Chapter 27
Raid Epilogue, Return to Zyrus
After the pull of space-time settled I found myself in large room the two mages were using magic to light it and everyone else was sitting down and recuperating from the sprint from the throne room to the library we just did. No sooner did I stumble through another passed through the portal I knew Libby was going to take the bait.
“Ok I wasn't asking questions earlier because we didn't have time for it but who is this girl you keep talking to in a strange language?” Lux asked me but that wasn't the only person wanting to talk to me.
“What was that weird magic you were using and why did you have a mask on?” Calidina was asking.
“You actually are a princess! Oh my Gosh I cant believe you were able to fool us all for so long. I guess being as strong as your are made it believable.” April piped in.
“Princess Lara I mean Kara....... I am disgusted with myself for not treating you with proper respect. Oh Tyr forgive me!” Reid didn't really ask a question just sort of made an apology.
“Who told you that name! Only one person called me that name it was my master! How did you learn of it” This was Libby asking me in Karthian.
“Lara!” “Kara!” “Princess!” This barrage of questioning was more severe then Kormon's icicle barrage!
Just before my head exploded there was a shockwave that was strong enough to knock everybody on their butt. Following it was a large crashing noise. I guess the palace had fallen. Everyone collected themselves and returned their impromptu interrogation.
“We don't have time to ask questions we need to regroup with the others and assure to there safety. Kormon knew we left people behind he may have sent his agents out against them.” I push the questions to the side for the moment. This room emptied out into a ruined building like most of this city. Thankfully the teleporter hadn't been destroyed from age otherwise we would all be dead now.
The ancient city is vast and trying to navigate to the theater would normally be difficult but I can weakly detect Skyler's presence far away I am assuming it has to with the fact we are in a pact with each other. I use this ability to navigate us quickly towards our destination. It takes us almost an hour to reach the theater.
When I arrive I see Oakheart had arrived, after greeting him briefly I head inside to check on our members. Siena quickly runs up and hugs me Diana seems to be sad about something and Grimblee seems to be well drunk. There are two people tied up John and …........ Skyler where was Mabel? If she escaped I can kill her!
“Why is Skyler restrained? Did something happen? Also where is Mabel.” Now that I notice Siena has several scratches and bruises on her. Skyler is now thrashing in her chair.
“Let me out! I need to check on my dear Kara-Chan! Is this how you treat a princess?”
“Mabel escaped a while ago when that tree-ant arrived and we were all distracted. As for Skyler, she got a bit out of hand. About an hour after you left she said she changed her mind about being willing to stay behind. She became unreasonable, when the palace collapsed a little bit ago she became extremely dangerous but calmed down when she could sense your presence a little bit ago. Lara your ears......” After hugging me Siena seemed to notice that I didn't have my ears on.
“Yea cats out of the bag now, also Diana why did you not tell us about Quinton before? You knew who he was didn't you? I advise you not to lie to me” I turned my attention to the saddened Diana.
“Yes I knew very well who he was. He had successfully completed school at Mahouren and was working with my department as part of the excavation team. Suddenly after discovering a watch on one of our digs he refused to give it up for examination and disappeared with it. This operation was in no way set up with knowledge that he was involved. ” Diana said.
“So why did you not tell us about him that information could have been important dammit! You willingly stayed back because you didn't want to dirty you hands” I was really pissed right now.
“Look we all hide stuff from others look you were even hiding what race you were to the guild and us. The reason I didn't fight you on me staying behind is simple. There was no negotiating with him I learned that the hard way. If I was there I wouldn't been able to fight him with all my power. I would have been a liability to the rest of you. About not telling you guys I apologize, however I doubt that I could have given much intel. All I knew was that he had gotten extremely powerful since getting that watch.” Although I wanted to punch her in the face I accepted her apology.
“Well if you want that watch, you will have to dig for it under tons of rubble. In fact since my cover is blown I suppose I will have to retire my position as an adventurer. It saddens me that this is likely my last quest as an adventurer. It was definitely a fun time, crazy time.” I knew this was the case before I started this adventure even if my cover was never blown.
