Well, here it is, the chapter detailing Alistair's backstory. So it doesn't seem too out of place, I will be introducing a plot element or two that will be used later on. Quite a bit of jumping back and forward between the past and present in the form of flashbacks and narration.
Disclaimer: The Octopath Traveler games and their associated characters were copyright by Square.
The White Knight's Tale
"I was only a young seven year old boy, born and raised a member of the noble house of Fen. My father was renowned and honored as commander of the Royal Knights of Vella, and my mother was the royal Minister of Finance. I had only started my training, primarily with wooden swords and I sometimes dabbled in history and economics, as expected for one born of my social standing" Alistair recounted.
"What sort of man was your father?" Casiti asked.
"He was firm, but kind" Alistair replied, thinking back fondly upon the memory.
-Thirty Years Ago-
Young Alistair was reading a history book in his room at the desk, garbed in a red tunic with pants and the crest of House Fen embedded on the front of his shirt. It had been tedious at first, but he'd come to see the history books as fantastic stories of past heroes and how the kingdom had come to be.
"Young Master" a maid who was working as a staff member of the Fen Estate knocked on the door"Your lord father is asking for you."
"I will be out in a second, Alicia" Alistair replied, marking the spot he was at and placing the book down on his desk before exiting his room. The maid, a young woman with brown hair and a maid uniform escorted him to his father's study.
Alistair's father, a man in his late thirties with red hair, green eyes, a regal tunic with pants and a white cape was going over some paperwork for the king. He looked up as his maid knocked on the door.
"Come in" Alistair's father, who's name is Cadoc, stated.
The maid walked in, accompanied by his son. Lord Cadoc looked at his maid"You may return to your duties."
"Of course, master" Alicia went back to work.
The Patriarch of House Fen then addressed his son"How are your studies going?"
"Very well, mostly" Alistair replied"I've even just begun getting the hand of economics. History was a bore at first, but its starting to become really enjoyable."
Cadoc nodded his approval"Excellent. Alicia has done quite well as your tutor, I see. And I presume that you were also practicing those basic sword techniques that I taught you last week, correct?"
"Yes, father" Alistair nodded.
"Good. Now" Cadoc had a serious look on his face"His majesty sent me a messenger. Something has come up, thieves have been pillaging certain noble houses and robbing from Commoners. I've been asked to assist in an investigation and lend a force to subdue the brigands. And Alicia has her other duties, so you'd be alone with only the manor guards and our other servants. Therefore, his majesty has also suggested that you be allowed to visit the castle and study alongside his daughter for the duration of the investigation."
Alistair was surprised"But I thought only Squires and-full fledged knights were allowed to study inside the castle."
"That's true, but we can make an exception" Cadoc replied"King Lorian is a friend of mine. We studied together from time to time. And besides, I understand that the princess is rather lonely at times."
"What about mother?" Alistair asked, curious.
"Your mother is very, very busy right now" Cadoc replied"She helps to provide the knights and everyone else working in our kingdom their salaries. Though lately, the knights have taken a salary cut. Never mind why, I doubt there's any connection, but is the reason why there's an investigation impending, nonetheless."
Alistair nodded his understanding"Very well." He went to pack his books and join his father near the door leading out of their manor.
-Present Day-
"Lord Cadoc was a magnificent man, wasn't he?" Hikari asked, admiration evident in his tone.
Alistair nodded"That he was, but that was before we lost much of our standing."
"But he still lives and still serves as commander of the knights, correct?" Priscilla asked.
"Yes" Alistair nodded"Its just been a lot of hard work restoring our family's name. We pride ourselves with honor, justice and integrity. But alas" he frowned"We've had our share of those who would profit off our honor, tarnishing our very name."
Priscilla was hardly surprised"Even among the nobility, the occasional bad seed does slip through."
"Indeed" Alistair nodded in agreement"And while it was somewhat overwhelming visiting the castle for the first time, I must admit to having had fond memories of my time, either training or studying."
"What was the princess like?" Castii asked, curious. She couldn't remember ever visiting Vella.
