Hadjar walked to the Palace without paying much attention to the road. He’d wandered far away in his memories. The memory of his original world was so distant that he assumed that it had never existed. Mentally, he returned to that half-forgotten dream world — Earth. This dream was more vivid now, both closer and somehow clearer. Hadjar recalled how often he’d lain in the ward and looked at the lights of the city spread out below. That city had been somewhat similar to the capital of Lidus...
Hadjar tried to figure out if all of this might just be a story... Long ago, Hadjar had often read one particular book in the evenings. It was the story of a king, of betrayal, a prophecy, of witches and gods. It was very similar to the canvas of Fate along which Hadjar was walking now. Hadjar thought about the first lines of his favorite passage from that book: “Isn’t it all the same where you die: here or there?”
Hadjar entered the Palace as easily as he’d gotten into the city. The guards let him pass as soon as they saw the royal medallion. Then he went on a short walk through the front yard, accompanied by legionnaires of the Empire who stayed a respectful distance away from him. Everyone in the capital, and perhaps throughout the entire country itself, had heard about how the Mad General had treated Darnassus. None of the warriors believed that they would be able to fight against the famous swordsman and therefore didn’t intend to irritate him once again.
Hadjar walked past the garden. He directed his gaze toward an ivy-covered stone on the lake for a moment. For some reason, the sight of that stone made his heart ache. Alas, the General didn’t get a chance to walk over to the stone and examine it more thoroughly.
Once inside the Palace, Hadjar heard someone shout: “I’m a fool for marrying you!”
With a calm expression on his face, Hadjar deflected a spell that had ricocheted toward him. Coincidentally, he sent it in the direction of one of the legionnaires. The warrior was dragged across the floor for at least six yards, and then the comrades of the victim began to fuss, trying to extinguish the green fire that was threatening to devour him.
“You’re a psycho! What if you’d killed me?”
“Then I would’ve been granted the mercy of not having to endure your presence!”
“Endure my presence?”
“Dickwad!”
“But I haven’t even walked past her! Why are you so angry, dear?”
“Don’t try to butter me up!”
Hadjar rolled his eyes. Back when these quarrels had taken place in their army camp, he’d had at least some ability to influence his friends and calm them down. Now, with him not around and an entire empty palace to have their fights in? Hadjar gave the place about a month before they tore it down.
Hadjar cleared his throat and smiled at his friends. They were standing at the end of the corridor and either kissing or trying to devour each other.
“I’m happy to see you both as well.”
The lovers released each other. They looked toward the entrance, and after a moment, Hadjar felt the touch of Serra’s hot lips on his cheek, as well as his friend’s strong palms on his shoulders.
“I’m so glad you’ve returned, you drifter!” Nero shouted, shaking his friend with such force that he almost broke his neck. “Finally! We’ve already gotten sick of this gilded cage! It’s time for us to look for a place in a caravan!”
Serra nodded at her husband’s words. The two of them were sick and tired of being cooped up in the Palace.
“Are you going to leave again?” Came the question from the opposite side.
Elaine walked down the corridor. Even wearing a simple dress, she was still as beautiful as ever. Her appearance made the legionnaires freeze up. Even the guy who had nearly been burned to a crisp stopped panicking for a few moments, captivated by the Princess’ beauty. Before Nero could answer her, the King and the Governor appeared behind the Princess.
“It’s unlikely that your brother will be going anywhere anytime soon,” Primus’ voice was filled with the joy of victory. “General, I see you’ve returned.”
Hadjar pulled the bag over his shoulder silently and threw it across the corridor. Midflight, the ribbons holding it closed unraveled, releasing its ‘contents’. With a hollow thud, Atikus’ severed head fell to the marble. Leaving behind purulent, bloody stains, it came to rest at the King’s feet.
“Old friend,” Primus whispered, and for a moment, there was pain in his eyes. Then the King seemed to shake it off and... Calmly stepped over the head. “Congratulations on your success, General Hadjar Traves.”
The King walked by the stunned Elaine, Nero, and Serra, and came almost face to face with Hadjar. They stood opposite each other, separated only by a few inches of space. Suddenly, Primus’ gaze slid a little lower and stopped on the dagger hanging from Hadjar’s belt.
“I recognize that dagger,” Primus said thoughtfully. “I remember Atikus wanting to pass it on to one Prince in particular...”
Hadjar only managed to spot the Governor briefly. Then a throbbing pain erupted at the back of his head and darkness began to envelop his world.
“Welcome back, Hadjar Duran.” A laugh full of maniacal glee could be heard somewhere in the back of his mind.
When Hadjar woke up, he smiled despite himself. He recognized the cold, the darkness, the walls, the floor, the ‘window’, and even the collar around his neck. Fifteen years later, he’d returned not only to the capital, but also to that very same dungeon from which simple chance had once rescued him.
Chapter 244
Hadjar didn’t know exactly how much time had passed since he’d been
