Chapter Nineteen - Reprieve
Moissac
Three days later.
Karin and one of her Lieutenants landed their Manticores near the makeshift stables which had been arranged for her Knights in the military camp and dismounted. One of her subordinates quickly rushed up to her and waited patiently to guide the beast to where it would be fed and watered.
"Take good care of Fluffy. And make sure he's well fed. It's been awhile since he's been in battle so he'll need his energy."
"Yes my lady!" answered the young Knight as he guided her familiar away.
On the way to the Queen's tent where she would meet with the officers and inform them of what she intended to do next her husband gave her a polite bow before falling into step with her as they walked away.
Meanwhile Calista and Louise were standing to the side where Louise was hoping for a chance to welcome her back. But her demeanor quickly put that idea out of Louise's mind. She knew well enough not to interfere with her mother when she was in her role as the leader of the Manticore Knights.
Calista meanwhile raised a curious eyebrow. "Fluffy?"
Louise widened her eyes and quickly covered Calista's mouth with her hand. "Shush! Don't let her hear you... The last person who made a joke about her familiar ended up as his lunch."
Calista looked over at the many Manticores being tended to. She'd never seen anything like them before. Insect like tails with a stinging barb, large leathery wings, some had thick mains around their necks and others did not. Probably the difference between male and female. They had feline-esque body structures not unlike a Nexu but these creatures seemed even more fearsome than the creations of the most insane Sith Alchemists.
"They are very impressive creatures. I wonder if they'd let me have one to use?" asked Calista.
"Not a chance. And don't even think about asking. They'd get very offended. Every single one of them is the familiar of their rider. Summoned just like you were. In fact a couple were summoned right before you. But neither of those students were from Tristain so they probably won't end up joining these Knights."
"I see. I'd imagine they're considered the lucky ones to get such familiars."
"I may have sort of hoped for one myself..."
"That's natural. I wanted to be just like my mother too. Were you disappointed when I arrived instead of a Manticore?"
"We talked about this... Shocked, horrified, terrified... Stupefied. But not disappointed, no."
"I'll accept that. Let's get back to our training."
Karin walked into the command tent where General Gramont quickly stood up respectfully for her, followed by the rest of the assembled officers who suddenly broke into a cold sweat at the sight of Karin the Heavy Wind in her uniform instead of a ruined courtly dress. A long thin coat going down to her ankles, thigh high leather boots, dangerously short shorts that a few gentlemen had to remind themselves were intended for riding comfort more than visual appeal, and her signature sword wand hanging off her belt conjured visceral images of what her name sake spell could do to them if they didn't maintain their composure.
"Let's begin with the part where I make a few things clear to everyone…" started Karin in a harsh tone that commanded the fear of everyone gathered. Everyone except General Gramont who wore a small smirk, as if this was his favorite part.
"What I say is final. If you have any questions, make sure they're good ones. If you have opinions, keep them to yourselves unless I specifically ask for them. If you don't do as I tell you, I'll replace you with someone who will. If you have problems with any of this, get the fuck out. Any questions so far?"
Karin's intense gaze fell on everyone in the room making them suddenly very nervous, including her husband and daughter. Gramont seemed immune though. Everyone knew he grew up with her and he was probably used to this.
"No? Very good. The plan which was submitted prior to my arrival was to attack the economy of our enemy and starve him out. It was a good plan. But I'm making a few changes. Starting with the fact that if we starve them out we only turn people against us and create more enemies. We need to be aggressive and decisive! We will crush our enemies along with any delusions that Brinvilliers has any claim to the throne. We have one Queen, and she's behind us. They're in front of us. Simple search and destroy. Every town, every village. We will retake the capital and I will have their heads. Along with the heads of anyone who dares try and slow our progress."
"But mother… We'll take so many losses. It's a pointless waste of lives and resources," said Eleonore with a cautious tone.
"You lose people in war. That's the reality. According to your own estimates we vastly outnumber any pockets of resistance between us and the capital. Once we get to the capital we'll assess the situation and plan accordingly. But I have no intention of getting into a lengthy siege where anything can happen. Up to and including his forces in the other cities converging on us. We have to be fast and ruthless."
"If you just take a look at the numbers in their proper context you'll see that-"
"I said if I wanted opinions. I'll ask for them. That includes you! Your plan didn't take our enemy into account. He is the single most intelligent and most brutal strategist I have ever known. Everything he does is calculated even more meticulously than anything you've come up with. The only chance we have to beat him is to not do what he expects of us. He expects us to play nice. Well we're not going to do that."
"I took everything into account. Every possibility. Every available resource, every-"
"Eleonore! That's enough! I won't repeat myself again!"
"Yes mother…"
"General Gramont, has won more battles than any other, ever. Including me. And he was profoundly defeated by this man. Do not underestimate him. I will not allow him to play us like pieces on his chessboard. He is going to pay for what he has done, and we will not fail. Now begin preparations to march while I plan the deployments. Each division will move on a separate town. We've procrastinated too long and we need to make up for lost time. Dismissed."
As the officers filed out of the tent to carry out their instructions Karin stopped her daughter from leaving.
"Yes mother?"
"Tell Lieutenant Burgundy to come see me immediately. And when she gets back, have Matilda de Saxe-Gotha come see me as well."
"Yes mother."
"Master, with all due respect. What you're suggesting is impossible."
"So is levitating objects with nothing but your mind. This is no different, and you can do it."
"Umm, ladies? Keeping a bow like mine drawn like this isn't exactly easy. So. What do you want me to do?"
"Watch Louise," said Calista as she stepped a few paces ahead of the archer just out of his line of fire. "Release your arrow wherever you like."
The Archer took aim at his target down range and released his bow only to have his arrow caught right in the middle by the petite angel haired girl with her gloved hand. "In Brimir's name… That's impossible! My arrows fly at almost two hundred feet per second..."
Calista shrugged at the man while handing him his arrow. "I'm not sure how to calculate that on my own, so I'll take your word for it. Would you like to try now Louise?"
"How did you do that?!" she asked incredulously.
