CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

After the competition, everyone dispersed to gather the next day. Cleon once again has left me to do as i please.

I decided to go look for Cedric, i found him amidst the other Aegalian contestant i recognized earlier. They were all smiles, and the congratulations exchanged was never ending.

I decided to stand and wait not too far from them, so that Cedric will easily notice me when he's done.

I look around me to find the participants as well as visitors from other kingdoms scattered here and there in the arena all with smiles on their faces. It's a good thing i think that they all took the defeat very well, not that i blame them. Everyone outdid themselves it was a split second decision and prince Caspers patience that made Aegalia victorious.

Speaking of prince Casper, he was currently standing with his brothers alongside the other princes of the visiting kingdoms all laughing and talking. I watched as Borak and some children of nobility including my half brother walk to them and joined them in whatever it was they were saying.

I suddenly had a feeling that i'm being watched, i remembered Cleon's words earlier and could feel the dread creeping in. I quckly scanned around to see if i can notice anything out of place.

Finally i discovered who it was and thankfully it was none other than my mother. I stared back at her refusing to cower or feel intimidated. She looked away after some time and joined her new children as they all happily left the arena.

Thinking i've had enough, i was about leaving when i saw Cedric running towards me.

Hey you, he greeted with a smile. Hey you i returned his greeting.

Hope you enjoyed yourself today? he asked as we started leaving the arena together.

Oh! Cedric it was wonderful, i'm still in awe. That reminds me you did not compete.

No i did not, but i will be tomorrow.

Tomorrow, what is happening tomorrow? i ask.

Potion making.

Oh, i see. I will be looking forward to it then and of cause you know i will be cheering for you.

Thanks Eve.

Tell me Eve, do you have anywhere to be?

No, not really, is there a problem?

Not at all, however some of us are gathering at one of the tavern, it belongs to the family of a friend and a lot of us youngsters will be gathered there to celebrate. I want you to come with me.

That's thoughtful of you Cedric, but i don't think it is a good idea to have me around other people.

Come on Eve, you went with us to the market the other day, and nothing happened. Trust me you will enjoy it, besides i will be right there with you.

Hmmmmmm, fine i said after much thought. If what Cleon is saying is true then i might as well snoop around to see if i can find anything to report to him.

As Cedric and I entered the bustling tavern, I couldn't help but feel a pang of nerves as we approached his group of friends. Their initial reactions were a mix of curiosity and surprise upon seeing me. However, Cedric's easygoing demeanor helped ease the tension, and soon enough, I found myself being introduced to his friends with warm smiles and welcoming nods.

As the evening progressed and the ale began to flow, the atmosphere in the tavern shifted from initial awkwardness to one of camaraderie and relaxation. Cedric's friends, along with the youngsters from the visiting kingdoms, engaged in lively conversation, their laughter and banter filling the air.

The topic of discussion inevitably turned to Prince Casper, the celebrated hero of the recent magical tournament. Cedric's friends eagerly shared stories of the prince's extraordinary powers and charming demeanor, their voices tinged with admiration and perhaps a hint of envy. The girls, in particular, seemed entranced by Prince Casper, their eyes sparkling with adoration and their voices filled with admiration.

As the alcohol continued to flow, some of the youngsters from the visiting kingdoms began to describe Prince Casper's powers in exaggerated terms. Their words were laced with enthusiasm and embellishment, and it became apparent that the effects of the alcohol were beginning to take hold. It was difficult to discern whether they genuinely believed in these exaggerated tales or if it was simply the alcohol talking, but their fervor was infectious nonetheless.

The table i was seated had about thirty youngsters, their voices blending with the clinking of tankards and the jovial ambiance of the tavern. However, the atmosphere shifted in an instant when one of the visitors from Thanbra dared to break the joviality with a somber inquiry.

What of the dreaded Prince Cleon? the visitor questioned, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to freeze the lively atmosphere.

The effect of the question was immediate. A sudden hush fell over the table, and all eyes turned to the speaker, as if the mere mention of Prince Cleon had cast a spell of silence upon them.

Yes, that's true, one of the youngsters responded solemnly, breaking the silence. I don't think I've seen him before, but all we do know of him is that he is evil and brings ill luck wherever he goes.

A ripple of unease passed through the group as the reputation of Prince Cleon was discussed. We don't speak of him, one of Cedric's friends chimed in, his voice low and tinged with apprehension.

The inquiry from a visitor from Raviel prompted another tense exchange. Is he truly that evil? he asked, his curiosity tinged with a hint of fear.

Before anyone could respond, another of Cedric's friends interjected, her voice carrying a solemn warning. Whatever you think you know is nothing compared to the darkness that is Prince Cleon,she declared, her words sending a shiver down the spines of those seated around the table.

