I know I said the Investigations would be done by this chapter, but unfortunately I'm still working on them. Sorry for the delay.
Chapter Six: Part Five
"Your Majesty?"
Rufino's new restaurant was a lovely indoor cafe setting. Astraea was having a midday meal with Dawa when Viktor approached her. He was wearing an expression of annoyance as he plopped a script onto the table. "What is this?"
Astraea glanced at the cover and then looked up at Viktor. "It looks like a copy of the script for Bluebeard."
"I'm aware," Viktor said tersely. "But that masked idiot cast me as the title character! What sort of game is that bastard playing?!"
Astraea's brow rose in shock. She had read the script of Bluebeard before she had given it to Nour, and this revelation shocked her. "You…were cast as Bluebeard?"
"Yeah!" Viktor exclaimed. "Why?!"
"I think it was for your name recognition," David called from the front counter. Rufino served him a cup of coffee and David nodded in thanks. "You are the legendary Vagabond Viktor after all."
"Do I look like someone who would kill wives willy-nilly?!" Viktor snapped. "I've never even been married! I've killed monsters like this guy!"
"Please do not raise your voice to Her Majesty," Dawa admonished him.
"Channel your hatred for the character into the performance," David suggested. "That will make your performance more believable."
"Why are we putting on plays?! Aren't we an Army?!"
Astraea blinked with confusion. "Viktor, just the other night after a performance that the plays were the best edition to Army."
She was referring to a production of Little Red Riding Hood, which was an absolute disaster from start to finish. Nour had certainly made a serious error when he cast Viki in the title role and Zerase as the Big Bad Wolf. The acting proved to be so horrendous that the audience couldn't stop laughing—at a play that wasn't supposed to be funny!
Viktor flushed with embarrassment before he recovered. "Yeah—well—that was now and this is then!"
Astraea and David burst into laughter. Dawa choked on her coffee. Viktor's face turned darker crimson. "Well—can you stop him?" he asked meekly. "I don't want to do this, Your Majesty!"
It took Astraea a bit of time to compose herself. "Viktor—I-I couldn't even convince Nour to drop Zerase from that play!"
"Damn," Viktor grumbled.
The door to the restaurant opened, the sound of bells ringing in the shop. "Welcome!" Rufino called out.
Astraea glanced towards the door and froze. She didn't recognize the man who stood there. He was tall and muscular; auburn hair that was appeared to have been shaven recently, and intense dark eyes. He wore a long tan coat and zebra-print shirt, and she saw the hilt of a sword peeking out from behind his shoulder. It was…strange. When she stared at the sword she felt an…incredible power emitting from it.
David looked at the man and his brow furrowed. Dawa also stared at him intently. But when Viktor turned to face him he did a double take. Shock filled his face, followed by excitement. "Hey—HEEEEEEEY!" he cheered, charging towards the man. He threw his left arm around the man's neck and put him in a headlock. "It's you, kid?! What business do you have getting so damn tall, huh?! That's a hell of a growth spurt since I last saw you!"
"Viktor, get away!" The man wrenched away from him, looking annoyed. "Don't treat me like a—" his voice abruptly broke off and the his eyes widened when he saw Viktor's right arm. The color rapidly drained from his face.
"Yeah, I picked a fight with a nasty beast," Viktor said nonchalantly, rubbing the upper arm of his right arm. "I lost, obviously."
"Idiot."
Astraea heard the voice as clear as day, but it sounded nothing like Viktor's friend. His mouth didn't even move. Rage flooded Viktor and he lunged forward again. But instead of grabbing his friend, he grabbed the hilt of the man's sword. "You still got a mouth on ya! I'll set you straight!"
"Fools do not frighten me," was the calm reply.
"Viktor, stop!" the man nudged Viktor away. "You trusted it to me and I've taken care of it! If you're going to pick fights with it, at least let me take it off!"
Viktor seemed to remember himself and he rubbed his nape. "Er…sorry, Edge."
"Edge?" David's brow rose. He snapped his fingers and pointed at the man in question. "Wait—you're Edge?!"
