Confession

It was against his better judgement that Lothric had sent Kriemhild and Lorian without accompanying them. A part of him resented that Lorian had brought him the information without enough time to properly plan. Whether or not it was his own doing or mere coincidence, Lothric did not know - nor did he care. He had been left in his study to pace anxiously, counting the moments before he would need to retrieve them.

A sudden knock on the door caused him to pause mid-step as he turned to face it. He waited to see if the knock would be repeated or if he could simply pass it off as having not heard it. To his dismay, there was a subsequent knock followed by Kamui's calm voice - "Prince Lothric?"

Lothric sighed and walked to his study doors, opening them just enough to see Kamui, and he prayed Kamui did not try to see further into the room; Lothric could make an excuse if pressed, but he would rather not need to. "I assume this is an urgent matter, Kamui? I had requested not to be bothered."

"I believe it is, my Lord. May I enter?"

He weighed the pros and cons a moment before opening the door further. Kamui was not the type to waste his time or speak under false pretenses. If it was truly urgent, Lothric needed to hear what he had to say. Lothric led him further into the study and took his seat once more with Kamui taking the seat across from him.

"Forgive me if I misunderstand, Kamui, but I do not see anyone with you. What has changed since you began your watch?"

"New information. From you." Kamui said evenly.

"From me?"

"Yes, the conversation you had just now with Prince Lorian and Kriemhild." Lothric narrowed his gaze at him, and Kamui had the sense to bow his head. "I am good at my job, my Lord. The construction of the room has a tendency to carry your voices even beyond the doors of your study if one listens carefully."

"I see. And what precisely do you believe you heard?" At this point, Lothric expected that Kamui had heard everything, but even if that was the case their conversation had not revealed much at all.

"I am ashamed to admit, Prince Lothric, that it took me this long to realize the entirety of the situation. You are attempting to find Gertrude's followers, and you have found out that they have found a way to contact her - and yet, you did not inform Black Hand Gotthard, or any of the other Pillars outside of Prince Lorian." Kamui raised his head, meeting Lothric's gaze as he continued, "Which means you either do not intend to have her followers captured, do not trust the other Pillars, or both."

Lothric was silent as he weighed his options. Kamui was on the correct path, and yet, "Will you be apprehending me then, Kamui?"

Kamui looked shocked at the accusation. "You misunderstand me, Prince Lothric. Gotthard had made it quite clear to myself, Albert, and Allric that you did not wish Gertrude to be captured under any circumstances and that we were to redirect any who were getting close to discovering her. It came as quite a shock to Albert and myself when she was apprehended."

"Are you implying that it could only have been Gotthard or Allric who played a part in her apprehension?" Lothric sat forward in his chair, leaning heavily on his arms.

"It was Black Hand Gotthard, though we had thought as a result of your direct orders." Kamui's words washed over him and seemed to fade into the distance. He had suspected that one of the hunters that reported to Gotthard may have been swayed by Wulfred, but never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined that it would be Gotthard himself that had betrayed him.

"Forgive me," Kamui continued, "but your public words and grandstanding regarding the situation of the angelic faith have been in direct contention with your private thoughts and actions. But certainly, you must have noticed how Gotthard has removed himself from your direct report recently - ever since Gertrude was captured. I have been nearly exclusively assigned the detail of supervising and guarding you."

Lothric, in fact, had not noticed. He had been too preoccupied with the bond, with the situation with Lorian, and trying to root out Gertrude's followers to notice the fact that Gotthard had been distancing himself. How long had it been since he had spoken with the man outside of a council meeting amongst the Pillars? "Why confess this information to me? My support of Gertrude, as passive as it might be, puts me in direct contention with King Oceiros's orders."

He watched as Kamui sat up straighter across from him, his expression grave. "Black Hand Gotthard fears the angelic faith; he was always concerned that your close relationship with Gertrude may have been clouding your judgement - putting your duty to the kingdom at risk. Knowing Gotthard as I do, he likely believed removing Gertrude and forcing your hand would reinvigorate your commitment. But I know the doubts you carry, my Lord. The doubts you have carried for years now and you struggle to reconcile with what you believe to be the good of the Kingdom."

"And what would you know of my doubts?"

"The eyes. Albert and I were not supposed to know the importance of them when we were sent to escort Kriemhild back to the kingdom, but our encounter with Pontiff Sulyvahn revealed their true nature."

Lothric sighed, placing his head in his hands. Loathe as he was to admit it, he was well and truly cornered. Just as he had to place his faith in Kriemhild, it seemed now he must place his faith in Kamui. "Then, knowing what you know, why trust me with this information when I may act against everything this kingdom stands for?""Because I do not fear the end of the Age of Fire. And I believe, above all else, that you deserve a choice."

He smiled bitterly at the sentiment. "You sound like Gertrude."

"She was always clever, my Lord."

"You have given me much to consider, Kamui, and for that I deeply thank you." He paused as Kamui stood and bowed. "Unfortunately, as I am sure you are aware, I must retrieve Lorian and Kriemhild before they draw undue attention."

