Chapter Twenty - Crucible
Lazare was wounded and unable to stand. He and Guiche were cut off from the others. Guiche was bleeding from a wound to his abdomen. The pain was excruciating and he was sure his ribs were cracked or broken, there wasn't time to think about how badly. He stood up and wiped his face with his forearm, he sleeve was covered in blood but he didn't have time to think about that either. He took up his wand and whispered a spell to it before dropping it to the ground and moved as quickly as he could to pick up his friend. He was in a panic but wouldn't leave his new friend to die if he could help it. Behind him his wand turned the Earth around it into liquid, the best trap he could set.
There was nothing he could do for the others except trust that they knew what they were doing and would escape anyway they could and meet back up at the vanguard of their army.
He hoped the trail of blood they were leaving behind them would not help the monster find him. He pushed that thought away leaving only his primal fear to guide his actions. Putting one foot in front of the other.
In the distance behind him, Guiche heard a mighty roar, and the unmistakable sound of a man screaming in pain and terror. He knew there was no way his trap was that successful. Another of his comrades had either tried to engage their enemy, or was caught. He couldn't think about it. There was nothing he could do. He was disarmed and carrying a wounded unconscious man on his back.
He ignored the increasing pain he was feeling throughout his body as he hurried through the dense forest as fast as his legs could carry him until he came to a river. Lazare had told him before that they would have to find and follow this river to reach friendly territory and Guiche was relieved to have found it. He didn't have the experienced scout's sense of direction so he took a moment to thank God and Brimir for his good fortune as he changed direction and followed the flow of the river down stream. He was confident that this would lead him to friendly forces and safety.
"Not much longer Lazare… Please hold on..."
Dijon
Matilda stood on the cobbled road just in front of the town of Dijon with Charles de Burgundy beside her sitting atop his Manticore. Ahead of them blocking the entrance to the town was a lone mage dressed in black with a large brimmed hat and cape, wand held loosely in his left hand. He had a short and messy beard, and the dark brown hair that showed under his hat was greasy and unkempt. His cloths, while fitting of a nobleman, were stained with mud as if he'd been laboring in the fields not unlike the commoners behind him. Directly behind him were a number of commoners standing shoulder to shoulder to block the road, each had fearful expressions on their faces but they still stood behind this lone mage who showed no fear whatsoever in the face of a Manticore Knight and the army at his back.
"I am Gerard the Ash. I speak for the people of Dijon. Whom do I address?" asked the man in a calm and very cool voice.
Matilda was impressed, the man had nerves of steel and didn't flinch, even with a small army in front of him and nothing but farmers behind him.
"I am the Marquis, Charles de Burgundy. I demand you surrender yourself to us, and to the people blocking our way, remove yourselves now and you may be forgiven for this… Indecency."
"Good sir, we do not wish to fight. These people only want to live in peace. It is you who brings conflict and must depart from these lands."
"I will not ask again sir. As a gentleman, I am compelled to offer the opportunity but make no mistake, if you refuse you will die. As will any who oppose their rightful rulers."
"No sir. The rightful rulers of this town are behind me. Every man must eventually die. Better to die for something than live for nothing."
"You wish to die for these common farmers?" Charles asked with genuine bewilderment.
"I never said I wanted to die. I simply intend to defend the right of these people to live free."
"Then you shall have your opportunity!" declared Charles as he dismounted from his Manticore and drew his sword wand.
Gerard tightened his grip on his wand but otherwise stood calmly. "If we are to duel, may I presume the chivalric code shall apply?"
"Indeed it shall," answered Charles.
"Then as the challenged party I have the right to set the terms. If I win, your forces will leave here. If you win, you will not punish these people behind me for my actions. Is this satisfactory?"
Charles held his sword up to his face in a salute to acknowledge his agreement and in turn Gerard did the same with his wand before lowering it and casting it aside.
"Then I forfeit, and the duel is your's sir."
"How dishonorable… How… Disgusting," said Charles through his teeth.
"What is honorable and what is dishonorable is always up for debate. However dishonor would certainly come if you were to go back on your word now."
Charles sheathed his sword wand and looked to his army, "I want this… Place him in chains. I'll decide what to do with him later. I want the town secured. Raise flags of mourning for her majesty anywhere they will fly! It's time to remind Dijon that we are in Tristain! Vive la Reine!"
"Vive la Reine!" was the chorus from the soldiers he addressed.
Tristain Academy of Magic
Tiffania examined the tray of food in her hands and the door in front of her unsure of how she ended up where she was standing. The Headmaster had instructed her to bring it up to this room from the kitchen. Colbert told her that the person inside would need help and because he didn't have anyone to spare, part of her responsibilities around the school would be to help take care of the person inside this room who had been injured in one of the battles. Tiffania balanced the tray in her left hand and used her right to knock on the door.
"Come in" she heard from the other side of the door before reaching down to open it and then walking in.
The room was bland to say the least. With the exception of a bookshelf which actually had books on it, the rest of the room was a few empty tables, a cluttered dresser with a mirror attached to it and a bed at the end of the room near the window. Sitting up in the bed was a girl who, at first glance Tiffania couldn't figure out, but as she stepped closer she realized the girl was probably her age but for some inexplicable reason had silvery hair, like an old person with a few blonde strands mixed in. The girl was emaciated, probably why she was given so much food to bring up to her. Now she understood perfectly and mustered the best smile she could in spite of her shyness. She also held a little green frog in her hands which suddenly jumped off her to the end of the bed and then leapt off the bed to the table and croaked.
"Hello, I'm Tiffania. The Headmaster asked me to bring you this meal. I hope you don't mind this intrusion?"
"Hello. I'm Montmorency. I don't mind at all. Please come in," she answered politely. Montmorency took a moment to asses the girl coming towards her, long blonde hair with a big white hat. She wore a black cloak indicating she was a second year student but she'd never seen this girl before, and judging by her assets, being the size of her head, this girl would have been the talk of the school and not someone who could successfully blend into the woodwork.
Tiffania walked up to the bedside and gently set the tray down in her lap before standing up straight with her hands held neatly in front of her. "Will you be able to eat on your own?" Montmorency gave her a sideways glance at the question and Tiffania quickly held up her hands defensively, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. It's just that you seem so…"
"Weak? I am. But, feeding myself is one of the hidden talents I've managed to rediscover," answered Montmorency. She didn't mean to sound bitter and snarky, but it was too late to take back her words now and instead opted to try friendly conversation, "You must be new to this school. I've never seen you before. Did you transfer here from another country and get stuck here by all the troubles?"
Tiffania gave a shy nod before reaching up to pull down her hat which seemed to have a tendency to keep trying to ride up on her head.
"I see. I suppose all I can really say is, welcome. If there's anything you need, or if you just want to talk. Feel free to come visit me anytime. It's not like I can go anywhere or do anything."
Tiffania nodded again. "Thank you. I appreciate it," she replied in a small voice.
"No need to be so shy. I don't bite. Even if I did, it's not like I can right now," she answered while offering the girl a warm and sincere smile.
"Thank you. I should probably go now. I think the headmaster will want me to help with other things."
Montmorency nodded at her before looking to the tray of food in her lap. "I mean it. Feel free to visit me anytime."
"I'll try," said Tiffania before moving towards the door. She didn't mean to walk so fast and she didn't realize how rude it probably was until she was already out and closing the door behind her.
