A Knight's Lilies

“S: Umm…Eva? Are you awake?

E: Mmmh-hweh?! Who’s there?

S: It’s me. S-sorry for waking you up.

E: Gah! Jeez, you need to knock like a normal person, gave me a heart attack.

S: Sorry.

E: Ugh, don’t pull your puppy eyes on me, it’s fineeee. So what do you want?

S: Umm…I…can you read me a story?

E: Read you a…huh? Aww little Sophie can’t sleepy sleep?

S: No…

E: Heheh, sheesh, needy little goblin.

S: Uhnn and not a goblin!

E: Alright, fine, not a goblin, a gremlin then, heheh. So what’s wrong, scared of the dark again?

S: Mmm, they…they blew out all the candles again. I-I don’t like it.

E: Hahah, fair enough. Come here…comfy? Good. Now snuggle in. Another hero story?

S: …yes please.

E: Want to be a heroine?

S: Mmhmm, I wanna be a hero.”

- Fleeting Memories

If the outer sections of the city were considered deserted, abandoned on the stairway to ruin, then, the inner districts earn the moniker of devastated. Here the houses languished in shattered piles, entire city blocks brought to ruin by whatever cruel God metted vengeance on them. Gone was the facade of a city stricken by something ethereal and unknowing. Here, violence and force had been the instrument that tore down that people.

Husks of the former residents lay scattered across the street, the skeletal remains still donning the vestments that they wore with gusto moments before their demise. Lightly gilded outfits for the nobility, not as ornate as the armour which the Duke or even Thegn Carodin had worn, but more regal than the plain if mildly adorned tunics of their servants nearby. Yet they were not the only ones who rested on the streets, more barricades and weapons dotted the area, the last futile stand of the nobility and their guardians. Knights of the realm, royal guard, town guard, militiamen and civilians alike lay scattered across the district, falling where they stood at the barricades or in little tightly packed formations.

Gone were the large and imposing manor houses, a status symbol to lord over the peasantry and each other. Gone were the trading houses, guild facilities and other important functions brought about by the Meltonian capital. Only ruins and death remained, the few inhuman shadows skirting the edges of her vision sending a small tingle down her spine, any survivors had already been hunted down.

The air too proved noticeably colder, even when not accounting for the creature that dragged her along. The sharp decrease in temperature confirmed her suspicions that many more spirits still roamed the city for prey. Their hungry, calculating gazes cast from the shadows, yet they seemed to be avoiding the strange duo, for now. Though she hoped she would seem just as unappetizing to them as she did to the one with her, she prayed she would not have to put the theory to the test.

To her relief, at some point the lemurach had noticed her squirming from the frost and set her down. Shivering, slightly more exposed than she liked and completely disgusted with her filthy state, she trailed just near the edge of the creature’s frosty radius.

“Don’t wander too far,” The lemurach had warned her, “Not all of them are quite as caring as I am.” It cackled.

‘Them’ evidently, did not mean the lingering spirits that haunted the alleyways, but the silhouettes and shadows that etched themselves onto the very stones themselves. Occasionally, more than a few would seem to ‘pop’ to life, their translucent limbs stretching out in a desperate yearning for the living. It was only then that she connected the dots; the destruction here was absolute, the people vaporized into whatever shadow creatures scorched onto the rubble, the unlucky ones turned into vengeful spirits much like the lemurach, their bones dotting the landscape.

Peeking over her shoulder, she finally took note of the walls that surrounded the inner city, cracked, damaged and charred all over; it had saved those in the outer districts by condemning the inner ones to annihilation. But then how did the ones outside get caught up in this? Unless…

They passed by another deserted street, this one attached to a main road. When she looked down the road, she saw how the city had fallen. One of the inner gates, four to five stories tall, still stood sturdy and firm, a guardian against the horrors within, bar the tiniest of gaps. Just like that, the fate of thousands was sealed, the capital had fallen to whatever dark magic was unleashed from the castle tower. There had been war for the soul of a nation just beyond its walls, yet what brought it low was not violence from the people, but some strange fell ritual most likely never saw coming. I think I can understand why the inquisition takes such a hardline stance, especially if things like this are the result, how awful.

Another blue pulse emanated from the tower, this one nothing more than a gentle breeze but blindly bright for all of a second. It was enough for her to nearly release her bowels, the unpleasantness from earlier magnifying with every passing moment.

