“Spirits and ghosts that haunt a location can generally be thrown into two large categories. The first being mana induced hallucinations or brief manifestations. Scary, but ultimately more or less harmless. The second category are lost souls or ethereal creatures, mana twisted so that they remain within the realms of mortality. It is within this second segment that we find more of the expected classifications for the different spirits we face. Though one could argue that it boils down to two separate categories once more; those that kill you, and those that don’t.”
- Marciela Hood, Exorcist of the Church of Astralis, “Spirits, Geists, And Other Malignant Creatures”
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“I, Lady Olivia Amata of the royal Ducal House Amata, proud stewards of Traxia. Second, the statement made by the Princess… former Princess Lucinia Gaius Trax. I will accept whatever verdict is forthcoming about my current situation.” Olivia reluctantly declared.
Sophie felt her heart clench a little. Though she was by no means friends with Lady Olivia the same way that she is with Mila or Hanabi. It still hurt her to see the struggle and pain that currently consumed her comrade.
A silence descended, only the scribbling of the imperial official’s pen interrupted it. Everyone seemed to wait with bated breath. Between the crowd, where Lucinia embodied the frustrations and humiliation of the moment, the minister appeared to be contemplative and triumphant. Yet when the official finished recording, the minister gave the paper nary a glance before making his pronouncement.
“As the official representative of the Empire of Traxian and as the hand of the emperor in foreign territory, I, Minister Bellus Octavian, hereby confirm that I have borne witness to Lady Olivia Amata’s recantation of her service to the former princess of Traxia, Lucinia Gaius Trax. And have thereby elected to approve of her resignation of her duties and to have her be recorded, as of this moment, as a free agent of Traxia and as a student of the Academy of Arteria continuing her own studies.” The minister turned to the official, the other man hurriedly noting down the new words.
A small sigh of relief escaped from Lucinia’s mouth, the girl simply happy that her friend would be able to retain her privileges. Olivia by contrast, looked the most despodent out of everyone. Instead of turning to Lucinia for support, she sought out the only other person who had heard her out, Sophie. Their eyes met and Sophie felt her professional mask crack a little under the gaze.
The only support she could offer was a resolute grunt. One that she hoped could convey the fact that she would be willing to help the two out should either of them need it. She didn’t know if the message was properly received, but Olivia seemed to glean something from the gesture nonetheless. The noble letting her shoulders sag but sitting back down with a resigned sigh.
Satisfied by the outcome, the minister tapped the table to draw everyone’s attention back over to him. Pushing aside the issue of Lady Olivia, the minister instead turned towards the representatives of the two other races present. His eyes took measure of both of them before he spoke up once more.
“And what about our ambassadors from the dwarven and elven communities? What are your thoughts on such affairs that you have been brought here? Of which, from what I can tell from my position, you have no matter… investment within.” The minister asked.
The two ambassadors frowned at being addressed. Though this time, Miraevie needed little prompting from her dwarven counterpart and motioned that she would answer first. An act that the dwarf ceded to her without a fuss.
“As I said earlier, Minister Octavian, I am here at the behest of my friends and on behalf of the elven quarters. I’m not at liberty to tell you anything discussed behind closed doors but I can tell you this. The people within the quarters are curious about the Traxian designs on this city, and using this meeting with Miss Trax, I am to gauge Traxia’s mood and actions you might have regarding us.” Miraevie declared.
Both the dwarf and the minister had looks of mild surprise on their faces. Almost like Miraevie had said something neither was expecting, but not downright shocking or unaccounted for. The minister waited patiently for the dwarf, but getting no immediate response, looked over to Tharnus for permission, to which the dwarf granted.
“Lady Elaester? Am I saying that correctly?” The minister asked.
Miraevie cautiously nodded, wondering if the Traxian was mocking her.
“Lady Elaester, I can, at least at this moment. Quell some of your fears. Traxia has always maintained the integration of local populaces as the cornerstone of our expansion policy. As long as the peopel of the region can respect Imperial authority, there should be no trouble.”
