Chapter 22

Arthur sat staring, dazed and exhausted from the shields, but he rested as quickly as he could. If anything were to happen, he knew he could encase them again, if only for a few minutes. He watched as Feliciano yelled out numbers and Yao would tell someone a location. About twenty soldiers made their way in, normally two or three at a time and they were quickly dispatched by Francis' magic, or Ludwig's blades. He carried two short knives, but when he attacked, the edge elongated, often catching the fighter he was up against off guard. He slit throats in one hit as they waited for the army to arrive.

Piotr was surprised to see how well the group moved together, and worked as one. Yao was the voice, Feliciano was the eyes. Arthur was the skin, while Antonio and Gilbert were each half of the heart. The group wasn't just some random assortment of people, they were a body.

"19 to 43... we're surrounded." Feliciano looked over to Yao in shock and horror.

"Francis, prepare your love spell! Ludwig and Gilbert, kill all on sight. Don't worry about healing, Gil, unless it's an emergency! Lovino, move back. Start a shield around everyone there. Antonio, see if you have something for fatigue for Arthur. If he can throw out another shield it could save His Majesty!" Vladimir and Alfred came to the sides of the shield Lovino put up, making sure they were as close as possible.

It seemed all of the windows shattered at once. The door flung open, men rushing in. Francis opened his arms with a bright smile, rose vines shooting from the circle he'd placed on his chest spread like wildfire, surrounding the men, crushing them with the thorns. The smell of roses caught everyone's noses, easing the smell of blood that seemed almost overpowering. Yao pulled out a bow and started shooting while Ludwig and Gilbert almost seemed to be dancing, their blades sliding like water through flesh. Gilbert would stab while Ludwig sliced through the men that came in. Any that survived those three, Yao seemed to be able to find quickly. He was using Feliciano's board as well, feeling movement in the floor. Alfred was able to get a few kills in, but the others didn't leave him many.

They noticed Vladimir sitting on the floor, whispering spell after spell, though no one in the shield understood, everyone outside knew.

The shield, as well as everyone inside of it was invisible, another shield placed behind the throne, misplacing where the group was.

It was a genius tactic. One man was able to get past Alfred and the group inside stared in surprise as he ran behind the throne, quickly getting an arrow to the skull thanks to Yao.

It seemed like an hour, but within five minutes the group was eradicated. Everyone kept their positions, waiting for another group.

The next group that came in was the army, letting Ivan know the army was scouring the streets for any more fighters, but it seemed they were gone. They'd be back with a count on lives lost soon.

"You guys go help the school." Piotr stood as Lovino's shields were dropped. "I'll guard over Ivan for now. I'll keep Arthur with me as well. Make sure the students are safe, and assist with repairs if needed." He spoke as he turned. "Gilbert, you stay here with us. Vladimir, you as well." Piotr turned and Antonio coughed.

"When do you think you got the authority to command us?" He asked, his arms crossing over his chest.

"He's already a member of the guard. That's why?" 'Ivan' answered, surprising the others there.

"That's why Arthur's alright with joining! He's not leaving Piotr at all!" Francis chirped. "I'm so happy to hear that!"

"Why Gilbert and Vladimir?" Feliciano asked, his head cocking to the side. "Wouldn't Ludwig make a better guard than a strategist and a medic?"

"It's personal. You'll understand in a few days. Until then, go to the school. Tell Lukas we may be out for a few days while Arthur heals up."

Ludwig stared as Vladimir and Gilbert walked up to Piotr and bowed lightly.

His eyes widened in surprise to realize what was happening. The reason Arthur insisted on getting Piotr wasn't just because he was his master. He left with Gilbert and Vladimir, but only came out with that Ivan.

He wasn't the real Ivan. Arthur had used himself as a decoy. "I would like to come along as well, Your Majesty." Ludwig stated, but stared right at Piotr, letting him know he knew the situation. Piotr let a slight smile cross his face as he nodded.

"Very well. The rest of you, go." They bowed to the Ivan standing before them before they raced out the door to the school as the army searched the castle for more stragglers, but found none.

Arthur was brought up to Ivan's bed and laid down. "Vladimir, Gilbert, you stay here with him. Defend him no matter what." He spoke softly before leaning over, kissing the fast asleep man as he carefully tucked him in.

Piotr turned and slid a small bottle from his pocket. He opened it and leaned back, letting a single drop fall into his eye before passing the bottle to 'Ivan', who did the same before they started changing clothing. The suit Nikolai wore was passed to Ivan, While he grabbed a robe from Ivan's closet.

They walked down the hallway, Ivan and Nikolai with Ludwig. They got to the throne room as Sasha ran in and sighed, seeing the three. "I'm guessing more in your group realized who you are?" He asked with a soft smile, honestly looking for any reason to keep it up.

"Da, but it's fine. It'll make the challenges more fun." Ivan smiled as he sat in his throne, Nikolai sat in his and Sasha in his. Ludwig stood at Ivan's side, just behind him, his knives still in hand.

"Anyway, the soldiers are doing a thorough sweep of the city. It looks like they came in from a few dozen fishing boats that came in saying they needed to restock."

