Blinders Arena, Twoya
The muted sounds of cheering, punctuated by occasional explosions, permeate the walls of Luscin’s dressing room.
Sammy can’t contain his excitement any longer, “That was so Bang-Up! You threw that metal guy out of the ring by his foot! I can’t wait to tell everyone I saw you in person!”
Luscin takes the praise as it was meant, “Thank you Sammy, I’m glad you enjoyed the show. But that’s all it was, a pointless show.
“Radara-san, Master Adara, if it’s ok with you, I’d like to retire from the circuit altogether. I’ve been doing this because that necromancer scrambled my brain to use me as a catspaw, against Malo. He steered me into this career to replace becoming a defender, this life was never something I desired.”
Vania Adara is relieved to hear this. Of all the altered behavior’s resulting from Dorson Milnor’s manipulation, continuing to duel as Fighter-Fox was the only one remaining, “Luscin, it’s entirely up to you.”
Luscin remembering she isn’t alone in this endeavor turns to her husband, “Teum what would you like to do?”
“I was directionless until you dragged me to Mammatus Study; I liked it there. I’d rather be there than here.”
Master Adara drops her Radara-san illusion and starts wiping the red and white makeup off her face, “Excellent, then I can stop painting this mess on my face every morning.
“But let’s not be too hasty, I think you should announce that you’re taking a yearlong sabbatical with your husband. Everyone will assume it’s to make a couple babies and you’ll return afterwards.
“This will leave the option of getting back in the ring should the need arise.”
The roar of the crowd permeates the dressing room, signally something significant just transpired in the ring.
Luscin reluctantly nods along, “If you think it’s best to keep the option open, I’ll concede, but if nothing comes up in the next two years, I’d like to make it permanent.”
Tossing her makeup-stained towel into a hamper, “I can agree to those terms.”
Vania Adara turns her attention to the youth that has joined them, “Now to business. This young man has traveled all the way from Thuma to deliver a package from your father. I have a good idea of what it is, but out of respect and by request of the messenger I have not opened it myself.
“Teum, please join me next door, while Sammy hands over the package and delivers his message.”
Teum isn’t so sure that’s a good idea but stands reluctantly, “Ok, I’ll go, but I can’t promise I won’t be watching anyways.”
As the door closes Sammy can be heard saying, “He wanted me to make this clear, this isn’t from Father.”
A series of thunderclaps from the current match punctuate the moment.
Entering the hallway and moving down a door, “Master Adara, what’s this about?”
“As I said, I don’t know for sure of the contents of the message, but I understand the gravity. You will too in a moment. Please hold off on reacting to what you’re about to experience.”
Entering his own dressing room, closely followed by Master Adara, “Way to put me at ease. That doesn’t sound ominous at all.”
Vania Adara was about to respond when the wave of nausea she was expecting sweeps over the room.
Eye’s watering and speaking through clenched teeth, “Don’t react, it will go away in a moment.”
Teum on the other hand looks awestruck and isn’t about to move.
After half a minute the message must have been returned to its shielded bad, Vania no longer has to fight the urge to vomit.
Observing the calmness displayed by Teum she is curious, “What was it that you felt?”
“At first it was revolting, but then all the other feelings hidden underneath came through. I feel as though I was just given all at once a lifelong friend, a friend that I knew through times of suffering, achievement, love, and hate. They had hopes and dreams, all sacrificed to save a friend.”
Taking a deep breath, “I don’t know what happened, but I feel like my life is better for having felt it. Can you tell me what that was?”
It’s Vania’s turn to take a mind clearing breath, “That is how you know the seal on a message is legitimately from the Emperor of the Empire of Blood. It’s his seal, and it can only be made through the sacrifice of a life.”
Looking skyward as if the answer she seeks is on the ceiling, “Your response is not what I was expecting. All I felt was revulsion at the waste of spirit, sacrificed and trapped by ink to be used as a signature.
“Yet, you saw through that and was able to detect the person themselves. Did they really choose to sacrifice themselves? Was this not forced upon them?”
Surprised to find himself advising one of his masters, “Sometimes there is little difference between choosing and being forced. Often, we mask our decision to do the inevitable by pretending we have a choice.”
“That was wisely put. You and Luscin should return to Mammatus so we can elevate the two of you to the status of Defender.”
“We’ll take you up on that, but first we agreed to meetup with Malo back at Murder Beach after completing our respective errands.”
“I look forward to seeing all three of you returning home, but first we should return next door, now that Luscin has put that thing away.”
After returning and retaking their previous positions, Teum asks, “I understand the message was accompanied by an Emperors Seal, what did it contain?”
Pausing until the cheering from the arena subsides, “It’s a pardon for the two of us, as well as a copy of the original death sentence.”
