Chapter Three.

PREPARATIONS

Minerva and Horus are sitting at the breakfast table. Minerva has a smug grin on her face as she doodles some math in a notebook. Horus is ignoring her, reading the paper. Python enters with fruit a moment later.

MINERVA: Good morning, Python.

PYTHON: You’re awake bright and early.

MINERVA: I’m awake since yesterday. Father wanted us at this breakfast, so I decided to stay up. How’s Princess Primrose?

PYTHON: Taking breakfast in her room. She’s a little shaken, I’m afraid.

KUR (entering): Who’s shaken?

MINERVA: Primrose. She won’t be joining us this morning.

KUR: And why, pray tell, should she be shaken?

HORUS: A prisoner escaped the cells, father. He had a run-in with Primrose and the maid. She wasn’t hurt, but I suppose she was spooked.

KUR: …A prisoner escaped, did they?

Horus and Minerva look at each other and shrug innocently. Kur raises his brows non-threateningly.

KUR: Who apprehended the man in the end?

Minerva takes a big, smug gulp of juice. Horus eyes her menacingly.

HORUS: Blood spill goes to the girl. I body-slammed him four times before that, though.

MINERVA: I body-slammed him twice before he was fit to die.

KUR: Blood-spiller is the winner. Well done, Minerva. May I ask who escaped?

Horus and Minerva go silent, suddenly interested in their food.

KUR: Ah. I suppose it was that man convicted of murder. How many children did he total?

HORUS: Seventeen, father.

KUR: I see. And how old were they?

HORUS: Ages four through ten.

KUR: Dreadful. How many years did I give him?

I know it wasn’t a short amount of time. If it were, he wouldn’t have tried to escape. Minerva, do you remember the sentencing?

MINERVA: Twenty-five years, father.

KUR: A long time. So, he tried to escape, did he? All of his own volition?

MINERVA: …I suppose so.

KUR: Hm. That’s funny. I seem to recall there being talk of him being paid into a nicer facility. Do you remember receiving such a bribe, Horus?

HORUS: I do. I overturned it immediately. Maybe that’s why he tried to escape.

KUR: Well, I certainly hope whoever tried to bail him out is happy with such a reasoning.

HORUS: He’s going to have to be.

KUR: I didn’t ask you to join me this morning to discuss an escaped prisoner. Some farmers in the north were attacked by ogres yesterday. There’s a small horde — around ten — heading our way. They’ll be here in a day or two if they stay on their course.

HORUS: No problem, I can ride out, and…

KUR: No need. They’ve gone up Pillars Peak. We’ll wait to see where they go, then ride out. More than likely, they’ll come here. Nail and his men are already warning to villagers to stay indoors.

HORUS: …It’s almost like you’ve done everything I was supposed to do.

KUR: …Matter of fact, I have. Finish breakfast, then go change. I’ll meet you both in the training hall.

Kur leaves. Horus gives Minerva a look, and she gives a wry smile in return.

MINERVA: Having fun, Baron of Cragg?

HORUS: Oh, shut up. Python, make sure Primrose knows about the ogres coming this way. She’ll likely want to ride out with us.

PYTHON: Forgive me for butting in, sir, but I’m not sure she’s a confident rider yet.

HORUS: Then she can ride with me. A skilled archer could make a fight with ogres a whole lot safer. Last time there was an ogre ambush, people’s homes were destroyed. Do you remember?

MINERVA: No. Last ogre outbreak, I was away, and the one before that, I was a teenager. This’ll be my first fight with ogres at home.

HORUS: A special occasion, then! I’ll leave the clean-up to you.

MINERVA: Please do. Ogre blood is good for potions.

HORUS: …I really did weaken the guy a whole lot before you shanked him, you know.

MINERVA: Doesn’t matter. As father says, the win goes to the one who spills the blood.

HORUS: Well, he was fast. And surprisingly disoriented.

Horus does a look around to make sure it’s just the three of them listening.

HORUS: Quite an elixir you brewed him.

MINERVA: …I don’t know what you’re talking about.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

The castle barracks is quite large, with an arena and extensive training yard attached. On the side closest to the main residence is a smaller, indoor area often favoured for high-impact sparring matches. The family prefer this area and generally have a rotating roster of soldiers training alongside them. Marsden and Nail collaborate on what trainings take place and the pairings of fighters.

