The bar was warm if empty as the noncommisioned officer forced the door closed against the gusting winds. Snow was still in banks along the city roads and a sew flakes danced along the floor as the latch clicked shut. The few men was sat around the fireplace groused against the chill of the wind but they turned back to their drinks and their quiet chatter when they saw the three chevrons of a sergeant on the newcomers shoulder as he swept his cloak over his shoulder. Some made gestures of acknowledgment, but the sergeant showed no interest in the enlisted men, quickly searching the bar over until he saw who he was looking for. He made quick strides, but he was careful to glance around discreetly to ensure nothing was out of the ordinary. Satisfied that the few remaining enlisted men were too busy with their drinks to bother with him or his friend, he slid into the booth.
"Evening, sergeant. Enjoying the new post?" The man was dressed in a dark brown strider-leather jacket and a pair of dark slacks. Polished shoes matched his nice shirt beneath the jacket, a nicely cut vest buttoned up as if he was a waiter at a fine restaurant. The sergeant grunted as he sat back, pulling his heavy clock aside to reveal a set of standard Demacian fatigues. His uniform was sparsely decorated, a combat Magician's tab was above a Demacian Army tab over his left breast pocket, and he wore the Demacian coat of arms and a Unit patch showing the crossed swords of the Demacian Royal Guard on his right shoulder. The name tab was missing from his right pocket, but that wasn't out of the ordinary for officers among the Royal Guard. Smokey light shrouded his face beneath his hood, but olive skin could be see as he looked up towards the ceiling where a record played soft, slow music through the pub. "How was the prince doing this evening?"
"Oh drop the formalities." The sergeant grumbled and sighed heavily. "After today, I'm really not up for it."
"Aww, don't be such a Debby downer." Leather Jacket said, chuckling, getting a disgruntled glare from the sergeant. "I was just teasing you. How was your day?"
"Nothing too out of the ordinary but way too long." The sergeant said brusquely, dropping a coin onto the table and waving the only barmaid working this late over. "Ale, please." She nodded and turned away, heading towards the large wooden bar where a sleepy looking balding man would pour a drink every few minutes as he closed out the late night business, mostly soldiers coming off of late duty assignments .
"Ease up a bit, Wally." Leather Jacket said with a grin, leaning back. "This was supposed to be a casual date, not a military tribunal. Is working with him really that hard?"
The sergeant named Wally shook his head and leaned forward on the table. "Yeah, it's getting pretty frustrating. Keeping up my cover is getting more and more difficult as the prince grows angry at the king and the crap he has to deal with. Hell, even I'm starting to feel for him."
"Don't tell me you've lost your edge now..." Leather Jacket said with an amused grin.
"Hardly, but if I'm to stay under this persona for an extended period of time, I'm going to actively have to earn and maintain the prince's trust. If I don't have it, this is going to be a pain."
"Ease up, Wally, we're still in public." Leather Jacket said with a soft grin. "But I'm sure that's why you haven't called or written in the past three days, huh?" His eyes sparkled in the dim light as he leaned back and covered his mouth and laughed, accepting a refill from the barmaid as she put a second in front of him, and an ale in front of Wally. Wally's frown darkened a bit, but that only caused the other to laugh heartily again. "I'm only kidding, calm down. You're so cute when you're flustered."
"Oh shut up." Wally said, glancing away. The door opened again and they both silenced themselves, looking towards the disturbance. A young woman, fairly short but clad in a heavy dark green cloak with a hood pulled low over her face, stepped out of the chill, a dark blue bird on her shoulder. It had a sharp crest of feathers on the crown of its head, and lighter plumage on its chest.
"Lost, young lady?" The barkeep said with a frown. "It's awful late for you and your bird to be out and about. Why don't you go on home to your parents."
"I'd like a room, please." She said softly, ignoring his statement, running a hand along the bird's head. It had piercing golden eyes that watched intently as the barkeep went through the motions of polishing a glass.
"Oh, is that so?" the Barkeep said, trying to keep his eyes off the young woman's bird.
"Yes please, just one night." She pulled out a couple of silver coins. "This should cover it." She showed him the coins and then emptied them into his hands.
"Yeah that'll do." He said, nodding slowly as he looked over the silver coins. He dug behind the bar and finally pulled out an old, dull key, handing it over the the young woman. "Stay here a sec, I'll go grab your change."
"How about food and drink instead of change." She said gesturing to the bar. The barkeep frowned but shrugged and nodded.
"It'll be a few moments, but I'll see what we've got left." He poured some juice into a glass and handed it over to her. She sniffed at it
"What, not something harder?" She said, pouting.
"Maybe when you're older, kid." The barkeep snorted. "Have a seat in the mean time, I'll bring the food out when it's ready."
"Thanks," She said nodding, heading towards a booth against the far wall.
...
