It was well into the afternoon of the next day by the time the three trudged back into Newrand, exhausted and on the verge of collapsing. Even with Frost Barrier active, it didn’t do anything to keep their bodies from sweating from the long trek and exertion of carrying a heavy load from that distance.

The first place all of them agreed to head was a tavern or inn that had bathing facilities. The amount of sweat, grime, blood and overall filth was embarrassing. Which only added to their anxiety when people began to give them a wide berth as they made their way through the city. Seeing the hanging sign just outside of the Inn they had in mind made each of them smile from the bottom of their heart and tear up from joy.  After the ordeal they had just gone through, something as simple as a hanging wooden sign for an Inn made their world better.

Pushing the swinging doors open and awkwardly stumbling through the doorway, Lestith and Kaia managed to make it to the front counter, immediately dropping the strongbox with a loud bang, where a startled older man stared at them in horror and worry. His brow fully furled and visibly swallowing hard, the old man was afraid to speak.

                “Two….two rooms…please!” Lestith force out between heavy pants and trying to rest his weak and exhausted body on the counter.

                “A bath! I need…a bath!” Kaia made sure to demand. The sweat beading down her forehead, her eyes fighting to stay open.

                “R-right away! Miss Emily! Miss Emily if you could, please?!”

The clerk turned his head to the side and yelled for someone to assist him. The beaded curtain draped in the doorway just behind him began to part and an older woman stepped through and bowed to greet them.

                “If you could please keep your voice down. There are other guests that will become troubled.”

Her voice was stern but not rude or condescending. The air she had about her made it obvious that she had been the proprietress of this establishment for quite some time. Turning away from the employee that was put through a start from the sudden appearance of exhausted armored Knights, she immediately gathered the information necessary and began to write in a ledger. Moments later she grabbed two keys from the back of the counter and stood at the base of a set of stairs.

                “If you would please follow me.” She said simply.

Kaia and Lestith still attempting to catch their breath grabbed their respective rope handles and hoisted the box up once more and begrudgingly walked up the stairs following the one named Miss Emily. The top of the steps split to the left and the right, each hallway having a row of doors for rooms the Inn offered.

Miss Emily walked to the left and headed to the door closest to the stairwell. Inserting the key and turning it with a click, she pushed it open and ushered the tired group inside.

                “If you could please leave your…companion and personal effects here. The other room assigned to you will be just opposite this one. At the end of the hall will be the baths. They are currently unoccupied so now would be an opportune time for you to take advantage of them.”

She stood to the side as Kaia, Lestith and Grandall filed into the room. Kaia and Lestith immediately dropped the heavy strongbox just to the side of the door, next to a table and exhaled in relief. Grandall gently lifted Amrin off from his shoulder and placed him onto the bed.

                “There are towels and cleaning product in the bathing rooms. There are two separate rooms for male and female. Please keep them as such. I shall return with a wash basin and towels to care for your friend here.”

Before any of them could acknowledge what she had said, Miss Emily had placed a key on the table just to the side of the door, and left. Looking at each other in turn the thought all crossed their mind simultaneously. They wanted a bath. No, they needed a bath. Grandall and Lestith began to take off portions of their armor as Kaia stood there with a blank look. Both of the men paused at the realization and immediately stopped.

                “S-sorry. We’ll do this in the other room.” Lestith said as he picked up the key and headed towards the other room.

                “W-wait! Should I not be the one to have my own room?” She quickly objected.

                “Oh, well if you wish it. But I figured that since you are in his service and tasked to watch over him it would be best to have the same room.”

His reasoning wasn’t that out of the ordinary. Plus since Amrin was unconscious the chances of anything happening were slim. But what would happen? Her mind began to wander into areas that she never thought about before and tensed up. Pushing the random thoughts from her head she composed herself and nodded.

                “You are correct. Very well.”

Hearing this, Lestith and Grandall quickly headed to the other room while still attempting to take off the easier portions of their armor. Closing the door behind them, Kaia was left alone with Amrin. Quickly turning to make sure he was still unconscious she sighed in relief. She began to take her tassets and greaves off first. If Amrin was to wake up at any moment, she would rather her legs be exposed than anything else first.

