Chapter Fifteen - There is no death, there is the Force

That evening after the camp had all gone to sleep for the night, Calista was sitting on her knees beside Montmorency with her hand on her forehead again, still desperately searching for the power to heal her friend. But it was always just out of her reach. No matter how hard she tried she simply could not sustain the healing powers of the Dark Side.

Rather than let her anger get the better of her Calista chose to take a very deep breath and push that emotion aside while she took a break. In her mind she recalled a memory of when she felt the most content in her life and decided to share it with her friend.

"Tn'on fraiad ve'velo. Ro'yu m'ry velo..."

Calista was singing in a low and soft tone. It wasn't loud enough to draw attention from anyone except Julio's hyper awareness. He reached out through the Force to perceive what was happening where the Sith was and allow him to understand the words she was singing in the Echani language.

"The moon will rise. The goddess shall smile on us. All shall be well. So have no fear. And sleep my dear."

Julio decided to withdraw his senses and allow the Sith her privacy. He very much doubted she wanted this side of her to be seen by anyone, but it left him with an enigma to ponder. He'd always been taught that the Sith were as close to pure evil as anything could get but this young woman seemed anything but. He didn't doubt she was capable of doing evil, but he could sense the conflict in her. She didn't seem to be able to reconcile who she wanted to be with who she truly is. He needed more information before he could come to any sort of conclusion about this person that wasn't based on his preconceptions of the Sith.

Meanwhile Calista finished her song and lay down on the grass beside her friend with a contented smile. "My mother used to sing me that song when she put me to sleep. It's an Echani lullaby which tells us to have no fear of the night because our goddess is there watching over us in our dreams and will not allow us to be harmed. It's silly I know. I don't even believe in any gods. But I still follow the traditions and I suppose that's why people draw comfort from their religions. There is something to the routines of spirituality that's good for maintaining a disciplined mind. I don't know why I felt like singing you that song just now. Maybe I just wanted to hear it again."

Calista put an arm under her head for support as she cleared her mind to sleep. "Tomorrow. Is going to be a good day. I just know it."

Meanwhile, Kirche sat herself at the table and put her feet up, she took a long moment to gaze at her wand with a flame dancing on the end of it. It brought a contented expression to her face. She took a moment to consider her wand. It was crafted for her hands by the very greatest master wandsmith in Germania. Designed to perfectly fit her hand. Made from materials carefully selected to withstand the intense heat of her particularly destructive style of fire magic. Longer than most other wands to help keep the heat away from the handle. Runes and magical scripts placed enchantments upon the wand to reinforce it further. The creator, being a grandmaster artisan in his craft, placed the details and etching in strategic places to both serve their function and give the wand a unique aesthetic appeal which Kirche never tired of admiring. This was her wand. This was her life in her hands. The thought never ceased to amaze her.

"Have you ever considered what goes into making a wand Louise? It's spectacular. Even after all these years since this was made for me, it hasn't stopped being perfect. It's never stopped inspiring that same awe in me since the first time I held it. This is my wand… It doesn't get old."

Louise took out her wand and peered at it. It was little more than a simple wooden stick given to absolute beginners who haven't yet found their magical element. There was nothing special about it, it didn't even serve any purpose for her anymore so Louise had to wonder why she even carried it anymore... Perhaps it was just out of habit? Or perhaps a potent reminder of where she was when she started this journey.

Then Louise took a moment to consider Derflinger. He was leaned up against the bed beside where she was meditating. Kirche had her wand, Louise had Derflinger. He was her sword, her shield, and her friend. He was so much more than a wand could ever be. But therein lay the problem. Derflinger was an instrument of death. There was no getting around that. He was a sentient being forged for the single purpose of allowing someone with no magical power to kill a mage.

That seemed unfair to her. Derflinger was one of the nicest people she'd ever known. Yes, he was a person to her, and she would never tolerate anyone who would say otherwise. She felt so wrong about wielding him to end the lives of others, no matter who they were or how much they may have deserved their fates. She vividly recalled the terrified face of the guard she decapitated at Count Mott's manner. The way his lifeless head looked into her eyes as if to ask; 'How could you?'

The act of taking up Derflinger, and using him to end the life of another felt so wrong because he has a will of his own. He was not some inanimate object. He had morals, feelings, opinions, and above all wisdom. The act of using him to deal death seemed to her like the ultimate sin she could commit against him. Her will superceded his own because she had the power to wield him. If he objected, he did not have the power to enforce his will.

"Derf. I just had a scary thought. What if someone took you from me, and used you to kill me?"

"Don't go there Louise. I don't even wanna hear about it. Or talk about it. Or ever consider it!"

"I'm sorry Derf. I didn't mean to upset you."

"Ya didn't just upset me Louise. Ya just hurt me. Badly! What else could a question like that do? That situation is so damn unthinkable that I can't even give ya an example to compare it with. Nobody could use you as a weapon. The only power anyone has over ya as a human being is the power ya give them. I don't have any means of preventing myself from being used in a way which goes against what I think is right."

