Chapter Five: The Resistance

Escanor had never thought about death much. It was always something that happened to other people, rumors of what went on outside the castle walls, the enemies that fell to his father's armies. As knights they would defend the honor of the king and the realm, but he was treated differently, being the prince; no harsh trials or endless rounds for him.

Then came the day when his powers emerged, and from then on, nothing could touch him. Wounds healed easily; he was immune to any sickness that spread through the kingdom. His stamina and strength rapidly returned each time they were used as the magic inside of him grew. No one had ever seen such power or such an ability to heal, and it made him grow bold, feeling safe from death itself. Escanor would often wonder if the curse of his magic grew from his own pride, or if his pride was his curse. He could never be sure, even after that day—

"Sir Escanor? Are you awake?"

Death was not something he had considered before… until today.

With a groan he lifts his head, immediately regretting it. "Too bright," he whispers. There is movement and the daylight is dimmed, allowing him to blink his eyes open.

The young girl from the tavern swims into view. "Can you sit up?" she asks. "I have something for you, it should help."

Movement is impossible. Thinking is impossible. Escanor only wants to vomit, then die. Maybe not in that order. But he pushes up on shaking arms to roll over gently, grimacing at how sweaty he is, the sour smell of ale clinging to his skin. "What day is it?" he rasps.

The girl giggles, and he remembers her name: Elizabeth. "It's just the next day," she replies. There is a chair next to the bed, and she sits delicately on it and smiles warmly. "It's nearing noon. I thought it best to try to heal you up a bit now that you've had some rest."

He nods as he sits upright, leaning forward to perch his arms on his knees. The room is spinning a bit, and his stomach churns as he remembers shots of alcohol and mug after mug of—

"I'm going to be sick," he announces.

Elizabeth produces a bucket, and Escanor rids himself of all of the contents of his stomach. His face is flushed and his hands are shaking as he finishes, but Elizabeth does not comment, only discreetly taking the bucket and handing him a glass of cool water. "Little sips," she says as she disappears out of the door.

He obeys, taking small tastes of the water that is refreshing and soothing on his raw throat. Yes, death sounds exceptionally good about now.

A few minutes later she returns with a tray that she places carefully on the bedside table. Escanor realizes he is shirtless as she hands him a warm towel, and he clears his throat in embarrassment as he hands her back the water. "I'm sorry you had to see me like this," he says, his voice scratching painfully in his throat. "I'm not usually—"

"Oh, please don't apologize," Elizabeth chuckles. "Very few can keep up with Ban when he is so determined. Besides, I work in a tavern. I've seen many men who have trouble handling their liquor." He wipes his brow as she carefully pours something into a glass, a dark brown liquid that is cloudy and smells sweet. Elizabeth then removes a little pouch from the pocket of her skirt and pulls out a pinch of some herb, sprinkling it into the drink before giving it a good stir.

Escanor wrinkles his nose when she hands him the glass. "It's not entirely pleasant," she warns. "But it will help, I promise."

Her eyes are so sincere that he nods and takes the drink. It isn't the worst thing he's ever had—a memory of eating swamp rat surfaces and is quickly pushed away—but it is thicker than he had anticipated, making swallowing difficult. Elizabeth sits and watches as he finally finishes the drink, and offers a sweet smile when he holds out the glass. "What was in that?" he asks.

"A bit of brandy, some black tea, and a few other things I'll tell you when your stomach settles," she answers. When Escanor frowns at her, Elizabeth chuckles. "No need to worry. I've gotten quite good at making that concoction. It's saved many a head after a hard night's drinking."

"No doubt." He places a hand on his stomach, amazed to feel that it is relaxing. "You are quite adept at healing, I must say. I'm feeling better already."

"I'm so glad!" Cheerfully she stands and begins cleaning up the tray.

"I still don't understand how a young girl like you ended up in a place like this. It's rather rough."

