Gate: Thus the Brotherhood of Steel Lyon's Pride Fought in Their Land
Chapter Thirty - Eight - Baron Rictus Grayrat
The moment Rictus had learned what his wife had done he nearly did the unthinkable. She'd gone against his wishes, consorted with Prince Zorzal, and more the point she had used one of the connections to her family to get a less than ethical magic user. All of it was laid out, and she showed little remorse. The magic user that was the tutor to their young daughter had been forced to perform very dark, very specific magic. The kind of magic that was well within the emperor's right ensure death.
More to the point she had Mizu, their private messenger, deliver the news of the failure. The fact that she had not returned only meant the obvious. The prince, in a fit of rage, had either slain her, or he had damaged her to the point that she could not return. He looked toward his eldest son, Lolan, and he felt the growing sorrow in his soul. Lolan was odd, different, but he was a good sort. He had natural gift for magic, although his gift seemed to be mostly focused around healing spells.
Still, he could not be prouder of his son. He practiced the sword daily, but it was not his strong suit. He seemed to struggle with basic defense, and then the awful truth came out. His son's attack aura, something that all warriors naturally developed, was far undeveloped. He would never be a man of action. Oh, he could most certainly use magic to his benefit. He could cast more than healing magic, although he'd seem him use what he called corrupted healing.
Instead of actually healing something it cursed it to be in pain, to fall, to die, and it happened in seconds. He'd used it once, and only once, and it had been on an intruder. Again, he could not be prouder of his son. It was something of a public secret that Lolan favored Mizu. It was plain as the very nose on his face that if given the chance he would have already married the girl. As for her, Mizu had gone against her very nature and saved herself for him. She openly admitted that she wanted Lolan, his son, to take her virginity.
More to the point, she wanted him to love her. She wanted to be with him in everyway that mattered. He looked at his wife, and he saw the woman that had jeopardized everything. She claimed that she was doing it for their family. That the prince was going to be victorious, and that when he was they would be brought up in the ranks. She had promised that he even spoke of marrying their daughter. He'd seen what had happened at the senate. He'd seen the female knight, and he would not allow it.
His wife had gone on and on about how they could finally raise their status to something more acceptable. How he could finally become a viscount or even an earl. The cost was far too much for him, and he believed that it would be too much for any decent person. The cost of their daughter, the cost of a good tutor, the cost of their private messenger, all of it had been for an attempt to climb the social ladder. She had stuck to her guns, saying that he should have been the one to do this, not she.
He'd finally had enough, and he had told her the very thing that ended all talking, "I swear Leena, I swear to all that is holy, that if this comes back for us that I will ensure that you face the ax same as I. I will ensure that you are on the block as well."
She had quieted down, her eyes widening in the realization that she could not escape the possible treason charge. She had sat contemplating, and he knew what she was going to do. She would likely do the one thing she swore she would never do. She would leave. He could see it plainly as she sat there. She would abandon their daughter, their son, him, and she would do it in the attempt to save herself. He'd known that she was one that enjoyed the finer things, but he had never known that she was so tempted by all that glitters that she would risk her family for it.
She'd ensured that they would suffer, that there would be death, and she had done so because she had the half promises of a prince that had no more power. She'd done so because she had hoped to become an equal to a few of the nobles that they knew. He didn't hate her, but he pitied her. He pitied her because she had cost herself the life they had, and likely for no real reason. He could hope that Mizu returned. At least if that happened he could send his son, his daughter, and Mizu somewhere safe.
He was certain that Lolan and Mizu would marry, perhaps they would have multiple children, and he would be fine with that. As long as they cared for his sister, and as long as they treated each other well he would be okay. Of course he knew that likely he would find his head removed from his body. If the prince was in the state that he believed he was then anyone attempting to help him remove the Princess was certain to be put to death. Even if he had nothing specific to do with it his wife did. He was expected to ensure that none in his household would do such a thing.
He failed as a baron. He failed horribly, and as such he would be forced to face his punishment. The only consolation to it would be that he would ensure that the lady of the house would find no rest. That she would find no peace. He wanted to ensure that her time was spent either preparing to face her end, or running from it as hard as she could. Perhaps he was going to be too harsh. It could be that he was being unreasonable, but he didn't believe so.
