Samantha yawned while groggily rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She was having a wonderful dream of the sun exploding when she suddenly and violently fell out of bed. This time it wasn’t because Valerie was trying to wake her up, no she had simply rolled right off the edge dropping like a sack of bricks into a heap. The past week of hard labour in Joanne’s kitchen had thoroughly rocked the two’s world more than any monster hunt. She still shuddered at the mountain of dishes that seemed to never shrink no matter how many they washed. Sufficiently awake to climb downstairs and grab breakfast, she passed by Albert sitting at a table enjoying a nice cup of tea with Fandrial. Blinking twice, Samantha put herself in reverse and caught sight of the two elves who met the half-asleep girls gaze with their own piercing eyes. Samantha looked to Albert, then to Fandrial then back to Albert.
“Morning.”
She said greeting both in a tired voice before she continued her backwards trudge, clambering upstairs like someone had cast a reverse spell on her. Fandrial watched the odd display, a look of confusion adorning her face. Not because of Samantha’s actions, well yes because of her actions, but also because she could look at the shadow user this time without her eyes wandering. Albert guessed the question on his guest’s mind and took the liberty of divulging secrets if only to ease the awkward tension.
“She’s been improving as you can see, they both have really.”
The old librarian stated, nervously dabbing sweat from his bald head. Being sat next to a High Elf many times his elder was one thing but for it to be the Gentle Sword of all people only served to heighten the man’s sense of unease. Fandrial held no such reservations and despite her status did not look down upon her junior, in fact she was quite pleased to find an elven citizen who had also been living in the city for some time. Their kind were secular and barely ever left the forest to which they all originated from, only the odd youth or exiled elf would venture outward seeking the company of humans or other races. In her many centuries of life, she had grown to realize how isolated her people were but could also see the downsides of interacting with single century entities. If an elf was to take a non-elven partner they would undoubtedly outlive their companion and be forced to experience an overwhelming loss for ages to come.
She still met some who tried to make it work anyway and heard there was an elf who had several partners in his long life. It was not for her however, she simply didn’t see the point of marriage nor finding a partner when other more important things drew her attention. The Duke tried on many occasions to use her as a political pawn and set her up with suitors which she always respectfully but firmly rebuffed. Thinking of that snivelling rat caused Fandrial to scrunch up her face in disgust just as she was taking a sip of the excellent tea. She hoped Albert hadn’t seen and believed she disliked his brew that reminded her of home. He did see and did believe the worst though he wouldn’t voice such a worry for fear of disrespecting the captain of the royal knights. The two sat in a tense silence as they waited for the young pair of adventurers to appear, which wouldn’t take long considering the hushed voices she could make out overhead.
Fandrial’s senses were trained to their absolute peak and she could plainly make out the whispered argument from upstairs, the two reasons for her visit trying to decide what to do. The chain user, Samantha as she learned, suggested the pair sneak out a window, head to the local pub and wait for things to blow over. The knife wielder, Valerie, pointed out their room had no windows, and they didn’t know where the nearest pub was. It somewhat intrigued Fandrial’s old soul that this generation, or at least these two, had no desire to go out drinking the day away. After another five or so minutes of heated debate the stairs to the bottom floor creaked and the pair appeared, Valerie in the lead looking apprehensive. Walking into the library proper, the huntress glanced to Albert and then set her sights on Fandrial before addressing her landlord.
“Albert, she hasn’t threatened you, has she?”
The subtle promise of retaliation tickled Fandrial and she let out a soft chuckle. The laugh was met with a dreadful stare to the elder elf who noticed Valerie was wielding her knife back handed as if ready to plunge it into her heart at the breakfast table.
“No, no, there has been no threats. I promise you.”
Albert announced trying to defuse the situation to no avail. Fandrial met Valerie’s hate filled gaze with an easy going one. She came unarmed, no bow or quiver at her side yet it was obvious to all in attendance she was still the most dangerous one in the room. This didn’t stop Samantha from sneaking behind the woman with a shadow chain gripped in her hands ready to strangle the elf.
“Please don’t do anything rash Miss Trapper. I am only here to talk.”
Fandrial said never taking her eyes off the huntress. Samantha froze, looking to Valerie she waited for her friend to provide some sort of signal to proceed with the strangulation anyway. What she received instead was Valerie sheathing her weapon and moving to sit beside Albert.
“You want to talk? Then talk.”
