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Sieg and Marien - Part 30

Sara and Kent held hands as they emerged from the passageway and re-entered the main Hearth chamber.

"That was hard for you, wasn't it?" Sara asked, gently squeezing Kent's hand.

"Hard for me? You're the one who cuddled her like she was a baby after she took you hostage."

As Sara looked at him with a raised eyebrow, Kent sighed. "Sliver is dead... that's the most important thing."

"But his child is growing inside the Chariot girl."

"Our parentage does not determine our destiny; which is fortune for all of us."

"Kent..."

Kent sighed heavily, "Sliver made that girl into who she was. He trained her, tortured her, infected her with his poison and his legacy. Even worse than that, in the end he tried to throw her away."

"And yet... you didn't tell her that Jabarian, Sliver, was the one who infected her wound." Sara tilted her head. "Why?"

"There is no need for her or that poor child to carry something that will only cause them pain. It would only have been cruel."

Kent bent down and picked up a pebble, tossing it up and down in his hand. "I may personally believe that Shani Chariot deserves more punishment than she is going to receive, but..."

Kent tossed the pebble into the pool, watching as the stone vanished into the depths. "But cruelty is never justice, and no one deserves cruelty, not Shani, not her child, not even Sliver."

With a warm smile, Sara wrapped her arms around Kent's neck and pressed her nose against his.

"It's amazing how often you find ways to remind me of why I love you."

"Hmmmm. Just don't ask for any more children. I'm not sure that's going to be possible at this point."

"She did hit you rather hard. Still, the poor girl went through goodness knows how much trauma, and then you go and scare the wits out of her."

"I wasn't going to kill her." Kent protested. "I just wanted to-"

"I know." Sara chuckled, placing a finger on Kent's lips. "I know. As for children, I think we're both getting a little old for that, don't you?"

"Perhaps, but that old bastard Jabarian had to be nearly sixty. I'm surprised he had anything left but dust down there."

Sara wrinkled her nose. "That's distrusting."

Kent responded with a dramatic wheezing noise.

As Sara playfully punched Kent's shoulder, Teela emerged from the cave followed by the two Hearth guards. One of the guards carried Neucell in his arms.

Neucell was wrapped in a blanket and looked utterly exhausted, her head nodding with each step the guard took. The fear, sorrow, and near starvation, had robbed her of what little strength had remained.

Neucell met Kent and Sara's gaze briefly, before the guard turned and made his way towards another passageway.

"Is she going to be alright?" Sara asked as Teela approached.

"I'm going to see about getting some food and fluids into her. She's in for an unpleasant couple of days, but she should regain her strength before too long.

"And you are certain this is a task you want to undertake?" Kent asked.

Teela nodded. "She will always have a pair of eyes watching her, and we will be certain to keep the entrances well guarded."

Sara watched as the guard carrying Neucell vanished into another cave. "I can't imagine it will be easy for her, being surrounded by people she hurt."

"No... but it is not the way of our people to hold grudges. She is going to live with me, at least for a time."

"Even still, I'm surprised you took her so easily." Kent pondered.

"As your mate said, it is our way." Teela reached out and touched her chest. "Besides... It's what Alwyn did for Kati when she first arrived. There were... those... that felt that Kati was too dangerous, that she would destroy us from the inside. But if it weren't for Alwyn, my Alwyn, none of us would be here now. This seems like a good way to honour her memory."

Sara smiled and touched Teela's arm. "I think she would like that."

"Indeed. That, and we both have a great deal we will need to learn from one another." As she spoke, Teela's hand drifted down to her own stomach.

Sara's eyes widened. "Wait, are you?"

"I came into heat two weeks ago." Teela blushed a little, "It took some convincing... but your bodyguard agreed to... assist me. I haven't felt any of the symptoms yet, but all signs are good."

"So that's where Bruik went!" Sara exclaimed. "Teela, congratulations! That is such wonderful news!"

Kent stood stalk still as Teela's words sent a cascade of feelings and thoughts tearing through his mind. He wasn't jealous of course, Kent had no romantic interest in Bruik. But he did feel something else, a twinge at the back of his mind.

His thoughts were interrupted as Teela cleared her throat, "Now, with respect, there are things that we must see to. I would like to ask you to return to the surface.."

"Hmm? Oh, yes of course. I understand. Have one of your people contact me if you need anything."

"I would like to offer my help for a while longer." Sara piped up. "I could help with the wounded an-" She paused as Teela held up a hand.

Teela picked each word very carefully. "With respect, you have surrendered your Hearth name. I must ask you to leave as well."

