Sorry for the delay. I lost a third of this chapter while writing and had to rewrite a portion of it.

Sorry for the short notice, but all of the play polls will be ending next Saturday, 1/11, at 10:00 PM GMT. If you haven't voted yet, make sure to vote before then. If you cannot vote in the polls, feel free to leave your vote in a comment and I will count it towards the final result. In the eventt of any ties I will use a randomizer again to choose the winner.

Chapter Four: Part Five

"I killed him."

Those three words kept echoing in Astraea's mind as she lay in bed. She hadn't gotten ready and was simply lying on the back in the center of her bed, staring at the ceiling. After a few moments she sat up. She drew her knees to her chest and looked down at her hand. Down at the True Wind Rune.

Before David could elaborate they were drawn away and back to the castle. She had wanted to know more; exactly what had happened that led to him killing the previous wielder of the Shining Rune. David had tried to speak, but the words seemed to choke him. When he responded, it was a chilling answer.

"It was the only thing I could do for him."

"What does that mean?" she wondered. She didn't know if she was asking the True Rune, or if she was asking herself. "Was he…trying to save the previous wielder of the Shining Rune?"

But she knew one thing for certain; whatever had led David to kill that person, it wasn't cold-blooded murder. She could tell from his mannerisms earlier that whatever had happened had traumatized David. And she knew deep down that someone like Vagabond Viktor would not have agreed to travel with and look out for David if he had killed someone to steal a True Rune for their own greed. But whatever had happened…David didn't want to fully talk about it.

Or…he can't fully talk about it.

Astraea shook her head and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Their discussion had been left unresolved. Even though it was late, she wanted to to resolve it now. "I'll go and see him," she said to herself.

She did not stop to get Dawa. She descended the stairs of her tower to the first floor of the castle. The great hall was dimly lit and silent. Viki was standing beside her mirror, swaying slightly back and forth. Astraea knew that she had to be asleep, though she was puzzled as to why the other girl didn't want a bedroom of her own and was simply content with guarding her mirror all the time.

But at least she looks comfortable.

She exited through the front doors and nodded to the soldiers who stood watch at the bottom of the stairs. "I'm going for a short walk," she told them. "I'll be back in five minutes."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the two soldiers chorused, saluting her.

Astraea was moved by their loyalty to her and she managed a smile as she left the castle and headed down the path towards the city. She didn't intend to travel far; only to David's house. She was glad for the recruits that they had gotten for the Reformation Army, as she now heard murmurs of activity coming from the city at all hours. It had been…unnerving, to say the least, when they had arrived and the city was so quietly. But slowly but surely the Old Capital was turning into a proper inhabited city.

The cream-colored two-story house with a red-brown tiled roof still had a glow of light from one of the first-story windows. Astraea was relieved, as it meant that David was awake. But a sudden nervousness rose inside her. She tried to shrug it off as she stepped up to the front door. She knocked three times. "David?" she called out.

Moments later the doorknob rattled and the door swung inward. David stood there looking surprised. "Your Majesty," he said, his eyes slightly wide. "Is everything all right? Please, come in!" he beckoned her inside.

"I don't mean to disturb you," Astraea told him. "And I won't be staying long. I just wanted to stop by and thank you for…telling me everything you did. And I want you to know that my view of you hasn't changed."

David's brow lifted. "It hasn't?"

"I'm not going to pretend to understand what happened to you," Astraea said. "But I know that you're not a cold-blooded killer, and I know that you didn't commit murder to get that Rune. I trust you when you say that it was something that you had to do."

David looked away for a moment. Astraea's eyes drifted to his left hand, which was resting on the doorframe. It was gloved, and she felt empathy that he still tried to hide the Shining Rune even in the privacy of his own residence.

Even when he's alone…he's scared.

"I appreciate your faith in me, Your Majesty," David said finally, looking at her. "But you should take care. We haven't known each other for long. There's…still a lot that you don't know about me."

Astraea smiled. "There's a lot you don't know about me, either. But that didn't stop you from pledging yourself to my cause, did it?"