"As a Force sensitive, you've been able to do things like this all your life. Think about it. How often have you been able to react to things long before anyone else could?"
"I don't know…"
"You can see things before they happen. You've probably been doing it all your life, it's just that for whatever reasons you've never realized it."
"I used to catch bugs a lot. Flies mostly, they'd try to get in my food and I'd catch them and crush them. My mother told me it was bad so I stopped doing it."
"Insects can have reaction times vastly superior to any human. Humans have a baseline reaction speed of around two hundred and fifteen milliseconds. Echani have a baseline of around a hundred. Force sensitives of all species have a fraction of even that which is difficult to even measure. I'm not sure if you have the frame of reference to appreciate the fractions of a second I'm talking about here, so you need to experience it."
"Believe me I do appreciate what those numbers mean. I do have an education in math."
"At some point I'll be interested to find out what your understanding of mathematics really is. But for now. Stand here and try to catch his arrow."
Louise stepped up to the same spot Calista stood at with trepidation. "I don't know if I can do this. I'm not as strong in the Force as you are."
"You can Louise. Push your doubts aside and clear your mind. This is your very nature."
Louise stood with her hands at her side and nodded to the archer. He loaded his arrow and drew the bow. Louise readied her hand and the archer released his arrow. Louise reached out and to her amazement, caught the arrow on the tail end but dropped it quickly and yelped in pain.
"You didn't say it would hurt!" she yelled while holding her hand.
"I also didn't say it wouldn't. At those speeds it'll generate friction heat as you stop it. Very basic physics. Next time, wear gloves."
The archer sighed to himself. "I'm switching to a crossbow…"
"It won't make a difference. But if you do. Let me know. I'll be happy to demonstrate it again."
Calista walked away while Louise briskly caught up. "I can't believe I did that…"
"Well you did. In the future, once you've developed your sword skills to a more competent level, I'll start sparring against you and we'll develop and hone your reflexes. For now, I'd like to show you something else that will help you in what's to come."
Tristain Academy of Magic
Matilda looked at Kirche and Tabitha as they were preparing to mount up on Sylphid for the return to Moissac. "Are you two absolutely sure you want to do this? I mean, I have to wonder why you'd actually volunteer to fight in a war that has nothing to do with either of you," asked Matilda to the two younger girls.
Kirche and Tabitha both wore their school uniforms which Matilda found questionable but not as much as the question she asked. Kirche and Tabitha both looked at each other for a brief moment before Kirche gave Matilda a smile.
"I have a lot of reasons. Just like you. People I care about that I want to protect. Besides, if this country goes to hell, I don't have anywhere else to go unless Tabitha decides to let me live on her couch."
"You're welcome to…" said Tabitha as she strapped some bags around Sylphid's neck and secured them.
"You're a good friend Tabitha. Anyway. I'm fighting. What about you? This isn't your country, and you have your sister here now. What's keeping you from just leaving with her and starting over someplace else?"
"Oh.. Just like you Miss Zerbst. I have nowhere else to go. I'm sick of running and being someone else's puppet. Besides, without me, Calista will end up doing something monumentally stupid."
"Just like with Louise. Alright then. Now that we've settled this. Are we ready to go?"
"Yes. I've done all I need to do here," answered Matilda.
The trio mounted the dragon and Tabitha gave Sylphid instructions on where to go. As they flew higher, Matilda looked back the academy wistfully.
Kirche looked back to Matilda to ask; "Are you going to miss this place Matilda?"
"I never thought I would hear myself say this. But yes. Dirty old Osmond aside, I liked my work here. It was soothing in a way. I didn't have to do a lot of thinking and you kids brightened up my days from time to time as well."
"So what's going to happen to Tiffania?"
"I made arrangements for her with Colbert. He'll look after her while I'm away."
"How did you manage that? Colbert's a religious nut isn't he? She's an Elf."
"That… Wasn't as hard as you might think…"
The previous day
Colbert sat in his chair and let out a heavy sigh. He couldn't believe that his office was still intact after all the damage sustained by the central tower. Before he could relax his mind there was a knock at the door.
"Yes?"
"Professor Colbert? May I come in?"
"Miss Longueville. Certainly. Please."
Matilda entered the room cautiously and brought Tiffania in behind her before shutting the door carefully behind them.
"Who's this with you?" asked Colbert.
Matilda took Tiffania by the hand and brought her up to the desk where Colbert was standing to receive them politely. Tiffania kept her head down shyly but kept pace with her sister.
"I don't go by that name anymore. You can call me Matilda now."
"I see. Very well. Miss Matilda. How can I help you?"
"This is my sister. Tiffania. Miss Valliere and Miss Zerbst rescued her from the central prison in Lutece while rescuing Lady Valliere and…"
"Yes. I heard the story. But I didn't know they also found this young lady there. How did she come to be there?"
"Brinvilliers felt he needed insurance against me. Thankfully, that insurance is now voided. I need to arrange a safe place for her to stay."
"I see. Well. I can certainly help you with that. I take it you mean to continue fighting with the Royalist Army?"
"I do. I can't just turn my back on… Everyone."
"You have to do what you believe is right. I'll be honored to help you. After all you've done so much good work here, how can we not help you in your moment of need?"
"I'm relieved to hear you say that. Just a moment please," said Matilda with a polite smile before turning to her sister and speaking in a low tone, "We need to tell him. So bear with me alright?"
"Are you sure about this? I trust you big sister, but, are you sure?"
"These are good people here Tiffa, especially this man. He won't hurt you."
"Alright. I trust your judgement," answered Tiffania in a low voice.
Matilda turned back to face Colbert and nodded to him. "My sister's situation is a bit, complex. You see. My family adopted her when we were both very young, and, she's had it a little rough…"
Matilda reached over and gently pulled off Tiffania's hat allowing her ears to show. Colbert's eyes widened at the sight but to Matilda's immense relief he didn't go for his staff. He simply stood there with a shocked expression.
"As you can see, she's a little different."
"She's an elf!"
"She's half human."
"She's half elf."
"How perceptive. Yes. She's half human, half elf. May we move on now?"
"Move on? In Brimir's name Fouquet! You brought an Elf into my office!"
