Chapter X: Revelations of the Heart
At long last they had finally returned to Lazulis Island. The General's multiple fleets were just pulling into the docks and the men were in the process of removing their newly acquired treasures and trophies from the ships vaults. The General was overseeing their actions and ensuring that all was running smoothly from the minute they docked until they reached the castle.
From the moment that Kagome had awoken this morning from her cot, she had yet to leave Therius' side. The older swordsman had made no comments about their discussion last night, which did not surprise her. If anything, Therius continued to treat her as he had before, though she was fine by that. As of last night, she knew that he had accepted her apology and forgave her for her foolish actions. Yet, Kagome knew she wasn't off the hook just yet. Therius was notorious for holding a grudge against others—though he may try to argue else wise with the General and Kagome—and she was fairly certain that Therius would be harsher towards her when it came to sparing and being put on guard duty.
Kami, when he first returned to the Island before this attack, he caught me yawning and look bored at my post. She suppressed the urge to sigh as the entire fleet and the mercenaries were walking back towards the castle. They had just passed through the town and were now reaching the castle perimeter. During their walk, the citizens had stopped what they were doing to watch in amazement and joy as the General led his army from yet another victory.
Kagome smiled at the thought. Just recalling the townspeople's cries of joy and happiness when seeing General Asthar leading his army to the castle never failed to make her day; after all, General Asthar truly was one of a kind. Unlike his subordinates who merely cared about the prestige and honour the title of knighthood brought to their names, the General was knighted for the sake of protecting others. The safety and happiness of the people were of great importance to him, and it was evident with each passing nod and grin he offered to the people who had lined up to see them return.
"Hmm…" However, it seemed as though other people possessed different thoughts about returning to the island. Kagome glanced to the right side, and caught sight of Calista fiddling with her palms, her gaze locked downwards towards the ground. Her expression was a shattered mixture of poor composure and despair. Kagome could have sworn that she saw the girl's shoulders trembling, but she knew that it wasn't within her jurisdiction to say anything. With the large group surrounding them, and the nosy gossiping knights behind them, there was nothing the raven haired woman could do for the poor girl.
She bit her bottom lip. As much as it pained her to the see the Arganan heir so distraught, a part of her knew the girl had brought it upon herself. If the girl had opted to stay aboard the ship instead of venturing off into Gurak territory with the foolish mercenaries than perhaps she wouldn't be as frightened as she appeared to be now. It was evident—or maybe more so to Kagome—that Calista looked… shakier than usual. Ever since their return to the General's ship, her face had become paler and her eyes had lost that sparkle of life to them.
I suppose she's finally awakened from that fairy tale fantasy of hers. Kagome still stood by her previous thoughts: Calista was deluded in believing their previous journey to be some sort of exciting fantastical adventure. The girl was too blinded by her desires to leave the island to realize that such fantasies do not exist.
I suppose she truly experienced a wake up call then. She looked away in partial disdain and centered her gaze forward. They had now reached the front of the castle and were waiting for the front doors to open. As expected, knights, maids and servants alike were standing off to the side yet eagerly watching the General with their greedy eyes.
Kagome arched a brow when she spotted three maids in particular who were whispering to themselves and pointing in her direction.
"… Really?" she murmured to herself, forgetting that Therius was standing right beside her. "You choose to act like that now?"
"Whom are you referring to?" Therius's cold tone snapped her from her thoughts, making Kagome's head twist to face his direction.
Therius stood regally beside her with one hand clamped onto the hilt of his blade. His steel-like eyes were locked with hers. "Whom are you referring to?" He inquired once more, but this time she noticed his tone sounded harsher than before.
Her eyes wandered off to the side. "Some childish maids," she merely uttered.
He clicked his tongue. "And are you childish enough to let their actions bother you?" Blunt and to the point as always, his tone and comment left little room for argument.
Kagome exhaled softly. "… Their actions are not bothering me, Therius. I can't help but notice them however; they tend to gossip about me like that on a daily basis."
"Hmm…" The knight's eyes widened partially. "You don't say." He made no further comment on the issue, but merely glanced towards the maids. The moment his eyes locked on their petite figures, their murmurs died down and a cold shiver seemed to pass through their spines. Kagome noticed the way the blonde, the supposed ring leader of the trio, looked especially frightened. She bit back a smile. It was nice to see those women finally holding their tongues. But if she had to guess, she knew that the moment they would be out of their sight line, that the trio would be back to whispering like the silly young women they were.