Valerie’s voice was dripping with venom although Fandrial wondered if she had ever done anything truly despicable to deserve such a reaction. To Valerie she did, they were both warrior’s so retaliation was expected when she quite literally spat in her face. The Gentle Sword however didn’t approach them like a warrior instead she came here to their home and indirectly threatened a friend. It forced them into a corner, neither Samantha nor Valerie could take on the elven warrior and keep Albert out of harm’s way in the process. Not that either could defeat the royal captain even if they had time to prepare, the perfect venue or the advantage of Fandrial blindfolded, tied up and starved for a month. If push came to shove however facts and logic would not stop either from trying to gut the elf knight. Samantha shared the sentiment though not as gruesome or personal, she just didn’t want to see Albert hurt after he’d been so kind to the duo. If the world was full of people just like Albert or Joanne or Granny then maybe she wouldn’t try to end it. Probably. Sitting on either side of Albert, Samantha and Valerie surrounded their friend while Fandrial lounged alone, a one-woman army.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here. I’ll cut right to the chase I require your… assistance.”
Three sets of eyes growing wide, two jaws dropping and one spit take were the immediate responses Fandrial received. It was expected, thought the elf, she would be just as flummoxed if a previous enemy had come to her offering an alliance. In her mind they were one-time foes but that was then, this was now, and she was far too old to hold onto grudges. At least that’s what she told herself, a part of her still wanted to get the huntress back for spitting in her eye, an absolutely disgusting act. The gears were finally turning and just before the questions could begin flying, Fandrial put up her hand to halt the presses and allow her to continue.
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“At this time, no one is pursuing either of you two or your known associates. An investigation is being conducted for “Iron Link” and HIS companion “V”. The Duke is quite adamant I locate them as soon as possible so they may be tried for high treason and attempted assassination of her majesty Princess Eleanor Regalia the future Queen of the entire Gentile Kingdom.”
Valerie and Samantha shared a look trying to process the information that had just been dumped on their doorstep. Assassination of who?
“As I am sure you know, the ‘Mournful Princess’ has been in seclusion ever since the king and queen died in an “accident” several years ago.”
Fandrial accentuated her words with air quotes that neither adventurer understood. They had in fact NOT known any trivia or gossip around the royal family nor could they have named the ruling party of their home nation. The only person they had heard of was the Duke for being a reprehensible stand in ruler and the royal captain herself due to her incredible skill. Before they got too deep into things, Valerie decided to voice her growing confusion.
“But we didn’t see or meet a princess?”
Fandrial smiled coyly and nodded to a shelf in the far corner.
“Really? Because it looks to me you have already had the honour of meeting her highness, in fact I’d say you have a leg up on me.”
The elf chuckled at her own joke as everyone at the table turned to look at the object propping up a series of books. It was the marble leg Samantha stole from the carriage and used as a zipline during their escape. Realization dawned on Valerie who whipped back round to the elf and made her deductions known.
“The doll is the princess?!”
Now that was just too on the nose, a kingdom with its figure head being a literal puppet, talk about cliché. Fandrial raised her hands in mock surrender.
“Don’t look at me, I am just the messenger. You need not worry, the real Eleanor Regalia is still out there, somewhere, and the puppet has been used to keep the people none the wiser that their country is a sham. Some truly believe that when the ‘Mournful Princess’ comes of age she will ascend to the throne and work to better the kingdom.”
Fandrial had to admit it was an ingenious scheme from the Duke. She had no idea if he played any part in the deaths of their previous rulers, but she wouldn’t put it past him. Installing a mascot who was in perpetual grief for the loss of her dear parents was clever, however. He could keep the “princess” sequestered wherever he so chose and only needed a convincing silhouette to trick the common folk. For any foreign dignitaries or potential rivals to the throne he could employ the puppet but dress it entirely in black and covered in a shawl so as to keep up the illusion while he worked to find the true princess. She wondered just how many were in on the scam to keep a nation defining secret for over a decade.
“At this moment, you two, apologies you three now, and myself are the only outside parties who are aware the princess is not real.”
Learning she was a puppet to a puppet shook the proud elf to her core and forced her to reevaluate her position in human society disappearing for several years as a result. Ultimately, she returned as she adored this country too much to see it fall into decay and began working to uncover the whereabouts of the true princess. Sharing such a dangerous secret to anyone would only put them in danger or lead to her being found out, but a couple of nobodies was exactly what she needed. One such nobody asked an obvious question.
“Why not reveal the truth then? You can have the leg if it helps.”
Samantha enquired causing Fandrial’s face to drop as she let out a disappoint sigh.
