We're back at Fort Merceus in this chapter.
Chapter 87 – Into the Fold (Great Tree Moon)
Ladislava and the rest of the Black Eagle aces stood in the war room in Fort Merceus, having returned after their exhausting march from House Ordelia. The Crimson Warrior had just finished explaining everything that had happened since the Great Bridge of Myrddin was taken, including the massacre at Favorsham. On the table before them were the vials confiscated from Myson's followers, the shattered remains of the Sanguine Reaver's Darkheart, and the broken Chimeric Stone taken from Fleche's body.
Watching Edelgard's expression, Ladislava knew the emperor wasn't taking the news well. Not only had the Empire lost two entire army groups, but Ladislava had violated her orders on keeping the truth about the Twisted a secret. Hubert looked particularly displeased with her choice to bring Zola, Trauare and Setiawati into the fold on the matter.
Salia took a moment to look at the other three aces. All three were grappling with the implications of what they'd heard about Those Who Slither In The Dark. Even Zola, who normally liked to keep things simple, had to give pause to what they'd been told.
As Edelgard sat down and looked at the map in the center of the war room, she said, "Though what you've told me is dire, I am glad you were all able to return safely."
Ladislava then said, "Your Majesty, I take full responsibility for what happened in Favorsham, and for our failure to retake the Great Bridge of Myrddin."
The Crimson Warrior was about to continue when Zola said, "Don't go foisting all this on your shoulders, Ladi. We all got farmer blood on our hands that night."
"You do not need to bear the blame for what happened at the bridge, Ladislava," said Setiawati.
"I appreciate the sentiment, you two," said Ladislava. "But–"
"They're both right, Ladislava," said Edelgard. "Given the circumstances, there was little else you could have done. If I'd known Dimitri was planning to rush south, or of what Claude had up his sleeves, I would've delayed our invasion of the Leicester Alliance. I'm glad you were able to make it back safely."
As Ladislava eased up slightly, Hubert then said, "Though your return is fortunate, I gave you explicit orders not to share what we told you about Those Who Slither In the Dark with your squadron."
"Given their role in the battle at Favorsham, I felt they had every right to know, Hubert," said Ladislava. "I trust them with my life."
Knowing that trying to reiterate the need for secrecy was going to be redundant, Hubert said, "At least we can take some comfort knowing you killed one of their elites. I do not know what position this 'Myson' held in their order, but his death will surely be a significant blow to their plans."
"You can thank Trauare for that, by the way," said Zola.
Trauare gave a short "Hehe" as Hubert briefly turned toward her.
Hubert then looked back at the materials the Black Eagles had brought with them and said, "I'll have these sent back to the capital for study. Our Crestology expert will need to see this stone, in particular."
"What's so special about this one?" asked Salia.
"Before you returned, one of the surviving members of the garrison at Myrddin returned to us and described the monster that Fleche von Bergliez turned into." Hubert pulled a piece of parchment from a nearby table and laid it out as he said, "She gave us a detailed drawing of the beast in question."
The Black Eagles looked at the drawing, which showed a detailed diagram of a large crimson lion with wings and several scorpion tails. Ladislava knew the artist had to be talented, as the picture was surprisingly realistic.
"I have never seen a creature of this kind," said Setiawati.
"Yeah, looks like something out of a horror story," added Trauare. "You're sure that's what Fleche turned into?"
"Absolutely," said Hubert. "The creature went on a rampage, attacking forces on both sides and inflicting heavy casualties, including two of the garrison's Demonic Beasts, before the Church finally slew it."
"But how did Fleche get her hands on this?" Salia asked as she gestured to the broken Chimeric Stone.
"I do not know. I can only guess one of Those Who Slither In the Dark tricked her into taking this so-called 'Chimeric Stone'."
"Hey, just wanna say I'd rather go with Ladi's 'Twisted' moniker for these guys, if that's alright with you," said Zola.
"Yeah, me too," said Trauare. "Rolls off the tongue more."
"As you wish," said Hubert. "Just remember to keep this information confidential. I do not want any further leaks regarding it, especially from you, Sergeant Axberg."
