(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hiya everyone! just got this chapter somewhat early from my faithful editor last night isn't this sweet. Well nothing more I need to say other than thanks to all newbies whom have commented and have been notified from my last message update on the current status of the story. Keep your positive and encouragements, critiques and constructive critisiums coming in now onward to chapter twenty-eight ^^
(*) As always many special thanks to my editor and co-partner in helping finally get this story off the ground and back burner dragonwriter24cmf. So far we have been getting by with this fan fiction by bit by bit with story and with you guy the fans that love reading each new chapter that comes out. Thanks to everyone, I appreciate your support through this story 100%.
DISCLAIMER: All rights to Trinity Blood was created and © by late Yoshida Sunao, the anime directed by Tomohiro Hirata and produced by the studio GONZO, as well as a manga drawn by Yoshida Sunao's friend Kiyo Kyoujou. All © rights revered by their respective owners. I own nothing except © to this story, it's plot and it's OC's that will eventually show within later chapters.
Warning:This fan fiction is rated (M) AKA Lemon. This story is ABSOULTLY NOT suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 [So if you're under the age limit turn back now, come back when you old enough to read this. I'd rather not get flamed nor sued by parents whom are just looking for trouble in places their underage children should not be looking nor reading for that matter. This story contains strong explicit adult themes and sexual ones such slight foreplay - as in hand sex, one-sided yuri, bisexuality, Attempted Rape, Explicit Sex or anything else mild to hard core kinky for that matter!, references to violence, and strong coarse language. If this disturbs you, do not read any further.
Notice: Trinity Blood War Continuum takes place one month after the events from the anime's finale episode 24 along with some elements, characters and things that will be used and taken from both manga's Rage against the Moons (RAM), Reborn on the Mars (ROM). In addition to some spoilers from stories untold notes left by Yoshida Sunao which he intended to finish off the manga series supposedly. Basically 50/50 will be used on both the anime and manga to those whom are more familiar with manga then others will see this implants as the story develops. Trinity Blood is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Roman Catholic Church/the Vatican is portrayed as a military and spiritual power. The series also strongly implies major and controversial changes in the Church of present reality, such as women being bishops, cardinals as well as romantic relationships and marriages between members of the clergy. If this disturbs you of form or shape of or on imagination then do not read this story.
Trinity Blood: War Continuum - Chapter Twenty Eight – Hostages
Esther woke to the feeling of warm air brushing across her cheek, and cool sheets on bare skin. She lay for a few moments, relaxing and remembering the events of the night before, then opened her eyes.
Abel lay next to her, his eyes still closed in sleep. The blanket that covered both of them only came up to the middle of his chest, revealing the muscles of his upper arms and his chest. His face was completely relaxed, silver hair falling across his cheek and forehead. Esther smiled, seeing the tangles, and remembering the events that had put them there. She stared at his face a moment longer, then leaned forward and kissed him gently on the mouth.
The touch woke him, as she'd suspected it would. Abel shifted, stiffening just briefly before one arm came up to pull her closer. He held her close for a moment, then drew back slightly. "Good morning, Esther."
"Good morning. Did you sleep well, Abel?" She smiled at him.
Abel smiled back, a tint of pink suffusing his cheeks. "Well, when I got that far." The expression in his eyes softened, and he reached one hand up to brush her face. "Last night..."
"It was wonderful. Absolutely perfect." She took his hand. "Thank you, love." She looked back into his eyes. "I hope...well, I know I'm not experienced, so..."
He chuckled. "You needn't worry about that. Trust me, you were stunning." He shifted again, then kissed her. "As much as I'd like to stay here, we should probably be moving." He sat up to glance at the clock, and the sheet slipped, revealing his body, naked to the waist. "Ah...we'll probably be summoned to breakfast in a little bit." He stretched, then leaned over and snagged the towel he'd dropped the night before. "I'll go run a bath for you."
"Thank you. That sounds lovely." Esther sat up as well. Abel's gaze slipped over her exposed chest. He blushed slightly, then stood, wrapping the towel around his waist, and moved toward the bathroom.
Esther watched him disappear into the bathroom, then stretched. Her shoulder felt a little sore, but no more than usual. There was also an ache deep in her gut, and between her legs, but it didn't bother her, not when she remembered why. She rested her hand on her stomach with a smile.
Abel reappeared in the doorway a moment later. "Esther...your bath is ready." He studied her a moment then moved forward to brush her face with a gentle touch. "How do you feel?"
She smiled. "I feel fine. A little sore, but..."
A sheepish grin touched his face. "Yes, well...it's an unfortunate side effect. I hate to say it, but you'll probably feel that way for a few days." He pulled her into an embrace. "If it's any consolation, I'm feeling a little worn out myself."
"It's fine." Esther grinned, then pushed herself to the edge of the bed. "I really should go get cleaned up though, and so should you." She looked into his face. "You know...you're welcome to join me, if you want."
Abel made a face. "I admit, I am a bit tempted. However, I don't think I want to explain it if Lord Walsh or my sister walked in on us." He grinned. "They might not totally disapprove, but I'm fairly certain that Seth would never let us hear the end of it."
Esther felt him chuckle, and an answering laugh burst from her. "You're probably right. But then, you'd better get dressed." Her gaze slipped to the towel around his waist, the only thing covering his body.
Abel blushed, then stepped back so she could rise from the bed. Esther rose, wrapping the sheet around her for modesty. As she did, something caught her eye. She turned. There in the center of the bed was an irregularly shaped crimson stain, about where she'd been lying.
"Esther?" Abel moved forward and his gaze followed hers. "Ah. Well, that is another unfortunate side effect." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't think of that."
"It's all right. It's just...I know you wanted to keep our relationship quiet, and I understand, but..." Esther bit her lip, concern dampening her happiness. "This..."
Abel studied it a moment, then smiled. "I think I might know a way to fix this, Miss Esther. In the meantime, why don't you go ahead and take that bath. After all, it's not going to do you any good if the water gets cold, now will it?"
"You're right. But this..."
"It's all right." Abel laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, and she looked up into his quiet smile. "I will take care of this, Miss Esther, so don't worry. You just go enjoy your bath, all right?"
The calm confidence in his smile restored her own relaxation. She nodded. "All right." She leaned forward and brushed a quick kiss on his jaw, then turned and entered the bathing room. Within moments she had discarded the sheet and was slipping into the tub.
The water was the perfect temperature, warm and relaxing. Esther sat back and let the heat soothe her aching muscles. Gradually, even the deep soreness in her abdomen faded. She shifted, sinking lower to allow the heat to soak into the shoulder, then sighed, smiling to herself as her mind drifted over the events of the night before. She'd heard, in a general way, about love-making, but she'd always thought as a nun that it was something she'd probably never experience. Granted, she had known that Sister Noelle was hardly chaste, and the vows of celibacy were optional, but still, it hadn't occurred to her that she'd find someone she wanted to be with, nor someone that wanted to be with her. Even when she'd realized she loved Abel, she hadn't thought it would come to this. But...the night before had been pure magic. She closed her eyes, remembering him. Remembering the black wings enfolding them both as they came together. A smile touched her lips, remembering how she'd once thought of him as her 'one black angel'. Certainly, last night he'd brought her a feeling that was close to heavenly. She only hoped she'd done the same for him.
