8. Aareth
EIGHT
AARETH
Did they think he was stupid? He knew where even the best of intentions led. With this much power, there would be no stopping the Queen if she decided to rule the Outland cities as opposed to “helping” them. With the magical technology New Hope now held, it would be a war of swords against sticks.
Aareth was already in the courtyard when he heard the running footsteps behind him. The warm air and the setting sun touched him at the same time Edison reached his side.
“My God, boy, slow down. I’m not as agile as I once was.”
“Listen, I know you’re trying to help, but this isn’t my thing.
” Aareth reduced his pace but continued to move forward toward the exit.
“It starts with one town, with one city; we lend a helping hand, and then we want favors in return. Favors turn into allegiances, handouts turn into debts, and debt is just another word for control.”
“You’re exactly right, and that’s why I chose you. You’ve seen it all happen before. You’ve seen the corruption firsthand. You’ve been in the middle of it. That’s why it’s so important that you be the one to go.”
Aareth reached the front gates. The fact that Edison wasn’t arguing with him was enough for him to stop.
“You don’t disagree? So you don’t think the Queen can be trusted?”
“I didn’t say that.” Edison put both gloved hands up in a sign of surrender.” The Queen is doing this for all the right reasons; however, there are those in the palace who would rather see cities in the Outland pay taxes and tribute rather than become friends and allies.”
“That’s why you need me to be the one that goes.” Aareth crossed his muscular arms and took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I’m letting you talk me into this.”
“Aareth, the time you spent as an inspector cleaning up the corruption in this city will be an invaluable tool. You were the best undercover detective we ever had at the precinct.”
Aareth stood quiet, torn between what he knew was the right thing to do and the direction every muscle in his body was telling him to go. Two sides of Aareth were locked in a battle; the man he once was and the man he was now.
Edison saw everything. He recognized what the pause in conversation meant, the agitated look on Aareth’s face, even the furrowed brow.
“If you can’t do it for yourself, Aareth, do it for the city; and if you can’t do it for the city, do it for her.”
Aareth was ripped from his internal battle at the mention of his dead wife.
A year ago, he would have beat anyone that dared mention her memory.
A year ago, mention of his dead wife would have been enough for Aareth to end a man’s life.
Today, he knew the anger would only reopen old wounds.
Instead, he accepted the memory and embraced the pain.
“She was better than I was.”
“No, Aareth.” Edison’s face softened as he put a gloved hand on his wounded friend’s shoulder.
“She was better than all of us. She just brought out the best in you. Go on this mission and keep a watchful eye. Something big is about to happen. I have a feeling whatever it is, it’s going to start with this journey. ”