the third chapter
You're wrong, said Caramon calmly. My brother is dead.
Jestaris raised an eyebrow and looked askance at Dalama, who shrugged. In all their rehearsed scenarios, this kind of calm rejection was obviously not one of them. Jestaris showed a serious expression. He didn't know what to say and just looked at Caramon.
You sound as if you have solid evidence.
There was, said Caramon.
May I ask what it is? Dalama asked sarcastically. After all, the door to the Bottomless Abyss was already closed. This was with the help of your brother, but unfortunately, he was trapped on the other side of the door. The dark elf's voice became low. The Dark Lord would not kill him. Raistlin stopped her from entering this world. Her anger could not be easily appeased. She would use all means to torture him endlessly. Death was Raistlin's final salvation.
Indeed, said Caramon softly.
" Nonsense," Dalama said impatiently, but Jestaris placed his hand on the dark elf's arm again. The black-robed mage fell into a forced silence.
Caramon, I hear the truth in your voice, said Jastaris sincerely. You obviously know something we don't. Please share with us. I know this is very painful for you, but the choice we are facing is very important. What you know may affect our decision.
Caramon frowned and hesitated. What does this have to do with my son?
Yes, replied Jestaris.
Caramon's face sank. He turned his gaze to the sword, narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, and absent-mindedly touched the hilt. Then I'll tell you, he said reluctantly, but firmly. There was something that I had never told Ren He, including my wife, Tanis, or anyone else. He was silent for a moment, sorting out his thoughts. Then, he swallowed his saliva and wiped his eyes. He stared at the sword and continued to speak. After what happened in Palansus 'Great Mage Tower…I was completely stunned. I can't think. I don't want to think at all. I'm drunk day after day. I walked and talked, but I couldn't feel anything. This was much simpler. He shrugged. I have many things to do. The entire city had been reduced to ruins. Dalama, he glanced at the Dark Elf and almost died, while the Chosen One, Christana, was heavily injured. Furthermore, Tesi had added fuel to the fire by stealing a flying fortress. Caramon laughed as he thought of the ridiculous things that the Kander had done. But that smile quickly disappeared. He shook his head and continued.
I know I'll think of Raistlin one day. I have to think it through first. Caramon raised his head and looked straight at Jestaris. I had to force myself to face the real Raistlin and what he had done. Only then did I realize that he was evil, truly evil. In order to pursue his own desires, he let the people fall into the abyss of suffering.
Yes, because of his great achievements, he was saved, right? said Dalama scornfully.
Why are you so anxious? Caramon's face turned red as he raised his hand. Only then did I realize that it wasn't just that. I love Raistlin. He is my younger brother, my twin brother. We were so close that no one else knew how close we were. The burly man could not continue. He stared blankly at his sword hilt until he took a deep breath before raising his head again. Raistlin had done some good things in his life. Without him, we wouldn't have been able to defeat the evil dragon army. He cared about those people who were suffering from illness and fate like him. However, I also understand that even so, it won't be enough for him to obtain the final salvation. Caramon pursed his lips tightly and held back the tears that were about to fall from his eyes. As you all know, when I met him in the Bottomless Abyss, he was about to obtain the final victory. He only needed to step out of the space-time tunnel and lure the darkness to follow him. Then, he could defeat her and replace her. He would be able to complete his dream of becoming a god. However, if he succeeded, he would destroy the entire world. I've been to the future and seen this possibility. I've also shared this possibility with him. Raistlin would become a god, but he could only rule a world of death. It was only then that he knew that he could not return to this world. He had personally brought himself to destruction. However, when he entered the Bottomless Abyss, he knew how dangerous it was.
Yes, Jestaris said quietly. Moreover, in order to satisfy his ambition, he willingly accepted this danger. What are you trying to express?
I only have one thing to say, replied Caramon. Raistlin had made a mistake and caused a terrible tragedy. But he had also done what most people could not. He had the courage to admit his mistake and tried his best to save it, even if it meant sacrificing himself.