Now that her lower half was fully exposed, save for her panties, she became extremely self-conscious about undressing in the same room as a man. Even if he was passed out. Thinking that there had to be something to cover herself up with she began to rummage inside the dressers and the armoire inside the room. A sense of relief washed over her when the armoire had inside it a large bathrobe. Quickly grabbing it off of the hook she stood behind the open door of it and began to quickly take the remaining parts of her armor off.

Throwing Grandall’s large shirt to the floor first. Unclipping the fasteners on the side of her cuirass she methodically began to remove the now useless and mangled chunks of metal from her body. After a few moments she was fully undressed with mounds of metal and bloodied cloth at her feet. She threw the robe around her body quickly and peeked around the door of the armoire, eyes narrowed and suspicious, to make sure he was still sleeping. She smiled at the fact that he still was, then immediately felt badly about it. He was unconscious for a reason she had no knowledge of, and she had no idea when he would wake up…if ever.

Exhaling in frustration she decided it would not due to dwell on something she couldn’t do anything about. Just as she stepped from behind the door of the armoire, there was a knock on the room door, followed by it opening quickly. Kaia jumped back behind the armoire door, and closed it partly as if trying to hide inside of it.

Miss Emily stood in the doorway with one eyebrow raised in confusion at the scene. But noticing the bits of armor and cloth on the ground realized what was happening.

                “Please do not concern yourself with hiding, Lady Knight. I trust you found the robe inside? If you require a new one or an additional one for your companion I will be happy to accommodate.”

She entered the room and closed the door behind her. In her other arm was a large basin of steaming water and a few towels draped on the edge of the basin. Placing it on the nightstand beside the bed, Miss Emily then sat Amrin up and took his shirt off in one quick motion and put it on the floor beside her. Moving to his boots she quickly removed them and sat them neatly at the foot of the bed. As she began to undue the belt holding his pants up Kaia held her breath and went wide eyed.

                “W-what are you doing!?” she yelped.

Miss Emily turned at the sudden question and looked at her in a completely indifferent gaze.

                “It is quite obivous that this young man is in need of bathing. As he is unconscious, he is unable to do so. I am taking the liberty to bathe him while you and your companions may take a bath of your own.”

                “B-but…”

                “It is not the first time I have had to take care of a wounded or unconscious man, Lady. I assure you he will be taken care of properly. Now. If you could please tend to yourself?” she said, gesturing to the door.

Kaia wasn’t sure if she should leave Amrin alone with a stranger, but the prospect of having to stand and watch as his naked body is cleaned caused her even more anxiety. Taking the lesser of two evils, Kaia quickly ran to the door and exited it.

Miss Emily could do nothing but smile slightly and shake her head. A moment later she continued to undress Amrin, to clean and bathe him.

Grandall and Lestith had thrown their armor onto the floor of their room and quickly made their way to the bath room. It was much larger than they had expected with three separate basins to wash yourself and tubs to soak afterwards. The water basins were filled with steaming water, refilled every few hours by various employees from a large tank most likely behind the Inn.

Not caring how it worked or the logistics behind it, the two immediately began to douse themselves in water and scrub the multiple days of filth from their bodies. Making sure to use copious amounts of soap.

                “This sounded so easy from the start, but I’ll be damned if that didn’t go completely opposite of expectations.” Lestith said as he scrubbed the soap over his arms.

                “Mm. Who would have thought we’d have a run in with the Demon.  Well, Behemoth I guess is what it’s called?”

                “Dammit.”

                “What is it, sir?” Grandall asked, still focusing on cleaning himself.

                “There’s so much that is unanswered, and I get the sinking feeling will remain as such.”

                “Why do you need to know so much about him though, sir? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Lestith sighed and poured a bowl of water over his head to wash away the soap from his hair. Rubbing his hands over his face to get rid of the excess water and to push his hair back he sat silently for a moment.

                “Haven’t you wondered where he comes from? What he wants? I mean…he claims to not have any ulterior motives and is searching for something. But I can’t accept it.”

                “Why? He doesn’t sound like a bad guy. Plus he hasn’t done anything that would give me the impression he is up to no good.” Grandall said.

                “Anyone that has that kind of power has some kind of agenda.”

Grandall furrowed his brow and looked at Lestith, confused.

                “I don’t understand.”

                “He reminds me of the nobility. The bureaucrats that dictate where we go, what we do, what we say and in times of war, when we die.”

                “You think he’s a noble?” The water splashed over his face muffling the question slightly.

