I thought of a few more ideas and would like to thank Anon and Citrus for their commentary so far.
Disclaimer: Triangle Strategy was created by Square Enix
The Battle for Aesfrost
Serenoa, Roland, Frederica, Milo, Caeden, Avlora, Hughette and Cordelia went to the town square to see how the people, there are faring. Several were going about their business, some eying Avlora, warily. Several other people were at the goddess statue in town which had been put there after Hyzante took control over the continent, discussing whether to tear it down since word has spread through Serenoa and Clement that the goddess's teachings were falsehoods.
"Oh, Consul Serenoa" one man greeted him"I was the Sculptor who accepted the commission to make the goddess statue, and we're all feeling mixed on what we should do with it."
"It was really pretty" a little girl chimed in"But, it feels wrong to keep something that apparently represents a lie..."
"And who the heck is she, again!?" A woman looked at Avlora with fear and apprehension.
"She's scary" the little girl added.
Serenoa stepped forward to speak"I cannot deny that Avlora was among the aggressors who invaded Glenbrook last year, but she seeks to atone for her actions. As for that statue, I am sorry to say that it is to be removed, Hyzante's teachings truly were nothing but lies. I embraced them because giving the salt crystals to Hyzante was the best way to ensure the prosperity of the majority of Norzelia, or so Roland and I had believed."
"We all thought so when Hyzante brought its teachings to us" the same woman spoke again"And while I can't forgive Avlora since she was among my husband's killers, I suppose I can give her the benefit of the doubt."
"Your husband was a member of the Kingsguard, then, I assume. Hughette and I share the same thoughts about Avlora, but she is guest for now and is a part of the newly formed army of Glenbrook for our rebellion against the Heirophant" Roland stated.
The people still had doubts, but decided to take Roland's word for it.
"As for myself" Serenoa added"I would like to formally apologize, for while it seemed like a good idea to allow Hyzante control over the continent and distribute salt to the majority of the people, it came at the expense of those who still suffer unjustly at the hands of Hyzante. I was wrong."
"Serenoa and I were both wrong, the peace we lived in was a false one" Roland chimed in"My grudge against Aesfrost ultimately prevented any chance we had of ending the salt monopoly."
The people, present talked among themselves for a bit before a middle-aged man addressed them"Well, its not like either of you gave us any trouble apart from being complicit in allowing Hyzante to spread its phony teachings. My name is Steven, by the way. You and Lord Serenoa had ruled us with such compassion that some of us couldn't hold it against you for long. Besides, if what you said is true, its really the Hierophant's fault, but don't tell anyone I said that."
"I won't" Serenoa assured him"And while I am here, I would like to announce that I am to become King of Glenbrook and make reparations for Roland's and my mistake."
The people in the vicinity had mixed feelings, but their Consul's sincerity and kindness could not be ignored. The Sculptor smiled"Shall I have the statue torn down, then? Maybe we can replace it with the old symbol of Glenbrook."
Serenoa nodded"Yes, perhaps there can even be a plaque added near the new symbol explaining why the goddess statue in the square had to be removed, it may serve as a lesson in honesty and integrity for future generations."
"I like the idea" the Sculptor said with a smile"Thank you, Consul. Or, I suppose i should say, King Serenoa, now, eh?"
"I would prefer you keep referring to me as Lord Serenoa for the time being until I take up the crown of Glenbrook" The Consul replied.
The Sculptor bowed"Will do."
"Perhaps we can help clear the statues and their rubble from the city" Serenoa offered.
"How kind of you to offer" Steven said, surprised"But I couldn't possibly accept-"
"We insist, it was our fault you fell for Hyzante's phony teachings, anyway" Roland added.
The group worked with the townspeople with the renovations to the square and other nearby areas that had the statue of the false goddess displayed. Some, Roland and Hughette included, were still disgruntled at the idea of working with Avlora, but kept quiet. Soon, the goddess statues were dealt with and the Sculptor set about remaking the statues of Glenbrook's original symbol.