“And how can we trust those words after the Traxian invasions of Tynsford, Felmarch and Carrador? Now Abenstadt.” The elf challenged him.
“I grant you that much. There is precedent. But you must understand that in the situation of the buffer zones, active resistance cells were operating that finally took a toll too many on the eve of our renewed conflict against Abenstadt.”
“So you would exterminate their entire populace? And what credence does your word have when your people, specifically the empire. Has consistently attacked and encroached upon elven territories of the Adornar?”
“We stand as the bastion for humanity. Our conflict with the elves of the Adornari has continued ever since they assaulted human settlements in the north.”
“And so you would wipe them out too? What comfort can we, the people of Arteria, have that you would not simply carry out reprisals here? After all, unlike the slums and walled boroughs that you shove any unwanted species within your cities into, the elves here are a crucial and integrated part of society.”
“And they will continue to be. As long as they submit to Imperial authority.”
“You fail to anwser my first question. But I doubt prodding you will yield anything useful there. Then what of the violence and reprisals in other territories?”
“Violence begets violence. If there is no resistance, there is no need for us to retaliate against anyone.”
“Yet you deprived the outer territories and nonhumans of rights and lives.”
“Once more, violence begets violence. As I said before, we take the matter of integration very seriously. Especially in areas of interest such as Arteria. Imperial authority can be very lenient provided that you and your people work with us. One might even say that suitable candidates for governorship are being molded before our very eyes.” The minister reiterated before casting a sly glance at the former princess.
This incensed Lucinia to the point where the princess shot up from her seat and slammed a fist down on the table, one finger pointing menacingly at the minister.
“Don’t you dare try to spin this on me. You know that my vision of peace is far removed from yours or my fathers.” Lucinia snarled.
“Settle down. Peace is peace. But that peace can also be shattered. It must be built to be resilient, unbreakable, and adaptable. What do you see now in this city? Vices and corruption runs rampant.”
“And you’re saying we don’t have any back home? And I thought I was the naive one.”
“Of course there is. But it is controlled. What about here? Or in the western realms where the city states bicker with each other more than they are facing common problems. Here? The amount of artes in your pockets represent however many laws you can skirt. A few bribes, maybe a mansion, a house, and suddenly it doesn’t matter that you’ve enslaved thousands and created forced breeding farms for an army, does it?” The minister grinned.
Sophie stiffened up. They knew.
“That is not the same. The trading companies are a core pillar of Arterian society and to simply upend one takes time and effort, of which both are currently in process.”
“And? Is that why I should give them leniency? At least we have a clear goal in mind. Imperial bureaucracy might have its inefficiencies, but those who wrong the empire will face swift punishment.”
Ah.
“I don’t see the generals of the legion being put on trial for the atrocities they’ve carried out in extermination campaigns against the elves. Or those responsible for the disaster at Abenstadt.” Lucinia shot back.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Lucinia please, he’s winding you up. Sophie desperately wished to say. A sentiment also conveyed by the desperate look in Lady Olivia's eyes.
“But like you said. The process takes time. If there are things they are guilty of, they will be brought to heel. Here, there, anywhere. But what about the company? What true reprisals have they faced, hmm? Or does a foundational pillar mean they are untouchable.”
“Good to see that our spies are at least keeping you up to date. But would Traxia truly harm the emperor for his follies?” Lucinia spoke.
Almost the moment the words left her mouth, she realized the verbal blunder she had wandered into. Her fingers now gripped the edge of the table, desperately trying to contain the former princess from lunging forward in anger.
“Not even he is immune, dear. After all, you stood incongruent to our ways. And even you, a princess and heir of Traxia, was exiled and disinherited. Just like that. Even the Imperial family is not above the law.” He smiled coldly, assured in his victory.
Mocked and humiliated, Lucinia’s anger receded the more he spoke. Where she was unbowed before, now, it was as if someone else had taken charge. Before the situation could escalate however, Miraevie tapped the table to draw everyone back to her, giving Lucinia a much needed reprieve from the spar.
