Sorry for the delay, I fell sick this weekend. I hate falling sick before holidays, especially Christmas.

Chapter Four: Part Two

"Who will you take with you in your active party, Your Majesty?" David asked.

"I'm coming," Dawa insisted.

"We know," Denzel said amusedly.

Astraea looked around the room for a moment before looking back at David. "I need four more people to complete my party, so I'll bring Sigrun, Ferdinand, Lord Richard, and Viki with me this time."

"Aww Astraea, you're so cruel to leave me behind!" Denzel wailed, pretending to sob as he hugged her from behind. "How could you abandon your Big Brother like that?!"

"You'll manage," Sigrun scolded him, though she appeared to be smiling against her will. "When would you like to leave, Astraea?"

"It's still early, so let's head out now," Astraea said. "After I meet with Mahihkan, I'll start off with the nearest town to look for recruits."

Sigrun immediately sobered. "Astraea. The closest town to us is Alfsberg to the west. That's Lord Reilly's lordship seat."

Astraea grimaced. Lord Reilly Krieger was the father of Darko. Astraea remembered seeing Darko fall during the Massacre of Innocents, and she knew that Reilly had loved his son dearly. And she knew that if Sarka had believed in the lies about her…then so did Reilly.

"I know," she said after a moment. "But I can't tiptoe around the cities of Zelant. If I'm able to best the King—"

"When you're able to best the King," David corrected her.

Astraea smiled reflexively when he said that. "When I best the King, I want to show that I'm not afraid. I want the people to see me. So even if it's risky, I will go to Alfsberg. If Lord Reilly wants to challenge, I will meet him head-on. And I will tell him the truth of what happened to his son."

"Then it's even better for you to stay home, Prince," Viktor said amusedly. "When people look for Her Majesty, they will be expecting her brother and sister to be with here. Fewer royals together will draw less attention."

"Everyone is here whom you chose for the active party, Your Majesty," David said. "Feel free to set out whenever you like. I will be here for you to speak with when you are finished with your recruitment quest."

"Thank you, David." Astraea nodded to the group. "Is everyone ready?"

"Whenever you are, Astraea," Sigrun said.

"I am," Ferdinand said.

"I haven't been Aifsberg in a while," Richard mused. "I'll distract Lord Reilly if need be."

"I-I'm ready," Viki said.

"I'm ready," Dawa said more assertively.

"Oh, before you go," David said, hurrying to a table along the west wall. A large bag was resting there, and Astraea realized that it was the bag that David kept the dragon egg he had purchased. "Just in case, take this with you."

"All right." Astraea swung the bag across her body.

"I'll walk you guys to the city gates, at least," Denzel sighed dramatically.

Everyone began to file out of the war room and down the stairs. David lingered to clean up the table. Viktor lingered to speak to him. "You're awfully chummy with the future queen," Viktor observed.

"I pledged myself to her service," David said, glancing up briefly. "And I'm the Tenki Star. Traditionally they are the Chief Strategist to the Tenkai Star. I need to support her."

"You don't have any true military experience, though," Viktor pointed out. "Only scholarly experience."

David shrugged. "We all start out somewhere."

"Just be careful," Viktor said. "We're not from here. We don't have a personal stake in what goes on in this country. When people find out that you are a primary advisor to Her Majesty, they may interpret it as a foreigner interfering in the politics of this country."

David shrugged again. "Albert's not from here either, and he's the chief advisor to King Franz."

"…Good point," Viktor conceded. "But be careful with how you conduct yourself, kid. If you keep agreeing with every decision she makes, you'll look like less of an advisor and more of a "yes-man"."

David laughed softly and shook his head. "Viktor. A commander and strategist need to be in public agreement at all times. It shows stability at the top of the chain of command. I will challenge her in private, but I will never challenge her in front of her subordinates. If I challenge her publicly, then it will imply that I have no faith in her. That I question her judgment. That will make everyone else question her judgment."

Viktor nodded thoughtfully. "Now you sound like Mathiu."

"I appreciate it."

Astraea was thankful that they didn't run into any rogues on the road, nor in the Forest of Sighs, but it was strange how much…stronger the monsters of the island seemed since she claimed the Old Capital. But she had a strong group and they all held their own.