Are we there yet, her mouth moved to ask but she froze, this isn’t a friend, it’s a saint damned abomination, focus idiot, focus. Quietly, she trudged along the path until they came across a clearing in front of the castle. The lemurach suddenly jerked to a stop, Sophie barely avoiding crashing into it Curious, she tried to sidestep the creature and take a peek when it raised a gnarled finger to point ahead.

Shades, hundreds, no, thousands of them. The shadows lurched and swayed listlessly, the hungry crowd filling the entire clearing that surrounded the castle walls. What had once been green grass was now nothing more than dead leaves, and where there were leaves, there stood two shades for every leaf. Illuminated by faint lantern lights from the walls, they gave off an unsettling feeling that made her acutely aware of how alone she was here. No friends, no Eva, just me…and a lot of ghosts.

The lemurach creaked its head over towards her, face twisted with a conspiratorial ‘grin’.

“A barrier bars our entry…and…keeps…yes keeps us trapped here. It must go.” The lemurach growled.

Sophie looked over, and indeed, the castle seemed pretty unscathed compared to the city. Bathed in a bluish hue, the fortified structure that rested on the hill in the center of the city still had guards that patrolled the parapets, their lamps bobbing amidst the chaos outside. A strange sense of serenity oozed from the castle, perhaps the only building unaffected by the horrors unleashed from the tower. The soft clanks of their boots echoed so clearly through the haunted silence that Sophie could almost tell how many there were, almost.

She opted to just nod, an action that satisfied the lemurach.

“The barrier is within the first library, the one open to the public,” It hissed, “As you can see, we cannot get in. Trapping us here, outside in this eternal struggle.” Its voice was tinted with fury, the emotion shaking its control ever so slightly, that for a brief second, it sounded less like Riza and more like someone else. “Getting in…for you would be trouble too.”

It pointed to the gate, the massive structure sealed shut and adorned with a variety of wards that would keep the spirits at bay. Yet what Sophie assumed the lemurach was referencing were the two armoured sentinels standing stoically in their full plate. The Lionsguard. Heavy armoured knights with a red mane draped around their necks and a halberd and shield in their hands stood unafraid of the horde just beyond the barrier.

“Now, concentrate, close your eyes and see. See the world through out eyes.” It croaked.

Sophie swallowed her doubts and did as she was told, closing her eyes and waiting. Though she could not in fact, see with her eyes shut, she could feel it, embrace it almost. In front of the castle was a dome of energy, warming, calming, and just present enough for her to get a brief taste of its soothing properties.

“Mmm?!” She let out an unconscious noise.

“Yes. Yes! You see! That which denies us our freedom, that which binds us. So go! Go and destroy the barrier!” It excitedly growl, sending another shiver down her spine.

Sophie sighed and turned back to the castle, getting past the guards would be a problem, but perhaps they aren’t hostile? Was it even worth the gamble? Her furrowed brow apparently caught the attention of the lemurach and Sophie found a cruel smile plastered on its face.

“Good luck, my…compatriot.” It giggled at the word, though to her it seemed more like the creature convulsed before it started turning away, “I will keep the shades from you. But do not take too long.”

Within seconds, the lemurach melded into the darkness of the alleyways behind her, the creature disappearing before she could even process the sight in front of her. With a heavy heart, she stepped towards the shades, alone.

Sophie mustered what fake gusto she could and fearfully strode through the shades. Every step she took elicited little pops that sent clouds of frost puffing up from where they reached out for her. Shaking off the unpleasant feeling she managed to catch the attention of the guards, one screaming at the other who then screamed at the wall. Almost at once, a small squad formed up on the wall, three on top with crossbows and the two in front of the gate raising their weapons warily at her.

“Serjeant! We have unknowns at the main gate! A living person!” A voice cried from above.

Clanking of armour echoed from behind the walls and now Sophie found herself looking at a small troop of soldiers around the wall, a few more shuffling in from the flanks.

“Huscarls, to me!” Another voice shouted.

Sophie flinched when the mechanisms of the main gate clinked to life, the screeching of metallic gears echoing for countless leagues and likely throughout the inner city. She tried to remain calm as a squadron of guardsmen came out led by a surly looking officer. Their scale mail rattled softly in contrast to the overwhelming hostility Sophie felt as all eyes landed on her. Stay calm, breathe, calm, breath, a million thoughts rumbled inside her mind, her discomfort at being the center of their scrutinizing gazes rising exponentially with each second. Another small frosty pop settled her mind, her focus returning to the situation at hand.

