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Sieg and Marien Part 29

Kent's footfalls echoed loudly through the largely empty hall of the military administration complex within the royal palace. To his left, a row of ornate pillars provided a commanding view of the capital bay, and the four immense guardians statues that stood watch over the vast azure ocean beyond.

Behind Kent, his arms laden with a colossal stack of scrolls and other papers, trotted Ennile Garda. His dock guard's uniform had been replaced with a handsome black tunic with a long royal blue cape. At his hip swung Bruik's old sword.

Garda's pace slowed as he took a moment to stare at the Guardian statues. The sun was at high noon, turning the waters of the bay around the guardians into a sea of scorching gold. The mere sight of them, the titans about whom Garda had been told stories all his life, never failed to strike him.

Noting the pause in Garda's footsteps Kent turned, smiling a little as he noted Garda's fascination. He too remembered the first time he had visited the capital, and the awe the sights had inspired.

"Oi," Kent called out. "What kind of bodyguard spends his time sightseeing?"

Garda jumped a little, "Sorry Sir!" As he turned to rejoin Kent, a number of scrolls fell from his arms.

"Apologies general, I'll-"

"Relax." Kent said, clapping Garda on the shoulder as he helped him pick up the scrolls. "It's not a big deal. I was the same way when I first came to the Capital."

"Yes sir."

"But I'm surprised you still find those big hunks of rock so fascinating after three months." Kent said, pausing to enjoy the shocked looks that his remarks earned from two nearby administrative paiges.

"They're the founders of our nation! The core of who we are!" Garda protested, jogging to keep up with Kent as he resumed his course down the hall.

"They're also long dead and gone." Kent replied. "Tahl Chariot was another 'founder of our nation', and look at what her legacy spawned. Don't waste your time idolizing those that can't speak for themselves. In the end, it's up to us."

"Well... to tell the truth sir, I always kinda hoped that... maybe someday I could do something that earned me a statue."

"Overrated."

That was not the reply that Garda had expected from Kent."Sir?!"

"Without you the Goliath fleet would have sailed and Chariot's would have won. You put yourself and your whole family at colossal risk to do what was right, and won the day."

Garda felt a genuine flush of warmth at Kent's words. For months he had been grilled on his decision to stand against the Chariots, with more than a few suggesting that he should be punished, even banished for his actions. After all, he was the one who had encouraged his fellow dock guards to fight the Chariot's, a battle that sent half of the Goliath fleet to the bottom of Basikal Harbour. It hadn't earned him many friends on the island either.

"So," Kent concluded, "If they aren't willing to put up a statue for that, then I wouldn't worry about it."

"Yes, General."

"Seize the day my lad, don't waste your time on thinking of glories to come when the present itself is where happiness resides."

"Easy for a bloody general to say." Garda muttered beneath his breath, shifting the armload of scrolls.

"Speaking of, do you plan to ask that charming young man you were holding hands with the other day to join us on our journey back to Basikal?"

Immediately Garda's face turned beet red. "S-sir?"

"He seems like a lovely fellow, very handsome, and quite affectionate as well. We have plenty of room on the ship, perhaps you should ask him."

"I... I don't... General, I can explain..."

"There is no need."

Garda paused, "There... isn't?"

"Of course not. Nothing you did was forbidden by law." Kent smirked. "Nothing I saw anyways."

"Y-you aren't going to inform my parents?"

Kent paused, "You don't think they would be happy?"

Garda paused for a moment before looking down at his feet. "My mother... It seems like all she talks about are grandchildren."

"I see." Kent folded his hands behind his back. "No, I will not inform your parents, or anyone else for that matter. It's none of their business and none of mine."

"General, I..." Garda bowed his head. "Thank you."

"But if you do want to talk, my door is always open."

"Thank you General."

Kent smiled to himself at the relief in Garda's voice. "Now, speaking of doors..."

Kent and Garda arrived at a set of huge oaken doors, marked with the heraldry of the Basitin Tribunal of Justice and Canon. A pair of guards dressed in white armour and carrying ornate spears guarded the doors, their eyes following Kent as he approached.

The guards were deaf, their hearing taken from them as a part of their training to serve as guardians of the Tribunal. In the old days they would also have had their tongues removed as well, but the cruel and painful procedure had killed too many recruits. There were traditionalists that demanded the practice be reinstated of course, but for the moment at least, the silence of the guardians was merely a matter of law.

As Kent approached, one of the guards struck the floor with the elegantly carved metal butt of his spear. A loud, clear ring echoed through the halls.

