The next morning Aribelle decided to go in search of Barnibus. Empowered by Cassius's assurances, she now felt resolved in her mission to smooth things over with her childhood friend.
Anticipating that she would find him there, Aribelle walked to the chapel. Entering through the side door, she discovered it empty. Morning prayers concluded and parishioners already on their way to set about their daily work, the vacant pews seemed desolate and cold. Thinking this, Aribelle rubbed her arms. Spying, as she glanced around to open entire, a few candles lit for remembrance of the recently departed had been snuffed out prematurely. Staring at them sadly, as she recalled the many faces of those who came to pay their respects by their soft glow daily.
Whilst waiting for Barnibus and compelled by compassion, Aribelle decided to relight those that had been blown out. Using the flame from one of the nearby alter candles, Aribelle went about rekindling their tiny flames. Putting them back all in place, she said a small prayer, "May the light you left on this earth forever live on in our hearts."
"Goddess bless those who are now in your arms." A man's voice concluded from behind her. Startled at hearing the person so close without even a warning of their presence, Aribelle jumped back.
Sniggering at her extreme reaction to him being there, Captain Artegon remarked "I didn't mean to frighten you, Milady."
"Captain, I hadn't pegged you as a trickster." Aribelle replied acutely annoyed. Hand still placed over her heart as though she had meant to stop it from leaping out of her chest, she observed, "Perhaps, my estimation of you was wrong."
"Hmm, I wish I could say the same." The Captain said. Sauntering towards her, Aribelle stood her ground trying to appear unruffled by his domineering mannerisms. "I knew there must be something peculiar about you." He commented, halting less than a foot in front of her.
Almost toe-to-toe with the Captain and Aribelle's back to the candles, she was filled with anxiety upon realizing she was cornered. Feeling their heat uncomfortably close, there was little chance of escape from his questioning today. "Really, Captain Artegon, I'm not sure what you mean." She dismissed, arcing her back away from the flames. "Come now, Aribelle, to are too clever a woman to not know my meaning." He chided, deriving some enjoyment from her distress. Aribelle grew nauseous at the sound of her name leaving his mouth. "I have to admit, when I saw you for the first time during the parade, I thought the Goddess herself had descended in front of me." The Captain confessed, but it was not affection that tainted his words. No, the knot in her stomach told her that it was a much darker desire.
"So, I became curious towards the identity of this Goddess." He continued, toying with a lock of her hair menacingly. Nero Artegon spun it around his fingers grazing her thin neck as he leaned in to whisper, "I have a reliable source, that says you have that rather spectacular gift we talked about the other day." Smiling sinisterly, as her back began to shake from maintaining such a strained posture for an extended period of time. The Captain of the Lion Guard then made his accusation, "You can see the future."
Frustrated at being made the mouse in his wicked game, Aribelle lashed out, slapping his hand away from her. "That's absurd!" she rejected vehemently. Attempting to get away from him during the outburst, Aribelle was swiftly seized by the wrist. "Don't fool around with me!" he demanded, "Your power could win us wars, it could guarantee Esparia victory and trade for decades." Captain Artegon argued impassioned by the very thought.
His allegations were technically true, Aribelle knew most of the major events of the present and future for at least the next ten years. If her knowledge was used for conquest, as Captain Artegon was suggesting, the country would indeed profit. However, its people were likely to suffer from more war and taxes as a result. Besides, it would be too risky even if she were to take his side. Her knowledge was indefinite, and there was no telling what hellish existence she might face living under the control of such a man.
A defiant glint in her eyes she replied, "Such a talent cannot be possessed." Angered by her resistance and her refusal to admit to his allegations, he held her arm over to the flames. "You will either be a servant to the crown or a prisoner." The Captain declared, watching as she squirmed against his grip. "It makes no difference to me." He said disdainfully. Pushing her arm down, so that the candles flames licked at her skin. Nero Artegon looked on dispassionately as he tried to forcibly coerce Aribelle into an agreement.
Crying out in pain, as they slowly seared her skin Aribelle began to plead with him, "Please. Stop." Tears beginning the roll from her eyes, she glared at the man with hatred through her clouding vision. "If it isn't you, then I'll take that boy instead." He hissed, "I know you won't want your dear brother to suffer in your stead, now would you?" The threat, causing her to struggle further. Aribelle shouted as she thrashed, trying to claw away his grip, "I hope you die a thousand deaths, Nero Artegon!"
"Release her, this instant!" a firm voice suddenly commanded upon entering the scene. The chapel familiar with its tenor, the sound resounded against its columns, humming within the space after he spoke.
Having been caught, the Captain released Aribelle's wrist. Pulling away, she immediately fell to the ground as Barnibus marched towards them. Inserting himself between Aribelle and the Lion Guard Captain, he acted as a barrier. "Captain, I trust there is no need to remind you that this is a place of sanctuary? Any act of violence here is an offense to the Goddess herself." Barnibus admonished.
"Of course, Clergyman." The Captain replied, glancing past his robes at Aribelle. Smiling congenially, he added, "We wouldn't want to upset the Goddess." Choosing to retreat after Barnibus's timely intervention, Nero Artegon issued some final parting words to Aribelle, "I'll be back for the answer to my proposition." He stated. Then turned on his heels and strode towards to exit as if nothing had transpired.
Breathing a lengthy sigh of relief after the heavy doors of the chapel had closed behind him, Aribelle peered up at Barnibus. His fists clenched, there was a rage in her friend's eyes she had rarely ever seen before. His normally clear tranquil eyes spiraling with vicious mists of anger, it frightened her to regard him in such a way.
Stretching out her hand, Aribelle squeezed Barnibus's fist gently. Freeing him from whatever violent mood he was descending into, he looked directly at her watery eyes contrite.
"I was late again. I'm sorry Ari." He apologized, sitting beside her.
Shaking her head, Aribelle wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. "I was supposed to be the one to say 'sorry', she replied chuckling.
Hand still on top of his, they continued to sit on the floor as they spoke to one another in the calmness of the chapel.