Other than the character interactions, here and the preparations for the assault on the Hyzantian Capital, I plan to squeeze in a confrontation with Kamsell. I realized from double checking the wiki that I have been spelling "Deathsknell" wrong, oh well.
As for Avlora gaining Roland's trust, I decided to settle on her having heart-to-heart conversations with Roland, Hughette and Cordelia. I may also include a bit of Serenoa/Frederica fluff. And not to get too paring crazy or anything, I feel like shipping Roland and Hughette.
Disclaimer: Triangle Strategy was created by Square.
An Iron Respite
The bulk of the revolutionary army set up a temporary camp at Twinsgate while Serenoa, Exharme, Caeden, Daren, Geela, Frederica, Benedict, Hughette and Avlora start seeing to affairs in the Iron City. Ferderica had reported that the people are relieved that Hyzante is no longer foisting their lies upon them, even being surprised that Serenoa would help them after what he did, though some couldn't find it in their hearts to forgive him for his part in the death of their Archduke.
After seeing that the dead were properly buried, Serenoa, Roland, Frederica, Benedict and Caeden went to the old estate where Dragan and Svarog used to live in. Erador had gone with Daren to scope out the castle.
The mansion was a bit old and dusty as Serenoa's group searched the area. Caeden was hardly surprised that it was abandoned, since Lord Svarog and Lord Dragan had both been dead for a year, longer than that in the latter's case. Exharme was busy setting up defensive formations in anticipation of a counterattack.
Serenoa's group went to the study and looked around. Benedict took a moment to speculate"Given how important the development of what would become the Death Knell is, I surmise that Lord Dragan would have secured it so that no one could stumble upon it, easily."
"Good point, Benedict" Serenoa nodded, searching for any sign of a secret panel that could have been used to hide top-secret information.
"Let's check the bookcase" Caeden suggested, feeling around until he found a secret file hidden amongst the books and pulled it out.
"Did you find it?" Serenoa asked.
Caeden opened the file and pulled out a diagram"Good thing that Terrence guy didn't think to raid the mansion when he was given control of the city. And yep, I think we got it. Looks like it was originally going to be used for mining purposes before ultimately being created as a weapon of war."
"It makes sense that Lord Dragan would've originally designed it as a tool for peaceful purposes since we were at peace at the time before Aesfrost invaded Glenbrook" said Serenoa, thoughtfully"And perhaps the reason the mansion wasn't raided was because the Hierophant was confident the weapon couldn't be rebuilt."
"Right now, we should meet up with the others" Benedict suggested.
"Right, although I feel terrible about taking from the dead" Serenoa said, thinking on what they are doing.
"I'm sure Lord Dragan wouldn't have minded if it was for a just cause, although he certainly would have preferred we ask first if he was alive" Frederica said, feeling just as guilty. Mentally, she reminded herself that none of this, not even the war last year would have happened if not for Gustadolph's ruthlessness.
The group headed back to the city to meet up with Daren and Erador who had retrieved the rubble from the palace. Flanagan, Jen and some other soldiers came to meet up with the group, having mined some iron ore.
"I found as much iron ore as I could, Lord Serenoa" Flanagan reported.
"And Caeden and I found a diagram that resembled the original design and purpose for the Deathsknell" Serenoa revealed.
"We collected some of the iron rubble that Terrence kept" Daren grunted.
Serenoa nodded as he studied what was left of the once-proud Aesfrosti weapon"It seems a little complex, but we may be able to remake the design. It might take around a month or so."
"We could also send a team into the Holy State Capital to infiltrate and then open the gates for our forces, but that would be too risky" Benedict stated"They may already know that we are behind this revolution."
"Then here is what we're going to do" Serenoa instructed"I will help oversee the city with Caeden and Frederica. Jens, Daren, Flanagan, you and some of the other available troops will begin reconstruction of the Deathsknell."
"It's gonna be the most complicated piece of metal I ever worked, Lord Serenoa. But with the diagram and the extra help, it should be doable" Jens grinned, optimistically.
"Then Erador and I shall help Exharme in overseeing our defenses" said Benedict.
Serenoa nodded, then started taking a walk around the town with Frederica and Caeden. Roland, Cordelia, Avlora and Hughette were addressing the people of Aesfrost and doing what they can to support the Duchy's restoration.
"Without a leader, preferably someone who isn't a Hyzantian Zealot, we are basically left without direction or focus" a middle-aged man was telling them"On top of that, only a handful of our country's young men and women remain. It would take time and much effort for Aesfrost to fully recover as a nation."
