A/N This. Took. Way. Too. Long. I must have gone through ten versions of this chapter before I settled on one that felt good. I am so sorry for the delay, guys, I should hopefully get back on track this coming week. Thanks for sticking with the story. God bless.
Present Echoes
It was a dishearteningly short trek to Blackstone's encampment. While the horses had surely shortened the time needed, it was a distressing sign that the journey to Blackstone's encampment only took a short few hours. Their cavalry could likely swarm us before the day's end, with a forward march arriving as early as next morning. Only a night's rest could delay such an attack, that, or our successful negotiations. It was a grim reminder of just what was at stake here.
The encampment itself was a strung together assortment of tents, cooking pits, and open space full of freshly cut tree trunks. Hardly capable of being a permanent settlement, but it didn't need to be. It was secure, well guarded, and from the looks of it, easy to disassemble at a moment's notice. Then again, with how many soldiers I saw even in the slow stride towards it, I suspect that may have been due to the sheer numbers more than anything. Berrat had been correct in his estimations of two hundred based on what I was seeing…
The messenger's pace had slowed considerably, now a mere trot as various Blackstone soldiers noticed our approach. I could feel Deborah's grip tighten around me as they held weapons up and ready, poised to strike. Thankfully, it seemed there was more surprise and curiosity in their faces than outright hostility. The makeshift trail blocked my vision slightly, so I could only count ten or so warriors meeting us at the front entrance of the camp. I turned to observe the horse behind me, which still carried Elder Kharion and Stone. I'd still had yet to see Berrat anywhere during our travels, a fact that concerned me greatly.
Once we had entered the camp, the surrounding chatter increased in volume. I could hear a multitude of whispers, each ranging from disbelief to poorly hidden disgust. A far warmer welcome than I'm sure they wanted to give a traitor, I was sure. Our messenger quickly dismounted as a small band of five approached from one of the tents to the right, most of them shield toting warriors, save for what I can only assume was a former Warden. Her armor was similar to mine and her sword was a well made blade, but it seemed that she wore no helmet, replaced by a hood bearing Blackstone's colors. This Warden spoke with the messenger for a moment, then turned to face us, causing Deborah's grip to tighten yet again.
"Hold, Warden." Said the woman. It was hardly a necessary order, I had already stopped moving some time ago. Nevertheless, I pulled the reins on Lady Claire's horse in an effort to get it more upright, which the horse was quick to obey. The woman seemed to study the horse for a moment, her expressions mostly hidden by that hood. After a minute or so, she moved forward, coming around to my side and lowering her hood. My heart dropped a bit when she finally revealed her face.
Her left eye was cloudy and faded, seeming to drift ever upwards with a small piece of skin beneath it looking like it was burned away. Half of her left ear had been cut clean off, its dark red scarring contrasting against what I suspect were once fair features. Blonde hair was seemingly absent from the left side of her temple, while flowing down to her neck on the rest of her head. For a moment I pondered why she would forego her helmet if she meant to hide injuries of such nature. I could only conclude that this wasn't her intention, for one reason or another.
"You are the Warden called Liam O'Carrick?" She asked, bringing my attention back to the present. Looking her square in the face, I nodded.
"I am he." Was my response. The warrior inhaled deeply, then looked to her fellows. Each of them glanced nervously between both her and one another, as if uncertain how to proceed. The entire exchange seemed particularly odd to me, it wasn't like Blackstone to become flustered in the presence of a guest, much less a potential enemy. Perhaps doubt within the Legion had grown over the past few years? Unfortunately I didn't have time to ponder this, at least not now.
"I was invited here by your commander, Holden Cross. I'm told he wishes to speak with me?" I pressed, hoping to move the proceedings along. The woman turned back and seemed to study me for a moment, one eye blinking out of rhythm of the other. Eventually she seemed to get her read, for she nodded and took a step back.
"Very well. I am Helia, First Vanguard and Company Captain of the Blackstone legion. Dismount and await your companions, we will lead you to the Commander when you are ready." She said, walking past my horse before I had a chance to reply.
"Well, at least we received a welcoming party." Deborah said as we watched her go. I got to work getting us dismounted, allowing Deborah to carefully slide off before moving my left leg over the saddle and hopping down. The chatter around us was indistinct, but nevertheless noticeable as I handed my reins over to an unnamed soldier. Being the subject of attention was nothing new to me, my status as Warden had seen to that. Still, the unease and tension in the air resembled a dense fog more than a mere feeling.
