Heralds Dilemma

> "*The greatest enemy to mortal souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.*"
>
> **- Charles Spurgeon**
>
>

**Year**
27 NAC

## Final Decree

Looking upon his congregation with gleeful eyes at the increase in worshipers for today's morning service, Delik raises his arms up in a welcoming manner as he addresses the crowd with upmost confidence and joy.

"Welcome everyone, please take your seats and we shall begin shortly."

Having spent several years on perfecting his speaking voice, Delik had come far from his bumbling days in the Dundi Council Chambers. Once a meek and broken man, Delik felt reborn anew in a flesh of iron will and steeled faith which had been his only companions on his great journey. Now an established and repented man, Arenstov was his home in a way that it never had been before. Flush with life and friendliness, the once quiet town had become a bustling center of citizens and visitors alike as people all around Raldova travel to this most sacred of places to hear his words or sample the newly open brewery beer.

It didn't matter either way to Delik for he had accomplished his ultimate goal all those years ago, he had **Heralded the Light** and now he simply had to keep the flames alight with his sermons of peace and love to all willing to hear. Devoted to his duty as a priest of The Light, nothing could deter him from the most elegant of truths which was that all souls could be redeemed and the Rylin were no different.

Watching familiar faces take seats in the front and back rows, Delik smiles and waves at his ever growing congregation. Finding joy in so many souls wishing to hear the good news, his demeanor would almost drop at a familiar sight that'd slip through the doorway before the final bells toll. Crimson colored hair concealed beneath a most luxurious hood of velvet cloth, a long forgotten rage would begin boil within him. Eyes sharp as daggers, his face would almost contort into one of pure hatred before finally the ringing had ceased and all eyes fell on him.

Giving a smile, his anger drains as quickly as it came with his audience none the wiser.

"Let us begin with a song of praise to our Lord above, please turn to page 549 in your hymnals, we'll be trying a new addition to our catalog of tunes."

Shaking hands and thanking his guests for another wondrous day of praise, Delik ushers out the last of his congregation before turning to see the woman in velvet still sitting in the last pew off to the right. Looking up at the stained glass artwork which shines down seamlessly upon the podium, she sighs in a soft voice.

Closing his double doors, Delik locks the church before walking towards the woman cautiously.

"I didn't come to berate or harm you Delik if that is your concern."

"Then why come?"

"Because I wished to, I wanted to see the man you've become."

"Oh? And what is your conclusion then?"

Delik speaks in a somewhat passive aggressive tone as he moves by her pew before turning to face her. Ah yes, Ismira and not a day older from the looks of things; her crimson eyes still sharp as a hawks, she pierces through his soul with a gentle gaze without a hint of contempt.

"You have surpassed my expectations once again, I was sure you'd spend your days railing away at the bar about how right you were."

Smiling, Delik chuckles with an aura of annoyance building around him.

"Sadly I have grown beyond my dependencies of old dear Ismira, you should've visited me prior to all of this if you wanted a drunkard to laugh at."

After sparring back at her words, Ismira frowns and lowers her head.

"You were right Delik."

"You're a few years too late to be having an epiphany."

Raising her voice, Ismira looks up at him.

"Delik! I'm being sincere right now, you **were** right."

Taken aback somewhat, Delik remains silent as Ismira continues in a calmer tone.

"I couldn't believe it. Surely the snow and my panic must've played a trick on my mind, but no it was all real. The sleek black vessel, the alien voice which spoke of worlds beyond our own and most of all the light which shined down upon your fixed expression of glee."

Crossing his arms, Delik frowns as he speaks in a calm voice devoid of hostility.

"How'd you see me in all of that chaos?"

Shaking her head, she says "I didn't, however I was able to watch some footage captured by one of the helicopter crews and still you stood after all I threw at you."

Her eyes water slightly, looking up at his shocked eyes.

"After all I did to you."

Flushed somewhat with color, Delik rushes over to Ismira and comforts her, cradling her head in his arms as she begins to sob.

"I...I never believed you. I-I just used you and yet all along you spoke true."

Rubbing her back slightly, awkwardness floods Deliks mind as he hugs someone he vowed to kill when given the opportunity. Now once more being drawn into her lovely gaze and soothing voice, he feels his hatred melting yet firmly gripping his heart as complex emotions surge through his being.

"Why help me reach the tower then? You could've killed me back in Dundi after declaring war."

