Vikiana is walking through the Rykz' city, angry but laughing at what Jessica just did to her by stealing the horse. She knows she's going to have to hitch a ride with a patrol or walk all the way to Castle Lance.
She enters a large building that has more in common with a workshop for siege weapons than a warehouse. It gives her chills to witness the pulleys hanging from the roof and the huge basin meant to hold molten low-quality Vuskyt.
There are shattered pieces of stone scattered all over the floor with the largest chunks against the walls, those are the remains of weapon and armor molds. The magnitude of what the Rykz built here in less than three years surprises Vikiana because she knows this forge is but one of four the insects prepared to sustain a long war of attrition.
Master Amand is standing among two hundred Templars from all over Caeviel spread around the edge of a huge circular hole in the middle of the building. The slab of stone that covered it was lifted and taken outside in pieces, a task that severely cut into the Order's reserves of energy.
The boulder resting underneath was cut in such a way there was little space between it and its cover while perfectly obstructing the tunnel. The Rykz likely left traps behind but those would have run out of energy by now, the Order's concern is that the ground may collapse under their feet if they aren't careful.
“Master.” Vikiana speaks up. Amand turns to her and nods.
The two of them leave the building side by side and make their way to the lake to walk around its shore. The ground they tread is rocky, there are piles of gray ashes from the Grubs and other livestock the Rykz slaughtered as they left.
“You didn't give her identity to the Grand Masters?” He asks directly, referring to the seven who lead the Order, one for each Kingdom and another in Kruzser.
“I came back to make my goodbyes, Master, not to argue over my choice to hold my tongue.” Vikiana says with a sigh.
It is known of too many that she saw the face of E.Vil, and suspected she has a grasp on her identity. She makes a bitter smile at the fact that most believe her daughter knows less than she does.
“Our Emperor had his reasons to deny your request to free the Princess, one of which was to delay the Silver Hive in order to gain an advantage east. The back-line Kingdoms could have sustained a war against a single Hive even if it would have cost us dearly. My opinion differs to His as yours does, but that is out of sentiment.” Master Amand speaks slowly as he makes his points.
“I did not remain silent out of resentment, Master.” Vikiana utters with a frown. “The Grand Master himself did not pressure me because the answer isn't of true import. He had to ask because the Order is divided over the decision not to pursue Elizabeth Vil. Our brothers and sisters know very well that going against the Main Temple's command to take revenge would tear us apart from the inside but they cannot let it go either.”
“The woman is aptly named. Perhaps the greatest evil is that which you cannot wholeheartedly condemn nor allow to be forgiven.” Master Amand says with concern. “Are you certain it is impossible to convince Elizabeth Vil to fight the Lisilese or the Rykz for the Empire to atone? That solution would resolve the issue within the Order's ranks and placate Nobility as well.”
“She would refuse or agree and revolt.” Vikiana tells the man while gazing at the lake's surface. “Or simply run away. It is difficult to assess how her mind works but I can guarantee she will rebel against imposed constraints.”
“Would you not even tell me to satisfy my curiosity?” Amand asks.
“...” Vikiana remains silent for a long while before answering. “You would think that I am lying for my daughter if I confirmed your suspect or think that I am lying for my daughter if I eliminated your suspect. Either response would not solve the issue so I will remain silent so as not to turn this E.Vil against my family by damaging those she has ties to.”
“Your words themselves prove you've left the Order behind.” The Master declares with a disapproving tone, frustrated by the vague non-answer. “Jessica Freepath and Leomi Lance are not more important than the Order's cohesion, even if they would suffer from harsh retaliation.”
“What did Jessica want?” Vikiana asks after a long while.
“Protection against evil yet she refused it whence offered to her personally.” Amand replies shortly.
“Ha.” Vikiana chuckles. “I suppose it is fair that you would not answer my inquiries considering I would not even point you in Elizabeth's direction.”
“I would not say anymore even if you did. This Jessica Freepath truly is worth more alive than dead in the short-term.” Amand mutters with dark humor. “Now, tell me everything that happened, including the details of the Lake-oath you swore in Meiridin, and then your plans for the future.” Vikiana lets out a long sigh, preparing for a long conversation with her old mentor.
--- --- ---
Master Amand watches Vikiana walk away with a dark expression. He regrets her choice, not only has the Empire lost a precious Exemplar but he will soon personally lose a precious friend as well.
He is given little time along with his thoughts as Templar Alex walks up to him to report their progress. The brawny man is his most trusted subordinate, he has an Exemplar's loyalty if not the skill.