Tiffania tried to be strong but couldn't contain the tears that started flowing down her cheeks. Matilda saw her shoulders trembling and her already meek posture crumbling. She took her sister into a tight hug and looked at Colbert with wide eyes in shock that he chose to use that name. How he even knew that fact about her was a question she'd interrogate him about later. Tiffania came first no matter what. So she narrowed her eyes and glared into his, silently asking if he was proud of himself for making the girl cry.
Colbert on the other hand couldn't believe what he was seeing and looked up at the sky as if asking God himself if this was some kind of divine test designed to judge his convictions and life choices.
"It's pointless Big Sister… They're always afraid of me, they always want to hurt me. It's always the same. I'm nothing but trouble for you. I wish they just killed me back home..."
"Don't you dare talk like that! Not after Mother and Father… Not after all…" Matilda couldn't even say what she was trying to get out and just held her sister more tightly. "You're the only reason I went on living… Don't say that. Just… Don't."
Colbert sighed and fell back into his chair, "Let's just get back to the matter at hand…"
"What more is there to talk about? I think you made yourself perfectly clear to us!" snapped Matilda.
"The only thing that's been made clear is that my reaction was hasty, and I'd like to try this again with a more open mind if you'll allow. Please, have a seat. Both of you," said Colbert while gesturing the chairs in front of his desk. He then pulled out his handkerchief and offered it out across the desk to Tiffania.
Tiffania blinked at the man for a moment before timidly accepting his offering and used it to dry her tears. Matilda gave him a skeptical glance while waiting to hear what he had to say.
Colbert took a long moment to compose himself and organize his thoughts. While the girl was an elf, she also seemed no different from the many students he's had since he began his tenure at the academy and he tried to keep that image in his mind rather than any others.
"Clearly, this is going to be difficult and complicated. And I can't promise that the members of the staff or the student body will be as open minded as we would like."
"Look who's talking!"
"Miss Matilda, I won't be making an apology for my reaction. Let's be fair, you took me by complete surprise. Now please, I would like you to give us some time and wait outside."
"If you think I'm going to leave my sister alone with you after what just happened…"
"Miss Longueville, you know perfectly well how things work in this institution. All new students must have an interview with the Headmaster. I'm not making exceptions simply because you asked nicely."
"New student?" asked Tiffania with curious eyes on Colbert.
"I see. Very well then. It seems you'll be going to school here for a while Tiffa. I'm sure you'll enjoy it," said Matilda with a warm smile.
"The well being of my students is always my highest priority. As long as you are a student here, nobody will harm you. I won't stand for it. Now, we just have to go through the simple formalities to admit you here, and go over some precautions I feel would be best for you."
"I hope you know It could be a while before I can come up with tuition for her… I'm not exactly being paid right now…"
"On the contrary. As a member of the staff, specifically, the secretary of the headmaster, you're entitled to have your dependants enrolled here with priority for admission. It's in your contract. Perhaps you should read it again while you're waiting? I'm certain you haven't forgotten where it's filed," explained Colbert with a vague grin.
Moissac
Eleonore searched the camp where the Manticore Knights pitched their tents until she found the one she was looking for. A young man with scruffy brown hair dressed elegantly in his uniform laying on the grass outside his tent in the sun, reading a book before he put it down and smiled up at her.
"Hello there."
The blonde bespectacled woman went to sit down beside the man and looked at his book, "Hello yourself. Reading anything interesting?"
"Nothing special. Just a mystery."
"Have you figured out who did it yet?"
"I have theories, but it's still too early in the book for evidence to support them."
"I can usually figure out who did it as soon as all the characters are introduced. Unless it's one of those where the author intentionally throws in a new character later in the book who turns out to be the real culprit. Those just spoil the fun."
"I hope that doesn't turn out to be the case in this one. Though, I have a much greater mystery to solve at the moment."
"Oh? What would that be?"
"The fact that you and I have been traveling together for this long, and this is the first time you've had a moment to spend with me."
"I'm sorry Charles. I've been so busy, and I'm also sorry that's not even the reason I came here now."
"Then what has brought you here if not to see your fiance?" asked the man with a sincere smile.
"My mother wants to see you. Don't ask me why. She didn't tell me," explained Eleonore with irritation evident in her voice.
"What happened?"
"You know my mother. She's, a different person when she's…"
"When she's in command. Yes. We all have to be. Try to understand."
"I do. But it doesn't make it hurt less. I can't see her as anything but my mother, and she can just, alter her perceptions at will. Unless it's for Louise… No. Eleonore is a big girl, she can take it. But little Louise might throw a fit and cause some kind of disaster if we scold her too much."
Charles couldn't help himself and laughed causing Eleonore to smack him on the shoulder. "It's not funny!"
"Yes, it is! I've never heard you complain about anything before. Usually it's other people complaining about you and how you're like a harpy. But this side of you I rather like. It reminds me that there is a woman in 'businesswoman' and that she's actually quite loveable when you see past the harsh exterior."
"Pfft. It's only natural. If you're going to be my husband I should occasionally confide in you. But don't get any stupid ideas! It doesn't mean you don't have to work to maintain my respect!"
"Of course my lady. Life without any challenges is boring."
"Do you understand what I've explained and asked you to do? Because this is where you normally try to tell me it can't be done," said Calista.
"Normally, maybe. But when I fought Kirche I did it by instinct. I don't see why I can't do it at will," answered Louise.
"That's the spirit. Now. This is all I have to teach you for today. So if you can do it feel free to keep doing it. Have fun with it. I'll follow you around."
Louise tightened the strap holding Derflinger to her back and gave Calista a grinning nod. She then looked up at the two story building before her and bent her knees to execute a Force leap to the top where she landed roughly but safely with Calista just behind her making a more graceful landing with her knees bent and one hand down for stability.
"The landing takes practice. You'll get the hang of it. When you jump down from such a height, use a Force push to slow your fall before impact. You'll know when."
"I understand," answered the smiling Louise. "That felt really good. Way better than magic levitation."
"It's like flying. Now you have a hint of what it feels like for me when I pilot. Keep going."