As soon as they were done working, Serenoa inquired about any rumors that might need addressing. One townsman replied"Well, other than the impending civil war and talk about breaking off from Hyzante which you told us, I got nothing."
"All is well, then." Serenoa nodded"We'll be taking our leave to tend to other matters."
"Good luck" the townsman wished them well.
Serenoa turned to Milo"Could you let Bendict know we'll be on our way to the Wolffort Encampment? We can discuss our next move, from there after we meet with Minister Exharme."
"Certainly" Milo winked and headed back to the castle.
Serenoa, Roland, Avlora, Hughette, Frederica and Caeden headed out of Whiteholm for the encampment. The better part of the afternoon passed as they arrived, the encampment was already buzzing with activity, with some of the soldiers and other members of the encampment getting tents set up and carrying out training exercises. Piccoletta was juggling her balls for Narve, Ezana, Carth, Hossabara and a few others to keep their spirits up.
"Lord Serenoa" Jerrom approached"I gathered as many willing militiamen as I could, and we Rosellians have taken up the spear and started training with the other soldiers."
"Good to hear" Serenoa nodded.
Maxwell, Daren and Flanagan came up to meet them, next. Daren grunted"The rest of the Sect has integrated into this army of ours. While I still can't find it in my heart to trust you, I have had some time to reflect on what transpired during our last encounter."
"Good for you, and what of Triavis and Trish?" Serenoa asked.
"They volunteered to scout ahead in case Hyzante decides to attack" Maxwell responded"Preparations are going smoothly, the encampment is just about established."
Nearby, Piccoletta had just finished her juggling act. She, Corentin, Narve and Ezana came over to Serenoa's group to greet them.
"Its good to see you again" Corentin told Serenoa, cordially"While it may seem selfish of me, I am glad that we are going to break off from Hyzante and set things right."
"Its hardly selfish to say so, Corentin" Serenoa assured him"Oh, and in case you're wondering, this bald young woman is Frederica."
"What? Really?" Corentin was pleasantly surprised.
Frederica nodded"It is me, Corentin. We also have General Avlora from Aesfrost fighting alongside us. While I had initially hoped to avoid a confrontation with the Heirophant's loyalists, I realized that there was no other way, but to fight. Also, I could not have spread the true story of my people without Serenoa's aid. Has word spread to Wolffort, yet?"
Corentin nodded"I heard from one of the other villagers who received the proclamation. While some were disappointed in Serenoa, his reputation hasn't suffered too terribly."
Caeden was happy to hear this"At least the truth has spread as far as we can get it, to."
"So, Piccoletta, how have you been faring?" Frederica asked.
Piccoletta smiled, cheerfully"Great, for the part part. I haven't gotten around to trying to restart my old troupe's circus, yet. I've just been doing tricks for Hossabara and some solo acts for some of the villages in Wolffort whenever I travel with Hossabara, Corentin and Ezana." Her expression then changed to a slight frown"I wasn't happy about the fact that war is coming again, but its really the Heirophant's fault, isn't it?"
"Yes" Corentin answered the preteen, thoughtfully"The Sect which had arisen and started preaching about Centralia and the truth of Norzelia's history prompted Lord Serenoa to take action and see to it that the Hierophant and the rest of Hyzante's loyalists answer for their deception. I am honestly a bit surprised you agreed to take part, young one."
"Well, I figured I might as well make myself useful" Piccoletta grinned"I recently started performing my juggling act for the folks, here to keep everyone's spirits up."
"And I've just been itching for another chance to restore my grandfather's honor" Narve piped up"I was a bit upset about Hyzante being allowed to take control of the whole continent and probably start erasing other people from the history books, but I didn't find it too bad to stay in Glenbrook where Corentin, Ezana and I had the most freedom we can get."
Serenoa nodded"And together, we'll see true freedom and justice returned to the continent." He turned to Roland, Frederica and Caeden"Shall we get settled in and wait for everyone else?"