Caramon Malfoy, your wisdom has grown over the years. What you said makes sense. Jestaris looked at Caramon with new, respectful eyes, but shook his head sadly at the same time. However, this was a topic for philosophers to debate. There was no evidence. Forgive me for pushing, Caramon, but-
Before I went home, I stayed at Tanis 'house for a month! Caramon continued, as if he hadn't heard the interruption. I thought for a long time in his peaceful home. It was at that time that I discovered that my lifelong partner, my brother who was related to me by blood since birth, had already left this world. He was disappointed. As far as I know, trapped in eternal torture. I... I've thought of numbing my pain with dwarf liquor more than once. Caramon trembled and closed his eyes. One day, when I thought I would go mad if I didn't die, I went into my room and locked the door. I pulled out my sword and looked at the sharp blade. It was too easy to escape…I lay in bed, ready to end my life. However, I accidentally fell asleep from exhaustion. I don't know how long I slept, but when I woke up, it was already night. Everything was silent. Solinari's silver light shone through the window, and my heart was filled with an indescribable sense of peace. For some reason…I saw him.
See who? Jestaris asked, exchanging glances with Dalama. Raistlin?
Yes, it was.
The expressions of the two mages became extremely grave.
I saw him, Caramon said softly, sleeping next to me, just like... when we were young. Sometimes, he would have nightmares. He would wake up and weep over the nightmare. I will comfort him…and make him laugh. Then he would sigh, put his head on my shoulder, and fall asleep. That's what I saw--
Are you dreaming? said Dalama impatiently.
No, it wasn't. Caramon firmly shook his head. That was too real. His face was as clear as yours. His face was the same as when I last saw him in the bottomless abyss. However, the pain, twisted greed, and evil on his face had disappeared, leaving only a smooth, satisfied face. Just like Krishanna. That was the face of my brother, my twin brother, not the stranger he had become in the end. Caramon rubbed his eyes again. The next day, I could go home, knowing that it was all over... For the first time in my life, I believed Paladin. I knew he knew Raistlin, gave him a fair and merciful trial, accepted his self-sacrifice.
He was right, Jestaris, a deep voice came from the shadows. What else do you have to say about such firm confidence?
Caramon quickly turned his head and saw four figures suddenly appear from the shadows of the hall. He recognized three of them. Even in this place filled with countless sad memories, his eyes were still filled with tears of pride. It was the excitement of seeing her son grow up healthily. The two older ones were clattering with their armor and swords, but they looked a little unhappy. He thought to himself, considering their knowledge of this tower from legends and family history, this is not unusual. Moreover, they felt the same way about magic as he did. They disliked and did not trust it. As usual, the two of them stood beside Caramon's third son to protect him.
When everyone came in, Caramon looked anxiously at the youngest man. Palin was wearing a white robe. He lowered his head and approached the leaders of the various factions, looking at the ground with appropriate attitude. He had just turned 20 years old and was not even an apprentice. He would need to be 25 years old at the earliest before he was qualified to be an apprentice. This was the age at which the mages on Klein chose to undergo the trials. It was also the final test of his early magical skills and courage. Before they could study further and more dangerous knowledge, they had to cross this threshold first. Since mages would wield incomparable power, this trial was to eliminate those who were not skilled or did not take magic seriously. It was very effective. Failure was synonymous with death. There was no chance for him to go back on his word. Once a young man or woman of any race, elf, human, or ogre, it was the same. As long as they decided to enter the Great Wizard Tower and accept the trial, they would have to devote their whole heart and soul to magic.
Palin seemed to have some unusual troubles and seriousness, just like his expression when he came, as if he was ready to accept the trial. But this is too funny, Caramon reminded himself sternly. This boy was too young. Raistlin's skills were superb, and his magic power was extraordinary, but even so, he almost died in the trial. Caramon could still see his brother's bloodstained body on the ground. He clenched his fists. No! Palin was very smart and his skills were not bad, but he was not ready yet. He was too young.
Besides, Caramon whispered that he might give up the idea in a few more years...
Palin seemed to realize his father's worry. He raised his head slightly and gave his father a comforting smile. Caramon smiled in response, feeling much better. Perhaps this strange place had finally opened his son's eyes.
