Lords and Ladies
It was with steady steps that I approached the carriage, gently carrying Deborah in my arms. I couldn't help but find it strange that she seemed to weigh almost nothing. The satchels, my armor, and even then lute I carried for her seemed to irritate my aching arms and body. Yet carrying Deborah, it felt like I was carrying nothing at all. I looked down towards her as the guards around me began to prepare for our passage, and paused for a moment. She had tucked herself close to me in her sleep, her auburn hair seeming to flicker in the faint torch light…
"Hey-" Sudden speech and a duo of snaps in my face brought me back to the present. I shook my head and groaned as I tried to force the last bits of drowsiness out of my system.
"-You still with us?" The voice asked. I rubbed my head and sighed as I looked up, trying to make sense of where I was. Slowly, it all came back to me. The guards had arrived two hours after I had dozed off, with an immediate summons for the lords and ladies of the castle. The voice, I realized, was Stone, trying to keep me awake for our meeting. As for where we were, that was a bit more hazy.
Around us was a moderately decorated hall, wide enough for several men to stand side by side while still being comfortable. Each of the stone walls had a series of tapestries hanging from them, with large empty spaces between them that I suspected once held house signets. A long wool rug ran from the base of the hall towards a set of tall, wooden doors, atop of which a crude symbol had been hastily painted above. Two black muzzles, likely those of wolves, pointed skyward towards a light blue sphere, which I guessed was the moon. The Midnight Howls, I realized.
"Liam? Hello?" Stone's voice came, more irritated and slightly louder than it had been before. When I faced him, I saw that he had placed his helmet back on, he leaned against the wall with both arms crossed, his shield had been placed along a strap on his back, while his flail hung loosely at his hip. How long had we been standing here, when had I lost my train of thought?
"Sorry, I must have spaced out." I apologized. Stone made no noise as he turned away from me, turning his attention forward as leaned further into the wall. His back now lay flat against it.
"Had you now? I had scarcely noticed." He joked. I glared at him.
"Shut up." I said. Stone only laughed as I leaned beside him, taking stock of myself. I still had my armor, I could tell that much. It seemed even my helmet was back in place, based on the weight around my head. I carefully tightened my fingers on my left hand, and was greeted by a firm resistance, my blade was still there. It seemed everything was accounted for, save for one thing.
"Where's Deborah?" I asked, looking back towards my friend. Stone turned back towards me, tilting his head slightly.
"Just how out of it were you, brother?" He asked. Based on what he'd said, very. I must have reacted strangely, because Stone lifted one of his hands in a gesture, as if to calm me down.
"She's fine, Liam. Guards took her off of us to get her someplace warm." He explained. I blinked and shook my head, I had no memory of this happening.
"They did?" Stone seemed to understand my confusion.
"Yeah, they did. And they promised you they'd take good care of her." He placed a hand on my shoulder. "We just need to convince these lords and ladies to let us stay, and you'll be back with her in no time." He shook me a bit with those last words, then returned to his cross armed position. They'd really promised me that? I could scarcely recall that, just how tired was I?
"I don't remember that happening…" I turned away and began to rub my head. I knew I hadn't really slept the last two days, but I was used to not much rest. At least, I thought I was…
"Well, what's the last thing you do remember?" There was no judgement in Stone's voice, I was grateful for that.
"I was carrying Deborah towards the carriage, she was still asleep. She must have felt safe… she was so still." My voice tapered off towards the end of my statement. For a moment I felt myself be one lost in that moment again, before willing myself away from it. I needed to stay focused, as impossible as that felt. Even now my eyes felt heavy, and my mind felt more like a fog had fallen over it. I needed sleep, but I could not afford it yet.
"Seems this charge of yours ranks pretty important in your head, brother." What Stone said barely made sense, but I was able to infer what he was saying. I wasn't sure how much energy I had to argue with him.
"We've been over this, I swore to protect her, it's my duty to keep her safe." I tried to insist. Stone wasn't having it.
"I've heard your type of talk before, you're not describing her as a charge, brother." I shook my head, trying to force these words away from my mind. His claim was absurd, I didn't see her any other way. I couldn't, such things were wholly inappropriate for a Warden's guardship. Yet, my thoughts seemed to drift towards her more and more often, even against my wishes.
