V
Munak curled up in the gazebo overlooking Payon river. Wisps of her beautiful dark brown hair fluffed around her face, and she pushed it back behind her ears, annoyed. Resting her head on her arms, she sighed and narrowed her eyes, drifting into contemplation.
Bongun had been gone for a long time. She'd been at home for hours since he left for the palace; she'd bathed and dressed her baby brother, brushed her mother's hair, helped cook dinner, even helped her father make new arrows and listened to his stories about battles won and lost, and far away places, and demons even scarier than the one that had ravaged the village the summer past. He hadn't shown up at all, and it was already dark; the only light she had came from the small lantern she had brought with her. She heard the wind moaning softly below her, in the river's canyon; it promised a windy, snowy day, maybe even a blizzard. She wasn't too worried for her own family, but the other families in the village concerned her. So many had lost their homes to the demon's anger and violence. The palace had offered to house most of the families, but she knew there were others out in the cold. She felt sorry for them, but didn't know what to do. Her home was small, and her family was huge: herself, her parents, herbrother, a sister that lived in Glast Heim and came by often to visit, her grandmother, her aunt and uncle, a great-grandmother who lived upstairs, and four cats. There was simply no room to take in another family, without it becoming painfully cramped in the house.
Her family was influential, but not terribly so. Her father claimed to be descended from a prince who had run off to marry a common girl, and had been subsequently exiled. The current Chief recognized her father's talents with a bow and arrow, and appointed him to a noble position on that virtue only, ignoring the rest. Her mother was also from a noble position, being the daughter of the former high priestess of the village shrine. As it stood, Munak would be more influential than both her parents when she came of age, and even more so once she married. It was basically a given that she'd marry Bongun; their families were very close, and they had known each other all their lives. It was Bongun's father, the former Lord of Kuman, who charged headlong into battle with the demon that summer, slaying her minions left and right and managing to brutally wound the demon herself, before meeting his fate at the monster's hand. The former Lord was appointed to position of Prince posthumously, and his only son, Bongun,became the new Lord and the unofficial prince.
Sighing, she flopped onto her back, staring up into the dark rafters and yawning. She was sure he'd see her light and come to the gazebo. He had to. He'd promised to come back soon for her.
Before she knew it, the little girl had fallen asleep.
VI
Bongun, too, was exhausted.
Lords and ladies alike plied him with yet more wine. There was so much food to be eaten, but after just a little, he was tired. He wasn't sure if it was the wine, or playing with Munak all morning. He just wanted to leave. He'd go to Munak's family's house and sleep in her room, on a pile of blankets near her bed; they'd sit up for hours, and he'd describe the riches of the palace to her, and she'd smile sleepily at him and play with his hair. Just the thought of her soft, innocent smile and loving gaze lulled him deeper into slumber, and he yawned for what must've been the hundredth time that night.
The Chief, he noted, also looked like he didn't want to be there. He had barely touched his food, and drank a lot more than anyone else. He kept glancing at Bongun, then glancing away and muttering to one of his advisors. The Chief loved the young lord like a son, especially after his father's heroic battle, but now, he hadn't even spoken to him. Upon arrival, it had been an endless line of jubilant nobles and wineglasses and dishes of various kinds and singers.
Bongun had about settled himself to sleep against a pillar when the Chief stood, clinking his wineglass uneasily and calling everyone to order. He barely roused himself, then sat bolt upright when he heard what was being said.
"We are gathered here tonight to announce some very sad and very happy news together. Earlier today, my beloved daughter Sohee's betrothed died of the plague which has ravaged our village for so long. However, I have already chosen a new suitor for her. Please come out, my darling." The Chief shouted, holding his arm to the side and feeling his heart swell.
Everyone caught their breath as the door was slid open and the small princess emerged. Sohee simply smiled at everyone, hiding her face behind the long sleeves of one of her beautiful dresses. Elaborate pins and ribbons tumbled from her beautiful black tresses, spilling down her back and over the floor like a blanket of silk. Bongun gasped, filled with awe; he'd been to the palace many times, but had never gotten such a good look at the much-rumored princess. She had an elegant, refined air, but at the same time, she was so perfectly innocent and gentle, and infinitely delicate, maybe more so than Munak. He smacked himself mentally. Munak was better. She was laughter and joy and happiness and life, not some pretty statue on display. He had to admit, though, the princess was extraordinarily beautiful.
The chief was beaming. This was always the response people had to Sohee; awe and amazement and wonder at such a beautiful young girl. His pride swelled, both from the wine and from his ego, and he gestured into the crowd, smiling. "The suitor that I have chosen for her is here tonight, in fact. Please, my boy, come up and meet your bride!"