Teum rubbing the back of his neck, “That’s crazy, why would the Empire of Blood want us dead?”
“Did you already forget the three traitors from El’Hat that we killed?
“This was released shortly after our first encounter with Knob Cairn.
“When Father received the notice, he delayed the release to his people by a few days while he formulated a plan.”
Becoming somber, Luscin continues, “I met him once, though we were never introduced. Sammy tells me his name is Selkie, he was one of the young orphans taken in by Alfie and Felix. Sammy says many of those kids believe; had I not intervened they would have been sacrificed to the Hag.
“Selkie did this because he thought he was paying off a debt.”
Softening, “I asked no price then and I ask none now. I am a Defender, it’s my… my…
“Arrgh, there must be another word lost or missing! I could say, duty, job, role, or responsibility, but it is so much more than that.”
Clutching the silver lined bag to her chest, “Selkie I will not allow your sacrifice to be taken in vain. Together, we will defend those that need defending.”
The three witnesses have no doubt about those words and remain silent until Luscin appears ready to continue.
Realizing everyone is watching, Luscin’s cheeks flush in embarrassment, “Thank you for humoring me, I’m sure I sounded foolish. I can’t help but get emotional when I think about those days. So many memories were lost that I hold the ones that survived in my heart as well as my thoughts.”
Master Adara takes the initiative and steers the conversation to a neutral but necessary topic, “We Defenders have some huge problems before us. I’d like to have all of your input, especially yours Sammy, as an outsider and someone unburdened by our recent struggles you may present an insight that we would overlook.”
Can he contribute, Vania has no idea. Ensuring he speaks up if he can, is paramount in this situation. Sammy is young and has no idea how big a moment this is, he simply rolls with the invitation and nods his head affirmative.
Master Adara continues, “The way I see it we have three problems to tackle. First there’s an army being amassed to the north that is able to combine the gift of its members to levels that scared Malo on first contact. In our current state, the Defenders from Mammatus could not stop them all.
“Second, our enemies have infiltrated many of our studies, including Mammatus. It’s paramount that we root out these traitors and neutralize them.
“Third, the nations of South Cenoka are independent with no history of working together. Somehow we must unit them against this threat from the North.”
Sammy’s youthful nature allows him to speak first, “There’s a fourth problem.”
Vania nods, indicating he should continue.
“I can’t speak to the situation of the other families, but Father’s organization is beholden to the same Empire that is building that army. When the fighting begins, I’m afraid we’ll be on the wrong side of that fight.
“I didn’t know where orders like the one I showed Luscin came from until, I saw it takes a pardon from the emperor himself to counter it. It’s a poorly kept secret that there’s someone in Vorg that ultimately calls the shots. That implies they may be working for the north too, doesn’t it?”
Stolen story; please report.
Master Adara takes in this fourth problem, files it away and focuses on the question presented, “Not necessarily. The People’s Province of Vorg is an old and institutionalized country. It’s run by the party, which includes everyone, but the real decision makers are the heads of the wealthy families. Who use the party construct to make the citizenry feel like they are all equal, when the only real equality is the level in which they suffer.
“The most likely scenario is one or more of the Free’er’s disciples are acting as the head of a family and using that seat of power to control Thuma’s and the other cities criminal organizations.
“What do you think Luscin?”
“I have no idea; I was isolated from all of that. When I ran away, I was only five, and didn’t learn the truth until I returned several years ago.”
Teum has been standing back, takes a step closer to the others, “I’ve taken a few trips there since Luscin’s return.”
This is news to Luscin, “Really?”
“I could tell by your behavior that your family was progressive when it comes to things like marriage, but I didn’t know who your parents were until recently.
“I went to Thuma to introduce myself and to ask forgiveness for not seeking their acceptance of proposal. You might be glad to know that both your mother and father were pleased and assured me that they would not have stood in my way.
“While I was there, your father, in his role as Father, took me aside and explained some of the inner workings of the family operation, in case I ever wanted to get involved.
“He only did so out of courtesy and tradition, he quickly said he would be equally proud to have another Defender in the family as another heir.
“But, getting back to the important part, he straight up admitted that he’s under the yoke of the House of Vitus. They act independently for the most part, but when Mateo Vitus says jump, they jump.”
Both Vania and Sammy look a little confused.
Vania recovers first, “That seems like a lot to share upon a first meeting.”
Now Luscin speaks up, “Not really, he’s family and that means everything to Father. If Teum were to betray him, there would be serious consequences. Sammy knew orders came out of Vorg, and he’s still on parole. I imagine the connection to House Vitus isn’t such a big secret.”
