The Fiery Queen of Nohr: Part 20
Author's note: Well, well, well. Looks like I'm back at last. I hope everyone has been having a more pleasant time than the ignoble heat I've been under for the past few weeks. Without further ado, let's answer to the reviews:
- Foul Steak: Let's just say you will have your answer in this very chapter! And its make me happy to see someone liked the joke.
- Guest: It's true that Selena does remind Lora of when she was struggling (a lot) during her own journey, especially against bosses.
- Spartastic 4: I'm glad my progress is noticeable, and I hope you'll enjoy this chapter even more. To answer about Lora's age, most people in Nohr are now just accepting the fact. Those still questioning it think it's either black magic or divine blessing. But it still unnerves people, especially those in the castle who have literally grown old while seeing Lora unchanged.
- pt1oef: As always, a thousand thanks for beta-reading my story, and I'm happy to see you like it very much. Elise isn't open to Dark Souls magic (yet). And let's just say for now that Silas (the boon for Corrin) has managed to impress by sheer dedication. And yes, Corrin is in Smash. No other charater from the game though.
- JustADaoist: There are better places to rant than this fic you know… But don't lose hope, the game is hard for everyone at the start.
- Imperial Warlord: Thank you.
- rwbybomb21: Beyond what I have told you in PM, looking back I regret wanting to go as fast as possible to the event of the game itself, seeing as I ended up taking my time in the end, and that the romance part, beside being my first try writing something like it, suffered the most for it. Well, the past is the past. Thank you again for the harsh and honest review.
On that note, I would ask something to the people reading this story and are kind enough to review it. I would like for you, this time, to give me 1 thing (or more, but at least 1) you don't like about the story. Even if it's a little nitpicky or completely subjective, I won't hold it against you.
With everything said, enjoy the story!
The Fiery Queen of Nohr: Part 20 – Treacherous Moonlight
Once again, no fire and no pause. Giving away their position near the Bottomless Canyon was too dangerous. Chewing the cold, dried and salty piece of meat, Corrin tried to look above the height of the hills. Though despite being on horseback, her similarly mounted escort was still made of bigger and taller men and women whose figure hid just as much of the landscape as the terrain itself. The Princess studied the map for hours before and after her departure, but no maps could ever convey the discomfort of going through so many slopes and hills. Horizon huffed. Corrin patted her horse's ears with one hand, keeping the other on the reins. Where was that Bottomless Canyon?
"How're you doing, Princess?" Asked the closest soldier, extending his flask. "Should be almost there. Maybe an hour or so."
"Really? That's great. Thanks. I can barely differentiate between all those hills." Said Corrin, drinking her cold water eagerly.
"Heh, get sent outside more then. Seein' the country's the best way to learn its every nook and cranny. Bland crannies but still."
"Didn't you say you never left the city before?"
"Ah, the Princess got you good, Declan!" Said another soldier, causing a wave of discreet snickers among the troop.
"Yep, I'm a castle man through and through! Don't even know why I'm here missing my bed and wife…"
"Don't listen to that rascal, Princess. Everyone knows he is here to be as far away from his wife as possible. One day or another we'll hear about his death by frying pan and I won't shed a single tear." Interjected someone behind them.
"Chloe, don't say that! Have my back a little!"
"Once you stop hitting on me, you creep! You're almost as bad as Lord Xander's retainer!" Retorted the archer, who adjusted the quivers on the side of her mount to avoid them falling as the slope became more pronounced.
"No one's as bad as that guy! 'Specially not me!"
"Alright, stop. I don't want anyone to hear us so close to the Bottomless Canyon." Ordered Corrin, trying to not let amusement transpire in her tone.
"Yes, Princess." Said both Chloe and Declan, ceasing hostility once again.
Even if she should probably be stopping the men to be as carefree at all so close to Hoshido's territory, Corrin was grateful for their liveliness. At the start of the journey, the Princess had been afraid she would have to deal with monolithic silence, with only Gunter to ever speak outside of receiving and giving orders. Yet barely after a week, Corrin had been welcomed around the campfire, and by the start of the second week she felt at ease. They weren't like the guards of the Northern Fortress at all, more rigid than the walls they were guarding. This made the journey infinitely more bearable, especially given her instructions were to avoid any and all town and village as much as possible. Even when they couldn't avoid one, Gunter was the one who went to request provisions with a couple of soldiers, while she had to stay away.