The words struck Sara like a blow to the face.

"Of course, your offer is appreciated," Teela added quickly.

"Now wait a minute!" Kent snapped, "What right do you-"

"Please try to understand," Teela interrupted. " The woman who was once both Sara Silver and Neucell is now Sara Silver only, and no longer a member of this Hearth."

Teela paused for a moment, her shoulders sinking, "But I understand your anger. If you wish to retract your offer of assistance..."

Kent paused as Sara gently squeezed his hand.

"No..." Kent replied after a few moments' consideration. "You are basitins, and my duty is to protect you. I think that is a duty that we both understand."

Teela nodded. "Thank you, General."

Kent's eyes narrowed. "But I would point out that rigid adherence to dogma, be it law or tradition, will only imprison you. I find it disheartening to see that this... inflexibility has infected the people down here, as well as on the surface."

"Tradition is only a small part of this." Teela continued, turning her gaze to Sara. "If Neucell is to fully embrace this new start you have given her, the name must be hers and hers alone."

"But-"

"It's alright." Sara interrupted, cutting off her husband. "I understand... and I agree."

A wistful smile crossed Teela's face. "You know, it is a shame that Alwyn never got to speak with you at length, General. She would have liked you I think."

As another female Basitin approached, Teela bowed her head, "Dawn will lead you to the surface when you are ready. I must insist that you are blindfolded."

"That is probably for the best." Kent replied. "The less I know about you, the less I will have to lie."

"Very well. May the spirits watch over you friends, and know that you are welcome here at any time."

With a final, respectful nod, Teela turned and strode away, another Hearth member seeking her attention within moments.

"General, Lady." Dawn held out her hands, a long strip of black fabric in each.

"Just a moment." Kent turned to face Sara, his eyes searching her face. "Are you alright?"

"I... I think so." Sara reached up and gently touched her chest. "I think... she was trying to help me."

"Help you?"

"I've always felt like I have had two loyalties, one to the people I left behind and one to who I am on the surface." Sara looked down at the ground, guilt easily readable upon her face. "It's forced me to do terrible things... But now..."

Sara took Kent's hand again."But now I feel... free. I'm... me. I'm Sara Silver. And I think that's enough for me. Besides, Teela is right, Sha-, I mean Neucell, must be her own person now."

With a gentle smile, Kent wrapped his arm around Sara's shoulder and pulled her close.

===

Garda held as still as he could, resisting the urge to shift his weight from foot to foot as teh questioning dragged on. How many hours had passed he couldn't say, though at one point a small army of paiges entered the crucible to light the various torches and candles as the daylight visible at the top of the domed roof faded away.

It was clear from the looks on Minister Alabaster and Lord Trip's faces that they were growing increasingly frustrated. Their repeated barbs and attempts to catch Kent in a lie, or expose some weakness in his story, had met with failure.

The historian on the far left of the table rested her chin on her hands as she jotted down the odd note, clearly fighting just to keep her eyes open. She'd already filled out a dozen scrolls, and the table in front of her was littered with empty ink pots and a pair of broken quills.

Colonel Valdt didn't seem to care either way, his face completely free of emotion as he volunteered the odd question, resigned to the fact that this process was utterly pointless.

As he stifled the urge to yawn, Garda perked up at the sound of his own name from Lord Trip.

"-that it is really appropriate to put this guardsman, this Ennile Garda, in charge of your personal security?" Trip asked, jabbing the end of his quill at Garda. "Especially considering the part he played in destroying a full half of the Goliath fleet?"

"Which part of that decision does this panel take issue with?" Kent asked, a flicker of irritation in his voice. "The part where he and his comrades saved us from war with the humans? Or does this council wish to suggest that political concerns are more important than my personal safety when it comes to selecting bodyguards?"

"Oh come off it, General." Lord Trip scoffed. "The boy is no older than sixteen, and has been trained as a guardsman."

Shifting in her seat, Minister Alabaster nodded her head in agreement. "I share Lord Trip's concern. Surely there were more suitable candidates."

Kent looked over his shoulder at Garda. "I don't think so. He showed his bravery and tenacity, as well as a willingness to do what was right regardless of personal cost."

"Speaking of cost," Minister Abalaster spoke up. "General, are you aware that our shipwrights have reported it could take as long as six years before the Goliath Fleet is fully rebuilt?"

"I am aware, yes."

"And still you think it is appropriate to reward the guardsman responsible for this... damage, with a position as coveted as serving as a Lieutenant General's bodyguard?"