Sammy nods along, he was more surprised that Teum was accepted so quickly without having to pass any sort of tests… or did he and he didn’t say?
“Teum, did Father have you prove yourself?”
“You know I was afraid he’d pull something like that, but he respects the Defenders oath to protect the weak superseding the enforcement of laws as being close enough to his own credo.”
Luscin speaks again, “I didn’t know he had a credo, what is it?”
Teum looks a little embarrassed, “That was a poor word choice on my part, he tried to explain… no he was trying to justify what he does. He told me that the people of Thuma don’t have Defenders, and the local government is corrupt and refuses to protect its people. His protection racket is no different than taxation, except he uses his profits to fund an information network that spans the continent. He uses the information he gathers and feeds it to the trade merchants. He also controls people of influence at every level of Thuma’s government. That used to be someone else job, but he usurped it somehow, I didn’t pry.”
Sammy adds, “He hasn’t always been as philanthropic as he is now, but he’s become a more benevolent crime boss as he ages; everyone says so. His turning point is credited to Luscin running away and eventual return. He now runs orphanages and other openly public businesses. In part to launder his money, but they all benefit the people of Thuma. His only enemies are the elites that used to own the Thuma government.”
Master Adara reigns the conversation back on track, “Ok, there are four problems facing us. I’m well placed to root out the traitors of each study. I was going to send Luscin and Teum to scout out the army to the north, but now I think they need to contact Father.
Giving Sammy a side-eye glance, “That leaves us with scouting the enemy forces and uniting the nations of South Cenoka.”
Sammy throws his hands up, “Don’t look at me, I have my orders to return to Thuma the moment I delivered my package. I should have left 30-minutes ago.”
Vania laughingly continues, “That was cruel of me, I would not send someone as young as you into the heart of the Empire of Blood, and you don’t have the wardrobe to serve as an ambassador.
“Lucky for us, I know someone that is instantly recognizable everywhere he goes, and he’s had the experience of running a small kingdom for a few weeks. I believe Master Feltman would be our ideal ambassador.”
Teum and Luscin both ask, “Who?”
Curtly, “You know precisely of whom I speak, Master Malo Feltman Brusk of Mammatus Study.”
Teum groans out, “Well with a name that long, I guess he’s the right guy.”
Sammy gets excited, “You guys know Malo? That must be so cool.”
Incredulous, Teum asks, “How do you know Malo?”
“I’ve never actually met him, but I felt his pledge to protect me, the same as everyone else did. It took maybe two weeks for the rumor mill to confirm his name to be Malo. I didn’t know the rest, is it ok if I share this information?”
Master Adara answers, “Let’s keep the names Feltman and Brusk to ourselves, we don’t want to draw unwanted attention to his family or his home. You can tell everyone, that he’s Defender Malo of Mammatus study. How does that sound?”
Disappointed, “I guess that’s fair.”
“I’m returning to Mammatus right after I write up the press release announcing your plans to take a sabbatical. Once there I’ll start the hunt for spies at Mammatus and branch out to the others. I’ll also see which of our masters are up to scouting that army.”
Teum muses, “I bet Master Terius would take that job.”
A chorus of boos from the arena drown out the beginning of Master Adera’s reply.
“…but I thought of a fifth problem that he’s uniquely qualified to tackle.”
Luscin chides, “You’re making a lot of decisions, are you planning on taking the headmaster job for yourself?”
“Absolutely not! I’m assigning myself work so I can be away until one of the others steps up.”
“Ok, you don’t want to be headmaster, but what is this extra problem you’ve identified that only Master Terius can handle?”
“There are hundreds of duelists working independently and competing in one of the many fight circuits. Some are good people, others not so much. When the fighting begins, many will go to whoever has the deepest pockets. I’m sorry to say that will be the Empire of Blood.
“While thinking about the press release, I was about to write another thought occurred to me.
“How could we bring all those duelists together and keep them too busy to fight in a war?”
Vania pauses to heighten the drama, “Instead of announcing the return of Fighter-Fox, what if Mammatus hosted a tournament like the old days, with Master Leonis Terius “The Terror of Mammatus” taking on all challengers?”
The Keep in Brust Valley
Ethan Moon hates being late, and here he is ten minutes behind schedule. He never envies those with the gift until moments like this where he wishes he could do that fast-travel thing they do and sail across court yards in a blink of an eye.
He’d run, but there are too many eyes around, and rushing about would sully his image. Better late than perceived as a panicky fool.
Almost there, upon reaching the steps to the keeps grand entry he allows himself to take them two at a time. That’s not rushing, it’s a display of fitness and vigor he tells himself. A brisk walk to the stairs, with another fitness demonstration and he’s rounding the corner to his office.