"One of them yelled something about 'Death to those who oppose God'." Ludwig stated and they stared.

"Another church attack?" Sasha frowned, staring. "I thought you eradicated that church."

"Do did I." Ivan frowned. "Maybe it's another sect?" He glanced over to Nikolai who frowned, still unhappy about being in a bed robe in his throne.

"Maybe it's another church that's worried you'll start attacking all churches now. Maybe you should make a statement as to why the church needed to be destroyed." Nikolai spoke and Ivan frowned.

"Most already know. That's why this is so surprising to me. Good ears, Ludwig." Ivan glanced back, seeing the man behind him. His expression didn't change, but a sparkle in his eyes told Ivan he was happy for the praise.

It was only seconds later the side door burst open and Alfred and Antonio brought in Lukas, laying him on the floor. He was badly injured, cut in his stomach and chest. Antonio started working on him, trying to stitch the wounds and clean the injuries while Alfred gasped for air.

"He can't do it alone. We need Gilbert." Alfred called before running back to the school.

"Nikolai, if you would please." Ivan frowned, standing and running to Lukas' side.

"God damn, I was overrun. There had to be five of them bastards." Lukas gasped as Antonio frowned.

"Your floor was littered, there were more than five." He grinned as he worked, sweat already beading on his brow. "Don't move. This is hard enough as it is." Antonio sighed.

Ivan held Lukas' hand. "You'll be alright. I have a feeling you'll be back up in no time."

"Sir!" One of the castle guards ran in. "We found the maids and cooks. Unfortunately all but two were killed in the battle." He spoke and Ivan sighed. "Is Elizabeta one of the survivors?"

"Yes, her and a woman named Ida, who says she's a medic who hasn't started training yet. They locked themselves in the kitchen. Ida found a spear and apparently Elizabeta started attacking with a skillet. They took out a few of the men themselves." The guard shook his head.

"Bring them to me please." Ivan spoke and the man turned and ran.

"I think I have the major injuries stopped." Antonio gritted his teeth as Gilbert finally arrived, running in to start on the stomach wounds. Nikolai frowned down at the two.

He always liked Lukas. It would be a pity for him to die now. "It's too bad I can't help out." He sighed and Antonio looked up.

"Actually, if you could bring us some warm water that would be a huge help." He glanced up, and Nikolai nodded before running off.

"Your Majesty." Elizabeta walked in, Ida at her side.

"Thank you for defending the castle. It seems you're the only maid right now."

"It's a pity." Another voice rang in as another man entered.

"Roderich, were you here as well?" Ivan watched as the man nodded, a large ax in his hand.

"They were even in the basement. The little bastards shattered my piano." He grumbled and Ivan smiled.

"It may not be the same, but I'll buy you a new one." He watched as Roderich nodded.

He was taller than Nikolai, but not as tall as Ivan. Dark brown hair flowed over his face, but was cut short in the back. He had the same violet in his eyes as Ivan, but his body structure was more like Arthur. Thin, but strong. Blood splattered his violet knee length jacket and his knee high boots shone, showing they were covered as well.

"Arthur, I'm going to be promoting Elizabeta here as a lady of the court. She's going to need to be trained." Ivan spoke and Roderich walked up to her, looking her over. He was originally a little skeptical. The women of the court are to assist with the household chores, but when there are incoming dignitaries, like the city council or kings from another country, it was when they shone. They waited on the men, bringing them food and drinks and did their best to keep the spirits up.

"I don't know about that. I'll train her, but I have a feeling she's a little more precious than to wait on odd men." He spoke softly, watching as her eyes followed him, a slight blush coming to her cheeks.

"It's interesting. Due to her father's position, she's a lady already." Ivan watched, seeing the lights in Roderich's eyes shine brighter.

They could marry without problem, as long as her father didn't step in, but Ivan had a feeling he could change the man's mind. He watched as Roderich took her hand and lead her down to the basement, where the training took place. Ida, instead walked over to the two healing the other and stilled, pressing her hands together. Ivan watched as it seemed energy flowed into her hands as soft chants were mumbled before she placed a hand on each man's back. They both gasped, eyes wide as it seemed much of their fatigue slipped away. Antonio turned to her, now looking near ready to collapse after taking their exhaustion.

"Thanks, Mi amigo."

"Ja, Danke." The men sighed, feeling a lot better and continued their work, much easier now.

Sasha caught her before she fell and assisted her to his throne, letting her rest. "You may have just saved the life of the doctor you're to be working under." He informed her and Ida looked down, seeing him really for the first time.

"He's beautiful." Her eyes widened before she passed out.

It took hours for things to start winding down. Lukas was in the clear, but needed to rest. Antonio and Gilbert quickly ran through the energy Ida had granted them and were near collapse when Lukas was taken to his room in the castle to rest. Nikolai and Sasha helped them to their rooms in the school, thinking they might want to have that little sense of normalcy.

No reports came in before Ivan was too tired to think any more and he slid upstairs, telling Vladimir to go to the room beside his for the night. They all slept well.

In the morning they all made their way to the throne room, though Nikolai started working on hiring new cooks and maids.