Closing her mantle to ward off the sudden wind, Corrin looked at the sky, noticing a bird flying above. The clouds looked like a blanket of pebbles, a reassuring sign that there wouldn't be a rain or storms anytime soon. She couldn't decide if she liked rain or not. The falling droplets made a nice, relaxing sound, and she didn't really mind the cold water. But at the same time, the experience of walking for hours with soaked boots was one she would prefer to never, ever repeat. And more than that, reconnaissance mission in the middle of a torrential rain was about the worst possibility to happen, just behind "angry Hoshidians." The flags of truce were ready, three of them in fact. The Princess had been surprised before Gunter made her realize that, yes, it was better to have spares than make the whole trip back to obtain or make a new one. A sound of horses trot, not in tune with her troop's, came to her twitching long ears.
"Princess, Sir Gunter is returning." Alerted a royal guard, one of the only five among the fifty members of her troop.
Sure enough, the severe figure of the old knight appeared at the hill's crest alongside the four soldiers the Princess had lent him. She had been worried it would be too much or too few. Gunter was strong, but what if he was ambushed? Or on the contrary, what if he was noticed because they were too numerous? Corrin still couldn't shake those feelings away, even if it wasn't the first time. The horses slowed down as they reached the crest, and the Princess approached Gunter to hear his report.
"We are almost at the borders of the Bottomless Canyon, milady. I also have not seen any trace of ambush or strangeness ahead."
"Can we reach it before nightfall?" Corrin asked, the sky's increasing brightness as they came closer to the Canyon disorienting her sense of time.
"We can. Do you wish so, milady?"
"… We will carry on."
If they manages to reach Fort Blackmaw before dusk, they would be able to retreat safely in the dark should the Hoshidians prove themselves hostile. Unless the Hoshidians had pegasi, they shouldn't be able to pursue them, even with the hills slowing the mounts. And within the fifty soldiers of the troop, they had height archers and four sorcerers capable of scaring them off. At least this was Corrin's reasoning. She really hoped they would respect the ceasefire and for nothing to happen. But with the rumors even she heard about the rising tensions, the Princess couldn't help being concerned. Looking down, she caught Gunter fumbling with something. His expression was… sullen. Almost gloomy, as he looked intently at something in his hand. A piece of parchment?
"What's that in your hand, Gunter? It looks like a piece of paper… covered in black circles?"
"Oh, you saw this? Don't worry yourself over it; It is nothing important. Just a relic from the past."
"A relic… from a past filled with black circles?" Quoted Corrin, puzzled.
"Just an old hobby of mine, milady. Nothing more." Said Gunter, withdrawing the object and looking away.
"You of all people have a hobby, Sir Gunter? I can't believe it. Is anyone seeing a clear sky yet?" Said Declan with exaggerated surprise, attracting a severe frown from the old knight.
"Soldier Declan. How many weeks of latrine duty do you wish to take back in Krakenburg?"
"Sir, for once the buffoon is right." Grumbled a royal guard to the left, ignoring the protests of the slim soldier. "I'm only your cadet by about two decade, and the most I have seen you do in your spare time is tea."
"Making an acceptable tea, one quenching thirst and calming mind alike, is an art." Said Gunter as a matter of fact, before adding: "One youngsters have a distinct lack of appreciation for."
"Oh come on, Sir! Tea isn't even that good!" Exclaimed Declan, making the old knight face become even more offended.
"With all due respect, Sir, I also have yet to be convinced tea isn't just hot, brown water." Mumbled an archer, barely loud enough for Corrin to catch it, and apparently also Gunter.
"Your desire to participate to soldier Declan's punishment has been duly noted, soldier Tancred."
"This conversation is leading nowhere. Gunter, please stand down. You too, Declan, Tancred." Decreed Corrin, feeling the carefree attitude of the troop was leering into dangerous territories.
"Milady, I must insist for those two to be punished for their disrespectful attitude." Declared Gunter with severity.
"… Only Declan was disrespectful. You can punish him once we come back to the castle. For now, everyone, stay focused until the mission is done."
A chorus of approbations hailed her words, and with relief the Princess saw Gunter make a small, but noticeable nod before taking out the flag of truce. The pure white flag decorated with a dark dragon circled by equally black roses, took the wind and unfolded in all it's beauty. Now by the treaty that bound the two kingdoms, they were authorized to cross the frontier. To her relief, they managed to reach the canyon without any complication. The sun was still in the sky, and though approaching the horizon it still shed enough light. The fort was even in view. Too far to see properly, a small square of rock. They had to approach to see it properly. Corrin needed to come closer.
Quickening the pace of the troop, Corrin squinted to see better. Even from afar, she could see some resemblance to the Northern Fortress. The high walls, the large towers. The Princess didn't see any Hoshidians for now, but that was bound to change. Especially once they would be close enough to the border of the canyon itself to see the state of the fort. It was all that was needed of her. Look upon the state of the fort, inspect the bridge, and confirm that no Hoshidians were crossing the Nohrian side. Easy enough, and she had received permission… No, the order to retreat should they be threatened in any way, but to really be sure, Corrin had to come closer…
"Why are you stopping?" Asked Corrin, holding her horse to not collide with her slowing down escort.
