Here it is, the next chapter, I actually didn't have this chapter planned but I decided to make it on a rush to give a bit more backstory to Feoh. I am all about world building and I thought that it was important to show off more about the other nations and what they are like. So here it is, this will show off a lot about the nation and also the characters as well.

Enjoy it, I hope to continue making this story on a weekly basis.


The Hand of Suffering

Chapter 14: Delegation and Plots

Feoh

Feoh was a powerful nation, but it was also a progressive and unique one compared to the others. For unlike some that had a monarchy, aristocracy or no form of leadership at all, Feoh was ruled by both a King and an aristocracy. Or more correctly, a Council of Lords, as it was called amongst the common folk, in truth it was known as Parliament to the better educated and well informed.

The system of governance was unique, no other like it in the known world. While in Ken the concept of a council of lords delegating and speaking on the subject of the laws of the nation was not uncommon, as it was how nearly any government functioned. For a ruler to make sound and clear decisions he would need advisors to provide sound wisdom, along with acting as the guiding hands for the King as he guided his nation to prosperity.

Here it was different.

For unlike a monarchy, where only the King was the deciding factor of any law and decree, for his rule and authority was absolute. None were above the rulings of the King, be it Lord or Peasant they were subject to the power and whims of their king, as it should be, as it must be.

But in Feoh it was not so.

King Eros Arcturus sat upon the Throne, considered the ruler of this nation and its people, he was not an absolute power. For the Council of Lords, known as the Parliament of Feoh, was the judiciary body that wrote and decreed the laws that this nation abides by. They were the judges and jury, men that oversaw the laws and its enforcement and all matters of state. Composed of most of the influential members of Feoh nobility, this Parliament was the driving force behind the resurgence of this nation following its near collapse four decades ago.

Laws were drawn up, debated and scrutinised, and eventually either passed or rejected. These men and woman had complete control over the laws and customs of this land, holding the power to change the very spirit and character of this nation at the drop of the hat. Many had found the idea ludicrous, even now after all the decades of hard work and effort they put into making this nation great, many baulked at the idea the King had little to no authority.

Even within this nation many mocked and ridiculed the king for his apparent weakness, his lack of strength was something that none found endearing or respectable. It was something that had caused the Arcturus family nothing but shame and misery these last three decades.

But it had only been trumped by the recent actions of the Royal Families only daughter. Yet as Alicia Arcturus attempted to downplay her foolishness others attempted to pounce upon, despite their efforts however others were coming to her defence quickly. One such man was the Prime Minister.

"We shall move on from this discussion, there is little point in continuing. Pressing matters force us to act with haste, and I am certain that our Princess would rather use her time to prepare for the Black Dogs inevitable return than explain her reasoning to us." Prime Minister George Beasley said, sitting upon the high seat of the Parliament chamber, casting his gaze over the other nobles who were part of this assembly.

The Parliamentary session was dragging on, the debating never seemed to end and it took days to come to an agreement. But more often than not those agreements were laced with capitulations and clauses that could unravel the entire thing with so much as a disgruntled huff. The last few years had turned what was supposed to be a room of wise men and woman discussing the importance of law and regulation into a chamber filled with bored squabbling old people.

It was something that she hated, that so many upstarts and whining lords had too much power at their fingertips and were force to share it with others. It bred complacency and arrogance, these men and women sat in this chamber for hours arguing and attempting to gain some figurative upper hand against their fellow lords in some foolish attempt to prove their superiority.

Even now, when the conversation delved into territory they held no particular interest in they brushed it aside and attempted to close the session or move onto another more interesting subject. She couldn't allow that, this was being brushed under the rug and she couldn't allow something as serious as disrespect toward the Goddess be ignored.

"This is not something that can be brushed aside as a minor incident." Queen Aurora said, annoyed with the nobles lack of foresight. "My daughter has overstepped and nearly caused a rift between us and the Alliance, claiming to have broken away from Ken and forfeiting her rank of Shield Knight. This is not something that we can ignore, the ramification of this incident cannot be swept away because you are too frightened to look upon it."

Aurora glared up at Beasley, the old man returned her look with a neutral one, but she could tell he was not pleased with her defiance. He sat up there on that high seat and fancied himself a king, he always wished to be more than some dusty old fool that reigned over squabbling nobles in a dimly lit room, he had lofty dreams. Ones she did not wish to see come into existence.

"Alicia broke a sacred oath, one that cemented our allegiance to Ken and to all of Eostia. Her breach of this trust has put this nation at risk, to break away from the Alliance could spell untold ramifications to this nations prosperity and future." Aurora said. "Instead of settling the matter she stormed from the city and made haste for home, giving no thought to break words with the Goddess Reborn."

She prayed to the gods and goddess reborn for salvation, hoping that her daughters brazen foolishness would not bring calamity down upon this nation. The gods were not kind to those that were disrespectful to their authority, and Alicia has most certainly angered them with her arrogance.

"We have all heard her testimony, and her reasoning, I for one do not see the major issue. Despite your fears Alicia has not the authority to break from the Alliance, her actions in Ken have no lasting repercussions with her actions. If there should be any issue it should be for the disrespect directed towards her and our nation." Beasley responded coolly, intertwining his fingers as he spoke, lecturing her as if she was some child. "While there is little sense to react to brazenly from a few scathing words, when chanted by so many, anyone has a right to let their tempers flare. We all know of Alicia's dedication to this nation and we should be proud that her faith in it was not shaken by these allegations. We should be proud of someone so loyal and endearing rather than scold her for something that she clearly had not done."

Aurora could feel herself getting sick from the honeyed words he had laced into his reply, she knew they weren't for her however. Alicia was never someone that respected the opinions of others, but in truth there were only a handful of people that had left an impression on her. But her influence sadly had been limited, instead Alicia had turned to King Eros and Beasley for advice, something she regretted to allow happen. Even now she rarely called her mother, their relationship was more as strangers than as family.

