84Welcome loyal readers to the final chapter of Ivory Towers and Dark Courts. It has been a long journey, and honestly, I am surprised that I have made it. I have frequently classified and referred to myself as a lazy writer. And while there is some truth in that, I have also just completed a story of over 200,000 words. So that is something to celebrate. It has been a long journey to reach this point, and while this particular story is finished, the series still has a long way to go.
I'd like to thank every single one of you who has reviewed this story, your feedback has been very helpful and encouraging. Those of you who have favorited and followed the story, thank you for your interest in the story and to those who have taken the time to read my story in its entirety. With that said, I welcome you all to the epilogue.
-Ebner Plains 1583 A.G.-
The day was cold, and the wind cut through the soldiers like a knife even as it snapped at the banner they carried with pride. The green dragon of the Thunder Guard proudly flew over their heads as they kept a careful watch over the prince. Leo smiled to himself as he knelt upon the ground and continued his work on the final rune. In the last few months Gareth's platoon had swelled, nearly doubling its original size as he seemed to collect the castoffs of other units. Yet in spite of his decreased standing with the military command, Leo found the Thunder Guard to be a very effective unit. Gareth had spent a great deal of time and effort in training these soldiers, and it showed.
As he focused on the complex rune scheme he had been working on for the last several days he suddenly halted at the sound of a horse rapidly approaching. Rising to his feet he groaned as his muscles protested and screamed from their forced stillness.
"Ready weapons!" The guard's leader shouted out. Immediately weapons were drawn and shields made ready as the horse drew closer. Within a minute the horse and its rider were clear to see. "At ease men, looks like Dastan has a message from Lieutenant Gareth."
Leo's attention was grabbed by this as the horse began to slow its approach. Indeed, upon the saddle of the brown horse was Dastan. The man did not look much different than usual, save for the travel dust staining his body, his swords and armor were slightly askew, and the utterly hateful glare he sent his horse. Finally pulling to a halt the mercenary abandoned his mount with a speed and agility that was surprising, with his feet on solid ground he seemed to regain his usual countenance as he adjusted his armor and checked his weapons.
"Ah Dastan, I see you survived another journey on horseback, and here I thought that this might be the end of you." The guardsman jested.
Dastan shot another hateful glare at the all-too happy horse before turning his attention towards the head of the guard. "Not all of us are natural horsemen Silas. Some of us have to deal with temperamental beasts like Jasper here, who derives far too much pleasure in his efforts to kill me. And yes, I survived despite this beast's best efforts." At this the horse practically preened, causing the soldiers to chuckle lightly.
"Old Jasper temperamental? Why he's one of the more mild horses I've seen in my time. I thought you were part of a traveling festival, I'd have thought that you would be used to animals by now." Silas retorted his tone filled with mirth as he teased his friend.
Shooting an unamused look at his friend, Dastan replied. "I was an acrobat, not the animal tamer. Besides we worked with mostly predators like lions and bears who'd gladly eat pests like Jasper." The horse snorted and somehow seemed to give Dastan a dirty look.
Looking askance at the horse Dastan grabbed a parcel of papers from one of the saddlebags. "Still, I highly doubt that this horse is mild in any form. And yet, despite his best efforts I am here with the message. Prince Leo, Lieutenant Stroud reports that he'll have the storm ready by on the twenty third."
Leo accepted the letters, a smile crossing his face when he noticed Flora's own distinctive writing. He cast aside those thoughts and concentrated on Dastan's words. "The twenty third you say, that gives me another three days to make sure everything is perfect for the ritual. I'd better get back to work."
"Before you do that my prince, why not take a break for lunch, you have been working for hours without stop." Silas offered.
Leo was about to refuse when he felt his legs begin to spasm at the mere thought of returning to his previous crouched position. "A wise suggestion Silas." Stifling a grimace that threatened to break out across his face, Leo began to walk stiffly back towards camp, with the guard falling into place around him.
"Prince Leo, how confident are you that your plan will overcome Hoshido's curse?" Dastan asked.
"I've given this a lot of thought, and while this is a highly intricate and complex ritual, I am confident that if everything goes right, then not only will this succeed, but it might end up putting an end to Hoshido's curse entirely in time."
"And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"
Leo smiled, "Wards."
