Karst cursed to herself under her breath as she flipped through some of
Saturos' older spell books. She was searching for an answer to a question
that had been plaguing her for quite some time. Menardi's younger sister
was curious as to the motives of Saturos and what plans he had for the
Elemental Stars. The curiosity had piqued in her now, so she decided to
try to search through some of his older books to find an answer. Having
been searching countless ancient tomes, books, and scrolls with little luck
and no results, she was ready to set the entire library ablaze and call it
a day. Of course, she would never do something like that, only for the
reason that she would never find her answer that way. Sighing, she set the
book she had been skimming aside.
"Agatio! Where are those other books I asked you to get?!" She snapped.
"I'm coming, Karst!" Was his muffled reply emanating from behind one of the many towering bookcases. As he stumbled around into Karst's view, and he looked positively ridiculous. In each arm he was carrying about seven large tomes, and to round things out, he was carrying one in his teeth. For such a large and muscular swordfighter, seeing him holding over a dozen spell books was an amusing sight. Karst gave off a light chuckle.
"Are those little books too much for you to handle?" She asked, sarcastically.
"Mmph. no." Came Agatio's hardly understandable reply.
"You simpleton! Take that damn book out of your mouth! Not only can I not understand you, you might get your drool all over it!" Agatio promptly spit the book out onto the table in front of Karst and then set the other books down next to her. Karst gave a disgusted look and then sighed. "You really are a fool."
"I am not!" Was his reply. "I was simply trying to get all of your books in one trip to save time!" Karst looked at him in awe of his stupidity, but then sighed and resumed her studying. "What are you doing anyway, Karst?"
"I'm looking into something."
"Like what?" He asked, unusually curious. Karst gave a fast, frustrated glare to him, and then stood up.
"Has it ever occurred to you to know what your brother is up to?"
"Um. . . Not really." Agatio replied, actually not sounding oblivious; he was completely serious.
"Personally, I have to wonder what he plans to do with those damned Stars he's been sending us to look for. After he hired Darkfire to retrieve one of them, his motives became suspect to me. Saturos has no use for riches, so the items must hold some kind of arcane or mystical power, right?"
"That sounds like something he would want," Agatio grunted, "something completely convoluted and indirect."
"Normally his lust for magical items doesn't surprise me, but his utter fascination with the four Elemental Stars puzzles me. He never has been one to dwell on a subject unless there is a powerful effect behind it. That being obvious, he usually likes to make his motives apparent. . . at least to Menardi or myself. I suspect my sister knows what he's up to, but pulling information out of her is like trying to pull a scale off a live dragon." Karst said. She wheeled around and put a thoughtful hand to her chin. "This makes me curious. I suspect he's going to try something huge."
"Like what? Summon a monster to flatten everything in its path?" Agatio asked, thinking he wasn't far off.
"Well, no." Karst said, thoughtfully. "Summoning a beast of immense power wouldn't surprise me, but something like that isn't subtle enough for Saturos' tastes. Besides, he's definitely not short on powerful summons."
"That's right. He's got things like the Angelslayer and Acrolot."
"Yes, exactly." She replied. "Although Acrolot has recently been destroyed by someone; I'm also concerned that Saturos may have stepped up his search plan because of that."
"Perhaps he is concerned that there is someone out there who can stop him?"
"I believe that's logical, Agatio. Still, his thoughts elude me. I thought I knew him better than this." She said, sitting down and opening another book, all the while puzzling about Saturos' motives.
"My brother is a sly one. He has always put me to shame in the way of thought." Agatio sighed. "But don't you ever tell anyone I admitted that." Menardi's sister smirked slightly, and then she returned to reading. The larger Mars Adept observed her for a few moments, then took a seat across from her and opened a text. Karst's head immediately snapped up from reading and posted a quizzical look.
"What in the name of Mars do you think you're doing?"
"I'm helping you, Karst. I figure it would be easier if we both looked in these stupid things at the same time." Agatio replied. "Now, let's get to work." Agatio promptly buried his face in the book, and left an absolutely stunned look on Karst's face.