"Lady Frederica suggested that we appoint a regent" Roland stated"She has no desire to rule Aesfrost."
"That is fine, if that is what she wants" a woman smiled thoughtfully"Who do you intend to ask?"
Serenoa approached and decided to join the conversation"My apologies for the interruption, but I was considering asking Caeden or Captain Daren to become the next ruler of Aesfrost."
One of the other townsmen nodded, thoughtfully"They are both from lesser-known noble families, but it certainly would be better than having no leader. And another thing." The same townsman looked at Serenoa with a serious expression"Though we are grateful you freed us Aesfrosti from Hyzante's iron rule, some of us not so forgiving toward you for your part in Hyzante foisting its fraudulent teachings onto us and allowing the Salt Monopoly to persist."
"I completely understand" Serenoa responded"Once I become King of Glenbrook, I intend to try and improve our relations and see to it that true equality and justice spreads throughout Norzelia."
"We shall hold you to that" the townsman said, he didn't quite trust Serenoa, but there was little doubting the sincerity in his words.
One they were done speaking with the people, Serenoa and his group headed to Aesfrost's castle. The interior was largely clean, though there were a few goddess statues that would need to be torn down.
"I can't say I approve of what Terrence did to the palace" Frederica murmured.
"It sure would be a waste of perfectly good marble and rock, but at the same time, the statues' presence is upsetting, knowing that the Hyzantian faith is fraudulent" Caeden commented"I'll have some of our sculptors tear down these statues. Don't know yet what they'll be replaced with, but I could arrange for statues to be made based on the likeness of you, Frederica, Avlora and Roland, Serenoa."
"I would be honored, but you don't have to feel inclined" said Serenoa, touched at the thought"Does this mean you would be officially willing to govern Aesfrost once the war is over?" He asked.
"Technically, Frederica would be the one to succeed the late Archduke Gustadolph under the circumstances, but I am going to respect her wishes." Caeden replied"And you know. If that is what the people want, and Lady Frederica and Captain Daren don't mind, I will do everything I can do get Aesfrost back on its feet and repair our relations."
"I know you can" Frederica told Caeden"In the few short months I've known you, you've proven yourself a reliable person with the qualities of any good leader."
"I do my best" Caeden said, humbly"Might as well establish a new form of government for Aesfrost in which the people will have a say in who they will accept as their leader, so I can step down if they ever feel I am not worthy, the same would go for future rulers in this case. If you are okay with that, Lady Frederica."
Frederica nodded"I would be content with the idea. Besides." She looked at Serenoa before turning her attention back to Caeden"If I am to become Queen of Glenbrook at Serenoa's request once he can officially take the throne at Whiteholm Castle, it would be rather difficult to focus on my duties, there in addition to having to worry about seeing to affairs, here in Aesfrost."
"I will let the people know what we have decided for the future of Aesfrost" Caeden said.
Serenoa nodded"Frederica and I shall join the others at Twinsgate. Roland, Cordelia, Avlora, Hughette, I'd like you to help patrol the parameter around Twinsgate and the encampment, just in case." He knew that everyone would have their hands full with both training and patrols, which left the patrols somewhat shorthanded.
"Very well" Avlora nodded.
Roland was still not entirely comfortable having Avlora be in his and Cordelia's presence, but he nodded"We shall do that."
Roland's group headed out of the castle, towards the border of Aesfrost. They enlisted several soldiers to accompany them as they walked, knowing that Hyzante's loyalists will soon retaliate.
"You have fought alongside us twice, now and proven your sincerity in redeeming yourself, so far." Roland told Avlora"I am beginning to think that, perhaps, you might be worthy of our trust."
"That is more than what I had reasonably expected from you" Avlora said, surprised to hear this"And if Lord Serenoa is to be King of Glenbrook when this is over, what do you plan to do?"
The former king had not given it much thought, but he had something of a plan"I considered forming a new Kingsguard with Hughette if we win and regain Glenbrook's independence."
"I certainly would like that" Hughette nodded"Avlora, have you figured out yet how you might earn the trust of the people? Not that I have forgiven you, completely."
Avlora nodded"Like we did yesterday, perhaps assisting with any troubles they may be having would improve my reputation a bit. However, I do not expect it to be easy, either way."
"Perhaps I could help with that" Cordelia offered, for she considered the former general a friend.