"He is correct my Queen, my actions were in defiance of the disrespect and clear hostilities directed towards myself and to this nation. Baseless accusations and lies were thrown at the feet of the Goddess Reborn, labelling the nobility, the very same men and woman in this room, as corrupt." Alicia said, standing in the centre of the chamber, vehemently proclaiming the almost criminal nature of what had been said against them, the irony was not lost to her.

It had been two weeks and Aurora had only the scarcest details on what was happening, all that was truly revealed in great detail was of the Black Dogs betrayal and their impending return on their borders to conquer their nation.

The news had shocked many, including the evidence that had been discovered in Zelindo and Diohart. Revealing many of the heinous crimes committed by the mercenary company and their leader, which had connections to many of the fortresses across Eostia. That had led her to wonder if it was possible such things could be present here, she had tried to speak with her and get word from Ken.

Aurora had tried desperately to understand, but her daughter had all but ignored her, favouring to speak with her Knights, the King and Beasley, focusing all her attention on preparing for war. It had only been a few days ago that she had learned that not only had her daughter seceded her rank as a Shield Knight but also declared Feoh independent from the Alliance. It was even more vexing to hear this new from Claudia Levantine rather than Alicia. The moment she was made aware she had called for an emergency Parliament meeting to discuss the situation at length.

There was only one way to get Alicia to talk, trap her in the room so she couldn't run away, she would hear all from her daughter. It was well past due that she owned up to her actions.

"Is there any truth to such claims?" Aurora inquired.

Despite her daughters claims that the evidence found implicating Feoh and Geoff as part of this conspiracy was fraudulent she disagreed. Most were too arrogant to believe that there was even the possibility that corruption could take root here, thinking themselves above such things. Truth was with how many privilege the nobility enjoyed it was no small stretch to believe they could get more greedy.

Almost nothing was off limits for them. With people so used to doing anything they wanted to have any sort of restriction would be unacceptable in their eyes. It was no small leap to believe that they would not turn to illegal and immoral acts just to satiate their own lusts and greed.

"Mother… my Queen. You cannot possibly think that these baseless accusations are true, they challenge and disgrace the very dignity of this nation and what it stands for. To accuse us of wrongdoing, of failing, that is an accusation too far." Alicia replied, the way she spoke, how her fingers curled into a fist and her jaw clench tightly, showed this was something that had deeply affected her.

For whatever reason Aurora could not understand, it was not like her to be so unwilling to turn a blind eye to something that didn't fit to her standards. She was ever critical of others, few would escape her scrutiny when she saw something that did not meet her expectations. But now, instead of being intent on settling this issue she was more interested in sweeping it under the rug.

A part of her suspected the cause was Beasley, her daughter was close to the Prime Minister, almost as much as she was with her own father. She believed as he did, in the law they created and the model society they built, he raised her on the principles and ideals of this nation. It was thanks in no small part to him that the reason her daughter was so dedicated to this nation was because of what he taught her.

However, that zeal had become a complete hindrance to all other things. Beasley's machinations had likely blinded Alicia to the very concept that evil can run amok in this nation if left unchecked. Even now Aurora knew of many flaws this nation still carried and practiced, despite that even her daughter followed those same laws without a shred of shame because she believed herself to be right.

"Do you believe that the evidence presented to you was false?" Beasley inquired.

"Yes, without a doubt, we all know that this was nothing more than an attempt to try and shame us, to tarnish our honour and dignity." Alicia said.

"I see, it is no secret that many turn their jealous eyes towards us. Thinking ill of us. But they know not what true nobility is, we are examples of what it must be. For we are the craftsman and architects that build this nation from the foundations of its collapse."

Beasley said, letting out a sigh, giving a sympathetic look towards Alicia.

"Every noble in this room, has served with dedication and honour for decades, since the very beginning of this parliament. Unlike many nobles of Eostia who inherited and lauded themselves based on the deeds of their ancestors and family name, we made our own legacy and created the foundation for what we are now."

Beasley continued, smiling as she spoke. He seemed caught up in his own speech, he was a marvellous speech giver and someone that can sway others with only a few words. It had been how he had stolen much of the power he now wielded, how he has turned a monarchy into nothing but an ornamentation. How he had taken her daughter and used her as his pawn.

"We created a new society, greater than the one that came before, one that's core values and philosophy is inherent in all people of this nation. No matter what creed or standing, be they rich or poor, noble or peasant, they are all driven by the same ideals. We have the right to be proud of who we are, to be satisfied with our accomplishment that have brought nothing but prosperity to this land. You Alicia are the perfect example of what this nation should be, you are the very manifestation of what this nation can become if they dedicate their life to reaching the highest bar of nobility and valour. To judge you, that is in turn to judge us all."

Aurora did not care for his words. But it would seem that it had given her daughter the confidence to stick to her convictions. Not for a moment did she believe that this was some farce created to try and shame her nation, there was corruption here. She had known that long before these allegations came forward, it only confirmed what was already known.

Finally Beasley turned back to her, a satisfied look on his face. Arrogantly gloating without saying a word, that was the kind of look he gave her, taunting her with his victory.

"It is for that reason, we must focus on the impending conflict. Alicia's actions now were in clear defiance to the disrespect levelled against us by the other Shield Knight, and her departure from Ken has not resulted in anything short of a rebuttal to those baseless accusations." Beasley stated, turning from her and looking at her daughter, giving a serious frown and speaking formally. "Princess Alicia Arcturus, given the evidence presented to us I am approving of your request for the formation of an army to combat the threat of the Black Dogs. I will see to it that conscripts are sent forth, along with my fellow nobles. You will have your army Princess. Congratulations."

"I thank you and the members of Parliament for their support." Alicia said, bowing to them respectfully.

The meeting ended there, the session closed with the gavel strike, and they all filed out. But Queen Aurora moved quickly for the door, intending to block her daughters departure. For all her desire to prove herself as a shining beacon of this nation she was almost too zealous in her drive to prove it, and now more than ever it was proving to become a nuisance.

No matter what Beasley said Alicia had shown disrespect towards Celestine Lucross and the Alliance, such a sacrilege could not be ignored. Who knows what punish would await not only her daughter but the rest of her family and this nation in turn for throwing the honorary title of Shield Knight into the Goddesses face.

