Internal and External Threats

Hello everyone and welcome back! First off, apologies to you my fellow readers if the title caused a slight scare last chapter. Guess I didn't think it through quite as well as I'd hoped. But fear not, with the anime going again, so too shall this story keep going. And in answer to aalmarashi9's review: I understood the criticism, you wish for the story to diverge from the canon a lot more than it has. While that is certainly possible, I should inform you that I am an anime only watcher for the Re:Zero series and have far more limited knowledge of it than others, leaving me in a slight bind when it comes to making extra-massive changes. If you've got a good idea of things that can be changed massively, I'm all ears.

Memory of Jerusalem: 1187

"Tell me," said Echidna, who was currently garbed in a fashion similar to Turkish Royalty, "after confronting your past, what did you learn?"

"I learned quite a number of things," said Ulric as he closed the distance between the two of them until only a few feet remained, "but first I must ask, what is this place really?"

"It is still the Witch's Graveyard," explained Echidna, "thanks to your qualification, the trial began the moment you entered. I'm certain you heard me when I said: 'First, you must confront your past'?"

"Indeed I did," said Ulric as the rest of his memory was returning to him, "and I take it the reason I didn't remember our first conversation until now was also your doing?"

"Meddling with your memories was easier than trusting you to keep our meeting a secret," said Echidna unapologetically as she turned back to the wall and looked out over the landscape.

"I can't say I approve of such a thing," said Ulric as he crossed his arms, "I am a knight and a true knight does not break their word unless given an extraordinarily good reason to do so. Am I going to forget taking this trial as well, assuming it's been completed?"

"You achieved a suitable result if nothing else," said Echidna as she turned back to him with her same playful expression on her face, "and I enjoyed watching every moment of it." She gave a wink at her last statement while Ulric merely sighed in mild frustration.

"That was a very private moment," said Ulric as he rubbed the bridge of his nose, "though I can't say I'm surprised a witch would be eavesdropping on it. But now that I think of it, your admission that this is still the Witch's Graveyard brings up a question. Tell me, aside from you and I, is anything else here real?"

"All of this is but a fabricated world," explained Echidna as she held her hand out in a sweeping gesture, "one that I created with the utmost faithfulness to your memories. Even your parents, do you understand what that means?"

"Then how did they know what to say to me?" Questioned Ulric, "those answers, sounded exactly like something Mother and Father would say."

"Likely because you knew the answers they would give all along," replied Echidna, "surely you imagined what they would say had you been able to return from what your world called 'The Crusades'. Did you think you could hide any part of your heart from me?" She appeared at his shoulder for a split second as she spoke before reappearing in front of him. "The desire to tell them about this world and to have your questions answered to lessen the burden on your shoulders. The selfish wish to see them in order to say farewell properly."

The Witch kept moving then, appearing on the wall, then by the door as her questioning continued. "Are you trying to say that you did not desire any of that from your fabricated parents?" She was suddenly behind him and whispering in his ear then. "Even you are not that idealistic, Sir Knight, not to mention, wouldn't it be too convenient?"

"Echidna," said Ulric with sternness in his voice, "say what you will about me, but do not insult my Mother and Father." He turned to her then, looking the Witch of Greed in the eye without fear. "My parents had their reasons for not stopping me from becoming a knight or going to the Crusades. They acknowledged that I was capable of making my own choices and it was my own fault for continually choosing to fight after experiencing the true horror of it all. But it was also thanks to them that I am who I am now and I won't allow anyone to belittle their efforts."

Echidna seemed surprised for a moment before a smile crossed her face. "This trial is now most certainly over in every sense of the word," said Echidna as she approached the wall again and looked out at the setting sun, "I look forward to seeing how you handle the next question."

"There are more trials," said Ulric, "how many is one required to pass to rid this place of that barrier?"

"In total, there are three graveyard trials," replied Echidna, "you must pass them all to free the Sanctuary. I'm actually rather glad I finally got to tell you this."

"Then tell me one more thing," said the Knight, "you said 'world' and not 'land' when describing Jerusalem. One such as you would not make a simple mistake like that in their speaking. What do you mean when you say 'world'?"

