Chapter Thirty Six

House Voda

ELSA

"Tracy!" Elsa moved with lightning reflexes and leapt out of the carriage as far as she could and caught hold of Tracy's wrist with one hand, her other hand grabbing the side handle of the carriage with all her might at the same time. The tension threatened to tear her arms from her sockets and Elsa let out an excruciating gasp. The previous injury she'd sustained at her side flared red hot from the aggravation. Her heart thundered in her chest and pain lanced through her body but she refused to let go, knowing that giving in to the pain would mean certain death for Tracy.

"Hang on!" She shouted, tightening her grip on Tracy's wrist.

Tracy continued to bark out a string of expletives that would've made Elsa go red under less intense circumstances, but she had bigger things to be concerned with. Her knuckles were growing white from gripping the side handle so hard, and she gritted her teeth, feeling her shoulders and sides burn. She felt like a fly having its wings slowly pulled from its back.

Grunting in agony, she tried to reel her arm in, pulling Tracy back towards the carriage. Elsa's own feet were left dangling in the air, kept afloat only by the sheer speed and wind from Janus' frenetic riding. Above the wind in her ears, she could hear Janus shouting for her and Tracy.

Her eyes went to the enemies still in pursuit. Two more carriages, and some of them were loading their rifles again.

"Any time now would be bloody great!" Tracy howled, holding on to Elsa's hand for dear life. The way she was tugging her hand, it felt like Tracy was trying to dismember her.

Tears began to sting Elsa's eyes, the tension in her arms beginning to overwhelm her. Sucking in a deep breath, Elsa screamed as she tugged Tracy towards her with all her might, and at the same time pulled herself back towards the interior of the carriage. The two girls fell on the edge of the carriage floor and Elsa immediately clung to the side, one hand still locked on Tracy. They panted hard and fast, back in the relative safety of the carriage.

Chest heaving sporadically, Elsa let go of Tracy and nursed her shoulders. Everything stung. Maybe she'd torn something.

"Elsa! Tracy!" Janus shouted over his shoulder. "You alright?"

"Nice driving, you tosser!" Tracy snapped.

"Sorry."

Rifle shots cracked again, boring another three holes in the wooden planks.

"Pretty soon we're going to run out of wood." Elsa grunted through the pain, levering herself to her feet. "We need to get rid of them."

Leaning out the side again - while making sure to hold on tightly to the side - she gave a loud grunt and unleashed a flood tide of ice. It hit the nearest rider squarely in the chest and off the horse, sending the confused animal and the runaway carriage careening down a different road, the rest of the soldiers scrambling to seize control of the riderless mount.

"One more." She hissed to herself, taking aim at the final carriage. The soldiers within were leaning out now, and two rifles were aimed right at her. Narrowing her eyes, she waited for the crack to go off and shot out a wide stream of ice from her hand. The lead balls were frozen in mid air and the rest of the ice slammed right into the enemy's carriage, blowing the wood right off the sides and top of the cab.

With a snarl, Tracy sent her own brand of sorcery forth, punching the remaining soldiers off the horse and carriage, eliminating the last of their pursuers.

Elsa took aim one last time, freezing the wheels off the carriage, causing what remained of the vehicle to collapse and crumble to avoid potentially causing more casualties in the streets. The horse galloped off by itself, turning the corner and disappearing out of sight.

"Bloody hell!" Tracy gasped. "We did it!"

"Good, now to figure out where to stash this carriage." Janus began to gradually slow the mount into a canter. He turned into a smaller lane between two large buildings and brought the horse to a complete stop in a secluded alley.

Feeling slightly dizzy, Elsa dismounted from the carriage. The moment she did so, she staggered to her knees, nausea welling up within her. She gagged, emptying the contents of her stomach onto the snow.

"Where did you learn how to drive?" Tracy glared at Janus.

"I'm sorry, I didn't exactly have time to make it a smooth journey when we had the goddamn Blitzguard on our backs." Janus said sardonically and stooped to a knee beside Elsa. "You alright?"

Nodding with a quiet groan, Elsa pushed herself back to her feet with Janus' help, trying not to look at whatever she'd thrown up. Her throat tasted sour and bitter, and she swallowed the bile trying to ignore the burning sensation in her shoulders. "We need to keep moving." Janus said. "Get as far away from here as we can and vanish."

"But where?" Tracy asked. Surprisingly, she hadn't thrown up.

"I don't know. But we have to get the hell away from here before the Blitzguard or Mage Slayers show up with more reinforcements."

"I might be able to help."

The trio spun to see a girl in a thick winter coat and a hood drawn over her head standing at the other side of the alley. If she didn't look closely enough, Elsa would've mistaken her for a Mage Slayer based on her appearance and how silently she'd appeared.

Janus, on the other hand, instinctively drew his dagger. "Who are you?"

"Stop, stop." The girl raised both hands to show that she was unarmed. "I'm not here to hurt you."