"Runeterra to Sergeant Wally..." Leather Jacket said with a grin. "You there, sergeant?"
"Huh?" Wally shook his head and ran a hand over his face. "Yeah, sorry, just trying to keep vigilant while being this tired is difficult. You were asking about the prince?" Leather Jacket eyed the sergeant up for a moment but shrugged.
"How's his mental state right now, he's got to be feeling the pressure. And I bet he's a little fucked up in the head after his adventure, isn't he?" Leather Jacket yawned as he sipped the foam off the top of his brew and then licked it from his upper lip.
"He seems stable enough." Wally said, stifling a yawn and then tossing off a quarter of his ale. "He's still hung up on the loss of his company, and from what I can tell, there is fairly substantial mental damage and possible psychosomatic issues stemming from his anger and frustration. While I can't be sure, I think he's only getting worse by being separated from the dragon-girl and being back in Demacia is keeping him from sleeping at night, only compounding existing problems. He's going to crash soon, and it's going to be hard." Wally paused and shrugged. "Aside from the mental deterioration from his frustrations with his current working conditions and the forced quarantine from the half-dragon, he seems mentally sound."
"Been pushing his buttons, have you?" Leather Jacket said with another grin as he swirl his stein about and then lifted it to his lips.
"Yeah, it's not fun though." Wally said with a sigh. "I nearly had to blow my cover today when he knocked over a cup of coffee and went berserk. He started dressing me down like a drill sergeant, but he realized he was simply frustrated and turned it into a sort of test."
"Oh my, he sounds like he hasn't lost his edge at all..." Leather Jacket purred.
"He's razor sharp but spring loaded. He's wound way too tight and with all the pressure he's feeling, his crash and burn might turn into the better part of a massive explosion." Wally shrugged and took another sip of ale. "I know this is just my personal opinion, but my hunch is that in his current state, the reaction is going to be explosive and dangerous for those around him. I'll do what I can to throttle him, but I don't really know what I'm going to be able to do about it just yet."
"Any ideas about what might be useful for controlling or keeping him in line when push comes to shove?" Leather Jacket said, a more placid and thoughtful face descending upon him as he laid back.
"I think the dragon-girl is the key to keeping him in place." Wally said with a shrug. "He's a good man, but he's brash and impulsive when pushed. Continuing to hold the dragon hostage for an extended period of time is probably going to have the opposite effect to what we want. I would say just give her the position she wants as a bodyguard within the palace guard and he can waste his time screwing her and not meddling in our affairs. But again, that's just my suggestion."
Leather Jacket sighed. "Fine, I'll pass the word along to top and see what they think."
"Thanks, AJ." Wally said with a small smile. "Oh and I need a favor."
"Well this is new." AJ said, smoothing his leather jacket down as he sat up. "You don't often ask for favors."
"I just need some info." Wally slid his hand out along the table, making a show of taking AJ's hand in his, depositing a small piece of paper in his hand as he did.
"Well, I'll see what I can do." AJ yawned and looked at the clock. "You should probably get home, it's pretty late and you've probably got to get an early start tomorrow, am I right?"
"Yep." Wally said, tossing off the last of his ale and pulling himself out of the booth. He tapped the silver coin on the table. "Enough to cover both tabs?" He spoke to the woman who approached and eyed the coin.
"Of course, sir." She said, nodding, her braids bouncing as she did. "I'll get your change."
"Keep it." Wally said, heading for the door, pulling his cloak tighter around his shoulders. "Thanks for staying open so late."
"Of course sir." She said, bowing in thanks, following as they moved towards the door. "You and your boyfriend stay warm, you hear?"
"Will do." He pulled the door shut.
The barmaid watched them hug, exchanged a quick kiss and then go their separate ways. "What a cute couple." She said to herself, smiling. She turned to the young woman, still grinning. "You wait just a few more minutes, hon, I'll be right back with you food."
"Thanks!" The young woman said with a smile, pulling her hood back to reveal a shock of shoulder length dark hair, messy from her hood. As she shook her hair out and ran hands through it to try and straighten it, the golden eyed bird cocked its head from side to side, shaking its feathers slightly. The young woman eyed the bird with an eyebrow raised, her golden eyes wide and shimmering in the dim light. Her legs stopped moving and she sighed heavily.
"Well... uh... that's not exactly what I expected upon arriving in Demacia." She said softly.
The bird squawked once and shook its head from side to side. The young woman perked up a bit and looked over her shoulder to the kitchen, and then back to the bird.
"Well Valor, we only just got here and Jarvan's already got to be depending on us again." She said with a pixie grin. "It's just like nothing ever changed!" She kicked her legs out and leaned back, smiling.
The bird squawked derisively.
