A Gorgeous White

Chapter 350: Startling Discoveries

"Y-Young Master!" Stammered Colahn. In his shock, he almost dropped the precious artifact within his hands. Unable to stable himself for he was leaning quite close to the edge of the table, his feet twisted slightly. 

BANG!

Pain instantly shot through his hip. Gritted teeth and clenched jaws, the seer released a miserable groan while clutching the orb against his chest. Phaelona slipped slightly but didn't suffer any pain. When she heard the sound, a worried crease appeared between her light brows. Concern morphed her elegant countenance when she neared Colahn, whispering to him worriedly. Colahn shot her a glare.

Receiving his hostile look, the Elven Mage was reminded of the cause of their argument and she scoffed. "Idiot..."

"..."

Moulin blinked. For a moment, he exchanged gazes with Snow and Kier. What's with these two?

"Y-Young Master..." Colahn swallowed, hissing slightly from the pain on his hip, as he faced Moulin. He tried to conceal his pain but the youth could see through him at a glance. "I will explain..."

Phaelona and Colahn both gave the young man a pleading look. Moulin's eyes bore into them. During the silence, he glanced at the golden artifact that belonged to the ruined temple of Galadin back in the forest of Thundrei. He remembered the confusion and pain he'd experienced with the object. Looking at the thing again made him feel the lingering ache within his mind.

The whispers...

Moulin wasn't looking forward to it... Whatever their reason was. However, he had to hear them out. He stepped forward, ushered Kier and Snow inside, and slipped his hands behind him to lock the doors. He stared at the two people before him with a serious expression. The silvery gleam in his eyes made Colahn and Phaelona stiff with fear.

Ah, it's been a long time since they've received such a scary look from the young master. How nostalgic...

"Well?" With a raised eyebrow, Moulin faced them. His severe expression made the two people hesitate.

Colahn was the first to break the silence. Slowly, he lowered his arms, gently and delicately placing the golden artifact as though it was made of glass and not the pure gold it was, very weighty. With a thud, the orb settled, supported by three cushions and a round ring underneath to completely keep the peculiar object in its place. The seer's eyes lifted. His gesture proved to be hesitant before Moulin's eyes. However, Colahn's gaze was determined.

Moulin shifted expressionlessly, feeling that the cause of Colahn's thievery might be significant.

Colahn began, "This orb is an ancient Rafelon artifact. It is used by mages and priests of Holy temples to imprison and eradicate the souls of notorious criminals. Erasing their existences. Offered to the priests within dieties' temples."

Perhaps, that explains why it was found within the ruined temple in Thundrei, Moulin thought. The mages were perhaps the only people to use this 'ancient' device. With his eyes, he urged Colahn to continue. For some reason, anticipation grew within his chest as he waited for the seer's words.

Colahn slowly breaths out, "This orb... not only does it vanquish souls but..."

"It releases them..." Phaelona finished for him.

Moulin's heart thumped. Silence fell while his forehead creased. He knew what they meant with those words. Especially when their eyes slowly drifted downwards, stopping on the slightly glowing bulge underneath his collar. Moulin felt his skin tingle against the cool silver chain around his neck. With a quickening heartbeat, Moulin stepped forward. His eyes are now staring seriously at the object on the table as if pinning into the wood. His breath shook unnoticeably.

"I... need clarity...What are you telling me?"

Colahn nodded and spoke. "There is a chance this orb can release your mother within the gem."

There, a silver flash rushed within the young man's irises. Even if it was only a probability, he could not help but feel boundless relief wash away the tightness within his heart. His lips parted, releasing a trembling breath that was stuck within his throat. For a moment, he stopped breathing.

Although there was relief within the two pairs of eyes before him, he sensed hesitation. There was more to be told. More that he must know.

Moulin leaned over the table. Long fingers clenched against the wood as he glanced at the mage and the seer. "You have more to say... tell me."

Colahn looked hesitant. His reluctance was evident as he kept his jaw tight. Seeing that he was taking his time, Phaelona stepped forward. Her bright eyes, gleaming decisively.

"These kinds of artifacts possessed a complex mechanism that even its artificers failed countless times to activate it for its cruel purpose. Reversing the process would be even more dangerous. Furthermore, we are not just releasing a soul but a complete physical body. This orb is equipped to defend against thieves, built along gold are problems to test one's ingenuity. If done correctly, we can accomplish the release effectively."

"And if not?" Moulin pressed.

"..." Phaelona shut her mouth. Her gaze lowered to the table.

The answer was already clear, 'complete eradication. Was this the so-called artifact that his father eagerly wished for Moulin to find? Even if it wasn't, Thundralln was now malibreed's land. Crawling with vicious monsters ready to devour one in a heartbeat. They wouldn't be able to last a few more weeks. Moreover, time was running. They had to return to Helios and restore the barrier.

"Young master?" Colahn asked. Worry etched his face.

Moulin knew he shouldn't be the only person to decide. There was his elder brother, Emlen. They had to think this through. Moulin voiced that he and Emlen needed to decide. Colahn and Phaelona agreed, understanding his hesitance. This was a chance for the Lady of the Fraunces Nobility to return. However, it was also an open gateway to death. The outcome was unpredictable. They had to be prepared.