“Whatever the case, the lady has a point. There is a great deal left to chance and doubts. Even putting aside the matters of rights or humane treatment, there is the matter of economics and the chaos that upending the old order, forcefully, I might add. The chaos that it would bring.”
“Aye. We dinnae agree on much, but what the lass-err, Miss Elaester says is true.” Tharnus chimed in, quickly correcting himself from his informal manner of speach, “Traxia’s never bothered my folk much, but the disruption to trade and business in the city would be neigh unacceptable.”
“Fair points from Ambassadors Elaester and Oatholder, but I must reiterate that Traxia gains nothing by disrupting trade. We stand to gain the most from a peaceful transition. Therefore we have, and I can say this officially, no intention of actively engaging Arteria in a conflict. Evidenced by the fact that the closest Traxian legion has pulled away from your borders.” Minister Octavian defended himself.
“So why even expand? Why is there a need to intrude upon these far flung territories? A desire of human supremacy?” Miraevie questioned, “Even now we trade with Traxian merchants. Is there really a need to try and overtake these markets anyways?”
For a moment the minister was silent, then, to all their surprise, he laughed. A genuine, deep set bellyful laugh. Miraevie and Tharnus exchanged another glance, the two clearly not expecting such a reaction. Perhaps Lucinia was the most disquieted by this action, the girl’s face twisting into a grimace. Her hand instinctively reaching for Olivia’s only to freeze halfway, her loneliness intensifying.
Even Elaria’s performance halted, the stage growing silent as they prepared for a potential conflict. Only Sir Taurox shaking his head at them halted their involvement further. Miraevie and Tharnus’s respective guards remained at their posts, their posture suggesting that they were relaxed but equally ready for a scuffle.
Sophie shuffled a little closer to the delegates on Lucinia’s side of the table, getting herself ready to spring into action should things come to blows. Yet, when she scanned the Imperial guard, none of them seemed in a hurry to act. They were calm, which meant that they weren’t expecting a fight.
Though she was worried, she waited. And her patience bore fruit when the minister finally calmed down, finishing his laugh with a soft chuckle. He met each of their gazes, less combative and more with a look of superiority if anything. He made a hand gesture that had the allies worried, only for the response of the two other imperial officials to stop their note taking. Both of them put away their pens. What’s he planning?
“Let me make this clear, I say this as a gesture of goodwill and trust. Not that I think you are city officials, but simply to allow you to carry this message back to your people.” He began before pausing to look over each person once more. I don't like this.
“Aye, go on.” Tharnus prompted.
“Off the record. The empire has no need for extraneous territories. No need to expand any more than we have. But…”
“But…?” Sophie unknowingly spoke up, drawing an amused smirk from the minister.
“Strange choice of help, Lady Lucinia. Quite loud for hired help.” He chuckled without even looking at the former princess.
He stood up from his chair and walked towards them, putting the other guards on high alert. But instead of being confrontational, he stood in front of Sophie. As she was still technically a maid, she simply dipped her head as one normally would in such a situation.
“But there is obviously more than meets the eye.” He spoke, his voice resembling more of a conspirator than an Imperial official.
Miraevie held up her hand to keep her house guard from acting, Tharnus doing much the same. Elaria and Raylani had snuck down from the stage, their own curiosity piqued by the strange display.
"Enough dawdling, get on with it. Say yer piece or don't." Tharnus grunted.
“The Emperor, blessed is his name, sees the world for what it is. For he knows of hidden truths and prophecies unfulfilled. Yet the signs are there, the world, corrupt and weakened, buck against the coming tide without so much as a shout. The Empire is preparing.”
“Preparing for what?” Lucinia asked, the girl’s voice uncertain, “What is so important?”
“The Dark Tide.” The minister stated.
A silence filled the room, the allies uncertain of his words as they searched each other for meaning. Only Tharnus and Taurox seemed to stiffen up, the two having knowledge on something about what he was talking about. Only when Taurox looked towards Sophie did she have a flicker of a thought cross her mind. But it was interrupted when the minister clapped to regain their attention.