"What? Stick to the plan..." she crossed her arms over her chest and frowned."Not likely." She glanced away and frowned. "Stupid bir-OW! Valor!" The bird had swatted her with his wing and then hopped down onto the table, turning it head to glare at her. The young woman tried to maintain her frown but it melted after a few moments. "Yeah, yeah, I've got this covered. We'll start snooping tomorrow though, okay? I'm tired and hungry." The bird shook its feather disapprovingly but seemed to calm down.
She smiled. "I suppose it's time Demacia got a couple of real heroes." She giggled to herself as she sipped at the juice, clearly excited.
"Perhaps you would like to join us, Prince Jarvan?" The voice cut through Jarvan's daydreams of Shyvana. The prince shook his head and pushed himself up higher in his chair, high in the Council chambers. High Councilor Elias glared up at him from his presiding perch over the council chambers. "Sorry if we're boring you, but if you want to sleep, you should leave the chambers."
"Apologies." Jarvan said, blushing. "Please continue."
Elias glared at him for several seconds before sighing and turning back to the papers in front of him. "As I was saying, the king has prepared a report regarding the distribution of forces in Kalamanda. If you'd like to bring the council up to speed, your highness?"
"Of course." King Jarvan glanced up at his son, shook his head and then proceeded to the center of the council room. "Thank you, esteemed councilors, for the chance to fully prepare this report. Recent movements across Valoran have shown a massive build up in forces, and though we aim to avoid causing an incident by consistently trying to outmatch our Noxian opponents, we've strived to match their forces. With the large influx of forces into the region, we have aimed to maintain a healthy presence without actively inciting violence or causing trouble for the locals."
He paused and turned to accept a sheet of parchment paper from an officer. "The scouts under Colonel Jerome have been monitoring the ongoing situation in the region around Kalamanda." He glanced down at the list. "Our expeditionary force consists of two full regiments, making up an understrength brigade worth of troops. In addition to standard infantry battalions, we've moved armored cavalry and artillery units in to secure the holdings of the Loadstone Mining Consortium in addition to other Demacian interests in the area. To support the large influx of troops, we've been forced to move our own food supplies into the region to support our forces without breaking the city of it's limited resources. We've begun to seek support from Merchant Guild within Demacia Proper to keep the supplies fresh and flowing, and so far, the movement of supplies has been moving according to plan. We're using what little we have in excess supplies to garner a mutually beneficial relationship with the Kalamandan people as we try to move and secure the sole rights to mine the precious minerals that were recently discovered by prospectors."
"What sort of forces are we up against as far as the other City-states are concerned?" Councilor Krackoffen tugged on his gray beard sagely, a frown marring his face.
"I was just getting to that." King Jarvan said, nodding. "Noxian forces number similar to our own, just over two and a half regiments, though we have been unable to actively determine what sort of distribution of forces they have in the area. We've seen evidence of Arcane Artillery and Monitor Dragon based cavalry in addition to their standard infantry forces. We suspect a similar distribution of forces to our own, but we have been unable to pinpoint the exact numbers. There is a small number of Zaunite forces in the area, not more than an understrength battalion, in addition to a company of Piltover researchers that our forces have been assisting with investigations on the valuable minerals in the area to determine their exact composition and worth."
"Has the Mayor of Kalamanda said anything regarding who the mineral rights contract will go to yet?" Councilor Spiritmight wore an impenetrable frown as he leaned heavily on the desk before him.
"No, councilor, he has not." King Jarvan said, turning towards him. "He has expressed gratitude towards our continued assistance as the political situation in the region fluctuates, though several officials within the Kalamandan government and constabulary have expressed interest in what Zaun has to offer."
"Zaun?" Councilor Krackoffen scoffed. "That's preposterous, there's no reason what so ever for them to side with Zaun."
"My sentiments, Councilor." King Jarvan said, nodding. "While my forces have been unable to ascertain why they chose Zaun over the decidedly superior strength of both Demacia and Noxus financially and militarily, we can't completely wave the idea that there might be foul play afoot."
"You suspect something between the Zaunites and Kalamandan officials?" Councilor Spiritmight raised an eyebrow. "Those are bold claims, my king. Surely you have some evidence to back them up?"
"They are merely the suspicions of an overly paranoid old man." The king said, his eyes darkening slightly as he met his brother-in-law's gaze. "I'm erring on the side of caution with this one, Haywood. I've kept this strictly within my staff until now, and while I've sequestered information from the Kalamandan officials, I've been unable to determine anything. Colonel Jerome's scouts within the city, as well as what forces of the Demacian Security Brigade I've been able to task to Kalamanda, have been warned to keep an eye out for anything suspicious."
A murmur passed through the legislative council, and Jarvan himself had to frown at the decision.
"Are you really so worried that you would deploy your own secret police, father?" Jarvan murmured under his breath.
"Sir?" Delancey leaned in as if she expected an order or request. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine." Jarvan said dismissively, running a hand over my face. "Just thinking aloud is all."