"Alicia, we need to speak." Aurora said, taking her daughter by the arm and leading her out.

She wanted to be out of earshot of the rest of the councillors, this was something she did not want getting back to Beasley or any of his cronies. Her distrust to them was valid and could not be removed, she knew what kind of man he was and she was not going to let him twist her words around to further taint her daughters mind.

Convincing her to consider that the corruption that had wormed its way into Feoh was pointless, Alicia had decided upon that and not even herself could pry open the iron vault that was Alicia's convictions. All that could be done was try an repair the damage she had caused elsewhere, and certainly most importantly, to make amends with the Goddess Reborn.

"While the Council has brushed aside your actions in Ken, I cannot turn a blind eye to the disrespect you have lain at the goddesses feat." Aurora said. "To throw away the position of Shield Knight, a sacred and holy status, one that brought prosperity and protection to this nation, it is sacrilege."

She was a devout believer in the Goddess, being one of her first followers and disciples when she was young. For years she worshipped the Goddess, even before the advent of the Church, never had her faith wavered, and never did she doubt Celestine Lucross and her divine wisdom. For in the darkest moment of this nations history they had been brought back into the Light and into stability.

To force it away from the Goddess, to tear away the protection and guidance of the Goddess Reborn would spell only doom for this nation and its people.

"Mother, you know that I did not leave my rank behind in Ken because I hold animosity towards the Goddess. I did it because of the disrespect that has been shown to myself and this nation, I have been labeled a failure and fool by those people." Alicia said, her heckles rising as she spoke, the composure she showed in the meeting before was gone. "They insulted us, insinuated imagined crimes and took the words of a common brigand and a foreign priestess. Maia even defended the Black Dogs, going to great lengths to shield their crimes while in turn trying to denounce me and my nation as corrupt."

Aurora was well aware of the insults, along with the accusations that had been revealed in connection to Zelindo. While she would not think the words and discoveries of some heretical pagan would amount to much, she could not deny that Celestine had entrusted her to root out this corruption. Even if she still doubted the claims of this woman Aurora could not deny her own feelings on the matter, especially when it came to Prime Minister George Beasley.

The man was of Ansur descent, that alone earned him her suspicions of his character, something she had never trusted ever since meeting the man. For years he has been stealing power away from the throne and lauding his authority over Feoh, fashioning himself a King in spite of her husbands claim to the throne.

For years he got away with this, if only because her husband trusted the man and considered him a close friend and mentor. But in truth he was a leech, sucking the blood from her family and leaving them as nothing more than an ornamentation that had little to no authority over this nation anymore.

When she first heard word of possible links between Zelindo and Feoh, revolving around slavery and other foul things she suspected without a doubt it involved Beasley. If only by association it was without a doubt enough evidence to suspect him of wrongdoing. This was a chance to finally oust him as the miscreant he is and finally put this nation back onto the path Celestine Lucross had set out for it.

"While I agree that this Mercenary Queen is not worthy of her station and the words of a foreign pagan are to be ignored I do not condone your departure. Send word to Ken, ask for the Goddesses forgiveness and aid in these trying time. We cannot afford to lose the blessing of the Goddess, for she is the reason this nation has prospered for these last three decades."

Aurora pressed upon Alicia the need for this to be done, without the protection of the gods there was risk of calamity befalling the nation. They cannot afford to

"I cannot, this impending invasion has taken all my attention, even Father has involved himself in overseeing the defences of the Kingdom." Alicia said.

Aurora made a face at hearing those words, so horrible was it that her face curdled as if smelling rotting food. Her husband was not someone she considered a very reliable man, for all his gusto and pride he was less of a leader and more of an ornamentation. One that had lost their polish and form over the years.

His intelligence and whit were as lacking as the power to the throne he sat on, and considering how large he was getting it seemed he was spending too much time upon it. Not surprising considering he had passed off most of his duties to the Prime Minister in favour of freeing himself from the frivolities of maintaining this nation. A decision that had all but in name broken their marriage, being the final straw that had nearly made her consider leaving him in spite of the damage it could cause.

The man was not someone she wished to have any influence over the Kingdom, especially on her daughter. Yet it was ironic that her wish came true, just not the way she wanted, considering that power now was in the lap of the one man she loathed to have more authority over this nation than the royal family.

"I am sorry mother, I will try to send word but I must look to this nations safety." Alicia said, scurrying off before she could get a word in response.

Again she was ignored, nothing would get through to that girl. Not her or her father, even Beasley with how manipulative and cunning he was could barely sway her daughter. Aurora needed to bring in someone that could. It was time she sent word to her sister, she needed her niece to come here immediately.


Four Days Later

The Palace was bustling with movement, nobles and servants moved too and fro.

Never before had Prim seen these people move with such energy, more often than not there was a slowness to their movements within this Palace. The nobility was often very bored and unmotivated to do anything, preferring to waste away the hours simply moving from one point to the next and trying to get through their obligations quickly and as lazily as they could.

"It seems with the looming invasion has lit a fire under their feet." Corentin Fiore remarked, her father looking around slightly surprised at the running nobles, who shouted to one another as they rushed to their destination.

"Had they showed this same amount of dedication during these last few decades I wonder what could have been achieved." Delphine Arcturus-Fiore, sister to Queen Aurora Arcturus and Prim's mother, her pale blonde hair matched her total sisters.

"Sad to say it required impending annihilation to force them to act, although I feel that we will be dragged into this chaos soon enough." Corentin said.

Prim remembered the letter they had received three days ago, urging them to come from Feoh to help Aurora repair the the strained relationship between Ken and this nation. While she did not believe that Celestine held any ill will towards them she knew that the nobility of Ken had lost a great deal of respect for Alicia.

Although not too long after they had departed Geoff a runner had been sent after them, another letter had been sent. Alicia had requested their presence, to discuss the impending invasion of the nation and to prepare a defence near their city.

