Unity

After the meeting with Knight Commanders Oswin and Estrid, Lorian was thankful that Lothric had spoken with him about the information he had gathered from his meeting with Kriemhild. It gave Lorian the opportunity to re-assign Eadric from his patrols in the outskirts to instead have a shift outside the Throne Room. He kept the remaining knights the same but altered their shifts, moving the mid-day rotation to the evening based on Kriemhild's information to Lothric that she had seen sunlight in the afternoon. It was thankfully not an uncommon practice to re-assign shifts within the same role, simply to allow the knights a chance to rotate between what they considered the least desirable shifts.

It had been several weeks since the re-assignments and Lorian had not received significant updates from Eadric other than news that he was moving forward with the initiation. It was a good sign at the very least that perhaps they did not suspect him, though Lorian was still surprised at the level of caution Gertrude's followers were employing with regards to recruiting new members.

In what Lorian knew would be seen as an unusual act, he had called upon the knights he trusted to the strategy room within the Keep. Knight Commanders Oswin and Estrid were among the first to arrive, taking the seats to his left and right respectively. Shortly after, Knight Commander Wynfrith - promoted after the Demon campaign alongside Baldric - and Knight Captain Eadric arrived; Wynfrith sat beside Oswin and Eadric sat beside her. Lastly, Knight Captains Maerec and Baldric entered, taking their seats beside Estrid.

"Is there something wrong, Prince Lorian? Have there been more threats or movement from beyond the swamps?" asked Oswin.

"Nothing so dire," Lorian assured them calmly. "You have each been placed in charge of the different regiments that have integrated with the conscripts. They have been in service long enough that they have each been entrusted with their own patrols and have all acted in accordance with the code of knighthood as far as I have observed. Your reports have indicated the same, but I would like to hear from each of you directly if there are concerns with any of the conscripts."

He noticed the quick side glance Wynfrith and Eadric exchanged before Oswin spoke. "I have not observed any activity with the conscripts that would suggest they are still actively engaged in conspiracy against the kingdom in service to Gertrude or the angelic faith."

Going around the room, the others shared similar sentiments until they reached Maerec. "There is one conscript in my regiment that's outspoken, but not like he's trying to recruit anyone. More of disgruntled comments of frustration really. The others seem to ignore it for the most part, and other than his comments he doesn't cause much fuss."

"Who?"

"His name is Rumwold."

Wynfrith sighed. "I've dealt with him before. As you've said, Maerec, he's certainly… outspoken. But harmless overall from what I've seen."

"You feel comfortable having him in your regiment then?" Lorian asked Maerec.

"He's come to grow on me and the rest of my regiment, my Lord. As Wynfrith says, he's harmless."

"Very well. Then with your assurances, there will no longer be distinctions between the conscripts and the enlisted knights. They are all to be given the same uniforms as the rest of the knights."

"My Lord!" Estrid rushed to her feet, the chair scraping on the stone floor behind her. "Forgive me, but surely you cannot actually be considering this? It is an insult to all of us who enlisted willingly."

"Estrid-" Oswin hissed under his breath.

"No, Oswin, this is too far. To share a uniform with those who stood against what all of us have fought to protect?"

"It's not about respect. It's about unity." Baldric interjected. He was normally a quiet man, which was how he had been overlooked for so long to be promoted above Lieutenant, Lorian had learned over the course of the campaign. But his silence allowed him to be keenly observant. When he spoke, it was always with good reason, and it meant others - those who knew him in particular - usually listened. "If they continue to feel alienated, even after everything they've done since conscription, it's as good as an invitation for them to organize again. And this time they'd be well-armed."

"Baldric is right." Eadric said in agreement. "You've worked with them since the beginning, Commander. Even if they're not distinguished outwardly, you'll still know who they all are."

Maerec leaned back in his chair as he spoke, "It's for the people as well I imagine. Must not be a good look seeing knights not in their expected uniform on patrols. Makes us seem divided."

Estrid stared around the table, her mouth agape as she struggled for words before finally retaking her seat, head bowed. "I understand. It's for the good of the kingdom. Prince Lothric put me in charge of outfitting their uniforms originally, I will take responsibility for outfitting them accordingly, Knight General."

All things considered, Lorian had not expected such a vitriolic outburst from Estrid, and had heard nothing of Lothric giving her the assignment originally. However, her outburst had raised some concerns. "What of the conscripts still concerns you?"

"Their beliefs, their faith, lies in direct contention with the goals of the kingdom - of Prince Lothric."

