Hill of Memories

Chapter 2: Hill of Memories

"The legacy of heroes — the memory of a great name, and the inheritance of a great example." — Benjamin Disraeli

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Year 1212, 1st day of the 7th month – Purple Wing Clan~

[General]

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Early morning,

The party has gathered in the hall. But the atmosphere is different today. And everyone knew the reason. Their lord, Lucian, is showing a stony visage.

But no one asked for a reason. They respected their lord enough to let him speak of his woes.

And they didn't have to wait long. Lucian started after taking a deep breath.

"Thank you all for coming under such quick notice. I have some grim news to share."

Everyone visibly tensed after hearing their lord. What could have happened that caused such a warm person show that frigid appearance.

"I do not have definite news. But from my blood acting up. I can say that, my father, Orion Vince Franzer, is no more."

He paused to let the news sink in. Mavis, Julian, Axel and Celine were stunned. The others only felt grieved hearing the demise of their lord's father.

"My lord, didn't you say…" Mavis wanted to inquire about the matter but was stopped by Lucian.

"Yes, that's why… I have decided to return immediately after visiting the Elven forest."

The room turned silent. They have followed their lord for a few months. And they knew what he meant.

Lucian didn't let the silent last as he continued," I want all of you to pack up your belongings and get ready to travel by tomorrow. Mavis and Julian, get us the best transportation and buy extra rations. Use the Purplewing clan's treasury for the expenses.

You are now dismissed. And Spike, before you leave, find Mirabelle. Tell her I want her in my chamber."

Lucian finished his speech and simply went inside.

Celine had a dumbfounded expression. She pulled the hem of Axel's shirt and asked with a trembling voice, "A-Ax-xel, w-why doe-es Luci-cian wa-want Bella i-in h-his cha-chamber?"

Axel only rolled his eyes at her question. And stepped out of the hall wIth a flustered Celine. Her brain was probably having a short circuit.

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Half an hour later- Lucian's Bed Chambers~

[Mirabelle]

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When I got the order from the butler, I was shocked. He wanted me in his bed chambers? But it was still early in the morning. I mean, men have different tastes when it comes to those things. I have never heard of it happening in the morning.

My face was burning. I was shaken but also expectant.

That day I saw him for the first time, my heart really moved. It was like those romantic stories I heard so much from the maids.

The lord, though, seemed too perfect… I know that I have simply become a servant of his. But he hadn't done anything unpleasant yet. Hell, he had been a perfect gentleman. This attracted me even more. And those eyes… I have been caught more than once staring at his eyes. Those were shameful moments.

But then he would just smile and make it even worse… That smile is unfair… I understand what Lady Celine meant when I asked her about our lord.

While thinking about these wishful fantasies, I arrived in front of his bedchamber. I didn't even realize how I got here. I was too engrossed in my fantasies.

I took a deep breath and said a bit loudly, "It's Mirabelle, my lord, may I enter?"

"Enter." Came the reply. But I sensed something was out of place. The voice sounded too distant. I have never experienced this while talking to him before.

"Thank you, my lord." I entered his room. I spotted him sitting on a chair staring intently at a map.

I instantly knew that this wasn't 'that' type of summon. I was disappointed. It was a weird feeling that's tough for me to describe.

I wanted to ask for the reason for my summon, but he beat me to it.

"You are probably wondering why I have summoned you. Well, you don't need to guess too much. I will only ask you a few questions, two to be exact. And I will also tell you a few things about the past, the current situation and the future. is that understandable?"

I simply nodded to his words. Those words had an authoritative tone to it, I didn't have a choice in the matter. It simply wasn't asking me a question, he was ordering me to hear him and answer.

Beads of cold sweat were forming on my forehead and back. I gulped inaudibly and stared at my lord. Waiting for his 'questions'.

"Good." He watched me for a bit and then started.

"First of all, do you Mirabelle of the Purplewing clan know about the treason of your family? And their current plans for me, even after they have been judged and placed under a blood contract?"

I was surprised. I mean I know about the past and it disgusts me knowing that I am part of such a family. But I didn't understand his other question.

"My lord, I have heard about our family's treason but I do not understand the next part of your question. Forgive me for not being intelligent enough, but would you so kindly explain?"

He smiled at my words. No, not his usual warm smile. That smile had a mocking grin to it. I shuddered noticing that smile.

"Very well, I will tell you. But I will also talk about the treason. I hardly believe your grandmother told you the 'truth'." He replied that with a glare and started.

He told me about his glorious Royal Clan. How they were betrayed by three parties, my clan, the current royal clan, and the organisation that helped the blood traitor.

He then told me, exactly what my clan did. Especially the head family, my family…

I had tears in my eyes as I heard it. I wanted to refute and sometimes deny but deep down I knew. I knew that we have done it.

He then told me about the present situation. How my family was planning to attack him. How they were using me to lower his guard. And how they have notified my cousin from Centuran.

He also told me what he will do in the near future, about his plans.

After the whole story, he gave me some time to reorganize my thoughts.

I was stunned. Shocked by the behavior of my clan. I started feeling disgust towards my own family. They have fallen too low.

Lucian then asked me, "So here is my last question. Will you follow your family or,"

There was a pause when he said or. I was anxious to hear the or.

"Or, will you erase all signs of that damned bloodline and swear your fealty to me? Do know this, I am not planning to spare any Purplewing above the age of fifteen. I would usually only put the previous generations to death but, I am neither a saint nor a fool, to let potential enemies lurk around with clear hate in their systems.