"Yeah," Edge said sheepishly, fixing the sword's buckle that clung to his torso. "And you are…?"
"David Silverberg. Caesar is my cousin."
Edge's brow rose in recognition of the name. Viktor turned to Astraea and gestured to Edge. "Your Majesty, this is Edge. We go way back. Shared experience and all."
"I'm glad to meet a friend of yours," Astraea said, looking at Edge. But Viktor's words lingered in her mind. Shared experience?
"We both suffered due to vampires," Edge said bluntly. Astraea jumped a little in shock. "Viktor and Flik helped me save my sister before she was turned. I now hunt vampires and anything unholy. It guides me."
It?
It was David who spoke. He gestured to the sword on Edge's back. "That sword. Is that—"
"The Night Rune."
The cold voice pierced the air. Everyone turned to see Zerase standing behind Edge. She was emitting a…dark aura, and her eyes narrowed into slits. Edge cautiously took a step back away from her. Other patrons quickly stood from their seats and hurried from the restaurant. Rufino did not leave, but he wore an anxious expression.
"The Night Rune," Zerase repeated herself, her tone low and dangerous. She glided forward. "Still with the form of the Star Dragon Sword."
Viktor moved forward, standing at Edge's side. "What's it to you?" he asked her.
Zerase held out her hand. "Give me the Rune."
"What?" Edge burst out, his brow rising.
"Zerase," Astraea said, moving to stand at Edge's left side. "What are you—"
"Give it to me now," Zerase demanded sharply.
"No," Edge said, recovering himself. "Who do you think you are to demand—"
"I have sought that Rune for 50 years," Zerase interjected, her tone rising. "The Night Rune deemed me worthy of its Firstborn Rune, but then it left my side. You will give it to me, and I will unite my Star Rune—the only rune birthed from the Night Rune—and I will command the Night Rune."
There it was again; Firstborn Rune. Astraea had so many questions. But before she could speak, Viktor barked out a laugh. "You've wanted that sword for 50 years?! I guess beneath that beautiful face you're just a withered crone!"
Zerase's eyes snapped to Viktor. Suddenly the air seemed to darken, and the symbol of the Star Rune rose into the air. "No!" Astraea cried out.
"STOP."
Zerase's eyes widened, and just as quickly the spell dissipated. Suddenly the sword snapped off of Edge's back and rose into the air. The Star Dragon Sword floated between Viktor and Edge, the blade pointing towards the ground. And on the hilt…on the hilt, Astraea's jaw dropped as she saw a face on the hilt!
"Stop, young one," the sword spoke to Zerase. "I am a True Rune. I command the night. You do NOT dictate to me who will wield me. I birthed my Firstborn Rune for you because you are worthy of its power. But you are not worthy of MY power. You will not have me because I do not want you. Had I wanted you, I would have chosen you 50 years ago. But I did not. I chose this boy. And I chose this idiot. But I did not choose you and I will not choose you. I will never choose you, young one. Be satisfied with the power of my only child. Be satisfied with the privilege of wielding a Firstborn Rune. That is the power you deserve."
Zerase stared stunned at the Star Dragon Sword, her mouth hanging open. Gone was the anger and demands. Her expression seemed…almost melancholy now.
Astraea swallowed hard as a very uncomfortable silence followed the Star Dragon Sword's proclamation. It seemed surreal to see a sword talking. With moving lips and a furrowed brow. She stepped towards the sword. "Excuse me…Sir," she said, not knowing how to address it.
The Star Dragon Sword turned to face her. Its dark eyes drifted to her right hand. "You wield a True Rune," he said.
"How did you know?"
"True Runes know each other. They can sense each other's power. I can sense your synchronicity with the Rune." The Star Dragon Sword suddenly flipped to face David. "You wield a True Rune as well."
"SHH!" David hissed, gesturing to the sword.
"The True Rune on your body does not like you," the Star Dragon Sword continued unabashedly. "I can sense its contempt. What did you do to anger it?"