“Don't say that I am sure the guild will work something out with you. It would be foolish to let talent like yours go to waste, you probably will have to pay some fines or face a suspension though for lying to the guild though.” Diana tried to cheer me up.
“I don't think you understand Diana the only reason I did this mission was because it was my last chance to do an adventure with my friend Siena. Now that these ruins are secure that adventure has come to an end. I am heading back to Zyrus briefly before heading east and dealing with a couple of royal families who have been missing their daughters.” I say as I start to head out.
“Wait we still have questions you intend to leave us in the dark about that crazy ass fight with Kormon? Also what about this girl who helped us escape.” Lux looked at me.
“You want me to explain? Kormon was a bad person and I killed him. What manner I killed him in is pointless. This girl was not affiliated with Kormon and helped us escape. I speak her language so she is following me for now, that is all you need to know about her. ” I cut Skyler's restraints. As soon as I do she goes to hug tackle me but I skillfully sidestep her. I look back to Diana.
“This is my prisoner I will be taking him with me. You guys already let one prisoner get away I cant trust you with this one” I cut the end of is chain that is tied up to a post and grab it and pull John up to his feet.
“I will go with you back to Zyrus, I am getting sick of this place anyways I could use some fresh air from the surface.” Siena going to tag along I kinda figured that would happen.
“When are you going to tell me about how you knew stuff only my master knew?” Libby asked in Karthian.
“Like I said if you want to know you are going to have to follow me.” I replied in Karthian. Reid begged to follow me but asked him to stay and he reluctantly agreed. Diana also didn't like the fact that Skyler didn't have that big of an escort but I used my charm and convinced her that I would be able to guard her. Our group of 5 said quick goodbyes and departed. As for additional questions about what had happened I was very vague.
“What did she mean about a 'couple' of royal families......” Diana said to herself
“Oh Lara I mean Kara is actually a Termain princess only 8 years old! She probably will go to Mahouren, I cant imagine how popular she will be. Like she will be more popular then I was there and that's saying something. She is like already stronger then some of the instructors, beautiful as a goddess, and a princess by blood. Also she has the Sidhe Staff. I so want to see her in her uniform! Perhaps I will visit there as an alumni” April couldn't help but get all excited thinking about Kara at Mahouren.
“Did you say Sidhe Staff?” Diana couldn't believe her ears.
After leaving the main group we began the long trek back to Zyrus. The whole walk Skyler was all over me, she had been relatively good so I let it slide. Libby continued to follow me seeking my answer to how I knew something I shouldn't have been able to. Siena wanted to know why I brought John with us. She teased me that saying it must because I had the hots for him. John didn't really talk that much but seemed to be enjoying leaving the cave as much as we all did. It took what was the better part of a day to get back to the surface. Fortunately Skyler, Siena and John were all well rested since they didn't participate in the raid on the palace itself. As for Libby she was a machine, and me I had an enormous Stamina pool that regenerated rapidly. We made camp once we got close to the main road.
As soon as everyone but Libby fell asleep I grabbed John who was still half asleep and started dragging him to the main road. He was very uneasy the whole time as I lead him into the night. As soon as we arrived I pulled out my Tachi and raised it up.
“So you were going to get rid of me after-all.” He said and turned his head away in fear. Ping. In one motion Tachi sliced down through his metal restraints binding his hands and they fell to the ground. Surprised John looked in shock at me, before he could say anything I threw him back his gear that I had confiscated as well as a bag I had made up for him. He wanted say something but before he could interject I went ahead and explained things for him.
“So this is the deal, I am letting you go. The bag I have given you contains a couple of potions in it. The first one is a detect monster potion, the second is a Stamina potion. I suggest you use both right away and hurry home before the effects wear off. Monsters typically stay away from the road but this is not always the case. Also inside is a bunch of gold do with it what you please, this payment for information about Kormon's teleport circle that proved useful to me nothing more. Oh yea here is a torch too I forget you don't see good at night.” After gathering everything and lighting his torch. He looked at me in a sort of daze.
