Assistant to the Villain, #3
Accomplice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 11
Overview
Trystan forces himself back into the role of villain as Rennedawn’s magic destabilizes and the prophecy looms. During window repairs, a worker reveals faint inscriptions on the stained glass that narrate Rennedawn’s origins. Before Trystan can act, a searing pain floors him and he collapses, escalating the crisis.
Summary
Trystan, frustrated by his fraying control over dark magic and the kingdom’s imbalance, orders the stained glass to be refashioned with brutal imagery, vowing to reclaim his villainy to fulfill the prophecy and restore order. He rejects recent softening—hosting relatives and tea parties—as the cause of his weakening power.
As workers repair the shattered window, Trystan argues there are no inscriptions. Leonard, a maintenance worker, proves otherwise, handing Trystan a shard that, in direct sunlight, reveals delicate script beginning, “Once Upon a Time… A land called Rennedawn was forged by magical creators.” Trystan realizes the stained glass secretly records Rennedawn’s story.
Gushiken rushes in as the discovery sinks in, but before discussion can continue, a sudden, branding pain sears Trystan’s bicep. The shock drops him to his knees; his vision blacks out, and he falls, leaving the revelation unresolved and his condition uncertain.
Who Appears
- TrystanDetermined to reclaim his villain role; learns the stained glass hides Rennedawn’s story; collapses after sudden searing arm pain.
- LeonardMaintenance worker who discovers and shows the faint inscriptions on the stained glass to Trystan.
- GushikenArrives as the discovery unfolds, witnessing the moment before Trystan collapses.