Someone shoved Bongun, and he caught himself before he could fall. He stood, a bit unsteady from drink and tiredness and confusion. He felt two strong hands around his arms, and he was pushed forward through the crowd, only to find himself standing before the Chief. He knelt and lowered his head, embarrassed and confused. What would her suitor think of him! Worse, what could Sohee be thinking? His face burned at the thought.
It took a few seconds before he realized that the hall had burst into applause. He glanced up through his bangs to see who the lucky gentleman was, and saw only the Chief and Sohee. Sohee was staring at him, her face deep red and her sleeves brought up even higher than usual, so only her eyes showed over them. The Chief was clapping, and grasping Bongun's hand, pulled him up. "I am so pleased to welcome you into the family! The wedding will be the first morning of spring, when the trees begin to blossom and grow again. Congratulations, and welcome!"
Bongun's heart sank. What about Munak? Why hadn't anyone asked him? He glanced at the princess. It was said that any man engaged to her would die somehow or another. He certainly didn't want to be next. The wine from earlier surged through his head, and dizzily, he felt himself get swept up in the cheering crowd of nobles.
VII
Advisor Parras was not a happy man.
He rushed through the castle carrying a stack of papers and scrolls, stopping every few minutes to pick them up as they fell. He was late for the meeting, and the other councilmen of Glast Heim would not be pleased. He grabbed another scroll before it could fall, and ran into the room, dropping the papers and scrolls on the table. One unrolled and bumped into a woman from Geffen, who glared at him angrily, sparks of enchanted flame dancing in her eyes. He mumbled an apology and sat down, hiding his face by straightening the papers.
King Tristam cleared his throat and glared at Parras. "Speaking of which, he has just arrived. Parras, can you give us some information about the goings on of the past summer and this winter in the southlands?"
Parras stood, pulling out several papers and unrolling some scrolls. "The town of Morroc has been quiet. Too quiet, I say. No merchants we have sent there have returned. I fear something terrible may have happened, and I advise an invasion as soon as possible. Weather shouldn't be a problem, as Morroc is quite warm in the winter-"
Advisor Hamad of Morroc stood, smacking his hands down against the table. "ABSURD!" he shouted angrily. "Sograt Desert is nothing but a massive sandstorm in the winter; when it's not, it's so bitter cold there. You're confusing Morroc with the South Marshes!"
Tristam cleared his throat and glared at Hamad, who sat down. "Continue, Parras."
Parras unrolled another scroll. "The port at the new city Alberta is coming along smoothly. We have had no trouble, but then again, we haven't really explored the area around the port. I advise sending teams out searching for supplies. We can't afford to simply ship everything in."
Tristam nodded. "As soon as it's summer, we'll order scouting teams sent out. Sixteen thousand zeny if they find anything of merit." Four recorders behind him jotted it down.
Parras pulled out a heavy book and sighed. This would be the worst. "Payon was attacked by a demon over the summer, as you may have heard. The current Chief of the village managed to slay it, but not before most of the village was destroyed. A plague has settled into the village, and has taken many lives, including those of three noblemen from here who went to marry the princess of the village."
Tristam nodded gravely. "Anything else? Was the demon destroyed, or imprisoned?"
Parras gulped. "I believe it was imprisoned. The dialect in that part of Rune-Midgard is so different from here, that I couldn't really understand them. Some said it was destroyed, others said it was imprisoned. I can't really say."
Advisor An Chi stood. She had come all the way from Payon to have her say. "The demon, named Fox Princess, was not destroyed. The Chief managed to imprison her underneath the village shrine, but she couldn't be destroyed. Four lords died in the fighting, and we believe the demon released a terrible plague upon the village to kill everyone else. The plague has settled on the princess in the guise of a curse, and any suitor of her's dies. The Chief has also confided to me that the demon is still trying to escape, and may indeed escape her captivity before long."
Parras glanced at the king. An Chi sighed and sat back down, staring morosely at the table. Finally, Tristam spoke. "Something awoke in the hidden caves near Prontera and has caused havoc there. A ghost of sorts is haunting Geffen. Morroc is completely unresponsive. Payon is being held hostage by a demon. Even we are not totally safe from this change in the world; strange things have been happening in our city as well. I fear for us all."
A woman near the back cleared her throat and stood. Advisor Suzette Kafra, of Prontera, glanced around at everyone and blinked nervously. "The caves are far enough away from the city as to expand Prontera without fear of attack, but to make sure of this, we could have the finest wizards in the land go to the caves, and change them so it's impossible for the being there to escape."
