White Rose, Black Lily
May all gods bless us! Tika was shocked. Didn't this mean that…the combination of bloodlines was too strange! Heavens! She stood up in surprise and stared at Caramon in fear. She killed him! Chitira killed the father of her child!
I don't believe it, said Caramon vaguely. With his hands in his pockets, he kicked a stick of wood that had rolled out of the fireplace sullenly, sending sparks flying up the chimney. Shidon Brightblade was a knight at heart, not to mention the rules and creeds of the secular world. He couldn't have-Caramon paused, his face red. In any case, he wouldn't.
He was also a man. Sarah said softly, a young man full of vigor.
You don't even know him! Caramon refuted her angrily.
But I understood it later. Do you want to continue listening?
Tika patted her husband's broad shoulders. Just because he turned a deaf ear to it didn't mean that the truth didn't exist. She used an elven proverb to convince her husband.
" Yes, you do have a nephew," Sarah replied calmly, her expression gloomy and uneasy. He was 24 years old this year. I came here for him.
Caramon sighed heavily because of his heartache. Then, continue.
As you know, Chitira and the young knight left Solas and headed north. Since both of their fathers were knights of Solania, it was natural for them to ask about their fathers together. However, from what I know, the two of them seem to be born to be at odds with each other.
From the beginning, the two of them did not get along well. Although they pursued the same goal, their goals were thousands of miles apart. For Shidon, this was a pilgrimage. He was looking for a father who was a typical knight. Chitira's search was different. She knew, or at least suspected, that her father had been expelled from the Order for dishonor. She might have even contacted her father. Otherwise, she wouldn't have joined the army that was secretly gathering in the north.
At first, Chitira was very interested in the young knight's dedication and devout faith. However, this novelty did not last long. She soon grew tired of him. Then, he started to make her very unhappy. He refused to stay in the bar, claiming it was an indecent place. He prayed piously every night. During the day, he would constantly preach to her, hoping that she would repent for her sins. Perhaps she would tolerate such a move, but the young knight made a big mistake. He wanted to control everything.
Chitira would never allow such a situation. You know her. She had to be fully aware of the situation. Sarah smiled sadly. In the few months that she and I spent together, we did things according to her wishes. We only eat when she wants to eat. We only talk when she wants to talk.
Shidon was really bold. Even after a few months, Chitira's eyes were still burning with anger. I'm older than him, and I have more experience on the battlefield than him. I was the one who taught him his combat skills! He actually dared to order me around!
If it was someone else, they would probably just say, Listen, friend, we don't get along. This could not continue. I think we should go our separate ways. But Chitira would not do that. She wanted to give Shidon a thorough blow, teach him a lesson, and let him know who was the boss. She said that at first, she had considered provoking him into a duel with her and defeating him with martial arts. But then, she thought that this wasn't humiliating enough. She had thought of an excellent strategy. She would prove to the young knight that his self-righteous armor would crumble under attack. She decided to seduce him.
Caramon's jaw muscles stiffened, and his face was very ugly. He twisted his fat body uneasily. Although he wanted to question the other party, he knew what had happened.
Kittira felt that the temptation of Brettbred was like a game, making this boring trip very exciting. You know how charming your sister is when she wants to. She stopped arguing with Shidon and pretended to listen carefully to everything he said. She admired and praised him. Shi Dong valued honor and had ideals, perhaps because he was young and overly naive. In the end, he began to think that he had tamed this wild woman and led her to the path of goodness. Moreover, there was no doubt that he had fallen in love with her. She took this opportunity to seduce him.
That poor young knight must have struggled with his emotions for a long time. He swore to be abstinent before marriage, but he was still a man of flesh and blood, a young man full of vigor. At that age, the body seemed to move according to its own will, allowing the unwilling soul to move forward with it. Chitira was experienced in such matters. The taciturn knight was the exact opposite. I suspect that he didn't know what was going on until he lost control of himself.
Sarah's voice became low. One night, he was praying. This was the moment that Chitira had chosen. If she could lure him away from God, it would be a perfect revenge.
She had succeeded.
Sarah fell silent. The three of them remained silent. Caramon stared forlornly at the dying fire. Tika twisted his apron with both hands.
The next morning, Sarah continued, and the young knight finally realized what had happened. To him, he had committed adultery. He wanted to make up for his mistakes. He proposed to her. Chitira laughed. She made fun of the knight's oath and faith. She told him that everything was just a game and that she did not love him at all. In fact, she hated him.
She had indeed achieved her goal. She saw the other party collapse and feel ashamed, just as she had hoped. She teased him, tortured him, and finally left him.
She told me the look on his face, Sarah said. It was as if I had pierced his heart with a spear. The next time his face was so pale, his colleagues might just bury him!
