“Don’t pick at the stitches.”
Parune glanced up at the back of Mearm’s head, wondering how he knew that he was at it again. “I can’t help it, my skin feels like it’s crawling.”
Parune obeyed, leaving the wound alone for the moment, and took hold of the reigns once more. The remainder of Lady’s army marched now to Lucern as fast as could be managed, but mounts were tired, and the wounded could only be transported so quickly without risk of further injury.
Parune nudged his horse forward to match Mearm’s, and glanced at his somber companion. “You look more dejected than usual.”
The irritated look was worth the comment and Parune grinned, debating whether or not to harass him further, but it was Mearm who acted next.
“And you are more infuriating than usual, for a man who almost lost an arm.”
“Psh. You’re making it out to be worse than it actually is. No tendons were severed; it’s just a nasty bite.”
“It would be fools luck that you miraculously were not infected. Even then you’ll probably die of a fever if you keep playing with the wound.”
“I’m sure that some days you would enjoy that. Now what’s eating you? Its irritating to those of us that know you.”
“Considering that is just you, I am more obliged to let you suffer.”
Parune chuckled, his hand unconsciously rising to itch at the cloth covering his shoulder. Without warning Mearm’s arm reached over and punched Parune on the shoulder.
Parune winced with a curse while rubbing his shoulder. “You’re going to tear the stitches.” But he was smiling as he said it. He couldn’t help the elation that he still felt from the battle, and the rising anticipation of the looming battle ahead.
“With how you act, I take it that you did not see Lady, when she summoned the fire.” Mearm’s expression remained unchanged as his mind deliberated over what he had seen.
“No, I was in the forest when it happened. We pushed their archers back into the woods where they wouldn’t be able to rain arrows on our main forces. But I did see some of what happened, masses of the enemy engulfed in flames, and yet... not a single scorch on the earth. What happened?”
“She was dying when I found her. A soldier had spotted us and was going to carry her off, but the look on her face stopped me. She wanted to die in battle, not in a surgeon’s tent. I saw that wish on her face and let her go.” Mearm paused as he held the memories of what transpired in his mind before continuing. “I lost sight of her, in that last cathartic burst of energy that a dying warrior gets, only to hear her summoning some kind of magic… and then everything was in flames.” He paused for another moment. “It was terrifying.”
Parune watched his friend, his mind mulling over the events of what he had witnessed. “Do we remain with her? Is vengeance so important?”
Mearm sighed, torn over his own inability to decide. “At what cost? Where is she drawing power from? Who does she answer to?”
Parune had no answers to give Mearm and remained silent as he rode, speaking up again as a thought came to him. “Did any of the soldiers burn?”
“Not that I could see, but I did find the remains of the traitor.” Mearm gleamed a satisfied smirk on Parune.
“Then those of the Dukedom were unharmed,” Parune offered as justification.
“This time.” Mearm glanced at Parune and noted the satisfied smirk was gone.
Parune glanced back at the cart transporting the duchess’ body, the grim discussion heavy on him.
Lady’s consciousness was jarred back into itself as the wooden cart bounced over the rocky road. Cracking her eyes, she saw only the blue sky above her while the sounds of marching men and horses surrounded her. However, in that moment all Lady could focus on was the cerulean above her. It reminded her of her brother’s eyes, and without thinking she reached up as if she could grasp it. Her eyes focused on her still gloved hand, marred with dried blood. She drew her hand closer and bleakly stared at the gore that was not just her own, before letting her hand fall back to her side.
Was this what victory felt like? If it was then it was hollow. A better word would be survival. Battered, broken, but alive. It wasn’t a good feeling, but many of her soldiers were still alive, and that she was thankful for. It took all of her effort not to think of what had happened on the battlefield, the memory too fresh in her mind, and the guilt of what she had started.
Is this the path you would have chosen, father? Mother, I wonder if would you be afraid of me too?
Bit by bit, she began to become more aware of her body and the pains that came with it. Her movement attracted a doctor, and while he climbed inside of the moving wagon he was joined by one of Lady’s generals who had been riding alongside the wagon. Lady struggled to listen as she was filled in on what had occurred since the battle, while the doctor carefully inspected her.
She winced as the doctor cleaned the wound, sweat breaking out across her forehead. The general patiently waited for her to recover, to relay any orders she might give. He spared a glance at the wound as Lady’s eyes squeezed shut. All of her soldiers were curious about her condition.