David let out a soft breath. It almost sounded like a laugh. "That's true."

"That's all I wanted to say," Astraea said. "If there's more that you want to tell me later, let me know. But even without it, I trust you."

David nodded. "I appreciate that greatly, Your Majesty. Thank you."

An awkward silence followed for a brief moment. "It's late," Astraea said. "I won't disturb you anymore."

"You can come by and see me whenever you need to," David told her. He stepped outside. "No matter what time of day, for any reason. My door will always be open to you, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, David."

"Would you like me to walk you back?"

"I'll be fine. I managed to get here just fine by myself."

David choked on a laugh. "True. And you'd be looking out for me more than I would be looking out for you."

Astraea couldn't help but laugh. "Don't put it like that."

"But it's true, Your Majesty."

Astraea waved a hand. "Have a good night, David."

"Your Majesty?" he said suddenly. Astraea paused to look at him. David rubbed his nape with his right hand before continuing. "What we discussed today…it's not my place to ask you this, but…"

"You want me to keep this secret?" Astraea asked him.

"If your siblings or Lady Dawa asked about our discussion, then I won't object if you tell them," David said. "But I think it's best if as few people as possible know about this."

Astraea nodded. "I won't tell anyone besides them. I swear it, David."

David nodded in return. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Have a good night, and stay safe."

It was a short visit, but Astraea saw that David was still smiling when he reentered his house. As she walked back towards the castle, she realized that she was still smiling as well. She did feel better after speaking to him, and she hope that he felt better as well.

But he said the Shining Rune won't respond to him. That it didn't "choose" him. The True Wind Rune chose me though, and it responds when I call its spells. Then is the Shining Rune just…tolerating David?

"He is not worthy of its power."

The familiar voice caressed over her mind. Astraea stopped in her tracks and she looked down at her right hand. "Not worthy," she echoed. She looked back in the direction of David's house for a moment, and then looked down at her hand again. "He's not worthy…but the Shining Rune hasn't left him yet, has it?"

The True Wind Rune didn't respond to her. She sighed quietly and shook her head. "Okay," she murmured, more to herself than anything else.

Nothing was different when she returned to the castle, but when she ascended the stairs to her tower the door to Dawa's room opened as she past it. "Your Majesty?" her assist greeted her. "Is everything okay?"

"Of course it is," Astraea said. "I went for a short walk and spoke to David."

Dawa's brow rose in surprise. "So late, Your Majesty? And by yourself?"

"I needed to speak to him privately," Astraea said. "But he said I can tell you what the conversation was about."

"Is it dire?"

Astraea hesitated for a moment. "It was important," she said.

Dawa moved aside and gestured to her. "I'm available now if you would like to speak."

Astraea entered her bedroom. It wasn't as large as Astraea's but it had many personal touches that were distinctly Dawa. There was a large bed and a tea table in the center of the room. They both took a seat at the table and Astraea told her everything that David had told her. By the end Dawa had a look of shock on her face. "That boy has a True Rune?"

Astraea nodded. "The Shining Rune. Viktor and him have been trying to avoid Harmonia because of it."

Dawa was silent for a long moment. She slowly rose from her seat and approached the window. She hugged her arms before she spoke. "Are you sure you want that boy as an ally, Your Majesty?"

"What do you mean?" Astraea asked, standing up.

"David has made an enemy of Harmonia," Dawa told her. "He stole a Rune from them that is undoubtedly responsible for that country's wealth."

"He didn't steal the Shining Rune," Astraea said.

"But he nonetheless carries a True Rune on his body that sounds like creates riches," Dawa said. "Those gold bars he carries must have come from that Rune."

"The Shining Rune doesn't work for him. He cannot use it."

"But if it can create gold bars at will, then the Holy Kingdom will utilize every resource to get it back," Dawa said, her tone turning stern. "You said before that Harmonians landed on Zelant soil, did they not Your Majesty?"

Astraea sucked in a sharp breath. "A Bishop arrived on boat," she said. "But we don't know if he's still here."