"This line of questioning is as tedious as it is pointless!" Colonel Valdt interrupted, cutting off the debate. "May we please move on?"

"Indeed, this point of inquiry is hereby closed." Justice Brandt declared, the fatigue obvious in even her voice. "Are there any further issues to discuss?"

Minister Alabaster and Lord Trip looked at one another, but neither said anything.

Colonel Valdt shook his head. "I am satisfied."

"General?"

"If you are tired of asking questions, I am certainly tired of answering them."

"Very well." High Justice Brandt climbed to her feet. "By the grace of the King, and by the authority vested in me by the Tribunal of Justice of Canon, this hearing is brought to a close. In addition, as I see no need to pursue charges, nor have any charges been referred to this body, I hereby close the inquiry into the events of the 'Chariot Rebellion'. All herein are dismissed."

===

"Cheers!"

Kent and Garda's tankards clinked together loudly, a small wave of ale sloshing over the edge of both mugs. Garda drank deep and long, while Kent took only a few gulps.

Kent and Garda sat at a table near the back of the Scarlet Dragon Tavern. Several empty tankards already sat upon the table in front of them, as well as a plate of what had once been a pile of beef, now reduced to gnawed bone.

"To the end of three months sitting in that bloody chair." Kent said, careful to keep his voice down.

"Leesht you gotta sit," Garda replied, his voice slurring as he tried to speak through a haze of alcohol. "Me? I hadda stand fer 'ours an 'ours."

Kent chuckled to himself as he took another drink. The ale in the capital was certainly stronger than the ale on Basikal, but it was no match for a man who drank the irresponsible amount of rum that Kent indulged in.

As Kent drank he noticed Garda suddenly stop talking, his face turning red. Kent looked over his shoulder, watching as the young man he had seen with Garda for the past few weeks entered the tavern and made his way over to the bar.

The youth's fur was light grey, and his hair a burnt brown. He was narrow and fine limbed, far scrawnier than a Basitin his age would normally be. As he walked, Kent noticed his left leg was lame, leaving the lad with a limp.

"Ah... So no military service." Kent thought to himself as he watched the young man pull on an apron and pick up a tray of tankards.

Gulping down the last of his ale, Kent set his mug down and pushed it towards Garda.

"I bought the last round. Your turn."

"Y-yeshir..."

As Garda shakily got to his feet and tottered off towards the bar. Kent leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. Though both he and Garda had left their armour and insignia in their rooms to avoid drawing unwanted attention, the almost constant staring and whispering amongst the patrons made it clear their efforts had failed.

If Kent listened hard enough he could pick out the odd word from the many whispered conversations.

"Chariot..."

"...rebellion..."

"... ... General... ..."

"... Kolvest..."

Kent's ears twitched at the name. The point of the inquiry had been to find the reason for the rebellion, but more than that...

"To ensure justice and fairness for all," Kent muttered, scratching at the table with the claw on his left index finger. "Justice for who? The dead?"

Kent's hand slowly curled into a fist. "Dammit... Sliver really did get the last word..."

"Clever trick you pulled."

Kent turned to see Colonel Valdt standing a few paces behind him, flanked by a pair of guards.

"May I join you sir?"

"Of course." Kent gestured at the seat across from him. "Please.'

Waving off his bodyguards, Colonel Valdt sat down across from Kent.

This was the first time Kent had been close to the Colonel, usually only seeing him across the vast table of the crucible. Though outwardly Colonel Valdt looked no different than a regular Basitin, Kent's instincts told him that this man was not to be trifled with. As Valdt's pale yellow eyes watched him, Kent felt as if he were under a magnifying glass.

The Colonel raised a hand to indicate that he wanted an ale, before turning to Kent. "You know, there are those that suspect that somehow you have some fox blood in your veins."

Kent couldn't help but chuckle. "Really? That is new."

"The ability to scheme is something lost on a great many of our people. We tend to be direct, to the point. You, on the other hand, are an excellent schemer. So is your son, for that matter, he's proven to be a capable asset to the security bureau."

"Lyle is rather quick on his feet. Though I suspect he takes after his mother more than me in that regard."

"His mother, the former 'Hearth' member?"

Kent's eye twitched ever so slightly. "Should I take that as a threat?"

This time it was Valdt who felt something from the man sitting across from him, a sudden shift that made his back tingle. Valdt noted the movement of Kent's eyes, the General's gaze darting from Valdt's neck, to his eyes, to his ears, to his chest.

"Picking out targets. If I push him, I'm dead."

