With the Vossler estate to their back, the group of five traveled to Castle Korvosa. Griffin led the way with his cane tapping across the stone ground with each step. Takota walked next to the noble while Alexander and Viera followed closely behind. Falenas was at the rear of the group with his hands in his pockets as he kept the minimum pace to keep up with the others. Although it would take about half an hour to arrive at Castle Korvosa, they didn't have to deal with any violence on the streets. This allowed the group to proceed in relative peace as they made it closer to the keep found within the center of the city.
Alexander saw Castle Korvosa long before they arrived at the keep as the building towered over mostly everything else in the city. The fortress was built on top of the Grand Mastaba, a pyramid built from sandstone atop of Citadel Hill long before the actual fortification was built. Stairs and ramps on all four sides of the pyramid granted access to the courtyard that led to Castle Korvosa. The castle itself was built of black marble with several towers rising from the roof of the fort. It was without a doubt one of the most defensive areas in the city. Alexander always felt so small in sight of the castle yet was proud to see that it represented the strength of the city. Seeing it reminded him that Korvosa would stand even after the king's death.
As the group grew closer to the castle, they could make out loud screams. However, they quickly realized that this was not a sign of violence. Surrounding the castle were several men. Some were dressed in rags, others in fine robes, and others in hoods. They were all of different ages and what they screamed out towards Castle Korvosa and anyone passing by were different yet had the same feeling.
"The false queen will see the ruin of Korvosa!"
"There will be no peace when the sky falls and destroys the land! The king's death is but the first sign!"
"The Eye of Groteus has turned from the Boneyard to look upon Korvosa!"
"This isn't any normal protest," Viera looked around at the men with a frown.
"They're doomsayers," Griffin shrugged. "Tragedy brings them out with ill omens. I wouldn't pay them any heed."
"I agree," Falenas nodded from behind. "They're insane."
"As long as they're not inciting violence, they can say whatever it is on their minds," Alexander said, although he was on edge. "The queen can't be that bad, can she?"
"That is a complicated answer," Griffin explained. "I can explain if you don't mind…"
Before Griffin could continue, one of the doomsayers grabs him and coughs out. "I've seen you in my dreams…"
"Let go!" Griffin gasped with wide eyes.
"In Korvosa's darkest hour, you will near death when a great sickness has taken hold of the city," the mad man said. "A new age of darkness and writhing doom fast approaches."
Takota and Alexander grabbed the doomsayer and pulled him off of Griffin. The mad man scrambled away, joining the others as members of the Korvosan Guard stationed at the castle started to drive them away.
"Are you okay, Griffin?" Viera asked.
"He didn't harm me," Griffin answered with a shrug. "I'll live."
"You still have the brooch on you, right?" Falenas called out from the back of the group. "Perhaps he was a pickpocket."
Griffin patted himself down and sighed in relief. "I still have it."
"I wouldn't pay any attention to what he had to say," Alexander told Griffin. "I have a feeling he was no prophet."
"And I believe that you're right," Griffin said with a chuckle.
"Halt!" one of the guards said and approached the five. "What business do you have at the premises of Castle Korvosa?"
"We seek to return Queen Ileosa's brooch," Griffin answered on behalf of the group as he pulled out the jewelry in question.
The guard examined the brooch and slowly nodded. "We will escort you to the castle's courtyard. You will leave any weapons you have on you here at the base of the pyramid. They will be returned to you once your business at Castle Korvosa has concluded."
Alexander left his flail and shield at the Pantheon of Many, so he didn't have to give anything over. Viera handed over her longsword without hesitation and Takota passed over his longbow, quiver, and handaxe silently. Falenas muttered quiet complaints under his breath as he handed over his dagger. Griffin kept his cane on him with the guard giving a nod signaling that he doesn't see it as a weapon. The guards escorted the group up one of the broad ramps leading to the courtyard of the castle. Alexander noticed how several of them held onto their sword hilts or crossbow pommels and realized that they were nervous. It made sense given what was happenin in the city but he knew that they would have no reason to start any problems.
The group continued their climb of Castle Korvosa and arrived at the courtyard. Standing guard at the stairs leading further into the fortress was a woman clad in gray plate armor with a large falchion holstered across her back. Her skin was fair and her black hair was cut short. The guards accompanying the group gave quick salutes, showing the rank that she had. Alexander stood in a line alongside his companions as the woman looked over the group. Her eyes focused briefly on the brooch in Griffin's hand before continuing on to look at the rest of his group. With a content nod, she turned to the guards.
"You may return to your posts," the woman commanded. "These heroes pose no threats."
"Of course we pose no threats," Falenas complained while watching the guards head down the ramp. "You took all of our weapons. Did you expect us to fight the might of Korvosa with our fists?"
"Even if you had your weapons, it wouldn't make a difference," the woman said with a frown.
"We mean no trouble," Alexander said, glancing towards Falenas. "Some of us are worried about being unarmed given what's happening in the city."
"You say that we're heroes," Griffin reminded her. "What makes you think that?"
