The battle was won. Sol had survived, but he knew it was not the end of his troubles. However, something else bothered him. Alicia had spared the orc general. It was an enemy that had killed her people and it served the Dark Queen. So why did she let it go? If she had the capacity to forgive that monstrosity, then perhaps...
"Hey!"
Hick's voice distracted Sol and caused him great irritation. He had been doing minor repairs on his mechanical gauntlet as he sat at the bank of the small river that ran through the main square of Halem, observing soldiers and civilians clearing the streets of debris. Much of the city south across the river laid in ruins caused by the explosions from his traps as smoke rose from the black craters.
"Boss wants to see you," Hicks told Sol.
He nodded, not saying a word and followed him to the Golden Egg Tavern, the place where Sol had planned the defender's last stand. He was surprised that the building had held, despite being bombarded by the brute's attacks, and helped the defenders repel them until reinforcements arrived. The tavern had become a makeshift hospital, and as they entered, they saw a mass of injured soldiers laying on bloody cots and mats. Nuns of the Church and other healers worked tirelessly to help the wounded, though for a majority of them it was too late. Sol watched them with cold, apathetic eyes, not caring for the wounded as he walked past them until he reached Vult, with Hicks leaving the two of them alone.
"Sol," Vult greeted him. "How are your injuries?"
"As you can see, I'm still walking," he replied in his usual deadpan expression.
"Hicks told me you took quite a beating during the battle," Vult pointed. "Especially when you tried to face that orc general alone."
Sol shrugged. "I came out of it fine, didn't I?"
Vult crossed his arms. "Well, injured or not, I gotta get you checked out. Keane's out of commission for the moment, so I'll have to find someone else to treat your wounds. And don't think about running off. Had to tie you down and force you to get treated after our last skirmish, remember?"
Aggravated that he was stuck in this situation, Sol reluctantly sat on one of the cots. Vult only watched in amusement.
"Stubborn as always," Vult laughed. "But you did good today. Hicks told me that you planned the defenses. I always knew that behind that snark, you were a brilliant tactician."
Sol didn't say a word as he casted his eyes down. Vult had expected Sol to grunt or nod his head as his usual response, but his silence meant that his mind was elsewhere.
"Something bothering you?" Vult asked.
Sol hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Why did she let it go?"
The question surprised Vult, but he knew what he had meant.
"You mean Alicia and that orc general? Truth be told, I haven't got a clue. Never seen anyone spare an orc on a whim. And a princess knight such as herself is the last person to do something like that."
"Guessing it's got to do with her 'chivalric nature', or whatever," Sol assumed. "Still doesn't make sense though. Killing the orc would've been justice. Yet she let it go. Doesn't that contradict everything she swore to Alliance?"
Vult shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe you should ask her. After all, you two did help each other during the battle, right?"
Sol grumbled in annoyance. "Guessing Hicks told you about that as well. Goddamn blabbermouth."
Vult chuckled. "He didn't specify the details, but from your tone, it seems you've grown fond of her."
Sol scoffed. "Yeah, fond. I wouldn't put it that way."
Vult crossed his arms, his voice becoming stern yet curious at the same time. "Then why did you stay and help her? I told you to scout and report back, but you insisted on staying behind."
Sol shrugged, giving his answer in his deadpan expression. "Maybe I did it to become a hero. Become famous and fornicate with the Princess Knight, or whatever."
Vult shook his head, clearly not amused by his sarcasm. "I think there were more ulterior motives to your actions. Do you truly think she would forgive you if she found out who you are?"
Sol remained silent, his crimson eyes staring past Vult's rough exterior. He hated to admit it, but it struck a nerve when Vult had asked that question.
"You don't have to answer," Vult said. "But keep in mind that what's done is done. Nothing you can do can change that. But you can change your future. We still have our dream to achieve, remember?"
Sol grunted, remembering his talks with Vult. There was some truth in his words, that nothing he could do could change things. He had to accept who he was, that the path of the Kuroinu was his only chance at redemption. Perhaps helping Vult could also help himself.
"Just keep up the good fight," Vult reassured. "Soon, we will all be free from our troubles. And we'll bask in glory together, my friend."