"She was fairly shy when we first me... Which reminds me" Alistair continued his story.
-Vella Castle, Thirty Years ago-
Upon reaching Vella Castle, Lord Cadoc had another knight, Sir Marcus who had brown hair with the grayish white armor of a typical Vellan Royal Knight, escort Alistair to the library while the Commander himself went to the throne room.
The Royal Library was somewhat large, which amazed Alistair as he went in. A row of desks were placed in the middle of the room where a young girl sat, engrossed in a history book. She had blue hair and green eyes, she also wore a bluish dress with a white undershirt and shoes. Accompanying her was an older palace servant with brown hair and a black and white maid uniform.
Alistair approached the girl"Excuse me, might I be permitted to sit next to you?"
The girl shyly looked up"Certainly..."
Alistair sat down at an adjacent desk"I presume that you're the princess?" he inclined his head in respect"My name is Alistair, I am the son of Commander Cadoc of the Royal Knights."
The princess looked at him in silence for a moment, which caught Alistair's attention. The young red-head shifted nervously"Have I affronted you, somehow?"
The princess flushed and shook head head"No, I'm just not too good at talking to people... My name is Sabrina."
"Sabrina... That's quite a lovely name" Alistair smiled"If I mean say so, princess."
"Thank you" Sabrina looked down and blushed shyly for a second, looking back up"I am the Crown Princess, but you could call me by my name if you want. I mean... We're around the same age, right?"
Alistair was a bit surprised"I'm not sure that's appropriate, but if you're okay with it."
The older maid watched the two children interact with each other. Privately, she was happy that the princess is making a friend.
"Oh, and this is my attendant, Flora" Sabrina introduced.
Alistair looked at the maid"Pleasure to meet you, miss."
"You may call me Flora, young sir" Flora said politely.
Alistair nodded and got out one of his books to read. After a moment of silence, Alistair addressed Sabrina"If I may ask, what do you read about? I've mostly read about the exploits of past knights of our kingdom in addition to books on tactics and swordplay."
"I read about the history of the kingdom itself... Its fascinating" Sabrina replied without even looking up.
"I read about it, myself" Alistair commented"Our ancestors were explorers led by an esteemed Noble from the Hinoeouma region. They were weary of the wars that transpired near Ku and the surrounding clans and wanted peace. So they went to Canalbrine and sailed a ship to the islands."
Sabrina nodded, quietly reading her book for a moment longer before asking"I... I like to play Chess sometimes on my spare hours, its a sort of relaxing game. Do you suppose you'd like to play with me when we have time?"
"I would be honored, I'm quite fond of it as well, though I imagine we both have little time for hobbies" Alistair shrugged"But its to be expected."
Sabrina nodded in agreement"On top of my usual studies, I've also begun to learn magic. My grandfather was a Sorcerer of some renown before marrying into House Vella." She continued reading.
"Sorcery of that level is said to be a dying art compared to modern magical studies such as the elements that Scholars of magic usually study" Alistair said"Your grandfather must have been quite talented."
Sabrina quietly nodded, and the pair continued to read their books in silence, together.
-Present Day-
"The Royal family of Vella must have been quite revered as Scholars" Hikari said thoughtfully"And the princess was your childhood friend, Alistair?"
Alistar nodded"Yes, and even now, I valued the time she and I had spent together as children. I swore I would eventually become her knight and serve for the rest my life, back then. But that was before my family's reputation had suffered."
Priscilla glanced at him, thoughtfully"Hm. Don't tell me, you have feelings for her, don't you?"
Alistair was taken aback for a moment, flushing"Well, as part of the nobility, it wouldn't have surprised me if my father and King Lorian had taken me and several other suitors around her age into consideration for her to choose to be her husband. But she was so shy, I imagined that she would be under a lot of pressure."
"That must be very difficult for her" Castii commented.
Alistair nodded in agreement"But King Lorian is an excellent instructor, if not strict from what I had seen during my stay. I'm sure she must have grown into her role as Crown Princess of Vella quite well."