"And of King Oceiros," offered Lorian.

She hesitated a moment, "Yes, of course, what the King wishes as well."

If the previous topic had been confrontational, the topic of the King was uncomfortable. Several of the knights had averted their eyes at the utterance of the King - which is precisely what Lorian and Lothric had been expecting.

"Speak plainly. You have concerns about the King?" Lorian leaned forward on the table, hands folded before him.

Estrid and Oswin exchanged glances before looking around the room. "Forgive me, Prince Lorian, I meant nothing by the comment. With the coronation and with the King and Queen always locked away in the Archives, it is easy to see Prince Lothric as the foremost authority…"

"I haven't seen or spoken to anyone in the Royal Guard for a very long time," Oswin added with a frown, "and my uncle is in the guard."

"It doesn't help that when we do see the King, he looks the way he does," Maerec added.

"I see," Lorian said, looking at each of them in turn before continuing. "Prince Lothric has recently expressed interest in expanding the members of the Royal Guard - in function, if not in title."

"Can he do that?" Maerec asked.

"Prince Lothric currently holds all authority that the King himself holds. In theory, that extends to the membership of the Royal Guard," confirmed Oswin.

Eadric froze and stared at Lorian, and he could see him putting the pieces together. "And you want us to be part of the Royal Guard? Why us?"

"Lothric has granted me full authority to identify and offer the position to those I deem trustworthy. I have personally strategized, served, and fought alongside each of you in my time as Knight General, as well as before it. It is clear where your loyalties lie - I would trust each of you with my life, and more importantly, my brother's life."

There was silence in the room as they each took in the gravity of the trust and responsibility that Lorian had just offered them.

Oswin was the first to kneel and salute, "Knight General, it would be my honor to serve as a member of the Royal Guard."

One by one the rest followed suit - Wynfrith, Eadric, Baldric, Maerec, and lastly, Estrid. Lorian motioned for them to retake their seats.

"What does this mean for our responsibilities?" asked Estrid.

"Your day-to-day activities will not change. You will each continue to fulfill the duties of your current titles, but you will be distinguished as members of the Royal Guard. There is no expectation for any of you to directly serve or guard Prince Lothric outside of formal events or dire circumstances; the hunters assigned to Prince Lothric will continue to oversee him for any threats. Estrid, while you manage the uniforms of the conscripts, you will also be in charge of distributing the Royal Guard uniforms amongst those in this room. "

Estrid bowed her head, "Of course, Knight General."

"Any further questions?" Lorian paused, but none spoke out. "Then you are all dismissed."

As they all filed out of the room, Wynfrith hesitated at the door with Eadric. The other man nodded to her before continuing on while Wynfrith turned back to Lorian. "Prince Lorian, a word?"

He motioned for her to close the door and rejoin him at the table. Once the others had all finished leaving and the door closed behind her, Wynfrith took the seat beside Lorian. "I have news about the matter Eadric has been looking into. The hunch you had regarding the evening patrol of the Throne Room? You were right. Turns out there have been visitors to the top of the Archives that the other guards weren't keen on Eadric being privy to."

"He saw them?"

She nodded. "After they tried to convince him to skip a shift one night, he mentioned off-hand the fact that he was in the middle of the recruitment process for the angelic guard. They allowed him to join them and he was able to catch a glimpse of whoever - or whatever - had been meeting with Gertrude."

"You suspect they are not Men?"

"I - we're not certain. They're more organized than I think any of us realized. And more powerful. They have their own armor, banners, and insignia. And their armor is huge. Massive. Far too large for any normal human. Oh, and apparently some of them can fly?" Wynfrith was rambling at this point as she recounted all the details.

"How many were there?" Lorian interrupted.

"Just the one on that night."

"What time did it occur?"

Wynfrith paused to think, scrubbing a hand down her face. "Just after midnight I think he said. Middle of the week."

"Have Eadric continue with his patrols as planned. If he notices a pattern to the visits, I want to know."

"Of course."

"Was there anything else?"

"Well," Wynfrith moved to stand again, pacing behind the chair. "Those of us you asked to join the Royal Guard - you included both Eadric and Estrid, who uphold wildly different standards when it comes to faith and belief. Eadric was almost tempted to join the order of the angelic faith whereas Estrid can't even stand to look at the conscripts half the time. Why?"

Lorian met her gaze evenly. "If King Oceiros were to walk out of the Grand Archives tomorrow and order the arrest and execution of myself and Prince Lothric, who among those I invited today would carry out those orders?"