Luberon
Calista and Louise stood atop a hill overlooking the village of Luberon while soldiers marched past them down the slope to a bridge across the first of two rivers flowing around the settlement. Louise looked around with an irate glint in her eye that had Calista curious. The Echani turned her gaze to the scenery before them. The town had been recaptured without a fight as the standing garrison surrendered immediately to the large army. It was notable that the actual number of mercenaries was very close to Eleonore's prediction. It was a small farming community set between the two small rivers, barely a hundred people lived in the village made up of wooden cabins and only a few built from brick and mortar. All in all, Calista found it quite beautiful to look at.
"I sense your frustration, but I find myself at loss for what could be causing it. Is there something you want to talk about?" asked Calista.
"Can't you just read my mind or something?" snapped Louise.
"Calm yourself. Just because I'm nice to you doesn't mean I'll allow you to provoke me with impunity," answered Calista in a calm tone while narrowing her eyes to let Louise know she was treading dangerous territory.
"I'm annoyed because everyone else has something to do to help with the war effort, but we're in the rear guard. Us! You're easily the most powerful person here. We should be out there being useful!"
"Interesting. You exalt my power, yet you consider yourself capable of keeping up with me in battle."
"What's that suppose to mean?!"
"It means you're getting ahead of yourself. You're forgetting the lessons you learned about overconfidence. Have patience. Your time will come when you're ready."
"You said I'm making good progress. So why are you holding me back now?!"
Calista closed her eyes. Louise tilted her head curiously but the next thing she knew Calista turned into a black and white blur of motion and suddenly Louise found herself face down in the grass with Derflinger poking at her neck.
"Noooo! Put me down! Don't you dare use me to hurt Louise ya bitch!" yelled Derflinger as loudly as he possibly could. The panic and despair in his voice came through as much as his anger.
"Silence!" said Calista in the most forceful tone either had yet heard from her, and there was something so deeply malefic in her accent that even the sword froze with fear. "Do you understand now Louise?"
Louise tried to look up at Calista, but her own swords edge made it near impossible. She could only sense the fear of the soldiers from the rear guard with their weapons at the ready. Calista wasn't masking her aura and Louise felt the unmistakable fear in those battle hardened men. All she could do was acknowledge her position without any movement.
"I want you to listen to me very carefully. Remember the pain we shared when I was poisoned? You remember the agony I had to overcome to save us both? Answer me!"
"Yes!"
"That pain was nothing compared to the pain that is my entire life! I've endured nothing but endless pain, misery, and suffering... Every scar on my body is a story of torture, murder, war, and death. I was leading soldiers across worlds so terrible your small mind couldn't begin to grasp it. Worlds that were frozen... Worlds on fire. Worlds where the oceans were stained red by the blood of the fallen... I've buried friends in places no one should ever have to go. I've etched their names in the walls of the Imperial Capital while I thanked the Moon Goddess that the endless rain of Dromund Kaas hid my tears from the onlookers,
"And you have the audacity to... Complain... That you want to fight in a war? Do not... Ever again... Make the mistake of thinking that you are at all ready for even a small taste of what I've been through. Am I making myself clear to you apprentice?"
"Yes… Master," was Louise's meek response.
Calista dropped Derflinger next to her apprentice without any regard for his dignity and walked away towards the river.
"Where are you going?" asked Louise while pushing herself up off the grass.
"Understand this at least… We are inexorably bound to one another. Through the Force, through this magic, and through destiny itself. But that doesn't mean I have to explain my every bowel movement to you. I hope that's clear enough?"
"Yes… Master. It is," answered Louise while picking up Derflinger and returning him to his sheath.
Once Calista was far enough away Derflinger spoke up, "Louise… Becareful how much ya trust her. I've never felt fear before, not like that anyway…"
"I know Derf. I remembered our talk too… We're alright though. I won't let that happen again."
"How do ya plan on that?"
"I don't know yet. All I know is I have to be able to protect you just like you protect me. I won't let that happen again. Whatever it takes!"
Dijon
Later that day, Matilda found Charles in the study of the Burgundy household. The room was a mess to say the least, books were all over the floor, and the desk was devoid of anything except a pile of books. Matilda sighed to herself, she'd seen this before in her own home. Valuables taken to be sold or repurposed, paintings used as fuel for fires…
"I used to spend so many hours in this room as a child. My father would give me books to read and converse with me about its contents and lessons. I learned everything I know in this room. Now look at it. To the commoners these books are worthless. They just throw them about on the floor like trash while looting worthless 'valuables' completely ignoring the real treasures of this room. Try as I might, I can't find words strong enough to convey my feelings on this subject… Certainly none I can use in front of a lady."
Matilda sighed and shook her head, "I know how you feel. I've been in your shoes before. I just came to inform you that the town has been secured. The mercenaries have been rounded up and locked in a store room until we can make more permanent arrangements for them."
"What of that… Man?" asked Charles with fury he struggled to suppress.
"We're keeping him away from the mercenaries and have locked him in the cellar at the inn which we're currently turning into our barracks," explained Matilda.
"We had a proper barracks on the east side of the town?"
"It's been converted into a storage facility for grain and other food stuff. Clearing it out would have taken too long so we're converting the inn for the time being."
"You see? That just proved my point. They have no sense. There are proper silos for grains and proper store houses for different foods."
"Dijon was asked to store up extra to be distributed for Brinvilliers' war effort. With your permission, I'd like to send word to Lady Eleonore to send us some people to arrange for this supply to be used for our war effort."
Charles leaned back on the desk in the center of the study and held his hand to his chin. "Yes, of course. We should do that. But I would also like your opinion on what we should do with Mr. Gerard now. After that… Pathetic display in front of the town I can't just have him killed. The last thing we need is to make him into a martyr as his Duke was no doubt hoping."
"For the time being, I suggest we just keep him in chains and locked away where he can't cause any more trouble. We should deal with him after we solve more immediate problems."
"More immediate problems?" asked Charles with a curious tone of voice.
"Indeed my lord. Brinvilliers set this town up as a major supply depot. Which means there could be more enemy forces in the surrounding areas. I'd like to send scouts to investigate that possibility."
"Very well. Do so. I have to get my house back in order so if you need anything from me, this is where I'll be."
"Understood. By your leave, I'll see to the reconnaissance."
Charles gave her a polite nod of his head before she turned to exit the room.
After issuing orders to her officers and delegating tasks Matilda walked down to the cellar of the town's inn. It was dark, and smelled of things Matilda didn't even want to think about but it was all they had to work with. Noble or not, this man was a prisoner of war now so his comfort wasn't high on the list of priorities She remembered the treatment she had received from the forces this man was loyal to after the fall of Saxe-Gotha... This was a paradise compared to that.
Matilda walked up to the Mage who was chained to a support column with an angry glare in her eyes. The room was lit with nothing but a single torch near the two guards at the entrance only a few meters away. The light came in from behind her and blocked most of her features from the man.
"Care to explain yourself?" asked Matilda in a harsh voice.
"Not particularly. Would you?" answered Gerard the Ash.
"I'm the one who gets to ask the questions now. Pardon me if I enjoy being on this end of Reconquista a little more than I probably should. Now tell me. You gave away your freedom, and could easily have lost your life... For what? This is not your land, nor your people."