"Stone, please. I don't have the energy to discuss this." A chuckle was his only response.
"Alright, that just means I'm going to double down tomorrow." If looks could kill, I'm fairly certain I would have slaughtered Stone. Even through his helmet I could just see that smug grin on his face.
"Must you antagonize me?" Stone shrugged, but never broke eye contact.
"Someone's gotta keep you modest." Now it was my turn to laugh.
"Right, because you're the shining paragon of modesty." I joked. Stone tilted his head a bit, and actually seemed to be impressed by my response.
"Brother! Your accusations wound me!" The mock amusement in his voice was too enticing to pass up, and seemed to spur me on.
"Just wait until I get going, brother." Stone adjusted and seemed to crack his neck a bit. He was enjoying this. Before our verbal sparring could continue, I came to notice the shuddering of wood, and turned back towards the towering doors before us. The crease between them began to slowly expand, and before long the entirety of the door was open. A single guard walked through the doorway, turning to face us with an expression I could not read.
"Warden, Conqueror, the lords and ladies of Nov Domas are ready for you." I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried as the importance of this meeting dawned on me. The wellbeing of my companions rested on this encounter, I had to make sure this went well. The fog in my mind did not lift, but it did seem to clear a bit. I took a breath to calm myself down, then pushed myself off the wall with a grunt. Stone did much the same.
"Time to meet the locals." He joked. I did not reply. The guard extended a hand and led us inside the well lit, and rather expansive chamber. Its size reminded me of the dining hall in Herongale in size, though that was where the similarities ended. This chamber was well decorated, paintings hung from each of the walls, some of decorated vistas, others of distant lords I did not recognize. As though guarding them, decorative suits of armor stood at either side of each piece of artwork, polished and shiny. The center of the chamber was bare save for an ornate, well kept rug that seemed to glisten in red and gold, and a crystal chandelier that hung above. Two doors, one on either side of the room stood at the far corners, their purpose unknown to me.
In the far back of the room stood a set of wide, extravagant steps, as though crafted from gold. A mighty throne rested atop the steps, wooden, but likewise outlined in a gold like substance that caused the whole thing to shimmer in the bright lights of the torches and reflecting crystals. Sat in the chair, was a Warden, or at least someone who had been one. His helm was a rounded iron cast that left his eyes revealed, though the rest of his face was obscured by chainmail. His chest piece appeared to be several overlapping pieces of steel, with similar pieces likewise attached as pauldrons and gauntlets. These seemed kept in place by sturdy looking leather straps.
On the steps below him were two conquerors, one man, and one woman. Both wore matching armor sets, their helms each having a single gap that just revealed their eyes, with smaller holes around the mouth pieces fit easier breathing. Their armor appeared to be a mix of hard leather and bits of chain, each carried fearsome looking heater shields, and spiked flails looked worn, but plenty sharp. Last was a Peacekeeper, and her armor seemed the simplest of all.
A single steel pauldron adorned her right shoulder, and a steel helm with only a narrow slit where the eyes should be rested on her shoulders. The rest of her attire seemed a mix of gambeson and hard leather in her vital areas, though I suspected that her gauntlets may have been made of brigandine. She stood by the side of the throne, her left shoulder pressed lightly as she leaned on it, twirling a dagger in one of her hands. A fearsome looking band to say the least, I only hoped an understanding could be reached. With careful steps, I made my way towards them, the heavy footfalls of Stone being the only sound reaching my ears. As we approached, the Warden lifted a hand, addressing us.
"Greetings, warriors, to Castle Nov Domas. What business have you with the Midnight Howls, Protectorates and Lords of the Castle?" His voice was loud, deep, and commanding. He certainly had the presence of a Warden, and the confidence to assert his authority. When I was about halfway to him, I held my position and stood straight, keeping my sword pressed tightly against my side.