"You w-were an asset, a survivor who proved your mettle by reaching our gates. I verified your s-story with a forensics team that made an educated dating on your medical wounds; it match the t-time frame you gave."

Beginning to calm down, she looks at Delik who moves away from her and sits an arms length away.

"Securing the tower was strategic to the Councils goals as well. We knew Suzlenki communications were most likely being received or delivered by that radio, it only made sense to take it for a tactical advantage."

Delik nods as his heart begins to harden once more.

"Was that all that brought you here? To tell me I was right?"

Wiping her eyes, Ismira shakes her head. "No. I wish to apologize for all I've done, you were truthful since the day I met you and all I ever did was lead you along. It's only when Dundi began to burn though that I realized just how right you were about everything, our future isn't in the nations and ideals of the past that destroyed this planet..."

Motioning to the stained glass star above the podium, she adds "It's that. Rising above our home to be one with the stars and all that lies beyond it."

Touched by her words, Delik smiles slightly.

"I am a patriot of Tulruvia and all it stands for, but I know it's but a pipe dream to believe we can restore the nations of old. At best we can imitate them and carry on their legacies, but the key is moving on."

Placing a hand out to him, Delik hesitantly brings his over to hers as he interlocks with Ismiras slender hand.

"These past years have given me time to think Delik and I have finally found peace in accepting that Tulruvia is gone and the blessing that were the Zoscians upon our lives. If not for them, we would've driven ourselves into extinction and that is a fact I've come to realize."

Finding this whole experience somewhat surreal, Delik blinks before saying "R-really? You truly mean your words?"

"Yes and while Dundi will live on as Tulruvias successor, that is only one piece of a two part dream Delik. You must fulfill the other half."

"But I am Ismira, I've **Heralded the Light** for years on end and with a opulent audience as you saw earlier."

"Yes, however that is not all you can do Delik. We both know that there is only one thing standing between us and our destiny alongside Zoscia."

Raising an eyebrow, Delik watches Ismira slid her other hand underneath her layered velvet robe to reveal a syringe.

"You must take Savelis place and become our champion. It's the only way for us to be propelled among the stars as a united people no longer shackled by the petty squabbles of our differences."

Deliks eyes widen, him observing the syringe and seeming to rush with thoughts of doubt and uncertainty.

"What exactly are you implying?"

"We both know what I mean, stop acting like a fool. Saveli is leading this country to ruin with his reckless policies and strong arming of neighbors, we've become more ostracized than we were previously. No we need a ruler of compassion, one which sees the big picture and doesn't wish to entertain the jackals with ideas of independence; we've squandered our chances at a great Rylin Empire, no, we must create our destiny alongside Zoscia now."

Gently moving the syringe into Deliks hand, Ismira closes his fingers over it.

"This is your final decree Delik, you cannot leave us for your pilgrimage, not yet. The truth cannot be shelved while lies dangle in its place."

Looking down at the syringe, an urge to break the putrid green vial on the floor rushes through his mind before his hand closes firmly upon the tool of Savelis destruction.

"I will give it thought, my transport arrives in five days after all so there is time to set something up."

Giving a weak smile, Ismira moves over.

"I know you don't trust me and the pain I have caused can never be healed, but we both know the truth and that is what matters. You will do what is right in the end Delik, this I am certain of."

Leaning forward, her soft warm lips kiss his left cheek before she stands and raises her hood once more. Walking over to the exit, she looks back and says "If you wish to speak of this further, invite me over to your home so I can elaborate somewhere with no chance of prying eyes catching a glimpse of us together."

Walking over one last time, she hands him a small slip of paper.

"My personal number if you wish to inform me of an invitation."

Taking it, Delik says "Thank you...I'll uh, make sure to get back to you soon."

Giving a nod, she walks over to the door and says "Until next time" before opening it and leaving.

Sitting in contemplation with the syringe resting in his left hand, Deliks mind races like a raging fire on the verge of exploding. Glancing up at the symbol of the light hanging above his podium in stained glass, he sighs.

  "Lord. Forgive me for what must be done."

## Certainty torn Asunder

Tapping his finger upon his desk, Delik gazes out through his window at the picturesque landscape below. On the rolling green hills not far from his home, a black mausoleum sits silently with a single fire alight at the entrance which signifies the eternal light of the soul. Personally keeping the fire alight at Yilins tomb, Delik looks forward to one day joining her as an eternal occupant. That time was yet to come though, work had to be done and Yilin could only offer so much guidance before he had to figure things out on his own.