As soon as they had arrived they had been forced between going to see the Queen and Princess, mostly because they were being dragged along with two feuding servants on who to visit first. Prim has suggested they meet both, herself going to meet with her cousin to speak with her and her parents to try and hear the Queens request.

Splitting from her parents she followed the serf, going over what she needed to do. As much as she was unwilling to try and use her relationship with Alicia to try and manipulate her she had to do so. She had become less stable these last few weeks, ever since the treachery of Zelindo has been revealed she has been stressed.

From the guilt over not discovering the truth while it was in front of her to the disrespect levelled against her by the nobles of Ken it was understandable. She was proud of her accomplishments, even if she at times brushed them off as to appear humble, but when it came to failure she dwelled and redoubled her efforts to make up for them.

Or in some cases, attempt to overshadow them with some grand feat.

What was happening now was just that.

"Prim." Alicia said, turning from the map, surprised by the sudden interruption. "Please come in."

Alicia looked tired, even a little pale, she has not been sleeping well it seems. Prim hoped that she could alleviate some of her anxiety and maybe get her to rest, at least she hoped so. She knew her mother had sent her here to try and gain some influence over Alicia to try and convince her to also looking into the corruption of the city.

Queen Aurora was convinced there was corrupt individuals within the government, George Beasley most of all. She had her doubts that he could be involved in anything illegal, the man had dedicated himself to the creation of law and order within this nation. For her entire life she had known him and come to believe that he was one of the few decent nobles in all of Feoh that cared about the people.

While many of his reforms to the nobles authority were unpopular they were still recognised for their fairness. For no matter who you were, noble or commoner, you were subject to the law. It was something she respected him for, to go to these lengths had proven to her that he was a champion of the people. To think he would ruin it all, all his work and effort these past three decades, it truly did not make any sense to her.

"Leave us, we can continue this later." Alicia ordered, her Knights bowing their heads and departing without a word. As the door closed Alicia let out a sigh and turned to her cousin. "Prim, I did not think you would come, I had asked for your mother and father."

"Oh. I thought you would be more happy to see me." Prim said, turning away slightly and lowering her voice.

"N-no! I am happy to see you! I was just…" Alicia sighed again, this time bringing a hand to her eyes. "I am sorry, I am not myself today, I have had little sleep these last few days, planning out the coming battle is not easy."

"You should rest, I can tell you haven't slept." Prim said, coming forward and taking her cousins hand, giving her a reassuring smile. "I know you are worried about what is to come, but unless you are of clear mind I do not think it will do Feoh any good to see its Princess so fatigued."

Alicia seemed to relax under her words, her entire posture going slack as she seemed ready to go to bed and let her body embrace sleep. But it lasted only a moment, taking only a deep breath and freeing her hand and looking back to the map.

"I would love nothing more than to rest, but I have to keep going, who knows how much time we have left." Alicia said, leaning against the table and looking over the map of the nation.

Pieces were scattered across it, figures depicting companies of soldiers, her knights, and other forces. While papers and reports covered the edges of the table, some were old and new, some even looked to be the same report just only a few days older than the latest. Alicia was putting all her effort and time into preparing, so much so that she could focus on anything else.

"Your parents I need to speak with, they are the only ones that can authorise what I intend to do." Alicia said. "I am sorry for this, but I need to see them. This is important."

Prim didn't expect anything less from Alicia, her dedication bordered on obsession in most cases. Even before this incident that drove her to the extreme she was always trying to prove her worth and meet the expectations of others so that she could be recognised. Her entire life many had high hopes for her, and she had put everything she had into meeting those demands.

"It is alright. I know how dedicated you are, you don't have to explain that to me. But my mother and father are with the Queen. They should be here soon, so why not use that time to talk, I am sure we have some things we could discuss." Prim said, smiling up at her cousin.

Alicia seemed to appreciate the gesture, returning the smile. Alicia humoured her, telling her of what she wished to do. Going into great detail as to why it was important for this defence to be created, even someone with limited military experience as Prim understood the need for such a defence. No matter how elaborate it seemed.

But the undertaking of such a task would be costly in money and manpower, for she was holding back on nothing. She intended to put everything she could into this defence, be it every single abled bodied man and every coin in the nations coffers to see it completed.

She called it the Godafry Wall, given that it was going to be placed along the Godafry Plains it was not that original. But the scale of this wall is what made it impressive, as well as daunting. The walls would stretch over eight kilometres, moving from the edges of Geoff's own massive walls and towards the base of the Crescent Mountains.

The wall however was only the beginning. Massive trenches, pit falls, obstacles, spikes, they were going to litter the battlefield with hazards and dangers so numerous that it would likely wipe out the army before the Black Dogs could even reach those walls.

"I can already imagine what my family are going to say: How are we going to afford it?" Prim said, giving an apologetic smile as she looked up at Alicia.

Something like this, would cost them a lot of money, manpower would be a major factor here and to get all the people needed to manufacture this wall and put in the work to create all the battlefield hazards would be monstrous. The expenditure would be overwhelming.

"I have already sent a request down south, they are already shipping up a large supply of food to Geoff. More than enough to feed everyone when they begin working." Alicia replied, a minor detail to her it seems. "All that we shall be putting expenditures upon is the materials and equipment needed to create this defence."

"What about the workers?" Prim asked, only to be given a funny look by Alicia.

"The people will not be paid. They are being conscripted upon to fight for their nation, to protect their homes and family, only the greater calling to rally them would be to remind them of what their nation stands for." Alicia replied. "We make our way by the effort we put towards our goals, we are steadfast in the ideals of earning our place and proving our dedication. The people will come, because we ask them to, and they will know it is because their nation needs them."

Prim wasn't so sure that Alicia was thinking this thought, although maybe she was and perhaps had been caught up in her own ideology. One that was built on the principles of many who had influenced her over the years, sad as it may be those ideals sadly had warped Alicia's own sense of righteousness along with her idea of common sense.

Likely what Alicia was thinking on was the Privilege of Nobility, a doctrine that determined the rights and privileges of the noble class. It was something that had been considered a blatant abuse of power by most, even Beasley and most of his parliament had tried for years to try and abolish the law. But where the King was willing to support Beasley in any endeavour that was one he had not given his support behind.