"It's exactly as it sounds," said Echidna as an image of a globe appeared above their heads. Ulric recognized many of the places on it, yet he did not recognize an entire two or three continents to the west of Europe. But despite that, he knew for certain that one of the landmasses was his birthplace and many of the locations where he'd fought in the Crusades. "This is your world, I believe you like to refer to it as 'Earth'."

Another globe appeared right next to it, similar in size and shape but with different continents and lands. "This is my world, a very different place with different rules and laws of nature from your world. There is no 'Catholic Church' in this world, making you the one and only Crusader. Others have been brought here from your world, I believe you met a 'Turk' by the name of Berat at one point. But getting here was the easy part. Returning to your world will be far more difficult, should you choose to do so."

Ulric couldn't help but stare at the two globes as he tried to wrap his mind around the latest revelation. He was not just away from home, but rather home didn't exist here. No matter how long he road, how far he traversed, how high he climbed or how deep he descended, there was no way he could physically return to Europe without the aid of whatever magic had brought him here in the first place. "Oh, I'm even more glad I told you about this," said Echidna with a predatory smile, "seeing you surprised like this makes my heart leap!"

Before the Knight could respond, everything around them started fading away. "Ah, it seems it's starting to disappear already," said Echidna, "if you turn and head back down the stairs, you should find yourself back in the graveyard." Ulric simply nodded and turned towards the door. But as he was about to open it, he spoke. "Echidna, you should know that taking this trial was obviously not my intention."

"Perhaps not," said Echidna, "but I'm sensing another meaning to those words."

"What I mean is that someone else has already promised to take these trials," explained Ulric, "and it is my belief that she, not I, is the one who can pass them. So do not expect me to be appearing here again any time soon."

"Hmm, I wonder about that," said Echidna with her same evil smile on her face as everything went white.

The Witch's Graveyard

Ulric's eyes fluttered open as he noted he was lying down on a hard, cold stone surface. 'Ah that makes the second time I've woken up like this in the graveyard,' thought the knight as he managed to get up to a kneeling position and rubbed the dirt out of his eyes. Much like the time before, his memory was hazy and all he could really recall was that he'd completed the trial. The sound of whimpering next to him woke him up completely as he remembered the reason he'd rushed in to begin with. "Lady Emilia!"

The Silver-haired girl was currently on the floor, trembling like one experiencing night terrors. As Ulric moved to pick her up, the girl's eyes shot open and she lashed out, nearly hitting Ulric until he wrapped her in a hug. "It's me Emilia, it's Ulric," he said before pulling back slightly so she could get a look at his face, "everything is alright."

"Ulric," said Emilia weakly as she collapsed a bit in the knight's arms, looking as if she'd burst into tears at any moment, "t-that's right, I remember now. I was undergoing the trial….and then..," her eyes suddenly started darting around the room as her form trembled in the knight's arms, "No….It wasn't me….it wasn't me!" She covered her face with her hands. "I didn't do it! Please stop looking at me that way! IT WASN'T ME!"

"Emilia what's wrong?" Asked Ulric, "you're awake now, the trial should be over."

"I'm all alone," whimpered Emilia, "someone please…Mother….Father…..anyone?"

"I'm right here with you Emilia," said Ulric as he gently hugged her and stroked her hair, "just as I swore I would be. Just try to breathe and calm yourself." Even with the Knight's help, it would be some time before Emilia was ready to be carried out of the graveyard.

Later That Night: Main House of the Sanctuary

"It took some time," said Ram, "but Emilia is finally calm and resting for the moment. The aroma hypnosis I provided her will prevent any nightmares."

"I'd like to thank you again for helping her," said Ulric as he sat at the main dining table with Otto on his left and Garfiel right across from him, "I don't know what she saw in there, but it was no doubt horrid."

"I merely did my duty as you did yours," said Ram, "that being said, the Sanctuary is no closer to being free at this time."

"Um, could I say something?" Questioned Otto as he raised his hand for whatever reason.

"Do you have a possible suggestion to our dilemma, Otto?" Questioned Ulric as he turned halfway to look at the merchant.

"Well I might know a way to get everyone outside the barrier without having to go through the trial and breaking the barrier," said Otto.

"Huh," said a yet again confused Garfiel, "just what are you yammering about now? There's no way you've got a plan to get out of here."