"I-I—"
"What are Firstborn Runes?!" Astraea blurted out.
The Star Dragon Sword glanced at her. But it was Zerase who spoke, her tone quiet. "Firstborn Runes are the first runes birthed from True Runes. They are unique. Not as unique as True Runes but more unique than a standard rune. And they are more powerful than standard runes."
"Birthing runes comes naturally to most True Runes," the Star Dragon Sword said. "But the very first rune…the very first rune birthed by a True Rune are naturally stronger because they are the first. With the Firstborn Rune, True Runes do not know the right amount of power to make it. When a Firstborn Runes is made, some of the True Rune's longevity is passed to the Firstborn Rune. So someone who wields a Firstborn Rune…will naturally have the immortality of a True Rune wielder."
"That explains why you look young still," Viktor said to Zerase. "Or—relatively young," he added snidely.
The anger rose to Zerase's expression once more. "Does the True Wind Rune have a Firstborn Rune?" Astraea asked.
"Of course," the Star Dragon Sword said. "It has birthed thousands of runes after all."
"But where is it?"
"I do not know."
"But—"
"What other Firstborn Runes are known?" David asked.
"…The Sun Rune has twin Firstborn Runes," Zerase said. "The Dawn Rune and the Twilight Rune. The Red Moon Rune's Firstborn is the Earthshine Rune—one of the werewolves in the forest has it. The Heart Rune's Firstborn is the Charm Rune. And the Blue Moon Rune…it too very recently had a Firstborn Rune."
"I sensed its presence in the Second Fire Bringer War," the Star Dragon Sword said. He turned to face Viktor then. "Never mind all that. You lost your sword arm then, you idiot?"
"Call me an idiot again," Viktor snapped, pointing his finger threateningly at the Sword. "Just try it!"
"He was ambushed," Astraea said, inserting herself between Viktor and the Star Dragon Sword. "A Sarcosuchus attacked him, a-and ate his arm. He fought bravely."
"A Sarcosuchus?" The Star Dragon Sword dipped forward slightly. "That is no small feat. You are lucky to have survived."
"Not a lot can kill me," Viktor said.
"We came here," Edge said, looking at Viktor. "Because we felt we needed to see you. Now that we're here, I want to know what your purpose is here Viktor."
"I'm helping this young Queen," Viktor said, motioning to Astraea. "We're trying to overthrow her awful father and get her on the throne."
"Always a liberator, aren't you?" the Star Dragon Sword sighed.
"I can't help myself," Viktor said cheerfully.
"You must stay," Zerase demanded, moving closer. "You may not see me as worthy, but I will show you my strength and prove that I can wield you!"
"I will not change my mind," the Star Dragon Sword told her. "But I will stay because I feel this idiot is going to die if I am not here."
"Hey!" Viktor protested.
"I will stay," Edge said. He looked at Astraea. "Viktor is a good judge of character. He wouldn't be helping you if you weren't worth it. If you will have me, then I will lend you my strength."
"Just keep that bastard away from me," Viktor said, jabbing his thumb towards the Star Dragon Sword. "I have enough on my plate with that stupid play. I don't need to have my blood pressure elevated all the damn time."
"If you want to help me, then I would be glad to have you both," Astraea said to Edge. "Welcome to the Reformation Army."
"Good!" Viktor threw his arm around Edge's shoulders. "Since you're here, you can help me out of this!" He pulled him towards Astraea's table.
"…Is that a play?" Edge said, his voice suddenly full of pain.
Astraea choked on a laugh. But the laughter quickly faded when she saw David, who was staring down at the back of his left hand. "…I knew this Rune didn't like me," he said quietly. "But…the Night Rune can feel its contempt for me?"
Astraea didn't know what to say for a moment. She debated if she should remain quiet or try to reassure him. Then she moved forward and touched his arm. "There are hundreds of people here," she said quietly. "Yet that Rune hasn't left you. It can choose who wields it, and it hasn't left you. That must mean something."
