Reggie peeked his head over the side of the boat feeling a bit lost for words. “I'm not so sure about this...”
“About what?” Hogan, his master and teacher asked, leaning casually on the bulkhead framing the wide deck of the three mast sailing ship. A beautiful piece of work, Harani made and as sturdy as their people. They'd gone to charter the voyage and Tyr had tired with negotiations and just... Bought it outright. Acquired the trading company it belong to as well. It never ceased to astonish Hogan how absurdly rich some of these humans were when others of their kind were living in relative squalor. Tyr had took one look at the man sent to bargain with them, hating him immediately, and Hogan was sure the boy had bought the company outright just to fire the man. “A sea voyage? Nary a chance of anything going wrong in the bite, storms and monsters are rare here – wave watchers see to that. Curious though, our glorious leader retching over starboard makes me wonder why he'd purchase a boat in the first place.”
“For Benny.” Jura said. She didn't experience the motion sickness that was ravaging Tyr, but he'd managed to remove the small – enchanted artifact from his dimensional ring and lay it in the sea. A small metal contraption forged into the shape of a caravel, with a canvas patch for a sail. Despite being cast of steel, it floated just fine – darting off into the distance to ply the seas on Benny's behalf – his name engraved on each side. “Benny once said that he wanted to retire and sail the seas, and a good warrior deserves a memorial. They've got their statues, but Tyr is a very romantic and sensitive man. I doubt he'll ever stop leaving monuments to their sacrifice.”
“...Ah. Romantic. Sensitive.” Hogan said skeptically, almost laughing at the claim. “That's exactly how I'd describe him.”
Still, he nodded in satisfaction. Hogan was there, and while nobody would ever truly know, he was aware. Great men deserved monuments, or great kijin and telurian, as was the case. Humans were very sentimental, but dwarves were even moreso.
“I was more curious about the fact that we are here...” Reggie was dressed in the clothes of a nobleman, casual wear designed for riding and hunting – but no less out of place in his mind. Both Beth and Stella were dressed comfortably and expensively as well. “I'm just a--”
“A person.” Jura said. “You're a person, and Tyr has preferences but I don't think he cares much about status and titles. He gets these ideas in his head and focuses on them, maybe because he thought it would be funny, or maybe because he wants Stella to watch us win. He is quite taken with your little one, as I'm sure you've noticed.”
“And vice versa.” Beth smiled softly. Reginald had his doubts, but it was self evident that they'd received great privilege from being under Tyr's notice. So humble in the past, and now they were living like nobles. Whatever the motivation for such a thing... Did it even matter?
“I've never been outside of the republic before.” Reggie said with a frown. “Is it safe out there?”
Jura nodded. “Most places, yes. The republic is one of the more dangerous places to live, but we'll be landing in Karth and passing through Haran. Even being that it is so near to you, geographically, I've heard Haran is the safest place to live on the continent. The western half of it, at least.”
Hogan nodded at that. “Harani damn near killed everything big enough to threaten folk like us. Even so, you're in good company if safety is your objective. Never been much a fan of humans, but anything better than a Varian.”
“Well, I for one think it was very thoughtful for him to give us a vacation like this. We've been working hard, I'd say we've earned it after all that has happened.” Beth smiled and dipped her head graciously in Jura's direction. Reginald looked very out of place, but Elizabeth had perfectly adapted to the situation with all the elegance of a practiced seamstress. “How much danger could we be in with ten of the best adventurers the republic has to offer so near us?”
“Don't plant flags, mama.” Stella raised her finger as if in declaration of some universal truth. “I don't know what it means, but big brother says it a lot.”
“...I see.” Beth had no idea what she was talking about either, but as always she'd spoil the little girl so near to her heart. Her only child, and the only one she'd ever had after the burn had took her in the last year. Red stone poisoning was an unfortunate thing, but she'd lived.
They called this strait between the republic the 'bite', 'hatchet', 'axe'. Which was confusing considering their was an axebite sea in the east. In any case, like so many geographical elements of the world, it was rumored to have been – as the name implied – carved from the earth by a giants axe. It wasn't very wide, about sixty kilometers or so from Leygein to Karth. Close enough that from the upper city and on a clear day one could see the green coastline of Haran in the distance.