"We shouldn't stay here longer than needed." I said aloud, turning to face my companion. Her hair was again tied back in a short ponytail, which swayed gently as she returned my gaze.
"No need to tell me twice, the sooner we're out of Blackstone hands, the better." She replied. Behind her, Kharion and Stone had dismounted, and were making their way towards us. Kharion's eyes carried a strange air about them, both empty and full at the same time. There was a conviction in them, but as to what I could not be certain, another fact that concerned me deeply. Only making matters worse was that Berrat was still nowhere to be seen, despite his assurances he'd be along. Had something changed? Perhaps most telling was Stone, whom I could tell was frustrated from his slightly accelerated pace carrying him further away from his riding partner.
"Did Berrat not accompany us? I was under the impression that-" I tried to ask, only to be cut short when Kharion glared daggers at me.
"Tend to your own Warden. Leave my people's matters to me." He barked before pushing me to the side. I did not resist his action, finding myself too stunned and confused to respond as he walked past us and towards our escort. The three of us simply watched him as he held his arms crossed, looking more annoyed at his predicament than anything else.
"The heck is his problem?" Deborah asked, before the scarred woman called for a forward march. We obliged, but continued conversing in hushed tones.
"He's still reeling from his father's death. Man is on the warpath." Stone replied, turning his gaze to the soldiers beginning to surround us. Deborah seemed to hold herself tighter and shrunk into herself, to which I walked a bit closer to her.
"The warpath? Does he not realize how catastrophic that would be?" I asked back. Stone shrugged.
"Don't think he cares anymore, apparently Berrat tried to talk him out of it. Ended up being assigned something back at the hamlet." He said. This made my stomach drop. From what little interaction we'd had, Berrat seemed to be a steadying hand for the new Elder, pointing out reason and sanity in times of crisis. If he wasn't here to guide him, all we were left with was a grieving, vengeful son.
"So he's going to get us all killed?" Deborah squeaked, fear dripping from every word like a fresh rain's runoff.
"I won't let it come to that. We just need Cross to see reason, find a way to call off this attack." I argued. Stone scoffed at that.
"Let's not forget we're just accessories Liam. This is Kharion's negotiation, not ours. At the end of the day we're just here as window dressing." He mused sadly. I had nothing to say to that, for what could be said? This was Kharion's decision, we were here only due to request. If the elder would not listen to his own counsel, what chance did we have? Still, I couldn't allow myself to fall into hopelessness. Too much was on the line, the innocents of Herongale, the future of the Iron Legion, and the lives of my companions. No, I wouldn't back down.
The rest of our walk was made in relative silence as we spotted the command tent. I could see Deborah's expression and body tense as we approached, to which I extended my arm. Without a word she wrapped herself around it, allowing me to pull her closer. Even against my armor, I could feel her trembling as the commanders looked up, noticing us for the first time. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have my own nerves up in arms as we marched on, but I buried them for my companion's sake. Among the leadership were two Lawbringers and a single Peacekeeper, who stared blankly at us as we approached.
While I did not recognize the first, I could easily assume he was one of the Lawbringers that had visited Herongale that night Deborah was stabbed. That meant this behemoth of a man, resting his poleaxe on his shoulder like it weighed nothing, was Belial. Standing behind him, almost hidden from sight, was Mercy, both blades sheathed, though I doubted they would stay that way for long. A gentle rage billowed out my chest on my sighting her, but that was quickly snuffed out upon seeing the last member of this war council.
With pauldrons shaped as lions, and a helm much simpler than was common for a man of his station, Holden Cross stood tall. His weapon was held at his side, extending just past the tip of his head as sunlight reflected off the gold tinted weapon. Though I could not read his expression through his helmet, there was a form and structure in his stance that gave away the faintest hints of apprehension, and strangely, a trace of respect.
I was unsure how to feel, seeing Holden all this time later. I still resented him for abandoning the principles we'd sworn to, principles he should have held in higher regard due to his experience. At the same time, it felt good seeing him, like an old friend lost to time. I both despised, and appreciated his presence. I suspect he felt very similarly about me. An extended silence passed before Cross took a few long strokes forward, using his weapon as if it were a walking stick.