"You're returning Ileosa's brooch, something which she misses greatly," the woman explained. "I am Sabina Merrin, handmaiden and bodyguard to Queen Ileosa. The Queen has instructed that anyone returning her brooch is to be granted an audience with her. Tell me how you would like to be introduced and I shall lead you to her."
"I am Griffin Vossler, second son of Lord Levi Vossler," Griffin said. "This is my first time meeting Queen Ileosa, so you can introduce me along with the others."
"There's no need for formalities for me," Alexander said with a shrug. "You can introduce me as Alexander Fletcher."
"I suppose I shall follow in your lead," Falenas sighed. "Falenas Wayerden is how I would like to be introduced."
"Could I be introduced as Viera Barlumi, follower of Iomedae?" Viera asked.
"Of course," Sabina nodded, then looked at Takota. "And of you?"
"Takota."
"Just Takota?" Sabina asked for confirmation.
"That's my only name," Takota told her.
"Very well," Sabina beckoned the group forward with her hand. "Follow me. When you enter the throne, you may kneel. Griffin, if you are unable to kneel with your leg, you may bow instead."
Sabina led the way up the stairs with the group following behind her. Alexander figured that she may be stern but was loyal to Queen Ileosa. He didn't feel there was anything off about the handmaiden. If the queen was able to earn the loyalty of her bodyguard, it meant that she couldn't be too terrible as the people say she is. He continued forward with confidence as the group entered the castle properly.
After navigating through the halls and coming upon the corner, Sabina spoke up in a booming voice. "Queen Ileosa Arabasti, I bring you visitors! I introduce to you Alexander Fletcher, Falenas Wayerden, Griffin Vossler, second son of Lord Levi Vossler, Takota, and Viera Barlumi, follower of Iomedae!"
Sabina stepped aside to allow the group a chance to round the corner, although she followed shortly behind. It came as a surprise that there were no other guards and that the room was mostly empty. Stain-glass windows of the past kings and queens of Korvosa watched from the wall while crimson tapestries hung down across from them. A silk carpet led up to the base of the Crimson Throne which was what Alexander's gaze followed.
Queen Ileosa was a slim woman garbed in a black mourning dress with a veil covering her head. She sat on the Crimson Throne, a large throne with red cushions, with a small silver chest on her lap. Alexander couldn't help but gasp silently when he looked at the queen's face, able to see her beauty past the veil. Her skin was flawless and her dark red hair was curled without issue. Surprisingly enough, despite the king's elderly age, she was young, possibly around Alexander's age. So caught up in the queen that he only remembered to kneel before her after Griffin nudged him with his elbow. Alexander dropped down to one knee alongside Viera, who knelt before the queen first. Takota and Griffin followed after the two warriors although they weren't as committed to the act. Griffin stepped forward and bowed in an extravagant manner.
"You may rise," Queen Ileosa instructed in a confident tone.
The others stood up while Griffin started to talk. "Thank you for granting us this audience,my queen. We would like to return your brooch to you."
"I thank you," Ileosa turned to look at Sabina. "Bring my brooch to me."
"As you command," Sabina said with a bow.
Sabina took the brooch from Griffin and stepped forward to offer it to Queen Ileosa. She took it from her handmaiden and looked at it closely. "Where did you find this?"
"In the clutches of a criminal known as Gaedren Lamm," Viera answered dutifully. "We brought him to justice and found it among his stolen valuables."
"For the record, I sponsored this group to help deal with Gaedren," Griffin added. "I can't exactly fight alongside these four given the poor state of my leg."
Queen Ileosa nodded cooly. "This brooch was stolen from me sometime ago and I thought I would never see it again. Yet, it has been returned to me in one of my darkest days thanks to your kindness. The return of my brooch is more than an honorable deed. It is hope and it is inspiration."
The queen paused and Alexander spoke up after a moment of hesitation. "We did what we do for the good of Korvosa."
"Of course, I love Korvosa as did my husband before me," Queen Ileosa continued. "Although his death has shocked not only myself but the city, I will not see his legacy destroyed as the city tries to tear itself apart. Korvosa stands on a precipice of disaster, and as long as these riots continue, the city is in danger. You've already done a great service in returning this heirloom to me and you shall be awarded. Perhaps there is more you can do for the good of the city."
"Let us see what we've earned first," Falenas said with a glint in his eye.
"You'll have to forgive some of our number," Griffin bowed his head. "Although some of us are more mercenary in nature, I would say that we all care about Korvosa in our own way, or else we would have left the city long ago."
Queen Ileosa handed over the chest on her lap to Sabina, who approached the group with it. "Stored in this chest are twelve gold ingots marked with the royal seal of Korvosa. Both are yours for your service."
"Wonderful," Falenas smiled. "Takota, please hold onto it for us."
Takota took the chest from Sabina without objection while Alexander took a single step forward. "How else may we serve Korvosa?"
