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Matron stared at the gentle ocean, forever shifting in its set rhythm. It calmed her somewhat to see something that would never alter its course despite the changing times. However, deep in her heart, she was unsettled, plagued with dreams, visions, of Fate. She had never believed in its existence until she saw for herself the intangible web Fate had created.
Fate had deceptively coordinated the complex play, allowing seven children to slowly slip into their destiny. Matron had always known that these seven children were destined for something far greater than what the orphanage had to offer, but she never suspected it to be of epic proportions.
By the time her visions had become clearer, it was already too late. The play was already in motion, moving towards its first act. The seven children grew up and separated, following different paths that would eventually converge. One child disappeared into another world, and the other was led astray by none other than herself. The play viciously unfolded until the very last act of redemption and defeat. The children were victorious, her children were victorious…all except one.
And for that child she felt her heart grow heavy. She loved all equally, but the one that got away…the child always held a special place in her heart. It saddened her to see him sink to the shadows, knowing she led him there. He would always be marked for a crime he did not commit; he was a pawn used ruthlessly for the climax.
Then her heart grew bitter. They had forgiven her, allowing her to seek redemption and alleviate the guilt within her soul. Why could they not do the same for him? She had committed worse acts than he, yet he was painted as the sacrificial lamb. Anger rose, but she quelled it immediately. It was no time to reflect on the past. She had been a coward for the past three years, ridding herself of guilt while her innocent son was left to the wolves. Three years of waiting and wondering.
Three years was enough time for people to grow and mature, change and reform. But she knew that another year would mean the end of the noble Knight. And if her visions were correct, there was less than a year to save him…
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