Chapter Text
When I was appointed king that was easily the best day of my life. All of the cheering, the excited people, waiting to see their new king in action.
Those were the glory days. When magic users and hybrids could be seen roaming freely, dazzling people with the beauty of their magic. The ability to go out in public and see dozens of magic wielders. How avians would swoop down from the sky, their brightly colored wings dazzling everyone.
But now, it's gone.
Thanks to me.
I remember it like it was yesterday. It felt like it. But as of today, it's been a year. And I hate myself for agreeing to it.
"My lord? There's someone here to see you," My apprentice, Impulse, called.
I looked up, smiling. "You can send them up, Impulse," I said.
I could already guess who it would be.
My study door opened, confirming my suspicions. Nobody in their right minds would just open the door. Except for one person.
I spun around to greet my friend, ready for a nice cheerful day. But he seemed shaken up. "Martyn? Are you alright?" I asked, offering a hand.
He grasped onto it and I looked down, not meeting my eyes. "Has something happened?" I wondered, desperate to know what was wrong with him.
"Ren... something horrible has happened," He whispered.
I took a long breath, nodding. "Would you like to talk about it over a meal?"
He finally looked up and I gasped at how disheveled he looked. Heavy bags were under his eyes, making him look much older than he is. It seemed like he hadn't slept in days.
Weeks, maybe.
His fingers dug into my arm and he looked crazed. "This can't wait. You need to come with me. Now," He demanded.
Now, usually I'd be the one giving orders and would never be the one following them. But I felt obligated to agree. "Lead the way, my friend."
I followed him into the forest, a place people liked to call cursed. I don't know why, though. It's just a regular old forest. A family lives just off the edge. Sure there's a few weird moments. You sometimes feel like somebody's watching
you. But that's it, really.
Although I started to doubt myself as I saw how scared Martyn looked. "Martyn? Where are you taking me?" I asked.
He didn't answer but continued on, taking me deeper and deeper into the forest.
"Martyn? Where are you taking me?" I repeated, a sternness creeping into my voice.
He eventually stopped in a small clearing and held out a hand, closing his eyes. "They're here," He whispered.
I felt myself growing irritated. Had I just followed a crazy person to the middle of the forest? Why am I here? "Who's here? Answer me!" I demanded.
Martyn opened his eyes and looked at me. "Them," He breathed.
I was silent, waiting. Waiting for what? I wasn't sure. But I trust Martyn. I trusted him with my life. But that was my first mistake.
The ground shook and the sky seemed to shimmer with greens and purples. Magic, I instantly recognized. But it seemed too strong to be mortal magic. No, this was something big. Something dangerous.
I took a hesitant step back, very aware of my heart pounding. Martyn grabbed my arm, tightly. With a force I didn't know he had, he hissed, "Don't move." And I listened.
The floating magic seemed to take shape, morphing into the outlines of two people. But then they changed. The people grew until they towered over us, threatening the great oak trees with their height.
The green figure took shape first, forming into what I could only describe as a monster. They were dressed in green robes, a white mask covering their face, and a strong aura of magic radiating off of them.
The second then took shape, mirroring their accomplice. But this one, this one seemed different. Older. More powerful.
They were dressed in purple robes, the same white mask covering their face, this time inscribed with a symbol. A symbol that I faintly remember from ghost stories when I was a kid.
But that doesn't make sense. These aren't real. They can't be real. But yet here they were, standing before me.
"Martyn, why are you associating with... with them," I managed, trying to steady my voice. A king should never be afraid, yet I felt horribly afraid.
His grip on my arm softened as he saw I wasn't going to run. "Go on, say their names, Ren. It gives them a feeling of power," He urged.
I looked at him worriedly. Why would he think I'd want to give them even more power if now they could easily kill both of us with a wave of their hands?
I took a breath and stared ahead, my eyes focused on the tree behind them. I don't think I can bring myself to look at either one."You're a…..a Watcher," I said slowly.
The Watcher chuckled. "Indeed I am."
I shook my head, still not believing this was real. "And you, you're a Listener," I managed.
"I am." The Listener spoke with a softer tone, unlike the Watcher whose voice seemed to travel through my head.
Martyn's hand slid down my arm, grabbing onto mine. He gave a gentle squeeze for reassurance, like everything would be okay.
But I knew better. These creatures only like two things. Power, and death. "Thank you for delivering him, Martyn," The Listener said, studying us both.
