1780 of Rainmere, 1st (Alraic's POV)

  My footsteps echoed in the empty halls of Duke Vanne's castle, cold stone walls lined with torches and flags depicting a fox with a book in its jaw.

  "Sir Alraic?"

  "Apologies, I got distracted. Please, continue."

  My focus went back to the path ahead of me. My guide was the estate's butler—an aged man somewhere around his 60s. His greying hair showed his age, while his face showed his wisdom.

  Maelis was lucky to have a butler like this while she grew up…

  We soon reached a door where two men in full plate armor stood tall with halberds on both sides of the door.

  "We have arrived, sir."

  "Thank you, Hudson."

  "It was my pleasure, sir… but may I offer a word of advice?"

  "Of course, speak your mind, Hudson."

  "The duke only wants what’s best for Lady Maelis and young Master Sigrid. I recommend you listen carefully to his words, sir."

  Ah, so he figured it out, is what he's saying. Well, at least that makes things easier…

  "Right." As I pushed open the door, what greeted me was a room lit in soft candlelight. At the far wall, a window was open, introducing a crimson sky in the background. Two maroon sofas faced apart with a low mahogany table separating the two in the center.

  There I saw the duke. His eyes looked unreadable; not a strand of his family’s signature dark raven was left untouched by time. He was seated on the right. He put down his teacup and motioned for me to take a seat.

  Naturally, I took a seat opposite him on the left. His eyes looked unreadable; not a strand of his family’s signature dark raven was left untouched by time.

  "So, the thief returns."

  "How ironic to say, calling me a thief as if your daughter doesn’t have a mind of her own."

  "As if she were an object to be sold…"

  "Be mindful of what you are insinuating, Alraic. Your royal titles hold no weight as a ghost from 11 years in the past."

  Two can play that game, Kennel.

  "Is that so… That’s a shame. If I were to suddenly vanish in Vanne territory, I suppose my letters going to my dear sister Princess Elsbeth will go unanswered."

  …

  …

  …

  "Enough." His hand pinched his eyebrow.

  "If you wish to continue this farce with my daughter, you will reveal your noble blood."

  "I will not stand for my house’s honor to be sullied by a disrespectful stain such as yourself."

  "And I will be taking Sigrid as the house’s heir."

  He's trying to use my daughter as leverage—predictable.

  "What that child does in her future is her decision alone."

  "For Maelis’s sake, I’ll agree. We already had a discussion about this…" a sigh involuntarily left my mouth.

  "But we leave Sigrid out of our deals." My eyes locked onto Kennel’s.

  "You didn’t bring me here to discuss her; you wanted men for the front line."

  Kennel silently stared…

  "Very well. I can accommodate for at least that much."

  "But you will reveal your bloodline."

  "Then we have a deal, then… so what do you officially need of me?"

  "I hear with your influence you can rally 2,000 men."

  "Is the front that lacking in quality men? How bad were the losses in Thyren Keep?"

  "Devastating…" Kennel pinched his brow and leaned forward. "The first night of Arristan’s attack we fielded 2,000 soldiers to crush any resistance and assist Duke Ravenclaw… but both the duke and a large part of my men managed to return."

  "Did you just say Duke Ravenclaw? I sent a team a few months back. Did you meet the Steel Hearts, or Iris specifically?"

  "… No, we’re still trying to piece together what exactly happened there. A few of my men said they suddenly lost all contact with their key commanders. Leadership was thrown upside down."

  Key commanders disappearing… that means they killed a few dukes without leaving any trail…

  "Do you think Veximilion employed a professional from Ledger?"

  "I thought that at first, but no… I got an anonymous contact actually. Apparently, there’s an assassin group that’s been formed in Veximilion. They kidnap kids as a decoy while sending their actual members to assassinate our commanders in the chaos."

  Sick and brutal…

  "Who's this contact, and how trustworthy is his information?"

