Crimson Twilight: Midnight
Chapter 26: Possession
"Mistress Trynis, we have received a report that Creivil and his team have been killed."
Kallifen bowed slightly as he delivered his message. As he expected, Trynis Eviskrae did not even shrug her shoulders after finding out that some of her assassins had perished. She was perched on the ledge of a tall building that was near the palace. Her silvery hair billowed behind her as she stared at the royal palace. Beside the guild mistress was another female rogue. This one had dark brown hair that was carefully tied behind her in a waist-long pony tail.
"Did he go after Khaesilya?"
Trynis's voice was even and emotionless as she spoke of her dead guildsmen. She did not even turn to face her retainer while he made his report. Kallifen did not mind though, old as he was, he was still a servant. Serving and protecting his mistress from the moment she was born up to the present did not change that. The rogue beside the guild mistress, on the other hand, did not seem like a servant. She had arrived mysteriously into the guild about a year ago, attracting the attention of the guild mistress by slaying a member who was abusing his station. Trynis herself applied the tests to her and inducted her to the guild.
"Yes, Mistress Trynis. Do we continue with the plan?"
The assassin easily noticed the contempt in Trynis's voice. The rogue beside her smiled…
"Creivil and his little group were never a part of this plan, Kallifen. I handpicked them myself, knowing that their loyalties were wavering. It was so obvious that he would disobey my command and go after Khaesilya."
Kallifen nodded and took his place near the guild mistress's other side. The other rogue finally spoke up. Her voice was smooth and low pitched, like the hissing of a snake.
"Do we commence the plan now, Mistress Trynis?"
Trynis drew forth her dagger. Its curved, black edge seemed to gleam with unnatural light. There was no sun above them as it was covered by thick, dark clouds but the steady darkening of their surroundings told them that it was sunset.
"Yes, Rianne, NightKnife will be spilling blood tonight…"
······
The setting sun made Makaelthos worry even more. Khaesilya was nowhere to be seen and night was already descending on them. Beside him rode Eliarainne. The knight was not in good condition either. Half of her armor had been sliced off and she sported several wounds all over her body. She had a large bruise on her right cheek, near her eye and blood flowed from the cut on her lip.
"Are you alright, Eliarainne? You should see a priest first."
The knight smiled and shook her head.
"I can still stand up anyway. Let the priests use their energies on those who can't. Besides, I'm worried about Khaesilya as well. She saw something while I was fighting the blood knight. I haven't seen Reiz or Sei either."
Makaelthos nodded in agreement. There were a lot of things to wrap up after the tremendous battle earlier. Silmeia had taken Agranias to the infirmary, personally half-carrying and half-dragging him there. The priestess had refused any sort of help and glared at anyone who even so much as touched the abysmal knight. He wondered if she would be fine though. Silmeia was probably the most affected by the battle. It was obvious now that the Dark Lord wanted something from her.
"You're thinking about Silmeia aren't you?"
His partner's voice caused Makaelthos to look up.
"Could you tell?"
Eliarainne's expression became grim. It didn't take a lot of intuition to see what worried Makaelthos the most. After all, it was her biggest worry as well. Silmeia was among her closest friends. It bothered her that she was being affected like this.
"Nothing else can worry you much more than her state, Makaelthos."
The crusader glanced at the infirmary before resuming his search for his sohee companion and the Xalascent siblings.
"Where's Trenzein? Maybe he's with Seihanine already."
Eliarainne shook her head.
"Trenzein went back to his house as soon as the battle ended. He looked as if he was in a hurry to start something."
Makaelthos was silent again. He was sure that Trenzein's stronger spell casting earlier was the result of meeting the white-haired wizard that saved him. While he appreciated the additional might that his friend provided, he was also concerned with Trenzein's growing obsession to further strengthen his magic.
"One problem at a time…let's find Khaesilya and the others first, Eliarainne, then we'll see what we can do with them."
Eliarainne nodded and rode ahead. She had to make a report to the Grand Knight Commander first…
Makaelthos parted ways with Eliarainne and began to concentrate. His partner had mentioned that Khaesilya had seen something. It must have been important as the sohee would never leave her position so easily, besides…
The crusader stared at the upper half of an injustice's body.
'Creivil! What's he doing here?'
Makaelthos stared at the body as well as the remains of the assassins nearby. Most of them had been chopped into two pieces. Judging by the smooth-edged cuts, they were cut by something sharp, with considerable force behind the swing.
'Kreizen perhaps…Khaesilya's stiletto can't be this thorough.'
Creivil's presence meant only one thing for Makaelthos though. He immediately understood why Khaesilya left the battlefield.
'NightKnife…what is Trynis planning?'