"This is my country. My countrymen. These people have the right to live free from oppression."
"I've heard that line before. The first thing the 'liberators' killed was freedom. Reconquista cloaks tyranny in freedom," said Matilda while spitting on the ground at the name of Reconquista.
"I am not a member of Reconquista. Though, I am aware that Brinvilliers is."
"Does that mean you're not here to terrorize the people into submission?"
"Would you believe me if I said no? Perhaps you should spend some time in the town, among the people. Consider their point of view? Help them with the work that it takes to survive. The nobility after all, survived on the things they had to break their backs to provide. Is it too much to ask that they have a voice? That their needs be considered? That is all they ask for."
"I'm asking the questions here."
"With respect my lady. If you ask a question, I will answer it. But if you've come to make statements, you're wasting your time."
"Do you even understand your circumstances? After the death of Queen Marianne at the hands of your forces... Karin the Heavy Wind is not going to be merciful. Before you die, you will tell us everything you know. If you're truly unlucky, Queen Henrietta will let my friend Calista interrogate you. She got Old Osmond to sing like a bird, and his pain was legendary. So help yourself and start talking. Tell me what you know about the Reconquista forces in the area."
"I am afraid I must disappoint you my lady. I know nothing of the former Duke Brinvilliers military plans."
"Then tell me what you do know."
"I know he gave his word to free the people of Tristain. I also know that he has not broken his word. He is a gentleman. Not the third coming of the butcher King."
"If the measure of a gentleman is how he works with men who kidnap teenage girls to sell into slavery to fund his rebellions, I'll take a butcher King any day. Now… In light of that... Freeing the people? How does he intend to do that?"
"His actions speak louder than your accusations my lady. If you'd take the time to read the new laws of the land circulating the town, you'll find that his actions contradict the picture you paint. You're the ones now seeking to put the people back into their chains."
"You're not making any sense…"
"Perhaps that is because you've yet to gather evidence with which to make a case," said a casual Gerard.
"You really have no fear of what's coming to you? Do you?" asked Matilda with a steely tone.
"I have fear my lady. But not the fear you wish to impose upon me. I can say with certainty that I am indeed very afraid of a great many things, but you are not one of them. Neither is your Marquis."
"And why is that?"
"You, and your Marquis represent a government who rule through the application of brute force. That is not a government. It is a tyranny, a deception, and a blasphemy worse than the Inquisition itself."
"I don't pretend to know what the former King was like. But Queen Marianne was loved by the people. Her daughter, the new Queen is a kind, compassionate, and loving person. She's earned my loyalty, I didn't just give it to her. Because of her, I see myself making a home here. How can you sit there and dismiss her as some kind of tyrant?"
"Because no matter who she is or what she is like, she will be a dictator. I want a Tristan where all are equal. Justice must serve everyone. Not only those who can summon giant golems."
"She might be a dictator. But she is a visionary. She believes in education and progress for everyone, not just the nobility. What you're talking about sounds like taking power from those of us who know how to wield it and handing it over to those who can't even read. How should they know what's in their own best interests?"
"The people know best what is best for them. Just because we can use magic doesn't mean we know better what the needs of the people are. I learned more working the fields with these people than I ever did reading the books of the Magic Academy. Do not underestimate them. The measure of a person's worth can't be found in the books they've read, but in the quality of their character."
Matilda shook her head and turned her back to the man before saying her final piece to him, "The nobility have an important role. We have Magic, the Commoners do not. As a magus, my purpose was to protect the people, to lead them the best I could. To imply that I would do anything less… To imply that they are little more than beasts of burden to the nobility… I don't know where your picture of the world became so corrupted."
"Admirable that you hold tightly to true noble values. But how many others do you personally know who do as well my lady? Where were those values when the Inquisition had free reign? How many of your fellows exploited the people to continue to live in luxury while those they are duty bound to protect starved or froze to death in the winter? What did you ever do about any of that?"
Matilda refused to be further baited and simply left, but she was fuming all the same. She didn't owe this man an explanation, or her life story…
"What did I ever do about it? Ha! More than you'll ever know you self righteous bastard…"
Luberon
Louise sat on a lone tree stump in a field beside the village and looked about curiously. The army was splitting into groups of a few hundred and heading off in different directions. She saw her mother talking with General Gramont about something on a map she was holding, it seems the two were having a disagreement about whatever it was they were discussing but they maintained their professionalism. It seemed the General was the only one who could enjoy the privilege of debating strategy with Karin the Heavy Wind.
Louise sighed to herself and then Derflinger popped out of his scabbard to speak. "What's up Louise?"
"I'm just bored. I want to go talk to my mother but she looks busy. Got any good jokes?"
"I got jokes. But a girl sitting on a tree stump talking to a sword because she's too afraid to go talk to her own mother is a pretty funny joke in itself."
"That's mean!"
"It's the truth ain't it? Just go talk to her. So what if she's busy, you're her daughter!"
"Alright… Alright… Sheesh! When did you get so pushy?" asked Louise while she stood up and started walking.
"Since I became your husband," said Derflinger before sheathing himself back into his scabbard. Louise couldn't help but snicker.
Louise walked up to her mother and General Gramont and stopped a few paces short of them where she waited for a moment to get her mother's attention. Though there was a strong part of her that was curious what the two were discussing so she listened in.
"Look at this way Karin. Battle losses aside, under your plan we're going to have to leave at least fifteen to twenty percent of our forces in these towns as a garrison to watch our backs. I want to find a way to maximize our manpower for the real fight."
"Are you suggesting we not leave any garrisons behind?"
"No. I'm suggesting we leave fewer garrisons behind in strategic locations. Larger, mounted groups can rapidly respond to threats where they are needed without spreading us out too thin."
"Alright. Take the Light Cavalry and assign them."
"Well… Only took an hour to reason with you. New personal best. I'll get it done."
"Very funny Fernand. Just get it done."
Karin turned around where she saw Louise standing nearby and gave her a brief frown.
"Eavesdropping is rude young lady."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I just… Just wanted to talk to you."
"Well… I have a little bit of time right now. What's on your mind?" asked Karin as she started walking.
The two approached the treeline beside the forest just outside the village where they could have their conversation without awkward eavesdroppers.
"We haven't had a chance to talk about anything since… I want to say since we arrived, but, it's been longer than that since we talked about anything," said Louise.
"As long as it'll be a conversation and not another petulant ranting session," said Karin while looking down at her shorter daughter.
"Would it be pointless for me to apologize for that now?"
"No. It wouldn't," said Karin while looking at Louise expectantly.
"Then I'm sorry I was so… Immature."
"Apology accepted. So what's on your mind?" asked Karin who then offered an encouraging smile.
"I'm just so confused about things. Like what I'm suppose to do now."
Karin gently seated herself on the grass and invited Louise to do the same. Louise unstrapped Derflinger and set him down gently while seating herself beside her mother.
"Start from the beginning Louise. Just tell me everything."
"You and Calista both have so much power, and you deal with it so confidently, but I don't know what I'm suppose to do with my own power. On the one hand I feel like I should participate in this war and help however I can, but when I said that to Calista… Well, I don't know what she wants from me. She says she's preparing me to fight, but when I say that's what I want to do she… She didn't exactly respond well to the idea."