  "He’s someone who accurately leaked the assassin group's movements for the past two months now. If you accept my terms, I’ll divulge more information after you sign your men onboard." Kennel pushed a contract that sat on the table over to my side.

  Let's see… 5,000 gold, officiating the marriage betw----

  "Hold it—Draft up another contract. I refuse to allow this in the contract, especially when me and Maelis have already had an official marriage under the watchful eye of our goddess Valmyra of Rebir-----"

  Our talks continued into the night.

  I unfortunately had to spend the night, which was very restless due to our tense negotiations.

  1780 of Rainmere, 2nd (Alraic's POV)

  My footsteps echoed inside the halls of Solora Castle’s palace.

  I ran my hand over my swept-back crimson hair.

  Of course, the duke would force this suit on me and hide my usual clothes today. I'm wearing a slim-fitting black officer’s suit, with a short cloak off my right shoulder.

  My face was sour — the meeting still fresh in my mind.

  Rummaging in my breast pocket, I pulled out a locket.

  Inside, two girls were shown.

  One smiling brightly with her crimson hair braided over her shoulder.

  The other, with black curly hair flowing below her back, was pouting with her face pointed away.

  A wistful smile softened my hardened face.

  “Reminiscing again, Alraic?”

  Her voice caused me to snap the locket shut.

  Maelis stood in her usual mage attire, holding a long smoking pipe.

  “Something like that.” shrugging before returning my locket.

  “We have a new mission. Get Garric and Thors together.”

  I paused for a moment. “Meet me back at the Greyhound Inn. The others should be waiting.”

  “Understood. How did your meeting with father go?"

  “I’ll tell you with the others,” I flashed a smile before pushing forward again, my footfalls echoing in the halls.

  My eyes wandered as the scenery changed from the stone castle walls to the dirt and grass outside. As I passed through the estate's main walls, the city’s voice chaotically entered my ears.

  Men and women coming and going along the side of the main gravel road. Horse carriages and a few rare cars were passing back and forth.

  As I walked a mile down the road, slowly people with less expensive-looking clothing were packing the side paths.

  A wagon hauling some injured soldiers zipped past me.

  I didn’t let my eyes pry for too long and looked forward, finally reaching the market.

  Silas shouldn’t be somewhere around here—ah, now that brings back memories.

  A merchant selling a few drinks to passersby was closing up.

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  My feet stopped here.

  “A bit early to close, don’t you think?” I said, reaching into my pocket.

  A small hand reached into the man’s pocket—he’s teaching a daring one today…

  The man paused and simply stated,

  “Aye, with the fightin’ happenin’ so close I ave no choice. Death is bad for business, sunny.”

  The small figure started creeping away before staring a moment at one of the fruits on the counter, but scurried off when it saw me staring.

  How cute.

  “Well, that’s no good,” I said, dropping some coin onto the counter. “How about you deliver the rest to the Greyhound Inn, help you catch up on missin’ sales.”

  “Baha! Now thas a proper prince!” He took my generous donation. “I’ll ave me brat drop it later, your highness.”

  “Oh, and pass me a cup and an apple."

  “Aye aye.”

  My feet moved me further down the road to an alley, an occasional bow flying my way from those that recognized the royal crest on my cape.

  I stopped at an alley where I spotted the child from before, a young girl around 7 years old it would seem.

  Her golden messy golden locks waved as she watched cautiously—she thinks I'll turn her in to the guard.

  "Hey ki—

  Her small legs burst into a sprint, knocking over a few crates and planks on the way.

  He certainly taught her well…

  Using a bit of aura, I bounded high onto a rooftop and casually walked while tracking the girl.

  She cut a few corners and hid; he didn’t teach her well enough if she's hiding in a dead end.

  I leaped down in front of her.

  "Hey kid, you know Silas?"

  Eeek—uh—Silas? I don’t know a Silas…?"

  Her eyes were swimming—she's spotted at least 4 escape paths already… but I think she's run enough…

  Before a path forms in her head, I quickly grab hold of her patchy overalls when she tried to run forward.