"Of course, sir." Delancey stepped back and curtly shook her head at Lee to indicate nothing was wrong.
This could be problematic if the DSB gets involved. Jarvan frowned. Consisting of hundreds of small special operations units, the Demacian Security Battalion was responsible for a number of different things. The safety of the royal family, information gathering on other governments, and the detainment of political prisoners were just some of the many duties shared with other more traditional Demacian military units. The difference was that the DSB reported directly to King Jarvan, and didn't share the same restrictions as the Demacian Army or Navy. They played fast and loose with the rules for the most part, they were capable and willing of using underhanded methods and tactics to get what they want.
"Order, councilors." Elias said evenly, though he could feel the issues many carried over the fact that the king had deployed the DSB without greater notification to the council. "Do you have anything else for the council regarding the force distribution in Kalamanda, your highness?"
"No, High Councilor, that concludes my report." The king bowed to the council and resumed his seat.
"Now, this brings up to the matter at hand: The Kalamanda Mineral right's dispute." High Councilor Elias said with a frown. "As we've covered the history of the region previously, we might as well jump straight into the matter we are most concerned with amid the council: the heavy presence of Noxian and Zaunite forces in the region."
"We have a large presence of our own within the region, though, how is this our most pressing concern?" A councilor said, her arms crossed over her chest. "Shouldn't our efforts be concentrated on winning the support of the Kalamandans?"
"Yes and no." Another councilor said, shrugging. "The issue is one we must skirt cautiously because of the current balance of power in Kalamanda and the rising number of forces of all parties involved. If we continue to escalate the threat and force Noxus to react to us, we run the risk of becoming the aggressor, and that is not a role we want to represent. If we keep on our current path though, reacting to Noxian forces, we end up in the position of being defenders or peacekeepers, only in the region to maintain the peace and protect the Kalamandan people."
"That's a farce and you know it, Councilor Fedorran." Councilor Laurent said, brushing his hand over his salt and pepper beard. "We, as Demacians, are actively pursuing the rights for sole control of the mineral mines in Kalamanda. To try and say otherwise both undermines our position in the region and sends the wrong message to the Kalamandans. We want to express interest in both controlling the mines as well as assisting in Kalamanda's safety and security as an independent province."
"Well put." Councilor Krackoffen mused, nodding. "But Councilor Fedorran also has a point. We must be willing to gain an upper hand on Noxus through any means necessary, and while it might not be the most graceful way of doing so, appealing to the Kalamandan people and Government holds merit as an idea."
"I'm only one of several merchants who has donated multiple tons of foodstuffs to help deal with the incredible burden the rapid influx of troops has forced upon the region. What more can we do?" The councilor who was speaking frowned as he crossed his arms over his chest, his impeccably well groomed hair sitting perfectly, as if it had been carved from stone.
"The council is well aware of this fact, Councilor Yankov." Krackoffen said waving for the man to calm himself and sit down. The merchant councilor, Yankov, frowned but seated himself. "We are infinitely grateful for you and the merchant guild's quick response, but I was thinking along the lines of something more personal."
"What did you have in mind, Krackoffen?" Councilor Laurent said, twirling the tips of his beard around his finger.
"Our armed forces are renowned across Runeterra." Krackoffen said, gesturing and nodding at the king who gave him a return nod for the indirect compliment. "It wouldn't be outside our realm of possibilities to offer training and assistance to the Kalamandan Militia, in addition to trying to assist them with the policing of the region. Not policing it for them, but working with them to provide the muscle necessary to keep everyone in line."
"My forces are ready and willing to assist the Kalamandan forces, be it with training, exercises, or even simply arms and armor." The king said nodding. "This idea has merit if you ask me."
"While I think it does have it's reasoning, we must tread carefully." Fedorran said angrily. "If we try to muscle in upon the Kalamandan forces, the Noxians and Zaunites may view this as a threat and react accordingly my reinforcing the region."
"That would put them in the position of being the aggressor again, though." Laurent said evenly. "While that isn't good or bad, as we know Noxians have no premonitions about anyone else's views on their methods or ideas, as we saw with the Invasion of Ionia seven years previous. They may react violently, despite the growing presence of the Institute of War in the region as well." He frowned before continuing. "We saw just how the Institute reacted seven years ago, after the invasion had begun. The legitimized it after a rather swift and brutal 'match' upon their fields of justice, and then stood idly by while Noxus besieged the country and mercilessly slaughtered thousands."
"What has happened to the refugees retreating from Kalamanda?" Councilor Brightstorm said, raising his hand slightly so as to appear not but so rude as he jumped into the conversation. "It was my understanding that people have begun to flee the city as military forces pour in from both sides. Have we considered extending an olive branch to them to try and gain the people's trust?"