"Right!"
Louise looked to the roof of the next building across the street from her and gave herself a running start before leaping over. The buildings were equal in height and Louise ended up falling forward and rolling before standing up again while a concerned Calista leaped over to check on her.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Haha. This is so great!"
Calista couldn't help but smile at her infectious enthusiasm before following her to the next building, and the next after that. It took a few more leaps but Louise eventually learned how to control her momentum and landings and it wasn't much longer after that she was performing roof to roof leaps as if she'd been doing it all her life.
"Try jumping down to the streets now. Watch me and then try it."
Louise watched as Calista jumped off the roof the the four story building they were on and used the Force to push the ground ahead of her just before impact to slow her fall, she landed as gracefully as a cat on her hands and feet and was greeted by the shocked expressions of townspeople before leaping up to the next building ahead of her which was a two story and looked back at Louise. Calista nodded to her apprentice and positioned herself to intervene if Louise should fail.
Louise jumped off and pushed the ground ahead of her too hard, sending dust in all directions and causing the people around her landing site to start furiously rubbing their eyes. She looked up at Calista who had her face covered her palm and laughed happily before leaping up beside her master.
"How did I do?"
"A little too much. But practice makes perfect. Try again."
"Louise?! What the hell are you doing?!"
Louise signed and looked off the side of the building down into the streets where she saw her eldest sister looking up at her with an angry expression. "That's one way to kill my mood… Grrr!"
"I've noticed your sister excels at that."
"Yes master, she does… But she's still my sister," said Louise before jumping off the building to Eleonore's horror. She pulled out her wand to try and arrest her sister's fall but she was too fast and all she could feel was her heart in her throat, and pounding in her ears as Louise neared the ground. With eyes wide she rushed forward in a desperate attempt to catch her but she was too far away.
Louise pushed the ground ahead of her to slow her fall without causing damage to the pavement this time. She stood up from her landing and smiled at her sister. "Hello big sister. Is everything alright?" though Louise sounded chipper, she was sweating profusely from the combination of the sun shining brightly and exhaustion from repeat use of the Force.
"You just jumped off a building… Twice! What is wrong with you?! I've never been so scared in my life!"
"Actually this is probably the fourth of fifth building I've jumped to or from. It's fine. Don't worry about it."
"Don't worry about it?! You could have died!"
"There's nothing to worry about. Really. It's completely safe. For me at least."
Calista jumped down and landed beside Louise. She stood up and adjusted her robe before giving Eleonore a slow nod with a forced smile. The gesture was returned and none of the three misunderstood the true hostility present between Calista and Eleonore.
"What do you have to look so smug about?" asked Eleonore to Calista.
"Hey! Leave her out of this. She's teaching me."
"Teaching you what? How to make me the youngest person to ever have a heart attack?!"
"You're over reacting! It's perfectly safe. I can show you again if you want?"
"No! I've seen enough. If you want to show me something you can do I'm interested, but please don't jump off another building…"
"My lady," stated Charles de Burgundy as he stepped up to a respectful distance from Karin and gave her a Knightly salute.
"At ease Lieutenant."
Charles relaxed his posture and stood silently while Karin studied a map on the table in front of her in the center of the command tent.
"As we march, we'll be in striking distance of Dijon. I understand things were bad there."
"Yes my lady."
"I won't ask for the details. We've all lost something to Brinvilliers recently. But I intend to have you retake your home. As the heir to your family I expect you handle the mop up and restore order. For obvious reasons I can't place you in command of the military mission itself. But I can place an officer under your command as the new Marquis. I have a candidate in mind who will be sympathetic to your situation and work with you to get the job done. Is this acceptable?"
"Yes my lady. I am most grateful."
"Don't thank me. Thank your fiance. It was her plan to retake your lands on the way to the capital. I only amended the manner in which these operations would be conducted and the speed at which they will be executed."
"May I ask your permission to have my fiance accompany me on this endeavor?"
"You'll have to ask her. if she wants to go, that's her business. She knows her duties."
"I understand."
"Go get ready then."
"Yes my lady. Vive la Reine!"
Guiche groaned with frustration as he helped the soldiers repack supplies to be loaded onto the wagons. Even when she wasn't there to oversee them, everyone felt the presence of Eleonore de la Valliere staring and scolding them for being slow or sloppy. Surely there were subordinates better suited to such a menial task as this. But his father insisted that he should experience a sample of every type of duty that needed to be performed in an army, but what he was suppose to learn from this, he had no idea, and that frustrated him even more. But what frustrated him the most was that his father refused to allow him to return to the academy with Matilda so he could see Montmorency and make sure she was alright.
"Duty first. Always."
Those words from his father echoed in his mind and tortured him. Yes he had a duty to the army, and a strong desire to please his father and fulfill his expectations. But didn't he also have a duty to the woman he someday wanted to marry? Assuming of course, she would have him at all. His blunders regarding her had been so numerous he wasn't sure if she'd want to keep being with him. Though she seemed back to normal when she awoke from her ordeal at the lake and everything seemed fine between them, his insecurities wouldn't stay at rest.
One year ago
"Guiche? What the hell happened to you? You're soaking wet?" asked Reynald while Gimli and Malicorne snickered and fought to keep from bursting into more boisterous laughter.
"Montmorency didn't take kindly to my offer," said Guiche while shivering under a cold chill that blew through the courtyard of the academy.
"Haha! I told you she wouldn't. We all told you," explained Gimli with a short fit of laughter.
"Yes. Enjoy this moment while you can gentlemen. However, I'd like it very much if you could enjoy it somewhere I can get out of this bitter cold…" exclaimed Guiche as he walked towards the boy's dormitory while reflecting on his failure.
Earlier that day
Montmorency took a deep breath of the cool air flowing through the academy. The winter chill was coming but hadn't yet arrived in full force so the young girl found it to be quite pleasant. Guiche however was shivering and did his best to keep from showing his discomfort.
"It's such a nice day," said Montmorency with a beaming smile.
"It's always a nice day when I get to spend it with you," said Guiche in the sincerest voice he could muster in spite of the cold.
