Why Have You Never Asked?
Sarah's house was a two-story building. It was one of the many buildings that were close to the walls of the fortress. It was as if these houses were afraid of the violent waves and needed to find a wall to lean on. Tannis could hear the sound of waves crashing against the rock wall less than a mile away. The salt splashed on their cheeks, leaving a white layer of salt on their lips.
Sarah, open the door. Shi Gang was about to go on sentry duty.
She pushed everyone into the room. The house was small, but it was quite sturdy, warm, and dry. There was very little furniture. An iron pot hung over the huge fireplace. A table and two chairs were placed near the fire. Behind a curtain was another room with a bed and a huge wooden box.
Shi Gang and the other knights lived in the barracks. Sarah said in a hurry. She hurriedly threw the vegetables into the pot while Caramon helped to start the fire. But they allowed Shi Gang to dine with me. The strange scene from before still lingered in Tanis's mind. His chaotic thoughts made him keep silent.
Sarah poured the water into the pot. Caramon raised a raging flame.
You two hide over there, behind the curtain, Sarah instructed as she pushed them toward the bedroom. I don't think I need to tell you not to be too noisy. Fortunately, the wind and the waves were so violent that we couldn't even hear our own conversation.
What's your plan? Tanis asked.
Sarah took out a small test tube from her pocket as an answer. Sleeping pills, she whispered.
Tanis nodded. He was about to say something more when Sarah shook her head violently and pulled the curtain open with a snap. The two of them were left in the darkness, leaning against the walls on both sides and looking at each other. This way, even if the young man pulled the curtain open, he would only see an empty room.
Caramon found a crack in the curtain that allowed him to peek outside. Tanis poked a hole in his own body. The two of them listened in silence in the tense atmosphere.
Sarah stood in front of the pot. She was holding a test tube with the stopper removed.
However, she did not pour the medicine down.
Her face was pale. She bit her lips and her hands trembled slightly.
Tannis gave Caramon a look of alarm.
She couldn't do it! The half-elf's eyes flashed with a dangerous light.
Caramon's hand gripped his sword hilt again. Both of their foreheads began to sweat, but no one knew what to do if Sarah couldn't do it.
Suddenly, Sarah mumbled a few words that sounded like a prayer and poured the contents of the test tube into the pot.
There was a thunderous knock on the door. She threw the test tube into the roaring fire and wiped her eyes casually with her hand.
Come in, she called.
She grabbed the broom and began to clean up the mess on the floor caused by the rain and mud.
The door opened. A young man walked in. Caramon almost fell out in order to see clearly. Tannis gestured at the burly man to hide, and the half-elf's eyes were glued to the hole.
The young man had his back to them. He took off his wet cloak and untied the sword at his waist. He placed the sword against the wall! The scabbard was decorated with axes, skulls, and black lilies. He took off his breastplate and removed his helmet impatiently, which brought back a familiar, painful memory for Tanis. He had seen Chitira take off her helmet in exactly the same way.
The young man hugged Sarah and pecked her on the cheek. He put a hand on her shoulder. Mom, did you have a good day? You don't look too well. Are you sick?
Sarah seemed speechless. She shook her head. No, I'm just too busy. I'll talk to you later. Shi Gang, you're drenched. Go warm yourself up. You'll catch a cold.
Shi Gang untied the leather rope that tied his hair and threw out his long black hair. The two peeping fellows were very familiar with the black curly hair. Kittira had short hair, while her son had long hair that fell over his shoulders. When he reached the fire and warmed his hand, the flames lit up his face...
His face…
Caramon gasped.
What was that strange sound? Shi Gang turned his head abruptly.
Caramon covered his mouth with his hands and slowly walked away from the curtain. Tanis did not dare to breathe or move.
It was the wind, the wind blew through the broken window, Sarah replied.
" I fixed it for you the last time I came here," Shi Gang said with a frown. He walked towards the curtain.
Probably the planks are loose again, Sarah said. Come on, eat before dinner gets cold. You can't fix that window in this storm. Hurry up and eat before the soup gets cold.
Shi Gang took one last look at the room, then turned around and walked to the stove. Tanis moved his body and continued to observe the situation.
Shi Gang took a bowl and scooped out some soup and stew. A look of confusion flitted across his face. He sniffed the bowl.
Tannis shook his head and pointed to the dining room, warning Caramon to get ready. If the two of them attacked this young man together, they might still have a chance.
Shi Gang raised his spoon and tasted the soup. He grimaced as he poured the contents of the bowl back into the pot.
Sarah looked at him in surprise. What, what happened?
"Eat quickly before the soup gets cold," Shi Gang repeated. He mimicked his mother's voice and revealed a mocking expression. Mom, I have to put this bowl of food in the storm to make it colder. You haven't cooked it yet!
I'm sorry, darling.
Sarah heaved a sigh of relief, and so did Tanis. However, he was very worried about her performance. She was trembling and her face was frighteningly pale. It was impossible for Shi Gang not to notice.