The water was beginning to cool. Esther shook herself out of her thoughts, and reached for the soap. It took her only a few minutes to wash, then a few more to rinse out her hair. She frowned, lifting a strand of it. She'd barely had time to notice, but it was getting long. She was used to a shorter hairstyle, but...she rinsed the last suds off, then rose from the tub and wrapped one of the larger towels around her and moved to the mirror. As a nun, she'd kept her hair short as a boy's, with only a few long bangs framing her face. Between her captivity and all the things that had happened, it had grown past her shoulders. It felt odd, seeing it so long, but she didn't dislike the style. It gave her a somewhat older and more feminine appearance. She smiled, running her hands thorough it. She wondered what Abel thought of it.
The thought reminded her of Abel, and the mess she'd left him cleaning up. She grimaced, then turned and took a set of underthings out of the drawer near the tub. She threw them on, then shrugged into a bathrobe and opened the door to the bedroom.
Abel was sitting in a chair, once again dressed in shirt and pants. His hair was loose, but that wasn't unusual. He looked much as he usually did when he stayed with her. At her entrance, he looked up and a smile crossed his face. "Ah, Esther. Was your bath all right?"
"It was fine. And you..." She stopped, not sure how to phrase the question.
Abel's smile widened. "It's all right. Everything's taken care of. And as soon as Seth or Lord Walsh gets here, I'll be off to clean up as well."
Esther nodded, and moved to stand beside him. She couldn't help letting her gaze drift to the bed. To her surprise, the stain was gone. The sheets looked a little rumpled, but other than that, the sign of the night's activity was gone. She looked back at the man beside her. "Abel...how?"
An odd look crossed his face, and he looked away from her. "Well, let's just say I used a special technique, all right? After all, cleaning out bloodstains is something of a specialty of mine." He gave her a quick grin.
"I see." His manner woke her suspicions, but she didn't want to ask. However Abel had managed to clean up the mess, that was his business, and she was grateful for what he had done. "I'm glad it worked then." She moved forward and kissed his cheek.
"Well, you two certainly are affectionate this morning." A soft, amused voice came from the doorway. Esther turned to see Seth leaning against the frame with a smile on her face. She grinned and waved at her brother. "Hey Abel." She tilted her head. "You know, you really look like you could use a shower, brother."
Abel chuckled and rose from the seat, gathering up his belongings. "Yes, well, I was just waiting for your arrival." He turned and brushed a hand across Esther's cheek. "I'll meet you in a few minutes for breakfast, all right?"
"Right." Esther smiled as she watched him leave.
Seth watched her brother go as well, amusement and affection on her youthful face. "Huh. I don't think I've ever seen Abel look that contented before. And certainly not when he looks that...disarranged." She chuckled. "Whatever happened last night must have been good."
"Yes." Esther knew she was blushing, but there was no way to hide it. She sought something to distract the other woman. "You were here to check my shoulder?"
"Well, that and to keep an eye on you for a few minutes, while Abel gets himself cleaned up. Good thing too, otherwise he'd show up at the hall in that condition, and everyone would wonder what he was doing. My brother isn't exactly the neatest person I've ever known, but that...that was a little much."
Esther blushed again. "I...I asked him to help me clean something up...and..."
Seth chuckled again. "It's not important." She grinned as she stepped to Esther's side. "Honestly, I don't have to guess, not with that look on his face. Plus...Crusniks do have excellent senses, in general. And this close up...you've cleaned off a bit, but you still kind of smell like Abel to me."
Esther blushed. "Oh. I see."
Seth shook her head. "Don't worry. I'm not going to tell anyone. The more sensitive Methuselah at your court and mine might notice, to be honest, but I don't think anyone's going to talk about it. Really, I'm just happy, for you and Abel both." She smiled and Esther saw the genuine warmth and affection in that smile.
"Thank you." She returned it.
They held each other's gaze a moment, then Seth turned to the wardrobe. "Well then, let's see about getting you dressed up for the day."
It took less than half an hour to slip into something comfortable to wear. Abel was standing in the hall when they emerged. His hair was still wet, but neatly combed back, his glasses perched firmly on his nose. True to Seth's comments, he wasn't the neatest priest she'd ever seen: his cassock looked a bit rumpled, and the combat boots he wore were scuffed and battered, as were a few of his rosary crosses. Still, the sight of him brought a smile to Esther's lips. Abel looked up at the sound of their footsteps, and an answering smile touched his own face, lighting the winter blue eyes. He straightened as they approached him. "Good morning. Shall we head down to breakfast?"
Seth smirked. "You seem a little hungrier than usual Abel."
Abel flushed slightly. "Yes, well...you know how it is. Sometimes, I just get extremely hungry."
"I do." Seth grinned, and looped her arms through her brother's and through Esther's. "So then, let's get you fed."
They arrived early to the dining hall; early enough that only Virgil was there, laying out the places. He looked up as they entered, and set the plate he was holding aside to bow. "Your Majesties. Father Nightroad. Good morning." He straightened. "I regret to inform you that breakfast is still in the process of being prepared. However, if you wish to wait, I can provide you with tea or coffee or juice." His gaze shifted to Abel. "Your usual, Father?"
"If you don't mind." Abel fidgeted, rubbing the back of his head.
"It is my honor." Virgil's gaze slipped to Esther. "Majesty?"
"Tea, please, one of the blends Lady Caterina gave us, if you don't mind." Seth ordered juice.
Virgil nodded. "I shall return shortly. Please be seated." He bowed them toward the seats at one end of the table. Seth took Esther's right hand seat, Abel her left.
There was an odd silence at the end of the table, not uncomfortable, just quieter than Esther was used to. The three of them simply seemed to relax, and the quiet calm was soothing. Even so, Esther was glad when Virgil appeared, pushing the cart with the tea service. The Methuselah lord brought the cart to the table. He served Esther first, and as he did so, his hand brushed hers. Virgil hesitated, just a moment, and his eyes came up to meet hers. An emotion she couldn't quite catch flashed through the pale blue depths, and then he was setting the cup down. "I beg your pardon."
"It's fine." Esther smiled at him, but there was something about that brief flash of emotion that troubled her. She hadn't felt that he disapproved, precisely, but she couldn't quite pin down what she had sensed from him.
Virgil set the remaining cups before the Nightroads, then turned to present napkins. "Majesty..." The odd hesitation in his voice made her look up, and she caught that odd expression in his eyes. Not disapproving, but considering. Then he inclined his head. "I trust you rested well?"
"I did, thank you." She knew she couldn't quite keep the blush out of her cheeks, but he didn't appear to notice. Instead, he set out the teapots for her and Abel, offered Seth a small decanter to refill her juice, then turned back with the tea towel to lay on the cart.
