Chapter 26) Byron


Summer cools to autumn, and that autumn… that was when we started seeing signs of military around Lubeck Castle, the last town before one entered the Yield Desert to the south. They don't come closer, surprisingly, but their presence was enough to make us wary. If they attacked, we would have no choice but to retaliate. Silesse could not suffer another war. We would have to march...

Gran Calendar 761. The doors of destiny still stand open. But no one realized that the doors did not lead to an open road. No, they led to an abyss that drowned us all into darkness, and all because we were too blind to see anything but the false yet straightforward path down.


"Sigurd, watch out! Seliph is jealous!" Erinys teased, laughing. It was hard to tell if Sigurd even heard her though, since he was busy cooing over her son, Ced, by the window. "Oh dear. Seliph, why don't you come to me?"

"I could also just check on Ced next," I suggested, picking up Conall and kissing his cheek. Conall laughed in return and then wiggled to let me know he wanted down. "That is, If you don't mind me giving him a health check."

"Oh, why would I?" Erinys grinned up at me and started playing with Seliph. Seliph gave his papa a dirty look before happily joining in. "Though, you'll have to convince Sigurd-"

"Sigurd, healer's orders. Bring Ced over here." I pitched my voice to be perfectly no-nonsense, and Sigurd groaned and brought him over. Then he looked confused when Erinys and I both burst into laughter. "Erinys has been trying to get your attention."

"Oh, oops," Sigurd replied with a sheepish smile. He passed me Ced and then crouched down to play with Conall and Ulster. Ulster went along with the game enthusiastically, while Conall did as much as he could while clinging to his stuffed-dog. "I suppose the term 'healer's orders' just gets my attention faster."

"It appears so," I teased, still more than a little amused. "Now let's see…" I laid Ced down on the 'healer station' and began a check up. I frowned, however, when I noticed something almost immediately. "He's already showing his Holy Mark?" Ced was barely a month old, yet there, on his left arm and the left side of his chest, was a Mark of pale green. "I don't like this…" Lene also had a Major Blaggi Mark already, starting from the bottom of her foot and climbing all the way up her leg to her hip. I had first thought it was some sort of skin discoloration, since Blaggi Marks were a pale white, but I had felt the hum of power before long. "I really don't like this."

"Well, hopefully, we're just being paranoid or something." Sigurd shrugged, and tried to smile. But I could see the worry in his face. "Where are Lester and Diarmuid again?"

"They are with their parents." I finished giving Ced his check-up and then picked him up and kissed his cheek. "Erinys, he's in perfect health!"

"Oh, good!" Erinys cheered. She finished up her game with Seliph and walked over to take Ced from me. Seliph toddled over to Sigurd and climbed into his lap. "I think he's trying to make sure you pay attention to him, Sigurd."

"Seems so!" Sigurd laughed. He kissed Seliph's forehead and Seliph finally stopped pouting. "Come on. Let's play with Ulster and Conall. You do like them, remember?"

"Though maybe not as much as Caitriona likes Lene!" All of us looked to the corner, where Caitriona was curled protectively around Lene, her stuffed-dog tucked under her arm. Both were napping, even though Caitriona hated naps. "I'm surprised how quickly she took to Lene."

"I am as well," I murmured, smiling softly. It could simply just be 'new person', but she didn't take nearly as much to Ced. "Well, it makes nap time so much easier." Still, as fun as it was to linger and play with the children… "I should find Shanan and let him know the children are all fine." He had been worried earlier, hence why I was checking on the children now. "I will see you later, okay?"

I attempted to leave the nursery, but, much to the amusement of Erinys and Sigurd, I found myself bombarded by playful children before I made it even two steps and had to stay exactly where I was until Sylvia came by to accidentally save me. From there, I wandered the halls of Zaxon castle, trying to find Shanan. I passed by a room filled with bright laughter and peeked inside to see Azel, Lewyn, and Tailtiu all helping Lachesis with her magic training, and with babysitting Diarmuid. I watched them for a moment unnoticed, enjoying their cheer, before moving on. I paused by the infirmary, curious if they needed assistance even if I did have the morning off. However, a quick look inside showed they weren't the least bit busy, unless one counted Aideen teasing a bashful Claude silly over being a father. I was tempted to join in, but decided against it. Reassuring Shanan was more important than teasing Claude.