*************************
Why a king would spend so much time in a library was a mystery to many. Some said he loved literature, some said he had a fondness for history. Still others just thought he was bored. Well, no one knew the reason why better than Picard himself. The truth was he really did have a love for history and literature, but today his purpose was to solely get his mind off things.
The library of Vale Castle was enormous; a high ceiling of stone sat upon the four walls of the same make as the ceiling, and it was supported by magnificently decorated arches and pillars. Their architecture resembled that of a church, but the designs on the arches were not nearly as ornate or in any way religious. The walls were decorated with at least a dozen paintings, mostly of past kings of the country of Angara. The rest were depictions of great war heroes and generals who helped save their nation in a time of crisis. Massive windows dotted the north and south walls, letting an immense amount of sunlight enter the room, illuminating it to every last inch. There were literally dozens of bookcases lined up row by row, each containing untold numbers of tomes and books on just about every topic imaginable. A strange calmness, warmth, and a silent knowledge perforated the walls of this chamber; it was both relaxing and eerily unnerving at the same time.
Picard sat at one of the scattered tables in the library, his head in his hands as he browsed through what was probably the longest work of fiction he could find in his library. Currently, his nerves had begun to wear to a critical level, what with the fear of an impending attack. Even after giving Iodem his orders, he was still unsure of his decision. It was unlike him; the Mercury Adept was usually very decisive and never questioned his own judgment. However, this matter was something else entirely. Raising his head out of his hands, Picard shook it slowly. This issue was driving him berserk. He couldn't concentrate on his book; and to make matters worse, it was one of his favorites. The king growled in frustration as he slammed his book shut with a loud thunk. He cursed to himself a couple of times under his breath and rose from his seat hastily. Spinning around, Picard walked straight for the library door. As he reached for the handle, it jiggled by itself an opened up. The Mercury Adept stared straight into the eyes of salvation.
"Greetings, milord. I apologize for the length of our absence." Felix stated to the visually relieved Mercury Adept.
"Felix!" Picard exclaimed with a smile, pulling the Venus Adept into a hug of comradery.
"Milord?" Felix said in surprise.
"It's about time you decided to return." Picard said, backing up. "You've been gone for too long. Come in, come in." He shuffled the group into the library and shut the door. "Lord Felix, Lord Dargon, it seems we may be in for a bit of trouble. . ." He began, then noticing the party had almost doubled in size since they left. "Who are these people?"
"Ah, allow us to introduce these people." Dargon started. "This is the healer of Imil, Mia." He said, pointing to her.
"Greetings, your highness." She said.
"This is Sheba, her assistant." After Dargon's introduction, Sheba bowed her head and smiled. "This young lady is named Jenna."
"It's a pleasure." She replied.
"And finally, this man is the druid Alex."
"At your service." He said, his voice even and level.
"May I ask how you came into company of four such fine new allies?" Picard asked, curious.
"It is a long story my lord." The mage Ivan stated. "And it will take some time to tell."
"Then tell it, and do try to be fast. Danger befalls us."
************************
Felix sat in his commander's chamber. The setting sun gave off a dim light in the chamber and it gave his visage a strange glint as he sat at his desk. The news Picard had given was indeed grim. A potential attack was a huge danger to the populace, most definitely. . . but what also troubled the Paladin was that someone was trying to collect the Elemental Stars, and to rub salt in an open wound, his own squire had broken the code behind his back. Well, at least one of those problems was about to be solved. He had sent for Isaac a few moments ago, and it would only be a moment before he arrived. Felix was not looking forward to what had to be done, but it was his duty. With that thought, there was a knock at his chamber door.
"Come in." He said. The door creaked as it was opened and the blonde- haired squire stepped into the room.
"You called for me, Felix?" Isaac asked, not suspecting anything as he shut the door behind him. "What do you need, Felix?" He turned to him. The higher ranking Paladin sat up straight in his chair, but did not reply. "Felix?" Isaac questioned. The raven haired Adept's eyes hardened into stones. Suddenly, the squire started to feel remarkably uncomfortable. "Sir?"