"Then what the bloody hell do you want?" Tracy retorted.

"Like I said, I want to help," The girl said cautiously. She spoke in English, but her voice bore the distinct Exonian accent. She began walking towards them, bravely - or stupidly - ignoring the dagger in Janus' hand.

"Who are you?" Elsa asked, sizing up the girl as she drew nearer. She had her features mostly veiled underneath a shawl which protected her from the cold, with strands of stray blonde hair peeking out. With a slender build and a lithe frame, it was no wonder she'd managed to sneak up on them like that.

"There's no time." The girl hissed urgently, coming face to face with Elsa. "I swear I don't work for the emperor or his cronies. Look, if I'm lying, then you get to kill me, alright? But we need to get out of here right now!"

Elsa shot her allies a quick glance. Janus had suspicion written all over his face, his body still tense and primed to strike if necessary. Tracy on the other hand, looked perplexed by this newcomer. Sucking in a deep breath, Elsa squared her shoulders.

"Alright," Elsa relented. "But you better not try any tricks. Lead the way."

Without another moment of hesitation, the girl hurriedly led them down the alley, leaving the horse and carriage behind to be found. Their new ally took them through various passages behind buildings, weaving in and out and zigzagging across the city, all the while sticking to the darker and more obscure paths to avoid the public.

This girl knows her way around the city, Elsa noted as she ran after the her, Tracy ahead and Janus bringing up the rear. The way the girl moved coupled with her body language placed her as someone who was used to a life of sticking to the shadows, unseen and unheard.

"So…where exactly are you taking us?" Tracy asked for the fourth time in the span of thirty minutes.

"I'll tell you when we get there." The girl answered, also for the fourth time. She held no frustration in her voice though.

Very strange. Elsa shot a silent glance at Janus, who returned her gaze with his mouth formed in a hard line. He too had his own questions, no doubt.

Eventually, after what felt like hours of skulking in the shadows and ascending a hill, the girl stopped in front of a rather nice looking estate with two men in red and white-striped uniforms guarding the gate. "Here," she finally said.

"Where's here?" Elsa asked.

"Modeley District, the west side of the city."

"And who are you?" Janus added, a hint of danger flitting in his voice. "You said you'd tell us when we got here."

The girl exhaled and relented. "Very well," she began, averting her eyes. "My name is Margaret Sal Voda, servant of House Voda. But most people just call me Peggy."

"House Voda?" Tracy echoed.

"The esteemed household of Duke Voda, my master." Peggy said, her tone deferential.

"Hold on, you brought us to a bloody noble's house?" Tracy gawked.

"Wait. Please. Let me explain." Peggy said hurriedly. "I speak for my master when I say he means you all no harm. I swear it on my life."

"Swear to me," Janus growled, dagger sliding into his hand. The two guards at the gate levelled their rifles at him.

"Stop." Peggy said sharply, motioning for her guards to lower their weapons. She turned to Elsa. "Please."

In silent contemplation, Elsa locked eyes with Peggy. Here in the light, she could see the woman more clearly now. She had deep blue eyes, soft facial features and a kind mouth. In a weird way, Elsa felt like she was staring at someone similar to her, just that she was from a whole different part of the world and living a very different kind of life. On an instinctive level, Elsa felt that she could trust her.

"Elsa, I don't like this," Tracy said, loudly enough for Peggy to hear. "We should leave while we still can."

"No," Elsa set her eyes on Peggy. "I want to see where this all leads."

"Thank you," Peggy gave her a grateful nod, and motioned for the guards to lower their weapons. They began unlocking the huge iron gate that led into the estate. She politely gestured to the trio as the gate creaked open. "Please, follow me."

Peggy led them into a huge front yard, the kind that could double as a parade square for personal militia to conduct drills. Elsa stared around at her new surroundings, surveying everything. This was just the backyard, but already it felt like a king's courtyard. It was a luxurious estate, that was for sure. More men in red and white-striped uniforms stood guard, each at ten paces apart and covering the perimeter of the estate. Their sleeves bore symbols of House Voda, an eagle with majestic wings and its head held in profile angle, a sharp beak contrasting against the red patch of fabric.

"Vodarian Eagles," Peggy said, noticing how Elsa and the others were staring at the men. "The duke's private security, soldiers who are loyal members of the Voda Household."

"And they're not loyal to the Imperial Horde?" Janus asked.

"These men were here before the rise of the Empire," Peggy said. "On behalf of His Grace, I assure you they won't betray your presence to the emperor."

"Interesting," Tracy dragged out the word as she too looked around with a mixed expression of awe and suspicion on her face.

"Oh, uhh, shoes please, if you don't mind." Peggy said, coming to a stop outside the large door of the house and slipping off her own shoes. "It's a cultural thing here in Exon."