The Decree gave the nobility almost absolute authority over the nation, giving them privileges and power that none of the other nations could provide. If simply because they realised just how volatile and dangerous it was to have so much power at ones fingertips. The law effectively made it that the nobles could get away with anything if it was within reason a just or lawful act.

But what is considered just varies greatly with people. With this power a noble could burn down an entire village because one of its occupants did not bow to him, citing that it was treasonous to not show due deference when it was expected. This had actually happened, on several occasions in the past.

That had been the most extreme however, often carried out by the cruel and twisted who enjoyed flaunting their power over the weak and helpless. But during the war it was known that when an army or contingent of Knights entered a town they had the rights to all the food and valuables present to help support their future battles. They could dwell in any house, either evict the owners or keep them as temporary servants.

She had heard in many cases the woman were taken to, even the daughters. Used for the night and then left after that, it had led to many instances of bastards being born amongst the common people. It wasn't uncommon for these illegitimate children to be killed by their parents out of grief or shame, or even by those that sired them to cover up their acts.

Right now Alicia was enacting that same right, although not to the level as before. She was calling upon the people, giving them her decree and expecting them to obey it without question. It was her legal right to do so, no matter how wrong it may sound, but the issue here was that she was doing it thinking that they obeyed out of obligation to their nation. The truth was that they did it because they had no choice, to resist was to invite ruin upon themselves and their families.

Alicia would not hesitate to punish them for denying her call. But it would be out of anger at their lack of pride in their nation, over the obvious reason that they likely were unhappy about not being compensated for their efforts.

'Perhaps I can do something about that.' Prim mused, if she could see about paying them than maybe she could mitigate the damage.

"Very well." Prim said, nodding her head, she didn't want to cause an argument, not right now, she was nearing the point where she could broach the subject regarding the nobility.

It would be hard to lead into that, especially on the subject she wished to broach.

"Still, there are some who might not care for our nations prosperity and the ethics we abide by." Prim said, not the best lead in but Alicia truly made it hard to approach on a subject, if only because she had an opinion and never truly changed her stance on it.

"What do you speak of?" Alicia asked, perplexed it seemed, although Prim knew the moment she made it clearer that would change.

"It is about the possibility that there are sympathiser to the Black Dogs in Feoh, amongst the common people and the Nobility." Prim said, the moment she said that she saw her cousins face twist into a frown, irritation in her eyes and tightness around her mouth and brow. She was holding in her irritation.

"You think that there are traitors in the city? You think that those baseless accusation found by that Shrine Maiden have truth to them?" Alicia asked, the way she had said it was if she was accusing her, this was truly not a side she had seen of Alicia.

Never had she ever been cross with her, maybe scold her for doing something reckless and out of worry. But right now she looked angry with her, hiding it behind a thin veil of stoicism that could crack at any given moment. Prim knew she had to tread carefully, she didn't fear Alicia in the slightest but she knew that she had a temper.

If she got annoyed she would withdraw from this and not allow this conversation to be raised again, once a subject was closed by Alicia there was no opening it again. Even Celestine and Claudia had trouble at times convincing her on an appropriate course of action, something she pitied the two of them for. Now the difficult job fell to her, although from the feel of it this was going to be a very difficult conversation to have.

"I do not think Kaguya would lie to us. She has always supported us and been a staunch ally for many years, and what you said yourself, there was evidence of many cruel thing in Zelindo. Incriminating not only them but the Black Dogs, would it be so hard to imagine that what was said about Feoh could be true?" Prim said.

"How can you think that?" Alicia cried, appearing shocked by the very words that were coming from her mouth. "To think that our people, these honourable and proud nobles, who have dedicated their entire lives to this nation are anything but loyal. To accuse them of treason, it is the greatest of shames."

"But there was evidence, why do you denounce it so? Why accept that the Black Dogs are responsible and that there is corruption in Ken? Why do you not believe that the possibility exists that there may be traitors within these walls?" Prim asked, she didn't want to pressure her, beyond the risk of her clamming up she didn't feel right questioning her cousin as if she was in the wrong.

There was a reason she believed the way she did, and Prim could not fault her on her beliefs. All she could do is try and understand her and then help her understand herself in turn.

"Because I believe what I see with my own eyes, I saw the sins of those nobles and of the Black Dogs first hand. I witnessed their evil, and I judged them on that. But how can I accept even a single harsh word said against the nobility of Feoh when I have lived my entire life here and never seen a single trace of wrongdoing?" Alicia said, turning away and waving off her question and still answering it in spite, it was a bluff.

Prim knew she was being defensive, her excuse was flimsy and half thought up. Alicia never would believe anything like that, she was not above rumours and hearsay, there was plenty of that around the capital and across the nation. But she chose not to listen to it, but elsewhere she listened, and if it was anything that supported her views she would believe it without much convincing.

"You say that, but you believed the rumours about Kaguya and Maia, you accused them of wrong doing and being traitors. But how can you be sure? What did you see that made you think that way and not Claudia or Lady Celestine?" Prim asked.

"I saw enough, heard enough from their mouths, they spoke of treasonous things and slandered everyone around them. Maia all but pledged her loyalty to Vault and the Black Dogs in spite of their crimes!" Alicia barked, leaning on the table and seething. "Continuing to deny the truth, saying it was all false and that the Black Dogs were innocent."

"Like you are doing now, only this is the nobles rather than the Black Dogs." Prim said, it was a low blow, and maybe one she didn't feel right making but she had to get her point across.

"Leave it be Prim, I know I am right. You have to accept that." Alicia said, not even bothering to argue anymore, she was closing herself off.

She had to act quickly, if she locked herself up there was no way she was going to be able to speak and try to convince her to accept the possibility of the nobles treason.

"Alicia, please, you must see that there is a chance this is true." Prim implored, desperate not to loose this chance to convince her.

"I am not wrong! They are the ones who have been misled, and even is Maia is innocent and does this out of foolishness I am not like her. I see things clearly!" Alicia said, on the defensive again.

