The Case of the Serpent and Scorpion

Chapter 14: Green Serpent

Vana's POV

“Can’t we just not go to the guild hall at all? You know I don’t like being there,” I growled, walking after we arrived at the borders of Archborn City.

Archborn is the city our guild is located. It is also the capital of Ashern, and our guild, Green Serpent, serves as the protector and help center of the city. It’s a four-hour drive from the harbor, and we arrived at the time where guild life is at its peak.

The city lights burn bright against the night, the cold breeze of the last winds of winter blowing through my skin. We walked down the main pavement that leads directly to the front of the guild, the entrance brimming with life.

“As much as I want to just head home, that’s not possible. The more you don’t face Master Sergis, the longer he’s scolding for you will be,” brother sighed, also wishing that he doesn’t need to face the guild.

The scenery around us is nice and all. And the view of the palace of Ashern made such an ambience atmosphere. Everything looked perfectly beautiful. All except for the people that would welcome us inside the guild.

Both brother and I do not wish to head to that direction. But we were told to always pay a visit whenever we’re in the city—or in the kingdom, in brother’s case. The guild never gave us such pleasant memories, and yet they boast about my brother’s achievements as if it’s their own.

“I wonder why you haven’t left yet after all they’ve done,” I wondered, glancing at him.

“If I left, there’s no one to protect you from them. And if I ever leave, the only reason would be because you did. They never did anything to me, but you took it all,” Storm stated, his eyes facing the guild.

Despite his cold demeanor and lazy composure, my brother always had a soft spot for me. He’s the type of person to keep his emotions and feelings to himself. He cares about me, and his friends more than he cares for himself. And more than we realize.

“Thanks, brother,” I mumbled, giving him a small smile.

“You’re the only family I have left. The least I can do is keep you safe and protected,” brother said, shrugging.

I halted as we arrived at the entrance of the guildhall, the wooden, massive doors swung open. The logo of the guild was glued on top of the door, showcased for the world the see.

The logo is the emblem the members have. Mine is on my left arm, where it would be concealed by my sleeve. The emblem was a design of intertwined snakes like Medusa’s hair, colored in emerald and weed green. The symbol of magic—a staff—and a sword crossed and placed at the center bottom of the snakes.

The snakes rounded around the staff and the sword, to which a distinct snake spiraled along the two objects. The snake had golden eyes, its head sticking out in the center of the emblem. It had a brighter color of green, with its scales shining like armor.

My eyes landed back inside the guild, filled with rowdy drinkers and chatty members. The hall was lined with many tables, arranged like tables in a canteen, as soon as you enter inside. The main hall doubles as the main lobby, with its right wall being the bulletin board of the guild.

Blinding lights and the chattering and clattering noise inside radiated out of the place, echoing even out on the street. Its nine in the evening and they’re acting like it’s the middle of the day. I wonder where their manners are thrown.

“Let’s get this over with,” Storm murmured, taking a step inside as we enter the hall.

I followed him from behind, lowering my head down as we walk down the aisle. Silence welcomed us as we enter, murmurs and whispers echoing in the hall. Many greeted my brother as we walk towards the bar’s direction, while only a few greeted me.

The people in the guild only glanced at me, some with disdain. They moved away from us—away from me, with dirty looks in their eyes. Their greeting came like the wind; a subtle mockery. I only gave them a glance and a nod as a response, keeping a blank look in my eyes as I keep my emotions in check.

Master Sergis awaited us in the end of the aisle, an irritated and disappointed expression written on his face. I lowered my gaze down but kept my head high as we go and greet Master. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the worse.

“Welcome home, Storm, Vana, I see that the two of you get along as usual,” the Master cheered, greeting us with a timid smile.

“I can’t say the same. The guild is not exactly my home,” brother remarked, unafraid of showing his discontent in the guild. He stared down at Master Sergis, averting his eyes down the hall. “I see the members are still indifferent towards my sister.”

“It can’t be help. The stigma surrounding Vana has never fully disappeared,” Master Sergis said with a sigh. “With all of that said… I am quite disappointed at you, Vana. I heard from Zerondale directly that you left the academy because you wanted to quit.”

I scoffed, scowling as I raise my gaze at the Master. “Thanks for the concern. I supposed you only cared about that than the actual achievement I had today,” I mumbled, replying to Master.

“Vana—” the Master bawled, but forced himself to swallow to keep his image. “I am worried about you. And I congratulate you for saving the passengers from a terrorist group…”

The bandits who took hostage of the ship’s passengers were now called a terrorist group. It has been established before we left that Reynolds McValeri planned to start a terrorist attack to rage war between kingdoms.

“…But I am disappointed that you snuck out of the academy because you had enough and wanted to end studying there,” Master Sergis finished.

“It’s not like I wanted to study there. I’d rather be in Clove High than in Jasper Academy,” I argued.

Gasps abrupted across the hall, which I ignored. I hate to speak back, but at some point, I had to. I can’t keep being helpless. My brother can’t keep protecting me. And I can’t rely on him forever.

“Vana Farasol, mind who you are speaking with! I am only telling you that you should think about your education. In order to be a great wizard, you have to control that magic of yours,” Master Sergis exclaimed.

“You’re right. Education is important, and I have to control and grasp my magic, which is why I regret my decision of leaving,” I stated, agreeing with him. “But, I have no intention of becoming a wizard,” I declared.

My brother averted himself with a sneer. Not to me, but to Master. I gazed at Master Sergis with determined eyes, proving to him that I don’t intend to back down from my words. He has silently manipulated me to become a wizard through controlling my magic. That ends now.