A line of lords with reports about their section of the city lined up to tell Ivan about the damages. Ivan nearly cried at the numbers. He wrote them all down, the numbers of his citizens dead, the number of the enemies dead, the monetary damages, though those didn't bother him as badly.

He did break down when one man said that their school had been attacked and everyone had been killed. It was a school for children between three and ten. Sixty kids, ten teachers. The lords watched, a little surprised to see him so emotional, as he normally seemed so strong. They had to admit, it was hard on them, learning the numbers, but Ivan took each death personally, and sixty children was just more than he could handle. After the numbers had been given, he asked each lord to help the city around their houses to rebuild. The schools would be used to house those who's homes had been destroyed, as many of the attacks started with fire. After this, he looked over, totaling up the losses.

14,182 citizens killed.

15,000 invaders killed.

He looked over the lists of supplies kept in the castle and though it wasn't quite enough, it would help. He gave each city a few carts to take wood, stone and other supplies to where they were needed. After this, he stood and stretched. "Arthur, we're going for a walk. Come with me." He spoke softly and Arthur understood. He wanted to go see the damage, but he needed Arthur with him. As much as Arthur had become dependent on Ivan's comfort, somehow Ivan had learned to need Arthur's warmth beside him as well. Sasha and Nikolai joined him as he walked through. He carried money, offering it to who needed it as he went through, seeing the damage, the bodies piled on carts in the streets. Whole families wiped out, children dead in their parents arms. Ivan broke down again when he made his way through, Sasha and Nikolai trying to hold him up while Arthur caved with him, allowing himself to be used for whatever comfort he could give. Ivan nearly crushed him against his chest as he cried. Arthur hugged him back, but instead of comforting words all he could do was apologize.

After he regained himself, he continued his walk through, trying not to look at the bodies, especially the children. It took the whole day, and Arthur was surprised to find how big the city actually was. He could also see the shock on the faces as he walked by and couldn't help but wonder if the people of his own village had similar looks on their faces after their attack. Arthur noticed one little girl at the side of the road and made his way over to her. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, but Mommy and Daddy didn't make it." She sniffled and Arthur looked around, seeing no one else minding the girl.

"Do you have anyone else?" He asked and she shook her head, more tears coming to her eyes. Arthur looked over at Ivan, seeing him watch the girl with a dark look on his face. "Is her future to be like mine was?" He asked softly and Ivan nodded, understanding his meaning. "Can we go see the orphanage?" He asked as he stood, taking the girl's hand. Ivan turned and started walking, the girl by his side.

They made it to the building and saw it seemed untouched. Ivan walked in with the rest of the group in tow as a woman ran to him and bowed. "Good day, your Majesty. I'm sorry, we're a bit busy today. Is there something I can help you with?"

"How many workers did you lose?" He asked and the woman frowned.

"Just one. She offered her life if they would leave the children alone, and they accepted." She sniffled, wiping her cheeks. "She was my daughter, so I'm a bit distraught." She watched as Ivan's eyes widened.

"They killed her?" He asked and the woman nodded.

"We just had her taken away." She sighed. "Now we're short a worker and we're being flooded with children who's parents were killed." She looked at the little girl on Arthur's arms and shook her head. "We can't take any more, your Highness. There's another orphanage on the other side of town, but I'm willing to bet they're in the same situation." She cried and walked over to the girl, hugging her. The girl sat in shock as the woman cried onto her shoulder, apologizing for not being able to help her and Ivan sighed, thinking.

"What if I pay you to take care of her?" He asked and she frowned.

"We're short on supplies, beds, we have children on the floors right now because we can't afford anymore." She cried harder and the girl hugged her back, not knowing what else to do.

"Here, maybe this would help." The woman felt his hand on her shoulder and turned, seeing him hand her a bag. She opened it, finding it full of gold, almost too much for her to carry.

"We could buy the new beds! We could get the supplies we need!" She looked up at Ivan with surprise. "Are you really giving this to us?" She swallowed hard.

"It's intended to help the city, and I see you need it badly right now. Can you take the girl if I give you this, and another the same size in a month to help with anymore problems that arise?" He asked and the woman nodded happily.

"I can probably bring in another twenty children with this!" She smiled and bowed low. "Thank you so much, your highness. You've saved these children." She cried and took the girl's hand. "Is it alright with you if you stay here with me from now on?" She asked and the girl nodded. She turned back to Arthur and smiled, showing a tooth missing in the front of her mouth.

"Thank you. I'd been outside all day and no one else even saw me." She smiled before turning back to the woman who took her further into the building.

"We need to go to the other orphanage. We need to make sure the children are taken care of." Ivan spoke out and Nikolai nodded.

"The castle's on the way. Maybe we should go on horse?" He spoke softly and Ivan nodded.

"It would make this much easier. Arthur, are you alright on a horse?"

"I don't know, I've never attempted to ride one." He spoke softly, a little weary of addressing him in public.

"Let's go see how many more people we can save." Ivan spoke a little stronger, feeling a little more helpful in the situation. Arthur smiled, watching as he walked back out, smiling up at the sunshine that beat down on them.