He saw his son, and he watched as the boy that he'd watched grow seemed to gather a few things together. He paid attention as his son dressed in what looked like a long brown coat. It was something that had a hood on it, and it was made from a thick material. He'd seen his son practice in it, and the coat had taken the brunt of the attacks meant for his son. Those attacks should have been more than enough to have put him down, but the coat itself was made from an animal that came from a different country. It was said to be resilient to magic, thick enough to block most first and second slicing attacks by sword, and could withstand a normally fired arrow.
He began to walk to him, and he saw his son gather what looked like a small satchel. The materials in that satchel were the things he'd prepared when he was going to test for the right considered a master of magic. Specifically it was to be considered a master in the healing magics. He'd stopped when his mother had begged him to not go through with it. She wasn't afraid of him being hurt, but rather she was afraid that if he did become a master of healing magic it would reflect poorly on them.
"Such things are beneath those of our station," she had said to him, "Please, if not for me, then for your sister. Surely you know that she wishes to follow you into the world."
That was absolutely true. His daughter wanted to follow his son. She wanted to explore the world, to see it, and to learn all of the magic that she could. She was someone who was powerful in her own right. There was no doubt in his mind that his little songbird would become a powerful offensive spell caster. She was already casting magic that should be impossible for her to cast. She was able to cast fire and water spells with ease. She still had to say incantations, but she was incredibly quick.
It was incredible to witness. She was so skilled that it amazed him. He was in awe of his daughter, but at the moment he was watching his son. He finally moved toward him. His son looked toward him, and he could see the hesitation in his son's eyes. The expression was one that he'd seen a thousand times. His son was determined on doing something, and he had a feeling that it was something that would likely be looked down upon. It was also something that he would likely be proud of.
"Son," he said as he neared him, "You look as if you're preparing for something."
"Mother sent her," he said, his voice even, "She sent Mizu to Prince Zorzal, and I know what he's done. I'm going to go make sure that she's okay."
He knew what he meant. He was going to make sure that Prince Zorzal hadn't touched her in an inappropriate way. If he had then it was likely that his son would make the prince pay. Regardless of the reason killing the prince would be seen as an act of treason. It would mean the death of his boy. He stepped forward, "Son, Lolan, I know what you're thinking," he said as he touched his shoulder, "But if you do something to the prince it will be bad for you and Mizu."
He saw the way his son looked at him. The look was one that told him exactly what his son was planning on doing. There was no denying what was going to happen. His son was leaving, and he was going to go find the woman that he loved. He was going to ensure that the one he cared for was going to be safe. There wasn't a thing that he could say at this point that was going to change that.
"Father, I cannot allow something to happen to her."
The words were simple, but they were honest. There was no denying what he planned on doing, "I admire your strength of character my boy, I truly do," he said before he turned and walked toward the wall. There he touched a painting. He moved it, and when he did there was a small wooden door. He pressed in on it, and the door popped open. When it did he took out the small bag inside.
He held it, the gift he wanted to give to his son when he came of age. The bag had a small fortune inside of it. Fifteen golden empire coins. The coins were said to date back to the earliest days of the empire. There were a thousand of the coins at one time, and they had been given to the various families that had supported the empire. Each coin was more than mere money. It was a way to signify that one belonged to the nobility. With it one could call in favors from the other nobility.
He wanted his son to have this so that he could have a chance in their world, but now he wanted him to have it so that he had a chance to live. The one chance he truly had would be to use the coins, and hope that those that took them would honor what they stood for. It was the one hope that he had for his son. It was the one chance that he knew he could give his son. He looked at him, "Take this," he said as he passed the bag to him, "When you find Miza, use what's in here to make sure that yourselves, and your sister is safe."
He saw the confusion in his son's eyes, "Father?"
He shook his head, "Make sure that you and your sister are safe."
He said the words fully meaning every last one of them. His son was his greatest accomplishment, his daughter was his greatest treasure, and only if the two of them were safe would he be able to rest in whatever awaited them. He was not foolish enough to believe that there would be anything of honor awaiting him. His death would be that of a treasonous rebel. He would be treated as such, his wife would be hunted and captured eventually. The fact that she sided with the prince was more than enough reason.
