Chapter 151:
“Any sign of that child…thing?” Anton asked. He stood before the last castle gate, thrown about like a twig by Harold, and gently tapped the bleeding flattened corpse underneath with his boot. “I’m almost certain that it’ll be able to begin infecting people again.”
“Nothing,” Marcus pointed to the far wall. A great purple stain covered the wall and the base. “It should be there…But…Could it have crawled away?”
“No one really stayed behind to deal with it.” Anton pointed to the ruined stone gate. “Not with that running loose.”
A large group of Knights and soldiers ran past, charging head-long into the castle itself. After Harold’s defeat, all semblance of resistance vanished. Anton doubted there would be much left. The actual leader of the coup, Cardinal Abeau, had long fled, unsurprising given his little to no regard for the common soldier under his command. At least that’s what the existence of the Stitch Soldiers told him.
“The Principle Mages haven’t found anything either.” Marcus gently shook his head. “And until we do we can’t relax. Hundreds of people died to Harold alone. How much damage can something that small can do?”
“Skulking through the sewers,” Verona grumbled, her hand mimicking how the creature would likely walk. “Through the shadows and tiny alleyways, preying on small families and those left homeless by the battle.”
“A lot,” Kal said softly. “A lot of damage. Many innocent families will be torn apart by that creature…One is simply too many.”
Anton summoned a small flock of Lightning Crows. “It’s not much but these guys will help search for it. So long as it’s still in the city I’m sure they’ll find it. Hopefully.”
The Lightning Crows dispersed into the sky.
“Where are Leo and Lila? I don’t want them starting another war. Not after this destruction.”
Marcus folded his arms. “If you are there it might…dampen their enthusiasm. Though I don’t think Lila will do something...”
“I’d prefer to not kill any more people today.” Verona mused. The other girls nodded in agreement. “Especially of a potential ally.”
A Blue Firestorm Knight signalled Marcus. Behind him a large detachment of Red Salamanders approached the central castle, Lila rode behind Fabrice with Terill beside her. Anton thought it was odd to have an Inquisitor of the Holy Church by her side but she obviously trusted him greatly. She leant close and spoke into his ear, nodding towards them.
“Lord Marcus,” Lila spoke softly but with authority. “Have your forces secured the castle yet?”
“We are in the process of securing it,” Marcus replied. “But we cannot guarantee your safety if you decide to enter.”
“So where’s Leo?” Fabrice folded his arms, leaning forward on his horse. “Knowing him I thought he’d want to race to plant his rear on the throne. He seemed to doubt Lila’s words.”
“He is currently with Bernard,” Marcus replied. “He’ll be with us shortly.”
“Very well. We will leave our forces here and establish a camp. It won’t be permanent, of course.” Fabrice smiled. “Just in case he thinks we’re about to go back on our word.”
“I doubt he would.” Marcus smiled back, a rather forced smile.
Lila’s forces, a motley gathering of huntsmen led by the infinitely more gallant Red Salamanders, moved to the side and began to establish a small camp. Leo arrived a few minutes later. Castor walked with him, though battered and clearly lightly concussed. Still, it was good to see him up and moving. Lila briskly walked from her camp to the centre of the road, holding her hands clasped before her. She was nervous but held her ground. Leo stopped a meter before her. The fiery rage had disappeared from his eyes. Now it was filled with a reluctant sorrow. Would that last?
“There has been more than enough bloodshed today.” Leo removed his helmet, resting it underneath his arm. “Far too much. Alfred…Said that we should get the division in writing. Formal, and proper. I don’t think this is the right place.”
Leo pointed to the battered door leaking dried red and black, purple blood.
“To think Harold could become something like that…Do you think Giles knew anything?” Leo sighed. “Knowing him…What I thought I knew about all of you, he definitely wouldn’t have gone along with any of this.”
“Terrill said he was killed almost immediately after.” Lila received a nod from the elderly Inquisitor. “I think he got swept up in all the excitement and glory of ruling a Kingdom.”
“And mother…”
Both fell silent for some time. Leo finally shook his head.
“I think we should still head inside. I want to see Clausonne from on high, see what has actually happened to my…the city.”
Lila nodded as they began to walk towards the castle.
Verona tapped Anton’s arm. “Will this end in another war? Or will it work itself out?”
“I have no idea,” Anton whispered back. “But…I don’t know what the better outcome is for Atros. Leo is indebted to us, but he might choose to ignore that and settle our lands as part of his Kingdom. It would be an easy way to regain the land he lost. Lila might be more agreeable but that would result in us throwing our allies away. And if anyone finds out they aren’t going to trust us.”
“If only Belinda could take the throne.” Verona shrugged. “That would make things easier.”
“Hopefully Alfred stays on to advise Leo,” Kal murmured. “Belinda would have to move to the capital but I’m sure she’d like it…Maybe. That was before she changed.”
The Knights of both forces marched ahead of the Royals and readied themselves for a fight. Marcus waved for them to follow. The interior of the castle had been heavily damaged by Harold’s passing; Dislodged stones lay on the floor with several great holes ripped from the wall, the upper layers had collapsed in many areas, blood stained the floors, the unfortunate Church soldiers that were crushed by Harold and pushed to the side and into the wall itself. Fixing the castle would be expensive and potentially very dangerous. As they travelled deeper Anton saw small groups of Church soldiers held captive. Their faces spoke of the horror that they witness, more than one had wet pants. Anton certainly didn’t judge them for that.
“What’s going to happen to them?” Anton asked.
“A very good question.” Marcus tapped Leo’s shoulder. “What are to be done with the prisoners?”
Lila stopped alongside Leo.
“Were these men conscripted or are they loyal members of The Church?” Leo asked.
“We-” A Church Soldier began to yell but had his mouth clamped shut by a soldier.
“We don’t know, you Highness…es. We haven’t had a chance to interrogate them yet.”
I’m sure I could convince them to speak the truth but I don’t have much mana left.
Leo looked to Lila. “For now I’m not sure. Put them with the rest of the prisoners and find out later. But make sure they get food and water. And medical attention. But the civilians of Clausonne come first.”
“Yes, my King.”
Lila raised her hand, stopping Leo. “If they’re inside the castle then they’re probably loyalists. Those on the front were the conscripts. Do you expect fanatics, the same type of people that created the Stitch Soldiers from innocent people and pressed the people into service, to be fighting on the front line?”