She was silent as she absorbed the severity of what he had implied.

"What the future holds remains unclear. Loyalty, above all else now, is what matters most."

x

Against all odds, it turned out there was a pattern to the visits made to Gertrude. Either Gertrude's followers were growing careless, or they simply believed they would not be discovered. Lorian had not yet mentioned any of what he had learned to Lothric, and did not plan to until he had more actionable information to present to him. But the next meeting between Gertrude and her visitor might be the chance he was looking for.

Where Lorian found himself at an impasse was finding a way to observe the meeting without being seen or recognized. He did not even know the general layout of the archive's roof, let alone if there might feasibly be anywhere to hide.

Sorcery was the only option he could consider, but he did not have the aptitude for it. He had, for the most part, left such studies to Lothric while he had focused entirely on how to fight with a blade. All things considered, this was how he found himself headed toward Lothric's study to see if he could recruit his brother to aid him - without getting directly involved himself. A task possibly more impossible than what he already intended to accomplish.

He was winded by the time he arrived, and was surprised to see Kamui sitting on the railing of the walkway leading to Lothric's study. The hunter quickly moved to stand and salute respectfully as Lorian approached with a curt, "Prince Lorian."

"Kamui," Lorian greeted, "what are you doing-"

"In plain sight? I am simply standing guard in a more official capacity. Prince Lothric's orders."

"Is there trouble?"

"No trouble, Prince Lothric merely requested this meeting be private."

Lorian raised an eyebrow at that, though he knew Kamui wouldn't be able to see it. "Who is he meeting that requires such caution?""Mistress Kriemhild, my Lord. Prince Lothric has recently started taking lessons from her once more and requested that their sessions remain private. It seems to be a good break - allows him to focus on something other than the politics of the kingdom."

Regrettably, Lorian at least knew that was not the case. However, he had not had the opportunity to ever speak with Kriemhild himself, and given the situation, her insight could prove to be valuable.

He stepped around Kamui and knocked on the door to the study twice and waited a moment to give Lothric and Kriemhild a moment to pause whatever conversation they might be having before entering.

"Kamui, I believe I requested not to be disturbed-" Lothric began as he turned towards the door, stopping mid-sentence as he caught sight of Lorian. "Ah, Lorian, come in."

Lorian stepped fully inside the study and closed the door behind him. Beside Lothric, Kriemhild bowed low to him. "Prince Lorian, it is an unexpected but welcome surprise to see you. Prince Lothric and I were just wrapping up."

"There is no need, Kriemhild," Lothric said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Lorian is entirely aware of the situation."

"Oh? Oh, of course, my Lord." A faint blush crept up her neck from what Lorian could only presume to be embarrassment.

"What brings you to my door at this hour, dear brother?" Lothric asked as he took a seat behind his desk and motioned for Lorian and Kriemhild to sit. Lorian remained standing but Kriemhild took a seat a short distance away. "You perhaps have news on our elusive guests?"

With a glance to Kriemhild, Lorian nodded. "I know when they next plan on meeting and plan to attend; however, I fear I may draw undue attention."

"Indeed," sighed Lothric. "Between your armor creating quite the clamor and the fact that I doubt you would be able to successfully hide even in a forest, you are likely to be noticed. I would be far better suited to such a meeting."

"No."

Lothric glared at him sharply.

"Perhaps I could be of assistance," Kriemhild called out. Both Lothric and Lorian turned to her. "With your help as well, of course, Prince Lothric. If you can teleport us there, I have a few sorceries which may help to conceal Prince Lorian."

She picked up her staff from the ground beside her and aimed it at Lorian. He felt the hum of her magic settle over him like a fog.

"What precisely was that sorcery?" asked Lothric.

"A silencing sorcery. Go on, move about, as loudly as you can." Lorian took several steps forward and then back to his original spot. Where normally he would hear the clanging of his plate mail, there was now nothing. Kriemhild grinned, "see, so long as they don't see him, he's as good as hidden."

"Useful," Lorian conceded.

Lothric nodded in approval. "Very well. When precisely is the meeting?"

"Just after the shift change."

"Time is of the essence then," Lothric said gravely. "It would be wise for us to depart now to prepare - in the off chance they arrive sooner than expected."

"Us?" Lorian crossed his arms.

"Yes." Lothric replied curtly.

"Prince Lothric, if I may," Kriemhild interrupted, "but would it not be wise to remain here in case Kamui checks in or requires something?"