It wasn't long before they settled into one of the jetties below Karth's forest of platforms, leaving those who had not yet visited the city in awe. Rows of tall stone pillars lording over the sea, stretching off into the marshes. Round discs sturdy enough to support all manner of buildings – with steady suspension bridges between the largest of them – and heavy duty rope bridges between the rest. Staring down with nervous eyes at the still sea and swathes of boats of all sizes tracing their wake through the calm waters. Quays and wharves with a city above, and one below to match it – built on stilts and wooden platforms, with lifts connecting the upper and lower levels.
Incredibly, some of these platforms were dropping pulleys as they arrived to live a wide bodied barge out of the water and into the air.
“This place is amazing!” Elizabeth said. She was Lyran, so she'd naturally heard of Haran's bizarre cities, but she'd never been there herself. “How is this even possible?”
“Magic, as with most things of wonder I suppose.” Tiber answered. “Some say that before this was all marsh and water, that there was another race here. Building this place to remain safe from the monster rich environment below. Others assert that the entire city might have floated some distance above the ground at one time. The modern Karth existed in its current state long before we were born, so nobody really knows. Just a city built on the skeletal remains of a long lost culture and society.”
“That's sad.” Beth commented, frowning.
“It's the way of the world.” Tiber shrugged. “Nothing lasts forever. One day we all return to the earth and I'm sure mankind is no exception.”
“It's busy today.” Tyr mused. Trade always boomed in the warmer seasons. “Better to make ourselves scarce before someone notices us.”
Tiber nodded, it was a sound plan – Jartor had requested that they take this route – and was rather insistent for some reason. To the point where Tyr wasn't about to argue with the rare communication he'd received from his father. By courier, no less, considering Tyr never answered his communication amulet. Would've been a sound plan, at least, until a pair of hands materialized from beneath a cloak heavier than the season would require, gripping Tyr. Two powerful hands pinning his arms into place, a hooded set of green eyes giving him a once over, before crushing him into a violent hug.
“Arbiter.” Tiber and the other humans bowed respectfully at the waist, with Jura nervously following their lead. It wasn't but a moment into their arrival that she'd notice she was the only one of orcish blood present save Rakkis, and it made her nervous. Haran was at times tolerant, but not friendly toward nonhuman races – very different than the republic. It's only saving grace was that they were protected 'equally' under the law.
But the law, like all things, was flawed. As Hogan had said, Jura might parrot it, the Harani were a harsh people but at least they weren't Varian's. Varia was a nation predicated by racism, the Harani would allow any and all races to earn their respect through merit.
“No need for that old friend, I'm off duty. Good to see you, and some new faces at that. As for my boy here... You're quite the charmer, age put some meat on those bones, but it's done nothing for that sour look you've always had. I remember when you were just a little sprout and now you've got a whole head on me, big man now, just like your old dad.” The man said, releasing Tyr and removing his hood. “Been well?”
“As well as can be expected, father.” Tyr nodded curtly. Of all the men in the empire, Gideon Goldmane would be high on the list of people he actually respected. He was fair in all things, easy to talk to, loyal to his nation, and about as competent as they came. An appropriate role model for anyone else, and the lord of all law and constables in the empire, sitting at Jartor's right hand. Even before Tyr and Alexis had been married, Gideon had been family to Tyr.
A strong, handsome man with a vertical scar splitting his left eyebrow, extending to just below the eye, adding some violent charm to his features. He was about average in height, but well defined in both body and face. With a rough and rowdy look to him that would've seen him an easy fit to the blackguard – and none of the sniveling arrogance of so high positioned a noble. He had deep green eyes, a well manicured black beard, and long hair done up in a warriors tail. Very much the soldier, his well tanned skin, calloused hands, and vigilant eyes served to communicate that he'd spent most of his life on the road, away from the comforts of home.