Leo rubbed his chin. “Probably not. Still, have them sent with the rest of the prisoners. But make sure there’s a way to quickly identify them.”
“Yes, my King.”
The Church soldiers were quickly pushed along the corridor and out of the castle.
They passed growing groups of prisoners, some had been wounded and some lay dead on the floor, evidently not from Harold’s rampage.
“Leo?” An older woman shouted from deep within the corridor. “You’re alive?”
“Anne!” Leo laughed, rushing towards the woman. She was an older maid, flanked by several younger maids. All held a haunted look. “You’re alive.”
“Somehow.” She laughed weakly. “It’s been hell while you’ve been gone.”
“There seem to be…”
Anne glumly nodded. “Over half. I don’t know what happened to them, they just started disappearing. None of us goes anywhere on our own…But Harold made sure that we only worked in the kitchen.”
“Perhaps he had a sliver of compassion left.” Leo murmured.
“So he’s gone?” Anne asked, tears forming in her eyes. “The whole castle was shaking…”
“I’m glad that you’re safe.” Leo gave her a quick hug.
Lila approached. Anne didn’t know what to say so she, and the other maids, bowed respectfully.
“I’d like to see the throne room.” Leo looked to Lila. “See what mess that idiot has left us.”
“Do you know what happened to Giles?” Lila asked. “What happened to his body? And of father’s?”
“He was thrown into a pit outside the city walls.” Anne sighed. “They made sure to strip him of valuables first. I think your father was put into the same place.”
Leo and Lila shared a glance.
“I suppose you want to see the place that made Harold?” Leo turned to Anton. “Take Terill with you, I’m sure he’d be able to enlighten you on several things down there that don’t make sense.”
---[]---
Anton stood before the entrance to the dungeon. Once it had been guarded, those men were now thin veneers on the wall. The stone walls and floor grew increasingly damaged the further they travelled towards the dungeon. After his transformation Harold must have been nothing more than a raging beast.
“Are you sure you want to go down there?” Terill asked. “I…I know there isn’t anything good in those depths.”
Anton shrugged. “There isn’t another way of discovering where Cardinal Abeau fled to. If I were him I'd be long gone by now. I doubt he’d left much behind in his chambers. Were they in the castle or outside?”
Conrad chuckled. “We also don’t want you destroying anything incriminating. Just in case there’s something with your name on it.”
“There won’t be,” Terill said adamantly. “I knew of this…project, but I thought it was destroyed.”
Conrad waved Leo’s soldiers forward. He wasn’t about to risk his own men, and potentially money, in some trap. Any traps would surely have been activated by Harold’s passing but it was better to be safe than sorry. Smoke assaulted their senses as they descended into the dark dungeon. Anton summoned a small fireball and lit the torches carried by the soldiers. They said a silent thanks and travelled deeper.
The devastation inside caused by Harold was far less than outside. Perhaps he was still transforming as he was escaping and could only thrash against the floor, at least that’s what the many, many broken flat stones forming the floor told him.
Kal pulled on his hand and pointed towards a cell. Thick iron bars had rusted with time and moisture, the points connecting to the stone wall were thick with mosses and algal slime. Beyond that Anton saw piles. Piles and piles of naked corpses. Worryingly some were young, extremely young.
“I'm going to be sick.” A soldier recoiled from the cell. “They’re all filled with them.”
“How many?” Conrad asked aloud. “I think there’s about three, maybe four hundred in each.”
“How many cells are there in the dungeon?” Anton mumbled.
“At least a hundred,” Terill replied extremely softly. “That I know of. This castle holds many secret passages.”
“Vile,” Cetina mumbled. No one disagreed.
The dungeon began to fan out, corridors spreading out in a grid layout. Conrad ordered some soldiers to explore the branches, but only in large groups and to move carefully and slowly. Terill groaned as they followed the line of wreckage to a large door, the symbol of The Church plastered on it.
“You’ve been here a while then,” Anton said.
“Abeau always loved this,” Terill grumbled. “Loved to plaster this symbol over everything. It gives people the illusion that we own more than we do. And after long enough they start to believe it and do what we say.”
The large room inside was the spitting image of the laboratory beneath the Gresir Church. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to find. Nearly everything was broken or burned, clearly thrown about by someone in a mad rage. Precious vials of strange liquids lay scattered and broken across the floor amongst hundreds of burnt books and papers. Something acrid and black stained the roof.
“Not much here.” Anton mused. “At least anymore.”
“Care to guess how they managed to escape?” Verona chuckled.
She pointed to the far wall, a bookcase thrown to one side before an iron door. This too had suffered a strike from the transformed Harold, judging by the damage he was still transforming. Behind that lay a thick iron door, only held upright by a few millimetres of stone. Verona summoned a blood shard and knocked the door free. The empty stone corridor travelled far, faintly illuminated by dying torches, extending far beyond his sight. Anton sniffed at the tiniest hint of salt in the air.
“Is the sea that way?” Anton asked.
Terill nodded. “Yes. I believe so, at least. It’s very easy to become disoriented down here. If you can smell the sea then Abeau is long gone. I wouldn’t hang around…Harold was a great distraction.”
“Probably the only reason why they did that to him.” Anton held his chin. “Terill. How did they do this? You said that you knew of something similar to this.”
“I’m not entirely sure how, but it involves a small crystal placed in an open wound along the spine, usually below the hairline. But…I’ve never seen it do something like this.” Terill shook his head. “I’ve seen some terrible things but not this.”
Kal approached the fluid spilt on the floor. She knelt down and sniffed at the air, even with her mask she recoiled at the smell.
“Smells awful. Like…A sweet rot.”
“I wouldn’t get too close to it,” Terill said, Kal immediately backed away. “If you touch it your skin will burn. Not that’s much of an issue for you…But it’ll damage your armour given time.”
“Right.” Kal quickly returned to Anton’s side.
“So you’ve been close enough to see that?” Anton asked.
“I was told…” Terill sighed. “The researchers said that’s what they were told. No one was willing to touch it after that.”
Anton kept his face flat, silently motioning for Terill to continue.
“The researchers said, before they were…They said that the people that helped them with this research spoke slowly and like they were, well, they were dolls. Marionettes. Flat and without emotion. Regardless, they gave considerable information on how to create these things. However, I deemed it too dangerous and had the program stopped.”