“Whats the hold up? Go now before I change my mind.” I said to him seriously.
“Sorry its just when I lit the torch and looked at you. I realized that you were the most pretty girl I have ever seen.” When he said that my cheeks went bright red. Then I realized I was blushing but why should I care if someone thinks I am pretty? Oh he is in trouble now!
“I changed my mind I think execution is appropriate for your crimes.” I pulled out Tachi and I raised it up. John how ever could feel my killing intent and had started running away like a bat out of hell. I grabbed my crossbow and took aim however I was distracted before I could shoot.
“Will you now tell me how you knew my master nickname for me. It just us two now, and anyways the others don't seem to understand my language.” Libby had followed me out here seeking an answer that I had put to the back-burner. I suppose I might as well get it out of the way.
“Grena told me your nickname.” I said plainly.
“Grena? That's impossible my master has been dead for centuries I read about it after I got out of my hiding spot. She killed...” Libby began to say it.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
“herself? Yeah that's all true but she was a demigod. This Magnus dude forced her to ascend to demigod status and now her soul is attached to this world. She is sort of like a phantom right now and I have the ability to communicate with her.” I turned around and pulled down my pants and underwear to show her the pact sigil on my butt. I continued to explain.
“You see I am her champion.”
“You can speak with her?! What does she want me to do? How can I assist her?” Libby seemed very excited all of a sudden.
“I am sorry, I had to use a lot of her power in my fight with Kormon. Guy was a real handful. She drained herself pretty hard, I wont be able to communicate with her until she recovers probably in a few moons.”
“Is that so......Its ok I will assist you in the mean time. If I assist you, and you are assisting my master then indirectly I am assisting my master. However when you two are finally able to communicate please let me know.” Libby asked me.
“Sure thing just keep this whole thing a secret between us. Apparently being a champion to a demi-god makes you a target so I would prefer if that didn't get out” I guess I have automaton serving me for now.
“How would I do that no one seems to speak Karthian.” She stated.
“Oh I will teach you how to speak common while we travel together. I am sure you will catch on quick.” She seemed happy that I would teach her common. I also planned to learn how to fix her up, perhaps when Grena recovers perhaps I will even be able to upgrade her. We headed back to camp together. Siena was awake.
“Cut your boyfriend loose?” She loves to tease me even though she knows I am royalty.
“Why don't I cut you loose....... of your head. Maybe he just got away and I couldn't track him?” I countered.
“In the middle of the night against you? That's hilarious you expect me to believe that? Anyways I know deep down your a big softy. That kid was no soldier.” Siena was so proud of herself right now.
“So I been meaning to ask you what is the deal with you and that girl who only speaks the foreign language.” Siena stopped teasing me for a moment and asked a serious question.
“I found her in the palace, she is an automaton when the castle was collapsing I convinced her to follow me.” While I left out a few details what I said was all true.
“An automaton? That's hard to believe, however I do recall that Karthians possessed advanced technology. You should probably keep the fact she is an automaton to yourself. Such a rare thing could draw unwanted attention” Siena now was looking at Libby with a very investigative eye.
“I am the only one who can communicate with her so she is sticking with me for now.” I explained the situation.
“I am tired so I am going to sleep.” I said goodnight and laid down.
Waking up the next morning we continued our trek back to Zyrus. Skyler didn't seem to like Libby at all. She was constantly grabbing on me as if claiming me. I was trying to teach Libby common while we traveled. She would ask me what things are called in common and I would tell her and Skyler seemed to get jealous of it.
“You two have a language you can speak with each other with and I don't like it.” Skyler finally spoke out about it.
“I have a gift that lets me understand and communicate in different languages it is very useful. If you want I can talk with you in Draconian? Or perhaps another language you know besides common.” I smiled back at Skyler.
“You can speak Draconian? Why didn't you tell me!” Skyler said in Draconian I replied to back.
“Well you didn't ask. Anyways constantly switching between languages can get confusing.” I replied to her.
“So we have two languages which we can speak to each other in that is pretty useful.” Skyler said
“Tabun mou hitotsu mata” I say to her. This is Japanese for possibly another one. It is time to see if my suspicions about her were true.
