Morning arose rather slowly over the bulbous cathedral.
There were rays of sunlight gleaming through the windows, but there was doubt in the air. There were a few knocks against the grand wooden doors of the Narthex, the congregation inside fearful for what lied outside. Silence. Nothing but silence before and after the knocking. Then there it was again a few more times.
The priest and his monks braved to investigate, the former mustering all the courage and bravery in his frail lean body to open the door. When he finally cracked it open, the boy was there. Blood and dust mottled his grey attire and white gloves, nothing in his palms but sweat and grit.
Forgive me, Pateras, the boy smiled softly. I believe I didnt keep my word.
You kept the flock safe, the priest sighed and opened the door a little further. I dont know what else we could do, not when these barbarians have tried to shend all holy.
But when he opened the door...
Good riddance! The priest scowled past the boy.
There, towering behind the boy, nailed to a tall wooden cross, was the Warlord. There was an iron nail in his palms and feet, a golden wreath atop his bald head, and his eyes comfortably shut. There, he was presented by the people, bearing nothing but the banner covering his hips and legs.
I present you the warlord, the defiler of flesh, the killer of children, the false emperor of a vile imperium, the boy turned and said calmly. Anyone who shalt return will see that as a reminder of not to sully faith nor the goodness of man.
Good riddance, indeed, the priest sighed happily. Thank you, Benjamin. May his soul rest in peace.
Amen, Benjamin whispered proudly. But I am terribly sorry, Pateras.
Mmm?
His death will not bring back anyone. His hands will remain soaked in the blood of his victims for eternity. Indeed, may his soul rest in peace, if he ever finds it. Nothing ever will.
But you returned, an random couple smiled and hugged. You have returned!
But I am not His son, he murmured and lightly hugged them back. I am just a simple boy.
Thou art the Son, another handful of citizens gleed with children in tow. The Son has returned!
The boy sighed however. The people remained convinced. But why? He was a human like them, in many ways, of course.
Pateras, please, Benjamin purred with a disheartened tone.
Why you really dont remember, the priest sighed.
Pateras? A stocky middle aged man asked and approached the priest. Whats going on?
It is him, the boy your father had crucified.
Whilst the congregation gathered and hugged or praised Benjamin, he looked at the duo, the unnamed man staring back him wide eyed.
Avgoustinos, Teresa cried and ran to hug the man. O syzygos mou!
Agapi Mou, Avgoustinos turned to hug her.
I thought you were turned! Wheres the boys?
They stayed behind. Unfinished business if I may quote them. But safe and sound.
O Theotokos, she sobbed lightly.
Wait, Benjamin frowned. I thought youre family was close?
That was MY side of the family, she turned with tears still trickling in her eyes. Its complicated.
I understand, he said slowly as his soft gaze became stern when he eyed Avgoustinos.
I have heard of you, the olive skinned patriarch said. I swear, what my father done was a crime to humanity.
The boy simply nodded with an neutral look. After giving the people a hug, he nodded to them and gave a sign of the cross for each one. But once he was done, Avgoustinos and Teresa were gone. The priest was about to reenter the cathedral, however.
Pateras, Benjamin asked kindly.
Mmm, he turned and hummed calmly.
May I have a word with Mr Avgoustinos?
Please, Benjamin, you mustnt.
I know. I assure thee, I have learned vengeance a long time ago. I didnt waste ten thousand years on the earth to not know. Nay. Nay, but like I said, he carries the sins of his fathers. I will not confront him with wrath nor judgement. Nay, there is more to it than that. I need to speak to him, Pateras. It is essential.
Then you will not find him here, the priest nodded. He left to her place, over there.
Benjamin turned and saw Teresa and Avgoustinos walking eastward.
Please, Pateras. Do not be afraid. I just want a word with him. If you like, I be happy if an extra pair of eyes and ears were abound.
I would, but I have a long day ahead of me.
I promise, Benjamin assured warmly. I promise I will do nothing but speak to him. That is all I need.
The priest looked at him strongly. The boy was relaxed, not a hint of sweat or redness on his person. With a long and subtle glare, the priest finally nodded.
Do what you must, he said to Benjamin. Just keep in mind, He is watching.
I promise. I promise. Thank you, Pateras.
They turned away from each other thereafter, the boy spotting the couple from faraway. But after ten minutes of trailing them, the boy stopped, a tiresome sigh leaving his throat. He shook his head when he turned around and walked away, venturing faraway from them. Instead, he walked around town, eying the aftermath of the carnage he had unleashed to stop the Pillagers. People were weary, hungry, or weeping. Many had either lost their love ones or their home or their businesses or all of them. Despite all that, there was one place untouched by the destruction.
The Park. It was the one place where Benjamin could finally sit down, where he could sigh with no one to hear, where he could lie down with no one to see. For that, he sat down at a bench. It was good.
All good.
You mind if I sit here? Someone asked him.