"Sorry I haven't been able to make more time for you Guiche. Between studying for exams and cooking up 'study aids' for nearly everyone I've been terribly busy."
"That's what I wanted to discuss with you. I see how hard you work and it is truly inspiring."
"Thank you. That means a lot," she spoke with pride and affection while leaning back to rest her head against his shoulder.
"I've been saving up the allowance I get from home for sometime now. I'd like to offer to pay for your next term if you'll allow me."
Montmorency froze for a moment before sitting up up and giving him a deathly glare.
"Would you care to repeat that?"
Guiche audibly gulped. "I'm not certain that would be wise…"
"You've certainly got that right! What is wrong with your brain Guiche? What would people think if I accepted that much money from you? What kind of person do you think I am that you could offer such a thing and believe I'd accept it? Are you completely incapable of respecting the fact that I am perfectly capable of earning my own way through life? What could possibly compel you to even consider making such an offer much less saving up and actually saying the words?"
"Forgive me Montmorency! I meant no offense I simply-"
Before Guiche could say anything further he was drenched in icy cold water fresh from the fountain. When he opened his eyes again it was to see Montmorency putting her wand back into her cloak and walking away from him at a furious pace. He could almost see her anger all around her as her breath fogged into the air and flowed around her head like a dark aura.
Later that day
"Damn Guiche. You really have no luck with the girls. You know that?" observed Malicorne while Guiche curled himself up by the fireplace in the boy's common room with fresh cloths.
"Achooo! Damn it all. Now I'm catching a cold..."
"A cold is the least of your problems man. First Louise, and now Montmorency. If you keep this up every girl in the school is gonna have you on their shit list," explained Gimli.
"I need to figure out a way to make it up to her. So if any of you have any good ideas, tell me, otherwise I'd really rather not listen to all the doom and gloom."
"Doom and gloom is your life Guiche. Just accept it, you'll be much happier that way," stated Malicorne.
"I'd rather not end up like you if I can avoid it thank you."
"For what it might be worth Guiche. Do you even understand why she did what she did?" asked Reynald.
Guiche looked up at the bespectacled boy with a curious expression.
"You honestly don't have a clue. I can't help but wonder what it's like to live in your world. Where ignorance is anything but bliss," said Gimli with an amused smirk.
"Would any of you care to elaborate? Or are you content to hold onto your secrets?"
"Look around you Guiche…"
Guiche took a moment to turn his head and glance about the common room. There were couches and study desks available as well as a small library of reference materials. All around were students focused deeply on their studies. Guiche observed one student take a sip of a small unlabeled bottle before going back into his book to resume his studies with an intense concentration.
"Everyone is preparing for exams. What of it?"
"I feel so sorry for you Guiche. Everyone is able to focus so hard where they normally would get distracted by the wall paper because Montmorency prepares her special elixirs to help people stay concentrated. Some guys here get stressed out so badly with the pressure on them to be successful that they'd snap if it wasn't for Montmorency cooking them something to take the edge off. You just couldn't accept that she's proud of what she's accomplished here with her Apothecary skills," explained Reynald.
"You thought she was only doing it because she needed the coin. You didn't give a moment of thought to the fact that she actually enjoys her work and that it helps her feel like she's accomplishing something worth while, like helping people, as well as paying her own way. That's why she fucked you up," added Gimli.
"A very crude way of putting it. But accurate I suppose. So what should I do about it?"
Reynald burst into a fit of laughter. "It's simple Guiche. There's this thing on top of your shoulders. It contains something called a brain. You need to make use of it."
"Forgive me for being born with good looks instead of your intellectual capacity Reynald."
"I have both. So do you. Simple fact of life is that the uglier you are, the smarter you have to be. You got blessed with the good looks so you sort of neglected your brains. I on the other hand maintain both. As does Gimli. However, for Malicorne, I'm sad to say there's no excuse, or hope."
"Hey. What's that suppose to mean?" asked an angry Malicorne.
"In simple terms. For every pound you are overweight, you need to pick up a book and read it. But at the rate you're scarfing down pastries, not even the whole library in this school will be able to help you. It doesn't matter how advanced your powers are. Magic has diminishing returns when it comes to increasing your social standing if it isn't augmented by looks or smarts."
"I'm not a moron you know. I just happen to appreciate good food. And this school offers plenty of good food. Well, except for a while after Guiche messed with Louise the Zero and the Chef tried to starve us to death..."
"That wasn't so bad for you. You actually dropped a belt notch or two when that happened," said Gimli with amusement.
"Don't remind me of that… I had to go all the way to Moissac to get a decent meal that week. All I was eating was bread crumbs since everything safe would be gone before I could get anything…"
"Could we not talk about this?" stated Guiche with a hint of anger in his voice.
"Still a touchy subject? You damn well deserve it you know. I still can't believe you did that. And that Montmorency would even give you a chance after what you and Kirche pulled," said Gimli with a scowl.
"Montmorency is an amazing girl. I don't know what she sees in me. But she's worth the effort for me to think outside the box. So to speak."
"Guiche. Don't make it more complicated than it has to be. Just apologize to her and explain that you understand better now. Girls really don't like it when you get all dramatic…"
"Listen to Reynald. He speaks from experience. Just try to be more like me. Keep it simple. Get her a simple gift if you think it'll make it easier. But don't be extravagant. Remember she likes simple things and she's a modest girl. Being flamboyant and extreme will put her off even more."
"I think I should just be myself honestly."
"No!" said his three friends in unison.
"Being yourself is what got you into this mess in the first place!" exclaimed Gimli.
"Just take our advice Guiche. Trust us for once," said Reynald.
Guiche kicked himself for that. Though it was long past and he did make up with her, it wasn't the first, or the last time he was on the receiving end of her wrath. Since his incident with Katie he'd come a long way, but looking ahead, he could almost see clearly how far he had yet to go and it suddenly dawned on him how much truth there was in his father's words. Duty first. He was so focused on himself that, he didn't see the obvious advice his father gave him. The only way to show her that he was willing to change was to first prove he could handle responsibility. With that thought in mind, he renewed his focus on his work.