"Milady, aren't we close enough? We should be able to see clearly at this distance."
Gunter's observation rang true as the Princess rose from her saddle as much as she could. The fort was now clearly in view, as well as its surrounding, and one world alone came to her when seeing it: Desolate. No animals, no vegetation… Wait, there was that one bird in the sky she could see still flying above, but other than that, it was only rock, dust and the small fortress. Corrin moved a little left and right, trying to see it a little better. Something was strange. What was missing? The fort seemed in good condition from afar. The lone bridge of wood and ropes, too small for any army to cross, was present as she was told it would. Without any place around where the Hoshidians could hide. There was nothing that could conceal them anywhere except fort itself.
"There are no Hoshidians anywhere. Why? Shouldn't they be watching their border? Or even just the bridge?"
"There may be any number of reasons for this, milady. Lying in ambush is one of them." Pointed out Gunter. "In any cases, our task is complete. We can confirm the Hoshidians are respecting the border treaty."
Corrin chewed her lip. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Maybe closer. Just come a little bit closer.
"We are going to see what's going on."
This time Gunter said nothing, and the troop approached the edge of the dark chasm underneath, staying far enough of the bridge to not appear hostile. Horizon snorted and balked, forcing Corrin to grip the mare tighter with both the reins and her legs to force her to approach the precipice. With her own eyes the princess could see that nothing she had heard was exaggerated: the Bottomless Canyon's depth was pitch black. She jolted when a firm grip caught her left arm, making her realize how dangerously close she had been leaning toward the void.
"Oi Princess, careful here." Said Declan, his tone absolutely devoid of any casualness.
A shiver ran down Corrin's spine and she looked up at the fort beyond, trying to calm her quickly beating heart with slower breaths. The light was dimming already. Didn't Gunter said it would take longer? And they still couldn't see a single Hoshidian. Not on the walls of the still distant fort, not around, nowhere. Just a cold, oppressive silence, barely broken by the clinking of their equipment and the huff of their horses…
"Keep the flag high. We will cross the Canyon and ask to inspect Fort Blackmaw." Announced Corrin.
"Milady, I have to annul your order. Approaching the Canyon was dangerous enough, but going right into what it likely to be an Hoshidian trap is too much."
Come.
"Gunter, something is wrong. Why isn't there anyone near the bridge? On the wall? Why is everything so silent? What if we turn back and miss something extremely important?"
Come.
"Milady, I insist. As your protector and second in command, I must prevent such dangerous decision. Please, allow us to escort you back. Your Mother is expecting the news of your success. Your friend and your siblings are waiting for you too."
Come.
"Can't you see how everything is strange? You told me the borders are watched, that the Hoshidians always were present. And no one, nothing is here." Said Corrin, waving at the deserted bridge and walls. "Something is wrong. I can feel it. Please, Gunter, trust me…"
The troop was looking at the exchange expectantly, hesitating. The old knight's face was unreadable. Only his eyes moved, from Corrin to the Fort, the Canyon, and then her again.
Come.
"Very well, milady. Stay inside the formation." Accepted Gunter, turning to the indecisive men. "Soldiers, you have your orders."
"Yes Sir!" Answered everyone.
The Princess breathed out, directing her reluctant mount toward the bridge of wood and rope. Barely large enough for two horses together, it creaked with every step. Corrin held the reins with every last once of her strength, her gaze inexplicably attracted by the dark chasm below.
Come!
Corrin tore out her eyes of the pit, shaking. Something cold dripped from her brow. She wiped it off. Sweat. What was happening to her? Why was she… Afraid? She tried to focus on the fort ahead. To not think of the voice below. She blinked. What voice? Something assaulted her nose, distracting her. A stinking smell that almost mad her throw up. Like old meat thrown in the latrines. Was it coming from… The fort? The fort whose door were…
"Sir, the door, it's open!… It's… It's a slaughter in the court!" Yelled the vanguard.
Gunter told her something, but she couldn't sort the words. The door wasn't just open; it has been hacked down. A soaked sound where her horse reluctantly trampled. She couldn't lower her eyes to look. And in the main court… Corrin choked, throat burning. Blood. Corpses. Mangled. Crushed. Carved. Sliced apart. Rotting. Stinking. Everywhere. She threw up. Bile, meat and all. Choking. Something held her up, forced something through her lips. Water. Cold. She drank one, two time before her stomach turned and she threw up once more. Again she was made to drink, the liquid getting rid of the nauseous taste. But the smell remained. The vision remained, even behind her closed eyes. Corrin forced herself to open them, barely noticing how Gunter had been the one holding her on her mount, forcing her to drink.