As the group went into the encampment's command tent to get settled in, Benedict, Milo, Erador, Geela and Anna came to join them. Benedict reported"We have as many troops and allies as we can muster on our own. Once we hear back from Exharme, we shall discuss how best to proceed."
Serenoa nodded, and the group headed to the mess hall tent for dinner. Hossabara and some cooks from House Wolffort were preparing dinner for everyone, there. Frederica and Caeden elected to help prepare dinner as everyone filed in.
The night's meal was a simple vegetable stew, but nobody complained. Serenoa sat with Frederica as they ate their portions of soup, together.
Roland had reluctantly remained near both Avlora and Cordelia as they sat down, together. Hughette stayed a short distance away, but close enough that she can keep an eye on Avlora.
"I think we're going to need to work on our teamwork and foster trust and cooperation for everyone" Frederica murmured as she watched what Hughette, Roland, Codelia and Avlora were doing.
Serenoa nodded, thoughtfully"Yes, that might be for the best. I will ask Benedict and Avlora to help prepare daily teamwork training schedules for everyone, sometime tomorrow. They will be strictly voluntary though, there is no point in forcing anyone to act against their will."
"You're right, hopefully we won't have anymore trouble than we need" said Frederica, thoughtfully.
Hyzante was in a uproar as news of the impending chaos spread throughout the city outside. Lyla had informed Idore and Kamsell of the chaos and that Exharme is going to kill those responsible for it.
"How unlike Minister Exharme" Idore commented"He did not consult with me and the Holy One, first as he should have."
The Minister of Domestic Affairs nodded, grimly"Agreed, I can hardly fathom what in the Goddess's name he is thinking. And we haven't heard a thing from Minister Serenoa and Minister Roland."
"Perhaps Minister Exharme believes that the matter should be dealt with as swiftly as possible" suggested Lyla"As for Consul Serenoa and Minister Roland, they may very well have good reason for their silence."
"Their silence has gone on for too long, nonetheless" Kamsell frowned"Lyla, have you heard anything suspicious?"
Lyla shook her head"Other than Exharme's strange behavior as of late, I had not noticed anything. If you'll excuse me, I must return to the ministry, I am seeing to the shipment of medicine to the front lines for Minister Exharme's regiment."
Kamsell nodded"I will try to look into some of the mutterings from the people in town." He looked at Idore"Does the Holy One have anything to say on the matter?"
"I conferred with the Hierophant this morning after hearing from one of our troops of the odd behaviors of Ministers Exharme, Serenoa and Roland" Idore nodded with a grave expression on his face"It seems that a thorough investigation is in order, it would bode ill for us all should war come upon us, again. Ready your men in case we must eliminate the heretics, ourselves."
"I will." Kamsell replied before heading out of the throne room. He hated Idore for abusing his position as the Hierophant's mouthpiece, and he couldn't be sure if Exharme is still trustworthy. Kamsell is at heart, a loyal man of Hyzante. To betray the Holy One would be unthinkable to him, but Serenoa, Roland and Exharme may have valid reasons for their actions and silence.
'I should learn more of the situation if I can. Exharme, Serenoa, Roland, If I catch a whiff of you even thinking of betraying the Hierophant, nay, all of Hyzante, expect no quarter.' The Minister of Domestic affairs thought as he walked out of the palace. He was aware it would be unjust to allow Idore and the Hierophant to keep their tyrannical hold on the continent, but a rebellion isn't something that could be ignored, either. Could this all be a test from the Goddess?
'I wonder." Kamsell thought to himself.
The next morning after breakfast, Serenoa, Roland, Avlora, Cordelia, Benedict, Milo, Hughette, Frederica and Caeden waited just outside the boundaries of the Wolffort Encampment, they had received a message from Exharme and recalled Travis and Trish's scouting party to the encampment.
Soon enough, Exharme approached with a sizeable unit of Calvary, Foot Soldiers and Healers. The light-brown haired minister spoke as he approached"I brought my personal regiment to bolster your forces."