"You are letting your own feelings misguide you, you need to…" Prim said, but she never got to finish, Alicia had shot up from the table and whirled on her.

"I am not a damn fool! I am a Princess of Feoh and celebrated Knight that has lived up to ever expectation! I will not be lectured! I have done nothing wrong or failed in my duty! All that I have done since that Crusade is ensure the safety and prosperity of my nation!"

Prim was taken aback by her shout, the anger in her eyes and the stoic mask that had slipped to reveal a wrathful cousin who held none of her anger back. Alicia had advanced on her, taking two long strides and coming close, her hands wrapping around her arms and holding her in place as she shouted those words.

The anger, the fury of her words shook Prim, and for the first time she was genuinely afraid of Alicia. Looking into those eyes and seeing the volatile fire that shone in them, fuelled by shame and fanned by her unwillingness to accept the truth. No words could come from her mouth, not when Alicia glared at her so hatefully, yelling at the top of her lungs and shoving her convictions down her throat.

"Tell me you accept that! Tell me! Answer me Prim!"

Her yells had gotten harsher, her grip tightening, her armoured gauntlets pressing painfully against her arms. Looking away she closed her eyes, trying to get away but she could not break free, tears welled in her eyes as she weather the harsh words and the painful grip that slowly crushed her arms.

"A-Alicia…" Prim wept, fighting to even say her name.

"Say it! Say you believe me! Say it now!" Alicia yelled, he grip tightening.

"You're… you're hurting… hurting me…"

Then the pressure stopped, she opened her eyes, tears spilling from them and looked up to her cousin. Alicia was expressionless, her face that of stone, only her eyes glimmered with emotion that could be read. But Prim was not of the mind to try and discover that emotion, only fighting to hold back the fearful tears that threatened to fall from her eyes in waves.

"My lady! I have a message…"

A Knight had barged into the room, holding a missive in her hand, but she came to a stop when she saw the scene before her. Completely surprised she could only stand there dumbfounded, and likely a little shocked. Alicia's hands had gone slack, and Prim broke free from her cousin and fled, rushing to the door and running from it.

She could hear Alicia calling out to her, shouting her name over and over as she fled. Not stopping she rushed past Knights, nobles and castle serfs, all of them watching in bewilderment as she ran. It must have been a surprising thing to see, Prim Fiore, a light and happy child with a quick wit and knack for politics bawling her eyes out as she ran.


Northern Feoh, Kepler Province

They had come out of nowhere. In the dead of night and swarmed through the town, taking people from their beds and pulling them into the streets. They wore dark clothing and armour, they said not a word as they ferried the people out of the village.

Only the girls and woman were present, the young and old mostly, only a few boys and men were present. Most have already been called to the city of Feoh to fight in another war, word was that the people would be fighting against the Black Dogs. The idea of crossing swords with those mercenaries did not sit well with anyone.

But what could they do? They had no power to refuse, they had to obey otherwise they would likely be thrown into a cell to rot or have their heads parted their shoulders.

He had sent off his two sons to fight, he prayed they both returned. Those damn nobles didn't care for what happened to them, half the village had been taken as levies. They had taken all abled bodied boys and men to fight, leaving the woman to continue farming and producing for their nation.

It was a travesty, the nobles didn't think for a damn moment about their concerns. He and the other town elders had tried to convince their magistrate that production would be slowed because of the loss of people, especially all the men. He didn't care, and the nobles of Feoh certainly wouldn't. So they were left with trying to produce their normal quarterly harvest with fewer people and less time. More than likely they would be having to pay it out with their own food supply, if not, they would probably call it rebellion.

"Where are they taking us papa?" His daughter said, clinging to his sleeve as they were guided away from the village.

"I do not know, but don't let go of my sleeve or young Joseph's hand, can you do that Gwen?" Steward asked, smiling down to his two children as he tried to keep their spirits high. To his right his eldest daughter, Mary, was worried, giving her furtive looks that spoke of her desire to run, but he cautioned her against it.

He wished his wife was still here, she was the only one that could bring true smiles to their faces. But she had been lost in the orc raids six months ago, the same ones that had ravaged this country and left most of the villages destroyed or deserted. Once the orcs were dead the people were told they could return home, but for most there wasn't a home to return to.

He remembered coming back to a burned out ruin, one that they had no choice but to rebuild under the orders of the Magistrate who ruled the province. No assistance had been given, no supplies or gold to help them rebuild their lives, only that they do it hastily so they could start farming again. Bastards, the lot of them, six month later and they still were putting up houses that had been destroyed.

Only the morbid sense of irony was that they didn't need to put so many back up, because like his wife a lot of others had not survived the orc raids.

Now it looks like the rest of them might be dead soon, they had no idea who these men were but they certainly didn't look like Knights. Not even Black Dogs, they were something else, only the bloody hand upon the ebon banner gave a clue as to who they might be. But it was a sigil that none knew of.

"Would the Village Elders step forward."

They had been dragged into a clearly, all one hundred and forty two of them, standing there in their sleeping ware and looking up to an elderly man with a receding hairline and deep wrinkles on his face. Behind him were other hooded individuals, all of them had their hands behind their backs and waiting silently.

They however were not the only villagers here, hundreds of others were present as well, thousands even. To his surprise he noticed that many of them were from different villages in this region, in fact he would not be surprised it all the villagers from the surrounding villages have been gathered here. Soon, one by one, the village elders came forward, at the head of a small army of peasants to speak with the man. He handed his two youngest to Mary, stepping away from his people and with the group of village elders.

"I am August Ballantine, I would like to apologise for dragging you all out so late in the night, but given the situation it could not be avoided."

"What is the meaning of this? Who are you?" One of his fellow elders yelled, a old crone from the look of her, even with the habit on her head it was obvious by her sharp tongue she was not a nun. Or she could be, he had seen those priests and ladies of the cloth be quite vulgar at times.

"We are your saviours."