"If Harmonia sent a Bishop after David Silverberg, then he's serious trouble," Dawa said. "And if Harmonia finds out that not only David has allied with us but he's also your Chief Strategist, it is likely they perceive the Reformation Army as a threat. They will see you as a threat, Your Majesty. Harmonia may send their forces to invade us. They may even ally their forces with King Franz to stand against you."

Astraea swallowed thickly. It was difficult to hear this but she knew that Dawa had a point. If the Shining Rune was responsible for the wealth of the Holy Kingdom, then it was certainly a True Rune they didn't want to lose. Any nation would want the Rune! If Harmonia truly found out what David was doing…would they take up arms against Astraea?

…Does it matter, though? Has Harmonia ever needed an excuse to invade and conquer?

"I understand your concern," Astraea said finally, meeting Dawa's gaze. "But I believe we'll be all right. David told me this in confidence, and he told me I could tell you and tell Sigrun and Denzel. He has pledged to help me, and I believe him. I don't…" she shook her head. "I don't want to cast him out, Dawa."

Dawa fell silent again. She glanced out the window and let out a sharp sigh. "We have no choice regardless, do we? His name is carved into that Tablet of Stars downstairs. Your victory is secured if he's by your side, isn't it?"

"And if you're by my side, too," Astraea said, taking one of her hands. "You're on the Tablet too, Dawa. And you're my assist. My sister. One of the people I trust most in this world. That's why I told you this. And I hope you understand that I also have faith in David…and I hope that you have faith in him as well."

Dawa managed a soft smile and ruffled Astraea's hair. "You are my chosen Queen, Your Majesty. Whatever decision you make, I will stand by you."

Astraea gave her a quick hug. "Thank you, Dawa."

"I will support you if you wish to tell Princess Sigrun and Prince Denzel. But I have a sensing feeling that they will not be as supportive of David staying on."

"I will convince them to have faith in him."

"I don't doubt it."

Astraea retreated back to her room. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked down at her right hand. "David has a True Rune. I have a True Rune. I wonder who has the other 25 True Runes in the world?"

The True Wind Rune didn't respond to her. Astraea's brow furrowed and she looked towards the ceiling. "If the Holy Kingdom is after David because of his True Rune…will they come after me as well?"

The familiar whisper brushed against her mind, startling her. But the single word it spoke sent a chill down her spine.

"Yes."

Astraea intended to speak to Sigrun and Denzel in private the following morning after breakfast, but as they were eating a shout came from the main hall of the castle. "A message came through with a Reiser stamp!" A shout came from the main hall.

Everyone snapped to attention and rushed to the great hall. One of their soldiers stood in the center, his eyes wide and holding an envelope. "This just came through, Your Majesty," he said. "A soldier claiming to serve directly under Prince Vahan came to the Old Capital's gate and handed it to us!"

Musashi surged forward and swiftly took the letter from him. He abruptly broke the seal and looked inside the envelope. "I see no poison powder nor smell poison," he said.

"Let's go to the war room and read the letter," Astraea said. "Call our allies to come as well."

A few minutes later she stood in the war room with Dawa, Sigrun, Denzel, David, Ferdinand, Musashi, Viktor, Richard, Brownie (who sat on the corner of the table), and Zerase. Astraea examined the letter, feeling a trembling in her hands but glad that it wasn't visibly noticeable. "…This is Vahan's handwriting," Astraea said softly.

"What does it say, Astraea?" Sigrun asked.

"May I, Your Majesty?" David asked. Astraea handed him the letter and he quickly scanned it. After a moment he announced, "Prince Vahan and Princess Philomena are marching towards us with Royal Army forces."

The room buzzed with shock. "So they're finally moving against us," Viktor sighed, shaking his head.

"What's the point of sending us a letter announcing that they're coming to attack us?" Denzel asked.

"It looks like Prince Vahan seeks a conference," David said, looking at Astraea. "He wants you to come back to the mainland tomorrow morning for a peace conference."

Astraea nodded. "He wants to see all of us. Sigrun, Denzel, and I."