                “Yes. No….I don’t know!” he said as he scratched his head in frustration. “He just has that air about him. It’s similar to all of the other pompous and self-righteous nobles my father had to entertain in his time.”

                “Really? I guess I don’t get that from him. I’ve met of few of these, umm…nobles you speak of and I know what you mean. But Amrin is…different. He doesn’t come off as, well, he doesn’t give me the same sense of unease as they do.”

Grandall was careful not to say anything that could be viewed as defamation or outright disdain towards nobles. While Lestith was born into an upper class family, and able to get away with more vocal opinions on nobility, Grandall was the son of a farmer and humble Knight in the employ of said Nobles. Of course he had opinions that he shared with his wife and occasionally Lestith, but only to a degree and never anything that could come back to haunt him. He knew better.

The two having finished scrubbing the dirt and grime from their bodies, gently lowered themselves into their own soaking tubs. Both releasing a sigh of relief and happiness. They’ve been walking for over a day and just now had the opportunity to actually relax and do nothing. As Knights they weren’t unfamiliar with long campaigns, but something about this particular mission just wore them out.

                “I don’t know. Maybe I’m just overreacting. Seeing things or wanting things where there’s nothing to be found.” He said as he laid his head against the edge of the wooden tub and closed his eyes.

                “Why are you doing that though? I can understand if there was some previous event that made you suspicious but we’ve never met the guy before have we?”

                “Actually we have. He was, what we thought was, the old man from Edgewood.”

                “Ahhh! That’s why he looked familiar.” Grandall slapped the water at the realization.

The two sat in silence, enjoying the quiet and the moderate warmth of the water and relaxed.

                “But anyway, onto better topics. How are Marianne and Madeleine doing?” Lestith spoke while still resting his head, eyes closed.

                “They’re good, they’re good. Marianne was none too happy when she found that I was going to be away for a few more days after just getting back from our mission to Edgewood though. But I told her ‘woman, tis my job! I am the man of the house and tis my duty as a Knight! You don’t like it, you should not have married me!’ and that was the end of that.”

                “…you apologized a dozen times and told her you’d make it up when you got back, didn’t you?”

                “…”

Lestith opened his eyes and cast Grandall a sidelong glance waiting for a reply.

                “Yes.”

                “Hahaha!” Lestith covered his face to muffle the sound of his laughter.

                “Yes, yes. How nice it must be to not have a woman to answer to.” Grandall frowned and splashed water towards Lestith who was still laughing at his expense.

                “Ok, my apologies.” He said while still chuckling “It’s just quite surprising that the larger than life Baris Grandall is tamed by someone as, petite, as Marianne. But what about Madeleine, how is the apple of her father’s eye?” Lestith asked with a smile still full on his face.

                “She’s amazing! Growing up so fast as well…I feel that when I get back from this mission I won’t even recognize her. She’ll be a completely different person.”

                “She’s not some kind of monster Grandall…she’ll still be the same little girl now as she was when you left. Stop being so dramatic.”

                “I can’t help it, sir! She’s just so…so amazing!” Grandall raised his fists into the air and exclaimed.

                “Yes…yes I believe you just mentioned something along those lines already.”

Once again silence fell between the two as they soaked in the water, which was slowly getting cooler the longer they procrastinated.

                “Speaking of the women in our lives, what about you sir?”

                “Hm? What about me?” he asked once again resting his head against the edge of the tub.

                “The young lady that we rescued from Edgewood. I understand she is now in your care at your estate?”

                “Ah. Yes. Her.”

                “Should I not have asked?” Grandall asked, his voice filled with concern.

                “No, no it’s fine. She’s just…” he took a deep breath and exhaled quickly in frustration. “I don’t know how to act around her or treat her.”

                “Not good with the ladies eh? Even after all the women at the local bar tell me such stories of you?” Grandall said jokingly.

                “Heh…no. If only it were so easy. She seems to be acclimating to her new surroundings slowly. She was never one to be catered to in such a fashion and you can see the nervousness and anxiety in her eyes and body. I insisted that she need not worry or be afraid. That if there was anything she require she need only ask.”

Grandall nodded his head in acknowledgement. He knew there was something more than just her anxiety in being in a new home and living a new way of life.

                “But there’s more?” he prodded.

Lestith let out a loud sigh.

                “Yes. She is becoming more and more accepting of the tragedy that befell her village. But…”

                “It’s not what really happened?”

