Chapter 22 - Edwin Syn (Patreon)

On the island of Paradise, the Fey reigned. Or, as the humans called them, Devils.

Paradise sat in the western part of the world, between the Human Continent, Aeterra, and the Devil Continent, Arcadia. It was the seat of power for the most influential race of Fey, the Primordials, more colloquially known as Archdevils to the rest of the world.

For the Fey, no city held more power or significance than Afterlife, the capital of Paradise. Its architecture and craftsmanship were unique to the lands; no nation matched its splendor or design. Above it, Castle Elarindris floated miles above the sky watching over the city. It was a symbol of hope for the Fey.

There were multiple manors scattered throughout Afterlife. Noble Primordials families resided in them and took part in politics and trade.

In one such manor, a Primordial of immense significance awoke with the morning light.

The male’s eyes slowly lifted open to reveal two piercing gray orbs. Long white hair scattered over his stomach, shoulders, and face. His black horns lightly scraped the headboard as he shifted his neck. The Primordial’s skin was pale. He had sharp features and a stoic face, devoid of creases, lines, or blemishes. He was thin, and his skin stretched taught and perfect over his meticulously formed muscles, perfected over many years for fighting.

The Primordial shifted in bed. He found weight on his body. Blinking, he glanced around him. Four females lay with him. Two clung to him on either side, while the third and fourth hugged each other.

Each of them was beautiful, and all of them were Fey.

One had pointed ears and a thin, tall body without an ounce of fat. Long, flowing blonde hair cascaded around her petite frame. She was a Dryad, a being with amazing agility and a massive mana pool. She clung to the Primordial on his left side, shivering as the bed sheet slipped off her. The humans referred to her kind as Forest Devils.

The other clinging Fey was of small stature. Her skin was exceedingly pale like it never saw the light. She had shiny skin and three slits on her neck on both sides. If her eyes were to open, no white would show. The pupil entirely dominated them. Her teeth were jagged like a predatory fish. The Fey called this species the Naiads due to their ability to breathe, live, and fight underwater, but humans simply referred to them as Sea Devils.

On the far side of the bed, the snuggled girls shivered into one another. One was tall, and the other was very short.

The shorter girl covered her and the other with a set of brilliant wings protruding from her back. They comforted the two of them like a blanket. Sharp, claw-like nails grew from her fingers and toes. A little drool slipped out of the side of her mouth as her unconscious body produced a silly, tired grin. She was a Sylph, a Fey that lived in the skies. The humans called her people Sky Devils.

Nuzzled in the Sylph’s wings was a woman with a long tail and cat-like ears on her head. Her teeth were pointed like canines and her muscles were more defined than the other Fey in bed. Referred to as Theriads by the Fey, the humans called her kind the Beast Devils.

The Primordial calmly looked over the scene. These women, his maids, were still asleep while he required their services. It was an act that irked him, but only slightly. He tentatively prodded the one on his right, the Naiad.

As if hit with a hammer, the Naiad’s eyes flew open. She propped herself up with her hands, stared at the Primordial, then kicked backward. Her foot caused the Sylph and Theriad to fall off the bed with a loud thump. She then slapped the Dryad across the chest.

The Dryad lifted her head with a groan while the Theriad and Sylph rose from the floor. Their groggy gazes shifted to the Primordial, and they collectively froze. Like a bolt of lightning, the four women scattered, gathered their clothes off the ground, tidied what they could, and bowed before the Primordial.

“Good morning, Lord Edwin,” the four chimed in unison.

Edwin Syn allowed the group a soft smile. “Only because of you all.” He closed his eyes and let his head fall to the side slightly, shifting his hair over his shoulder. “I’m grateful, as always.”

All four of them blushed.

“It is time to be productive, isn’t it?” Edwin slid out of bed. His bare body caught the attention of the Fey women. They frantically looked away, scattering throughout the room in search of clothes, making the bed, and cleaning up any little messes that stained the area. The Theriad and Sylph opened the large curtains to let in the morning light while the Naiad and Dryad dressed Edwin.

