A Knight's Lilies

"In examining the maps and energy readings of the new development zone, I have reached the alarming conclusion that the ley energy disturbances have greatly surpassed both the original and extended predicted centers of change. Current findings would indicate a potentially westerly spread with the possibility of affecting the Ascalon coast. It is therefore my express recommendation that a surveyor team is deployed to the region to assist in monitoring any developments."

- Dr. Ekaterina Yotkin, Pathfinder Guild Research Division, "Commissioned Investigative Report On Disturbances"

There was an unreal sense of elation at the proceedings having finished. With Lord Vinberg's proclamation and the king's assent, Sophie found herself a half free woman in Carrador. Though still restricted in her activities, there was now a sure way out with an actionable goal. What made her uneasy however, was the destination of that goal. Eichafen.

She had heard a while back about how the Carradorian forces swept past the city during their brief war with Melton. Both sides had fought near it, a relatively sensible decision considering it was still a strategic position along the borders even after its destruction. Rumors and word of undead followed in the army's wake. And now that both sides have pulled back from the area, little word got out of it. Or so the patrons that Elaria had asked told them.

They had reconvened at an inn along the way, the two parties having set out for the Rosengart duchy in the wake of the court of nobles. Though delighted that Sophie hadn't been outright banned from stepping foot into Carrador. The day's events had worn them all out to the point where they went immediately to rest before setting off at the crack of dawn the next morning. Not only that, but given that Eva wanted them to avoid any hassles from the nobility who would be leaving Neun Carad soon, they would ride for a half day before taking any breaks. From there, they stopped at a traveller's inn called Der Korn for a brief respite, which ironically served nothing made from corn. Before setting off northward once more.

Sir Taurox and Grorok had rejoined the party as well as the Templars. Eva too, extended an invitation to the saints who eagerly accepted a chance to see their teacher's home. Yet they weren't the only unexpected guests on Sophie's journey northward. For as Lord Vinberg stated, she was to have minders up until Eichafen. Those minders turned out to be four Knights of the Red Hawk. A Carradorian knight order that employed relatively modestly armored but striking looking knights who wore leather armor with a metallic chestpiece and pauldrons painted with their order's symbol. They purportedly usually served as outriders and vanguards to greater hosts or so Lord Vinberg had informed Eva back in the capitol. These reiters kept a distance from the party, likely making sure that Sophie couldn't just slip away unnoticed, not that she was planning to. She had far too much responsibility to simply walk away without warning. Not that she had anywhere to go herself either.

Their travel formation remained much the same as they had when they journeyed to Carrador from Arteria. Except with the experience of the ambush still at the back of their minds, they kept the wagons closer together so that it would be harder to isolate any individual one the way they did at the mountain pass. Though Sophie doubted there would be any real trouble with orcs or goblins given they were now within Carradorian soil proper. Patrols, small little guard posts and hamlets offered enough coverage that it was unlikely for anything to have escaped the attention of the local militias and army. Perhaps the greatest threat they could face in this case, was the thought of rogue nobles hostile to Eva's rapid resurgence within Carradorian society. But not only would it take time for that knowledge to seep out of the capital, it was unlikely that it would come to anything but bureaucratic blows.

All in all, it was the making of a calm if somewhat boring journey north compared to the glitz and glamour that had been the ball. She was thankful however, that Eva had offered to hold onto their uniforms, outfits, and dresses for the time being, promising to have them delivered to the Academy alongside her during her eventual return to the Academy. Her mistress knew that where they were going, such niceties would only be a hindrance. After all, once they left reasonable resupply range, every little bit of space taken was one that could've helped them during their exploration of the Frostwinds. And with the rumors of darkness having seeped into the mountains, Sophie didn't hold out hope for being able to find supplies beyond the clanholds.

With Eichafen now added to the agenda however, that was an entirely different obstacle altogether. One that was proving just as much of a headache for her as planning for the Frostwinds had been. Unlike the mountains or Melton, the Mistveil and Eichafen was a beast that Sophie had experience with. The only problem being that the experience was decidedly horrific and scarring. Not only that, where the threats in the north were things that they had only heard about and could only guess at. The undead and bandits in the Mistveil were something that she had seen and experienced firsthand. Beyond that, they were dangerous enough to have not just taken Annalise's party down by surprise, but an armed expedition and city as well. It meant in the shadows of the fog and mist that shrouded the forest in its eerie grey, only danger lurked beyond them.