                “No! And I feel that I am deceiving her!” He smashed his fist into the water, sending it spraying across the floor.

                “I understand your concerns, sir. But…according to Commander Braddock, did Amrin not put those memories into her to ease her pain and give her a chance to at least lead a normal life?”

                “Doesn’t make it any better. You can all accept that reasoning so easily but you don’t have to look into her eyes and know that what she believes is a lie. You don’t have to scream in your mind that there was nothing you could do to save her family and they all died in vain as you look right at her.”

Grandall looked at Lestith as his scowl became more and more pronounced. He could only imagine having to hide something of that level from a person who has lost everything.

                “Oh, how foolish of me. What is her name, sir? I realize I know nothing of her.”

                “Elizabeth. Her name is Elizabeth Tepison. Her father was the village’s blacksmith and her mother the local midwife. She looked only of skin and bones and surprised me when I found out, but she is nineteen years of age. No longer a child, well into marrying age.”

                “I see. She did indeed look nothing like her age in the state we found her. How is she physically now?”

                “She is doing much better. She still only eats small portions though. Not nearly as much as a growing girl should. But she says that it’s because it hurts and makes her ill if she eats too much. I believe it is because the many days, weeks…months, of malnutrition has wreaked havoc on her body. But she is no longer just skin and bone. It still pains me to see how frail she is.”

                “It is good to hear she is getting better though. Hopefully by this time next year she will be a fine young lady.” Grandall said.

                “Mm. But what to do afterwards…” Lestith said under his breath.

                “Sir?”

                “Nothing, just…thinking out loud is all. I think it’s about time we take care of things around the city, speak to the Captain on duty and see about refining that damned Adamantine.”

They both exited the tubs and walked towards the rack that had the towels to dry themselves off.

                “Oh, if there is ever anything that we can do to help with Elizabeth please don’t hesitate to ask, I’ll see if the missus can assist.”

                “Its fine, Grandall. Eristole has been watching and tending to her needs in my time away. I appreciate the thought nonetheless.” He paused and tilted his head at the realization of something. “Actually, there might be something you could do to help.”

                “Oh?”

                “It’s been far too long since I’ve had visitors, and longer still since I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your better half and young one. What say you visit my estate by weeks end for dinner? I’m sure it would be nice for Elizabeth to meet new faces instead of Eristole and myself.”

                “Sounds like a fantastic idea, sir. I shall let the wife know when we get back to Arestoth. I’m sure Maddy will be excited. She does enjoy your company….for some odd reason.”

                “I beg your pardon!? I’m amazing with children!”

                “I’ve seen you make a child cry just by looking at it, sir.”

                “I had just gotten back from monster subjugation and was covered in blood! That doesn’t count!”

                “Huh? I’m sorry what was that? I’m afraid I can’t hear you sir!”

Grandall quickly wrapped a towel around his waist and help it with his left hand, and started walking out of the bath room towards their bedroom while holding a hand over one ear, head tilted to use his shoulder to cover the other.

                “Doesn’t count Grandall!” Lestith shouted just before the door swung shut.

After Lestith had dried himself off enough he wrapped a towel around his waist and made sure to turn two tiles hanging from the wall outside of the bath room, to show red Xs, which indicated that two of the three baths had been used. This way whoever was in charge of them would know to drain them and refill them with clean water for the next guest and to drop hot stones into the third to re-heat it.

As he made his way to the bedroom the door to the room that Amrin was in opened and Miss Emily walked out with a basin of dirty water and towels.

                “I trust the bath was relaxing and pleasant?” she asked Lestith, who was slightly caught off guard since he was wearing nothing but a towel around his waist and one draped over his shoulders.

                “Oh, yes it was amazing. Thank you.”

                “I took the liberty to place a change of plain clothing into the dresser of your room. Please let me know if there is anything else you wish.”

                “Thank you very much. Your hospitality is tremendous.”

She lowered her head in gratitude and acknowledgement of the compliment.

                “Also, there is a dining area where we will serve dinner in approximately one hour. If you wish to partake.”

                “That sounds great. Lady Kaia and Amrin, how are they?”

                “The Lady had left to bathe a moment ago. Your companion, has been bathed as well. He seems to be coming down with a fever so I left him undressed and under the sheets. I will be by to bathe him later tonight and again tomorrow.”