Terill turned towards the castle entrance. “You can see why I made that decision. And how effective my actions were.”
The Ancient Listeners? Weren’t they supposed to be a tiny, impotent cult? Perhaps not, especially if they kept their activities hidden. Did we actually find their main coven or just a tiny outpost? Does it expand beyond this continent? Even beyond Ferula’s sight…Very troubling implications. Just another threat Atros has to worry about. We really need to get the Dwarves and our new weapons.
“I see…” Anton looked around. “Castor, Terill. Have your men look over everything, but make sure that you don’t keep anything hidden. This is beyond any kind of rivalry.”
“One that we don’t even know if it’s going to happen,” Verona added quietly. “We should probably head back up there and make sure they’re not starting a second civil war.”
---[]---
Anton found Leo and Lila in the throne room. Their respective forces stood either side of the once grand room, staring at one another while their leaders focused blankly on the solitary and lonely throne. The Knights glared as they approached, Anton directed them to the rear and began to shuffle around closer, just so he could hear. After all, they had defeated Caiden and now Harold, they could probably just walk straight up to the royals, but this was clearly a personal matter.
Dealing with a deranged and incestuous brother and mother…How does one even begin?
“I can still see the blood.” Leo murmured. He crouched before the throne, running his fingers along the cracks in the stone floor. Though heavily aged faint traces of the blood remained, the blood of his father and a brother.
“They really didn’t try to clean up.”
“Why should they have worried?” Lila sighed. “They had control over who came into this room. Obviously, anyone that could wouldn’t talk. If they wanted to keep their heads on their shoulders.”
Leo glumly nodded.
“Everything in this room should be destroyed. And their rooms.” Leo shook his head. “I won’t have anything relating to their taint inside this castle.”
“I heard from some of the prisoners that they were not cautious about their activities.” Lila nodded to the throne. “Multiple times in here.”
“What…Oh.” Leo visibly recoiled. “Even more reason to destroy it.”
Leo waved several Black Rider Knights forward. They ungracefully removed the wooden throne before dragging it outside. Pages and squires descended upon the carpets and tapestry, tearing and ripping them apart like a gang of marauding barbarians.
“I think that we should come back here tomorrow,” Leo said softly. “Finalising this agreement will take time. Time that we should spend elsewhere. I’m sure that you would like to get some rest too. I was running for my life from Harold and I’m quite tired.”
Leo rubbed his temple. “I can barely think straight.”
Lila nodded. “We should take stock of our forces. See how our soldiers are faring. I’m sure it can wait. That creature is still out there.”
Lila scanned the crowds until her eyes fell upon Anton.
“Excuse me, Mage Anton. Have you found anything yet?”
“Not yet,” Anton replied calmly. “They are searching from the sky. But I feel that the creature will hide in the shadows and sewers. It will take considerable time and effort to find it.”
“We shouldn’t get too comfortable until we find it.” Leo shrugged. “We’ll find that…Thing. What do you think it was?”
“I didn’t see it,” Lila said. “But from what I heard it was quite a horrific sight.”
Leo rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I don’t want to be in this place any longer than I have to, not with their stench still filling the air.”
Kal sniffed at the air, lightly shrugging.
“There are still the traitor’s possessions and estates to confiscate. Their wealth to be given to those loyal to us. I presume that the Knight Orders that followed you will be receiving a significant boon?”
Lila nodded. “Them and the common man too. They all risked their lives in this battle. One could almost say more than either of us.”
Leo silently agreed. “We will meet here again at dawn. Finalise the division. I’m sure it won’t be difficult or long. I just…”
Lila reached out and held her brother's hand, trembling in hers.
“It’s all over now, brother.” Lila smiled. “We can breathe a little easier tonight.”
Leo returned the smile. “I certainly hope so.”
Leo hugged his sister tight before parting. He turned to leave but Lila remained in place, looking again at Anton.
“Mage Anton. Once we have concluded our official business I would like to speak with you. The Centaur Invasion is a pressing and imminent threat. Having you on our side would be a great help.”
Anton glanced to Leo first. While he was under no obligation to serve either, beyond mercenary payments, he didn’t want to upset the King bordering their lands. Leo gave no sign he disagreed.
“Of course.”
Lila returned a nod before following her brother. They began speaking in hushed whispers but Anton saw a faint smile on their faces. The moment they passed through the large doors the Knights, from both sides, moved into action, some exiting the throne room while others turned to small huddles or assisted the Squires and Pages in removing everything that wasn’t stone.
“Didn’t even ask us about what we found,” Anton said softly once everyone nearby had left.
“I’m sure someone’s telling them right now.” Verona murmured. “But I thought I’d see Duchess Belinda here. Kind of hard to miss her, really.”
“Just another informal meeting,” Anton said. “The real one will come tomorrow. Once everything’s been accounted for.”
“And they have ransacked the enemy’s treasuries,” Cetina added.
Kal nodded. “Much easier to pay someone when you’re using someone else’s money. And you actually have it.”
“And what about us?” Cetina gripped the pommel of her sword. “Are we going to return…Home? Or are we staying with the rest of Leo’s camp.”
Verona stuck out her tongue. “I don’t like the idea of sleeping in a camp with hundreds of sweaty men. Especially three young pretty women, exhausted men lurking about outside, looking for a woman to warm their beds.”
“Perhaps an Inn?” Anton suggested. “I’m certain the capital has some. And it’s not like we haven’t earned it.”
“We did save their city, after all,” Kal said. “I’m sure King Leo can afford it, after what we’ve done. It’s not like he’s destitute. Not that he was to begin with.”
---[]---
Anton was a little surprised by what they managed to find; a high-class inn located in the wealthiest district of Clausonne. Of course they simply couldn’t just walk in, though their armour was far better than the last time they visited Qaiviel they could still have been considered uncultured for the establishment, but with a few Black Rider Knights to vouch for their identity it was simple to acquire the entire upper floor for themselves. A small bag of gold coins certainly helped matters.
Anton sat on the end of the soft bed, pressing his hand deep into the cloth.
Last time I was in an Inn in Qaiviel-
Before Anton could think further Verona and Kal entered the room, Cetina was nowhere to be seen.
“What a day.” Anton moved to pour some wine. “A whole Kingdom overthrown in just a day. Could you believe it?”