Looking down at his messy desk with papers strewn about, he was in a rush getting home and his sermons were out of order now with his last two being jumbled in with the old he had already delivered. Deciding to watch the sunset for several more minutes, Delik turns his attention to his workspace and begins cleaning it for around ten minutes. Every task held value no matter how annoying and all of it brought him closer to The Light or so he felt, devotion was key and he certainly had a task laid before him now.

Finishing up, Delik takes out the syringe from his briefcase and observes it. He wasn't an expert on poisons at all, but he was certain this was one of the stronger varieties. Lush in its light green color, it looked sickening to observe for too long and only brought more uncertainty to his mind on whether he could really do it. Saveli was a friend and while Ismira spoke true, he isn't that deluded and self destructive for Raldova or was he?

Shaking his head at the thought, Delik sets the syringe down and takes out his cellphone. Having kept Ismiras number in his clerical robes, it thankfully didn't have to be sorted out of his mess. Dialing the number, he is met almost immediately with her soft voice to greet him.

Opening his door after several knocks, Delik is met by the sight of Ismira alone. Wearing her hair up in a ponytail with soft red-dyed velvet pants and a shirt to match, she looks like fire incarnate. Giving a slight smile, she motions towards his home.

"May I enter?"

"Of course, make yourself comfortable."

Moving to the side, Delik closes the door after Ismira enters his modest two story home. Bulldozing the old shack he lived in and having a livable residence be built in its place, the home had a decent yet artistic setup with Zoscian inspired architecture and art adorning the walls and stairwell that is off to his right. With a main living room adorned in black marble and a kitchen moreso to the left, he has a main booming fireplace and two crimson couches which face it; a radio off to the left along with his bookshelf. The upper floor has an interior balcony has full view the living room below, his bedroom along with a guestroom, a study and his bathroom all connected to the winding wooden platform. Having a focus placed upon his living room, the home has a closed in yet welcoming feel to it that seems to have passed into Ismira as well.

Walking over to the red couch off to the right, she lies herself down as Delik sits on the left one.

"Care to elaborate on why you called me over? I doubt you just wished to stare my hair like you always do."

"Sadly not this time Ismira, in fact I have to discuss this plan in greater detail with you."

Propping her head up with one hand, she smiles and says "Go ahead, what is it you wish to know?"

"Why do we have to kill him? The people already adore me, why can't I just seize power?"

"He'd still be the legitimate ruler, Saveli could just refuse his abdication and flee to start a far flung rebellion against you. More lives would be lost than just his own in that case."

"Alright and why come to me about this? I'm about to leave for the Kingdom, couldn't you find someone else with a bit more time?"

"We both know you're the only one that can get close to Saveli without any screenings or proper shakedowns. You practically formed the Confederacy after all, why would they suspect you of all people? You're the champion of the people and Herald of Zoscia, no one will bat an eye at an informal meeting between you and the president."

Delik nods, him standing and saying "I think I am beginning to grasp your thought process, mind if I get us some wine?"

"Of course not, thank you for the offer."

As he walks into the kitchen, Ismira stays behind and watches the fire. Returning after several minutes of picking out a bottle and two glasses for the occasion, he returns and sets the bottle on top of the coffee table between them. Handing Ismiras glass to her, Delik sits down afterwards and sips the strong yet tantalizingly sweet wine.

"Quite the brand you have here, seems fame has done your tastes well" looking around as she says this, Ismira nurses her wine.

"It has its benefits, but let's keep on topic for now."

"Of course."

"What drove you to believing this to be the only way?"

"I have exhausted all other options dear **Herald**, do you think murder comes that easily to me?"

  "Debatable."

"I didn't mean to infer that, I was just curious at all if you explored other options to solving this issue."

"You heard about our storming of the Senate, yes? Dundi has done all it can to make its voice heard in regards to Saveli's decision making and with little reception aside a sideways glance here and there. We've tried to appeal for the Unity Party to slow its steam but to no avail. They're stuck in their ways with only the end goal in sight, like a tank, they'll drive over us all and drown us in debt if it means to be free and united under **their** dream."

"Haven't they done good though with some of their policies?"

"Yes, but at the cost of everything. Raldova is more united for sure, but now everyone hates each other within the Confederacy instead of outside it; we switched playing fields with the same game you see?"

