Chapter 6- Field Reports

Within the royal study of the Castle of Ashes, Grimm watched from a particular layer of reality as two humans spoke.

“Second week of training Rowan. He’s proving more resilient than expected and continues to surprise me. I’m thinking his beast may have hidden dimensions that have not yet been shown, potentially a dimensional power. There’s something about her; she’s not behaving like a traditionally bound companion, and I’m almost certain she intentionally tripped Zorna yesterday. However, that should be far past her ability to reason. Are we certain the boy has not had contact with the elves or other elements that might have taught him different bonding procedures? Greenbriar is a thinking beast, at least on the level of my Zorna, if I haven’t missed my guess. Rowan is showing the normal loyalty one would expect from our recruits. Still, Greenbriar continues to be a factor I can’t yet fathom. Will advise,” Kilvaran looked up from the scroll he was reading as the new king scowled down at his desk.

“It seems the Black Blades have not eliminated all of their spies,” the King of Ashes chuckled darkly, peering over folded hands in his seat.

“General Kivara provided this to me on her own, sire. In fact, I have the span of his reports from his trainer. It paints an interesting picture,” Kilvaran replied.

“Show me,” The king beckoned with his left hand before lapsing back into reflexive silence.

Kilvaran took up another scroll and began to read, “Rowan continues to show loyalty but with a strong streak of independence, buffeted by Greenbriar. I can confirm she is fully sapient. They work more like partners than a bonded pair, but they make an incredible team. Their performance since Landon I would put in the top 20% of those I’ve trained. We arrive for the final module in the next few days. This will be the final test of loyalty and resilience. Greenbriar has espoused viewpoints that are highly unorthodox in relation to the kingdom, and Rowan has shown to be influenced by them. I can confirm he’s not fae blind, thank the Thirteen. They may require special handling if they make it through the final trial. I recommend they be assigned to Willow in the Capitol City.”

“This Greenbriar, uh, Riley, is clearly the problem. She’s not of this kingdom and was not raised with the same values as Rowan. I’ve reviewed the remaining reports that General Kivara has provided us. She has a troubling tendency to view commoners and those beneath her as equals. What’s worse, she is actively influencing Tobias, who would otherwise be loyal, to the point that I think our trust in them is misplaced. She has already proved to be destabilizing, sire. No one has ascended to the first tier since the founding of the kingdom, a time long lost to myth and legend, and for good reason. Now, they are on their way back here on the dragon to undergo their gray blade trials, but that comes with the revealing of some of the closest-held secrets of the realm. I remind you, sire, there are things only the Royal family and the Grey Blades know, but we still have options,” he sighed, rolling up the scroll.

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This was a distasteful business, but it had to be done.

“You’re proposing we eliminate them,” The King leaned over his desk, a look of shock dancing across his face.

“Only Riley. If we handle this right and eliminate her in the proper way, his loyalty will be assured, and the risks will be minimized. The reports are clear; we could better trust him were it not for her, ” Kilvaran proposed.

“You mean by blaming it on the insurrectionists?” The king shifted in his seat.

“It’s an opportunity, one we’re already using well to eliminate problematic nobles. There has not been an inquisition of the aristocracy since the third King of Ashes. Sometimes even healthy branches must be pruned for the good of the tree, sire,” this was his job. It was up to him to do the hard thing for the good of all.

What was one life if its sacrifice meant the betterment of all or the survival of the kingdom? The scales were merciless but fair.

“That could go the other way, though; it could break him, and her elimination would dispose of a valuable countermeasure in this Chadrick business. Have you heard the reports from Ecbert? Venosimoor has manifested in Avalon,” The King countered.

Kilvaran stiffened, “Which is all the more reason to act. With Greenbriar’s elimination, not only would we gain a loyal first tier ranger, we would also be denying the enemy a tool that they, themselves, want.”

“it is a pitiful reward for saving the kingdom,” the royal muttered, staring down again at the floor in contemplation, “and then there’s the problem of Galdor. The Archbishop proclaimed them chosen. They have divine attention. We cannot afford to anger the patron God of our Kingdom, can we?”

“No God is all-seeing or all-knowing; it does add a degree of difficulty, but that could solve our problem. With Riley gone, under the right circumstances, if Tobias took it poorly, well, Galdor could take him as a priest. If we’re quick, that would keep him in the dark for good,” Kilvaran swallowed as his robe itched, knowing that he was firmly in the land of the heretical.

It’s for the good of the kingdom. He said to himself, trying to placate his uneasy stomach.

The king shook his head and rose, “You make good points, but I will not deal deceitfully with the Chosen of Gods nor those that have already saved my throne and avenged my father. Some lines should never be crossed. Be warned, you walk a dangerous path and may have already strayed to the point of repentance. There are consequences, cousin. ”

“And whom should I confess my secrets to?” Kilvaran bristled.

The new king narrowed his eyes, “Remember who you are speaking to, Magister.”

Kilvaran, wisely, knelt, “Of course, my liege. I meant no disrespect.”

“I’m certain. Now, leave this business as it is. We still have the blood oath that will bind them sure enough, and that is only if they pass their initial trial under Ecbert. Should that fail, they will live out their days isolated to Astor Hall as local nobility, and the problem will solve itself,” The king shrugged.

“But what of Riley? Sir, she is dangerous, and not just because the enemy desires to control her,” Kilvaran pleaded.

“The enemy wants her, but we have her and her sorcerer. She has already shown herself to be manageable. I am not going to give up a weapon simply because it is unorthodox,” at that, the king nodded in agreement with his logic before leaving the room.

“Yes, sire,” Kilvaran whispered, staring down at the floor, his face a mask of concern.