Chapter Seventeen: Overlords

"We certainly cannot do that without being caught red-handed," the Potioneer has said, vehemently objecting to the idea that was being presented by the other person. The conversation is taking place within an expensive Inn at Darkastoon, and so they have to be careful in the words (while inside the enemy's territory) that they needed to say.

"But that is the agreed plan," Hamilton Groundswin simply declared.

The Potioneer rose from the chair where he was seated, clearly looking uncomfortable with the way things are going; obviously he does not agree with the outrageous idea.

"It is most certain that this plan will fail. You know this fact well within your conscience that what I am saying is true, is it not? What you are proposing is tantamount to suicide."

Hamilton looked at him again, and their gaze locked. It was a gesture of agreement.

"There is no other choice, Zachary."

"No other choice?" Zachary Plainsfield, the Potioneer, declared with disgust. "What do you mean there is no other choice? You are putting these valiant Potioneers into a dire position that could result to a certain death. There has to be another choice! This is grossly unacceptable."

The other person gave out a weak chuckle with a strong hint of sarcasm.

"Unacceptable only if you have a compassionate heart. There is no compassion in this business. You know that, Zachary."

Zachary Plainsfield turned to face the window. It was dark outside.

"What do you mean?" he said in disbelief. "This is not a joking matter. What you are suggesting is a form of corruption. You cannot be serious, are you?"

"I wish I was wrong."

"So who will they send for this impossible mission to die at the end? You also know the rules of the Prudence Wars. It cannot be broken without suffering the pain of contempt!"

"And the penalty for contempt is death. Is this what you are wanting to say from the very beginning?"

"Yes. Then why do this?"

"It is with deepest regret that I now learn of your unfortunate innocence, Zachary. You know nothing about the pure concept of what fate or destiny is; there is no idea that might suggest that you delve into the meaning of death, or life, or someone having a soul. You have no regard to the stars and everything that surrounds the mystery of Astrology. In short, you are never educated of what you needed to know. And that is why they've brought you here. You missed the point of the entire propaganda."

"Who? Who brought me here exactly? . . . Hamilton?" Zachary asked the question with utmost curiosity, almost pleading for more honest answers.

"The Overlords," he simply said.

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This Chapter is sponsored by Cartier.