"It's a trap," Zerase said bluntly. She seemed annoyed to be there.

"That…certainly sounds like a trap," Viktor said uneasily.

"That's not Vahan's style, though," Sigrun spoke up. "Brendan and Kion would be more inclined to spring traps under false pretenses. Vahan has always been more direct."

"Too direct," Denzel said, smiling wistfully.

"I have never fought alongside Prince Vahan on the battlefield, but we shouldn't forget that he sided with the King against Her Majesty," Richard said softly. "Would he be the type to spring an ambush if it meant to avoid bloodshed?"

Astraea kept her eyes on the letter. Both Sigrun and Richard made excellent points. Vahan would not have offered a peace conference if he didn't intend for it to be a peace conference. But at the same time, Vahan thrived on practicality when it came to battle. He also cared a great deal for the soldiers who served directly under his command. Though dying in glory on the battlefield was par the course for citizens of Zelant, Vahan wasn't one to sacrifice the lives of his soldiers needlessly.

Does he mean it? Does he want to meet in peace? Or is he looking to capture me?

"It looks like Princess Philomena will also be attending this conference," David said.

"Then it's a genuine conference," Denzel said, throwing up his hands. "Philomena is the King's favorite. Vahan wouldn't risk her life unnecessarily if he intended to use a peace conference as an ambush."

"That is assuming that the person who currently rules this country wouldn't sacrifice any of his spawn to maintain power," Zerase said. "Is he not taking arms against you? His own daughter?" her cold gaze landed upon Astraea as she said this.

Viktor made a face. "You're not one for warmth, are you lady?"

Zerase glared at him. "If my words hurt this girl's feelings, then perhaps she is not fit to be Queen."

The room shifted with discontent at her disrespect. "Everyone," Astraea said, raising her hand. The room calm. She narrowed her eyes at Zerase. "Don't talk to me that way again. I'm open to feedback but not to insults."

Zerase pressed her lips together, but she said nothing more.

"We have two options as to how to respond to this conference request," David said, raising the letter. "We either accept the invitation and go out to meet Prince Vahan and Princess Philomena—or we treat it as a threat and ready our soldiers to engage." He looked to Astraea. "How shall we respond, Your Majesty?"

"If we ignore the conference and ready our forces for a war battle, we will have more time to plan our move," Richard said.

"But if Vahan and Philomena are reaching out with peaceful intentions, then engaging aggressively first will cause irreparable consequences later," Sigrun said.

"And if we go to the conference, we risk an ambush," Denzel said. "Or gaining peace from Vahan and Philomena. Or nothing changing, and us engaging them on the battlefield anyway."

"But if you make the effort for peace now, then it might make a difference later," Viktor said thoughtfully. He stroked his chin and looked towards the ceiling. "This is a conundrum, isn't it?"

"Do you even know what that word means?" Zerase asked.

"Oi—"

"Enough," David said sharply. The room fell silent once more. He looked at Astraea. "We will follow your lead, Your Majesty. Do we go to this conference and risk ambush…or do we prepare for battle now and engage?"

Astraea took the letter back from him and looked down at it. She was never close to either Vahan and Philomena. They both had made efforts to improve their relationship with Astraea after they thought she was dead, but she had never felt like someone who…mattered to them. No matter how much she loved her brother and sister, she had never received that love back.

They chose Father over me. Now they're preparing for battle against me. This peace conference…is it truly real?

She closed her eyes and let out a low breath. Both options in front of her seemed risky. But deep down…she knew what she needed to do.

Astraea opened her eyes and set the letter down on the table. She looked around the room, meeting everyone's eyes, and announced her decision.

"We're going to the conference."

Before the sun rose the following morning Astraea set out with Dawa, Sigrun, Denzel, Ferdinand, and Musashi. David stayed behind to ready the troops for any scenarios. "If it's an ambush, we'll come straight away," he said. "And if the peace talks fail then the soldiers will be ready for battle."

"If there's an ambush or the peace talks fail, I'll use the Blinking Mirror to come back here," Astraea said.