I didn't dare look at them. I can't. That's how they get in your head. They control you to do their bidding. I can't let that happen to me. My people need their king. Martyn nodded and that was their exchange.
"Now, has our beloved king been told about the technicalities of this meeting?" The Watcher asked.
Technicalities?
Martyn looked nervous. "N-no."
The Watcher seemed bored. "Hm."
"Martyn? You need to tell me what's happening," I whispered.
"I can't," He said weakly.
This was the first time I saw how scared he looked. I don't think l've ever seen my friend this afraid. Martyn was usually the brave one.
But not now. Now, he was afraid. And that was enough to make me afraid.
The Watcher cleared their throat before smiling. It was a smile that didn't match the rest of them. If anything it made them look more terrifying.
"You see, Ren." I didn’t want to know what they were about to ask me. "Your kingdom is filled with so much magic, yes?"
I was unsure of whether or not to answer. The watcher continued anyway.
"But certain magic wielders threaten my power."
"Our power," The Listener corrected.
The Watcher sighed. "Our power. Fine."
The Listener nodded. "Continue on, Xeraq."
I glanced at Martyn. What is happening? And why does he seem so scared?
"Now, mortals being powerful then us does have some issues, Ren. It makes us seem feeble, like we're mortals as well."
I was silent. How am I supposed to answer? Or am I supposed to answer?
"Now, that's my issue. Your people are learning new ways of magic each day. Becoming better at flying and spell casting and potion making. It's gotten out of hand," The Watcher said, staring directly at Martyn.
He averted his eyes, staying quiet. What does Martyn have to do with any of this?
"Now, we're suggesting a ban. On magic. Any magic wielders or hybrids shall be exiled or killed," The Watcher growled. My chest tightened. My people. That'd hurt so many people. Lovers would be gone, parents would be taken away from their children. My existence would be against the law.
At that thought I finally got the courage to speak. "But what about-"
The Listener held up a hand. "You will not be seen in public. You will be bound to your castle." They paused, seeming amused. "And if you try to leave, we'll know."
I bit my lip, hard, the metallic taste of blood bringing me a sense of comfort. This is too much. I can't agree to this.
The Watcher seemed to be thinking along the same lines as me. "You're thinking of disagreeing," They guessed.
I didn't answer. I didn't want to.
"Don't worry, we thought ahead," The Watcher promised.
At that Martyn winced.
A million thoughts were racing through my head, but the main one seemed to overtake the rest. They're going to hurt Martyn.
"Martyn?" The Listener asked.
He looked at me pleadingly. "Don't agree. Please. No matter what they do to me," He begged.
"Martyn-" I began. He squeezed my hand, trying to reassure me. But his eyes shone with fear.
My next thought hit me hard. He knew. He knew what'd happen if I disagreed. Yet he brought me here. But what would've happened if he didn't bring me here?
I didn't want to know.
Martyn released my hand, stepping in front of the Listener.
No.
"Do you agree, King Ren?" The Watcher asked.
I can't. I can't do that to my people.
My hesitancy seemed to be their answer.
"Do it," The Watcher said. They sounded happy.
I watched in horror as the Listener held out a hand, looking at Martyn expectantly. He took a breath and took their hand, instantly crying out.
Martyn.
I didn't know enough about Listener magic to know what was happening, but I could only guess. They were extracting Martyn's magic.
It was an old form of torture, now forbidden. It was too gruesome, the pain said to be deadly.I snapped away from my thoughts at Martyn's yelling. I need to do something. I can't let this happen.
"Stop! I agree! I agree!" I yelled.
The Listener released Martyn and he crumpled to the ground. I crouched down next to him, holding him close.
"Martyn," I whispered.
He looked pained. "Why'd you agree? I told you not to," He croaked.
"I had to. You were in pain. I couldn't watch," I said. I helped him to his feet and he swayed, looking sick. "Are you okay?" I asked.
He nodded weakly. "Yeah, yeah I guess." I looked at the Watcher and Listener, annoyed. "Happy now? I agreed to your stupid law," I hissed.
"Oh, but there's more," The Watcher said with a sinister smile.
Martyn groaned, leaning against me.
"What is it?" I demanded.
The Watcher chuckled. "Martyn knows."
I wrapped a protective arm over him. "We had a deal," I reminded them.
"Oh I know. We won't hurt him. But he'll hurt you."
I stared at Martyn, eyes wide. "Martyn?" | whispered.
He looked away. "I'm sorry, Ren. I didn't want you to agree. I don't want to do this," He muttered. He stepped away from me, limping towards the Listener.
