Sidus had killed nearly every bandit in Lornster and we had gathered all of the townsfolk in front of the mayoral office.

The bandits that hadn’t been killed were immobilized and gathered in the town hall which was sealed off by a wall of light so bright it lit up the village even in the dark of night.

The townsfolk all bowed before Sidus and I who stood next to the mayor who’s name was Yona.

He explained that the town was overrun by fraction of a group of bandits called the Hellish Horde.

Apparently, the bandits had planned to use Lornster as a checkpoint for their activities in Medelona.

I wondered how bad things were in Aurenia and I hoped Caligo wasn’t having too much trouble.

I walked forward and explained my plans for the town to the townsfolk and they reacted pretty apprehensively.

This was understandable since this would soon turn into a pit full of criminals and such, but I wasn’t forcing anyone to do anything.

“If you are all opposed to it, we will shift our operation further north, but just know that this will be our base of operations.” I said and again, the people responded stiffly.

Sidus walked up and tapped the ground with his Lance.

“Return to your homes, all of you. You will hear more from us soon.”

The townsfolk all walked back into town and Sidus lightly patted my back.

“Don’t worry. They will soon come to accept your wishes. Although I won’t lie, you’ve definitely created more work for us.” He sighed.

“Is it so wrong to want to give people a fair chance?” I asked but Sidus placed his large hand on my shoulder and pulled me close.

“No, but… there is a point when it becomes… pointless. But that’s why I’m here! Anyone who strays too far will be burnt by my light, haha!”

“Please don’t laugh about it.” I whined before turning to the mayor, who’s eyes were swollen from crying.

Apparently, he was beaten and violated repeatedly over the years while being healed to the point where he’d never be able to die.

The bandits used him to shoo away any knights who got too curious, but according to Yona, compassion was something very rare among knights.

Knights who saw that something was wrong simply left the people to their fates.

This led me to wondering just how large and influential the Hellish Horde was.

For them to make knights avoid helping the innocent…

“We will return soon, but at least for now, you’ll be able to sleep peacefully.” I said only for Yona to started crying again.

I nodded before accompanying Sidus to a certain spot.

Cento and Gera suddenly appeared in front of us and Gera shot me a questioning glance.

“Well?” He asked.

“I was hoping you’d reconsidered you plans for this place. Sir Cento killed every bandit and corrupt knight in Nster. We plan on turning it into a base of operations for a specialized group that will focus on rooting out corruption in Aurenia. I’d hoped that we could use this place to train that group.”

I nodded before facing the town.

I then looked at the land to the south.

“How about this: we restructure the town, allowing for the training of your men, while making the captured bandits do all the rebuilding. When they are done with that, they- ah-ha! Couldn’t we just travel with the group to places that need work. That way, the villagers can focus on their own tasks while the bandits handle dangerous tasks and the like.” I said while crossing my fingers in my heart.

“My goodness… I would be lying if I said that your compassion didn’t warm my heart just a little.” Gera said with rare, weak smile.

“Alright. But you’ll need help overseeing what is obviously a group of criminals. You’ll have to accompany me to Stonenger Keep where we’ll ask the Grandmaster for men. Like I said, write down what you need and we’ll begin our work when everything is ready.”

I nodded before the space around us shifted.

We were back in Middlen only it was in the dead of night.

We made our way back to the Golden Spire and after bidding Gera goodnight, I made my way to the top floor in search of Kulea.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

I wanted thank her and report everything that had happened since she was technically my superior, but upon arriving at the top floor, I was told that she was busy.

I wondered what she was so busy with and it seemed as though Sidus and Cento felt the same.

We asked that the servants tale us to where she was and they took us to her quarters which were on the tenth floor and my eyes widened as we gazed upon what could be called a mural for Caligo.

It was a long hall filled with golden statues of Caligo. Countless portraits of him also hung on the walls.

The servants led us to one of the two doors in the hall, but the turned to face us with rather anxious expressions.

“We humbly suggest that you wait for the High Priestess to finish her business-“

Sidus ignored the servant and opened the door.

We all gasped upon seeing Kulea sitting at the bottom of a large marble tub, only standing around her were tall blond men who were all naked and coming from the room was the smell of urine.

Kulea noticed us and she let out a panicked shriek.

“CLOSE THE DAMNED DOOR!” She cried and the servants did as instructed.

Silence filled the hall as we all stared at each other.

“I think we should wait for her upstairs.” Cento droned.

We all agreed before making our way up and I sat on the couch with the two servants standing next to the teleportation platform.

We all waited in pure silence until a flustered Kulea arrived.

She sat in front of me dressed in nothing but a silky black robe.

Her skin was also very moist, meaning she had just bathed.

“Ahem! What brings you here so late?” She asked but I avoided looking straight into her eyes.