The crusader continued walking and concentrated on projecting his thoughts towards his sohee companion. Khaesilya's telepathic abilities allowed her to pick up the thoughts of anyone who projected them within a certain range. At this distance, however, it would normally be impossible. However, the sohee shared a special telepathic bond with him which enabled him to contact her even from long distances. He placed his hopes on the slim chance that she would be able to pick up his thoughts and respond.
'Master Makaelthos!'
The sohee's mental voice surprised Makaelthos. He was hoping for a response but not at the speed of which he got it!
'Khaesilya! Where are you?'
The sohee's mental voice was panicked and at the same time extremely relieved.
'Master Makaelthos, NightKnife plans to assassinate King Aelthorius I!'
Makaelthos's eyes narrowed. It was perfectly clear now.
'Listen carefully, Khaesilya, and do exactly as I say this time.'
······
'Those pronteran fools…they're probably huddling around their king right now.'
Trynis flitted from shadow to shadow as she made her way to her destination. The palace was already behind her. She had no use for the king's death. She had given Creivil that information because she knew that he would be foolish enough to keep the plan in his surface thoughts. It would have been so easy for the blood knight's sword, or Khaesilya to read it. What bothered Trynis right now was the warning her dagger gave her earlier.
"Executioner isn't the only brother of mine who's near Prontera, mistress. Mysteltainne has wandered into the city and he's looking for a wielder."
The rogue did not bother to look behind her. Of all her underlings, she had, at least, a remote semblance of trust for the two who followed her now. Kallifen was a loyal retainer who had served her for the twenty four years of her existence. The other one, Rianne Xileria, was an enigma but she had proven her loyalty on several occasions. Both of them were used to moving swiftly among the shadows.
'Mistress…Mysteltainne's presence is getting close…'
Trynis's eyes widened briefly in surprise…
'What? But your brother is with Khaesilya and they're headed for the palace.'
'It seems someone has seen through your plan, mistress.'
The corner of the rogue's upper lip curved. Someone had read her mind. There was only one person who could do that.
"That's far enough, Trynis Eviskrae."
The rogue stared at the crusader in front of her. She was still a few blocks from the quarters of Grand Knight Commander Quai Hune, who was her actual target. From behind her, Kallifen drew his breath sharply, while Rianne snorted in annoyance.
"Mistress, do we flee?"
Trynis shook her head.
"Flee? Everything is going according to my expectations, Kallifen."
Makaelthos drew forth his saber. He was extremely tired from the previous battle and his injuries were severe. If Trynis fought seriously he doubted if he could survive.
"How'd you know that I would be here, Mak?"
There was no menace in Trynis's voice but Makaelthos shivered upon hearing it anyway.
"We discussed this before didn't we? This is the best way to cripple Prontera. Like you said, "The capital is similar to a mighty and stupid brute right now. Knock of its head and you'll only make it madder. The best way to cripple it is by hacking off its arms." Aelthorius is weak-willed, everyone knows that, Trynis. Killing him changes nothing as he's hardly contributed anything in this war. Killing the Grand Knight Commander on the other hand-"
Trynis began laughing.
"You still remember, Mak, and as a result you've read my move completely. Of course you must know that I've taken that to account…"
Makaelthos tensed at this one. He had expected the rogue to have a contingency plan that took his interference into account.
"To tell you the truth, Mak, I never really planned on assassinating anyone of your capital's hierarchy. All these ruses were for one thing only. It took some meticulous planning to set up the position we are in right now, Mak."
Makaelthos kept his grip on his drawn saber. He already noticed that Trynis held her dagger in a reversed grip, with the blade pointing downward. From behind her, Kallifen shook his head. The old assassin did not approve of this.
"Trynis Eviskrae!"
Both the crusader and the rogue turned to face the voice. Eliarainne, together with Khaesilya and a strange-looking man with long, black hair came up to them. Trynis merely smiled as they positioned behind the crusader. Her dagger was vibrating now as she focused her gaze on the long-haired man. Though he looked human, she knew at once that he was Mysteltainne. As for the knight...
"So they're all here. Good, let them watch then."
Trynis stepped back and promptly vanished in front of everyone. Makaelthos quickly backed against a wall.
"So it's a fight with me you want after all, Trynis!"
The rogue appeared directly above Makaelthos. At once, Eliarainne drew her halberd and charged only to have an arrow whiz past her. Khaesilya looked warily at her master. Makaelthos raised his sword to deflect the rogue's dagger.
The saber snapped in two as soon as it struck the black blade.
"It looks like your saber isn't up to the task you've assigned it to, Mak!"
Trynis kicked at the wall beside her and flipped back, landing a few feet away from Makaelthos. The saber's broken point clattered on the ground while the black-haired man beside Khaesilya clenched his fists. Eliarainne focused her attention on the other rogue. If she was to help her partner, she had to deal with Trynis's two allies.
