Soren tapped his fingers against his desk almost lifelessly. Ike still had him running errands – inventory checks, convoy management, document filing – but he still found himself having extra time on his hands. Sometimes he would pick up a dusty old tome written by some psychotic deranged sage or a philosophical mage knight. Either way, reading did little to quench his thirst for knowledge. He hadn't been able to finish his studies with his previous mercenary group before the war against Daein.
He had found little pleasure in that fake cheery band of wannabe warriors. And yet, for some strange reason, a woman with her talent had bothered to stick with them as their magic user. From her, Soren had learned many talents, including his mastery of Adept. Were he not so occupied with boredom drilling a hole in his mind, Soren would have sought for his teacher and even friend.
She knew of his lineage, and she didn't mind like Ike. Her name… it was… Kaethe. Kaethe had taught him a little about controlling the wind, but she had mostly rambled her quirky little stories in order to pass the time. Regardless, she held a special place in his heart. One that should have been filled by a mother.
Someone rapped at the door of Soren's office, causing him to jerk up in his seat. "Uh, Soren, it's Rhys. There's a letter for you." Soren opened the door cautiously and snatched the letter. He opened it in front of Rhys and scanned across the message.
Dear Friend,
By the time this letter reaches you, I'll be gone. I decided that it was time for me. I would have to leave, just like anyone else would. I had stayed in one place for too long. I just want you to know that I'm quite proud of you. A hero of Crimea, my little student. Ah, it brings tears to my eyes. Mmm, moping has never been my style now has it? If only I had another chance. Once so that I could see brave little Soren.
Signed faithfully,
Kaethe
P.S. That brainless twit who always pestered you about your eating habits? I fried him to a crisp. Heh, just kidding. Stay strong, Soren.
Soren's hand grew clammy. He rarely ever broke out in a nervous sweat. Could Kaethe had died out on the battlefield? That idiot, she would always fling herself in danger, knowing full well of her limitations. "Rhys, take this letter and burn it. Scatter the ashes in the darkest, vilest alleyway you can think of. I never want to read anything of the sort ever again."
Rhys was slightly taken aback by Soren's brusque comment. Soren handed off the letter and sat back at his desk. He took a piece of parchment and glanced over the letter again. More fan-mail from new recruits. Soren loved shredding fan-mail with his magic. Seeing the green gales born of his might pleased and comforted him.
Another knock came against the door. Rhys looked at the stranger and back at the letter. It was a woman dressed in a modest velvet gown and an auburn shawl. Her hair was as sleek as obsidian and her eyes the color of sleet snow; an icy blue. Rhys quietly stated, "Ma'am, if you are looking for the commander of this army, he is not available right now."
"Actually, I was looking forward to a reunion of sorts." The woman smiled gently at Rhys, and Soren's ears piqued up in interest. "You always misinterpreted my ambiguous words, didn't you, Soren? I wasn't going to die on you if that was what you thought."
Soren remained silent and waved a hand of dismissal at Rhys. The kindly priest nervously shuffled out of the threshold, continuing his busy runs as a replacement messenger. Rolf had mysteriously disappeared after Shinon came back to the castle with two bows instead of one. Boyd held his suspicions in high regard; he knew something was going on with that twerp brother of his.
As Rhys went out of earshot, Soren flipped open a tome, and raised his hand. A controlled cyclone focused on nothing but the woman whirled into being. As the lethal wind subsided, nothing was left scathed. The woman pouted and asked, "Is that how you treat me after all this time? It's been about a year, and you have the nerve to attack me. I'm appalled!" Another motherly smile came upon her face. "Oh, come here, you."
Soren didn't return the embrace, but he didn't budge in defiance. "Kaethe, why are you here?" Kaethe pulled away and chuckled. She patted Soren on the head cautiously as if she were touching a rare feline breed.
"Haven't you heard? I thought that one of Tibarn's flock would have told your commander by now. They're being hunted down. The Branded are being killed like beasts, like monsters." Kaethe closed her lips as Soren stared at the ground. She reached out for his forehead, and stroked the symbol that cursed his existence.
Kaethe stopped and paused, waiting for Soren's response. Soren glared at her and swatted her hand away. He turned around and crossed his arms. "Leave me be. I don't need your help."
The caring teacher glanced away and started for the door. "I don't want you to die, Soren. None of them do. Knowing someone will die is very painful. Watching them die is worse. Even if you don't want my help, remember the name 'The Black Arrow' if you wish to hunt him down. Logic can't always rule out emotion." Kaethe closed the door behind her and waited for the click.
Soren would lock her out of his life. Many people had done that. Several untrustworthy friends, distant family members, and an assortment of people who just couldn't understand why she cared so much. It's how I repent. I knew how and could have saved someone. Instead, I selfishly watched them die. I refused to risk my own life. Now I do anything but think of my own. As a twenty-five year old, that's a pretty hard living.
But Kaethe didn't care anymore. She devoted herself to helping as many as she could. Kaethe rubbed her forehead and slumped against the wall across from Soren's office. She closed her eyes and leaned back. "A pupil trying to become a mage. Worked under a wonderful teacher. Met the nicest laguz ever. Black vivid eyes. She was very beautiful. Mmm… if only. To tell would only bring hurt. Such a kind couple. In debt…"