"Guests of the Blackstone Legion, I bid you welcome. Holden said, breaking the tense silence. He carefully and periodically glanced at each of the present party, addressing all of us.
"As I am sure you are aware, we stand before a potentially devastating conflict. I have called each of you here to come to an understanding. An understanding which may spare unneeded bloodshed." He explained before his gaze fell upon Deborah.
"Forgive me, but this is not the matter of a songbird. I must ask you to wait outside our camp during these proceedings." He said. I could feel Deborah's grip somehow tighten again, and became immensely grateful for my armor.
"This bard is tied directly to me, Cross. She is sworn to me, and I to her. Besides, she has faced harm from your rank already, I will not abandon her now that we are among you." I rebutted. The gaze of nearly every Blackstone fell upon me, Cross especially seemed focused now. He was studying me, that much I knew already. Just what he was searching for was a mystery, however. Was he testing my resolve? Before I could discern his intent, I heard Deborah clear her throat.
"Besides Lawbringer, do you really want your enemies to be the only source people hear of this meeting from? I can only imagine the tales of treachery I would hear from that sort of thing. Don't you want the people to hear Blackstone's side as well?" She half said, half sang in that same tone she used when we first met. If this had been her plan all along, I wish she'd have told me. I'd have been able to support her proposition, rather than mentally stagger at it. Cross seemed to look between us for a time, then turned to face Kharion.
"Elder Kharion, this is your hamlet we are discussing. Are you comfortable with permitting a third party into its official business?" He asked. Kharion still had that strange hollow determination in his eyes, I wondered again if it was truly best for him to be in charge of these negotiations. I knew it wasn't my place to say, but I found myself wishing it were anyone else in his stead.
"The Warden has sworn dedication to my people. An ally of his is welcome in our discussion." There was an emptiness in his voice that only solidified my feelings, as though he were in some sort of trance. Or worse, hiding his true feelings and motivations, a potentially deadly mistake with a Peacekeeper present. Especially when that Peacekeeper was Mercy. At the very least, I could take solace that Deborah would not be cast out.
"Very well then." Cross replied before turning to Captain Helia. "Ensure our guests' horses are well taken care of, but keep a lookout for any stragglers." He ordered. A sensible order, I thought. Captain Helia nodded and donned her hood before glancing my way one last time. Her expression was impossible to read as she walked away from the meeting grounds, then faced toward the path with her men in tow.
"Let's not delay any further, we have important matters to discuss." Cross declared, bringing my attention back to him. With a wave of his arm, he motioned us towards the tent he resided in, his council each turning to join him, save for Belial. Instead, he seemed to stare at Deborah, focusing deeply. Thanks to the armor his expression was impossible to discern, but there was an intensity that troubled me, a sentiment that I confirmed was shared by Deborah when she squeezed my arm. I took a single step forward before gently pulling her along, blocking the man's sight of my companion. He said nothing, and simply stared at me a moment longer before turning to join his fellows.
Kharion was the first to enter the tent, followed by myself, with Stone not far behind. The inside of the tent was a simple thing, mostly empty save for three large logs that were utilized as makeshift benches in a medium sized square. In the center was an empty tree trunk, likely eaten away by rot and cold, with bits of white ash surrounding it. Cross was the first to sit, planting his weapon in the ground with a forceful shove. Mercy moved to stand behind him, while his lieutenant took a seat beside him.
Kharion was next to move, taking a seat on the right most log and resting his arms along his knees. Stone gave me a single glance before he took a spot beside him, making a show of grunting and stretching as he did. I took a spot on the left most log, gently helping Deborah to sit before taking my own place. I think it was only now that Mercy, Stone, Cross and I realized that this was the first time all four of us had been together in over three years. None of us moved to speak, it was almost as if all of us were afraid to. The lack of fire kept the air cold around us, as each of us waited to see who would make the first move. Finally, Cross broke the silence.
"I will say, there are some faces here that I am glad to see again, even if the circumstances are less than desirable." He said, his gaze falling on me. If I could have returned his sentiments, I would. Sadly, this whole encounter only served to remind me of what was lost, what Blackstone had truly become, and my part in all of it. Still, I forced myself to nod, returning Cross' gaze as best I could.