"Not a big fan of being all hush-hush about this," said Zola. "Doesn't mean I won't do it, though."
Edelgard then said, "I'm holding you to that, Zola Axberg."
"Guess that means you're laying off the drinks for a while?" Trauare said playfully.
Scoffing, Zola said, "Guess so. Though one or two wouldn't hurt."
"Zola," Salia said sternly.
"Fine, just one."
"In any event," said Edelgard, "We must focus our attention on the more immediate threat. Our scouts report the Loyalists have no less than 28,000 men, and the Alliance has around 37,000."
"65,000 men…" said Ladislava.
"We still have the advantage," said Salia.
"Only in numbers," said Edelgard. "What worries me the most is the Church of Seiros." Edelgard looked Ladislava in the eye and said, "You're certain that Professor Eisner was leading them?"
"Absolutely, Lady Edelgard," said Ladislava. "She was every bit as skilled as you said. Even with Fenix, I couldn't best her."
"Don't take it too hard, Aerin. She's perhaps the most powerful warrior in Fódlan."
"Her return does pose a significant threat," said Hubert. "Yet the Church's numbers have dwindled over the war. For now, our focus should center on the Loyalists and the Alliance."
"How did the King of Lions get this far south without being noticed?" asked Salia.
"I'll have to ask Cornelia that next time I meet her," said Edelgard.
"Ah, my ears are burning," said a familiar woman's voice.
Startled, Edelgard, Hubert and the Black Eagle aces turned to see the door to the war room swing open, revealing the Duchess of Faerghus and a flustered Imperial guard who had been trying to stop her.
"M-My apologies, Your Majesty!" said the guard.
Cornelia immediately saw Edelgard's displeasure and said, "You don't appear happy to see me, El."
"Why should I be?" Edelgard said crossly. "Your 'advice' cost me nearly 20,000 men, Cornelia, and my foothold in the Leicester Alliance."
"And how am I responsible for that, dear? What you did with my advice was up to you, after all."
Edelgard wanted to say something, but realized the Duchess was right. The sorceress hadn't forced her to change her plan. In the end, it had been Edelgard's decision to change it.
Yet the Emperor remained annoyed at the Duchess, and so Edelgard said, "Be that as it may, you could have warned me that Dimitri was heading south."
"I would have if I'd known, Edelgard. But I couldn't simply let Averill hold onto Arianrhod, now, could I? You'll be happy to know that Rissa and Valeska are already in the process of taking care of what little forces remain in House Gautier. Once the boar prince is dealt with, the Loyalists will be finished."
"Why are you here, Duchess?" Hubert said accusingly.
"Isn't it obvious? To see that the boar prince is finally defeated, and to assist Edelgard in stamping out the so-called Master Tactician."
Edelgard was silent for a moment as she scrutinized Cornelia's expression. There was no sign on Cornelia's face that she was lying.
After several seconds of silence, Edelgard said, "Ladislava, you and the others are to get some rest. We'll continue our discussion later."
"As you wish, Lady Edelgard," said Ladislava.
The aces left the war room as Ladislava, who gave Cornelia a short glare, followed behind them, shutting the door to the war room as she passed.
As the door shut, Cornelia looked at the table and noticed the broken shards of Myson's Darkheart. Even in its ruined state, she could tell what it was.
"Where did you get this, Edelgard?" Cornelia said in hushed curiosity.
Cornelia picked up one of the broken pieces of the Darkheart and inspected it as Hubert said, "The Black Eagles took it from the remains of one of your friends, Cornelia."
"Friends?" Cornelia chuckled.
"What is so amusing?" Hubert asked, confused by Cornelia's expression of delight.
"It's just… Haha, you, claiming Myson was ever someone I considered a 'friend'." Cornelia then said darkly, "That narcissist was a thorn in my side. I was wondering how I was going to get rid of him and your Black Eagles did it for me. I'll need to thank them."
"What do you mean by that, Cornelia?" asked Edelgard.
"Do you remember what I told you about my people's society, Edelgard? How we adhere to a Chain of Ascension? Myson was one of the top-ranked members of the chain: the fourth-highest link. And he is utterly loyal to Thales. Ah, I mean, was. I needed him out of the way before challenging Thales for the throne."