Friend. Again, that word instilled anxiety into his mind. He tried his best to shake it off, but always, it stuck with him. Even with his growing relationships with Vult, Hicks, Keane, and the other Kuroinu members, it was still difficult for him to accept it.
"At any rate, sit tight," Vult told him. "One of these pretty nuns oughta take a look at ya. I suggest you remove that scarf as well. Be easier to look at your injuries without that thing getting in the way."
"Then I would rather stay injured," Sol stated, fixing his scarf.
Vult laughed heartily. "Ah, right. Part of your quirk, never taking it off. But if you keep that dirty rag on, the cute ladies here are gonna assume you're ugly."
Sol scoffed. "Good. Maybe then, everyone will leave me alone."
Vult shook his head in amusement. "Always trying to push people away, keep 'em at a distance. Anyway, I'm gonna go check on Keane and the other boys. Lost some good men today, but I'm glad I didn't lose you."
Sol was hesitant to call anyone a friend, but Vult was one of the few people who he had begun to trust. The ruthless mercenary was not so ruthless when it came to him, and for once in a long time, he felt appreciated.
"By the way," Vult said as he reached into his side pocket, pulled out a small pouch of orens and handed it to Sol. "Earlier, I spoke with one of the priests in charge of bounties. This is your share for that chieftain."
Sol inspected the coins, and it was far less than what he had hoped for.
"It never pays to be a hero," Sol grumbled. "But thanks. For everything."
Vult nodded with affirmation and left.
Sol was soon left alone and his thoughts fell back to the Princess Knight. He was confused as to why she would let the enemy go. Could she truly be that naive, he wondered. Was her sense of justice so deranged, she would even spare the lives of those that hurt her and her people? Perhaps Vult was right about one thing; no matter what he did, Alicia would never forgive him.
"E-excuse me?"
His thoughts were interrupted yet again. This time, a timid young woman had approached him. She was short, almost childlike in appearance but her bust was much too large for a woman her size. Her wavy pink hair complimented her long white dress adorned with pink and golden jewelry. The golden tiara that she wore embedded with the elven gem of Uriade Mirrine was a clear tell who she was; Prim Fiorire, princess of Ur and another of Celestine's Princess Knights. She was also the younger cousin to Alicia, and he was surprised to see someone like her in such a morbid place. His first impression of her was that she was innocent, timid and shy. However, her deep blue eyes showed her to be someone with a kind and caring heart. It was girls like her who were gullible and easy to manipulate, those who were easy prey for bad men who sought to hurt others.
"A-are you Master Varron?" Prim stuttered, as if she were nervous, even terrified, to talk to him. Sol couldn't blame her; he was not the approachable type, with his masked face, dead expression and dark crimson eyes. To any person, he appeared to be a common street thug, though there was some truth to that.
"I am," Sol replied, bowing. "And you are Lady Fiorire, princess of Ur. Pleased to meet you."
The young woman smiled nervously, trying to hide her blush and anxiety, which caused Sol great irritation and discomfort.
He sighed as he tried his best to be polite. "Can I help you with anything?"
Prim jumped slightly as she stuttered. "I, uhm. I-I was… I heard you were the one who helped my sister defend Halem. I came here to say thank you for helping her."
It seemed strange to Sol that Prim would call Alicia 'sister', even though they were cousins. Then again, from the stories he heard, they were almost inseparable and practically were siblings.
"No need to thank me," Sol brushed her off. "Thank your soldiers instead. They're the ones with homes and families to protect."
Prim blushed, trying her best to remain in a polite posture. "But don't you have a home and a family to protect too?"
"I protect my own well being," Sol explained, adding some sarcasm to his statement. "I don't go out of my way to help others, but since I did, I demand compensation."
Prim wasn't quite sure how to answer him as her face flustered even more and her speech staggered. "Oh. Well, I'll make sure to talk with my sister and the church to make sure you get compensated and-"
Sol chuckled as he shook his head. "Relax. That was a joke."
Prim pouted, her face reddening with embarrassment. "You have a very strange sense of humor, Master Varron."
