Months had passed.
Gelehrter stared at the water in dismay. The pools of reflection only showed a boy with golden hair and dark eyes, his imagination constructing Stolzer near him whistling a tune. Rena, Ana and Eisener all talked at length of their experience, but any attempt to reach the young page were met with failure. Apathy had taken the boy, his sadness engulfing him like a lover. His pole had danced and the hook was stripped clean. He seemed to only be met with more failure. In his mind, any failure was blamed on his own incompetence: Stolzer's mission, his state, his loss of bait, everything. He even cursed his body for its inexperience.
“Lad, you must listen now.” Eisener spoke, his voice finally destroying the barrier. “Our friend is recovering as best he can. We cannot allow our own feelings to take us. I have lost many in my lifetime, long as it is.”
Ana smiled at him sadly. “I too have lost, but I still keep going.”
“So have I. I've lost my family when I was very young.” Rena chimed in and pulled in another fish.
“B-But...Stolzer is my master!” Gelehrter attempted in vain to choke tears from his eyes. “If I were stronger, I would be able to help him. He is all I have!”
“Ah, but you are hungry. I know it, I can see it in your face!” Eisener laughed heartily, taking the fishing supplies with him. The lake had been engulfed in twilight, the night settling in over the horizon. In the distance the walls now were illuminated by the ominous red lights which watched over them as they ventured from their destination to Eisener's smithy. The walk was filled with laughter and talk of the future.
“You know, I am here to help you, Gelehrter.” Rena beamed at him as they passed through the forge. The air of soot and dust tickled his nostrils and he sneezed. He set the basket, the rods and their bait aside. Rena worked to prepare the fish while Eisener tended to the fire.
Ana and Gelehrter were left to aid in whatever way they could. The page and apprentice both took to their respective masters.
“How can you help me?” Gelehrter's inquisitive gaze was met with scorn.
“I am just as sad as you are, yet you are letting it take you because you are a child!” Rena growled. “I want nothing more than to see him walk through that door whole and hale again, but there is naught we can do but hope!”
She stormed from the kitchen, leaving Gelehrter to stare at the mangled fish. Ana sighed and handed him a knife.
“Help me...follow what I do.” The smith's apprentice worked feverishly to clean and gut the fish, placing the organs and other bits into a bowl. He attempted to mimic her.
After a spell Rena opened the door and Ovelia now strode inside. She took one long gaze at the room and rolled up her sleeves. Another little girl followed her, her pink hair demanding their attention.
“This is Arden, now stop staring and keep working.” The Sanguine Overlord growled. “Arden, honey, please sit in your chair and behave.”
The little girl giggled and played with her doll. She struggled to maintain the cleanliness of her red silk dress. Everyone in the room labored to fix the meal and when it was finished, they all prepared plates for one another.
“What brings the ruler of all Sanctuary to my home at this time of night?” Eisener finally asked, his meal devoured. “You must be very busy.”
“Ah, but I am Stolzer's superior and I am here on business.” Ovelia wiped her mouth with a spare cloth and then proceeded to wipe Arden's with another rag. “Stolzer is awake. He seems more compelled to speak, but wanted to wait until the morning.”
Excitement took hold of everyone but before anyone could place inquiries, she raised a hand.
“He is still struggling with his sense of self. For some time there will be therapy, but he will recover in time. It is still too early to tell you anything else.”
“But...he will be well.” Gelehrter was the first to speak. “He'll be able to fight, won't he?”
“It is still too early to tell.” Ovelia repeated and pointed to his plate. “Eat your food or you won't grow as strong as your master.”
“I don't want to be strong if he can't be strong eit--”
“You will do as commanded, page. I am your Sanguine Overlord and I will have your respect.” The intense glare returned to silence him and he ate.
“Hmm, more progress from your persuasion.” The master smith placed his plate in front of his apprentice and wiped his beard clean. “I will go now to add some finishing touches. Have a good evening, madam.”
“You as well.”
Stolzer found himself locked in a perpetual battle of wits, his body seeming to be lost to him. Any attempt of moving his hands were met with failure.