                “I cannot thank you enough. Also, the matter of payment…”

Before he could finish the sentence, she raised her free hand to stop him from continuing.

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                “Please, Sir Knight. We shall discuss such things at a later time. But I assure you it shall only be a moderate fee.”

As she began to head towards the stairs she turned and bowed slightly to Lestith and walked out of sight.

Lestith entered his room and saw Grandall sprawled on top of one of the beds and snoring loudly. He was glad that he took the time to at least put some clothes on before doing so. Pulling a change of clothes from the dresser next to the other bed he began to change.

Once he was clean, relaxed, in comfortable clothes and all was quiet the wariness washed over him like a wave. He wanted to stay awake and try to get a few chores taken care of, but he was just so incredibly tired. Looking at Grandall passed out on the bed he knew exactly how he must have felt after changing. He lay on the bed and rested his head on the pillow.

                “Just for a little bit. Just enough….to….” he said to himself, but before he could even finish the thought, Lestith had passed out.

A loud banging on the door caused the two of them to sit upright quicker than most would think possible. Lestith and Grandall fully alert and ready for whatever order was about to be shouted. Blinking their eyes rapidly for a moment and looking around the room, they saw that they were still in the Inn room. They both relaxed.

Once more the bang at the door caused them to flinch. Lestith was the closest, so standing from his bed he opened it and peeked into the hall. There he saw Kaia out of her armor and in a simple sun dress that took him slightly by surprise, but wasn’t made evident to her by his grogginess.

                “Lady Kaia. H-how long have we been asleep?” Lestith asked rubbing his eyes with his right hand.

                “It has only been an hour. You were sleeping?” she asked, the tone of her voice indicating her dissatisfaction.

                “Yes, were you able to get some rest as well?”

                “No. Unfortunately the room I am in has one bed…which is currently occupied.” She said simply.

                “Ah…I see…” he didn’t quite know what to say. He was quite confident that nothing would be a good answer.

                “If you are feeling rested enough, they are serving dinner in the dining area. Would you care to join me?”

                “Food?” Grandall said from inside the room.

                “We would love to.” Lestith answered.

They left their respective rooms and headed down the stairs where Miss Emily was tending to the counter. Acknowledging them with a simple bow, she went back to doing paperwork. The three of them entered the doorway to the dining area and were greeted to an amazing assortment of smells. The various tables already had quite a few of the guests enjoying their dinner, laughing, smiling and having conversations and not paying them any mind.

Kaia who was usually the center of attention anywhere she went, not in a pleasant way, without her armor was only glanced at with a smile and nothing more. The appearance of a demi-human in Newrand was nothing out of the ordinary. She loved it.

Taking their seats at one of the few open tables, one of the employees walked up and began to pour them some water into the glasses that were already present at the table. Lestith wasn’t surprised or fazed by the service he was receiving, but Grandall and Kaia’s eyes were noticeably impressed with it all.

                “The dinner for tonight will be a flame cooked pheasant with a side of seasoned and buttered vegetables. Is that acceptable?” the waiter asked.

                “Oh, yes that sounds fine.” Lestith said simply.

                “Works for me. I could eat anything about now.” Grandall declared.

                “And for the Lady, does she wish for a side of the vegetables, or a slightly larger portion of pheasant instead?”

                “Oh, no. I am fine with the same as the others. Thank you.” She says with a gentle nod.

                “Very well. The food will be out shortly.”

As the waiter walked away from the table Kaia and Grandall look at each other and curl their mouths down in surprise.

                “I’ve never eaten in a fancy place like this before.” Grandall said with a smile.

                “Huh?” Lestith looks between the, brow furled and confused.

                “I must admit, I am not used to having this level of comfort in a mostly human environment.”

                “Gah, that whole demi-humans are less than the greater races horseshit?” Grandall said as he waved his hands dismissively.

                “Grandall please. Language.”

                “Oh, sorry sir.”

                “But I agree with your sentiment. I have no idea where or how such ridiculous notions came about.” Lestith scoffed.

                “Regardless, it seems to be a very common problem in Arestoth. It is the reason I do not travel outside of the Academy, and in the cases I do, I do so fully armored.”

                “It’s a shame really. The Shadow Princess needing to hide behind her armor when she should be walking proud and being celebrated as a hero.” Grandall said as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

                “N-no. That’s quite alright. I am not one for notoriety.” She waved the notion away.