A new voice spoke up, stepping forward and looking at the assembled nobles. She was beautiful, dark skinned and having hair that was nearly as black as the night. But it was her long ears that took away their attraction, only instilling dread in the hearts of those who saw her. A Dark Elf, a sorcerer from the look of her sceptre and the cloak that hung from her shoulders, which did little to cover the little armour and leather that concealed her body.

"I am certain some of you can attest that without us you would be dead." She said, her words were never a shout yet they reached his ears so easily. "Orcs and other foul beings have invaded the region and are currently rampaging through the villages to the north. If you do not believe me, ask your fellow villagers."

There was some who spoke up, shouting to the heavens of what happened, of how orcs and Black Dog mercenaries had come and started ransacking their homes. How the men were being killed the women raped, even the young girls were not spared from their lusts. The news came as a shock, there were rumours that the orcs and Black Dogs had joined forces, but the nobles had denounced such things as impossible. They seem to be wrong, as usual.

"Yes, you are on the cusp of being discovered and annihilated, but I can help. As our forces had liberated those under attack we will also protect you from their advances. From this point forward you are under the protection of myself and the Hand of Suffering." She said.

"Who are you? Why should we trust some Dark Elf?" Someone yelled, others did the same, the majority of the people did.

"Who am I? Is it not obvious? I am the Queen of Garan, Olga Discordia."

The word brought silence to the night, the very mention of that name had robbed the people of their strength to complain and demand. Before them was the greatest monster and evil that has even been known to the people of Eostia. She had been waging war against humanity for centuries, killing hundreds of thousands in that time and unleashing unspeakable horrors upon them. Including the very demons that now assaulted their homes.

"You are afraid, to be expected, you have heard so many horrible things of me. Of how I am the Dark Queen, the creator of monsters, the bane of Eostia and humanity. Most of the things you know of me may be true, and others are the wild ramblings of hate mongers." Olga said, smiling in spite of the vulgar and hateful titles she had been given in her long war against Eostia. "I am here not to conquer, but to liberate and protect, for my conflict does not involve you, but those that hold the chains to the yoke upon your backs."

Steward knew that she was referring to the Nobles, it was an apt description of what kind of status they held under the nobility. Nonexistent, they were trash and commodities to be used, although he had a dreadful feeling that it would be better than whatever plans the Dark Queen had for them.

"You send orcs and monsters to murder us for years! You are a liar witch! Those demons are yours!" Someone shouted.

"Once they were, but no longer, they have sided with the Black Dogs, but not only them." Olga replied, with a single gesture she beckoned someone forward.

To their surprise they one brought before them was Magistrate Rene Rochegné, he was the bastard that lorded over the region and the villages. He was bound, bloodied and terrified, his usual smug and arrogant air had evaporated as he was tied up and at the mercy of his captors.

"Tell them who released the orcs and Black Dogs upon them." Olga ordered, glaring balefully down at the magistrate, who could only cower under her glare.

"I-I was told to allow the orcs through! Lord Bobeleilles ordered me to let the Black Dogs and orcs through!" He yelled, terror in his words.

Everyone was horrified, listening as he explained that the nobles of Markward had allied themselves with the Black Dogs and were allowing them passage into Feoh. Giving them free reign to raid and take slaves, sacrificing all the villages that remained to the Black Dogs as an act of allegiance. The knowledge that they were being sold out to the Black Dogs by the nobles all but infuriated the people.

People were terrified, the nobles meant to keep them safe were going to let them get killed and enslaved by the enemy. It would be the end of everything, they would have no one to protect them, there was no way the damn Knights of Iris would come or do any good. They could barely get this far north without complaining of getting chaffed in the saddle.

"You have been betrayed, abandoned, and left to rot." Olga said, smiling ruefully as she made the declaration. "There is little choice left to you now, there is only one hope left for your survival and that of your people. Come with us."

They knew what this meant, what would happen to them as soon as the Black Dogs and orcs found them. Most would be killed, others would be enslaved and others defiled. The horror of it took hold of everyone, there was no way out, they were trapped with no way of surviving. At least that was what most people thought.

"What happens to us if we go with you?" Steward asked, looking up at Olga, he had his children to worry about.

The last thing he wanted was for them to be raped to death by mercenaries and orcs, he had lost his wife that way. He wasn't going to let it happen again, any alternative, even if it meant siding with the Dark Elven Queen he would take it. People shouted at him, thinking he likely had gone mad, it was truly madness that he was going to rely on her of all people to save them.

"You will be protected, we will guard and protect you, give you shelter, food and ensure you are comfortable." Olga said. "Many of you think I will be cruel to you, that I will discard or torment you, lord over you like some tyrant. But are you all not already suffering such a fate?"

Her words held some weight, even if those who listened distrusted her none denied her claim. Such was the power of their distrust of the nobility that even Olga Discordia could sway them, not that difficult to understand. Their lives were hell, forced to live on the frontier providing food to the fortresses, being at the whims of lords and nobles who saw them as expendable workers. They protected them, most time not very well, but at the cost of their livelihood and dignity and sometimes their own lives.

You can hate Olga Discordia for all the pain she had rained down on you over the years, but considering the Nobles have been doing just as much to them for longer it didn't equate.

"How can we expect anything better from you?"

"Because I plan to end the reign of the nobles of this land." Olga said, the declaration came as a shock, but what came next was even more surprising. "They are my enemy, they always have, and I have much to do. And the first thing to do, is make amends to all the people who have been harmed from this conflict. To start, I will protect you. Then I will protect this nation, and all in it."

She gave a small bow, lowering her head towards them. It was an act they did not expect, taken by surprise they didn't know what to do. She was a Queen, not of their land but still of Royal descent, to bow your head to a peasant was something they could not do. It was an unspoken law that for a noble to bow to a low borne man was to shame oneself, there was nothing humble or respectful about giving respect to a commoner.

"Let me assure you, I bare no ill will towards your people, all I wish, is to end their tyranny. For your people suffered not so differently than mine, used and controlled, enslaved with no way to escape. How can I blame any of you? How can I hate you, when your lives are just as tragic and painful as what my people suffered under the hands of those nobles so many centuries ago."