"I am merely laying my cards on the table, General." Vadlt said, picking his wrds extremely carefully. "You have resources, I have resources, you know things, and I know things."

The tension was broken as the young bar attendant arrived with a fresh pair of tankards brimming with amber ale.

"Sirs." The youth bowed his head, setting down the drinks and retreating.

Colonel Valdt picked up his mug and took a deep drink. Wiping the foam from his whiskers, he met Kent's gaze again.

"You and I both know that the inquiry was nothing more than weaving a convenient tapestry for the historians and the politicians."

"Something nice and cozy for them to curl up under and go to sleep."

As Kent spoke he noticed Garda standing a short distance away, pretending to warm himself by the fire. Despite still being very obviously drunk, Garda was keeping a very close eye on the Colonel and his bodyguards, and had positioned his sword where it would be easy to draw.

"Good lad," Kent smiled to himself.

"I'd like to discuss your fixation on Ariya and Ziel Guassreil. Sliver's purported family." Colonel Valdt raised his glass again. "And the reason you made a point to bring them up before each session."

"I don't like loose ends. One would think that the adjutant to the Intelligence General could understand that."

"Come now General, surely the two of us can at least speak honestly, Basitin to Basitin."

"You'd think so," Kent smirked. "But apparently I'm part fox."

"Warrior to warrior then."

"The Chariot's were warriors too. How did trusting them work out?"

"I could order you."

Kent scoffed under his breath. "You are most welcome to try, Colonel."

"Then you tell me, how do I get you to stop with the word games."

"You can start by telling me the truth about the Guassreils."

Valdt tilted his head. "The fact that you are asking me suggests you already know the truth. So you are either looking for confirmation, or more likely, you are gauging whether or not to trust me on the... sticky details I may or may not choose to leave out."

"Good to know you aren't the intelligence adjutant just because of your intimidating looks."

The Colonel chuckled to himself. It had been some time since he had met someone so utterly unintimidated by either his size or his rank. "Has anyone ever told you that you are insufferably cocky?"

"From time to time." Kent took a drink. "Go on then."

"Ariya and Ziel Guassreil were actually Ariya and Ziel Reich. They were the wife and daughter of Anton Riech, the man you call Sliver. Riech was an assassin who worked for several families, including the Alabasters, dealing with... problems."

"The assassin known as Sliver was, in fact, an assassin," Kent remarked. "Good so far."

"Following a particularly sensitive assignment for the Alabasters, the previous Intelligence General decided that Riech had outlived his usefulness. He sent several other assassins, several of whom Riech himself had trained, to tie up the loose end. After Reich had killed all of the hunters General Alabaster sent after him, the General had Reich's family arrested, hoping to draw him out. When he refused to emerge, General Alabaster had Riech's wife and daughter executed."

"A polite way to phrase that, considering what he had done to them." Kent replied, eyeing Colonel Valdt over the rim of his glass.

"The General did... overstep the bounds of protocol."

"He had a woman and a little girl brutally murdered."

"Yes, he did. Either way, after taking his revenge by killing your charge at the time, Vannessa Alabaster, Reich took shelter in the one place Alabaster would never think to look."

"In the bosom of one of the Alabaster Family's greatest allies, the Chariots," Kent finished. "Where he festered like an infected wound."

"And you knew that both Lord Trip and Minister Alabaster were aware of this, and would lie to protect themselves from embarrassment. And since the high justice made the penalty for lying to the tribunal quite clear..."

"If either of them were to try and my head in a noose, they'd find themselves standing right alongside me." Kent took another drink, before leaning across the table and glaring directly into Colonel Valdt's eyes. "As. Will. You."

"And now, Lieutenant General Silver, the hero of Basikal, upon learning the terrible truth about the family he once served, is returning to his island with his tail between his legs to drink and feel sorry for himself."

"While you, the intelligence general, and the rest of the politicians, scurry about covering up each other's lies." Kent raised his glass in a mock toast.

"This self pity routine gets old rather fast."

"Get used to it."

As Kent lowered his arm, Colonel Valdt's hand flashed out, seizing Kent's wrist.

Immediately, Garda went for his sword, but one of Valdts bodyguards seized hold of him first, pinning him against a wall.

"There is more at stake here than you know." Colonel Valdt hissed, glaring into Kent's eyes. "The Empire is taking more slaves than ever, the Wolves are still itching for a fight, and the Tigers aren't that far behind them! The canine and fox tribes are at each other's throats, with the wolf clans arming the foxes on one side and the humans arming the canines on the other. To make matters even worse, the Templar's more radical elements are taking action on their own! Add to that the instability the Chariots caused and exploited, this whole world is on a knife edge!"