"What did she do?" asked Karin with a worried look.
"She knocked me face first into the ground and held my own sword to my neck… She was really angry. More angry than I'd ever seen her. She told me I wasn't ready. Lectured me about the horrors of war."
"While I can't condone her method… I have to say I wholeheartedly agree with her message."
Louise looked down at the ground with disappointment.
"When I was your age I had a lust for adventure. But I never wanted to fight. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I did everything I could to avoid it. I understand you have some power now, and that you feel compelled to join in... But you've already done more than anyone could have asked of you. This is my battle to fight now."
"I just want to help you…"
"There was a young man I knew. A Void Mage like you. At first he didn't know what he was suppose to do either. He felt powerless, lost, and alone. But then he found a goal and the resolve to see it through no matter the obstacles. He wanted peace and dedicated himself to it. The question now is, what is it that you want?"
"I keep asking myself that question. The only answer I can come up with is just that I want to be useful. I've always felt so useless… Like I could never measure up to expectations, or ever come close to anything you've ever done."
"Don't compare yourself to me, or anyone. That's not how you should build up your self image. Look at your sister for example. She's has a gifted mind for magic and economics. She uses those strengths to follow her own calling. You have to set your own goals and your own expectations to aspire to. Does that make sense?"
"Yes it does. But it doesn't change what I want right now."
"If you want to help me Louise, the biggest help you can give me is to reassure me that you'll stay safe. I can't focus on taking on that bastard with all my might if I'm worried about you."
Louise looked up at her mother and nodded. "Did you know Brinvilliers well?"
Karin balled her fists and her face soured, "I went to school with him. Grew up with him. Saved his life more than once. He was one of us. A cherished friend. I suppose the lesson for you to learn is that a knife in your back doesn't always come from the people you think are your enemies. I learned that lesson the hard way, and not just from him..."
"I'm sorry if my question upset you," said a timid Louise.
"It's alright. I suppose you have a right to know. You have the right to know a lot of things but I'll start with what's most relevant. That man… Bri… Just his name tastes bad… He was one of my closest friends… The day he left us..."
Holy Romalian Empire
Vercelli, Capital city of Romalia
30 Years Ago
"You can't be serious! You're actually going along with this?!" yelled Brinvilliers in the face of his Prince with complete disregard for social standing.
"I don't have a damn choice here Marius! I don't like it at all but an alliance with Romalia will prevent Germania and Gallia from invading. And I won't have Tristain become the battleground of a proxy war between them and Albion either. That's all I can think about here. No matter how I feel about… Anything else," answered the young Prince.
The two men were standing face to face with anger in their eyes. The spectators of this heated exchange were Fernand the Wall and Heri the Wave on one side sitting comfortably on a leather couch in front of a coffee table at which the entire argument had started between the group. Colbert the Snake silently leaned against the back wall, next to a dark skinned man with full armor and a two handed sword with some blinking lights in the hilt upon his back. Though his white hair covered his face he remained vigilant. On the other side of the room, Karin and Marianne were sitting on some chairs. As always they picked a spot where they had some distance from others. Marianne had been the one to arrange their lodgings in her family's home. One of the most prominent noble houses of Romalia.
"But at what cost? You're handing over our sovereignty to Romalia! First we'll have Inquisitors, then we'll have a church in every town and village dictating our laws to us! How can you accept being a puppet King?"
"Marius. Please. Don't forget where we are. This is my family's home and there's a line between politics and blasphemy. Please don't cross it," said Marianne.
"Don't be naive Marianne I know you better than that. You've never seen it but you know what goes on!" exclaimed Marius.
"I'll be nobody's puppet Marius! When I have the last ring and unlock the Founder's Prayer Book I'll have the power to dictate the law of my land."
"Oh so you plan to become a dictator like your father? Listen to yourself. "My land" when did it stop being our land? Our people? When did you rise above the rest of us?"
"Marius. He didn't mean it like that and you know it," said Karin from where she was seated.
"That's exactly how I meant it Karin! My country, my people, and I have a responsibility to protect them at all costs!"
"Even at the cost of your own heart? And that of the one you love?!" exclaimed a flabberghasted Fernand de Gramont.
"If that's all it'll end up costing, I can live with it," said the Prince with a solemn tone.
"That's not all it'll end up costing damn it! Think about what you're doing here! If you go through with this alliance you're selling Tristain to Romalia for the low price of our national dignity... At least our enemies would have to pay for it in blood!" explained an angry Marius.
"Marius does have a point. You should think about it. Never mind how this arrangement will complicate all our lives..." said Marianne who was seated beside Karin.
"How about destroy your lives! Are you sure you're all alright with this?" interrupted Henri de Montmorency.
"Yes. Thank you for the dramatization. But if we decide this is what's best, I'll go along with it. Even though I'm Romalian I love Tristain and I don't want anything bad for it. I just want to know if this is really what's best. So I want to hear Marius out before we make a decision."
"Not you too Marianne? I thought you were with me on this?" asked the Prince.
"Hey! Don't lump her in with this crazy plan of yours 'your highness' you've yet to convince us of it. In fact you're just assuming that an alliance with Romalia will solve all our problems instead of creating whole new ones," explained Karin with a condescending tone.
"I'm sorry Karin? When did you become an expert in politics? If I need a monster slaying consultant, I'll be sure to call upon you for that!" exclaimed the Prince.
"Don't become the monster then!" yelled Karin in retort.
The Prince took a deep breath and calmed himself before speaking again instead rising to her bait. "You're all making your arguments on the Inquisition being some order of Holy Warriors blessed and empowered by the Founder himself who go out and commit mass murder. Can't any of you sort fact from fiction enough to realize our enemies just want to make us pass up this opportunity for their own ends? Besides even if that were true, wouldn't it be better to have them on our side?"
"Listen to yourself! I can't believe what I'm hearing. Did someone cast a stupidity spell on you? Or were you always this naive and I was just blind to it?" stated Marius with tone as blunt as his delivery.
"Don't speak to him that way or I'll beat you so hard your children will be born bruised!" said the young armored man next to Colbert while pointing a finger at Marius.
"Charming. So, you're just going to let him use violence as his solution to every problem you face like your father would have?" asked Marius to the Prince.
"If I have to. I already said I'll do whatever must be done. The stakes are just too high," answered the Prince.
"Then I'm proven to be a fool. When we started this, I was convinced you'd be the leader we all hoped you would be. But you're just another barbarian. Your Familiar couldn't have been more perfect. A butcher for you to aspire to emulate. How Karin could have ever… You know what. I'm done. If you're all going along with this madness… If you're all going to be part of the problem instead of the solution. I'll wash my hands of you. Wave. Are you coming?"
Montmorency looked down at the ground and shook his head. "No. I won't abandon my friends. No matter what. Even if I disagree, I won't turn my back on the people I love, that includes you."
"Then you're a fool too," said Marius before turning his back and walking to the door.
"Marius! You can't just leave us! We still need you!" cried Karin as she stood up and tried to stop him from leaving.
"You need reason, not another man. I expected more from you of all Karin. You're a self made woman and it's why I've always valued our friendship. A noble not born into privilege who makes her own means. But you've disappointed me. I won't stay and watch you fall any further."
"What the hell is that suppose to mean?!"
"I hope you figure it out before you end up with nothing but regrets Karin," he said before shaking the small girl off and headed out the door.