"Come to think of it, I haven't seen her when we were at the castle, how do you suppose she's faring?" Priscilla asked, curious.
"The last I heard, she had joined the Royal Mage Guild to hone her magic skills and is the current leader of the Arcane branch of Vella's army to build her confidence" Alistair replied"They usually train magic Scholars and Clerics in the arts of magic. And as I mentioned when I was telling how we first met, Sorcery is an ancient form of magic that is difficult to master."
"Sorcerers, Starseers and Arcanists are indeed uncommon nowadays" said Osvald, thoughtfully"The ancient powers associated with each class are believed to be largely forgotten."
"Magic Scholars and Clerics are indeed more common" Priscilla agreed"So, what happened after you met the princess for the first time, Alistair?"
"Well, after Lord Percival officially started to investigate the bandit attacks alongside my father and Lord Davis, the unthinkable happened" Alistair frowned, the incident had turned out to be quite the embarrassment for the knights and the king"Sir Marcus, who had been so loyal to the crown, led me and the princess out to the courtyard for a private training session the following day. That's when it was revealed that the mystery ran deeper than my father had initially suspected."
-Thirty Years Ago: Vella Castle Courtyard-
A day after Alistair and Sabrina met for the first time, Alistair, Princess Sabrina and Flora had accompanied Marcus and a couple other knights into the courtyard. Marcus turned to address the others"Since magic is going to be a part of today's lesson, I am honored that you agreed to join us, Princess."
"Its no trouble, Sir Marcus" Sabrina told him.
"Its very unusual, though" Alistair frowned"What occasion would demand that the princess and her handmaid be present?"
Marcus smiled wryly"An excellent question, young Alistair." He then frowned"And it pains me to admit it, but I would daresay your father is proving far too inquisitive for a certain someone. Please don't take this too personally."
"What?" Alistair raised an eyebrow. Flora and one of the knights protectively stood close to the two children.
"Princess Sabrina, something is very wrong. Lord Alistair, you best prepare yourself to protect her" The handmaid cautioned them.
Marcus smiled"Very observant, Flora." Just then, two grappling hooks snared onto the castle walls outside the courtyard and a group of around three men dressed in black came climbing onto the ramparts.
"Lady Fen wants you alive, Alistair" Marcus stated"I assure you that you and the princess will come to no harm."
The other knight, Sir Carlos, who had dark brown hair and wore the same armor as the other knights, glared at Marcus"You were in league with the bandits all along!?"
The bandits jumped onto the ground as Marcus looked sadly at Carlos"My comrade, I fear I had no choice. My wife and child back home are starving because of the sudden, unexpected budget cuts. I will do whatever it takes to get the money I require."
Sabrina paled with fright, quickly reaching for her tome, though she knew that she and Alistair would hardly stand much of a chance against professionally trained warriors.
Carlos addressed the other knight"Go get Commander Cadoc and Lord Percival! They surely are still in the castle reporting to his majesty."
The other knight nodded and rushed back into the castle.
Carlos got out a halberd"Prepare to answer for this, Marcus!"
Marcus drew his sword"You think you can protect the princess and the young lord all by yourself?"
Flora drew a dagger and summoned a fireball"I've got some new for you. I didn't train to be a Magical Scholar for nothing. Protecting the Royal Family is my duty" she threw the fireball at Marcus.
Marcus dodged while two of the dark-clad bandits lunged at Carlos. Alistair led Sabrina towards the bushes to hide, but would be ready to lead her into the castle if it turned out that Carlos and Flora couldn't handle their assailants.
Carlos parried as one of the bandits struck at him and dodged to slam his weapon into his opponent, killing him on the spot. Flora dodged the other bandit and blasted him back with thunder.
Marcus watched with a mixture of amusement and sorrow, he really didn't want to betray the king and Commander Cadoc like this, but he was in no position to refuse the bandits' benefactor. And to think a mere Handmaid could hold herself against skilled fighters.
Flora dodged as the other bandit struck again, throwing a fireball to finish him off. One more bandit came into the fray by grappling hook, this one armed with twin swords. Marcus looked at her seriously"Meet Red, the leader of the group that was hired to appropriate funds from certain noble and common houses."