"That's fucking sick. Even pirates didn't…" Whispered a man, making another shout.
"Fuck pirates. Rabid dogs wouldn't have done worse!"
"It's not just killing, they were butchered afterward…" Noticed a paling mage.
"So this is why there were no Hoshidians. Judging by the state of the corpses, they cannot have been killed more than a day or two before our arrival."
Corrin couldn't look away, or anywhere. It was too much. Too horrible. She tried to focus on Gunter's placid, detached voice. Something solid to cling to. Until the words hit her like a ton of brick.
"Where?" She croaked, her own words burning her sore throat. "Where are the killers?"
Gunter head snapped toward her, a strange expression on his face. Some soldiers seemed to have heard her and inspected the remains. She heard a whistling… And a mage fell with a dying gargle, his body pierced by arrows.
"Enemy archers! It's a trap!" Shouted someone.
The veil of horror was broken, replaced by panic and urgency. The royal guards instantly made a wall around Corrin and Gunter, their shields up with the rest of the troop. Many whistling of arrows, followed by the neigh of horses.
"Where are they? Where does it come from?"
"I don't know! I see nothing!"
"Fuck, all mages are dead! First volley was on them!"
"Protect the horses!"
Corrin looked around frantically, looking everywhere to see from where they were shot. Nothing on the wall, in the court or anywhere. Yet arrows kept falling, the wailing of mounts and men alike mixed with the sound of steel hitting steel.
"We can't stay here! Everyone! Retreat to the bridge!" Shouted the Princess.
"Protect the Princess with your life! To the bridge!" Said Gunter, spurring his horse into action.
The soldiers moved off, keeping themselves between the projectiles and the center where Gunter and Corrin were. She lowered her head, hearing with dread the sound of another man falling of his dying horse, looking toward the entrance… Where she saw something passing through. Some sort of purple flames, more and more as they closed the distance… Forming silhouettes!
"Enemies at the door!"
"Charge through galloping! Make a breach!"
As if a curtain was lifted, the flames formed the ouline of soldiers in formation. Their weapon and armor indistinct, Corrin hoped they weren't charging into a wall of lances. One instant later the knights crashed into the enemy. More yells of pain, more agonizing cries. Corrin unsheathed the Dancer's enchanted swords, the red and dark blue glow briefly reassuring her. Suddenly they were outside. However, after the relief came dread as Corrin saw a small army of flickering purple silhouettes between them and the bridge. And there were only… Only a dozen soldier around her now.
"For Nohr! For the Princess!" Rallied Gunter once more.
The royal guard to her left fell with his horse, and Corrin immediately slashed at the transparent thing that had jumped on him. When her sword cut the thing it flickered into total visibility: a man armored in a way she never saw before, wielding a long spear with barbed tip ready to kill the royal guard. The creature flickered once again into a figure outlined by purple flames after her sword had sliced it, before dissipating without sound into… Mist? Under her horrified gaze, the Princess saw the fallen royal guard overwhelmed and brutally killed, the solid black stained with blood under the many invisible blades.
Corrin suddenly realized they were now only height soldiers with her and Gunter. Another enemy threw itself at her. the Princess tried to parry his weapon but missed, the barely visible blade smashing her side. She resisted the shock and struck back, the enchanted sword again slashing her opponent without resistance. But another took place, and another again. She heard dry whistling, and ducked to avoid the arrows. Her mare suddenly fell down and she rolled on the ground, trying to stand back as a menacing figure advanced, weapon risen. Corrin rolled and avoided one blow, but another buried itself in the pauldron's joint. She yelled in pain, the cold tip of the spear biting deep into her flesh. The silver axe of a royal guard swung and cut down the enemy, leaving the Princess time to tear out the weapon out of the wound with a painful yelp.
"Horizon!" Yelled Corrin, standing up and seeing her mare lying on the ground, whining as many traits were embedded in its flesh.
"Move, Lady Corrin!" Shouted Gunter, the warning allowing her to avoid being struck by a mace.
"No, Horizon!…" Called Corrin again before an enemy crushed the horse's head into red mush.
Tears blurring her eyes she parried and pierced another foe which briefly revealing itself as a woman before it faded away like the rest. Without sound, without expression. Like an army of ghosts. They were almost at the bridge. With great horror, Corrin saw they were now only five in the group. Gunter was opening the way, his axe cutting through without pause. A spear went through a throat at her right. Four. Two arrows flied and splintered on her breastplate, a shard lacerating her left temple. The pain and impact almost stumbling her. Another soldier fell on the ground, a trait piercing his visor. Three. Corrin yelled and kicked another expressionless enemy, spinning to avoid a sword and kill its owner. It was unending. There were too many enemies. If only they could reach the bridge! Her heart sank when a sonorous crack resounded. The bridge fell down, broken, its ropes cut by a phantom soldier.