"Come back to the guild, Makaelthos."
The crusader looked incredulously at Trynis.
"What?"
The tone of the rogue's voice brooked no disobedience. Her hand twirled her dagger about absently. Even Eliarainne raised an eyebrow. Did she go all this way for this?
"You've proven your point, Mak, now come back to the guild. We have work to do now."
The other remaining piece of the saber dropped from Makaelthos's hand.
"Why can't you understand, Trynis? I'm not a member of NightKnife anymore!"
There was no trace of emotion in Trynis's voice now.
"Nonsense. You know your place, it's by my side. Come back to the guild."
Khaesilya's eyes widened in panic while her companion leaned closer.
'Lady Eliarainne, we have to stop this!'
The knight raised her halberd.
'What's wrong, Khaesilya? Makaelthos isn't going back because she asked him to.'
The sohee's mental voice was frantic.
'You don't know what it's like to serve Trynis Eviskrae, Lady Eliarainne. Master Makaelthos was raised from childhood to be her personal servant and he has fulfilled that duty for the first eighteen years of his life. A direct order from our former mistress is very hard to ignore!'
Eliarainne's eyes narrowed.
'But he's not going to follow her orders! He wouldn't…not at this time…'
Khaesilya continued to stare worriedly at her master. The other female rogue kept her bow trained at them…
'Trynis has never used such direct methods before. Master Makaelthos mentioned that it was because she had too much pride. She's discarded that now and Master Makaelthos is having a hard time fighting the instinct to obey!'
Eliarainne stepped forward. Another arrow lodged near her foot.
"That's it, that rogue's going to die first!"
The knight charged at her opponent, who immediately slid into the shadows. The assassin raised his katars and advanced towards her. In a flash, his katars locked against Eliarainne's halberd. His feet skidded on the pavement though as Eliarainne pushed against him.
"Don't bother with Rianne, knight. Your partner needs help."
Eliarainne stared suspiciously at her opponent. The assassin's graying hair fell limply behind him in a braid. His moustache and goatee clearly showed that he was passing his prime.
"I know what it's like to live in the guild mistress's shadow. Once she has her grip on you, it's extremely hard to free yourself. Six years of freedom won't erase won't erase the eighteen years of her dominance…"
The knight pushed the assassin back. Behind her Trynis took a step towards her partner.
"Go back to the guild, Mak…"
The crusader's voice became defiant and at the same time, desperate.
"Never! I will not serve you again, Trynis!"
Frustration crept into Trynis's voice.
"What do you find in it that's so detestable now, Makaelthos? You were my right hand. Your position of power in the guild was unquestionable! You were-"
All hints of control in Makaelthos's voice vanished.
"I was your toy, Trynis! Something that kept you amused while you ran the guild! It wasn't because we couldn't agree in guild policies anymore. The more I stayed in your service, the more I couldn't distinguish my will from yours!"
Control began to slip from Trynis's voice as well. The street was deserted and the stillness of the place added to the tension between them.
"My will was your will, Mak! You're mine! Everything that's you is mine! Stop resisting and go back to my side!"
Eliarainne took a step towards the crusader.
"Don't listen to her, Makaelthos!"
Trynis whirled furiously at the knight.
"You've interfered for the last time, knight!"
Another step and Trynis disappeared once again. Eliarainne swung her halberd in a wide arc, hoping to catch the rogue as she moved towards her. The weapon did not strike anything.
"Eliarainne! Step back and keep your weapon close to you!"
Even as Makaelthos shouted his warning, it was too late. Trynis appeared crouched beneath Eliarainne's swing. Grimtooth moved up at an incredible speed towards her heart.
"Eliarainne!"
Makaelthos's cry was accompanied by the sound of chains sliding on the ground. All of a sudden he was between Eliarainne and Trynis. His sword hand had blocked the attack with…
'What is this?'
Makaelthos stared incredulously at his hand. He was holding a one-handed sword. From the hilt extended several lengths of chain that wrapped around his arm while an eye opened on the hilt and began to glance about.
"It seems I have found a suitable wielder…"
Instinctively, Makaelthos pushed Trynis back with his new sword. Her curved dagger was vibrating again.
"Are you alright, Eliarainne?"
The knight nodded and continued to stare at the sword.
"I'm fine…what is that?"
Makaelthos raised his sword arm for a closer look. The weapon he was holding was made from a greenish-gray metal. The hilt was intricately designed, with strange tendrils extending from the crosspiece. On the center of the hilt was an open eye that moved about, as if constantly inspecting its surroundings. Its iris was pure black and the white of its eye was red. Veins extended from the eye and melded into the metal of its handle. The blade was straight, with ancient glastheimian scripts engraved on it.