-Eldritch Gate Three Days Later-
The Eldritch Gate was an unusual location. It was once the site of a magnificent temple dedicated to the great Creator, but was now a pile of ruins due to the actions of the First Dragons. The only bit of the original temple that still stood was a door. It stood over thirty feet tall, made of solid white stone that rested in a frame of onyx, strange symbols decorated both the door, and its frame. Many scholars had attempted to understand the mystery of the door, but no one had made any progress.
The site was occasionally used as an outpost for the Wyvern riders, as Camilla had her wing stationed up here not half a year ago. Yet despite its ideal location for a military outpost, the place remained empty and desolate. Animals kept far away from this place as a feeling of foreboding was present that made the skin crawl. Few remained here long despite the protection that it offered. Once an escaped prisoner had spent an entire month up here hiding out before they fled and turned themselves in, half mad with fright.
Yet in spite of all that, Gareth found himself here willingly along with Camilla, her flight, and even Flora, who had not particularly enjoyed the flight, as evidenced by her grumbling. The reason for their presence was the enormous dragon vein located at the Gate. The fount of power beat against his ears like a drum, the glow of the vein visible even to the normal eye.
Camilla came up from behind and grabbed his hand, pulling his attention away and back towards her. "Are you ready for this?"
Gareth smiled at his love. "With you at my side, how can I not be?"
Camilla squeezed his hand tight with a warm smile of her own. "Charmer."
"So, if this works how about we celebrate? After all we could be ending the famine today."
"Hmm, sounds like we should be doing something special then. I can think of a couple of things." Camilla offered with a wink before she walked towards the vein with a bit of sway in her hips.
Gareth smiled and followed her into the vein. With luck, Nohr's famine would be over. Entering the vein Gareth was treated to the full force of the accumulated power of the dragons. Light erupted from the vein the two entered, causing the Eldritch Gate to shine like a star, the strange symbols glowing gold with the reflected light. Gareth plunged Caelus into the stone before reaching out for Camilla's hands. The two shared an encouraging smile before they reached for the power.
The world faded away as they reached deep into the vein for the root of the power that they needed. When they arrived, they found themselves standing in the courtyard of a glorious temple. Gilded doors with foreign symbols lined the walls, yet only the door that led outside the temple remained open. Exiting the temple they could see the beautiful white stone adorned with silver, bronze and even gold that rose high above their heads. The temple was beyond beautiful, with carved images of winged beings, stars, and ancient myths that were long forgotten. Yet there was silence. There was not a living thing present aside from themselves. There was no wind, no shifting rocks, or even the sound of a distant babbling brook. And yet there was the feeling of being watched and judged.
They looked around and saw nothing but the temple and the valley below. As they turned back to the temple, they noticed that a door to the inner parts of the temple was now open. Sharing a glance Gareth and Camilla steeled their courage and stepped forth. Inside the temple were silver stands upon which burned fires that lit their way. The firelight reflected upon the white stone making the halls bright as day. Further carvings and images decorated these walls more intricate and beautiful than any they had ever seen. Still the silence of this place reigned.
They walked through the temple until they came upon what could only be a throne room. A white throne with gold inlays stood at the end of the hall before a large door that mirrored precisely what they had seen of the Eldritch Gate. The silence was heaviest here, the feeling of being watched was so intense that they found their hands straying to their weapons.
Then finally a sound. A low grating sound echoed throughout the throne room. Hearts racing, they drew their weapons and turned to face a wall. There was nothing there, not a person, not a creature, nothing but some lines in the stone. But as they were about to turn away, they saw something that sent a rush of fear through their veins. Words began to appear in the stone, carved there by what might have been an invisible hand.
On sacred ground you stand. You come for power you do not comprehend. Yet your cause and intent are just, I see your hearts, I know who you are. Oh, child of secrets, bringer of storms, the mighty Lightning Drake, the path you've set for yourself will challenge you beyond what you can imagine. The refining fires will consume you, and should you forget who you stand for and what you fight for, you will become naught but ash.
Gareth felt a shiver run down his spine at these words. He had dealt with Boreaus, Gethin, and even Halriar, but there was something about this being that commanded more respect, and more fear than anything he had ever encountered before. The words that were written worried him, his life was not easy, but the words had an ominous feeling. Whatever he had experienced there was a feeling that worse was still to come. Camilla reached out and grabbed his hand pulling him from his thoughts. He smiled gratefully, with her at his side he knew that they could conquer any challenge.
