on this tree? It couldn't be just luck, could it? No way.

"I don't think so," I replied as my expression darkened. "I wonder, what brings you here?" I asked as I moved my left hand behind my back. The familiar black mist began to form, hidden from Luhen's view. "We aren't exactly near the village either."

Luhen smiled. "I knew you'd come – I saw you fly here." His wing trembled slightly. His expression wasn't as happy or kind as before. "The Divine is in the area – not in town, but she is near. Do not linger here long if you wish to avoid death once again." 

I flinched. How did he know the Divine was here? And how did he know about me avoiding death? Hell, how did he know I was alive in the first place? I motioned to ask him, but he cut me off.

"That was my warning. Now for something else – in two days, let us meet in the place you first stepped foot in these lands." He glanced around. "I have some important information to discuss regarding the Divine and the things stolen from you."

My eyes shot open. "What?"

"Two days," He said before turning to leave. "Please show up." 

"Wait – what do you mean the Divine is here? Where?" My heartbeat quickened. If she was really here… No, I couldn't kill her, not yet. I had lost too much power, I needed to regain that first. Revenge would come later. Much later.

"She is in the area – I don't know anything more. So please be weary." He glanced at the distant mountains again. "I must leave, take care." He left in a hurry, leaving me confused, worried and anxious.

I wasn't prepared to face her yet. What would I do if she were to find out I'm alive? What if Luhen alerted her of my presence? But if he wanted to do that, he wouldn't tell me she was nearby, would he?

My mind was thrown into chaos just like that and pulling myself together took a little effort. Once I did, I climbed back on the tree and continued watching the village. 

I didn't have to wait for long, and I was grateful for that as my worries threatened to overcome me. A smile slowly formed on my lips as I watched the short, green haired wizard and the tall, lizard tailed warrior slowly walked down the central street of the village. I watched them carefully as they stopped by the guild, then headed to the village entrance.

It was the same spot I had reunited with Erik and the others. My smile widened as I saw them laughing and having a good time as they left the village and headed into the woods.

I was worried about them – mainly about Alex. I hadn't gotten the chance to speak with her properly ever since the day she lost her little sister. That day was still fresh in my memory – I don't think I could ever forget that moment.

I watched until they were far away enough from the village, then ran across the trees to reach them. As I leapt from branch to branch, I couldn't help but feel a little excited. 

"Who's there?" Alex shouted as I reached the tree closest to them. I didn't hesitate as I jumped to the ground.

The look on their faces as I landed before them was worth the wait.