"I would be grateful, but you need not trouble yourself, Lady Cordelia" Avlora assured her.
The four continued scouting the vicinity, well into the evening. As the sky began to grow darker, they headed back to the encampment. At the main command tent, Serenoa was going over reports when Frederica came in.
"Is something troubling you?" Serenoa asked as he looked up.
The Fire Mage responded after an awkward moment of silence"I was just wondering, would it mean anything to you or the rest of Norzelia if we were to try to find Centralia once this is over?"
"It might be worth looking into. After all, according to your mother's diary, it is an important part of Norzelia's history, except we may have to send a regular expedition team since I will be occupied with ruling Glenbrook." Serenoa nodded, thoughtfully"I also would like to assist in the reconstruction of the archives of Aesfrost, though I fear it would be a difficult endeavor. Most of the books that were within were probably written more than thirty years ago."
"That may be true" Frederica said, she had been horrified to learn that the Aesfrosti Archives were destroyed so that Hyzante can keep the people ignorant about many of the important aspects of history"But we could commission new books based on the histories and magics we can recall."
"You're right, though it is going to have to wait until the Hierophant is defeated" Serenoa responded. He started heading outside the tent"At any rate, shall we go get dinner, together?"
Frederica nodded and followed Serenoa to the mess hall tent where most everyone was getting their meals for the night, consisting of soup and bread. Upon getting their portions of dinner, Frederica and Serenoa sat together in a corner.
As they ate, the two began reminiscing on the time they had spent together last year and discussing further plans for the future. Serenoa looked thoughtfully at his former betrothed"I must admit, I find myself wishing I could go back in time and stop myself from making that foolish choice to follow Roland's plan. And truthfully, even if you do not wish to remain by my side, I would be happy to support you in what you choose to do, nonetheless."
"I hadn't even thought of what I wanted to do with the rest of my life if I managed to free my people within my lifetime" Frederica admitted, around a bite of her soup"You know, recently, its starting to feel like the old days from last year as we fought together against Aesfrost, up until the day our convictions tore us apart."
"It feels this way to me, as well" Serenoa nodded, thoughtfully"Both instances, here and last year, we were at war. But still, I treasured our conversations and the few instances we cooked dinner, together."
Frederica blushed"And as I recall, my first attempt at cooking was a bit messier than I anticipated. I had wanted to surprise you while you were busy with your duties."
"It was the thought that mattered to me, most" Serenoa said, remembering"There was a time when I wanted to repay your thoughtfulness, but I never got around to it."
"I thought you did when you offered to help me with the food, that time" Frederica flushed"I still practiced my cooking skills at times when I was wandering Glenbrook, trying to spread the story of my people. Caeden and I would take turns helping the cooks at the Falkes Demense to prepare a meal for our entire Sect."
"I hardly ever had time to practice my own culinary skills, my schedule as Consul of Glenbrook kept me even more occupied than my prior duties as Lord of House Wolffort" Serenoa commented"Although I've had many an opportunity to dine together with Roland, Cordelia and Hughette."
The two finished their dinner in silence before retiring to the main command tent for the evening. Serenoa took a moment to clean his sword while Frederica wrote in her mother's diary. When they were done, Serenoa looked at Frederica"Perhaps we can go watch the sunrise together in a while, if you'd like."
"That sounds lovely" Frederica replied as she finished writing.
Outside, Roland had been secretly watching over the pair. Hughette walked over"Forgive me for asking, but are you certain its proper behavior for you to be spying on their private moment?"
"Just thought I'd give them my support" Roland smiled"Though they haven't really needed it, so far."
"I suppose you felt responsible because your plan broke them up, even though the final decision was Lord Serenoa's" Cordelia commented, she and Avlora stood not far from the former king and the hawk rider.
Roland shrugged"Yeah. I knew Frederica wouldn't want anything to do with my plan, but I hadn't intended to drive her away from House Wolffort. I think we should start helping them plan their long-overdue wedding once the war ends."
"I should think they wouldn't appreciate us harrying them along in that fashion, and we haven't even heard whether they will officially renew their relationship, yet" Cordelia commented"I've half a mind to do something similar to you and Hughette."
Roland blushed, furiously"She and I aren't even dating."
"But you've been working together for so long, right?" Cordelia asked, curious.
Hughette nodded, feeling a bit flustered, herself"Yeah, but that was because I was repaying him for saving my life." Privately, though, she had secret feelings for the former king, not that she would ever dare to admit them.
