CHAPTER#130

Turning to look back into the bedroom, he smiled at the sight of Ratu and Tink crashed on the bed together. Tink had grabbed Ratu's tail and was snuggling it like a giant body pillow. Walking back inside, he filled the silver mug from a pitcher of water that Ratu had left by the chaise. A cool breeze blew through the room because of the large hole in the wall. Curious, he walked over to explore it.

The hidden room had little furniture, but it did have a small alcove tucked away in the corner. A narrow set of stairs wound upward, and he figured it wouldn't hurt to check it out. Ducking beneath the low ceiling, he marched upward, stopping every so often to look out the tiny windows that had been carved into the exterior wall. The valley below was dark, though he could occasionally see the soft glow of fires at the centaur camp in the distance.

He placed a hand on the windowsill and leaned against it, gazing down into the valley. What sort of life did the centaurs lead in such a place, constantly worried about attacks from without and within? They were xenophobic for certain, but was it justified? He could only imagine the persecution they had faced in fleeing their homeland to end up here. That sort of history didn't tend to breed compassion for strangers.

He supposed when he left this place, he could simply leave them behind, but he didn't like the idea of leaving things the way they were. If they had suffered at the hands of Yuki or Emily, then perhaps it was time to break the cycle, and find a way to make peace. Of course, he should probably send Beth to broker a deal, it wasn't like diplomacy was his strong suit.

Beth. The lawyer was easily one of the most powerful tools in his arsenal, a brilliant woman with a sharp mind who seemed to make friends faster than he ever could. He had felt guilty for a bit about her getting sucked into this whole mess, but she seemed to genuinely enjoy her time living with him.

When he arrived at the top of the tower, he came to a stop. He was apparently near the top, and starlight came in through the decorative skylights overhead. However, what had caught his attention was the stone table in the center of the room. It was just large enough for two people to sit at comfortably, and on it was a game board.

"Am I dreaming?" he asked aloud, expecting a woman's voice, but it was his own

The room he stood in now looked like one he had seen in one of his visions, and he was half convinced he was asleep somehow. Walking across the cool floor, he saw that a few game pieces had been set out on the board. When he picked them up this time, they didn't blur out or look anything like anyone he knew. Instead, they looked melted, like sticks of half sculpted wax.

Frowning, he searched the room, checking the smooth walls for any other clues. In the back of the room, he found a small box set in the wall, its door partially open. Using the flashlight on his phone, he opened it and looked inside.

There was another game piece and a piece of metal. When he pulled it out, he realized he was holding half of a key.

Caretaker.

The voice in his mind sent a chill up his spine, and he spun about. Behind him, along the walls, a shadow crept. The figure had no distinguishing marks, and it held up its arms to show that it wasn't armed.

Do not fear me, Caretaker. I shall not harm you.

"...Thanks?" He pocketed the key fragment. "Who are you?"

I was once like you, and I cared for this place. The shadow moved against the wall toward the window. I witnessed many wonderful things from this, my home.

"So you were a Caretaker once? For this place? Do you have a name?" Mike wanted to run, but the shadow was between him and the entrance. It didn't seem hostile, but it gave him a bad feeling, almost like he was going to be sick.

I no longer remember. The shadow held still, rippling against the wall. I have come to warn you.

"Of what?" The moment the words left his lips, his mind filled with a vivid image of his home burning down, of his family trying to flee but getting trapped. He could smell the smoke in the air and feel the heat of the blaze on his face, and when the vision released him, he fell against the back wall in terror.

"What the fuck was that?" He asked, choking on phantom fumes.

A possible future. There are those who seek the power within, like they did from my home. I died here, fighting powerful enemies, and I would see you succeed where I have failed. The shadow rippled across the room, moving closer to Mike. Let me help you.

"Help me how?" Mike moved away from the wall and looked at the figurines on the table. On closer inspection, he saw that the pieces had been burned into ash.

I can guide you on your quest for power. Power to protect those you love.

"I'm not actually on a quest or anything. I just want to get home."

The shadow paused, deep in thought. You have set foot on the path already and have walked further than most.

"I'm not entirely convinced that you have the right guy." Now that the shadow was closer to him, he was able to back toward the stairs.

Let me share with you my knowledge. The room filled with whispers, so many voices all at once that filled the air. Let me guide your journey.

"And what do you get out of it? What's the cost?"

I just want a piece. The shadow took a step toward him. Your soul burns so brightly. A small piece would let me continue my bleak existence for many years to come. It is only fair that you help me persist that I may help you succeed. You will hardly know it is gone.