Today, everyone is running drills in pairs. While the adults are all paired up, Set and Augustus are stuck together as the only minors off to the side[1]. Neither party is particularly interested in fighting, both somewhat fixated on watching Kur run drills with his partner, who is receiving absolutely no mercy. Quietly, Primrose steps in from the side. Kur sees her from his peripherals and knocks his partner to the ground, halting their training. Kur leaves him there to approach Primrose.

KUR: You finally made it to a training session.

PRIMROSE: Well, I finally got some proper clothes in, so…

KUR: That doesn’t explain why you’re late today. The penalty is six laps. I suggest you make a start.

Kur turns away, and rather than go back to his own opponent, swings suddenly at Horus. Fortunately, Horus is used to such behaviour and dodges away in time, ready to fight two-on-one. Primrose makes a face at the interaction but starts her run all the same. With long Tijoran legs she covers a lot of distance in a short amount of time. When the whistle blows for the pairings to take a break she’s still running, and the Sabers fall together to watch her.

KUR: Marsden…how many laps has she done already?

MARSDEN: Finishing her fourth now, sir.

KUR: Has she stopped?

MARSDEN: No, sire. She hasn’t stopped or slowed.

HORUS: …she’s going to beat all our best times on the first try.

KUR: We’ll see. Let’s change up our partners.

Marsden calls out the rotations, which leaves Osprey paired with Kur. He looks extremely uncomfortable. As per, Kur begins before the whistle, leaving everyone else to follow on shortly afterwards. Set’s very bored at this point and waiting for adult attention, so when Augustus comes swinging at him, instead of blocking, Set gives Augustus the finger and runs drills on his own. Meanwhile, Primrose finishes her run and stops to pant for a little while and watch everyone else sparring. They’re very rough with one another. A mocking laugh catches her attention, and she looks around to see Set toying with Augustus, taking jabs at the sword’s hilt. She grabs her swords and approaches them.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

PRIMROSE: Hey! Can I interrupt?

SET: What? Oh. We’re not supposed to stop to chat.

PRIMROSE: I didn’t come over to chat. I want to take Augustus’s place.

Set finally stops to give her attention.

SET: Dad says you fight with two swords.

PRIMROSE: Sure do.

SET: That’s weird.

PRIMROSE: Want to put your words where your steel is? How about a friendly match until father’s ready to boss me around again?

SET: …yeah, alright. I’ve never fought someone who wields two swords before.

PRIMROSE: I’m not used to fighting people who don’t.

SET: Okay. Let’s do it. Free sparring?

PRIMROSE: Absolutely. No blood, though.

SET: I mean, it’s a little disrespectful to the gods of steel, but… okay. No blood. Ready?

Set lunges forward without waiting for an answer. Primrose jumps back and they enter a friendly spar. At first, Set is quite harsh on her. He’s surprisingly good. Primrose yelps out in pain when he hits her hand, drawing attention from a couple others. She shakes it and he stops a moment.

SET: Oops. Are you okay?

PRIMROSE: Yeah, fine… I wasn’t expecting you to be so good at your age.

SET: I mean, to be fair, it’s in my blood. Ready for more?

PRIMROSE: Yep. I’m not going easy on you, this time.

They go back to sparring. Even with Primrose giving it more effort, Set out skills her. After more near misses Set starts to let up, talking her through what he’s doing so she can learn. They’re so absorbed in what they’re doing they don’t hear the timeout whistle and continue on even after everyone else has stopped and is staring at them.

HORUS: What was her time?

MARSDEN: Eight minutes fifteen, approximately.

HORUS: And the record?

MARSDEN: Seven minutes fifty-nine.

MINERVA: …if she tries, she’ll beat it.

HORUS: Ares worked so hard on that time, too. Do you remember?

KUR: Her stamina does seem impressive. Still, look what swords she’s wielding. She has a long way to go before she’s strong. Marsden, next rotation.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

Set’s back outside training the dogs. The dogs listen to every word and attack their targets with precision. To the side, Augustus is standing a little hesitantly, taking notes and occassionally giving orders to dogs. As Set directs them back to the kennels, he approaches Augustus.

SET: Did Boomer’s accuracy improve?

AUGUSTUS: A little, but his jumps are still short.

SET: What about Barker?

AUGUSTUS: Still striking early, I’m afraid.

SET: Damnit. Well, what about Polly?

AUGUSTUS: …I, I don’t think I saw…

SET: What, you forgot to watch her again?

AUGUSTUS: It’s not that I forgot, it’s that I…

SET: A simple yes or no generally suffices.