Louise frowned and looked away from Derflinger and spoke in a soft and pleading tone. "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."

"I do forgive ya. Just. Think before ya speak Louise... I don't even know how old I am anymore. I've been in the hands of a lot of people. But in all that time, I only ever cared about two. There was Sasha, who made me. And now you Louise. If I'd lost ya, no matter how it happened. I'd wanna be destroyed because I just couldn't live with that."

"Oh by the Founder you two make me sick. Do you even realize how you sound when you talk to each other?"

"Kirche! What is your problem," asked Louise with an incredulous tone.

"You're my problem Louise. I wish you could see and hear yourself from the outside of your warped brain for once. Same goes for you sword! You shouldn't be encouraging her like that!"

"Encouraging me like what?"

"You're in love with that sword Louise. And I don't mean like I'm in love with my wand."

"Yeah. I can guess how much ya love that wand when there ain't no men around," said a very condescending Derflinger.

"Don't you dare side track this you stupid lump! You need to wake up to reality! Both of you! One of you is a sword, and the other is a human being. This is wrong on so many levels."

"Why are you so grumpy Kirche? Is it because your friend isn't around," asked Louise with an aggressive tone.

"Don't you dare drag her into this!"

"Is that why you're so grumpy right now? Because she's working?"

"Don't change the subject!"

"Kirche. I don't mean to sound snobbish. But, if Marlene were working as a maid right now. Would you still feel this way? You said yourself not to judge people for what they have to do to survive. I don't get why you're suddenly so grumpy about it."

"Yeah. I suppose you wouldn't get it. You're trying to have a romantic relationship with your sword.."

"Wait. What? Are you trying to tell me that… You and her? Kirche! How could you judge me for loving Derflinger when you're in love with Marlene!"

"She's not a stupid old sword! Or are you implying this is because she's a prostitute? Or because she's a girl?"

"Both! No. Wait. I mean-"

Kirche stood up and leaned down to scold Louise.

"You need to get your damn head on straight Louise! Yes I'm in love with her. There's nothing wrong with that. But you being in love with your sword. There is something wrong with that!"

"Yes I do love him! He's my friend! I love him just like I love Siesta, or Marteau. If you think there's more to it than that you're the one who needs to get her head on straight! Or maybe you just need a little more of your elixir to calm you down and make you see straight?"

"Fuck you Louise. I'm going to let this one go because I know you're too stupid to know better. But if you ever betray my trust and use something like that to stab at me again I'm going to respond with the business end of my AX!"

With that Kirche walked up to the door and before she left, she had one more thing to say,

"Get your damn head in the game Louise. You should be preparing yourself for your mission. Not sitting around playing house with your sword."

With that she left the room, and slammed the door behind her.

"I guess I messed up again," said Louise with a heavy sigh as she leaned back against the bed.

"It wasn't completely your fault Louise. She was already wound up. But bringin' up her addiction. Yeah, that was a low blow."

"I'll find a way to make it up to her. Maybe I'll sacrifice a goat to appease her."

"She was right though. I think we both need to take a moment to define our relationship here," said Derflinger with the most serious tone of voice she'd yet heard out of him.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean. She's right. I am a sword, and you are a Human being. If you have those kinds of feelings for me, you need to resolve them quickly because like I said. I'm a sword, all I'm good for is causing pain."

"That's not true Derf. That's not true at all. Since you came into my life you've made me happier. You guide me into being a better person. I depend on you to advise me. To be here for me when I'm sad. To keep me company when I'm lonely. Having you around makes me feel safe. In a lot of ways, those are the same things we look for in romantic partners. But I'm not deluding myself Derf. I know that can never be between us. Even if deep down, I sort of wish it could be."

"Whoa. That's some top grade honesty Louise. I'll reciprocate. I care about ya. I ain't gonna beat around that. I've been owned by a lot of different people. Many of them, I never even bothered to actually talk to. I've spent entire human life times not speakin' 'cause I found those people beneath me. Somehow I ended up in that bargain bin, and then you walked in. The first thing I felt was Calista's power. I mean her runes here, not 'the Force' or whatever. Sasha had that too, and I felt like the next person who was suppose to wield me was coming to find me,

But then it turned out that you needed a sword and not her. I watched you go through everything and not find the right one. Then I got your attention and ya actually picked me. Even though I was all rusted up and seemingly worthless. Ya picked me. As I got to know ya I understood why it felt so right that we ended up together. Ya didn't need a weapon. Ya needed a friend. As your friend, I want to be your weapon. I want to feel like I can protect ya. I haven't felt like that since Sasha. With you I feel like I can do what I was made to do. I'm happy. I'm truly happy to be with ya."

"I'm happy to have you with me too Derf."