"It's… conflicting, seeing you again, Cross. But I am glad to see you in good health." I half choked out. It was all I could muster, a truth wrapped in a shroud of hesitancy. I think Cross recognized my discomfort, for he looked towards Stone next. Stone, for his part, had both arms crossed, and simply stared back at our former commander. Cross, likewise, held the gaze. I suppose their time apart wasn't as extreme, nor under good circumstances.
"Stone." Cross said, a notable forcefulness behind the name. My companion simply nodded back before replying in turn;
"Cross." They seemed content to leave their greetings at that. Cross proceeded to clear his throat and lean in towards the center tree trunk.
"I won't waste our time here, we all know what this meeting is for. Within the next few days, the Blackstone Legion will conduct an attack on Herongale. As you may be able to see, our numbers are substantially greater than yours. Our men are well trained and seasoned combatants." He explained. So far, nothing he had said was surprising. Cross continued.
"That said, I am well aware that Herongale is protected by rangers, skilled and competent ones to boot. I have seen what these kinds of rangers can accomplish, and I have no desire to see my men die, or become injured by these warriors. Not if it can be avoided." He paused for a moment, looking between Stone and I.
"Even more so, I know the capabilities of the two warriors in your company. They are strong, capable, deadly…" His voice caught for a moment before he pressed on. "And they are good men, once I even called them friends. I'd rather not cross blades with them." The sincerity in his voice caught me by surprise, and at first I wasn't sure why. Cross was Apollyon's second in command, even if he himself was a good man, his loyalty was to her. He'd stood by her all these years later, wouldn't it make sense for him to despise her enemies, and especially traitors? Yet here he was, praising us both, with nary a hint of deception in his voice. I wasn't sure how to feel about that…
"All of this is well and good, but what exactly is your point in saying this?" Kharion said suddenly, snapping me from my train of thought. I mentally scolded myself for getting distracted in a time like this, I needed to focus. Now wasn't the time for questions or considerations. After regaining myself, I brought my attention back to Cross, who was now locked on Kharion.
"My point is that this bloodshed doesn't need to happen. Our orders were clear that Herongale must be destroyed to serve as an example to other would-be conspirators." He explained. For a moment, I didn't understand why he felt the need to reiterate that. Then I realized what his exact words had been, Herongale must be destroyed. As in…
"Its people were never specifically mentioned." I said aloud, likely saying what everyone was thinking. Looking back, this made all the sense in the world. After all, had Cross not spared lives when besieging Daubeny's castle? I was more than relieved to hear this line of thought, of course now the question was how to attain such a thing. Cross nodded and looked between us.
"Correct. We are willing to give Kharion and his people 24 hours to evacuate the hamlet, upon which our attack would commence. You could take whatever you can carry with you, and you have my word that we will not attack anyone outside of the hamlet." He explained. The deal seemed too good to be true, frankly it was more than I could ask for. Unfortunately, Kharion didn't seem to see it that way.
"And just where would we go, Lawbringer? Most of my people haven't set foot outside the hamlet their entire lives. We have no allies and only mild associations, so tell me, where are we to go?" He demanded. To my surprise, Deborah was the one to answer the question.
"Well, the Warden here did leave quite the impression on a local Warlord. The castle is only a few days walk from here, and we've been back and forth a few times now. Maybe some introductions could be made?" She suggested. Stone nodded along and looked towards Kharion.
"It might take a bit longer due to more people, but their safety is all but assured if they stick with us." He said. The elder furrowed his brows, the emptiness in his eyes seeming to vanish at the thought. I would have expected an eagerness or gratitude to replace it, but strangely, it was only more fury.
"And they would just accept us with no conditions? With nothing to offer? I don't know just how much sway you think you have, but it is not enough for a people we do not know to accept ninety plus of us." He barked. At this point, I was becoming frustrated with Kharion. His worries were understandable, but what other option was there? Besides, there had to be ways of ensuring sanctuary, after all, I had offered my services to the Howls. What was preventing Kharion and his people from doing the same?
"There is another option." Said a new voice, a strange voice. It was as if a bear had learned to speak, but had not yet lost the inherent growl in its tone. I could only assume the voice came from Cross' second, a suspicion that was confirmed when he turned to face the mountain of steel beside him.
"Belial, enough." He tried to say, only for Kharion to lean forward.