Daughter of darkness, in the days to come the fate of your people, your kingdom, and your loved ones will rest in your hands. Take comfort in one another now, for the days ahead are perilous indeed.
Camilla frowned at the being's words and gripped Gareth's hand tighter. She would not let anyone take away what was hers. She would fight any that dared to stand against them. Gareth tightened his grip as well, and as Camilla turned to him, she noted the resolve in his eyes. Whatever came their way they would face it together.
I have watched your people suffer, I have heard their cries, and have seen their sacrifice. I will aid you in this endeavor. Step forth and accept my power.
A glowing sphere appeared before them, they shared one final look before approaching the sphere. "For Nohr." They said before reaching out. Power filled the two, more than they had ever felt, it scorched their bones and froze their veins, the power whirled and crashed against their souls, and yet it shone brighter than the sun. In an instant they found themselves back on the mountainside and looking down on the kingdom below. Noise and the sounds of the world returned bringing a bit of relief to the two. Desperately clasping hands, they poured out the power shaping and molding it into what they needed. Above them grew an enormous thundercloud. It started small but grew larger and larger, the grey cloud grew darker and darker soon becoming black as night until it blotted out the sun throwing the world into shadow, illuminated only by the flashes of lightning that danced among the clouds. As the minutes became hours the wind picked up and began to howl about the mountain as lightning flashed and thunder rattled their very bones. The wyverns huddled low to the ground, not daring to let their wings open for fear of being swept away. With one final effort Gareth and Camilla guided the storm towards the plains, before collapsing to the ground, sweat drenching their bodies as their chests heaved, greedily pulling lungfuls of air as they gasped for breath.
Seeing their employers collapsed, Flora and Beruka darted to forward to help the two. Reaching them they noticed that the earth they had been standing on, rather than scorched by lightning, was full of fresh green grass Caelus's blade sparking amongst the grass, much like the massive storm that raged overhead. Helping their lieges to their feet, Flora found herself stifling a smile as she noticed that two's joined hands. They began to lead the two nobles back to the wyverns when something astonishing happened. The Eldritch Gate opened.
Two figures emerged, one tall and the other as short as Beruka. The large figure was dressed in eye popping yellow and red while the shorter was dressed in a luxurious blue robe with silver designs embedded across the hem. Gareth and Camilla struggled to right themselves as they looked upon these people. Seeing the newcomers the wyverns and their soldiers began to stir and arm themselves. Amidst all this the taller figure stepped forth like a grand showman and gave a large bow, just as the gate shut itself once more.
"Greetings, I am Odin the Dark, and this is my lovely bride, Frija the Bright. We have come to help the people of this land in the war against the most vile and powerful of foes. By my eldritch powers I swear that I will bring a most gruesome end to the foul hellspawn that dares to threaten this land, upon the blood that flows through my veins I so swear."
Frija seemed to sigh wearily before joining her husband and giving him a swift elbow to his ribs, causing the man to wince and clutch his ribs edging away from his wife. "I apologize for my husband's … exuberance, but we are here to help this I swear."
Gareth and Camilla exchanged glances. The princess sighed in defeat. "I guess we'll have to postpone those celebrations."
Gareth sadly nodded, before raising Camilla's hand to his lips and giving it a kiss, a promise shining in his eyes as they prepared to tackle this new challenge.
-Ebner Plains-
Leo watched as the black roiling mass of clouds drew ever nearer, they had been steadily approaching for the past hour, but now they were here. Though his heart beat faster than it ever had before, he was ready. This was his moment. He would save Nohr. His dreams would come true. Grasping Brynhildr, Leo poured his magic into the master rune scheme. Bright purple light flared from the runes shining like a beacon in the desolate plains. Around the edges of the plains, rune schemes that he and other trusted mages had created around the once fertile plain flared to life in response to Leo's actions with the master rune. Hundreds of intricate beacons of magic lit up the darkening plain. He poured all his will, all his magic into the runes. Steadily the runes along the plains began to respond, the ward schemes began to rise and take form. It would work.