Kent's eyes narrowed. "I am aware."

"Then you know why we can't have one of our more promising officers going back to his little island just to sulk!"

"Then tell your General that I-"

"I'm not here on the General's behalf," Valdt hissed. "I answer to a higher authority."

"HIgher authority? Who-" Kent's eyes widened. "Wait, you mean the Ki-"

Before Kent could finish, a voice called out "Get away from him!", followed by a loud shattering sound and the sound of a body crashing to the floor.

Kent and Valdt both leapt up from their chairs to see the young server standing over one of Vadlt's soldiers, his teeth bared and the handle of a shattered pitcher in his hands. The soldier lay face down on the ground in a small lake of ale, a painful looking dent in his helmet. The server had placed himself between Garda and the second soldier, who had his weapon drawn but seemed unsure of how to proceed.

"Stop!" Kent called out, stepping forwards. "Everyone, just stop!"

Valdt stared wide eyed at the scene "What the hell is all this?!"

Kent bent down and helped the fallen soldier to his feet. "Are you alright?"

The soldier nodded slowly, shaking his head. "Yes... I think so...General."

Immediately the colour drained out of the youth's face. "G-general?"

"That's right, and you are?"

"P-P-Peregrin, sir, Peregrin Faust."

"I take it you are Garda's friend." Kent turned towards the young man. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Lieutenant General Silver."

Peregrin's eyes were wide as dinner plates. "I'm... I'm so sorry, I thought this man was attacking Garda! I'm-"

"It's fine." Valdt interrupted. He turned to the first soldier. "You, go get yourself cleaned up." He turned to the second, "And you? How did you allow a child to sneak up behind your comrade and brain him with a pitcher! Shame on you, both of you. Get out!"

As his soldiers retreated from the tavern, Valdt noted the dozens of curious pairs of eyes watching him and Kent.

"So much for our private conversation." He grumbled.

"Indeed. But unless there is anything else, my bodyguard and I-"

"There is something else." Valdt interrupted as Kent made to leave. "I have a proposal for you, and I suspect you will find it interesting."

For a moment Kent was quiet, his eyes searching Valdt's face for a sign of his intentions.

"Very well." Kent said at last. "We'll discuss your 'proposal' in my quarters."

Kent turned back to Peregrin. "And as for you lad."

"S-sir!"

"Brave of you, attacking a soldier with a pitcher, colour me impressed."

Peregrin's ears immediately perked up. "Thank you sir"

"My bodyguard is a tad drunk, would you please make sure he gets back to his room alright?"

Peregrin nodded quickly, "Of course, General."

"I'm fine..." Garda mumbled as Peregrin took his arm.

"You're certain about him as your bodyguard?" Valdt asked, watching Peregrin guide Garda up the stairs.

Kent shrugged. "He's rough around the edges for now, but he is loyal and true. And he needs my protection as much as I need his. Not to mention he has some rather useful skills."

"If you say so."

===

"I... I can't... I can't see...Davit?!"

"Shhhhh, I'm here."

Slowly Youlan opened her eyes. She was in Davit's arms, held securely against his chest. Davit's expression was unreadable, his gaze locked ahead as he walked. His fur was singed, the tufts on the end of his ears completely burned away.

It took a great deal of effort for Youlan to speak. "Are you... Hurt?"

"No, I am fine."

"Did... Did I.... Did it work?"

"It did. The mana bomb is silent."

With a sigh of relief, Youlan relaxed. As she nestled against Davit's chest, her attention was drawn by the loud chirping of a bird nearby. Youlan blinked in surprise as she realized that Davit was carrying her down a gently sloping forest path.

"Wh...where are... we..."

Davit smiled down at her. "Everything will be alright, just hold on."

Despite the numbness in her body, as she gazed upon the forest around her, Youlan felt as if she could see things more clearly than ever before. The trees filled with the sounds of chirping birds and the calls of insects. A soft breeze rustled through the trees, filling Youlan's nose with the healthy scent of dirt and moisture.

The sound of a second set of footsteps drew Youlan's attention. With effort she was able to turn her head to see Fern walking a short distance behind Davit.

"F...Fern?"

"Yes," Fern nodded, forcing a smile onto her face. "I'm here, silly human."

"Where.... Where are we...."

"I'm taking you to a ship." Davit replied, clutching Youlan a little tighter. "We're almost there."