"No, let him speak. I wish to know this other option." He said slowly. Cross looked between his lieutenant and the elder a few times, seeming uncertain of what to do. I was likewise unsettled, I had a feeling I knew what this second choice would be; Trial by combat. Blackstone had a distinct advantage in that field, rangers were skilled warriors, but even they could not stand before a fully armored and well trained knight, at least not one as skilled as Cross. I had to speak up.
"Elder, no. Trial by combat is too heavily skewed in the favor of Blackstone. Cross is a master duelist, none of you would last a minute." Barely a second after the warning had left my lips, Belial spoke again.
"Trial by champion then. Let the Warden and Conqueror put their insurrection to the test." He said simply, pausing before sitting up straight and looking between each of us.
"Should your champion win in combat, we'll leave you be. Should we win, we burn your hamlet to the ground. Those who flee will be spared, those who try to fight back will be wiped out." He practically growled. Every bone in my body was telling me to stand against this. I could only assume that Blackstone's champion would be Belial himself, and I hadn't forgotten Stone's description of him. Exaggeration or not, if he couldn't recall a time when Beliel had lost a battle, then he wasn't a force to be crossed without careful preparation.
"There's no need for a decision now." It was the first time Mercy had made her presence known since our arrival. Perhaps because of this, the words captured our attention faster than anything else prior, with even Cross adjusting to look at her. I'm not sure why I bothered trying to find her angle, everything about her was just as unreadable as ever.
"Let us escort them back to their hamlet and wait the 24 hours given by Holden. If they are gone, we will honor our offer. If not, we will assume Trial by Champion." She explained. No, what would be the point of this meeting then? We needed to work things out now, it was too soon for things to fall apart, not when other options were available. Across from me, Stone began shaking his head and leaned forward, holding out his arms in a 'stopping' motion.
"Everyone just hold on a second here." He demanded, vocalizing the frustration I'm sure everyone felt at this point. At his side, Kharion gave a disinterested glance with an evil glare in his eye. He was losing his patience, and fast. Worse, I realized his mind was set, possibly even before we arrived. Stone had been right…
"Are we seriously just throwing away a peace talk not even ten minutes after we got here? What the heck even is the point of all this if-"
"Stone." I said quietly. Stone's head jerked a bit in surprise as he turned his attention towards me.
"It's Kharion's choice." I said. I could have shouted to heaven at that moment. Was he truly not going to argue for the innocents here? These were people who had never seen war, and should not have to. Why was Kharion so eager to have a war brought to his doorstep, was he really so blind to seek personal vengeance over the security of his own home? The people who trusted him? This wasn't acceptable!
It was at this point that I realized all of the others were watching me, waiting. My fury subsided a bit at this realization and I took a deep breath, releasing it slowly as I forced myself to remain silent. Bitter as I was at how this situation was turning out, I wasn't the mediator for Herongale. In the end, foolish or not, it was Kharion's responsibility to decide the hamlet's fate. I could disagree, but it wasn't for me to decide, for better or worse. A hand fell on my shoulder as I resigned myself, and a quick glance confirmed it as Deborah, a soft, sad, and despite her efforts to hide it, scared smile on her face. Before I could properly respond, our attention was stolen by Kharion's response.
"Despite the short time we've been here, you've given me much to consider, Blackstone. We will take your 24 hours, you will receive your answer then." He answered confidently. I could only shake my head in disappointment. I couldn't help but feel we'd just turned away our best chance at survival.
"Are you certain?" Asked Cross. Kharion actually scoffed at that question.
"I have spoken, Lawbringer. Do not question me again." He spat. Cross didn't seem to react to his words at first glance, but I was able to see his fist clenching at his side in frustration. To make matters worse, Kharion actually stood up and looked down on Cross, as if to assert his authority.
"We will take our leave now." He said, turning to make his exit. I guess Stone must have run out of patience, for he jolted up and grabbed at the elder's shoulder, pulling and spinning him around before he could force Stone's hand off of him.
"Hey! We are not done here! We are not sending your people off to execution because you are too angry to see reason!" Stone shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at him.
"You had best remember your place, Conqueror. I can just as easily cast you out." He hissed back, causing Stone to clench his own fist in a fury. This was getting ugly fast…
"Stone, stand down! This won't help anything!" I yelled, rising to my own feet as I tried to calm things down. Beside me, Deborah followed suit, grunting a bit and holding her side as she did.