"We will try our best, young master, Don't worry..." Phaelona tried to comfort him as she led him to a couch. She thought the young man needed to clear his mind for a bit.

With a sigh, Moulin nodded. Chaos almost blurred his thinking. He held his head and then remembered what he came for. The situation veered him away from his purpose. However, he was a bit grateful to be presented with the news.

Moulin faced Phaelona and informed her of the celestial existence within the core of Gala'En. His explanation was short and direct. Thus, it was easy for the elf to understand. The more she heard, the more Phaelona's eyes widened. Her breath hitched within her throat. Disbelief clouded her mind. If it was any other person, she wouldn't trust every word that came out of their mouths. However, it was Moulin who was saying such things. Telling her of the unfathomable story behind the Great Tree's decline. The young master was never one to lie about such significant information.

After a while, Moulin finished. Phaelona rose from her seat, pale and shocked. A faint tremble on her fingertips as she paced. Afterwards, she secretly glanced at the doorway where Colahn was busily examining the orb.

"This news should be presented to the king." She finally spoke. "However, as much as I believe you, young master. The court will not be so favorable to believe without evidence to be brought before their eyes."

"One of the things, I am concerned about as well." Moulin sighed. "I have also decided to tell your brother. Perhaps... tomorrow."

Phaelona nodded. Silently, she stared at the silver-eyed young man. Questions crammed within her brain. Even after eight years, mystery clouds around this child. It would attract even more people like her, eager to dig out his secrets. But she was not as impulsive as her brother. She'd rather wait until it is all revealed.

Phaelona and Colahn urged Moulin to rest for the night. They were worried that the young master wouldn't be able to sleep a wink after the events. If word reached Lord Hadrian, they would be suffering quite a lot.

Conceding with their pleads, Moulin along with Kier and Snow retired to his room. His thoughts wandered within the empty spaces of the vast room as he lay on his bed waiting for a particular golden-eyed man to visit him.

... ... ... ...

At a steady pace, Moulin silently walked through the corridors. The swordbelt on his waist clinked in every step he took. His figure, to the tens of people passing by him, was like a pure bright lantern within the dreary-looking passage. They could not resist the desire to not look at him. His every being is a hook, capturing them like a bunch of naive fishes. Moulin was, however, unconcerned of the growing number of gazes directed to him. He only walked with a single place in mind.

"Ah, finally! The chosen one is here."

Loud boisterous laughter filled the courtyard after the statement. Moulin left the archway, shaking his head while a corner of his lips lifted in amusement. The familiar crowd of sweaty warriors welcomed him, relishing his presence with a bit of relief. Ghana, the owner of the teasing voice, removed herself from the railings of coiled branches and approached her silver-eyed friend.

"Finally out to see us?" Ghana stopped and scrunched her face. "Did they bathe you in perfume?"

Moulin turned away from the men who turned to continue their training routine and raised a brow at her. "Are you that disgusted with the smell?"

"I do not mind. However, they oiled you too much of flowery scents, Ah, enough of this talk. Come, it's been a long time since I tasted a victory from a spar with you." She rubbed her nose and led Moulin to an empty space.

Moulin chuckled lightly, recalling the multiple times Ghana had beaten him with her strength. Unlike their present state, they were a bit lanky when they first joined the guild. He followed her. They both draw swords and metal clashed. They had blades this time. Moulin wasn't afraid at all.

... ... ... ...

Sparks showered on the cold stoned ground. The sound of metal sliding against metal would make one's skin numb. There was a deafening ring after the three hundred and third clash. When Moulin and Ghana stopped, it was already midmorning. The damp air had warmed and it didn't help the burning feeling on their skin as sweat doused their body.

Both of them stared at each other, panting heavily and oblivious of the small crowd that formed around them. A few whistled while others remained stunned in their places. Truly, they've witnessed a thrilling fight. They could still hear the ringing in their ears as silence dawned.

"Ah, when did you become so firm?" Ghana drew back her weapon with a groan. "Even Varick fell beneath my sword once."

Moulin smiled, delighted and impressed. He lowered his sword, rotating his wrist, and approached his dear friend. "We'll continue when I return. I have somewhere to be."

"Magic lessons, I presumed? Then hurry up. I'm itching to wrestle you into the floor." Ghana grumbled as the blade hummed in the air while she swung it.

Sheathing his weapon, the young man waved his hand as he walked away from the courtyard. The thrum of energy within him had yet to quiet down so he thought to ease himself with a long walk towards his quarters. Unknown to him, there was a striking allure to his sweat-drenched form, exposed to the hundreds of eyes gazing at him as he journeyed.

The hallways were quiet though which was a sort of comfort. Unfortunately, his walk was interrupted.

"Ah, Moulin."

A soft voice called him from behind. Moulin's feet stopped. The waves of silvery hair that curtained his back shifted as he turned his head slightly to look behind him.

Arcefi's soft blue eyes welcomed him.

"I've found you."