He’s within a minute of the meetings start time, Lord Tomas Brusk will surlily understand.
Entering his office and ready to apologize, Ethan stops short when he see’s the room is empty.
Sitting at his desk and grabbing his calendar book, a quick review of the days appointments confirms his understanding of this meeting time; he was not mistaken.
Tomas has a busy schedule and by the end of any day it may as well be thrown out the window. This is his first appointment of the day, missing it is a bad sign. Ethan starts reviewing the possible plans should they decide to move forward.
It’s almost an hour before Tomas arrives. Disheveled and distracted, not looking himself one bit.
Standing as protocol demands, Ethan speaks first throwing protocol the way of the morning schedule, “What happened to you?”
Dropping roughly into one of the three chairs at the small round table used for working meetings such as this, Tomas doesn’t respond.
Ethan approaches slowly, Tomas has a huge decision to make. One that will not be popular with the family back west. Even his mother, Lady Terara might not approve.
Joining his lord, Ethan waits.
Tomas stirs as if just noticing Ethan for the first time and asks, “What would you do, if you were me?”
“If I were you, I’d make the same decision as you’re about to make; whatever is best for the people of Brust.”
“Nicely dodged, old friend.”
“Oh, is that what we are now? We’ve known each other for thirteen-years, which happens to also be our ages. There’s nothing old about either of us.”
“This decision is going to make me prematurely grey.”
“Don’t be so dramatic, my lord. One hard decision isn’t going to age you eighty-years.”
“Really, you think I only have eighty years before I lose my dashing good looks?”
Seeing his “old” friend smile, Ethan takes a chance, “Answer quick, what’s best for the people of Brust?”
“Freedom… security… umm, I don’t know. I can’t give them both, one requires the compromise of the other.”
“The threat we face, will take away both of those things if you don’t make the right decisions.”
“Yes, I’m acutely aware of that fact. I need to change my perspective and stop thinking like Lord Brust and consider what the people would do if I weren’t in their way.”
Ethan offers, “If I lived in one of the valley circles and knew an invasion force was on the way, I’d flee the valley if I could. Baring that possibility I’d stock my home with as much food and water as possible, build an underground bunker, and try to hide until the invaders leave.”
“What if the invaders don’t choose to move on. What if they decide to stay?”
“I would venture out at night and launch sneak attacks, to make the invaders too uncomfortable to want to stay.”
It’s Tomas’s turn to get a rushed but honest answer, “Answer quickly, do you trust this new commander?”
“No, I can’t trust a usurper. We allied ourselves with the rangers under Mayor Commander Fenna, less than a year into that alliance we get notified that she answers to this general that nobody has heard of.”
“Thank you Ethan, I know what I need to do now.”
Standing and placing his hands behind his back as his father used to do, “Firstly, I’d like you to draft a letter to General Job and request he present himself at his earliest convenience.
“Secondly, we’re going to do exactly as you suggested. Issue a discreet request for plans for a war-time capital. When the time comes, we must be in a defensible position, with supplies, and counter-strike capabilities; and by we, I mean the entire population of the valley and the capacity to double it in the case of refugees.”
“That will not come cheap.”
“Father was an absolute cheapskate with the people’s money, all the castle expenses have come out of the family’s share of the business transactions at the gate.
“When the treasury runs dry, I’ll drain my accounts in Rebirth. If that isn’t enough I’ll go to the family with my hat in hand and beg for the rest.”
Turning to the window and looking out at the sun, still low in the sky, “I will not allow my people to suffer without the opportunity to return that suffering ten-fold upon their tormentors.
“If one soldier draws blood in my valley, I’ll not stop punishing them until my banner flies over Anapa.”
Ethan is only speechless for a few moments, “Sir. My Lord, I fully support your intentions, but even with the rangers as an army we could never take the fight to Anapa.
“We don’t have the manpower to take and hold that much land.”
Still looking out the windows, “Ethan, our trade alliance with the rangers of Bearlower isn’t the first to demand mutual obligations of defense.
“I’d like to review every treaty we’ve signed with the independent nations of South Cenoka by lunchtime.
“Join me in my study with the draft summoning General Job, the request for proposal, vis-à-vis the war time capital and the many treatises I requested in hand.”
His earlier feelings of doubt gone, Lord Tomas Brusk turns decisively and exits Ethan Moon’s office. Marching confidently to his study, he stops to load up on some pastries and a few pieces of fruit from one of the platters left out for visitors on his way.
Reaching his office, the food goes in a trash can along with the contents of his stomach.
To no one but himself, “What am I doing? I just vowed to conquer a continent in retaliation for an attack that is certain to come.”
Looking at the family portrait, painted two years before his father’s death, “Dad, is this what you would have done?”