Lady’s wounds healed, and she found herself back on her horse soon as her body was able, Sigurther training her in mounted combat. The members of the council grew anxious as Lady’s coming of age dawned closer, and their influence on her decisions all but ended. Her people grew ever more capable of defending themselves against monsters, and the new focus on technology spurred a revolution of creation, gain in capital, and overall growth of the Dukedom’s strength. With this growth came an expanding military, at first supported until Lady revealed her intent to bring the war to Mardok.
Lady argued that they would have the upper hand should they strike at him now in his dormancy. No doubt he was planning some kind of devastation against the Kingdom of Cardesnia. But to leave the protection of their homelands and attempt to stop an army of creatures with no fear, no concept of death, was out of the question to the people. They could stay here and protect themselves and whatever he unleashed could be repelled, unable to penetrate their walls or resist the death dealt by their new cannons. Pylos was strong, and could outlast whatever came.
Schemes began to form outside of Lady’s gaze. Something had to be done about her reckless ideas. Perhaps a change of power was in order. Wolf, being more compliant in nature, would better suit the need of those in favor of isolation. Those council members not ready to relinquish their control began to sow seeds of doubt into the people’s minds. Gossip began to flourish in the towns about Lady’s overly aggressive tactics, and how they cost the lives of countless men beyond the wall. Many agreed with the council members, the ideas of war and fighting the enemy was discouraging to those who longed for a peaceful life and trusted solely in the protection of the walls. “Never mind what happened beyond their barrier,” they said. Not all were fooled though; many remembered where the strength of Pylos came from, and saw past the council’s fears and selfish political manipulations. They rallied behind Lady. Pylos soon became torn, and what was once gossip in the shadows turned to protest in the streets.
Lady, having witnessed the separation of her people, addressed them hoping to quell the surge of anxiety that had risen so suddenly within her domain. “My people! You know I have heard your voices, and that is why we are here today, to put to rest the concerns that all of you have. We are war weary! The attacks of Mardok have claimed so many lives, and changed the course of all the rest. Where children once played, we instead see warriors scarcely strong enough to lift the swords they are forced to wield. Where once the elder enjoyed the final years of their hard lives, we instead see them working at the smithies, producing much needed equipment until their bones fail them. So now, in this blessed peace which we have found from Mardok, we finally have a glimpse back at what our lives once were. The reign of man has survived his onslaught of monsters and creatures from the abyss that we call the Nether.
“But how long do you think he will allow us this peace? Will we let ourselves forget the horrors he brought, and merely hope that he will leave us be? We don’t know when he will return with his nightmare armies, but I assure you he will, and he will bring forth a hoard like none we’ve seen before. But we can end it now if we take the initiative.”
There was disapproval in the crowd, but Lady lifted her hand up for silence so that she might continue.
“As my soldiers know, I will never ask of them anything that I am not willing to do myself, and that goes for my people as well. If you are satisfied with this temporary peace, then so be it. However, if you want to be rid of this nightmare, if you want to ensure that our children do not have to know the touch of the blade, then follow me, and we will fight back for the peace that he took from us. We will take back the night so that we may dream once again! Give me one year to make ready, and we will bring to Mardok the greatest army this land has seen. Wolf will be of age by this time next year, and he will act as the shield for those who must stay. My army and I will be your sword, defending you from afar.”
So the kingdom was divided, but not in chaos. Many were relieved that they would not be forced into a fight they did not want, allowed to stay in the comforts of their homeland without guilt. Others had been inspired by the call for adventure, or the chance to be part of a greater purpose. Many men and women joined Lady’s growing army, while others continued their daily lives. They were content that the council members would have their best interests in mind and Wolf would be a much more peaceful ruler.
Shortly after Lady’s speech, Sigurther called the captain of the guard into his chambers.
“Have a seat,” he offered. “No doubt that you have heard what our duchess has decided.”
“Yes,” the captain responded. “It is a very honorable ambition.”
Sigurther waved off the young man’s words. “Yes, very noble to be so brash. If my hair hadn’t turned silver years ago, I’d say that watching over these children was responsible.”
“Are they truly that difficult, my Lord?”
“Hah! They practically raise themselves. They hardly need an old man such as myself looking over their shoulders, though I am glad they still listen to my guidance. It’s more the stress of this current predicament. That is why I summoned you. I can’t be in two places at once, and while I loathe to admit it, I can’t just go gallivanting across the countryside anymore.
“I need you to go with Lady and watch over her, she still needs protection, and knowing her she’ll be over her head in trouble sooner or later. I’ll be here where I can work best, keeping Wolf’s head above political water. However, I need you to make sure she comes home. I don’t think wolf…” He hesitated and pondered a moment, weight in his expression. “I don’t think I can handle another loss. We need her to come back alive. We have all lost too much already.”
“I understand, my friend. I was going to request to accompany her regardless.”
“Thank you. If you had not been with her company that night… Well, I doubt I’d have been able to cope with another memorial service. It has been too much already and I feel like my past is returning to me. I know you will bring her back, Sir White.”
Little under a year later the massive piston regenerative walls were, cannons positioned strategically upon its battlements. Lady watched as the Yrzowski proudly tested the wall’s defensive’s capabilities with explosive glee, and laughed with him in the success. Secret passageways had also been constructed within the castle, hidden by pistons and laden with traps. In an emergency, Wolf would have an escape.
“It is time.” She said to her brother as she took the golden crown from upon her head and gently set upon his. “Brother, as a sword needs a shield, I need you. I cannot protect the people as I ought to. Without this crown I can carry out the military as I see fit. The people will love you. I will shoulder that weight of the military, if you would so grant me the opportunity to do so for you.”
“You have my blessings,” Wolf said as he looked up at his sister, the crown heavy on his head. There was uncertainty in his voice, but he trusted Lady.
Lady climbed upon her father’s warhorse and smiled as she surveyed the many loyal soldiers who had mustered to follow her beyond the wall. A priest paced among the ranks, blessing the soldiers according to whatever belief he followed. As he reached Lady he inquired, “Lady, of which of the Old Gods do you wish the blessing of?”
“May all of the Gods give their mercy upon my enemies.” The priest raised an eyebrow to the proclamation, and several soldiers paused their preparation to take note of Lady’s words. She held the priest’s gaze and added, “For I will not.”
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