Literally stopping dead her in tracks Skyler looked at me as if she had seen a ghost. In fact we all had to stop to bring her back to her senses. It took awhile but the shock seemed to have died down and while she couldn't muster anything but some tears we got her moving again. It is just as I thought Skyler was a Japanese reincarnated person too.
“Don't worry we will talk about it later. I have several questions as I am sure you do as well.” All Skyler could to in response was nod her head as she continued to process what information she just received.
“So princess that's how you learned Elven so quick, you didn't actually learn but already knew it already from your gift. So all the grown up talks Zyra and I had you could understand them all?!” Siena interjected into the awkward silence and looked very concerned. Most likely due to the fact Siena loved to talk about all the guys she slept with to her friend Zyra. When they found out I spoke elven they made sure that I was not near them when they would discuss it however my sense of hearing is very good, so it was in vain.
“If you are talking about the detailed reports of your 'exploits' and I don't mean ones commissioned by the guild. No, don't worry that kind of stuff doesn't interest me so I tuned it out. However I did notice that Zyra would address you very formally in elven. Also your blade has the Amberwood stamp upon it. It is almost as if you were a member of an elven noble family.” The truth is I knew this before even listening in to their conversations. Siena's full name was Siena Amberwood.
I of course being the nosy person that I am looked up her family. The Amberwoods are indeed a very famous Elven house based in Rivenvale the elven capital. Her father Gallan Amberwood is possibly one of the most esteemed elven blacksmiths in all of Shima the Elven continent. Her mother Ava Amberwood is the retired former captain of the elven royal guard a heralded Blademaster nicknamed the Invisible Blade since her sword swings are so fast people cant see them. She has 5 brothers and 6 sisters of all varying ages, Siena being the youngest. Her family has very close ties to the elven royal family and several of her siblings serve at the highest level of Elven army and royal guard. Her siblings that don't serve the army are all successful in varying lines of work. They are all highly esteemed except for Siena herself.
Something must have happened that made her want to leave home perhaps it has to do with the person she knew who possessed psionic power. I can't criticize her for being not being open about things since I myself keep things from her too.
“Hmm is that all you know Princess Kara? We never really discussed my past before, knowing you though you probably already know who I am.” Siena said as we continued to walk. I really dislike titles like princess or lady.
“Well I know about your family, but for the reason you decided to live a dangerous life and become an adventurer. Leaving your family and homeland that is still a mystery. However I have no intention to dig into it at all, I figure if it was important enough you would tell me yourself when you were ready.” I reply to Siena.
“I appreciate that princess Kara.” Siena replied not looking at me.
“Please stop calling me that! Its Kara or Lara if you prefer. ” Ugh now she had no reason to conceal my identity she has started addressing me formally as a princess.
“But it would be rude of me a noble woman, not to address a princess formally.” She replied with a big smile.
“The only reason you are doing it is because you know it bothers me and you love teasing me.”
“I cant help it princess you are so fun to tease. Anyways when we are in town I wont have a chance to tease you about it so I am getting it out of the way now.” She was really enjoying this
We continued are journey back to Zyrus. Libby continued asking me about things to learn common. Siena continued to enjoy teasing me. Skyler still hadn't said a word to me since I dropped a bomb shell on her earlier. There were several times she tried to but couldn't seem to make the words out. Finally after almost 3 days we made it back to Zyrus.
Siena broke off of our group to attend to business at the guild and check in with Zyra. Also I asked her to drop off a letter at the mage's guild for me. I suppose its time to go home, perhaps I should warn these two about my master..... Actually I think I will let them forge there own opinions tehehe. We approach the mansion. Skyler had finally started talking again.
“Kara-Chan you stay in this place?? This place is extremely creepy I don't like it.” Skyler said to me as we entered through the front gate
“Creepy? I use to think so too but after living here for a few years this place has kind of grown on me. I especially enjoy the gardens.” I say as I smell a rose that was on the path to the front door.