Once it was set down, he turned. "If you will excuse me, I shall inform the others that breakfast is nearly ready, and return shortly." Esther gave him a nod of approval, and he turned and left, leaving her to stare at the slender back as it disappeared through the doors.
What was that about? He didn't seem upset. A little surprised, but not even that much. Esther stared at her tea, considering. Whatever it was that got his attention, it didn't seem to bother him. It's just; he's never given me that look. It's almost like the look he gives an unexpected issue with the computers...but why would he respond to me like that? It can't be because we were early for breakfast. She was trying to sort it out when Seth's words touched her mind. 'The more sensitive Methuselah might notice.' Along with that came another memory, a lesson she hadn't thought much about. Methuselah...they can sense when someone is a virgin. There's a...some sort of change in blood chemistry or something like that. So...if that's true... Esther felt her cheeks go red.
Seth chuckled. "You remembered, didn't you? That old fact about Methuselah."
Esther nodded. "Yes." Then she straightened in her seat. "However, I think you're right. He didn't say anything at all."
Abel looked at both of them a moment, then at the door. Then his eyes widened. "Ah..." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't..."
Esther leaned over and placed a hand over his mouth, stopping the apology. "You did ask if it was all right last night, and I told you. Besides, no matter what happens...last night was wonderful. I don't regret it in the least, and you shouldn't either."
Abel flushed, and a sheepish smile crossed his expression. "Well, actually, I don't regret it at all. And if you're not concerned, I suppose I'll just have to follow your lead."
Seth grinned. "It's nice to see you're having some luck training him, Esther. Someone really should take him in hand."
"Really!" Abel shot his sister a mock-stern look. "That's not something you should say about your older brother. Besides...if we're going to talk about taking people in hand..." He trailed off, his eyes glittering. "I suppose it's a little late to remind you about your homework, but...I'm sure I can find something else. Imperial paperwork, for instance. And I wonder...does Baibars know about your habit of climbing out windows?"
Seth laughed, and Esther found herself joining in. Abel just sat there, sipping his tea, but she could see the gleam of amusement in his eyes. The silence fell again, but it was companionable silence, almost like a family enjoying quiet time.
The rest of the company came in a few minutes later. Esther thought Astha started a little, and there was a hint of sadness in Ion's eyes at the beginning of the meal, but like Virgil, neither of them made any comments. Leon drew the young Earl of Memphis into a discussion of sword versus projectile combat techniques, and the interest in it banished most of Ion's melancholy. Afterward, the group broke up to work on their individual projects, including plans for the envoys to return home. Both Seth and Caterina had decided to remain for the new year's feast, then to return home the following day. Both of them would be returning home with most of their envoys, and travel arrangements had to be carefully handled.
The days following rolled by in planning, and in regular business. Londinium business returned to normal, as did that of the Palace. Working with her companions, Esther made the arrangements for Caterina, Alessandro and Seth to return home. She felt sad to see them go, but she understood that both were needed in their own places.
Caterina would be returning home in the Iron Maiden, as expected. To minimize the risk, she and Alessandro would make a daylight crossing, first thing in the morning on January second. Seth would wait until evening, beginning her flight at night, so she and her escort would be awake. The Professor and Tres would accompany Caterina, with the Inquisitorial knights watching over Alessandro. Seth intended to return with only Ion in her entourage. Leon and Astha were scheduled to remain in Albion, working with Mary on the defenses. Esther was grateful for the consideration, knowing both envoys were skilled strategists. Abel, of course, remained as her personal guard.
Aside from travel plans, there was also the council meeting to transfer the power of the Vatican Special Diplomatic Reserve from William to Abel. Abel was still reserved, but the Professor was just as happy to be freed from the title, and no one on any of the councils objected. The Cardinal di Medici might have, but he refused to participate. With careful planning, it took two days to get the consent from the Vatican and the Albion Royal Council, and another night to gain agreement from the Imperial Council, but the actual transfer took no time at all. The fifth day after Christmas, the Alliance Council met, and the formal transfer of position and responsibility was made. Abel was mostly silent during the whole thing, but he didn't protest.
The next day was New Year's Eve. Esther helped Virgil with the preparations for the feast while Abel stayed with his sister. Dinner that night was a solemn affair, but marked by laughter and easy camaraderie. Esther enjoyed it. They toasted in the midnight bells, and the changing of to the New Year. Then Seth rose, lifting her glass. "To our Alliance, and our friendship." Abel was the first to second, and everyone joined in.
The party broke up shortly after that, but later that morning Seth came in while Esther was getting ready, a solemn look on her face. "Hey, Esther."
"Yes?" Esther straightened her collar.
Seth looked up, and Esther was surprised to see wistful sadness in her eyes. "I was wondering, tomorrow can I borrow Abel from you?"
"Of course. You don't even have to ask." Esther nodded, then impulsively moved to embrace the smaller woman. "Thank you for all you've done for me, and my people."
Seth tilted her head back, a small smile crossing her features. "It was fun, wasn't it? Well, parts of it, I suppose." She shook her head. "But you know, it's funny. I was going to thank you, for taking such good care of Abel for me. Thanks to you, he's become...very much the person I always thought he could be. And he's really happy."
"I'm very glad to have helped." Esther smiled.
Mischief entered Seth's eyes. "I bet you are." A grin quirked the corner of her mouth. "Abel's been here every night, hasn't he?"
Esther blushed. "Well, yes. He is my guard after all." Seth's grin widened, amused. "He's been very...attentive." Her mind drifted back over the nights of the past week.
Abel was every bit the gentle and careful lover she'd expected them to be. He slept beside her every night, but he'd been very considerate. He hadn't even hinted that they should make love again for two days after that first night, waiting for her soreness to fade. When they had come together again, it had been with a little less foreplay, but with no less consideration of her wants and needs. There was no doubt he enjoyed it too, and he was stimulated as much as she was, but he always kept things to her pace. For her own part, Esther had discovered that she enjoyed their time together, but more than that, she enjoyed finding new ways to give Abel pleasure. She felt the heat rising to her face, remembering the nights spent exploring each other's bodies.
Seth's chuckle broke her out of her thoughts. "I can see Abel's doing his part. You look pretty happy too." She rocked back. "That's a good thing. I'd have to scold him if he weren't treating you properly." She flashed Esther a grin. "Hey, we'd better get breakfast." Esther nodded.
The next morning, she and Abel met Caterina and the others at the landing dock. Abel exchanged farewells with Caterina first, before stepping aside to speak to Petros and the Professor. Esther was surprised at how much she felt she'd miss the Cardinal, and the Pope. She was equally surprised at the warmth of the farewell between Seth and Alessandro. She hadn't realized the two were such good friends. From the tilt of Caterina's eyebrow, she hadn't either, but Abel was smiling affectionately. The three of them watched until everyone had boarded, and the Iron Maiden was a dot in the distance. Then Seth turned and took Abel's arm, and the two of them strolled away, leaving Esther with Virgil and Mary at the doors to the landing platform.