"Of course. Should you require anything-"

"I will call for you." Lothric did not wait for Kamui to leave the study before he teleported himself away.

Before him, in the cool evening breeze, Lorian stood leaning against the small tower. His brother pointed up and Lothric craned his neck to see Kriemhild. As soon as she saw him, she scrambled down the ladder to join them. Lothric looked around, half-hoping to catch sight of Gertrude's visitor, but saw nothing.

In an impulsive thought, Lothric realized how close he was to Gertrude here. Without a word, he walked past Lorian and Kriemhild, and started rounding the corner to the entrance. Behind him he could hear Lorian calling out to him, but Lothric ignored him as he stared down into the Archives below, into Gertrude's gilded cage. As if she could sense his very presence, Gertrude turned to face him, signing a greeting - he vaguely recognized the gestures from his old lessons with Emma. He knew for a fact Gertrude had not known how to sign before she lost her voice and vision; had her visitors taught her such things?

A hand on his shoulder started pulling him back - Lorian. "Lothric, leave this matter be. If anyone sees you-"

But Lothric was tired of being in the dark, tired of being forced to trust what others said or speculated rather than finding the answers directly. He teleported into the cage beside her.

Lothric saw her mouth his name as she reached out and fumbled for a moment before taking his hand. Her hands were like ice to the touch and her grip weaker than he could have even imagined. Looking closer he saw how terribly frail she was. Her hair was unkempt, her lips chapped, and she was thinner than he had ever seen her. "Gertrude, what have they done to you?"

She held out her hand as though holding something and shook it followed by exaggerated gestures.

"Your chimes?" he asked. Gertrude nodded and pointed down. "The scholars took them? For what purpose?"

Lothric cursed himself for not paying attention to Emma's lessons as dutifully as he should have as Gertrude signed her response. He didn't understand all of what she was attempting to sign, but he at least thought he was able to decipher the main points and fill in the gaps. They believe the angel's miracles are sorcery. The Sage and scholars think the chimes can harness the powers of both by using the crystals.

"To what end?"

Gertrude frowned at the question, before shaking her head and gesturing between them. Those who use sorceries and miracles in this world require a catalyst. No one, not even myself, has been able to cast sorceries without a proper catalyst. You are the only exception I know of.

It was true Lothric had never required a staff, chime, or talisman for any of the miracles or sorceries he cast - not even those he had created himself. But it had never struck him as odd or out of the ordinary, though perhaps it should have. "They believe they can disprove the power of your miracles by proving your chimes can cast sorceries."

She nodded. The theory was not entirely unreasonable. But Lothric had seen the effects first hand and it was certainly not a sorcery. But to admit it was a miracle would undermine the argument against the angelic faith's legitimacy Wulfred was trying desperately to prevent.

Gertrude leaned forward, placing a hand on his chest and looking up, toward Lorian. The bond is stronger. I heard it, when they killed him.

Perhaps it was foolish to ask a heretic, but Lothric was desperate as he whispered, "How did I save him?"

She tilted her head to the side. You harnessed the power of the First Flame - the Lord's Soul responded.

"Wulfred!" A terrible voice called out from below - a voice which Lothric recognized as his father's. "Send for Lady Emma at once!"

Gertrude placed a hand on his shoulder, drawing his attention back to her. The Queen is ill and with child, but you must go, before they find you here.

A part of him wanted to offer to take her from this place, to save her. But he could not risk upsetting what delicate balance there was left in the kingdom. He took her hand and squeezed it lightly. "Be well."

She gave him a sad smile in return which he tried not to dwell upon as there was more commotion from his father below.

In an instant, he was back on the roof beside Lorian and Kriemhild. He reached forward, taking hold of both Kriemhild and Lorian's forearms before teleporting them back. The miracle did not require that he touch them of course, but he was feeling overwhelmed and it made it easier.

He was not surprised to see Kamui gone by that point - presumably resuming his post standing guard at the study's entrance. Lothric let go of each of their arms before collapsing in his chair.

His brother was practically seething, though Lothric doubted Kriemhild or most other people would even be able to notice. But Lothric was only too familiar with the tight set of his jaw and his overly rigid posture as he faced where Lothric sat - completely silent. Usually it was not directed at Lothric, but he would admit he brought it upon himself this time.

It was likely that Kriemhild's presence was the only reason he was not being lectured at the moment.

"Do you require me for anything further, my Lord?" Kriemhild asked quietly. Even without the full context, she must have recognized the tension in the room.

"No, Kriemhild. Thank you for your assistance, you may leave." After the door shut behind her, Lothric waited for Lorian to speak.

"That was reckless."

"Yes," Lothric agreed, "but I learned valuable information. Mother is with child, and she is gravely ill."

Lorian bristled at the news. They both knew it was likely to happen after Oceiros had told them of his plans, but Lothric was surprised at the expediency of which it had occurred, and knew Lorian felt the same. "How far along?"

"I have no way of knowing, but he called for Lady Emma before I left."