Outside, the vast ocean sparkled. Fey walked in the streets chatting, shopping, and laughing. Like the island’s name, it was a paradise. Murals and statues depicting the history of the Fey decorated the streets, adding culture and life to the busy, carefree atmosphere.

“Hamilton!” called Edwin loudly.

The knob to the bedroom twisted. The door opened, but only a crack, as there was hesitation in the movement. “Are you decent, my lord?”

“If I weren’t, you’d be lucky enough to stare upon my body,” replied Edwin with a bland expression. “Come in. Today’s an important day. I wish to go over things.”

The door fully opened, and a man stepped in. He looked like a boy, but he’d lived for nearly thirty years, even with his youthful features. Hamilton was a Dryad. His pointed ears twitched as relief flooded his gaze at seeing Edwin fully dressed. He wore a suit over his thin body and kept his codex open and at the ready. Short brown hair sat straight atop his head. The sides were shaved, and his face was free of facial hair.

“Your audience with The Ancient One is set for later this afternoon,” said Hamilton as he read in his codex. “Before then, you told me you wished to see the city and draw a crowd as you entered the transportation runes, stirring rumors of your intentions.”

“Quite right.” Edwin nodded. He was dressed from head to foot in black and gold clothing. The threads showed he was both a warrior and a noble. Given his station as a Commander of the Hellknights, he was one of only a few Primordials with that kind of attire. “Let us head out then. It’s time our kind returned to the world stage.”

Edwin exited his room like a rush of air. Servants of every kind of Fey, male and female, worked within his manor. They gazed at Edwin with awe, respect, and love as he passed by, though he did not return their looks.

He had a critical mission that day, one that he hoped would define him as a historical figure for centuries to come.

Outside, the air was cool. It had scents of salt mixed in it. Large ships moved through the ocean just outside the city. Some were recreational, while others were transporting cargo to and from Arcadia.

Edwin’s neighborhood had little traffic. The only people he saw were fellow Primordials gallivanting around with their servants.

Guards were not needed on Edwin’s excursion through the city. The city was incredibly peaceful with an exceedingly low crime rate, and Edwin was powerful enough to handle most situations single-handedly. Not many people could kill him even if they wanted to.

“My Lord.” A male Theriad greeted Edwin Syn. He bowed deeply and did not lift his head until Edwin passed.

Edwin did not acknowledge the gesture. Doing so would set a tiring precedent as he moved through town.

That man was the first of many to bow and call out to Edwin. When he entered Afterlife’s main roads, the dozens of citizens walking by performed the same reverent stunt and chant. In minutes, hundreds of people had bowed low to Edwin Syn, Commander of the HellKnights. Hamilton strolled behind him, basking in the aftereffects of Edwin’s popularity.

“The people give value to my power,” Edwin told Hamilton as they passed more and more Fey bowing before them. “Their faith provides us the justification to do what we must to achieve peace in this world.”

“Of course, sire.” Hamilton nodded. “I will keep that in mind.”

They walked down the streets of Afterlife until they arrived at the massive castle of Elarindris. It floated leagues above them, casting an impressive shadow in its wake. Its position high in the sky like an all-seeing God truly put the vast power of The Ancient One into perspective.

Right below the castle was a singular square surrounded by a massive gate. Primordial guards from the HellKnights surrounded it. It was their most crucial post in the city: guarding the teleportation runes to Castle Elarindris.

The guards at the gate spotted Edwin walking toward them. They yelled at each other, and the post suddenly became alight with activity. All at once, HellKnights gathered to welcome Edwin.

“Commander!” The guards all shouted in unison.

“At ease.” Edwin kept his hands behind his back. The mask on his expressionless face did not budge.

The gates to the teleportation circle opened. Edwin walked down a line of bowing HellKnights and stepped inside.

A massive, wall-less building stood in the middle of the area. It resembled a gazebo. The ground underneath the structure was etched with symbols drawn from liquified mana crystals. The symbols create a circle inside the structure, almost inviting someone to stand in the open space right in the middle of the structure.

Edwin turned to Hamilton just outside the gate. “Wait for me back at the residence.”

Hamilton nodded. “At your command, my lord. May you prosper.”