The chilling statement hung in the air, casting a palpable chill over the once lively atmosphere. It was as if the mere mention of Prince Cleon had invoked an invisible specter, shrouding the gathering in an eerie aura of apprehension and uncertainty.

A beautiful girl from Grathen voiced her doubt. But surely he can't be better than Prince Casper or even any match against our other princes, she remarked, her words cutting through the gloomy atmosphere.

Her statement sparked a moment of contemplative silence, as if the group collectively paused to consider her perspective. Then, one by one, heads began to nod in agreement, and murmurs of assent rippled through the group.

You're right, Cedric's friends chimed in, their voice filled with newfound conviction. No matter how evil Cleon is, light will always surpass darkness.

The sentiment seemed to resonate with everyone present, and the atmosphere around the table shifted perceptibly. What had started as a conversation tinged with uncertainty now seemed infused with a glimmer of hope and resolve.

As the conversation continued, the mood gradually lightened, and the gloom that had settled over the table began to dissipate. Despite the ominous reputation of Prince Cleon, there was a collective belief that goodness and righteousness would ultimately prevail.

Alright, everyone, Cedric chimed in, his voice carrying a note of cheerfulness as he cast a reassuring glance in my direction. Let's not spoil our mood with talk of gloom and doom. We're here to celebrate and make merry, so let's do just that.

His words seemed to lift the lingering heaviness that had settled over the table, and a collective sigh of relief swept through the group. With Cedric's encouragement, the mood quickly shifted back to one of festivity and camaraderie.

Exactly! one of the youngsters exclaimed, echoing Cedric's sentiment. Let's raise our tankards and toast to good times and laughter!

With renewed enthusiasm, the group raised their tankards high, their faces breaking into smiles as they joined in a spirited toast. Laughter once again filled the air, mingling with the clinking of tankards and the lively chatter of conversation.

As the evening wore on, the earlier conversation about Prince Cleon faded into the background, replaced by the joyous celebration of friendship and camaraderie.

As I observed the joyous scene unfolding around me, a pang of empathy tugged at my heart. Amidst the laughter and merriment, my thoughts involuntarily turned to Cleon. In that fleeting moment, surrounded by the revelry of others, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of sorrow for him.

The carefree atmosphere momentarily obscured the harsh reality of Cleon's existence — a reality marred by the palpable disdain of those around him. It was as if, for just a moment, I had been granted respite from the weight of societal judgment that Cleon bore daily.

Yet, as the laughter echoed and the festivities continued, a sobering realization settled over me. The joviality of the moment served as a stark contrast to Cleon's solitary existence, overshadowed by the pervasive animosity of those who deemed him unworthy.

If only they understood, I whispered silently to myself, my heart heavy with compassion. It was a wish tinged with longing, a yearning for others to see beyond their prejudices and recognize the humanity that lay within Cleon.

Lost in my contemplation, I watched discreetly from the corner of my eye as Cedric made his way to the far end of the tavern, where a boy of similar age awaited. Even from a distance, the boy's delicate features and beauty caught my attention, radiating an effeminate charm that was impossible to ignore.

Despite the bustling activity of the tavern, with laughter and conversation filling the air, it seemed as though I was the only one attuned to Cedric's interaction with the mysterious boy. A quick survey of the room confirmed that most patrons were engrossed in their own revelry, oblivious to the unfolding scene.

As I continued to observe, I couldn't shake the feeling of intimacy between Cedric and the boy. Their closeness spoke volumes, hinting at a connection that surpassed mere friendship. Intrigued by their interaction, I found myself speculating about the identity of the boy and the nature of his relationship with Cedric.

My gaze lingered on them as Cedric took the boy's hands, a gesture laden with unspoken meaning. With a sense of curiosity gnawing at me, I watched as Cedric led the boy away.

As I waited in vain for Cedric's return, the effects of the alcohol began to seep into my senses, blurring the edges of my perception. Glancing around the tavern, I saw others succumbing to the same fate, their laughter fading into slurred speech and eventually into unconsciousness.

With a heavy heart and a head swimming with intoxication, I made the decision to leave. Despite the haze clouding my thoughts, I navigated my way through the dimly lit corridors with a determination born of necessity. How I managed to find my way to Cleon's wing remained a mystery, each step feeling like a small victory against the encroaching darkness.

Entering Cleon's quarters, I was met with an empty space, devoid of his presence. Disappointment mingled with the fog of inebriation as I realized he had not yet returned. Without dwelling on the matter further, I retreated to my own room, grateful for the solitude it offered.

Casting myself onto the bed, I surrendered to the pull of exhaustion, the events of the evening fading into the background as sleep claimed me. In the quiet darkness of my room, I found solace, letting the oblivion of sleep wash away the remnants of the night's turmoil.