While she was calming down, my thoughts raced. I tried to find a way to draw information out of her without revealing that I had no idea what she was talking about. I had to be careful.
"But come on, my sister," I said at last. "You can't honestly expect me to believe that everyone is against me. There must still be someone who would rather stand by my side."
I cast the bait.
She took it.
"Yes," she nodded. "You're right. Matúš would stand by you even if you went alone against everyone else. After all, you share the same mother. Then there's Sebastian — I have no doubts about him, he's on your side. And Sára… she has far too many good memories with you, from childhood, to ever turn against you."
She paused before continuing.
"Ivan is neutral. He doesn't want us tearing each other apart. And the others… they're either missing or not responding."
It was too much information. More than I could process at once. Each name immediately attached itself to a face in my mind as if my brain were responding to long-forgotten stimuli. Memories began to surface.
Siblings.
I took a slow breath and mentally summarized what I knew so far. I wasn't particularly popular with most of them. There were a few exceptions. I also realized that, aside from Matúš and Sára, the others had different mothers.
And then another realization hit me.
Sofia wasn't her real name.
"Alright," I said slowly. "Vedana. I understand. And whose side are you on?"
She sighed.
"I'm not on anyone's side. I found this part of the world and built a peaceful life here. I do what I've always wanted to do. Ever since you left, I've been happy." She hesitated. "But sometimes I wonder what it would be like to return to my own people. I miss it… especially Sára. Those endless conversations over wine."
She drifted into memories, and I was grateful. If the conversation had continued in another direction, she would have noticed that something wasn't right.
I wondered what kind of place she was talking about. It sounded as though we came from a wealthy family, one where etiquette and similar nonsense mattered. What drew me the most, however, was the ring on her index finger. I couldn't take my eyes off it. Something deep inside me whispered that I urgently needed one of my own.
Her voice snapped me out of it.
"Oh… what I wouldn't give to see you defeat Matúš again at his favorite game," she said softly. "He cursed you, called you a bastard. He thought it would end badly but you just laughed, handed him a glass of wine, and the two of you went hunting together. From that day on, you stopped seeing each other as rivals and began seeing each other as brothers."
She fell silent.
"But nothing is ever as perfect as it seems. It hurt him deeply when you left without a word."
"You know, Vedana," I said quietly, "everyone has a reason to leave chaos when it no longer makes sense to them. As you said yourself you did the same. But the fact that I came here means something."
"Yes," she said. "It means you came to settle old scores. But believe me, I'm not important enough for that. And what would you gain from my death? I have no claims, and"
"Stop," I interrupted. "Why would I want to kill you? What if I simply came to visit?"
She looked at me skeptically.
"You've never done anything without gaining something from it."
"Then stop painting me as a villain," I replied. "You know that when I want to, I can be a good and reasonable brother. I just want to enjoy your hospitality. Nothing more."
"Nothing more," she repeated slowly. "Very well. You may stay as my guest for as long as you wish. But I will inform the others. I'll assure them that you're not planning anything and that you have no intention of getting involved."
At that moment, my inner voice spoke.
And why not? I have every right to.
Suddenly, anger flooded through me — sharp and uncontrollable. I wanted to take it out on someone. And then
A sob.
"Oh, Astibor," she whispered. "I'm afraid the old days will never return."
That name burned on my tongue.
Astibor.
I knew it was my first name. I felt its power. But there was no time to dwell on it.
"They will return, Vedana," I said firmly. "I believe that."
She laughed softly. "You're insane. But maybe that's why I could never truly hate you."
I embraced her, comforting her, whispering that everything would be alright. That one day we would all meet again at a great banquet table… at our
Pain exploded in my head.
Vedana pulled away. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," I lied. "All of this just gave me a headache. It's late. Shouldn't we get some rest?"
She nodded. "You're right. I'll show you the guest room."
She led me there, wished me good night, and left. I lay down on the bed, exhaustion overtaking me almost immediately.
Just before I fell asleep, a single thought crossed my mind:
What kind of trouble have I walked into?