Edwin turned without a word and entered the building. He stood in the middle of the runic circle and channeled mana to his feet. It spread to the ground and connected to the runic symbols encircling him. Instantly, the circle started to glow. It matched the color of Edwin’s eyes, a cool gray color like a storm cloud.

Energy shifted into Edwin. His entire body, clothes and all, turned the same color as his eyes. His form distorted then rippled apart into particles of gray as if he’d suddenly turned into an array of fireflies. They dispersed and faded until the space was empty.

Inside Castle Elarindris, a similar circle a small park just outside the front of the castle began to glow with energy. The symbols turned the same gray color as Edwin’s eyes. Mana particles flowed into the air like pollen from a flower, morphing and concentrating in the middle of the runic circle. The particles shifted, floated, and coalesced into the shape of a being. They solidified and hardened, and their glow receded. Suddenly, they cracked. Edwin appeared in their place.

Nonchalantly, Edwin Syn looked up.

The floating island of Castle Elarindris was beautiful, shimmering with flowers, birds, insects, and mana particles. The entire structure, the land included, was filled with raw mana. It was unlike any other place in the world.

“Commander!” A squadron of guards bowed in a line from the teleportation circle to the castle's entrance.

Edwin walked in between them to the gates. They opened at his arrival. He didn’t even need to slow his pace to enter as they parted perfectly with his steps.

A female of immense beauty appeared just inside the castle’s opened doors. She had twisted black horns coming from her head and straight red hair cascading down her shoulders and back. Her eyes were a deep orange, and she wore a simple dress that covered her body from neck to knee.

“Lord Edwin.” The woman bowed. “Allow me to escort you to The Ancient One.”

“Please.” Edwin gestured with his hand, smiling, as he pointed outward.

The woman turned and walked away. Edwin stared after her, examining her body. He noticed her shapely figure, strong muscles, and distinct way of walking as if she avoided making too much sound.

“Do you like what you see?” asked the Primordial woman. She did not turn around, but she could clearly feel Edwin’s gaze on her.

“Beautiful things are meant to be admired,” replied Edwin.

“How flattering.”

“You know what you look like.”

“I do, but it’s nice to hear it on the lips of another.”

Edwin chuckles. “And who are you, my lady? I can tell you are accustomed to wielding a weapon from your gait and build.”

The woman glanced back at Edwin, her orange eyes flashing slightly. “I was an assassin for the Etherial Council.”

“You were?” Edwin stared at the woman quizzically. “Why are you guiding me? This is a trivial task that’s far beneath you.”

“It is my choice,” she replied. “My last operation lasted two decades. I was alone, embedded on the western part of Arcadia, traversing between there and the Broken Bits, dismantling human slaving networks.” She brushed her hair out of her face and over her shoulders. “After my mission, the Justiciar said I would be granted noble status, and I took a position in the castle for the time being. It’s a less stressful job with many perks.” She sighed. “Though I do admit, I miss fieldwork at times.”

“You’re Elaine Tenebris, aren’t you?”

“Oh dear. You know my name?”

“I know of your deeds but have never seen your face. A shame. It’s worthy of poems.”

Elaine smiled. “And yet it is my least impressive talent.”

“Is that so?”

Elaine continued to lead Edwin through the halls. They passed other Primordials; all bowed before Edwin. Their feet echoed in the hallways.

“You’ve never seen me use a sword,” commented Elaine.

“No, but I think I’d like that,” replied Edwin.

Elaine smiled. “Then we will have to set a time to practice together. I could always use the training, especially against someone as well-known as yourself.”

“You humble me.”

“If anything, I’m belittling you. My words don’t do you justice,” corrected Elaine. “How fast could you make it from the northern part of the city to the south?”

“I’ve never made note.”

“If you had to guess?”

Edwin creased his brow. “A quarter of a second? Possibly less?”

Elaine’s eyes lit up. “I’d love to see that.” Edwin eyed Elaine carefully. She noticed this and turned away. “My apologies, my lord. I stepped out of line. Please excuse my words and demeanor. I’m not quite used to this sort of role yet.”