Felix rose from his chair and turned toward the window behind his desk, turning his back on his squire. "Isaac. . . how long did you intend to keep this from me?"
"Sir?"
"You know what I'm talking about."
"I'm sorry, sir?" Isaac asked, genuinely confused.
"The healer." Felix stated, his tone growing colder and more like a stone with every passing syllable. "How long did you intend to keep it from me?" Isaac didn't answer; he didn't make so much as a sound. However, if there was a sound of a face paling in fear and surprise, it would've filled that room with a shrill howl. "How long?" He paused. "Answer me!" He demanded, spinning around.
"I. . ." Isaac choked out.
"You what?"
"Sir. . ."
"Answer!"
"I don't know." Isaac managed to say.
"You don't know. . . you don't know." Felix sighed coldly as he spun back around. Neither of them spoke for what seemed like hours, though they were only truly mere seconds. "I don't believe this. Yet I saw it with my own eyes." He began again. "I cannot believe that you deceived me in such a manner. It is incorrigible." There was a venom in each of his words that stung Isaac to the bone and paralyzed him stiff. "And yet, I saw. . . with my own eyes you kissing that healer. My question to you is why?"
"Why?" Isaac whispered.
"Why did you deceive me? Why did you hide it?! Why did you fall in love?! It is forbidden! I thought you knew better than anyone that it was so."
"I. . . don't have an answer, sir."
"You do. Tell me." He demanded in a tone that could not be denied.
"Could you put a reason to love, sir? Sometimes it just happens." Isaac replied.
"Just happens? Just happens? Is it not a choice on your part to reciprocate that emotion?" He demanded. "You could've turned your back. You could've denied it. You could've, nay, you should've controlled it! And yet you let your base desires overcome you!" Felix said in a low tone of voice, turning to look directly at his charge. He approached him and bent over to look in directly in the eye. "You have defiled the very code you swore to follow."
Felix turned away and returned to his desk. "I cannot let this slide, Isaac. There must be action taken on my part. There will be a court- martial for this infraction. . . and the only reason I don't hold it immediately is because of the state of emergency we are in. Until the trial, I hereby confine you to quarters impending the verdict. You will be relieved of your active duty status. You will also be allowed no visitors and you will not be allowed to communicate with anyone outside of myself or the guards who will be present at your door. Your confinement will begin as ten minutes after you leave this chamber. Do I make myself clear, soldier?"
"Crystal."
"Good."
"Sir, I . . ."
"You are relieved, Isaac."
"Sir,"
"You are relieved."
"Lord Felix, I,"
"Get out of my sight." Felix said, pointing to the door. Isaac snapped to a salute and managed to stumble out one last phrase before he left the chamber.
"Yes, sir."
After his squire had left the chamber, the leader of all of the Paladins of Sol sat down in his chair, and rested a hand to his head.
*******************
Isaac leaned up against the door to Felix's chamber numbly. Shock had completely overcome the warrior, and he was now trembling almost uncontrollably. He always knew this was a risk he was taking, and he thought he could handle it. However, Felix's cold and venomous words and surprisingly quiet and dominating tone depleted Isaac's courage and strength faster than a legion of Cerberus hounds could. He could scarcely stand on his own as he pushed himself away from the door. His legs wobbled beneath him and threatened to give way as he tried to walk.
The Venus Adept's mind was a complete wreck. He had no coherent thought, save for trying to run the past few moments through his head. How and when did he find out? Did anyone tell him? There was only one other who knew, and she was the very woman he loved. She wouldn't say anything to Felix, that was for sure.
What really shook Isaac up was that if the country wasn't on a secret state of alert, he would've informed Felix at the first chance. The reason he hadn't already resigned was he didn't need his superior worrying about something else. It was likely he would've reacted more favorably if he had told him. Unfortunately, things did not go as he had hoped. As he stumbled down the hall, his mind began to turn to what his options were now.