So, I continued on, at least, until I passed a window and saw some pegasus knights in the distance. They were most likely messengers, since Silesse kept their surviving combat-trained pegasus knights close to the castle for protection. They reminded me of the care-package Queen Rahna managed to send to Velthomer, filled with gifts for Arvis's wedding. I'd made sure to send a new mix of the tea Arvis loved so much, and some earrings for Diadora. I didn't know if she even had her ears pierced, but they had been too pretty to not buy, silver and amethyst. I had originally thought I'd hold onto them for when I saw Deirdre again, but then I had decided it would be more fun to simply go shopping if… no, when that happened. I hoped it wasn't bad luck or anything to give a bride a gift originally intended for someone else, and I sent along a necklace I had bought specifically for her as well to hopefully counter any potential bad luck.

"The wedding went off without any major problems, at least," I whispered, still watching the pegasus knights fly away. Rumors of it made their slow way towards us, and described it as a fantastic affair. Arvis sent a brief, mildly harried, message to let us know that the gifts had arrived and were very appreciated, with a promise of proper thanks and a longer letter to come once things had settled down. "I hope Diadora wasn't too overwhelmed." Sighing, I shook my head and smiled to myself. I had things to do, and then didn't involve fretting over my brother and his wife. I could do that later, on my own time. "Where is Shanan, though?"

After a bit more wandering around, I asked a couple of soldiers where Shanan might be. My questions led me past the archery yards, where Brigid and Midir practiced and Jamke playfully 'taught' Lester how to shoot a bow, and help him with his walking. I made sure to wave at them while I passed, and frown a little worriedly, but I trusted the three were being perfectly safe. I wasn't as certain that the knights (plus Beowolf and Oifeye) were being safe with their practice drills, but they did look like they were having fun, so I let them be. Instead, I continued on, eventually coming across the field where Chulainn and Shanan were sparing. I had forgotten that this was the normal time for their lessons.

"Alicia!" Shanan cheered when he saw me. He yelped and ducked under a strike Chulainn aimed for his head. "Hey! Not fair!"

"Battles aren't 'fair', Shanan," Chulainn chided. He aimed another attack at Shanan's leg, and Shanan jumped over it. "You must maintain wariness, even as you keep an eye on those around you. Otherwise, you will lose your own head.

"Grr..." Shanan scowled and swung at Chulainn. Chulainn blocked and disarmed him easily before carefully tapping the back of his head with his knuckle. "Ack!"

"And that is 'death' for you." Chulainn tucked the two practice swords under his arm and walked over to me to kiss my cheek in greeting. "What brings you out here, Alicia?"

"I thought I'd reassure Shanan that the children are fine," I replied. Shanan breathed a sigh of relief and ran over to hug me. "The oddity you saw, Shanan, was Lene's Holy Mark.

"Another already appearing?" Chulainn asked. He frowned, a dark look crossing his expression. "In Isaach, such a thing…"

"Ayra told me." I stroked Shanan's hair, ignoring his curious look. It hurt my heart to realize he didn't know the tale. He had been away from Isaach too long to remember. "I wonder if I should take up praying. I never really have, but…"

"I'm not sure we want the gods paying attention. Isaachian tales always state that when the gods turn their eyes towards the world, it is because the world is in dire peril." He shook his head, but I winced as I thought of the 'Catastrophe' Deirdre had been so afraid of, and my certainty that the gods had bound her and Sigurd. If that was the case… "But let's talk of lighter things. You have tomorrow morning off as well, yes?"

"I do, yes?" I frowned, especially when Shanan started bouncing with excitement, barely keeping quiet. "What are you two plotting?"

"A picnic. Shanan and I found a beautiful field during our warm-up walk. We thought it might be fun if you, Ayra, Lex, Shanan and I take the children there."