When they reached the clearing before the werewolf village, Astraea saw two familiar werewolves standing to attention. She knew them to be Trofim and Ulrica. When the group approached, thankfully instead of attacking both werewolves reached up and touched their foreheads. Their bodies glowed, and they resumed their human forms. She recognized Trofim, with his dark shaggy hair and intense eyes, but it was the first time she saw Ulrica. Astraea was shocked to see a woman who looked to be in her late twenties, covered from head to toe in black, heavy clothing. She had a black hood covering what appeared to be short silver hair, and intense brown eyes. Dark shadows surrounded her eyes and they narrowed at the group. But the rest of her face was covered with a black scarf.

But was…strange. Though she was a werewolf, Astraea didn't see the Rabid Fang Rune visible on her forehead.

"Good morning," Astraea called to them. "May I see Mahihkan, please? I wish I speak with him?"

Trofim looked at her for a long moment before glancing at Ulrica. "I'll stay here. You go and get Mahihkan."

Ulrica glared at the group for a long moment before turning to leave. Astraea stepped forward. "Excuse me!"

Ulrica paused, but didn't turn around. "I'm glad to see you're okay," Astraea said. "I'm sorry I hurt you—you both," she said, looking to Trofim. "But I only wanted to protect my people."

Ulrica didn't say anything, but she lingered a moment before hurrying off.

"We understand, Your Highness," Trofim said softly.

"Your Majesty," Sigrun spoke up. "Astraea has challenged the King to Royal Combat."

Trofim's eyes widened. "…You want us to join you, don't you?" It wasn't an accusatory tone but it also wasn't an enthusiastic tone.

Astraea nodded. "That's why I would like to speak to your Alpha."

A few moments later Mahihkan appeared down the path, Ulrica trailing behind him. Mahihkan had a tense expression on his face. "Your Majesty. Hundreds of humans passed through the Forest of Sighs recently and caused a disturbance. Can you explain, please?"

Astraea was surprised that he knew to call her "Your Majesty" so quickly. Before she said anything Mahihkan reached up and rubbed one of his earlobes. "I heard your correction to Trofim."

"I apologize for the disturbance," Astraea said. "But they are my allies joining my cause. I'm challenging King Franz to Royal Combat—"

"And you want to recruit us," Mahihkan finished for her.

"…Yes," Astraea said. "I want to make an alliance with your clan."

"I must decline," Mahihkan said. "I have been involved in wars in the past. I've experienced victories and losses. Now all that matters to me is the preservation of my people. We would much rather be left alone, Your Majesty."

"We are willing to leave you alone," Richard pointed out. "Do you think King Franz would do the same?"

"He has done nothing so far. But he will certainly do something if we ally with you."

"I—" Astraea began.

"I already suffered once watching my people die needlessly," Mahihkan said tersely. "My people, my family—scores of peaceful werewolves who were simply trying to survive—slaughtered by an evil witch. It has taken me years to build this community. Years to save many more people afflicted with the werewolf curse and bring them together. I will do nothing to endanger this community. I wish you all the best Your Majesty, but I only seek to coexist with you on this island. Nothing more."

Astraea was disheartened, but she understood his perspective. She knew pushing it would not make a difference. Not at this time, at least. "I understand, Mahihkan. We will leave you alone, and I will ensure that any future allies I bring into my Army leaves you alone as well."

Mahihkan nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty. If I may be frank—I think you would make a fine Queen for Zelant. But you need to be prepared. Before you challenge the King, make sure you are ready."

"I will."

Dawa stepped forward and saluted. "You saved my life, Sir. I am in your debt, and I intend to fulfill that debt someday."

Mahihkan looked at her. "That is unnecessary. Consider your debt repaid with your efforts to get rid of the undead werewolf."

"I can't accept that," Dawa said. "I will repay you. I don't know how at this time, but I will do it. I swear to it."

"…As you wish," Mahihkan said. "But for now please leave us in peace."

Astraea said nothing as he turned and walked away. Ulrica retook her spot, her face still hard. "We cannot let you pass, Your Majesty," Trofim said, though his tone was now apologetic.

"I understand," Astraea said. "I won't come back unless the situation is extremely dire."

Trofim nodded. Then his body glowed and the Rabid Fang Rune symbol rose into the air. He resumed his werewolf form.

When Ulrica's body glowed, though…it was different. The rune symbol that rose into the air wasn't the Rabid Fang Rune. The symbol looked like a black ball, but…at the very top of the ball was a thin arch of light. Too small to be a crescent moon, but still very luminous. She still transformed into a werewolf, but her rune was very different from Trofim.

That wasn't the Rabid Fang Rune, and Mahihkan has the True Rune that's responsible for the existence of werewolves. Mahihkan said werewolves will go feral without the Rabid Fang Rune, but…what rune does Ulrica have?