“Thank you.” Lady breathed in deeply as a sharp pain shot up from her wound. “That will be all for now.” She did not see the polite nod her general gave her before riding back to the front, so tightly shut were her eyes from the pain.
It wasn’t long before lady was alone again in the cart. She found herself relieved to hear that Sir White was well and leading the army, and a selfish part of her enjoyed the break. The thought of Sir White also brought about a wave of thoughts that she was not ready to address yet. Nor could she afford to think about how the thought of his death had made her feel. How she wanted desperately to see him and yet was relieved to not have to see him at the same time. And even though she realized how she felt, and knew that it was Sir White who saved her from Malice, this was not the time nor place to feel this way. So she pushed down how she felt despite of herself.
Within the next few weeks Lady managed to sit herself upon her horse and ride along with her men, but kept to the rear of the moving army, opting to let Sir White lead as long as she could allow. It was painful to ride and the sutures barely held in her skin. It was not her pride that kept her up, but the need to portray herself as strong to her soldiers, and the necessity to show that she was able to fight with them despite her overwhelming nausea from riding and tiredness that she felt. It was a façade and she knew it, but maybe she could hold things together if she could give the impression her injuries weren’t as severe as everyone thought.
As the sun begun to set on their last day of travel, the now colder winds brought with them the sounds and smells of distant battle leaving Lady terrified in her saddle. Her heart raced as she hesitated, terrified of what she would see, of what she might have to do. Eyes had begun to settle on her as her soldiers waited to see her reaction. Curious and uncertain eyes watched to see if Lady would lead or blanch from war. She realized that she was too young, too inexperienced, and could not afford even the smallest uncertainty in her company’s presence, and now her very presence caused that uncertainty. Pushing her nervous horse forward and sitting straighter in her saddle, Lady moved to the front so she could be with the first to reach the pass.
No sooner had she arrived did the forest break into the low hilled farm lands that surrounded the city, now burnt and black from Mardok’s army. Her eyes fell upon the constant heave and thrust of battle, the surging mass like an ocean that erupted up into explosion as the wall fired off its cannons into the monsters. She could see small human bands throughout the chaos, the largest near the city gates who were fighting desperately and defensively as the wall had failed them. Mardok’s army had the strength of Lucern bottled in the city and it would only be a matter of time before they fell from within.
She waited for panic to take her as she watched the scene of Mardok’s army between her and her city. The vision of seeing Lucern under siege again brought back the flood of memories of her childhood and losing her parents. The stray thought that not being quite mortal felt less than she remembered. Instead she felt vulnerable and inept.
In spite of herself, she drew her sword, the sound ringing out before her hoarse voice took over, grabbing her soldier’s attention.
“Come on men, it’s time to go home!”
Digging her heals in, her horse leapt forward and with a resounding cry her army fanned around her. Following Lady was easy now, as they were all fighting for their homes, their family and friends who were left behind. The fear of their leader for the moment dissipated when all had the common want to protect what was their own. As Lady and her soldiers reached the rear guard of the army she had no time to witness anything but what lay in front of her as her sword rose and fell and rose and fell again, but in the corner of her vision she could see that her army kept pace with her.
Across the battlefield near the city gates, the soldiers of Lucern began to notice that something was causing consternation within the enemy ranks. However, none on the ground could see what was causing disorder within the ranks. It was those on the wall who witnessed the familiar family banners across the battlefield, waving in the rapidly encroaching darkness. Horns erupted, signaling to all those fighting within the walls that Lady’s army returned. Elated with newfound hope there was a push back from the citizens of Lucern that finally pushed back the monster ranks out from the city.
It was a long and bitter night and Lady lost many more people before it was over. Even when the tides turned in favor for Lucern, Mardok’s army was slow to acknowledge defeat. The remains of the army were fleeing now, Lady’s soldiers not giving pursuit as the cannons took their time picking off the straggling forces. Mardok had not been on the battlefield himself, only generals leading in his place. It was a cruel reminder that Lady had not reached her goal in finding his fortress. That failure burned inside her heart as she wondered if she could ever end this ongoing nightmare. Battle weary and death weary, there was little rejoicing as the people of Lucern had yet to believe that the siege was finally over.