"Is this another excuse to introduce the children to wild animals?" I made my voice as dry as possible. "Considering last time…"

"That wasn't actually my fault." Chulainn smiled sheepishly and averted his gaze. Though I didn't scowl, Shanan did for me. It was almost adorable. "I should have been keeping a closer eye on Caitriona, though. She's quite the little explorer."

"She is." Meanwhile, Conall was shy, content with observing. "Still, learning that she nearly got bitten by a poisonous snake…"

"Yes, I know. That's why I suggest more people. Between all of us, we should hopefully…" Chulainn trailed off, and at first, I thought he was simply being a little evasive. However, his cheer was instantly replaced with a stoic look and I turned to see Ayra running towards us. "Well, hopefully, we'll be able to have that picnic."

"Do you all know where Sigurd is?" Ayra asked as soon as she was close. She spared a moment to hug Shanan and kiss his head before focusing on us. "Lex and I were on the ramparts and saw the scouts return with news of an enemy force heading our way, chasing a lone man. Lex recognizes their coat of arms as Dozel." Her eyes were dark with quiet fury. "And he thinks the lone man is Sigurd's father."

"Sigurd should still be in the nursery," I murmured, fighting back a wince. This was bad. This was very bad. If Dozel was here, then… "Shanan, come with me to the infirmary for now. Chulainn, let's plan the picnic later?"

Here we go to war again. Oh gods… when would it end?


There was a rather intense debate over where each of us three healers would go where. We decided fairly quickly that Aideen would handle the field infirmary, but Claude thought it would be best to have a room prepared for Byron, since we had absolutely no idea what state he was in or what information he had. Well, I had absolutely no idea. I was half-convinced Claude did. Regardless, that all meant one healer had to man the infirmary and the other had to prepare that room, and neither Claude nor I could decide which of us should do so. Finally, Claude grabbed a random soldier and asked them to pick between 'red' and 'gold', with the random soldier's random choice being who would prepare the room. The soldier picked 'red', so that was how I came to preparing one of the few guests rooms we had in Zaxon, only leaving when Claude needed the extra staff in the infirmary.

"That should be enough medicine and bandages…" I murmured, going through everything I had set up. I had blankets, and warmed stones thanks to Azel being a sweetheart and getting a fire set up for me. I had a change of clothes prepared. I had a full array of staves, including Sleep and Silence, just in case. "Should I open a window? Would that get too cold?" It was hard, not knowing anything. I had no idea even how the battle was going. "Mmm… I should stoke the fire more…"

I fussed about the room, making little changes that probably weren't needed. I couldn't leave, just in case. I couldn't really start any sort of chore, just in case. All I could do was wait. I wasn't used to simply doing nothing. I wasn't used to not at least talking to people, not anymore. Though I wasn't even certain that sentence made sense. So, it was almost a relief when rapid footsteps heralded someone's arrival and I turned just as Lex burst through the door, carrying… well, at first I thought it was an oversized ragdoll. It took me a moment to realize said ragdoll was truly Duke Byron, looking a far cry from his typical 'stern yet dignified' appearance.

"Place him on the bed," I instructed, pulling the blankets back. Lex set Duke Byron down gently on the bed, and I barely held onto my 'healer's mask' when I saw just how bad off Duke Byron was. Malnourishment, exhaustion, infected injuries… that was what I could tell at a glance, and I knew the healing would reveal worse. "How goes the battle outside?"

"Not too bad, considering everything," Lex answered. Everything from his voice to his posture was tense, though. "Need me for anything else?"

"If you're not terribly wounded, then no, I do not." I smiled gently at him, hoping it would reassure him. I certainly didn't feel confidant. I wasn't sure Duke Bryon could be saved. If he were a little younger, then perhaps his body would find the reserves, but he was in his fifties and had endured enough to cripple a younger man. "Do be careful, however, Lex. None of us need to hear Ayra screeching at you for recklessness."

"Ha!" Lex managed to crack a smile. "Well, I'll try, at least." He absently waved goodbye as he left the room, shutting the door behind him. As soon as I heard the 'click', I let the smile fall and turned to Duke Bryon to begin… attempting… to save his life.