"Let's retire for the night" said Roland, awkwardly, heading to his own tent.
The rest of the evening passed without incident, and that morning before breakfast, Serenoa and Frederica went for a pleasant stroll as they watched the sunrise, accompanied by Caeden, Geela and Erador.
"What a fine morning" Caeden breathed, he had spent a good hour or so last night, speaking to the people about his idea for a more democratic approach to Aesfrost's leadership. A few were uncertain about it, but most were on board with the idea of the new form of government that Caeden proposed for their country.
"Yeah, you'd think nothing would go wrong" Erador grinned.
"So, Caeden, what did the people have to say about your proposition for how Aesfrost will be governed?" Serenoa asked.
"Most of them thought it was a fine idea, a few weren't really sure, though" Caeden replied"They probably would have preferred that Lady Frederica assume leadership since she is the last survivor of the Ducal Family, but they'll come around."
"At least we know that stability will return to the former Duchy" Geela nodded, thoughtfully.
The group finished their stroll and returned to the mess tent for breakfast. After they ate, Serenoa was about to head out with Frederica and Caeden when Anna approached them with a look of urgency on her expression.
"Ah, Anna, is something amiss?" Serenoa asked, though he expected from what Terrence said about sending a message to Kamsell meant that a confrontation with more of the loyalists is inevitable.
"Soldiers from Kamsell's regiment are on the move, Exharme and his men are preparing to fight" Anna reported.
Serenoa nodded and quickly went back to the town to alert Daren. They then headed for Twinsgate where Exharme, Roland, Cordelia, Benedict, Narve, Avlora, Hughette, Corentin, Rudolph and Trish were preparing for battle alongside the soldiers.
"What's the situation?" Serenoa asked Benedict.
The Tactician pushed up his spectacles as he replied"True to Terrence's word, Kamsell's unit has caught wind of our insurrection. One of Exharme's scouts spotted Kamsell's encampment near the border between Aesfrost and the Wolffort Demense."
"By the looks of things, I daresay Kamsell isn't in the mood for negotiation" Serenoa said, thoughtfully"Did he have something to say?"
"Actually, he's on his way, now. A messenger just told me that Minister Kamsell is to demand an explanation for our recent actions" the light-brown haired minister replied"I would not expect him to readily side with us on the matter of bringing chance to Norzelia."
Serenoa nodded, thoughtfully"I will take point with Caeden, Roland, Erador, Cordelia, Avlora and Benedict. Have our archers line up on the walls of Twinsgate, supported by Hughette, Rudolph and Trish. The ground troops are to follow from a distance, accompanied by Narve and yourself."
"A sounds tactic, we had best hurry and make preparations, then" Exharme nodded.
As planned, Serenoa's team walked a short distance away from Twinsgate to intercept Kamsell, upon finishing preparations. The black-bearded man approached, accompanied by a squadron of Hyzantian loyalists.
"Serenoa, Roland, Exharme" Kamsell looked at them with a grave expression"I never anticipated that it would come to this. What do you hope to accomplish with your rebellion?" He asked, grimly.
"I am merely striving to bring true equality to Norzelia" Serenoa replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
"I have my reasons" Exharme told Kamsell, calmly"Chief among them being that even with the Salt Crystal Mines, the cost of the salt is still rather high, it wouldn't be too long before we would again need to worry about Salt Smugglers."
Roland kept a neutral tone as he said his piece"I was a fool to give up my freedom and that of Glenbrook to Hyzante. The emergence of the Sect and Serenoa's desire to help undo the damage my plan had caused were among the reasons why I decided that I must take action alongside my friend."
"A Sect?" Kamselll raised an eyebrow.
"A Sect arose to spread the truth of Norzelia's history and the existence of Centralia, the homeland of the Roselle and a greater source of salt that could possibly be harvested from the salt water, there, all because I left the Roselle to their fate." Serenoa elaborated"Minister Kamsell, I was under the impression that you are a man of honor. Will you not join us?"
Kamsell quietly thought about what Serenoa said for a moment, he really didn't like Idore, who was misusing his position as the Hierophant's mouthpiece. But even if it is true that his homeland deceived him, his loyalty was always to Hyzante. Wordlessly, he pulled out his three-pronged spear, speaking"No matter how noble you claim your intentions are, Lord Serenoa, this does not change the fact that you betrayed the teachings of the goddess and disrupted the peace we fought for, last year."