At the thought, she merely exhaled.
I have more important to concern myself over, she decided. Like hoping the Count won't be too upset by my actions. The realization made her heart pound. She could only begin to imagine how furious the Count must have been to learn that his niece had not only been aboard a Gurak ship with a group of mercenaries, but had also been a part of the group that was trying to reclaim the Gurak territory. Even worse, she, Lady Kagome, who should have been trying to protect Calista, had joined those mercenaries in their fight against the Gurak on their own land.
Even if I try to clear my name, I bet Jirall is already twisting the plot to better suit his needs. I better be prepared for what the oaf might have planned.
Kagome licked her chapped lips.
Just then, the doors opened. Without waiting, the General advanced, thus leading the troop behind him. Therius cast one glance behind him to ensure that Kagome was following before departing.
Kagome looked up, mentally sighed and continued to walk beside Therius.
As always, when entering into the Grand Hall, she tried to present herself in a regal fashion. She walked forward with her feet pointed straight and her posture nothing less than perfect. She knew from waking up this morning that her armour was spotless and looked presentable to meet with the Count. Yet, none of this aided in dwindling the fire of nerves she felt burning inside of her stomach. Kagome wanted nothing more than to back out of the room instantly, but she knew she couldn't. There was too much riding on this discussion to leave. Besides, she knew if she left that she would never hear the end of it from Therius. That man, regardless of how much she cared for him, always felt the need to tell her off for her improper actions or misdemeanours. Their relationship had been like that since they first met, and it seemed as though it would continue to develop in that manner.
"Excellent work as always, General! A wonderful result!" It seemed as if the talk had already commenced. Without Kagome realizing it, the General and the group had ceased walking, and standing mere inches from them was none other than Count Arganan himself, Lord Jirall and the current knights assigned to guard the Count.
General Asthar merely nodded, pleased by the Count's words. "Thank you." He sent a chid glance towards Calista, which made the already dejected woman hold her head even lower. "Milady," his tone was soft, albeit it sounded a tad condescending.
Calista nodded and kept her arms wrapped around herself. Without saying a single word, she walked forward leaving the mercenary group behind her.
Kagome tried her best to not watch Calista, knowing all too well the thoughts that were probably swimming through the girl's head. Her adventurous journey had come to an end; it was back to reality for the young woman. A reality that meant maintaining complete and utter obedience to her uncle the Count, and following through with her marriage to Lord Jirall. Calista would not be able to speak freely anymore or spend time with Zael. If Kagome had to guess, she was beyond positive that that was one aspect that greatly saddened Calista. Throughout their time in the Gurak stronghold, she had seen the way those two were watching each other and how close they stood when talking to one another. It would take a sheer dolt not to notice how they felt for each other… or at least the sudden attraction that had sparked so rapidly between them. Kagome could only begin to imagine how such a scandal would break loose if the political court of Lazulis found out about it.
For sure they would have Zael locked up and prohibited from seeing Lady Calista. They might even kill him in the dungeons believing that would be the simplest method to ceasing any possible future interactions between the duo. Regardless, their relationship was not something to be taken lightly and would lead to serious problems for themselves and Zael's mercenary group.
I hope that idiot is aware of the repercussions his relationship with Calista will bring to his friends, she thought while maintaining a placid expression. Their sort of relationship is only meant to be written about in children's texts. Honestly, it could never work. A mercenary and a woman of high social standing were not meant to coincide. It merely spelt catastrophe, and Kagome felt no pity for the duo. Calista was old enough to grasp the severity of the situation, and should have honestly known better.
… Though I suppose when it comes to matters of the heart, we can't exactly choose who we fall in love with, now can we? A voice in the back of her mind whispered.
Kagome's gaze hesitantly wandered towards Therius. He was maintaining his typical composure with such easiness that it made her wonder how he did it. Whenever she saw the man acting out his duties it literally made it seem as though he was destined to become a knight. Therius was, quintessentially, the living definition of what constituted a knight; though his verbal skills could use some work, she thought with a partially arched brow.