Hamad growled. "That helps Morroc none. For all we know, the city could be completely destroyed."
An Chi glanced at Hamad. "Glast Heim can send an army into Morroc to find out what's going on. Merchants can be easily subdued, but not an entire army. Please calm down, dear Hamad; we haven't forgotten your city."
Hamad slumped in his chair, sulking. "Shut up, An Chi, you don't know anything about-"
Tristam held his hand up, silencing the Morroc advisor. "An Chi's right. We'll send in an army as soon as the sandstorms die down. At least one thousand knights and crusaders will go. That should be more than enough."
An Chi beamed. Hamad glared at her and sulked. Parras glanced between them, then cleared his throat. "Which leaves the question of Geffen and Payon.."
The fire-eyed woman from Geffen, Marisol, stood. "We have already tried to take care of the problem on our own. Ten strong wizards were sent into the Geffen Tower, which the ghost haunts. Only one returned, and he was crippled for life. All scouts we sent in never returned, and we only know this from our blighted comrade; it seems to be the ghost of a swordsman, of great talent. He's so fast that not even our best wizards can hold a cast on him, and he's so strong that he defeats all ice and firewalls. We're at a loss as to how to defeat this monstrous being."
Tristam nodded. "A real quandary. Geffen Tower is fairly small and cramped. We'll send in fifty swordsmen and one hundred of our finest priests, as well as about twenty crusaders, as soon as the snow thaws. Keep the tower sealed shut until then."
Marisol nodded and sat down, a pleased expression over her sharp features. An Chi rose again, not looking quite as happy. "We still have the problem of the Payon demon. I suppose priests could be sent in, your majesty, but it's entirely possible that they'll be infected too. We have exactly two priests left, of the ten that used to guard the temple, and one is showing signs of the sickness. I haven't the slightest idea what to do."
Tristam sighed, shaking his head. "Have the best alchemists in the land begin mixing potions. Bring some corpses in for examination, maybe we can figure out how the plague works on people. If the plague leaves the valley, though, we'll have to call an emergency meeting to find out how to contain it; until then, it seems to be contained only to that area."
An Chi sat down, rubbing her temples and writing furiously on a scroll. Parras pulled all his papers together and stood, as the king rose and clapped his hands, adjourning the meeting.
Munak curled up in the gazebo overlooking Payon river. Wisps of her beautiful dark brown hair fluffed around her face, and she pushed it back behind her ears, annoyed. Resting her head on her arms, she sighed and narrowed her eyes, drifting into contemplation.
Bongun had been gone for a long time. She'd been at home for hours since he left for the palace; she'd bathed and dressed her baby brother, brushed her mother's hair, helped cook dinner, even helped her father make new arrows and listened to his stories about battles won and lost, and far away places, and demons even scarier than the one that had ravaged the village the summer past. He hadn't shown up at all, and it was already dark; the only light she had came from the small lantern she had brought with her. She heard the wind moaning softly below her, in the river's canyon; it promised a windy, snowy day, maybe even a blizzard. She wasn't too worried for her own family, but the other families in the village concerned her. So many had lost their homes to the demon's anger and violence. The palace had offered to house most of the families, but she knew there were others out in the cold. She felt sorry for them, but didn't know what to do. Her home was small, and her family was huge: herself, her parents, herbrother, a sister that lived in Glast Heim and came by often to visit, her grandmother, her aunt and uncle, a great-grandmother who lived upstairs, and four cats. There was simply no room to take in another family, without it becoming painfully cramped in the house.
Her family was influential, but not terribly so. Her father claimed to be descended from a prince who had run off to marry a common girl, and had been subsequently exiled. The current Chief recognized her father's talents with a bow and arrow, and appointed him to a noble position on that virtue only, ignoring the rest. Her mother was also from a noble position, being the daughter of the former high priestess of the village shrine. As it stood, Munak would be more influential than both her parents when she came of age, and even more so once she married. It was basically a given that she'd marry Bongun; their families were very close, and they had known each other all their lives. It was Bongun's father, the former Lord of Kuman, who charged headlong into battle with the demon that summer, slaying her minions left and right and managing to brutally wound the demon herself, before meeting his fate at the monster's hand. The former Lord was appointed to position of Prince posthumously, and his only son, Bongun,became the new Lord and the unofficial prince.
Sighing, she flopped onto her back, staring up into the dark rafters and yawning. She was sure he'd see her light and come to the gazebo. He had to. He'd promised to come back soon for her.
Before she knew it, the little girl had fallen asleep.
VI
Bongun, too, was exhausted.