With a crackling creak, the doors swung open, each door requiring three paiges to move. Beyond the doors was a vast, circular chamber of smooth white stone.

Despite himself, Kent felt a spark of nervousness in his heart as he stepped forward into the 'Crucible', the floor of the basitin High Court.

A vast collection of chairs ringed the upper gallery on the second level, staring down at the central floor. During disputes over the addition, amendment, or striking of laws, the gallery would be filled to the brim with scholars, historians, lawyers and judges from one corner of the Isles to the other. At the northern tip of the Gallery, on a platform isolated from the rest, was a chair of impressive size carved from stone, the seat of the king.

When the hearings had first started, the gallery had been packed with members of the military and government. They had all been eager to hear the truth of events of the so-called 'Chariot Rebellion'.

As he strode onto the central floor, Every footstep echoing through the cavernous space, Kent was thankful that today at least, the Gallery was empty of all but a few officers.

The central floor was dominated by a semicircular table, carved from a single gargantuan piece of wood. It had been carved by one of the first basitin Kings, the 'Lawbringer' Siegfried Adelhied. The tree from which it was carved had been brought down as part of the King's trials of ascension.

A large book was bound in chains in the center of the table. It was the original canon of the Basidian People, the codex of their laws. It was said that, if the choice ever had to be made whether to save the book, or to save the life of the king, the Codex would take priority.

The Codex had been penned by King Adelhied himself over the entire duration of his rule. According to legend, the King had refused to die, reaching the age of nearly eighty; but the moment he finished the codex his heart gave out. Only the ruling king was allowed to open the book so that new laws and amendments may be added to the pages.

At the far end of the table were five high backed wooden chairs, usually occupied by the high justices of the tribunal. Today, however, they were occupied by only a single high justice, and four members of the military, including the second in command to the Intelligence General.

"Welcome, General Silver." the high justice called out, a young female with pale grey fur and very short brown hair. Her eyes were milky white, and dozens of scars traced her body, making her appear almost as if she had been stitched together.

"Thank you, your honour." Kent replied, bowing low.

The justice stood from her chair, her voice echoing around the room. "We are here to bring to a close the hearing on the so-called 'Chariot Rebellion'. This council would like you, General, to answer a few outstanding questions regarding this incident. Please, sit."

Kent strode forward towards a small wooden seat, placed in the center of the room. The chair was very small and deliberately uncomfortable, meant to put those on trial, or being questioned, in a state of unease that would loosen their tongues. Many times in the past few months as he sat and answered seemingly unending questions, Kent had fantasized about tossing the cursed chair on a bonfire and watching it burn.

As Kent took his seat, suppressing a grimace, the high justice gestured around the table. "Gentlemen, ladies, please announce yourselves.

The female at the far right of the table stood and bowed. "Caroline Drauss, Chief Legal historian for the Tribunal."

"Just a note taker then, good. She won't be asking many questions."

The next basitin was one that Kent was quite familiar with, as he had attended every meeting of the inquiry since they began. He was a tall male with a stern face and narrow eyes peering out from beneath exceptionally thick dark taupe fur. His chair creaked beneath his massive muscular bulk as he got to his feet.

"Colonel Ein Valdt, chief adjutant to the Intelligence General. My respects, Lieutenant General."

The next was another male to the left of the chief justice.

"Lord Drakh Trip, Inspector General for the Southeast territories."

Kent had to resist the urge to frown and cross his arms. "In other words, trouble."

"Minister Maketh Alabaster." announced the female to the far left as she stood, graceful despite her obviously very advanced age. "Administrator and overseer of civilian affairs for the southeast regions, and appointed representative for my nephew, Master General Aster Alabaster."

"And very much on the Chariot's payroll." Kent grumbled to himself. "And a great admirer of their wine I'm told..."

"And I am chief justice Marceline Brandt." the high justice announced. "I am here to ensure that these proceedings are carried out with due respect, and that all that is said here is verified and authenticated as the truth. Be warned, any lies or mistruth spoken herein shall carry the punishment of banishment or death."

Settling down into her chair, the justice gestured for the others to sit.

"Before we begin, may I ask a question?" Kent called out.

"That is not standard procedure." Justice Brandt replied, raising an eyebrow.

"I ask for your indulgence, your honour, in light of the fact that this is the final session of this inquiry, and I have yet to receive an answer."

"Very well." Justice Brandt nodded, "You may proceed."

"I would like to inquire, one final time, about the investigation into the names Ariya and Ziel Guassreil. I have been requesting any and all information on them for months, and yet it would seem nothing has been found."