Caramon stared at the four men as they approached the semicircle of chairs where Jestaris and Dalama sat. Noticing that all his sons were fine and that their actions were reasonable (the eldest two sons were sometimes too rough), the burly man finally heaved a sigh of relief and sized up the fourth person. He was the one who talked about faith with Jestaris.
He looked magnificent. Caramon couldn't remember seeing anything stranger than this, and he had almost traveled all over the Anselon Continent. This man was from Byagos. Caramon could tell from his black skin that it was the mark of a seafaring race. He was also dressed like a sailor. The only difference was the many sacks and white belt around his waist. His voice was the kind of voice that was used to giving orders in the storm. This didn't match the scene, so Caramon looked around with some uncertainty. He wouldn't be too surprised if a ship with full sails appeared in front of him.
I believe you must be Caramon Malzheli. The man walked over to Caramon, who was clumsily standing up. The man held his hand with a strange strength that surprised Caramon and introduced himself with a smile. I'm Dunbar Masterme, from Byagos, the current leader of the white-robed mages.
Caramon was taken aback. You are a mage? He shook hands with him in surprise.
Dunbar laughed. It was the same reaction as your son. Yes, I did avoid the official business here to chat with your young masters. They were all good children. I heard that the two older ones were fighting the Taurens with the knights near Klarman. We almost met there. That's why we talked for so long. He looked at Jestaris apologetically. My ship is currently in Palansus City repairing the damage it received from the battle with the pirates. I am a Sea Mage. Dunbar noticed Caramon's puzzled expression and added an explanation. Oh my god, your children really inherited their father's legacy! He laughed and reached out to hold Caramon's hand again.
Caramon also smiled. Now that these mages were aware of Raistlin's situation, everything would be fine. He could take his sons home.
Caramon suddenly noticed that Dunbar was looking at him carefully, as if he could read his mind. The mage's expression became very serious. Dunbar shook his head slightly, turned around, and hurried across the hall. He sat down on the right side of Jestaris as if he was walking on a deck.
Alright, Caramon fiddled with the hilt of his sword, his confidence shaken by the mages 'expressions. The three mages stared at him expressionlessly. Caramon's face sank. I think that's it. You've all heard what I have to say... About Raistlin...
Yes, said Dunbar. We all heard it. I believe some of you are hearing it for the first time. The Sea Mage looked at Palin meaningfully, who was staring at the ground.
Caramon nervously cleared his throat and continued. I think we should go too.
The mages exchanged glances. Jestaris looked uncomfortable, Dalama looked serious, and Dunbar looked sad. But no one spoke. Caramon nodded and was about to signal his sons to leave when Dalama made an angry gesture and stood up.
You can't go yet, Caramon, said the dark elf. There was still much to discuss.
Then please explain clearly! said Caramon angrily, turning to face the mages again.
Let me say it, for these two men, he looked contemptuously at his colleagues, afraid to challenge your claim to strong faith. Perhaps they have forgotten the great danger we faced twenty-five years ago. I never forgot. His hand caressed the torn robe. I can never forget it. My fear couldn't be so easily dispelled by a single image. No matter how touching it was, it was the same. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly. Caramon, sit down. He sat down and listened to the truth that the two of them did not dare to say.
'I'm not afraid to tell the truth, Dalama,' Jestaris argued. I was just thinking about Caramon's story and the connection between it and this matter.
The Dark Elf snorted, but under the sharp gaze of the senior, she sat down again and wrapped her black robe up again. However, Caramon continued to stand, scanning the mages in front of him one by one. He could hear the clatter of armor as his sons shifted uneasily behind him. This place made them as nervous as he was. He wanted to turn around and walk out, to avoid this place of pain and heartbreak forever.