“Oh don't forget to be polite to Jennifer-san. She will be hosting us for a while.” I say as I knock on the door. The door opened and I was greeted with a huge hug for Alex. Not very professional but I don't mind, Alex and me are fairly close now. I missed her as much as she did me. We both share a deep love and respect for the same woman.
“Mistress Jennifer will be so pleased to see you. Oh I see you brought some friends as well. I must hurry to the kitchen, we didn't anticipate so many guests. Jennifer is in her study I will come and get you when dinner is finally prepared. I shall send a couple of the maids come coordinate your outfits. After you talk to Jennifer.” Alex said and quickly left towards the direction of the kitchen.
I lead Libby and Skyler to Jennifer's Study. I knocked three time as was customary and waited for Jennifer's go ahead to enter. As soon as I entered I got another hug from Jennifer as she had obviously missed me as much as Alex did. I half expected Skyler to get jealous but when I looked at her she was as white as when I dropped the line in Japanese . I forget how intimidating Jennifer's presence can be, I probably was just as scared when I first entered this room a few years ago.
“Oh Lara you will have to introduce me to your friends.” Jennifer said as we sat down. I wonder who she is more intrigued with the girl with dragon blood or the automaton with no blood at all.
“This girl is Skyler and the one next to her is Libby. If it isn't too much I was wondering if perhaps they can stay here as guests of mine while we figure things out with them. I will take full responsibility for them while they are here.” I ask as politely as possible. Jennifer doesn't typically have house guests but it wasn't something unheard of.
“Lara you don't even need to ask. Friends of yours are friends of mine. They can stay here as long as they need we will gladly host them. Is there anything else you need of me before you go prepare for dinner?”
“Yes but it is a bit personal. Skyler and Libby would you mind stepping outside for a second?” I say to Skyler and Libby. Skyler zombie like got up and walked to the door. Libby didn't understand the command so I gave it to her in Karthian, which she quickly replied to. Once they left the office I felt Jennifer activate the sound barrier. Our conversation would be private.
With tears in my eyes I removed my choker that she had given to me and went to hand it to her.
“I had no idea you had a daughter, this choker belonged to her I cant possibly accept something so precious to you as a gift.” Jennifer looked at me with sad eyes and reached out to my hand holding the choker. She grabbed the choker and looked at it for a second. With a smile she took the choker and walked up to me and then proceeded to snap the choker back on me.
“You know you remind me of her a lot. Not only did she look similar to you, she also had the same dedication to training you have. She would have wanted you to have it too, it looks so cute on you....... Now I have to ask who did you ran into that knew about her and this choker?” Her mood changed drastically for the worse.
“He went by the name Ivan he said he was apart of the Steinberg Coven. He recognized the choker as your daughter's and was trying to see get information about you from me. I slaughtered nine of his men before I engaged him however mid-fight he decided to run away and I was unfortunately unable to go track him down. I deeply apologize I have failed you.” I explained the encounter I had with the group of vampires at the palace.
“It is alright running away is one of Ivan's specialties. So what did he tell you?” Jennifer's mood had suddenly changed to something very scary.
“Well he told me that your daughter was killed in a kidnapping attempt. Also that Vladimir hasn't forgotten about you.” I somehow said this through the most intense killing intent I have ever felt.
“Kidnapping attempt? That's funny that bastard drank her dry.....she was only a few years older then you are now. When Vladimir drinks blood from someone he doesn't stop until they are complete dry to the last drop. It doesn't matter who they are human or vampire alike. His nickname is the Binge Drinker. He is extremely dangerous if you ever encounter him run away he is incredibly strong. A fight between him and me one versus one would definitely favor him by a decent margin.” Stronger then Jennifer? I will definitely have to look out for this guy.
“So on to a more cheery subject who are the two girls you picked up? I was very intrigued by the ones scent and the other one's lack of a scent.” I was all too happy to answer her question that changed the current subject.
“Well Skyler is a dragonkin princess and Libby is actually an automaton. I had to pact with Skyler to save her life in Atlus and the automaton I convinced to follow me instead of having herself get destroyed when a palace was about to collapse on us.” I had Jennifer's complete trust so she didn't even question my story.