Lords and ladies alike plied him with yet more wine. There was so much food to be eaten, but after just a little, he was tired. He wasn't sure if it was the wine, or playing with Munak all morning. He just wanted to leave. He'd go to Munak's family's house and sleep in her room, on a pile of blankets near her bed; they'd sit up for hours, and he'd describe the riches of the palace to her, and she'd smile sleepily at him and play with his hair. Just the thought of her soft, innocent smile and loving gaze lulled him deeper into slumber, and he yawned for what must've been the hundredth time that night.
The Chief, he noted, also looked like he didn't want to be there. He had barely touched his food, and drank a lot more than anyone else. He kept glancing at Bongun, then glancing away and muttering to one of his advisors. The Chief loved the young lord like a son, especially after his father's heroic battle, but now, he hadn't even spoken to him. Upon arrival, it had been an endless line of jubilant nobles and wineglasses and dishes of various kinds and singers.
Bongun had about settled himself to sleep against a pillar when the Chief stood, clinking his wineglass uneasily and calling everyone to order. He barely roused himself, then sat bolt upright when he heard what was being said.
"We are gathered here tonight to announce some very sad and very happy news together. Earlier today, my beloved daughter Sohee's betrothed died of the plague which has ravaged our village for so long. However, I have already chosen a new suitor for her. Please come out, my darling." The Chief shouted, holding his arm to the side and feeling his heart swell.
Everyone caught their breath as the door was slid open and the small princess emerged. Sohee simply smiled at everyone, hiding her face behind the long sleeves of one of her beautiful dresses. Elaborate pins and ribbons tumbled from her beautiful black tresses, spilling down her back and over the floor like a blanket of silk. Bongun gasped, filled with awe; he'd been to the palace many times, but had never gotten such a good look at the much-rumored princess. She had an elegant, refined air, but at the same time, she was so perfectly innocent and gentle, and infinitely delicate, maybe more so than Munak. He smacked himself mentally. Munak was better. She was laughter and joy and happiness and life, not some pretty statue on display. He had to admit, though, the princess was extraordinarily beautiful.
The chief was beaming. This was always the response people had to Sohee; awe and amazement and wonder at such a beautiful young girl. His pride swelled, both from the wine and from his ego, and he gestured into the crowd, smiling. "The suitor that I have chosen for her is here tonight, in fact. Please, my boy, come up and meet your bride!"
Someone shoved Bongun, and he caught himself before he could fall. He stood, a bit unsteady from drink and tiredness and confusion. He felt two strong hands around his arms, and he was pushed forward through the crowd, only to find himself standing before the Chief. He knelt and lowered his head, embarrassed and confused. What would her suitor think of him! Worse, what could Sohee be thinking? His face burned at the thought.
It took a few seconds before he realized that the hall had burst into applause. He glanced up through his bangs to see who the lucky gentleman was, and saw only the Chief and Sohee. Sohee was staring at him, her face deep red and her sleeves brought up even higher than usual, so only her eyes showed over them. The Chief was clapping, and grasping Bongun's hand, pulled him up. "I am so pleased to welcome you into the family! The wedding will be the first morning of spring, when the trees begin to blossom and grow again. Congratulations, and welcome!"
Bongun's heart sank. What about Munak? Why hadn't anyone asked him? He glanced at the princess. It was said that any man engaged to her would die somehow or another. He certainly didn't want to be next. The wine from earlier surged through his head, and dizzily, he felt himself get swept up in the cheering crowd of nobles.
VII
Advisor Parras was not a happy man.
He rushed through the castle carrying a stack of papers and scrolls, stopping every few minutes to pick them up as they fell. He was late for the meeting, and the other councilmen of Glast Heim would not be pleased. He grabbed another scroll before it could fall, and ran into the room, dropping the papers and scrolls on the table. One unrolled and bumped into a woman from Geffen, who glared at him angrily, sparks of enchanted flame dancing in her eyes. He mumbled an apology and sat down, hiding his face by straightening the papers.
King Tristam cleared his throat and glared at Parras. "Speaking of which, he has just arrived. Parras, can you give us some information about the goings on of the past summer and this winter in the southlands?"
Parras stood, pulling out several papers and unrolling some scrolls. "The town of Morroc has been quiet. Too quiet, I say. No merchants we have sent there have returned. I fear something terrible may have happened, and I advise an invasion as soon as possible. Weather shouldn't be a problem, as Morroc is quite warm in the winter-"
Advisor Hamad of Morroc stood, smacking his hands down against the table. "ABSURD!" he shouted angrily. "Sograt Desert is nothing but a massive sandstorm in the winter; when it's not, it's so bitter cold there. You're confusing Morroc with the South Marshes!"