Virgil stayed with Esther, helping her go through paperwork while Abel was with his sister. To her surprise, Esther discovered the work was much easier than it had been only a month previously. Not that there was less of it, but the long sessions of going over things with Abel, Alessandro and Seth had sharpened her understanding of such things, making it easier. She did ask Virgil's advice for a few things, but even there, she found herself needing his advice less than before. Instead of broader kingdom matters, now her questions mostly concerned the Underground.
Abel and Seth rejoined them for dinner, along with the rest of the Methuselah. The siblings were both quiet and fairly somber, but there was an air of ease about the two of them that suggested quiet acceptance of their separation, rather than pain. It was, Esther remembered, the expression she'd seen Seth wear after their first visit to the Empire. Sad, but understanding of the necessity.
After dinner, Seth rose. "Well, I guess it's time to go." She gestured. "Come on, Earl of Memphis. We've got a fair way to travel, so we might as well get started."
"Yes Majesty." Ion jumped from his chair with a bow. He nodded to Virgil. "Thank you for your hospitality, Count."
Virgil bowed. "It was my honor."
Ion nodded, then came around the table to Esther's side. "Esther..." He halted, looking her in the eyes. A confusing mix of emotions ran across his face. Concern, sadness, hope, and a number of them that passed too quickly to name. Then he took her hand and kissed it. "Take care, Esther. I hope everything goes well, and you are happy. And someday soon...let's meet again." A shadowed smile touched his face.
Esther nodded, returning the smile with her own. "I'd like that very much."
Ion nodded, then turned to Abel and bowed. "Farewell Father. Take care of Esther."
"You have my word." Abel returned the salute, his own expression grave.
Seth nodded. "And don't forget to take care of yourself as well, my dear brother." She reached up, hugging him tightly, and Esther thought she saw a shimmer of tears. "You and I both know he's out there, Abel. Promise me you won't do anything reckless, all right?"
"I'll do my best. You be careful as well." Abel enfolded his sister in a gentle embrace.
She held him tightly for a moment, then released him and turned to Esther. "I have to go now. I'll return to the Empire in a few days, and I'll be sure to contact you, okay? In the meantime...watch over Abel for me."
"Of course." Esther hugged the slender form, then walked with the Empress and her escort out to the waiting Imperial ship that had come all those weeks ago. Seth and Abel shared a final embrace, and then they were gone, vanishing into the night sky.
Esther stood watching for a long time, until Abel's gentle hand roused her from her thoughts. She turned to find him standing beside her. "You should go in. It's about time for bed."
Esther nodded. Abel led her inside. As they changed into their respective night gear, Esther noticed Abel's odd silence. When she looked up, his expression was melancholy. She reached up to touch his face. "Are you all right?"
He smiled, sadness in the expression. "I will be, I suppose. It's just...I do miss her. And I...well, I haven't had much chance to be a brother to her, and I'm afraid I haven't been a very good one. I enjoyed having time with her like this. Having her leave...I suppose I do feel a little sad. But..." He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to his chest. "I will be all right. And in a few days, she'll contact us, and I'll see her again, and that will help."
"Yes." Esther nodded, then drew him to the bed. They lay down, and Esther wrapped her arms around him, offering silent comfort and love. Moments later, they were both asleep.
The days after that slowly returned to normal. Esther woke, ate breakfast, then went to morning meetings. For lunch, she and Abel often took a short stroll through the gardens, after which they would join Mary and Virgil working on various things that needed to be dealt with. Mary went over things relating to the army; Virgil looked over documents related to the Underground and some of the more general ones. Esther took over the rest of the kingdom affairs, while Abel went over Alliance paperwork, settling into his new role as the Diplomatic Representative. He seemed hesitant at first, but the Albion Council was well used to his presence, and the endorsement from Virgil and Mary only eased his way. After a few days, he settled in, relaxing into the post as naturally as if he'd always fit there.
Work ended about dinner time. Usually, Leon and Astha met them for dinner, going over security with Mary. Vanessa also began to join them occasionally, acting as her brother's assistant in the Underground. The seven of them would share the meal, then retire for quiet discussion before duties and the need for rest separated them again.
The next two weeks passed in quiet routine. Caterina contacted them to announce that they had arrived safely, and all was well in the Vatican. Seth called a few days later to report similar conditions in the Empire. It was so peaceful; Esther could almost believe that the Order of Rosenkreutz was a bad dream. That thought was enough to put her on guard again. After all, she'd studied tactics as part of her AX training, and she knew that one tactic was to wait until your opponent relaxed, then strike. She noticed then the sense of waiting and frustration in her advisers. Abel remained calm, but at night he took a little extra care when he checked the doors and windows. But there was no sign of any attack, no signs of any attempt to break in. In fact, there was no indication that there was any trouble in the vicinity.
The tension was wearing on all of them. Much as they needed the respite, Esther found herself wondering constantly when and where the Order would strike next. Much as she wanted to, she couldn't bring herself to believe Cain had given up on her. And though no one discussed it much, she knew all of them were worried about where the next attack would come from. Abel seemed relaxed, but she caught him staring out the window every now and then, lost in thought with darkness in his eyes.
Finally, Esther took Virgil aside before lunch. "Lord Walsh."
"Majesty." Virgil stopped. "Is something on your mind?"
Esther smiled. "Well, yes, but I think it's on everyone's mind. We're all wondering what's going to happen next. I know I don't think the Order has given up, and I don't think you do either."
He shook his head. "No. I fear not, my lady."
Esther bit her lip. "We're all afraid, but no one wants to say anything. I thought, perhaps this evening after dinner, we could meet and discuss things. Even if we don't have any leads, we can at least make our best guesses as to what might be happening, and plan for them. I think everyone will feel better that way. And after we've planned things, we can contact Caterina and Seth and bring them up to date."
He nodded. "I believe that is a wise idea, Majesty." he bowed his head. "I will inform Vanessa this afternoon."
"Thank you." Esther nodded a dismissal, then went to work on the usual mountain of paperwork that had settled to her desk. Though spring was still some time away, many of the farmers of Albion and the people of Londinium had begun making plans, and there were numerous petitions on her desk to review.
That night, after dinner, they settled into chairs in one of the parlors. Leon and Astha were both holding glasses of wine, and the rest of them were drinking water. Esther took a sip of her own beverage, then set it down. "You know why we've gathered. Please, everyone, I'd like your thoughts on what the Order may be doing, and how we should counter it."
Leon slouched in his chair. "It's too damn quiet." He scowled at his glass. "Back when I was a soldier, a long pause like this meant a major assault was building. And it usually meant your enemies had some new weapon they were bringing out." He made a noise of disgust. "If they weren't so deep in hiding, I'd have already suggested sending spies after them. But since we've got no leads, I don't have a clue. And honestly, I don't know enough about their commander to even be sure I'm right." His dark gaze came up, to meet Abel's. "I hate to say this, but you're the one with the best knowledge of the enemy Four Eyes. So...what do you think he's doing?"