Elizabeth fidgets a bit and he peers closely at her. "If you need help, I can help you. I know we just met but—"

"No, no, really," she answers. She tosses her silver hair behind her shoulder and her fingers go to play with a little blue orb that hangs from her earlobe. Escanor watches for a moment before his eyes go wide. "I really enjoy working at the Boar Hat, and Sir Meliodas has been nothing but kind to me. I'm really lucky, you see. Without him, I… I don't know what would have happened to me."

"I see." Escanor turns to swing his legs over the side of the bed. He still feels too shaky to stand, so instead he leans forward again. Their eyes meet, and her smile fades as they look at one another solemnly. "Elizabeth, if you ever need assistance, I can—"

He is interrupted by Merlin who strides into the room with a laugh. "Look who is awake!"

Elizabeth shakes herself and lifts the tray. "Sir Escanor is doing quite well. Please excuse me."

With that she sweeps through the door, and Escanor's gaze follows before turning to the mage. She smirks at him with arms folded and her hip cocked to one side, dressed in fresh leggings and a tunic that flows around her. "You had me worried," she teases. "I thought for sure I'd be finding a new bodyguard after last night."

"Can't get rid of me that easily," he jokes back. With a bit of a wince he tries to stand, but decides to give himself a few more minutes, his head still left with a dull ache. "How is the other?"

"Ban? Oh, he's fine. Just served breakfast, if you're interested." When Escanor gives a vehement shake of his head, she huffs a laugh. "Just as well. You acted like a fool, you know."

"Me?" Escanor looks at her sharply, her expression having changed from joking to clearly irritated. "What about him? These friends of yours seem like nothing but drunks and scoundrels."

"That's because that's what they are." She walks to stand in front of him, hands on her hips as she gives him a scathing look. "What is your excuse, Cheese-and Crackers?"

"Stop calling me that." He blows his bangs out of his eyes in an angry puff. "I don't need to explain myself to you. Besides, Ban's the one that dared me."

"And your pride made you accept his stupid offer." Merlin lifts her chin in a haughty way that makes his blood boil under his skin. "While you're in my employment, you do answer to me. And I'm telling you this now: don't do anything so ridiculous again."

Her condescending tone has him pushing to his feet. Escanor stands toe-to-toe with the mage, scowling down at her. He stands head and shoulders over her, but she is not intimidated by his size, which aggravates him even more. "Then perhaps I should take what you owe me and go," he says.

"What I owe you?" she laughs derisively. "You haven't even finished the job I hired you for!"

"My magic," he growls. Merlin's arrogant smile slips, making his own mouth curl up at the sight. "That's right. Do you think I've forgotten what you've stolen from me? I wouldn't have been in this position if I had had that. Same back in Keynes."

"Some bodyguard you are," she replies, a bit of a pout on her lips. "You can't even do the job on your own strength. You need someone else's."

Escanor frowns. "What are you talking about?"

"I've been studying that power of yours," says Merlin evenly. "It's not really yours, is it? You stole it from someone."

He stumbles back, mouth hanging open, wanting to put space between himself and her accusation. "I don't know what you're talking about!" he snaps.

"There is no way a human could manifest such a power," she accuses. Her eyes flash at him with contempt, making his skin heat under her insinuation. "It's not like anything any of the other Holy Knights have. Now where did you get it from?"

"I said I don't know what you're talking about!" shouts Escanor. His arms shake as he tries to control his temper. "I've had it almost my entire life. I was a child when it developed—I didn't steal it from anyone!" Merlin winces a bit, the color in her cheeks fading as he points a finger in her direction. "Unlike you, I'm not a liar. I won't stand here and listen to such an accusation. You have no idea what that power has cost me. If I could I—"

Escanor presses his lips tightly together. He knows better than to spill any more secrets; secrets are what have always gotten him the most trouble. To her credit, Merlin looks chastened, her subdued expression as close to humble he supposes she can get. A moment of silence passes before she bites out, "I haven't lied to you either."