"Let me come with you, nin mel!" Brownie cheered, flying around the group.

Denzel choked loudly on a laugh. Astraea glared at him before looking at Brownie. "I have a full party already, Brownie. I'll be all right."

"Can I be in your support party, nin mel?" Brownie asked, growing big. "I can use my Dust to get you out of a tricky situation! I could even shrink your enemies!"

"Didn't you say you couldn't leave the Old Capital?" Sigrun asked, her brow furrowing.

"I don't recall saying that!" Brownie protested.

"You said it when we thought 300 soldiers were invading us," Denzel said.

"Oh that? That was so I could defend the city!"

It didn't sound like it made sense to Astraea but she decided not to argue. "I'll keep you in my support party, okay?"

"Hooray!" Brownie cheered, doing a backflip and shrinking once more.

"Keep your fiancé safe, okay?" Denzel teased. Astraea reached between the gaps of his armor and pinched him hard in the side.

They left the Old Capital for the main island. They entered the Forest of Sighs, at the intersection that split between the path towards Giant's Passage and the Lycanthrope Clan, Brownie suddenly perked up. "Did you hear that?" he announced, his tone uneasy.

The group paused and looked around. Astraea heard the wind and nothing else. But she didn't dismiss Brownie's concerns. "What did you hear?" she asked.

Instead of answering, Brownie took off flying down the path leading to where the werewolves lived. A trail of dust glittering in the waning darkness. "Brownie!" Astraea hissed.

The group took off after Brownie, and after a few moments they reached the clearing right before where the werewolves lived. Astraea saw Brownie (still small) floating in the middle of the clearing and she approached the Pixie. He was facing west and he pointed with his finger. "I heard it. Over there."

Astraea still couldn't hear anything, but she decided to investigate it anyway. She approached the grove of trees, keeping her footsteps slow and careful. Brownie floated behind her, his breathing unsteady.

The werewolf—Trofim—he fell over here when I hit him with the True Wind Rune. What else is lurking over here?

Astraea reached the trees and leaned in close. It was still dark but she saw some minor damage to the forest. A few centimeters in front of herself however…she saw a bed of white flowers. Undisturbed.

Brownie flew past her and over the bed of flowers. He circled the bed once before he cried out in shock. "By the spirits!" He suddenly threw Dust into the air, and the area suddenly became illuminated with light. Astraea saw that he stood on the sepal of one of the flowers. And above him, inside the petals of the same flower Astraea saw a tiny form. It looked like a girl with a green dress, green pointed hat, and a tuff of short brown hair. Astraea gasped in shock. "A Pixie!"

Brownie jumped back up into the air, hovering above the other Pixie. "She looks unwell," he said softly. "Forest Pixies thrive in the forest, though—" he shrieked and slapped both hands against his cheeks. He looked at Astraea. "A House Pixie! She must be a House Pixie!"

Astraea swallowed hard. She reached for the Pixie but stopped with her hands above her. "If she's a House Pixie she needs a home, right?"

Brownie nodded. "I—House Pixies can make a home with Forest Pixies, but Forest Pixies don't like us. But if House Pixies can't find a home…"

"I'll give her a home," Astraea promised. She carefully scooped the female Pixie into her hands and stood up. She returned to the group, Brownie trailing behind her. "What did you find, Astraea?" Sigrun asked.

"Her," Astraea said, showing the group the Pixie.

"Another Pixie?" Denzel asked.

The Pixie in her hands suddenly stirred. The group jumped slightly and Brownie flew down into Astraea's palms, kneeling beside her. "Are you all right? My fiancée is saving you."

The female opened her eyes, revealing big amber ones. Her eyes were slightly glazed. She looked weakened but her expression filled with shock when she saw Brownie. "…A House Pixie?" she whispered.

"That's right!" Brownie cheered. "I'm Brownie and I'm a House Pixie too! I'm so glad to meet you! I was afraid that there was no one else left!"

The female Pixie looked around wearily, but then her eyes fell upon Astraea. "…A human?"