"Princess!"
Distracted, Corrin was violently dragged back as the last royal guard threw himself in front of her. Immediately a sharp blade went through her protector's guts. The instant later a flickering war hammer impact his head, caving the helmet and killing him instantly. The body fell down as the Princess backed up, and found herself side by side with Gunter. They were the only ones left, circled by a sea of invisible soldiers wrapped in faint purple flames, at the edge of the Canyon.
Corrin looked upon Gunter, the old knight panting like she never saw, but otherwise devoid of wounds. While she herself felt the gash on her left temple, blood running down her cheek. The Princess had barely any strength in her left arm anymore, blood dripping from the wound in her shoulder down to her gauntlet still holding her left hand sword. Corrin didn't know if how much she could still fight. Only, in a flash of lucidity, that they would never be able to beat all those enemies.
Another beating. Not that of her hyperventilating heart. A faint flow underneath. Far below. Realization dawned on her. Maybe there was still a chance to run. Corrin turned toward the dark chasm, reached for the energy below and pulled, willing it into the rock and stone of the Canyon's edge. The Dragon Vein answered, and a tremor shook the cliffs as the stones moved, starting to form a makeshift bridge.
"Lady Corrin?… No, keep going! I'll hold them back!" Declared Gunter, as she heard him swing his blade menacingly.
The earth hissed, the rocks crumbled, but it was working. Just a little more. Just…
Pain exploded in her mind. Blossoming from her back pierced by something cold, just at the joint between the breastplate and waist. The Dragon Vein escaped her hold as the blade was twisted in the wound before being pulled out. Cold engulfed her senses as she let out a silent cry of pain. And as she fell into the chasm, incapable to understand what happened, Corrin's mind slipped into darkness…
"The troops incorporated into the royal armies will stay so, as per the Right of Service order. This royal hearing is now over."
The royal court's frustration was palpable as it dispersed at the order of the King. Queen Lora stood up from her throne and left without ceremony, taking the direction of the royal training grounds. The royal guards followed, forming a blanket effectively pushing away the buzzing nobility trying to appeal to her. As if her own position on the matter hasn't been made abundantly clear. The less it looked like it could be negotiated, the less she would be bothered. Garon was the one most adept in dealing with them, turning them down with enough finesse they wouldn't take offense or feel crushed by authority rather than reason.
To Lora's satisfaction, the ones she wanted to see were already present on the royal training room. The three foreign retainers, engaged in small talks. Odin was the first to notice her presence and bowed, while Laslow and Selena made a more military salute. While the suspicions against them were lower than ever, the numerous inconsistencies between their story, skill and attitude was still bothering. Among them, Selena was the most readable, in no small part because of the numerous time they had a spar. However, today the Queen wanted to confirm something with them all. With a gesture, she dismissed the royal guards and servants, observing the retainers' reactions as only she and them stayed in the room.
"Do you know why I convoked you here?"
The three exchanged puzzled looks before Odin answered with his usual flamboyance.
"Not in the least, your Highness. Perhaps a mighty deed? The destruction of an ancient foe, or the retrieval of a forbidden object?"
"Nothing as outlandish, I assure you." Assured Lora. "You will serve as my sparring opponents. That is, once you have answered a few questions."
"And… What is it that you wish to know, you Highness?" Asked Laslow, his smile betraying nervousness.
"To whom belongs the name-Walhart?"
They all twitched, without exception. That was a much stronger reaction than Lora anticipated when she had been reported the name, spoken by Selena when she probably thought no one was near to hear.
"This is a dreadful name, your Highness. That of a towering red giant, a monster whose only dream was a world bending the knee to his might. Leaving widows and orphans, uncaring of the innocent blood he was swimming in to achieve his dastardly scheme…"
Once again, the blond mage was the one to speak first, his flowery talk taking a darker turn before Selena cut in.
"The bastard tried to invade our town and we killed him, end of the story. Why?"
"Why indeed would you use his name as an insult against me?"
The read-head's cheek slowly took the coloration of her hair, her mouth tightly shut in embarrassment. Without a doubt she understood to whom the question was asked.
"Perhaps not an insult as much as an unfortunate comparison, your Highness. Walhart has been a terrible opponent, and we still vividly remember his might. Many fell before his defeat." Explained Laslow, his usual joviality absent.
This explained the comparison. This Walhart must have been strong indeed to leave such an impression. However, it wasn't enough. Even a campaign of terror from a local warlord could not explain the way those three fought. Or rather, those two. Because there was one who refused to show his true aptitude.