“Please, do not apologize. Most people are too afraid to speak to me so casually. It’s refreshing. I do not mind.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

They walked in silence for a bit longer.

“I wish to lay with you,” said Edwin after a moment, giving the words much thought before speaking them.

Elaine’s ears visibly twitched.

“Would you like that?”

“…I would consider it an honor, my lord.”

“Good. I have yet to sire an heir, and your pedigree, reputation, and looks fulfill my needs,” said Edwin.

“You flatter me,” said Elaine. She glanced at Edwin, who was now strolling beside her. “Only one heir?”

Edwin blinked. “How many do you wish to give me?”

“At least ten,” said Elaine quickly. “It would be better for your household should there be true competition for succession.”

Edwin smiled. “You know just what to say.”

“And do,” Elaine whispered in a seductive tone.

The two of them eventually arrived at a small door near the castle’s interior. Elaine went first and opened it. She gestured inside, and Edwin entered. The door closed behind him.

A beautiful garden stretched out before Edwin. It was massive and housed every possible tree and plant it could. The smell of the space was intoxicating. Every color imaginable blurred the space. Birds and butterflies fluttered about, seemingly glowing in the vast space.

A man in black robes was in the middle of the garden tending to a bed of scarlet flowers. His chest was slightly exposed, revealing lean muscles and a thin body. Black horns like antlers arched from his head, branching off in multiple areas. His skin was deathly pale, like all the blood had drained from his body. Long black hair drifted around his body. It was tied, twisted, and braided in varying areas, with ribbons and jewelry interlocked between the strands. The man looked barely twenty. His eyes, crimson like droplets of blood, stared into the garden.

It was The Ancient One, Oberon Syn, ruler of the Fey.

“Edwin. Come.” Oberon beckoned Edwin over. His eyes pierced into the HellKnight commander. “Tend the flowers with me.”

Edwin felt an insurmountable wave of pressure flood through him. Raw mana threatened to flatten him. He felt himself sweat but didn’t let the inklings of emotions building in his stomach sway him.

The commander stood beside The Ancient One. He kept his limbs from shaking as he stared at the plants.

“Never tended a garden before, have you, boy?” questioned Oberon with a sly smile.

“No, my liege,” admitted Edwin. “I have never had the opportunity.”

“Then just admire my hard work from afar,” said The Ancient One. He crouched down and pulled a weed. “I don’t need you fucking up my hard work.”

“Apologies for my lacking,” said Edwin. His expression was perfectly composed.

“Think nothing of it. I’m happy you told me instead of trying, failing, and incurring my wrath,” replied Oberon with a soft smile.

“Injuring your garden in any way seemed foolish,” Edwin said.

“How very astute of you.” Oberon rubbed his hands together, patting the dirt off his fingers. He stood up and looked Edwin in the eye. “What is it you desire, my child?”

Edwin nearly bit his tongue. He immediately got down on one knee and dipped his head. “My liege, I would like to conduct a formal expedition worldwide in the name of Paradise.”

“Oh?” Oberon walked right past Edwin to an apple tree some distance away. His hand reached up and plucked a fruit. “Why?”

Edwin gritted his teeth and pressed forward. “I desire a reorientation of the dynamics between our kind and the humans.” He suddenly felt calm. “They call us devils. They raid and sell our young for pleasure and servitude. The humans would see us all killed tomorrow. They think we are less than them, weak, powerless.” He looked right at the back of Oberon’s head. “I wish to sully these beliefs and reorient reality.”

“War?”

“No. A display of power,” corrected Edwin. “I wish to demonstrate our wealth and military prowess along major cities where humans and Fey co-exist.” He opened his codex and pulled out a sheet of paper. Slapping it, the paper expanded, wrapped around itself, and turned into a book. “Here is my plan, in detail, of what I wish to do.”

Oberon said nothing. He took a bite out of his apple and continued to pace before plucking the codex-created book from Edwin. His bare feet intertwined with the garden’s grass as he walked and read. Slowly, he turned around, but his gaze did not meet Edwin’s. Instead, he looked past him.

“What time is it?” asked Oberon.