                “Well unless the Tranquil Refuge makes headway with the other kingdoms and establishes a solid government and recognition by the Guild of Chanters…I doubt anything short of the world needing to be united for a common goal will alter the skewed and ridiculous preconceived notion they have of them.”

The mood turned sour as they talked about the disdain and blatant hatred for the demi-human species and tribes. As they sat in silence, the waiter arrived with a rolling cart with their meal. Gently placing each of the plates in front of them, he bowed and went on his way.

                “This looks and smells incredible.” Grandall said, immediately taking a bite of the pheasant.

The portions weren’t what he was used to at home, but the flavor was more than enough to make up for that fact. While his wife was a great cook, and wouldn’t dare say otherwise, the food before him was on a whole other level.

The three ate in silence while they enjoyed the meal in peace and quiet. Even there were quite a few other guests, the overall volume in the room was quite low.

                “Well, even though it is late in the day I still believe we should see about refining the ore we retrieved from Infernus Pass while we’re here.” Lestith said, before taking a drink of his water.

                “Would that not be better suited to the refineries in Arestoth?” Kaia asked.

                “I thought about that. But without knowing how long Amrin will be incapacitated, we may as well be proactive while we can.”

                “Could we not summon a carriage to escort us back to Arestoth? I’m sure the Headmistress would accommodate us.” Kaia said.

                “Mm, I thought of that option as well. But even if that were to come, we would be forced to wait for that carriage for at least three days. Leaving us those days to be…”

                “Proactive…” Grandall finished his statement with a slight frown.

                “Precisely. But regardless, if we have a way of communicating with Her Grace, a carriage would be most welcome. I doubt any horse we find would be willing to carry that much ore without issue.”

                “I believe she may have given Master a communication orb that is capable of traversing the distance. After our meal I will be sure to contact her if you and Sir Grandall wish to find the local refinery?”

                “I believe that is as sound a plan as any.” Lestith said, nodding his head in agreement.

                “By the way Lady Kaia, if you don’t mind me asking…what did Amrin do to you?” Grandall asked suddenly.

Kaia flinched and swallowed her food wrong. Quickly taking a drink of water to keep from choking, her eyes watered and turned red from it.

                “W-what do you mean?” she said placing a hand on her chest to steady herself.

                “Well at Infernus Pass you said that the spear, while not hitting you directly, inflicted serious injuries. But when we found you, you were perfectly healthy and….” Grandall trailed off.

                “And?”

                “Well, I only say this because the missus makes it a point to scold me if I fail to notice the finer details she puts into her appearance. But, you look much younger than when we set off from Arestoth.”

Kaia looked from Grandall with wide eyes, and then to Lestith, who only nodded in agreement with his assessment. She let out a gentle sigh and placed her eating utensils down, took a drink of water again and leaned back in her chair.

                “I honestly have no idea what he did. And that is the truth.”

                “Well forgive me for not being so readily accepting, but certainly you have some clue or inclination of what occurred?” Lestith probed.

                “If you want the truth of it all. I was in excruciating pain after the impact of the spear, face down on the ground. The act of moving my head to survey the area caused me more pain than I care to remember. I noticed Master still standing even after losing an arm and then I lost consciousness. When I awoke next, I was on my back staring at the sky. No pain whatsoever…”

She paused and wondered whether she should tell them about the state of her armor and what she believed be the cause. But at this point it was better to be open about the event instead of making up lies.

                “When I told you that my armor had been badly damaged, I believe it was Master that had removed the front portion of my armor to assess the damage and healed me…somehow.”

                “I see.” Lestith said simply. “I appreciate your honesty. But there is still an unanswered question in regards to your…appearance.”

                “I too noticed it in the bath. I do not know what to tell you. While I appear younger, my mind, knowledge and everything else in regards to myself is no different.” She said holding up her arms up slightly in surrender.

                “So either he used an incredibly powerful healing spell the likes of which we know nothing of…or a completely different type of magic altogether.”

Kaia froze up at the mention of a new magic. She was fully aware that Amrin was capable of controlling twelve elements of magic. But other than the Prime Elements, Creation, Gravity and Void, the other three were a mystery to her. She made it a point not to make eye contact with Lestith in hopes that he not pry any further. But even if he asked, she didn’t have the answer he was looking for.

