you and i both know the house is haunted; kokachin

[magnus]

you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me

There was always a sense of accomplishment that billowed in his chest whenever he got to walk away from the field with someone by his side—a twinge of pride. He had done something right. He had been able to portray the Gates the way that they deserved to be portrayed. More than that, he was able to do something for his companion. Help them to lead a better life, find purpose, or even something bigger.

So his step is light as he leads her from the field and toward the kingdom, his gold-flecked eyes bright as he points out some of his favorite parts of the path—a bright flower here, a crooked tree there. They were all landmarks that he had learned well over time; pieces of land imprinted in his heart.

But that all pales as he walks toward the Gates. He trots a few steps ahead and glances back over his shoulder, the morning light filtering through the trees to wash the land with golden hues. “Welcome to the Gates,” he finally says, his scarred mouth lifting up into his typical, crooked smile.

Waiting for her to come up to his side, he motions around the land. “She can be different for each person who comes here. Some come here to work—to join the castes and climb the ranks. Some come here simply for a home to rest. Some come here for sanctuary and protection.” He knew he echoed some of the words that he had said in the field, but he felt that it was worth repeating—this idea that she could find whatever she wanted here. “Do you have any questions? Is there anything that you would like to know?”

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.