Nothing, Arkealus is a cheap bastard.

Chapter 21: Marked by Fate:

Entinos, with his formidable strength, slammed the doors wide open, breaking the lock that had barred our way. The crash echoed down the dimly lit corridor as the heavy wooden doors swung inward, revealing a small, sparsely furnished room. This was clearly Arkealus’s personal chamber, though it lacked the grandeur one might expect from a necromancer of his stature. The bare essentials to live were present: a simple cot, a worn desk, and a few scattered parchments. It became apparent this was not his true base of operations but rather a temporary lodging for the mission the Erebosian had orchestrated.

“Gods, even his room smells like dog ass,” Noor said, wrinkling her nose in disgust as she stepped inside. “Seriously, asshole, it’s not that hard to cast a spell to stop smelling like ****.”

“Maybe he found it aromatic,” Iris quipped, rolling her eyes. Her jab earned a chuckle from Ikaro, who gave her an approving fist bump.

I waved a hand in front of my face, grimacing at the pungent stench. “It does smell like shit, but we might find something useful here. Let’s look around.”

As we spread out to search the room, Entinos leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, his stoic expression unchanged. His imposing figure remained motionless, a silent sentinel amid the chaos of our scavenging.

“You’re not looking for anything?” I asked, glancing at the satyr.

“No,” he replied curtly.

“Maybe there’s another sword or some armor you—”

“No.” This time his tone carried a finality that left no room for argument.

I raised my hands in mock surrender. “Alright, suit yourself.” I turned away, leaving him to his silent vigil as I joined the others in their search.

“Found anything you like, sis?” Ikaro called out to Iris, who was kneeling by a chest, rummaging through its contents.

“Not much,” she replied, her tone tinged with irritation at the lack of valuable finds. Then her eyes lit up as her hand closed around a small leather pouch. “Bingo.” She stood, tossing the pouch in the air before catching it. The faint clink of coins was unmistakable. “This will come in handy for sure,” she said with a smirk, earning a chuckle of approval from her brother.

Despite our efforts, the chamber yielded little of worth. Arkealus’s transient occupation left few traces behind, and the group began to filter out one by one, empty-handed. I was about to follow suit when something underfoot caught my attention. The faint, hollow sound of a loose tile echoed as I shifted my weight. “What do we have here?” I muttered, crouching to investigate.

Prying up the tile, I uncovered a hidden compartment. Inside lay a book, wrapped tightly in worn cloth, as if to conceal its presence from prying eyes. I carefully unwrapped it, revealing a dark, weathered tome. My fingers traced the embossed symbols on the cover, their meaning lost to time.

“If this was hidden, it must be important,” I thought, flipping it open. The brittle pages were filled with a language I didn’t recognize, likely a dead tongue, but scattered words and diagrams hinted at its purpose. A shiver ran down my spine as I translated fragments: “Summoning… contacting outworld beings…” My stomach churned.

This wasn’t just a spellbook. This was dark magic.
My instinct screamed to destroy it, to burn it and ensure its contents were lost to history. Yet another voice whispered in my mind: This could help us. Despite its sinister aura, the book contained knowledge, spells, and alchemy long forgotten. Perhaps Noor could make sense of it, wield its secrets for our benefit.
I rewrapped the tome, my decision made. For now, it would remain hidden. I’d share it with Noor when the opportunity arose.

As I stepped out of the chamber, the group turned to meet me. Noor crossed her arms and frowned, irritation etched across her face.

“Well, that was a waste of time,” she huffed, kicking a stray rock across the corridor.

“At least we kicked his ass,” Iris replied, her disdain for Arkealus dripping from her words.

“Well said, girl, well said.” Noor’s lips curled into a smirk, her agreement clear. The necromancer’s demise seemed to be the only silver lining to their ordeal.

“This way!” Ikaro called out from ahead, his voice echoing in the dim corridor. He stood at the entrance to a passage that sloped gently upward. “I think this path leads out of the mountain!”

Without hesitation, we followed him, our steps quickening as the scent of fresh air grew stronger with each step. Emerging into the open, we were greeted by Helios’ golden rays cascading down onto the wilderness. The sun’s warmth was a welcome embrace after the suffocating confines of the cave.