Edwin flinched. “It—”

Oberon held up a hand. “Not talking to you.” He paused. “It’s almost time, isn’t it? It’s close.”

Edwin didn’t know how to respond. The words and tenor confused him.

“I’ll allow it,” said Oberon after a moment, his gaze shifting to Edwin.

“My liege.” Edwin clenched his fist. “Thank you.”

“Take a ship. Grab your Hellknights. Meet with foreign leaders. Protect our people. Dispense justice as you see fit,” ordered Oberon. “Act within reason. You represent our people.”

“Yes, my liege.”

“Oh, and you can take Elaine with you. She’s bored here. This place isn’t suited for her. One might call your meeting fate.”

Edwin’s eyes blinked rapidly with surprise.

“There’s not much in this castle I’m not aware of,” said Oberon with a smile. He waved Edwin off. “You may go.”

Without another word, Edwin stood and left the room. Elaine was waiting outside.

“The Ancient One said you are to come with me,” relayed Edwin. He grabbed Elaine’s hand without looking at her. A smile stretched across his face. He’d gotten everything he’d wanted from the meeting and more.

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A magnificent galleon cut away from Afterlife and headed southeast across the ocean. The ship could easily house a thousand people comfortably and was bigger than most buildings. It had several levels to it. Workers, soldiers, and animals all resided within.

On the top deck at the ship’s bow was a massive two-level cabin where the captain resided. It is there that Edwin Syn stood. He watched the city of Afterlife fade in the distance while sipping from a goblet of wine on the craft’s secluded back balcony.

“Everything is accounted for,” said Hamilton. He was waiting behind Edwin with his codex out. “We should make it to Arcadia in a few months.”

“You mean the Devil Continent,” replied Edwin. He looked back at Hamilton with a furious grin. “That’s what the humans call it, Hamilton—the Devil Continent. You’re a forest devil, and I’m an archdevil. Remember these terms because people will brand us with them wherever we go.”

“Y-Yes, my lord.”

“Ease off.” Edwin gestured with his hand to Hamilton. “I’m in a good mood, believe it or not.” He grabbed a second goblet from a small table on the balcony, filled it with wine, and handed it to Hamilton. “I achieved my goal and found myself a fitting woman to bear my children. I cannot recall a better day this decade.”

“I am happy for you, my lord.” Hamilton nervously took the goblet. He didn’t drink from it, though. He eyed it carefully like it would bite him if he dared.

“Be happy for the both of us.” Edwin sloshed back the rest of his drink and slammed the goblet on the table. “Should this go well, my path to becoming the next Justiciar will begin. You shall share in that glory with me.”

“Of course it will, my lord.”

“Lighten up.” Edwin gestured at Hamilton. “You can drink.”

“M-My lord, I—”

“Ever the professional. I don’t dislike it.” Edwin took the goblet from Hamilton. “Bring Elaine here.”

Hamilton, relieved, nodded. He bowed, turned, and left the room.

Edwin remained outdoors. He leaned against the side of the railing as his mind bubbled with thoughts.

In truth, another reason for the expedition plagued his mind. Rumors of a Black-horned Guardian in the human lands had reached his ears. Fey spies embedded there released reports of this figure residing near a territory called the Forest of Beginners and was beginning to attract the attention of prominent political figures in Zalevet.

“Are you still alive, Melania?” wondered Edwin to the wind. To him, the rumors said as much.

The cabin doors opened. Edwin peeked over his shoulder to see Elaine strutting into the room. She was still wearing the dress from earlier. Her unblinking orange eyes focused solely on Edwin as she joined him, overlooking the water.

“Care for a drink?” Edwin asked, offering Elaine the goblet he had taken from Hamilton.

Elaine took it, knocked it back, and allowed the goblet to drop into the water before her. The golden chalice lined with gems dipped below the crushing waters. She grabbed Edwin by the hand and led him back into the cabin. Edwin, starstruck, followed behind her wordlessly.

The ship drifted peacefully through the ocean. Stars twinkled overhead. The soft sound of breath and exertion filled the air as Edwin’s expedition officially commenced.