Cornelia put down the Darkheart fragment and looked at the other materials the Black Eagles had returned with.
"Does this mean you intend to face him now, Cornelia?" asked Edelgard.
"Not yet. There's still Odesse to worry about."
"Who is this 'Odesse'?"
"He holds the title of Thaumaturge and is Thales's right-hand man. He also, according to the reports I got, was the one who gave this away."
Cornelia picked up the broken Chimeric Stone as she finished her sentence. The stone made no reaction to her touch.
"Ah, this is definitely Pittacus's work. No one can make a Crest Stone like she can."
"How careless of you to name so many of your cohorts, Duchess," Hubert said as Cornelia set the Chimeric Stone down.
"You mistake me, Hubert. I hate Odesse almost as much as I hate Thales. And Pittacus doesn't care for politics. She only cares about her research. That said…" Cornelia turned to Edelgard and said, "I would be on your guard, Edelgard. Thales will seek retribution for Myson's death, even if he was a victim of happenstance."
"You said he would take advantage of things if I crossed the Airmid River in full force," said Edelgard. "Yet he hasn't made any new moves."
"None that you can see, Edelgard. But believe me, he's not going to let Myson's death go unpunished. And once your forces begin fighting the Loyalists and Alliance in earnest, he'll surely make his move."
Edelgard watched Cornelia's countenance as she said this, looking for any trace of a lie. To Edelgard's worry, the Duchess's expression was utterly serious.
…
Ladislava sat with the other aces as they helped themselves to a warm stew in the mess hall of Fort Merceus. They had deliberately chosen to sit in a corner away from the other soldiers in the mess hall to avoid being overheard. The Crimson Warrior did her best to ignore Zola's complaints at not being allowed to have any alcohol.
"Oh, come on, Sally!" Zola protested. "One pint's nothing for me!"
"You heard what Hubert said, Zola!" Salia said as she tried to keep Zola's flagon away from the Skraeling. "No booze if you aren't gonna keep your mouth shut!"
"Like that's ever gonna happen," Trauare said jokingly. "Zola doesn't know the meaning of the word 'hush', am I right?"
"Screw you, Trau," Zola snapped.
Ladislava thought to help Salia with Zola when she noticed Setiawati deep in thought.
"Something on your mind, Setia?" asked Ladislava.
"Yes," answered Setiawati. "It is the makhluk that Menteri Vestra showed us, and the stone you took from Fleche's body. It looked like the one that Zola's prisoner friend stole in Enbarr."
Overhearing this, Zola stopped fighting for her flagon and said, "Bryne and I weren't friends, Seti. We just served in the same penal battalion."
Trauare, who dropped her joking expression, added, "Now that you mention it, yeah… it did look like the one that turned him into that huge pig thing."
With Zola no longer reaching for her flagon, Salia was able to sit down and quietly said, "Maybe the one he stole was another Chimeric Stone. But Hubert didn't mention anything about it."
"And why do you think that is, Sally?" said Zola. "Because we 'didn't need to know'."
"He does tend to do stuff like that," said Trauare.
"What other raksasa could these 'Twisted' unleash?" said Setiawati.
"I don't know," said Ladislava. "Let's hope we won't have to find out."
"Hey, I say bring 'em on," said Zola. "That huge pig Bryne turned into wasn't that tough."
"Keep it down, would you, Zola?!" said Salia. "This is exactly why you can't have any beer right now! You're not just loose-lipped when you're drunk – you're also loud!"
Ladislava watched in exasperation as Salia and Zola resumed their struggle over the blonde's flagon, deciding not to point out how loud Salia was being.
Again, tricky work, but I got it done.
Cornelia's going to have a major role in the upcoming Battle of Gronder. As for how that'll turn out, you'll have to wait and see.
Next chapter will have more Cornelia/Edelgard in it, and though I've said this before, it'll be tricky to get it right.
EDIT: Due to upcoming changes in my job, I have decided that my next chapter will be released on Monday April 3rd, and that all subsequent chapters will be on Mondays. Apologies for the delay.