"That is quite the true statement if I have ever heard of one."

Going into thought, he thinks for a moment before asking "How exactly do you believe I should go about this?"

"Call Saveli over for dinner as a final farewell before your pilgrimage and poison his drink. Inside there is a fast acting venom that will claim his life that day after; it will be tragic and so sudden that you will have to call off the pilgrimage and take charge of the Confederacy's affairs up until the next election."

"That gives me a year at best then, what would be the point if we could just for him to be elected out of office?"

"That will be the day we finally set things right Delik. You will address the people and decide that from that day on, you will be the ruling patriarch of the Confederacy and ensure its prosperity up until a more stable political climate is found; then elections will once more ensue with a populace no longer poisoned by the thoughts of reckless unity."

"So your desire is for me to rule as a paternal despot till people realize the truth then?"

"Exactly and you will have the full backing of Zoscia and Dundi to ensure your survival since I am sure the other parties aside the Accord will want your head. Together we will ensure the right ideals are taught to our future generations Delik, not these rotten ideologues with no future planned aside one with Zoscia tossed aside. Together we'll reach the stars and be able to experience all that they have to offer us, one with the Kingdom."

Delik remains silent in though, him frowning.

"I don't want more suffering and hate Ismira, I just want us to love again."

"And so we shall, love will be the most paramount of virtues along with tolerance of those that don't share our worldview."

Standing up, she takes his hands and raises him to his feet. Staring in his eyes, she smiles while the fires glow kisses the left side of their faces.

"The lies will be exposed for all to see and truth once more will reign, all because of you."

"How are you sure this all will work out like you say? Plans are made to be broken you know."

"So far you've shown me the impossible Delik, you fought through Jalvinics hell and arrived at my gates a nearly dead man which I nursed back to health. You stood strong in your beliefs when everyone else thought you mad and doubted the sincerity of your words; when surrounded by the pit of jackals I call a Council, you held firm. Even as I turned my back on you and worked to unravel everything you wished to accomplish, you outperformed me and showed the errors in my thinking. Your will be done Delik or else we're all damned to this hell for eternity."

Placing a hand on his face, she smiles as Delik blushes.

"I feel like the world is closing in around me Ismira, I wanted to leave this world happily and thrilled for my return, but now only dread courses through my veins for what future we'll be subjected to."

"Fret no more my **Herald**, as the Light casts its rays into the abyss..."

"All will be known and illuminated for the faithful to see."

Smiling at his words, Ismiras eyes burn like an endless pyre as she leans forward. With his heart skipping a beat, Delik leans in as the two kiss and embrace. Dread giving way to passion, long buried desires resurface once more as he feels her hair and skin; the night rolling by slowly as new found passion once thought eternally lost is once more rekindled.

## Dilemma of the Righteous

Waking up the next morning alone in his bed, Delik frowns as he gets himself dressed and spots a pink colored left on his bedside. Picking it up, he reads a simple yet to the point note.

Had to leave early (like 5:32), cooked you some breakfast before I took off. - Ismira

Placing the note back on his bedside, Delik heads downstairs and finds his breakfast still warm; Ismira having placed it in the oven at a low temperature to keep it from cooling. Taking out a Dundi special he had come to love during his short stay there, Delik enjoys a calm morning meal while listening to the radio. His mind had been set and now all he had to do was act upon it.

Waiting until around 12pm to call Saveli, he sets up a dinner get together later that night for the two of them to discuss his departure and the road ahead for the Confederacy. It wasn't unusual considering their drinking sessions of the past with philosophy and psychology thrown here and there in alcohol fueled debates. Planning out his wear for later tonight, Delik spends the rest of the day mentally preparing himself for the task ahead of home.

**Only in suffering do we find appreciation for the good old days.**

Ticking by its short little hands, Deliks clock rings at 6pm, the time finally coming. Awaiting Saveli's arrival, he stays on alert before finally hearing his doorbell at 6:13, him opening the door.

On the other end of the door is a shorter man in a blue suit and black tie, his silver hair combed over to one side his red eyes look up at him. Grinning in a jolly voice, he extends a hand and says "Thanks for the invitation Delik."

Shaking his hand, Delik smiles and says "Took you long enough, better then usual though. C'mon in."

Moving to the side, Savelis chuckles as he enters.

"So where we eating this time? I think we've tried every room but the bathroom so far."