"The brigands were hired to do that?" Alistair whispered in surprise from his hiding place. It sounded like his father hadn't managed to apprehend all of the bandits.
Sabrina nodded grimly"It appears so..."
Red smirked and rushed Carlos, who narrowly parried the thief's attacks. Flora moved to help Carlos, only for Marcus to get in her way and slash at her. The handmaid narrowly dodged.
"We've got to get away from here" Alistair stealthily moved along the edges of the courtyard towards the doorway. Sabrina followed, nervously. But the princess trusted Alistair to keep her safe.
At that moment, the door opened and three people rushed into the courtyard, one had brown hair with a goatee with a white shirt and pants and a orange jacket. Accompanying him was another man with blond hair, brown suit and pants and Alistair's father.
"What the?" Red was taken aback, surprised"This isn't what was planned to happen."
"Lord Percival, Commander Cadoc" Marcus gasped, recognizing two of the men, his face pale.
Percival disarmed Red with a couple thunderbolts while Cadoc and the other man moved to arrest the assailant. Alistair was relieved, he didn't know how much longer Carlos and Flora were going to last. Plus, the princess is safe.
"Alistair, are you and the princess all right?" Lord Cadoc asked, relieved.
"Yes, father" Alistair nodded.
Cadoc glared at Marcus"Care to explain your actions?"
The errant knight knew it was over, no point hiding it"After that budget cut and the bandit attacks, some of the other knights were growing very dissatisfied with the pay, we don't even know why out budget was cut. I was getting a little desperate and went to appeal to the king, but Minister Yolanda approached me first and convinced me to help by doing her a favor. If I refused, my pay would be even further docked and my family and I would have been unable to pay our taxes."
Alistair and Sabrina paused to listen, they felt a little bit of sympathy for the knight. But that didn't change the fact that Marcus had committed high treason, and Alistair was conflicted.
Lord Percival shook his head in disgust"You could have voiced your grievance to the king instead of participating in that harebrained scheme."
"I was afraid, and I lacked proof that there was any connection between our pay being cut and the bandit attacks as some of the other knights were speculating" Marcus replied"I don't expect forgiveness for this, but at the very least I can tell you that Lady Yolanda is planning something."
Cadoc and Alistair were both shocked to hear this. Percival frowned"So you're saying that the bandits were hired by Lady Fen? That's the last thing I would've expected to hear."
"That's right. I was just a pawn in that witch's game" Marcus spat with distaste"She even had the gall to want the princess and young Alistair captured. Many of the noble houses and commoner dwellings were home to many of the other knights."
"And yourself?" Percival looked pointedly at Red.
"I was the leader of those bandits that were hired to appropriate funds from the knights" Red sighed"But I'm sure as spit not going to tell you who hired me."
Percival smiled"Oh, I've already pieced together what has happened. Many of my and Commander Cadoc's fellow nobles fancy themselves untouchable, but I've a plan on how to deal with Yolanda."
Alistair stepped forward"Lord Percival, my mother's name is Yolanda. Why would she even do such a thing? I almost can't believe it."
"That's what I'm going to find out" Percival replied before addressing Carlos"Sir Carlos, escort those two bozos Marcus and Red to the holding cells in the dungeon." Lorrd Percival understood why Marcus did what he did, he also has a wife and a child. But it was still no excuse.
As Carlos led the two criminals away, Percival took a moment to speak with Alistair"I'm going to pay Lady Yolanda a visit. The truth is sometimes a terrible thing to know, but if you and Lord Cadoc need closure, I would suggest you both come with me and Sir Davis."
"I have to know why this happened, so I'm coming" said Alistair, resolutely.
"Same here" Cadoc said, he was not happy at this turn of events.
-Present Day-
"My father and I were shocked to hear what my mother had allegedly been doing" Alistair continued"But when Red was captured, the guard had found a written order connecting him to a certain noble."
"It was Lady Yolanda, correct? I heard of her" Priscilla said"Why did she...?"