He had two, really. It all boiled down to two options, much like any military strategy. He could fight, or he could run. He could stay and face his punishment; take the trial and the discharge honorably, or he could leave. If he left, the Paladins would not come looking for him, nor would any law enforcement officials. No one would give chase, no one would try to punish him further. However, in any such well trained and disciplined individual, the pain of guilt and cowardice would be the price to pay. Both options were harsh, both were not in good interest. But the question remained, what was the lesser of the two evils? Either way he'd probably lose his squirehood. Either way he'd probably be humiliated amongst his peers.
Isaac paused, resting against a wall. What would he do? This was his last chance to get up and walk away. He took this time to gather his own thoughts. He was still loyal to the corps, even though he was about to be tried for an infraction. It was his own decision that put him in this position. It was truly his decision to give his heart to Mia, but wasn't that what Sol himself wanted him to do? Wait, would have Felix believed him if he said he saw Sol in a dream? Well, it was the truth, and despite what anyone else may have thought, that's what had happened. The question now was not just if Felix would believe him, but whether his peers would as well. The warrior shook his head. It was doubtful, to say the least. But was running away any better than telling the truth? No; that's not what he was taught. In fact, running away would be just as bad as lying.
Isaac was definitely not excited nor pleased with the choice he made, but either way something had to be done. So, being trained in the code and keeping it in his mind and heart, he decided to head to his quarters. It was a slow and difficult walk down the long stone hallways of the castle. Everything felt as though it was looking down upon him, staring with judgmental eyes. If he was crazy, he would've probably heard soft whispers of accusation permeating from the mortar of in the stone walls around him.
Just as he made the turn to the corridor containing his chamber, he ran into the one person who fate could've chosen to make everything more difficult.
"Isaac!" Mia exclaimed. "I've been looking all over for you. You promised to show me and Sheba around Vale! I know things are a little hectic now with the threat of an attack, but. . . I'd still like to see!" Isaac didn't reply; he was still stunned by the fact that fate chose to be this unyielding. "Isaac? You look pale. Is everything all right?"
"Yeah, everything's fine." Isaac replied. That is, as long as everything excluded Felix's little discovery.
"So, will you show me and Sheba around?"
"I'd love to. . . but something urgent just came up. It'll have to wait for another time." He said, studying her eyes. "I'm sorry, Mia." He said, moving past and heading for his quarters. He quickly shut and bolted the door behind him.
Mia remained in the hallway, a bit puzzled. The squire seemed distracted by something. Perhaps he had been told more about the threat than she had and new orders had come up. She shrugged, a bit disappointed, and left the hall to find Sheba.
"Agatio! Where are those other books I asked you to get?!" She snapped.
"I'm coming, Karst!" Was his muffled reply emanating from behind one of the many towering bookcases. As he stumbled around into Karst's view, and he looked positively ridiculous. In each arm he was carrying about seven large tomes, and to round things out, he was carrying one in his teeth. For such a large and muscular swordfighter, seeing him holding over a dozen spell books was an amusing sight. Karst gave off a light chuckle.
"Are those little books too much for you to handle?" She asked, sarcastically.
"Mmph. no." Came Agatio's hardly understandable reply.
"You simpleton! Take that damn book out of your mouth! Not only can I not understand you, you might get your drool all over it!" Agatio promptly spit the book out onto the table in front of Karst and then set the other books down next to her. Karst gave a disgusted look and then sighed. "You really are a fool."
"I am not!" Was his reply. "I was simply trying to get all of your books in one trip to save time!" Karst looked at him in awe of his stupidity, but then sighed and resumed her studying. "What are you doing anyway, Karst?"
"I'm looking into something."
"Like what?" He asked, unusually curious. Karst gave a fast, frustrated glare to him, and then stood up.
"Has it ever occurred to you to know what your brother is up to?"
"Um. . . Not really." Agatio replied, actually not sounding oblivious; he was completely serious.
"Personally, I have to wonder what he plans to do with those damned Stars he's been sending us to look for. After he hired Darkfire to retrieve one of them, his motives became suspect to me. Saturos has no use for riches, so the items must hold some kind of arcane or mystical power, right?"
"That sounds like something he would want," Agatio grunted, "something completely convoluted and indirect."