The most visible reaction came from Minister Alabaster, whose nose noticeably crinkled. Kent also noted that she and Lord Trip exchanged a rapid glance.

It was Colonel Valdt that responded first. "We have continued to investigate this purported family of the Chariot family butler, Jabarian Vidar."

"That 'butler' was Anton Riech." Kent replied, staring directly at Minister Alabaster as he spoke. "He was an assassin who operated for decades under the name Sliver. I spent years tracking him after he killed Vanessa Alabaster."

"And yet he was, apparently, living on Basikal for decades." Lord Trip observed.

"Indeed he was." Kent replied, making no effort to hide his anger. "But I was not in the habit of investigating the Chariot's household staff. When he did, eventually, reveal himself to be Sliver, I fought and killed him myself. Lost half my tail doing so."

"I do not doubt you, General. However, it would seem that any references to this individual, or his family, have either been misplaced, or erased."

As the Colonel spoke, Minister Alabaster shot a smug look back at Kent. Her smile immediately vanished as Colonel Valdt continued speaking.

"However, during our interviews we have learned that the Chariot family did, at one point, employ the services of an assassin who shared similar methods to the criminal known as Sliver. We have also confirmed that the Chariot Majordomo, Jabarian Vidar, did have a number of... inexplicable skills."

"Inconsequential." Minister Alabaster interrupted. "I have a butler who enjoys the art of sculpting, but that doesn't mean he is secretly General Alaric. Besides, my brother saw to it that Anton Riech was hunted down and destroyed more than twenty years ago."

"And yet the information on him is missing?" Kent mused. "Seems odd."

"Your honour, I believe that the General is trying to assuage guilt he feels from his failure to protect Vannessa Alabaster while serving as her bodyguard." Lord Trip added, his voice empty of emotion, but his eyes shooting daggers at Kent. "This line of questioning has no bearing on the events that took place on Basikal."

"Unless of course Sliver was, in fact, on Basikal."

"A claim for which we have your word and your word alone."

"Do you wish to call me a liar, Inspector General?"

Lord Trip's left eye twitched slightly. "No. But I do believe you are... Mistaken."

Kent leaned back in his chair as much as he was able, "So, it is your position that Jabarian was not Anton Riech. Furthermore, he did not have a family, his wife Ariya and daughter Ziel Guassreil, that were murdered out of retribution for some failed assignment?"

Again, Lord Trip and Minister Alabaster shared a short glance, a look noted both by Kent and by Colonel Valdt.

"Yes." Minister Alabaster replied after a moment. "That is our position."

Kent shrugged. "As you say then. Consider my inquiry dropped. Now, I would like to get back to Basikal as soon as possible, so please, ask your questions."

High Justice Brandt nodded. " Very well. Colonel Valdt, I believe you had the first question."

The Colonel nodded, "Indeed. General Silver, there appear to be some... discrepancies regarding your testimony on the involvement of Shani Chariot in the Chariot Rebellion."

"Oh?"

"There are those that claim that it was Shani Chariot, not her brother Lyon, who was the true mastermind behind the incident."

Kent nodded. "Mmmm, I have heard those rumours as well. No doubt they were started by those who wish to try and protect the legacy of the heir to the Chariot family. Lyon Chariot was well loved by his troops, it is no wonder they would wish to protect him."

The colonel's eyes narrowed. "And are you also aware that during our search of the wreckage of the Chariot family home, we have been unable to locate the remains of Shani Chariot?"

===

Kent blinked to shield his eyes as his blindfold was removed. He also felt a pair of hands working to undo the ropes around his wrists.

Kent's vision quickly adjusted, revealing Teela standing before him.

Teela bowed her head. "Welcome, Kent Silver, to the Hearth.

"By the King." Kent breathed as he gazed around taking in the sights and sounds of the Hearth's main chamber. The size of it, the beauty of it, the sheer alien nature of seeing dozens of nude Basitins gathering around him, it all left Kent speechless.

Beside Kent, Sara smiled at her husband's awe and wonder as a crowd of curious Basitins approached them.

"And welcome home sister." Teela continued, nodding at Sara.

Sara returned Teela's nod. "Thank you for allowing me to return. And congratulations on ascending to the role of High Priestess. May the spirits wisdom speak loud and true"

Kent bowed his head. "And thank you for granting me this honour, High Priestess."

"It seemed only fair, considering the lengths you have gone to to protect and supply us since the battle. Our children will be able to eat this season thanks to your generosity."

"It was your warriors who turned the tide and broke the enemy, it was the very least I could do."

With a heavy sigh, Teela looked around the cave. "True... but it came at a great cost. So many familiar voices are now silent, faces of friends and family gone forever. We will be... a long time repairing the damage."