Abel grimaced. "I'm afraid you're probably right about him. He's not one to retreat, but...he is probably developing a weapon. Honestly though, it could just mean he's attempting to further his own regeneration. After all, he did wait nine hundred years for that reason."
"But that's not what you think is happening." Astha spoke from her chair. "You're too tense for that, priest."
"No." Abel made a face. "I really...there's something that concerns me, but I'm not sure what it is." He sighed.
Mary frowned. "Do you think he'll attempt to take Her Majesty again?"
Abel's eyes darkened. "Yes, I'm afraid so. Cain is...well, he's very determined. And if what Dietrich said was truth, then he wants Esther for something."
"He does." Esther swallowed. "He...he wanted me because he said my blood would help his fusion. But also...he...it's because I'm connected to you. He wanted to take me from you." Her hands clenched in her lap.
"Then..." Mary's statement was interrupted by a knock on the door. She frowned. "Lord Walsh..."
Virgil rose, taking his place at the side of the door while Mary moved to open it. The Colonel waited until he was positioned, then threw the door open, to reveal a guard standing in the corridor. "What is it?"
"Colonel Spencer. There was a message delivered at the front gate, from the Order of Rosenkreutz." The guard stood at attention. "Permission to report to Her Majesty?"
Mary nodded, stepping back a few paces, though her posture remained wary. "Report then."
The soldier took two steps into the room, then abruptly he shuddered and collapsed, and a dark figure stepped forward. "Hello, Esther. How have you been?"
Esther froze. "Dietrich!"
"Von Lohengrin!" Virgil and Mary moved almost simultaneously. Virgil was closer. He stepped forward in a blur of movement, almost too fast to see, catching Dietrich's arm and twisting it back. "Hold still, or I will break your wrist."
"Are you sure about that?" There was cold amusement on Dietrich's face. "I wouldn't be so confident if I were you."
Mary jerked her sword free. "Von Lohengrin..."
Esther saw Dietrich's hand move, just a fraction, but it was enough. She jumped to her feet. "Colonel Spencer, watch out!"
Mary froze, then dodged as strands of micro filament wire nearly wrenched her sword from her grasp. Dietrich smiled. "Very good. And you, Lord Walsh, I think it's about time you let go, don't you?"
Virgil's face twisted, shock in the blue eyes. Then his hands fell to his sides. Dietrich's smile widened, and one finger touched the Count's jaw. "That's very good."
"Virgil!" Vanessa stepped forward. Her hot gaze snapped to Dietrich. "What have you done to him?"
Dietrich's grin turned cold. "Well, all I did was touch him. But as Esther can tell you, that's really all I need. I'm afraid your brother is now my marionette." He held up his hand, and they all saw the glittering wires in his fingers. "Rather interesting, don't you think? With him like this, I can make him do anything I want, and I can play with him however I please." He flicked his hand, and a line of red appeared on Virgil's cheek.
"You bastard!" Vanessa took two steps forward. "Let him go!'
"Stop right there." Abel's cold voice froze the younger Walsh in her tracks. He stood, his pistol in his hand, staring at Dietrich. "Nobody is to approach him."
"What the hell, Four Eyes!" Leon's voice was angry. "You're just gonna stand there and let him capture a comrade?"
"Please, do as he says." Esther met Vanessa's eyes, willing the other woman to understand. "I know it's difficult, but please, you can't go near him. If you do, you'll only be captured as well."
Dietrich laughed. "Well done, Esther. You've caught on. I have to admit, I was hoping for a few extra hostages." He shrugged. "I suppose it can't be helped. And I did always like that quick wit of yours." He touched Virgil's shoulder, and his smile was pure evil. "Still...Lord Walsh. Peer of the Realm, Adviser to the Throne, and Governor of the Londinium Underground Facility. I think this will be enough, don't you?"
Esther shuddered. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Abel shift, edging forward.
Unfortunately, Dietrich caught the motion as well. He turned his attention to the silver-haired priest. "I wouldn't if I were you, Father. Unless, of course, you don't care who dies."
Abel stopped. "What do you mean?"
"Simple really." Dietrich smirked. "I know my strings don't work on you, but fortunately for me, I have this convenient toy here. And if you make any attempt to move from that spot, I'll have Lord Walsh here attack someone else." his cold gaze roved over the group. "I think his sister will do nicely, don't you?" His gaze came back to Abel. "Tell me, how much acid do you think she can withstand? Or maybe I can force him to break her neck with his own hands."
"Like hell." Vanessa spat the words. "I'd never let that happen."
"True. But if you try and stop it, I'll be able to take you and make you my hostage as well." Dietrich sneered the words.
Abel cursed, but he stopped moving. Esther felt her heart sink.
Dietrich's gaze flicked past the two of them. "You. I think you should put those down. Otherwise, someone might just get hurt."
Esther turned to see Leon spinning one of his chakrams on one finger. The dark priest grinned. "That's kinda the idea."
"I suppose, but tell me...how much damage do you think you'll be able to do? I don't think you can even hit me." Dietrich tossed his head back. "After all, I can do this." He gestured, and Virgil's body interposed itself between them. "No matter how well you aim, you're going to have to go through him to get to me." His gaze flicked back to Abel. "The same goes for you Father. You could probably transform and use your lightning on me, but I guarantee Lord Walsh will die first. And if you try to use that pistol of yours, you'll just shoot him. If I'm feeling generous, I might even make it an immediately fatal wound."
"You...what do you want?" Abel's voice was hard, his jaw clenched.
"It's really very simple. I have orders from the Contra Mundi to bring Esther back to him, alive and unharmed." A flicker of annoyance crossed the handsome countenance. "Really, you gave me quite a bit of trouble, going and getting hurt like that. And with the damage you did to our forces, we had to wait for your allies to leave before I could do anything." Dietrich sighed. "Well, it's not like it really matters. Mien Herr may be annoyed by the delay, but...I don't intend on returning empty-handed. So Esther..." The cold gaze flicked to her.
Esther squared her shoulders. "I already told you. I have no intention of ever returning to that man." Her fist clenched. "I will not be his toy or yours!"
Dietrich smirked. "You know, that's what I thought you'd say. Fortunately for me, I have Lord Walsh here." He ran a hand across the frozen noble's shoulder. "I'm sure he'll agree to help me change your mind."
"No." Virgil's face was pale, but his eyes were resolute. He turned his gaze away from his captor, turning to look Esther in the eyes. "Forgive me, Majesty." Then he turned to Abel. "Father Nightroad, I beg you, do what you must."
"Virgil, no!" Vanessa took one step forward before stopping, fear and anger on her face. Her gaze met Abel's. "Father Nightroad..."
Abel stood where he was, trembling with anger and a sick expression on his face. "You..."
"I know your little secret Father." Dietrich offered him a cold smile. "You don't really like to kill. Oh, if I were alone, you probably wouldn't mind too much, but in these circumstances...I don't think you have the stomach to sacrifice a comrade."