Another figure stood across the empty chasm. Stolzer and the man, though familiar, appeared to be just another figment of his imagination. He was shackled to the ground and stood now on a gigantic block steel which had been fastened to walls nearby with massive links. The machine whirred to life, millions of trails etched into the metal like ant hills were filled with his blood again and again. Stolzer attempted many times to free the man, though he could never reach him. His body was heavy and he was unable to walk. In vain he tried crawling, though it was no use. Whether it was from fatigue or lack of strength, the more he struggled to reach the man, the greater the challenge.
Finally Stolzer's eyes shot open and instinctively he reached for his sword. The blade failed him as it had been placed out of reach. Rena was sleeping nearby, her head resting on the desk. Gelehrter had fallen asleep in a similar fashion at the foot of his bed.
Light from nearby torch sconces gave some refuge from the evening. He nearly leaped from his skin as a door to his right opened, his Sanguine Overlord striding over to him. Her usual authoritative air was replaced with the gait of someone beaten and worn, the blonde hair released from its bun. She took a stool on her way and sat near his bedside, her gaze fixating onto his.
“Are you well enough to talk? I had tried to reach you earlier, but you were still asleep.” She opened a tome in her hands as she addressed him. The Grand Library's crest—the rising sun among a field of sunflowers—had been sewn into the leather bound book.
“A-Ah...I wasn't expecting company at this time of night.” Stolzer shrugged. “What brings you here?”
“Tell me your dream again.”
“I...I was... I was standing near an abyss. Everything was black...there was a man on the other side. He seemed to be trying to tell me something, but I couldn't hear what it was.” He crossed his arms and fell silent for an instant. “He was standing on a machine of some sort... I can't remember what it looked like.”
“The same dream every night, but you seem to remember more each time.” Ovelia observed, keenly taking mental notes.
“Aye, I am. You ask me the same question each night. What if I'm--”
“You experienced something. I'm trying to find records of it in the Grand Library. Anything that is written down is stored there, no matter what place in the universe it is documented.” She grunted as she opened the ancient book, the pages were worn and otherwise barely legible. “I'm trying to cross reference your dream with something similar...I feel as though I am close.”
“Close enough to--”
“Yes, close enough to taste it. Tell me more about this dream, if you can remember anything else.”
“I... I think this machine had been carved somehow...almost like an anthill. It was chained to each wall, though it was heavy enough to never be moved by anyone. What troubles me is...who is that man?” Stolzer lowered his head and scowled. “And...Rena, my squire...I feel as though she does not belong to me. I feel as though she belongs to the man in the dream.”
“She was your first student.” Ovelia reminded him, but he shook his head in reply.
“No...Gelehrter, my page, was my first student. He always has been. I know I've trained him in my own way. Rena...she feels different. I can't explain it.” Stolzer sighed and he sat upright in his bed.
“I understand if you are unable to continue. The data you're giving me is greatly appreciated, though I wonder why you went into the place alone. I gave you orders to wait for reinforcements.”
“I didn't enter the place alone, I've told you this. I went there with a partner, the man in my dream. You gave us orders to apprehend the ritual, whatever that ritual was.” He felt rage bubbling deep within his gut, his knuckles flashing white.
“Here, I have the copy I sent you.” She retrieved the letter from her pocket and handed it over to him.
Stolzer opened the letter and his eyes widened. The unfamiliar orders were there, detailing his need for discretion.
There is a ritual happening some time tonight. We intercepted a letter detailing this and we are sending reinforcements ahead of this letter. Wait for them at the usual place, do not allow yourself to be seen. Your squire and page are to evacuate. --Ovelia Mortem
“God...” He crushed the letter in agony, a mixture of emotion taking him.
“I understand this is all difficult to take in.”
His dark eyes met hers. A rush of memories erupted from deep within his psyche. The man in the dream took hold of him, the only remnants of his existence pouring from Stolzer's lips: “You are Ovelia Anastasia Mortem. You were married to a man named Alphonse Mortem, who bested you in combat and earned his place at your side. You know who he is, he shared his life with you for many years, advocating for you to adopt since you cannot have children of your own. He aided you in many mundane tasks and kept you in line when you stepped too far. Ovelia, you know who this is!”
