Echoes of Broken Vows

Chapter 8

The Eidolon temple, which was usually calm by nature, busted into barely controlled chaos.

Rowan was in the library, a heavy book was open before him. He tried to study as his heart pounded against his chest.

He could almost feel a tangible tension in the air. Initiates rushed back and forth through the halls, nearly oblivious that they were whispering too loudly.

Rowan forced his breathing to remain steady, trying to hide his concern.

Sam sat beside him, turning his page, filling their alcove with a soft rustle. A voice cut through the chaos. “All Eidolon members, report to the main hall immediately.”

The command seemed to come within their mind.

Rowan and Sam rose from their seats with shared hesitation, and joined the stream of robed figures that hurried towards the gathering.

“What do you think that happened?”

Rowan asked, trying to play the part

Sam shrugged.

The Grand Chamber, typically reserved only for the ascensions, now buzzed with nervous energy. Garron stood at the center, scanning the room with grim determination.

He raised his hand for silence as the last member filed in, the room was quiet in an instant.

Garron kept everyone in silence, he knew how to build the tension.

“Brothers and sisters,”

he finally began, his voice tight with barely contained anger, “we have been attacked.

Last night, the Mytholite shipment was destroyed by a group of unknown assailants. Hence until the next shipment arrives we are cutting the ascensions amount, to keep the supply we have.”

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, Rowan forced himself to mirror the shock on the faces around him.

Garron continued, his words growing sharper. “This is not just an attack on our resources, but on our very way of life. We must respond swiftly and decisively.”

Garron scanned the crowd, and stopped to look directly into Rowan’s eyes, his heart pounded faster.

What followed was a litany of new measures that sent a chill down Rowan’s spine. Increased patrols throughout the surrounding cities. Mandatory registration of all magic users. Random checks for traces of Mytholite exposure.

Each new edict brought murmurs of approval from the assembled members, but Rowan could see his vision taking shape before his eyes.

As the meeting progressed, Rowan noticed subtle changes in the chamber itself. Guards that had never before been present during these gatherings now stood at attention by each exit. A shimmering magical barrier flickered into existence, enclosing the room – ostensibly for protection, but Rowan recognized it as a measure to prevent eavesdropping or escape.

After the meeting, Rowan and Sam found themselves assigned to additional tasks. Rowan was to oversee the implementation of new screening procedures for temple visitors, while Sam was tasked with enhancing the magical wards around the city.

Throughout the day, Rowan watched as the temple transformed. Initiates who had once moved freely now required authorization to access certain areas. Conversations in the halls grew hushed, punctuated by nervous glances. The air itself seemed heavier, charged with suspicion and fear.

As evening fell, Rowan managed to find a moment alone with Sam in a secluded corner of the gardens. The once-peaceful spot now felt exposed, and they kept their voices low.

“It’s happening faster than I imagined,”

Rowan whispered, his eyes darting around for any sign of observers.

Sam nodded grimly. “They’re using the attack as justification for everything. Did you see the new truth detection spells they’re implementing for interrogations?”

“Yes, We’ll need to stay undercover as much as we can and have a plan in case anyone gets suspicious”, Rowan suggested, scouting the exits around him.

Just as Sam opened his mouth to respond, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the garden. They quickly separated, trying to appear casual. Rowan’s heart raced as he turned to leave, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention.

“You don’t understand,”

Einar pleaded, his voice cracking with desperation. “I had nothing to do with the attack! I’ve devoted my life to the Eidolon!”

The lead guard sneered, tightening his grip. “Save your lies for the interrogation, traitor. We have evidence of your guilt.”

As Einar was pulled past their hiding spot, his eyes met Rowan’s for a brief, haunting moment.

The fear and confusion in his gaze struck Rowan like a physical blow. Once the group had passed, Rowan turned to Sam, his face pale.

“We have to do something,”

he whispered urgently. “Einar is innocent. He’s being punished for our actions.”

Sam grabbed Rowan’s arm, his grip tight with tension.

“If we intervene, we risk exposing ourselves. Everything we’ve done would be for nothing.”

Rowan’s jaw clenched as he watched Einar disappear around a corner, the sound of his protests fading.

The weight of their choices pressed down on him like a physical force.

“Can we really stand by and let an innocent man suffer?”

Rowan asked, his voice barely audible. Sam’s expression was grim.

“If we’re exposed, how many more will suffer under the Eidolon’s unchecked power?”

Rowan understood that it was a sacrifice that needed to be made.

The interrogations were painful, but he was almost certain the Einar would come out clean.

The night fell over the temple, Rowan found himself alone in his room, feeling the weight of the day pressing heavily upon him.

It was all changing too fast, the new security measures, the fear that now constantly lived within the halls, and especially the haunting image of the guards dragging Einar away to the interrogation.

He couldn’t ignore the guilt, knowing that an innocent man was suffering because of his actions.

He got up to stare out of the window, exploring with his eyes the moonlit city below.

Rowan knew that what he and Sam were doing was to make the world a better place, and to pay for their actions, the things they’d done for an unjust cause.

His vision was still bright in his memory, and that was all he needed to know that what they were doing was right.

With a heavy sigh, he turned from the window, steeling himself for the challenges that lay ahead. Rowan knew that he and Sam would need to tread carefully in the days to come, balancing their covert activities with maintaining their facade of loyalty to the Eidolon.