He laughs humorlessly. "Maybe not outright, but lies of omission? Why are we really going to Vaizel? I know there is more to this than you are telling me. And this place? These people?" Merlin turns away, hugging her arms around herself, but Escanor is determined. "I want to know what we're doing here, and why." He takes a deep breath. "You can start with explaining why the Princess Elizabeth is here working as a waitress when you told me she was dead."

Merlin swings around to stare at him, eyes and mouth open wide in shock. Too disgusted to even gloat, Escanor purses his lips together. "So I was right. That girl is the princess."

A rosy blush creeps over her face. "How did you know?" she asks.

"The silver hair. The way she speaks, and sits. The earring." Escanor shrugs. "It wasn't hard to put together."

Merlin narrows her eyes. "Now you're the one lying by omission. Only those close to the royal family would know about that earring."

Escanor folds his arms, his jaw tight as they have another stand-off. There is no way he is telling her another thing until he gets some answers himself.

Finally she relents, heaving a loud sigh. "Get yourself cleaned up and come downstairs. Then you'll get some answers." Without another word she turns on her heel and leaves, slamming the door behind her. Escanor finally relaxes his shoulders, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. Whatever is downstairs, he is sure it's nothing but more trouble.

A half hour later, Escanor is washed and brushed and dressed in fresh clothing. Elizabeth's cure has worked like a charm, so with confidence he descends the stairs of the tavern, travelling from the third floor to the first. He looks around as he walks, taking in the structure of the place and noting the strange arrangement of rooms. Despite its size from the outside, inside seems to be able to house at least a dozen people on the top two floors. However nothing seems sinister, so he follows the sounds of voices down until he finds himself back in the main room of the tavern.

Several people sit around a table, some he recognizes, others strangers. Meliodas spots him and gives a wave. "Escanor! Good to see you!"

Everyone turns and looks, and he feels his neck heat. He clears his throat and walks forward, his eyes landing on Merlin. But the mage gives no indication that she will do an introduction, sitting at a small table by herself and sipping from a teacup. He gives her a sour look before turning back to the men. "Thank you for letting me stay," he says, nodding to the young owner. "I am grateful for your hospitality."

"No need to thank me! That was great!" Meliodas hops up and comes around to clap his hand on his arm. He only comes up to a bit above Escanor's elbow, making the scene seem all the more ridiculous. "Your game made me a ton of money! Not only did everyone stick around and drink more, the draw at the end meant I didn't have to pay a spread!" He grins up at Escanor, his eyes dancing. "Want to do it again tonight?"

"No thanks," he answers, then scans the room. His eyes land on Ban, who lounges back on a chair with his long legs propped up on the table covered in papers. He takes a drink from a bottle and tips it towards Escanor, who frowns in response.

"Come meet everyone," Meliodas says, tugging his arm. Escanor follows to the table and looks around. Besides Ban, Gowther is also there, Elizabeth smiling next to him. Three other men also sit at the table, young but determined, their matching clothes and insignia identifying them as knights of Liones. "This is Gilthunder, Howzer, and Griamore. And you know Ban and Gowther, and of course Elizabeth."

Meliodas spreads his arms with a grin. "Welcome to the resistance!"

The room is silent as the others stare at him expectantly, save for Ban, who appears to have fallen asleep. Escanor raises his brows and clears his throat. "My apologies," he says, "but resistance to what?"

"To the murderers and thieves who have taken over our kingdom," answers one of the knights—Gilthunder, he remembers.

"I see." Escanor's eyes flicker over to Merlin, who is staunchly ignoring him. "You are planning to overthrow the Grand Master, then?"

Meliodas nods, and Howzer says, "We will get justice for the king, and restore peace to Liones. The crimes of the Great Holy Knights will not stand."

"They murdered the royal family," Gilthunder continues. "And killed the previous Grand Master, my father, Zaratras."

Escanor glances at Elizabeth, whose head is bowed. "Those are grave accusations."