"We can't push our resources but so far." Councilor Yankov growled, shaking his head. "We've given a decent amount of our reserves to the Kalamandans, distributed amid the city dwellers and the refugees. If we bring the Kalamandans into the city we'll be forced to feed and house them. We can't do that but for so long."
"Yankov, if I remember correctly, you and the merchants guild reported that this coming year was going to be the most profitable harvest in the last two decades, and if I recall correctly, last year, you said the exact same thing." Councilor Laurent said, the makings of a smirk forming on his face as he tugged on his mustache.
"Yes well..." Yankov began to say.
"Then surely you and the merchants guild are going to be able to spare some additional foodstuffs to give to refugees." Laurent said with a smile. "Otherwise you would be selling it, right? Shipping it across Valoran to Piltover, Bandle City, Ionia, Zaun, the Freljord and even Noxus? Surely you would rather aid in the progression of your country than line your own coffers... what would the people think of the likes of that?"
"Enough, I was merely pointing out that it will be an economic strain we must take into consideration when formulating plans." Yankov said, sitting heavily in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. "We do have an abundance of foodstuffs even with the winter to come. Housing them all may be an issue, but we have the necessary supplies and resources to make it happen. I would like to suggest that we set up a guest worker program to allow them to contribute to the economy rather than simply feeding on our good will. There is plenty of work that needs doing, especially with the increasing mobilization of our forces."
"It would prove useful to have workers to step in for any reserves we need to call upon if things continue to escalate." The king mused, a smile starting to form on his face. "Is the merchants guild able to assist in the management and training of any guest workers we bring into the city? I'm sure I can speak with the Provost Marshal about having the police forces organize a way to keep track of the the refugees."
"I will speak with the Merchant's Guild and begin the arrangements if the plan goes through." Yankov said, trying to make up for his short comings before, so astutely pointed out by Councilor Laurent.
"I can have my forces begin spreading the word then, and we can begin to set the infrastructure to support such a program." The king said nodding. "I'll have one of my men work with you and the Merchants guild to get it set up."
"That would be perfect, sir." Yankov said, nodding.
"Very good, so we have a course of action settled." Elias said, raising his voice.
"I move to begin a vote to accept the current plan." Councilor Laurent said.
"I second that." Councilor Buvelle said, speaking up for the first time. She drew some curious glances, but she also drew looks of approval.
"Very well." Elias said, nodding. "We will now vote on the suggested plan of supporting Kalamandan refugees, beginning a guest worker program, and working with the Kalamandan forces to try and garner public and governmental support. All in favor?" He quickly did a mental count as hands were raised all around the room, even the reluctant support of Councilor Yankov. "Very well, we have a quorum. If you'll organize the proceedings, your highness?"
"Of course." The king said, nodding his head. "I'll have one of the officers from the Provost Marshal's office set something up with the Merchant guild soon."
"I'll be on the look out for it, sire." Yankov said, nodding.
"Before we stray too far from the issue, I'd like to ask the council's opinion of the supposed Noxian and Ionian Rematch that is slated to occur at the end of the week." Councilor Crownguard said aloud, looking to the council. "While I know this isn't strictly concerning Kalamanda, there are going to be fairy far reaching effects if this battle occurs."
"It is my understanding, according to my daughter, that the battle is legitimate and sanctioned by the league, as well as Noxus and Ionia." Councilor Buvelle said, speaking of her adopted daughter, Sona. "While she wasn't able to offer any reasons as to why the Noxians would extend such an offer, she has expressed her concerns about what would happen is Noxus were to win."
"It's not like they can extend their hold upon the territory they control in southern Ionia, is it?" Fedorran said curiously.
"I don't think my daughter has had a chance to communicate with any of the summoners regarding the official rulings for something like that." Buvelle said with a frown. "Though she expressed that Demacia should be wary for additional pressure in the Kalamanda region if the Noxians are forced out of Ionia. They be looking to try and garner the resources in Kalamanda if they lose access to Ionia's natural resource stockpiles. And if they win the rematch, they might be emboldened by their victory and strike out in Kalamanda."
"So what you're saying is that regardless of the outcome of this battle, you believe we're in trouble." Councilor Laurent said, frowning.
"More or less, yes." Councilor Buvelle said, nodding solemnly.
"Bloody hell." Laurent growled, shaking his head.
"Control yourself, councilor." Elias said with a bit of amusement in his voice.
"Apologies, Councilor Elias." Laurent said with a smile, but the high councilor simply nodded. "Your Majesty, do you believe this will change anything in the short term regarding our existing plan?"
"Not just yet, councilor." The king said with a frown. "Though I will ensure my forces are prepared for any new developments regarding either outcome of the battle."
"Very well." The high councilor mused, turning back to his notes. "Councilor Crownguard, are you able to present your staff's contingency plans yet?"