The prince himself would suffer nothing. Being a royal he was not expected to be held to the same standards. That was life, and that was what would be expected of him. He would possibly be exiled, although he doubted it. No, he believed what would happen would be a light slap on the wrists. A minor reminder of his place, and where he was meant to exist. Nothing more, and nothing less. His place, and his wife's place, were far enough down that they were just on the noticeable area of nobility.
They were higher than commoners, lower than high nobility. They were expendable, and they would make for a perfect example. He could see his son's expression, "Son," he said in a calm voice, "What is to happen now is something that I do not want you, your sister, or Mizu to be part of. There will be retribution for what your mother has attempted. I know the reason she has done so, and so do you. We both know what will happen here."
His son nodded, and looked at the floor, "Father, escape with us."
He shook his head, touched his son's shoulder, and looked into his eyes. He saw a young man there. A young man that had a future ahead of him. One as a powerful healer, one as a powerful magic user, and one that could potentially go anywhere and do practically anything. Wherever his son went he was certain that he would do great things, "My son," he said gently, "I cannot. If I leave then I condemn those that I travel with. My fate was written the moment your mother acted. Her fate was also sealed. If you, Gale, and Miza are not here then they will not pursue you. There would be no need for them to."
He could see the conflict in his son's eyes, "Father, what will happen to you?"
His father breathed out calmly, "I will be hung," he said, his voice firm and calm, "It will be the quickest way to deal with me. It has to be done. There will be no escaping it. Your mother sealed this fate the moment she acted. I accept it, and I will not run from it. The moment you leave you will also leave the value of our name. You cannot hope to use it for your own leverage."
He could see the truth hitting him, "I am sorry that you will have no extra help, but as long as you are not known as a Grayrat then you will not be hunted," he stated simply, "They will have no reason to hunt you, no reason to care. You will simply be able to disappear. My son, you have the chance to do great deeds, even with this hanging over your head. Go live a good life. Find Mizu, marry her, have lots of children, and never allow this sort of foolishness to happen to you."
He nodded, and then in a quick motion he hugged him. The hug was tight, and it was a the hug of a son to a father. There was a feeling of being family, and it was a hug he encouraged. It was something that his wife, that Lolan's mother, attempted to stop, but he was glad that she had failed. Getting such a hug was a wonderful boon. It meant that everything that was about to happen would be worth it in the end. He returned the hug to his son, happy to feel him close. He smiled softly, and then stepped back, "Go, take your sister and leave this place. Find a place for her to wait in safety, and then save Mizu."
He watched as his son began to leave. He knew that this was the last time he would see him. In the next day, maybe the next hour, he would see the arrival of the Princess' knights. He would be taken from his home, and it would be divided up amongst those who served the Princess. His wife would be tracked, because he was certain that she was already leaving. She would not accept a death at the hands of the knights. She would swear her life to the prince if she believed that it would save her.
Of course Zorzal would likely toss her out. Oh, he might use her a bit beforehand, but she would be tossed out. Given to his sister as a way to appease her for the moment. No, Rictus would not run. He would not head into an uncertain future only to bring down those he was escaping with. He would face what was to come, and he would do so with his head held high. He would not allow the god Emroy to see him quiver at the presence of death. Instead, he would await the judgment that awaited him.
He watched as his son left, and he heard the sound of the horses. It was too soon for his son and sister. So, he was right. His wife had gathered the horses, taken the carriage, and she had left. Likely with their two servants. She likely had informed them that either they would help her, or she would ensure that they would die first. He could not blame them. Neither were overly brave. Mizu was the bravest of those that were in their employ. He was certain of one thing. She would make a fine wife for Lolan. The two would have many children, they would live for a long time, and he would never see any of his grandchildren. He didn't look where he was certain that Lolan and Gale had run. He wanted to be honest when he said he had no idea.
Instead he walked toward the kitchen, found the teapot sitting on the stove, and began to make a cup. He watched as the hot water filled the cup, the tea slowly was made, and he took a drink. It was the most delicious cup of tea he'd ever had.
He hoped that his son was gone, that all signs of him were gone. He didn't want to be able to give up any information for him. If his son listened to him, and he stayed under the notice of the princess or emperor then it would not be an issue. There would be no need to find him, to question him, or to take him in. There would be absolutely no need for him to be made an example of. He finished the cup of tea, enjoying the earthy flavor of it. He put the cup into the small wash basin, used the rest of the kettle to wash the cup, and then put it away.