However, not long after that, one of the scouts from the remains of his father's forces approached and informed him that he was given a new assignment. Guiche stood up and followed the man.
With Matilda gone, Agnes found herself irritated and short on outlets for that irritation. The sight of the few remaining Musketeers looking weary from battle and worse still from the death of the Queen left them all physically and emotionally drained.
With all that's happened, Agnes, like so many others had not been able to take the time to come to terms with recent events. Particularly the deaths of all the young women she hand picked and trained for her Musketeers. Though their deaths troubled her, she couldn't help but feel proud of their accomplishments in battle. None of them went down without a fight. Very few went down without taking at least five or more enemies with them. It was a testament to her training that drowned out the sorrow and kept her pride at the forefront of her mind.
She gazed fondly at the last few surviving Musketeers. Busy sharpening their swords, cleaning their rifles, or mending their uniforms, or packing supplies for the coming march. It was all they could do to keep their minds off the same things Agnes herself was struggling with, but at least they were using their time productively. Perhaps she should do the same?
"You seem troubled my lady. Is there anything I could assist you with?"
Agnes turned around and found Julio's smiling face staring at her as he awaited her response. Her cheeks started burning under his glare before she turned away to face her Musketeers again.
"Nothing you can help me with Sir Julio. But thank you."
"Are you certain of that? I've unfortunately been through enough battles in my life to know that look on someone's face all too well. I dare say I've worn that same expression myself on many occasions."
"I hand picked and trained all my Musketeers. Thanks to how you interfered in our battle I lost a lot more than I should have. But I don't blame you for it though. I'm know you only did what you thought was right at the time. But now I have to figure out how to go about rebuilding our fighting strength. It's not a small challenge."
"No. It isn't. But if I might offer you the benefit of my experience. It would be best if you just did it one recruit at a time. There's no need to look at it as a larger task than it needs to be. I might also suggest having your remaining Musketeers aid you in this undertaking. You said yourself you handpicked and trained each of them. You could rely on them to help pass on the knowledge and skills you imparted."
"That would give them something else to focus on besides the reality of the situation… Something productive."
"Indeed it would."
Agnes turned to face Julio once again with a straight face, this time more prepared to deal with his good looks. "I wonder. Sir Julio. May we impose upon you to give us a lesson that you teach to your Knights in Romalia? I'd be an idiot not to seize the opportunity to have my Musketeers learn from someone as accomplished as you are."
"It is my honor to be of service any way I can my lady," said Julio with a polite bow.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Our purpose today is nothing out of the ordinary. We're going to spread out and scout the area the army will be marching through. Standard spread, narrow and deep. You all have three hours to conduct your sweeps. Then we will rendezvous with the vanguard at the river bridge to the north and receive instructions from there. Any questions?"
The leader of the Gramont scouts looked around. His force sustained the fewest losses in the battle of Lagdorian Lake due to their training and positions allowing them to escape the flooding. But today, they had a new member with them, and his inexperience had to be taken into consideration. When there were no questions, he addressed the matter at hand.
"We've been asked by the General to train his son today in basic reconnaissance. Lazare, I'd like you take the boy with you and show him what's what. Are you alright with that?"
"Yes sir, happy to."
Guiche looked at the man he'd just been partnered up with. He was in his mid twenties, his cloths were dirty, but he had a dignity about him that could rival any noble's. He had reddish scruffy hair, stubble all over his face and neck from not shaving for days. But most of all this man had experience. It was written all over him like a book. But Guiche could only read the title of this book, the rest was beyond his comprehension. He was a commoner and gave the blonde boy a polite nod. But he was not a commoner to be taken lightly; that much was abundantly clear.
After the scouts had been dismissed from their briefing and set out in different direction, Lazare came up to Guiche and with an arm politely gestured into the distance. "We'll be going that way. I'd like you to stay close to me and do as I do. Will that be alright with you?"
"Certainly. And please, call me Guiche."
"Respectfully. You're the General's son. I shouldn't be getting familiar. Only professional."
"Please sir. I insist. I'll be benefiting your your example and leadership today, so I think it would be best."
Lazare sighed and gave Guiche a quick nod. "As you wish then. Guiche. If you have any questions, ask me right away. Don't hesitate. But do be discreet. You never know what's lurking in the woods."
"I understand Mr. Lazare. I'll be sure to mind your example and ask my questions discreetly."
The two started walking towards the forest at a calm pace just as the other scouts had. Guiche kept in step with companion while searching for conversation to make. He wasn't used to conversing with commoners, and the search for a topic of mutual interest was fruitless for the young noble. Thinking of the things he'd hear Louise and Siesta discuss around the school wasn't helpful because they had interests he hoped this man did not share.
"So Guiche. How's your experience with the army so far?"
Guiche was silently thankful for the man taking the initiative. "I've learned more since we first marched out of the academy than I have in all my life to this point. It's been both sobering and eye opening."
"Aye. War does that to a young man. I hope this'll be my final campaign. Before all this started we were patrolling the border with Gallia, and I didn't get a chance to ask my girlfriend to marry me before we left and started all that. Then all this happened, and I still got the damn ring in my pack."
"Ring? Aren't you afraid you might lose it?"
"Afraid to death. That's why I'm mindful of it. Had to save up three months pay to afford it. Three months of eatin' scraps and bits of cheese when my parents couldn't cook for me."
"I'm sure she's worth the effort," said Guiche with a polite smile.
"You better believe she is. Most beautiful girl in Muret."
"Ahhh, so you're from Muret?"
"Aye. On your family lands. Good place to live. No troubles to be found. Good hard working people everywhere you look. Everyone looks out for eachother. Doesn't get better."
"No, it doesn't. Our lands are a good place to live. Safe, beautiful, serene."
"Yes they are. Now, time to quiet down. We're getting into the forest here. Just stay close to me and really mind yourself. You especially want to watch out for spider webs. A lot of the creepy crawlies in here can kill you with a bite unless we get to to a healer in time."
"My girlfriend has a saying she keeps reminding me of, a little prevention is worth more than a lot of cure," answered Guiche with a firm nod.
"Wise words. Keep them in mind."