  "Wha--!?!"

  A dog tag lightly fell from her collar and hung loosely on her neck with a string.

  You know Silas… you're wearing his dog tag after all…

  Her eyes widened; she must have forgotten she had it on her neck.

  She bit her lip; I could see the little cogs turning in that head of hers, as her eyes swam around again.

  Let's help speed up the process—

  “Here, you take me to him, and I’ll give you this. I saw you eying it before.”

  Gently putting her down, I took the apple out from my pocket and waved it in front of her.

  She looked tempted but then struck her chin out. "I'm not that cheap, I'll need about—uh… this many shinny's."

  She stuck up two fingers with a single one of her emerald-colored eyes opened as she glared adorably from below.

  I reached back into my pocket and took out a few silver coins, placed them in her tiny hands.

  She placed them in a large front pouch in her oversized and patchy overalls; she then pulled my arm along with her.

  A large smile blooming on her face.

  "You should have just done that, mister…!" her back jolted and we suddenly stopped. "Wait, you aren't another debt collector, right?"

  "Guess he lost his touch… No, I'm an old friend actually."

  The tension visibly drained from her face… a bit too easily actually.

  "Oh good, last time they tried to use me as something they called colatoril? No wait, Colatimol?—Uh."

  "You mean collateral?" A small grin bloomed correcting her endearing behavior.

  "Yeah, that’s it!"

  "So what did he do this time?"

  "Some scary misters from some inn place said he owed a 'deep debt.' Some of the other kids said Mr. Trent cheated him in cords or something like that."

  I scratched my chin as we walked ahead into a slightly larger side alleyway.

  To think I would see the day that cheat Silas got outdone… I'll need to meet who did it.

  "Anyways, we're not too far off, mister?"

  "Alraic."

  "Alraic? That’s a new one… Anyways, my name is Ren!"

  Ren took me through the city’s back alleys.

  We had to weave through trash and barrels, passing the occasional passed-out vagrant or courtesan.

  The only concerning part was the number of sick individuals seen laid about. Duke Vanne isn't managing the rifts in the area well for the core shock disease to spread this wide.

  Children weren't a rare sight to see either; it seems they have formed something organized by the way they were looking at us.

  It's not concerning to see them wary… it’s the adults I should watch for.

  My eyes narrowed and darted around each potential ambush spot ahead of us. And unsurprisingly, a few men were near, feigning interest in me as we walked by.

  Their eyes lingered particularly on the crest on my cloak.

  "Don’t worry, mister, you'll be okay with me!"

  "Is that so?"

  "Yeah! Big sis Cat helped me make a—uh, Delve…?"

  "You mean deal."

  "That’s it! So, they won’t steal my stuff if I give them one of these shiny things!"

  "I see."

  Looks like I'll be running an errand before we leave. It's nice having Silas finally owe me a favor for a change…

  …

  We arrived at what seemed to be a basement entrance.

  "This is the place, give me a second, mister!"

  The little girl bounded over to the door and knocked rhythmically.

  "Uncle S! Uncle S!"

  After a few seconds, a series of clicking sounds reverberated.

  Soon a man walked out, his golden hair in a side-parted slick-back, his eyes narrowed seeing me before easing when he saw Ren. He bent down and placed a hand on Ren’s head.

  "Ren, didn’t I tell you it's not wise to accept money from strange men?"

  "Wha— Mister isn’t strange, he looks like a prince!"

  "Honey, it’s those specific types you have to look out for." Silas stood tall while acting exasperated.

  "First they bribe you into a... Favor…" His eyes locked onto mine. "And then they stab you in the back after."

  What’s he talking about?

  "Go inside, honey. Me and the prince need to have a long conversation."

  "Yes, Uncle S… Bye, mister."

  Ren closed the door tight and scurried off… I can see her little eyes peering out one of the upper floor windows…

  "You’re a far ways off from the North Pole, Prince Alraic… Did you come to have me pay taxes or do you need my dearly rotting and departed mercenary band to help you in another war?"