What's going on, Mother? He put on a serious expression again. What was the problem? I heard you went out tonight. What are you busy with?
I…I picked up a few spies from the mainland…
Continent! Shi Gang's thick black eyebrows furrowed together. A spy! It's not safe, Mother. This was too risky. I'm going to talk to Lord Ariakon-
It's okay, Shi Gang. Sarah regained her composure. He didn't send me. I volunteered to go. If he didn't do this, he would have to let someone else ride Flash. I won't allow this. You know how sensitive she is.
Sarah turned her back to the young man. She picked up the fire tongs to stir the fire.
Shi Gang looked at her with a gloomy expression. I think it's a little strange for you to talk to me about spies. I didn't know you were willing to sacrifice for our goals.
She stopped. " I didn't do it for that goal, Shi Gang," she whispered, staring at the flames. You know it very well. I did it for you.
Shi Gang's lips curled up slightly. His expression suddenly became cold and emotionless. Tanis looked at the change and felt it was all too familiar. So was Caramon. The muscles of the burly man's entire body were as taut as a giant bow. Did you pick up the spy for me, Mother? Shi Gang's voice was full of doubt and mockery.
Sarah threw the fire tongs on the ground and turned to face her son. One day, Shi Gang, you will step onto the battlefield. Regardless of whether I agree with the goal you are fighting for, I will do my best to keep you safe. She clasped her hands. Son, reconsider! Don't make that oath! Don't offer your soul--
The young man revealed a tired expression. Mother, we've discussed this before-
Sarah rushed over and hugged her son tightly. You don't mean it, Shi Gang! I know you're not! You can't give your soul to the Dark Lord…
I don't know what you mean, Mother. Shi Gang replied. He broke free from his mother's embrace.
No, you understand. You still have doubts in your heart. Her voice became low as she looked nervously at the torrential rain outside the window. I know what you're thinking. It was because of this that you were reluctant to make the oath. Don't let Ariakon force you to go--
The decision is in my hands, Mother! Shi Gang's voice was as sharp as a blade. Just like you said, the war is coming. Do you think that I want to lead a group of stinky goblins to the battlefield while others who are not even half as strong as me can ride dragons to the battlefield and fight for glory and glory? I will swear that I will do my best to serve the Queen of Darkness. As for my soul, it's still mine. It did not belong to anyone or any god.
Not yet, Sarah said.
Shi Gang did not answer. He pushed his mother aside and walked over to the pot.
Is it cooked? I'm starving.
" It's cooked," Sarah said with a sigh." It's very hot. Sit down first."
Hearing her sad voice, Shi Gang looked around and muttered regretfully. Sit first, Mother. You look tired.
He respectfully led his mother to the table and pulled out a chair for her. Sarah sat down and looked at him thoughtfully. The young man clearly felt that his mother's silent attitude was very worrying. He suddenly turned around. He scooped two bowls of stew and placed one bowl in front of him and the other.
Sarah stared at her bowl of stew.
Shi Gang ate happily. Tannis breathed a sigh of relief and heard Caramon react the same way. How long would it take for the sleeping pills to take effect?
"You haven't eaten," Shi Gang said.
Sarah just looked at him. She placed her hands on her knees and clenched them into fists. 'Shi Gang,' she said in a suppressed voice.'Why have you never asked me who your father is?'
The young man shrugged. Maybe I don't think you know.
Your mother told me.
Shi Gang smiled. That mischievous smile brought back many vivid painful memories. Tannis was forced to close his eyes.
Chitira only told you what she wanted you to hear. It's alright. Ariakon has told me all about Kittira. He also told me about my father. said Kittira absentmindedly.
Really? Sarah was shocked. The hands on his knees stopped moving.
Other than his name, Shi Gang ate a lot of stewed meat and told me everything else.
Dammit, this is a slow-acting sleeping pill, Tanis thought.
Ariaken said that my father was a brave warrior, Shi Gang continued. He had a noble character and was brave enough to sacrifice his life for his beliefs. But Ariakon warned me not to ask about my father's life. This is a curse. If you know the truth, the curse will fall on you. It sounds weird, but you know how Ariakon can be overly romantic sometimes…
The spoon fell from Shi Gang's numb fingers. What-he blinked and put his hand to his forehead. I feel so strange…
Suddenly, his eyes lit up. He took a deep breath. He tried to stand up, but his feet wouldn't listen. What…did you do? Traitor! No, I won't allow it-
He reached out with a trembling hand and swept away all the cutlery on the table. He tried to stand up weakly, but in the end, he fell unconscious.
Shi Gang! Sarah bent over and stroked the black curls that covered his serious, handsome face.
Tanis hurried out from behind the curtain, Caramon following close behind.
It looked like he would be unconscious for a while. Caramon, what do you think? Tanis studied the young man's face.
Without a doubt, this guy was indeed the son of Chitira.
You are right. whispered Tanis. But could he tell who his father was?
