The Legend of Black Eyes 228 Unannounced Visitor

They were expecting a ship to dock by evening fall. Audrey, Zedd's intelligence officer, was bringing Cane from the Western Continent. Zedd seemed restless, as though he didn't expect the ship to reach the southern continent. 

 "King Utu will be meeting with the Emperor in six months," Tristan said. 

Zedd's lips pursed into a sly smirk," as expected," he said. "Why the delay though?"

"The events in Ulmir's Domain led to riots," Tristan said. "People weren't happy that the Church was meddling with their own religion. King Utu agreed to meet the Emperor in secret."

"This means he intends to cross the ocean," Zedd said, thoughtful. "We might still have a chance..." 

"A chance at what?" Tristan asked. 

"Nevermind that," Zedd dismissively replied. They crossed paths with a patrolling soldier. Zedd waited until the latter was far gone before speaking again. "How are things in Yanoku?" 

"It's chaos," Tristan replied. His brows were heavily creased. Zedd knew exactly what that meant. Tristan was about to start his usual sermons. He took in a deep breath and waited for his partner to speak. 

"The Custodians can barely keep things under control," Tristan went on. "They barricaded the roads leading to the Administrative and Financial Districts. The Chancellor's under a lot of pressure." 

"I told you the plan would work," Zedd said with a satisfied smile. 

"Audrey risked her life to get Cane out of there," Tristan said, still frowning. "There was a gang in the slums. They declared themselves enemy of Kozag and its gods. King Utu had to interfere. They massacred everybody in the slums, Zedd. The Three Headed Dragon couldn't even lift a finger to help." 

"They were never of much help anyway," Zedd said. "Did Audrey send word about Mr. Trebias?" 

Tristan didn't answer. He looked at Zedd as he usually does when he disapproves of his partner's actions. Zedd saw this coming, but it didn't make dealing with it any easier. 

"People die, Tristan," he said. "We merely opened their eyes to the truth."

"Innocent people died, Zedd," Tristan retorted. "It was because of your actions that the riots started."

"People deserve the truth," Zedd stubbornly replied. He knew where Tristan was trying to lead him, and he refused to budge. 

"People deserve a good life," Tristan hissed. "They don't care about the gods and the kings. As long as they're safe with a roof on top of their heads, they won't complain." 

"The king killed those people Tristan, not us," Zedd calmly replied. "He could have told those people the truth, instead he slaughtered them all. What do you expect me to do?" 

"You could have listened to me for a start," Tristan said with a clenched jaw. 

"There's no point crying over spilled milk, Tristan," Zedd said. "People die, with or without our interference. What we're trying to achieve will bring salvation to the rest of them. Try to think ahead, instead of drowning in your own guilt." 

Tristan sighed. "How many times have we had this type of discussions Zedd?" 

"I don't know, you're the expert at counting," Zedd replied. 

"Forget it," Tristan said, vexed. 

"What about Audrey?" Zedd asked. "Did she send word about Trebias?" 

It took the man a good minute to finally answer. "She said she made the order," he said, crestfallen. "As for the rest, we'll hear it from her tonight." 

"She came to see me before the Hunt," Zedd said. "Did you send her to talk some sense into me?" 

"If she was there, she never told me," Tristan replied. "I didn't tell her about your plan if that's what you're asking." 

Outside the castle, ruins of a forgotten civilization extended as far as the eye could see. Nature had long reclaimed its original habitat. Grass grew between solid bricks. Vines slithered their way up toward the few tall buildings that remained. Hawks circled above, looking for the occasional scurrying gerbil or baby chicks. 

"Tonight," Zedd said, thoughtful, "tonight you'll learn the truth. My plan may seem farfetched to you, maybe even impossible and full of flaws. I'll tell you this though. Everything I've done to get here, and everything I do after tonight is for one purpose only. After tonight, I hope you'll come to the same conclusions as well." 

Through the battlements, Zedd could see they were approaching the gate house. Two tall towers stood on each side of the gate, where the drawbridge was operated. They both walked in silence for a while. Tristan was still frowning. Zedd knew that his partner was musing over his words, still unsatisfied. 

"The witch, Fiona," he finally said. "Do you trust her?" 

"I do, wholeheartedly," Zedd replied. "Even if she doesn't trust us now... She'll come to her senses eventually." 

"She's locked herself in her room ever since you two spoke," Tristan said. "What did you tell her?" 

"Something you shouldn't know," Zedd said. 

Tristan's face flustered and Zedd chuckled. "Oh nothing of the sort," Black Eyes said, still chuckling. "I just shared some memories that may have unsettled her. She'll come to our ceremony tonight though." 

"We've always operated as a perfect trio," Tristan said. "Why add two complete strangers all of a sudden?" 

They were standing above the castle's main gate then. Below them, the draw bridge was lowered, hiding the thousands of spikes in the moat beneath it. Zedd looked at the ruins that lay ahead of him. 

"Did you know that these ruins used to be even taller buildings?" he asked. "They were so tall they scraped the clouds. Houses were stacked one on top of the other. At night, they'd use electricity, some type of energy that's similar to lightning. All their houses were lit by night. They never knew what true darkness meant. Can you imagine living in a city like that?" 