"Thank you, Minister Exharme" Serenoa bowed his head, gratefully"We were about to formulate a plan. We don't have the means to penetrate the Goddess Shield, but there were two different ideas we could possibly employ."
"And I shall hear of them" Exharme commented"I am grateful that you decided to take me up on my offer. I see you have General Avlora of Aesfrost among your ranks. I'm surprised to see that she's still alive, for she had not been heard from for a year."
"I am no longer a general, I now serve as a guard for the Glenbrook Family Line" Avlora replied, calmly"What's surprising to me is that you would willingly support Lord Serenoa's cause."
Exharme gave her a small smile"I have my own reasons, Avlora." He then turned his attention back to the Consul"By what you said about attacking the Goddess Shield, I presume you intend to invade the Holy Sate Capital?"
Serenoa nodded"I intend to unravel the Hierophant's lies and bring true equality and peace to Norzelia. To that end, I aim to rescue the Rosellians who are still trapped in the source." He paused, awaiting the light-brown haired Minister's response.
"So, you still walk the path of justice" Exharme mussed"A noble goal, indeed. I had my own misgivings on how certain things were handled, but there had been no opportunity to bring change to Hyzante until now."
"Before we can do so, however" Serenoa made sure to think carefully about his words"We need to reclaim the Duchy for our Aesfrosti comrades and try to find notes or a diagram of some sort so that we may reforge the Death Knell, the only weapon that can penetrate the goddess shield."
Exharme was intrigued at the prospect"I see. I doubt you'll be able to amass enough iron to do that, even if you happen to find any clues on how to rebuild it, Lord Serenoa. And yet, we can't be too sure unless we find out, ourselves. I must also tell you that we might not even find the required blueprints, the archives were destroyed, the textbooks were all but burnt to ash." To deprive the city of the protection of the Goddess Shield would no doubt be an impediment to his own plans, but no matter.
"But what if Gustadolph or Svarog weren't foolish enough to keep the blueprints, there?" Serenoa asked, still hopeful"Perhaps they were hidden so that no one outside Aesfrost can find them. Possibly in the castle in Aesfrost, itself. Or perhaps the late Lord Dragan put them in whatever dwelling he lived in."
Exharme nodded, thoughtfully"It certainly is more feasible if you put it that way. The soldiers occupying what is left of the iron Capital are likely from Minister Kamsell's regiment, I must warn you that we shall soon risk making an enemy of the Minister of Domestic affairs."
"At least we know what we are up against" Serenoa nodded"And am I to believe you will accompany us?"
"Absolutely. As it is, we are sure to arouse suspicion from the Hierophant's loyalists" Exharme nodded"While allowing the Aesfrosti to reclaim their homeland could be an inconvenience, it is but a trifle sacrifice to make. The Aesfrosti shouldn't be able to reorganize their army soon enough to be a threat."
"I know it must seem like blasphemy to attack your own hometown, but I appreciate your support" Serenoa said.
Exharme smiled"It is I who is in your debt, Lord Serenoa. And all things require sacrifice, as I am sure you know full well." In truth, once they provide the means to launch a coup unto the Holy State Capital City and they take down Kamsell, he had his own little plan to enure he would take all of the glory.
At the back of the group, Quahaug was standing alongside Anna. The Time Mage has an inkling that Exharme is not as trustworthy as he seems, but he only had gotten a vague premonition that not just Hyzante as it is known, but Serenoa and Roland could also be heading to their doom. However, he couldn't try to warn them with Exharme so close by.
"You look troubled" Anna told the time mage.
"Yeah, I had a bad feeling. Can I tell you in private? I don't wanna get Serenoa and Roland into any trouble that they don't need" Quahaug requested.
Anna nodded, then went up to Serenoa"I have something I need to discuss with Quahaug and Benedict, but do you need Benedict's input on our next strategy?"