I'm not sure. Caramon narrowed his eyes. It might be Shidon. When I first saw him, I almost thought that Shidon had come back to life. I…I was shocked! But after that, I only saw the influence of Chitira. The burly man shook his head. At least there's no elven blood in him, Tanis.
Tanis had thought that it was impossible. So even he was surprised that he was relieved... a part of his heart actually felt quite disappointed.
Yes, he's not my son, I'm sure of that, Tanis said loudly to Caramon. Anyway, I didn't think it was possible. If this child had elven blood, Ariaken might still take him in, because there were indeed dark elves, but I think the chances of that happening are very small. Do you think Ariakon knows the truth? Tanis looked at Sarah suspiciously.
It was possible. That was probably why he had never been willing to tell him his father's name and had warned him not to ask. He even used superstition to scare Shi Gang.
There's always a reason for superstition, Tanis said. Curses came in many forms. No matter what, the young man would at least be shocked.
He might explode when he wakes up, Caramon pointed out. I doubt he'll listen to us, let alone believe us. It's hopeless, Sarah. Your plan won't work-
It was possible. It had to be useful! I will never lose him! She glared at them angrily. You've seen him. You heard what he said! He had not been completely engulfed by evil. He might change his mind. Please, help me! Help him! Once we get him out of here, away from the influence of this darkness-as long as he-sees the Tower of the Guardian King and remembers...
Alright then. We'll do our best, Tanis said. After all, we're already here. I'll help him to the side--
Leave it to me, Tanis. Caramon picked him up.
Caramon had long been used to running around with a beer barrel, so he easily carried the young man on his broad shoulders. Shi Gang's head and weak arms dangled in front of him. His long hair almost brushed the ground. Caramon adjusted the young man's position and nodded.
Let's go.
Sarah covered Shi Gang with her cloak and picked up her cloak and the Dragon Knight's helmet. She opened the door slightly and peeked outside. The heavy rain stopped for a moment, and the stars shone. It was the constellation after the darkness. It seemed to be closer than usual, shining with a dangerous light. The stormy clouds gathered on the other side of the horizon again.
Sarah waved her hand and signaled for everyone to leave. They did not meet anyone else until they approached the stable. However, their luck ran out. They almost bumped into a knight in black armor.
He glared at Shi Gang and sneered. Someone was injured again? These young people were really serious about tonight's exercise. It looked like the priest would be very busy today. After the knight saluted, he went back to his own business.
The fortress was very quiet. Most of the people were either resting or recuperating as Qi Tu had said. A few flying dragons were coiled around the tower as night guards. The guards patrolled the fortifications. The purpose of routine training was more important than defending against the enemy's surprise attack. Ariakon had nothing to worry about. At least not yet. It was not time yet. Not many people knew that he was here or that he was planning something.
But now I know, Tanis thought uneasily. I can warn everyone, but it may be too late. Shi Gang called Sarah a traitor. Was she? Did she really cause so much damage to the goal they had worked so hard for? He recalled what he had said that night. Her goal was to keep Shi Gang safe. For her son, she had been loyal to the evil forces for more than ten years. She finally broke the silence, but it was only because she had no other choice. She wanted to stop the young man from making his final and greatest contribution.
They arrived at the open space. Sarah covered the brooch on her chest. A blue dragon appeared in the sky and swooped down on them.
If you can summon dragons, Tanis speculated. Then you should have been able to escape from here a long time ago.
You are right. Sarah looked down at Shi Gang, who was hanging limply on Caramon's shoulder. But I can only leave alone. He definitely won't be willing to leave with me. How can I leave him here alone? He only walked on the edge of the light for me.
But you can warn the others first. The Solanic Knight might be able to stop Ariakon. Tanis gestured at the huge fortress. No one could stop him now.
What can you knights do? Sarah asked. Riding a dragon and bringing a spear? What would the result be? Ariaken and the knights would fight to the death, leaving no one behind. No, I can't take this risk. In the past, I still held onto hope. One day, Shi Gang would see how evil they were. He might agree to come with me... but now... She shook her head in despair.
The blue dragon landed on the empty space in front of them. Flash was a little nervous when he saw that Shi Gang seemed to have lost his vitality, but Sarah explained it with a few gentle words. Flash still looked suspicious, but this blue dragon clearly trusted Sarah and was very loyal to Shi Gang. While Caramon was fixing the young man on the dragon saddle! The blue dragon stared at the young man, and Caramon finally squeezed himself into the saddle.
Sarah approached the Blue Dragon. Tanis raised his hand to stop her.
We will do as you say, Sarah Dunstan, but the final decision is in Shi Gang's hands. Unless you plan to lock him up in prison and throw away the key. Tanis's joke was not very clever.
" It will definitely work," she insisted.
Tannis grabbed her wrist. Sarah, if it doesn't work, you'll lose him completely. He will never forgive you for betraying him and his knights. You should understand this, right?
She looked at her son's motionless body, her expression as cold as the black lily on her chest. Tanis finally saw the true power that had kept this woman in this dark cage for more than ten years.
I understand, she said, leaping nimbly onto the dragon's back.
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