Astraea forced a smile. "Hello, Miss. My name is Astraea Reiser. May I ask what your name is?"

"Donauwelle," she said after a moment.

"That's a lovely name. I'm very pleased to meet you."

"This is my fiancée," Brownie told Donauwelle. Donauwelle's brow lifted in surprise and Brownie chuckled softly. "You'll know how wonderful she is when you get to know her."

"You're…going to marry a human?" Donauwelle asked.

"Ah—" Astraea began.

"But how did you get here?" Brownie asked Donauwelle.

"…My house was burned down," Donauwelle said softly. "I couldn't find another home, and I couldn't find any more House Pixies, so tried to find the Forest Pixies. But I couldn't find them either."

"I'm so sorry to hear that," Astraea said. "Why don't you come to the Old Capital? You can have a home there?"

Donauwelle looked at her. "Really? I can?"

"I would be happy to share the Old Capital with other House Pixies," Brownie said, positively beaming. "You're more than welcome!"

Tears filled Donauwelle's eyes. She began to cry, her voice squeaky as she held her hands against her face. "I—It's been so long since I had a home! Thank you so much! How can I ever repay you?"

Astraea's smile brightened. "Get better. And if you would like to assist my Army, then that would be fine too."

Donauwelle quickly nodded and smiled through her tears. "If you can give me a home…I would gladly help you!"

"Then I'm happy to have you."

"So now we have two Pixies," Denzel observed.

"Can this one repair that bridge, too?" Musashi wondered.

When they reached Giant's Passage, Brownie and Donauwelle flew on ahead. When they reached the wide gap with the narrow walkway, they combined their powers together. The two sections of the bridge began to glow, and suddenly the walkway widened ever so slightly. Now it was large enough for two people to walk side by side.

"Thank you both," Astraea said to them.

"This should help us for now," Dawa said. "If invading forces try to come for us, this will delay them."

"But it will also delay our forces as well," Sigrun said.

"Let's just get this over with," Denzel sighed.

They crossed Giant's Passage and headed north towards the meeting place for the "peace conference". Vahan had proposed that they meet in a field, without their forces and without the King present. Astraea knew that this was why there was apprehension for it being an ambush, but she had already pledged to meet Vahan and Philomena. She wouldn't back down.

After walking for some time, they suddenly encountered two Royal Army soldiers. Astraea recognized them as being part of Vahan's unit, and in the moment she realized that the soldiers who had defected wear also still wearing the black armor of the Royal Army.

I'll need to speak to Erment about crafting armor in a different color. Definitely not white or gold.

"A-Astraea Resier," one of the soldiers greeted her. They both almost saluted the rebellious royals but quickly lowered their hands. "P…Please follow us. Their Highnesses are waiting for you."

Astraea felt her heart in her throat, but she followed them with her group. After walking for a little bit more time, she saw a long table in the middle of the field. A white canopy hung over the table, and seated on one side of the table…were Vahan and Philomena. With Kerime and Aravine standing behind their respective charges.

It was surreal and painful seeing her two siblings. When she last saw them they had drawn their weapons against her. Her vision blurred briefly but she blinked to clear it. Her footsteps didn't hesitate as they approached the table, though her throat tightened as they drew closer. Finally she reached the table. There were three chairs in front of them. Astraea stood in front of the chair in the center. Sigrun stood in front of the chair to her left, and Denzel in front of the chair to her right.

Neither Vahan nor Philomena moved to stand. Philomena wore a melancholy expression but Vahan's face was an emotionless mask. "I'm glad you all came," he said. He motioned to the chairs. "Please sit."

Astraea knew in that moment that it wasn't an ambush. She took the center seat, Sigrun the left, and Denzel the right. Dawa, Ferdinand, and Musashi stood behind their charges, their expressions stern and their postures guarded. Astraea folded her arms in the table. "Vahan. Philomena." She couldn't hide the emotions from her voice upon saying their names. "I challenged Father to Royal Combat. This is between me and him, and not either of you."