Serenoa was prepared for Kamsell refusing to listen to reason, but it did not erase the disappointment he felt"Very well, then." He drew his sword.
"And you, Exharme, are a young fool if you happen to be thinking of overthrowing the Holy One" Kamsell added, signaling his squad to ready their weapons"I cannot allow this chaos to go on for any longer!"
"The Heirophant isn't necessarily my objective" Exharme replied to Kamsell's accusation"But if the Holy One refuses to allow change to take place, then I will do what I must. And I expected that you might not assist in this little coup."
"Consider Aefrost your graves!" Kamsell declared.
Serenoa cut down a loyalist who darted at him and rushed to engage another one in battle. One soldier rushed to Kamsell's camp to get the rest of the soldiers who joined the black-bearded minister in his investigation. Avlora cut down two more loyalist troops that dared get close to her while Roland rushed at Kamsell, driving him back. Kamsell jabbed and sliced with his weapon, narrowly missing the former king. Benedict signaled Erador and Caeden to take down the nearby loyalist archers. Kamsell moved in to strike at Serenoa, who parried and knocked the older man back, following with a slash.
Two more archers shot at Roland, who deftly avoided the arrows as Erador bashed one archer with his shield while Caeden cut down the other one. Kamsell had meanwhile barely avoided Serenoa's attack, going in for a charging thrust, only for Serenoa to jump and dive downward, his blade barely nicking Kamsell's arm. Kamsell grunted, but used a healing tablet before striking again, prompting Serenoa to dodge. Another soldier had tried to charge at Benedict, only for the tactician to parry and counter with a slash, cutting down his attacker.
"Serenoa, we best retreat back to Twisngate for a better fighting chance" suggested Exharme.
Serenoa nodded and gestured for Erador to help him, the Shieldbearer knocking Kamsell backwards. The group then hurried back towards twinsgate where the rest of the defenders were stationed.
As Serenoa's group got close to the gate, Erador called for the archers to prepare to fire upon the approaching battalion. The archers waited until Kamsell and the other pursuing loyalists came closer before firing.
"See how that pompous bald minister likes that" Trish grinned, letting lose a fire arrow. Kamsell barely avoided that and led several troops to try and get at Serenoa, Roland and Exharme. Some of Exharme's men quickly interposed, a couple of them getting killed as they pushed Kamsell and his men back.
Serenoa kept his guard up as he looked at Kamsell"Minister Kamsell, it doesn't have to be like this."
"The Holy One's word is law" Kamsell retorted"As if this weren't bad enough, the Hierophant shall be hard-pressed to find competent people enough to replace the three of you as Ministers. It is a shame that you chose to betray the Hierophant. Now, die!" He lunged at Serenoa, who dodged and drove him back with a slash.
Several more of Kamsell's men were shot down as Rudolph, Trish and Hughette peppered the loyalists with arrows. Benedict shook his head at Kamsell's futility"As you can clearly see, we have the tactical advantage, Minister Kamsell."
One of Kamsell's remaining soldiers paled and addressed his boss"Benedict is right. We can't possibly defeat them."
"Bah" Kamsell stepped back, angrily"So be it, then. You won this time, Heretics. We still have a large force waiting at the Capital. And It doesn't matter how much our army dwindles, none can breach the Goddess Shield."
"I am arranging for a surprise or two, so I shall see you, back at the Capital, I hope" Exharme smirked.
As Kamsell led his remaining troops back to the Holy State Capital, Serenoa put his blade away"We cannot afford to relax our guard, now. Kamsell could come back at any time once he reinforces his regiment."
"Its nothing that cannot wait until we finish reconstructing the only weapon that can feasibly break through the goddess shield" Benedict said.
"Have the dead buried and the wounded treated at once. Beyond that, we will resume training and reconstructing the Deathsknell" Serenoa instructed before heading back to the city.
Roland, Avlora, Cordelia, Benedict, Caeden and Frederica joined him as they returned to town to relax from this recent skirmish.
"So, Benedict, what did Anaa and Quahaug talk to you about?" Serenoa asked, curiously.
"We devised a stratagem that shall be a secret for now, but I assure you that my and Anna's plan will benefit us later on, down the road" Benedict replied"To be on the safe side, I will not reveal our and Quahaug's hand until the time comes." He didn't want Exharme catching on, so soon.
Serenoa nodded thoughtfully as they went to get some rest and continue making preparations for the march to the Holy State Capital.
I hope this chapter was enjoyable. There's probably just going to be a few chapters left at this point.