It was Caesaris, who had saved her life, that Lady recognized first from the castle as she rode though the city gates. The older druid, weary from all the patients he had been tending, hardly paid her any mind as she came up, opting to tend to the rows upon rows of the injured to dying. In between all the bodies laid out were children helping Caesaris. Too young to fight, they could clean wounds, give water, fetch and carry items needed. Lady watched the children and saw that they, like her, had lost family and the desire to find her brother filled her heart. However, the rows of her people laid out called to her more, they deserved her attention as they had fought bravely for their homes and deserved her care more than finding her brother.
Dismounting, Lady found a soldier who took her horse to have his armor removed so that he could be used for any labor that would be needed in the city. Kneeling down next to Caesaris she murmured.
“How can I help?”
He smiled softly at her and began explaining how she could help him set a fractured leg.
It was almost dawn now and all of Lucern was still awake, people from all over the city were helping each other. Some putting out fires while others were burying their dead, many were treating the wounded while those were still capable began repairing the walls. The city was a full of the sounds of the living, everyone was needed and all able bodies were working. It was a sound of great relief to Lady as she stood in the balcony before moving back into the foyer where Sigurther and a few of her men waited. Exhaustion was slowly bearing down upon her and the armor she still wore grew increasingly heavy. However, she could not rest yet as none had been able to locate her brother.
“Sit down Lady, there are many things we still need to discuss while we wait.” Offered one of the council members. “We were barley sieged for a day and the wall fell. We need to rethink our strategies and unless we enlist more men from other cities, we need your army here. We were crippled without the army.”
Sigurther reached across the table and gently touched the council member’s arm, grabbing his attention and silently shook his head, indicating that this was not the time to barrage Lady for her mistakes.
Lady heard his words and knew that they were true, but she could not address the council now, all she could do was watch the door and pray that it would be her brother that would be entering. Her heart racing and her body visibly tensing as footsteps were heard coming towards the door. All in the room became hushed as the door opened, revealing two guardsmen. One supporting the other as he had he limped in on a gimped leg.
Lady’s violet eyes flicked from one soldier to the injured and let the silence fill the room as dread replaced her hope as both remained silent.
“Where is the Duke?” It was Sigurther’s voice that had broken the silence, but his voice betrayed the trembling that had begun to settle in his bones as he too began to realize the unsaid answer.
The soldier hesitated, knowing that what he would say now would be devastating to the young woman. “Wolf has been taken.”
Lady froze, the life draining from her face. The words nearly failed to process in her head, hope flourished in the thought that he had not been slain but simultaneously crushed at what would become of him shortly. Words failed her as she struggled with images of what the enemy would do to him.
“Tell us what happened.” It was Sigurther’s pained voice that rose again. Grief and guilt was wracking his body as it had been he that had suggested that Wolf lead his men.
The soldier averted his eyes from Lady as he explained what had transpired. “He was with the first group to respond to the portal the enemy had opened within the city, but… well, no one could be prepared for what came out, and they were overwhelmed. I saw Wolf carried back into the portal. I’m afraid he’s been taken into the Nether.”
Lady let out an anguished cry, her hand coming up to cover her mouth as she sunk down into a chair. Being pulled into the Nether was worse than being carried off into the night as she had just imagined for those few moments. The world past the portal was filled with fire and death. Useless, she had been completely useless to him. Crippling Mardok’s army had not been worth the price of her brother.
Covering her face with her hands, Lady doubled over in her seat as misery overwhelmed her. Tears wet her hands and she could barely hear the words of Sigurther attempting to console her as he moved to her side.
“What of the Portal? Does it still stand?” Inquired one of the council members.
“Yes.” Hesitated the injured soldier. “We weren’t sure what to do with it as the Duke had been pulled into it.”
“Obviously it needs to be broken, otherwise-”
“Everyone leave now.” Sigurther’s voice rang out. “We will discuss the matter with the portal later, the Duchess deserves time for her to grieve before she is required to continue this conversation.”
There were murmurs of acceptance and brushing of feet as everyone left the chamber save for Sigurther who with tears in his eyes tried to apologize to Lady, but she could no longer hear his words.
Lady’s mind was working quickly now. Wolf had been taken alive and he might remain that way if she acted swiftly.
She needed to enter the portal… Swallowing roughly, she began devising a list of things she would needed to prepare. Determined, she knew she had to go alone, she would not drag anyone else further down this hole. She had no time to second guess herself, the longer she waited the harder it would be to track down her brother. She had to go now.