“So what do you plan to do with them?” Jennifer asked.
“Well it is almost that time....., so I figured Dragnor isn't too far away from Lorrington I would probably take Skyler home when I leave for my home briefly before heading to Mahouren. As for Libby I am the only one who can communicate with her at the moment..... I have to protect her. I am stilling trying to figure out what to do with her” I say to Jennifer.
“Ugh do you really have to go? I am going to miss you so much!” Jennifer face looked sad again. She was giving me the sad puppy face.
“Look we discussed this many times already, goodbye doesn't mean goodbye forever. I will write you atleast once a week.” I try to sooth it over with her.
“Twice a week! I want to know if you meet any cute boys.” When my expression seemed to sour she added “or girls I suppose”.
“We still have a several weeks together before I plan to leave so lets just enjoy it while it lasts. I should probably go wash up and get dressed before dinner.” I bow to her and depart to the baths. I need to make sure the maids don't freak out about Libby when they try to dress her, since she still has that opening in her abdomen.
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Mandy's Pov
Knock, Knock.
“Come in.” it appears I have a visitor or maybe a message.
“I have mail for you from the Zyrus branch of the mages guild.” It must be Kara! She has kept writing me letters to let me know she was alright. I wonder what is going on with her. I rip the letter out of the delivery man's hand.
“Thank you” I say to him as he bow's and leaves.
I quickly open the letter and begin reading it.
Dear Mandy,
Usually I give you a brief update of how I am doing however this letter I wanted to explain to you why I choose to disappear several years ago. I know that these last few years have been difficult without me and I cant begin to describe the amount of guilt I feel for the grief I have put you all through with my apparent death. I full-heartedly apologize for that. However that is all I will apologize for. At your wedding almost 4 years ago I came to realization that this world is run by strong people, Darius made that clear to me. I was a naive and stupid princess, and made myself a target. My action's cost the lives many of our country's men, I was too weak to save even one of them from the mercenaries we encountered. After surviving that nightmare I made a decision, that if I was strong enough to defend myself no one would have to die for me ever again.
So you ask why not get stronger back in Lorrington surely I had more resources to do it their? The answer I suppose is three fold. The first reason is because back in Lorrington I was never pushed, I did everything so well that all I would get would be praise. I quickly would surpass my instructors and everyone kept telling me how smart or talented I was, I needed to find a mentor who would tell I needed to work harder that I still had a long ways to go. I luckily found an excellent one and I was pushed to my utter limits. My growth accelerated magnitudes greater then before.
The second reason I left was I wanted to travel and explore the world. I wanted to see first hand the suffering and joys that common people experience every day and experience them too right next to them. I had to work to eat and to have a place to stay. I had to defend myself against enemies, both monster and human. I also gained friends who were facing the same struggles themselves. This is something you cant teach in a class room and it gave me perspective of the world.
The final reason was to protect you guys. If I was targeted again and any of you got hurt because of it I would never forgive myself. I needed to get strong enough to protect you guys if such an event ever occurred.
My journey was both long and tedious. I don't expect any of you to forgive me for what I have done. In fact if father asked me to renounce my royal title because of it I would do it without hesitation. If not I still care deeply about Termain and her people. I would work to get stronger so I could protect her from threats both seen and unseen and trust me the unseen threats are definitely real.
The next step in me becoming stronger, is to optimize my talents as a mage. I have hit a wall in my own arcane training and Mahouren is best place for me to grow right now. I am almost 9 now and would be eligible to attend there this upcoming year. I will travel home before that to discuss things with our family and accept my punishment what ever that may be. I enjoyed my freedom while I had it and now it is time take responsibility for my actions. This will be my last letter for a while the journey across Solus is a long one and I have one stop before Lorrington.
Feel free to warn father and forward him this letter, let him know that I wouldn't let you tell anyone about me during this time out of fear I would cut communications. The only one who is guilty of any wrong doing is myself. Again I take full responsibillity.
I love you always,
your Kara pillow