She stared at him in disbelief. “I have never loved a man, no one has dared to--”
“Alphonse! You know Alphonse! He was there with me, he fell into the trap and was sacrificed in the ritual!” Stolzer threw the sheets from his body as he shouted at her, waking both Gelehrter and Rena with a jolt. His hands reached for Ovelia's shoulders but he was tackled to the bed by his page. He felt the rage subside and he attempted to catch his breath. “You...you know him. You know Alphonse.”
“Do not approach me that way again, Stolzer. Like or not, I am your Sanguine Overlord. I am conducting this investigation in the stead of my Justicar, who are in the field trying to fulfill the mission you failed!” She growled, slamming the book shut. “You are not fit for duty. Until you are well, you will receive more appropriate therapy. I don't care if it takes your entire life!”
Ovelia spun on her heels to leave. She had arrived alone, unarmed. To the Justicar, she seemed helpless.
But in the memories of the man in his dream, Alphonse, she needed no weapon. She was a weapon.
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Years passed them by.
Ana watched the young page grow into a squire. The man before her was no longer helpless, he had defeated many in duels and other competitions of knighthood. She fashioned his weapons and cared for his gear, as Eisener did for Stolzer.
She worked feverishly in the forge alongside her master. Though she was far younger than him, she absorbed his techniques like a sponge.
“Ana, do not forget the rivets in your breastplate. It is due in a few hours.” Eisener called from his area. His body was failing him, but he kept his spirits high.
“Yes, papa.”
The bell, which she crafted and fashioned to the door, tolled to alert them of their customer. Another knight, who heard of her craftsmanship, had ordered the breastplate some time ago. His aura was that of a noble born.
“Is it ready yet? I expect results.” He tapped his foot impatiently. The bell rang again behind him, Gelehrter and Rena entering in unison.
“Ana, do you need help?” Rena attempted to shout over the ringing of the hammer and the roaring flames of the forge, but was instead met with silence. The soot in the air always tickled her nostrils and she sneezed, knocking her head into the knight.
“Foolish girl, watch yourself!”
“If you cause trouble, I will use your order for other work. You are not here to bother anyone, stand over there.” Ana barked.
“You can't tell me--”
“You will do as she says.” Eisener stood upright, using a massive hammer as his cane and motioned for him to stand away from the door.
Without another word he took his place. The master smith smiled and returned to his seat.
In twenty minutes, the noble left with his intricate breastplate.
“What brings you here?” Ana addressed them after a spell, washing the soot from her face. She discarded the cloth into the usual pile.
“We were in the area, so we thought we would pay a visit.” Rena nudged Gelehrter, who busied himself with the details of a sword.
“Aye, we were in the area.”
“Care for some coffee, papa?” Ana now took to Eisener, who had been sitting in his rocking chair. His place was near the forge, though the workshop was busy during daylight. The old smith appeared to mull over her question, but she allowed no time for a response. She exited the workshop and returned with three mugs full of hot coffee, handing one to Rena, Gelehrter and Eisener.
“Oh, you don't have--”
“You will accept coffee, you are our guests.” Eisener chuckled. “You have been our guests for some time and you do not ever seem to remember our rules.”
“Aye, it seems to be our worst trait.” Rena shrugged and sipped at her beverage. Ana turned over a couple of barrels with ease for them to sit on.
“How is Stolzer?” Ana asked.
“He is doing better.”
“Nothing out of the ordinary?” The master smith stroked his beard and merely set his coffee on his lap.
“Either Ovelia or another Justicar interviews him, but they are all the same. I feel as though it is a wasted effort.” Gelehrter sighed.
Behind them the bell chimed and Ana immediately shooed them out. She turned over the sign outside the door.
“I believe even our great Overlord does not know what it is she is looking for.” Eisener motioned for his pipe and Ana prepared it for him. He puffed on it for a few moments, exhaling rings into the air.
“What about you, Eisener? Are you--”
“I haven't been the same. I am old, all that is left is for me to die.” He replied coldly and shrugged. “I have lived through several wars, that is long enough.”
Silence prevailed over them for a time.
“Gelehrter, help me with the clean up.” Her emerald gaze fixed onto him as the order was given. He nodded nervously.
“I hear you are fitting into his old role quite well.” Eisener nodded, rocking himself in his chair.
“Y-Yes...Yes, I am.”
“Stolzer would be proud.”
“He still acts strangely toward me, but I feel like he is proud of me.”
“Acts strangely how?”
