Slow, almost sarcastic clapping was heard from across the room, which caught the attention of everyone present. It came from the eldest son of Lord Isaiah, Caine Dewblossom, who was beside himself with laughter.
"Well, well, well! Hello again, my dear friends!" He exclaimed. "It seems fate has indeed decided that we would meet again, but I never expected us to meet here out of all places!" The noble continued as Cassian stepped forward, screaming at him while a royal guard held him back.
"It's you again! Oh, how I've waited to cut you into pieces after what you did to Hawk! You're lucky he's still alive, otherwise you'd be in for something much worse!"
"Oh, so that one's alive?" Caine asked as he walked towards the group. "I swear I was aiming directly at his head. No matter, the next time I get my hands on a bow, I won't miss." He smiled at the four of them maliciously in an attempt to provoke Xhiamas and Wyatt as well.
Godric stepped in to act as a peacekeeper between the two parties. "Hold on milord! Everyone stay calm, please!" He shouted as he turned to his friend. "Wyatt, you know Lord Dewblossom?"
"Know him? We almost died because of him!" Wyatt replied. "Ever since we escaped Rosetown, we've been hunted down to Shire's Eye and Gillsberry by soldiers and barely made it out alive. Even now, one of ours is missing because of him!" He continued, angry as he spat on the ground that the noble stood on.
"I was only doing my duty, as commanded." Caine then turned to the Warden of the West, who looked on. "I don't suppose you played a hand in their escape, Lord Dunwick? I see that their mercenary friend over there bears the colors of your proud house." Caine said as he pointed at Flint's blue cloth sowed with the symbol of a white trout.
Lord Dunwick stood and approached the group gathered at the door. As he walked, a gentle breeze would cross the room. The winds, however, ceased after he stopped and stared the arrogant noble down.
"I gave them safe passage throughout my lands if, and only if, I found their fight against your men entertaining. Lords and ladies of this court; believe me when I say it was a spectacle. The madness that ensued, Oh! What a fight it was indeed." He responded as Caine stared back at the warden before Dunwick returned to his seat.
"I see. No matter--they're here now. Let me do what I should have done on that day." He unsheathed his sword as the four of them instinctively stepped back and raised their hands in defense, chains be damned. Sir Byronard's sighs were heard from across the room, indicating that everything was dissolving into a near-uncontrollable mess.
A woman's voice screamed throughout the room. "Stop it right now!" Godric turned to see that it was Coraline, who was seemingly upset by the chaos.
"You cannot do this, sir! In my name and honor as the heir to House Applewood, I swear to you, lords and ladies--these are good, honest men!" She exclaimed at the top of her lungs.
The other nobles of the court had mixed reactions regarding her sudden outburst. "Applewood...remind me again where your loyalties lie?" Lord Grimguard asked.
"The Applewoods swore fealty to House Polifio, Lord Menethil," Caine replied to the hulking and pale-faced Lord as he turned to Coraline.
"Who do you think you are, girl? You're protecting scum--the very people that we are trying to hunt down and comprehend. What would your liege lord think of you now, knowing you're defending criminals?"
"She saved us from your men--leave her out of this! How dare you? You know nothing of our struggles!" Cassian shot back at him, protecting Coraline. "While you stand here, proud and righteous, your footmen are out there torturing innocents in this crusade of yours to hunt down runaways. What makes you, their leader, any better than the scum you say we are?" The medic's words irked the eldest son of House Dewblossom as the other heads looked on with interest.
Godric could feel Caine's loathing and hatred for Wyatt and his group had become malignant. He still threatened to use his sword but found enough restraint to calm down and sheath it back.
"Watch your tone with me," he said before turning to the lords and ladies of the chamber. "Forgive me for my brutish behavior, my lords and ladies, but I swore an oath to follow my lord's command, and I intend to keep that oath." He bowed with such grace, and his words were sweet as if laced with honey, but Godric recognized killing intent as soon as he saw it, and Lord Caine Dewblossom's eyes screamed volumes of murder. Also, he felt that something was off. Despite the story surrounding the ransacking of Rosetown, Godric found it difficult to perceive Lord Mikhael as an oathbreaker.