"Just hear me out for a sec," said Otto pleadingly, "you said anyone with mixed blood loses consciousness when they touch the barrier, but what if those of us who aren't affected by it carries everyone else through?"

"Is such a thing possible?" Questioned Ulric as he turned his gaze to Garfiel.

"It is amusing as far as ideas go," said a female voice from the door at the entrance to the dining room, "but it's one you'd be better off not attempting." It was the same pink-haired girl with pointy ears from before, only this time her outfit was black and red and she had a short staff with a diamond on it's head. "I would rather not become an empty shell without a soul."

"Ah, you're the gi-AAH!" Ulric leapt up as something hot was held against his cheek, "God in Heaven, why are you trying to burn my face off Ram?!"

"I was merely giving you your tea," replied Ram innocently, "I should've expected a pathetic excuse for a knight like you would be so dramatic about it." She made to look like she was examining his cheek before whispering the next part in his ear. "Avoid making unnecessary comments."

"Would ya mind gettin' me some tea too, Ram," asked Garfiel with a strangely happy expression on his face.

"This is coarse tea," Ram pointed out to him.

"Don't you usually talk in a more humble-like way," asked Garfiel.

"I just brewed some leaves I picked up," said Ram, "if you want to show your gratitude, do so by drinking every last drop of it." With that, Ram left the room.

"I had heard you'd brought in more people from the outside, Young Gar," said the pink-haired girl, "but I wasn't expecting a knight, and such a young one at that."

"And, um, who might you be?" Asked Otto for both himself and Ulric.

"I am Ryuzu Bilma," she said, "my duty, you might say, is to represent this community. Though I am old and a bit frail as you can no doubt see."

"I cannot speak to your frailty," said Ulric, "but 'old' must have a different meaning in this land. You look as healthy as a maiden in her prime to me."

"Ah, so the boy has manners," said Ryuzu as she glanced at Garfiel, "you might could learn a thing or two from him, Young Gar." The half-beast man merely crossed his arms and grumbled at her statement. "I take it that you are young Sir Ulric, Lady Emilia's knight?"

"I am he," replied the Knight with a slight bow of his head, "and since you're here, Ms. Bilma, perhaps you could tell us why Otto's idea isn't recommended?"

"You mentioned something about empty, soulless shells," added Otto.

"Please, call me Ryuzu," she replied before setting down her staff and taking a seat at the table, "and I can only assume you haven't heard that the reason one of mixed blood loses consciousness when they touch the barrier is because it is repelling their soul."

"You mean to tell me it traps the souls of those with mixed blood like a fishing net? Literally tearing it from their body?" Questioned Ulric.

"Good to see that you can catch on quickly," said Ryuzu, "In simple terms, yes, that is what happens. When a body without a soul exits the barrier it is, for lack of a better word, dead." Otto was about to speak on this less than ideal revelation if not for Garfiel suddenly making a hacking noise.

"This tea is so gross," said the half-beast man with a sick look on his face, "it tastes just like grass!"

"It's very possible that's what it is," said Ulric as he turned to Ram, who'd recently returned with Garf's requested tea. "The better question is whether or not she put anything besides grass in it?" Ram didn't answer and merely stood with her same stoic expression on her face. "But getting back on topic, since Otto's idea is apparently incapable of working, the next question becomes why none of you have been able to pass the trial if having mixed blood is the requirement for it?"

"If we are speaking of merely making the attempt, it stands to reason that we could," replied Ryuzu, "however, we cannot free the Sanctuary as proclaimed by the contract that has been handed down to us residents of the Sanctuary for generations." That fact and a number of others were revealed to them that night and left a number of questions in their wake as well. One thing was for certain, however, Emilia would have to take the trial again.

That Morning

Sleep didn't come easily to the Knight as his mind kept running through the information he'd learned. So he'd opted to stand guard outside of Emilia's room, swapping a shift with Ram every now and then in the moments that he could sleep until morning came at last. And with it, Emilia finally rose from her own sleep and came walking into the hall wearing pink night clothes. "Ulric," she said in mild surprise at the Knight's presence.

"A good morning to you, Lady Emilia," said Ulric, "were you able to get any rest last night?"