“It would appear you have not been told. That the church has... perhaps kept this from your peoples?” His gaze flickered to the dwarf and minotaur, “Most of you, anyways.” It returned to Sophie, apparently catching her moment of realization, "How intriguing." He mumbled.
For the first time since the meeting began, he appeared vaguely frustrated and surprised in equal measure. It was a small movement, but one that made Sophie frown. Could it be the same prophecy? The one told by It?
“The Dark Tide is returning. The Empire wishes for humanity and by extension Cyndralia to be ready for its coming.” He growled, “As of right now, even Traxia is unready. We need more resources and manpower to properly prepare. And yet when the clouds are gathering, what does the Emperor find? Fractured states, broken alliances, and weak bureaucrats meddling in small matters even as the levees threaten to break.”
He waited for an argument or response, but none came.
“Not decades from now, years at most. It is coming. Abenstadt almost fell not just because of our siege. But because of a demonic outbreak within the city itself. All across Cyndralia, darkness is threatening to take hold. Obscured by petty squabbles and a church that seeks to shroud it in more shadows. We must act.” He emphasized his last words, raising his voice to let it echo across the room.
“The Dark Tide? That one?” Miraevie queried.
“The one and the same. Demons gather in untold numbers in the north, away from prying eyes. Only fate or a miracle keeps them from swarming south. And yet, the other kingdoms and nations pay it no mind, take no heed of the warning signs. It is therefore left to us to react, to us to stop the Tide from consuming us all. And that requires the strength of more nations than just the Empire alone.” There was no joy left in his face, only a resoluteness that spoke of his genuine belief in his own words to come, “We must be united in the face of this threat. A unity to be achieved peacefully or by force.”
Sophie felt the atmosphere of the room chill almost immediately. If the First Minister of Traxia could speak on such matters with such zeal and convictions. It meant that this was likely an endorsed viewpoint of the imperial court. Judging by Lucinia’s ashen expression, Sophie surmised that this was a revelation she had not been informed of either.
But fate had a curious hand today, for before any of them could question or even speak up, a sound that they had expected arrived. Sophie could barely make out Mila’s muffled and unintelligible yell of protest. What she did clearly hear were the clatter of armoured boots and arms. And now the city council comes into the picture.
“Here they come.” Sophia informed her from wherever the rogue had perched herself.
From the entryway, the group watched the almost company sized retinue of bluecloaks stream into the building. Each soldier carried either their polearms or swords and shields. At the end of their dramatic arrival, more heavily armed bluecloaks moved into the hall alongside figures that Sophie recognized with no small amount of distaste.
Heading the group of soldiers was Obadiah Visprays, one of Sigismund’s second in command. The wizened Arterian practically wrinkled his nose in disgust when he caught sight of Sophie. That makes two of us, she wanted to growl.
The Traxian imperial guard now stood at the ready, forming a wall between the Arterian troopers and their charges. Unsure of what to do both Tharnus and Miraeive retreated back to the one figure who stood above the rest, Sir Taurox flanked by Lucinia’s mercenaries. Sophie meanwhile, moved to drag Lady Lucinia to their allies but Lucinia stopped her with a firm shake of the head.
“This is still my conference.” She hissed. She would stand her ground.
Elaria and Raylani had now fully shed their performative function as the dark elf didn’t bother hiding the fact that her hand hovered over her own blade. Elaria at least, took the initiative to drag the last member of the party towards her and out of the main line of fire. Lady Olivia did not resist the attempt, only gazing in Lucinia’s direction with a hint of sorrow.
Making her own choice, Sophie also dropped her guise and made it clear that she had a scabbard and blade under her dress. Her hand rested upon it and primed to tear away the fabrics to draw should the need arise. She stood her beside Lucinia, the former princess trying and failing to hide her trembling hands. She needs all the help she can get. And she is technically my client.
Nobody spoke. Each waiting for the other to announce their attentions through actions. No soldier had yet drawn their weapons yet, a small mercy. But it was the Arterians who broke first, their leader walking towards the table and stood only a few feet away from the former princess.
“It seems that we have some uninvited guests in the city. How… fortuitous.” Lord Visprays broke the silence with a dangerous smile.