Marcus Crownguard stood and then bowed at the high councilor. "No sir, not yet." He paused and then glanced at the king. "Despite the prince's assistance in this matter, Jericho Swain's reach is proving to be reaching far and distant, stretching further back that I initially expected. While there are almost a dozen incidents that we can definitively tied to him, there are several hundred that will have to be analyzed case by case. With the prince's continued assistance I hope we can work through them fairly quickly. Once that is complete and his capabilities have been fully explored, we can begin to extrapolate what he's willing and capable of doing."
"And my son has proved helpful?" The king said, stroking his beard, glancing up to where Jarvan sat.
"He has." Councilor Crownguard said, nodding. "He and his staff have been able to narrow down our reports for consideration. It went from several thousand to only a few hundred, though we have yet to turn up much substantial in the way of hard information on Swain or his background."
"Perhaps the prince will be able to fill us in on what he's found?" High Councilor Elias suggested, gesturing towards the prince.
"Of course. Jarvan?" The king looked to him and Jarvan felt his stomach knot up as he pushed himself to his feet and cleared his throat.
"While I was given access to hundreds of resources within the Academy Archives, I wasn't able to dig up much in the way of information on Jericho Swain. The earliest records of Swain trace back to intercepted reports from Noxian officers and written notes from Demacian Scouts regarding fighting with Noxus on the border. These notes date from the last major border war with Noxus, and though they don't mention him by name, the descriptions matches Swain's appearance to the point where it is indisputable. From that point, the first real mention of Swain comes when he receives his commission from Major to Lieutenant Colonel at the end of the last great border war, not long before the formation of the League of Legends. From there, the records are complete but vague with only small holes here and there that seem to be directly correlated to reports from other military forces or Noxian News clippings."
"No recorded history of his birth at all?" Councilor Laurent raised an eyebrow. The doubt on his face clearly showed that he doubted Jarvan was telling the truth.
"No sir." Jarvan said, addressing the councilor directly. "Without access to Noxian records, Swain is a virtual ghost prior to a certain point." Jarvan shrugged.
Laurent frowned and pointed towards Jarvan. "But surely you cou-..."
"Unfortunately, the information just doesn't exist for me to access, councilor." Jarvan growled.
"Thank you, Prince Jarvan." High Councilor Elias said, cutting off Councilor Laurent before the older legislator could open his mouth to argue with the prince. "Councilor Crownguard, how long will it take to analyze the remaining reports and draft up the contingency plans?"
"A few weeks at best." The Crownguard Councilor said with a frown. "Even with the prince's assistance, it will probably take us a while to get through all the reports to extract the valuable information, and from there we'll have to analyze each drafted plan, projecting all of the consequences of each before we narrow them down. And now, will the problems regarding the Ionia and Noxus rematch, it could prove to take even longer."
"Very well." The High Councilor said, nodding. "Perhaps having the prince assigned to your staff for a period of time will speed the process along?"
"It's certainly possible." Councilor Crownguard said, nodding.
"Very well. I'll see to it the paperwork is taken care of in the mean time." The king said, nodding. "Though being a member of a councilor's staff usually requires a higher rank than that of a captain." He turned and looked to his son. "I hope you'll accept the promotion that goes along with this appointment, Prince Jarvan. To go with this and to speed your investigations, I'm upping your security clearance to the highest level. That is, if you accept the promotion of course."
"Of course, your highness." Jarvan said, standing and bowing.
"Very good." The king said with a thin smile. "I'm bumping you up to Lieutenant Colonel, and you'll work under Councilor Crownguard and General Lorcan. Congratulations." A smattering of polite applause filtered through the council room.
"Sir." Jarvan said, nodding, before returning to his seat.
"If anyone has any further business to conduct?" The High Councilor glanced around the room, looking for anything further to be brought up but the councilors remained silent. "Very well, this will conclude our proceedings for now. We shall recess for two hours for lunch and then reconvene to continue with our regular legislative efforts, sans those military officers who needed be involved with the law making affairs of politicians." He raised his gavel and brought it down, striking the desk.
"I'm really getting fed up with these meetings." Jarvan groaned as he pulled himself to his feet and yawned.
"Congratulations on your Promotion, Lieutenant Colonel Lightshield." Lee snapped off a stiff salute. Delancey did as well, though she wore a goofy grin.
"Thanks, I think." Jarvan said wearing a small smile of his own.
"Well sir, I'm happy to say while our only duty under you was a bit boring, I had a lot of fun." Delancey said with a shrug and a grin. "If you ever need a bodyguard, or just a soldier, don't be afraid to send for me."
Jarvan frowned a bit. "Well if you thi-..."
"Jarvan." The king's voice was deep as he drew his son's attention, forestalling the prince's further comments. "Congratulations on your promotion, my son."
"Thank you, father." Jarvan said nodding. His gaze turned to the man with thin, dark eyes and black hair pulled back in a pony tail, a long spear held vertically, a blue and gold banner hung just behind the steel head. "Xin Zhao, it has been too long." Jarvan said with a smile, bowing to the Seneschal.
