The Severaine

Chapter Three The Oneiroi's Mistake-2

“Darrienia,” he snarled through clenched teeth, his eyes burning into the figure before him. “You knew all about it.” He tried to breathe, to calm the anger in his tones, but failed, his voice guttural as he spoke. “You knew exactly what was at stake. You knew and you let her leave anyway.” His enraged tone grew louder to the point he was nearly shouting. “How dare you!” He lunged forwards, unable to restrain the molten wrath that coursed through his veins, his fist striking Venrent squarely in the jaw. Daniel had never been much of a fighter, but this was not betrayed in the force behind the strike which knocked Venrent to the floor. He shook his hand as his knuckles throbbed. His gaze locked on Venrent, who struggled to his feet nursing his jaw.

Daniel advanced to strike again, unable to believe he dared to rise. He couldn't hold it back any longer, the rage, the anger. He just wanted to hurt him, to hit him until he was caused to feel the full brunt of his pain. Eiji grabbed him. It took all of his strength to restrain him as he tried to continue his advance, almost unaware of Eiji's interference.

“Hadn't you done enough? You cost her a life with her family.” Daniel advanced further, dragging Eiji across the hardwood flooring in small movements as the power of his anger surpassed that of Eiji's strength. He never even questioned how he knew this truth. The only certainty in his mind that right here, right now, he was going to kill him. He was going to grind him into the dirt with his own hands so he could know the suffering he had caused. He would make him writhe; he would make him pay the ultimate price. Just like she had. “You rambled on like an old fool, knowing what lay in wait. You stole her happiness and her life.” The anger in his voice broke as he spoke of what had been lost, the wild limitless energy seemed to drain away. He became aware of Eiji's forceful grip, one that even now restrained him. It was only then he realised standing between him and Venrent was Acha. Her arms outstretched as she begged for him to stop. “She trusted you. She said, she said you would never harm her. How could you?” His tone was strangled now. All the angry power behind his voice had vanished to leave it nothing more than an exhausted whisper.

“Daniel,” Eiji scolded, his voice finally heard through the deafening roar of Daniel's rage. He slowly released him meeting his eyes as he spoke. “Enough, he has invited us int' his home. Y' cannot behave like this. What'd Zo think?” Eiji knew how Zo had felt about this man. After their first meeting, when Elly had challenged her about his intentions, she had been furious. Venrent had presented her with a keepsake that had been her mother's, an act that won her unquestioning trust. “Nothing y' say or do'll change the past, whaddya gain from y' actions? Do y' feel better?”

Daniel lowered his gaze. He did not feel better; in fact, all he had gained was a sore hand and the welling sensation of guilt that spread through his chest. The energy he had expended began taking its toll on his delicate state, his focus and balance faltering slightly. Seeing this Eiji continued. “No, I didn't think so. Y' can't use him as a focus for y' own anger with y' stories.”

“Everything he said is true,” Venrent confirmed much to Eiji's surprise. He gestured towards a chair, which Daniel was escorted to with help. Both Acha and Eiji took vigil behind him in order to quickly restrain him should his strength and temper return. His outburst had left him exhausted. “My real name is Eryx. I was born of Darrienia and yes, I knew of the prophecy surrounding her, and I was responsible for Kez's death.” Venrent moved to take his habitual seat beside the fire, taking one of the sketches from the mantelpiece. His vision fixed upon it as he spoke. “Night was once great friends with our people. He visited us often, and believe it or not, the two of us were close. He, unlike the other gods, was not averse to meddling in the affairs of man. We shared this in common for I too, against the Oneirois' laws, would steal away and live short spells amongst them. He had always been set on vengeance, breaking the laws set by Zeus in order to display his animosity towards him.

“Then, one day, his tales changed. He was no longer speaking of vengeance, but of beauty. He spoke of a young girl he had saved, and how she had grown into a fine young woman. As he weaved his tales, he also ensnared me within them until I too could only focus on this woman. But I could offer her something Night could not, a mortal partner to grow old and die with. I cared not they had been wed. It became my sole purpose to win her.

“I alone, of all who have crossed from Darrienia, retained the knowledge of what I once was. It is a blessing and a curse. I remember the countless cycles, and yes, in hindsight I regret my actions.” Eryx replaced the drawing, pausing to take a sip of water. “All Daniel accused me of is true. I caused Zo's father to leave his pregnant wife, and my actions resulted in Kez's murder.” Eryx sighed, staring deep into the glass of water. He had been too ashamed to remain on Drevera after he had forced Night to leave. It was not long before he too exiled himself from that land. Too ashamed of his actions to face a mother who, thanks to his intervention, now struggled to raise her daughter alone. The news of her death still played on his mind, and as they sat, he recalled the event once more…

…“Eryx Venrent?” The resonant voice from the window startled him. Despite his blindness he was normally aware of a person's approach, even those whose mischievous acts saw their footfalls masked. Realising the name she spoke his brow drew down into a frown. Not only had this woman approached undetected, she knew his name. All who passed through, and had cause to deal with him, simply knew him as Venrent. The name Eryx, however, had a different meaning to him altogether.