"Morning?" Questioned Emilia, "did you wait out here all night Ulric?"

"We had a discussion with the village representative, Ryuzu Bilma," explained Ulric, "I've been going over everything we learned and it may have kept me up. That and Otto talks in his sleep. So I was swapping a shift with Ram from time to time to make sure you were alright."

"I see," said Emilia, sounding a bit disheartened, "I'm sorry you had to see me lose my composure like that in the graveyard yesterday."

"You needn't worry your ladyship," said Ulric, "I can only imagine what you might've saw in your trial. But now that you've experienced it once, you should be more capable of handling it should you decide to attempt the trial again tonight."

"Go through it again…tonight," said Emilia, a bit absentmindedly. It was clear to Ulric that she wasn't looking forward to it, not that he could blame her. He'd been terrified of the possibility that he was back on the battlefield when his trial had started.

"Sir Ulric," said Ram, standing at the doorway with Emilia's clothes, "this fair maid requests some assistance with the laundry."

"I did promise to do so if you helped keep an eye on Emilia," said the Knight as he stood up and turned to Emilia, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Get something to eat and take time to collect yourself. I'll be in shortly." The half-elf nodded in understanding as Ulric followed Ram out to where she'd hung the laundry.

"There's something important I need to tell you, Sir Knight," said Ram as she handed Ulric some laundry to hang up, "not all of the residents of the Sanctuary are in favor of getting rid of the barrier."

"But why is that," asked Ulric, "I was under the impression that all the residents wished to be free. Why else would they be doing this?"

"Only the more heavy-handed people like Garf and Ryuzu are pushing for its freedom," explained Ram, "but there is also a conservative faction that wishes for the barrier to remain. They believe minimal interaction with outsiders is more ideal. In their opinion, bringing down the barrier will cause nothing but trouble."

"And they're not even willing to trust the words of Ms. Ryuzu?" Questioned Ulric.

"They do not trust Frederica either," said Ram, "if I recall, it was Frederica who gave the glowing stone to Emilia."

"Do you believe she sent us here knowing this situation would take place," asked the knight, not sure whether or not to believe it himself.

"The evidence is merely circumstantial," said Ram, "but it does seem to suggest that Frederica had some form of plan in mind. It was only by a hair's breadth that Emilia escaped disaster, thanks to your noble, or rather, relatively noble sacrifice."

"It would have been a sacrifice if I actually died," Ulric pointed out, "as it is, I'd wish you'd have told me this information just a bit sooner. You do realize they could've made a move during Emilia's trial yesterday?"

"None of them would've been able to enter the graveyard with us around at that time," said Ram, "but it does not mean they don't have a plan in mind to harm Lady Emilia to prevent the Sanctuary from being freed. So be alert at all times, you never know who might be your enemy." She said nothing else on the matter as she picked up the basket of laundry and walked away.

That Night: The Witch's Graveyard

What the maid had said was still fresh in Ulric's mind as he stood at the top of the steps to the mausoleum. Ryuzu stood next to him while Garf sat on the stairs. Ram was on the next flight down while the other villagers of Arlam waited patiently by the torches. For the moment, the temple was still glowing and had been for several minutes, meaning the trial was still ongoing.

"Why don't you join us up here Ram," invited Garfiel from his position at the top of the stars. Ram's only response to that was to turn her head dismissively. "Ah, you're no fun sometimes."

"I take it you fancy Ram," said Ulric, more to keep his mind off of worrying about Emilia than anything.

"Well yeah," said Garfiel, "you tellin' me you don't think she's hot? And there's nothin' weird about a guy being attracted to a strong, capable girl."

"I'd be a hypocrite if I called it strange," admitted Ulric, "the woman I love bears a striking resemblance to Ram, actually, and she is most assuredly strong and capable. But unlike Ram, she has a much more pleasant personality and is far less likely to brew tea from grass just to spite you. Or at least she hasn't done so to me anyway."

"Heh, figures a guy like you would prefer the quiet type," said Garf, "does Emilia know about her?"

"They are both well-acquainted," replied the knight, "Emilia is even happy for the two of us. Though currently, I wonder how my lady is faring in the trial?"

