Three days had passed since the Blue Lions returned from their first mission together. After allowing his students the time they needed to rest and recover, one of the first things Kratos did was take them out to the training grounds to ease them back into their usual rigorous training routine. This also allowed Dimitri to fully recover from his wound and join in lance drills alongside Sylvain, Ingrid, and their professor. Meanwhile, Mimir's head sat on a stool, overseeing Mercedes' instructions with a practice bow, using Ashe as an example to demonstrate the proper techniques. Finally, Felix, Dedue, and Annette engaged in basic upper-body exercises, using a weighted version of a sword and axe for their swings, while Annette mimicked Dedue's movements with a regular training axe.
"Remember," Mimir told Mercedes. "Maintain a firm grip on the bowstring, and keep your stance steady. You want to draw the string smoothly, take a breath, and release; all in one fluid motion. If you need another demonstration, you need only to ask."
The priestess nodded. With a determined expression, Mercedes raised the bow and notched another arrow. Following his instructions, she pulled back the string, took a breath, and released the arrow. Unlike previous attempts that either completely missed the target or hit the ground, this shot flew straight and true before hitting the outer rim of the target.
"Well done, lass!" Mimir congratulated her, followed by a small clap from Ashe. "See? I always knew you had it in you."
"Thank you, Professor." Mercedes smiled brilliantly and bowed. "I apologize; I don't know why I was so adamant about picking up a weapon earlier. I mean, I know why I didn't want to , but I was more concerned about hurting someone by accident if I were to even touch one of them."
"You've nothing to be sorry for, Mercedes," Mimir told her. "And I understand where you're coming from. Violence is the last thing any of us would have to resort to, but it's also important to know how to defend yourself if such a situation were to arise. Especially where being a medic is concerned."
Mercedes nodded. "I understand," She cocks her head curiously. "Also, if I may ask, Professor Mimir… Why have me use a bow of all things?"
"Well, consider it a calculated experiment from the smartest man alive." The head answered playfully. "Because something tells me that there's a latent talent somewhere that's just waiting to be uncovered."
While listening in on their conversation, Annette was sweating up a storm as her strokes with the axe became more heavy and sloppy. "And I…" She struggled to say in between breaths. "Certainly hope that he's… right about… this one too." The mage's training axe fell to the ground as her arms finally gave out. "Professor Mimir?" Annette panted heavily, "Does more arm muscles also mean stronger magic? Because I don't think being unable to lift my arms is going to help me much in that regard…"
"You just focus on doing what you're told and leave the rest of it to me," Mimir informed her. "Because if I was going to waste your time, then I'd be letting Kratos take control of your training rather than meself."
"Please don't," Annette muttered under her breath, and she could hear Kratos letting out an unamused grunt.
"That is enough for now," The brigand told his three proteges; two of whom immediately leaned on their spear for support.
"I gotta say," Sylvain huffed while wiping his brow. "You sure know how to run us ragged, Professor Kratos- I mean, Sir."
"Agreed," said Ingrid. "I'm excited to see how this will pay off when I eventually pass the trial to become a Pegasus Knight."
Dimitri, who besides Kratos did not seem tired out by the exercise routine, added, "Well, this is the reason why we were able to crush our opponents so easily a few days ago. And to be honest, I wouldn't mind continuing this for another hour or so."
"Easy for you to say, boar." Felix cringed as the tip of his sword fell to the floor. "If it weren't for the blisters, I'd take you up on that offer."
"Suuuuuure you do, Felix." Sylvain teased him. "And my dad says I'll receive his entire fortune and take over House Gautier first thing tomorrow."
"I wouldn't get too overzealous with those hands of yours," Mimir informed the swordsman. "Because you and Gautier will need them for the seminar for Reason tomorrow."
Felix narrows his eyes at the head. "The hell do we need to study Reason for?"
Kratos shuts him down. "He says you will attend the seminar, and you will be expected to do so. End of story." It was at this point when the Ghost of Sparta was about to order everyone to return to their training when a feminine voice called out.
"Excuse me, Professor Kratos?" Everyone turned to see one of the Knights of Seiros standing at the entrance to the training ground, accompanied by two soldiers. "Please pardon our interruption, but the Archbishop has requested that one of your students- Ashe Ubert- be immediately escorted to My Lady's audience chamber." All eyes suddenly turned on Ashe, whose expression was a mix of shock and confusion.