"So I've been told," Sol said nonchalantly. "I've been called meaner things though, so I'll take it as a compliment. I'm sorry for the bad jokes. It tends to drive people away."
Prim accepted his apology with a nervous smile, although she was more relaxed now than before.
"Normally, I only fight for money," Sol continued, "but my reasons to fight are rather… complicated."
"What do you mean?" she asked, curious what Sol had meant.
He paused, thinking about his words carefully before giving an answer. "I owe your sister, and to a certain degree, you, a great debt."
His answer confused Prim. "Oh? We don't even know each other. How could you owe me anything?"
"Like I said, it's complicated," Sol explained. "Forgive me, as it's the only answer I can give."
Prim was still confused, but accepted his explanation and smiled. "Well, regardless of your reasons, I think you're very brave for helping my sister."
Sol grunted, uneasy at the praises he was receiving from the princess.
"I wasn't brave, just stupid," Sol stated. "I'm not the type of person who likes to help others."
Prim studied Sol as she looked into his crimson eyes. They were dark like his expression, hidden behind the red scarf, and he was quite intimidating, but she could sense more from him.
"My sister once said that mercenaries aren't to be trusted," she said. "They fight only for their own cause and care for no one."
"Your sister is correct," Sol affirmed. "Which is why you shouldn't be anywhere near men like me."
"Well, I think you might be different from the others," Prim said.
Sol raised a brow. "How so?"
She smiled. "Because you have a kind heart. I know good people when I see them, and you're one of them."
If only that were true, he thought. Sol found it strange that she would have such faith in a person she had just met, let alone someone like him. Her kindness and care made her too vulnerable, too weak to resist the evils in this world. Perhaps she was more naive than her older cousin, and Sol joked that it must have ran through the family.
"Thank you," Sol said, trying to find a way to change the subject. "But if I may ask, why are you here? This is no place for a Princess Knight."
"I came here with my healers from Ur to help the injured," Prim explained. "I'm still a novice, but the Church has taught me about Miracles, and how I can use them for healing magic. If it's not too much trouble, maybe I can heal your injuries, too."
Sol wanted the girl to leave, but he knew that her heart would break if he rejected her offer. Though Prim was considered an adult, she had traits similar to a child, and even acted like one. She was the true definition of innocent. Plus, it would not look good to Alicia if he were to do something to upset her younger cousin. After all, she seemed to be the only other person to show any kind of compassion towards him, besides Vult.
Sol sighed and conceded. "I suppose I could have someone look at my back. Some imps got a couple of jabs through my armor during the battle."
Prim saw his dark eyes soften. She saw exhaustion and bitterness, but she could also sense a hint of compassion behind his dead expression. Prim nodded in affirmation, smiling warmly and Sol nodded the same.
Her face instantly flustered and her heart skipped upon seeing Sol unstrap the belts that held his brigandine in place, taking off the padded gambeson underneath and revealing his lean but muscular bare body. The sight of Sol himself, being intimidating, unsettling, and half-naked made her pause.
"My lady?" Sol asked, snapping Prim from her trance.
"I'm sorry," Prim apologized. "Please show me your wounds."
Sol obliged and faced his back towards her, revealing a couple of fresh wounds. She observed for a time, trying her best to hide her blush as well, before reaching into her handbag and pulling out a small bottle filled with red liquid.
"Your wounds aren't serious, but they still need to be treated," Prim explained. "Drink this tonic. It'll make the Miracles work faster. It will make you drowsy, but you look like you could use some rest."
Sol was reluctant but she was right about one thing- he was extremely tired, and sleep didn't sound too bad. It would also take his mind off of many things that plagued his thoughts. He took the small bottle, unscrewed the cap and carefully stuck it under his scarf, drinking the liquid while concealing his face.
"Why not remove your scarf?" Prim asked curiously, wondering why he chose to drink it in a complicated manner.
"Because I have bad breath," Sol answered with his usual deadpan expression.
Prim frowned. "Is that another one of your jokes?"
"No, that was serious," Sol replied deadpanned again.
