Page 3753 -- CCCVII.

Nixil paused at that. ‘My equal? In what capacity?’

‘All capacities.’

‘Hmph! How bold! You are all but asking me to test you, you know! Are you sure that you can handle it? I do not wish to harm you, my friend.’

‘That will not be necessary.’ Then, in a tremorous voice, he added. ‘Release her.’

And suddenly, she noticed the Methusel there next to her. Their hands had been on her wrists and ankles, apparently. But now they were letting her go and slinking away.

‘Go now, Gema,’ said Ozolos privately. His was voice not commanding any longer. Only gentle and familiar.

And she went. Through the open doorway and into the corridor.

Nixil gave chase. ‘You can command the Methusel!’ he said, sounding equal parts shocked and delighted. ‘I knew you were one of us! You must tell me your identity!’

‘No longer.’

‘Do not say that! Were you among the exiled?! If so, then put your fears aside! After such a transformation, I am sure we could arrive at a new arrangement for you! Bygones could well and truly be bygones if you wish it! Do you know how rare of an opportunity that is! Countless of our kind would kill for such a chance!’

Gema just kept going, feeling that she absolutely should not stop walking unless Ozolos told her to.

‘I was not exiled,’ said Ozolos. ‘I left of my own accord. And you, Nix, have gotten much worse in my absence.’

Nixil stopped following.

‘Wait,’ said Ozolos privately.

And she stopped as well. She looked back toward the other reaper.

Nixil was just floating there, silent. A group of Methusel had followed, though they seemed to be keeping their distance.

‘I thought perhaps you might’ve changed for the better after all this time,’ said Ozolos. ‘But I see you have become even more manipulative than ever. Power has gone to your head, little brother.’

Nixil was visibly struggling. ‘You... which of my brothers are you claiming to be?’

‘Even now, you still cannot tell?’

‘Do not try that. Tell me now or be slain as a liar and imposter of the highest order.’

Ozolos sighed. ‘‘Tis I. Skapa.’


Chapter Three Hundred Seven: ‘O, lost dragon...’
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Meditation was helping him to remain calm. To remain sane, even.

Meditation, that was, in combination with pan-forma. If there was one bright side to this sudden and strange captivity, it might have been that. He could delve deep into Axiolis’ memories. He could literally live in the past. In the presence of his many ancestors.

For a time, anyway.