David's gaze didn't lift from his hand. But the tension eased in his shoulders. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Blutkrieger
The soldiers were ready. The plains around the capital were filled with the Royal Army standing shoulder to shoulder. At the gates of the city Brendan stood in front of the King, who had come to see them off. "I will return victorious, Your Majesty," he told his father with a salute.
"I know you will do me proud, Brendan," King Franz responded. Brendan was taken aback by his father's warm tone. He did not know if he was being sincere or putting on a show for the populace. He gestured to Philomena, who stood at his left side. "Say goodbye to your brother, Philomena."
"Yes, Father," Philomena said. She hurried forward and hugged Brendan around his broad shoulders. She had to jump up to reach him. "Please be careful, Brendan," she told him. "Everything will be okay…right?"
A sick feeling rose in Brendan's stomach. It quickly made him uneasy, and he was scared that it would make him look anxious in front of the massive crowd of citizens who came to see him off. He quickly squeezed her back and then pushed Philomena away. "I'll be back," he said, his tone quiet.
Philomena nodded. "I'll be here, Brother."
The feeling didn't dissipate as he said his goodbyes and left through the city gates to meet his soldiers. It started to spread to his chest and then down his thighs. He could feel a tremble in his legs. It was a terrible feeling; he didn't like it.
What is this feeling? It feels like…something's wrong.
Brendan's strides were strong though, and he did not appear weak. When he reached his horse Yasmine was there. She discreetly squeezed his hand when he pulled himself into the saddle, and then small gesture brought great reassurance. He raised his arm, and the clamoring before him ceased. "March!" he shouted.
The units began to move, and Brendan was able to push away the unease. He didn't know what it was, but he couldn't afford to linger on it. He had a battle he needed to win.
But maybe…we won't need to fight at all
"He'll be victorious," Philomena said to Aravine once they got back to the castle. They stood together in the newly finished Entrance Hall. "Brendan is the best. He's a genius at strategy, even better than Vahan. I just know he'll pull this off!"
Aravine smiled at her. "I believe so too, Your Highness."
"Princess Philomena." Albert approached the pair. "His Majesty wants you to leave Eisenblütig for the next two days. Take Aravine and a few of your soldiers and secure the perimeter of the capital."
"Oh, I've already done that Sir Albert," Philomena said cheerfully.
"His Majesty wants you to do it again," Albert said, narrowing his eyes slightly. "And he doesn't want you to return for two days. Make sure every inch of this city is impenetrable."
Philomena laughed shortly, the sound almost like a scoff. "I—I can't come home for two days? I have to reinforce the city's security for a second time for two days?!"
"Yes," Albert said bluntly. "He wants you to leave immediately."
"But—!"
"Are you defying an order from the King, Princess Philomena?"
Philomena flinched at Albert's hard tone. Aravine moved to stand in front of her. "That tone is unnecessary, Sir Albert. You may be His Majesty's Chief Advisor, but Her Highness still outranks you."
Albert frowned at her. After a moment he bowed slightly. "I apologize for my impudence, Your Highness. But you are to leave posthaste. His Majesty's orders."
Philomena gently tugged on her assist's arm. "I understand," she said quietly. "I-I will make arrangements to go now."
The pair hurried off. Albert turned to leave when he saw a nondescript soldier approach him. He waited for the guard to salute before he spoke. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes, Sir," the soldier said. "You said you needed an innocent—"
"Not here," Albert hissed at him. He knew even in such a wide space that the walls had ears. He dipped his tone lower. "You got the one, then?" he whispered.
The soldier nodded. "The best that could be found."
The next evening the Army had gathered at the theatre. There was no play tonight, but instead Josepha was giving a free concert. Many heard of her singing, but this would be the first time most would hear her voice.
Astraea was approaching the doors with her siblings and assists when a shout floated over to her. "Your Majesty!"
Astraea turned to see a page running towards her. The young man paused to catch his breath before he saluted and held out a letter to her. "This—This was just delivered at the gate!"
Dawa took the letter from him. She held it up to the lantern light, and Astraea saw her name scribbled on the envelope.
That handwriting—!