“Certainly not without magic.” Kal removed her mask, ruffled her slightly matted hair and fur while wiping away the sweat covering her mocha toned skin. “We’d still be here when the snow’s start to fall.”
“Shouldn’t be too much longer now,” Verona said a silent thanks as she took the glass. “Just one should be fine, right?”
“With what I have planned it might have taken even less time. It’s quite difficult to survive a small piece of metal travelling faster than the speed of sound.” Anton smiled. “But I can’t wait to be free of this place. Not that Qaiviel doesn’t have beautiful sights, but I’d rather be home or in The Shadow Isles.”
“Already?” Verona smirked. “We still could see the sights of Cloussone.”
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
“Absolutely not.” Anton scoffed. “Enough people have died in this place, too many lives lost and ruined. The sooner we can leave the better. I think we’ll all agree on that.”
“How many potential families, or actual families, were lost?” Verona sighed. “How many were unable to convey they feelings? Just like last time…”
Anton looked to the door as he sipped at the wine, again the wine of Qaiviel was utterly exquisite. “Where’s Cetina?”
“She’s just had something to eat and went outside.” Verona motioned to the large glass window. The window was simple clear glass but the sheer size was very impressive, alongside its clarity. “Something about needing to clear her head. Sparring or something like that.”
“Well…It was a big battle. And you three had to watch Harold burn to death.”
Kal sipped at the glass. “While Verona…He screamed for a long time…”
“But I don’t think that’s what she’s worried about.” Verona gently placed the glass down on the table. “The battle is over…And remember what you said about something when we were done in Qaiviel.”
“I do.” Anton placed down his glass alongside Verona's. “It hasn’t exactly left my mind.”
Verona smiled and sat next to Anton, Kal remained standing while she unbound her tail. Anton became acutely aware of his own. It wasn’t bad, but it was a little stiff.
Amazing how quickly you can grow accustomed to something like that. Out of sight, out of mind.
“Anton?” Verona tapped his arm.
“Sorry. You were saying?”
“I was saying,” Verona tapped his leg. “That once Qaiviel was sorted, which is kind of is, you’d focus on a certain something. Unrelated, but no sign of that little creature?”
“Not yet.” Anton folded his arms. “I’ve been focusing on winning both of these wars. And surviving.”
Verona nodded seriously. “Exactly. It has been a rough time. For everyone. But I think you should, at the very least, talk to her. She’s a good person and doesn’t exactly dislike you. Even after your changes. Cetina agreed before you two had travelled together for very long, so... Besides, I was the one that made sure that you and Kal got together.”
Kal finished her glass before crawling onto the bed, resting her head on his shoulder. “It’s kind of true. I wouldn’t have had the courage to even ask…” Kal smiled. “You have no idea how nervous I was when Verona saw me holding you in Nonbur’n. But Verona gave me, us, the push that I needed.”
Anton didn’t answer immediately. He folded his arms and searched his feelings for the truth, not just the first thing that came to mind.
“I do care for Cetina.” Anton began. “And not because of why we started travelling together. Not to mention everything we’ve been through. I suppose you could say that I do care for her a great deal.”
“And she for you. Not anyone would be willing to…help you. Or act normal if they knew about your changes.” Verona tapped his waist. “Or be still willing to do it knowing how far it spread; a tail and scally legs. But, you know what I think you should do?”
Anton stood up before Verona could speak further, both lightly frustrating and emboldening her. “I’ll speak with her. At least bring up what she was talking about in the Accursed Forest, if nothing else to clear it up. I should be the one making the decisions and actions about my future, not letting others worm or manipulate things behind my back. Like someone I know.”
Verona smiled but remained silent, waiting patiently for Anton to continue.
“Something like that is still hanging at the back of my mind, and it’s a little distracting. After that ambush, we can’t afford any of that. But it’s time I stop being so…passive.”
Anton rubbed his bound tail. “After I received this I’ve been feeling more…Restless and aggressive. Do you think I am?”
Verona smiled sweetly and nodded. “Take your time, Anton. Regardless of what you decide…We’ll just be having something to eat and planning a few things.”
“Planning?”
“What to do next.” Verona smiled. “Where we’re going. Oh, and planning a few rooms for our home. Now that we’re going to spend a little more time in Atros we’re actually going to be living in that building. Maybe actually enough to call it a home, rather than just a place where we put stuff.”
“Something a bit more than just a bed and some wooden chairs.” Kal looked around the room. “More than just the Dark Elf bed. I’m sure Verona would like a workshop.”
“Me?” Verona cutely tilted her head.
Kal slowly raised her brow. “For the feathers?”
Verona laughed. “Right. I hadn’t forgotten, just that…I really want that done by winter. That and some thick clothes to rug up in. Nice and warm while the crisp, cold air washes over your face. That would be really nice.”
“No longer hiding in a cave too.” Kal reached and held Anton’s hand. “Go and talk with Cetina. No matter what she says, or what you decide, you shouldn’t let doubt grow and fester in your heart.”
“Sounds like you know what you’re talking about,” Anton said softly.
Kal could only smile.
---[]---
Anton found Cetina quite easily, it was hard to miss her bright yellow, blue and red clothes, practising her strikes against an unfortunate wooden training post. A thin sheen of sweat covered her face as her eye focused on the splintered timber. Her new armour and weapons laid neatly stacked to the side of the small garden area, currently she wore her older equipment; loose bright clothes underneath simple large plates to cheaply and efficiently cover her most vital areas. Currently she only wore her chest armour and simple boots, the rest was stacked neatly next to the door.
To be honest I haven't seen many women in this world, that aren't nobility, wearing dresses. Sure, some wear shawls but nothing that couldn't be confused with a set of rags. Verona and Kal always wear pants and shirts…
Cetina didn't notice his approach, too engrossed with her sparring, until his shadow cast near her foot. She pivoted on her foot and pointed her sword towards the source. Upon realizing who cast the shadow her face instantly softened.
"Oh. Hey, Anton." Cetina smiled. "I didn't hear you coming. You can move really quietly when you want to."
"I'm more surprised that you want to train after all of that." Anton pointed to the plumes of smoke, still billowing in the cloudless sky after Harold's passing.
"I'm trying not to think about it too much." Cetina lowered her sword until the tip touched the ground. "Could have been my last day…I never want to see another Stitch Soldier in my life. Or...Whatever that thing was in Harold's arm."