"Hopefully a short sleep for a morolok won't turn into a whole day's sleep for the rest of us," said Garfiel.

"I won't even pretend to know what that's supposed to mean," said Ulric, again at a loss for his strange sayings, "but now that I think of it, I know very well what I want to do when this mess is resolved, but what do you want to do once the barrier's down?"

"Spoken like one who can come and go as they please," said Garfiel, "I doubt you'd have a clue as to how I and the old hag feel."

"You mean the feeling of being trapped, unable to go anywhere without the risk of death," said Ulric, "I might understand that better than you think. But since you've mentioned those that can come and go freely, what do you think Frederica's feelings are on the Sanctuary?"

"Didn't she explain a damn thing about this place to you?" Asked Garfiel with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"She explained only what we needed to know to get here," said Ulric, "she said she couldn't give us the finer details due to an oath. She wasn't even able to tell me much about you other than your name. Out of curiosity, am I wrong in assuming you two are related?"

"Unfortunately, she's my sister," growled Garfiel, "and that stuff about an oath is bull. It's just a handy excuse that she was probably told to use by her master."

"I might have a thing or two to say about the seriousness of an oath," said Ulric, "but it's plain to me now that the two of you don't get along despite being siblings."

"Nope, not in the slightest," said Garfiel with a smile, "but since you're asking all these questions, it's only fair that I get to ask a few. When you were in the graveyard yesterday, didn't you-?" The half-beast man's inquiry was interrupted by the sound of whimpering as the glowing light from the temple suddenly ceased. Not long after that, Emilia came walking out with tears in her eyes and a hand over her mouth as she tried to hold in her sobs.

"Your ladyship," said Ulric as he quickly moved to check on her.

"I-I'm sorry everyone," said Emilia, "I…I just….I failed again."

"We'll discuss what happened after getting back to the cottage," said Ulric as he led her down the stairs. It would take most of the walk back before she was able to calm down.

Later that Night: Main Village Cottage

"My, that iiiissss unfortunate," said Roswaal as he sat up in his bed, "still, at least we now know that you cannot lose your right to undergo the trial due to a failure."

"Not that it's much of a consolation to her ladyship," said Ulric, currently out of his armor and wearing his normal blue tunic, "but I'm more curious why you called me in here without her? Surely she should be able to hear anything you tell me."

"She is still recovering and it'd be best not to further upset her mental state," said Roswaal, "what's more, I'm not suuure I can trust her with some of what I'm about to say."

"Are you implying that Lady Emilia cannot be trusted for some reason-," Ulric started to say before Roswaal held up a hand.

"There is no need to worry Siiiir Ulric," said the mage, "I most certainly wish for you to continue helping and supporting Emilia as you always have. Aaaaand I will do the same as I have been doing, giving my utmost to help Lady Emilia win the royal selection. What I mean to say is that we are aaaall partners in crime."

"Saying it like that makes it sound like we're doing something dishonest," said Ulric, "which actually brings me to a question I've been wanting to ask you for some time."

"Oh, and what might you want to ask me," said Roswaal with an inquisitive glance.

"Everyone, and I mean nearly everyone seemed to know that the Witch's cult would become active upon the announcement of Lady Emilia's participation in the royal selection," said Ulric, doing his best to keep his voice even, "in fact the only ones who didn't seem to know much about it were her and I. Furthermore, a man such as yourself did not reach the position you're in now by being ill-informed, so I'm asking you: why did you hide information about the cult's activity from Lady Emilia?"

"Do you believe it would have changed the outcome that much?" Questioned Roswaal back, "from where I'm sitting, you fulfilled my role quite well in my absence. In fact, it was a commendable performance, Sir Knight."

"DO NOT BEND HISTORY TO YOUR FAVOR!" Yelled Ulric suddenly as he flung his chair against the wall, "have you even the slightest idea the numerous horrible outcomes that could've transpired?! You left your own people who depend on you to fend for themselves and knowingly put her ladyship as well as your own staff in danger! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't sever your head from your neck this very instant?!"

"Ulric," said Ram as she moved in between the knight and the mage, "please calm down. I condone all of Roswaal's actions."

"Are you saying that because you actually mean it or because you're obligated to say it as a maid in his service?" Asked Ulric.