“He seems to struggle with his memory of me. I ask him simple things about my past that includes him and he remembers, but he doesn't believe he should know it.” Rena stared into the mug of coffee and drained it shortly after.
The ruckus of the cleaning and Ana's orders interrupted her train of thought.
“If it were possible, I would like to see my old friend. Perhaps another meeting with me would jog his memory.” Eisener set his mug near the forge and struggled to stand upright.
“S-Sir, you shouldn't...!”
“Don't tell an old man to not do what he can do.” He barked.
She shook her head in dismay.
“Papa, the shop is clean for now. Are we going to see Stolzer?” Ana peeked from the door leading to the kitchen, seeming hopeful.
“Aye, get your things. Clean yourself, you look like you rolled out from behind the forge!”
“Yes, papa.” The door shut behind her.
Rena and Gelehrter exchanged glances. They attempted to take the hammer from Eisener, but the man refused countless times. His right arm seemed to protest when he moved the tool, but he managed to leave the forge unaided.
The cold of autumn gently caressed them like a lover. Orange and red leaves retreated at their wake, each step crushing them.
The group headed for the Citadel far in the distance, Rena and Gelehrter acting as their escorts. The squire trailed behind them slightly, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword.
“I see you are still afraid of the night.” Eisener commented.
“Its been years, but I haven't been able to shake this feeling.” He sighed, a cloud being released into the air. “I suppose I will never get over it.”
Shadows extended far past buildings in the lull of twilight. The denizens retired to their homes, though few still ventured into the calm air. As the group passed them, they waved and attempted to speak to Rena or Gelehrter.
Steps surrounded the Citadel from all sides. The tower rose high into the heavens, no amount of wind could cause the structure to topple. Knights and other personnel exited or entered the building at all hours. No one dared to attack them close to their headquarters, as the invisible guardians stationed on the walls stood as their sentinels. Occasionally a crack would be heard and people would turn to the source. They would stand in silence, but continue with their duties.
“This place always seems to make my skin crawl.” Eisener muttered. When they approached, Rena nodded to the guardsman who allowed them to pass. Inside of the Citadel, the ceiling rose high into the heavens, but was concealed until one attempted to look up. Though night was approaching, the palatial chamber bustling with activity. Knights, their wards, magicians and other personnel moved through the area to perform their tasks. The emblem of Sanctuary, the fleur-de-lis, was emblazoned on all uniforms, save for the apprentices.
They headed for a lift and activated it with a press of a button. The lift took them to the Medical Wing with a code from Rena. As the doors opened, the Medical Wing was revealed to them. The beds aligned against the wall were rarely occupied in times of peace, though one man lived there for years. His place gravitated all over, depending on the time of year, but he remained near the center. Within arms reach was a bookshelf, the tomes leaving the shelf to be replaced by others. The man with dark hair and eyes seemed to be only interested in absorbing information, his sword and uniform remaining in the same location they had been placed in years ago.
His head perked up when he heard the door to the lift open. He smiled at them, but took no time to leave his bed to greet them.
“Making an old man come to you, is that it?” Eisener growled, leaning on Ana as he made his way over. The master smith helped himself onto a bed next to him.
“Aye, I'm afraid I can't leave the Medical Wing any longer. The answers I give aren't satisfactory I suppose.” Stolzer shrugged, marking his place in the book with a loose sheet of paper.
“Your legs still work, don't they?” Ana remarked.
“They stopped working.” Stolzer shook his head in response, removing the covers. His legs were bandaged heavily, the smell of rotting flesh meeting them. They all gagged nearly in unison.
“...How on Sanctuary did this happen to you?” Rena pulled the covers over him and stared at him inquisitively.
“I don't know, I've been doing some research though. Ovelia allows me do that at least.” The former Justicar lowered his head and hugged himself. “Its been quite tough, but I'm managing.”
“Do you have any good reads on smithing, old boy?” Eisener brushed off the subject of his legs.
“You know smiths never write down anything.”
“Aye, we used to. Back when Ernald was Sanguine Overlord, everything was archived.” Eisener motioned for Ana, who lit his pipe with a match.
Gelehrter blinked in surprise, eyeing Eisener with newfound curiosity. “Ernald, the first Sanguine Overlord? I've read much about him, but I would never dream of meeting someone who knew him!”