"Normally his lust for magical items doesn't surprise me, but his utter fascination with the four Elemental Stars puzzles me. He never has been one to dwell on a subject unless there is a powerful effect behind it. That being obvious, he usually likes to make his motives apparent. . . at least to Menardi or myself. I suspect my sister knows what he's up to, but pulling information out of her is like trying to pull a scale off a live dragon." Karst said. She wheeled around and put a thoughtful hand to her chin. "This makes me curious. I suspect he's going to try something huge."
"Like what? Summon a monster to flatten everything in its path?" Agatio asked, thinking he wasn't far off.
"Well, no." Karst said, thoughtfully. "Summoning a beast of immense power wouldn't surprise me, but something like that isn't subtle enough for Saturos' tastes. Besides, he's definitely not short on powerful summons."
"That's right. He's got things like the Angelslayer and Acrolot."
"Yes, exactly." She replied. "Although Acrolot has recently been destroyed by someone; I'm also concerned that Saturos may have stepped up his search plan because of that."
"Perhaps he is concerned that there is someone out there who can stop him?"
"I believe that's logical, Agatio. Still, his thoughts elude me. I thought I knew him better than this." She said, sitting down and opening another book, all the while puzzling about Saturos' motives.
"My brother is a sly one. He has always put me to shame in the way of thought." Agatio sighed. "But don't you ever tell anyone I admitted that." Menardi's sister smirked slightly, and then she returned to reading. The larger Mars Adept observed her for a few moments, then took a seat across from her and opened a text. Karst's head immediately snapped up from reading and posted a quizzical look.
"What in the name of Mars do you think you're doing?"
"I'm helping you, Karst. I figure it would be easier if we both looked in these stupid things at the same time." Agatio replied. "Now, let's get to work." Agatio promptly buried his face in the book, and left an absolutely stunned look on Karst's face.
*************************
Why a king would spend so much time in a library was a mystery to many. Some said he loved literature, some said he had a fondness for history. Still others just thought he was bored. Well, no one knew the reason why better than Picard himself. The truth was he really did have a love for history and literature, but today his purpose was to solely get his mind off things.
The library of Vale Castle was enormous; a high ceiling of stone sat upon the four walls of the same make as the ceiling, and it was supported by magnificently decorated arches and pillars. Their architecture resembled that of a church, but the designs on the arches were not nearly as ornate or in any way religious. The walls were decorated with at least a dozen paintings, mostly of past kings of the country of Angara. The rest were depictions of great war heroes and generals who helped save their nation in a time of crisis. Massive windows dotted the north and south walls, letting an immense amount of sunlight enter the room, illuminating it to every last inch. There were literally dozens of bookcases lined up row by row, each containing untold numbers of tomes and books on just about every topic imaginable. A strange calmness, warmth, and a silent knowledge perforated the walls of this chamber; it was both relaxing and eerily unnerving at the same time.
Picard sat at one of the scattered tables in the library, his head in his hands as he browsed through what was probably the longest work of fiction he could find in his library. Currently, his nerves had begun to wear to a critical level, what with the fear of an impending attack. Even after giving Iodem his orders, he was still unsure of his decision. It was unlike him; the Mercury Adept was usually very decisive and never questioned his own judgment. However, this matter was something else entirely. Raising his head out of his hands, Picard shook it slowly. This issue was driving him berserk. He couldn't concentrate on his book; and to make matters worse, it was one of his favorites. The king growled in frustration as he slammed his book shut with a loud thunk. He cursed to himself a couple of times under his breath and rose from his seat hastily. Spinning around, Picard walked straight for the library door. As he reached for the handle, it jiggled by itself an opened up. The Mercury Adept stared straight into the eyes of salvation.
"Greetings, milord. I apologize for the length of our absence." Felix stated to the visually relieved Mercury Adept.
"Felix!" Picard exclaimed with a smile, pulling the Venus Adept into a hug of comradery.
"Milord?" Felix said in surprise.
"It's about time you decided to return." Picard said, backing up. "You've been gone for too long. Come in, come in." He shuffled the group into the library and shut the door. "Lord Felix, Lord Dargon, it seems we may be in for a bit of trouble. . ." He began, then noticing the party had almost doubled in size since they left. "Who are these people?"