Duke Byron groaned and mumbled as I worked. A couple of times, he feebly tried to push my hands away, but it was easy to ignore his attempts. I honestly was certain even Lene could fend him off. It was almost unnerving, since growing up, I had always heard of Duke Byron's strength. Yet now, he couldn't even stop a weak healer from cleaning him up, changing his clothes, and tending to his injuries. Of course, it was good that he couldn't, but that was neither here nor there. It was unsettling.

At some point, Duke Byron opened his eyes, blinking blearily at me as I attempted to ward off the infection in his injuries. "Lady Sunna?" he croaked, squinting. It took me a long moment to remember why that name sounded somewhat familiar; Arvis told me that was my mother's name. "Not who I expected to greet me in death?"

"You're not quite dead yet, Duke Byron," I replied. I smiled calmly at him, even as I started to concede defeat. His body was so ravaged that it just could not fight off the infection, especially when there was illness and blood loss to also deal with. "My name is Alicia. I serve as a healer for Sigurd's army."

"Ah, Sunna's daughter, then." He closed his eyes, focused solely on breathing. The one Kurth liked keeping a distant eye on."

"Did he now?" I hadn't know that part, but I supposed it did explain why I was left in Jungby. No one would think of anything of Prince Kurth visiting Duke Ring. "That's interesting."

"Your mother died protecting him and Cigyun. He felt it was the very least he could do." He opened his eyes again and this time, his gaze was clearer. Then he smiled, just slightly, but enough for me to see the resemblance between him and Sigurd. "You needn't spend so much effort. I know I should already be dead."

"I can see where Sigurd and Ethlyn inherited their stubbornness."

"Oh, no, they got theirs from their mother. My wife was far more stubborn than me." He laughed a bit before coughing horribly, enough to jerk his body up. "I couldn't give up, though. I didn't want Langbalt to get the Book of Naga or Tyrfing. I wanted to see at least one of my children again." He coughed again, thankfully with much less force. "Ah, I never got to meet Altena. I was supposed to make a trip before all of this."

"Ethlyn gave birth to a son late last year." I wondered why he was rambling all of this, but then realized that he was simply too tired to hide his thoughts. He was saying exactly what he was thinking, because it was too much effort to keep them to himself. "His name is Leif. Did you hear about Seliph?"

"I did." His smile grew and I could very clearly see Sigurd in his face. I didn't like it; it almost made me feel like I was desperately trying, and failing, to save Sigurd's life. "I'd just gotten that letter. I was telling Prince Kurth and Ring about it, and Prince Kurth said something about hopefully getting to meet him and then Andrei shot Ring straight through the throat and Langbalt…"

"He's adorable, and takes after Sigurd." I wasn't sure what else to say. "Apparently, Leif takes after Quan in looks and coloring, or so Ethlyn claims. Quan says that while Leif has his coloring, he takes after Ethlyn in looks. Sadly, none of us have seen him to confirm or deny either statement."

"Ethlyn probably almost wrote poetry about what her son looked like. She did for Altena."

"She did." I desperately tried to remember any, but came up blank. I hadn't paid much attention, just as I rarely paid attention, and I almost despised myself for it. "Aideen and Midir married."

"About time. Ring was thinking about confronting Midir." Duke Byron laughed-coughed again. "Do they have children?"

"They have a son, Lester, and are thinking of having a second child." I dealt with the worst of the infection and bound up the rest. It wasn't worth stitching. "Oh, Brigid was found."

"Was she?" Duke Byron's eyes widened and he tried to push himself up. A simple hand on his shoulder, though, stopped him cold. "Good… Ring never gave up hope that she was okay."

"King Jamke is slowly courting her."

"Is he?"

"Yes."

From there, I just… babbled. As I continued attempting to save him, really just buying him as much time as I could while not putting him through agonizing pain, I babbled about anything and everything I could think of, about the people he would have known. I told him of Deirdre's disappearance. I told him of Eldigan's death. I told him of Lachesis's 'elopement' and how she had her son, Diarmuid. I told him about how Lex and Ayra were together and had two children. I told him about how Azel and Tailtiu were courting. I told him of how Claude had a lover named Sylvia and they recently had their first child, Lene. I rambled about Alec, Naoise, and Arden. I bragged about Oifeye. I even rambled about people he didn't know, or only knew through letters. He listened closely, asking questions when confused, laughing at our silliness.