"If it is taking a similar toll on her as you did, her worst days were at the end." Lorian grimaced. "It will not be long."

Lothric sighed; there was nothing either of them could do about it. They had not been allowed to see their mother for years now. "And you? Did you see those that are visiting Gertrude?"

"I did. They were discussing an attempt to rescue her - starting a war. Their numbers must be significant to even be considering such a move."

"Gertrude would not condone it."

"No. She seemed opposed to it."

"Did they seem to be the leader? Surely massive brutes in armor could not persuade the minds of so many."

Lorian moved across the room and glanced out the window. "I suspect those behind the preachings have yet to reveal themselves. I will have Eadric push for a meeting as soon as possible."

"Then perhaps soon we will uncover the truth behind the angelic faith, and what their intentions truly are." To see if they might be allies went unsaid, but Lothric knew Lorian knew his intentions by now.

As he stood to leave, his vision went blank and he fell forward, gripping the edge of his desk. Within seconds he felt Lorian's hands, one on his shoulder and one on his waist, holding him up. He couldn't hear anything his brother might have been saying beneath the ringing in his ears.

He remained still, focusing on breathing, until the ringing subsided and his vision came back into focus. "I am fine," Lothric said, though he knew his heavy breathing betrayed him, "It seems I may have over-exerted myself earlier. It has passed now."

"Lothric," he heard Lorian say with worry in his voice. His grip on Lothric's shoulder had tightened, and Lothric could see his lips drawn in a thin line. "I will escort you back."

"Truly, brother, there is no need for that." He shrugged Lorian's hands off of him and started walking towards the door, but when reached for the door, his vision swam again, his knees buckling under him as he collapsed.

x

When Lothric came to his senses, he blearily recognized that he was no longer at his study. Instead, he was resting in his bed - and he was not alone. Off to the side he saw Master Aelfric speaking in hushed tones with Wulfred. On the other side, he saw Lorian sitting in a chair, his arms crossed as he watched Aelfric and Wulfred.

Lothric said nothing, but when Lorian glanced his way his brother moved to stand, but Lothric shook his head. He wanted to try and hear some of the conversation, if possible, before alerting them he was awake.

He closed his eyes and strained to make out a handful of words from Aelfric, "-Emma does not have the expertise to handle the situation. Furthermore, I do not understand how this ties into Prince Lothric's current condition.""

"I assure you the two are linked," Wulfred replied darkly.

There was a long silence and Lothric realized they had concluded the conversation. He made a great effort to sit up and look around the room. The dizziness he felt at the motion was regrettably real.

Aelfric was by his side in a moment, with Wulfred looming behind him. "Lie down, Prince Lothric. You are in no condition to go anywhere."

"I do not feel so ill, other than slight dizziness," Lothric countered, ignoring his order and remaining in his seated position. It was mostly true; while his whole body ached, that was not uncommon for Lothric. "For what purpose are you all here?"

"Forgive me, Prince Lothric, I did attempt to instruct both Prince Lorian and Wulfred to leave you in peace-"

"But I instructed him that was a poor idea." Wulfred cut in. "I suspect the only reason you have awoken so quickly is due to the bond."

Lorian grimaced. "The bond was intended to make him stronger."

"Yes," Wulfred agreed, "but there is only so much the bond can do to combat the natural entropy caused by the decay of the First Flame."

Lothric shook his head, "I merely over-exerted myself."

"That may have been a contributing factor; however, the truth of the matter is the First Flame is likely down to its last embers. You would do well to save your strength Prince Lothric, it is likely a matter of days now - perhaps weeks at most." He turned away and headed to the door. "Come now, Aelfric, your services are needed elsewhere."

It was true he had felt himself weakening again, but he was also confident that he had only collapsed due to the effort he had put forth earlier. Still, if he was experiencing such symptoms, and their mother was as well, then certainly Lorian must also. "Lorian, have you felt it?"

Lorian didn't reply at first, but Lothric was patient. "It has been gradual."

"How so?"

"I find myself exhausted faster, out of breath after what were once menial tasks and training regimes. A full night's rest is never truly restful."

Lothric pursed his lips. "I am sorry-"

"Do not apologize. I made the decision. We will overcome this."

"It appears there is but one solution to regain our strength."

"And I will be by your side if you do."

If.

It was entirely possible now that at the very least Lothric would be able to successfully link the fire; but at what cost? Each day strengthened his conviction against fulfilling his duties. His singular purpose in life. His so-called destiny. All his readings indicated that the linking of the flame would take a harsher toll - perhaps even death - on Lorian than himself. And Lothric could not bear to have Lorian suffer in his stead.

"And if I choose to use the eyes?" Lothric asked quietly. They had discussed it abstractly before, but never the consequences.

"I will be by your side."

"If I extinguish the First Flame, we will both die. All who bear the Lord's Soul will."

"A sacrifice worth making, if you believe it to be the best option."

Lothric frowned. "The kingdom - the entire world - will fall to chaos."

"Change never comes without strife. "You have led them to the best of your ability, but perhaps it is time for Men to rule themselves."