"Ah, allow us to introduce these people." Dargon started. "This is the healer of Imil, Mia." He said, pointing to her.
"Greetings, your highness." She said.
"This is Sheba, her assistant." After Dargon's introduction, Sheba bowed her head and smiled. "This young lady is named Jenna."
"It's a pleasure." She replied.
"And finally, this man is the druid Alex."
"At your service." He said, his voice even and level.
"May I ask how you came into company of four such fine new allies?" Picard asked, curious.
"It is a long story my lord." The mage Ivan stated. "And it will take some time to tell."
"Then tell it, and do try to be fast. Danger befalls us."
************************
Felix sat in his commander's chamber. The setting sun gave off a dim light in the chamber and it gave his visage a strange glint as he sat at his desk. The news Picard had given was indeed grim. A potential attack was a huge danger to the populace, most definitely. . . but what also troubled the Paladin was that someone was trying to collect the Elemental Stars, and to rub salt in an open wound, his own squire had broken the code behind his back. Well, at least one of those problems was about to be solved. He had sent for Isaac a few moments ago, and it would only be a moment before he arrived. Felix was not looking forward to what had to be done, but it was his duty. With that thought, there was a knock at his chamber door.
"Come in." He said. The door creaked as it was opened and the blonde- haired squire stepped into the room.
"You called for me, Felix?" Isaac asked, not suspecting anything as he shut the door behind him. "What do you need, Felix?" He turned to him. The higher ranking Paladin sat up straight in his chair, but did not reply. "Felix?" Isaac questioned. The raven haired Adept's eyes hardened into stones. Suddenly, the squire started to feel remarkably uncomfortable. "Sir?"
Felix rose from his chair and turned toward the window behind his desk, turning his back on his squire. "Isaac. . . how long did you intend to keep this from me?"
"Sir?"
"You know what I'm talking about."
"I'm sorry, sir?" Isaac asked, genuinely confused.
"The healer." Felix stated, his tone growing colder and more like a stone with every passing syllable. "How long did you intend to keep it from me?" Isaac didn't answer; he didn't make so much as a sound. However, if there was a sound of a face paling in fear and surprise, it would've filled that room with a shrill howl. "How long?" He paused. "Answer me!" He demanded, spinning around.
"I. . ." Isaac choked out.
"You what?"
"Sir. . ."
"Answer!"
"I don't know." Isaac managed to say.
"You don't know. . . you don't know." Felix sighed coldly as he spun back around. Neither of them spoke for what seemed like hours, though they were only truly mere seconds. "I don't believe this. Yet I saw it with my own eyes." He began again. "I cannot believe that you deceived me in such a manner. It is incorrigible." There was a venom in each of his words that stung Isaac to the bone and paralyzed him stiff. "And yet, I saw. . . with my own eyes you kissing that healer. My question to you is why?"
"Why?" Isaac whispered.
"Why did you deceive me? Why did you hide it?! Why did you fall in love?! It is forbidden! I thought you knew better than anyone that it was so."
"I. . . don't have an answer, sir."
"You do. Tell me." He demanded in a tone that could not be denied.
"Could you put a reason to love, sir? Sometimes it just happens." Isaac replied.
"Just happens? Just happens? Is it not a choice on your part to reciprocate that emotion?" He demanded. "You could've turned your back. You could've denied it. You could've, nay, you should've controlled it! And yet you let your base desires overcome you!" Felix said in a low tone of voice, turning to look directly at his charge. He approached him and bent over to look in directly in the eye. "You have defiled the very code you swore to follow."
Felix turned away and returned to his desk. "I cannot let this slide, Isaac. There must be action taken on my part. There will be a court- martial for this infraction. . . and the only reason I don't hold it immediately is because of the state of emergency we are in. Until the trial, I hereby confine you to quarters impending the verdict. You will be relieved of your active duty status. You will also be allowed no visitors and you will not be allowed to communicate with anyone outside of myself or the guards who will be present at your door. Your confinement will begin as ten minutes after you leave this chamber. Do I make myself clear, soldier?"
"Crystal."