"It was still the right thing to do," Sara replied softly, reaching out to touch Teela's arm.

"I know that!" Teela snapped, her tone startling Sara and drawing whispers from the crowd.

"Please, forgive me sister." Teela said after a moment, her face turning red. "The last few months have been... trying. I have not slept in... several days and I am-."

Sara stepped forwards and pulled Teela into a hug. "There is nothing to forgive." Sara said quietly, gently squeezing Teela. "I know that platitudes are... very cold comfort right now."

"Thank you sister." Teela sighed, resting her head against Sara's shoudler.

As Teela and Sara held one another, Kent took his time looking around the Hearth. He was struck immediately by the nervousness he could sense, like static running through the air. Though he felt no overt threat, Kent could see hands moving slowly towards concealed weapons, mothers and fathers shifting to place themselves between him and their children. The people of the Hearth were clearly very uncomfortable to once again have outsiders in their midst, though considering the number of laws that were being broken in full view of a Lieutenant General, Kent couldn't blame them.

"It is good that you have come home to us." Teela said as Sara released her. "Come, walk with me."

"How are your wounded fairing?" Sara asked as Teela led both her and Kent around the pool in the center of the cave.

"They have recovered well, we suffered no more losses. The last of them should be able to walk again within the week."

"Have you made a decision about whether you are going to abandon this Hearth of yours?" Kent asked as he peered down into the crystal clear water of the pool, repressing a shudder as he saw just how deep it went.

"Considering the events of the last year... It is obvious that this Hearth is less secure than we would prefer. However, I do not believe that our work here is done, nor do I believe that there is anything to be gained from retreat."

"It's a tough choice either way." Kent agreed as he watched with amusement as a trio of youngsters danced around one another, swinging crudely carved swords made of wood and padded leather.

"Yes... and though my people have put their faith in me, I must admit that I am rather... uncertain of what to do."

"If it helps, I understand that you have a number of ships you use to transport your people from Hearth to Hearth. I can easily make arrangements for those ships to be ignored when they come into port, at least until your people have had time to disembark."

Teela paused, "You would truly go that far?"

"It's not a problem. Since the burning of the Goliath fleet, and the discovery of Major Tenner's illegal activities, the dock guard is undergoing a major overhaul and personelle shuffle. Placing someone cooperative in the position of command would not be difficult."

"It is no small favour though, and it is appreciated."

"Ah yes, speaking of."

Kent reached under his cloak and withdrew an item wrapped in fine blue fabric.

"I think this belongs to you." he said, passing the object to Teela.

Slowly Teela unwrapped the fabric. Her eyes widened as the fabric peeled away to reveal the burned and soot stained remains of Alwyn's sword. The handle was somewhat warped, and the crossguard was badly bent, but the powerful blade had lost none of its strength.

"Spirits..." Teela whispered, gently running her fingers down the flat edge of the blade. "Alwyn..."

For a moment, Teela was certain that she felt Alwyn's arms around her again. Her breath caught as she tried to grasp at the sensation, but the feeling faded away.

"I'm afraid it is all we could find after the fire." Kent said, watching as Teela took hold of the sword's hilt. "And considering the number of people who died and were swept up in the flames..."

Rubbing at her eyes as tears began to form, Teela shook her head. "Alwyn is with the spirits now, what's left of her body is just a discarded shell. But this..." she held the sword tightly. "To her... this blade was a reminder, a warning, and a piece of her heart. it belongs to all of us here."

Teela bowed her head, as did several other nearby Hearth Members. "Thank you, General Silver, this means... more to me than I can express."

"Though our time was short, it was an honour to know her." Kent replied.

As Teela handed the sword handle to another Hearth member, she looked back at Kent. "Now... General, there is the other matter that we must discuss."

Kent's face darkened. "Yes... your guest. How is she fairing?"

"The infection has been purged and her wounds are healing."

Kent raised an eyebrow, "I sense a 'but' approaching."

Teela resumed walking towards the back of the cave. "But, she is refusing to eat. We managed to get some water and food down her throat, but we had to use sedatives to do it. Frankly, considering her... Condition, I do not want to have to keep forcing her."

"Oh for heaven's sake." Kent grumbled.

"As for her 'condition', have you told her yet?" Sara asked.

"Not yet. Considering the circumstances... I thought that perhaps you should be the one to speak to her." Teela said, turning to Kent.

"Me?"

"You knew her brother, and her family."

"And if she refuses to speak to me or to cooperate?"

"Then she will die."

Kent was silent.

