((Sadly, reposted from my deviantArt account since my site was, y’know, down.))
Sorai didn’t let me leave the house for the next three days. She spent most of her time in her room, which left me to my own devices. It’s not as if I could just leave, however, because of that stupid oath.
Being around a bored dragon is never fun. We generally like to have a lot going on inside our mind, and when there’s nothing there to keep it occupied, things can get a little scary. Heck, those stories of dragons raiding towns and villages for virgins and gold? That’s the result of abject boredom.
After the third day, while I was trying to set the cat’s tail on fire, Sorai emerged from her room looking drained and exhausted. She held in her hands a small bundle wrapped in brown paper and twine. She beckoned me to set on the couch, which I did (to the cat’s relief), and she held out the package to me.
“The Council has spoken. They have decided that you will undergo a Trial of Redemption in order to regain your powers.”
I blinked at the package and took it, looking down at it in confusion then glaring at Sorai. “A Tri-”¦ that’s crap. They’re my powers, I should have them back whenever I wa-”¦”
“Would you rather never have your powers again? That was the original arrangement.”
I muttered epithets under my breath as I ripped the package open. Inside the wrapped box was a pocketwatch ““ you know, the type they used to use in European cities a long time ago? It was gold with a very long gilded chain. It was actually quite beautiful.
However, this had nothing to do with my powers.
“The hell is this?” I held up the watch at Sorai, looking at her questioningly.
“This watch will mark the time that you will spend while you are undergoing this Trial.” Sorai gestured at the watch. “Look at its face.”
I did just that ““ there were no numbers, just marks. The hands were both at the 12 o’clock position, and there was no hand marking the seconds.
I still didn’t get it, though. “So”¦ it’s a badly-made watch that’s set to the wrong time.”
Sorai rolled her eyes and sighed. “You’re entirely too simple”¦ you’ve killed 322 people. If you just sit there and twiddle your thumbs, waiting for the full gamut of powers to fall on your head from the Heavens, then you’ll get them back”¦”
“Un-hunh?” I was at the edge of the sofa cushion, listening in anticipation.
“”¦ In a little over 1,600 years,” Sorai concluded, and I felt her narrow her eyes at me.
“Sixteen hun-”¦” I felt my jaw drop; I probably looked incredibly moronic, but just the thought of waiting all that time was just making my brain hurt.
“That’s five years for every life you took. It’s by no means any compensation to humanity, but the Council deems it a suitable period on which you can reflect upon your actions. ”
“But that’s”¦ I’m already almost at half my lifespan”¦” I felt despair sink in, and I looked at the watch. “So that’s just going to tick away those 1,600 years? Isn’t there a way to make it go faster?” I shook the watch in the hopes of making the hands move ““ they didn’t.
“I’m glad you asked, Krysit.” Sorai smiled, though I couldn’t tell if it was a good smile or a bad smile. “You can sit and mope for 1,600 years, yes, and likely go insane while you do so”¦ but the Council did give you an out.”
“I’m listening.” I sighed, running my fingers in my hair before looking at her wearily ““ this wasn’t going to be good.
“There are certain”¦” Sorai paused, as if searching for a word, “”¦ “˜things’, I’ll call them, that the Council would like investigated. It’s very difficult for a dragon to do so, for it can put entire clans at risk.” I nodded, and she continued. “To put it simply, there is a group that seems to be staging a coup against the Council. So far we know absolutely nothing about them, yet it would be too dangerous for any of us to investigate the matter.”
Sorai looked straight at me as she continued. “The Council would like you to investigate the matter, Krysit. As an outcast, the group likely won’t suspect your actions”¦ they may even welcome you within their ranks. I would rather that you didn’t go that far, however”¦”
“What, afraid I’ll join them permanently?” I grinned at my own joke, but judging from Sorai’s reaction, I don’t think she found it funny.
“The efforts you undergo for the Council regarding this matter will earn you credit towards the Trial”¦ call them “˜brownie points’ if you want. The more effort you put in, the faster you will regain your powers.”
I got to my feet. “Sweet, then I’ll-”¦”
“Hold it.” I felt a gust of wind push me, and I was suddenly sitting on the couch again. “I need to warn you”¦ the clock can and will go back if you do anything reckless or against our values. Mess up enough, and the hands will turn back before their starting point”¦ and jam. If that happens, you’ll never have your powers again.”
“Erk.” I looked down at the watch to make sure they didn’t do just that. “Okay, uh”¦ then can I have access to your library? I guess I can get started there.”
“Certainly.” Sorai smiled. “Right this way”¦”
Pessimistic
Drained
Annoyed
Morose
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