"Very well. I accept this explanation and will not call for punishment. Odin, you shall be my first opponent. Take a sword."
"Me, your Highness? I find myself exhilarated at the prospect, but shan't this be a dance of arcane? Steel alone cannot satiate my hand, my fell hand! It hungers, it burns to release its darkness upon the mortal coil! It burns, I say!"
"If mere steel is not enough for you, then you will wield one of my blades." Said Lora, extending her open hand.
"One of yours!? Truly, you would let me not only see, but wield?- Huh, I mean, this is a greatest honor among honor of which I most decidedly wish to partake, yet…"
Lora had to contain a smile at the antics, the hesitant way the blond tried to avoid showing his martial talents while betraying his obvious interest in her offer. The Queen knew of Odin's fascination with gears of all kind, and for once she was willing to use it. Just behind his companions seemed torn between amusement and exasperation, directly showing the efficiency of her tactic.
"One or two-handed?"
"One handed, a hero's blade!" Instantly answered Odin with excitement, causing Selena to audibly plant her face into her palm.
From a spark of flames the weapon she considered the best to appeal to the mage's enthusiasm; the Black Blade. A katana made of black steel, slightly shorter than the usual length of such weapon but much thicker. Handing it to Odin, she couldn't help but smile when the blond retainer stopped to contain himself and took the katana, inspecting under all its angles.
"Yes, yes, the maelstrom of remembrance spiraling out of this blade's soul! From the darkest dark the metal was bent into shape by the charred hands of a humongous titan, then plunged into scarlet blood to temper its thirst! It fits my hand so well, we may have been destined to meet at this very moment! O my fell hand, at last in control!…" Declaimed Odin, swinging the blade and taking poses. The Queen decided to end the boy's fantasy here, having him far enough down the road that he could not refuse the spar anymore.
"You seems at ease with the Black Blade. Prepare yourself, Odin."
The realization that dawned on his face, as intense as the rapturous, lyrical declamation he just made, finally broke Laslow into a mad laugh, while Selena's grumbles seemed to promise many, many suffering and retribution. Finally stopping his charade, Odin took a proper swordsman stance, before correcting it subtly after weighing the blade again, betraying his experience with curved blades, as using one as unusual as the Dark Blade, whose thicker and heavier blade compared to other katana made wielding the weapon a very different affair. Lora unsheathed the Twin Princes' sword, taking a high stance.
The fight turned short. As the Queen suspected, the retainer was rusty after playing mage for so long. However, it allowed his raw style to shine in a way the other two didn't, concealed by experience and acclimation. His fundamentals were excellent and allowed him to resist enough for the duel to be called a spar instead of a massacre, and Lora finishing it with a crushing counter strike that pushed both his and her blade to his throat.
"I yield!" Yelped Odin, and the Queen sheathed her weapon.
"Leo told me you fought creatures named Risen in your homeland. Is that correct?"
"Uh, yes. Wild animals. Very dangerous."
The two others nodded in turn, albeit slowly and with worried glances. It was the last thing she needed to confirm her suspicions.
"Very well. Laslow, Selena, Odin, retainers of Xander, Camilla and Leo. I know you are lying about your past and those Risen, and I want the truth. Here and now." Declared Lora, rising her hand as the red-head was about to speak. "Do so, and I will keep your secrets as long as it does not endanger Nohr."
"… And what if we refuse, your Majesty?" Asked Laslow with caution.
"You will be stripped of your positions and banished from Nohr." Frankly said Lora. "Your lieges should be joining us soon enough. Decide now, before they come."
Despite her own words and tone, Lora wasn't even sure she would be able to do it. Not only she appreciated them to various degree, though she also knew it wasn't mutual, but… She probably wouldn't be able to carry that threat through. Outwardly stone faced the Queen observed them mutter among themselves, exchanging words with tense faces and postures.
"Your Highness. Do you swear you will keep it secret? It's important, and for more than just us." Added Odin, his speech starkly lacking in flourish.
"I will."
She had wondered for a while what their secret could possibly be to warrant such silence. The irony wasn't lost on Lora, but she doubted anything they had in their past would be as outlandish as her own.
"Very well. It is you turn, Laslow. Pick up your sword."
"What? Didn't you set this up only to blackmail us?" Shouted Laslow, forgetting himself in his shock.
"Enough talking. You do that enough in the line of duty." Commanded Lora, taking an offensive stance.
"Yes, your Highness…" Gulped the young man.