Eventually, Oifeye knocked on the door and poked his head in. "Um… the battle is over," he explained, expression carefully blank. I paused in my storytelling and work to look at him. "Sigurd was wondering…"

"I see," I whispered. I looked down at Byron, not even sure why, but he found some silent question in my expression because he nodded. I took it to mean it was time to simply announce… "If Sigurd wants to say his goodbyes, then he had best come quickly." I returned my attention to Oifeye and smiled sadly. "I have bought all the time I can."

Oifeye sprinted away, not even bothering to shut the door. I focused on helping Byron sit up and be as comfortable as possible. I gave him the strongest pain medicines I could that wouldn't knock him out, and changed his bandages. Perhaps it was cruel to buy him as much time as I could, but Duke Byron never protested. He just smiled, amused by something.

Sigurd eventually walked in, freshly scrubbed and carrying Seliph. I gave Duke Byron one last check and stepped away to give them space. Before long, Aideen hesitantly tiptoed in, carrying Lester, with Brigid and Oifeye close behind.

I left the room then, making sure to shut the door behind me. I spared a moment to lean against the wall tiredly, willing back tears, and then I shook my head and went to the infirmary to help Claude. If anyone else visited or paid their respects to Duke Byron, I didn't hear. With the number of wounded and all, I didn't hear much of anything, really.

By dawn, Duke Byron of Chalphy had passed, comfortably in a warm bed, surrounded by family. It was as good of a death as anyone could have, I supposed.


"So, it seems Grannvale is bringing war to us again," Sigurd murmured, deciding to start off the 'War Meeting' with the obvious. Though Duke Byron had been buried yesterday, in Zaxon's crypt with Lewyn's permission, Sigurd didn't wear mourning colors yet. He wanted to wait until he at least told Ethlyn. "My apologies, Lewyn. We seem to keep bringing trouble."

"This Langbalt and Reptor are the ones bringing trouble, not you,," Lewyn countered easily. I took the time to look around Sigurd's study, noting it was a small meeting this morning, consisting only of Lewyn, Lex, myself, and Sigurd. When the scouts came in, I knew there would be a larger one, and Claude would take the 'healer' slot in the meeting instead. After all, the only reason I was here now was because I had been discussing medicines and how many soldiers could be fielded. "Silesse sadly can't provide much to help, since we're still recovering, but hey, I'm practically an army in my own right with Forseti."

"I… huh?" Sigurd looked almost adorably confused, and I silently went over to Lex and poked his cheek. It took a second poke to startle him from his thoughts and after a moment, he smiled bitterly. He had been stiff ever since the battle ended, only softening when around the children. "What do you mean?"

"What? Is it a surprise that Erinys and I are going to continue to serve?" Lewyn grinned cheekily, knowing exactly how much of a surprise it really was. "You can consider it my marching orders, in fact, directly from my mother. She thinks I've still got things to learn in the army, and I agree."

"I… but…" Sigurd visibly groped for words. Lex and I exchanged our own smiles, though mine was mostly to prompt one out of him. "Okay, I know you two silent ones are laughing at me."

"You're easy to laugh at," Lex playfully mocked. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. "And it's also clear that you'll lose the argument. So, my question is more of what is going to happen with your kid?"

"Ced is already on his way back to the castle," Lewyn answered. His smile dimmed slightly, already missing his son. "Since Erinys decided to have someone wet nurse him, we can be away for a while. If anyone wants to sent their children to Silesse, Mother is more than happy to shelter him."

"Mmm… honestly, probably safer for all right now to just keep them with us." Lex looked to Sigurd. "Knowing my old man, he's got people all over the place. I don't think he'd go after Ced, but one of ours?" Lex shrugged and tried to appear nonchalant. "I'm not sure we should consider them anything but targets."

"Warp staff? Return?" Lewyn frowned. "We can set up both easily."

