Melody of the Builders 18

“If it is, then you’re the one who sent those assassin’s after Elliot in Highroot.”

“What?!”

Surprise naturally erupted from everyone present as Melody brazenly accused Professor Beaks of having orchestrated the attack that had sent Chain and company on the path that led them to their current situation. Elliot was particularly surprised and sought clarification from Melody.

“Melody, do you mean that the name of the Hero whose verse you heard that night was Puppeteer?”

“Hn…”

Melody nodded her head slowly in response to Elliot while not taking her eyes off of Beaks. The disbelief in Elliot’s eyes spoke volumes about his perception on how heavily manipulated they had all been but he was not able to ask Beaks for clarification. The next person to ask a question was none other than Kyte who seemed none too pleased himself as he rose back to his feet.

“What exactly have you been playing at Beaks? Is this whole war that we’re on the edge of your fault? Did you really send one of your experimental Heroes off to start a war?”

“You disappoint me Ardea. You should know all too well that Misthead has been my only successful experiment with forcing the Builders to sing of just anyone as a Hero.”

“Experimenting with forcing the Builders to make Heroes? What type of madness is this?”

Wherks’ mouth hung agape as he stared at Beaks in disbelief. Beaks seemed more than glad to explain himself though if only to prove himself superior to the greatest of Rattama Song Smiths.

“It is far from madness Master Song Smith. Manipulation of the Builders is a necessity for establishing the basis of our civilization just as Automina before us. Unfortunately most of my test subjects could not hold onto the song when it was forced onto them though seeing a Relic that can perhaps…”

Beaks turned his eyes onto Varen’s left arm with chilling smile and the swordsman took a step back and readjusted his grip on his sword. Again though, Kyte prevented things from going further as he interrupted again.

“If not one of your experiments Beaks then who was it you sent to Highroot?”

“You’re constant interruptions are growing tiresome Ardea. I was feeling rather delighted to discuss the possibilities held by a Relic that would be more reliable than the illogical nature of a priestess in training.”

“Priestess in training? No… you mean Finch don’t you?”

“You certainly are full of questions are you not harpy? I can’t begin to fathom what Princess Corvina could possibly see of interest in you. With enough time I could easily rear a harpy for her that is a match for your level of intellect.”

Melody swallowed nervously as Beaks eyed her coldly but she found herself surprised when Kyte placed the head of his spear at the scientist’s throat.

“Princess Corvina? Pray tell what involvement you have with the heir of the throne of Highroot Beaks. And you best choose your words carefully, you’re fairly close to admitting to treason.”

“Hmph. I knew you would be trouble Ardea but figured I could make use of you a little longer in the elimination of the Bandit King. It would seem that I am not as skilled at manipulation as Princess Corvina and after she provided you with a fine group of allies to aid you in eliminating the troublesome thorn.”

The explosion of gunfire shocked everyone and most of all Kyte. Without anyone having observed it Beaks had drawn his gun and fired off a shot into Kyte’s stomach. Stumbling backwards Kyte clutched at his stomach for a moment before raising his hand to see the red fluid that now coated it. Looking at his own blood Kyte smiled.

“Oh~ that was great Beaks. I’ve been waiting for the day I could put you down. Your crimes against humanity and the Builders both will finally be paid for with your blood.”

“Crimes Ardea? It was Automina before us who enslaved the Builders and there is any number of fools who would do anything to become a Hero. Even children such as Misthead. Yes, Misthead is a fine example. If you want to blame anyone you should blame that child. Misthead came to me after all seeking a way to save the pitiful village that rests above us in these mountains.”

“I don’t believe it. I don’t believe that this could all be because of Finch. I know that she was always obsessed with exploring the ruins and finding the Ash, but I can’t believe she would lead two countries to war.”

Melody nearly had tears in her eyes as she refused to believe what Beaks was saying. She was so disbelieving she managed to take a step forward toward the Hero who had already proven that he was perhaps more powerful than anyone in the pit below the gondola station.  It was not Beaks who answered Melody though but rather Kyte who spoke with a sympathetic tone.

“I’m sorry to say cutie, but if you know the Commander from before Beaks got his hands on them then they probably aren’t the same person you once knew.”

“No…”

Melody hung her head and tried to control her anger but it was a losing battle. Snapping her head back up Melody looked upon Beaks with tearful rage and gritted teeth. The sight brought a smile to Kyte’s face and he blew a shrill whistle as he watched Melody vocalize her fury.

“You monster! Finch is my friend and I’ve been looking forward to introducing her to Link since Link invited me with her to travel this far north! How could you turn her into someone who would willingly start a war?!”

Beaks sighed heavily and tossed his gun back and forth between his hands closing his eyes in exasperation. Opening his eyes he looked upon Melody with disdain.

“You obviously are not an intellectual like the Chainmaid which is naught but a shame. If I must repeat myself though, it was Misthead who came to me. That child is wholly responsible for every one of their own actions. I simply provided them the means to acquire what they thought.”

“You know I appreciate the compliment but…”

Since Melody questioned Beaks about the Puppeteer Chain finally spoke up and made everyone realize that she had been frighteningly quiet for some time. The quietness with which she spoke only emphasized that point and there was something about Chain’s body language that sent a chill down the spines of all but Beaks. The scientist simply looked on Chain with disappointment in his eyes as he expected Chain to act irrationally. In that way Chain did not disappoint him.

“…the thing is, Melody is the single most important thing in the world to me. And well, now I’ve heard that she got hurt in Highroot because of some scheme that you’re involved with. I could almost forgive you for that since it sounds like it was another idiot who was more directly involved but… Well, now you’ve been enough of an idiot to hurt Melody’s feelings while I watch.”

“I never believed the day would come where someone would believe they could question my intelligence Chainmaid.”

“Well, that’s entirely your own fault because only an idiot would hurt Melody in front of me…”

“No… Elliot, you have to stop her! You have to stop Link before it’s too late!”

Elliot was confused by what it was that drew such terror out of Melody especially in the light of Beaks’ admission to his involvement in the troubles plaguing them in their time in the Stormroots. That Melody would be more concerned with stopping Chain than her safety became even more perplexing as Beaks took aim at Chain and fired.

Copyright © 2018 Joshua D Tarwater