Laslow lasted a longer than his comrade, his dancing footwork once again making him a slippery opponent. Most of his ability to defend himself depended on his very precise positioning, allowing him to evade while staying in striking range. But unfortunately for the young man, positioning was the single most practiced skill she the Queen had to develop in Lordran. Altering the rhythm of her blow, Lora caught him flat footed and sent him on the ground, ending the spar.
"I am disappointed to see rumors about you skipping training are true."
"Oh… Are you sure those rumors aren't about someone else?" Nervously asked Laslow.
"You have not improved at all since the last time."
"Ah… Perhaps your own strength has grown even more, your Highness?"
"I shall have a word with Xander about this at a later point." Concluded the Queen, uncaring of the retainer's horrified look. "Selena, you are last."
"Tch, fine, let's get this over with…"
A knock on the door attracted Lora's attention. With her authorization, it was opened to let the three eldest royal children enter: Xander, Camilla and Leo. They were of course accompanied by their second retainer each: Peri, Beruka and Niles. In short, everyone she wished to see was now here. Garon must have sent them here, though a little sooner than she wished he had; there were many things to ask to the three she just managed to open up.
"Queen Lora, you have called us here. Is there something wrong with my retainer?" Asked Xander, frowning intensely not at the nervous Laslow, but toward Lora directly.
"My, my, I was about to ask the same question. For my darling Selena to be taken away privately like that, I was expecting the worst." Added Camilla with a falsely sweet tone.
"I depend of my retainers for many things, and I wouldn't appreciate having only one to finish them in time." Said Leo, adjusting his collar absently while looking at the blade in Odin's hand.
Lora starred at them, a strange heartache of pride and unease taking her by surprise. Their suspicion was likely, no, expected. But to see them almost hostile was something else. And… They have grown so much. Where were those days, when they were still small? How could have time passed so quickly? And Corrin…
"There is nothing wrong. I wanted to learn more about them and took them for a private spar."
"That is all?" Inquired Leo, skeptical.
"Yes." Confirmed Lora sharply.
The Black Blade vanished from Odin's hand in a puff of flames. Taking comfort in the familiar heat, Lora felt the tension vanish a little as she revised the things she needed to talk about with the assembly in front of her.
"In about a month time, Corrin will come back from her mission. At that moment, she will be officially introduced to the court as the second princess of Nohr. You will all have a role to play, and that include your retainers. Be sure to give them the necessary instructions."
"So this is what Father was waiting." Concluded Xander. "I suppose this is why you wanted us all to be there, away from eavesdroppers."
"But why keep it a secret? There are more than just our retainers needing preparation. I still remember our little Leo's introduction. The servants were running all around weeks before it happened." Pointed Camilla.
"This is because of the war preparation, is it not?"
As expected from Leo. The Queen expected he would be the one to pieces everything together, but so soon… Her eyes fell on the one-eyed scoundrel at his side, smirking as if he just saw someone jump down a cliff after giving him all his belonging. Yes, an apt comparison for Niles.
"Then disclose your knowledge, Prince Leo." Said Lora, feeling the blond prince have been waiting for this.
"Thank you, Queen Lora." Said Leo with a grateful smile. "About two weeks ago, one of our ship near the coast of Nestra fended off a group of outlaws trying to subvert their vessel. But the leader of the bandits was spared, as he claimed he could help Nohr set foot in the eastern part of the continent, near Hoshido's territory. He is currently in chain and in route to Krakenburg to be further interrogated."
The Prince stopped his explanation, leaving a deep silence in his wake.
"This is a serious statement from a mere bandit. What if he is only lying in hope of saving his hide?" Commented Xander.
"There is at least some truth in his words. He claims coming from Kohga, in the south of Hoshido and north of Izumo. We have records about a minor country of that name in the archives, a friendly state of Hoshido. But the latest records I've found are as old as Father himself."
"Strange. Even if it is deep into hoshidians influence, there should be some more information about it. Haven't you found anything else?" Asked Camilla, paying close attention.
"I did. By crossing reports, I came to the conclusion that Kohga has been conquered by the neighboring country of Mokushu, whose territory seems to have, otherwise inexplicably, significantly increased in size at some point during the last decades according to travelers accounts. Though Mokushu is hostile to Nohr, it isn't a vassal nor ally of Hoshido, and their current daimyo is said to be more ambitious than his predecessors. A conquest is the most probable course of event."
"So this is what I've been searching all day in those dusty archives." Muttered Odin in a half complaining, half impressed tone.
"If my deductions are correct, it means this bandit is either a survivor or a descendant of an inhabitant of Khoga, wishing to either save his country or avenging it. If he really is capable of showing the way into the maze-like mountains and forest, an army would then be able to conquer Mokushu and establish a vanguard at the very frontier of Hoshido."