"Greetings, young master." The Seneschal replied with a serene smile, returning the bow. "I had heard of your return while I was attending to business with the Institute of War. I am glad to see you have returned unharmed."
"Thank you." Jarvan said, letting a bit of a cocky grin slide onto his face. "Though I'm hardly 'young' anymore."
"Apologies." Xin said, nodding sagely. "Though as I am old enough to be your father, or even your grandfather, I believe I garner he right to refer to you as 'young'." Jarvan chuckled and shrugged.
"Eloquent as ever." Jarvan smiled. Jarvan started to turn back to his subordinates, but he paused. "If you would allow me, father, I have a request to accompany my promotion."
"Oh?" The king said, looking back towards Jarvan. "Seldom does an officer ask favors to accompany a promotion." The prince met his father's even glare, the king's eyes a neutral bluish-gray, neither icy nor dangerously dark. He stared at his son for a few brief moments before he sighed and nodded slightly. "Walk with me and I will listen." They moved through the doorway and into the halls of the Demacian Palace.
"I'd like to have these two officers, as well as my administrative assistant, transferred to my staff under the councilor and General Lorcan."
"Oh, is that all?" The king said, surprise playing over his face before he managed to conceal it. "Of course, I'll need you to submit the paperwork but it will be an easy enough reallocation of forces."
"Thank you, sir." Jarvan said, narrowing his eyes. He expected something else? "In addition, Father," Jarvan said, pushing forward." I'd like to request Shyvana be transferred out of Lt. Colonel Spiritmight's training unit and into my command. I'd also like Corporal Ellington Forsythe to be returned to my command."
Jarvan III's brow darkened a bit and his eyes narrowed. "Corporal Forsythe is undergoing medical therapy and a psych evaluation to my knowledge. He is still suffering the ill effects of a lack of proper medical treatment for his missing eye, and he shows major signs of post traumatic stress disorder due to the loss of the remainder of your company."
"Forsythe?" Jarvan said, raising an eyebrow. "There's no way he'd be suffering from something like that. He is stronger than that."
"Are you a doctor?" The king said, his frown growing darker. Jarvan opened his mouth to speak but his father cut him off with a cloudy blue gaze silenced his protests. "I did not think so. He is not combat or service ready until he is cleared from the hospital. He is getting the best of care so let him recover. Two years of service... this is the least you can give him."
"Fine." Jarvan growled, feeling shamed at having had his argument turned back on him so swiftly. "How about Shyvana. I'm sure she's swept through the tests as if they were nothing. She's a powerful ally to Demacia. Keeping her trapped in a training unit is paramount to throwing away resources. You always manage Demacia like a hawk, this is hardly your way."
"You let your emotions rule your judgments about that... woman." The was a moment of hesitation in his voice that spoke of how he had been tempted to use another word. "I've already waved the mandatory basic training that all new recruits must go through. I was told she actually failed her initial test in her unit. Apparently, the lieutenant saw it fit to give her the chance to waive training completely if she had won but she was taken down fairly swiftly."
"Shyvana lost?" Jarvan said, falling a bit short, his shoulders sinking just a bit. "But how..."
"I believe you trained with her lieutenant... a Proudmast Vorscham?" The king smirked as Jarvan's face went blank. "Now just forget about her for now, you have other duties you must attend to. Chasing exotic tail can wait till later." He turned to leave, but he noticed his son's fists were shaking at his side.
"You think that is all this is about?" Jarvan growled, his tone dropping. "You think me so shallow?"
"No, I think you a young man who has been gone for two years." His father said evenly. "It would only be natural that you would let yourself become enamored with the first thing you could lay your hands upon. It's only natural."
"So you think I'm a desperate pig, then?" Jarvan IV stopped and turned to face his father, their guards slowing to a halt behind them. "That I would go for anything with breasts and a vagina?"
"Mind your tongue." The king said, his irritation starting to show in his eyes as the corners of his mouth turned down under the edges of his beard. "It's simply human nature. As soon as you come to your senses about this 'Shyvana' business, I have already arranged for your fiance to meet you."
"Fiance?!" Jarvan practically shouted, bringing all traffic in the busy hallway to a screeching halt. Soldiers all turned to face him, officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted men alike turned to watch as the prince stamped his foot and shouted in anger.
"Yes." The king said with an annoyed frown. "I was going to let your mother tell you this later today, but the council decided to host a ball, to honor your promotion and to celebrate your return to Demacia. Your fiance was going to be announced then and there."
"Like hell." Jarvan snarled. "I'd rather run myself through with my lance!"
"That could be arranged!" His father snarled back, his eyes clouding over like a ranging thunderstorm. Silence swallowed the hallway like a void, soldiers crowding at both ends of the hallway. Many needed to pass, but many were too scared to try and pass the king and prince as they argued.