“By Zeus, I forgot how good fresh air feels!” Iris exclaimed, her voice filled with relief as she tilted her face to the sky, soaking in the sunlight. For the first time since entering the mountain, she allowed herself a moment of peace.

“Finally, a smell that’s kind to my nose,” Noor agreed, taking a deep breath of the crisp air. “I hate caves, especially ones crawling with undead and reeking of ****.”

Entinos nodded in silent agreement. His usually stoic expression softened ever so slightly, betraying a flicker of contentment.

“Gods, I hope there’s some food,” Ikaro groaned, rubbing his stomach as it let out an audible growl. Iris rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smirk.

“I was going to tease you,” Noor quipped, “but honestly, my stomach’s killing me too. I’d kill for a roasted deer and a cup of wine right about now.”

“Hmm, yeah, that’s the dream, girl,” Ikaro replied, earning a round of chuckles from the group.

As their laughter subsided, I stepped forward, gripping Dawn’s hilt tightly. With a deliberate motion, I drove the blade into the earth and called out, my voice firm and commanding.

“ATHENA! IF YOU CAN HEAR US, SEND US BACK!”
The silence that followed was unnerving, each passing second amplifying the weight of desperation. Then, just as doubt began to creep in, a bright light materialized before us. It swirled and shimmered, growing into the shape of a portal. Athena’s voice echoed in my mind, calm but strained.

“Good work, Kayn. I cannot speak with you now...the Erebosian magic still lingers, but I will find you later. Go now and cure the Oracle.”

I nodded, her words resonating with purpose. “Well then,” I said, turning to the others. “Let’s go.”

Without hesitation, I stepped into the portal, the rest of the group following close behind.

The portal deposited us at the temple entrance. Erastus, seated nearby and catching his breath, sprang to his feet as the swirling magic dissipated behind us. His eyes widened in shock.

“BY ZEUS!” he exclaimed, stumbling back a step. “Where- how- what in the name of the gods—”

“It’s okay, Erastus,” I interrupted, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. “We’ve done it.”

“Done? Done what?” His bewilderment was interrupted by the sound of frantic footsteps. Euclides appeared from the inner chambers, her face flushed with urgency.

“ERASTUS! COME QUICKLY!” she shouted, barely pausing as she turned back toward the Oracle’s chambers. “She’s awake!”

Erastus’ mouth fell open in disbelief. He turned to us, searching for confirmation, but I simply smiled and gestured toward the corridor. “Go. We’ll be right behind you.”

He didn’t need further encouragement. With a shout of joy, he sprinted after Euclides, disappearing into the depths of the temple.
As the dust settled, Noor smirked proud, her face lit up with a self-satisfied grin. “Gods, we’re good.”
The rest of us turned to her, eyebrows raised in collective scepticism.

“What?” she asked, feigning innocence. “I’m right.”
Despite ourselves, we all laughed, the tension of the day melting away in the shared moment of triumph.

We made our way to the oracle chambers opening the door to find her just awakened, her pale and weak form caused by the curse cast upon by Arkealus broken as she little by little she regained her strength. Erastus and Euclides knelt beside her, their expressions a mix of relief and gratitude as they tended to her.

“THANK YOU, KAYN! THANK YOU!” Erastus exclaimed, his voice cracking with emotion as he clasped the Oracle’s hand. Tears shimmered in his eyes, a testament to the weight lifted from his soul.
The Oracle turned her gaze to me, her luminous eyes studying me intently. Despite her weakened state, there was a commanding presence about her, an air of wisdom and divinity that felt as if it could pierce through to my very essence.

The Pythia was a gorgeous woman clearly an emissary of the gods and in good faith with them, clearly her beauty a gift by the gods yet you can tell there was natural beauty to her features and profund intelligence well before she had been blessed with the sight, just by looking at her you knew you were in front of one if not the most beautiful, wisest and powerful woman in all of greece. Her voice, when she spoke, was both gentle and resolute, carrying a tone that resonated with profound maturity.

“Perhaps I should thank him personally,” she said, her lips curving into a faint smile.