Anton glumly nodded. There was still no word as to whether they had located the creature; his Lightning Crows had not and continued to fly aimlessly above. Normally they were all but devoid of emotion, now they felt slightly annoyed they could not complete their task.
"Me neither. I don't feel that great about what I had to do to Harold either. Seems I have a habit of burning people."
Cetina tried to force and smile but it fell flat. Anton, when telling Verona and Kal of the assassination incident, omitted that part.
"So..." Cetina rested her sword on her shoulder. "Did you want something, Anton? I thought you would be celebrating. I was going to come in eventually but..."
Cetina motioned to a simple wooden bench to the side of the garden area. Despite being made from wood it was surprisingly comfortable.
"Are you planning where you're heading next? Winter will soon be here." Cetina smiled at the sky. "I love the snow. A hot breath into the icy air…"
"Kind of. And I am looking forward to the cold." Anton leant back while Cetina leant forward intently. “I made a promise to Verona and Kal...More Verona, that I would take something seriously after we had dealt with Qaiviel."
"Right."
"And we're essentially done. With Harold gone and their lackeys defeated the Kingdom can rebuild. Sort of."
"Right." Cetina shuffled to face him. "Still doesn't explain why you're acting this way."
"Remember...Remember what you said to me in the Accursed Forest? Just after defeating those bandits and mages."
"I do." Cetina nodded. "I didn’t just do what they told me. I have my own will...” Cetina scrunched her face. “Not like those Stitch Soldiers. But it was mostly Verona talking. She can be quite the schemer, can’t she?"
"She’s the reason that I'm with Kal."
Cetina shuffled slightly closer. "How did that happen? You and a half breed Beastkin? You were already with Verona before, right?"
"I was. It was just after another big battle in Qaiviel. She basically pushed us together and we hit it off. I probably wouldn't have done anything if Verona hadn't been so insistent, and I love her for that. The idea of a polygamous relationship was a little strange to me."
"Why?" Cetina frowned, her eye glancing to the ground. "Duchess Belinda was talking about that before. It’s a little odd, I thought you wanted to know if the other Kingdom's and Empire's would declare war on Atros, rather than if they would look down at you had two wives."
"Can you keep a secret? This is something that only a handful of people know, and I don't think they all completely understand."
"I'll try." Cetina backed away, furiously waving her hands. "Not that I won't keep your secret. You-You know what I mean."
Anton checked no one lurked within earshot, took a deep breath, and explained how he was not from this world. Cetina listened well, only stopping him when he spoke a word or phrase she didn't understand.
"Wow...” Cetina scratched her brow, wiping away a few errant beads of sweat. “That explains a lot. A lot of things. So no Beastkin? But...People dress up like them?"
"Kind of."
"What a strange place." Cetina stared at the battered wooden post for some time. "So, I wouldn't have this eyepatch over there?"
"You also wouldn't have been hurt like that. You'd have normal eyes and normal vision."
"That would be nice."
Cetina unfastened her eyepatch and exposed her damaged eye to the air.
"Still feels strange." Cetina rubbed it with the back of her hand. "So that's why Verona had to push you and Kal together. Because where you're from..."
"Right."
"You could tell a hundred people that story, and they wouldn't believe a word of it." Cetina laughed, again lightly tapping her legs. "Thank you for telling me. You make a lot more sense now."
"I thought I did before."
Cetina turned to him, her expression mocking and indignant simultaneously. "Really?"
"I suppose not,” Anton smirked. “I'm sure they just nod and agree to keep me happy."
A silence fell over the garden. Neither said a word as they simply watched the birds and insects dart amongst the small flowers. Though it was a small, fleeting moment Anton felt extremely calm and relaxed.
Cetina finally broke the silence. "What were we talking about before?... We're just sort of wandering at the moment. Why...Why were you asking about if being with Verona and Kal was an issue? I mean, Kal's a Beastkin..."
“It is related to what you said to me in the Accursed Forest.” Anton began. “We were interrupted by the second wave of attackers.”
“Right.” Cetina frowned.
“Well, there is a little bit more to it then what they probably told you.”
Anton, as delicately as he could, explained Verona's plan. Something clicked in the back of Cetina's mind but she quickly buried it and laughed.
"That's one way to ensure loyalty! I don't think just anyone's going to go for it though." Cetina smirked, idly waving her hand. She crossed her legs and lightly bounced a boot back and forth. "Not unless they're willing to share."
"And if they can stand my tail and feet." Anton tapped his boots together. "It's not exactly normal. And I don't expect to find many that’d sleep with a man-lizard."
Cetina shrugged. "It's not that bad. I was more worried that you'd be different, that you’d be a different person entirely. Or that you'd blame me for it."
"I'd never do that."
"Do you remember," Cetina shuffled nervously. "Do you remember what I said in Slihal?"
"There were a number of things," Anton smirked. "You didn't like being my lure."
"No.” Cetina punched his shoulder, quite hard, and she was only partially playing. “Not that...Not just that. But that I was a woman capable of making my own decisions, with what I want to do and with whom?"
Anton nodded seriously.
Cetina rested her elbow on the back of the chair. "I have my freedom to do what I want so I'll just ask. And I want you to answer honestly. Do you think I'm pretty?"
Cetina stared at him with both eyes. He didn't understand if this was some test, that he would shy away from her damaged white eye but, in all honesty, it didn't bother him in the slightest. But he would prefer to have both purple flecked grey eyes staring back at him.
"Yes."
"Wait!"
"You think I'm lying?"
"No." Cetina's lips curled up in the faintest hint of a smile. "But I want to make sure. Use one of those truth prayers on yourself."
"What else are you going to ask me?"
Cetina smirked. "I don't want to take any chances."
Anton did as he was bid, speaking the prayer aloud.
"There. When I remove my hand it'll stop. Will this make you happy?"
"Yep." Cetina vigorously rubbed her hands together. "I could ask so many questions about things I don't understand. But I won't get greedy today. Do you think I'm pretty?"
"Yes. See? I wasn't lying."
"Never said you were. Now...Would you ever trick or deceive someone you hold night?"
"No."
These are some odd questions.
"Alright, last question. Why does the sweet, kind and a little strange Anton turn into a complete sadistic monster?"
Immediately Anton understood that he couldn’t resist the urge to speak, he understood what those he had compelled to speak the truth felt. Something, a force from deep within, took control of his mouth and tongue.