"Lady Rhea… wishes to see me?" He asked unsteadily.
"Unfortunately, I cannot divulge any more information than what is already given." The knight said coldly. "Please, leave all of your gear behind and follow us."
The room went silent as everyone, especially Ashe, tried to process what exactly was happening. Eventually, left with no other choice, the gray-haired archer complied and set down his bow and quiver against Mimir's stool. He made his way across the courtyard until Kratos suddenly came in and stood between him and the soldiers.
"What does the Archbishop want with him?" Kratos asked, though his tone made it sound more like a demand than a question.
"That is not your concern, Professor Kratos." The knight stood her ground.
From the perspective of the students, the Ghost of Sparta seemed to be sizing the woman up before making his reply. "I will go with him."
"That will not be necessary. Rest assured, we will have your student returned to you before-"
"Any matter regarding my students is my concern," Kratos told her, stepping up closer to the knight, and a bead of sweat could be seen crossing over her brow. "As I have said, I will accompany him to see the Archbishop. Because after all, she did not say that I could not escort him myself, did she?"
Both subordinates glanced at their superior, unsure of what to say or do, lacking any clear course of action on the man challenging her authority. However, despite the signs of intimidation that radiated from her, the knight kept a cool expression and nodded. "Very well. You shall accompany us to the audience chamber; but if the Archbishop does not deem you permission to enter, then I will be forced to enforce that order. Are we clear?"
"Crystal," Kratos said simply as he placed a reassuring hand on Ashe's shoulder. "Come. Let us not keep her waiting."
x-x-x
They'd just reached the top of the main stairs, and Kratos could already see Rhea and Seteth waiting for them at the end of the long hallway. It didn't take the Archbishop's right hand long to notice Kratos accompanying the group, and a scowl drew across the priest's face in displeasure. Once they got closer, however, Kratos noticed a third individual- a woman with blonde hair and dressed in pristine white armor- standing next to the Archbishop in the audience chamber.
"Lady Rhea," the knight said with a bow. "I have brought the student Ashe Ubert as requested. However, his professor has insisted that he-"
"Master Kratos," Seteth said in a here-we-go manner, yet still maintained a professional demeanor despite the situation. "It would be dishonest of me to say I had not expected this. But either way, I don't recall sending you a summons as well."
Kratos grunted. "I am here because his well-being is my priority. And your servant's answers to my questions were… dissatisfying."
Seteth pinched his nose with great frustration. "I can understand your concern, Master Kratos, but there are procedures here that must be enforced if we are to ensure our-"
"That is enough, Seteth," Rhea told the man gently, yet sternly. "As Sir Kratos has already stated, he only wishes to be reassured of the safety of his student." Then to Kratos. "And I believe that there is nothing more commendable than that as a professor here at Garreg Mach." If the white brigand was even the slightest bit flattered by her words, he did not show it.
"Regardless, Professor Kratos." The Archbishop said placatingly. "I'm afraid that we must speak young Ashe in private. As much as I would love to have you join us, there is a very serious matter that must be discussed in confidence. And if it is of any consolation, I swear upon the Goddess that no action shall be taken against him before or after he is returned to your custody. Is that good enough for you?"
Ashe suddenly stepped forward and turned to his professor. "Professor Kratos, I'll be fine. Really." He insisted. "I know that I've done nothing wrong, and I know in my heart that Lady Rhea's oath is as good and pure as the Goddess herself."
From Seteth's perspective, this was the first time he'd ever seen the Ghost of Sparta's expression look like that of genuine surprise. Meanwhile, the blonde woman beside Rhea nodded her head in appreciation at the boy's words, and hearing him speak up for himself was what finally gave Kratos the reassurance he needed.
"Very well. I shall remain here until you are ready to leave."
"Thank you, Sir Kratos." Ashe smiled. "I'm sure this won't take long." He then turned to the trio as Seteth waved an impatient hand toward the advisory room.
"Excellent. Now then, let us get started. We have much to discuss." All four individuals, including the white-clad soldier, made their way into the private room. Ashe had just enough time to turn around and wave one last time to Kratos before the door shut behind him, leaving a vaguely concerned Spartan alone within the audience chamber.