She knew from the woman's glare and her stony silence that she would not be forthcoming with giving her any information. So Astraea left it alone and she departed the clearing with her group.

After leaving the Forest of Sighs the group headed for Giant's Passage. The bridge was minimally prepared and they could slowly cross it. Due to the unkempt state of the bridge there were minimal monsters inhabiting it.

When they reached the gap which had the small walkway, Astraea was stunned to see a familiar face. "Hello, Your Highness!"

"Pete!" Ferdinand shouted, waving his arm.

The item shopkeeper from Triona waved his own arm and hurried towards them across the walkway. Astraea saw that he was carrying several bags with him. "I'm so pleased to see you again," Astraea greeted him.

"Once word went out about your Royal Combat challenge, I decided to come and look for you," Pete said. "I figured they would find out eventually that I helped you, so it was best for me to bail. I'm not a soldier, but if you need someone to set up an item shop at your headquarters I can do it!"

"That would help us a lot," Richard said with a laugh.

"I've taken over the Old Capital," Astraea said, pointing back the way we came. "If you would like to join my cause, you're welcome to set up shop there."

"Hey, if Viktor has faith in you then so will." Pete craned his neck and looked around. "Ah, where is Viktor? He's not one to sit out fights."

Astraea quickly sobered and looked at Sigrun. Her older sister's face twisted in pain. Astraea swallowed thickly, knowing that she needed to be the one to tell him. "Actually…"

Pete was stunned to hear that Viktor had lost his right arm. Thankfully though he didn't look accusatory. "That sucks," he said, rubbing his nape. "He's a natural survivor though so I know he'll manage. He hasn't been complaining too much, has he?"

"He's taken it better than most would in his situation," Ferdinand said.

"Well if Viktor can still have faith in you after all that, then I see no reason not to as well," Pete said. "My offer still stands. Would you like me to join you?"

Astraea smiled and shook his hand. "Welcome to the Reformation Army, Pete."

"Great! I'll go and hurry and set up! My shop should be up and running by the time you come back!" He started to move past them, but then paused and looked at Viki. "You look familiar to me. Do I know you?"

"Ah…probably?" Viki answered meekly.

"Oh, and—there's a gentleman on the other side of the bridge," Pete told Astraea. "He was writing on this large piece of parchment and he was muttering something about a map."

"A map?" Astraea looked at her group in confusion before looking back at him. "I'll speak with him, then. Thank you."

"Anytime."

Pete headed towards the Forest of Sighs. "Should we let him go?" Ferdinand wondered.

"He'll be okay," Richard said. "Fresh recruits usually don't face hassles on the road."

"Right," Viki confirmed.

The group continued on, crossing Giant's Passage and reaching the main island of Zelant. To the left of the bridge she saw a man in his late twenties, wearing a blue yukata with long honey-blonde hair. His head was bent over a large pieces of parchment in his left hand and he was scribbling onto it with his right. Astraea approached him. "Can I help you, Sir?"

The man glanced at her, his eyes dark and determined. "That bridge appears to be repaired. What's on the other side?"

"Werewolves," Dawa said.

"And the Old Capital," Astraea added.

"Hmm." The man looked towards the bridge. "I haven't been able to complete my map of Zelant because I've not been able to explore that island. Did you repair the bridge?"

"Actually Brownie did," Astraea said. "But he's one of my allies."

The man nodded. "I would like to go and see the island. To complete my map."

"Why don't you join me?" Astraea offered him. "The small island is dangerous. It will be safe for you to stay in the Old Capital while you finish your map."

The man gave it a lot of thought. After a moment he nodded and offered a hand to Astraea. "I owe you for fixing the bridge. My name is Haruna. I've come from a long lineage of mapmakers. I'll be happy to assist you."

Astraea accepted his handshake. "Thank you."

"And here." Haruna reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded page. "I made a smaller travel map of this main island. You can use it while you travel." He gave it to her.

"I appreciate that, thank you."

"Now to explore the small island." Haruna hurried off towards Giant's Passage.

"That was…easy," Sigrun said. "Too easy."

"He seemed rather eager to join us just because of his map," Dawa agreed.

"You'll find people ready to join you for all number of reasons," Richard said.

With the aid of Haruna's map, the group was able to reach Alfsberg by early afternoon. It was modest-sized town, roughly the same size as Triona, but it had high walls to rival Honigmilch. "Lord Reilly compensates for his large ego," Sigrun mused.

A group of travelers were heading into Alfsberg, and Astraea and her group were able to file in behind them and blend in. The guards at the gates didn't give them a second glance, though she caught snippets of conversation

"—Really gone?"