A bolt of lightning struck not a hundred feet away ended that thought all too quickly. He raised he eyes to the storm and he realized that Gareth and Camilla had overdone it. The lightning flashed about the clouds angrily and ominously, all too soon it would unleash its fury, and the wards were not yet ready. Desperately he reached and poured everything he had into the master rune, and the wards did rise faster but it was not enough. Five bolts fell in rapid succession across the plains causing the earth to tremble from the might of the heavens. In desperation he reached for Brynhildr, the tome was more than knowledge, it held a power all its own. He needed its power now, he needed it if the plains were to survive and not burn, if they turned to ash, Nohr would never recover.
Bolts of lightning fell across the plains the earth trembled beneath their wrath. Leo felt his heart crumble, Nohr's future would burn, he could see it, the fires starting to lick the dry and barren earth. No, he refused to let that happen. He reached for the might of Brynhildr and took hold of its ancient power. Magic flooded his body as he added it's might to his own. The glowing wards that had risen suddenly snapped into position. A massive dome surrounded Ebner plains, the wards glowing a brilliant gold as they began to harmonize.
As the sky roared its fury with massive bolts of lightning striking the wards, the runes began to react accordingly. The wards captured nature's wrath and channeled it according to Leo's design. On the glowing ward walls, a complex script began to write itself. Words of power to protect from Hoshido's curse appeared. Leo's attention was firmly on the master rune, the stress of the storm was greater than he had expected, but he refused to let his wards fall. Rain fell and the wind howled, soaking and chilling him, yet he felt nothing. Finally, the last word was written. The wards were set, the plains were safe from the curse.
Sighing, Leo collapsed to his knees, exhaustion striking like a hammer. He wearily raised his eyes as he saw the wards begin to fade from view, the magic sinking into the earth and fulfilling its purpose. The rain fell in sheets quenching what fire had begun to spread. Buffeted by the wind Leo shivered as the cold rain dripped down his drenched body. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed as the storm brought the needed nourishment to the plains. The rain paused; Leo looked up to see Lord Ebner standing there with a cloak blocking the rain. The weary tanned Lord he had met those months ago looked more jubilant than any person Leo had ever seen, a smile as large and as bright as the sun crossed the man's face as he helped Leo to his feet. "You've done it lad! You've really done it! Haha Ebner Plains will live again."
Walking weakly back to camp with Lord Ebner helping him along, Leo let the pride he felt warm him. Nohr would live. As he drifted off to sleep that night, he let that thought carry him into his dreams.
-Krakenburg Castle Two Weeks Later-
"It's not enough." Lord Bernard declared, his voice weary and troubled.
"Sadly, I must agree." A clearly pregnant Lady Morgan declared, her pleasant features twisted in concern.
Leo bristled at what he was hearing. "My ritual was a success. Ebner Plains is shielded from Hoshido's curse, the land there will recover and be producing food soon. I even devised a way for my wards to weaken and eventually break Hoshido's barrier. Within a decade Hoshido's greatest defense will fall and their land will be open to invasion."
Lady Morgan gave Leo a bitter smile that rang hollow. "Your ritual is unprecedented and would save Nohr in time, but the kingdom simply does not have that time."
"We put all our hopes on you Prince Leo," Iago began, a sneer on his face. "Yet it seems that we were wrong to place such a heavy burden on your young shoulders."
"And you think Eleanor could have done better?!" Leo challenged, glaring at the greasy haired advisor, cutting to the heart of the matter.
Several of the nobles and advisors in attendance shifted nervously at the prince's challenge, yet more met Leo's gaze with judgment clear in their eyes. "I think the answer to that question is obvious Prince Leo." Lady Verus decreed. "While you may be a talented mage, your sister has magic in her very blood. She would not have failed her people."
Leo's hands clenched as he shot the lady a venomous glare. "I have not failed my people. Brynhildr chose me."
"And it clearly chose wrong." The lady replied. "That it would think a bastard child like you could compare with the Queen's own daughter is a mystery."
"Enough." Garon ordered, forestalling any retribution that Leo might have dealt. "Lady Verus, regardless of my standing with Leo's late mother, he is still my son, and I will not tolerate slurs against him. I expect you to mind your tongue." The threat in his voice stilled many of the old nobility. With the public execution of the Darrows not even a month old, the old nobility were being very cautious in their dealings with the King.