"Can somebody care to elaborate on this entire debacle for us? Who are these people and what in Primera is going on?" Lord Silverkind asked.
"Let me do the honors," Lord Browgan raised his voice as he settled back into his seat. "I request that everyone be seated--even you, Byronard. We're going to be in here longer than expected."
Dunwick then narrated his side of the story to everyone, surprising Godric and the rest of the Great Houses regarding Wyatt and his company.
"An Arrow? Why appear now after twenty-three summers?" Lord Coppermouth asked Xhiamas, who stood in silence. "It's been a while since I've seen one," Lady Alderth chimed in as he looked at him. "And a ravishing one too, at that."
"Arrows?" The young Lady Blackstone asked. " Can you tell me who they are, Lord Silverkind?" She asked in a monotonous voice. Even Godric was in the dark as to who these mysterious figures were.
"All I can say is they're too distasteful for my liking, my lady." He replied.
"They're bad for business, that's what they are. Always meddling in my family's affairs since I was a kid." Lord Davenmere joined in agreement.
"It is you again. So, the Arrows were responsible for the madness in Rosetown?" Caine stared a void into the eyes of Xhiamas, who stared back at him. "I've heard tales of your people; on how they've influenced the history of Primera behind the curtains. I would be lying if I told you I'm not bothered." He continued.
Xhiamas looked at him. "It is true; what they say about us and what happened at Rosetown. The people there were under my command as well. I followed the instructions from my superiors. However, do not mistake the disappearance and smoldering ashes as our doing, ladies and gentlemen. We played no part in that."
Caine approached the captain of the Arrows and grabbed him by his scarf. "Do you honestly think that this excuse will bring you safety from justice?" He asked, seething with anger. "Because of your organization's actions, the entire military force was in disarray. Had our forces been prepared, we could have seen the eventual disaster coming!" Caine let go of Xhiamas, placing him back in the safety of Wyatt and Cassian.
Byronard commanded everyone in the room's attention by knocking on the table. After, he turned his attention back to Wyatt's group. "The Arrows, despite their polarizing figure and questionable actions, have always been on the side of Primera. I'm sure they had a good reason to do so. However, you suddenly disappeared when we needed you most." The royal guard looked at a mural depicting the civil war that divided the continent.
"What brings the Arrows back now into the fold?" He asked. Xhiamas stepped forward and bowed.
"I am sorry but I am forbidden to answer that question. To relay any information as to why we disappeared on that day would be to go against the wishes of my superiors." Xhiamas replied respectfully, which irked the heads of most of the Great Houses.
"Countless lives were lost during those times," Xhiamas looked over to the side to see Augustus, who was one of the reasonable individuals in the room but he looked for an answer. "I believe all of us here are owed an answer, friend." He continued.
The Head Scout for the Wanderings Arrows stood his ground amongst Primera's strongest figures and remained silent, undeterred by their status or position. "I am sorry, but I answer to no one but my superiors, and Al-Xenos, the one who protects me." He stated.
"Your faith won't save you, foreigner," Caine exclaimed, growing weary from Xhiamas' tirade as he stood up. "If you won't give us the answer we are owed, then what use are you to us alive?" The knight threatened him.
"Then take my life then. I will have regrets, but many more shall take my place, and I can finally find rest alongside the spirits of those before me. Al-Xenos will smile knowing that I have served him faithfully." Xhiamas replied. Caine gave a wicked smile as he suddenly rushed to the Arrow. The room was suddenly filled with a presence full of dread. Augustus and Tryst were now shouting out to Caine, Dunwick reached out to stop the hotheaded knight, while the other heads looked on.
Godric and Flint held back Wyatt and Cassian who were now attempting to guard their friend who held out his arms openly, waiting for the killing blow. Ithilien, who remained silent throughout the meeting looked to Byronard, who understood the elven king's message.
The eldest son of Isaiah Dewblossom was already a few feet away from Xhiamas before a massive wall of flame erupted, separating the two. Godric and company, caught off guard by the spectacle, looked past the intense fire to see Sir Byronard's silver armor now cloaked in a transparent, shimmering veil. His black cape was now flickering white rays of light and moved like they were alive, while his eyes glowed with an intense shade of white. The man looked like a deity sent by the Divines themselves.