She had wracked her mind on how to keep the others safe and had come to some uncomfortable conclusions that she didn't yet want to share yet. After all, Lucinia and the other non-combatants would be at great risk when exploring the Mistveil's interior, even more so when combined with the unwieldy nature of the wagons. With enemies unknown but deadly, they couldn't afford to split their attention, and Sophie didn't know how well she would do with the worries stuck within her mind. She knew she was emotionally driven and perhaps a little too rash, anything that added to that would put others at risk, and she didn't want to be responsible for more death.

Save it for when we're near Eva's, she mused to herself.

"So, this is the real Carrador, huh?" Lucinia murmured.

"Huh?"

"Hmm?"

Sophie and Ary queried in unison. The two then glancing at each other and giggling, earning them both a scowl from the Traxian.

"Sorry, what was that?" Sophie chuckled, Ary shuffling a little closer to lean against her.

Lucinia's eyes briefly darted to the redhead and Sophie's shoulder, almost looking a hint lonely before meeting Sophie's gaze.

"I said, is this the real Carrador?" She gestured tiredly towards the outside world, the girl shooting Sophie a genuine if still somewhat friendly scowl. Or at least Sophie hoped she was being friendly.

"Hmm?" Sophie hummed as she craned her neck to look out the front of the wagon.

Tall mountain ranges, dark green trees, the gentle fields of grass and crops further afield. There was a calm serenity that settled over her once more. Away from the outskirts of the capital, the vast tracts of tranquil landscape offered a weary soul the escape that one might've sought. Yet, amongst the idyllic landscape an air of unease still hung over it for her. The land was welcoming, but not as much for her. Like the people who lived there, it seemed to be judging her, watching her every move. Still, who was she to deny someone else their peace. She nodded.

"Yeah. Quiet countryside, and hills and mountains as far as the eye can see." She chuckled.

"Hmpf." Lucinia huffed, "Quite defensible, at least."

"Just noticed?"

"No, just complimenting it."

"Heh. It's quite pretty too."

"Not as developed as the Imperial heartlands though."

"Oh?"

"Mmhmm. Roads, villages, towns, farms. Enough to support Traxia and then some. Here… there's so much space. And we're only about a half day from the capitol and it's so empty." Lucinia noted.

"Missing the bustle of civilization? A little too backwards here?"

"Don't say what I don't mean." The Traxian shot back, "There is a rustic charm to this place. Very… story book like." Lucinia mumbled.

Sophie smiled and reached over to gently ruffle Ary's hair, startling the fae that was nesting up there.

"Watch your clumsy hands, oaf, the great Yana cannot be handled like some bread loaf."

"Sorry." Sophie mumbled.

"What?" Lucinia scowled and didn't notice the exchange, assuming something else entirely. "Don't drag her into this, she's been pleasantly resting." She gestured towards Ary.

"I don't mind." Ary beamed.

"Ugh, no idea what you see in the elf."

"Eheh."

"And you, quit grinning like some strumpet." Lucinia narrowed her eyes on Sophie.

"Hah, how rude."

Lucinia seemed to pause for a moment, before averting her gaze, "It was not my intention to offend."

Her shift in tone surprised both Sophie and Ary, the same collective thought passing between them. She's trying to be nicer.

"It's no problem." Sophie spoke up to avoid any growing awkwardness, "I was just smiling because your words reminded me of something."

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"My words?" The Traxian risked a half look backwards.

"Yeah. Book-like, huh? Might be the same reason why Eva and I dreamed of being heroes and heroines to be written about for future generations. Lot's of hills, forests, rills and all manner of places to explore. I mean, you can imagine it with just this view, right?"

"Perhaps."

"Think about it. Wind blowing through your hair. A gentle chill that helps ward off the sweat that comes from exertion. Plenty of land to ride and ride, ever onwards to your next quest or the next town. Enough space to think, space to just feel one with the land and the world. And pretty to look at too." Sophie reminisced.

She turned over to find Lucinia staring out the back of the wagon, the Traxian looking neither tense nor relaxed. After a moment of silence, she seemed to nod thoughtfully, her fingers drumming against her thighs.

"Maybe so. A valid dream, if anything. I suppose the mystical nature of the land's formation only added to the sense of adventure?" Lucinia queried.

"Exactly." Sophie smirked, though the Traxian couldn't see it.

"Mystical?" Ary spoke up.

"Yeah. Rumor is that the valley was created by the Myndir through powerful sorceries, a perfect, almost overly blissful land." Sophie explained.

"Unfortunately so that they could have a standardized testing environment for their darker arcane skills." Lucinia growled, "Hence why many also think of this place as an accursed land. Though certainly not to the extent of Korath or the deadlands themselves. Those are blighted by far worse things."