“I want to be a detective, Master, not a wizard. And certainly not a wizard for a guild that never cared about me,” I declared in retaliation.

“You dare tell me that I never cared about you. Did you know who took care of you and your brother after your father died?” Master Sergis snapped.

“I was not talking to you, Master Sergis. I was talking about the guild members who did nothing but gossip and believe the rumors surrounding me. Do they really think I wouldn’t know?” I stated in a calm manner, glancing at the members who listened to our conversation.

They all turned their heads away as I glance at their direction, they’re all the same. They have the guts to insult and gossip about me behind my back. But they never had the courage to confront me about anything.

“I am grateful to Master for protecting me from their malicious acts, but didn’t you also not do anything to the stigma they had against me. Its almost like you didn’t clarify anything,” I continued, musing.

“Vana, that is enough! Do not drag your fellow guildmates who have done nothing to you. You should be glad that I am going in lengths just for your future because that is what your father’s wish,” Master Sergis shouted, annoyed at me.

“So, does that mean I should be grateful that someone took care of me and my brother? Should I be thankful for that even though I was constantly blamed for my father’s death?” I retaliated.

“Does that mean you only cared because its dad’s wishes, and if it hadn’t, you would have blamed and abandoned me? For me, that’s what your words mean,” I muttered, clenching my fist so tight into a ball.

“Vana, why can’t you just be—”

“That’s enough, Master Sergis. I think me and my sister had heard enough,” Storm intervened, stepping forward between us. “My sister is tired because of everything that unfolded, please understand.”

Brother blocked the Master’s view from me. He must’ve noticed that Master is inches away from slapping me as his hand began to lift up. Storm stared at the Master, giving him a warning look. If there’s one person who can intimidate Master Sergis, it would be Storm.

“It looks to me you’re about to raise a hand at my sister. I hope you’re not doing that while I’m not around, old man,” brother muttered, darting an eye on the Master’s palm.

“I only hit her when she has gone far enough. But I do appreciate you trying to stop me,” Master Sergis admitted.

He has hit me in multiple occasions, and most of them is when I try to stand up for myself. He slaps me whenever I answer him back. Besides that, its either he will humiliate and belittle me in front of everyone. Its how he forces his control over me. For him to achieve the results he wanted from me.

Control. Power. Authority. And sentiment.

“Don’t get me wrong, Master. I didn’t do it to stop you. I did to protect Vana,” Storm corrected, a cold gaze forming in his eyes.

The Master resisted his urge to raise his hand at me, lowering his hand down as he bites his lip. He kept his patience cool, sighing heavily as he glances at me with a disappointed and upset look. I lowered my gaze down, slowly getting intimidated by it.

“Just know that I am very disappointed at you. You should be glad that I gave you a chance to study at Jasper Academy. You should be glad that I did all I can to help you control your magic,” Master Sergis said, his eyes cold against me. “Don’t forget.”

I gritted my teeth, biting my lip as I keep the growing anger inside of me. Gaslighting. Asking me to show my gratitude through listening to his words is such a rotten way of making someone loyal and banded to you. It works against me most of the time. And I hated it more than anything else.

“I would have abandoned you by yourselves in this guild if not for your father. Your father and brother may not blame you, but others do. Remembers that,” he continued, making me feel guilty from the inside and out.

Shivers ran down my body as Master’s words struck at me. The horrors of my traumatic past haunted me, reliving in my mind like a nightmare. It may have been years since father died, but the wounds are still fresh. I jittered, my hands trembling as I back off with a horrified look.

No… no… I didn’t… I didn’t mean for any of it to happen.

The memory resurfaced in my head, and I hyperventilated, tears slowly forming in my eyes. My body shook, chest tightening as I gasp for breath. My legs crumbled, about to collapse from the stress. I reached for my brother’s shirt, clenching tightly as I hold control of myself and my emotions.

I pleaded for help, my eyes watering as I continuously try to bury the terror in my head. My brother flinched when I grabbed his shirt from behind. He didn’t need to peer at me to know what I’m feeling. In seconds, I felt a child run down my spine.

A different chill from the shivers my body is feeling a while ago. I lifted my eyes at my brother, and there was a cold aura emitting out of his body. I froze, and my body calmed from it.

“I believe we heard enough, Master. Rest assured that we are very thankful and grateful to everything you provided us for the last decade” Storm stated, replying to Master with a gentle and grim tone and expression.

“But I will not accept it if you continue to humiliate me or my sister in front of the guild members. I suggest you take this as a private matter to be discussed privately,” Storm continued. “I can only tolerate so much, Master Sergis, I hope in my best interest that you know who you’re dealing with.”

Master Sergis fumed with anger after Storm retaliated back at him. He felt intimidated by Storm’s aura, falling back as he takes a step back from us. He clenched his jaw, letting go of the subject as he runs a hand over his face.

“I deeply apologize, you’re right, this is supposed to be a private matter. I’ll try my best not to let this happen again,” Master Sergis apologized, snapping back to his senses.

By the looks of it, he’s back to his normal self. Master Sergis’ personality is an on and off switch because of the tragedy of his wife’s death. If I have a problem with controlling my magic, he has a problem controlling his temper and patience.

If there’s nothing more, we’ll get going,” brother said, ignoring Master’s apology. “Vana, let’s go.” He took my trembling hand that held his shirt, grabbing me as he turns and walks out of the guild hall.

“Where are we going?” I asked, composing myself.

“Home,” he muttered as we head out of the guild hall, leaving Master Sergis, and everything, behind.