"Good."
"Sir, I . . ."
"You are relieved, Isaac."
"Sir,"
"You are relieved."
"Lord Felix, I,"
"Get out of my sight." Felix said, pointing to the door. Isaac snapped to a salute and managed to stumble out one last phrase before he left the chamber.
"Yes, sir."
After his squire had left the chamber, the leader of all of the Paladins of Sol sat down in his chair, and rested a hand to his head.
*******************
Isaac leaned up against the door to Felix's chamber numbly. Shock had completely overcome the warrior, and he was now trembling almost uncontrollably. He always knew this was a risk he was taking, and he thought he could handle it. However, Felix's cold and venomous words and surprisingly quiet and dominating tone depleted Isaac's courage and strength faster than a legion of Cerberus hounds could. He could scarcely stand on his own as he pushed himself away from the door. His legs wobbled beneath him and threatened to give way as he tried to walk.
The Venus Adept's mind was a complete wreck. He had no coherent thought, save for trying to run the past few moments through his head. How and when did he find out? Did anyone tell him? There was only one other who knew, and she was the very woman he loved. She wouldn't say anything to Felix, that was for sure.
What really shook Isaac up was that if the country wasn't on a secret state of alert, he would've informed Felix at the first chance. The reason he hadn't already resigned was he didn't need his superior worrying about something else. It was likely he would've reacted more favorably if he had told him. Unfortunately, things did not go as he had hoped. As he stumbled down the hall, his mind began to turn to what his options were now.
He had two, really. It all boiled down to two options, much like any military strategy. He could fight, or he could run. He could stay and face his punishment; take the trial and the discharge honorably, or he could leave. If he left, the Paladins would not come looking for him, nor would any law enforcement officials. No one would give chase, no one would try to punish him further. However, in any such well trained and disciplined individual, the pain of guilt and cowardice would be the price to pay. Both options were harsh, both were not in good interest. But the question remained, what was the lesser of the two evils? Either way he'd probably lose his squirehood. Either way he'd probably be humiliated amongst his peers.
Isaac paused, resting against a wall. What would he do? This was his last chance to get up and walk away. He took this time to gather his own thoughts. He was still loyal to the corps, even though he was about to be tried for an infraction. It was his own decision that put him in this position. It was truly his decision to give his heart to Mia, but wasn't that what Sol himself wanted him to do? Wait, would have Felix believed him if he said he saw Sol in a dream? Well, it was the truth, and despite what anyone else may have thought, that's what had happened. The question now was not just if Felix would believe him, but whether his peers would as well. The warrior shook his head. It was doubtful, to say the least. But was running away any better than telling the truth? No; that's not what he was taught. In fact, running away would be just as bad as lying.
Isaac was definitely not excited nor pleased with the choice he made, but either way something had to be done. So, being trained in the code and keeping it in his mind and heart, he decided to head to his quarters. It was a slow and difficult walk down the long stone hallways of the castle. Everything felt as though it was looking down upon him, staring with judgmental eyes. If he was crazy, he would've probably heard soft whispers of accusation permeating from the mortar of in the stone walls around him.
Just as he made the turn to the corridor containing his chamber, he ran into the one person who fate could've chosen to make everything more difficult.
"Isaac!" Mia exclaimed. "I've been looking all over for you. You promised to show me and Sheba around Vale! I know things are a little hectic now with the threat of an attack, but. . . I'd still like to see!" Isaac didn't reply; he was still stunned by the fact that fate chose to be this unyielding. "Isaac? You look pale. Is everything all right?"
"Yeah, everything's fine." Isaac replied. That is, as long as everything excluded Felix's little discovery.
"So, will you show me and Sheba around?"
"I'd love to. . . but something urgent just came up. It'll have to wait for another time." He said, studying her eyes. "I'm sorry, Mia." He said, moving past and heading for his quarters. He quickly shut and bolted the door behind him.
Mia remained in the hallway, a bit puzzled. The squire seemed distracted by something. Perhaps he had been told more about the threat than she had and new orders had come up. She shrugged, a bit disappointed, and left the hall to find Sheba.