"Those are my true feelings," said Ram, "they will not change, even if I am cast aside."

"That may go for you, but what about the rest of the staff?" questioned Ulric, "I wonder even more if you'd be so callous knowing what happened to your own sister could've been avoided!" This caught Ram by surprise as her expression turned to one of confusion.

"Ram does not have, a sister," said the maid, "nor has she ever had one."

"Then Roswaal clearly hasn't told you about the extent of the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony's power," said Ulric, "but be sure to thank her when you see her. It's only because of your sister that I do not wish to go through you to get to Roswaal. Who still hasn't answered my question?"

"Ah yeeees, why did I conceal information on the cult from Emilia," said Roswaal, "why was I not at the mansion when they were planning their attack? The answer to booooth those questions is that I was ensuring that I would not confront the Witch's Cult directly. I personally led all of these events to transpire as they did."

"And why," asked Ulric with a white knuckle grip on his sword, "would you do such a thing?"

"If I had solved the issue myself," said Roswaal, "neither you nor Emilia would've been able to claim aaaaaany credit. Can you deny that it had a tremendous effect? Why the attitudes of the villagers of Arlam are draaaastically different now than they were before the Witch's Cult attacked. To them she is no longer seen as an incomprehensible relative of the witch, but as one who helped save their lives."

"Do you think I care about credit!" Said Ulric, "do you think Emilia wants to win the royal selection so badly that she'll sacrifice lives to do so?! And make no mistake, lives were lost due to your lack of action!"

"And I do express my most sincere condolences for those on our side who were lost," said Roswaal, "or is it an apology that you'd prefer to heaaaaar?"

"I want to know why you shirked your duty as lord of this domain?!" exclaimed Ulric, "I want to know why you placed this burden on my shoulders, your servant's shoulders and Lady Emilia's shoulders without some kind of aid?! Have you even considered for one second that if Emilia died, your ambitions for the throne would be at an end-?!"

"Because I had faith in you, Sir Ulric," replied Roswaal calmly, "I trusted that you would do everything in your power to aid Lady Emilia, even if it meant establishing an alliance with our rivals in Lady Crusch, putting your life on the line numerous times to stop the Witch's Cult, and saving as many people as you could. And you accomplished every one of these tasks quite exceptionally."

"Do not speak to me about faith," warned Ulric darkly, "I have had faith in people before that went unrewarded."

"But did you not have faith in your own God to see you through this crisis, as you did the ones before?" Questioned Roswaal.

"My God does not reward simple faith without works, nor does he reward works without faith," said Ulric, "for it is written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' If you haven't already deciphered the meaning, it is saying that even though God does provide for and protect us, that does not give us the right to act irresponsibly nor does it give us an excuse to shirk our duties. Pretty it up all you want but the fact remains, you failed to uphold your duty as lord of this domain."

"I suppose that means tonight's conversation will have to end on a sour note then," said Roswaal, "but before you go, just know that telling Lady Emilia any of this-."

"She already has enough to deal with because of you," said Ulric as he turned to leave, "so damn you for telling me this now while it would be unwise to burden her with more."

"It is good to see that your rage has not clouded your judgment," said Roswaal, "even you can see that all is as it should be. It would indeed be unwise to create friction between her, the villagers and myself with the royal selection going on. And that is what makes you such a fitting partner in crime for me."

"Do not be so sure," said Ulric as he put his hand on the doorknob while glancing back, "I may not be able to do so now, but do recall that my oath of loyalty is to Lady Emilia and not to you. If your ambitions continue to needlessly endanger her and others, I will rend your head from your shoulders even if I have to do so with my bare hands." He said nothing else as he exited the room. His state of rage was such that he didn't even wish to be in the same building as the mage and went outside for some night air. It was there that he found a brooding Emilia.

"Oh, Ulric," she said upon noticing the knight's approach, "how did your talk with Roswaal go?"

"The man is as evasive as ever," replied Ulric as he sat down next to her, "it's a wonder they're able to put up with him at the capital."

"Well he's always been eccentric," said Emilia before her face returned to the downtrodden look she had earlier. "I'm sorry, for failing the trial again."