"Look, Kharion, if this is about your dad, then-"
"Don't talk about my father!" Kharion yelled in a rage, marching towards her in long, heavy steps. I sprung into action immediately, stepping in front of my friend and pushing my hand into his chest with immense force. The action was enough to elicit a surprised grunt from him as he was pushed away. In that moment, there was murder in his eyes, but I didn't care. I was done appeasing him. Behind me, Deborah took a cautious step forward.
"All I was going to say is I get it, alright? Believe me, I do. But we have more important things to think about then one dead relative, okay?" Kharion growled in response as he lifted a fist, but wisely chose to lower it when he noticed me do the same.
"What do you know about a father being unjustly murdered?" He growled.
"Oh, I think she is well aware of what you think you're feeling, wrong as it is." Belial interrupted. The input was so unexpected that I actually lost focus for a moment, shaking my head to glance at him. Deborah did the same, her face rapidly shifting to one of confusion as Belial stood slowly.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" She asked cautiously. Belial chuckled a bit as he reached up towards his helmet. A few flicks of his fingers, and the straps securing the helmet came undone.
"You do, little bard. Maybe you just don't recognize me." He hissed, placing his hands on either side of his helmet and lifting. I adjusted my stance to face him, taking note of his face as he revealed a chin covered in black stubble. When the helmet was fully removed, and the padding underneath stripped away, I wasn't fully sure what to think. I had no memory or recollection of this man.
His face was noticeably angular, with his jaw and cheeks being especially pronounced. His hair had been haphazardly cut, and was noticeably longer in a few places, betraying an attempt to hide a receding hairline. Most notable was his eyes, a pale blue that almost reminded me of a sheet of ice. Had he not been a knight, I suspect he would have made for a popular suitor for any unmarried woman. Still, this did nothing for my memory, I was still clueless as to his identity. However, when I turned to see Deborah's reaction, it stopped me cold.
Her eyes were wide as saucers, and her skin looked almost as white as the snow surrounding us. As though in a trance, her shaking hand began to reach towards the inside of her jacket as she took a small step back, her eyes never leaving Belial's face. As she continued reaching higher, I realized she was going for her knife. Whatever recognition this man brought, it couldn't have been anything pleasant. My feelings only solidified when I reached to stop her and felt resistance, her breathing picking up as I had to pull against her.
"Deborah, what is the matter?" I asked quietly. Her eyes remained locked on Belial even as she answered me;
"It's him… Liam it's him…" I couldn't tell if that was fear or disgust in her voice as she continued to pull against me. Her pulling became desperate as she took hold with her remaining hand and tried to push my hand away from her. Her panic made me sick to my stomach, even as I tried to discern what she was saying.
"Who, Deborah? Who is he?" I asked again, finally managing to hold her in place. Her arm was shaking so violently I could feel it even through my gauntlet, and I could see her chest visibly heaving from how heavy her breathing had become.
"So you do remember. I'm glad to see my lesson took root." Belial said. Lesson? Remember? Wait, was Belial…
"…He killed your father." I realized. Deborah was so shaken that she couldn't even nod in acknowledgement, but she didn't need to. My mind began spinning as I turned to look back at him, the dirtbag didn't even have the decency to look her in the eye, he'd already turned back towards Kharion. Did his life really matter so little it only served to be a lesson? This was who Blackstone turned to?!
"Both of your fathers stood against their betters. They thought they could mock and belittle the true inheritors of this world, they thought wrong. Just as you do, Elder." Belial sneered. That rotten… who did he think he was? Betters?! What did he think this was?!
"You Godforsaken rat!" Kharion yelled as he practically lunged at the scum. The only thing that stopped him from striking at the man was Stone leaping forward and holding him back.
"ENOUGH!" Cross shouted, practically launching himself forward as he grabbed at Belial. A powerful shove nearly made Belial trip over the log, only just barely catching himself as Mercy casually sidestepped away from him. Now even Belial seemed to carry an angry scowl as he glared at his commander. This, however, did not deter Cross.
"One more word from you, and I'll send you marching back to Apollyon, on foot, by yourself! Got it?" He drilled, angrily pointing the opposite way we came. Belial seemed to get the message, as he replaced his helm and took a step back. Cross seemed to compose himself, sighing deeply as he rubbed the top of his head. Deborah was still shaking, not that I could blame her. The best I could do for her was put myself between her and her father's killer. Eventually, Cross broke the uncomfortable silence that had settled over the meeting.