"Damn Chitira," Caramon cursed under his breath, hammering the wall with his fists. Damn it.
Hush, Caramon! Tika said quickly. She was already dead. Who knew what kind of torture she was facing now?
Sarah said quietly, not knowing if the torture she suffered was enough to atone for her sins. I was once young and full of dreams. I can imagine the poor man's situation. I tried to tell Kittira about it, but she was furious. He deserved it, she said. After all, he had also taken revenge on her. The child in her belly represented this meaning to her. Shi Dong's revenge. This was also why she wanted me to keep it a secret and not tell anyone.
Caramon swayed. Then why did you tell me? Everything was not important now. If that's true, we'd better forget about him. Stone Brightblade was a good man. From the beginning to the end, he had always abided by the ideal of a knight in his heart. My son is named after him in memory of him. I will not insult the meaning of this name. His face darkened. So what do you want? Money? We don't have much money, but-
Sarah stood up. Her expression was very ugly, as if the other party had punched her. I don't want your money! If this was what I wanted, I would have come to you more than ten years ago! I'm here to ask you for help because I heard you're a good person. Obviously, I was wrong.
She started walking towards the door.
Caramon! You big idiot! Tika caught up with Sarah and grabbed her, just in time to stop her from being cloaked. Ma 'am, please forgive him. He did not do it on purpose. He was only like this because he was too sad and depressed. This was a huge shock to all of us. You…you've known about this for years, but it's sudden for us. Come back and sit down.
Tika pulled Sarah back to her seat.
Caramon's face was red and hot. I'm sorry, Sarah Dunstan. Tika was right. I felt as if I had just been slashed by an axe. I don't know what I'm talking about. How can we help you?
You have to hear my story, Sarah said. However, if Tika did not support her, she might have fallen. Sorry, I'm too tired.
Can't you rest first? Tika suggested. There would definitely be time in the morning…
No! Sarah immediately sat up straight. What we lack the most is time. It's not that I'm physically tired, but the pressure of this matter is too great.
He was only six weeks old when Chitira left him. He and I never saw her again. I won't feel sorry. I treat that child like my own. I even treated him better than my own child, because in my eyes, he was a gift from God to comfort my loneliness. Chitira had indeed kept her promise. She sent money to me and gifts to Shi Gang. I could sense that Chitira's wealth was growing from the increasingly expensive gifts and the increasing amounts of money. These gifts were all related to the war: A small sword, a small shield, and a small knife. The silver handle had a dragon engraved on it as his birthday present. Shi Gang loved these gifts. Just as his mother had predicted, he was indeed a born warrior.
When he was four years old, the war broke out. Money and gifts were no longer sent. Chitira had more important things to deal with now. I heard the story of the Dark Lady. I heard that she is in power under the favor of Marshal Ariakas of the Evil Dragon Legion. I remember what she said to me, that she would come back for the boy when he was old enough to fight. I looked at Shi Gang. Although he was only four years old, he was already taller and smarter than children of the same age.
If I accidentally let him go, I would definitely find him in the bar listening to the story of the war with his mouth wide open. Those soldiers were all mercenaries and would have a bad influence on him. They laughed at the Solanic knights for being cowards hiding behind their armor. I don't want Shi Gang to learn such a wrong way of thinking. Our town doesn't have any other defensive forces other than this mob. I'm also worried that they're secretly allied with the dark forces. So I left.
Sarah glared at Caramon and warned him not to question me and to move to Palansus with me. I think he should be safe there. I hope that this child will grow up among the Solanians and learn what true honor, creed, and vows are. I think this should work…should…
Sarah paused for a moment and took a deep breath intermittently. I hope this will suppress the dark blood I see in him.
On a child? Tika found it hard to believe.
Even when he was a child, he had already been like this. Maybe you think it's because I know that there are two different bloodlines in his body. But I swear to you, I can really see the struggle for his soul. Every good quality in him was tainted by evil, and every evil quality was mixed with good and beauty. I could tell at that time! Until now, it had become more serious.
She lowered her head. Two lines of tears slid down her pale cheeks. Tika hugged her with one arm. Caramon left his position in front of the fire and stood behind her as if to protect her, continuing to listen to her story.
It was in Palansus City that I first heard of Shidon Brightblade's story. I heard the other knights mention him, but they didn't particularly praise him. It was said that he made friends with many people who lived outside of society. Elf women, Kande people, and dwarves. He even boldly challenged authority. But the civilians in the city liked and respected Shidon, even if they didn't trust the other knights. I deliberately talked about Shidon Brightblade, seizing every opportunity to let Shi Gang understand his father's nobility and glory...