“We can strike the idea that Jessica Freepath is Elizabeth Vil.” Amand speaks up, unwilling to get into the tedious task of dealing with the aftermath of the Rykz retreat before putting an end to this matter. “Vikiana refused to speak which means she either only knows E.Vil's face and can't help much or the woman is too connected to her daughter for her to get rid of the threat.”
“By all accounts, Jessica Freepath was in a relationship with Lady Lance during their captivity. It is evident by how the Countess behaved after escaping. Does that not qualify as her being too close to her daughter for Vikiana to remove?” Alex contests.
“It does but the possibility of the two being one and the same was remote to begin with. You do not become a warrior of E.Vil's caliber in weeks even if you have the talent. Jessica Freepath was, by all accounts, an average if solitary peasant before she met Leomi Lance last autumn.” Amand explains.
“Agreed.” Alex says gruffly. “She does not lack courage but is too physically frail and did not exude the bloodthirsty brutality Elizabeth Vil did before battle.”
“Jessica Freepath indeed shows no sign of Elizabeth Vil's battle-madness.” Amand agrees absent-mindedly. “She was serious in the mess, her posture felt off but she wasn't fooling around. At the same time, the stance she used was firm enough I tensed.”
“She may be strong, but she wouldn't last five minutes in battle before crumbling. She is too short and slim, she lacks the muscle-mass to be Elizabeth Vil.” The large man notes.
“Stop using yourself as a basis for normality, Alex.” Amand says with a sigh. “But I agree with that assessment.”
“Besides, she only has one arm.” The Templar continues. “The Rykz are the most secretive but we would know if they could replace human limbs after all our centuries of conflict and trading.”
“It is best not to eliminate possibilities when you lack distinct information on a subject's capabilities.” Amand tells the Templar in spite of the fact he is of the same opinion. “Personality-wise, Jessica Freepath is patient and can retain a calm bearing even under pressure or when her values are challenged. She kept her cool when I implied peasantry couldn't be allowed to learn even a basic trimmed down shredding construct.”
“Elizabeth Vil showed patience as well.” Alex notes.
“Yes, but I suspect that Elizabeth Vil shares the mask with her when it came to tasks Jessica was more qualified for. It wouldn't have been difficult to make a rudimentary prosthetic and hide it under the runic glove Elizabeth always wore.” Amand explains. “Jessica is likely the one who negotiated with Councilwoman Cecil. As for Castle Lance being the first target of the Rykz, I believe it was a test for her.”
“There is also the recent report we received that Elizabeth Vil was involved with a woman who came from a village that was occupied during Jessica Freepath's captivity. It is located in a forest so it's likely that is where Elizabeth Vil hid before the Rykz revealed themselves.” Alex says.
“I am of the opinion the Rykz investigated their spies' preferences to assign them partners, using their pheromones to ensure cohesion and facilitate companionship so that they would no longer be following the Rykz' instructions for themselves alone.” Amand utters with a gloomy voice.
“We do not know the extent of what the insects can do with their pheromones, Master.” Alex protests. “It seems paranoiac to believe they can have such a deep effect on people.”
“Deep? They would merely be making use of natural processes that already exist.” The Master replies, shaking his head. “The Rykz are known to be able to hinder the Lisilese's ability to track by smell and cause warbeasts to lose control for no apparent reason. What difficulty could it truly pose for them to subtly trick us when we lack their animalistic understandings?” Alex falls silent. “Let us set the matter aside.”
Amand concludes the discussion with a sad voice to focus on their mission here. He thinks the matter concerns the Shades more than the Order until Vikiana reaches her yearlong deadline or Elizabeth Vil reveals herself again.
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--- --- ---
Templar Nahl and a Semplar apprenticed to an Alemplar are making their way through the valley between the Izla's twin mountains on horseback, following a set of tracks in the snow.
The black-haired handsome man is quite annoyed by this Jessica's deception, not to mention she 'stole' Dame Vikiana's horse for reasons the woman would not reveal to him. Yet, he can't help but feel very intrigued by the short woman's gall.
She appeared to be lighthearted and a bit of a prankster when they met but turned out to be reckless in the face of her sickness the day after. Then, she showed baffling confidence in meeting Master Amand even after having her startling past revealed.
When Nahl met Amand, he was told to do as he wishes about the Hospitaliers. He inferred that it means Jessica convinced the Master to support her proposal in the short time they met, despite the Izla's sore lack of temple guards.