"I really do care about ya Louise. I can call ya my partner with pride. But I just don't want ya to ever forget that we can't ever be more than that. Like I said earlier Louise, the idea of hurtin' ya, is just unthinkable to me. I'm here for ya, and I will always be whatever ya need me to be."

"I need you to be my partner Derf. That's what I need."

"Aye, that's what I'll be. We're partners Louise. You and I, together, forever. But I meant what I said. I want ya to be the last one. If ya die, I wanna die. I don't ever wanna risk being used for something other than my purpose ever again."

"And what is that purpose Derf?"

"Protection. Sasha made me because she needed a weapon that she could use to protect the people and things she loved. That's why that question ya asked hurt me so damn much."

"I didn't realize…"

"Aye. I know Louise. I don't fault ya for that. Ya didn't know that's actually happened before. Ya know that when the summoner dies, the Familiar does to right?"

"Yes," answer Louise in a very soft tone.

"Sasha made a choice. To save lives, she used me to kill her master."

"I can't even imagine what that must have been like for you," said Louise in her softest tone.

"Aye. I can't even put into words what that felt like. But in your hands Louise. I feel alive again. I feel good again. I don't wanna lose that. I don't wanna lose you."

Louise stood and picked up Derflinger. She drew him from his scabbard and held him up so her head could rest against the back of his blade near his mouth piece.

"Derf. Call me childish. But I want you to marry me."

"Whoa Louise. What the hell did we just talk about here?!"

"Just hear me out Derf. I, Louise Francoise le Blanc de La Valliere. Irrevocably promise to always be the best partner to you that I can be. I promise to always keep you at my side through the good times and the bad. I promise to never wield you in a way which goes against your beliefs. As you are the instrument of my power, I also promise to always be your instrument whenever your free will needs to be enforced. I will always respect, love, cherish, and honor you from now until death do us part."

"I'm getting kinda emotional here, there ain't a lot I can do to keep any promises I make," explained Derflinger with a wavering and uncertain tone.

"It's the thought that counts Derf. Even more in your case," said Louise with a bright smile.

"Heh. Alright Louise. I Derflinger… Damn, if I had a face I'd have a hard time keeping it straight through this."

Louise giggled to herself in amusement.

"I Derflinger. Promise to be the best partner to you that I can be. I promise to stay by your side through the good times and the bad. I promise to always give ya the best advice I can give and to never ever intentionally cause ya any pain. I promise to respect, love, cherish, and honor ya from now until death do us part."

"And with that. I do declare us partners for life," said Louise with a bright smile as she raised him up so she could plant a soft kiss on his mouth peice.

"I'm worried that ya might not have the right definition of partnership here…"

"If by Partnership you mean we'll be more than a Sith and her weapon, more than friends, more than lovers, more than a properly married couple. Then yes, I know exactly what I'm getting into here. I love you Derf. I won't lie. I love you deeply. But it's not the kind of love I'd feel for a boyfriend, or a husband if that's what you're worried about. The love I feel for you is special. The kind of love that allows me always have you be a part of my life no matter how it changes. The kind that lets me entrust you with my life."

"Damn teenagers and their love of dramatizations."

"I'm not dramatizing Derf. I really mean it. You're going to be with me for the rest of our lives. Taking vows just feels right. At least to me. So thank you for humoring me. It means a lot and I appreciate it."

"For what it's worth. I'll keep my end. And... I love ya too Louise. Exactly how ya described. I'll always love ya. No matter what."

"Heh. I just realized something. Calista loves that, Droid thing of her's more than anything. I think now I understand what she must feel for it. It was with her through everything, just like you're going to be with me."

"Aye. But I don't think Cali and Extwo ever exchanged vows… So we got one up on 'em."

Louise giggled in amusement as she put Derflinger back in his scabbard and propped him up against the bedside table before she climbed into bed for the night.

"Good night Partner. I'll see you in the morning," said a happy Louise.

"Good night. Partner."

Back at the lake Agnes was on watch while the rest of the camp slept. She looked around to ensure the rest of the soldiers on watch were at their posts and alert. Once she was satisfied they were she wrapped herself in a blanket and sat down to keep an eye on her assigned area like an owl searching for prey.

Matilda came up beside her with two steaming hot cups of tea and without a word offered her one of the cups. It was silently accepted and the two said nothing to each other for a long moment.

"What's your problem with Calista? You really hurt her today."

Matilda's tone was serious. Agnes knew she was on thin ice with her.

"I don't feel like I owe you an explanation," was the blonde woman's flat response.

"The hell you don't. After all we've been through together? We fought back to back Agnes. That's not a small thing."

"And I do appreciate it. But I don't trust her. Or you for that matter. You're both the same. You have your own agendas. You're just more transparent than she is. A fallen noble seizing the opportunity to regain her station."

"That's not even the short of it Agnes. Don't talk like you know me."