"Marius…"
"Forget him Karin. We have bigger problems." said the Prince.
"That man is our best friend! Our brother! How could he just walk out on us now?"
"He's just made up his mind like he always does and nothing can change it. You know this," explained Gramont.
"Yes. But… Damn it! How could he just abandon us?!"
"Calm down Karin. He made a decision. Getting angry won't help anything," said the Prince while putting a hand on her shoulder.
"His power was strong. But not his mind. Let him go," said the white haired man.
"That's not true at all Arnis. His plans saved our lives a lot. I'm not sure I can come up with tactics good enough to see us through now... Not without him."
The armored man, Arnis, walked up to Marianne and knelt before her where he placed his hands on her knees and looked up into her eyes. "Yes you can. I will help you. I swear it."
"I know you will."
"When we needed him the most. When everything was on the line to save Tristain from invasion. Marius just walked out on us. Just left us there to deal with everything on our own," explained Karin.
"Now he's betrayed you again, in the worst possible way. I understand why you're so angry at him now. But can I ask you a question? That man, Arnis. What was he like?"
"After what you just heard the only thing you're curious about is Arnis?" asked a surprised Karin.
"Well yes. The way you described him, he sounds a lot like Calista."
"I suppose Void Mages summon similar people to be their familiars. Arnis was a good friend. But his ways were… He was quick to violence. He carried a big sword and he used it to solve problems a lot more than he probably should have. If your familiar is anything at all like he was Louise, be very careful and keep her on a tight leash."
"It doesn't really work that way between us mother. I'm sort of the one on her leash."
"Then we need to solve that problem. A Familiar is suppose to serve and protect their master. Even if the Familiar is a person, that has to stay true."
"I call her Master… She teaches me, trains me, that's our relationship. I don't know if it's for the better or worse but she's made me stronger."
"Then I'd like to meet and have a talk with her the next time I get a chance. In the mean time I'd like you to stay close to me until I feel it's safe to-"
Karin was interrupted by a sound coming from the forest behind her, both Karina and Louise stood up quickly, Karin drew her sword while Louise picked up Derflinger and prepared to draw him when they saw Guiche come stumbling out of the forest with a wounded man on his back and collapse before them.
"Go get a healer!" yelled Karin while moving to check on the two. Louise didn't answer but ran towards the village as quickly as she could.
"Guiche… What happened to you?" asked Karin while fighting to keep the panic out of her voice.
"Dragon… Knight…" were the only two words Guiche could muster before losing consciousness.
"Guiche! Guiche!" Karin checked to make sure the boy was still breathing and then checked to see if he still had a pulse. Once she was satisfied he was still alive she looked into the forest with narrowed eyes for a moment before checking if the other man was awake or even still alive. He was alive, but not awake.
Karin stood up and rested the top of her sword wand on her shoulder and gazed into the forest ahead of her. Once she'd seen to their safety she intended to go deprive this Dragon Knight of his.
Dijon
The next morning
Matilda had nothing to do while she waited for the soldiers she sent out as scouts to return with their reports so she found herself inadvertently taking her prisoner's advice and wandering about the town. She figured there couldn't be any harm in meeting the people she was meant to be protecting from their enemies. The morning air wasn't as cool as it had been in previous weeks, unusual for mid spring. She mused to herself that after a harsh winter like they just had it should have still been colder but she wasn't about to complain, she'd seen far harsher winters back in Albion.
She found herself on a boulevard that ran through the center of the town and all along the street shopkeepers were setting up their businesses and people were coming out to browse the wares being offered. She came upon one street vendor, and old man who seemed to be attracting a fair amount of customers. After adjusting her glasses Matilda took a look at what was being sold and smiled happily, fresh bread rolls. The grassy haired woman went into her pocket a pulled a few coins while looking for a good roll to pick.
"How much?" asked Matilda to the vendor.
"I'm sorry mi'lady. I appear to be sold out," was the vendor's response.
"Sold out? You've got a dozen out here and dozens more behind you?"
One of the townspeople handed over a coin to the vendor and was handed a bag with a few rolls inside which caused Matilda to narrow her eyes at the older man.
"Good sir. Why won't you sell me bread?" she asked him as politely as she could manage.
"I'm sorry mi'lady. The bread is for the people of Dijon. If I sell you bread, there can't be bread for one of the people, can there?"
Matilda shook her head, "I see. Very well then. I'll see if someone else has bread to sell."
She walked down the entirety of the boulevard but none of the vendors would sell her anything. Along the way she saw some of her soldiers suffer the same misfortune, though one got her attention more than the rest when he decided to vent his anger out on the vendor himself by flipping the table and all his wares. Matilda ran up to them and pulled her soldier back from the man before he could go any further.
"Stand down! This isn't any way to deal with your problem!" she declared.
"Respectfully Captain. It ain't proper to refuse a customer is it?"
"Neither is it proper to beat a man for refusing you service! Now stand down and be on your way!"
"Yes Captain," he answered while standing at attention and saluting her before walking away.
"That's not the only problem in town Captain," said another soldier from behind Matilda.
"What is it now?" she asked him.
"Look up there," he said while pointing up to something.
Matilda followed his gesture and looked up at the flags flying off the building tops. They were the flags of Tristain as well as red banners whose significance Matilda didn't recognize.
"Didn't we replace those with the black mourning flags yesterday?"
"Aye Captain. We did indeed. Seems someone replaced them again in the night."
"Change them back and ask around to see if you can find out who did this. Try to get it done quickly before the Marquis sees it."
"Might be too late for that Captain…" he said while pointing to the end of the street.
Matilda looked ahead and saw the Marquis with his Manticore looking down the street and up at the buildings. She sighed heavily at the sight. "My day was already off to a bad start. Now it's all set to get worse."
"If it's any consolation. I can't see it getting worse than this, so it could only get better," said the soldier.
"I wish I had your optimism. Better round up the men and get it done. I'll go talk to the Marquis."
"As you command," said the soldier with a salute.
Tristain Academy of Magic
Tiffania looked around the courtyard after exiting the dormitory, all around she saw the staff, volunteer students, and other workers from who knows where beginning the work of repairing the academy from the battle damage it had sustained. Her Elven ears picked up a conversation between two students, a boy and a girl not far from her that would have been out of earshot for a Human, but not for her…
"Aren't you worried they might come back again? Why won't they let us leave?"
"Because it isn't safe out there. With the Valliere army between us and them this is the safest place we could be."
"But why are they assuming all the enemy forces are in the North?"
"Because that's where the capital is?"
"Stupid question I know. I'm just scared."
"It's alright. I'm scared too. You're from Ruthenia right? If it's worth anything your family probably hasn't heard about what's happened in Tristain yet. So they're not worried."
"That's not worth anything at all! I want to get out of here before this country ends up being part of Germania."
"It'll actually probably end up being part of Gallia if anything. We have closer cultural ties to them."
"That's even worse!"
Tiffania sighed to herself and walked away leaving the two to their conversation. The young Elf headed for her first destination for the day, the kitchen which wasn't far from the girl's dormitory, only a short distance to the central tower just adjacent to the dining hall on the ground level with an entrance from the back. Once inside she found the head chef with his right arm in a sling standing beside one of the students who was busy preparing something she couldn't quite see until she got closer.