"Grave accusations for grave deeds," says Griamore.

Escanor folds his arms. "Is this all of you then?"

"Of course not!" Meliodas laughs. "This is just a strategy meeting. We are lucky to have many spies among the knights, including these three." He tugs on Escanor's arm until he leans over so Meliodas can whisper loudly, "Griamore here is Grand Master Dreyfus' own son. We have an excellent network."

Murmuring, Escanor straightens back up. "Seems like you have things well in hand."

"Right! So what do you think?"

He looks at Meliodas, who grins up at him. "Think about what?"

"Joining us, of course!" he laughs. Meliodas grabs a stool and pushes it up to the table, between Gilthunder and Ban, and gives it a pat. "Come have a seat and we can catch you up to speed."

"But—" Escanor looks again at Merlin, gritting his teeth when she does not look up. "I can't join you."

"Why not?" Meliodas frowns.

"Because I'm working!" he huffs.

Gilthunder slams a hand on the table. "What more noble work is there than to bring justice to the people of Liones?"

Meliodas places a hand on his heart. "Exactly. Don't you want to embark on a noble quest for good?"

"I'm already on a stupid quest, I don't need another." He jerks his chin towards Merlin. "Let's get out of here."

Finally she turns and gives him a withering look. "You really should hear them out at least. They could use a knight like you."

"I'm not a knight. I'm a bodyguard. And I'm not hearing anyone out." Escanor turns to the table. "I'm very sorry for your king and your Grand Master and for your kingdom." He nods to Elizabeth, who gazes back sadly. "I'm sorry for everything that has happened to you." Then he looks straight at Meliodas. "But this is not my fight, and not my problem. I just want to get Merlin to Vaizel, so she can pay me and give me back what's mine. That's all."

"Vaizel! Why didn't you say so!" To his surprise, Meliodas jumps over the table and hurries out the front door, leaving Escanor to wonder what could possibly be next.

He crosses to where Merlin sits and hisses, "We need to go."

"We have time," she insists, her gaze even. "And I told you, I came here for information." She nods over his shoulder to where the others are speaking quietly to one another. "They may not look like much, but their network is solid. The resistance has a lot of backing. Meliodas is guarding the princess himself."

"I don't care about this resistance," he whispers back. "This is nothing but trouble. Now I'm taking you to Vaizel, and that's the end of it!"

Her expression changes from the feigned weariness to fury, but just as Escanor prepares himself for another argument, the ground beneath him lurches. With a cry he grabs onto the table, his hand going out automatically to steady Merlin, who pitches to the side and ends up face-first into his chest. He wraps a firm arm around her waist, holding her against his body as he rights himself and swings around. "What is happening?" he shouts.

The others seem to be just a bit displaced, nowhere near as off-kilter as he and Merlin; Elizabeth holds onto the table as she laughs, the others managing to keep their seats. Gowther is the steadiest, not even flinching as the tavern suddenly careens to the other side. Ban continues to sleep as his stool slides across the floor, Griamore putting out a foot to stop him from crashing into the wall.

Meliodas reappears in the doorway, shutting the front door firmly behind him as the movement stops. "There we are! We'll be in Vaizel soon enough!" He claps his hands and grins at Escanor. "Now will you stay a bit?"

The tavern is now swaying, but the motion is much more gentle, reminding him of a boat. He takes a tentative step and looks out the window, his eyes going wide with shock to see the landscape slowly rolling by.

Merlin presses her palms against his chest, and Escanor realizes he is still holding her tightly. With a bit of embarrassment he releases his grip on her waist so she can steady herself on her feet. She looks up at him with a smirk. "At least we don't have to walk anymore."

Escanor glowers at her as he withdraws his arms. Behind him, the others are arguing, Gilthunder protesting, "We can't go to Vaizel!" as Meliodas insists, "Don't worry, it'll be fine!"

He glances back at Merlin. "You sure about this?" he asks.

She laughs and pats his arm. "Let's get a drink."