As Youlan relaxed in his arms, Davit glanced down at her. She was wrapped in a canvas sheet, her clothes completely incinerated by the mana bomb. Her beautiful hair had been burned away, as had her arms below the elbow. Youlan's skin was covered in patches of pitch black mana burns, burns that were continuing to spread as her body continued to absorb the weapon's vile energy.

Youlan didn't notice as one of her bare feet fell from her ankle, disintegrating into blackened charcoal as it hit the ground.

Davit could hear Fern struggling to contain a terrified whimper.

When Youlan had succeeded in stopping the weapon, there had been a great flash and a powerful release of energy. Davit had used his own body to shield Fern, his armour protecting him for the most part. The other two Hearth guards who had been in the cellar had both been knocked out by the blast, allowing Davit to take Youlan and make a hasty retreat. Despite his instructions to remain in the cellar, Fern had instead followed along behind him.

As the forest began to thin, and the sound of seabirds could be heard, Davit took a deep breath. "Here we are."

The forest opened up, revealing a stretch of scrub and grass that led to the edge of a high cliff. At the base of the cliff was a small cove carved out of the otherwise sheer cliffs. A small, double masted ship was tied to a dock that jutted out from the sandy beach. Despite the dtorm, the ship appeared to be completely undamaged, the winds and the waves unable to find their way into the protected cove.

The sun had not yet risen, but the horizon was aflame with colour, the sky turning from navy blue to a soft azure. The small wisps of cloud that drifted over the horizon burned like red hot coals as the golden yellow of daylight grew with each passing moment.

As Davit carried Youlan to the edge of the cliff, the first sliver of the sun appeared, sending rays of golden light streaking across the sky and setting the ocean ablaze.

Kneeling at the edge of the cliff, Davit shifted Youlan so that she could see out of the ocean, resting her head against his shoulder.

Youlan squinted. She tried to raise her arm, but she lacked the strength.

"Here," Davit started to raise a hand to shield Youlan's eyes.

"No." Youlan murmured. "Just leave it... it's fine." She watched as the sun rose over the horizon, the whole of the eastern sky alive with red and orange. "It's so pretty..."

"Our ship is out there." Davit whispered, gently stroking Youlan's cheek. "Can you see it?"

"I... I don't know."

"It's just on the horizon. It'll be here soon."

"We'll go... to your island?"

"Yes." A single tear ran down Davit's cheek. "We'll go. It will be so peaceful and quiet."

Youlan's left arm crumbled to ash as she rested her head on Davit's shoulder.

"I was thinking... I don't really like fish..."

"You say that, but you haven't tried my mother's recipe for fish stew," Davit chuckled. "You'll love it. Even then, there's boar in the forest, and the sea is full of crab."

"Davit..." Youlan struggled to raise her head. "Am I... forgiven?"

Davit smiled down at Youlan, still stroking her face. "There is nothing to forgive."

"I..." Youlan's breath shuddered as tears ran down her cheeks. "I wanted to hurt... so many people."

Davit shook his head, "You saved everyone, everyone in Basikal, everyone in the manor."

"You saved me, and the Hearth." Fern added, kneeling down next to Davit.

The mana burns spread more quickly as Youlan's fear and anger rekindled. "I'm so stupid... I killed Flint... I almost killed you.... I could have had what I wanted... But instead I killed myself!"

Youlan buried her face in Davit's neck and sobbed. " Why! Why didn't they just kill me... Why wouldn't they let me die with Flint!"

Davit said nothing, and merely held Youlan and rocked her gently back and forth. Fern turned away, biting her lower lip to keep from crying.

"I don't want to go." Youlan whimpered. "Please... Please, I don't want to go..."

"I know..." Davit whispered. "I know."

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry for everything."

"You are forgiven, completely and without reservation."

Youlan looked back out at the sunrise as the mana burns began to appear on her face.

"Davit..." She managed, her voice hoarse and weak. "I knew... The bomb would do this to me... The curse the Templar put on me... It should have stopped me. It didn't... Because of you."

This time it was Davit's breath that shuddered. he wanted to say something, anything, but he dared not speak, for fear that he would begin to weep.

"You saved me..." Youlan smiled. "Thank you."

As the burns spread across Youlan's face, her eyes dulled, growing red, and eventually dark grey. But as her vision faded, Youlan shifted.

"I think I see it... Sails..."

"See, I told you." Davit smiled. "We're almost home. Just a little longer."

"I... I..." As the mana burns covered the rest of her face, Youlan lost the strength to hold up her head.

As gently as he could, Davit lifted Youlan's chin and leaned forward.