Did Shi Gang know the truth? Caramon interrupted.
Sarah shook her head. How can I tell him? This would make him feel at a loss. Although it was strange, he never asked me who my biological parents were. I've never hidden the fact that I'm not his biological mother. Too many people in the town knew this fact. However, I have always been afraid of that question. Who are my biological parents?
You mean, Caramon looked very surprised. He still didn't know?
He knew who his mother was. Those people were only willing to tell him so much. But he never asked for my father's name. Perhaps he didn't think I knew.
Maybe he didn't want to know, Tika speculated.
I still think he should have known, said Caramon defiantly.
Really? Sarah glared at him. Think about it first. Do you still remember the battle for the Guardian King's Tower? As you know, the Dragon Knight General Chitira was defeated, but the knights paid a heavy price. She killed Stone Brightblade, stabbing him to death as he stood alone in the battlefield.
When I heard the news, I was terrified. Can you imagine how I feel? Looking at Shi Gang, he knew that his mother had killed his father with her own hands. How can I explain to a child a tragedy that even I can't understand?
Caramon sighed. I don't know! he said gloomily. I don't know.
Sarah continued. When the war ends, we will still be living in Palansus City. Then I began to worry, afraid that Kittira would really start looking for her son. Maybe she really did. In any case, she did not find us. After a while, I heard that she was getting along with a Dark Elven Mage, Raistlin's Apprentice Dalama. This Dalama was now the master of Palansus City's Great Wizard Tower.
Caramon's face softened, and he became thoughtful and serious. Every time he heard Raistlin's name, he would become like this.
"I'm sorry, Caramon," Sarah said softly,"but when I heard your brother Raistlin's story, I only thought of one thing: It turned out that there was an even darker bloodline in his bloodline. In my eyes, Shi Gang was gradually surrounded by shadows day by day. He didn't look like a boy his age. All boys knew how to play war games, but for Shi Gang, war was not child's play. Soon, the other children refused to play with him. Because he would hurt him.
Tika's eyes widened. Hurt them?
He didn't mean it, Sarah said quickly. After that, he would feel very sad. Thank God, he would not be happy because of the pain of others. However, to him, these games were not games. As soon as the game started, his eyes would be filled with a strong desire to fight. The enemies he imagined were very real to him. Therefore, the other children would reject him. I know he's lonely, but he never admits it. Palansus City was also involved in the war. Sir Soth and Chitira joined forces to attack the city. Many people lost their lives. Our home was also engulfed by the raging fire in the city, but when I heard the news of Chitira's death, I cried with joy. At first, I thought that Shi Gang was safe, that the dark clouds around him would finally dissipate, and that he would walk on the path of light. However, my hope was shattered.
One night, when Shi Gang was twelve years old, I was woken up by a knock on the door. I looked out the window and saw three men in black riding horses. All my old fears come back to me. I was so scared that I woke Jiao Gang up and told him that we had to escape through the back door overnight. He was unwilling to leave. I think…there's a voice from the darkness calling out to him. He told me that I could escape by myself. But he wouldn't. He was not afraid.
Those people broke down my door. Their leader is…Do you remember I mentioned Ariakas?
The leader of the Red Dragon Army. He died in the temple during the final assault. What did he have to do with this?
Some say he was once Chitira's lover, Tika interjected.
Sarah shrugged. It would not be her first time, nor would it be her last. However, as far as I know, Takhisis 'daughter Saiboine fell in love with Ariakas and became his lover. She gave birth to a child for him and named him Ariaken. During the War of the Spear, he had fought under his father's command. He was invincible on the battlefield. When he was seriously injured and captured by the Solanians, his courage was astounding. Although he had been reduced to a prisoner, the Solanian Knight still treated him with respect.
Ariaken had been under house arrest for a long time, until they finally thought that in this peaceful era, this person could no longer cause any harm and released him. Ariakon had learned a lot from being forced to work with these knights. He began to admire them, even if he hated the weaknesses they showed.
After he was released, Ariaken was quickly visited by Takhisis, who appeared in the form of a Dark Warrior. She ordered him to immediately form a knight order to fight for her, just as the Solanic Knights were dedicated to Paladin. You will have to train them to revere me from childhood. Their bodies and souls will be mine. When they grow up, they will be willing to sacrifice their lives for me. Ariakon followed the oracle and immediately began to recruit these children to join the Evil Army.
Sarah's voice became downcast. Ariaken was the person outside the door.
Heavens! Tika was greatly shocked as he muttered.
He found Chitira's son. Sarah shook her head. I'm not sure how he did it. Ariakon claimed that Kittira had told his father about the child. I don't believe it. I think... I think it was that wizard Dallama, the evil master of the Archmage Tower in Palansus who led Ariakon to my house.