"That will not be necessary." Serenoa replied. He was curious as to what Anna, Quahaug and Benedict are to discuss, but he would have to ask them about it, later.
Exharme noted that the young time mage looked much like a certain Minister of Medicine, but it seemed to be little more than coincidence"We should begin our preparations at once."
"I agree" Serenoa replied, heading back to the encampment.
The bulk of the morning was spent organizing daily training routines for when they are not marching and distributing supplies that Exharme's troops brought. The light-brown haired minister took notice of the Rosellians in the encampment"I see you have Roselle among the forces you assembled. How very like you, Serenoa."
"I released them from the mines in order to help" Serenoa explained"They're exceptional at wielding the spear in battle. Plus, I allowed the inequality to remain for long enough."
"While it does go against the goddess's teachings to permit them their freedom, I won't deny that they can be useful. But I had no idea that they're capable of combat" Exharme commented.
"I've seen Jerome take up arms when we fought together against Silvio and Rufus" Serenoa explained"But I understand your surprise. The only other instance I know of when they've taken up arms in when they rebelled and some of the Roselle escaped the source, thirty one years ago, including my beloved's mother, according to Lady Orlea's diary." He then asked"What were your thoughts on the Roselle's situation?"
"That, I'm afraid I can't say" Exharme replied, some of his troops still firmly believed in the teachings, but any backlash can be dealt with by swift retribution if needed. He, himself didn't think much of the Roselle, but he had no problem with Serenoa and Roland employing them however they deemed necessary.
"I see." Serenoa refrained from prying further into Exharme's thoughts, instead going to oversee the rest of the preparations for their march to what was Aesfrost territory. As soon as Quahaug, Benedict and Anna were done with their discussion, the army began their march to Twinsgate at around late morning, where a force of troops from Kamsell's regiment awaited them.
"Who goes there?" A soldier spotted Serenoa and Exharme's combined forces coming.
"Isn't that Ministers Serenoa, Exharme and Roland? What is going on here!?" A flummoxed unit captain exclaimed.
Serenoa stepped forward"Are you the one in charge of the occupation of Aesfrost?"
The unit captain stepped back"I respected you and Minister Exharme, so why...?" He shook his head to compose himself and turned to address his troops"Don't let those Heretics through! I will inform Lord Terrance!" He headed to the Iron Capital.
"Lord Terrence? I haven't heard of him" Serenoa commented.
"Lord Terrence is a minor nobleman the Holy One assigned to help oversee the region that once was Aesfrost." Exharme explained"He is adept at swordplay, but I daresay he is no match for us."
Avlora, Roland, Cordelia, Hughette, Benedict, Anna, Caeden and Frederica stepped forward to help Serenoa and Exharme as a force of troops descended from the walls of the border fortress.
Two opposing foot soldiers rushed at Serenoa, who dodged and cut one down while the other one was disposed off by a fiery blast from Frederica's magic. Exharme had to maneuver his horse away from a pikeman and quickly move in for a slash, striking him down. Three archers shot at Hughette, who barely managed to move her hawk out of range while Caeden and Roland rushed in to strike down the archers.
As reinforcements from the defenders emerged from the gate, Exharme signaled his Calvary to intervene. Both forces fought fiercely with Exharme's troops taking minimal casualties. Frederica and Hughette moved to support their allies from the rear, gradually thinning out the enemy defenses.
Realizing they are outmatched, the defending Hyzantian Loyalists retreated. Serenoa took a moment to catch his breath"I truly would prefer to negotiate, but it seems impossible as it stands."
"Our laws are very strict on the subject of traitors, our chances of getting Terrence to listen to reason are next to nil, I'm afraid" Exharme reminded him"Our only chance is to seize the Capital of Aesfrost by force."
"I'm surprised anyone is still living in the ruins of the iron city" Caeden commented.
"Perhaps the city was rebuilt after it was taken over" Benedict suggested.
Exharme nodded, thoughtfully"That would appear to be the case. It would also mean they did something with what is left of the Death Knell, it wouldn't have been wise to leave it in the open."