Sir Byronard began to levitate off the ground unassisted. The man Godric knew suddenly turned into a completely different person. There, in that instant, he could see the reason as to why the crown regent of Primera was feared. This is not a practice of mana that one can easily replicate, Godric thought. This is a completely different thing altogether. He shielded his eyes from the bright light that emanated from Byronard, who looked down on them all.
"What am I--" Cassian was at a loss for words. "Such beauty...and terror at the same time.." He continued while Wyatt caught Coraline, who was blown away by the sudden outburst of mana, and protected her from the intense flames. "Wyatt...w-what's going on?" She asked, terrified.
The lords and ladies of Primera sat firmly back in their seats, profusely sweating and in awe of Sir Byronard's presence. His fiery figure consumed the room, enveloping it in an intense heat. People noticed that the sweat that dripped from their faces and onto the metal of their armor instantly turned to vapor the instant the liquid made contact.
Godric imbued his vision with mana and noticed that everyone except Wyatt and Cassian was using mana to shield themselves from Sir Byronard's magic. The highborn were doing well considering their mastery but were slowly struggling with each passing second except for Ithilien, who sat unbothered by the magic and looked at the display of authority.
A few seconds after hearing grunts of pain from the different nobles, Ithilien waved at the head of the royal guard.
"That would be enough, Byronard. Thank you." Sir Byronard then descended and his features slowly turned back into the ones everyone recognized.
"Is everyone okay?" He asked, concerned for everyone's safety. "I had no other choice. I know most of you don't like each other, but it is not an excuse to behave like barbarians." He looked at Lords Davenmere, Coppermouth, Silverkind, and Dewblossom, who still lay on the ground, struggling to stand.
"We're okay, Sir Byronard, at least I think we are--but please have the manners to warn us first before using that form." Lady Alderth replied as she took a cloth to wipe sweat from her face. "I apologize, Lady Charlotte. I shall try to do so the next time." The royal guard then turned to Caine, who lay on the floor.
"Lord Dewblossom, get back up on your feet sir. That was but a slight singe. I'm sure you weren't injured in the slightest." Byronard said as Caine tried to get back up, but struggled to do so. He then looked at Xhiamas, who was down on one knee, and noticed that he not only had difficulty standing but was badly burned by the flames. A part of his face was seared off, and bits of his clothing were scorched, he was seething in pain, but still, he stood his ground.
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Byronard moved to help Xhiamas but King Ithilien stood up and signaled him to stop. He then raised both his arms and began to chant in elvish. Godric could not make out the words but felt a tingle in the air, feeling that the spell was ancient, unknown to even lómë.
Afterward, his hands were enveloped in a bright, green aura. Godric instantly knew it was restoration magic, as he felt the same soothing sensation when he first drank the fountain's waters and after days of being healed by elven magic. With a simple touch to Xhiamas' face, the burned features healed almost instantaneously, as everyone looked on in awe. The elven king then waved a hand across the room, enveloping it in a spectrum of green colors.
"This feels...oh wow." Lord Davenmere said as he felt a wave of coolness wash over his body. "The elves' restoration magic is a sight to behold. Only a few mortals possess this foundation of magic, and only the elven king himself has such a level of mastery over it." Said Lord Grimguard as he too, felt the same sensation. Godric noticed a tinge of envy in his voice but looked past it as there were more concerning matters on hand.
"Xhiamas, Xhiamas!" Wyatt immediately rushed over to his side. "Are you okay?" Xhiamas touched his face and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Never better." He looked up at the elven king who had already extended his hand to help him up to his feet. "Thank you, great one. Your kindness is appreciated." Ithilien helped him up to his feet and smiled. "Fret not, mortal. Your commitment to your cause is admirable, and your faith is strong. I respect that. You remind me of another one of your kind."
"T-thank you, Your Majesty," Wyatt fumbled with his words as he stood up to pay respects to the elven king. "You have no idea how much we are indebted to you." He said as he bowed.