It bothers him that this young woman, who is about five years younger than he is, interfered with his life without qualms but also wonders what someone as intelligent as her saw in him.
What little he knows of her past is sufficient for Nahl to feel slightly intimidated and very confused as to her rash behavior. He simply does not know what to think and how to make his mind up about this Jessica.
As such, he decides to follow his heart as he always has. It led him to the Order after all so he believes he would only leave his brethren if these Hospitaliers show as much promise as their reputation among people suggests.
He dares not think that he is so great that his presence in the organization will have much of an impact but if others join as well, then the Order's ideals could very well prevent the Hospitaliers from straying towards a disastrous path.
Either way, he isn't tracking Jessica because she doesn't have anything to do with his decision about the Hospitaliers. He already gave his word he would consider it after all.
No, he is acting out of pity, compassion, and admiration for a woman who suffered the loss of an arm only to be captured, then escape, then sacrifice her freedom, then turn traitor to buy peace, then succeeded only to finally fall sick.
The last thing Nahl wants is her death to weigh on his conscience so he didn't waste any time to grab the blond Semplar and pursue. The girl didn't like it but she's meant to learn that her duty trumps any need for comfort.
Jessica's relationship with Elizabeth Vil makes Nahl rather nervous and not only because the two seem at odds. While the former laid a clever plan to bring the war to as peaceful an end as possible, the latter's ruthless execution tainted the honor they could have legitimately claimed with red blood.
“It's going to snow.” The Semplar says curtly.
“The tracks are headed for the mountainside, let's hurry or we'll lose her.” Nahl responds quietly.
--- --- ---
An empty glass bottle flies through the study of Castle Lance's keep to hit the wall and shatter in a shower of debris, thrown by Leomi Lance at Vikiana who is sitting in an armchair with a glass of liquor in hand, still dressed in her traveling clothes after spending a week traveling south.
“You lied to me through Yvonne!” Leomi seethes. “Did you think my betraying her once wasn't enough? You had to try to shatter our every hope?!”
“She wasn't my target and I didn't know who Elizabeth was any more than you did at the time.” Vikiana replies quietly.
“Knowing didn't stop you from acting like the dregs of Nobility on that galley!” She yells while seizing the white roots of her hair to pull on them.
Vikiana conceals the pain her daughter's words cause her by bringing the glass to her lips and taking a sip. Leomi's rage intensifies as she watches her mother's composed reaction.
She picks up the heavy desk chair and throws it towards a bookshelf. It merely flies for a couple of meters before impacting the parquet and rolling. The golden jay clumsily flies off towards a different perch, unseen by either woman.
“That was your father's favorite chair, you are lucky it is sturdy.” Vikiana utters with disapproval.
“Rhaaaaaaa!” Leomi screams at her mother in frustration because she can't bring herself to hate her, especially with the way she keeps losing her self-control when alone with her love.
“I shouldn't have trusted the Shade's assessment of the situation, nor followed her plans.” Vikiana admits with a sigh. “But there was little else to do with that Odo ready to use his soldiers to challenge my custody of her if given an excuse.”
“That's why you don't trust that kind of low-life.” Lance utters with contempt.
“With the resources I had at my disposal, this was the only way to ambush a Princess.” Vikiana explains. “You know all this.”
“I know that, as a direct result of your actions, she came back from the institute utterly detached from humans.” Leomi responds with a shudder because her actions began that process in Jessica. “I have heard much about the battle on that galley, about the slaughter in the institute, about the massacre in the hills as she crossed the army's lines.”
“She is almost unbelievably skilled.” Vikiana acknowledges, not certain about where her daughter is coming from. “But still human no matter how powerful she can become with that parasite and enough flow. Besides, she gave up on it.”
“Who cares about that thing!?” Leomi explodes in anger. “You caused Jessica and Elizabeth to isolate themselves among enemies with a contemptible thief as sole help! What were you thinking it would do to her?!”
“These vile insects' parasite is what made her mad and detached.” Vikiana contests.
“She went mad because she was a sweet and innocent girl before I destroyed her, Mother.” Leomi whispers, turning away to look the window into the night because of the panging pain in her chest. “The most conservative count of the humans she's killed with her own hands easily rises to several hundred. Now, she can't help but see everyone as a potential threat.”
“I'm sorry.” Vikiana murmurs while setting her glass down.