The group stopped to recover from any injuries sustained in battle and buried any soldiers who fell in the battle before pressing onward to Ironstone. Frederica felt apprehensive as they walked, for they were marching for the place where her uncle died, shortly after Roland and Serenoa had slain Gustadolph.
Serenoa took notice of her apprehension"We're about to reclaim your home, is it troubling you?"
"A little bit" Frederica whispered"Aside from with Geela and my uncle, Lord Svarog, I can't say I have many fond memories of my hometown. And yet I must save it in order for us to procure the weapon necessary for our attack on the Holy State Capital."
Serenoa nodded in understanding, to himself, it was a reminder of that foolish decision he made to abide by Roland's plan which resulted in Hyzante taking control over the continent and denying the Roselle any chance of freedom they had, back then.
"Who would you appoint to be Aesfrost's next governor, Serenoa?" Roland asked.
"I don't know yet." The brunette swordsman replied"I've witnessed both General Daren and Caeden's leadership capabilities, and since Avlora already plans to remain with us as a guard, she is removed from consideration."
"I am only versed in military matters, anyway" Avlora commented"I do not have the experience to lead an entire country. Perhaps Caeden or General Daren would make a fine governor."
Caeden thought about it"Well, I'm only a minor nobleman, but I could probably help restore my homeland."
The group continued on in silence until they entered the Iron City, noticing that the buildings had largely been repaired. A force of Hyzantian loyalists greeted them. A man with brownish, blond hair and blue eyes wearing Hyzantian armor stepped forward"So, it is you who attacked Twinsgate."
"Lord Terrence" Serenoa spoke"I wished to negotiate with you, and hopefully it is not too late to do so. I seek to improve the state of things in Norzelia, the Hierophant has deceived everyone, long enough."
"Lord Serenoa" Terrence looked at him with a grim expression"To think that the Saintly Seven now stands divided. I already sent a message to Minister Kamsell about this insurrection." He then looked at the light-brown haired minister"Minister Exharme, you fought to help put this region under control, why is this happening?"
"I am simply working to quell the chaos by any means necessary" Exharme replied, calmly"I am still a man of Hyzante, I merely wish to bring change to Norzelia that will benefit all. To that end, I am working with Lord Serenoa. While I feel it prudent to simply end you, I will grant you a chance to hear Serenoa out."
Terrence was conflicted as he listened to Exharme's reasoning, he hated the fact that Hyzante restricted how much knowledge can be gleamed. Never mind the fact that Exharme didn't destroy the Aesfrosti achieves, himself"I've no love for the way things are run by the Hierophant. But I cannot side with traitors, either. Loathe that I am to do this unhappy deed, you, Serenoa and Roland will be killed for your transgression."
"Then there is nothing more to discuss." A disappointed Serenoa signaled the army to begin its attack. Roland, Avlora, Frederica, Hughette, Cordelia, Caeden and Maxwell took to the front.
Terrence turned to his unit"Though we may fall this day, we shall not go down without a fight! Death to every last Heretic and Traitor!"
Both armies marched towards each other, engulfing the city in a fierce battle. Serenoa cut down a couple of Loyalists while Frederica supported him with magic. Hughette and a few of Exharme's archers stayed to the rear.
Roland cut down a couple more Hyzantian loyalists and moved his horse back to avoid a surprise attack, Hughette shot down the offending spear-man. Maxwell and Avlora fought back to back as several loyalists rushed at them.
"Heh, nice try" Caeden faced Terrence, blades drawn"I think its time General Avlora, Captain Daren and me have our homeland back."
"I think not" Terrence darted at the Aesfrost soldier with a strike of his spear. Caeden dodged and thrust back, following with a slash, driving his opponent back. Terrence jumped and dove at Caeden, prompting the brunette soldier to dodge and retaliate with a couple of quick strikes, barely managing to nick Terrence.