"The Korvosan Guard is stretched thin and could certainly use the offer of heroes such as yourselves," Queen Ileosa explained. If you choose so, I shall have Sabina see to it that you have an escort of guards with you when you leave to escort you safely to Citadel Volshyenek. I shall send word ahead of you to Field Marshal Cressida Kroft to let her know that you are on your way and that you will help her."
"I believe that we will need time to discuss this offer and put our newfound treasure somewhere safe," Griffin replied with a smile. "We thank you for the offer but we'll be able to make it to the headquarters of the Korvosan Guard without an escort."
"Of course," Queen Ileosa said, her lips curling with a small frown. "Take your time to think but I believe that you'll make the right choice. Again, I thank you for your kindness, but I feel my grief draining me. I should depart. I hope your days of serving the crown are just beginning."
Queen Ileosa stood up from the Crimson Throne and departed through a door nearby. Sabina kept her attention on the group. "Allow me to escort you out of the castle."
"Of course," Griffin nodded. "Thank you."
The group once more followed Sabina, taking the familiar path outside of Castle Korvosa. Once they made it to the base of the pyramid, Sabina left to return to Queen Ileosa. The guards from before returned to Viera, Takota, and Falenas their weapons. While they stepped aside from Castle Korvosa, Alexander's thoughts turned to Queen Ileosa. Given her youth and her grief, she would need help to lead Korvosa out of these dark times. Although he never became a knight, he knew that it was his duty to help her and the city. When the group stopped in an alleyway out of sight from anyone else, he was the first to speak.
"I'm going to help the Korvosan Guard," Alexander declared. "Queen Ileosa needs our help and I intend to do everything I can."
"I'll join you," Viera said without hesitation. "The right thing to do would be to bring justice in the city. I believe that Iomedae has brought me here today so that I can follow in her example."
"I agree that we need to do our part but we shouldn't be so hasty," Griffin said, and after a moment of hesitation continued. "As I was about to say, it's no secret among the nobility that Queen Ileosa has no love for Korvosa."
"But she said she loved the city as much as her husband," Alexander argued.
"So she said but I must advise you to think twice of what people tell you, especially us nobles," Griffin suggested with a smirk. "Ileosa was born in Westcrown and was savvy enough to realize that she was the kind of woman Eodred II admired. All it took was one chance meeting for her to become his trophy wife, allowing her to live a life of luxury."
"The woman I saw wasn't living a life of luxury," Alexander crossed his arms. "She was in mourning and fearful for what was to come to the city."
"Because she could lose everything," Griffin countered. "There are rumors that the Seneschal is missing, and given that we didn't see him in court, those rumors are likely true. They say a riot killed him, but given the political power he holds, I'm not convinced."
"Those are rumors," Viera shot back. "We thought ill of you at first because of rumors and yet we gave you a chance and saw you for the real you. We shouldn't be too quick to judge someone else."
"She wasn't in mourning," Takota said in a quiet tone. "Her husband died and she plots to have us do her work. I don't trust her."
"I'm glad to see I have one supporter," Griffin said with a chuckle. "There's a reason why the people riot. There's a reason why they distrust her to rule us."
"Does it matter if the queen has the best interests of the city in mind?" Falenas asked with a shrug. "Either she does and is willing to pay us for our work or she doesn't but is currently putting on a mask to indicate she does care for the city all the while paying for our services. I say we head to the Korvosan Guard and do what we can."
"I don't recall you being this greedy," Viera commented with a glance towards Falenas.
"My shop may very well be ashes now," Falenas defended himself. "I need a way to support myself and my future business interests."
"Will you at least continue to work with us?" Alexander asked Griffin. "Korvosa is going to need everyone's help to continue standing."
"I suppose that the Korvosan Guard would have the city's interests at heart," Griffin slowly nodded. "You have no further objections other than a distrust of Ileosa?"
"I'm ready to get to work," Takota said in a blunt manner.
"Let's drop off the chest at my estate, then we can make our way to Citadel Volshyenek," Griffin said. "I only hope that this isn't part of some elaborate plot."
Alexander wasn't sure why Griffin, and to an extent, Takota, were paranoid about Queen Ileosa. It was just as the noble said in defense of Falenas, if she truly didn't care for the city, she would have left after the death of the king. He trusted that she would make the right decisions for the good of Korvosa. Alexander followed behind Griffin as he led the way back home. Although he thought briefly of Silana, he knew that she would still be safe at the Pantheon of Many. For now, he needed to see the Korvosan Guard.
If all went well, Alexander would work with the Korvosan Guard, and by upholding the law, continue to set a good example for his daughter. Korvosa would recover with his help and the aid of his companions.
A/N: Only ten months left in November. It's catch-up time with this story if I'm going to meet the NaNoWriMo goal.
With another 3000 words written, I am at 24.5k words, almost at the halfway point (which I should have been at five days ago but I've accepted I'm always going to be behind). In order to meet the NaNoWriMo goal at this point, I'm going to have to write 3000 words a day. I did the math last night to prove it. Will I be able to get it done in time? We'll see. Work and Thanksgiving may keep me busy but I remain optimistic.
Until next time.