By that time, Calista had just walked past the Count and Lord Jirall. The General and Therius took that as their queue to follow on, and Kagome slowly took several steps forward as well. Just as she heard the others walk forward, the sound of swords being drawn caught her attention; particularly the one that was aimed at her neck.
"What in the name of Kami…" she hissed, entirely stunned. Why was this knight pointing his sword at her? "General," she glanced towards her mentor with an expression of sheer confusion. General Asthar briefly glanced towards her with a placid expression but his eyes spoke otherwise. He, too, was confused by the sudden change in events.
"What's going on here?" Zael's loud voice caused the group to look back towards the mercenaries.
Kagome could only partially turn her head to the right due to the closeness of the man's blade. It was mere centimetres away from leaving a nice cut against her throat, and she honestly wasn't in the mood for having a bloody neck.
"What is this?" Dagran demanded and surveyed their current position. A group of knights with their swords drawn were surrounding the four mercenaries.
"Zael," Calista whispered softly from her position behind Count Arganan. She took a step forward and looked prepared to rebut, but Jirall prevented her from moving forward by raising his arm up before her small frame.
"I've discovered that this man, using the chaos to his advantage, tried to abduct Lady Calista." Jirall spoke calmly though his eyes blazed with sheer joy. He was enjoying this moment far too much. "I also have information stating that these people helped the Gurak, allowing them to steal our previous magical tomes!"
"What?" Zael whispered, stunned at hearing such thoughts.
Count Arganan eyed the group with obvious disdain. Calista looked as though she wanted to cry. "You're wrong!" She yelled. "Uncle, they wouldn't—"
The Count cast a sorrowful glance in her direction. "My poor Calista, did they threaten you?" When she made no motion to speak, he continued. "You're safe now, no need to worry anymore, my dear." With a brief glance at the mercenaries he barked out, "Throw them in the dungeon!"
As the knights quickly moved in to take the mercenaries away, the knight with the sword pointed at Kagome's neck had yet to move.
"Moving onto other matters now," Jirall spoke haughtily as he diverted his attention to Kagome.
Kagome took obvious notice of how the man seemed quite joyful at seeing her in such a position. "My Lord, I also have charges to press against this knight," he sneered while his eyes narrowed.
Count Arganan looked towards Jirall and nodded for him to continue speaking. "You may go on, Jirall."
"Thank you, Sire." He nodded, smirking. "I have reason to believe that Lady Kagome was also working in conjunction with the Gurak to plan the attack on Lazulis Island."
"What?" A hushed silence fell over the area.
Kagome could feel the eyes of her fellow knights and servants alike from the balconies above watching her. From the sudden onslaught of attention, her heart rate began to increase.
Jirall paused for a moment but swiftly continued. "Lady Kagome had aided the Gurak in orchestrating this plot. She and those mercenaries behind her are linked to the Gurak." His smirk widened. "For months now they have been secretly plotting this attack to ensure the abduction of Lady Calista and the magical tomes we have kept in our library archives for generations."
"Lord Jirall," Kagome hissed as she started to see red. "What are you—"
"It would do you best to keep quiet, Lady Kagome," the Count intervened by interrupting her. "These are serious charges that Lord Jirall is putting forward, and I have reason to believe him."
"… Count Arganan," Kagome whispered her voice wavering. Why was the Count siding with Jirall? Didn't he know of her obedience to the Arganan family? Did he not recall the amount of times she had risked her life to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Lady Calista? Did he not remember that it was himself who pushed forward the notion of her being knighted?
"… G-General," she looked towards her mentor, the man she saw as a second father, for guidance. She was honestly becoming petrified and didn't know how to react.
The General seemed too stunned for words at the current onslaught of charges that were pressed against his second star pupil to offer anything more than a meager glance.
Therius, however, looked nothing less than pleased by the entire situation. "Lord Jirall, why are you making claim to these false statements?" He all but rebutted.
Kagome gulped. She felt the knight push his sword slightly closer towards her neck.
Therius, she thought her lower lip starting to tremble.
"Sir Therius," the Count spoke up, "You should know better than to be meddling in affairs that do not concern you. This is between Lady Kagome and the Court of Lazulis. I do not recall hearing Lord Jirall mention your name."