Leo smiled gratefully at father's defense, yet when he saw the disappointment in father's gaze he felt the blow like an arrow to the heart. "Unfortunately, son, while your efforts are worthy of respect and renown, they are three years too late. At our current rate Nohr would last another three years before the kingdom begins to collapse. Our coffers are running dry, the Mataran lands will take another few years before they can begin to contribute meaningfully to our food supply, and the Ice Tribe is already doing all that they can. We need an immediate influx of food, not a solution that will take years. If we do not do something soon then we will lose hundreds of thousands of our citizens to Hoshido's curse. We need a course of action that at the very least will allow us to survive for Leo's actions to take effect."
"Give Brynhildr to Eleanor." Lord Cartwright called.
"Hear, hear." Lady Ellores agreed along with many others of the nobility. Their lack of faith in him and his abilities was insulting and undeserved, but one that clearly many shared. The people needed a miracle, and he had done everything he could, taking wards further than any has ever attempted, but it wasn't enough.
"Brynhildr has made its choice. The tome will not suffer any who attempt to remove it from its chosen." Garon stated, ending that line of thought. "Until the book deems him unworthy, he passes it onto a successor, or his death, Brynildr is his." The king's words stilled the grumbling, but more than a few of the nobles shot some considering looks at the prince. "We need another option. Lady Morgan is there any way that we can speed up the restoration of Ebner Plains?"
"Removing the poison from the earth is quite labor intensive." Morgan explained, her hands resting on her large belly. "Eleanor's goliaths are a blessing in this endeavor, but even so the process will not be sped up much more. We are already doing what we can, but unless we learn what the Hoshidans used when they poisoned our fields then we are stuck at the rate we're going."
This news did not go over well as the assembled Lords and Ladies began to mutter amongst themselves. Worry was in the air, yet there was one who seemed all too calm.
"My King," began Iago, "I have given this matter a great deal of thought should Prince Leo fail to save our kingdom. We need another source of food if our people are to survive long enough, we need to conquer a land that can provide what we need. Matara shows promise, but it will be years before it can contribute in the way that we so desperately need. I recommend that we invade Silvanus."
A voice scoffed from a corner in the room. The assembled Lords and Ladies turned to see Gunter rising to his feet. The old battle-scarred knight sending the advisor a challenging glare. "You think it wise to attack the tribes of the Black Woods? Do you even know a single thing about the warrior tribes that infest those woods? If we go to war it will not be a simple and quick endeavor, a war with the tribes can last for years."
Iago turned his gaze to the scarred knight and sneered at the man. "I see that your courage is failing you in your old age Gunter." He turned his attention to the King. "My liege, our choices are few and our need is great. The forests of Silvanus are full of wild game, their land is untouched by Hoshido's curse, and they are divided amongst themselves. Unlike the Ice Tribe, or the Matarans, these people are not united. There is no one who commands their loyalty, they have no king or great chief, they are vulnerable."
Gunter shook his head. "These people may not be united, but I guarantee that if we invade that will quickly change. The people of the Black Woods are proud and do not suffer intruders onto their land. Any force we send will meet stiff opposition, and if they are not prepared, they will be eradicated. Need I remind you of the last time we attempted to invade Silvanus?"
Iago waved the thought away. "I am well aware of what happened, this time things will be different."
Gunter narrowed his eyes at the advisor. "Why?"
"I am aware of the casualties that we will face, particularly in the opening months of this campaign. We will lose entire companies I have no doubt, but we will learn and adapt. Our first troops will be a necessary loss, but their sacrifice will pave the way for Nohr's salvation."
"Do you truly think the military will be willing to toss away soldiers like this?" Gunter challenged his voice quiet with a growing fury.
Iago smiled. "They will if the troops are an embarrassment, I propose that we send your own protégée to the front."
"You'd sacrifice Gareth in this mad plan?!" Gunter asked, his voice low and dangerous.
"Why I suspect that he'll jump at the chance. An assignment such as this can win much glory for a soldier, particularly one of his age and experience." The assembled nobility shifted, clearly not too eager to allow Gareth a chance to restore his reputation within the military ranks. Yet if the campaign was truly as dangerous as it sounded, then this might be a perfect opportunity to get rid of the murderer once and for all.