"Facing one's past is not an easy thing," said Ulric, "often times when we look back, there are things we want to forget and it's horrifying to see them resurface again. But I have faith that you can succeed."

"What makes you so sure?" Questioned Emilia, "just thinking about what happened gives me nightmares sometimes."

"Because you know that others are depending on you," replied Ulric, "you didn't set out to become a royal candidate for your own gain, and I know you're not working to free the Sanctuary just so you can leave. I hate that I have to sit and watch you suffer through the trial in the first place, but I've seen how truly fierce you can be when you put your mind to it. That's why I know you won't give up, no matter how many times you have to go through it. And since you can't lose your right to take the trial, you can try as many times as you need. The villagers and I are a patient lot and we can wait just a bit longer if need be."

Emilia glanced at him for a moment before speaking. "You can be something of a jerk sometimes, you know," Said Emilia.

"Having recently learned what that word means," said Ulric, "I'm not sure how my attempt at cheering you up could be taken in such a way?"

"When you say so many nice and encouraging things, how could I not want to do my best and try again," said Emilia, "even if I'm not that bright, I know that is my duty. So don't worry about going out of your way to encourage me, just believe in me."

"As you wish, Emilia," said Ulric, "though I should let you know that you've had my belief in you for a long time."

"But you know I'll still be causing trouble for the people of Arlam," said Emilia, "It's one of the things I regret right now."

"Fret not your ladyship," said Ulric, "I might have an idea on how to handle that situation. Would you like to hear it?" Emilia looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding her head.

Two Days Later: Morning

The Sanctuary was full of activity as the people of Arlam village were busy loading the wagons they'd arrived in. Ulric himself was busy tending to Spiegel, insuring his liger mount was fed and properly strapped to the carriage he'd be pulling. "I'm surprised you were able to convince someone as unreasonable as Garfiel to let the villagers leave," said Otto as he and Ram stood to the side.

"As much as he likes to act like it, Garfiel isn't the one in charge here," said Ulric, "it was Ryuzu Bilma I convinced and she in turn did the job of convincing, or rather ordering him to let the villagers leave. She understands that it's pointless to hold them here since the one they need, Lady Emilia, is already inside the barrier and can't leave without completing the trial."

"And here I thought no one could reason with him," said Otto.

"I would have thought a merchant would understand the importance of negotiation," commented Ulric as he reached up and adjusted the white handkerchiefs on his armored gauntlet while finishing the adjustments to Spiegel's reins.

"Are you collecting old-fashioned good luck charms now?" Questioned Ram.

"These are from Petra and Rem," explained Ulric, "as you might recall, they were hired on as new maids by Frederica."

"And she'd never do anything mean to a new recruit," said Ram, "you needn't worry about those two girls."

"I believe I have every right to worry for the girl I love," said Ulric, "given that you've known Frederica longer than I have, do you think she had anything to do with what's happened up to this point?"

"I can't say for sure," said Ram, "Frederica has been a loyal maid for as long as I've known her. But I do have a message from Lord Roswaal that should help. He says if Frederica concerns you, then turn to Beatrice and tell her: 'Roswaal said to ask the question.'"

"And was he kind enough to elaborate on what I should expect upon uttering that phrase?" Questioned the Knight.

"I don't know the details myself," said Ram, "only that everything will change once Beatrice hears those words."

"Which can mean a whole host of things," said Ulric, "his directions are as unhelpful as ever." Ram might've said something to that if Emilia didn't walk up just then.

"Ulric," she said, "I'm not interrupting your conversation with Ram am I?"

"Not at all," said Ulric, "we were just discussing some matters concerning the trip back to the mansion. Is there something I can assist you with?"

"Actually," said Emilia, "I thought this might help you on the trip back." She proceeded to put her hand on the knight's heart and closed her eyes. "May the blessing of the Spirits be with you."

"And my prayers shall be with you," said Ulric as he put a hand on her shoulder, "I'll be back soon, and I might bring Rem with me this time." Emilia smiled at that as the knight hopped onto a nearby wagon and began the journey back.

Mid-ride: The Lost Forest

"I must admit," said Ulric to his riding mate, "I was a bit surprised that you volunteered to escort us as far as the barrier."