The moment Davit's lips touched Youlan's, what was left of her body crumbled and fell to ash. With a quiet *clink*, Youlan's necklace, bearing the remains of five broken mana crystals, fell to the ground.

"I love you too." Davit whispered, watching as some of the ash was picked up by a gust of wind and carried out over the ocean.

===

Davit's eyes slid open as the memory of that day passed from his mind. He stood beneath the sprawling branches of an old oak tree. A short distance away a small river burbled away to itself against the support beams of a small wooden bridge. A pair of owls hooted from within an abandoned and dilapidated mill just barely visible through the trees.

At Davit's feet was a small hollow that he had dug at the base of the tree. Beside the hollow there was a post that had been hammered into the ground, to which a Keidran slave collar had been nailed.

Setting aside his shovel, Davit picked up the folded piece of canvas bearing Youlan's remains.

"I don't know much about human customs." He said, gently touching the canvas. "But I hope you will be satisfied with this."

Davit knelt and placed the canvas in the hollow.

"He's waiting for you." Davit whispered, reaching out and touching the wooden post. "Go to him."

As Davit set about filling in the hole, his ears picked up the sound of approaching footsteps. Davit ignored the sounds, continuing his work until a voice rang out behind him.

"I thought that tavern owner was lying when he said that it was a Basitin that had been poking around, asking questions about the Bertolt girl and her Keidran lover."

Smoothing the dirt and giving it a final pat, Davit climbed to his feet.

Three men stood not twenty paces away. Two wore long black cloaks with hoods drawn over their heads that cast their faces in darkness. In the middle, dressed in white robes, stood a tall man with light grey hair and dull blue eyes. All three had the pale blue symbol of the templar emblazoned upon their cloaks.

As Davit caught sight of the symbol, his ears pressed against his head.

"Truth be told, I never thought I'd see one of your kind." As the Templar spoke, his companions drew their weapons. "So tell me, Basitin, what are you doing here in Cedarwood?"

Davit said nothing.

"I asked you a question, Basitin!"

"Are you Luckas Worther, the Templar overseer for this area? The one who branded Youlan Bertholt as a traitor, and hanged an escaped slave named Flint?"

"Listen, you fleabitten rabbit, this is the human empire." The Templar shot back, a burst of flame appearing in his palms. "We ask the questions!"

"Very well." Davit reached to his belt and pulled his sword from its sheath. "In the end, it matters very little."

The Templar sighed and shook his head. "By the masks, it must be mental." He nodded at his two comrades. "Soften him up, but don't kill him. Plenty of collectors will pay a mint for a Basitin slave."

As the Templar's companions advanced, spells crackling around their hands, Davit raised his free hand over his head and snapped his fingers.

===

Fern whimpered, trying her best not to cry as she watched Davit gently fold the canvas that held Youlan's remains. Though there were no tears on his face, Fern could tell that Davit's heart was broken, his movements slow and stiff. She wanted to say something, but no words seemed right.

A sound from the forest behind her drew her attention. Fern looked over her shoulder and immediately clambered to her feet.

"Trouble!"

In one smooth motion Davit leapt to his feet and drew his sword. His eyes widened as several dozen Chariot soldiers and house guards emerged form teh forest. Most were covered in hastily wrapped makeshift bandages, some limping, others cradling broken bones. All of them looked exhausted and defeated.

"Captain Davit Rogal." One of the house guards stepped forward and saluted. "We've been looking for you. Our commander wishes to speak to you."

"Your Commander?"

Out of the crowd emerged a female Basitin supported between two soldeirs. Her body was covered in blood stained bandages, and her feet dragged limply on the ground. Blood trickled from her mouth, and the broken shaft of a spear was sticking from her stomach.

Davit stepped forwards. "Major Kitald!"

The major nodded, clearly struggling to stay awake as she spoke, each word punctuated with an agonized breath. "C-Captain Rogal. I am glad to see you alive."

"Major Kitald... Talia, how did-"

"Davit... listen to me, I don't have long..." Major Kitald gasped. "The battle is over... We lost..."

"I know."

"It should be obvious to you, these men and women... Need a new leader."

"Major... Lord Chariot released me from his service, I am no longer-"

"These soldiers face execution or imprisonment if they return! You must-" Major Kitald had to stop speaking as her body was wracked with painful coughing.

When at last she stopped coughing, the Major barely had the strength to raise her head. "This isn't about the Chariots... or their mission. Please... let the death of our friends... our comrades... have some meaning."