"I don't get it Marteau. If we make the bread this way, won't it be too hard to eat?" asked Katie while preparing dough for bread according to the head chef's instructions and using a small stick to make small holes through the slices.
"You dip it in stew or a drink to soften it up. When you make it this way, it doesn't go stale. Not for a very long time anyway. This is what we ate in the army. A supply of this lasts weeks or even longer. Out at sea, a single supply of bread has to last months at a time."
"That makes sense I suppose. Am I doing this right by the way?"
"Hmm... You could make the pieces just a little bigger. But they're fine."
"Umm excuse me." said a timid Tiffania.
Marteau turned around to face the girl and gave her stern glare. "Breakfast isn't for another twenty minutes, and you'll get it in the dining hall with everyone else. We're not taking special requests right now so you'll eat what everyone else is eating and like it!"
Tiffania coward before the man by grabbing onto the brim of her oversized hat and pulled it down to hid her face while she shrank away from him. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to… I was just told to come here and pick up a meal for someone who can't come down to breakfast…"
"I think she's here for Miss Montmorency's breakfast Marteau…" said Katie while walking over to the table to pick up a tray of food.
"Yes… That's what I was told to do. Yesterday the Headmaster gave me the food to bring to her and told me to collect it from here every morning. I'm sorry if I misunderstood him. I didn't mean to offend anyone."
"Don't worry about it. Marteau is just grumpy because he can't do all the cooking without help right now and even without that, he's very territorial about the kitchen," said Katie while holding out the tray to Tiffania.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know I'd upset you by coming in here. I won't do it again. Could you please just tell me where I'm suppose to go to get her breakfast so I won't make another mistake?"
"You're new here aren't you? Don't worry about it. Just come here to pick it up every morning. Marteau won't bite again. I'll tighten his leash," said Katie while grinning at Marteau.
"Ha. Ha. Ha. I'm laughing. On the inside. To give you the straight story kid. I don't like nobles comin' in here and yelling orders. New students always do that. They always want what they're used to eating at home."
"I… I wouldn't do that. Anything is fine to eat. Really. I'm sort of used to only getting scraps, left overs, or little bits of anything. So any food you make will be a treat," explained Tiffania.
"What kind of noble gets that kind of food?" asked Marteau while Katie gave the new girl a skeptical glance. Her figure didn't seem at all like someone who's been subsisting on substandard food if her oversized assets were any indication.
"It's a long story sir. But, I'm not actually a noble or anything. Not anymore at least. My sister is the Headmaster's secretary, that's why I was allowed to come to school here. Umm… If you want to know more, I really can't talk about it," explained Tiffania in a small voice.
"Ahh. You're Miss Longueville's sister? Ha! I never would have guessed since you got blonde hair kid. Half sisters?" asked Marteau with a much friendlier and warmer tone.
"No sir. Her family adopted me when I was very little," answered Tiffania.
"Awww. That's so cute. And I really like your hat too. What's your name Miss?" asked Katie.
"Tiffania."
"Welcome Tiffania. I'm Katie. And the big guy is the head chef, Marteau. He teaches me about cooking when I'm not in class. Since classes are suspended right now, I'm in here all the time helping out."
"Welcome to the school missy. You also meet all the criteria for being welcome in the kitchen now. Among those being that you aren't a stuck up and spoiled silver spoon fed little princess. So that makes you alright in my book! Katie can fill you in on the kitchen rules."
"Rules?" asked Tiffania.
"Marteau has three rules for people in the kitchen. Don't get in the way, don't be rude to anyone here, and what happens in the kitchen stays in the kitchen," explained Katie.
"Thank you. I promise not to break any of those rules. I'd better get this to Miss Montmorency now. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome Tiffania. Please come back any time. You're also welcome to take your meals in here if you're feeling a little shy about sitting with everyone else. I do that all the time," explained a smiling Katie.
"Thank you. I'll actually take you up on that I think."
Luberon
Later that morning General Gramont paced about near the house the healers took over to provide treatment to the two wounded young men while listening to a report from his remaining squad of scouts.
"We found the rest of the group… Parts of them anyway. All over the forest. We reported our findings to Lady Valliere. Then she took her Knights out to track the enemy down. We think the bastard is still around. We found this and a bit of a dragon's wing in the forest sir. Looks like your son managed to get off a good trap that'll ground the dragon for a while until it heals," explained the scout while holding out what was left of Guiche's rose wand to the General.
Fernand took the stem of the wand and examined it with a sigh. "Did you bring back the remains?"
"Yes General. We'll sort them the best we can and make funeral arrangements."
"Very good. Let me know if you need anything to help with that."
"Yes sir. But if I may be so bold? Your son did good. His trap was perfect. Given the carnage we found at the scene, to have set up a trap and carry that man out of there. I'm not sure anyone else could have pulled it off and lived. We'll pray for your son's recovery. He's damn well earned his place among the scouts after this."
"Thank you. Get some food and rest. Then resume your patrols."
"Yes General," said the scout with a salute before departing with the rest of his men behind him.
Fernand turned to head back into the house to check on his son. Inside he found a water mage working his magic on Lazare while Guiche was asleep in the next bed. Though he was very surprised to see Louise Valliere of all people sitting in a chair beside him. He walked up beside her and spoke.
"Miss Valliere. I must say I'm surprised to see you here. I was under the impression you and my son didn't get along."
"We don't. But he was there to help me when I needed it. So it feels right to return the favor now if I can," explained Louise with a low voice to avoid disturbing the healer.
"Are you referring to the incident with Count Mott by chance?"
Louise widened her eyes and looked up at the General who held up a hand to reassure her before speaking again, "Don't worry. I won't tell your mother. Though I expect she'll find out on her own at some point. If I were you I'd prepare for that."
"The way things are going I think that'll be the least of what I need to prepare for."
"I hope you're wrong about that."
"Could I ask you a personal question sir?"
"I can't promise I'll answer it, but you may ask."
"I'm not sure how to phrase this tactfully given the situation, but… Why did you allow Guiche to go out on a mission?"
"Hrmm… I don't believe there is a tactful way to phrase that question. But if you want to know the answer, I sent him out because I wanted him to learn. Someday, I hope he'll be able to take my place and lead the army of House Gramont. To do that, he needs to not only learn and experience what everyone's duties involve, but he also has to earn the respect of the troops. He won't do that by staying at my side, and yes... There are risks involved... But that's our life."
"I want my mother to give me more to do. But…"
"But she's more inclined to keep you safe rather than let you take risks with your life."
"Exactly. So I was wondering what Guiche did to talk you into it."
"He didn't do anything. I just have different expectations of my son than your mother has for you."
"My mother said I have to make my own expectations. But what if I expect to be useful to the war? What if that's really what I expect of myself?"
"Then I'd tell you that's between you and your mother. No offense, but I'm not getting between a mother Manticore and her progeny. That would be suicide."
"I understand. I'd never ask you to do that. I'm just looking for good advise I suppose."
"If it's advice you want. I've known your mother for over thirty years now. In that time I've learned two things about her. The first is to never make her angry. If you do, immediate appeasement greatly improves your odds of survival. I hear that's a trait she may have passed onto you."
"Heh… Maybe. What's the second?"
"The second is that she can be reasoned with. If you present your case well enough and have the patience to work through her stubbornness."