Abel flinched. Esther bit the inside of her cheek. She knew Dietrich was right. Abel wasn't the type to sacrifice a comrade. She had no doubts that he could kill Dietrich, and that he would have tried, but she also knew that with Virgil between them, it would be much worse for him. Her gaze slipped to Vanessa, who was watching Abel with a mingled expression of horror and pain.
"Enough." Dietrich's cold voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to meet the cold brown gaze. "So Esther...have you reconsidered yet? This is your final warning, you know."
"Final warning? Before what? Before you burn my city, or destroy my home? Do you really intend to threaten me with that again?" Esther felt her fists clench as anger replaced her fear.
"Well, I did consider it. But actually, I think that's a little too impersonal. You always did respond much better to a more...one-on-one approach. So while I do have a ship waiting to blast this place if anything happens to me, I thought we'd try something different." Dietrich grinned, a cold, evil smirk, and he lifted his hand. "Do you remember, Esther? What I told you about my strings that very first night in Istvan?"
Esther bit her lip again. The strings...they control a person, make him or her do things. But...there was something else. I...wasn't it... She felt the blood drain from her face. Dietrich's strings, they control sensation. That's what he told me. That I could...that he'd make me feel like I was being drugged and raped...or...or like I was being...tortured... Her gaze snapped back to Dietrich.
The cruel smile widened. "I see you do remember. Then you know what I'm going to do, don't you?" He lifted his hand, and his gaze slipped to Abel, then to Vanessa. "As long as you refuse to return with me, I'll just toy with this man here." He flicked his hand. Virgil gasped, a flicker of pain entering the usually calm blue eyes. "For those of you that don't understand, these strings of mine can control sensations as well as actions. So...as long as you're all being stubborn, I'll amuse myself by torturing this man. And Esther..." The cold gaze came back to her, deadly serious now. "The pain will increase every five minutes. And needless to say, death or passing out won't be an option. So if you don't want him to go mad with pain, you'd better hurry. Right now it probably only feels like he's strained a few muscles, but if you let it keep going...well, who knows?" The smirk reappeared. "I wonder..." His finger traced Virgil's jaw. "How long do you think he'll last before he starts screaming? How long before he begs you to end his agony?"
"No." The word was strained, but resolute. Virgil's eyes were dark, whether from pain or fear Esther couldn't tell, but his voice was calm. "I will do neither. I will serve Her Majesty as I swore to do." The blue eyes came up to Esther's, resolve in their depths. "Majesty, permit me to carry this burden for you. And if it troubles you..." His gaze moved to Abel. "Father...do as you must. I trust you to make it quick, and easy. Please, do not let Her Majesty bear more than she needs."
"Very touching, I'm sure. But trust me, that priest is as helpless as you are." Dietrich smiled. "And you know...your first five minutes are up." His hand twisted.
Virgil flinched, his face paling. Perspiration formed on his brow. He made no sound, but Esther saw the pain flare in his eyes.
Abel remained where he was, but his hand dropped to the gun holstered at his hip. There was both anger and pain in his eyes. His jaw tightened.
"No! You can't do this!" Vanessa moved between Abel and her brother, her eyes hot. "I won't let you kill him." Her gaze slipped to the blond man. "Hold on, Virgil."
Abel flinched at her words, paling. "Miss Walsh...I do not wish to do this. But...neither would I have your brother suffer." He met her eyes, his own dark with anguish.
"I don't care. You won't shoot him." Vanessa's gaze was hot and fierce, mingled anger and grief.
"I agree. Father Nightroad, I cannot permit you to shoot Lord Walsh." Mary stepped forward.
Dietrich smiled, and his eyes met Esther's once more. "This is turning into quite the show, isn't it Esther? Tell me, how do you like it?"
"You bastard!" Esther's fists tightened.
"Now, now...you'd better watch your temper, Esther. After all, a display like that will only make the situation worse. Particularly for him." Dietrich tilted his head, and his hand shifted once more.
Virgil gasped, a choked groan wrenched from him before he stifled it. The pain was visible now in the stoic eyes, agony raging behind a mask the Albion lord fought to keep in place.
Abel flinched too, as if Virgil's pain were his own. Grief flared in Vanessa's eyes, and in Mary's. Both Leon and Astha stood to one side, faces still and impassive. Neither made an attempt to interfere. Esther bit her lip, caught between the knowledge of Virgil's suffering, and the memory of his words months ago, when he'd told her he would rather leave his position than have her trade herself for him. She knew he was sincere in his request to die rather than be Dietrich's hostage, but she also knew what it would do to the rest of them, to be forced to watch, or cause his death. Her gaze went to Abel standing with his hand on his gun. His jaw was tight, his lower lip caught between his teeth, indecision on his face.
Dietrich gestured again, wrenching another agonized gasp from his victim. The mask of control slipped, revealing the torment Virgil endured. It hit Esther like a blow to the gut, somehow worse because she knew he'd never been one to reveal such things. She knew the pain he had to be suffering to have lost his grip on his usual calm expression.
The minutes ticked by in deadlock. Esther tried frantically to think of some way to break the impasse, but she couldn't. She knew Dietrich told the truth, that any attempt to attack him would result in another hostage, or in wounds to Virgil. And she knew he'd been serious, when he'd told them that it would be a mercy if he let it be a fatal shot. Knowing him as she did, she had no doubt that even if Abel could bring himself to shoot at the man he called friend, it wouldn't kill, not unless he called upon his lightning. And even that, Dietrich might prevent from being fatal. After all, she'd seen what had happened to Radu, and Ion had confided in her once that Radu had been trapped in a body that had technically died much earlier. Sickness twisted her gut at the image of Virgil, burned but still alive, tortured past living but unable to die.
Another five minutes passed. This time, when Dietrich gestured, the sound that emerged from Virgil's throat was a choked scream. Agony twisted his face, and Esther guessed that if he'd had control of his own body, he'd have doubled over in pain, possibly collapsed. He only made the one sound, but somehow, the silence was worse than if he'd permitted himself to cry out.
Abel and Vanessa both flinched. Abel's gaze met the younger Walsh's. "Miss Walsh..."
"Virgil..." Vanessa bit her lip. Her gaze went to the agonized lord, then back to the priest. "I can't let you...he is my brother."
"I know." There was sorrow in Abel's gaze.
"Enough. Father...please, stand down." Esther moved forward to lay a hand on Abel's wrist.
Abel looked at her, and she saw the pain of indecision in his gaze. "Miss Esther..."
She shook her head. "Even if you do shoot, I don't think it will do any good. Do you really think he'll let you kill his hostage? Even if the shot you make is normally a fatal one...Father, do you remember the Baron of Luxor?" She deliberately used his formal title, not wanting Dietrich to know the situation between them had changed.
Abel paled, a shudder passing through his frame. "Yes." His gaze returned to Dietrich, anger sparking in the blue eyes. "You..."