Lora nodded at the conclusion of Prince Leo, impressed by his clear-sightedness and ability to cross sources. He actually had a bit more information than what she and Garon received.
"What you explained is correct. Garon think this is an opportunity to expand Nohr's reach, especially given the recent Hoshidians incursions in our territory."
"In light of this, I understand why the Right of Service hasn't been revoked yet." Acknowledged Xander. "But still, why keep it a secret? The lords will need time to gather their army and support the royal forces."
"They won't. During Corrin introduction ceremony, you will be given command of a part of the royal army for this conquest. No lord will participate in this endeavor, and the seized territories shall go to the crown."
They were confused by her words, looking at each other quizzically, even Leo, who sent a quick look at the doors as if to check any eavesdropper.
"Queen Lora, won't this upset the court? The king's army are always supported by the lords' forces, and the benefit of conquest shared among the nobility. It's the tradition of Nohr." Reminded Xander, frowning.
"Tradition change if the King wills it." Said Lora, understanding their doubts. "This is the plan of your father, and he will explain its meaning to you eventually. But do remember all of this is a secret for now. No one but those in this room and Garon can know until the ceremony. Is it clear?"
The Princes and Princess begrudgingly agreed with a nod, the retainers by bending the knee silently. With a gesture, the Queen signaled Laslow, Selena and Odin to go back to their lord.
"Also, as she hasn't reached adulthood yet, Elise alone will not participate in the conquest. Princess Camilla, I leave it to you to prepare her to attend the ceremony."
"My, what a lovely surprise. Thank you for assigning the proper person to this job, Queen Lora." Answered the Princess, flaunting her purple hairs with pride. "Let us go and prepare ourselves, shall we?… Selena, dear?"
The red-head was looking at the Queen intently, a strange expression painted all over her figure as everyone was leaving the room.
"Can I ask something to our Majesty? In private? It won't take long, I promise."
"Oh, you can of course. Don't take too long, there is so much I want to talk to you about." Said Camilla with a big smile before leaving with Beruka.
The room seemed spacious all of the sudden, with only two people inside. Selena was fidgeting with her twin tails, most likely choosing her words or refraining herself to speak too casually. This intrigued Lora nonetheless, and so she waited for the girl to speak out.
"ARGH! I can't say it nicely! Why are you so damn OBSESSED? I didn't signed up to be threatened at every turn! I sure as hell did NOTHING to deserve it! I work my butt off EVERY SINGLE DAY while Laslow hits on everything that move and Odin lives in his fantasy! You keep beating me EVERY FREAKING SINGLE TIME so badly I don't know why I even try! But noooo, it's not enough! You have to put a sword on my throat before telling me to spill my every single secrets! Have you any goddamn IDEA how I feel!? What's your god dammed EXCUSE?"
During the entirety of the sudden outburst Selena's cheek heated up until they perfectly matched her hairs, and at the end of her tirade the retainer took a large inspiration, having said it all in a single breath. The Queen had to admit the girl's anger wasn't unfounded, and decided to speak just as honestly.
"Had you and the other been mere foot soldiers, I would not have cared in the slightest. But you are Princess Camilla's retainer and one of the best swordswomen I have fought in this land. I simply cannot overlook you and your secrets, if only for the sake of the Princess. Is that enough for you?"
"… Well, you're not wrong, but… Dammit. Me and the other promised to talk, but you couldn't have been nicer when asking? It's just, we keep some secrets for reasons. It's not like you tell anyone where you got that magical armory. Or… Look, I'm sorry about calling you She-Walhart, okay? You're just as stuck up and scary all the time, it just came naturally… No offense, your Majesty." Quickly caught up Selena, stiffening.
"I do believe I have forgiven you already for this, and I shall turn a blind eye to your, let us say frankness, as long as you conduct yourself correctly in public."
"A-alright… Thank you, your Majesty. I just want to know… Were you sincere? When you said I was one of the best you fought here?"
"I am." Confirmed Lora, "Otherwise, I would not have accepted your requests of rematch all this time."
"Yeah, that makes sense… Thanks." Said Selena with a small smile. "Can I leave now, your Highness?"
Lora nodded, and the red-head left in hurry to catch up to her liege, leaving her alone in the training room. Without thinking, she conjured the Onyx Blade, the long bronze colored blade's alternating hollow spaces bringing back memories. The words of its previous owner ringing from the depth of her mind.
I've seen your kind, time and time again.
Every fleeing man must be caught. Every secret must be unearthed.
Such is the conceit of the self-proclaimed seeker of truth.
But in the end, you lack the stomach.
For the agony you'll bring upon yourself...
"You were only half true, Vilhelm." Whispered Lora, passing her finger along the edge of the Onyx Blade. "No pain will ever deter me from the truth."