"If I have the wrong idea it's only because you've never given me the straight story. Same goes for Calista."

"You also don't know a thing about that Jedi. Yet you backed him over someone who stuck her neck out to save your life. How could you?"

"That man may have picked the wrong side. But he's done more good for this world than Calista ever will. You've never had to deal with the inquisition. I have. So yes. I think the man who took them down is trustworthy."

"What do you mean? You don't even know him!"

"He's Julio Chesare. The Knight of the Two Moons. The man who destroyed the Holy Inquisition. The slayer of night terrors. The great builder of Romalia. That man is a hero to me and the inspiration behind my Musketeers. He turned the Romalian Knights into a force for peace and justice."

"Why didn't you bring this up at the meeting?"

"It wasn't exactly the time for hero worship. The Princess has to learn how to make decisions based on the evidence in front of her, not bias opinions. Besides, would it have changed your mind about Calista?"

"Nothing could change my mind about Calista. That woman is my sister. I love that woman."

"Exactly. You're bias."

"So are you then."

"Yes. There's nothing wrong with that. You wanted to hear the story about the garrot. Well. Sit down and listen."

Matilda shrugged her shoulders and took a seat beside Agnes. She wrapped herself tightly in her black cloak and held her tea cup in both hands to help keep warm while Agnes told her story.

"I'm not a believer. Once I actually read the holy texts I rejected them. I ended up in an argument with one of my teachers as a young girl about it all and he dragged me to the Church to repent for my sin. But I was just as stubborn then as I am now. The next thing I knew I was strapped to the garrote in the middle of my town."

"How did you get out of that one?"

"I didn't," said Matilda as she lifted up the back of her hair to show Matilda the scar.

"The bastard messed it up. But before he could finish the job my father jumped past the guards and beat the crap out of him while the rest of the townspeople rose up in defiance of the Church and overthrew their authority. One botched execution was all it took to get the people to see the light of reason. Well, the Church didn't take that lightly. A few months later once word had spread the Inquisition came in force. They killed everyone and burned the town to the ground,

I survived because one group of heros decided they didn't like what was going on and rescued me from the fire and got me to safety. Brought me to Tristain. Those people were Colbert the Flame Snake, Karin the Heavy Wind, Marianne the Blaze, Gramont the Stonewall, and Montmorency the Sweeping Tide. Then of course the King welcomed the Inquisition into the country. But that's another story."

"So that's why you also sided with the General. If I may ask. How did you end up a Knight? And Captain of the Princess' guards?"

"That's not a remarkable story. I was always good with a sword and I got into law enforcement in the capital. Being good at your job gets you noticed. After the King died the Princess had to appoint someone to be the Captain of her guards. But she didn't just want another guard unit. She wanted people she could trust to help her reform the nation. She heard about my work and asked me to meet with her. The rest was history."

"So. If I understand you. You're willing to give that man your trust because he got the Inquisition disbanded?"

"Exactly. When I heard about that it was around the time the Princess tasked me to establish her guard. I read about how this lone Knight took on the Inquisition and exposed all their corruption to the world. I read about how he reformed the Order of the Romalian Knights to be peacekeepers in pursuit of justice in their lands and beyond. It was so inspiring. When I created the Musketeers, I modeled them after his Order. I picked people I could trust to be cool headed and incorruptible. Mostly young women I found here and there whom I could train. Since we didn't have magic, we resorted to guns. We didn't only protect the Princess, we protected her vision for the nation. But, as luck would have it. We failed. Just as we were about to get started. Now we're in this mess. And most of my Musketeers are dead now. After just one battle."

"Cali isn't a bad person Agnes. She's not out to betray us. She's suffered so much. You should be able to relate to that. It isn't my place to tell her stories. But just trust me when I tell you that she's in pain. She's lived her whole life in pain and misery and deep down inside, the only thing she wants, is a home where she belongs. I won't let you, or anyone, deny her that."

"I know what pain does to people Matilda. I don't doubt that she's a good person. What I worry about is what could happen when she finally snaps. That much internal pressure is bound to explode, and when it does, I don't think I want her anywhere near the Princess."

"When that happens. I'll be there for her. I'll keep her safe, even from herself. That's what friends do for eachother. Personally, I think you could use a friend like her. Instead of doubting her, maybe you should give her a chance. You could still patch things up with her if you actually talked."

"I don't need friends. I need soldiers. If she can't suck it up she's useless. If we can't trust her, she's useless."

"And you're hopeless."

"Good."

"Pfft. You and Cali are more alike than you realize."

The next morning, Kirche still didn't come back. Louise assumed she spent the night with Marlene and quickly shook her head to prevent the image from even entering her thoughts. She brushed her hair for a while before picking up Derflinger and putting him on her back securely.

"What're ya up to Louise?"

"Isn't it obvious? We're going out."

"Ya shouldn't bring me along. Ya don't wanna give the soldiers a reason to give ya any grief."