"It looks like Mysteltainne has chosen a wielder. My job here is finished for now, Mak. I'll be seeing you some other time then."
Trynis smiled once again and vanished. At once, her two companions followed.
'This was her plan? To have this sword go to me…?'
Makaelthos was about to sheath the weapon when the chains unwrapped from his arm. A moment later he was staring at the black-haired man who accompanied Khaesilya.
"You will be my wielder this time, Makaelthos Solcry, but I will not stay idly in the sheath of your former saber. I will be at your side during times of battle only."
A slight breeze blew in the street, causing the man's hair to move gently. Makaelthos caught sight of the man's other eye.
It was the same eye as the one on the sword.
·······
"Are you feeling any better?"
Eliarainne watched her partner in concern as they walked the hall of the knight barracks. Their duties were done for the day and night had settled during their encounter with Trynis. It turned out that Kreizen and Seihanine were with Khaesilya but the blacksmith's injury prevented him from going farther. The huntress had accompanied her brother to the infirmary while Khaesilya headed for Eliarainne as Makaelthos had instructed.
"I'll be fine…Thank you, Eliarainne."
The knight reddened and raised an eyebrow.
"What for?"
Makaelthos smiled and looked at his partner.
"If you weren't there, I might have-"
The knight shook her head.
"You've done the same for me before."
The two of them eventually reached Eliarainne's room. The door had been repaired after Makaelthos had destroyed it earlier…
"So, Makaelthos..."
The crusader was about to leave when he turned to face her again.
"Do you…still…care for Trynis?"
The crusader was silent. Eliarainne could feel her chest ache. The pain alone was worse than all the injuries that the blood knight gave her. She dreaded hearing him say yes. To find out that the rogue was still more important to him than her. Trynis was, after all, likely to be more physically attractive than her. She was seductive from appearance to movement to the way she spoke. Eliarainne, on the other hand, was plain and straightforward. She imagined herself looking crude next to the rogue. Crude and unattractive.
"I still do. I still care for what happens to Trynis…"
The pain increased and Eliarainne looked away. Suddenly, Makaelthos stepped forward and locked her in a tight embrace. His voice became husky and tender.
"But it's you that I love, Rainne. All I want for her is to move on with her life. What I want for you is to love you."
Trembling, Eliarainne placed her head against Makaelthos's chest. His embrace was so reassuring to her and sent her heart pounding. The crusader lifted her chin and kissed her fully on the lips. His other hand moved up and down her back. The remaining half of her armor crashed to the floor. Something ignited within Eliarainne and her reservations seemed to melt because of it.
"What are you doing?"
Makaelthos pulled back, smiled and looked at his partner in mock confusion. The knight tugged at the strings that held his armor together. At once his heavy shoulder plates fell to the ground.
"That would have been thrice you've taken my armor off for me, Makaelthos. It's about time I returned the favor."
The crusader replied by kissing her on the lips again. He tasted blood in her lips, a sharp, metallic taste that did nothing to ruin the sensation. His lips moved to her chin, then to the sensitive skin around her neck. More pieces of his armor crashed to the floor.
"Makaelthos…"
The knight's breathing was quick and shallow. Her heart was racing as the crusader held her by the shoulders. She could barely control herself now. Love and desire were intermingling inside her and threatened to just burst out.
"Hm? What is it?"
The knight smiled and looked at her clothes. They were stained with her blood and were torn in several places. Silmeia had healed most of her wounds before going to the infirmary, but that didn't dry the spilt blood.
"You think…I should wash first?"
The crusader chuckled slightly, much to Eliarainne's amazement. She had never seen Makaelthos laugh before. Not for the five years that they served together.
"There's no need. Besides, this is the Eliarainne I fell in love with. Bloodied from a fight, muscles tense from recent weapon-swinging."
Even as he said this, the crusader's hands kneaded her shoulders slowly, relaxing them with each stroke. Eliarainne was about to say something else when the crusader's lips closed on hers again. Makaelthos moved forward again, putting them off balance. The two of them fell on her bed. Makaelthos's hand moved to her hip, tracing a path down her leg. The knight inhaled sharply.
"M-Makaelthos…"
The crusader smiled and drew back slightly.
"What is it?"
The knight's voice was worried.
"I-I might…lose control again i-if…we continued…"
Makaelthos merely smiled and kissed her again. He managed to mumble against her lips though.
"For this occasion, Rainne, it's exactly what I want…"
The crusader felt the knight smile against his lips. Her arms encircled him tightly and pulled him even closer, pressing his body against hers.
The door behind them slowly swung close…