But Dalama would have told me, Caramon protested. He and I are... we are-
Sarah stared at him with wide eyes.
Not really friends, Caramon thought, but we both respected each other. Moreover, that child is my nephew. Yes, Dalama will tell me-
That might not be the case! Tika sniffed. No matter what, he was still a black-robed Wizard. Dalama was only doing things for him after the darkness. The order of priority between the two was not certain. If he thought that Shi Gang had value…
Maybe Dalama was just following orders, Sarah whispered, her eyes looking anxiously out of the window. Takhisis wanted Shi Gang. I've always believed that. She had tried everything she could to get him…and she was almost successful!
What do you mean? asked Caramon.
This is also why I came here. That day, Ariakon promised Shi Gang one thing. Ariakon would make Shi Gang a Black Paladin. Sarah reached for the cloak and picked up the black lily brooch with trembling hands. Takhisis Knight.
Caramon was shocked. There was no such evil knight order.
You're wrong, Sarah whispered. Very few people knew. However, it would soon be widely known. Not long after. Trembling, she hugged her cloak tighter.
Caramon said solemnly. I think I know what's going to happen next.
Chitira's son was the first person Ariakon looked for. I have to admit that Ariakon is very cunning. He spoke to Shi Gang in a man-to-man tone. He told him that he would teach him to become a great warrior and a leader on the battlefield. He promised Shi Gang that he would have fame, wealth, and power. Shi Gang was completely fascinated. That night, he agreed to leave with Ariaken.
No matter how hard I tried, no matter how much I cried, I couldn't convince Shi Gang. I only got one concession: I could go with him. Ariakon only agreed because he thought I was useful to him. He needed someone to cook for these children, sew their clothes, and clean them. " And... he has a good impression of me." Sarah sighed softly.
That's right! She was a little ashamed and a little proud to say that she had become his mistress. I was with him for many years until I was too old to please him.
Caramon's face sank.
I could understand. Tika gently patted the woman's hand. You sacrificed yourself for your son. Everything was just to stay by his side.
I can swear to you! This was the only reason! Sarah shouted. I hate them and everything they represent! I hate Ariakon. You don't know how much I've endured! Many times, I wanted to commit suicide. Death was much faster. But I can't leave Shi Gang. Although the other party tried his best to extinguish the fire of goodness in his heart, the weak spark still existed. Moreover, he loves me and respects me. If it wasn't for Shi Gang, Ariaken would have gotten rid of me long ago. My son would rather be blamed himself to protect me and defend me, but he never said it out loud. He could only watch as the others advanced to knight before him. Ariaken suppressed Shi Gang's every chance, all for me.
Shi Gang is very loyal to me. He was as faithful to his honor as his father. Maybe it was a blind obedience, because he was just as loyal to me as he was to them. His fate was already intertwined with this evil knight group. In the end, he finally had the chance to advance to a knight. Three days later, in the middle of the night, Shigang Bredt would make a blood oath and offer his soul to Takhisis. That's why I risked my life to find you, because if Ariaken finds out what I've done, he'll kill me without hesitation. This time, even my son couldn't stop him.
Don't worry, ma 'am, said Caramon, puzzled. What do you need my help with? Protect you? I can be very simple--
No, said Sarah, and she took Caramon's hand timidly. I want you to stop my son, your nephew, from making a vow. Although he was honoring his honor, he was throwing himself into the darkness. You have to convince him that he has made a grave mistake.
Caramon stared at her in surprise. If even his mother couldn't change him after spending so many years, what could I do? I'm just an uncle he never knew, a stranger. He won't listen to me at all.
" Not you," Sarah agreed." But he might be willing to listen to his father."
Ma 'am, his father is dead.
I heard that the body of Shidon Brightblade was worshipped in the Tower of Dharmaraja. I heard that his body possessed miraculous divine powers. His father would definitely be willing to help his son!
Uh…maybe. Caramon didn't look confident. I've seen many unbelievable things in my life, but I still don't understand what you mean. What do you want me to do?
I want you to take Shi Gang to the Guardian King's Tower.
Caramon opened his mouth wide. Was that all? What if he was unwilling to go?
Oh, he won't go willingly, Sarah said confidently. You have to force him to go. Perhaps he would use his sword to force him. This would not be easy. He's a strong, skilled warrior, but you can do it. You are a spear hero.
Caramon silently stared at the woman! He revealed a puzzled and troubled expression.
" You must help," Sarah pleaded, holding his hand tightly. Tears streamed down his cheeks like a fountain. Exhaustion, fear, and sorrow finally conquered her. Otherwise, Shidon's son would be on the wrong path!
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。