It was a simple thing, something that was normally reserved for servants, but something he had never minded doing. He then took a single soft baked cookie. This was something that Mizu had made before she departed. He bit into it, and he was happy that his son wouldn't starve. He had no doubt that she would cook for him. He also had no doubt that she would do everything she could to make herself feel worthy of him. Part of him was glad for that. His son deserved to have someone that wanted to be with him, but at the same time he felt morose about it.
Mizu deserved to be happy, and she deserved whatever happiness she could gain with his son. He heard the sound of horses arriving, and that meant that they were drawing near. He quickly put the kettle back onto the stove, ensured that there was enough wood to keep the fires burning, and allowed it to heat up. He would be a poor host if he didn't offer some refreshment for those coming for him. He heard them enter, the door opening simply. He was thankful that they didn't simply kick it down. He heard their steps, and he readied himself. The water was heating, but perhaps it wouldn't be ready before they were. He hoped that they would at least let him serve them a cup of tea before they left.
"Baron Grayrat?"
He nodded, "Yes, I am here," he said as he looked at them, "I fear that my wife has already fled with two of the servants, but I was about to make a nice kettle of tea, may I interest you in some?"
A knight with blonde hair, ringlets running down the front which framed her face looked at him, "You are very calm," she replied, her eyes trained on him, "It's surprising, you do understand why we are here, correct?"
He breathed out, "My wife had decided to do something foolish," he replied, his voice even, "I have failed as a husband and baron in keeping her from doing what she did. For that I have no excuse."
She nodded, "Then you knew nothing about what she was doing?"
He looked toward her, "I am afraid that we have become quite estranged over the years. For the most part she has barely kept me company in bed. Most nights she simply chooses to stay in the library. She keeps her books, her fantasies, and her desires there. We are married mostly in name at this point," he said as he shrugged, "Oh, when she desires to be physically pleasured she comes to me, but that is seldom enough."
He could see the surprise in her eyes, "Do not allow it to surprise you too much. My wife is someone who believes that she deserves only the finest of things. Because I am a mere baron she feels that I have failed her. Personally I believe that we have quite well for ourselves, but she has multiply attempted to stretch beyond our means."
The blond knight nodded to the two others with her. They moved, and he saw the princess herself. She stepped in, and she was wearing her armor. Her expression was one of sadness, and he went to a knee and bowed his head, "I have been a stanch supporter of you my princess," he replied, his voice relaying the earnest feeling he had, "I have no reason to ever wish for your removal, but we both know that with my wife's treasonous action there must be an example made."
He felt the hand on his shoulder, "You are right," she said softly, "Hearing you accept, seeing your actions, I can honestly say I wish that it weren't so."
He looked toward her, "I will give you all of the information I can for where my wife went, although I doubt that you'll need to look much further than the Prince."
He could see her eyes grow hard, "I see," she replied, her voice harsh, "She has alined with him?"
He nodded, "She was promised wealth, a rise in status, and of course that the prince would marry our daughter. I personally would have done all that I could to reject such a union," he replied, "I beg forgiveness for stating my thoughts so openly."
She shook her head, "There is no need," she replied her voice firm, "We all know of Zorzal's perversions. Your reservations of having your daughter given to him are well founded. I fear that she would have suffered."
She breathed out, "What of your children?"
He shook his head, "They have left, but I did not see which direction. My son is intelligent, and do believe that he would keep out of the notice of the royal family. He would have no reason to attract attention to himself."
She gave a smile, "I see, and there would be no reason to hunt for him," she said as she nodded, "Very well, as long as he does not attract attention we will not actively hunt for him. You have our word on that."
She took a seat at the table, "Please, serve us a cup of tea, let us converse as equals for a moment, and then we shall make way."
He did as she asked, ensuring that the cup that he made for her was just as delicious as the one he had enjoyed. If nothing else, he wanted it to be known that he was a gracious and welcoming host. Tea was poured, small talk was had, and then the cups were washed and replaced. Once that was done he allowed his hands to be tied, his head to receive a bag over it, and he was led outside. The next time he stopped he understood what would happen, but he was ready.