My (Monster?) Hero Life

The journey back to the Natives' city felt rather uncomfortable to Kace. It was as if a shadow had descended on the captain's cabin where Terrell had locked himself away with Phillip. Kace sighed as he watched the desert dunes pass by at high speed. 

"Kace, aren't you worried about what's going on in there?" Josh asked as he strode over.

Kace glanced at the wraith with a helpless expression. "Even if I was, what could we do? He's definitely out of our league."

"For now, maybe." Josh laughed as he propped his elbows on the wooden guardrails. "Still, it's strange the way he became so protective of that Hero."

Kace nodded in silence while stealing a glance towards the cabin door. "It was, but we don't know the reason. I've thought about it, but the only guess I can come up with is that Phillip's wellbeing might have an effect on breaking Rysa's curse."

"I doubt that." Josh snorted as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "He could always just die and revive in perfect health. "No, my gut tells me there's something more to it. I saw plenty of curses, cursed objects, and so on when I was still human. Raven liked to collect those kinds of things."

"So what? You're saying Rysa didn't place a curse on Phillip?" Kace frowned as he turned his eyes towards Phillip.

"Who knows? I'm just guessing based on my experience, but I don't know everything. I just feel that Terrell's behaviour is off about the whole thing."

"Sir! We're approaching our destination!" Brenden called out, interrupting their conversation.

"Got it! You know what to do!" Josh shouted back with a wave of his hand. "Just keep a close eye on him in there, Kace."

Kace cocked an eyebrow at the wraith, who patted his shoulder before wandering off to inspect his ship. 'He's right.' Kace sighed as he considered the problem. 'He hasn't actually shown us any proof that he knows what's going on with Rysa. I'm only giving him a chance because of that book title in Rysa's library.'

A feeling of uneasiness gradually built up inside of Kace. However, their only hope of progressing on the Northern front required roping Terrell and Rysa into their war. As Josh commanded the crew to bring the Freedom to a halt outside of the oasis city, Terrell and Phillip finally emerged from the cabin.

Phillip's face wore a defeated expression even though he looked to be in good health. It was clear that Terrell had taken good care of him, but by the look on Phillip's face, Kace could guess that something had happened between them. 

'Maybe I'm just overly paranoid. If Terrell intended to help Phillip escape, he would have done so by now.' Kace mused as he stared at the pair.

'You mean if he hasn't already.' Sylvan scoffed from Kace's inner mind.

'What do you mean?' Kace's eyebrow arched in curiosity at the parasitic weapon's comment.

'You already know the guy attacks the mind using illusions and such. So what do you think?' 

Kace's expression became cold when he understood what Sylvan was getting at. His gaze flashed towards the pair of Heroes as he studied them for any flaws. 'Is he powerful enough to trick all of us at the same time? Could the two of them be illusions? Have we even left Ulafor Island?'

Kace's mind was thrown into turmoil because of this slight doubt. He could not bring himself to look away from the pair as they headed for the edge of the ship. Terrell glanced at Kace with a curious expression when he noticed the intensity that his stare carried.

'Damn it! None of my senses is telling me that anything is wrong.' Kace had no choice but to hope that was reality at this moment. Even his phantom hydra-head was not sending him any information that differed from his own perception.

It did not take long for the native's to transport them to the hidden city underground once everyone had gathered. The natives lined the streets to watch the procession with some mild curiosity as the group moved towards the palace.

At this point, Sophia and Grugda appeared, leading a small band of monsters to act as guards in case anything unexpected were to happen. Sophia's eyes sparkled for a moment when her gaze swept over Kace's figure, but she could tell that his attention was fixed on the Heroes.

Sophia sighed inwardly as the group took up positions to flank Kace's more minor group. The atmosphere felt tense as they silently marched inside of the palace. All eyes turned on Terrell at this point. They had to rely on his knowledge to proceed with this matter.

"Where's the Soul Cage?" Terrell casually asked with an aloof expression making it challenging to understand what he was thinking.

"In the basement, dungeon, whatever you want to call it," Kace replied while keeping his cold gaze fixed on the Hero, who nodded his understanding.

Terrell set off in the correct direction, which surprised everyone. It was a clear sign that he actually knew where he was going inside of that structure. Kace raised his guard even more at that point. According to the discussion that they had shared, this underground city did not exist before he was imprisoned!

'Makes sense…' Sylvan suddenly interrupted Kace's thoughts. 'If this is an illusion, it could be making use of your memories…'

Kace's expression sank after Sylvan voiced his thoughts. He suddenly felt an aggressive reaction rising in his mind as he stared at the Hero. Just as they reached the chamber where an ethereal version of Phillip would appear randomly, Kace could no longer hold back his doubts.

"Terrell, how did you know the way to this chamber?" Kace growled as Sylvan took the form of a spear in his hand.

Kace's question and drawing of his weapon sparked a reaction from everyone in the group. Sophia and the monsters drew their weapons and pointed them towards the two Heroes. Doubt filled their gazes as they readied themselves for battle.

"That's simple…" Terrell laughed as he glanced around himself as if nothing was wrong. "Rysa had a palace just like this one in her old domain. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if this is actually the same one, and she just moved it!"

Kace's expression soured at that explanation. 'Is it that simple? Have I been worrying for nothing?' 

"Kace, let me give you some advice." Terrell fixed him with a knowing expression. "Get your parasitic weapon under control before it consumes your psyche…"