"That might be true. But I made a vow. To always keep you with me. That's more important that soldiers asking questions. Besides, all I have to do is act cute, shy and innocent while I explain it's dangerous to be a young girl all alone in the big city."

"It ain't worth it Louise. Just put me down. Remember you also promised to respect my free will."

Louise sighed and she took him off and propped him back up against the bedside table. "You're right. I'm sorry. That was stupid of me."

"Good girl. Now where are ya goin'?"

"I don't know. Just out to clear my head."

"That's a good idea. You should do that. But do me one favor while you're at it. Get a bath, and some new cloths. You've been wearing that same outfit for days now."

Louise took a moment to smell herself and cringed. "You're right. I should do both of those things. Siesta would be very cranky if she saw me like this with an outfit she gave me."

After a visit to the bath house Louise was feeling refreshed and walked down the main street with a cheery expression. The bath felt like exactly what she needed to forget about the things she's endured for the last few days and let it all wash away so she could focus on what she needed to do. It was a good feeling.

But her thoughts and expression quickly soured once she actually started to think about what was going to happen in the coming days. She had to rescue her mother and the queen from certain death. The only help she would have were a pyroslut and a prostitute. Calista and Matilda were too far away and couldn't get to her.

This was what Calista meant about her destiny. That there was something she needed to do here that only Kirche could help her with. It was all she had to draw confidence from. That thought felt wrong for some reason though. Louise looked to her right and saw something in the window of a shop that drew her attention. As she looked inside she really thought about Calista for a long moment. She had confidence in herself like no other she'd ever known save for her mother. What was the source of that confidence? Was it her training? That was certainly a factor. Her Force powers, certainly. But Louise had the Force too, but it didn't grant her confidence. So what was missing?

It suddenly dawned on her. Calista was confident in who she was as a whole person. Louise didn't have that at all. She failed as a mage. That much was certain and there was no getting around that. But she hasn't failed as a Sith. She had power now. Real power. She'd made tangible progress with her Force abilities, however small they were compared to what she knew Calista could do. But they gave her confidence nonetheless. Louise took out her wand and looked at it for a long moment and smiled before putting it away again and walking into the store.

"Are you going to a funeral miss?"

Louise looked at herself in the mirror. She wore a simple black tunic with no collar and a short slit in the front. It was long enough to cover down to middle of her thighs. She wore some loose fitting black pants that she felt were strong enough to stand up to use and abuse. Black leather boots up to just below her knees that were comfortable to walk in and rugged enough to endure just about anything. Finally there was a simple black leather belt which she was confident could be worked on to accomodate whatever little things she'd need to carry just like Calista's did. Louise felt she understood why Calista dressed the way she did. Her outward appearance was irrelevant, it was a symbol of the rejection of material power and the embracing of real power. The power that comes from within, and from the Force. That was what Calista was trying to teach her that she was too petulant and spoiled to pick up on before now.

Louise then turned to the shopkeeper and shrugged lightly.

"Maybe I am," she said and she put on the black cloak that came with her school uniform. There was no need to buy another one, this one served the purpose.

Louise emerged from the store and started walking back to the Inn with the hood of her cloak up and her arms tucked away inside of her cloak. Her walk was confident and she even felt as if she were unnoticed by the crowds as she walked through them. No one even looked at her, not even the soldiers. Louise couldn't help but feel impressed by what a change in wardrobe could do for her demeanor and the impression she gave off. It was exactly what she wanted. No one would ever see the threat she posed to them until it was too late. Fashion sense was pointless anyway. It wasn't like Louise had any assets worth showing off. Not like Kirche who couldn't button up a shirt over her chest if she tried.

Julio was brought before the Princess once again in the remains of House Montmorency. The Princess dismissed the two Mage Knights assigned to watch him but they didn't go far. They were far enough away to offer the illusion of privacy, but close enough to respond should they need to.

"Sir Julio. I wanted to have a one on one discussion with you this time because I don't want a repeat of yesterday. I have enough problems in my country without having to worry about my closest advisors turning against me."

"I do apologize for that your Highness. But it couldn't be helped."

"I'd love to get into it with you. But this isn't why I asked you here. I want to know what you are. What is a Jedi? I have a vague understanding of what a Sith is through my time with Lord Zarkot. But I've no idea what a Jedi is."

"I shall do my best to explain it your highness. We Jedi serve as diplomats, mediators, teachers, and scholars. That is how we would like to be seen. However our duty also unfortunately requires that we sometimes have to resort to violence in the defense of others to prevent injustice. The Jedi follow a code which guides our actions,

"There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no death, there is the Force. This code tells us that Jedi are the guardians of peace. We use our powers to defend and protect, never to attack others. We respect all life, in any form. We serve others, rather than rule over them. We seek to improve ourselves through knowledge and training."

"You say you respect all life. I didn't see you give any respect to Lord Zarkot."

