chapter Twenty One
The Confrontation
Dark clouds sent a wave of shadows across the meadow. The light breeze swept over Eramus's skin, cool enough to send shivers through his body. He walked towards the tree line, where Morzaun waited with his head tilted and bewilderment filling his expression. Could he sense Eramus's frustration and anger? Perhaps he could. Zeeran had mentioned Morzaun sensed his distraught before, and that's why he'd sent his cousin to talk to him until he could come himself.
Eramus stopped several feet away from his father. Zeeran didn't bother to give him even a second of his focus, but Eramus could see the irritation in his folded arms and dark eyes. According to Aldeth, Zeeran had abandoned his family, in part, because Morzaun offered him the attention his cousin wanted. Eramus had stolen some of that attention and Zeeran seemed to despise him for it, only confirming the notion.
"Eramus," said Morzaun, offering him a small nod. "It's been awhile. How are you?"
His tone sounded heavy with concern. Morzaun may have known something was amiss, but he didn't know what. Eramus suspected he might regret coming to the meadow to find out.
Eramus hesitated to answer. How did he want to approach their conversation? Right now, he was in control of what details Morzaun had, and he preferred to keep it that way. He needed to place his words carefully to avoid revealing his aunt and uncle currently occupied his cottage. There was no telling how his father might respond to their presence. Now that Eramus knew how Morzaun had lost his power and why, he didn't dare say anything that might put his family or Evree in Morzaun's crosshairs.
"I hoped I would find you here. There is something I wish to discuss with you." Eramus's gaze darted to Zeeran, who snapped a twig in two and twirled one piece around his fingers. "Preferably alone."
The words caught Zeeran's attention. He tilted his head and his eyes narrowed. "I'm certainly not leaving now, not knowing you don't want me to hear whatever discussion you're about to have."
"Are you so desperate for Morzaun's attention that you must make a nuisance of yourself?"
The twig fell to the ground and Zeeran stomped towards him. He jabbed a finger into Eramus's chest, fire burning in his eyes. "Desperate for attention? I'm not desperate for anything."
"You're clearly jealous, and only a child would act out in such a manner."
"Jealous? Of what, you?" He sneered and shoved Eramus's shoulder. "Why would I be jealous of a man who can't even use his power properly? You wouldn't last one minute in a duel against me."
"Zeeran, that's enough," said Morzaun, his voice almost a growl.
Zeeran ignored him, his face mere inches from Eramus. "Maybe we should settle this right now?"
As much as Eramus would have liked to face his cousin and wipe the smirk off his face, dueling him would be disastrous. Zeeran had far more skill and experience, and even though the man displayed a short temper and arrogant demeanor, Eramus wouldn't stand a chance against his full power.
"I don't want to fight you, and after my discussion with myfather, he's all yours. I want nothing to do with either of you."
Color drained from Morzaun's face, and his entire body went rigid. Zeeran's brows raised to his hairline, and he backed away, holding his palms out in front of him. "On second thought, perhaps I'll let the two of you have your discussion."
Zeeran retreated towards the forest but didn't make it far before Morzaun gripped his tunic and pulled him to a halt. "Don't go far." Morzaun's eyes fell over Eramus, a hint of fear glistening in their dark color. "I need you here."
Needed him? Morzaun used Zeeran as his personal bodyguard. Without magic to protect himself, he must have feared their conversation would spiral out of control. Morzaun feared Eramus would strike him for his lies, and he was right to proceed with caution.
Zeeran seemed to agree, judging by the wide smirk that appeared across his face. "Come now. You're not afraid of your own son, are you? Then again, without your power, I can't say I blame you. Your last duel didn't exactly end well for you, did it?"
Morzaun yanked him close and pulled his jagged dagger from inside his cloak. He held it close to Zeeran's cheek, causing panic to steal over his expression. "Watch your words, Zeeran. I may not have my magic, but that doesn't mean I can't defend myself. You know this dagger is capable of more than ripping flesh."
Eramus thought back on his earlier discussions with Morzaun. He’d mentioned magic originated from gemstones that had rained from the sky. Someone had forged several of them into what he called the Virgàm, a scepter that had gifted the ability to use magic to him, Aldeth, and Yelene as children. Others adorned items such as the dagger now placed against Zeeran’s throat. The amulet allowed Morzaun to travel anywhere he chose in the blink of an eye. Whatever that dagger could do, even Zeeran feared it.
"Forgive me, Uncle," said Zeeran. "I won't disappoint you again."
Morzaun returned the dagger to the inside of his cloak and turned his attention to Eramus. His gaze fell to the ground as he sighed. "How did you find out?"
"Does it matter? I want to hear the truth from you."
His father looked up, and his eyes narrowed. "Yes, I am your father, but where your knowledge of the truth came fromdoesmatter. I assume you've learned more about my past, and I'd wager the details given you were rather one-sided."
"How many sides could there possibly be to murdering thousands? Innocent people lost their lives all because of your desire for vengeance. Even now, after having killed Sytal, you still speak of claiming Virgamor as your own."
"I never wanted to rule!" He stepped closer, his hands clenched at his waist. "Your mother was a princess, Eramus. Your grandfather asked me to take care of our people. He saw the evil in Sytal, in his own son, and he asked me to do whatever was needed to protect the people of Izarden. I've done that. I eliminated our greatest threat. My only regret is that I did not take care of him before he murdered your mother in cold blood."
"And what would he say about everyone else you've killed? How are you protecting our people if you wipe them out as if they mean nothing?"