Matilda stood in the command tent and waited patiently for Karin to explain the reason for her summons. She didn't even have time to attend to any of her own business before she was told to go see the Manticore Knight's leader by one of her Lieutenants.
"Matilda the Adamant. I can't say I ever expected to meet you and yet here you are."
"Yes I am. Though, still curious as to why."
"You don't waste time with pleasantries. Good. Then I'll get to it. I have a mission I need done. And you have a reputation as a woman who gets things done. So I'd like to give you a field commission as a captain and have you lead troops under the command of the Marquis de Burgundy to retake his lands from the enemy. He'll have all the specifics for you."
Matilda considered her words before nodding. "I can do that."
"Good. I knew you could. I've assigned a company of infantry to be under your command. One hundred men. They should all be receiving their orders as we speak. I can give you a short list of officers to choose from to be your Lieutenants if you wish."
"I appreciate it. I'll be sure to review it immediately. Though I'm not sure who's who around here. As you know I'm from Albion."
"I've already considered that and I've detailed why I've put each of them on the list."
"Thank you. I have a few candidates in mind I'd like to approach. Particularly for the position of Vice-Captain."
"That is your business. You have five hours to get organized. That's when the main army will begin marching north. So check with the Logistics Officer to make sure your candidates know to report to you. Dismissed Captain."
"Thank you very much. My lady."
A short time after the meeting Matilda found Calista near her tent, pacing back and forth. The look on the little Echani's face made Matilda crack a small smile. She could almost see a dark cloud all around the Sith as she paced about, seething in her anger.
"You certainly look amused…" said Calista in an icy tone.
"You called Louise petulant, but you're also guilty of temper tantrums. So yes, I'm amused."
"I'm just going through all the ways I could murder her sister without getting caught. I find it soothing."
"I take it the harpy said something she shouldn't have?"
"More than just something. It was a combination of somethings amounting to greater whole. While I normally only go after idiots who know what kind of fight they're picking, I'm on the verge of making an exception for her!"
"Well. I have an offer that might help you unwind and relax a little."
Calista stopped and looked at Matilda with a curious expression causing Matilda to smile just a little brighter.
"You look so cute when you've got that curious expression on your face!"
Calista narrowed her white eyes and didn't look amused at all.
"Seriously. Since that happened to your eyes… Anyway. Let me get back to the offer before I melt."
Calista scoffed and turned her head away.
"I've been made a Captain. I have some troops to command. You told me you have some battlefield experience leading infantry. So I was wondering if you'd like to be my Vice-captain for this mission. It's straight forward. Go to a little town about a day's march from here and help the Lord of the Land kick out our enemies and take back control of the area."
Calista closed her eyes and carefully considered the offer before turning her head back to Matilda and opening her eyes again. "I'd love to. But I can't leave Louise again. I'm not sure what's going to happen with her, but bringing her along would be out of the question without us incurring her mother's wrath."
"I've never seen you afraid of anyone before?"
"I'm not afraid for myself. I'm afraid for my apprentice. She's not ready for this and she'd be a liability to us at this stage of the game. I have to focus on her training."
"That makes sense. Though, if I might offer you a suggestion? You can't teach someone to make good decisions. You have to let them gather experience. So don't put her on a leash that's too tight. Alright?"
"Her gathering experience unsupervised could get me killed along with her. But keep the position open for me though. I'll take you up on it next time."
"Sure thing Cali. I'd better start packing up here."
"I'll go find Louise now that I've calmed down enough that I won't lunge at Eleonore the Hutt like a rabid Nexu."
"Hutt?"
"Don't ask. I wish you well on your first mission in command, big sister. May the Force grant you strength."
"It's not as cute when you say 'big sister' in that icy tone of your's."
"I'm not cute Matilda."
"Yes you are. In your own special kind of vicious way," said Matilda with a happy smile.
Outside Moissac
Guiche looked around the open field beyond the trees around their camp with a weary gaze. The sun was beating down on him and the sweat started to drip from his golden hair directly into his eyes causing him to quickly rub the stinging out.
"I don't understand. What are we looking for exactly?" asked Guiche to the seasoned scout with him.
"Any sign of enemy scouts, predators, or possible threats to our people. They can be very small things. Like this for example," answered Lazare while gesturing to the base of a nearby tree.
"What is that? Dung? What's so interesting about dung?"
"It's from a wolf. I seen a few other signs of them here and there. Which means there's probably a whole pack wandering around here. They wouldn't come and mess with an army, but the two of us in their territory could face trouble. So we need to be on our toes."
"I see. I never would have thought to look for something like that."
"That's why you're here. To learn. Don't worry I used to overlook the little things too. You need to be aware of so many things when you're scouting. Especially the wild life. They react to things. Knowing what their reactions to different things tend to be can give you important clues to your surroundings. So when I say you need to pay attention to everything, I mean everything. Even something as small as a broken branch or disturbed ants can let you know if there's something to look out for," explained Lazare.
"So where do we go from here?" asked Guiche.
"Step one is put yourself in their boots. Think as if you were working for the other side. If you wanted to know about us. Where should you go?"
"That's easy. I'd disguise myself as a traveler and wander around the town."
"Townspeople aren't allowed near the camp for exactly that reason. Also the army is preparing to move. Which is why we're here now."
"You have a point. But even at a distance I could learn much. Like our numbers, company formations, equipment, and the like."
"Yes you can. But why risk being caught in the town when you could just sneak around in the treeline to get the same information?"
"So that's what we're looking for? A lone scout?"
"That's a possibility. The one we're here to make sure isn't happening."
"So how do we search for a lone scout in such a large area?"
"We try to anticipate his movements without making stupid guesses. We search for evidence of his existence. Right now since we haven't been bothered by the wolves yet it can mean something else has their interest. They could be hunting, or, there could be someone else in their territory that they're onto. So what would our next move be?"
"Find the wolves?"
"Find the wolves. Exactly."
