The slow, silent walk from the academy to the Paladins Order felt painfully long, the Knights pace never changed once. My legs ached trying to keep up. He walks with a steady measured rhythm that echoes across the stone path. The sunlight shone and reflected from his armour with each step, layered plates of white and silver overlap, framed by the sharp channels of gold. Every joint was crafted with precision that suggested the cost was beyond anything I could imagine, the armour was truly beautiful.
When he turns slightly to check that I still walk alongside his shadow, I take the time to inspect his mask. Obsidian, black as night. Polished so smooth it didn't reflect the sun's rays.
Only two narrow slits for the eyes broke the surface. Intricate designs were carved into it, sharp and symmetrical. Golden markings of pride swirl around one cheek and down his jawline interwoven with another marking. Deeper blue lines swirl around the gold and his cheeks to almost look like canines. Gluttony. I didn't notice the first time, he's double crowned. Twice sinned. I'm glad my friends didn't make any trouble because we wouldn't stand a chance.
I've only ever met one other double crowned, Lira Kallos. Though hers manifested in quiet ways, the ability to recall details she has witnessed in perfect clarity then project them onto her Pride summoned mirrors. Her power was subtle, gentle and rarely intimidating. The Knight before me was nothing like her, he only used his Pride gifts and they were so strong, I wouldn't like to meet him when he's utilising both of his sins.
Double crowned are rare, yes but not mythical. Two separate parents carrying two different Lightscars could attempt to conceive a child with both gifts. The chance was small, in the tens of thousands, and the result is unpredictable. Some grew fragile. Some grew unstable. A few became terrifying. The man in front of me belonged in the last category. His presence alone made the air feel thinner.
I swallowed and forced my voice steady, like speaking to a god. ''Sir Paladin, I would like to ask..''
''Do not speak, unless spoken to.'' He ordered, without turning to look at me.
The words landed with the weight of the command. I lowered my gaze and fell silent.
The safety of the walls of the academy are now obscured by the carved terraces of the upper district. Tall archways cast long shadows, stalls were being opened and the scent of warm bread and spices flew into my nose, taking my thoughts away from the monster in front of me.
The upper tier residents pause and stare when we march past, their attention flickers over the Paladins armour and then to me, some tighten their lips in disapproval while others whisper behind raised hands. A few turn their gaze completely, hoping not to catch the gaze of the Paladin completely.
The further we travelled, the older the stonework became and the narrower the streets. The city shifts from polished towers and wide bridges to cramped alleys, stacked homes and crowded markets. Here, the Scarless worked openly, they haul crates, carried water and scrubbed steps. Iron bands their hands and ankles, marking them as Scarless.
When they dared to look up and notice me with the Paladin, their expressions changed. They notice my dull and plain robe, then nod to me in solidarity. They know I'm scarless. Well not exactly, but I do not carry a Lightscar, only a scar on my heart. Their rough hands pause in small gestures of acknowledgement. They dip their heads and press a fist to their chest. It held no pride, only resilience.
Children darted between market stalls and skidded to a halt, noticing the Paladin. Their mouths agape, like it's the first time they have seen a Paladin Knight. They must think of them as heroes and want to be one when they grow up. If only they knew. Knew of the monstrous deeds they committed to achieve this peace they believe to be the aftermath of extinguishing the so called Lighteaters, how would everyone react if they knew?
I keep my head low, keep my eyes away from the gathering spectators as my mind swims once more thinking about the gathering I witness in my vision. The eclipse was Afraid, For their family, friends and children. Much like the people of crownspire would be if there was a threat to their existence. But I can't wrap my head around why they needed to be extinguished. What does the Eclipse have that scared them? Perhaps it's what they represent? The name Fàolán echoes through my mind, perhaps this Fàolán is what scares them?
The more I try to push the thoughts away the more they return. Shadows move when I panic, the storm of energy in the storage room during my episode and the voice that called out to me let. It. Out. The sense that something ancient had awoken and turned its gaze towards me and would not look away.
We reached the outer walls of the Paladin Order, tall white stone pillars rose up around a domed building covered in golden runes which shimmer in the sunlight. The place hummed with discipline and order, the air feels colder as my skin prickles and hair on my arms stand up to attention. The noise of the city fades until only our footsteps remain.
Large gates carved with crowns stood before us, the symbol of every sin marked the entrance. The Paladin stopped at the gate and mentioned me forwards. The symbols on the doors pulsed brightly once and the stone doors behind opened slowly, the sound of stone on stone filling the air. I swallow hard and step into the heart of The Cradle's most powerful warriors. I don't know what waited for me inside, the beating of my chest and sweat beaded forehead knew whatever did wait for me, nothing would be the same once I walk back out again. If I walk back out again.