Therius's eyes narrowed. "Count Arganan, while your statements reign true, I was not stand by and allow Lord Jirall to place false culpability upon Lady Kagome." His voice did not waver as he spoke and he refused to look away from the Count. "I speak on the behalf of Lady Kagome that I know for a fact that she has no ties to the Gurak nor the mercenaries. Lady Kagome is entirely devoted to the protection of the Court of Lazulis, and ensuring the safety of you, Lord Jirall and Lady Calista."
Therius…
Kagome kept her gaze locked on the knight. He was the sole person within the entire chamber that was willing to defend her.
Count Arganan looked less than pleased by Therius' words. "Sir Therius, do you not realize the position you are placing yourself into? If your words rein falsity, then you will wind up with the same consequences as Lady Kagome." His sole eye darkened. "Are you willing to risk losing your knighthood status to defend this woman?"
With little hesitation, Therius responded, "I stand by my past statement, Count Arganan. Lady Kagome holds no ties to the Gurak. She is entirely devoted to the protection of the Lazulis Royal Family."
Jirall's eyes narrowed. "You did not answer the question, Sir Therius. Are you willing to risk all of your effort and years of training to becoming the General's second in command to lose it all for a woman?" The absurdity in his voice spoke for itself. Jirall couldn't believe that Therius was willing to risk everything he had worked so hard to achieve just for Lady Kagome.
And unbeknown to everyone, neither could Kagome.
With a look that rivalled the General's murderous stare, Therius glanced towards Jirall and nodded, "Yes."
The revelation spoke for itself. The one word answer sparked surprise among Jirall, the Count and the court. Kagome could hear her fellow knights whispering amongst themselves throughout the chamber. If seemed as though they didn't notice that their voices were bouncing off the walls of the large room.
But, in all honesty, she could hardly care for their words. She was still too stunned by Therius's response to take notice of anything else.
T-Therius… You would be willing to risk everything… for me?
Kagome's heart continued to beat rapidly. It was pounding against her chest with such intensity that the woman wondered if it might burst from her chest within the passing seconds. Her eyelids were quickly beginning to line themselves with fresh tears just waiting to be expelled. She had to try her hardest to suppress them as she knew that now was not the time or the place to start crying. She had to stay strong; for herself and Therius.
"... Very well," Count Arganan murmured after several passing minutes. "Knight, lower your sword. The charges that Lord Jirall are placing forward on Lady Kagome shall be dropped."
Jirall all but hissed, "Count Arganan, what are you saying? Do you not realize the severity of this woman's actions?! She willingly worked alongside the Gurak hoping to lead to the demise of Lazulis—"
"If Sir Therius, the second in command to General Asthar, is willing to revoke his title and status in claiming that Lady Kagome is not sided with the Gurak, then I am willing to believe, Sir Therius." His tone left little room for argument, though it seemed like Jirall wanted the discussion to continue. "Lord Jirall, we have more pressing matters to attend to, such as the mercenaries that kidnapped my niece. Do not let yourself become overwhelmed with the possibility that Lady Kagome, a woman I personally sought out to be knighted, would be working for the enemy. Do I make myself clear?" He was locked in a dead hold stare with Jirall.
Jirall looked vexed yet rather unwillingly complied. "… I agree, Count Arganan."
"Very well," the Count sighed. "Now come, we have much to discuss." He turned around and started to walk away with Calista following from behind. However, he halted before he began to climb the stairs. "Lady Kagome," his tone sounded no less forceful than it did before. "I offer my sincerest apologies for the charges Lord Jirall had attempted to invoke upon you. I trust that you are not upset?"
Kagome felt herself trembling on the spot but forced herself to respond, "Thank you, Count Arganan. I-I accept your apology on the behalf of Lord Jirall. And no, I am not upset."
"Very good," he uttered and continued to mount the stairs.
Jirall was quick to follow the Count, but briefly glanced towards Kagome with a scowl filled with such hatred and loathing it made her blood run cold. That man truly was a monster in every sense of the word. He deserved to suffer a horrible fate for the means in which he treated his fellow human beings.
Disgusting vermin, she thought while watching the group disappear from her sightline. When they were gone from view, the General turned to face Kagome and Therius.
"Please, follow me to my private quarters." He spoke softly and calmly. Leaving no room for argument, Therius and Kagome followed behind their mentor, thus vacating the main chamber.