"Oh." Ary let out a disappointed grunt.

"But the land has healed. And it has been reclaimed, the darkness mostly dispelled." Sophie defended Carrador.

"Yet a place like the Mistveil remains. Defiant, cursed, and a haven for the creatures that lurk only within the darkest recesses of the world. Wreathed in shadow and blood."

"It's not that bad." Sophie mumbled uncertainty.

For she had seen first hand the terrors there. And she had seen many horrors that chilled her to the bone. Unlike the greater Carradorian basin as a whole. A judgemental if peaceful land. The Mistveil was a malevolent spirit, seeking only to swallow those foolish enough to step into its grasp.

"I will admit, if it matters. That this… does not look like the worst place to call home." Lucinia finished with a mumble.

Seizing on the moment, Sophie gave her a little verbal prod, "What was that? Could you say it again?" She asked with a smirk.

Her goofy expression at that moment made Ary giggle a little.

"Ugh. I know you heard what I said. Repeat it yourself, you insufferable buffoon." The Traxian abruptly crossed her arms and turned to face away and pouted.

Sophie and Ary shared a smile. Lucinia was opening up more, and despite their differences, it still made Sophie feel a little bit warm inside. A feeling that Ary either shared or understood based on her reaction.

"Like all things in life. Blessed and cursed at the same time. It all depends on how you look at it." Sophia chimed in from the driver's seat.

"A pragmatic if somewhat dull outlook." Lucinia answered her.

"It is what it is though, isn't it? If the Mistveil didn't exist, who would rule the land? Melton, Carrador, Volksgrad, hells even the Adornari elves might stake a claim, and what then? I mean you were at the hearing, Sophie got kidnapped and no one still knows what exactly the hells happened. She got nabbed, got freed by elven warriors, and poof, barely a peep from any of them. Carradorians clearly didn't give a shit." Sophia ranted.

"I suppose there is merit to that statement." Lucinia sighed.

"But if Sophie just went to the Academy, went through none of her trials, would she be who she is now? Would we all be gathered here in this… strangle motley crew? Would she have saved your life without the skills and absolutely stupidity ingrained within her by her own ego?"

"Oi, uncalled for." Sophie grumbled.

"Just calling it for what it is." Sophia shrugged.

"I… I guess I might've gotten hurt that night, or worse." Lucinia got more quiet, "Though I suppose, then I wouldn't be party to whatever Goddess forsaken dynastic struggle is about to go down. I remind you, one of my brothers did try to detain me."

"Mmhmm. And I'm sure Aryana is more than happy to have met Sophie back then too."

Ary tried to ignore the comment but snuck in a sheepish look towards Sophie. It was one filled with regret for how painful the path had been, yet still filled with the gratitude for the joy it had brought them both. Sophie took the moment to steal a quick peck. Earning her a look of disgust from both the fae perched atop Ary's head and the Traxian, though neither made a move to comment.

"Heh." Ary half giggled.

"Exactly. Like I said. A blessing and a curse. Because now we're wrapped up in so much… shit. Strange shit." Sophia growled before letting out a deep sigh, "Though I suppose it's infinitely more exciting than just studying all the time. That much I appreciate."

Sophie couldn't tell, but she swore she saw Sophia shoot her a sly smile. A token of support and understanding that did not escape Ary's gaze as the redhead jokingly narrowed her eyes and glared at her.

"It certainly is exciting." Lucinia groaned, "Perhaps a bit too dangerous too."

"For sure." Sophie agreed.

"Oh? That's rich coming from 'jump into every dangerous thing ever' girl." Her twin teased.

"Hah, if I have the power to do so, then why not try to make the world a better place. Besides, it's not like I don't think things aren't dangerous, I know they are. Hells…" Her voice grew a little weaker, "I'm all too aware that it's plenty dangerous. Not just for me, for all of us."

A silence filled the wagon, only the clattering of horse hooves and the creaking of wooden wheels could be heard. The dangers of the road were apparent to all of them, each having experienced something in their own way. Monsters, bandits, empires, and the undead amongst many more. All things that lurked just beyond the reaches of civilization and along their path. A path they were travelling ever closer to.

"Huh, heheh." Sophie sniggered, breaking the quiet. A playful thought entering her mind.

"Sophie?" Ary quipped.

"Remember the deep? The dwarven town of Kaz Druzara?"

Ary nodded.

Sophie then glanced at Lucinia, the girl just waiting patiently for her to continue.