"Still has the risk of enemy soldiers attacking a Silesse with little defenses. It's easier to protect one child than many." It was also easier to escape with only one child, if the need arose. "My old man is stubborn and clever. If he's moving, then he's been setting things up. You honestly might want to question any new soldiers and servants you've gotten." Lewyn's face went ghost-white. "I'm about ninety-five percent certain he took advantage of what happened in Darna to start the war with Isaach to distract and pull Prince Kurth into a convenient place to die. He's always been clever and he's not above spies."

"...If that is the case, then I think I need to go ahead and send word to Mother so that she can get started on that." Lewyn glanced at the strangely quiet Sigurd, and Sigurd nodded in understanding. "I'll see you in the afternoon meeting." Lewyn left quickly, shutting the door behind him.

"I probably could've worded that better," Lex sighed, scratching the back of his head. Again, he tried to be nonchalant. "Well, what's the plan, Sigurd? My old man will be coming after you. He's too stubborn."

"For now, I'm thinking we'll be on the defensive," Sigurd replied. He attempted to find something on his desk, but his frown said he wasn't having any luck, so I went to help. "Soldier list, Alicia?" I pulled out immediately and smiled at his grimace. "How can you be so smug yet so silent?"

"Arvis can be the same way. It's almost hilarious." Lex closed his eyes briefly. "Sigurd, did you hear of Andrei?"

"Midir confirmed that Andrei was on the field, though he retreated with the other soldiers. It's another reason why I want to be on the defensive. Neir's defensive formations are infamous for being difficult, and with Jungby knights to hit and run…" Sigurd frowned over the list. "Alicia, remind me again which ones…?"

"The ones marked with stars will be at full strength within a couple of days," I reminded him. This was why I handled these reports; I had a system. "The ones marked with an 'x' can only be fielded in emergency. The rest are in a grey-area where they could or couldn't, depending."

"That's right," Sigurd whispered. He went through quickly and nodded. "Yes, we'll wait for them. Lubeck also has ballistae, if I recall correctly."

"On the bright side, based on what I saw, I think the Dozel's main force is away, doing whatever," Lex reassured. Finally, he managed to relax a little and smile. "I'll handle setting up patrols, if you'd like, Sigurd. I know their typical patterns."

"Coordinate with Midir. He'll know Jungby's." Sigurd looked up and smiled. "Come back with the afternoon meeting, okay? I'd like Ayra here as well."

"Got it." Lex headed for the door. "Until then!" Then he was gone, bringing the 'meeting' to a close.

"He's hurting more than he likes to pretend," Sigurd sighed. He leaned against his desk, and rubbed at his eyes. "I know Aideen is crying as well, because of Andrei."

"They're not the only ones hurting and crying," I pointed out. I took the report from him and set it neatly on the desk, next to the medicine list I had made. "I'm sorry."

"For?"

"I couldn't save him." It hurt, to know that I couldn't. It was a healer's greatest nightmare to have a loved one bleed out under their fingertips, helpless to do anything despite all their training. I felt like I had walked too close to that nightmare and, worse, I wasn't able to spare loved ones pain. It was like with Annand again, truly. "I'm sorry."

"He had a better death than I feared. I got to see him one more time, and he got to be warm again." He bravely tried to smile, but it was easy to see the tears in it. "I'll break down later. I've had a good cry already. But right now…"

"Of course." I smiled back in understanding. Truly, I'd rather he just break down and cry now, but there really was too much going on. "Here. Let me make you some tea before I leave to handle the injured. It's going to be a long few days."

"Thank you."


Author's notes: Welcome to Game-Chapter 5. In game, Byron dies immediately after giving Sigurd the broken Tyrfing. In the Oosawa manga, he dies in camp, while Sigurd is off to bring Seliph to meet him. I went with this because… I felt like it.

I think this is the first time Alicia's mother has been named in this story; if you're curious about her, she serves as the POV for the prologue of Memoirs of Velthomer.

In game, you do, in fact, have enemies on the opposite side of Zaxon castle compared to where Bryon et al are, destroying villages. I'm using them as a justification for why they're not sending the children to Silesse.

Next Chapter - Blood Ties