Moissac
"Many great minds have long pondered on the meaning of justice. Ultimately justice is defined by the needs of a society in the moment just as much as it is in the laws written down by a government. Justice doesn't mean a strict adherence to the word of the law. But in what you know is right and wrong. Justice without compassion is injustice. Justice without force is powerless, and force without justice is tyranny. As keepers of the peace, you must always remember that you should temper your sense of justice with your sense of mercy."
"Sir Julio. If the law says the punishment for theft is a prison sentence, but the person committing the crime is hungry and can't feed himself. Is that a case where it's better to show mercy and compassion rather than the blunt application of the rule of law? But how do you know when someone is just saying what they think will get them off easy?" asked one of the young musketeers.
"There's never an easy way to make that determination. You have to rely on your experience to grant you wisdom and insight. It's not easy. You will make mistakes, learn from them. You will fail at times, but do not give up. The quick and easy path is to be strict, but justice is a search for truth. Even when the community cries for blood, allowing an injustice against one is an injustice for all."
"Sir Julio. We're in the middle of a war. Where can we find justice in all of this? Where we have to fight against our own people?" asked another of the Musketeers who sounded anxious about her question.
Agnes looked at Julio as if eagerly anticipating his response to the young woman.
"There's no easy answer to that question my lady. War itself represents a failure for justice to be served. Uprisings like this come about when those in power fail to listen. Or when an opportunist seizes the chance to use the concerns of the people to gain power and use it against the common good. In the end, you're fighting for what you believe in just as much as your enemies are. Don't begrudge them. You should fight for what you believe in, but your weapons are not your only means of waging this conflict. The strength of your ideas carry just as much power as the strength of your steel. Diplomacy should always be given a chance. Violence should only come once all other options, including surrender, have been considered or attempted."
Agnes looked at Julio with a stunned expression, "You can't be serious? Are you saying we should surrender to our enemies rather than fight them? How does that help anyone?! Did you just surrender to the Inquisition when they came after you with everything they had?"
"No my lady. I did not. There are times when surrender is the best choice to make if it can lead to a peaceful solution in a given conflict. But everything has a time and place. If you're surrounded on all sides, with no hope of victory, surrender becomes the best way to prevent blood shed. But at the same time, if conflict can serve the greater good, then you should fight no matter the odds. The question that should always be on your mind is which path to take in a given situation to serve that greater good."
"So we should always be mindful of what's best for everyone, not just ourselves. Is that what you're saying?" asked one of the younger Musketeers.
"Indeed my lady. That is exactly what I mean," said Julio with an encouraging smile that had the young woman blushing.
"Thank you for your time Sir Julio. I believe you've given us all a lot to think about," said Agnes before dismissing her musketeers.
"I hope my insights serve you well as you forge your own paths," concluded Julio with a deep bow the the Musketeers who in turn gave the Knight before them a respectful salute.
Later that day
Matilda had her soldiers readied for inspection. It had been a long time since she fought in the Albion civil war and commanded soldiers in battle. She didn't expect this to be anything like what she faced before but her experience taught her to hope for the best, but to plan for the worst. The soldiers had all come from the Valliere army, all heavy infantry with combat experience. They were ideal for the war they found themselves in.
All she had to do now was await the nobleman who'd be giving her marching orders. Which also reminded her very firmly that she wasn't truly in command. The list of potential officers for her company were all from the Valliere forces as well. A woman like Karin the Heavy Wind wouldn't entrust so much to a stranger, no matter her reputation, without strings and ropes attached. So she needed to reconsider her fortune in being given this command.
Eleonore listened carefully while Charles explained his suggestion, and she did not seem pleased by what she was hearing at all evidenced by the growing look of anger on her face.
"After I reclaim the town, and the lands are made safe. I'd like us to marry. It'll be an event to restore honor to my family, and lift the spirits of the people. Please say yes."
"Absolutely not! I really expected better of you Charles. I really did. You can't seriously expect me to just vacate my duties here and run away with you!"
"Managing supplies, messing arrangements, sanitation, and Brimir knows what other lowly tasks means more to you than our future together?"
"My duty to my family comes first. Even before you. You're not my family yet. They need me now. You have your own affairs to conduct, as I have mine. I won't hear anymore of it, do you understand me?!"
"Clearly my lady," said Charles while stepping back to take a deep bow. "I can see that the challenge you present will indeed be a difficult one to surmount."
"If you wanted a submissive a wife, you shouldn't have asked to marry one of my mother's daughters," she declared while wrapping her hand around her pink scarf.
"If I wanted a submissive wife who'd never fight or question me, and that I could control, I'd have courted your sister Cattleya instead of you. You're the one I want to marry."
"If you ever talk about my sister like that again… If you even think something like that about her…" Eleonore balled her fists and started shaking from rage with her head down.
When she looked back up at him the sun's glare in the glass of her spectacles obscured her eyes and made it seem like she was staring at him with pure fire.
"Just leave. Before I hurt you..."
Charles turned around and said nothing. He mounted his familiar and flew away. That was when Eleonore let a tear fall from her eyes that she fought with all her might to contain but could no longer hold back. She picked up the end of her pink scarf and used it to dry the tear, then held the scarf to her cheek for a long time.
After a few minutes to compose herself Eleonore looked up and saw something a few meters ahead of her. The light didn't quite seem right set against the town. The buildings seems to warp when seen through this one spot in her vision. She took off her glasses to make sure they were clean and then wiped her eyes for good measure. When she put her glasses back on she saw no evidence of what she had seen before and walked away, assuming it to be her imagination.
A few minutes later, once she was gone, Calista deactivated her stealth generator and huffed in frustration at the sight of Eleonore walking away from her. She ran her gloved fingers through the front of her hair to fluff her bangs and closed her eyes while her fingers lingered on the ribbon Montmorency had given her. She then pulled up her hood and walked away.
Julio meanwhile clipped his Lightsaber back on his belt and sighed in relief. Masking his presence from the little Sith wasn't exactly difficult; however it was tedious. The Jedi Knight found himself extremely curious as to why exactly she would change her mind as she did. The red ribbon in her hair clearly had significance, as did the eldest Valliere's pink scarf. Every new clue to Calista's mind only raised more questions for the man but that was the norm when it came to the Echani Sith Lord.