"Lords and Ladies of Nov Domas, we are travelers seeking sanctuary after a long journey. My companions are tired, and cold. We ask only for the opportunity to rest." I said, doing my best to match the bravado and confidence of our host. For the most part, I found success, though the hoarseness of my voice betrayed how truly exhausted I was. I suspect the band of warriors noticed this as well. The Conquerors nodded at my words, while the Warden twiddled his fingers as he seemed to consider them. If the Peacekeeper had any thoughts on my request, she did not make them known. The Warden spoke again.
"For which legion do you request shelter?" I was silent for a time. I worried he would see us as common sellswords if we refused to name a legion. But I could not be dishonest, even if it harmed our prospects. With deep hesitation, I replied;
"My companions and I are sworn to no legion. There are only three of us, no more." This certainly seemed to stir their interest, as the Warden leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing as he gripped the armrest at his side tightly. The Conquerors likewise seemed to tense, rising from their seated positions, though they thankfully had not drawn their weapons. Again, the Peacekeeper seemed not to respond to my words. I could feel a knot in my stomach beginning to form as my fingers tightened around my handle.
"Tell us, Warden of no legion, were you always so, or have you abandoned your oaths?" Said one of the Conquerors, the woman, I realized. I could hear the suspicion in her voice.
"Bear in mind, we've a gifted Peacekeeper in our midst. The truth would be deeply appreciated." Said the other, his voice sounding more like a deep snarl than actual speech. I was at an impasse, I couldn't reveal my history with Blackstone, but I likewise couldn't be dishonest. One would jeopardize my companions, the other would condemn me possibly to death. I dared not fight our way out, I had no idea on Deborah's whereabouts, let alone how to get out of this castle. As I had these thoughts, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and turned to face it. It was Stone, stepping beside me and staring daggers at the Midnight Howls.
"This man abandoned a corrupt, hedonistic warlord who sought only to subjugate and terrify those under her. He is no oathbreaker, he is a true knight, and one deserving of your respect." He said, loud and clear. I wasn't sure whether to be grateful for his kind words, or horrified by his disrespect towards the lords. With held breath I turned back to the band of warriors, and was pleasantly surprised to see them less tense. The Warden had brought a hand to his chin in thought, while the Conquerors only exchanged looks. The Peacekeeper still seemed uninterested in voicing her opinions, simply twirling her blade. An uncomfortable silence lingered for what felt like several minutes before the Warden finally spoke again.
"This warlord you walked away from, what legion did she lead?" Again, I was at that impasse. Stone gave me a look, as if to ask our next action. I simply shook my head. I couldn't risk our lives, especially not when they had already risked so much.
"I am afraid I cannot say. I fear for the lives of my companions, should my old loyalties be revealed." I said. The room was still, not a soul stirred as the Warden stewed over my words.
"Just say the word, and I'll get you out of here." Stone whispered to me. His offer touched my heart, but I could not in good faith accept it. Such an act would surely get him killed, I don't think I could live with Stone's blood on my hands. With a gentle shake of the head, I replied.
"No. I won't have you risking death for my sake." Before Stone could reply, the Warden stood tall, and reached to the side of the throne.
"Very well. If you will not reveal your loyalties, we will treat you as an unknown threat." He said, pulling something long from beside the throne. In the torchlight, I realized that he was grabbing a sword. As if rehearsed, the Conquerors immediately readied their shields, and began to approach us as the Warden continued;
"You and your companions will be escorted to the outskirts of Nov Domas, and cast back into the wilds from which you came." He declared, lowering his blade, and resting his hands atop his pommel. As soon as his finished speaking, the Conquerors began to approach, and the Warden stamped his feet, reverberating loudly amongst the chamber. Immediately I could hear the stamping of feet behind us, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw stone ready his own shield. This was getting out of hand, I had to fix this, but how?
"Please, our companion is sick, and needs care! She'll die on the road!" I pleaded. I could only pray that his goodwill would convince him to at least keep her. I'd stay a thousand nights in the dungeon if he would just agree to that. My hopes shattered when he merely shrugged his shoulders, the Conquerors even closer to us now.
"A ruse, for all we know. Will you leave willingly, or will we have to drag you out?" He asked. Anger and fear began to overwhelm me as images flooded my mind. Deborah weak and shivering in the cold, Stone beaten and bloodied as he stood over us, unmoving. No, I couldn't bear the thought, but what was I supposed to do? It would only make things worse to reveal my past now!