After a long pause, Sara turned to her husband. "Kent?"

"Take me to her." Kent said at last. "Let's get this over with."

With a nod, Teela led Sara and Kent into one of the tunnels off of the main Hearth Chamber.

===

"It was a large house, and there were a great many bodies caught within it." Kent said at last, his answer echoing around the Crucible. "Perhaps she is simply among the unidentified dead."

Colonel Vadlt's eyes narrowed. "Yes... we had considered that. But it seems unwise to simply assume that one of the heirs to the Chariot family, one who is a consummate warrior, is dead."

"I agree." Minister Alabaster spoke up. "Goodness knows what kind of havoc even a single Chariot could wreak if they are left alive."

"With what power exactly?" Kent demanded. "Even if the wildest estimates of the surviving Chariot forces are accurate, they still wouldn't stand a chance against a single Company, let alone the Capital's defense forces."

"Your flippant attitude is offensive, General!" Lord Trip scolded. "You are merely trying to cover up for your failure in containing this threat! Even one dissident can spark the fires of rebellion."

"And yet it took a good portion of the entire Chariot family to attempt this rebellion." Kent replied. "A fact which, for reasons I can't fathom, escaped the notice of your office."

"Enough." Justice Brandt called out as Lord Trip leapt up from his chair and his hand went for his sword. Turning her sightless eyes back to Kent, Brandt spoke in a low voice that made her displeasure clear. "General Silver, you are here to answer questions, not lob accusations."

"My apologies, your honour." Kent replied. "As for Shani Chariot, I can assure you, she is dead. I watched her die myself."

===

Teela led Kent and Sara down a narrow, winding tunnel that dove deep into the earth. The passage was lit by only a few flickering candles that cast eerie shadows upon the damp stone.

The tunnel twisted and turned several times, before opening up into a small cave illuminated by a lantern hanging from the ceiling.

In the center of the cave knelt Shani. Her arms were bound in a straitjacket like garment, a piece of thick fabric stuffed into her mouth. Her ankles were tied together with twine, and there was a thick metal collar around her neck that was affixed to three of the walls with thick ropes.

Shani's ears twitched ever so slightly, but otherwise she made no sign that she even noticed her visitor's arrival. She just stared blankly at the floor.

"Is this kind of restraint really necessary?" Sara asked, noting that Shani wore no clothes other than the straitjacket.

"We tried allowing her more freedom, and the result was two of my people injured." Teela replied. "Even after we bound her, she attempted to claw at us with her feet, wounding another. We had to remove her clothing after she tried to strangle one of our guards with a rope crafted from torn strips of shirt. When we restrained her, she attempted to dash her own head against the wall, and then tried to bite off her tongue. Truly, doing this to her gives me no pleasure, but it is the only way to keep her alive."

"Leave me with her." Kent said, glaring down at Shani, his tail sweeping back and forth, his ears flat against his head.

Teela hesitated, "Are you... certain?"

"Yes."

"Kent..."

"Leave."

Teela and Sara looked at one another for a moment, before both retreating from the cave.

"So, you survived." Kent began as he stepped forwards, drawing his sword. "I shouldn't be surprised, cheating death was a specialty of you 'master'."

Shani offered no reply, but Kent' could feel her gaze following him as he paced back and forth in front of her. After a few moments he reached out and pulled the piece of cloth from her mouth.

"They tell me they have had to force you to eat, that must have been humiliating for you."

"Why do you care if I am eating or not?" Shani snarled, raising her head and glaring at Kent. "You want to make certain I get a few extra kicks in on the gallows? Or is it not considered sporting to behead a starving person?"

Shani's eyes narrowed as she glanced at Kent's sword. "Or maybe you have more of a private execution in mind. So what's it to be? Drown me in the pool? Gut me with that sword?"

Without a word, Kent stepped forward, raising his blade. Shani squeezed her eyes shut, a tiny wimper escaping her lips.

With two powerful swings, Kent slashed the ropes holding her collar to the cave wall. Shani's eyes flew open as Kent stepped around behind her and slashed the bindings on the straight jacket, and then the bindings on her ankles.

"Wh-what are you-"

"Your brother asked me to save your life, so you could have a chance." Kent said, stepping back as Shani shook off ropes. "I'm letting you decide what to do with that chance."

Cautiously, Shani picked herself up. Her legs were shaky, her arms had lost much of their strength, and her wounds still ached, but she could feel a small measure of her power returning.

"The way I see it, you have three choices." Kent said, placing himself between Shani and the cave exit. "I am here, alone, underground and unguarded. Even unarmed and in your current state you may be too much for me."