Exharme cut down another loyalist while Cordelia stayed back in case anyone needed healing, several more of Exharme's troops had gone down during the chaos, but they can't stop now. Roland rushed at a Calvary loyalist, knocking him off of his horse. Avlora eventually cut a wide swath through the wave of Hyzantian loyalists, breaking through so she can get at the enemy's archers. Frederica primarily directed her magical flames against the loyalists' Shieldbearers while Serenoa dueled another enemy swordsman.
Terrence kicked at Caeden, staggering him enough to try to get in a slash, only for Hughette to shoot him in the shoulder, giving Caeden a chance to slash the loyalist, staggering him back. Terrence regained his balance and darted at Caeden again, driving him backwards. Caeden then darted to the side, going in for a spin attack, knocking Terrence to the ground.
The remaining Loyalist troops trying to keep their hold on the city were starting to falter, some even trying to retreat, but to no avail. Several more of Exharme's men were killed in the process. Serenoa had meanwhile taken down his opponent and confronted the unit captain from earlier, taking him down with minimal effort.
Terrence got back up, struggling against his injury"You fight well... For a mere soldier." He told Caeden.
Caeden smiled"Well, I had over a year to practice my skills. Say, do you know where we can find what is left of the death knell?"
"That old piece of iron?" Terrence frowned, coughing as he struggled to stay conscious, despite his injuries"Its rubble was kept in the iron palace... Parts of it were disposed in the river. But if you want to rebuild it... You might just be able to get enough iron..." He gasped as he let go of his life, collapsing.
Caeden bowed his head in respect for his fallen opponent, then turned to help take down the remaining loyalists. Serenoa, Roland, Exharme and Avlora were still taking down the rest of the struggling loyalists, sustaining minor injuries in the process.
One of the remaining loyalist soldiers glanced over at Terrence's fallen body"Lord Terrence has fallen! Retreat!"
As the remaining loyalists began their retreat, Serenoa and the others put away their weapons.
"We may have won, but those loyalists will be back with reinforcements" Exharme mussed, at least he hadn't lost too many of his own troops, yet. It was only a matter of time until Kamsell finds out what exactly happened.
"Lord Terrence seemed like a good man" Serenoa said, a tinge of regret in his tone"It was a shame that we happened to be fighting on opposite sides."
"His sense of loyalty and devotion to the Hierophant were admirable" Exharme said"Unfortunately, he would have chosen to take his own life rather than face the humiliation of surrender."
The group and their army put away their weapons and began seeing to their injuries and moving the bodies to be buried. Daren, Frederica, Caeden, Flanagan and Avlora stood in silence for a moment as they surveyed their hometown.
"Aesfrost has officially been wrested from Hyzantian control" Serenoa approached his Aesfrosti comrades"I only hope it was enough to make amends for my mistake, last year."
"Aye, it was" Daren nodded, still somewhat gruffly"Serenoa, seeing you accomplish this for those of us who hail from Aesfrost convinced me that you are really a decent lad. I still cannot forget what happened last year, but from now on, you have my complete trust."
"Thank you" Serenoa nodded, gratefully.
Caeden took a breath"Well, guess we should look for Lord Svarog and Dragan's old estate and see if we can uncover clues."
"I shall lead a force to try to harvest iron from our mining sites" Flanagan states.
Avlora and Frederica went to check on any citizens of Aesfrost who had moved back into town since last year. Caeden gazed up into the sky for a moment with a small smile. There was still the matter of who will take control of Aesfrost, but they can worry about that, later.
And wrapping the chapter up here. Honestly, I was torn between having OC Terrence live or die, but since I already have a lot of characters to keep track of, I ultimately let him kick the bucket. I can always change it later if anyone wants.
As for what Quahaug discussed with Anna and what exactly Exharme's true plan is, I decided to keep those a secret for now, didn't want to give away too much, too soon. I hope I wasn't being too unrealistic about the Death Knell. I probably should do more character interaction and figure out a way for Avlora to get Hughette and Roland's trust, next chapter.