"You'll die before you touch him!" Cried Stone. No, no no no, why had he shouted that? All at once the chamber erupted into chaos, guards shouting and clanging their weapons as they attempted to surround us. The Conquerors took hold of their flails and began to spin them, all while Stone yelled threats and insults. I looked from Stone to the guards, then the Conquerors, and finally to the Warden. More images flashed through my mind, as I began to breathe heavily.
Deborah's body laid cold and still, solid as rock. I couldn't even make out any of her features, the ice and snow had robbed her of that. Beside her laid Stone, his features likewise indiscernible. Only for him, it was because of a bloody mess of cuts and gashes, so much blood dripping from every inch of him he appeared flayed. All around me a dim fire began to grow in intensity, as the clanging of steel grew louder. No… no more. NO MORE.
"BLACKSTONE!" I yelled, stepping forward. The Conquerors seemed to halt in place, but I did not yield.
"Blackstone! Blackstone, it was BLACKSTONE!" My voice had nearly given out, cracking as I heaved and coughed. I don't know what came over me, but I would not let my friends die because of me. I didn't care what happened next.
"I served in Blackstone! Apollyon was my Warlord!" I must have sounded like a madman, yelling like that at the top of my lungs. The entire chamber had fallen silent, and every eye seemed focused on me. My heart was racing, and my breath had grown quick and haggard. In an effort to compose myself, I breathed deeply, and stood straight, turning my focus back on the Warden on the throne.
"I left when they condemned innocent men, women, and children to death, but I could not stop it." My voice still trembled, as flashes of Svengard played over again in my mind, flames, bodies, all flashing. I pushed through the images, trying to focus instead on Stone, on Deborah. They needed to be taken in, they needed sanctuary.
"Do what you will with me, but I beg you, don't condemn my companions to death in the cold. Send me away, imprison me, I don't care. Just have mercy on them." I muttered, just loud enough to be heard. To my surprise, the Conquerors lowered their shields at my words, and even seemed to lower their weapons. The guards seemed to follow suit, even the Warden's stance seemed to relax.
"If you punish him, you punish me. I served in Blackstone beside him. I fled only when I learned of his survival." Stone said, placing his hand on my shoulder. The power behind it nearly caused me to stumble, and I turned to him. What was he doing? This implicated him with them, why wouldn't he remain silent?
"Stone-" I tried to say, but he cut me off and refuted me with only four words.
"Brothers, no matter what." He said, his voice far more composed than mine had been. A strange mix of sorrow and appreciation flooded over me. I was grateful that Stone would still stand by my side, even in the face of possible retribution, but the thought of him suffering kept my heart beating faster. At least Deborah would be safe, at least she would be cared for.
"That won't be necessary." Said someone I hadn't yet heard. I swept over the room, trying to discern the source of this new voice. That's when I realized that in all of this chaos, I had completely lost track of the Peacekeeper. Sure enough, when I looked back to the side of the throne where she had stood, she was marching down the steps in a slow strut. Every eye seemed to fixate upon her as she came to the bottom of the steps, placing her dagger in a small sheath by her hip.
"One of my little birds came into contact with two men she described exactly like these two." She began. Little bird? A spy? The Peacekeeper continued.
"They had her dead to rights, they thought she was nothing more than a mere bandit. They could have killed her, but they showed her mercy." My eyes widened as I realized what she was talking about. The fortress, the bandit we had let go, she was one of hers? How many more had there been? She didn't mention anything about them, was she the only one? My head was still spinning when I realized she had continued speaking.
"Blackstone would have slaughtered them all, without a second thought. These are men of honor, they have my vote to remain." A thousand weights lifted off my heart as she said those words. These words seemed to have a sort of hypnotic effect on the guards around us, every one of them seemed to lower their weapons. Beyond them, the Warden and the Conquerors likewise seemed to ease, weapons sheathed and stances softened as the room fell into a state of calm.
Relaxation flooded over my body as I felt a peace fall over me. Stone and Deborah would be safe, we would all be safe. With thankfulness coming over me like a crashing wave, I placed a hand over my heart...
...And sighed."