"An interesting choice. "

"Indeed. But I think we both know, even if you did kill me and somehow escaped this place, at some point you would be run down and dealt with."

Shani was well aware that Kent spoke the truth, but she would be damned before she gave him the satisfaction of agreeing with him.

"Second, you could put your head down and run at a wall to try and crack your own skull open. Or, you could take the third option."

Shani raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

"Stay dead, and live."

Keeping a close watch on Shani, Kent returned his sword to his belt. "The Chariot family is gone, your family lands are being confiscated as we speak, your brother is dead, and your father took his own life before the security bureau caught up with him. Your plan lies in complete ruin, and the few distant members of your family that remain are working as hard as they can to separate themselves from you."

"We've come back from worse." Shani spat.

"Your political allies are gone, and your armed forces have either surrendered or fled Basidian. Only two Chariots remain."

"I-" Shani paused. "Two?"

Kent nodded, "That's right."

"You said my father was dead."

"He is."

Shani's eyes narrowed. "Then, for the sake of curiosity, who is the second?"

"There is you, and there is the child growing inside of you."

Instantly Shani froze. "What?!"

"You are two months pregnant by our host's best guess, and they are rather good at that sort of thing."

"But... but I'm not."

"You and your child are the last two Chariots."

Shani's head spun. It was true, she had felt drained recently, and she felt extremely ill every time she tried to sleep. But she hadn't been in heat when she slept with Jabarian, that was impossible.

"You're lying!" She snarled.

Kent laughed out loud. "If I was, it would be perhaps the stupidest lie I could possibly tell. If you haven't started feeling the symptoms yet, you will very soon."

"B-but-"

"The funny thing is, had you not been pregnant it is unlikely you would have survived your injuries." Kent continued, ignoring Shani's confusion. "The irony being that your unborn child seems to have a greater desire to live than you do."

Shani's head spun and her blood rushed in her ears. "Jabarian..."

Instantly, Kent stopped dead in his tracks. "What... What did you say?"

"It... it could only be... Jabarian... I've... I've never been with anyone else..." Even as she spoke, Shani didn't know why she said the words out loud.

The news froze Kent's heart. Sliver had an heir. For a moment he could almost see Jabarian's leering face over Shani's shoulder, the face of the man he swore to destroy. Slowly, Kent's hands clenched into fists, his eyes darkened, and his ears flattened.

The change that came over Kent made the fur on Shani's neck stand up. She took a step back as Kent turned and approached her, her left arm instinctively protecting her stomach.

"Back off!" She barked, flashing her teeth, but Kent paid no mind.

For the first time in a very long time, as Kent drew up in front of her, Shani was genuinely afraid. Kent had a look in his eyes, like he was staring down at a rodent he intended to crush. The man Shani had known for years, the 'fool general', was gone. Even Jabarian hadn't radiated the same rage and hatred she felt emanating from Kent.

Kent's voice was cold and empty as he spoke. "You begged me to kill you in the manor. You know, perhaps that is for the best."

Before Shani could answer, Kent reached out to seize her. Shani tried to dodge, but she was far weaker and slower than she had been before. Shani stumbled and Kent caught her. She let out a cry that was cut off as Kent wrapped his hands around her throat, and lifted her off the ground.

Panic flooded Shani as Kent's grip cut off her air. She fought, kicking and slashing at Kent with her claws. But Kent's face was out of reach, and her claws were leaving nothing to tiny scratched in his armour.

"I've changed my mind. No more Chariots, no more Slivers." Kent stared pitilessly into Shani's frantic eyes as she fought. "Sliver took someone precious from me, so I'll take something from him."

"No!" Shani's mind raced as her hands instinctively went to her neck to try and pull Kent's hands off. "No! Not like this! Not after everything!"

"If I can't have justice, I suppose I'll settle for revenge."

Panic threatened to overwhelm Shani as her lungs burned and her muscles cramped. Her struggles began to grow weaker, her movements more erratic as white starbursts filled her vision.

In a final, desperate rush of rage and fear, Shani worked her fingers under Kent's and dug her claws into his palms as hard as she could.

With a cry of pain, Kent released Shani from his grip. She collapsed to her knees, sputtering and gasping for breath, her whole body shaking violently.

After taking a moment to let Shani catch her breath, Kent stepped forwards and extended a hand. "So, you don't actually want to die. That's good, I'm glad-"

Before Kent could finish his sentence, Shani lunged forward and drove her fist under his armour and into his groin. With a high pitched yelp, Kent crashed to the ground.

As Kent fell, Shani pulled his sword free of its scabbard and aimed the point at his throat.

