Chapter 16: Set Ablaze
Shortly after the rain had ceased, the sun's rays trickled in through the curtains of Silas's bedroom. The sun kissed the land with its warmth while the sky became painted with hues of pink and gold.
Something within Silas abruptly awoke him from his slumber as if something was amiss. Silas immediately swung his legs off the bed. He swiftly rose to his feet, changing into combat attire and arming himself with his sword. He could sense the impending danger approaching his kingdom.
It should be any moment now. Everything is already falling into place. It makes no sense for people of this world to worship and revere beings incapable of being trusted. Since, in the blink of an eye, the life they could so graciously give they could just as easily take, Silas thought to himself.
"But no matter. After what happens today, everyone will learn the error of their ways and witness before their very own eyes that the bond binding humanity with the divine is fragile. And to think that all it'll take to drive a wedge between them is simply to sprinkle the seeds of doubt," Silas mumbled to himself in a voice filled with anticipation while smirking maliciously.
Suddenly, Silas's train of thought was interrupted when Klive burst through his bedroom door. Klive was already equipped with a bow and arrow to prepare for what was about to happen.
"It was just as you said, my lord. Rather than going out of our way to search for the next god to kill, one has come directly to us," Klive said, trying to regain his breath from rushing over to tell Silas the news.
"There's chaos ensuing in the kingdom as we speak. The fire god Elio is wreaking havoc on it. He is completely disregarding what gets obliterated in his path of destruction, "Klive said excitedly.
"Why don't we give our uninvited guest a warm welcome, shall we?" Silas said with a smug expression covering his face.
Suddenly, a massive shot of fire shot through Silas's bedroom window.
The blast sent shards of glass scattering everywhere that gleamed in the morning light. With lightning reflexes, Silas dodged them with ease, preventing his skin from receiving a single scratch.
The terror-filled screams and cries of the citizens of Ralayna carried through the air as they began to run for their very lives. A mixture of ash and fire sprang forth, ready to contaminate one's lungs. Elio sent yet another searing fireblast directed toward some of the kingdom's buildings.
Elio's booming voice carried through the air tauntingly. "Rise and shine, King Silas. Come out here and show your face! I'd like to have a word with you. I'm already losing my patience. I tend to have a short temper. Better hurry unless you want your entire kingdom and citizens burned to a crisp. You don't want that now, do you?"
"Hah, you heard him; best not to keep him waiting. Let's give him what he wants," Silas said with a sly glint in his eyes. With his sword gripped in his hand, Silas followed not far behind Klive as they made their way outside to the courtyard where Elio awaited them.
"This is growing rather boring. Let's make things interesting, shall we," Elio said, losing his temper.
Elio sighed before expressing his might by grabbing a man by the collar who was trying to run past him with a single hand. Elio slightly lifted the man off the ground, almost as if he were nothing more than a rag doll.
Beads of sweat began to form on the man's face, and he started trembling as his bewildered eyes came in contact with the flames that danced around in the palm of Elio's hand.
Elio had choppy red hair and lava-colored eyes with flames extending from them. His eyes darkened with rage, highlighting his chiseled face. Elio stared back at the man he held with fierce intensity without lifting his gaze.
Elio's attire openly expressed his pride in displaying his taste for wealth and riches to the world. He only wore an open blazer dyed burnt orange with sewn-on jewels of various colors ranging from aquamarine, amber, peridot, and amethyst, revealing much of his bare-toned chest. On the front of the blazer, swirled patterns and designs were displayed to represent the flames burning within him.
"Silas, if you are not out here by the count of three, this man will die. Then I'll just have to keep going through citizens one by one until I run out," Elio said loud and clear in a menacing tone, showing he meant business.
"One, two, th..." before Elio could finish counting, a twisted smirk began forming on his face since he could see Silas standing in the corner of his eye. Elio then stared at the male citizen he was holding.
Upon realizing Silas's arrival, Elio let an annoyed sigh escape his lips before stating, "I was hoping I was going to get to say three. How unfortunate. I truly thought that you wouldn't make an appearance."
"Lucky for you, human, looks like you get to live another day; better hurry and leave my sight before I have a change of heart," Elio said while carelessly releasing his grip, allowing the man to drop to the ground before the man ran away for his life.
"Ah, the king of Ralayna. I've heard so much about you. It's about time you showed up. I'm actually rather surprised to see you standing there," Elio scoffed.
"I figured you would chicken out and make a run for it to save yourself while leaving your people to fend for themselves. You've got the guts to face me like this. I like that," Elio said arrogantly before turning to face Silas.
"Hah, don't make me laugh. It seems like you don't know me very well. I'm anything but a coward. I would never turn my back on my people. How could I not show my face when you were so desperate to see me? I have to say I'm quite flattered," Silas said sarcastically, without holding back while grinning.
"Care to explain what happened to Kalias, Silas? I can guarantee that you know something. I thought that you supposedly cared about your kingdom and citizens. Why would you jeopardize their lives by not offering protection or having guards on watch, given how important Kalias was to this world?" Elio pointed out.
"You don't seem to be the type of human to be negligent enough to let assailants sneak past you and not have any knowledge of the details surrounding Kailas's murder. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that it was a carefully orchestrated murder plot," Elio said in a cold tone while his eyes glowed with fury.
"That's quite the accusation. You know, Elio, I don't understand you. Why are you taking out your anger and frustration on the innocent citizens of the kingdom when they have no knowledge or role in Kalias's murder? But if you come closer, I'll tell you a little secret," Silas tauntingly replied as he took a few steps closer to Elio.
Shortly after Silas uttered those words, Elio rushed full force toward him before grabbing Silas by the neck with both hands.
Silas laughed sarcastically before a mischievous grin became plastered on his face in response to Elio's actions. "You dare lay a hand on me, foolish god. I cannot believe the audacity. You have no idea who you're messing with. That must mean that you wish to die by my hand from where you stand. I won't deny what you want."
Hearing Silas's words erupt with such arrogance made Elio angrier. "Be careful with your choice of words, Silas. I don't think you realize that your threats mean nothing to me. You're no match for my flames."
"Tell me what I demand to know, or I will put an end to you right now. Who is the one who killed Kalias?!" Elio threatened with a burning rage.
Silas briefly paused before beginning to speak at a level that was not much louder than a whisper, just enough for Elio to hear what he was saying.
"Or else, what? I prefer others to be upfront with me rather than them simply leaving me in the dark," Silas replied in a jeering voice.
Silas slightly paused for dramatic effect before admitting, "You know, Elio, you're no fun. I can't seem to hide anything from you now, can I? You saw right through me."
"I'm well aware of everything that transpired last night, ultimately leading to Kalias's demise. Just between us, you're not wrong. Kalias's murder was, in fact, one that was carefully planned and thought out," Silas said while grinning.
"I bet it's eating you alive over who should be punished for committing such an act. Do you want to know who did it? I don't want to keep you in suspense," Silas taunted.
"Out with it now! Tell me who is the one responsible for Kalias's murder so I can put an end to them right this second!" Elio shouted.
Silas boldly confirmed while smirking, "I'm not afraid to admit to what I've done. I was the one who took Kalias's life, and what do you plan to do about it? Do you intend to kill me? Don't make me laugh."
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