Page 14 of Sundered By Fate

Cyrus's eyes darted between Virida and the gathering mob, calculating. "These people have been deceived by your tricks," he said, trying for authoritative. "But they won't be enough to protect you."

Aric tensed, but then the crowd began to part, and a hush fell over the square.

Cyrus's eyes widened slightly as he caught sight of something behind Aric. He turned, and his heart leaped into his throat as he saw a group of mages from the Silver Tower striding purposefully toward them, Olaya at their head.

Their flowing robes caught the light, glimmering with threads of silver and gold as they moved in perfect unison. A faint hum of magical energy pulsed around them, resonating with Aric's own magic.

"Lord Inquisitor," Olaya said, her voice commanding immediate respect as she approached. "What is the meaning of this confrontation?"

Cyrus's jaw clenched, his knuckles turning white on his reins as he clearly struggled to contain his anger. "We have captured a dangerous fugitive. I intend to bring him to justice for his crimes against the realm."

Olaya glanced toward Aric a hint of sorrow in her own eyes. "I think you're mistaken, inquisitor. Aric Solarian is under the protection of the Silver Tower." Her chin lifted, regal. "And any business regarding him is ours alone."

A chorus of murmurs rose from the townsfolk as they absorbed her words, and the tension began to shift.

Cyrus's eyes narrowed with suspicion, his hand creeping toward the hilt of his sword. "The Pureblade Order operates with the full authority of King Aster himself."

Olaya raised an eyebrow. "And does that authority extend to harassing a loyal servant of the realm who has risked his life in defense of humanity?"

Cyrus opened his mouth to respond, but Olaya pressed on before he could find the words.

"I hardly think so," she continued, her tone smooth as silk. "Especially not when you have no official outpost in Thornhaven. That gives you precisely no jurisdiction here."

The townsfolk began to mutter among themselves, and Cyrus's grip on his sword hilt tightened.

"There was once an outpost here," Cyrus said, his voice hoarse with frustration. "Before . . ."

He trailed off as he caught sight of Virida, the mayor of Thornhaven, staring at him with a steely resolve.

"The Pureblade Order abandoned it," Virida said, her voice ringing out clear and strong. "When the wards fell."

In a last-ditch effort, Cyrus argued, "He's been tainted by demonic influence! We can't trust him!"

Olaya, for all her regal composure, only raised one skeptical brow. "And if he's here to corrupt the town of Thornhaven, he's doing a piss-poor job of it." She glanced at Aric. "Repairing sewage tunnels, honestly?"

Aric could only shrug.

Laughter rippled through the crowd, the tension easing as they saw Aric's work in a new light. But Cyrus's lips thinned, his eyes flashing with anger.

"I will not stand by and let this traitor poison your minds," he said. "But if you insist on sheltering him . . ."

Olaya shook her head. "There is no poison here—only your fear of what you do not understand."

Her words were like a balm, soothing the sting of Aric's past failures. The townsfolk's murmurs of agreement gave him strength. Here, at least, they saw him for who he truly was.

But Cyrus was not so easily swayed. His eyes darted between the townsfolk and the mages, calculating his next move. And as Aric's stomach sank with recognition, he knew the inquisitor wouldn't leave without making one last attempt to unearth Aric's true nature.

Olaya stepped between them, her presence a buffer. "Enough, Cyrus. Your concerns have been noted, but they do not override the Silver Tower's authority in this matter." She turned to address the crowd, her voice resonating with confidence and command. "Aric Solarian will remain under the Silver Tower's supervision while we conduct our business in Thornhaven. This is now an official Silver Tower operation."

The townsfolk seemed to relax at her words, and even the Pureblades hesitated.

Cyrus's eyes blazed with fury, but he kept his silence for now.

Cyrus let out a low growl, but he knew when he was beaten. "Stand down," he barked to the Pureblades, and they hesitated only a moment before lowering their weapons.

As they began to withdraw, Cyrus fixed Aric with a venomous glare. "This isn't over, Solarian," he hissed, low enough for only Aric to hear. "I'll be watching your every move."

Aric met his gaze steadily, no longer intimidated by Cyrus's threats. "Then I suggest you pay close attention."

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