Tristam cleared his throat and glared at Hamad, who sat down. "Continue, Parras."
Parras unrolled another scroll. "The port at the new city Alberta is coming along smoothly. We have had no trouble, but then again, we haven't really explored the area around the port. I advise sending teams out searching for supplies. We can't afford to simply ship everything in."
Tristam nodded. "As soon as it's summer, we'll order scouting teams sent out. Sixteen thousand zeny if they find anything of merit." Four recorders behind him jotted it down.
Parras pulled out a heavy book and sighed. This would be the worst. "Payon was attacked by a demon over the summer, as you may have heard. The current Chief of the village managed to slay it, but not before most of the village was destroyed. A plague has settled into the village, and has taken many lives, including those of three noblemen from here who went to marry the princess of the village."
Tristam nodded gravely. "Anything else? Was the demon destroyed, or imprisoned?"
Parras gulped. "I believe it was imprisoned. The dialect in that part of Rune-Midgard is so different from here, that I couldn't really understand them. Some said it was destroyed, others said it was imprisoned. I can't really say."
Advisor An Chi stood. She had come all the way from Payon to have her say. "The demon, named Fox Princess, was not destroyed. The Chief managed to imprison her underneath the village shrine, but she couldn't be destroyed. Four lords died in the fighting, and we believe the demon released a terrible plague upon the village to kill everyone else. The plague has settled on the princess in the guise of a curse, and any suitor of her's dies. The Chief has also confided to me that the demon is still trying to escape, and may indeed escape her captivity before long."
Parras glanced at the king. An Chi sighed and sat back down, staring morosely at the table. Finally, Tristam spoke. "Something awoke in the hidden caves near Prontera and has caused havoc there. A ghost of sorts is haunting Geffen. Morroc is completely unresponsive. Payon is being held hostage by a demon. Even we are not totally safe from this change in the world; strange things have been happening in our city as well. I fear for us all."
A woman near the back cleared her throat and stood. Advisor Suzette Kafra, of Prontera, glanced around at everyone and blinked nervously. "The caves are far enough away from the city as to expand Prontera without fear of attack, but to make sure of this, we could have the finest wizards in the land go to the caves, and change them so it's impossible for the being there to escape."
Hamad growled. "That helps Morroc none. For all we know, the city could be completely destroyed."
An Chi glanced at Hamad. "Glast Heim can send an army into Morroc to find out what's going on. Merchants can be easily subdued, but not an entire army. Please calm down, dear Hamad; we haven't forgotten your city."
Hamad slumped in his chair, sulking. "Shut up, An Chi, you don't know anything about-"
Tristam held his hand up, silencing the Morroc advisor. "An Chi's right. We'll send in an army as soon as the sandstorms die down. At least one thousand knights and crusaders will go. That should be more than enough."
An Chi beamed. Hamad glared at her and sulked. Parras glanced between them, then cleared his throat. "Which leaves the question of Geffen and Payon.."
The fire-eyed woman from Geffen, Marisol, stood. "We have already tried to take care of the problem on our own. Ten strong wizards were sent into the Geffen Tower, which the ghost haunts. Only one returned, and he was crippled for life. All scouts we sent in never returned, and we only know this from our blighted comrade; it seems to be the ghost of a swordsman, of great talent. He's so fast that not even our best wizards can hold a cast on him, and he's so strong that he defeats all ice and firewalls. We're at a loss as to how to defeat this monstrous being."
Tristam nodded. "A real quandary. Geffen Tower is fairly small and cramped. We'll send in fifty swordsmen and one hundred of our finest priests, as well as about twenty crusaders, as soon as the snow thaws. Keep the tower sealed shut until then."
Marisol nodded and sat down, a pleased expression over her sharp features. An Chi rose again, not looking quite as happy. "We still have the problem of the Payon demon. I suppose priests could be sent in, your majesty, but it's entirely possible that they'll be infected too. We have exactly two priests left, of the ten that used to guard the temple, and one is showing signs of the sickness. I haven't the slightest idea what to do."
Tristam sighed, shaking his head. "Have the best alchemists in the land begin mixing potions. Bring some corpses in for examination, maybe we can figure out how the plague works on people. If the plague leaves the valley, though, we'll have to call an emergency meeting to find out how to contain it; until then, it seems to be contained only to that area."
An Chi sat down, rubbing her temples and writing furiously on a scroll. Parras pulled all his papers together and stood, as the king rose and clapped his hands, adjourning the meeting.