Gunter glared at the slimy advisor. The blasted serpent's words seemed to be swaying the council towards his plan, and a quick glance at the King showed signs that he too was coming around to the idea. He knew what would happen, for all his intellect and ability, Iago was only a decent general, he lacked the flexibility needed to adapt to changing circumstances. If he was put in charge of this campaign, Gunter had no doubt that Gareth would not survive the war. Iago would see that the boy would meet his end, either out of spite, greed or just plain incompetence. He could not allow that to happen.
"If this is the course you would take King Garon, then I shall – offer my services. I will not send our men off to war under an incompetent general." Gunter declared with no small distaste in his words.
Garon turned his attention to the aged knight, surprise visible in his eyes before his stern and kingly visage banished the flicker of emotion. "I accept your service Lord Gunter, and I appoint you to lead the Silvanus conquest as General. You have the authority to take what troops and supplies you will need to conquer the Black Woods. Make your forces ready, you have three months."
Gunter nodded once before sweeping out of the room collecting Iago as he passed. When spring arrived, Nohr would march once more unto war.
-Dusk's Shield-
Eleanor watched from her tower as Jacob crossed the courtyard. His shoulders were hunched and he hurried quickly across the stones trying to escape the glares and taunts of the soldiers. From the moment she had returned to her old home, the soldiers and staff of the mighty fortress had made their opinion of Jacob well known. Within that first week, there had been an attempt on the boy's life. Had she not had her magical creatures watching him, then Jacob would have surely perished. From that point on, she had made it clear to everyone that Jacob was under her protection, with promises of vengeance upon any that harmed him.
While Jacob struggled to adjust to his new station in life as a servant and the last surviving member of the treacherous Darrows, her other charges had been well received by the staff. Einon was taking to his lessons quite well, the boy absorbing the tricks and methods Eleanor had to teach him. He was currently learning some knife work from some of the soldiers down in the training field. He was coming along nicely, Eleanor suspected that he'd be ready within two or so years. With some more training she was confident that Einon would become a great spy, perhaps even a spymaster if he showed some leadership skills.
Seren meanwhile, was the darling of the staff. Her excitement and cheer lifted the spirits and brought smiles to the faces of the servants. The child was charming in her manners, such as they were, and had proven that she had a great thirst for knowledge. In the weeks since she had brought the siblings into her service, Eleanor and George had taken the effort to teach the children their letters. It had scarcely been a month since they had entered her care, they were making great strides in their education. Seren was particularly eager when Eleanor explained all the different types of magic that one could learn by reading.
Eleanor sighed as she saw Jacob trip over a stone and fall to his knees, dropping the rolls of parchment he was carrying. Bridgette, Eleanor's old steward was quick to spot the incident, and she swooped in like a hawk and began to upbraid the boy for his error. Jacob had a long way to go if he was to make it as a servant.
Turning away Eleanor returned her attention to her own room. Seren was working through a new spell with George walking her through the stages. On her own table, with its black binding, the magnificent green tree adorning the cover with small opal stars dotting its face was the tome that she was creating. There, written in her own hand, were the rituals, words, and runes needed for force magic, a powerful, but obscure branch of magic that Eleanor was confident would be quite useful should she master it.
The research and understanding of this particular brand of magic was difficult, but paled in comparison to what she was attempting. She cast spell after spell, to carve the echo of the magic into the tome. Each time the spell was cast more progress was made, but it was incredibly slow going. She had been working on this particular spell for over two weeks and she was not even a quarter way through the process. She was about to get back to the matter when the door opened admitting a brown-haired servant girl about Eleanor's age, she had deep brown eyes, and she wore a long-sleeved brown dress with a high collar, in her hands was a tray full of food and tea.
"Pardon the intrusion Princess, but the cooks were thinking that you could do with some refreshments." The servant girl said as she hefted the tray careful to keep the tea from spilling.
"Ah just what we need, you can set the tray on whatever table you'd like." Eleanor replied some warmth and cheer working its way into her voice as she turned her attention back to the tome before her. It was exhausting, but it was worth it. In time, this tome of hers would rival even Brynhildr.
The servant approached carefully, the tray making little noises as she navigated Eleanor's messy room. She eventually found a relatively clear table near the princess, setting the tray down she arranged everything just so before turning to Eleanor.
"Is there anything else that you need princess?" The girl asked as she fiddled with something in her pocket.
Eleanor glanced up, hearing something in the girl's tone, before she dismissed it and turned her attention back to her own work. "No that will be all."