Her heart quickly dropped into her stomach. Sigrun lunged forward, snatching the letter from Dawa and tearing it open herself. "Your Highness!" Ferdinand protested.
"This is Brendan's handwriting!" Sigrun exclaimed. The siblings quickly pressed forward; Astraea and Denzel to Sigrun right, and Vahan to Sigrun's left. They all recognized their eldest brother's handwriting, and the words on the pages left a feeling of dread over them.
He's coming.
A few minutes later they were seated at the front watching Josepha sing. She was an operatic soprano, and her whistling high notes did not hurt the ears. It was beautiful and it settled their hearts. But only for a little while.
Astraea wordlessly passed the letter to David. David read the letter with a blank expression and then tucked the letter away. Brendan was coming, but at the moment there was no need for panic.
He wanted to meet first.
"Is this it?" King Franz said, gesturing in front of them. "Is this supposed to be the…innocent who will work."
"Yes," Albert said. "This is a perfect "innocent", is it not?"
It was boy who could be no older than eleven years old. He was gagged and bound in the center of the X of thecharcoal circle; his hair dark brown and short and his eyes filled with hatred. He struggled but he didn't cry. He was trying to appear brave in front of them.
"And this will not lead to repercussions, will it?" King Franz said warningly.
"Do you see his clothes, Your Majesty?" Albert gestured to him. "The green and orange palette? These are the colors of Camaro; a country on the Northern Continent. And he has no parents. He is an orphan alone in a foreign country. No one will look for him."
"What is his name?"
"I had heard it was Naois."
King Franz nodded. He stepped forward just outside the perimeter of the circle and he knelt down. He held the gaze of the child. "Well, Naois," he said, keeping his tone calm. "You are about to help me save this country. I thank you for your help with this."
Naois responded by letting loose a stream of words. King Franz's brow rose; they were muffled, but they sounded like curse words. He slowly rose to his feet. "Are you sure he's an innocent?"
"There's nothing more innocent than a child," Albert told him. "This should suffice for…him to come."
King Franz nodded. "Then let's get it done and not make him suffer."
"It will be quick," Albert reassured him.
The spell was cast; the command was made. When the words were spoken Naois squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself for what would come. They waited for a moment. Then another. Then another.
But nothing happened.
A loud seething sound erupted from King Franz's throat. He rounded upon Albert. "It didn't work again!" he snapped. "Is this supposed to be a joke, Albert?!"
Albert for his part look stunned. "I…am perplexed," he said softly. "He didn't accept a criminal and he didn't accept an innocent. I-I don't—"
"Figure it out!" King Franz snapped. "You have one more chance, Albert! I will not accept failure again!" He stormed away.
Albert rubbed a hand over his face and let out a shaky breath. He sensed two soldiers approach him from behind. "Get rid of the kid, he knows too much," he said sharply. Then he stormed away in the opposite direction of the King.
The two guards exchanged a glance before approaching Naois, who was still bound on the ground glaring at them. They stood over him. "Uh…do we feed him to Bhayankar?" one asked timidly.
"What are you, stupid?!" the second snapped. "We're not feeding a kid to that thing! Just cut his throat, it's more merciful that way!"
"R-Right!" the second guard drew his dagger. He knelt down beside Naois. Suddenly the body surged up into a seated position, slamming the top of his head under the guard's jaw with all his might. They stood guard flew backwards and sprawled onto the ground. The first guard jumped back, but Naois snatched up the dagger the second dropped. "RAAAAUGH!" he shrieked behind his gag.
The first guard tripped backwards and tumbled. His helmet flew off and his head bounced against the floor. He went still.
Naois used the dagger to cut the gag from his mouth. "Bastards!" he spat, and began furiously cutting at his binds. "I'll get you all yet…!"
"What's going on?!" a voice down the corridor shouted.
Naois's hands and feet were still bound together. He rolled onto his stomach and used his elbows and knees to scramble away into the darkness.
Everything about "Firstborn Runes" is my headcanon.
Recruits: Edge (17)