[ WP ] `` Sorry , but ... you 're actually NOT the Chosen One . ''

I was polishing my sword when I heard the tent flaps rustle behind me. 
 
 `` Come in,'' I said, as I turned to greet the late night visitor. 
 
 Malena appeared at the entrance. Her dark hair was free and she was not wearing her seers' sash. She stood there with an inscrutable expression on her face. Her gaze moved around my tent, scanning over my belongings, weapons and books, before resting finally on my face. Some sentiment in her eyes intensified, but she did not speak. 
 
 `` I can never sleep well after battle,'' said I, breaking the unusual, rather tense silence that had set between us. 
 
 She nodded. `` I know. I was expecting to find you awake. They want to speak to you.'' With that, she left the tent, and I followed quickly behind. 
 
 The other seers were seated around a tall pillar of white fire a little way away from the tents. The bright light flickered on their grim features, and their voices died away as we approached. There was a sweet, delicate smell in the air, the same scent as Malena's clothes, skin and hair. 
 
 Raelen spoke, his deep voice barely a whisper. `` We congregate to uncover the way, the true path, to find the signs that lead us away from the darkness. We did so tonight, and our visions were... disturbing, yet we saw them with clarity and certainty.'' He paused and I looked to Malena for some reassurance. None came, and a knot tightened in my chest. How many more were to die? What other suffering would come over these lands, to plague people who deserve no such pain? I would stop it, I would put an end to the misery and darkness. Had n't I, many months ago, pledged my life and my soul to do so. 
 
 Raelen continued. `` We are instruments of a force we barely understand. The fire led us to you. We do not know if we misinterpreted, or if in finding you we fulfilled some higher purpose. Tonight, the fire shows us that there is another meant for this destiny we have believed to be yours. You are not the one called to this journey. Your path lies elsewhere.'' There was a bitter note of frustration in his tone. `` And we have a difficult, and much longer way ahead of us.'' 
 
 `` Tomorrow morning, you will be given an escort and supplies to return to your village,'' said Gresna. `` You will receive compensation for your services to this great cause, and for the light that you have brought to the world.'' 
 
 I could sense that I was being dismissed. His last words blurred in my mind. I walked back to my tent, my heart pounding and my feelings alternating rapidly between disbelief, anger, and sheer numbness. Throughout this mire, one little thought took hold in my mind. It grew, fuelled by hope that began appearing increasingly reasonable. They were wrong. Had n't I defeated the Shreevers at Yotte Hill? Had n't I united the five provinces? Had n't I shown magic previously unknown? The prophecy described me. I was certain. 
 
 When I reached my tent I started packing. I had no intention of returning to my village. I'd leave tonight, quickly. I took weapons and a few books, even though they were not mine. In my rush, I did not hear Malena enter. 
 
 `` You are leaving,'' she said softly. 
 
 `` I am,'' I said resolutely. 
 
 `` Return to your village,'' said Malena. Her eyes were pleading. `` Please, Sebastian. Leave this country. You have been given this chance.'' 
 
 I put my hands on her shoulders and meeting her eyes, I asked, `` Why? What is coming?'' 
 
 Malena shook her head. She pressed her head on my chest and wrapped her arms around me. 
 
 `` They are wrong. This is my calling.'' 
 
 `` They are not wrong. I am the one who saw it,'' she said, her voice muffled slightly. `` Leave this place, Sebastian. I do n't know how much I can help you anymore. I already betrayed my vows.'' She released me and looked away. 
 
 `` You have not. You said yourself your attachment to me was n't encouraged, but is not against the vows.'' 
 
 She did not reply. She stood there, unmoving and silent, as I finished packing. I could not see her face. 
 
 `` It makes no difference if I am the chosen one or not. I will do what I can for this world.'' 
 
 `` I am coming with you,'' she whispered. 