"On the contrary. I do respect her. I'm simply wary of her having influence over you."

"Why is that? What is it that makes you so afraid of her?"

"I think it would be better for all of us I refrain from commenting on the nature of the Sith. But I would encourage you to ask her the same question you asked me about the Jedi and then form your opinions once you're armed with all the facts. That's the mistake I made."

"Very well. Then I'd like to ask what exactly happened to turn you against Brinvilliers?"

"He didn't only try to poison Lady Calista. He also poisoned me."

"Yet you're here. So either you're lying to me, or he didn't try very hard."

"I'm not sure I take your meaning your Highness."

"Then I'll be blunt. When Lord Zarkot was brought back to us, Miss Montmorency and I gave our all to try and cleanse her of the poison and failed. It took very drastic action to cure her. Yet, you don't seem to be suffering any ill effects. If you ingested the same poison, you should be dead now. How do you explain that?"

"Through the Force, I am able to purge myself of toxins. In our battle I noticed there was a rather substantial difference between my own Force potential and Lady Calista's. To put it bluntly, I was able to cure myself, she was not. Then again, I don't know her circumstances, there was probably a reason she couldn't get herself into a healing trance in time. Or it simply didn't work. We'd have to ask her."

"No. We won't. I'm asking you. It seems a little too convenient."

"The Force is often is. But I can certainly see how it seems from your perspective."

"Indeed. So far, all I have to go on is that you've put rifts between my allies and a story which doesn't come with a shred of proof. You haven't given me any reason to even consider giving you a chance. But I also can't have you leaving and potentially reporting our present situation to Brinvilliers so now I'm in an impossibly difficult situation here. Especially with you wearing that Romalian crest. For someone who claims to be a Diplomat, you're certainly not impressing me with your diplomatic skills."

"That is true all true. However. What if I could offer to bring Romalia in on your side? His Holiness could come and endorse your claim to the throne. We could let Brinvilliers know that if he doesn't stand down he'll have to face the largest military in the world."

"Do you even have the authority to broker such a bargain?"

"Indeed I do your Highness. I have credentials signed and sealed by the Pope himself with my dragon at this moment. Furthermore, I do command the Order of the Romalian Knights. I can assure you, this offer is legitimate."

Henrietta struggled to remain composed. She, like so many others had indeed heard of this man and the work he's done. But this was not the time to be a teenager, she had to remain focused. But one thing for was sure, at some point she'd have to take back what she said about his unimpressive diplomatic skills.

"So you're him. The Knight of the Two Moons. I'm not sure why I didn't make that connection before. You're not exactly what I was expecting. Though, I should have pinned it down from your eyes alone. That was, careless of me. Still. Why would you make such an offer? Surely you realize that my father's policies have lead us to our current situation? Bringing Romalia in on our side could further alienate the people from the Royal Family."

"I don't believe that will happen your highness. The Romalia of today is not the Romalia of a few years ago. Especially if that offer of help comes at the same time that His Holiness releases several Inquisitors to the custody of your nation to stand trial for their crimes. That would be a powerful symbol, wouldn't you agree?"

"Would His Holiness be inclined to offer that and some reasonable reparations for the families of those who had been victimized by the Inquisition?"

"That's not impossible. I believe there are plans in motion to do exactly that, however I haven't been privy to them at this time. But I will raise the issue with His Holiness and other concerned parties to try and expedite the matter."

"Very good. Now, what will His Holiness ask in return?"

"Nothing unreasonable your Highness. Merely a renewal of economic and free trade deals already in place. Open to renegotiation if you so choose. We would also like to you to consider allowing a Romalian Ambassador into Tristain to maintain diplomatic channels for the future betterment of our bilateral relations."

"Very well. But no new Churches. No Bishops. And I also want permission to investigate those Romalian Clergy still in Tristain for possible corruption."

"We have an accord. Your Highness. My Compliments," said Julio as he stood up and extended a hand to the young Princess who in turn stood up and shook hands with him with a pleasant, diplomatic smile.

Henrietta sat on her knees beside Calista and Montmorecy as she explained the deal she made with Julio Chesare. Calista listened in silence without allowing her facial expression to ever once betray her boiling fury.

"So that's the deal I made with him. Now what I need from you Lord Zarkot, is your word that you will not put this agreement in any sort of jeopardy by attacking Sir Julio, or harming him in any way."

"You don't make easy requests you Highness," said Calista as she turned her eyes on the comatose Momentrency. The color from her skin was still almost completely gone, as it was from her hair which now resembled Calista's only it wasn't so much white as it was silvery gray, like that of an old human. She was already a thin girl, but now she was emaciated. The sight filled Calista with the deepest rage she'd felt in a long time.