Heavens! He really wanted to do this! Caramon gripped the hilt of his sword and took a step back, looking at his sons. The two older sons were about to leave. Only Palin was still standing still, with a serious and thoughtful expression on his face, which Caramon could not understand. However, this reminded him of someone. Caramon could almost hear Raistlin's whisper, if you want to go, dear brother! Go ahead. Let's see if you'll get lost in the Willis Forest without me. 'I'm prepared to stay…'
No way. He was absolutely unwilling to hear these words from his son. His face was red and his heart was beating painfully. He sat back down heavily in his chair. " Speak clearly," he repeated.
About thirty years ago, Raistlin Mazheli came here to accept the trial. Jestaris spoke. When he entered the tower and accepted the trial, he encountered…
We know what power it is, Caramon growled.
"Only a few of us know," replied Jestaris. The others knew nothing. He turned to Berlin. At least, they didn't know the whole story. The trial is very difficult for Raistlin. The trial is equally difficult for all of us, right?
Dalama didn't speak, but his face had turned pale, and his almond-shaped eyes seemed to be covered in a layer of fog. All traces of a smile disappeared from Dunbar's face. His eyes turned to Palin, and he almost couldn't help shaking his head.
" Yes," Jestaris continued in a soft voice, absent-mindedly stroking her leg as if she was feeling the pain from back then. The trial was very difficult, but it was not impossible to pass. With Raistlin's young age, if Pasarian and the other leaders did not think that he would pass, they would definitely not agree to let him take the trial. And he would have succeeded! Yes, Caramon! In my heart, or in the hearts of all the witnesses that day, no one had any doubts. Your twin brother has the skills and strength to pass this trial by himself. However, he chose a simpler method, a foolproof method. He accepted the help of an evil wizard, the most powerful wizard of our generation, Festan Tillers.
Festan Dantilus and Jestaris looked at Palin and repeated. His magic had made a mistake and caused him to die in the Skull Mountains. However, his strength was enough to overcome the limitations of death. His soul was living in another space, waiting for a body that could be parasitized. He finally found the body…
Caramon sat in silence, his eyes focused on Jestaris. His face was red and his jaw muscles were stiff. He felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Palin standing behind him. Palin bent down and whispered," We can go, Father." I'm sorry. It was a mistake for me to invite you. We don't need to listen to this…
Jestaris sighed. You are wrong, young mage. You must listen. You must know the truth!
Palin was shocked and blushed when he heard his words being repeated. Caramon took his son's hand comfortingly. " We all know the truth," he growled. That evil wizard stole my brother's soul, and you mages just stood by and watched!
You're wrong, Caramon! Jestaris clenched his fists tightly, his gray eyebrows knitted together. Raistlin had deliberately abandoned the light and embraced the darkness. Festan Tillers had given him enough power to pass the trial. In exchange for this power, Raistlin had given him a part of his life to help the Lich's soul continue. It was the contract that destroyed his body, not the trial! Raistlin said it himself, Caramon! This is my sacrifice for magic! He said it many times in front of you!
Enough! Caramon roared and stood up. It was Pasarian's fault. No matter what evil things my brother did after that, it was you mages who made him embark on that path. Caramon turned around and motioned for his son to move together. He hurried toward what he hoped was the exit of this strange place.
No! Jestaris stood up unsteadily, unable to use his crippled left leg to support the weight of his entire body. However, his voice was strong and powerful, echoing in the hall like muffled thunder. Listen to me, make sense of it, Caramon Malzeri! You must, or you will regret it!
Caramon stopped. He slowly turned around. Was this a threat? He turned to glare at Jestaris.
Not a threat, at least not from us, Jastaris said. Think, Caramon! Can't you see the danger? This had happened once. It might happen a second time!
I don't understand, said Caramon stubbornly, his hand still on the hilt of his sword.
Dalama leaned forward from his chair like a venomous snake ready to attack. No, you understand! His voice was extremely gentle. You understand. Please don't ask us for details, because we can't tell you. But I can tell you this, from certain signs we have noticed, and from information beyond the mortal world, we believe that Raistlin is still alive, just like Festan Tillers. He wanted to return to this world. He needed a body to live in. And you, his twin brother, have kindly provided him with a body, young, strong, and undergoing magical training.
Dalama's words sank into Caramon's flesh like fangs. Your son…
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