Edge of Extinction war story/Chapter 14

Grimveil was conflicted. Yet he was certain that his actions were the right course. If he was right about the tide of these events, things would never end well for him. Grimveil could not let go, not from his anger over the loss of his father, and not from his anger at the Brilhado being so carelessly used by the Order, of which he was until so recently a member.

“You are certain in this?” Grimveil asked.

“You have seen it with your own eyes. Lived it as it happened. There can be no doubt,” the voice answered, coming from every side at once. “I know what it is like to seek vengeance. My own master would be annoyed that I got involved. But I saw you moving, I heard you at my doorstep, and I knew you and I for kindred souls. So I acted.”

“Who are you? Please... I need to see you.”

“That is easier said than done. I do have a humanoid form, but it is not presently on Lore. My name is Case. I am an analog of a being far better known to the Lorian people than I myself am. Though even my more well-known form is known to only a few.”

“I know who you are. You are the Caelestian’s avatar... the one called Abode.”

“If you knew that,” Case answered, “why ask...?”

“Because I cannot understand why Falerin would be helping me.”

“Falerin well understands the hotheaded impropriety of youth... My own pathway assures that understanding if nothing else does. But it is not Ardendor who aids you here. It is I, personally and directly...”

“Why, though...?”

“Because you are correct, Grimveil. I have looked at the potential outcomes of your pathway. They are not good. Your fate may have been sealed long before this point. But if you are to fall regardless, I thought it best you do so with all of the information and not the angst of youth clouding a far less than complete picture.”

“Do the Celegras know what you have shown me?”

“No. And you will neither tell them nor show them.”

“Why? If that figure manipulated this sit–”

“That figure is in exile and imprisoned. You could not reach him now even with the aid of Falerin directly.”

“But Slug–”

“But nothing. The Celegras and King Tralin are well aware of the history, nature, and behavior of that family. They will act accordingly.”

“How does this help? Knowing but being unable to act at all. Have you helped me, really? It seems as if you have instead trapped me.”

“It helps your own honor, Grimveil.”

“My honor is not worth much. Not next to that of my people. Nor next to the loss of my father.”

“You honor is worth anything, and in assessing it as you do, I become even more certain. Auricarus was right.

“You have a friend in that Goldwing. You will have cause to fight with him and argue, but never forget that, Grimveil. Even when you are the bitterest of adversaries, Auricarus is your friend. The best friend you can hope to have.”

“If you say so, Case.”

“I do say so. Good luck, Brilhado.”

“And good luck to you as well, apartment complex.”