"Elder, we are still fully willing to discuss terms. If you wish to stay, we will accommodate you and your company. If not, I will have my cavalry captain lead you back home, and give you your 24 hours." He explained. The Elder wrestled himself free of Stone's grasp, cracking his neck a bit as he did. I could tell my friend wanted to say something more, but it seemed the fight had left him. Shaking his head, he took a step back and crossed his arms once more, taking as neutral a stance he could muster.
Kharion, for his part, straightened himself and glared at Belial a moment longer before turning his attention toward Cross. An uneasy quiet descended back over the camp as he seemed to ponder his thoughts. Beside me, Deborah had stopped shaking, but she remained as stiff as the logs we'd used for seating. I wanted to turn and reassure her, say something, anything to put her mind to ease. But in a case like this, what was there to be said? As someone who'd been victim to a deluge of unwanted memories, I was certain she now faced that hell. The best I could do now was provide something for her to latch onto.
After a time, Kharion finally spoke, and I could practically taste the bitterness in his words.
"Send for your Captain, Lawbringer." The tension in the air seemed to evaporate in an instant, replaced by one of despair. We had been so close, and now it had been squandered… How had this gone so wrong so quickly? I didn't want to blame the Elder, was he not in the throes of grief? Still, I could not stop my heart from sinking as I turned to Deborah, placing a hand on her arm as she held a hand to her head and stumbled, no doubt lightheaded from her panic.
"I… As you wish, Elder." Cross said slowly. He sounded as defeated as I felt.
"Belial, fetch Captain Obadia, tell him and his men to ready up, and that I want them back as soon as they are able." He ordered. I did not turn to watch as Belial lumbered away, the sliding pieces of his armor ringing in the air. A second and third set of steps were not far behind, though the lack of sound told me it was not Cross or Stone. I turned back towards them to confirm my thoughts, and surely the two armored men were all that remained.
Stone was pacing back and forth, a silent rage emanating off him like rays of dark sunlight. Cross, on the other hand, seemed utterly crushed. His head was bowed as he reclaimed his weapon, gently setting the pommel down on the cold earth.
"That was not how I wanted things to go." He said softly, adjusting his grip on the poleaxe and turning around. Using the weapon as an anchor, he pivoted himself slowly to look between us, remaining still once he'd properly moved. Again, I felt a conflict arise in my psyche. Sympathy that his effort for peace had failed, yes, but also rage. I wasn't quite sure what this feeling stemmed from, the botched meeting, the echoes of our past, or the distress his lieutenant had caused my companion. In any case, I found myself unable to address him.
"So what now? Just throw our hands up and hope we don't meet on the battlefield?" Stone asked, stopping just long enough to spare Cross a sideways glance. Cross, for his part, merely sighed.
"Actually, I'd hoped I could have a word with you two, come to some kind of understanding." He admitted. Understanding? What kind of understanding did he think we could reach now? Kharion had made his choice, and Stone was right. We were just accessories, with no real power of our own. Besides, even if I wanted to, I swore my loyalty to Herongale, that wasn't something I could throw away. Not to mention my most important charge.
"I'm afraid we've been spoken for, for better or worse. There is nothing more that can be said." I replied, gently rubbing Deborah's arm. Cross nodded sadly and looked to the ground.
"I understand. May God be with you, then." Was all he said. That seemed to be the final nail in the coffin. Stone sighed in frustration and turned the way he came, only retrieving the shield from his back once he had cleared the tent. With a gentle hand, I pushed Deborah forward, leading her towards the exit. She was still shaken by Belial's revelation, and did not resist my actions, only clinging into my arm as she walked.
"Liam." Despite my reservations, I turned behind me one last time to address Cross. Even with all of his armor, he looked almost pitiful as he practically dragged his head back up to me. When he'd finally managed to bring his head back around, he said only two words.
"I'm sorry." The words were genuine, I could feel it. That said, I had no idea which of his transgressions he was apologizing for, or if he were simply apologizing for all of them. Then again, I suppose it didn't matter at this point. Despite my complicated feelings for the man, I felt compassion for his plight. So, I nodded back.
"Me too." I replied. Turning away, I continued to lead Deborah, proceeded to open the entrance of the tent…
…And walked.