"I know how you feel. Believe me I feel the same way. But I have to look at the big picture here. An alliance with Romalia will bring stability not just to Tristain, but to the whole region. By winning this war I ca not only restore Tristain, but I can prevent Germania and Gallia from attempting to invade our lands. With that threat out of the way, I can focus on bringing stability back to Albion and ensure the future of our nation. No matter how much it hurts, I can't lose sight of that. Nor should you. The future of this nation is your future as well."

"Look at her your Highness. If this injustice can't be mended, what hope is there for the 'big picture as you put it? I'm sorry, but I can not let this stand. As long as she's like this, I have to either heal her, or avenge her."

"Lord Za… Calista. Listen to me for a moment. Please. You've advised me, let me advise you now. Her act of selflessness should tell you that revenge isn't what she'd want. This deal is too important for all of our futures. I can not take any risks with it. So once again, I need your word."

"What good is my word when you've clearly come to trust his over mine," asked Calista through her clenched teeth.

"Don't make this personal. I don't trust him any further than I can throw him. But right now, we need him."

"Fine. You have my word. For now. But if he betrays us, nothing will stop me from dismembering him."

"I'd expect nothing less."

"You slimy backstabbing schutta loving scumbag... NERFHERDER!" yelled Calista at the top of her lungs with enough petulance to have made Louise proud.

Out in the lake was the target of her fury. Julio was bathing himself in the shallow water and saw that Calista didn't seem to notice or care that she was standing on his crisp white cloths.

"Ah, the lovely Lady Calista. As mature and fiery as ever. To what do I owe the pleasure of this rather candor meeting," asked Julio before he peered down into the water which was clear enough to conceal nothing from the Sith, leaving him much more candor than he had initially realized and decided to hold his hands neatly in front of 'himself.'

"Might you avert your gaze my lady?"

"I've seen bigger, that's just a little…" started Calista when all of a sudden...

"DICK! Get back here with my shorts ya miserable bastard," yelled a soldier as he emerged from the water chasing after his comrade who was running off with his underpants.

"Anyway… I need you to heal my friend…"

"If you can't, what makes you so certain I could?"

"Since we're laying it all bare… I couldn't because I've never learned healing powers. I've been struggling for days to teach myself how to use the Force to heal others but I've been met with nothing but failure." Calista sighed to herself, she now understood how Louise must have felt with her magic.

"That doesn't surprise me. Attempting to use the Dark Side for selfless reasons hasn't been known to yield much in the way of results. Please do not take that as an insult my Lady. Your failure actually speaks favorably to the quality of your character more than it attests to your lack of control in the Force."

"Shut your stupid face! Just tell me if you can do it or if I'm just wasting my time," yelled Calista before following up with a low tone, "This is humiliating enough as it is..."

"I'm the one who's naked here. I will make the attempt to heal your friend," said Julio as he turned around to walk backwards out of the lake. However Calista felt that his tone implied there was a catch.

"I see a 'but' coming..."

"Besides the fact that I am walking in reverse towards you. Yes. There is a but. You should be prepared to possibly lend me your assistance. You have a connection with her, so you'll have to be the one who links us to her through the Force. I could teach you what I know to be able to accomplish this."

"You make as much sense as a drunken Mandalorian, do you know that? You're a Jedi. I'm a Sith. I can't use your powers anymore than you would use mine."

"That is not true at all. However, could you please step off my clothing?"

"So this is the friend who helped reshape your life," observed Julio as she knelt beside Montmorency to check her condition.

"Keep your stupid comments to yourself and tell me if you can do this or not."

Julio closed her eyes and entered a meditative state with his hand on Montmorency's forehead. Meanwhile, Henrietta and an entourage consisting of X2, Guiche, General Gramont, Agnes and Matilda all approached to observe what they were doing and stood silently on the sidelines.

Silently except for the General who scoffed at the scene before her, "So what? Are they going to use their silly pagan Force mumbo jumbo to heal her? This is absurd. You can't undo what an Elemental Spirit has done. It's impossible."

"Don't underestimate the Force, General," said Julio in a low tone as he focused on Montmorency.

"So what's your verdict Jedi," asked Calista with a slightly contemptuous tone.

"Remarkable. What was done to her, was done through the Force. Not only can I sense her body weakening, I can feel her presence in the Force weakened as well. That is where we will have to direct our efforts."

"What does any of that mean," asked Henrietta with concern.

"I don't think we have time to explain it. If we do not act soon she will be too far gone for even the both of us to restore. Are you ready Lady Calista?"

"I don't even know what you want me to do here," spat Calista with anger before looking at Montmorency with near total panic.

"You need to be calm. Take a deep breath. You need to release your anger and focus on your friend here. By calling upon the Dark Side now you'll risk pushing her even further away. Do you understand that?"

"Are you saying it was my attempts to heal her that caused this?"

"That's not important right now. Clear your mind of questions and worries. Focus on this moment. Let go of your anger. There is no emotion. There is peace."

"Are you serious? Is this really the time for philosophy?"