"Should we stop him?" Lee whispered to Delancey, watching the king and the prince continue their shouting match.
"You wanna try it? Be my guest." Delancey said, crossing her arms uncomfortably over her chest, steel forearm plates clanking against her chest plate. She looked angered, but Lee couldn't tell what exactly at. Lee glowered but turned back to where the royal shouting match had resumed.
"I'm telling you now, I refuse any woman you appoint for me to marry! I won't put up with it!" The prince shouted, disgust rolling off his tongue.
"It's not just about what you want, you royal brat." The king snarled. "I put up with your silly journey for over two years. It's time you grew up and faced the real world as the Demacian Crown Prince, not a little boy screwing his way through college, fumbling his way across the battlefield and crashing through politics like a bloody bull!"
"Bite me, old man!" Jarvan shouted. "I didn't ask for any of this! I had to watch my entire company get slaughtered before my very eyes. I still have nightmares where I watch Noxians behead my men, running them through and lopping limbs off for fun. You slunk your way up through the ranks by way of the Demacian Security Brigade, politics, and talking. You blew smoke up people's asses to get your way! You're a soft fucking politician and I don't want anything to do with the Lightshield Dynasty if it's going to mean being like you!"
"Shut your mouth." The king snapped, staring up at his son, the tension in the air so thick you could slice it with a knife. "The world isn't just about war anymore. You can't simply go out and bully and bloody anyone you don't agree with; you can't threaten to start a war over things so trivial as a single company of soldiers! Demacia is a proud nation and there is no retreat, no surrender. They found their honor in death! Maybe you should think about someone other than yourself for once. You do nothing but dwell on your past and you're going to get yourself killed. Right now you're no better than that half-human, half-beast monster you keep as a pet! You're not fit for office or as the hei-..."
Jarvan reared his fist back and stepped in as fury consumed him, driving him into a blind rage. Xin swept in, levering the prince back with the tip of his lance, slamming him into the wall with such force that a vase upon a pedestal bounced and then smashed upon the floor, sending water, china, and flowers streaming everywhere. Xin pushed forward, pressing his forearm across the prince's chest as he struggled.
"Jarvan, use your head!" Xin hissed, anger in his voice. "This was not the way you were trained. I did not teach you like this, and this is hardly fitting of the crown-prince! You the heir to an empire, not a little boy!"
Jarvan heated glare turned to the aging Seneschal, but the fury slowly started to subside. His chest heaved as his breathing slowed, and the anger turned to disgust. He glared at his father in indignation.
"I rest my point." The king said, smoothing the decorative tunic over top of his armor, stepping out of the rapidly expanding puddle from the vase. "I've had enough of this nonsense, and I'm through indulging your selfish desires." He sighed heavily, shaking his head. "This is no place for this sort of outburst, and if you were even half as mature as you should be then you would have known that. Perhaps you came back to soon. You're as hot-headed and as rash as ever. Though I suppose it's good that if nothing else your spirit hasn't been broken."
"I'm a much better man than you'll ever be." The prince snarled. "I've known men that were ten times what you are. You're not a king, you're just a puppet master pulling the strings and watching as those around you dance and suffer. But you know what, I refuse to be a puppet for your whims. Find someone else to dance your bloody tune."
"Maybe I should take you and your dragon and dump you back in the fucking desert." The king growled, shaking his head. "All you're proving to be is a damned headache. Don't make me regret my decision to promote you."
"You can have the rank back, I don't want it. And sure, stick me in the damned desert, it'd be better than this shit." Jarvan shot back, acidly. The king's face blanked for a few moments before he scowled.
"Enough. I have business to attend to. I've entertained your foolishness long enough." The king said, shaking his head. "I'm placing you under house arrest for the safety of you and those around you. You two," He pointed to Lee and Delancey. "Escort my son to his quarters and keep him there under armed guard until further notice. Xin, have an armed guard arranged to be posted on his quarters twenty-four-seven."
"Yes, your majesty." Xin said, bowing his head before shooting an exasperated glance at the prince. Jarvan ignored him, standing defiantly by.
"Sir..." Delancey said hesitantly. A single glance from the king's stormy eyed gaze was enough to silence her qualms and she gulped, saluting.
"Get this idiot out of my sight!" The king waved him away and then stormed off, the utterly silent crowd of soldiers and staff parting to let him though. Delancey glanced at Lee and frowned, but turned to the prince and shook her head. She had a duty to perform. She stepped up to her former commander and took him by the arm.
"This way, sir." She said tersely, the anger still riding high in her voice. Jarvan glared angrily at her, yanking his arm from her hand and then stomping off towards his suite of rooms with a sneer of contempt. Delancey and Lee followed after him, glaring at the soldiers who watched them with wide eyes and open mouths.