Chapter 38
Chapter 38
In New Ghis, there were no other higher in the Grace Hierarchy than her.
None of the other ‘Colours’ could compare to her lovely Green.
And yes, she is no longer a young maiden, but unlike for a Red, the wisdom and visage gained with age are no tragedy for a Green Grace, They are an achievement.
It is only the naïve slaves that assume that the Graces stand above all, only holding any answer to the Great Masters.
Unfortunately, that was not the case.
And yes, a Grace could afford not to stand accountable to some. But there are those none of them could refuse. And finding that fine balance? The line after which a seeker should be and better yet, could be turned away is the skill one must learn to live to her years.
And thinking back to her youth, she sometimes likens her path to walking upon a blade. One wrong move and you are cut. One wrong move and you bleed. One wrong move and you fall. One wrong move and you are dead.
But she is alive.
Still.
But some, well most, of the ‘sisters’ that were inducted with her, are not.
And not through old age either.
But she was successful.
She rose to the top.
Became a Green.
The only Green in New Ghis…
Many foreigners foolishly think that being the Graces of prophecy, the revered Greens are nothing more that glorified frauds. Just some old women who speak nonsense, and surprisingly, are not turned away. Such a way of thinking, when they are not spewing their ‘Magic is Sin, Magic doesn’t exist!’ nonsense in private is especially visible in the Westerosi.
If only they knew…
If only…
There is a very real reason as to why there are so very few Greens…
And it’s not just for the brutal competition either.
There is a reason why she was inducted as a novice of a Green instead of the Red she was initially brought to be. After all, all Reds have a pretty face, but none of them can see what is to come…
And that was how she became a Green. A secret weapon of the Great Masters of New Ghis. The one that gives them the Harpy’s favor…
But that wasn’t all there was to it.
Yes, her role was to bring about the prosperity of New Ghis and the Great Masters. But who said that she had to serve them all? No one. And that is why, the Great Masters always fought for her favor. Never dared to speak a word of ill of her. Not after what had happened.
Not after one dared.
The one who yearned for her to become a Red.
The one who pushed her onto the path she didn’t want. Knowing that she would never willingly comply…
But he was a fool.
Like many men.
Because when she became a Green instead of the Red he awaited? He didn’t pull back. Didn’t change his mind. Or plans.
And so Fortune turned away. Until a once rich and powerful Great Master was left a beggar in the dirt. But not for long. He didn’t hold his position without making any enemies after all…
But it wasn’t just the Great Masters that learned their lesson. She did as well. A lesson of power and favor. And choices.
From then on, only she got to chose who would live and who will die. Who will prosper and who will perish. The naïve young girl that wished the best for everyone was gone with her youth. She was smarter now.
So when she saw a figure whose visage flickered like a candle-flame, to the point where she could see the true face underneath the mask, she turned away.
And didn’t look back.
She wasn’t a fool enough to believe that the Great Masters would stay their hand and ignore their greed and ambitions, should she speak of a presence of a legendary Dragonborn in their city. A Dragonborn, whose beauty and power was beyond that of common mortals.
And most importantly, a Dragonborn, who could erase their beautiful city from the face of Planetos by a single thought should they earn his ire.
And they would.
She knows them all well after all.
So she will keep her silence.
For the good of New Ghis.
And the boy’s goals?
What of them? It is not like New Ghis is more than a step-stone before his final destination. And if what she sees holds any truth, he will never be back either.
But those that will warrant his fury in the future?
They are not her problem. Or responsibility.
She has better things to do than fight losing battles after all.