"Yes princess." The girl stated before dipping into a curtsy. As she rose, she took something from her pocket and lunged for Eleanor. Rusty reflexes kicked in and saved her life as Eleanor stumbled away from the attack, tripping on the hem of her robe she fell to the floor as the servant girl readied her knife for another attack. She had fallen, her magic was exhausted, she had no weapons, George was on the other side of the room, as the girl lunged once more with her knife in desperation Eleanor reached for the tome. Even partially written the runes and words contained power. As the knife drew close Eleanor cast her spell. A wall of invisible force formed in front of her shielding her from the knife. The knife struck the invisible shield and was halted barely an inch from Eleanor's flesh.
Heart pounding Eleanor watched with wide red eyes as the girl pressed on desperate to drive the knife into her heart. Her face was contorted in a vicious snarl, her eyes were full of hate as she desperately pushed on, straining against the shield. To Eleanor's horror she felt the shield slipping away, the magic was failing before her very eyes. The blade came closer and closer. Triumph was shining in the girl's eyes when a large green hand seized the servant girl and threw her across the room. She hit the stone wall with a heavy thump and a sharp crack before she fell to the floor and lay still.
With eyes wide with horror and panic Eleanor looked to see George angrily glaring at the body of the servant girl, his large fists clenching and unclenching. Seren was across the room frozen in place her eyes wide and her body trembling. Climbing to her feet Eleanor quickly attended to Seren. "Seren don't look at it. Okay look at me, no don't look at it. Now sweetie I need you to do me a favor, okay can you do that for me? Go out and find Commander Cadeyrn. Alright." Seren looked at her with wide glassy eyes, but she nonetheless nodded weakly.
With her apprentice out of the room Eleanor turned her attention back to George, he saved her. Had he not been here, she'd have died, of that she had no doubt. That thought ran through her mind as soldiers burst into her chambers, weapons drawn and ready. Cadeyrn stepped through the troops and upon seeing her he ordered his troops to remove the body.
As the troops picked up the body of the servant girl a single question ran through her mind. Why?
A week of investigations by the inquisitors had revealed no answers. "Princess, we have investigated the situation thoroughly." The fortress's inquisitor began. "The girl-"
"Milda."
"Princess?"
"Her name was Milda."
The inquisitor shuffled his feet nervously but nodded in agreement nonetheless. "Milda seems to have no contacts with any noble family. She was employed here when she was a young girl and has only met those nobles who have visited here, and even then, only in passing. I am confident that no noble family in Nohr have put the girl, I mean Milda up to her actions. We could find no extra gold coin or even any valuable objects within her possession that would link her to anyone of wealth attempting to buy her off."
"I assume you investigated the possibility of the Darrow branch family's putting Milda up to this?"
"Quite thoroughly your highness. We even put a considerable amount of effort into determining whether she was contacted by Hoshidan spies. Alas it seems that this was merely a crime of passion." The inquisitor declared.
Eleanor looked over the inquisitor. Though he had confirmed that Milda was not in the employ of anyone, the question of why remained unanswered. She frowned and was about to order a more thorough investigation when Einon caught her eye. She perceived by a mere hint of an expression that the boy had some additional information. "You are dismissed for now inquisitor, though be aware that I may have more work for you in the future."
"As you command your highness." The inquisitor declared with a bow.
Eleanor turned her attention to Einon once the man had left the room. "I take it that you have something to add to the inquisitor's report? After all you have been rather scarce these past few days."
The boy swallowed but nodded nonetheless. He took a breath and then he began. "I asked around about Milda, among her friends and colleagues. It is not a common occurrence for a servant to turn on their employer in such a way. I believe I know why she did it, but I warn you my lady that it is not a flattering tale."
"I need to know the truth Einon, what was it that pushed Milda to commit such an act. She had to know that such an act, even if successful, would lead to her death."
Einon nodded. "I suppose the whole matter began with a squire." He let those words hang in the air for a moment to gauge her expression. "Milda was being courted by Peter, a squire serving under Knight Armel. The two had been seeing one another for months when you and Silas snuck out of the fortress using their forms to do so."
"For a woman to be seen going out with a man unchaperoned, in such a bold manner as you did, well, they often earn a rather cruel and troublesome reputation."
"So, she blamed me for unjustly giving her the reputation of a tart, is that it?"