"Godric mentioned a friend had sent him to my forest. I am right to presume that it was you who sent him?" Ithilien asked, to which Wyatt responded with a terrified nod. "Y-yes, Your Majesty."
"In that case, I am indebted to you. Without you, Godric would have never awakened his mana, became a friend to elven kind, and rescued our House's sacred relic." Wyatt was at a loss for words. He looked at Godric, who looked down in embarrassment.
"Oh...I see." Wyatt did not know what to say after hearing his friend's accomplishments. He was proud of his friend, but the young man was conflicted after hearing Godric's achievements. Here they were, happy to be reunited at Primera's capital seat of power but on opposite paths. His friend was now an honored guest of the elves and in good relations with every person present as far as he could notice, but as for him, he was an outcast and a runaway with barely any achievements to his name.
"Hey, you okay?" Godric asked his friend. "I'm fine. Let's focus on what pretty boy over there has to say." Wyatt mockingly whispered to his friend while he looked at Caine who stood up.
"Lord Dewblossom, restrain yourself. These three are under the protection of the Capital City. The three you see before you are witnesses to the nature magic used in Rosetown. Despite their status as marked criminals, their statements hold truth, so they shall be rewarded sanctuary as Lady Huntingborne has looked into their case." Sir Byronard explained.
Lord Dewblossom looked on in confusion. "What do you mean, that their statements hold truth? These people are nothing but convicts!" He continued.
"You'd be surprised, Lord Dewblossom. Lest you forget, my house boasts powerful magic as well. Of course, I could not do it without Coraline's help." Tryst replied as she tilted her head and smiled.
"Let me explain. You see: after receiving reports of an ongoing skirmish in Gillsberry, I decided to inspect the chaos myself only to find hunters and Polifio soldiers fighting everywhere. A simple wide-ranged sleeping spell later and the problem was solved." She continued, impressed at her work.
"Imagine my surprise to find the local inn barred, and inside, were six people, one of which was a familiar face. I put him to sleep, which was no easy task, and knowing his reaction to the whole thing it was best to do so. A few discussions later, and I asked Coraline here to use her magic on them." A cheery Tryst pointed at Wyatt's group as she patted Coraline on the head, who seemed somewhat embarrassed after being mentioned. "Her talents are quite remarkable."
"I-it was nothing. Our magic simply allows us to look into the truth behind one's words--a waste of magic on the battlefield, if I were honest." She continued, as she played with her hair.
"It has its advantages, young one. Do not look down on your capabilities; continue to nurture them. Please, continue." King Ithilien responded.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." She responded, flattered. "They agreed to Lady Huntingborne's terms: surrender to the Capital and speak the truth to me and Lady Tryst. It took convincing, but they accepted the terms nonetheless." She continued.
"Well then, what are we waiting for? If we already know that magic was used, then ask the foreigner as to why they disappeared years ago!" Lord Coppermouth said as the others mumbled in agreement.
"That's the thing, Lord Coppermouth. There's something different with...him." Coraline looked at Xhiamas, who stood in silence. "Each time he tells us a statement, my magic fails. It's as if it is having trouble discerning whether he's telling the truth. I feel like my thoughts are warped each time I do so." Coraline explained.
"As expected from a high-ranking officer of the Arrows," Byronard stepped in to explain. "Their plans are always shrouded in mystery, and their members are sworn to secrecy. Naturally, all of them were trained for situations like this. The process was painful, I believe?" He looked at Xhiamas, who nodded in agreement, hinting that the regent had undergone similar training as well.
"It is pointless to then force information out of you. Rest assured, by my word as Captain of the Royal Guards, and as stated by law in the Codex, you three are given sanctuary for your actions and will be safe from trials unless proven guilty." Byronard exclaimed, which only infuriated Caine.
"This is an absurdity!" He screamed as he drew his sword. "I will not stand for this!"
"Sir Byronard has spoken, Caine! Stand down!" Augustus reached out to him, but his words fell on deaf ears. "I will not have my lord's authority challenged, and my will opposed. I swear to the old gods and the Divines, I will draw blood--even if it kills me!" He vowed as the others looked on in shocked silence. Lord Dunwick broke the silence by looking on at the enraged lord.