  "What? I received reports that your band split ye—"

  "Pffft hahahaah. Split! Now that’s a riot. You’re denying involvement." He doubled over in his coat pocket. "I knew you were a bastard… But this." I grip my sword handle as aura started to slightly leak. "This!" A dagger flew out as he dived over back. I leaned to the right and let the dagger strike the stone wall behind me. The second I tried to close the gap, a few clicks happened above me. Two rigged trench guns screamed out lead from the second story. I enveloped sword with aura and swatted the bullets away.

  Another dagger flew and I easily dodged it.

  "Silas, cease this nonsens---!?" Seems he had wires on those two knives. The second I placed a foot forward the wire tightened around my neck and reeled me up. I had trouble breathing and looked down.

  "Stephane Johan George." He walked up calmly, his emerald eyes stared deep into mine while I choked.

  "Arnold, Ezekiel, Terra, Byorn." He’s naming off his old squad members… I see what this is.

  "Lewis, Daniel, Ren,…and finally my dearest". He took out an m19ll and pointed it up.

  Alright, that’s enough.

  Aura erupted fiercely into my still-clutched sword as It swung in a straight path, deflecting a bullet while cutting the wire wrapped around my neck.

  I fell while hacking and coughing, but I never let my hand leave my sword nor let my eyes wander from Silas's figure.

  "Silas… there’s been—cough cough—misunderstanding…."

  "You must have a strong will to live if that venomous tongue is flailing." He reached back into his coat’s pocket and pulled out a—Is he crazy?

  "Silas… I know you aren't that insane to set that off in front of your daughter, right?"

  He just tilted his head. "It would be easier to put a dent into Blackthorne's wall." The rune he was holding started to slowly light up —without much time to think I sprung forward, a red blaze enveloped my aura as the gravel path caved from my leap.

  My fist met Silas's face as he stumbled backward surprised at my sudden speed. The rune lost its luster and fell to the ground—he's not getting another chance to use another trap. Silas flew back but his eyes were locked onto something--he still had a trick left-- his hand was reaching out for a rope positioned slightly behind him, while shooting a volley of shots from his pistol.

  My feet halted the blade sparked as each shot met steel, taking all of my attention. I grit my teeth as Silas's figure rapidly ascended after cutting a counterbalance on his rope.

  I'm starting to miss my armor.

  Not wanting to sit idle, I leaped to a window sill. With a brief glance, I saw Ren crouched in a corner with her ears covered.

  Don’t worry, I won’t kill him, but I’ll definitely leave a few bruises.

  I stared up and instantly leapt to the right window. Something heavy blurred past.

  "Silas! Stop this already and use your words!" I climbed higher, keeping my eyes peeled for more threads.

  "Torren was found dead—" I vaulted onto the roof. Another shot rang; I barely reacted in time, almost staggering off the roof.

  I steadied myself and grounded my stance with my blade pointed forward. "The last report I received said your band fractured. I just learned of the loss from Duke Vanne."

  …

  Silas had his eyes locked with mine, a cutting silence between the two of us. His rifle still locked onto my head.

  "Then why did I Hear your name come from that monster’s mouth!

  "Guiding us as if we were precious comrades and butchering us after."

  “What who—"

  "I watched her die… Someone in a black suit wearing a white mask butchered her in front of me."

  And it said your name oh so lovingly." He raised the barrel again—"You sent us there to die, Alaric."

  "Bullshit, you all signed the contract. And it was Varen who recommended the job" I reached inside a satchel, and my hand touched a thick stack of papers.

  “Look here,” I raised the documents high. “We were both set up, Silas.”

  “What no—that can’t be… Is that Varen's signature?…”

  "Silas, tell me. What happened that night and who else survived."