"I like seeing people that hurt those I care about screaming in pain before they die. Screaming and begging for mercy. I enjoy it. I couldn't before so I've always dreamt of the power to-"
Cetina removed the hand from his chest. Control returned to his body.
Anton's whole body shivered as though he'd been thrown into the artic. "Fucking hell, that's a terrible thing to feel. No wonder they wanted me to stop."
Cetina's face contorted in pain.
"I, as your b...No, as your friend, I needed to know." Cetina continued to hold his hand on the chair. "It's something that worries me; that you'll lash out at someone you really shouldn't, or someone that you’d regret hurting. But...You could have pulled your hand away at any moment. Couldn't you?"
"I could."
"So why didn't you?"
Anton knew deep down he enjoyed hearing them scream, begging for mercy and a reprieve they know would never receive. It went far beyond a simple cold dispense of revenge. He wasn't sure it Verona and Kal knew but he suspected they might.
"I shouldn't have pried too far." Cetina removed her hand. "But...I wanted to know."
"It's okay." Anton shrugged. "Just didn't think I would hear it coming out of my own mouth."
"I bet you didn't." Cetina slapped her legs again. "This has made what I was about to ask next, a little awkward."
"And that is?"
“We both could have lost our lives...And I wouldn’t know where to go or what to do next…”
Cetina shot up like a rocket. She said nothing as she walked to her pile of armour, rummaged through the back of the pile to produce two wooden training swords. One she quickly swung in the air, the other she tossed to Anton. As Anton caught the sword Cetina was already wearing her enchanted eyepatch.
Cetina twirled the sword in her hand, readying a simple but strong stance. “Fight me. Now.”
“Because?” Anton still rose to his feet.
Cetina pointed the wooden sword at Anton. “Because if you don’t, I’ll take my horse and leave. I’ll head back to Thessos and rebuild my life.”
“That…”
That’s a threat if I ever heard one. Never thought I’d see one said with such conviction though.
“Just a spar?” Anton checked the weight, the sword was rather well balanced. As far as he knew. “I know that I’m not going to win-”
“Then I might just leave anyway,” Cetina said flatly. “So, you need to beat me, right now, to get me to stay.”
“This…This isn’t something that Ver-”
“No.” Cetina frowned, barring her teeth in anger. “This is my decision. My decision! I don’t need someone else to make it for me.”
“I never thought you did.”
Anton’s words had some effect. Cetina’s face softened but she retained her stance.
This…This is going to be tough.
“And if I win?” Anton approached Cetina. “You’re threatening to leave Atros, your position and myself, if I can’t beat you, of all people, in a pure melee fight. I presume that I’m not allowed to use magic?”
Cetina smiled. “Given what we were just talking about before...”
I wonder if she’s had something to drink? No. Don’t diminish her decision by saying that she’s inebriated.
“Alright then.” Anton swung his sword down once. “Perhaps this will be a good way to blow off some steam. And I can see how much I’ve actually learned.”
Cetina smirked and began to advance.
Well, this is going to end poorly.
Anton knew that he couldn’t win a fight against Cetina, not without cheating in some manner.
She said no magic…But I still have another way.
Anton ground his boot, tearing loose grass and dirt. Cetina didn’t notice, nor understand, what he had planned. Before he could act Cetina was upon him, striking him with all the strength she could muster. They were simple strikes, even Anton could tell where they were coming from, but the sheer strength behind each swung stung and numbed his arms.
“You need to do more than just defend!” Cetina yelled, a slight smile crept through her focus. “Otherwise I’m going to win easily.”
“Easy for you to say,” Anton grunted. “Despite-”
Cetina swung at his head, Anton only managed to doge but somehow it felt like she pulled back at the last second.
Maybe that was it. I don’t think I’ve gotten that good.
Anton held the sword to thrust straight at Cetina’s chest. She backed away, out of his reach but didn’t advance immediately.
“A bit better.” Cetina smiled. “If that was a rapier or a spear you might be able to do something.”
“Your old armour has a lot of open points.”
“How do you think I got so many scars?”
Anton glanced at the scar running across the bridge of her nose before hardening his stance once again. This time Cetina readied herself to defend while glaring at Anton.
Can’t endure many more of those. So let’s finish this quickly.
Anton rushed at Cetina, stopping just as his feet reached the churned grass and threw the wooden sword at Cetina. Surprise flashed over her face as she raised her own sword to block his. She parried it away but it was enough of a distraction for Anton to grab a fist full of dirt and pieces of grass. He quickly ran towards her again, as the surprise rapidly faded, and threw the clod at her face.
“Cheat-”
Cetina staggered back as Anton picked up his discarded sword and struck Cetina’s leg. She grunted charged forward, colliding with Anton and sending them both tumbling onto the ground.
Anton smacked his head against the hard ground, stars covering his vision. Cetina leapt at him with her sword ready to strike at his throat. Anton waited until the last moment before directing his sword up, deflecting Cetina’s strike as she careened into him. His vision was filled with Cetina’s metal chest piece before she hauled herself up, pointing her sword at his throat.
“Looks…When did you do that?”
Cetina looked down to her stomach. Anton’s wooden sword pressed against the cloth, just underneath her armour.
“When you were falling.” Anton smiled. “I was a little worried about actually stabbing you. But it looks like we’re tied. So, what does that mean?”
Cetina frowned at her sword for a moment. She clicked her tongue and cast her sword aside.
“Oh no.” Cetina’s voice fell flat as she refused to look him in the eye. “You got me before I could.”
“Really?”
Cetina pouted. “You cheated.”
“You didn’t say anything about dirt. Or grass.” Anton laughed. “Just magic.”
Cetina punched his chest, lightly for her build, but held a smile. “It was implied. Mostly implied, anyway. You cheated.”
“So does that mean you’ll stay in Atros then?”
Cetina pouted. “You still cheated. That means that I get something else, aside from just remaining in Atros.”
“And that is? We aren’t exactly short of money.”
Cetina smiled and held his cheeks, a hand lightly rubbing over the scars running along his face. Before he could ask Cetina leant forward and kissed him, short and chaste. When she quickly parted her face was red.
“What was that?” Anton spoke flatly.
“A kiss.” Cetina frowned, gripping his shoulder tight. “What did you think it was?”