"I'm a bit boring this time, kitchen."

"Aww hell, I thought we'd finally be doing something different for a change."

Giving a smirk, Saveli enters the kitchen and sits down at the main dark wooden dining table. Delik follows in suit as he takes two trays out of the oven and begins to set the roasted Ergin meat on two separate plates.

"Ergin eh? I didn't realize I was so special to you."

"Well it'll be our last meal for a while, might as well leave our talks off on a high note."

"Aye, so anything on your mind for tonight in particular?"

"Hmm, how about the socioeconomic climate currently perpetuating in the eastern hemisphere?"

"I see somebodies been learning some new words, you want a cookie?"

Delik smiles and shakes his head "Nah, I'm just fucking with you."

"Oh! Been a bit since I heard you curse sober as well, you really know how to spoil me."

Walking over with their food, Delik sets the plates down on opposite ends of the table before beginning to fill Saveli's glass with some wine.

"Mmhm, on a serious note though; I did wish to discuss your second term plans. I will not be here to bear witness to them after all, so I would love for you to lay out what I will be missing out on."

"Sure, well the big goal is to start constructing major highways all across the Confederacy so trade is easier. It'll lower the foot traffic on less protected routes as well, fewer casualties and also fewer problems overall; that'll give us time to clear out the wild countrysides and begin setting ground work for more farms."

"I see and any plans in regards to Helia and Galdash?"

Delik sits down, doing a silent prayer for the two before they begin eating and sipping on their wine.

"Helia is bound to collapse on its own so I'm leaving them alone until they break into succession states we can work into the Confederacy over time; Galdash though?"

Saveli sighs before adding "We'll be forced to put down the feral hordes and hopefully talk some sense into the rest. The Rynal in their ranks have been subjected to horrors neither you or me could even come close to understanding so I get their distaste of us; especially with the Suzlenkin under our sway."

"What makes you think the sane hordes will listen to words alone?"

"They won't which is why I plan to set aside some unoccupied land for them to settle and we'll build trust from there. It'll take years, but I am sure we can see them come around to reason."

  "Saveli always had a way with swaying people, even if they felt shafted after his whole song and dance was done and over with."

"What about the pressing concerns of unrest though?"

"Delik we both know your decree didn't help us in that regard, why bring it up?"

"I understand that, but I wish to make sure all will be well in my absence and nothing in particular will be overturned."

"That I can promise for sure, you know me, I can keep a lid on things."

"Can you resolve things though is my question?"

"I'd say so, the plan is to increase protections for minority religions and quell the conflicts in Wimak; once those two things are done and over with, we'll be smooth sailing once more."

"Good, leaving Raldova was starting to worry me as of late, but it appears there is no need."

"You're probably just anxious for the trip is all, I'd be shitting my pants too if I got told I'd be getting a free trip through the cosmos for a few years."

The two laugh as they continue to drink and eat, a moment of silence resting in both of them after their bout.

"I think it'll be fun, my dream has always been to explore the stars since I first learned about the Coronans, they're very different from us but in a good way; I want to see for myself 'how' different though."

"Considering how they walk and talk, I would say you're in for a treat. Wish I could join you though, I've got another term before I get any free time for vacations."

Delik smiles as Saveli says this, it flickering to a frown soon after.

"I'd love that, but if I may ask, not to get too far off topic but it is something stuck in my head."

"Hmm?"

"I don't wish to spoil the mood, but I was wondering: Do you ever find yourself doubting what you do or wondering if it's the right thing? Maybe there's a better way to do things or you're just living a lie all along?"

Saveli sighs and remains silent, him leaning back in his chair as he twirls the wine around in his glass slightly.

"Yes actually, all the time to be honest."

"Really?"

"I wouldn't be Rylin if I didn't Delik. Doubting is just natural, we can't be sure about a lot of things aside the basics like eating and breathing; the rest is interpretation which is where we run into trouble."

Motioning to him, he continues "You're a man of God, you are devoted to a being you hold close to heart and so do a lot of other people which preach the good word like you; inspiring others to find the same happiness and peace you have. You found strength in faith, certainty and comfort under its magnificent walls and you will stick by it to your dying breath. Me on the other hand found it in politics and working to change the world through my own actions instead of inspiring others like you do. We both serve the same cause in different ways, yet interpretation is all it takes to make us rivals which we certainly are on the debating floor."

He chuckles and takes a swig of his wine.