Lorian was beginning to see why Lothric respected the woman. Not only was she gifted with sorcery, but she was also quick-witted. Even Lothric would not be able to argue with her in this instance - they all knew how suspicious it would appear if all three of them were suddenly to disappear from the study.

"At half past the hour after the shift change I will retrieve you both. Not a minute later." Lothric rose from his seat behind the desk, Kriemhild quickly following suit. He led her to Lorian's side before taking a step back. "Be careful."

The now-familiar white light enveloped them and in the blink of an eye Lorian found himself next to Kriemhild on the roof tiles atop the Grand Archives. It seemed Lothric at least knew the area well enough to place Lorian and Kriemhild out of sight of the knights patrolling the Throne Room. Lorian motioned for Kriemhild to remain where she was as he moved to explore the area.

It was rather straight-forward, he realized. At the front of the small building there was an entrance with an opening in the floor, and at a quick glance Lorian could see the rafters above the giant cage that held Gertrude inside. Feathers were strewn around where she was lying down, head cradled in one arm. Lorian turned back and headed back outside where he checked the other side of the building. Up a short set of stairs was a ladder.

He called for Kriemhild to join him as he scaled up the ladder and reached the top of the building. They would be quite visible, but with Kriemhild lying down flat and peering over the edge, she would have a good vantage point to see when Gertrude's visitors arrived, and would also be able to alert him if anyone else was coming.

"Stay here," Lorian said, and guided her to lie flat down on the roof. "I will be out of sight until they arrive. Give me a sign that they have arrived and I will follow them. If anyone else comes, I trust you will be able to find some way to alert me."

Kriemhild nodded. "Forgive my asking, my Lord, but why not have someone like Kamui do this? It seems more in line with work for a hunter than the Knight General and someone like me."

"For a matter such as this, Prince Lothric has opted for secrecy. If it were not for the information you provided, I have no doubt you would not have been involved." His words were not intended to be cruel, and it seemed that, thankfully, Kriemhild understood the intention behind what he was saying as she turned away from him to gaze across the bridge at the Throne Room.

"I understand," she said. "Look, the shift change is happening."

Across the way, Lothric could faintly see the set of knights emerge from the lift - one set of armor with the deep blue cloak stood out as Lorian recognized Eadric in his Royal Guard armor, even from so far away. He slid down the ladder and leaned against the side of the building, out of sight of the main entrance down to Gertrude.

Without warning, Lorian felt the same familiar fog of Kriemhild's silencing sorcery wash over him and he realized this must be her sign that they had arrived.

He slowly stepped around the edge of the building, just in time to catch sight of a monstrous armored form flying down and landing heavily on the roof. It was just as Wynfrith had described - gigantic armor too large for a normal human - but reminiscent of the armors of Catarina - and flying. From the back of the armor, a set of wings had sprouted, the fallen feathers being caught by the wind and carried off.

It looked around for a moment before proceeding into the doorway, which it barely fit through, before disappearing out of sight. Lorian tested the effectiveness of the silencing sorcery once more, satisfied when he heard no sound from his armor before following the mysterious figure.

The wings, Lorian realized, explained how Gertrude's visitors were able to get out the way they entered, and also explained the ever-present feathers in the cage.

He knelt next to the entrance, careful to remain out of sight as he strained to see what was happening and hear the conversation. Atop the cage, the figure pulled out a piece of parchment and slid it through the bars where it landed next to Gertrude. She felt around for the paper for a moment before finding it and picking it up. She ran a hand lightly over the pages - it was either in braille or perhaps she could feel the dried ink. Gertrude signed something with her hands to the figure, though Lorian knew not what.

The figure spoke at last, echoing through the armor so that Lorian had to strain to hear what it said. "We are coming for you. Our numbers grow more each day and soon we will be able to put up a force to set you free."

From what Lothric had told him, Gertrude could neither see nor speak, but her hearing was intact. She quickly signed something back.

"There will never be a right time," the figure protested. "You are weaker each time we see you. If they kill you-"

More frantic signing. This time the gestures seemed to be more strongly emphasized, and Lorian found himself wishing he understood what her signs meant.

"Of course. If that is your will," the figure bowed to her, despite the fact that she could not see it. She signed one final message to the figure before turning away. The figure stood upright, stretching its wings, which Lorian took as his cue to leave.

He left the way he came, rounding the building back to the ladder leading up to Kriemhild and leaned against the building. The sound of wings growing louder signaled to Lorian that the visit - brief as it was - was over. Lorian held his breath and prayed to the Gods that it would leave and not linger.

Now, they only needed to wait for Lothric to retrieve them.