“Is that your idea of a kiss?” Anton smiled. “It was quite lacking. Though you’re skilled with the sword-”
“You’re…You’re really getting underneath my skin.” Cetina’s eye twitched. “You-”
Anton held her chin and kissed her back. It took Cetina by surprise, for a moment she tried to push away but quickly returned the kiss. This was far more passionate, more adventurous but still rather reserved. When Anton parted, still holding her face while gently pushing her away, Cetina’s bright red face greeted him, something he didn’t expect to see.
Cetina wiped her lips with the tips of her gloves. “I…I didn’t think it would be like that.”
“I thought you said that you’d been with someone before.”
“There wasn’t much of…” Cetina waved her hand in the air. “That. But…I won’t deny that it felt good. Very good.”
“So what happens now?” Anton gently patted Cetina’s thighs. Even through his gloves, he knew they were extremely strong, the way the taught muscles twitched with each touch was quite intriguing. “Are we going to stay like this?”
“Right.” Cetina darted off Anton, momentarily hesitating when she was halfway up. “We have to…”
Cetina stopped as she looked towards the Inn. Anton stood up, judging from Cetina’s slightly wry face he knew who was waiting near the door. Verona and Kal did indeed wait inside, their eyes just peering outside.
“You two were taking so long.” Verona began. “Then we find you two fighting, like you want to hurt each other. That’s not something I want to see from either of you.”
“You were fighting quite brutally.” Kal frowned, quickly transforming to a smile. “Both of you…But I know that Cetina wasn’t fighting anywhere near what she could.”
“I…” Cetina looked away, scratching the eyepatch’s band.
“So many missteps and opportunities missed,” Kal smirked. “Almost like you wanted to lose.”
“Even so I barely managed to win.” Anton swung the wooden sword. “And that was even with cheating.”
Verona clapped her hands. “Cetina? We kind of interrupted something.”
Cetina nodded.
“We can’t exactly hide now,” Verona said dryly. “So you might as well just say it.”
Cetina held Anton’s arm. “Anton, I may not be the prettiest or the smartest, I may lack certain charms of a woman and you may never see me as a wife, but I am someone that will stand by with you no matter what. So…Will you take me as a concubine?”
Kal…Kal was sort of thrust upon me. I should be the one making this decision, not anyone else. Besides, she’s pretty cute and exceedingly loyal…That was sort of my mental justification for Kal too, wasn’t it?
“If you did...” Anton took a deep breath. “What you said earlier, about leaving, I wouldn’t have treated it as even a veiled threat.”
Cetina nodded. “I know. I know that you wouldn’t force this upon me, or anyone, but I have my freedom and my choice. And this choice is of my own free will. No one else's. I want to be with someone that I can trust and that I know has my back, no matter what. And…”
Cetina scratched the back of her neck. “And I wouldn’t mind not going to sleep alone.”
Anton looked to Verona and Kal. Neither had any issues, quite the opposite actually.
“If I didn’t want you to remain by my side then I wouldn’t have fought, or cheated, as hard as I did.”
Verona leant forward expectantly.
“I can’t predict the future, nor how my, or our, feelings will change, but this world doesn’t have the luxury of waiting. Espeically for people like us, travelling and fighting so much. Waiting for the perfect moment…So far I haven’t…From this day forth you will be my concubine.”
Cetina blinked once from Anton’s words. Slowly a smile formed, alongside a more distant and deeper emotion.
“There’s…” Cetina stomped and kicked at the ground. “I will need to have a bath first. Sweat and dirt does not make a good impression. Especially since…”
Cetina suppressed a smirk. “And it’ll give me time to prepare myself.”
---[]---
Anton slipped into the simple bath of the Inn, though simple was probably too harsh a judgement. It was a large wooden bucket, large enough to completely contain Anton if he laid down, with a shallow layer of hot water. The moment his dragonoid feet touched the water a wave of relief rushed through his body.
“After being cooped up in those boots for so long…”
Anton completely submerged himself in the water. When he emerged, only his waist and below was covered with water, he felt his tail begin to relax as well. He directed it to his front and began to massage the scales. Thankfully there were no dry or flaking sections and it looked healthy.
“Never thought I’d have to worry about that.” Anton massaged the four small end tendrils. “I wonder if Eider has to worry about this as well. Does she have to moult her skin or does…I think it just comes off as individual scales.
“That’s what she told me.” Verona’s voice came from behind. “Though it can get pretty bad. Haven’t seen it for myself yet, but…”
Anton craned his head back. Verona stood in the doorway, wearing nothing but a white towel pulled tight around her body.
“But she wasn’t great when we found her.”
“She could barely see.” Anton smiled. “At least we could fix that, unlike these.”
Kal emerged from behind Verona, wearing a slightly longer towel, and slowly walked to Anton’s side. He watched and heard her Beast-kin feet, somewhat similar to his own, walk across the wooden floor. He admired the way the inhuman claws moved, the tension building and releasing with every step.
“I’d like a nice relaxing bath too.” Kal slunk next to Anton, resting her arms over the edge of the wood. “I've only had two or three in my entire life. But…It looks like someone else wants to join.”
Kal nodded to a third person waiting at the door. Cetina wore nothing but a towel, the same type as Verona and Kal’s, but she clearly felt it was a little too short. It was also the first time he had seen her without any armour, let alone her Bebbezzarian clothes. Just like he expected her lightly tanned limbs were incredibly well built, especially for a woman, with almost no fat to hide her strong, taut muscles as they tried to pull the towel down along her body. Her toes flexed and gripped on the floor, her calf muscles tensing as she fought through the nerves.
“Why do I have the smallest towel?” Cetina hissed at Verona.
“Because you took so long.” Verona smiled. “We didn’t want to rush you.”
“Well…” Cetina trailed off into nothing.
She shied her sight away for a moment, before taking a deep breath and regaining her composure.
“I didn’t expect to have everyone staring at me.” Cetina managed a smile. “But I suppose…”
“I was expecting to be able to have a bath in peace.” Anton tapped the bath’s edge next to Kal. “And probably something to eat first. None of us has had anything all day.”
“True.” Verona chuckled. “But we’ll worry about that after.”
“So are you here to wash me? Or jump in this bath as well?”
“We’ve already done that once.” Verona laughed, Kal rolled her eyes. “But today that’s someone else’s duty.”