"That is but the beginning. You see, when you left as you did the castle went into a panic. The Commander dispatched the soldiers all across the land to search for you, and the Inquisitor took Milda and Peter into his care. It was quite obvious after all that they had some hand in your escape. I can only guess at what happened. The inquisitor was desperate. You had just disappeared under his watch, and he needed to know why and where. He was not gentle in his methods. Ever since that day Milda had taken to wearing long-sleeved dresses, no matter the weather, the inquisitor's questions and attentions had left cruel and horrid looking marks upon her body. Burns and brands littered her arms and her back. When you returned, she spent nearly an entire month recovering from her day in the inquisitor's care. Sadly, she was the fortunate one. Peter succumbed under the inquisitor's attentions, I'm told that when they hastily buried him, he did not even resemble himself."
"So, there it is." Eleanor whispered to herself. That day she had ruined two lives and ended another, all because of her selfishness. She had seen the inquisitors' handiwork firsthand, that a pair of innocents had suffered under their cruel care was almost too horrible for words. She well knew the threat that loomed over her protectors should they fail to keep her safe. Father's wrath was a swift and terrible thing, to this day she had never realized how far people would go to avoid it.
A pair of lovers were dead now. The male, killed a long time ago during her thoughtless excursion. The female dead at the hands of George barely a week ago. Both of their deaths lay at her feet. She ruined their lives. This was not a crime of passion, but rather a desperate and ill thought out attempt at justice that would never come.
She had resolved to be better, and no matter how painful this fact was, she refused to shy away from the truth. Her selfishness had killed two honest citizens of her own kingdom. She had resolved to be better, to be a person that mother would be proud of, but right now she could only despair at the unintended consequences of her actions. How many other lives had been ruined because of her? One? Two? A dozen? She had a great deal of power, and for so much of her life she had used it for her benefit rather than others. She looked out the window of her tower and hardened her resolve. She had failed, now she knew just how much of a failure she was. Her course through life had left a turbulent wake behind her.
"Thank you Einon. You've done well, I'm impressed with how you've improved." Eleanor spoke, her voice showing strength she did not feel. "Do not shy away from the truth. We need the truth to guide our thoughts and action, no matter how painful, or we risk stumbling along our path. I am proud of you for bringing me the truth that no one else thought to." She looked at him with a deep contemplative expression as he nodded before she turned away.
From the corner of her eye she watched as the boy gave a bow, before exiting the chamber. He was a coming along quickly. He seemed to be a natural. She turned away from her window and looked upon her room, the place had been tidied recently, a new rug brought in to replace the one that Milda's blood had stained beyond repair. Lives had been ruined by her actions, many of which had been done in the heat of the moment with little thought. As she turned towards her desk, she recalled that another life hanged in the balance. She looked through her letters for the one she wrote months ago, after a careful search she called for George.
"George have you seen a letter that I wrote to Felix?"
And we are done.
This story has taken over two years to finish. It has taught me a lot and in writing this I have found a greater confidence in my own abilities. This has been a long and at times trying journey, especially the training arc, that seemed to drag on forever when I was writing it, but it has also been very rewarding. I thank all those who have taken the time to review this story, I know that I am not the fastest writer, but I hope that you all have appreciated the quality that I bring to my work.
Now for some notes on what we saw here. Big things to note, we have Odin the Dark, and his short but feisty bride Frija the bright, free digital cookie to those who can figure out who she is. I've been wanting to bring them in for a while now, and they are finally here, alas they come in at the epilogue, oh darn.
Eleanor once again faces the consequences of her actions, negative they are which should surprise no one. She is in the process of creating her own spell book, but as the chapter explains the task in neither quick nor easy. Also it seems that she has misplaced an important letter, I wonder where it is, and what consequences it will have further down the line?
Overall this has been a great story, and I loved writing nearly every bit of it, particularly the big battle scene in the golem village, that was some of my best work I have to say. So what does the future hold for me? Well as I have now demonstrated that I can in fact write a full story, albeit part one, I will be concentrating my efforts into writing an original fantasy novel of my own. I am still thinking through it, but I do have the general plot down. What does that mean for this series? Well I will continue it, but I will not be devoting all my thoughts and energies to it. You can expect some one shots and so forth, but aside from that I cannot promise much more. Once again thank you for reading my story and joining me on this journey.