“It would bring me no greater pleasure to bring this charade into the light and show everyone what a sham the Duke is. Unfortunately, I am one person and cannot change the minds of an entire nation with my voice alone.”
It also didn’t help that if she was able to somehow gain some traction and depose the Duke as well as his co-conspirators it would only end in a war for succession as all interested parties vied for the open position. The only way to avoid a blood bath would be to locate the princess and ensure she took her rightful place on the throne. An impossible task that required many pairs of hands and those with more freedom than the royal captain. Which is exactly what brought Fandrial to this dingy little library.
“Thus my visit today, you are aware of the situation and know the current princess is a fake and with your help we could-“
“No.”
Valerie cut in, her tone unshakable and resolute. The royal captain stared befuddled as Samantha and Albert eased their chairs back to avoid the ensuing conflict.
“I’m sorry…? What do you mean-“
“What I mean is: no. Not happening, no deal, absolutely not, negative, not on your life, no thank you and my personal favourite: bollocks to that.”
Her lessons with Albert were showing their benefit as Valerie was given an opportunity show off her expanding vocabulary. Fandrial didn’t appreciate the rejection evidenced by her stormy face and ice cold voice.
“I am not sure you understand the gravity of the situation.”
Valerie shot of her seat, slamming her hands on the table which failed to startle the elf.
“No, I don’t think you understand! You come into our home, threaten those close to us, and then expect us to help you? Who the heck do you think you are?! You don’t get to ask for favours or make demands because you are in no position to request anything of either of us!”
A pent up anger that had been simmering within the back of Valerie’s mind was finally given a chance to erupt forth.
“You know what I think? I think you can’t prove me, or Samantha were ever at the palace. Like you said, it’s your voice against many and I can guarantee at least a dozen people would all testify that we were miles from the Capital.”
More likely any investigators would receive multiple different accounts for where the duo of adventurers were on the day further complicating their investigation.
“You’re not asking us because you need or even want us. You’re asking because we’re all you’ve got. Well, you can take your little royal request and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine. You want to make a change? Then you should… I don’t know! Samantha help me out here.
“She could burn it all down.”
Suggested the apocalypse obsessed girl.
“Exactly! Burn it all down! You’re supposed to be the strongest woman in the country, prove it and take the throne for yourself. Otherwise, you can get out and leave us alone!”
Valerie huffed breathlessly following her outburst. Her onlookers sat in either righteous indignation, fearful resignation, or, in Samantha’s case, simple elation. The shadow user let out a whoop and clapped at her friends outstanding performance. Fandrial meanwhile was trying her best to school her expression and failing miserably. The thought to forcibly usurp the current ruling party crossed her mind more than once however she was loyal to the crown and country that had been her home for half a millennium, she would not betray it in a coup. She wanted to argue against the much much younger girl, but it would ultimately be for naught, Valerie had made her decision before Fandrial ever spoke a word. Where the huntress went Samantha was sure to follow and Albert would be of little assistance on his own thus the royal captain was in a bind. Breathing deeply and letting it out slowly, Fandrial rose from the table only slightly overtaking Valerie in terms of height.
“Very well.”
She said and turned to walk out the door. Albert piped up for the first time since discussions began hurriedly calling after the elven woman.
“If we were to come across the princess, how would we know it was her?”
Although he himself wouldn’t be travelling to any far-off places he still believed if they could help they should and knowing how to was the first step. Fandrail halted her march out the door and faced the librarian, ignoring all other onlookers.
“She would have her father’s auburn hair and her mother’s gentle smile.”
Valerie scoffed at the description.
“Maybe if you stopped looking down from your high perch you could take a walk among the little people and find you’ve just described half the city!”
The elven woman made no attempt to retort and simply walked for the door stopping once again when a gentler voice called out.
“How did you find us?”
Samantha asked genuinely curious how her expert deception as Iron Link the Swift was seen through. Without turning, Fandrial explained her deductive genius.
“I am not above using spies to gather information, and the guild is not as secure as you might think. All I needed to know was if any girls with either a knife or chain weapon were members and wouldn’t you know it two matching that description registered on the exact same day. The rest…”
She twisted her head to stare at Valerie.
“Was quite literally child’s play.”
And with that she was gone, the library door closing behind her. Valerie knew if she charged out to confront the elven woman all she would find is an empty street and not a single eyewitness account for where she had gone. The huntress was not too prideful to admit she was prone to outbursts, but that woman was on another level when it came to pushing her buttons. Slamming the table again and nearly shattering it in the process, Valerie marched upstairs while calling after Samantha.
“Get ready! Were going hunting.”