“Duty?” Cetina stepped forward. “I don’t think this is what most bodyguards…”
Cetina knelt behind Anton and unfolded a small coarse cloth. “Could you please lean forward? I can't wash your back if you're leaning against the wood.”
Anton leant forward. Cetina coughed lightly, she had seen Anton essentially naked before and began to lightly scrub.
“You do know, Cetina, that this isn't what a concubine normally does. Right?”
“I know!” Cetina sounded very indignant. “But...Can I have your tail please?”
“Definitely not something you'd normally hear,” Kal smirked.
Anton directed his tail over the edge of the bath. Cetina winced at the sight of it, she clearly still blamed herself to some degree but began to wash it all the same. Cetina's fingers, though not the most delicate, scrubbed hard between the spine scales. A full massage wasn't what Anton was expecting but it felt incredibly relaxing, especially after being bound for so long.
“Do...” Kal frowned. “Do you think the people of the United Empire did stuff like this?”
“Three women to clean one man?” Verona smirked. Immediately it faded. “I'm joking, Kal.”
“Possibly.” Anton mused, Cetina quietly worked her way to the four small ends. “If they treated the Beast-kin like humans than mixed couples would be inevitable. Hell, we've already got a few back home. The Chirok caretakers were far more interested in one another than their job.”
Kal smiled. “I wonder if that'll come again. I-”
“-I still feel like this is my fault.” Cetina cut Kal off, though Anton couldn't feel any malice or ill-intent. “If it...”
“Not another word about it, Cetina,” Anton spoke sternly. “Ever. You've apologised enough for something that wasn't your fault.”
Cetina smiled and nodded.
“So when do I return the favour?” Anton asked as Cetina reached the split in his tail. “Can't just have me being dotted on all the time.”
“Up you get, Cetina.” Verona lightly slapped Cetina's upper arm, her muscles barely moved despite Verona using some force. “Oh, and the towel has to come off too.”
Cetina froze at the thought.
“You can't wear a towel into a bath.” Kal shrugged. “It just isn't right.”
“And you don't have anything to worry about either.” Verona sniggered. “Honestly, you're worrying too much about it. Thinking people will call them weird.”
“They did call them weird,” Cetina grumbled. “Every time...Even when I was travelling with our caravan…”
Cetina slowly removed her towel, while keeping one arm covering her chest at all times. The rest of Cetina's body was just as well built as her arms; obvious lines of strong muscles lay underneath her tanned skin, abdominal muscles on clear display, all twitching from a mixture of nervousness and excitement. However, she refused to remove her arm from her chest. And unlike before, with Kal, Anton wasn't going to let Verona simply do all the work, or make all the decisions.
“I would never think you looked weird.” Anton reached for a towel to cover himself as he rose from the bath. He caught Cetina's eye trail over his covered crotch, not that she didn't know already. “And you know you don't have to use a truth prayer to know that I'm not lying.”
Cetina continued to remain covered. Anton stepped out of the bath, his own feet clacking on the wooden floor, and stood in front of Cetina. Normally she felt, literally and figuratively, taller than him, but right now she looked rather vulnerable. Anton didn't know how he felt about seeing this side of her.
“Whatever you're worried about,” Anton slowly and gently reached for her hand. It twitched but she didn't recoil or make any sign she disliked the contact. “It's going to be nothing.”
“But I'm different from everyone else.” Cetina's voice was almost a whisper. “I've never seen someone like me...”
“Let me see. You can accept me, like this. I can accept you, no matter what worries you.”
Cetina didn't remove her hand but offered no resistance to Anton. As her arm came free she winced, scrunching up her eye and looking away, while Anton tried his best to hide his bemusement.
During their trip to Danafra, Verona had commented on Cetina's bust. She wasn't wrong, Cetina was only slightly smaller than Kal. An impressive feat, given her body type and lack of body fat. Her breasts were probably contained more fat than the rest of her body. Though they sat slightly higher on her body that wasn't Cetina's concern.
“Is that what you're worried about?” Anton forced his voice to remain flat.
“They're wrong!” Cetina almost ripped her hand free from his. “I've never seen anyone with something like that before. I haven't seen many naked women but...I know it's not normal.”
Simply put, Cetina had two very large inverted nipples. The pink nubs were hidden deep within her breasts. Otherwise, they were completely normal.
“I thought you were worried about something serious.” Anton received a glare from Cetina. “Do they hurt?”
“Sometimes.” Cetina sighed. “Especially when I'm moving or swinging my sword. I like to wear an extra piece of cloth over them. Stops it from getting rubbed raw.”
“Unpleasant.” Anton squeezed Cetina's hand. “But something all women, who fight on the front-lines, have to deal with. But I don't think they're ugly or they make you some sort of freak. If anything I think they suit you.”
“Suit me?”
“My powerful and loyal bodyguard hiding such an alluring and sexy body underneath a suit of armour.”
“Sexy-”
Anton pulled Cetina down for a kiss. For a single moment, she resisted, keeping her body away, before moving in closer. Her hands only moved to Anton's shoulder, gripping tight, while pushing her body against his. Anton used his free hand to hold Cetina by the small of her back, eliciting another jolt and a tiny whimper. When they parted Cetina's face was completely scarlet.
“A-Anton.” Cetina tried to laugh but her voice croaked. “I think we should finish our bath first, before...that...”
Cetina would have to be more than unobservant to miss Anton's excitement.
“No.” Anton smiled. “I think we'll go to the bedroom right now.”
Verona and Kal were immediately by his side. It was obvious they too were extremely excited themselves, almost as much as Cetina.
“There'll be time afterwards,” Verona smirked. “But-”
Anton pressed his finger to Verona's lips. She frowned for an instant before her normal beaming smile returned.
“Just...” Cetina gripped his shoulders tighter. “Just be gentle with me. Please? It's been a while and I know that you can be a little rough-”
“You spied on us?” Anton chuckled. “And I thought you were the more noble of us.”
“Not just once either,” Kal smirked. “On The Snow Berry it was every night, wasn't it?”
If Cetina's face could turn any redder she couldn't manage to find a way.
“I would never do anything to hurt you, but tell me if I'm doing something you don't like. Okay?”
Cetina nodded as Anton kissed her again. He dropped the towel, grabbed Verona and Kal’s hands with one as they began to shower him with kisses, Cetina by the waist and slowly pulled them all towards a very large, and soon to be crowded, bed.