"Where did Lord Reilly go?"

Lord Reilly isn't in the city? Astraea was surprised but she was also relieved. It meant that they wouldn't face any problems navigating the city.

Alfsberg was a bustling town and people milled about doing their own business. No one gave Astraea a second glance, which surprised her. Most seemed apprehensive about the situation going on in Zelant.

"Why is the King focusing on the Princess?"

"What about the Alliance?"

"They're blockading us!"

"Will Lord Reilly be all right?"

It was reassuring to Astraea at least that not everyone saw her as the enemy.

They reached the market district, where all the shops were located, and one person caught Astraea's eyes. It was a woman in her twenties with an elaborate outfit of blue. She had bronze complexion and blue hair covered by a blue headscarf. She wore a blue tank top and blue baggy pants. Her head was tilted up and she was looking at an armor shop with wide eyes. Astraea approached her cautiously. "Do you need help, Miss?"

The woman glanced at her peculiarly. "I had heard the Old Capital of the Kingdom of Zelant had a magnificent castle, but this castle is not as magnificent as I imagined."

Astraea stared at her blankly for a long moment. She looked towards the shop and then back at her. "Ah…this isn't the castle of Old Capital. That's an armor shop. W-We're not even in the Old Capital right now. This is Alfsberg."

"Oh. Really?" The woman glanced at the shop again.

"Ah, why were you looking for the Old Capital?" Astraea asked her.

The woman looked at her again. "My name is Fajr. I make scrolls. I was rejected to open a shop in Blutkrieger. I felt the Old Capital would be ideal to open my shop."

"I…see," Astraea said slowly.

"Miss, were you aware that the Old Capital was abandoned until recently?" Sigrun asked her.

Fajr shrugged. "It is not abandoned now, is it?"

Sigrun's brow rose, but she had no further argument.

Astraea hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should tell Fajr where the Old Capital was or lie. Ultimately she decided to be honest. "The Old Capital is to the southeast," Astraea said, pointing south of their position. "Cross the bridge, travel south through the Forest of Sighs, and you will reach the Old Capital."

"Thank you so much for your help," Fajr said, bowing to Astraea. "I will head to the Old Capital now!" She promptly turned on her heel and walked away. Heading north of their position.

"Hey, wait!" Dawa shouted after her. "You're going in the wrong direction!" Fajr didn't pause and didn't look back.

"I…don't think she's going to find her way," Ferdinand said.

"We'll probably see her again," Richard said.

"She seems…familiar to me," Viki said thoughtfully.

"You met her before, Viki?" Astraea asked.

Viki shook her head. "No…not her, specifically."

Astraea decided not to press it. Her eyes fell upon a nearby rune shop and she smiled. "I want to see if they have a healing rune. Can we stop in there?"

"You're our leader, Little Sister," Sigrun said teasingly. "It's your decision."

The group entered the run shop, and Astraea was surprised to suddenly feel at ease. An incredibly beautiful woman was standing behind the counter. She had long silver hair tied in a high ponytail, intense silver eyes, and an elaborate but rather revealing white dress. She smiled and waved to the group. "Hello, Princess Astraea!"

Astraea stopped dead in her tracks, and Dawa, Sigrun and Ferdinand all stopped and went stiff. Viki however tilted her head quizzically and Richard's brow furrowed. "Wait. Do I know her?"

"Come, come, come right in Your Highness," the runemistress beckoned to them, gesturing with them with beautifully manicured hands. Astraea found herself walking deeper into the shop, though her heart was in her heart. "How can I help you today?"

"…Do you have a Water Rune for sale?" Astraea asked.

"Yes, I do. Would you like one attached to your hand?"

"Yes, please." Astraea took the glove off her left hand and set it on the counter.

"Do you have any other runes attached?" Jeane sank underneath the counter and set a glass bead on the counter. Astraea knew it to be the Water Rune. "Like, say, a True Rune perhaps?"

She said it around the a laugh, but Astraea was immediately on edge. Ferdinand swiftly locked the door to the shop and Astraea clenched her fist. "How did you know about that?!"

The runemistress looked up in confusion. "Hmm? I thought that was common knowledge. You did sink an entire warship with one rune spell, after all…"

Astraea felt the blood rush to her head. She suddenly felt very embarrassed. "I…ah—"

"I heard about it and I'm familiar with the magic," the runemistress continued, shaking her head as she bent over her work. "The True Wind Rune. The last person who had it was a surly boy. But you're much more cheerful, Princess. As princesses should be."