Shani's heart was racing, she was filled with a panic she had never experienced before, something different from regular fear or hate.

"What the hell Silver?!" She gasped. "You're insane!"

"Just... wait... a moment."

Shani drew back the sword, preparing to plunge it into Kent's neck.

"Her name... was Vannessa."

Shani paused, her ears twitching. "What?!"

"Vanessa... Alabaster... She was... she was someone I was tasked with protecting," Kent groaned. "After Vahlen died... I was... unable to be a soldier... So I was assigned... to be her bodyguard. Sliver... took her from me. He kidnapped... and killed her because the Alabasters... took his family from him. I dedicated my life to seeing him pay for it."

"So you tried to kill me?! What makes you different from Jabarian?"

"If I wanted... to kill you... you'd be dead."

As Shani hesitated, Kent managed to sit up. "I wanted to teach you something... and I had to be sure... you understood."

"You certainly have my attention." Shani snarled, "Now use it, before I cut you into pieces!"

"How did it feel... Shani? To be... on the other side of revenge?"

Shani opened her mouth, but she didn't have an answer.

"Sometimes... It's hard for us to live for ourselves. We let our failures, the things we've lost, define who and what we are. Jabarian did that, and so did I..." Kent looked up and met Shani's gaze. "But you... you have something, someone, to live for."

"You think that just because I have a child inside me, that suddenly makes me different?" Shani demanded. "Are you really that naive?"

"Lyon told me about your mother... About what was done to you. It's why he wanted to give up his own life for you, to give you a chance to burn the past away. A child of Shani Chariot and Sliver... has a chance to be something better than both of them. I just wanted to show you... that in your heart, when it comes down to it, you want that too."

Shani's grip on the sword shuddered slightly, "It's not that simple! Things don't just... change!"

"You can."

Kent slowly climbed to his feet. "Shani Chariot... was an angry, evil, sadistic little fool, who let an assassin turn her into a tool for his own gain. She betrayed everything and everyone. You can let Shani die and be something else, live for someone else."

"He's right, you know." Sara's voice echoed from the cave entrance. "The moment I held my first girl in my arms, there was nothing I wouldn't do to protect her. You will get to have that experience too, but only if you choose to live."

Shani paused and looked down at her hands gripping the sword. Suddenly it felt so alien in her grasp.

"But... all the people I..."

"You'll carry that forever. It can make you a better person, or you can let it kill you."

"You want Shani Chariot to die..." Shani whispered, tears filling her eyes as she lowered her sword. "I... I want that too, I've wanted that all my life! But I... I don't know who I am without that!"

Sara stepped forward, sliding past Kent and standing in front of Shani.

"I know sweetheart, I know." Sara cautiously reached out and put a hand on Shani's cheek. "Which is why I want to give you something."

Shani flinched at Sara's touch. "What?"

"A name." Sara smiled, her voice soft and warm. "My name. My Hearth name. Neucell."

"N-Neucell?"

"It means 'Flash of Light' in the old tongue. It's a very old, very noble name. I want you to have it."

Shani felt a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time radiating through her from Sara's touch. "You're giving me... Your name? How does that mean anything?"

"It's a tradition among our people." Teela spoke up as she entered the cave, a pair of Hearth guards behind her. "She's giving up her place in the Hearth to you."

"You... you would take me in?" Shani stammered, "But... but why? After everything..."

"Neucell has done nothing." Teela looked over to Sara. "She left us once, but never forgot who and what she was. She returns to us this day, to give us her skills, to make us stronger and better than we were before."

Slowly, the sword slipped from Shani's fingers.

"Shani Chariot died." Kent said, retrieving his sword and putting it back in its sheath. "She burned with her home. Her crimes, her pain, her hate, her past, her anger, her ambition, they died with her. The only one who can bring her back is you."

"I... I don't think that is going to happen" Shani replied, shaking her head. "I don't think.... anyone wants her back."

"Good." Sara smiled. "Happy birthday, sister."

Neucell's lower lip trembled for a moment, before she leapt into Sara's arms. Kent's hand immediately reached for his sword, but he paused as Neucelle buried her face in Sara's shoulder and began to cry.

"It's okay little one." Sara crooned, gently lowering Neucell to the ground and stroking her hair as she cradled her. "It's okay... it's all going to be alright."

===

"So we have it on your word alone that Shani Chariot is dead?" Lord Trip pressed, wrinkling his nose at Kent.

"Is that not enough?" Kent demanded as he scowled back. "I am the Commander or Basikal's defense forces, and the military governor of the island."