"Martyn?" I asked.
"Your axe, Ren. Please," he asked.
The weapon at my side felt heavy. "My... axe?" I repeated.
"Please."
I didn't know what he was planning to do, but I didn't like the thought of it. I unsheathed it, holding it out. "What are you planning to do, my friend?" I wondered.
"Something terrible," Martyn said in a shaky voice, grabbing hold of the axe.
Then I understood. "You'd like to kill me," I guessed.
Martyn choked back a sob, looking at the Watcher and Listener. "I can't. He knows!" He cried.
"Do it! Or you'll both die!" The Watcher yelled.
"Martyn. It's okay," I promised.
"I-I can't," He mumbled, lowering the axe.
I looked at the Watcher, deciding it was over for me. "If he kills me, will he be protected?" I asked.
"He will," The watcher agreed.
I looked at Martyn, smiling gently. "There. It's okay. Just do it," | urged.
"Ren..." He whispered.
I held up a hand. "No, I'm not hearing it. Go on, my friend. So you'll be safe," I said, kneeling before him.
"I'm so sorry," He murmured.
"I know you'd never intentionally hurt me. You have a reason. Go on."
"Ren..."
"Please. For my sake. I don't want you getting hurt again," | begged.
He nodded and I watched as he raised the axe, ready to bring it down on my neck.I bowed my head, closing my eyes and bracing myself for the blow.
It came quickly. Much faster than l'd expected. It wasn't deep enough to behead me, but just deep enough for me to die.
And that's what happened.
I heard Martyn yelling, cursing the Watchers and Listeners and cursing the world.
"You've shown your dedication, Martyn," The Listener observed.
"I should've left you a long time ago," He spat.
The Listener chuckled. "Yet you didn't. Go on, Xeraq. We promised the boy," They urged.
I felt my lifeless form slowly being brought back. My heart started beating and I felt my neck starting to heal until I was once again, alive.
"Ren!" Martyn cried, dropping my axe.
I got to my feet and felt my neck, staring at my fingers. The blood was still there, a sign that I was really gone.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" He gasped, wrapping me in a hug.
I clenched my jaw, taking a breath. "I know, my friend. I know," I whispered.
He eventually released me and I looked to where the Watcher and Listener previously stood. But now they were gone.
I straightened my cloak, clearing my throat. "Martyn, fetch me my axe. The new law will be declared at once."
He bowed. "Yes, my lord."
I pulled the hood over my head, hiding my ears. This was really happening. Magic is dead.
We walked into town, Martyn at my side. There was whispers as we went, but everyone let us pass.
We stepped inside the castle and I looked at Martyn. "Go fetch Impulse. Get the scribes to print the new law. I want the signs everywhere. Magic is banned. If anyone is caught possessing magic or associating with it, they shall be exiled or killed." I paused, taking a breath. "And... the same goes for hybrids. I only want humans in my kingdom, do you understand?" I asked.
Martyn bowed deeply. "Yes, my lord. I'll do so at once." I watched as he went, my heart aching.
I can't believe I just did that. My poor people...
Impulse was immediately at my side. "My lord? What do you need-" He gasped as he saw me. "You're injured!"
I held up a hand. "I'm aware. Impulse, your services are no longer needed."
He faltered. "W-what?"
I narrowed my eyes. "You heard me. Be gone at once."
"I will. I'm sorry l've disappointed you, my lord." And he turned and left.
I locked myself in my study, not wanting to see anyone. I don't think I could. I'm an awful person. An awful, awful person.
I was taken away from my thoughts by the study door opening.
"Leave me," I growled.
At first I thought they obliged because the door closed but then I felt someone's arms around my waist. "My king," Martyn murmured.
I relaxed at his voice, comforted that he was here. "Martyn... what's it like out there?" | asked weakly.
He sighed and shook his head. "Awful. People are being captured and brought to the dungeon." He paused. "We're running out of space, by the way. Too many people."
I ran a hand through my hair, nodding. "Right, right. They can all be exiled. I don't want to keep hostages or have any deaths."
Martyn nodded. "I'll go tell the guards, my king."
He went to leave but I turned, grabbing his hand. "Martyn, stay with me. Please," I begged.
He smiled gently. "I will."
And that was how that went. Half of my people were exiled, my kingdom growing small. But it kept the Watcher and Listener away. Of course that didn't mean they wouldn't visit to threaten me, but it meant Martyn was safe. And that was all that mattered to me.