For such a cold looking man, he certainly had a strange sense of humor, Prim thought. Pushing the thought out of her mind, she extended her hand and gently placed it on one of the wounds and muttered a foreign phrase which Sol did not recognize. But almost instantly, he felt a soothing sensation course throughout his body. He never realized how exhausted he was until now, and he found himself closing his eyes, drifting into unconsciousness as the tonic started to take effect.
As Sol slumped over, Prim laid him down on his side and began repairing the wounds with her magic. She studied him, watching the mercenary breathing in and out peacefully, as if he hadn't slept in a long time. She wondered who he was and what he meant by his debt to her and Alicia.
"Prim?"
She turned around to see Alicia approaching.
"You had me worried, I was looking everywhere for you," Alicia said with relief in her voice. Anywhere that Prim was, she was never far behind. Alicia always acted as her bodyguard, never letting her out of her sight if they were outside the castle.
"I'm fine, sis," Prim reassured her. "I just came here to thank Master Varron. He has wounds that need to be treated."
"So do hundreds of others," Alicia remarked. "Let the healers treat him. We have other matters to tend to."
"But this man helped you during the battle," Prim pointed out. "I wanted to thank him and heal him."
"I understand you wanting to help others," Alicia continued, "but you know that the Kuroinu aren't to be trusted."
"But why?" Prim asked. "They haven't done anything wrong. It's not because of what your father said, right?"
Alicia knew what her question meant. Her father had once stated that he did not trust the Kuroinu because many of them were rumored to be criminals, though there was no evidence that pointed to their past. Even Alicia herself doubted her father's skepticism, but she did not trust them any less.
Alicia did not answer, and the silence made Prim uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry, sis. I didn't mean to bring that up. I miss him too, you know."
It was a memory that still pained Alicia, even after all the years that had passed. She tried her best not to show her emotions.
"It's okay," Alicia reassured her. "I know you're just trying to help."
She gave a reassuring smile, and Prim returned the gesture, the two quickly reconciling with each other.
"Don't take too long," Alicia told her. "We still have other things to do. And I need to answer to the church."
Prim knew what Alicia meant. "About you sparing the orc general? Are they mad at you about that?"
"Father once said that everyone deserves a second chance," Alicia explained. "I don't believe it, but after seeing that monster and looking into its eyes, I couldn't help but feel that there may be some truth to what he said."
"An aberrant that can show remorse," Prim thought aloud. "I didn't think they were capable of feelings. Do you think they deserve mercy?"
Alicia pondered on Prim's question. "I will leave that to Lady Celestine to decide."
"And what about the Dark Queen?" Prim asked.
Alicia held a hand up. "Enough, Prim. Tend to his wounds quickly, and then come meet with me outside the tavern."
Before she could leave, Prim stopped her. "What debt does he owe you?"
Alicia was confused. "What?"
"Master Varron- he said he only fought with you because he owed you," Prim explained. "Do you know what he meant by that?"
Alicia shook her head. "I don't. Maybe I'll ask him once he awakens."
Alicia soon left her side and stepped outside the tavern. There, she met with a short old man dressed in fancy garments, though it did little to compliment his potted belly and grizzled face. He was Beardsley, and despite his rather dark appearance, he was the prime minister of Feoh, an advisor to the Arcturus family and one of the most important people to Alicia.
"My lady," Beardsley greeted Alicia. "Have you found Miss Fiorire?
"She's fine," Alicia answered. "She's tending to one of the patients and will rejoin us soon."
"The patients will have to wait," Beardsley told her. "We'll need her counsel for the nobles, for they will want a huge compensation for the damage done to the city."
"Yes, they will not be pleased about that," Alicia commented. "But it was the best plan we had in order to save the rest of the city, as well as many of our soldiers."
"Still, the damage is too high of a cost," he explained. "Whatever tools or weapons were used during the battle has caused significant damage to Halem's infrastructure, and will cost more to rebuild the city than maintaining the army, not to mention the many refugees that are now left without a home and will be too expensive to sustain."
Alicia frowned as she tightened her fist in anger. It made her sick hearing how the high class had so little regard for the people. "So the nobles would rather lose our military and our citizens than a few buildings?"