"Considering that at the time, we were aiding Ku in its wars and therefore had to raise taxes, I suppose something in her just snapped" Alistair sighed, going back to telling his story"The day after the attack..."
-Fen Manor, thirty years ago-
Sabrina had gone with her attendant to speak with the king while Alistair, Percival, Davis and Cadoc went to the study which Cadoc shared with his wife. Prosecutor Percival Whiteshore planned to bank on the Financial Minister's arrogance.
Cadoc knocked on the door"Yolanda?"
A woman with brownish black hair, blue eyes and a set of gold regal garments worn typically by Vella's Minster of Finace answered"Cadoc, is there something wrong?" She gave no indication that she knew what had gone on in the castle courtyard.
"Prosecutor Percival has some questions for you, as do I" replied Lord Cadoc, keeping a neutral expression despite his anger.
"Well, what are they? I'm rather busy, you know" Yolanda replied, calmly.
"Just a short while ago, Marcus betrayed us and several brigands tried to kidnap your son and the princess" Percival replied, bluntly"They claim that you are the one behind the recent attacks. Do you deny it?"
Yolanda scoffed"Do you have any proof?" She asked, haughtily"I love my family and would never think of harming them. And before you ask about the written order I left in Red's care, I found it in another nobleman's possession. We're not the only members of the nobility, you know."
"Its Red's word against yours" Percival frowned"Plus, you don't really have much of an excuse to cut the knights' pay, do you?"
"Well, unfortunately for you, dear Prosecutor, we know very well the toll war has taken on our country" Yolanda replied in an attempt to justify herself"Red and his men could very well have been radicals who wished to take things upon themselves."
Alistair wanted to believe what his mother is saying, but this was a matter that couldn't be overlooked"Mom, may I ask just how much money was added to House Fen's treasury without my father's knowledge?"
"I noticed some irregularities in the total number of money we made versus how much we earn from a portion of the taxes" Cadoc mussed"But I couldn't figure out what was going on. Yolanda, were you born in a particularly poor family?"
"Of course not, silly" Yolanda laughed"And I've been meticulously taking care of the paperwork."
Percival had a funny feeling Yolanda was the egotistical and confident type, but overconfidence is a common flaw in criminals, especially those who were a part of the nobility"Perhaps we should take this up with the king, this is a very serious matter that could affect the very reputation of House Fen. It would ill-behoove you to not have the matter cleared up. I'm all but certain that some of the money that you brought in for House Fen was not acquired legally."
Yolanda tensed for a moment"N-now wait a minute-"
"Wait a minute, nothing!" Cadoc snapped, angrily"If you are innocent, you will be pardoned, but the king will want a word with you. Plus, we've been doing an extensive investigation. I will not allow harm to come to our family's reputation if I can help it."
"Mother, please, we can't let this mystery go unsolved" Alistair begged.
Yolanda looked at her son, thoughtfully. For all her faults, she did have something of a soft spot for her only son"Well, if we must see the king, then we must." She accompanied the group out of the manor. They headed for the castle where the king awaited in the throne room.
King Lorian waited with a couple of guardsmen, his daughter had gone back to her studies with a couple guards for extra protection. Lord Percival, Alistair, Commander Cadoc and Lady Yolanda bowed.
"Thank you for coming. I was not pleased to hear of the incident involving an attack on young Alistair and my daughter" the king said, tersely"And while Sir Marcus shares some of the blame, I understand that his actions weren't voluntary. And I am appalled that assailants could get into the courtyard so easily."
"Red's doing, no doubt" Yolanda said quickly, attempting to cover her tracks.
"Even the most hardened of mercenaries could not possibly get in so far without inside help" Percival replied, calmly"I questioned Marcus at length, last night. And he told me why he was complicit in the attack. His family was suffering primarily because he was unable to provide food for them, his wife barely even manages to make money for herself as an Acolyte of our church. He was approached by a certain someone, and that someone threatened to ensure he would lose his knighthood and family, completely."
Alistair looked at his mother with uncertainty, he didn't want to believe what he was about to hear, but he had to find out.