"I believe that Lord Trip simply meant to say that there are some... notable gaps in your explanation of the events that took place." Minster Alabaster spoke up.

Kent leaned forward in his seat, his ears flattening against his head. "Does the minister wish to allege that I have been untruthful?"

"Not untruthful per-se, but even you, General, must admit that under these unique circumstances-"

"If I am to be accused, I demand, in accordance with the four hundred and forty third law of military justice, amendments four and eighteen, that an advocate be assigned to me at once!" Kent bellowed, the anger in his voice startling all in attendance.

"General, this is not a court martial." Justice Brandt spoke up quickly..

"You yourself laid out the penalties for lying to you and this panel." Kent shot back. "Both Lord Trip and Minister Alabaster's accusation carries with it a sentence of death or banishment. I demand we commence with official proceedings in accordance with the eight hundred and ninety third law, third amendment. That, or they can retract their statements.

A smile crept across Valdt's face as he observed the way that Minister Alabaster and Lord Trip's mouths opened and closed with no sound, like a landed fish gasping for air.

"Failing that," Kent stood from his chair. "I will demand alternative satisfaction."

"You dare threaten me?" Lord Trip roared, his chair crashing to the floor as he leapt to his feet.

The chamber guards shifted ever so slightly, gripping their weapons tighter in anticipation.

"Both of you, enough!" Justice Brandt shouted, authority in her voice cutting through the commotion like a blade, instantly silencing the room. "General Silver, you will take your seat, now! As will you, Lord Trip!"

As Kent slowly lowered himself back down into his chair, Garda couldn't help but wonder just how the judge had known he had gotten to his feet.

"I do not threaten you, my lord." Kent said, his voice quieter but no less full of venom. "But, in accordance with law thirty five, amendment sixty two, I have the right to demand you retract your statement, or lodge a formal accusation. At that time, I will have the option to issue a challenge."

A mixture of rage and fear crossed the faces of both Minister Alabaster and Lord Trip.

"He is correct, he does have that right." Justice Brandt said after a moment. "My lord? Minister? Your answers please. Do you wish to press formal charges, or will you retract your statements."

"I retract my statement." Minister Alabaster said immediately. "In no way were my words intended to impune the honesty of General Silver. The situation was chaotic, and I am certain the General did all he could to contain it. If he says Shani Chariot is dead, then she is dead."

Justice Brandt nodded. "Acceptable. Lord Trip?"

Watching from the sidelines, Garda recalled a piece of advice his predecessor had given him.

"Words and gestures mean very little, the truest signs of what is to come are found in the smallest movements."

Garda's eyes flicked back and forth, from Kent to Lord Trip. Both had bared their teeth, but while Lord Trip's teeth were grinding together, Kent's jaw was motionless. Kent's tail and ears were still, while his opponent's tail thrashed back and forth and his ears twitched. Kent's tone, his gaze, his stance, they all spoke of someone ready to attack, yet every minor detail suggested that he was calm.

"He's bluffing!" Garda realized in a flash.

Finally, Lord Trip leaned back in his seat. "My... apologies, General. I share Minister Alabaster's sentiment."

"Half assed apology at best." Garda looked back at Kent. He was surprised when Kent nodded his head.

"Your apology is accepted, My lord."

"Shall we move on?" Colonel Valdt grumbled. "There are other issues I wish to address."

Justice Brandt nodded, "Indeed. Colonel Valdt, please proceed with your questions.."

"Thank you, your honour." Turning back to Kent, Colonel Valdt cleared his throat. "Now, General, these.... mercenaries that you claim showed up to aid you in your battle. I would like to know where exactly they came from."

"I honestly could not say. When they arrived I had no idea who they were. I was able to determine that they had been attacked by the Chariots as a means of securing their service."

"Yes yes, very fascinating, but you still haven't told us who they were, what the name of their organization was, or where they went!" Minister Alabaster pointed out.

"Considering the circumstances, I was simply happy to have an ally."

"But you didn't think that was important information?" Lord Trip spoke up. "A group of 'mercenaries' show up, with Basitin weapons and armour, both eastern and western armour and weaponry at that, and you didn't pursue them?"

"My primary responsibility was securing the city. By the time I had time to question them, they had vanished."

"Vanished? And do you know their whereabouts now?" Minister Alabaster demanded.

"I have a general idea, but as to the specifics, I simply could not say."

Kent smiled to himself as he observed the obvious frustration on the faces of both Minister Alabaster and Lord Schultz. For a moment the discomfort of his chair was forgotten.

"Who says these proceedings can't be fun."

End of Part 29

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