“We need neither your compassion nor apologies, Mother.” Leomi utters with a hard voice. “I need you to tell me where to find a way to heal her.”
“Suxen is the only one with the knowledge, Leomi.” Vikiana replies with a grimace.
“There has to be someone else.” Leomi counters between grit teeth.
“Not that I am aware, but I have never stepped in the University.” Vikiana replies.
“Anyone could think of Suxen and the University, what use is it to tell me.” Lance says with a sharp tone.
“Because those are your only two options.” Vikiana gently reminds her.
“The first isn't one and the second is... difficult. How do I find someone who can help while keeping the specifics to myself? How do I convince someone kept in the dark to heal her and keep the secret when I can't reveal the specifics or use my title to pressure them?” Leomi laments.
“Ask the Emperor.” Vikiana comes out with the solution even though it makes her nervous. “Aisha has likely already made her report so he will know what you want to keep secret, but she may have kept Elizabeth's identity a secret so be careful about what you reveal if you choose to do this.”
“The Shade would lie to the Emperor?” Leomi asks, surprised.
“She is... odd. She may not lie but could choose to omit some of what she knows.” Vikiana says.
“Why?” Leomi questions.
“Because she might be afraid enough of Elizabeth not to want to risk it, or unafraid but unwilling to cause trouble by revealing her identity.” Vikiana replies with an uncertain tone. “She might also feel vexed that she couldn't bed your lover and reveal her name out of spite or keep it to herself for the same reason. The woman changes personality as easily as faces if necessary but remains fiercely loyal to the point where she may lie if she thinks Elizabeth could pose a threat to the Emperor when provoked.”
“I wouldn't roll that dice, I hope she won't either.” Leomi murmurs, feeling prideful about her jay's charm but angry that this Aisha had the guts to try to touch what's hers.
Silence falls on the study as Leomi chases away the insignificant Shade to consider the options presented to her. It is more a way for her to buy time and preserve her hopes because she is already aware that she cannot pick either of these solutions.
“The Emperor has Suxen, you can make use of her.” Vikiana speaks up, breaking the silence.
“Have you turned insane?” Leomi asks with a quiet voice, too strained by her worries for anger to take hold. “Emperor Rasaec and the Order began this mess with their experiments, you want me to bring her to them?”
“The Emperor and the Templars will always do what is right given the opportunity so long as the Empire's order is not threatened. She is valuable enough to convince the Emperor to spend the necessary energy to heal the damage to her body.” Vikiana argues. “Jessica can help the Empire out-think the insects with her grasp of their capabilities.”
“I will not ask this of her, or allow you to put her in that situation.” Leomi declares as her heart is seized by a crippling fear of what Vikiana could do. “She will never agree to this, if you have any love for me, you will respect her enough to refrain from even suggesting this to her.”
Leomi's voice trembles as she continues. She is realizing she may have to fight her own mother over this. It makes her feel sick that she is indirectly protecting the Rykz but that much is irrelevant when it comes to protecting her jay's life and those principles that make her who she is.
“I'll leave it to you, as I have so far.” Vikiana agrees decisively. “I also believe it would be best not to get further involved with Suxen.” Leomi sighs in relief. “I do have one piece of advice on the matter; immediately kill the parasite if Jessica turns to the Rykz again for help or revenge, before it takes root if possible.”
Leomi's thoughts immediately turn to the chest containing the Little one and the runic Vuskyt broadsword Celyz gave her but the memory of her love's twisted grin the night she took her revenge shatters any temptation she could have had to follow her mother's advice.
“Leave.” Leomi orders flatly. “I will be busy with the Hospitaliers so the next time we see each other will be in Meria.”
“Leomi...” Vikiana protests, trailing off because she does not want to get angry or insist. She does not want to spoil her last year by fighting with her daughter in any way for any reason.
“We will not discuss Jessica and Elizabeth's situation anymore.” Leomi clearly expresses her thoughts.
Leomi dislikes the strain the subject puts on her relationship with her mother and knows they won't see eye to eye on the parasite because she doesn't agree with herself on the matter.
That is proven by how she's reflexively refused to consider getting rid of the parasite even though she wants to and would be able to if it leaves her custody but it would still be a lesser betrayal. Leomi hates to know the decision is her jay's and that she can only try to ensure she isn't being misled.
Vikiana grabs her glass and gulps down the rest of the liquor before standing up to head to the door. She stops with one foot past the frame to turn around and search her coin pouch.
“She told me to give you this.” She says pulling the silver lion head from the pommel out.