                “Well I suppose we’ll learn in due time. But since he seems to be perfectly healthy from what we can determine, whatever he used may have just expended too much of his energy and caused him to fall unconscious?”

                “That seems like the case. I’ve seen a few cases of this on the front lines quite a while back. Some young new recruit decides to go crazy with enchanting his gear and before you know it he’s sprawled on the ground and nothing but dead weight.” Grandall said.

                “Mm, I’ve seen cases like this as well. I suppose it’s just a shock that someone as capable as him doing the same. Which means whatever he did…must have been incredibly powerful.”

                “Well enough talking about a man that can’t even speak for himself. How are you feeling Lady Kaia?” Grandall asks.

                “Oh, I am well. Thank you. More than, actually.” She runs her hand over her stomach and smiles.

                “I think it’s safe to say that if not for Amrin, we would not be having this conversation right now.” Lestith says equal parts grateful and frustrated that he was able to do nothing.

They had all finished their meal and were letting themselves settle when the waiter comes back to the table.

                “Is there anything else you require?” he asks.

                “Oh, no thank you.” Lestith responds. “Oh, actually yes. Is there a refiner capable of refining Adamantine in the city, and if so would they still be open for business?”

The waiter furrows his brow in thought and ponders for a moment.

                “I believe the only one in town capable of processing ore of that rarity is Master Gilreth. He is in the eastern part of the city. His workshop has a rather large smokestack so it’s hard to miss. As for whether or not he is still open for business, I’m sorry but I do not know.” He says with a bow.

                “Well I suppose Grandall, if you would be able to check with Master Gilreth about the cost and time necessary to process the amount of ore we have, and Lady Kaia if you could please contact Headmistress Elena? I will speak with the Captain stationed here and let him know of the events at Infernus Pass.”

                “Uhh, sir?” Grandall raised his hand at the mention of the last part of Lestith’s command.

                “Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to only report the pertinent information and omit the…conjecture.” He said, which immediately assuaged Kaia and Grandall’s worries.

They each got up from the table and made their way to the task given to them. Grandall to speak with Master Gilreth, Lestith to speak with the Knight Captain of New Randess and Kaia to speak with Elynara.

*****

Kaia gently opened the door to the room and peeked through the gap to see if Amrin was still unconscious. She had hoped that he was awake to ease her worry that he would never wake, and to finally speak with him…about a great many things. Entering the room quietly, she closed the door behind her. Coming to stand by the bed, she looked down at her master’s peaceful face. His chest slowly rising and falling with the steady breathing.

She absentmindedly placed her hand on her stomach while gazing at him and couldn’t help but feel a well of emotion build up inside her. Sorrow, anger, anxiety, depression, happiness, relief, and hope…but most of all, gratitude. The man lying in front of her has given her a new beginning and she would not ever forget that.

Taking a deep breath and deciding it was enough dwelling on something she could not do anything about at the moment, she looked around the room for his items. There was nothing. She was certain she saw Miss Emily place them by the bed before she left the room to go bathe. Unless…of course, they were so filthy and tattered that they were most likely thrown away. Any personal effects would most likely be in one of the many drawers in the room so Kaia got to work searching. The first was a nightstand next to the bed. There it was. A smooth red gem the size of a fist was resting just inside the first drawer she checked. Lucky.

Holding it in her hand it was cold to the touch. Taking a seat at the table she placed it in front of her and concentrated, her eyes closed and head lowered. A moment later the crystal glowed to life.

                “Lady Elena?” Kaia says towards the crystal.

                “….”

The lack of response made her wonder if it was too late in the day for Elena to respond. Or perhaps something had happened and she was not in her office and able to reply? Frowning, Kaia reached for the orb in an attempt to cut the connection and try later.

                “Amrin?” the gem hummed.

                “Ah, Lady Elena?” Kaia repeated.

                “Kaia?”

                “Yes, My Lady.”

                “Where is Amrin? Did I not give this gem to him? Is he ok?” the worry was plain in her voice.

                “My lady, please, calm yourself. I shall explain everything.”

                “…”

Kaia began to explain the events that transpired at Infernus Pass. Making a point to note that Elynara was not interrupting or asking any questions between her explanations of events. There were a few moments when Kaia wondered if the connection had been lost. She also explained the things she had seen prior to arriving at Infernus Pass. His use of Creation and Void. The conversation they had at New Randess, how he spoke of the elements he could control. As well as everything before her time prior to unconsciousness. The extraction of the ore, his use of Gravity, and then the Behemoth.