It might seem cruel, but it is necessary. By original law, even the babies are to be put to death but I don't want to waste capable manpower when I can help it.

So decide. You have tonight to think about it. Tomorrow morning, I will leave. So if you decide to stay then don't show up.

Oh, and feel free to tell my plan to your family if you decide to stay. It wouldn't matter much. They are all marked with the blood contract. No one can escape. And killing me, well that's some wishful thinking those fools have cooked up."

I was again stunned hearing all that. I was given the night to think about my decision. I bowed to him and exited his chamber.

I was still engrossed in the brief meeting we had. But in my guts, I know what I would choose. But even I have attachments towards my family.

So I went to visit my grandmother and father.

But they only made the decision even easier. As, when I arrived, they were planning on how to use me. They ordered me to lure the young phoenix. They wanted to ambush him near the hill of memories.

I laughed internally. My father even told me that I was doing the right thing. It was for the greater good. They didn't even ask me if I was alright or not. They truly assumed Lucian and I had done the 'deed'. After checking my pale face, they easily reached this conclusion.

They even seemed pleased that I was the phoenix's toy. Because it will be simple now, for me to influence him with my sexuality.

My mother later even praised me for being brave.

I couldn't help but laugh and cry when I went back to my room. Lucian was correct. I was but a tool to these people. Nothing more than a tool.

'I have decided.' And so I closed my eyes. There were no more tears for me to shed, the tear glands had already dried up…

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Year 1212, 7th day of the 7th month – Towards Gaiza City~

[Lucian]

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I have calmed down a bit since we resumed our journey. Mavis had procured two wonderful carriages. Which are being pulled by Massive Draft Horses. Even buying one of these beasts would cost a fortune. And Mavis actually got four.

The Purplewing's coffers are surely bleeding. Not that I care.

And yes, Mira has decided to join us, and she swore a new blood oath to me. I was pleased, I even released her from the bloodline contract.

The main reason I wanted to take Mira was her talent in magic. She was an advanced ranked warrior officially but as the potential succeeding priestess. She had delved into holy magic as well. Though she is only at Journeyman rank. But, given that this was her secondary focus, her performance was nothing short of remarkable.

And the other reason is more obvious. The raven-haired beauty was not like her clan members. She was a bit rash, yes. But she was gracious and compassionate. When I spoke about the incident 25 years ago, I had noticed all her facial expressions. She truly felt sorry for the souls who had been unjustly killed.

Well enough about that. We have been traveling at a relatively slow pace. The reason is simple, we want our pursuers to catch up. Mira had already informed me about the plans of her former family. They wanted her to use her sexuality to lure me near the hill of memories.

Ironically, that's where I wanted to go in the first place. A fitting battleground to end traitors.

I was calm the whole journey. But I couldn't say the same for Mavis. He was on the edge for a while.

Apparently his <Sonar> is being blocked by a counter wind. He knew we were being persecuted, but he wanted to make sure he knew the exact number of enemies.

I already told him not to bother. But he is such a worrywart sigh.

So, to put my vessel at ease, I sent one of my friends on a little espionage mission. In return, I promised her some corn, which she happily agreed with.

It didn't take her long to return with the Intel we required. She was such a clever little bird, happily eating the grain from my hand as she passed on the information.

"Mavis, you can stop worrying about the number." I faced him and said.

To which he appeared even more distressed and said, "But my lord! It's unbecoming of me to fail-"

I stopped him before he could start his usual ranting, "There are seventeen of them. Including the higher ranks we faced inside the cave. The rest are only advanced ranks. But it really is a wonder, the Purplewing clan truly deserve to be one of the major Clans of Altumia. They had a lot of reserved high rankers."

Mavis visibly calmed down. He was only worrying about the numbers nor their actual strength. Because he knew, unless the opponent was a Sage or A Legend ranked warrior. They had no chance of victory.

Other than my starting party, the new members were agitated and astonished. Agitated due to the number and strength of the enemy, astonished to see me use a bird to gather Intel.

Oh! Yes, I forgot to tell them that I can instinctively communicate with the animals. A blessing I received long ago from a certain green-haired man. I shook my head when I thought about it. 'We will be meeting sooner or later, Lord Syrus.'

I then assured the new members that everything was under control. Also told them about my ability. They were surprised to say the least.

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Around early evening, we finally reached the valley near the hill of memories. It's called a hill, but in reality it's an enormous monolith.

The names of the martyrs are engraved here, not all of them of course. Only the prominent ones. There were many who died without leaving any legacy, they are lost in the annals of the time.

And on the top, above all the names, was a name carved using magic. It was written in a bigger font, and gave off a heroic sensation when you read it.

The name read, "Mamar Zakari Dudarka, The Hero of Voker."

A legend of a man. His other identity was "The First Human Emperor." Yes, this was the man who established the 'Great Empire' and ruled over the whole continent of Bendever. And this land was once known as Plains of Voker, where a tragic war occurred. Dying the land red. But, even this war was nothing compared to the wars fought in the Jumatan Plains.

'I will visit that historic place one day.' I made a mental note when I thought about the Blood soaked Jumat.

I ordered everyone to set up camp. And as if on cue, Mira received a magic transmission telling her to meet the old woman somewhere.

I told her to act natural and not to panic. After nodding, she walked away, visibly concerned in her eyes. I knew the worry was about me, which warmed my heart a little bit.

As she left, I closed my eyes and started meditating. I know that the night will be anything but peaceful

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