Davit froze, the majors words echoing in his mind. So much death, so much blood, all for nothing.

"No..."

Davit stepped forward until he stood face to face with the Major.

"I will protect them. I will make this mean something. I swear it."

Major Kital sighed in relief. "Thank you..."

In a single motion, Davit drove his sword up and into the Major's body. The major nodded once, before slumping in her soldier's arms.

As the two soldiers carrying the major lowered her to the ground, Davit leaned over and gently slid her eyes closed.

"Rest well Talia."

Getting back to his feet, Davit looked over the crowd of faces. "Who's next in command?"

A very young corporal stepped forward and snapped into a salute. "Sir! Corporal Emillia Kabrath reporting!"

"I need a burial detail to see to the major, see to it."

Davit folded his hands behind his back. "We cannot stay here, so we make for the mainland. There is a ship in the cove, see that it is prepped and ready to sail with all haste. Anyone who wants to stay, this is your chance."

There was a flurry of murmuring, but not one soldier moved.

"Alright then, get to it! It won't be long before General Silver's troops come looking for us!"

As the soldiers scrambled to carry out his instructions, Davit turned back to Fern. "Can you make it home safely on your own?"

Fern was silent for a moment, before shaking her head. "I'm not going home. I'm going with you."

Davit was taken aback, "Going with us? Why?"

"Half of those soldiers are hurt and will need taking care of, you included. I trained to be a healer, and I'm at least as good as one of your surface butchers."

"Listen, young one, I-"

"Don't call me that!" Fern snapped.

"I apologize, but-"

"You said that you knew what it felt like to be alone, and that if you could stop someone from feeling that way you would!" Fern crossed her arms, her ears flattening against her head. "Well then I'm going to stop you from being alone."

"But why? I don't understand."

"It's the right thing to do. Besides..." Fern looked back at the wrapped canvas package. "As long as weapons like that exist, The Hearth, Basidian, the whole world is in danger. I know you're going after the Templar, and I want to help "

Davit paused. "You do know it could be a long time before we come back. What of your family?"

"I have ways of letting them know I'm alright."

"Very well." Davit turned and started down the path towards the ship. "Welcome aboard."

===

"Sir, the situation is clear. No injuries on our side."

Davit looked around as his soldiers got to work cleaning up any signs of the battle that had just occurred. The two black cloaked Templar were dead, a collection of spears and arrows sticking out of both their backs. Neither one had managed to get a spell off before Davit's troops brought them down.

The lead templar was still alive, but very much the worse for wear. He was bound and gagged, blood running down his forehead from a nasty cut. Despite his gag he was still trying to shout at Davit, though his words were utterly incomprehensible.

""Very good Corporal, well executed." Davit gestured at the two fallen templars. "Take everything of value, then bury them in the forest. Make certain to bury them deep, I want no sign of our presence here."

"Sir, what do you want us to do with the remaining Templar?"

Davit looked over his shoulder, glaring coldly at the bound man.

"Youlan wanted someone to pay for the pain and suffering she and Flint suffered." Davit's eyes narrowed. "I don't know if being buried alive is as painful as hanging, but it'll do. Dig a third hole, and put him in it."

"Yes sir!"

As she approached Davit, Fern shivered a little as a pair of soldiers dragged the bound and thrashing templar past her. The man's muffled yells quickly faded amidst the other noises of night as he and his executioners vanished into the forest.

"Still glad you came along?" Davit asked, noting Fern's discomfort.

"Are you... sure that was the right templar?"

"It doesn't matter."

"It doesn't?"

Davit clutched the necklace of broken mana crystals as he looked back at Youlan's grave. "Lady Chariot, General Kolvest, Ambassador Shrike, Youlan... they were wrong about many things, but they did get one thing right: The Templar are the enemy."

Davit's hand started to bleed as he clenched one of the broken crystals so hard it cut into his flesh.

"And I am going to destroy them, one piece at a time."

Davit paused as Fern reached up and gently pulled his hand from the necklace. Pulling a roll of cloth from a pouch at her waist she began to bandage Davit's hand.

"You don't need to stay." Davit said, watching as Fern worked. "This path... it will be bloody."

"I don't need to agree with what you are doing," Fern said softly, finishing her work and taking Davit's hand in hers. "I just need to make sure you aren't alone."

As Davit smiled down at Fern, another soldier approached. "Sir, we've finished sweeping the area, there should be no signs of our presence."

"Good." Davit took one last look at Youlan's grave before calling out. "All troops, make ready to move out. We have Templar to hunt."

End of Part 30

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