  "Our supplies were thin, and we hadn't received any orders from the lord, so, Iris, went to speak with Duke Ravenclaw…"

  "I didn't hear from her for a while and went ahead with a few of the guys." He slowly dropped his barrel. "And that THING was towering over her body with one of her arms still held in its hands…"

  "Why the fuck did he…I see…"

  "Veran took Ethan and Claire… I don’t know if Ethan was in on it but we all split a week after returning. They probably hid somewhere to the north"

  "……."

  "We got a lead… And I need you. Not the team, I need you specifically, Silas."

  “At first I thought you were with them… but now—"

  I grabbed silas

  "If you also want some answers, then meet me at the Greyhound Inn."

  "Oh, and before I go—"

  My knuckles met his face.

  "!?!"

  "There won’t be a second time. You're very lucky your daughter’s here, Silas."

  I leapt down and walked out of the alley.

  Just as I rounded a corner and made it to the main road, a car with a familiar crest stopped in front of me.

  My eyebrow twitched a bit.

  The black car was stopped at the end of my path, the passenger side door opening.

  Hudson arrived, bowing before me.

  When did he have a tail on me?

  “Sir Alraic Pendragon, we have arrived to transport you to your next destination.”

  “I believe I said no at the meeting, Hudson.”

  “I apologize, sir, but Duke Vanne insists.”

  My fingers pinched my brow.

  Then finally, I exhaled.

  “My deepest apologies, sir.” Hudson bowed even deeper.

  “Enough. I understand. Tell the driver to head to the Greyhound Inn.”

  I walked past the man and opened the car door myself.

  “Understood, sir,” was the last thing I heard before I shut the door and closed my eyes.

  God, this suit is suffocating.

  Year 1780 of Rainmere, on the 19th. (Lillia’s POV)

  Night.

  Fog covered the mountains.

  A girl with pink hair sat in darkness, her scope trained on the ants below.

  Suddenly, a glint flashed twice.

  “Isn’t that a bit early, Nyphera…” she mumbled.

  Four shots rang out.

  Four ants were hit in the shoulders.

  Before she could line up a fifth, snapping twigs interrupted her rhythm.

  Visitors at this time of night?

  She slowly shuffled further down the mountain path, avoiding direct eyesight from the ridge.

  She looked up and saw a group of men.

  A mage? That wasn’t in the briefing, was it?

  “Position E12 then…”

  Looking down, Fenric seemed annoyed.

  “The target isn’t here,” he said into a crystal.

  “Hold position. Teams two and three are en route to close the net.”

  “Understood.”

  He put away the communication shard and took hold of a branch.

  Thors grunted in dissatisfaction. “We sure that brat’s info was right?”

  Fenric looked down the ridgeline. “Patience. You will get your share.”

  Where are you, little rat?

  30 minutes later

  The girl slid through shadows as if they were her home.

  Branches and leaves stayed mute in reverence.

  Her pink hair blew forward as she leapt onto her next perch.

  She took off a backpack and pulled out a blanket of leaves.

  Glad I made this on the way…

  She went prone, wrapping the blanket over herself amongst more foliage.

  She peeked through the scope and took note of the camp.

  That’s when she saw them.

  Arthur pinned down.

  Adrian missing a head.

  Her hands started shaking.

  Nyphera ? Where is Nyphera

  She frantically looked around and spotted a group of soldiers surrounding a tower.

  A light shone.

  Sophia was seen choking on her own blood.

  I can’t look…

  The scope blurred as she turned it but stopped.

  She saw for a moment — her arm limp as she charged forward.

  They both smashed into the ground.

  The man overtop wound up his fist.

  My sight aligned with his head.

  The world seemed to still.

  My breath visible.

  My shoulders clenched.

  Just before the trigger—

  Magic surged around me.

  My perch was hit below and cradled over.

  My shot rang wide, outside of the camp.

  I slid backwards and fell from my perch.

  “Oh gods—”

  She’s dead.

  Tears blurred my vision.

  My feet pounded on grass.

  A deadly dance between me and gunfire.

  They’re all dead.