"Also a trait I think I get from her…"
"May I ask you for a favor now Miss Valliere?"
"Anything," answered Louise who then gave the General her undivided attention.
"May I count on you to look after my son until he's well? With your mother out hunting for the enemy who did this, I have to see to the army."
"I can do that. But I can't promise he'll stay well if he opens his mouth and says something stupid to me."
"I can't blame you for that. I know about what happened between you. Just the fact that you're even here now suggests he may have indeed done something right."
"I'll make sure he does a lot more right before I ever consider forgiving him."
The General snickered at her comment, "You are your mother's daughter. No doubt about it."
Dijon
Matilda walked beside the proud Manticore Knight and listened as he expressed his displeasure with the situation in the town. The sun was getting higher in the sky and the heat was starting to build up for Matilda under her leather armor. She told herself that she'd need to find a bath at the end of today for sure given how much she was already starting to sweat.
"Organize your troops and turn the town upside down Captain. I want every home searched, I want every person questioned. I want to know to know who did this and I want them punished severely! I will not allow her memory to be spat upon like this. I will not allow anyone to use her death for… For politics! It's outrageous!"
"Respectfully your excellency. Aren't we doing that ourselves right now?"
"Mourning the death of her Majesty is just common decency! There's nothing political about it! Stripping the flags is an insult I won't stand for. I will not allow this period of mourning to be turned into a… A circus! She gave so much for this country, including her life. If we can't give her some respect and dignity in her death then what are we?"
"I understand what you're saying, and I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment. But I also want to understand what's going on in the minds of the people right now. They're refusing to sell any goods to us. Now the thing with the flags. We need to get ahead of this before things really escalate. I had to pull one of my men off a vendor before he beat the poor man."
"You should have let him. In time these soldiers will be marching to the capital to restore peace and justice to our great nation. Those men deserve the unconditional support of the people. If they won't sell, we'll just take and compensate them later."
"Respectfully, I don't think that's the right approach to this situation. We should hear out their concerns and placate them."
"Placate them? Are you serious my lady? Their concerns are always the same. Taxes are too high, crop yields are too low, salaries are too low. If we start placating their every whim where will that lead us? We'd have anarchy. For a civilization to function it needs people who build things, and people who manage things. You're an Earth Mage. Look at this town as if it were a garden. If you overwater the plants, they die. If you don't water them enough, they die. Occasionally you also have to go around and pull out the weeds in order to keep things beautiful."
"People aren't plants though."
"It's an analogy my lady. Perhaps we can discuss it further over dinner tonight with you and your officers? For now we should see to the weeds. Get those flags sorted and find out who's responsible."
"Yes your excellency. I'll get it done," said Matilda with a tone of resignation.
Luberon
Calista sat at a table outside the home of one of the villagers who was serving refreshments to some of the soldiers. The proprietor of the home in question was perplexed by the fact that as soon as the lady in black sat down, everyone else was quick to vacate the table and nobody else would come near it. The man shrugged and then proceeded to serve Calista another beverage, she graciously thanked him before picking up the drink and slouched in the chair while sipping the drink, enjoying the noon sun and the sights around her. Then her relaxation was suddenly spoiled when Julio came across her and went over to see what she was doing.
"You look very relaxed my lady. May I ask what you're drinking?" asked Julio. Calista relaxed her mind since this time, Julio opted to speak to her in Galactic Basic. Their common language.
"Something called Orange Juice. Before you say it I know what you're thinking. Sith should be drinking the blood of their enemies mixed with the tears of their orphaned children. Sorry to dash your expectations once again."
"A Jedi should never stop learning because life never stops teaching," said Julio while seating himself at the table.
"Then perhaps you'd also like a lesson on manners? For example; it's very rude to sit down at a lady's table without obtaining her permission first."
"Ahh, but this table belongs to the owner of this home, does it not?"
"That's a technicality Jedi. You're still inviting yourself to sit with me before establishing if you're welcome or not. Which by the way, you are not."
"I would never presume to assume I'm welcome anywhere near you my lady. But I do confess that I am curious as to why you aren't training with your apprentice?"
"How and when I choose to train my apprentice is none of your concern Jedi. And I would strongly caution you to stay as far away from her as you possibly can. Unless you'd like a rematch against me."
"I must admit, sparring against someone else capable of wielding a lightsaber is appealing to me. However we are in a state of war so that might not be appropriate at this time. Which does bring me to why I wanted to speak with you Lady Zarkot. I have a proposal for you if you'll-"
"Sir Julio. Are you asking me to marry you? You know I might poison the first meal I prepare for you."
"No my Lady. But if you were my wife, I can assure you I would gladly consume it. What I propose is a total moratorium on assassinations. Your stealth generator might run out of juice faster than you glass if you persist in using murder as a solution to your problems."
"I'd thank you to mind your own damn business," said Calista with narrowed eyes.
"I just have one question for you. Why do you wear that adorable red bow in your hair?"
"I suggest you leave now. Before I really express my irritation."
"At least that would be something honest to come out of your mouth. Why can't you answer this simple question?"
"Because it's none of your damn business!" yelled Calista.
"Very well my lady. I shall take my leave. Though. I should note that stare of yours isn't nearly as menacing as it was when your eyes were corrupted. Now it's just petulant. So you really should lighten up as they say."
Calista picked up her glass and threw the drink all over Julio's white cloak in response.
"Very mature," he said while standing up giving her a polite bow before turning and walking away in as dignified a manner as possible for a man with a cloak stained with fresh orange juice.
Dijon
Matilda had spent the last hours walking around the town and trying to talk to people about the flags and the acts of civil disobedience such as the vendors refusing to sell their goods. In the meanwhile there were other incidents such as the old barracks being barricaded and chained to prevent her people from taking inventory of it. Then feed was taken away from their horse stables.
She wanted answers, but none of the people would speak to her except to say they knew nothing. The answer was always the same, even when asked for something as mundane as the weather, they always said they knew nothing. Her frustration brought her to the Inn where her forces made their barracks. The man irked her deeply but at least he was talkative, which was much more than anyone in the town was. Tempers were beginning to flare up and it was only a matter of time before the silent stand off between her soldiers and the townspeople escalated.
These weren't men she'd been into battle with. She was simply placed in command by Karin Valliere and told to carry out this mission for her. If came to a confrontation, she couldn't count on loyalty for obedience. Fear was a useful tool she had at her disposal. She was still Matilda the Adamant. A Golem the size of a decent building in the small town was sure to get whatever point she wanted to make across to everyone loud and clear, but that would have to be a last resort.
Before she realized it she was standing in front of the door to the cellar of the inn where Gerard the Ash was imprisoned. Her musings had evidently distracted her more than usual. There were just too many variables to consider about the current situation. The guards at the door were standing at attention and saluting her while she stood there quietly unable to steady her mind and focus on the moment. She took deep breath and shook the aberrant thoughts from her mind before she saluted the two guards and told them to let her in. One of the men produced the key and unlocked the door for her. With a final breath to bring her mind into focus on the task at hand she steeled herself for the encounter and started down the stairs.
The smell of the cellar was utterly overpowering her senses. Her eyes watered, and she tried to take only shallow breaths. The putrid odour was provoking her flight instincts, begging her to turn around and leave. It smelled bad before and invoked vivid memories, but this was on another level entirely. Matilda could proudly boast that nothing could trigger her gag reflex but she was now on the verge of losing everything she'd probably ever eaten in her life.