"Be mindful of your words. The gods are watching, Caine Dewblossom," the warden cautiously approached the brash lord. "Do you still wish to pursue this path? It is not too late--"
"I swear it."
"Then so be it then," Byronard responded immediately as he sighed, disappointed at the young knight's actions. "These three however are under the Capital's protection, so any action of violence against them is an act against our authority itself." He continued.
Caine thought long and hard about what to do next, but a wicked smile crossed his face to signal that he found an answer. "Since we are on the topic of authority, whose authority is above yours, Sir Byronard?" He asked, catching Godric and company off guard, while the nobles looked on with mixed reactions.
"Careful where you tread, boy." Lord Grimguard warned him as if to say he was now entering a point of no return. Lord Davenmere approached Caine and grabbed him by the shoulder.
"Dewblossom, I'm impressed by your bravado and all, but even I have a few lines I don't plan on cross--"
"I was not asking you, Lord Silas," Caine coldly responded as he stared at Sir Byronard. "Your hand, my lord." Silas removed his hand and returned to his seat. "Fine then, it's your funeral." He responded. Caine's gaze never left, as he remained focused on the royal guard.
"That would be the vows and laws stated in the Codex, good sir," Byronard replied. "What are you suggesting?"
Godric and Wyatt approached Faelar, who observed the entire scenario unfolding. "Faelar, what is going on?" Godric asked. "I believe Sir Caine is about to invoke a sacred vow to his advantage. It is madness if you ask me." The ranger-general responded.
Caine then looked across all the individuals present in the room. "Lords and ladies of the court! Hear me!" He exclaimed. "I am a man of justice and righteousness. Believe me when I say that no one is above the law! You all know this to be true! Nobles, commoners, or even royalty alike, we are subject to the vows of the Codex." He continued.
"I find myself in a difficult position and therefore am left with no choice." Caine raised his sword and pointed it at Sir Byronard. "Sir Byronard, by my right as a citizen of Primera, and on my honor as a knight and noble--I invoke the sacred vow of Combat and Victory."
A deafening silence filled the room. The nobles present had mixed reactions. Some were confused, others enraged, and others disappointed. Sir Byronard, however, stood out among the rest as he looked on in interest.
"Very well. State your terms, sir." He replied. "Oh no, I'm no fool to fight against you, good sir. Only a madman would confront the Sword of the Morning in one-on-one combat." Caine replied, which confused the royal guard.
"Then who do you challenge to a duel? The three of them are under the Capital's protection." He replied. "Indeed they are, but one of them is not." Caine slowly pointed his sword at Flint, who looked at him with disgust.
"Coward," Flint muttered his breath. "You plan on targeting me as a way of enacting revenge against Lord Dunwick while getting a coveted prize of your choosing if you win."
"You're smarter than I thought, mercenary. How about it? The first one to deal first blood or to make their opponent submit wins. The winner gets to choose anything they want." Caine proposed his terms of the duel.
"Flint, you don't have to do this," Wyatt reached out to their new companion. "Let one of us take him on."
"I accept your terms and your challenge, nobleman." Flint ignored Wyatt and immediately responded to Caine, who gleefully laughed. "Bravo! This will be easy. Two birds with one stone." He then turned to Sir Byronard.
"You heard the mercenary, sir Byronard. The challenge and the terms have been accepted. Nothing can stop this now." He continued. "Indeed. I pray to the Divines that you've made the right decision, Caine Dewblossom." Byronard replied. "Everyone, let's put this meeting on a brief hold." The lords and ladies looked on in agreement as Byronard turned to a royal guard.
"Call all your available brothers-in-arms as witnesses and gather at the arena within an hour. Tell them that the Vow of Combat and Victory was invoked." Godric and Wyatt observed the environment around them and felt an uneasy feeling rising in both their stomachs.
"What in the seven hells is going on?" Godric asked. "I don't know, but one thing I am sure of is that everything is about to go to shit." Wyatt replied as he turned to look at Flint, whose fiery one-eyed gaze at his opponent was enough to melt even the coldest things imaginable.