Astraea gaped at her in shock. "You…knew Luc?"

The rune mistress looked up quickly when she said the name. Now she was no longer acting playful. "You know of him, Your Highness?"

"Ah! I remember you!" Richard shouted, snapping his fingers and pointing to the runemistress. "Jeane! You dyed your hair!"

"Oh, do you mean my time in Falena?" Her smile relaxed a little. "You served in the Loyalist Army, then? And I see Viki is here as well."

"Hi," Viki said, waving.

"You all seem to know each other," Sigrun said warily.

Jeane finished affixing the Water Rune to Astraea's left hand. "There we go, Your Highness. Is this the part where you ask me to join you?"

Astraea's brow lifted in surprise. Jeane shrugged. "I had an inkling when you walked through the door. I'm very disappointed that after everything that happened…that it all turned out like this. But there's no point in complaining is there? All we can do is move forward."

"So you want to set up a rune shop for me?" Astraea asked.

"Sure, of course. It's what I do best. And I'm not half-bad at fighting, though I prefer to avoid it. So…would you have me?"

The way Jeane spoke seemed very ambiguous, and she was so mysterious. But somehow…Astraea felt that she could rely on her. She nodded and held out her hand for a handshake. "Welcome to the Reformation Army."

Jeane smiled serenely and accepted it. "Thank you."

"We should be cautious with easily accepting recruits," Dawa whispered to Astraea

"We need as many allies as we can get," Astraea whispered back. "And if she's one of the 108 Stars of Destiny—"

"I've been a Star of Destiny many times over," Jeane said as she turned away from the counter. "So it works out."

The door behind the counter suddenly burst open, and a young woman with short green hair, intense blue eyes, and a fur-lined long-sleeved green dress burst into the main room holding a clipboard. "Miss Jeane," she said briskly. "I have no idea who's been doing your inventory, but I have never seen—"

"Janna!" Astraea cried out. The young woman stiffened and her eyes widened in shock as Astraea raced around the counter to her side. "Janna! It's you, isn't it?"

"P…Princess Astraea?" Janna breathed, her eyes still wide. They darted around the room and she gasped. "P-Princess Sigrun! A-And Lady Dawa?!"

"One of our half-sisters," Sigrun said, smiling sincerely as she came around the counter to join them. "Janna? I'd heard you've been vault-keeping."

"A-Ah, yes," Janna said, rubbing her hair. "Miss Jeane hired me to help her with her inventory."

"Thank you for your services but they are no longer needed," Jeane told her blithely. "I am joining Princess Astraea's Reformation Army and will be opening a shop for her."

Janna quickly looked at Jeane and then at Astraea. She gasped softly and hugged her clipboard to her chest. "So…it's true? You challenged the King to Royal Combat?"

Astraea squared her shoulders and nodded. "I did."

"Please!" Janna reached out and grabbed her sleeve. "Your Highness—the King cancelled my allowance!"

"WHAT?!" Astraea, Sigrun, and Dawa exclaimed.

"That's why I'm doing inventory work," Janna said. "I need money! Mother died, and when that happened I got a letter of disinheritance!"

"Your mother died?!" Astraea threw her arms around Janna. "I'm so sorry!"

"She died the same day the news of the Massacre of Innocents came out, so I didn't get any condolences. B-But after her funeral I was formally denied as a royal bastard, and I was cut off financially!"

"I had no idea," Astraea said, pulling away from her.

"You were preoccupied with being framed for the Massacre, Astraea," Sigrun reminded her.

"So I've been picking up extra work because vault-keeping doesn't pay very well," Janna said miserably. "But Princess—you know me! You were so happy to see me! And Princess Sigrun, you called me sister! You both still see me as a sister!" She choked on a sob and buried her face in her hand.

"This has become very dramatic," Jeane mused, though she rubbed Janna's back comfortingly.

"Her Majesty knows all our siblings," Dawa said warmly as she approached.

"And I want to take care of my siblings," Astraea said firmly. "If you were cut off and are in a desperate situation Janna, then I offer you a place in my Army. You don't need to overwork yourself to survive; you can just oversee the storage for my Army if you like. And if you don't want to do anything, that's fine too. I only want to—"

"Oh THANK YOU!" Janna threw her arms around both Astraea and Sigrun. "Thank you, thank you! I just KNEW that you weren't a traitor! You're so much better than the King! A million times better than the King!"

"We're doing well with our recruitment so far," Ferdinand mused "Hopefully it stays this easy."

"It won't," Richard said around a laugh. "But it wouldn't be as fun if it was easy, would it?"