“What, you never told him?” Stolzer shrugged nonchalantly at the question from his friend. “Aye, I knew Ernald. If you were anyone, you knew him. The man was a legend at making people angry! He would fuss all the time about us writing down our trade secrets, never mind how long it took us to discover new ways to burn fuel more effectively and ways to bend steel under our hammer like it was rubber!” The master smith puffed on his pipe, weaving magic into the rings of smoke he blew. Images of the fabled Ernald took shape, the authoritative air of a man who wanted to collect all knowledge for the future. “Aye, our techniques were kin to gold in his eyes. We, who taught our secrets only to our apprentices, to those who were strong enough for smith's work, were what he was after. Imagine that!”
Rena rolled her eyes.
A pair approached them, the tension growing. Ovelia stood some distance away, but a young girl now stood in their midst. Her bright sapphire gaze tore through the master smith and he stared back, undaunted. To them she seemed alien, the strangeness of her presence caused them to shrink naturally, save for Eisener. Instead of a dress or gown befitting a noble girl, she was garbed in a similar to a page: a tunic, pants and boots.
“You...knew Ernald?” She waited patiently for an answer. Eisener almost appeared taken aback, but he nodded. “...Then, do you know me...too?”
“Of course I do, lass. You are the daught--”
“I am adopted.”
“I didn't mean any offense, I was--”
“Tell me more about Ernald.” She demanded. The girl was no younger than twelve years, her body developing almost ahead of most children her age.
“Arden, that is enough. If you want to speak to him later, I will allow it. I must have a word with Stolzer.” Ovelia stepped in and more followed her. Several other Justicar, doctors, and other healers now surrounded Stolzer. The bandages were removed after an incantation was cast, the infestation and rotting flesh appearing to be frozen.
Eisener gripped the handle to his hammer uneasily. He shook his head and turned away.
“Have you had any dreams, Stolzer?” A Justicar asked.
“You asking for newer dreams?”
“Yes, I am sorry.”
“Its quite alright. Nothing new to report, I'm afraid. I've been writing them down, at least...from what I can remember.” Stolzer motioned to the desk nearby and they opened it. The Justicar peered at the contents of the book and turned to him. He nodded and they placed it into their satchel.
“You...also wrote me a letter asking for Arden, is that right?” Ovelia took her place closest to Stolzer, Arden standing next to her.
“Yes, I wanted to know if she could feel another presence.” He then turned to his friends, who already were beginning to leave. “If you could...I would like it if you waited outside while this investigation is going on. I'd like you to stay the night, if its...”
“Its alright. Just wait outside.” Ovelia nodded to them and they were gone moments later. The few who remained in the room were the Justicars, the doctors and the healers.
“Arden, can you sense any other presence with me?” The former Justicar's question seemed to be beneath the young girl, who crossed her arms.
“There is. He is fading, but he is there.”
“Call to him. His name is--”
“Alphonse. Alphonse, are you there?” Arden's call was answered shortly afterward, the pages to a nearby book opening. An inkwell and pen were placed nearby. Furiously the pen scribbled through the book, the writing neat and concise.
After what seemed like hours, the pen stopped. On the final page, words were scrawled almost in desperation: Death Wish. Wrath of the Ancients.
“He is gone now. He...told me that you were being used to anchor him here and he is terribly sorry for taking so much of your body.” Arden beamed, sitting on the bed nearest to him.
“See, I wasn't lying.” Stolzer crossed his arms in victory, smirking. His body appeared weaker, though he put on a good front.
“I... Thank you, sweetheart.” Ovelia hugged Arden tightly, who struggled to escape.
“I believe...this is...for you.” He closed the book and held it aloft for her to take from him. His hands were bony and frail. The fingers, though once strong and able, now were skinny and otherwise shaking. His breathing seemed to fail him, the doctors and the healers rushing to him. As Ovelia received the book from him, he collapsed. In seconds he was reduced to dust, the windows bursting open. The wind howled and carried him away.
Gelehrter and the others scampered into the Medical Wing once again. They witnessed Stolzer being swept to the great beyond, standing frozen in place in awe and sorrow. No words were spoken then, as the man and Justicar ascended to the heavens above. Instead, they lowered their heads in solemn prayer.