AUGUSTUS: …I’m sorry I missed it, Master Set.

Set stares at him with contempt a moment before rolling his eyes and brushing past.

SET: Idiot.

I should go back in. Make sure they’re fed and shut in for the night.

AUGUSTUS: Certainly, master. I’ll see you at seven with your dinner.

SET: Forget it. I’m not eating.

AUGUSTUS: Yes, master.

…May I ask why?

SET: I dunno. Maybe it’ll help me focus on studying if I’m hungry. Seems like I’ve tried everything else.

AUGUSTUS: …good luck. I’ll see you in the morning.

SET: Yeah thanks, mister obvious.

Set heads towards the castle, while Augustus heads for the kennels. Set’s sneaking in towards the backway, and as he rounds the corner he bumps into Tiger, who is smoking from his pipe.

SET: Sheesh! Tiger, you surprised me.

TIGER: My apologies, young master. I was just taking a moment to myself before work.

SET: Hm. Well, you have one less dish to prepare tonight. Good evening.

TIGER: Good evening, master Set.

Tiger watches Set for a moment then turns his attention to the field where Augustus is coming in. Augustus looks irritated.

TIGER: How’s the young master’s page?

AUGUSTUS: You have to stop smoking, Tiger. You can’t afford the healthcare for such a pompous habit.

Augustus goes inside without another word. Tiger exhales and narrows his eyes. When he goes back inside, he immediately finds Marsden.

TIGER: Good afternoon, boss.

MARSDEN: Tiger. What can I do for you?

TIGER: I just wanted you to know master Set told me not to make him dinner. Should I comply?

MARSDEN: And when, pray tell, did master Set tell you this?

TIGER: Just now. He was coming in from the dogs.

MARSDEN: Oh, was he?

TIGER: That’s right.

MARSDEN: The young master is currently banned from working his dogs. I’ll speak with him. Thank you, Tiger.

Marsden leaves. Tiger smiles wickedly.

TIGER: Serves him right, the fucking little demon.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

Minerva is lying on her couch by the window, groaning dramatically.

PYTHON: Minerva, I urge you, go to sleep.

MINERVA: My sleep pattern will be ruined if I do.

PYTHON: I think the damage to your sleep cycle is done. You shouldn’t be messing with explosives while you’re tired. Sleep.

MINERVA: I was doing okay until we had to run drills. My legs… I can’t do all the running around this place and climb. It’s too exhausting.

PYTHON: Take a break from climbing till after the ogres are gone. It’ll do you well to rest.

MINERVA: Hm. I hope so.

About my father…

PYTHON: I told you, Minerva, to forget what I said. We can’t change your father. I shouldn’t have said anything.

MINERVA: I’m not putting up with him much longer, Python. If Horus doesn’t do something soon, I’m leaving and taking you with me. Anyway, I’ve been all over the mountains, and I still haven’t found the quartz flower.

PYTHON: That book you were reading was very old, Minerva. Maybe they don’t grow anymore.

…Could you ask Lord Horus for help? He knows everything there is to know about the mountains. He might have an idea.

MINERVA: Maybe. I keep thinking about Freyja. I just know he’s hiding something from me.

PYTHON: …I’m worried about what will happen if your father finds out you’re climbing.

MINERVA: Yeah, me too. But I have to. Look, I know I don’t have proof, but I know, deep in my heart, that Horus and dad are lying about how Freyja died. I know she didn’t just fall. I think dad…maybe both of them… were involved. Climbing won’t bring Freyja back, but the fact they killed her then banned the thing she loved the most makes my heart freeze over. Climbing is intwined with Saber family history. It was Freyja’s favourite thing. Not to mention, all the spoils the mountains have to offer for my potions. I can brew a lot of elixirs using some of the stones and crystals I’m finding.

PYTHON: I don’t want to overstep my bounds, Minerva, but you should know your father really does love his children. You and Freyja included.

MINERVA: He has a dangerous way of showing it.

…I’ll go to sleep. But I’m not letting climbing or the dad thing go. Horus works with dad every day. If we don’t do something, Horus will turn into something just like him. The world doesn’t need that.

PYTHON: What does this family need?

MINERVA: …I don’t know. But getting rid of dad is a good start. Freyja died at her Heir Ignis twenty years ago, how much longer until another one of us die? Or one of you?

What?

PYTHON: You mentioned the Heir Ignis. Sorry, but it isn’t often I hear it spoken of.