Dietrich smirked. "Well, you're as quick as ever, Esther. I honestly thought one of you would have tried to end it by now. Considering what my strings are doing to him...I thought I'd get some amusement out of seeing how many times you'd try to 'save' him, before you realized that you were only doing more harm."
"Bastard!" Vanessa stiffened in outrage.
"Temper, temper." Dietrich shrugged. "I've said it before, any displays of bad temper will only make it worse for my little toy here." His cold gaze came to Esther. "Say Esther...did you know? I can control movement, and I can control sensations. So did you ever think about what else I could do?"
Esther felt ice in her gut. "You...what more do you intend to do to him?"
The evil smirk widened. "Well, since you aren't going to provide me amusement my trying to rescue him, I suppose I'll just have to make my own fun, now won't I?" He shifted his hand.
There was a dull popping sound, and Virgil gasped, a long sound of pain and shock that Esther had only heard from those who had been terribly wounded. She whirled on Dietrich. "What have you done?"
"I used my little strings to dislocate his right shoulder. It's not a serious dislocation, not this time, but it serves my purpose. Now you understand. If mere torture won't force you to change your mind..." The amusement was overlaid by a terrible expression of determination. "Then I'll start taking him apart. Not only will he feel pain beyond his worst imagining, but I'll break his bones and dislocate his joints, one by one. And if that isn't enough..." He flicked his hand and a crimson line slashed across Virgil's jaw. "These strings are perfectly capable of cutting as well. I don't know how many slashes it would take to go through his limbs, but if you insist on being stubborn, I'm certain we can find out."
Esther's teeth ground together. She had no doubt he meant every word. Her eyes came to Virgil. He met her gaze, and through the terrible suffering she saw there, he shook his head, just slightly.
"You will pay for this." Abel's voice was low, hoarse, and Esther felt the electricity beginning to spark around him. She looked up. Abel's eyes were still blue, his face still human, but there was a darkness in his eyes that she usually saw just before his powers activated.
"Are you planning to attack me, Father?" Dietrich's cold smile was challenging. He lifted his hand. "Just remember, I've warned you of the consequences. Any death that happens, or additional suffering he undergoes is on your head. Of course..." He turned his gaze back to Virgil. "Don't think I'll let you off just yet. Things are just getting interesting, and I haven't gotten to hear you scream yet." He gestured again, and Virgil's body spasmed in pain.
"No." Esther felt herself breathe the word. She couldn't stand to keep watching as Dietrich tormented her adviser. Her mind kept replaying over all the things Virgil had done for her, over memories of his generosity, his kindness. She gritted her teeth. I know he would want me to stand firm. But to watch this...I can't do that. I can't stand here and watch Dietrich torture him, or injure him. And as much as I want to attack, there really is no way to get to him without hitting Lord Walsh. He wasn't lying about that. Even if we managed to get reinforcements from the Palace guard or something...he'd only take more hostages, and use them as additional shields. So...there really is only one way to end this. The thought filled her with dread, but she already knew what she had to do. She took a step forward. "Dietrich, that's enough."
The hazel eyes came to hers. "Really? Are you saying you've changed your mind? That you'll come with me quietly?"
"Yes. I'll come to see the Contra Mundi with you. Now let him go."
"Esther!" Abel's hand caught her, and she turned to see the fear in his gaze. "Esther, you can't..."
"But I have to. Just as you would do, if you thought someone you cared for was in trouble." She reached up to touch his face, tracing the lines of his jaw with gentle affection. "It'll be all right. I don't think he means to harm me at the moment, or he wouldn't be taking this much trouble to bring me alive. And Dietrich did say that he wanted me well and unharmed. So I'll be fine."
"Esther..." Abel shuddered. "I can't..."
"I know. But this really is the only way. We both hate this, and I know...you can't bring yourself to cause him more suffering. I can't either." She touched his face and gently brought his eyes to meet hers, managing a ghost of a smile for him. "But...I do expect you to keep your promise, Father. Don't take too long, okay?" Her hand rose to the chain she wore underneath her dress, to the locket and ring she wore there.
Abel's eyes followed her movement. He held her gaze a moment, then nodded. "I will. I swear it. As soon as I can."
"That's good then." Esther turned.
Mary blocked her path. "Your Majesty...I cannot let you do this."
"I know. I know I'm being reckless. But this...there isn't any other way. And I...I don't know if I could sacrifice someone I cared about to stay safe, but I know I won't stand here and watch that person be tortured and torn apart for my sake. Not even if it's what he asks of me." Esther shook her head, a sad smile touching her mouth. "I know everyone will probably say this is very foolish of me, but...what kind of leader would I be if I could stand here and watch something like that? Especially with his sister standing right there?" Her gaze flicked to Vanessa. "If that happened...I'm sure she would hate me. And I wouldn't blame her if she did. And I think...I would hate myself as well. So...I'm going. Colonel Spencer..." She looked up into Mary's dark eyes. "Please...take care of everything here, and help Father Nightroad. There's a promise I asked him to keep, and I want you to do your best to support him. The necessary arrangements have been made, all right?"
Mary stared at her for a moment, then bowed her head. "If you truly insist...Majesty, I urge you to reconsider."
"I know. But...this is the way it has to be, for now." Esther shook her head and turned to Dietrich. "All right, let him go."
"I don't think so." Dietrich shook his head. "After all, I wouldn't want your allies to try anything." He met her gaze. "There's a ship, waiting out just past the rose garden. Lord Walsh can escort us both to it. If anyone tries to come after us before we're safely on board, the ship will fire on the Palace, and I guarantee there will be fatalities. Not to mention, I'll be sure to kill this man, and take measures to see you don't escape. However, if we make it to the ship without incident, I'll release this man just before we depart." He smiled. "Of course, I'd prefer to take him, but...I'm willing to be generous, just this once. After all, this has been quite entertaining."
"Enough. I said I'd come. But even if you don't release him, I'm not taking another step until you cease this vile behavior." Esther clenched her fists.
"Oh, very well. Come stand in the doorway, and I'll stop this little game." Dietrich gestured.
Esther bit her lip, then moved past him to stand in the doorway. "Now stop it, Dietrich."
"As you like." He gestured, a swift cutting motion, and the tension disappeared from Virgil's frame. Esther could see the relief in his face as he shuddered, taking deep breaths as the pain subsided. Dietrich waited a moment, then stepped beside Esther, taking her arm. His hand gestured, and Virgil fell in behind them, shutting the door on the others. "Now then, let's go."
The journey through the halls was far too silent. There should have been more guards. Esther wondered what had happened. She hoped Dietrich hadn't killed them or enslaved them all. They were halfway down the hall when she realized that the breathing from behind her was strained, hoarse. She turned.
Virgil had remained two steps behind them, but his face was drenched with sweat and ash-pale. He was visibly shaking, his breathing low and labored. The long curtain of his blond hair hid part of his face, but she could see the strained expression on it. She whirled on Dietrich. "You said you'd stop."