“Hmm...” The corner of Gideon's mouth twitched a bit. “It's good that you've kept true to the oath after abandoning my daughter. Don't need to beat some sense into you just yet. And this is your new wife?” He looked at Jura and she felt her blood run cold. Gideon was an arbiter, which gave him a lifetime of experience in all sorts of... Unpleasant things. How to read a person, see into their deeper selves and measure their words. He was also a fair mage, but worst of all was the fact that all arbiters were born and bred to torture people in the most cruel of ways. Haran didn't operate on the process of heritage or nepotistic rule, but the Goldmane's were one of the most powerful families in the entire world. “Welcome to the family, Lady Jura. I'd use a surname, but you've not consummated your marriage or held ceremony on Harani soil. I'm also unclear as to whether or not Tyr is still a proper Faeron... In any case, it is a pleasure.”
“...Family?” Jura asked nervously. She hadn't expected such a friendly welcome, and less so the crushing hug she was wrapped up in. Gideon was a very affectionate man, giving a duality to the part of him forged out of a long career in so violent a vocation. Not unlike Tyr in some ways, just far more human in comparison, and therefore more dangerous. Tyr was predictable in his unpredictability, if that made sense, a man that could be tricked if not bargained with. Gideon, on the other hand, was a genius level intellect, just like the rest of his family. “You are the father of Tyr's first wife?”
“I am.” He nodded with a lopsided smile. “Gideon Goldmane, and pleased to meet you. You can forgo titles and all that, law binds us all in Haran, not just the husband. Given that I've been commanded to preside over your wedding ceremony as per the explicit request of the primus. Churches have questions, all rattled up about Tyr's status and heritage after news was leaked. About you marrying a half-blood orc and all of that other ignorant drivel, it's insane to me, really... All year long they'll talk about how 'not racist' they are – but gods forbid we marry a demi, no offense, my lady.”
Jura refrained from replying that she wasn't a 'demi-human', men tended to refer to all humanoid races that way and would never stop. Not to mention that she was half human, it seemed... Disrespectful, but if Gideon Goldmane said something was, it was. It didn't need to be any more complicated than that.
“News?” Tyr asked, feeling none of that fear shown by the others when facing down the Harani arbiter. “What news?”
“Ah, news that you are your fathers son, and that the banishment and claims of you being a bastard were all a clever ruse to investigate the republic in cooperation with Alexandros. All clandestine like, smarter than I've ever given you credit for. Enough to satisfy the churches for now, but I'd be careful. Two primus' from one is called a blessing by most of them, but a few would very much like to collect you. Hence my escort, and theirs.” He tilted his head, allowing Tyr to make out the form of an ashamed looking Regar and several veteran imperial battlemages. College men with flinty gazes, a few of them nodding back respectfully to Tyr, some even smiling.
He knew how polarizing a figure it was, it didn't shock him. Some Harani men would call him kin, some wouldn't, it was the way of things.
“Yo, Regar.” Tyr nodded to his cousin. “You look... Old.”
Regar finally brightened up. He had some reservations about his behavior towards the prince, and his cousin, nephew by name. Saying very little, he'd still had thoughts about the boys identity, and had nearly taken ill when Jartor had finally 'come clean'. The primus'... They were a different breed, and their secrets were legion. “The campaign on the southern border was long and hard, while you were off gallivanting, I was doing something useful. And you... You've grown. Into a fine young man, from what I hear, you did us proud.”
Tyr's eyebrows shot up at that. Proud. No matter. “Yeah, you're right. While I was off saving the world you were really out there doing divine work. Come and meet my wife, it's not in your character to look like a bashful schoolgirl, it makes me sick.”
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Regar shorted, exchanging amicable greetings with Jura and shaking his head. “Glad to see you never change. Grown a backbone, even, but don't think I won't thrash you again.”
Tyr turned away from him, giving him an appraising look before deciding it wasn't worth it. They were still family, one of the few members of blood he'd use that word with.
“I thought you'd be upset about me taking another wife. It was pretty impulsive...” Tyr coughed, facing a very patient Gideon. It was true, polygamy was accepted and lawful in Haran as it was in most nations – but it was a lawful and contractual bond between all participants. Because of this, all participating families in the oath-taking were equally liable, and one veto would spell the end of any plans of marriage. A man couldn't simply walk about and take as many wives as he pleased. Not even a primus, it would be seen as hypocrisy, as they were the highest form of law in the empire and to flaunt it would be inappropriate.