The trio complied, leaving their footwear outside before being escorted into the house. The interior was even more breathtaking. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting bright lights all over the long, spacious hallway. Trophies and ancient cultural artefacts lined the walls on both sides, making the house seem like it was doubling for a museum. The furniture was obviously built by professional carpenters judging by the finish, and every surface seemed to shine and sparkle. The entire floor was made of marble and was cold against the soles of their feet. A dark red carpet started near the centre of the hallway and spanned the entire length of the artefacts on display.

Tracy whistled, evidently awed by their surroundings. "You sure the emperor himself doesn't live here?"

"Duke Voda is one of the richest men in the entire Empire." Peggy explained. "He inherited the dukedom when he was still a lad, and has devoted his life to various charities and foundations for the betterment of Exonian society. As the Minister of Economics in Exon, he is the embodiment of what an Exonian leader should be."

"I assume you mean unlike the emperor." Janus said.

Peggy averted her eyes. "That is not my prerogative to say. I am but a servant in my master's house, after all," She coughed politely. "Please wait here in the main hall. My master will be back very shortly. If you need anything, I'll be in the kitchen down the corridor and to the left." With that, she courteously excused herself, leaving the trio in the main hall.

"I still don't like it." Tracy remarked when the girl was gone.

"Me neither." Janus grimaced. "Why does she want us to meet this Duke Voda? What's the motive behind all this?"

"Beats me." Elsa glanced at the two others. "But something in my gut tells me we can trust her."

"You sure it's not the vomit still talking?" Tracy chortled then went serious when Elsa glared at her. "My bad. T'was a bad joke."

"I don't know," Janus said quietly. "We'll have to meet this Duke Voda face to face before I can make an assessment. If he's dodgy, we're out of here. And if he's not, maybe we'll stay to listen to what he has to say."

Elsa nodded. "Then let's hope he gives us a good reason to stay."

"Oh trust me, I will." A man's voice drifted from the other end of the hallway, prompting the trio to turn to see who it was.

The man wore a long black duster with red trimmings, an expensive looking crimson scarf wrapped around his neck. Snow dusted his shoulders and he shook it off, removing his scarf and duster as he closed the distance. When he was much closer, he removed his hat, snow falling off from it.

"Welcome to my schulvarg." He paused. "It is…how do you say in your language…household."

"Thank you. I assume you are the duke Peggy told us about?" Elsa asked.

"Ludwig Jal Voda," he gave a slight bow. "Duke of Luftzeit, at your service."

Elsa sized him up. Duke Voda looked to be in his early forties, with the first traces of slightly greying hair. He sported a thinly spread beard, and possessed very distinct tired brown eyes and a fairly sharp nose. However, in spite of his clothing and hereditary traits, he possessed the type of kind, genuine demeanour that one could not possibly fake. Can he be trusted?

"Your Grace," Elsa said in formal greeting. "We are-"

"I know who you are, Snow Queen." The duke smiled, glancing around. "I know all three of you."

Elsa tensed. "How?"

"I saw the chaos in the city today." He explained. "I was on one of the sidewalks, on my way for an important meeting with a businessman. And then I saw the carriage zipping down the street and sorcery flying."

She stiffened further. By nature, Exonians had been taught from a young age that sorcery was to be shunned and damned. That magic and all things supernatural belonged to those who were cursed. It stood to reason that the duke was raised believing it too. So then why were they here?

"You've met my associate, Margaret Sal Voda." The duke went on. "She was with me on the sidewalk. When I saw the last of the emperor's Blitzguard taken out of the game, I sent her to track you down and to bring the three of you back to my estate."

"Why?" Elsa asked. "We know that sorcery is an abomination to your people. You think of us as witches and cursed."

"What do you want with us?" Tracy added.

"Please," the duke held up a hand. "Allow me to explain."

"Duke Voda-"

"Please, call me Ludwig."

"Alright. Ludwig, I don't know what you want with us." Elsa stared at him. "Even if we aren't 'witches', we're still refugees from the Empire. The emperor wants us dead, if you haven't already heard."

"Honestly, I haven't." Ludwig said stolidly. "And neither has anyone else on the cabinet. The new emperor does like to keep his secrets."

"Then what do you want with us?" Janus asked.

The duke hesitated. "Would you promise not to laugh if I told you?"

Genuinely curious, Elsa glanced at the others who looked equally intrigued and cautious. Raising an eyebrow, she turned back to Ludwig. "Humour us."

Ludwig leaned closer to the trio and whispered. "How would you like to help us dethrone the emperor?"

Author's Commentary:

The funny thing about this and the last chapter was that I was winging the whole thing as I went. Sure, I had a rough outline that specified: "Elsa, Janus and Tracy escape from the Imperial Blitzguard and Mage Slayers, finding refuge with a local politician who is secretly embroiled in a city-wide rebellion." But that was it. Everything else about these chapters was spontaneous, all while listening to some great adrenaline, action pumping soundtracks.

I think it turned out pretty alright.