The Broken and the Damned
Chapter 59: 54~The hidden truth
Previous Chapter Next Chapter5 years, 3 weeks, and four days since exile.
It's been about a month since Rainbow got over her addiction, and she couldn't be better. It felt like a hundred pounds that had been tied to her wings had been cut loose. Like she could do a dozen Sonic Rainbooms without breaking a sweat, and then fight a battle afterward.
It hadn't necessarily been all sunshine and rainbows, however. Her son had started to enter what pegasi called 'The Typhoon Phase'. This came in at about one and a half to two years old and involved the foal being incredibly active with their wings, darting around and smashing into things like, well, a Typhoon. It was like how newborns started doing it shortly after they were born, but even faster as the wings muscles matured and got stronger. Naturally, this had driven Castus half-mad from having to chase him across the apartment and clean up after his messes. To help alleviate this pressure on the poor caragor, she had started taking her son out on flights over the city before lunch.
"Wheeee!," he cried in excitement as he flew a little bit above Rainbow, able to fall directly onto her upper back in case he got tired or got caught in a bad current. Below them, the city stretched out endlessly for miles in every direction. From their height, the citizen's bellow looked like ants, shuffling around on their daily business. The wing in her face felt cool and refreshing, like a glass of ice water after a long workout. The palace came back into view, the balcony of their apartment looming fast upfront. With a slow descent and a light catch of the small foal later, they were home; and by the smell coming from the small kitchen, lunch was almost ready.
"Nice job, Sport! Keep it up, and you'll be able to fly like me!"
He said, "Twanks, mama!"
"As fun as that would be," Castus said as they walked in. "But, I for one, am not looking forward to that. If it gets any worse, I'll have a migraine."
"And that would be an issue, why?"
Before either of them could respond, a knock sounded at the door. "I'll get it," Rainbow said. "You go get some lunch, Sport." Rainbow trotted over, opening the door. On the other side stood a caragor in full military dress: A red tunic, polished leather belt, including a sword hanger, and a dark brown felt Pannonian cap. He seemed somewhat familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. "Is there something I can help you with?"
He handed her a large folder, about the size of a tray. "For you." Then, whispering in her ear, "I suggest you don't read it now. Do it tonight, or when no one will see you." He then stepped away, saluted, and trotted off.
Rainbow leaned out of the door, watching him disappear down the hallway. She then shrugged, turning and heading over to the table, absently tossing the folder on the couch for her to read later.
+++++~+++++
Several hours, and all was quiet. Dinner had just finished, and Depressi had been put to bed. Castus left shortly after, leaving her alone. It was still a little bit light out, and she had time to kill before her usual bedtime. Normally, she would read a book or something, or go down to the bathhouse before it closed. However, she then remembered the folder on the couch and decided to get that over with. She sat down on the couch, used one of her claws to sever the wax seal on the folder, and slide out a letter from inside.
Dear Ms. Dash
I understand you will not be familiar with me. My sister was never one to reveal secrets. Particularly from one who works for her directly. However, I digress. I understand you like to get to the point, so I shall do just that. I'm afraid that you have been manipulated by my sister.
Now, I know you aren't exactly liable to trust me. As a matter of fact, if you wish, simply destroy this letter. But, allow me to make my case. Do you remember the caragor who you talked with before you were captured by those degenerates who tortured you? His name is Crassus, and he is a frumentarii: A spy, assassin, and an intelligence gatherer. He, supposedly, was off in zebrian territory, gathering intelligence. However, he helped you. Also inside the folder, you will find the file that states this.
Next is the degenerate filth themselves. Doesn't it seem a bit odd, that you were rescued from them, and taken directly before the Caesar? I mean, how did they know you were there? How did he get out without killing anyone else, or at least by not making any noise? Because my sister had heard of you, and she wanted to have you as a weapon. She never could ask nicely; what she wanted, she took. Also inside you'll find a contract, offering Pryhan made weapons and armor in exchange for you.
Now, you don't have to trust me. Hell, I don't expect you to. However, I have presented you with a case. Make your own case on what you want to do. If you wish vengeance against my sister, however, I beg patience. I plan on making my return soon. And with it, I will, hopefully, ascend to the throne so long denied to me. Those who help me will be rewarded. All I ask is this; a chance.
Yours truly,
Princeps Diocletian.
Rainbows' eyes progressively got wider and wider as she read it through. Like it said, she had no reason to trust what the letter said. However, if what it said was true, then she had been played for an idiot for, now, over three years. She then tossed the letter aside, reaching back into the folder for the other two documents that were said to be inside.
Sure enough, they were there. And they said exactly what the letter had said. Rainbow walked over to a potted plant, sliding the papers back into the folder and the folder under the pot. She needed time to think about all of this. One thing was for certain, though. From now on, she wouldn't trust a word that came out of the Caesar's mouth. Still fuming, she trotted upstairs and passed out on her bed. She'd think about this some more tomorrow.
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