Yolanda shrugged and looked at the king with a small smile"And do you even have any clues or proof as to who this crafty criminal could be?"
"That would be the mercenary captain, Red's benefactor, or so Lord Percival deduced" Davis said, calmly"And as I understand, House Fen has spontaneously acquired a larger sum of leaves than Commander Cadoc expected."
"A simple donation, I am sure" Yolanda could barely suppress a grin"My husband is a very kind man and quite charitable with the knights and the common-folk after all."
"How come father and I didn't know about it, then? The supposed donation, that is" Alistair asked his mother.
"Ah, ah, children should be seen and not heard" Yolanda playfully wagged her finger.
Alistair was used to this sort of occasional teasing from his mother, but this time it was too much. His hand shook in controlled fury"Far from it for a gentleman to hurl such a vile accusation at a lady without proof, but could it be... That the extra funds came from the very knights under my father and the king's command?"
"Your son is quite clever, Lady Yolanda" Davis commented"He'd make a fine Constable or Prosecutor if he ever desired to be one. Do you deny what he just stated?"
"What of it? You've nothing linking the bandit attacks to the 'extra' funds in House Fen's treasury" Yolanda said, smugly.
King Lorian looked at her, shaking his head after a brief moment"I've known Cadoc since we were children. He would never take more donations from the commoners than is required, and he most certainly wouldn't cut his fellow knights' salaries unless we were truly having financial problems. I heard about this from a servant who was bribed by you, Yolanda. You must take me for a fool."
Lord Percival smiled"I do believe that things are starting to fall into place. If I may have everyone's attention, here's what I have deduced."
Everyone else listened while the Prosecutor spoke"As we know, certain dwellings were targeted by bandits, Lord Cadoc and a squadron of knights took care of most of them, and the rest were routed after they tried to abduct Young Lord Alistair and the princess. Said dwellings were home to a knight of the kingdom. House Fen spontaneously received extra funding from seemingly out of nowhere. I ask you all, why the sudden extra funding?"
Alistair raised his hand"Its because those extra funds were actually stolen, correct?"
"Correct" Lord Percival nodded"And Lord Cadoc not only has an alibi, but the "bandits" were simply pawns, and Lord Cadoc is very honorable. The bandits in question were actually a band of Mercenaries hired by a certain someone to illicitly procure funds from the homes of some of the knights. Also, the guards who were patrolling the grounds near the courtyard were ambushed and knocked out. Alistair and Princess Sabrina were the mercenaries' targets, but they were ordered to take the children alive."
"Makes sense" Cadoc admitted"Particularly if my wife was involved." He frowned, not happy to even imagine that to be the case.
Yolanda took a step backwards"Are you implying that it was me!?" She narrowed her eyes"Do you even have any proof!?"
Percival nodded"Oh, I have evidence, no doubt. A written order from a noble, though you were smart enough to leave your name out" he smiled"Lady Yolanda Fen: I formally accuse you of embezzlement, theft and attempted kidnapping."
Yolanda's hand clenched for a moment, laughing bitterly"Heh, you really know how to make a convincing case, Prosecutor Whiteshore. So, I am a thief and embezzler, now? A serious accusation to throw at a noble, I daresay. Ha, ha, ha" she laughed"If it were true, it doesn't say much for the honor of House Fen, now, does it?"
"No, our reputation would suffer, that's for certain" Cadoc replied, dismayed at the prospect"Why did you do all that?"
"I knew some of the knights were being hired out as mercenaries constantly, and the cost of shipping supplies to other nations was rising, so I felt it necessary to do whatever it took to ensure we did not go bankrupt" Yolanda replied, resolutely"As for the attempted kidnapping, I suppose it was a way to extort money from the Royal Treasury."
King Lorian was not happy"You know when you are beaten, Lady Yolanda, that itself is an honorable trait. Nevertheless, your crimes cannot go unpunished. Assault of a member of the royal family and a member of the nobility is a grave offense, and so is stealing funds from the knights. You're stripped of your title and will spend the rest of your days at Frigit Island."