I then reported how my day went.

“Wow… I know Summus would like for us all to be kind to one another, but.. you do know that they are all damned, no?” Kulea asked making me sigh.

“I know, but we cannot repay sin with sin. At what point do our souls become tainted by the very acts we condemn?” I asked.

“But killing them would be an act of justice-“

“It would still be murder.” I said.

“Mmm… are you suggesting that you know better than I, the High Priestess?” Kulea asked but I lowered my head.

“No. I am merely suggesting that we move forward with open, merciful hands than to strike at what’s already bruised and broken. Also, I know that the men I’m going to be taking in are criminals but sure people like murderers and the like won’t be handed to me. All I seek is a path of redemption. For the thief, the lair and the misled.” I said before finally raising my head.

Kulea awkwardly smiled before glancing at Sidus and Cento.

“So… you would be the one who locked hands with him… fine. I support your plan. Actually… would you mind if I joined you?”

“But you’re the High Priestess. Do you have the time to-“

“Meh. All my duties are handled by lower priests and the like. I’m simply asking you to allow me to spread the light of Summus. Also, I served in the Great War, you know. If things get dark on the path you tread, I will help clear the way.” Kulea said with a bright smile.

However, before I could answer her, her face grew red with fluster.

“That being said… could you… perhaps remain silent on what you saw today?” She asked.

“Definitely! Oh and I look forward to working with you. Lord Gera and I will pick you up tomorrow morning. We’re going to Stonenger Keep to consult the Grandmaster on a various things. Prepare aptly, ok?” I asked while standing.

“Of course.” Kulea said before accompanying us to the teleportation platform.

We then bid each other farewell before promptly teleporting to the prince’s secondary residence where Sidus, Cento and I stood completely silent upon arrival.

The two Helma then burst out into uncontrollable laughter.

“Haha! In all my years, I’ve never-“

“I know!” Cento said as he and Sidus removed their helmets.

I wanted to laugh with them but it all felt so strange.

The two began removing their armour, but just as they did, Caligo and Astír appeared.

Nothing was said as Caligo and I locked gazes.

He then walked towards me while offering his hand.

I accepted it and we stared at each other for a little longer.

“Never before had I thought nights were long, until I spent one without thee.” He said.

His hair was all messy and his suit was covered in bit of dirt.

“Looks like you had quite the busy day.” I said.

“True I suppose, but I’d rather much hear about how thou spent thine day.”

I nodded before leading him into the bathroom where, after closing the door, I began undressing.

I then explained all that happened and after we both got undressed, we entered the large marble tub, although it’s shape was uncomfortably similar to-

“Thank you.” Caligo suddenly said.

“For what?”

“For all you’re doing for the kingdom. I know we still have much to do, but-“

Caligo gasped as I crawled towards him.

I then mounted him while wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Don’t worry…”

I lightly placed my lips onto his.

“I know.”

Caligo’s eyes began glowing but unlike before, where they appeared like bright balls of fire, they now looked like two pure white stars and although they were bright, they didn’t hurt to look at.

Caligo leaned forward and we kissed again, but just as I lowered my arms to touch more of his physical muscular body, he gently pushed me away.

“Not… not now, ok?” He asked and I nodded.

I then rested my head on his wet chest, but we had to actually bath at some point and so we did.

We then got dried and returned to the bedroom to find that the Helma were gone.

We crawled into bed and in the blissful silence of the night, I slept in his arms.

.

..

Morning came early for both Caligo and I.

We awoke before the sun rose and got changed into a fresh set of clothes.

I wore a pure white dress and in preparation for possible rain, I was given a rather large woolly jersey and a fluffy hat.

Caligo wore a rather casual set of clothes. Some beige pants and a simple shirt.

I assumed it was in preparation for all the work he’d have to do once he returned to Aurenia.

I then bid him farewell with a kiss to the cheek and planted myself onto a chair by a desk in the corner of the room.

Funnily enough, everything in building was built to match Caligo’s size and so looked a like a child sitting on a large chair.

I shook my head while trying to think about exactly what we needed for my plan to succeed.

A moment passed as I recounted everything I knew about the kingdom.

I rubbed my temples as no clear answers surfaced in my mind but as my thoughts struggled to gain traction, a knock came from the door.

“Come in.” I said prompting Sidus and Cento to enter.

They were fully dressed in their armour and Sidus held a document in his hand.

He handed it to me before smiling brightly.

“I hope you don’t mind, but we created a draft of everything we’ll need for you plan.”

I frowned a bit before reading the two page document over.

“One hundred men. Ten Secundair golden knights, ten Secundair silver knights and eighty Liland knights is what we’ll need to keep the criminals in check. Oh- and yes. Insubordination of any kind will result in immediate execution.”