"I bet their electricity was their doom," Tristan said. "I've been to those ruins. The destruction and devastation in there... I wonder how it all went down..." 

"It was mainly the Church, and their stubborn empress." Zedd replied. "It's humbling to see a great nation crumble. Only ruins left to tell us the few stories we know today." 

"We tend to forget everything with the passing of time," Tristan said. "Even written words could be twisted, facts become theories, and heroes turn into villains." 

"You're a depressing feller to be around," Zedd said. "Have a little faith, will you? We will escape this vicious cycle. None shall break our will." 

Tristan snorted. "I hope the others share your enthusiasm. That witch has really lifted your spirits." 

"She's one of a kind," Zedd replied, grinning. "With her help, we will end our planet's suffering." He turned around then headed for the castle. Tristan followed shortly after. 

"Any news about Smith?" Zedd asked as they descended into the courtyard. The inner keep was deserted, save for a few servants, the Castellan, and Zedd's guests. 

"The empire's trying to reach him," Tristan replied. "Avourel already sent a young girl to befriend him. She's acting as his apprentice." 

Zedd chuckled. "After all he's seen, Sam still believes you can fool Celestials. Let them do as they wish. Keep a close eye on the old man though. If he moves, I want to know where he's going and when he left." 

"Understood," Tristan replied, fidgeting with his mustache. "About the ball..." 

"I've heard all your arguments Tristan," Zedd cut in, exasperated. "I know what I'm doing." 

"Zedd..." Tristan stopped right in his tracks. He was frowning again. He looked the man with strange eyes deep in his golden pupils. "I've always supported you, even during the stunt you pulled back in Ulmir's domain. This is madness though... You know what that woman's capable of." 

"Precisely," Zedd said. "She knows I'm coming anyway. Why delay the inevitable?" 

"If she knows you're coming, she'll be ready for you," Tristan said. "I can't believe I have to tell you this." 

"If she also knows it's inevitable, she won't fight it," Zedd replied. "I only want to talk to the Contesse, Tristan. I don't want to kill her." 

Tristan sighed. "I hate it when you do this," he said. "Your actions could jeopardize the whole operation."

"Rimbaldi cannot open that Pathway Tristan," Zedd said with an annoyed tone. "I thought we discussed this already." He turned around and resumed his inspection. 

"No," Tristan said, refusing to follow. "You discussed it. I still think it's not our best option." 

Zedd turned to face his partner. "Heda controls the Underworld in the eastern continent. She could have told Sam who I really was. She's been waiting for my visit ever since I made my presence public. She knows I'm here, Tristan. I say let's hear what she has to say." 

"Our partners won't like this," Tristan warned. "Your actions have also affected the Underworld." 

"I'll deal with 'our partners' if it ever comes to that," Zedd answered. "Are we done here?" 

"Fine," Tristan replied. He nostrils were pulsating. Zedd could tell he was struggling to remain calm. "When things go south, you'll hear me say it: I told you so." 

"I can't wait," Zedd replied with a fake smile. 

He left his partner at the courtyard then headed for his solar. He needed some quiet to sort out his thoughts. Deep down, he knew Tristan only objected because he was worried. That was his nature, but his recent outbursts really got under his skin. He shook his head and chased away his paranoid thoughts. Tristan was his first partner. Besides, his added value outweighed his tendency to over think. 

When Zedd pushed the door that led to his solar, he saw an old man standing before his painting. A gray goatee hid his large chin. He was tall and quite muscular. He was wearing a plain, baggy shirt and blue trousers. Everything about him suggested simplicity, yet he was nothing but simple. He slowly turned to face the man with strange eyes, his bald head shone as the sun wormed its way in through the solar windows.

"Zedd Darkstar," the old man said in a gruff voice. "I always hated that name." 

"What are you doing here?" Zedd asked with narrowed eyes. If it were anyone else, he would be greatly alarmed that he managed to get in undetected. 

"We didn't send you here to start wars," the old man said. "Or have you forgotten?" He was looking at Zedd with a wide mocking grin. 

"You sent me here to do the impossible," Zedd said through clenched teeth. "If you don't like how I do things, why don't you try it out for yourself?" 

"You forget your place," the old man snapped. "I came here to deliver a message. Boss says to look into Stalwart." 

'Way ahead of you buddy,' Zedd thought. He faked a heavy frown however then spoke. "I didn't agree to that." He was clenching his fists, shifting in place as though he was a nervous child. 

"Again, you forget your place," the old man calmly said. "Or do you want me to tell boss you're refusing to cooperate?" 

"The Church has infiltrated every temple in Hera," Zedd said. "Their leader has no name, and their God is invisible. You want me to find their secret, fine. I need time though. Omega already knows this." 

"The Holi Wars are approaching Darkstar," the old man said. "If you don't get rid of the spreading infection, we'll have to eradicate your world once and for all." 

"I don't need you to remind me of that," Zedd said. 

"It seems I do," the old man retorted. "You have two years left before Omega takes matters into his own hands. Whatever you're planning, I suggest you do it fast." 

The old man turned around and disappeared into thin air. Zedd let out a relieved sigh. He looked for a sofa then let himself fall on top. He pressed his fingers against his temples. Fighting impossibly large monsters was a thousand times easier than managing people's expectations...

Chapter end