It was heartwarming, certainly pulled at a few strings. Many did not know what to do now, her action and demeanour did not fit the image of the evil queen of Garan. They may not have met many nobles, but rumors spoke more truth than anything else. This short meeting, and what they knew for certain with their arrival, it had already painted a better picture than anything.

He was the first, but wouldn't be the last, and soon all followed in his example.

"We will go with you."

For good or ill, they were going to risk it.


Reginald was pleased with the turn out, they had been able to influence the entire provinces populace. This was one of the ten others he was already in the process of evacuating, he had little time to waste, the orcs and Black Dogs were on he move. The quicker he evacuated the entire Feoh countryside the more lives he would be able to save.

Already the people were being bearded through portals, created using the same magic he had acquired from Celestine. Truthfully this was never meant to be the purpose of the spells he gained from that tome, but he would not complain. For his original plan was to be a lot more cruel and merciless, but it seems that fate is working towards making this revolution of his a lot less bloody than it needed to be.

"That was not easy to do." Olga spoke aloud, walking over to him and frowning. "I practiced that speech of yours, and I cannot believe I was able to say it with a straight face."

"Perhaps then you didn't feel it was a fabrication." Reginald replied.

He had coached Olga on what to say to the people, to gain their support and allegiance. He knew that her infamy would cause problems down the line, hence why he planned to do away with it and foster a new reputation in its place. One that painted Olga in such a light that it made her appear a saint, a daunting task and one that was likely to fail at the first time something went wrong.

But he had a feeling that it would not be so difficult for Olga to do. She was sly and as wise as the years she has lived, to be a queen one needed to be clever, and she certainly knew how to do that. She could lie and cheat her way to high esteem easily, but he had some hope that in time she would need not rely on such underhanded tactics to sway the people.

"I still do not like the idea of me being a figurehead, I would not have minded if you took the reigns and led this crusade of yours." Olga replied, not the first time she had complained as such.

"It serves my purpose." Reginald stated.

"How is installing me as some kind of saviour meant to accomplish anything? I care little about these people or their plight. Why do you even care?" Olga asked.

He didn't care.

For the individual or the whole, he felt nearly nothing for anyone. He had those he was close to and considered valuable allies, but even his own empathy did not extend any further than one would have towards a favoured handkerchief. But what truly guided him was the morals of his old life, the same ones that had compelled him to help the people of the Untouched Valley.

To create a plan to save this nation. To go to extreme lengths to ensure that it was made whole and pure, and to settle all debts once and for all. Nothing holding him back, no morals or honour to restrain him in doing what must be done, everything he did no matter how cruel and evil would be directed towards a noble cause.

He would be painted a villain, a monster, but that suited him just fine.

There was nothing for him here anyway, from when he arrived to when he eventually departed this land he knew that he would have no place here. No matter the changes he made or the actions he took he understood he would create something that did include him in the grand scheme. But he was content with that, because it wasn't about him, it was about the people here.

Holding these people indifferently didn't mean anything, because despite how valuable and important the soldiers of the Hand of Suffering were he held them almost in the same regard as these farmers. If he considered these farmers and his soldiers as unremarkably similar, then what stopped him from doing for the former what he did for the latter?

"Because I know it is right." Reginald replied. "Despite what you say you know it is true as well, you have known it the moment you met the people in Ulfraden. You may distrust humans, hate them with every fibre of your being, but the moment you met them and spoke with them. What did you feel?"

Olga seemed to squirm under his gaze, like a child that didn't want to admit something. She was starting to see her views were no longer valid, that the years she spent in Garan dwelling on the past no longer applied. That all those views and beliefs she held onto in the dark recesses of that fortress had not been completely true.

Even when there were moments that proved those misguided beliefs right she still held onto her doubts. She knew little about the Hand of Suffering, of all its intricacies and the people within, but she knew enough and had learned to shake her fanatical belief in the evil of humanity.

"…They did suffer a lot didn't they?" Olga asked.

"Yes, you said so yourself." Reginald replied. "Not so different."

In time she would come to see the truth, to understand the world better. But for now she would need to continue learning, he would teach her, and maybe one day she can look back on her past and do what he did once.

Let go.


There you have it, nice isn't it. A decent chapter and one that shows off the nature of Feoh, and here is a little more info.


The Rebuilding of Feoh

Following the Battle of Lorein the nations of Eostai were thrown into chaos. The combined armies of Ken, Feoh and Ansur were utterly annihilated, with only a few hundred Knights and soldiers remaining and most retiring after the ordeal. During this trying time there was a major uprising in Feoh, the peasantry had become emboldened by the death of Apollo Arcturus, who had left several heirs behind that now were waging a bloody coup against one another.

One such fighter was the young Eros Arcturus, a bastard of Apollo to one of his many mistresses who had been put up to claim the throne. But after the continual fighting and bloodshed he was brought to Ken where he could be safe from the slaughter. For months they waited out as the peasant rebellion and internal conflict between the successors to the throne went on. When Celestine Lucross was able to take power she formed an alliance with Eros and joined him with Aurora Fiore. The political marriage was meant to help give Eros the support needed to reclaim the Throne.

When Eros returned the nation of Feoh was under the control and leadership of Beasley and a select group of nobles, they had instigated the Peasant rebellion to overthrow the corrupt nobles in Feoh and bring about a new government. Following this Beasley would go on to negotiate with Celestine, Eros and Aurora to try and form a compromise to maintain the monarchy of Feoh and the Arcturus Line while also maintaining this new government.

Power was divided amongst the Parliament and Monarchy, the loss of power for the Monarchy caused a major rift between Aurora and Eros who was swayed by Beasley. In time the Arcturus family would lost not just power but the respect of the people, something that would slowly worsen over time as it became clear that many of the laws that remained following the collapse such as the Law of Privilege. This has led the discontent amongst the commonfolk who after the collapse still suffered under the the near tyrannical power of the Nobility.

It is only a matter of time before another rebellion occurs.


There it is, another bit of info to go with the story.