Vahan leaned his elbows on the table, holding Astraea's gaze. "We have 500 soldiers at our disposal," he said. "And we are prepared to invade your stronghold and crush your forces. All three of you should know that you do not stand a chance against the Royal Army."

"Says you," Denzel said with a snort.

Philomena choked on a short laugh. Vahan gave her a look before looking back at Astraea. "We're giving you this chance to sue for peace. And to avoid more unnecessary bloodshed. If you surrender yourself to my custody, I will ensure that you will be brought back to Blutkrieger safely to face trial."

"And you believe it will be a fair trial?" Sigrun scoffed.

"I think this has gone on far too long," Vahan continued, ignoring Sigrun. "This is tearing the country apart, Astraea. Do you really want to throw Zelant into a civil war when in the middle of conflict with another country?"

Astraea frowned. "I didn't start this, Vahan. Father did."

"Father wouldn't—" Philomena protested.

"Do you both honestly believe that I would plan the Massacre of Innocents?" Astraea asked. She couldn't hide the hurt from her voice. "That I would kill my own siblings? And everyone else?"

"What about the damage to the Great Hall?" Philomena asked.

"I was acting to protect Sigrun and Denzel. You would have killed them. All of you would have."

Philomena remained silent. Vahan pressed on. "Surrender, Astraea. You're not going to win this. You won't defeat the Royal Army and you won't defeat His Majesty in Royal Combat. This—posturing you're doing is going to get a lot of people killed. You're going to get Sigrun and Denzel killed. Do you really want that on your conscience?"

"Don't bring my name into it," Denzel said sharply, folding his arms over his chest.

"I'm looking out for you as your Big Brother," Vahan retorted.

Denzel scoffed. "That's news to me."

"And I'm saying as your Big Sister," Sigrun snapped, leaning forward and jabbing her finger into the table. "That I would gladly lay down my life for Astraea. I believe in her, as the both of you should."

Both Vahan and Philomena looked at her. Astraea could see the weight her words had, as Sigrun was the older sister to all of them. Vahan looked back at Astraea. "I'm a Big Brother to you, and Philomena is a Big Sister to you. You need to listen to us. Sue for peace. Put an end to this nonsense, Astraea. Now before it's too late."

Astraea ducked her head. After a moment she spoke. "It's already too late, Vahan. It was too late when I found out that Father planned the Massacre of Innocents."

Vahan abruptly stood, almost knocking his chair over. Astraea looked up and saw the anger in his eyes. "Then we will fight," he rasped. "And we will crush you and crush all your allies." He looked at Philomena. "Let's go and prepare our forces." Then he stormed off, Kerime trailing behind him.

Philomena stammered, her gaze shifting between Vahan's retreating back and Astraea. After a few moments she stood up and ran after Vahan with Aravine following.

"Well, that went well," Denzel sighed, shaking his head.

"You know what this means now, don't you Astraea?" Sigrun said to her.

Astraea nodded soberly. "Now…we fight on the battlefield."

Several meters away, three people stood together. They watched the four leave the table and hurry off. Dios looked at his comrades with a grim expression. "There's going to be a war battle," he said. "We need to go."

Pilika looked at Sasarai. "Do you still sense it, Bishop?"

"…I cannot say," Sasarai said after a moment. His brow furrowed. "I felt it this way. But…"

He knew the power. The True Wind Rune. The Rune that he had held. Luc. His…brother.

But he didn't see Luc amongst the faces he saw from the meeting they had observed. He knew he had felt the power of the True Wind Rune from the south, but he saw no sight of Luc. Where was he?

I thought he was dead. But I know the power of the True Wind Rune. Luc…he had that Rune his whole life. The same as me.

Sasarai pressed his left hand over the back of his right hand. He saw the group of six leave the table and canopy and walk away. At the center of the group was a young woman dressed in red. There was something…peculiar about her.

"Bishop," Dio said, his tone urgent. "We should leave before these forces clash."

Sasarai nodded. "There is a town to the west. We will go there." He spared a glance towards the group and the girl once more before they hurried off.

Maybe she knows where he is.

Recruits: Donauwelle