"Yeah, heh. I suppose we are in a sense frenemies or whatever they call it."

"Mmhm, yet we both want a happy and prosperous world in basically the same ways if a bit different. Sometimes I even think you're right to be honest, but I wouldn't give the time of day to gloat."

He chuckles and looks over at Delik who appears to be taking in his words.

"You always seem so certain though, are you pulling my leg again?"

"I am dead serious, sometimes you 'are' right and I have to admit it, but so am I."

"That you are Saveli, that you are."

Taking a sip of his wine, the two continue to banter throughout the night as Delik enjoys his last night with a close friend. Nearing the end of their dinner, Delik tries to pour Saveli another glass but finds the bottle empty.

"Well shoot. I wanted to give you one last drink for the road, but give me a moment."

Grabbing Saveli's glass, he heads into a small closet in the kitchen to look for another bottle.

"If you say so **Herald**, maybe the next glass will enlighten me to your teachings."

Delik chuckles as he spots a stronger wine which he pops open and pours into Saveli's glass.

"You know Delik, it's been a bit since I've had a night like this, we should do welcome home dinner when you're back."

"I'll plan on it, heh."

Grabbing the syringe he hid inside the closet, he drains the substance into the glass and leaves with the bottle and glass in hand.

"Alright, now give me a second to prepare my drink for a final toast of the night."

Pouring himself a glass, he stands and raises it to Saveli.

"May your presidency be prosperous and peaceful Saveli, once I return, we'll hit the bar for some celebratory drinks."

Smiling, Saveli stands up and raises his glass, saying "And to you Delik, my faithful comrade in forming this ever united Confederacy, may our children sing songs of the deeds we have done."

Watching Saveli's glass go towards his lips, Deliks mind races as he freezes in horror.

  "The deeds we have done."

Dropping his glass, Saveli jumps as he stops himself from taking a sip, his face growing with concern as he looks at Delik who now has tears running down his cheek.

"Delik? What's wrong?"

"Saveli...I am a fool."

"What do you mean?"

"I was weak, I am pathetic and I bought into the lies when the truth was here all along."

Falling to the floor, Delik begins to weep as Saveli rushes over to comfort him.

  "I am wrong."

## Providence at last

After an eventful night that almost ended in Saveli's death, Delik awoke feeling like he died himself. He was a fool, he was **wrong** and he only had himself to blame for his own misguided nature. He was weak, but so were all men as was now becoming apparent to him.

Beginning his morning routine, Delik receives a phone call around 10am and picks it up to her a familiar yet sickening voice that molested his ears. Ismira.

"So I heard a special somebody visited you last night? How did it go?"

Remaining silent for a moment, Delik says "Good, but I need you to come over, there is something on my mind."

"Sure! I will be over as soon as possible."

"See you soon."

Hanging up, he sighs before making himself breakfast and wasting time before her arrival. Mulling about for about an hour over his books and wine, he hears a ring which brings him quickly to his feet. Walking over in a calm manner, he keeps his anger at bay as he answers the door and sees the snake before him.

Dressed in her militant olive wear he remembers her wearing back in Dundi, she gives him a charming smile.

"Sorry, I was dealing with some political matters before I called to check in; I did not have much time to change."

"Come in" he says somewhat deadpan, him moving to the side as Ismira enters somewhats confused.

"Does something trouble you Delik?"

Closing the door, he nods.

"You lied to me."

"What?"

"There is another way Ismira, we do not have to kill him."

"Well what is it?"

Anger boils over in Deliks heart as he resists the urge to hit her, him walking away from her.

"People can change, there is no need to murder a poor man over his views."

"Wha-" she follows after him, saying "Delik do not tell me you exposed our plan to him."

"Of course I didn't, do you think I'm a dumbass? I just...I couldn't do it."

Even his vocabulary was slipping, his annoyance growing by the seconds.

"That was our only chance, now what am I to do? Be subjected to his unpopular reign for another eight years or some other idiots?"

"If we -are- right Ismira, we will prevail through discourse, not resorting to our old selves. I can't believe I let you convince me of this."

"We both agreed to do this for the sake of Raldova! Am I the only one who can see the bigger picture here?"

Gritting his teeth, he remains silent as Ismira continues.

"Delik, we cannot concede this far in. You must try again before your departure, time is being wasted as we bicker about an obvious problem."

"The only problem I see here is you."