MINERVA: It’s a sacred fire ritual for a child’s tenth birthday that’s supposed to connect us to the fire dragons and protect us from them, even though none of us are proper fire elementals… it can get pretty violent.

PYTHON: I mean, I do know some things. After all, I tended to all your cuts, burns and broken bones following the event. It’s not my place to ask, but the thought of your father injuring you so…

MINERVA: It’s a barbaric ritual, one I don’t think the people in Daegon or Kindling even follow anymore. I don’t know why dad did those things to us when we were so little.

PYTHON: Why is it necessary for him to hurt you like that?

MINERVA: It proves some sort of devotion to the gods, or something. I don’t really like remembering it.

PYTHON: I’m sorry. You should be asleep. See you in a few hours.

MINERVA: …Did you see her body after she died?

PYTHON: Freyja? Yes, I did. I tried to revive her.

MINERVA: Was her death reminiscent of a fall?

PYTHON: I was still relatively new to nursing, but… yes. It seemed as though she died of a fall. She would have been nervous climbing that day. It’s not unreasonable to think she might have slipped.

MINERVA: Do you think he did it, or not?

PYTHON: It’s not up to me to decide. I hope you find closure soon. Try not to think about it now. Go to sleep.

MINERVA: …Freyja isn’t the only one I’m here to avenge. You’re important, Python. You’re like a mama to us. I want him to stop treating you the way he does.

PYTHON: Hush, my Min. You know the walls have ears.

Minerva finally falls asleep. Right as Python finishes tidying, a soft knock is heard at the door. Python hurries over so Minerva doesn’t wake up and peers out cautiously to find Horus standing on the other side. She opens the door wider for him.

PYTHON: Hello, my lord. Minerva is sleeping.

HORUS: Good. She’s been a bit off during training lately. May I…?

PYTHON: It’s your castle, my lord.

HORUS: Only technically.

Horus walks in. Minerva is conked out and doesn’t stir. He looks around at her things.

HORUS: What are all these vials?

PYTHON: I don’t know for sure, but they’re dangerous, so please be careful.

HORUS: She’s amazing. I don’t know where she found the patience to learn all this.

PYTHON: A little bit of patience goes a long way over a great amount of time.

HORUS: …did you know she’s climbing?

PYTHON: …how did you know?

HORUS: She told me. What she didn’t tell me is the real reason why.

PYTHON: She wants to celebrate her culture. Her mother, grandparents, great parents… all of them were climbers.

HORUS: Does she want to honour culture, or to stick it to my father for what happened to Freyja?

…Sorry. I should know better than to ask questions. Just… promise you’ll keep her safe above all else?

PYTHON: Always, Lord Horus. She is being safe, even without me telling her so. I’m not used to watching her act so cautious, if I’m honest.

HORUS: Caution isn’t her strong point. You’re sure she’ll be safe?

PYTHON: Yes, Horus. I’m watching over her.

HORUS: Good. I need both of you.

She looks peaceful when she sleeps, doesn’t she?

PYTHON: You look like you could use some shuteye, if it’s not too bold to say.

HORUS: I shouldn’t… there’s too much work to do.

…I need Minerva to be okay, Python. I need it.

PYTHON: Lord Horus… Lady Minerva is being safe. She loves you, but… she can’t keep living her life based on events from the past. Let her climb.

HORUS: …you’re right. As usual.

Horus gives Minerva’s cheek a cheeky slap, waking her up.

MINERVA: Get the fuck out of my room, you weirdo.

HORUS: Make me.

MINERVA: I’m sleeping, fuck off.

HORUS Alright, alright. Just have dinner with me later.

MINERVA: I will… but we should invite Costa.

HORUS: I suppose so. Ares would want that.

MINERVA: We’ll be nice to her, too. Now go away.

Minerva goes back to sleep almost immediately. Horus smiles and waits for her to start snoring lightly before he starts patting her hair.

HORUS: You better not fucking die on me, little firecracker.

PYTHON: …Lord Horus. You should rest.

HORUS: You’re dismissed, Python.

Python gives a little bow and heads out, leaving the two of them alone.

*✧₊ ༉✧*‧₊˚✧*

Quietly, tucked away in the privacy of his own chambers, Kur stands by his fireplace, close enough that flames have crept up his cloak and are settled neatly around his feet. Dancing with the flames is an image of Eleanor. Kur can’t take his eyes off her.

----------------------------------------

[1] The legal adult age in Hituh is twenty.