"Uuugh! What is that vile stink?! What the hell have you been-"
She stopped in her tracks and froze when she got a look at the man she'd come to see in the torch light before her. She couldn't see his eyes behind his hair but she could tell his entire face was bruised. He was missing some nails on his hands that were heavily bleeding. His left hand was missing a finger. His previously white shirt was now dyed completely red with his blood. Finally, the flesh of his feet was melted away.
"What in the name of..." Matilda didn't know what name to invoke anymore. God, the Founder, or the Force. She figured it was best to leave them all out of it. She was dead certain that none of them wanted to come near here.
"Your Marquis wanted to talk. I'm never staying at this Inn again."
"How can you make a joke at a moment like this? Let me call for a medic."
"So you are playing the good Inquisitor now?"
"I'm not playing anything! I want to help you idiot!"
"So I'll be healed and it'll happen again. I'm certain that will make me talk."
"You are one stubborn son of a..."
"I'd rather that we not drag my dear mother into this. Did you want to actually ask question now?"
"Have it your way then. Answer me this. Why people are acting crazy? They don't want to sell bread, and they switched the flags over night. That was just the start."
"Matilda the Adamant calling other people crazy? Because they fight for their freedom with the only weapons they have? That's rich."
"How do you know about me?"
"The fall of Saxe-Gotha, echoed deeply in many hearts and minds, so I know you, even if we never met."
Matilda narrowed her eyes ignoring the blood that came from his mouth with his every word and fought to suppress her gag reflex.
"So why are the people doing this? What do they hope to achieve?"
"In this little town… The constitution came and was implemented. It started with the abolishment of the nobility. Then it went further. When Brinvilliers announced it in the capital it all fell into place. The people might not understand it fully yet, but in time they will. Not even the likes of you can take that away from them now."
"Likes of us?! You were the ones who started the civil war, against the Queen and her daughter."
"We rose up to say no. No more oppression. No more repression. Brinvilliers just gave us the means to act."
"So what is this constitution thing?"
"It's the game changer. Not only for Tristain, but for the rest of Halkeginia. It's a document so powerful that no one can stop it now that it's out. It is being distributed all over the country to every household."
"What does it say?"
"It says that everyone, mage and commoner, have equal rights and protections under a uniform set of laws. It says that no one is above the law."
"And who sets these laws? Brinvilliers?"
"The people do. All may contribute to creation of the law by which all must be governed."
"That's insane! It's anarchy! Commoners no nothing about taxes, trade treaties or politics. How could such a system function without real leadership?"
"If you read it. You'll understand it. You might thinks it's crazy now but I prefer to strive towards craziness rather than live in insanity."
"That doesn't even make any sense, you're obviously losing too much blood. I'm getting a medic now," said Matilda while walking towards the exit. The man behind her said nothing more.
Luberon
Guiche slowly stirred in his sleep before awakening in a panic. He didn't take the time to process his situation, where he was or how he got there, he only had one thought on his mind…
"Lazare! Where's Laza-Ah… Arrgh!" he cried in pain after the sudden movement reopened the wound in his abdomen sending waves of agony all through his body and forcing him to lie back down to seek any small relief from the pain. "The Dragon… It was there… and the Knight… Wind Blades everywhere... Have to warn…"
Louise was quickly by his side to try and hold him down while the Water Mage quickly rushed over with a bucket of water to begin healing his wound again.
"Guiche! Snap out of it! You're safe! Get a grip! Look where you are!" yelled Louise hoping to get through to the panicking boy she was fighting to hold still.
"Where's Lazare?!" he demanded in response still seemingly unaware of where he was or what was happening.
"He's safe Guiche! He's on the bed next to you. Just take a breath!"
"That's not going to work my lady," explained the healer while standing up and shoving Louise aside. He then grabbed Guiche by the shirt and pulled him up slightly to slap him across the face which, shockingly to Louise, seemed to be exactly what he needed to make him aware of himself again.
"I have to remember that one…" Louise mused under her breath.
"What happened? Where am I?" asked Guiche before cringing in pain.
"You're in Luberon. You're safe Mr. Gramont. Please lie still. You had a fit and you reopened your wound here," explained the Water Mage.
"I have to warn everyone. There's a-"
"A Dragon Knight. We already know Guiche. And your friend is safe too. So just relax and let the man heal you up," said Louise who seated herself beside Guiche's bed.
Guiche cringed in pain as the healer spell began its work of resealing his wound. "He… He killed them all… Cut… Grabbed them with its jaw... You cant imagine…"
It wasn't very long ago that Louise felt envy that Guiche was able to go out on a mission. But the look in his eyes combined with the fear she could vividly sense from him. Suddenly the warnings against her getting involved in the fight took on a whole new meaning for the young girl.
"It's alright Guiche. You're safe now. Please try to calm down," said Louise in the gentlest tone she could muster.
"Where's my wand? I need my wand. It could come back at any moment! Please give me my wand! I need to conjure a sword. A big one. Big enough to cleave a dragon! We have to be ready for it!" exclaimed Guiche.
"Guiche! Focus on my voice! You need to get a grip on yourself! It's alright. My mother took all the Manticore Knights after the one that attacked you. She'll get him. I promise you."
"Louise? You're here?" asked Guiche while looking at the pink haired girl beside him with amazement.
"Yes Guiche. I'm here. Just calm down please," said Louise while reaching out put a hand on his forearm reassuringly. He still had that fearful expression which unnerved her deeply. The sense of terror he was projecting was overwhelming but she worked through it the best she could.
"Louise… I've wanted to tell you something for so long now…"
"What is it Guiche?"
The Water Mage finished his spell and stood up with his now empty bucket in hand. "Try to keep him calm my lady. I'll go check our supplies for something to help him rest. Don't let him open the wound again."
Louise nodded at the man before returning her attention to Guiche who was muttering under his breath something she couldn't make out as he struggled to find his voice again. Most of his head was bandaged but his eyes were what struck her the most about him in this moment. He wasn't looking at her anymore, it was like he was looking through her.
"Just one more step... Just one more step… Louise I never apologized to you. Father... I was a disappointment... Just one more step… One more step… For Louise I have to… Take one more step… One more step Lazare… I'll make it… Just one more step and I can tell her… That I'm sorry. Just one more step and I can tell her what a fool I was… One more step… I can tell her I loved her… She needed to hate me Lazare… One more step… I'll tell her everything. No more lies..."
"Guiche! What the hell are you saying?! You loved me?! Why did you need me to hate you? What lies are you talking about?!" asked Louise getting closer to Guiche to try and make out his inaudible mumbling.
"He can't hear you my lady. He's just repeating whatever went on in the last few hours," explained the water mage who had returned and stood silently to observe.
"How long were you there? What did you overhear?" asked Louise with fear all over her face.
"Long enough. And just enough. It seems young Mr. Gramont is conflicted about you my lady. It's none of my business though, and I won't repeat what I heard. Respecting my patient's dignity and privacy is important in my work. I'm going to give him something to put him to sleep now. You should let him rest," he explained.
"Damn it Guiche… What goes on in that stupid head of yours?" Louise asked herself while standing up to leave.