"Lucinia, did I ever talk about the dwarven town in depth?"

"Only briefly, though I'll admit. It was probably during a time when I did not always... keep your words in mind. Why?" Ouch, how blunt.

"Heh."

"You're grinning like a fool, what is it?" Lucinia sighed tiredly.

"It's just, what Sophia said got me thinking. 'Danger' huh? A strange thing, that is. The most dangerous place I've ever been in. Well, I suppose one of the times." She chuckled.

"Braggart."

Sophie just smirked and channeled what drama she could from Elaria's bardic style.

"Hear me out, Lady Lucinia. Do you believe in the deafening roar of firepower? The thundering that could shake the world ever more than the Imperial legions."

That caught the Traxian's attention, the girl's brow raising in doubt.

"Imagine a cavern as large as Arteria, if not even larger. A city made of metal and stone, large as the Academy, built so sturdy that even the strongest magicks would struggle against them."

Lucinia kept staring, almost as if beckoning her to continue.

"And yet, it felt so small, a city of lights and clockwork, creaking against the coming of the darkness. The stony plains of the outskirts filled with only creatures of shadow and darkness."

"A beacon of light in the caverns and halls draped in the realm of shadow. Filled with beings formless and wicked, and wonderful yet strong." Sophia added.

The two of them glanced at each other, a moment of camaraderie between the void touched girl and the shadow's envoy.

Just be careful about what you share. Sophia warned her.

I know. Sophie replied.

"Lucinia." Sophie called out.

"I'm listening." Came the reply.

"Imagine this. A thin stone bridge, taller than even the Chamber of Justice. Strange luminescent crystals and critters scurrying across the walls. Walls wider than… even these plains." Sophie stretched her arms.

"Ah." Ary gulped.

"Sorry. I'll be brief."

"It's okay. Just… it was a little unsettling… back then."

Sophie gently squeezed Ary's hand, reassuring her.

"And across that narrow expanse, that cavern larger than even the mountain pass we went through the other day. There, across one of the walls, webs woven more like ropes than silk. A spider as large as a town house."

"What? A house? That's a lie." Lucinia scoffed.

"It was." Ary affirmed, and Lucinia's indignation wavered.

"Yeah, large as a house. And we disturbed it by accident. Trespassed too close. So it attacked us. Tore the bridge into pieces, sending a few dwarves flying. It looked like it wouldn't stop, so I… Well, I attacked it. Heh."

"Sophie was an idiot. She leapt at the stupid thing when it skittered around the side of the bridge." Ary grumbled.

"Sorry, Ary. But yeah, I did. I charged it, as heh, as Sophia might say, 'jump into every dangerous thing'. Cut into its carapace hard enough to pierce it." Sophie paused.

Lucinia gestured for her to continue, "And?" Heh, she's hooked.

"It fell. It fell with me still upon it."

Sophie mimicked something falling, even making an admittedly more airy whisper than whistle.

"I'll be honest. At that moment, I was fully resigned to death. I had… well… I cared for Ary a lot. I had protected her. That was all."

"Idiot." The redhead grumbled some more, though she only leaned deeper onto Sophie.

"I cut into it through the wound. Prayed to the Goddess to preserve me. Within the spider, I did not know how long we fell. Only that it felt like an eternity. Then it hit the ground and I lost consciousness from the impact alone. All I remember was waking up and half sprawled across the cavern floor near a river, its guts covering me and my leg a… saint damned mess."

By now, Lucinia was leaning forward a little, all pretense of maintaining distance forgotten.

"Goddess, Lucinia. Do you know how small the deep can make you feel? How tiny I felt when I looked up and… just… darkness, the occasional crystal lighting up the walls that stretched for what felt like infinity. Heh, and speaking of danger, in an attempt to keep moving, I used the river to help, given the weakened leg. And by the Goddess, Lucinia, I swear upon everything I care about. There was a lake in the cavern, a lake the size of the Hollow Dawn markets of the Chamber of Justice. Can you imagine it?" Sophie felt almost frantic at drawing the memory back into her mind.

Lucinia just stared, absently nodding along, completely engrossed.

"Something that large, or at least wide? Then I peered into it, having fallen onto the banks because of the river currents. I glanced into it and it looked back. That lake, Lucinia. It was a fucking eye. It was the eye of something that lived in the depths of this world, hah. And look at us, our monsters are the undead and bandits. Down there? Whatever it was, it was far older than even the Myndir, I daresay. And it was just there, waiting. Awake. Goddess, now that's a true sense of danger. "