"Heh, it ain't a big deal," said Garfiel, who was steering the cart, "but I also got a serious question to ask you, knight boy. You went through a trial in the graveyard, didn't you?" Ulric failed to completely hide the surprise on his face at the question. "I can tell, you didn't have to hide it."

"It's not that I wanted to hide it," said Ulric with a slight sigh, "it was just already decided that Lady Emilia would take the trials to free the Sanctuary, so I saw no point in mentioning it."

"Except that you can take the trials in her place," Garfiel pointed out, "overcoming one's past, why is that even necessary? Anyway, I don't know if you noticed, but the trial broke her. Each time she's come back totally freaked out. I'm surprised you can stand to watch because I can't."

"If you knew Lady Emilia a little better, you'd have a bit more faith in her, like I do," said Ulric.

"Well you have your expectations and I have mine," said Garfiel, "but have you bothered to wonder if she even wants to overcome her past? Isn't her crying about being scared how she really feels about all of it?"

"I'd be more surprised if she wasn't scared," said Ulric, "I was scared when I thought I'd been returned to the Crusades to face all I'd done."

"Well we'll worry about that in a bit, the barrier's close," said Garfiel before pulling the stone hanging from his neck off and presenting it to Ulric, "take this. I don't feel like explaining my reasons, but you'd best know that we'll be the ones suffering if you don't come back. So if push comes to shove, show that to Frederica."

"I gave my word I'd return," Said Ulric, "and a good knight does their best to keep their word."

"Then we'll be seeing each other again soon," commented Garfiel before departing back to the Sanctuary.

Sunset: Roswaal Manor

It was rather touching, to say the least, finally getting the remaining villagers back home and to their families. Ulric himself did his part with unloading the supplies, but as soon as he was done with that, the knight headed back up to the mansion to attend to some more personal matters. Much like the last time he'd arrived, the sun was setting as he pulled the carriage around the back of the mansion and unhitched Spiegel. But the entire time he was doing so, he couldn't shake the strange feeling that something wasn't right.

Throughout the whole process of putting up Spiegel in the stables, not a single person came out to greet him. While that wouldn't have been unusual, per se, due to the mansion's size and required maintenance, Ulric was fairly certain at least Rem should've been out to greet him already. The feeling persisted as he walked up to the mansion and knocked on the door to announce his presence. "Frederica, Rem, Petra!" Called the Knight, "It's Ulric, are any of you inside right now?!"

Silence was the only answer he received. Not knowing how else to proceed, Ulric tried the door and was astonished to find that it was open. Inside the mansion, none of the lamps had been lit and silence continued to reign, broken only by his now terribly loud sounding footsteps. 'Where is everyone,' thought Ulric as his eyes darted back and forth while he walked the hallways with his helmet under his arm, 'why is no one here at the mansion?' His pace picked up even more as he approached the room Rem had been using when Ulric left, concern turning into alarm as he began to call out.

"Rem, Petra, Frederica!" He called, "if anyone is here, please answer me!" And at last an answer he received. He happened to be glancing at one of the gold-colored vases, so polished that one could see their reflection in it. And what he saw, was a blade coming for him.

Turning and drawing his weapon in one swift motion, Ulric was still nearly knocked off his feet from the impact against his sword before his assailant quickly backed away. "You," said the knight with a healthy amount of venom in his voice, "I was there when the castle guard arrested you, so how are you here now, Elsa Granhiert?!"

"Ah, so you do remember me," said the assassin as she held her blade lightly off to the side, an amused but malicious smile on her face, "it's true, I was arrested. But it's not the first time I've had to escape from a contingent of knights and my little helper provided me with more than enough assistance to do so. That aside, I've been eager to see if you've fulfilled your promise, of taking good care of your bowels."

"You want to see entrails so badly," said Ulric as he put on his helmet and held his sword at the ready, "I'll oblige you, by showing you yours!" In the next instant, the silence that had permeated the mansion was broken by the sound of colliding mystical steel.

Once again the wheels of fate have brought knight against assassin! But what of the fate of the others? It's gonna be quite the fight next chapter. In the meantime, feel free to leave a comment or review about what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters. Stop in next time as Ulric duels against the vicious femme fatale and confronts Frederica about her part in the recent happenings. 'Til then.