"And I kept my word too." Dietrich's eyes were coldly amused, nothing more. "But he insists on fighting my little restraints. And as long as he continues, it's going to hurt. After all, it's a bit like fighting your own muscles. The more you try, the more stress it places on you. And really, he's trying very hard." His eyes flicked to hers. "If you don't want him to injure himself further, then I suggest you persuade him to stop."
Esther glared at him, then stepped to Virgil's side. "Lord Walsh."
"Majesty..." His voice was hoarse. "Majesty...please..."
"I know. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't abandon you. Please..." She laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension of the muscles. "Just stop. It's all right. You've done enough for me."
Slowly he raised his head to meet her eyes, his own filled with an anguish that had nothing to do with his physical suffering. "Majesty...I do not wish to...to be responsible for your capture. I do not wish you to trade yourself for me, nor do I wish to be the hostage that results in your imprisonment. Please...run."
"I can't do that." She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Lord Walsh...but that's not the kind of person I am." She offered him a smile. "You said once, that I was your Star of Hope. But...what kind of Star would I be, if I let my friend and adviser suffer like that for my sake? If it were your sister, instead of you, wouldn't you want me to save her? And if I refused, just to avoid a meeting with an enemy, would you really want to stay as my adviser, especially watching what Dietrich was doing to you?"
Virgil's eyes widened, pain and shock and a tinge of shame in his expression. "Majesty..."
"It will be all right. We both know the Contra Mundi won't harm me, at least not right now. After all, he did specify he wanted me safe, right? So this will just be an inconvenience. So... you should stop causing yourself so much pain. We'll simply do as Dietrich asked, for the moment. And when I've gone...you can help Father Nightroad. I'm sure he'll need your support. And...there's a promise I asked him to keep for me. Besides..." She lowered her voice. "Even though I'll be a prisoner for a bit, I know I can count on all of you to look for me, right?"
"I...yes." Virgil bowed his head. "That is true, Majesty. And I regret, you are correct." His gaze came to hers again, his voice soft. "A true Star of Hope. I will not let your light be hidden over-long." He straightened.
Dietrich eyed them both. "Are you done yet, Esther? We really do need to be going. And if he's that unwilling, I don't mind forcing him."
"That's not necessary." Esther looped an arm around Virgil's still shaking body. "We're coming."
"As you will. But honestly, you don't need to support him. I can manage that." Dietrich lifted a hand.
"There is...no need." Virgil shook his head. "I will...walk on my own." He raised blue eyes dark with anger to Dietrich. "For Her Majesty's sake."
"As you like. Well then Esther, you can walk beside me." Dietrich held out an arm, a mocking almost gentlemanly gesture. Esther shot him a dark look, then turned and continued down the hallway.
The rest of the journey to the garden was quiet. Esther shivered a little as the cold wind hit her, but she suppressed it quickly. She knew Dietrich would enjoy every moment of her discomfort or Virgil's and she didn't want to give him any more amusement.
A moderately sized craft waited in the first of the meadow gardens. It wasn't nearly as big as Esther was used to, but the size suggested that it could hold three or four people comfortably. The design looked familiar, but Esther couldn't immediately place what type of craft it was. Nevertheless, she moved toward it.
Helga was standing at the door. At their appearance, she tossed her head. "Well, it took you long enough, von Lohengrin. I was about to report to my lord that you had failed again."
"Don't be foolish. After all, I've gotten us our prize with a minimum of fuss. Of course, you'll probably have to be the one to search her and bind her hands. After all, our master did say I wasn't to touch her." Dietrich grinned.
"Very well." Helga strode over. "Hands up, little girl." Her eyes glittered dangerously. "Any attempt to resist, and I will freeze you where you stand."
"I understand." Esther held her hands at shoulder height, not moving as the Ice Witch frisked her and relieved her of her knives, and her gun. The woman did a thorough search, then roughly jerked her hands down behind her and tied them with a length of rough cord. Esther winced as the movement jarred her injured left shoulder, but she didn't cry out.
"Careful, Eisehexe." Dietrich noticed her flinch. "You wouldn't want to re-open that wound, now would you? After all, I imagine our lord wouldn't be too pleased with that, now would he?" He gave Helga a cold smile. "He's probably already rather upset at our tardiness, so I suggest you not give him any further reasons to be annoyed."
"Silence." Helga finished tying Esther, and her gaze slipped back to Virgil, standing where Dietrich had stopped him. "And this one?"
Dietrich turned. "Well, he is a useful hostage. However...Esther won't come unless I let him go, so I suppose I'll have no choice but to free him. After all, as she is now, I think Esther really might be capable of defying us both. So then..." He turned back to Esther. "I think it's time you entered the ship."
Esther straightened her spine. "Not until you release him."
Dietrich laughed, a cold and ugly sound. "Surely you don't think I'm that foolish. I'm not going to release him, just so you can grab him and run. Besides, we already discussed this. I'll let him go...when you're safely in custody on board our ship. That way I know that precious Father of yours will have less chance of pulling off some daring last minute rescue."
Esther bit her lip, but she knew he was serious. She hesitated a moment, then stepped into the vessel, Helga ahead of her to prevent her trying to take the ship. She stopped in the doorway. "All right. Now release him."
"As you wish." Dietrich swung his hand in a sharp cutting arc. Virgil gasped, agony slamming through his expression as his body stiffened in pain. Then he collapsed, his eyes closing as he crashed to the ground in a limp heap. Dietrich shrugged. "Well then, that's taken care of." With nimble grace, he leaped into the ship. "Let's be on our way, shall we?" He pulled the door shut.
Esther twisted to look through the viewing port. Virgil lay still, his body limp and crumpled on the ground. Fury knifed through her, and she whirled on the man beside her. "What did you do to him?"
"Oh, do calm down. It's not like I harmed him. But I don't intend to let him give chase immediately either." Dietrich shrugged, his expression bored. "I released my controls by using an energy jolt. A bit painful, I'll admit. But it does insure that we'll be long gone by the time your Lord Walsh recovers enough to start the hunt for us." He lifted one hand, forcing her gaze to him. "You should be rather grateful. After all...another way to release someone is to stop their heart."
Esther stiffened, anger and revulsion racing through her. "You bastard. Get away from me."
"As you like. Well then, I'll go help Ice Witch with the take-off. Until we arrive, you might as well make yourself comfortable." He grinned and turned. "Until later, Esther."
Esther ignored him, turning to the still figure on the ground. Lord Walsh...I'm sorry. I know this is exactly what you didn't want. But I can't sacrifice you. I hope...I hope you're all right. Please, help Abel. I'll be waiting for you to find me. And I'll do everything I can to stay safe until then.
She felt the engines start, and seconds later, the ship rose from the ground. Fear hit her momentarily at the thought that Virgil would be caught in the backwash. But though the wind of the engines blew over him, it didn't seem to move or damage his body. Esther sighed with relief. Nonetheless, she remained by the window, watching, until the small still form was gone from view.