The Legend of Black Eyes 241 Cicero

Omega fixed me with a venomous stare. He inhaled sharply. He was certainly not pleased with my defiance, but I could tell my words had struck a chord. He observed me from his seat with a calculating gaze.

"Tell me more about this old Stalwart you've met," he said. "And you'd better tell a convincing tale!"

I told him about the old man who acted as though he was Minsec's emissary. I told him about his powers, and the torture he'd put me through before. I told him how I traveled through time once, and how he got furious with me for doing so.

After I was done telling my story, Omega looked troubled. He looked at me then at the heavens above, as though pleading with them to tell him what to do with me. He let out a heavy sigh then his bright fiery eyes turned to me. He looked determined. He'd made his decision.

"Alright, I'll teach you," he said and I let out a heavy sigh of relief. "It will be very hard, and I expect you to follow my instructions religiously. From this day on, you shall address me as master."

"Yes, master," I said.

"You have a lot to learn. Fortunately for you, we have all the time in the world," he said, smiling. "For the time being, you'll stay here. My good friend Cicero had lent me this place. I don't see why he should refuse you either."

He turned toward the door and called out for the man named Cicero. When our host came in, my heart leapt to my throat. I immediately recognized the old man. I fought hard to conceal my surprise. I didn't want to give Omega any reason to probe me again. To tell you the truth, I didn't really know if I could survive a hostile probe.

You may remember this man as the old collector I met in Merinsk. Remember the one in the old dusty shop? The one who had his own private museum? He'd told me about Bodrick's location, and Fischer's. I'd stolen an item for him after I assassinated Lord Fischer. It all seemed like ages ago.

The old man didn't seem to recognize me though. He frowned, as though one frowns at a stranger. "Master Omega," he said then bowed. "How can I be of service?"

"Give my friend here a place to stay, will you?" Omega said. It felt more like an order than a request.

"Yes, Master," the old man said. He shot me a disapproving look then turned on his heels. "I'll send for him when his room's ready."

"Don't mind him," Omega said after Cicero left. "He's stingy when it comes to strangers. He'll come around. He always does."

"When do we start learning, master?" I asked.

"Go get some rest," Omega dryly replied. "I have a few things to take care of first. Minsec won't be happy that I took you under my wing... I have to deal with him first." He stood then walked toward the door. Before he left, he turned to look at me one last time. "If you don't tell me where your old man's hiding, you'll wish I��d killed you today."

He left and the room grew even darker around me. I was alone, truly alone in a world I knew so well. I hoped that Omega's training would lead me to some answers. First, I needed to find out what that snake took from me. There were so many questions I needed to find answers to. I didn't know where to begin...

I heard a gentle knock on the door then Cicero came in. "Master Omega's gone," he told me.

He looked nervous. He kept turning left and right, as though he was sure that somebody was following him. He gently closed the door then got closer to me, still looking around him like a lunatic.

"How the hell did you get here?" he hissed. "What have you done?"

"You..." I stammered. "You're the same Cicero I met?"

"Oh, after all you've seen, this is what surprises you?" he asked. He looked offended, a bit disappointed too.

"How are you here?" I shot back at him. "And what are you doing with him?!"

"Not here," he hissed at me. "You've put me in a delicate position, Stalwart! From now on, you act as though you've never seen me. Don't give Omega any indication that we've known each other at another time. Nod if you understand."

I nodded.

"I'll find you when the time's right," he went on. "Keep your head down, and don't trust a word Omega tells you."

Cicero was about to leave when I held him from his arm. "Before you go, how did you get here without getting noticed?"

Cicero smiled, revealing crooked teeth. He had this mocking grin about him that reminded me of my grandfather. "That's my secret to keep," he said, wrenching his arm away. "Keep your head down," he warned. "And don't let Omega down. He expects a lot from you. The day he gets bored with you will be the day your life ends."

"I'm not afraid of death," I defiantly replied.

"Then be afraid of him," the old man warned. "Even death keeps a safe distance away from him. That should tell you something."

The old man left me alone with my thoughts in that dark, empty study. All the dark and morbid thoughts I had were drowned by the prospect of getting stronger. I was excited to begin my training. For once, I had a teacher the world, and even death, feared.

I heard a soft knock on the door then one of the maids peeked through. "Your rooms is ready sir," she said with a soft, melodious voice. "If you would please follow me..."

I stood and followed the maid through the small corridors of the house. She led me through some spiralling stairs. We went up, and we kept going for what seemed an eternity.

"I thought this house was small," I told the maid after my legs began hurting.

"On the outside, yes," the maid replied. "You have to remember each corridor we take. If you get lost, it might take us weeks or months to find you. Please be careful, and remember the paintings in each corridor. It's the only way to remember where you came from, or where you're going."

"I'll make sure to remember," I said. I was already looking around trying to remember the knights in each painting and their names.

The stairs extended upwards, as though they led toward the sky. When we finally reached my room, both the maid and I were out of breath. The room Cicero had provided me was small, with the basic amenities. I had a bed, a desk, and a small wardrobe. There was also a chest in which I could keep my weapons and gear.

"You will fetch your own food and water," the maid said after we got in. "We only serve Master Cicero. As of now, you're on your own. Good luck."

Chapter end

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