She also told her of the changes that occurred to her body. Elynara knew of the scars on her stomach and what they entailed. Although she hesitated, Kaia also told her that Amrin was now unconscious and has been for the last day and a half, but make sure to mention that he looked physically healthy. But there was still silence on the other end of the crystal. After Kaia had finished up with their arrival in the city and their current stay at the Inn, she sighed in relief that she was able to tell all of it without stuttering or missing anything. But there was still silence on the other end.

                “Lady Elena?” Kaia asked cautiously.

                “I understand. Thank you for apprising me of the situation.”

                “Your words honor me, My Lady. Also, Captain Lestith has requested a carriage for transport, if at all possible.”

                “Of course. I shall send one immediately. I will make a point to utilize the fastest mounts in the stable. It will arrive in three days’ time.

                “My thanks, My Lady.”

The gem lay silent on the table for a few moments.

                “Kaia. You know more about Master than any other person outside of the pacts of our family. I trust you know what that means?”

                “I-I’m sorry, My Lady, I don’t understand.”

                “It means that you have knowledge of an existence that can change the very world around him if he so chooses. And the only reason he has deemed it acceptable to share these with you is because he has come to trust you. Trust that has sprung from your loyalty and aid to me, no doubt. Trust that should not be taken for granted.”

                “I understand. My Lady. I shall do all in my power to keep that trust and confidence.”

                “Good.”

                “Also, My Lady?” Kaia fidgeted in her seat, causing the wood of the chair to creak.

                “Yes?”

                “Do you know what magic he has used to heal me?”

                “I do not.” She said simply.

Kaia’s eyes went wide. Of all the people that could potentially have the answer besides Amrin, would most certainly have been Elynara. But the simple and direct response to the contrary made Kaia’s head reel in confusion and wonder.

                “B-but I…I thought that…”

                “Kaia. There are a great many things I know in regards to Master. But an even greater many things that I am wholly in the dark about. Whatever he used to heal and remove the scars that once haunted you are something I know nothing about. You should feel blessed for that.”

                “I do. My Lady. I do. So much that it terrifies me to think I will never be able to repay the kindness he has given me.” Her voice cracked from the emotion and helplessness she felt from not knowing what she could do to repay the one that saved her from her nightmare.

Elynara didn’t reply for a moment, which caused Kaia to become worried. Her eyes narrowed and brow knitted in concern.

                “There is one thing you can do…”

                “Anything. If it is within my power, I shall do anything.”

                “It has come to my attention a certain…complication, which will require the kind of assistance and means that mere manpower will not fulfill.”

                “I…don’t understand.”

                “You must form a pact with Master.”

Kaia shook her head and reeled back in surprise. A pact? Why would she need to do something like that?

                “A…a pact? But, you are the one that I serve…to offer my service to another when I already have a master is an insult to you.”

                “Do not worry yourself over such things. Kaia, you have served me as a guard and confidant all these years. I think of you as a friend, not a servant. And I feel that if there is anyone worthy of true loyalty and devotion, it is him. Forming a pact with Master will prove your loyalty, ensure your trust is not misplaced and grant Master an aid in the events that I fear will come to pass all too soon.”

                “Aid? But from what I have seen of my Master, he is like an unstoppable force that cannot be matched…what aid would one such as I provide?”

                “My Master?” Elynara replied in a curious tone.

                “I-I’m sorry. Lord Amrin.” Kaia quickly tried to correct her mistake.

                “It’s fine Kaia. It seems you have already come to accept Amrin the same way I have. It seems the pact is only a logical next step. It makes me happy to know that he has not changed after all this time. Of all the people that I believed would be impossible to win over, it was you.”

                “M-My Lady?”

                “Kaia, you must admit, you are not the easiest of people to get along with.” Elynara said in a playful yet serious tone.

                “…” Kaia frowned, blushed in embarrassment and fidgeted in her seat at the comment. 

                “Regardless. Forming the pact is only a means to an end. Especially now that Master is incapacitated, I fear he will need us.”

                “Lady Elena…what is it that has you so concerned? Did something happen while we were away?”

Kaia could hear a loud exhale from the crystal followed by a moment of silence.

                “Earlier today, there was a message that I had received. One that I did not think I would ever get. It was a small golem. The message it contained was…disconcerting.”