"It seems that way," Beardsley pointed. "But I wouldn't concern myself too much over the nobles. It is the Church that worries me- they will demand an explanation from you for sparing the enemy."
Alicia sighed, trying some way to relieve the burden from her mind. "I know. My actions were questionable, no doubt. It has already spread doubt amongst my men and trouble will arise in the Alliance unless I address it."
"How will you do it, my lady?" Beardsley asked.
Alicia made up her mind as she held her head up with determination. "I will speak directly to Lady Celestine. The Church will not understand my reasons, but I'm sure her holiness will."
"Then we shall set off for the capitol," Beardsley suggested. "Besides, I'm sure her holiness will want to hear the story of how you successfully defended the city. Its sure to be a cause for celebration."
Alicia nodded. "Yes, but it is no time to celebrate. Too many people have died, and this war is nowhere close to ending."
"It will give the people hope to persevere," Beardsley pointed. "Plus, we need the respite. You could use it too, you know. I know you have been trying too hard to fill in your father's shoes."
Alicia's expression saddened as she turned away. "I can only hope to fulfill the duties entrusted to me in his stead, as I will never be the warrior he was."
"That's not true, my lady," Beardsley reassured her. "You are his daughter, a strong, courageous and beautiful woman of the Arcturus family. You are more than capable."
Alicia smiled as she held back her tears. "Thank you, Beardsley."
The old man smiled in return. "Rest assured, we will find whoever murdered Eos and deliver him to you."
Alicia nodded, her determined face staring at the black smoke rising from the city ruins. "No doubt it is the Dark Queen's doing, but I will find my father's killer. And justice shall be delivered. I swear it, Beardsley."
He bowed in respect before addressing other issues. "Let us finish our work here before moving for Geofu. It will be a few days to travel there so I will prepare us for the journey."
As Alicia walked away with her knights, Beardsley moved away from the crowds, walking past the main square and approached the broken bridge, where Vult stood alone.
"What took you so long?" Vult asked him irritatedly.
"Apologies, I had to help Lady Alicia search for Lady Prim," Beardsley explained. "Not to mention I also need to speak with the nobles of Halem about the damage done to the city. Your Black Dogs are responsible for this mess, you know."
"If it weren't for my mercenaries, this city would have fallen and your soldiers would be dead," Vult argued. "Specifically, your Alicia would be dead as well. After all, you want us to keep her alive, right?"
Beardsley gritted his teeth in anger. "You're so confident that your plan will work, aren't you? There are still other factors you need to consider. Take a little caution or else your recklessness will get us both in trouble!"
Vult chuckled, unfazed by Beardsley's warning. "Have faith, old man. After all, it was my mercenaries who also helped clear the way of your thorn, Eos. With him out of the way, conquering Feoh will be a breeze."
"You never explained to me how you will, though," Beardsley said. "You don't have the manpower or weapons to take down one fortress, so how do you plan on conquering the entire country?"
"Patience," Vult told him. "As long as we are in Lady Celestine's and the Church's good favor, we're sure an opportunity will present itself. With my growing influence, your resources, and specifically one of my men, we will be able to achieve our goals."
"You mean the crimson rogue?" Beardsley asked. "The one who is also responsible for the damage done here?"
Vult grinned deviously as his dark brown eyes lit with intent. "Yes. You forget that he's also done you a great favor, though he has yet to know who his contractor is."
Beardsley shook his head. "It's best to keep my identity a secret. After all, if he were to find out that you and I plotted the assination, he might turn on you."
"He's loyal," Vult assured. "He will not turn. I promise."
Beardsley sighed, accepting Vult's answer, though he was still skeptical. "If you say so. But we must finish our business here and set off for Geofu."
"Headed to the capitol, eh?" Vult asked.
"Your Black Dogs will be needed to escort our convoy," Beardsley told him. "And keep your men in order- Lady Alicia is still wary of you."
"Relax," Vult said as he chuckled deviously. "She has nothing to fear from my men. Especially Sol. He's done nothing but good deeds, after all."
AN: this was quite a tough chapter to write. Character interactions and inner thoughts aren't my strongest suites, so any comments or criticism is needed. Thanks again for reading!