"Focus your mind. Focus on your friend. Tell me what you respect the most about her?"

"She's a progressive young woman. Who loves education and science."

"There is no ignorance… there is knowledge," said Calista and Julio together, followed by Calista rolling her eyes at the absurdity of it all.

"Let go of your pain, and tell me why you enjoy her company so much."

"Because she makes me feel respected, acknowledged, normal. Like where is she, is somewhere I belong."

"There is no passion, there is serenity," said the two in unison. Though Calista had to say it through her teeth as she fought to keep her anger away.

"Now, release your fear of losing her. Try to reach out and sense her feelings. Does she want to come back? If so. Allow the Force to guide you both. There is no death, there is the Force."

Calista closed her eyes and reached out with her mind through the Force to search for her friend's presence.

Montmorency, my dear friend. I want to be selfish. I want to be with you. This world would be so lonely and miserable for me without you. But I'll endure it if I must. If you don't want to come back, if you want me to let you pass on, I will respect your choice. But if you truly want to come back, then come with me.

Calista had a moment of doubt. She couldn't have been further out of her element than this. The abstract use of the Force to convey thoughts and feelings to someone sitting upon the line between life and death was something completely alien to her. She didn't know if Montmorency would be able to respond to her, and if she could what would that response be? A thought? A feeling? A loud demand?

It did come to her and she didn't miss it. It was a feeling not unlike the instincts she felt through the Force in her daily life. She felt calm, at peace. She felt the flow of the Force as it carried her with it to all the places and things it touched. It was a feeling like she had as a child, being held by her mother. That perfect moment of serenity where she knew everything was, and would be alright. Calista knew what to do now. It was so clear to her that it was as she'd known all her life. She reached out with her feelings as if they were her hands to grasp at her friend to pull her back with her into the living world. Then she felt Montmorency as well, reaching back to her and accepting her hands and for a moment it was if the essence of who they both were became as one with the Force before being pulled away.

Montmorency opened her eyes and quickly closed them again as the stinging pain of the noon sun shined down upon her face. Calista meanwhile was struggling to stay upright as the whole world started spinning.

"She'll be alright now," said Calista with a bright smile on her face as her vision faded.

Matilda rushed over and knelt down beside Calista to support her. She gazed into her eyes with shock.

"Cali? Your eyes.." was the last thing Calista heard before everything went black.

Louise returned to the room at the Enchanted Fairy Inn and was greeted by the sight of Kirche sitting at the table with Marlene in her lap and their lips locked in a passionate kiss. To say she was uncomfortable in that moment was an understatement.

"Sorry… Maybe I'll come back later."

"No not at all Louise! Come join us," said Marlene with a happy tone.

"Errr… No thanks. I'll just…"

"She didn't mean it like that Louise! Get your mind out of the gutter and get in here. We need to talk," commanded Kirche.

Louise shut the door while Kirche placed the enchantment upon it that secure it against eavesdroppers.

"Kirche before we get started-"

"Louise, what the hell are you wearing? Emulating the example of someone you look up to is one thing, but dressing like them too? You still have growing up to do I see," said Kirche with an amused smirk.

Louise shook her head and ignored the comment before saying what she had to say, "Kirche. I'm sorry for what I said to you before. It was petty and stupid of me. I hope you'll forgive me."

Kirche blinked her eye at Louise and then gave her a sincere smile. "Thank you Louise. I forgive you. Now take a seat. Marlene has something for us."

"Yes indeed I do," said Marlene as Louise seated herself while she composed her thoughts. "A regular customer gave me the name of a man who knows the Central Prison better than anyone else, even the guards who now work there. They say he's looking for the opportunity to take revenge, just as you are Kirche. I've also been told that he's probably also the single most dangerous man in this city so we must not take him lightly."

"Who and what is he," asked Louise with a curious tone with a hint of wonder.

"A man with a surname nobody can pronounce. They call him "Iron Felix" have you heard of him?"

"I have… The Marshal of Tristain. It's said he can take one look at a person and know every single crime they've ever committed in their lives. They also say his body is like iron and he can't be killed," explained Louise.

"Indeed. The same man. They say when the rebels took over he was dismissed from his post but no one dared to tell him that."

"Then how did he end up out of a job, he can't be that tough," asked Kirche with curiosity.

"I don't know. But the rumor I was told is that it took a dozen mage knights to remove him from his post, and only two survived while he walked away in anger," explained Marlene.

"That can't be true," said a skeptical Louise.

"Rumors tend to be exaggerated. But not by much in this case. I assure you. If you can get him to help, the task before us won't be so difficult," said Marlene with finality.

"Where can we find him," asked Louise.

"I'll take you to him. Tonight. The place he frequents isn't easy to reach, but going there during the day is not a good idea. Actually, going there at any time is a bad idea," said an ominous Marlene.

Louise felt her blood run cold at that statement, "I have a bad feeling about this."