Erastus and Euclides exchanged nods, understanding her unspoken request. They rose, each offering me a grateful glance before leaving the room. Euclides paused at the doorway, her gaze lingering on me, and I gave her a small nod in return. She smiled softly before closing the door behind her, leaving me alone with Lissandra.
The Oracle’s eyes never left mine as she studied me further. Though we had never met, I could sense she knew exactly who I was, her knowledge gifted by the gods themselves.

“Thank you for saving me,” she said at last, her voice imbued with warmth. “I will never forget this, Chosen.”

“There’s no need to thank me,” I replied, raising a hand to dismiss her gratitude. “I only did what anyone in my position would do.”

Her gaze hardened slightly, her voice taking on a commanding edge. “No, not everyone. I have seen many who faced a choice to do what is right and instead took the easier path, not knowing the consequences. You risked much to help, and it shows in your actions.” Her expression softened as she added, teasingly.

"What gave it away?"

"A vision by the gods." She said as she laugh at her joke "I'm kidding, The scars and bruises on your face gave it away."

I chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of my neck. “It was hard, but I’d do it all over again.”

That earned a warm smile from her. “And please, call me Kayn,” I added. “I’d rather people use my name. Being called ‘Chosen’... it feels dehumanizing.”

Her smile grew tender, and she inclined her head. “Very well, Kayn. I am Lissandra, Grand Oracle and leader of this city.” Her tone carried both pride and friendliness, as though she recognized me as not just a savior but a potential ally. “Now, Kayn, I must ask you to tell me everything that has transpired since I fell under the curse."

I hesitated, scratching the back of my head. “Where to start…” I muttered before diving into a detailed recounting of the events. I told her of the undead siege, our battle against the Erebosian forces, and finally, our confrontation with Arkealus. As I spoke, her expression shifted, calm and contemplative at times, but also pained as I described the horrors her people endured in her absence. Her guilt was palpable, though she remained composed.

“I see,” she said quietly when I finished. She folded her hands on her lap, her brows furrowed in thought. “And the Erebosian… he is gone? Are you certain?”

“For now, yes,” I replied confidently. “I doubt he’ll return to Delphi without thinking it twice. You really don’t remember anything?”

She sighed, a mix of relief and lingering unease. “I remember so little… At times, while I was ****, I heard whispers, voices of those around me. I tried to respond, but my vocal cords felt silenced, and every attempt brought only pain.”

“I’m sorry you had to endure that,” I said, my voice soft with sympathy. “No one should suffer the curse of a dark being like an Erebosian.”

She offered a faint smile, grateful for my words. “No, no one should. But now is the time to act against them.” Her tone grew resolute as she shifted to sit up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Her body trembled with the effort, and she nearly collapsed before I caught her, steadying her with a firm grip.

“Are you sure?” I asked, worry evident in my tone. “You’ve been through so much. Maybe you need more time to rest.”

“I have rested more than enough,” she said determinedly, regaining her balance with my help. “And the least I can do is aid you in recovering your memories, Kayn. It is the very least I owe you.”

“I’m grateful for that,” I said, my voice gentle. “But for now, focus on regaining your strength. Take your time, and when you’re ready, call for me.”
She nodded, her resolve undiminished as she called for Erastus. He entered swiftly, bowing his head.

“Yes, my lady?”

“Prepare a feast for our heroes,” she commanded, her voice regaining some of its natural authority. “And ensure they have a place to rest and recover. The gods know they deserve it.”

“As you wish,” Erastus said, bowing once more before hurrying out to make preparations.
Lissandra turned back to me, her expression softening. “Will you join us for dinner, at least?” she asked, her tone warm and almost motherly. “I will use this time to consider the best way to aid you in recovering your memories.”

I smiled, sensing her genuine care. “Of course. Thank you, Lissandra.”

I left Lissandra to recover in peace, returning to the group to share what we had discussed. The hours passed, and when the feast was ready, we all gathered in the grand hall. Even Basilius joined us, rightfully celebrated as a hero alongside us for his efforts in the journey here and willing to risk his life to help the citizen escape if the worst had happened.

Lissandra greeted us with a warm smile and open arms, her beauty and poise lighting up the room. Each of us took our seats at the long table, laden with platters of food and goblets of wine. To my surprise, Lissandra gestured for me to sit beside her. It was clear she intended to discuss pressing matters further during the meal.

