“The Nox used to be a peaceful nation that ruled in harmony alongside the other five Rulers, but everything changed when The Grand General came into power. Unlike Polus who pass down their ruling title through bloodline, The Nox elect their officials through a democratic society where the people vote as a collective. Xeros was always a cunning manipulator, and his words rallied the citizens together through promises of equal opportunity and meritocracy. They cheered and celebrated at his inauguration, but their reverence would soon quiet down as Xeros’s true ambition declawed the nation. His political opponents disappeared, the democracy became a dictatorship, and all who opposed his rule were thrown into the gaol. Now, the entire nation is trapped within his iron grip, and the people became mere tools to enact his grand plan of ruling the continent and The Stars above.”

From the memoirs of King Dáinsleif, former Ruler of Polus

———

The Knight

“Oh, hey there Lorelai!” Mary asks, preparing to close her tavern. “You’ve been gone for quite a bit. Any luck finding The Floral Bloom?”

“No luck, unfortunately,” The Knight replies. “I searched the entire street and couldn’t find anything. I suppose the shop will remain a local legend.”

“Aw shucks, that’s too bad. I thought if anyone could find the treasure it’d be you, but that’s life I suppose.”

Mary finishes her closing duties and plops herself down near the warm fire. She pats the chair next to her, inviting The Knight to take a seat and relax. It obliges and the two settle down in silence for a brief moment, enjoying the toasty heat of the flame.

“Did you at least get to see some of the local fair? The music’s always been a favorite of mine, especially at this time of night.”

“I did. It truly was an experience to remember. The theatre was filled with breathtaking performances, and the casino was crowded with all manner of people. The city looks alive and filled with joy, but it’s a shame. I could feel everything was a facade. I wish that they wouldn’t force themselves for my sake.”

Mary twirls a small glass on her fingers absentmindedly, unwilling to look The Knight in the face. She looks down and a sad smile crosses her lips. Her eyes are tired.

“You noticed it huh?” she whispers. “Truth is, the folks are scared. We try to distract ourselves with the lights, the dancing, and the music, but deep down we’re all wracked with unease. War continues to spread, and we never know when it’ll finally reach us. Sure, we’re safe in the capital, but what of our families? Our friends on the border? We can’t have everyone relocate here, or else who’ll attend to the farms? To protect the nation? Even… even now my brother is out there on the front lines, a proud knight of Polus, but I know one day the letters’ll stop coming, and I’ll be left waiting for a body that’ll never return.”

Her hand shakingly sets the glass down and her breathing becomes ragged. She covers her face and leans back deeply into the chair as a quiet sigh escapes from her chest. The embers from the fireplace begin to dim, and the comforting light that illuminated the room is now gone, replaced by a desolate stillness.

“You are our light, our shining beacon amidst the darkness. So many knights are here today because they were saved by you out there in the front, and tales of your steadfast bulwark against The Nox give the people hope, o’ our beloved guardian Seraph. When you went missing, the nation was consumed with despair. Our flame was smothered, and our dreams turned to nightmares. That’s how much everyone loves you, Lorelai. Every single person here out on the streets today tried their best to put up a brave front for you so that you can regain your light, to repay you for the years you spent protecting our smiles. We lost you once, and we’re not willing to lose you again.”

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The Knight stirs awkwardly in its seat. It has never been treated with such reverence, and even though it is merely an imposter, it can feel the sincerity in the proprietress’s words. Time after time it has fulfilled its duty diligently, no matter what enemies it made or lives it took. The people scorned it, loathed it, but The Knight carried on, shouldering the banner of hatred. It accepted its eternal moniker of atrocity, for that is all it has ever known.

Perhaps there could have been a different path in those bygone eras, but the past is the past, and The Knight must pave the way for the future. For Aegis, it must not falter now.

“I suppose even the best actors couldn’t fool you, huh?” Mary says sheepishly. “I think I did a pretty darn good job if I say so myself, but I guess it was kinda foolish to try and hoodwink a Throne.”

“Oh, Mary. I just don’t want the people to suffer for my sake. Even if the entire world looks at me with contempt, I will continue to protect them. As I always have been. As I always will be.”

The Knight stands up and stokes the fire, reinvigorating the once fading embers. It crackles to life as the room is illuminated once more.

“But still, I appreciate each and everyone’s efforts. Even though I could sense their anxiety, I could also feel their conviction. Their strength. Because of them, I was able to enjoy myself for once in a very long time. Don’t think of your efforts as wasteless, for the sounds of your hearts reached me. And for that, thank you.”

A warm smile appears on Mary’s face again and she rises up to help The Knight with the fire. Together, the flame erupts into a smoldering blaze filled with a newfound vitality.

“Thank you, Lorelai,” she murmurs. “I bet everyone’ll be real happy hearing those words.”

The door to the inn gently opens and Dariel emerges from the starry night. His face is gaunt with exhaustion and large bags sink below his eyes. He greets the two with a tired smile and walks over.

“Looks like even amnesia can’t erase the bonds of your friendship,” he chuckles. “How was your evening? Tonight was especially jovial in celebration of your return.”

“It was great,” The Knight replies. “I had an amazing time, but what brings you out here?”

“Looking for you, actually. I figured you’d probably end up at Mary’s tavern. The two of you were closer than sisters, so fate would eventually lead you to her doorsteps.”

He waves towards Mary and sits down next to the blazing fire, basking in its warmth after the cold night.

“Oh, Annalay wanted me to tell you that she misses you Mary. She’ll come back after Ascalon stops nagging her.”

“Oh my, well my bed’s feeling mighty lonely with only little ol’ me to keep it company. Tell her to hurry up or else I’ll have her test out my new super special concoction. Here’s a hint: It’ll bring even Lorelai to her knees.”

“Truly, a fate worse than death,” he snickers. “Speaking of Ascalon, Lorelai, he wanted me to let you know to meet him back in the throne room tomorrow afternoon. He’s preparing for our counterattack against The Nox and wanted to let you in on the details.”

“Did he give up the search for The Comet?” The Knight asks.

“Yeah, he’s adamant about getting rid of Xenos for good this time, so he’s rallying our forces and planning to break through the frontlines. He’s called for every Throne, captain, and knight to the square. I’m still privy to the details, but it’s going to be a big event.”

Dariel strides towards the window and looks up at the countless Stars above. A firm determination settles onto his demeanor, and he clutches his fists with righteous tenet.

“We’ll bring this loathsome war to an end at last. We must be triumphant. For the lives that were sacrificed. For the people we can yet save.”