She was aware of Sigurther removing his hand from her back as she stood from the chair. He watched her with pity in his eyes as she wiped at her own.
“Thank you Sigurther.” Lady paused as she straightened, determination setting in. “I need to go find my cousin. Excuse me.”
Sigurther watched as Lady’s demeanor of anguish settled into what looked to be grim resolve, and worried of what had transpired in Lady’s mind in those few devastating moments. He sent a short prayer for their safety.
“I can’t keep by their side to protect them any longer,” he said to himself as Lady exited the chamber. “Someone, please watch over them.”
Lady found her cousin, Blue the second, sitting in his chambers head in his hand, looking despondent as the news had been carried to him shortly after Lady.
“I need a moment of your time your highness.” Lady announced as she entered and closed the door for discreetness.
Blue glanced up and looked at her, offering her a half smile that looked despairingly sad for someone as young as himself. “Don’t call me that. Even when I take my father’s place, I don’t want such formality between us.”
“Forgive me, but I needed to ask you a favor.”
Blue sat up at his desk and wearily looked at her. “Well at least that explains the formalities. Proceed.”
“I need someone to sit on the throne for me.” The quiet request hung in the air for a moment as Blue shook his head.
“Get someone you trust.”
“I can’t.” Lady started and drew in a breath before continuing. “Anyone chosen by me right now is going to be under suspicion with the counsel due to what-.” Lady paused as she struggled with her words, noticing Blue looking curiously at her before continuing. “They won’t trust my decisions right now. Lucern will be in turmoil even if I were to remain on the throne…unless the ruling family were to sit on the throne until things are settled.”
“Lady, you know already how much I despise the fact that someday I will replace my father. Don’t make me take up that responsibility before my time.”
“I need your help, Blue.”
“Even if my father agrees to it, I simply can’t do what you ask. I’m already trying to get away from one throne, don’t try to put me on another.”
“I have to get Wolf back home, Blue.” Lady’s voice trembled as she looked pleadingly at him. It was a selfish request, but she knew that she would never live with herself if she did not try.
Blue closed his mouth, holding back his retort as he watched his older cousin struggle with the possibility of her brother’s death.
“To either bring him back, or to at least return his body, so he can be buried beside our parents.” Tears formed in her eyes. “I cannot stay here. I need to do this, whether you help me or not.”
He cursed under his breath. “Your dukedom will be in complete chaos if you disappear.”
“Unless you help.”
Blue pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration as he began preparing himself for what she had asked. “And If you die along the way? What then? How do you want me to proceed with inheritance?”
Lady hesitated with the blunt question, which he had no doubt designed to make her reconsider her actions. She knew that Malice would not let her die yet, she had obligations to it. And if she did what it asked it would keep her alive just long enough to get what it wanted, Lady hoped she could get what she wanted first before she gave in to Malice. She glanced at Blue and knew she could not explain her thoughts to him.
“Well?” Blue inquired, wondering if she had changed her mind.
Lady’s mind raced as she thought of who she trusted. “In the event that I do not return and you are called back to the throne by your father, I want Sigurther to inherit the responsibility of the Dukedom.”
The Master of Arms, he nodded in agreement. “Very well then.”
Lady stood paralyzed before the whispering portal as fear gripped at her determination. She had timed her approach to coincide with the changing of the watch, and the new shift was presently too distracted in getting settled to their posts on the other side of the distant palisades to notice Lady. The rippling resonance was unnerving to hear aloud instead of her own mind. However, the violet swirling mist seemed indifferent to her presence, the shard remaining still in her chest. Lady watched as purple shimmering particles whisked about her like snow flurries, knowing that she was afraid.
This was not the portal that would take her to Malice, her mind finally accepted. It was that thought which had prevented her from moving forward.
And if it had, would you abandon your brother?
The voice in her head was her own and not Malice, and still a shiver ran down her spine. The truth was she didn’t know, at this moment she wasn’t prepared to face Malice and the part of herself that was entwined with the indifferent entity. But she could face Mardok, that she knew. He was something tangible, someone who was slowly whittling down her family one by one and had taken the very last person she had in her life.
“He could still be alive.” She whispered to herself as she pressed forward and stepped into the churning mist.
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