To be more specific, Tyr had broken the law by marrying Jura. Or rather... They weren't married, but he'd committed that same adultery he'd once nailed a man to a post for. Perhaps he was a hypocrite, or perhaps he'd be willing to stomach the consequences for her, because Jura was worth it.
“She has no family or active line, so I don't see a problem. When I married Alexis' mother, her family protested it – and she was my only wife. Your... Situation, let's say, happened in the republic and there's no liability to us just yet, I have no problems with it. Still, you should have consulted me first – if not primus Ragnar. Who am I to fret over such things if he is unconcerned?” Gideon laughed. “Love is love, but I'd also request that you put a baby in my daughter and make me a grandfather before I'm too old. I don't care if it's a son, boy, but my own sons are too... Well...”
“Idiots.” Tyr finished for him, and Gideon laughed aloud.
“Yes, just so. But talented ones, so there's that.”
“I don't think that's going to happen.” Tyr said, scratching his head anxiously. “She was quite cross at me when I left, calling me all sorts of names. I am too weak and too ashamed to face her, I'll be perfectly honest. But one day, I'll make it right, that's a promise to myself, I don't much care to give an oath to you on that fact.”
Gideon smiled softly, creasing at the eyes to highlight the crows feet about them. “Just like her mother, real hot in the head, but she was upset when you left like that. A lot of people were, and it's a mans duty to fix his mistakes. But that's your responsibility, not mine.”
“Please give my regards to mother, as well.” Tyr nodded.
“You can do that yourself.” Gideon said, turning away.
Ah, shit... Tyr didn't fear Gideon Goldmane, but he feared Asha a great deal. Perhaps more so than any other person he'd ever met.
The battlemages enclosed their group in a loose formation and started marching forward. Reggie and Beth both were pale in the face at the reception, taking the offered hands of these gallant 'knights' who aided them across the swaying bridge. Stella, on the other hand, seemed to be having a blast – and the knights were more than happy to entertain her whimsy as a guest of a son of Jartor, if not an official prince. A primus was a primus. Those of the old blood treasured and protected children, they weren't the spineless wretches like those in the south. Mistreating a child was a capital crime, but regardless, men had families of their own and a bright young girl like that was welcome respite form missing their loved ones.
“Asha is coming with us. Said she wanted to preside over your marriage ceremony herself, that... Ah... You'll see, I guess. I'm sorry, genuinely I tried to navigate around that, but you know what she's like.” Gideon said. “We're both participating in the games, in any case, so I suppose traveling with you is a valid excuse.”
Tyr had felt nervous facing Gideon, but the man was fair and forgiving – and since no law had technically been broken, he would remain so. Asha on the other hand... Tyr felt like he was marching toward the executioners block.
She was a tall woman, just like her daughter, slender and 'filled out' – strikingly beautiful even at her age, that being in her late 30's. With violet eyes and long, black hair, both she and Alex could have been sisters despite the obvious gap in age. Gideon was fairly handsome, but Asha was a goddess. In appearance, that is. In personality, she was notoriously stern and one of the most famous archmages in the empire, and not just because of her skill with magic but also her behavior.
The countess and true ruler of Riven, once a member of the moon legion before she'd returned to the colleges. 'Affectionately' given the nickname of 'The Red Witch of Riven.'. A bit long, but the 'Red Witch' was well enough for most of the people she'd burned alive. That wasn't to say that she was some kind of murderer or a psychopath... Usually they deserved it. Well... Tyr pondered that, thinking that she very much fit the bill of a psychopath considering how much she was rumored to enjoy it. He'd only met her a handful of times in his life, and each time she'd stared at him like he was some sort of insect, only fit for study before being nailed to parchment paper and framed. But most of all, it was the kind of familiarity he felt in her when compared to himself that troubled him the most.
They were like two peas in a pod, individuals who chased their own internal codes rather than the construct of morality. She was just far more intelligent than him.
There was a town outside of the marshes, and that is where they went, a large camp set astride the walls – something fit to house an army. And there was one, a quarter legion – part of the garrison mobilized to the west when the republic had shown signs of falling. Thankfully, there'd not been fighting on this side of the strait, but it hadn't been a steady thing for some time. Even now, they remained in garrison of the coastline. Regar's legion, the first, and what a coincidence that was.