Ikaro and Entinos wasted no time savoring the food, their laughter and lightheartedness filling the space. After days of surviving on sparse provisions, this feast was a welcome relief.

Across the table, Iris sat stiffly, her eyes darting toward me and Lissandra. She wore a subtle frown, her discomfort evident as I spoke quietly with the Oracle. Next to her, Noor leaned in, a teasing smirk playing on her lips.

“Aww, is our poor little hunter jealous?” Noor whispered, her tone laced with mischief.

Iris’s cheeks flushed crimson. “I’m not jealous!” she retorted in a low hiss.

“Yes, you are, you think I’m not?” She replied genuine while continuing to teasing her. “You don’t think I’m not ashamed that someone as hot as Kayn is messing around instead of giving us attention?”

Iris scowled, her embarrassment only fueling Noor’s amusement. “I’m just trying to hear what they’re saying,” she muttered, trying to disguise her flustered expression.

Noor enjoyed herself seeing Iris this ashamed trying to hide her feelings, a feeling which, she shared with her. Despite acting like she only cared about Kayn for the carnal pleasures the sorceress had gotten quite fond of him on their travels together. There was something that puzzled her about the man that he was, the truth is that Noor enjoyed Kayn company as much as his body yet he didn’t have the courage to admit it to herself and him.

“I do get why you are jealous, Lissandra herself is a…magnificent woman.” She said admiring the oracle beauty, body and presence while also teasing Iris. “I would smash that If I was Kayn.” She said bluntly, shocking Iris.

“Noor!” Iris’s voice was barely above a whisper, her face now a deep shade of red. “Stop it.”

She laughed, clearly enjoying messing with her “Oh come on Iris you are the only the girl in the group. I like messing with you and yes, we fight a lot but we should be able to talk about this… stuff." She said trying to get Iris to her side “Us girls have it bad enough.”

“… you are right.” She admitted sheepishly.

Noor raised an eyebrow, surprised by Iris’s admission. “I’m sorry, what was that? I don’t think I heard you.”

“You’re right,” Iris grumbled, clearly annoyed by having to agree. "But not here… maybe later on my room we can talk about it.”

Noor winked at her with mischief. “Deal.”

Their exchange was interrupted by Entinos’s voice as he set his empty plate aside. “This food is incredible. Thank you, Pythia.”

Ikaro chimed in with a hearty laugh. “Agreed. After what we’ve been through, this is a welcome change.” The rest of the group nodded in agreement, their gratitude evident.

Lissandra laughed softly, her tone light and melodic. “It’s nothing compared to what you’ve done. This feast is the least I can offer. Please, enjoy it to your heart’s content.”

As the others continued their conversations, I turned to Lissandra. “How are the people faring after the battle?” I asked, sensing the weight of her responsibility.

Her smile faltered slightly, she sighed, her guilt still apparent. Gently, I placed a hand on hers, offering silent reassurance. She looked at me, her expression softening before she spoke. “Better, thanks to you and your companions. What you’ve done here will be remembered for generations. You are a hero to Delphi, Kayn.”

Her words warmed my heart, I nodded, humbled. “The people here are resilient. They’ll recover.”

She smiled faintly, then grew more resolute. “Our resources are intact, and the people are already working to rebuild. But there is much to mourn, and I will mourn with them as we move forward.”

“You’re a strong leader,” I said earnestly. “Delphi couldn’t be in better hands.”

Her eyes lingered on mine, gratitude evident. “Thank you. As for you…” She paused, her smile returning, now tinged with intrigue. “I believe I’ve found a way to recover your memories.”

My brow furrowed. “How?”

She stood gracefully, her presence commanding. “There’s a time and place for everything. Meet me at midnight on the temple’s hall. There is much work to be done.” As she turned to leave, her movements were fluid and confident, her aura of wisdom, power and beauty unmistakable. I watched her go, my mind racing with questions about what she had planned.

Erastus cleared his throat, drawing our attention. “If you’re ready, I’ll show you to your rooms for the night.”

I motioned for the group to follow, but my thoughts remained on Lissandra’s words. Whatever awaited, it would bring me one step closer to the answers I sought.