Ismiras eyes widen as Delik looks at her.

"Since the day I met you, you've had a hidden agenda and like a snake you weaved your way into my heart, into my life and dug your fangs deep into my very soul. You used me to invade the Suzlenki and tried to discard me like a wild animal, now you wish for me turn on the nation I helped build? You say your intentions are pure but I doubt anything but deceit that pours from those luscious lips of yours, you're a lying whore and I want you out of my house!"

Pointing towards the door, he adds "If you dare attempt anything in my absence and I return to news of Saveli's death, I will ensure you burn on the stake whether the Confederacy wills it or not."

Looking at him with eyes of shock and horror, Ismira lets out a whimper.

"D-delik, I just wanted....I wanted to do what was right."

"And I have seen through your lies, now leave me."

Beginning to sob, Ismira quickly rushes out of his home, Delik hearing her car start up. Watching her car drive off through his kitchen window, tears trickle down his cheeks as the final glimpse of her figure is swallowed by the hillside.

Taking his final few days to prepare for his pilgrimage, Delik on the day of his departure was finally ready to say goodbye to Raldova and begin his first trip among the stars. Packed and ready to go, he'd take his suitcase outside and hear a crumple as he takes his first step outside. Raising an eyebrow, he'd look down at a pink letter which he'd move his foot off of.

Picking it up, there would be some hefty to the letter as he hears a jingling inside. Reading the front, he'd read "To Delik" in cursive, him opening it to find a pendant inside with Ismiras name carved upon it.

Grimacing, he'd take the pendant out and read the wording underneath it.

"As our tales once more cross at the end of a long and treacherous tunnel, I feel The Light has given me a second chance in my life to make right what was once spoiled. Together against the darkness we shall stand and in my pendant I will make amends for the sins of a past life."

Closing the letter, Delik would swell once more with emotion.

  "Dammit, why'd I have to start crying now?"

Tucking the letter away, he looks at the silver pendant before placing it over his neck and giving one final call to Ismira. Sitting on his porch, he doesn't receive an answer as he is brought to voicemail.

"Hey Ismira. Be at my speech today or watch it over the television or whatever around 1pm; wear your velvet hood if you show up."

Hanging up, he sighs before getting up and packing his gear.

Driving off towards Arenstov, he doesn't receive a call back and begins to recite his speech on the way to town; him eventually arriving and parking outside the capital building. With officers already waiting to escort him the rest of the journey to the pick up site, he'd transfer his gear and join them on a short ride north to the open plains north of Arenstov.

Glancing out at the growing crowds of people awaiting his departure, a large sleek black vessel would already be parked behind the main podium stand that looks to have been setup this morning. Police patrol the area and the crowds have been ushered into a main gathering area to look at and listen to their **Heralds** final words for eight years.

Being taken behind the main podium and tents, Deliks cruiser finally comes to a stop at the main orange tent at the edge of the encampment. Government personnel moving about as a cheery atmosphere wafts through the air. Getting out and being motioned to enter the main tent, Delik enters to the sounds of Saveli's laughter who looks over; a Coronan he knows well stands at his side, easily towering over them all.

Smiling, Delik shakes Saveli's hand and Kalvics who chitters his mouth piece at the sight of his old guest.

"It is good to see you two, been a few days for one of you."

"Yes and the same to you Delik, my happiness knows no bounds for the decision you have undertaken this day. I hope your journey through Zoscia is bountiful and informative in ways I may never understand."

Delik gives a bow to Kalvic and says "You honor me with your generosity Head Scientist."

Kalvic nods, Saveli speaking up "All of the major news outlets are here, it should only be twenty more minutes before we begin so get yourself ready for liftoff."

"You got it, I will work on my speech for the time being; any tents you know that are empty?"

"The green capped one is or T4 if you like numbers better, make sure it's damn good Delik or I'll kick your ass on that ship myself."

They laugh before Delik leaves the two back to their discussion, him preparing for the next twenty minutes before his inevitable call to the stage. He had worked on his speech for about a month now and still he wasn't sure how it'd sound to the general public, but I guess now his fears would be put to rest or finally realized.

Walking onto the stage with a thunderous applause and hoots following his ascent, Delik waves at the audience with a smile, him wrapped up in his white cloth for the occasion. Taking the podium after Sevali's announcement of him, he places his paper down and awaits the audience to calm. Making sure the pendant is in plain view, news cameras home in on him as he begins.