The Iron Lions, again.
He was ushered, and by ushered he'd meant forcibly dragged through the flap of a tent by the 'gentle' hand of Gideon and told to sit. Left alone at an elaborately carved table with the countess, Tyr doing his best to meet her cold gaze. Minutes passed before she spoke, spending all time before staring at him with a tilted head, not blinking once.
“You've grown quite handsome in recent years. If not for my daughter, I might've had an interest to snatch you up myself.” Countess Asha Goldmane said this, her tone amused and playful, but her eyes were like a butcher eyeing a well marbled piece of meat. “Mmm... You've a tight waist, nice jaw, spectacular thighs. All nice and neat, unlike the hulking frame of your father, remove your shirt.”
“W—”
“Do it, now. I will not repeat myself, child.”
Tyr did as she'd asked, standing and made to flex in various positions until she was satisfied. Something about her terrified him more than Alexandros, a visceral fear crawling up and down his back until he felt like he was going to be sick. And why? He couldn't be killed by magic... It was the authority in her, he thought. The familiarity with who she was as a person, the cold and calculative light in her eyes.
“Oh, yes.” She drummed her fingernails against the lacquered wood of the table, face as still and emotionless as ever. “Exquisite, and I've always been a big fan of that angry glare of yours. Keeps the weak ones away, you will serve as a father capable of breeding many capable children. A good match for my daughter, but that was never in question. It's your behavior that has always troubled me the most, your... More cowardly aspects of character are unsuitable to a Goldmane.”
“...Thank you, mother.” Tyr almost choked on his words.
“Lost your virginity yet?”
“Yes, mother.”
“Good.” Asha nodded contentedly. “She deserves a careful and experienced man, my daughter. If I understand correctly, you upset her quite a bit. I hope you're ready to face the consequences.”
“Consequences...?” He gulped.
“Oh, calm yourself – you stupid boy. Always so afraid of me, as if I'm some kind of monster. She'll have her piece, and that'll be that, I taught her magic and she can handle herself. And you'll do your duty and bring a primus into the Goldmane line. Am I understood?” Not a question, a command.
“I'm not sure if--”
“I don't care about your feelings – only hers. You will apologize, one day, and that day will be soon. She supported you even when we all thought you a bastard and banished. Even when I told her to separate herself from you. I've always liked you, did you know that? You are weak, but you know what must be done, and she has the brains and talent to make up for your lacking qualities. You are many things, but I'd never thought you a rat and a coward.”
“Watch your tongue, mother.” Tyr didn't wither under her gaze any longer, something rose up in him and he challenged those eyes of hers with two of her own. “One more word regarding my so-called cowardice and I'll make you regret them. I am here for a purpose, and it's not to listen to your gums flap.”
Asha seemed amused at this, smiling brightly, and he wilted again. It wasn't in the beauty, there were so many beautiful people in the world, perhaps it was in her competency. “A fair reply. Now, talk to me of your discomforts, your troubles. You may not be my prince, but you are my son, speak to me.”
“I just don't want to speak to you about having sex with your daughter.” Tyr replied. Asha assessed everything about him, just as her husband would've.
Tyr had hardened over time, and there was no real sense of fear in his eyes. Only anticipation, as if he wanted her to make the first move, and he'd welcome it. She'd heard much about his activities, always keeping good tabs on him and gathering information where she could. If even half of the rumors were true, Tyr was a butcher near beyond compare, and might just make for an entertaining opponent. His talent for magic was unremarkable but that had never truly made a man, only fools sat on their laurels as a mage. Many, such as the sicario, had killed archmages. Magic did not make one invincible, but a primus...
So far, she liked what she saw, but didn't care overmuch, whatever the case. At the end of the day, this was just a game to her, a passing distraction, albeit one she quite genuinely enjoyed.
“I've no interest in being lectured again after having to sit through all of Gideon's--” Tyr continued when she didn't respond.
“Father's.” Asha corrected. “He takes that title very seriously and cares about you a great deal, do not disrespect his faith in you. You never earned it, nor do you deserve it, even now. I don't care what you did in the republic, you are nothing but a spoiled little boy with a bad attitude and no appreciation for how much good others have done by you. Including us, especially my daughter, you do not deserve these things you've received from us. You frail, petulant boy.”