Yolanda scowled and started ranting"You think this is over!? I happen to know Captain Red has a family who would pick up from where he left off and a certain Defense Attorney from Timberain! We may not be on good terms with Timberain, but there are even those from there who share the same views as I! Is it justice to ignore corruption when you can weed it out by force!? Percival Whiteshore, I curse your name! And King Lorian, you're just as foolish."
"That's enough out of you" King Lorian glared"Guards, take her away!" The guards took Yolanda to a holding cell where she would await her trial.
Alistair was sad to hear about his mother's crimes, she believed herself to have had good intentions, but they came at the cost of his family's honor and money that the knights desperately needed"I do not wish to see my mother's trial, but I understand that she did wrong..."
Lord Cadoc took a breath as he took in what he had heard"I don't understand what she meant by it not being over, but at least justice has been done. But alas" he sighed, ashamed at how badly the incident reflected on his family"I do not know if I can show my face in public again after this debacle. The honor of House Fen has been soiled by my wife's crimes."
Alistair sighed, sadly"I don't suppose Princess Sabrina will want me to be her friend if she knew all this. One day, I will become one of the finest knights of the realm, and I will restore honor to the Fen Family name. And what did she mean by those who share the same views as her in Timberain?"
"I don't know, but its out of our hands" Percival replied"After all, we're still involved in Sai and Ku's wars, the former of which being why we cannot approach Timberain."
"Indeed not" The king replied"But for now, order has been restored to Vella."
-Present Day-
"My mother was tried and sent to Frigit Island afterwards" Alistair finished his story"Since then, I trained long and hard to achieve Knighthood. Marcus had to spend prison time for his part in my mother's scheme, and I hoped to this day to restore honor to House Fen. I rarely had time to visit Princess Sabrina after all that happened. The knights started receiving their normal salaries again and compensation was made to their families."
Castii was disgusted to hear about what Yolanda did"That must have all been a terrible ordeal that you and your father suffered, Alistair."
Hikari shook her head"Even if Lady Yolanda's motives were truly benign, that does not justify her actions."
"I Agree. So, who was this Defense Lawyer that you said Yolanda mentioned, Alistair?" Priscilla asked.
"I'm not sure, but it seemed like we'd not have heard from the last of Red's ilk" Alistair replied"I distanced myself from the princess for a while, my father had to empty most of our family's coffers to repair the homes that had been ransacked."
"Priscilla" Osvald asked her"I know it is none of my business, but during your father's trial where he was the accused, did Davis and King Lorian get a chance to speak on his behalf?" He had long suspected that Harvey and Stenvar had arranged his own trial so that Steven and Clarissa could not vouch for him anymore than he could vouch for himself, the evidence was too damning to contradict.
Priscilla shook her head, sadly"No, the testimonies of the witnesses who Sylas had bribed were too convincing to refute at the time. Even my mother and King Lorian were powerless to save my father at that point."
"I thought as much" said Osvald, understanding.
"I wonder if Crimson Sun had any ties to Red's Mercenaries" Priscilla frowned"If I can trace that connection and find out who the defense attorney Yolanda mentioned is, I could maybe find the leader of the Crimson Sun Syndicate and expose whoever it is."
"We still need more information though, my mother's last words before her arrest were pretty vague" Alistair pointed out"We should rest for the night. Tomorrow, I will send the king a message reporting our progress so far and the potential problem with Ku."
Priscilla nodded, and the group went to the inn for the night.
How was it? I tried to flesh out Alistair. As for Yolanda, since she was only an antagonist I came up with for the flashback bits, I'll leave up to the imagination whether she died at Frigit Island or if she was eventually relocated with the other prisoners after Frigit Island got shut down. Red, Marcus, Flora and Carlos were also very minor characters so I doubt I will use them again for the rest of the story, though Red's character will be explained a bit more in a major certain OC's backstory, I won't spoil more than that.
I fear that I didn't really have space to give Alistair, Sabrina and Priscilla's fathers some personality, so I'm sorry if they were bland or too mary suish.