"Citizens of the Confederacy and Raldova as a whole, I greet you today not just as **The Herald of Light** but also has a humble man named Delik Ruschev. Today is a monumental occasion on a great journey we have all partaken in to get us to this point in time, our people once more can sleep safe at night and dreams once thought impossible have become a reality. I am a dreamer myself, but my tale was not one of easy beginnings nor gifted divine intervention; it was of struggle, failure, but inevitable success as well."

"I was once a huntsmen of Arenstov, a humble man which lived peacefully with my wife and daughter Yilin. Thoughts about a greater future or even life beyond the stars didn't matter to me and I was content, if not a bit happy for a time. That was until my daughter was taken from me by Jalvinic cannibals that barged into town and decided my little girl would be their meal that night. Having been out of town at the time hunting, I came back all too late and had my dreams crushed before my very eyes...."

Pausing for a moment, he looks off before continuing "I fell into a deep depression after killing those men which took my daughter away, their drunken stupor making them easy prey for my rifle. The days after were the hardest times I had ever felt, even in my greatest pain I never had as much strife and inner turmoil as I did while burying my only child in the pitch black. My wife stayed at my for a year afterwards, her giving up on me once I fell into drug abuse and addiction that further ruined my life; she moved on with another man while I withered and died."

"For years I spent going from job to job, failing and sleeping on the streets as I hated myself for not being there to save Yilin. I wanted to die and no one was willing to grant me release, so I continued and eventually took shelter in an abandoned farm shack where I planned to spend my final days till I starved or overdosed. Thankfully I was saved by the historic Rilli Capsule which awoke me from a drug induced slumber and finally gave me purpose again in my life. Looking at my decrepit state in disgust soon after, I shaved my beard and went cold turkey for days on end as I studied the gifts that Rilli offered me; three books and an array which would bring about their summoning."

Looking through the crowd, he sees a sea of brown and varied colors, his searching gaze turning to joy once spotting the velvet hood he remembered in the church.

"So I studied and began my journey, through the treacherous Jalvinic lands where I was whipped and beaten to the mighty city of Dundi which finally breathed life back into my soul. Meeting the leadership and Ismira Falja in particular, I began a long partnership which would last up until my grand ascent up the Suzlenki National Communications Tower. Nearly ending in my death, the towers weakened state made it start collapsing around me as the battle below and above shook its supports to a breaking point, I raced towards the top in wounded state before finally accomplishing my dream."

Seeing Ismira looking up at him now, he motions to Kelvic and says "I brought our salvation on willpower alone, I **Heralded the Light** and in doing so I proved that each and everyone of you can do the same. Pursue your dreams, bring fame and prosperity to Raldova and further more: live happily, that is all I ask of you. I have been a father, a student, a teacher and a lover..."

He holds the pendant for a moment before letting go.

"I have lived many lives and many more to come, you all will do the same and I pray to the Lord you will; I love you all and I hope to see each and everyone of your faces again some day so that we may interlink arms and sing songs of peace and love all over Raldova."

Looking at Ismira, he can't make out her exact expression under her hood, but he does give a slight smile before saying "I love you" and being drowned out soon after by cheers. Walking over to Kalvic, the Coronan says a few words after him about the exact journey the **Herald** would be taken but it all doesn't matter to him anymore, pure ecstasy rested in his heart along with love he hadn't felt in a long time. Wishing to soak up the audiences cheers and gleeful expressions, he waves one last time and bows at the end of the gathering before finally taking his gear and following Kalvic onto his ship.

Walking onto the Black and White vessel, Delik waved his farewells to his friends as a final glimpse of velvet catches his eye. Moving into the main part of the ship afterwards, he sits down in the control room at an occupied desk with a clear view of Raldova below. Looking at the beautiful streaks of color that give life to its scarred lands, he begins to day dream as a final text jolts him out of his thoughts. Looking down at his phone, he gives a smile before leaning his head against the cold metal wall; slowly ascending and leaving his home behind, Delik looks up at the countless lights which welcome his arrival to their domain at last.

  "The stars are so beautiful."

## Trivia

Considered the last story of the Heralds Journey, he may appear in future Zoscian works or even in a future continuation of his adventures.

Delik and Ismiras short lived romance was never originally intended, but the dialogue and their emotions simply drifted into that direction.

Knight Alien wrote Heralds Dilemma in one day.