Tyr nodded reluctantly. “I was immature and I made a mistake. Every day I try to better myself and become a person that can look at these failures and feel anything besides endless shame. She stood by me when nobody else did, even offered to accompany me. Not because duty bound her, but because she called me friend and companion. I have not forgotten. I would do anything for her if she asked, but I am not a man you can order about. I will do what I've always done, what I want to, and only four people on this earth could ask otherwise of me. I know what I did for her, and I live with that, but I do not regret it. Even if it happened all over again, my choice would remain the same.”
Asha's gaze hardened, until she smiled softly, the evident disdain melting away. Just at the lips, no teeth to be seen, she very much looked the middle aged mother – tiny wrinkles on her otherwise perfect complexion jumping into relief. “So you remember.”
“I do.” Tyr replied with a nod. “I remember a great deal, now. About who and what I am, and why.”
“Does she know?”
“I do not believe so.”
“Good.” Asha softened at the face. “Keep it that way. While you might fancy yourself as her hero, and maybe you are, indebting her to you for saving her life is cruel. I won't punish you, you are an adult and can make your own decisions, but I ask that you do not. Do you understand?”
“I do, mother.” Tyr nodded. “But she will learn of it one day, somehow. I know this.”
“How much do you remember?”
“I remember most of it, and I have come to learn in a roundabout way that my father and the church took these memories away from me. I want to know why.”
“And what if I refuse to answer?” Asha asked curiously. Her violet eyes twinkled with mischievous amusement again, she was genuinely enjoying this conversation. Tyr had never seen her give an honest smile, nor laugh, and she wasn't known for doing so. She was a fiercely stern woman, a constant proponent of law and order. Perhaps the only normal person in the entirety of the empire who didn't fear her was Alex, even Gideon was terrified of her. Tyr was well aware that she was baiting a response for future measurement and observation.
He was not afraid. Once, perhaps, but now that they were facing one another that feeling fled him until he realized that fear was not a part of his vocabulary. Asha could take nothing from him, and thus she did not frighten him.
“It's not a threat.” Tyr spoke calmly, assured. “I do not know what love is, or how it feels. But I care for my people and you are one of them by association. If my father locked your lips, then I will tear the key from him one day, but only him. Regardless of his intention, I will get what is mine – and I don't mean the seat of emperor. He and my infant brother can have that, I want answers.”
“Your father did what he did to save you. Whatever gods he entreated that answered the call of both he and the empress, I do not know.” Asha said softly, softening a great deal and looking human for once. “You did a bad thing, but thankfully few know of it. If I hadn't been there to witness it, I'm sure that I wouldn't have been aware. Gideon isn't, and I've never told him. Forbidden magic is forbidden for a reason, and it was beyond my knowledge how you did such a thing. All I know is that you saved her life when all else failed, and it is a favor you've done me that absolves you in my eyes of near all your faults. I still am, and will always be proud of you for that sacrifice. Both of us protested the annulment, and the primus ignored us, as is his right. In turn, Alex ignored him, as is her right, she spat in his face at the idea of it. I am proud of her as well, though as I said, while I did petition the primus – I said the opposite to my daughter. She is more than you deserve.”
Proud.
“Do you know what spell I used?” Tyr asked, but Asha shook her head. Taboo magic even beyond the authors of the black books, if she'd guessed, having never read them herself. She wasn't a fool, and the promise of power would not compel her to damn herself. “I see, that is enough to satisfy me.”
“I want what is best for her.” Asha said suddenly, contemplating all they'd spoken of, wondering if she'd made a mistake by coming here. “And I always will.”
“As do I.” Tyr replied, standing and turning away without being given verbal leave to do so. “And that is exactly why I have not come crawling back like some dog to beg her forgiveness. I never will. I deserve.”
Tyr would allow her revenge if she wanted it, but he wouldn't kneel. She would be better off without him and he'd felt that way – thinking her a fool for believing otherwise. Just like Sigi, and just like Astrid. Even Jura, who deserved just as much respect as the lot of them, if not more. And yet for some reason, he found it impossible to treat them right.