“It would appear we have business to discuss,” he spoke, his voice oddly flat. “Please, won't you come in.” He gestured towards the door, which could be found just inside the recesses of the deep red tent. Against the display stands, it seemed almost invisible.

He met her at the threshold, taking her arm gently to escort her through into the sitting room. His log fire crackled gently, confirming it would provide enough light for his guest to be comfortable.

He could feel the sheer quality of the clothes beneath his fingers, from this alone it was clear she was from a family of influence. The material, the cut of the cloth, it all implied a custom-made nature. Most women of this stature would be found in silks and dresses, but he could tell from the sound of her step she favoured trousers. The rubbing of materials across each other as she matched his pace told of its durability and comfort. It seemed she was a frequent traveller, yet still she walked lightly, her steps precise and guarded. This was a woman who knew how to defend herself should the need arise. He motioned her towards a chair, listening to her movements carefully, interpreting what they told him of this figure.

“So, tell me, milady, what is it I can do for you?”

“I am on a quest; I was guided to you.” Her voice betrayed no accent of her home town, but if he were to hazard a guess, there was a slight hint of Southern Albeth in her words. She was well spoken, refraining from the use of abbreviations, which made her origin more difficult to determine.

“By whom, human or Oneiroi?” he enquired almost suspiciously. His eyes narrowed to match his cautious tone.

“Both. It would appear I have met your successor.” There was nothing but earnest in her tone, but she was difficult to read, her voice only revealing the emotions she intended. “Tell me, what was it that brought you to our world?”

“Love, infatuation, call it what you will. Her name is Kezia, and despite my intentions I caused her great harm.” For some reason he had the feeling this young woman already knew the answer. Just as he assessed her, she too measured him. “Despite my age I was foolish, and I repaid her kindness by destroying her chance of happiness. I prevented her the joy of raising her child with her husband, with Night. I think rather than suffer this punishment,” he gestured towards his sightless eyes, “it would have been best for him to strike me down, then at least he could have remained. I know one day he will complete his revenge. Every day I wake wondering if it will be my last.” Venrent bore his heart with earnest. Why deny the truth? Especially when it was apparent this person knew more of him than most.

“So, you were responsible,” she whispered, her words nothing more than an undertone, yet he heard them clearly.

“I'm sorry?” The sharp ruffle of clothing suggested her posture had stiffened, as if she believed she had spoken out of turn, her words intended to remain unheard.

“I am sorry, it was not my intention to speak carelessly, but now I have it is only fitting I tell you. The day you threatened Night you were not alone. Your conversation was overheard. The protection Night enshrouded them in ensured their safety for a time, but it was shattered when Zoella began her journey home from her training with my father, Blackwood.” Eryx gasped, realising whose presence he shared. Lord Blackwood's daughter Lady Elaineor was known as the Lady of Knightsbridge. It was rumoured she attended to most matters on her father's behalf and her skills in both diplomacy and negotiations surpassed his. Eryx motioned for her to sit, yet she seemed content to stand. “Night had not expected her to flee his vigil. He had anticipated her return to be at a time she could be a protector of the family. As the protection vanished, their enemies seized the opportunity to make true on their threat. An action which resulted in Kezia's murder.”

“No.” The soft gasping tone betrayed the level of grief her revelation had caused. “I didn't know. I left some time before Zo. I couldn't face her any longer, not when I knew it was my fault she was alone. I, I didn't know.” Tears welled in his aged eyes, but now was not the time to shed them; there would be time to mourn later. “How is Zoella?”

“I fear if we do not act, she will too soon be reunited with her mother. Such is my purpose for being here. There are rumours of a fruit that only grows within the Perpetual forest. It is said only it can cure the strange sickness that has taken her. It has taken its toll, and I dare say even you would not recognise her in her current condition. My sources informed me of a gate in Collateral which led there, but it seems it has long been sealed and one life is not worth the risk of reopening such a path. It was implied you perhaps knew of a means to open it.” Her desperate plea seemed to fall on deaf ears, as in reply he simply continued to talk about Kezia.

“She visited me here, just after I had settled, she gave me something asking I pass it on to Zo, as if she knew that one day she would come this way. I don't suppose, could you pass it on for me?” Returning from a display cabinet he attempted to hand her a small sphere. She pushed it away, perhaps a little firmer than was intended.