“Get a runner to Duke Brynn, now!” The officer ordered, moments before turning his hostile gaze on Sophie.

“Halt, by order of the High King, remain where you are and keep your open palms towards us!” The officer barked.

Sophie obeyed, keeping her hands outstretched and with her palms facing the soldiers. Slowly, one man was shoved forward, the others forming a shield wall behind him. With a nervous sigh, he inched his way towards her.

“By the spirits, what happened to you?” The guardsmen muttered and Sophie felt a tinge of embarrassment as his eyes passed over her torn tunic, “Clear!” He yelled back to the others.

The words were welcomed by the weary garrison, the soldiers easing off their weapons yet a little more.

“Step closer, close! Easy does it now, no sudden movements.” The lead guard ordered.

She obeyed, taking one last step forward into the barrier when a heavy sensation crashed into her. With furrowed brows Sophie tried her best to maintain her composure, ignoring the wave of oppressiveness she felt from inside the dome.

“By the Green, it’s a real person…” The lead guard murmured, “It’s a real person!” He shouted.

A grumble of discussion burst amongst the soldiers at his proclamation.

“Look at her, how’s she alive?”

“Goddess protect us, is she a witch?”

“Look! Her ears! It’s an elf!”

“An elf?!”

“Quiet down!” The officer interrupted, “Serjeant did you send the runner?”

“Yes, Captain!” The lead soldier snappily replied.

“Good! Now as for you!” The officer snapped at her, “Identify yourself at once!”

The whispering died down and all eyes were back on her, the guards trading nervous glances amongst themselves until she finally mustered enough energy to reply.

“S-Sophie, a maid…and adventurer from outside the city.” She managed to say, her voice still hoarse.

There was a moment of silence when every who could hear slowly considered her response, then an explosion of murmurs as words like ‘outsider’, ‘adventurer’ and ‘relief force’ were bandied around.

The officer and his second in command traded glances before he nodded at her.

“Take her into custody and bring her to the annex to await Duke Brynn. You’re lucky to be alive, kid, but forgive us for being cautious.” He said, “Don’t know how the hells you got through the monsters outside but…if you have pertinent information we sure as hells could use it.”

She nodded, her mind turning towards how utterly unpresentable she looked. Torn tunic, piss covered pants, messy and tired, if Head Maid Hilda was here she’d have a right old fit, much less the Duke or Duchess. She almost chuckled but remained quiet as the lead soldier and another seized her arms, effortlessly carrying her forward towards the castle. Well, at least I’m in, but by the Goddess, what the hells do I do now?

Annalise groaned in frustration, furious at their failure to reach Sophie. Two shadow creatures had burst forth from the barricades, their billowy visage yet another reminder of how powerless she was. No arrow she shot would’ve done anything, only because of the inquisitor did they get out alive. Just like the fucking ruins, nothing I do ever matters.

The inquisitor had deftly chanted a ward, raising a small barrier in record time and holding the shades back. The ginger on the other hand had shown at least a passing aptitude for magic, managing a flicker of flame, however weak, to flareup and stun the oncoming threats, delaying their dark advance.

“As long as she barricaded everything, she’s safer inside than out. C’mon! We need to circle around.” The order had seemed sensible at the time, even Annalise agreed with Mila’s quick thinking. But that had also turned into their greatest blunder, running into countless other creatures of darkness that roused from the commotion. Ultimately they had retreated, forced beyond the city walls and into the arms of some stunned but furious Frostwinders. A fight narrowly averted by the intercessions of Lirebus and Vulen.

Now the trio sat waiting, waiting whilst others debated their fate. Mila settled down and mediated, radiating a frustratingly serene sensation whilst Aryana paced nervously in the room. Annalise rubbed her face, trying to wring out all her frustrations only to grow more incensed at the thought of having others decide their fate, ignoring the crisis just within the city walls.

“This sucks.” She growled, “Sophie needs our help, who knows what lunacy she’s facing right now.”

“Nothing at all, if... she followed my instructions.” MIla replied without even opening her eyes.

“But she’s there all alone, and against all these monsters!” Aryana chimed in and Annalise backed off, letting the concerned redhead take over.

“True, but the safehouse is warded, the seals still in place for the most part. As long as she doesn’t open any of the doors she should be fine. I did tell her to wait.” Mila said.

“But what if something notices her?!” Aryana argued.

“She’ll be fine, provided she-”

“But she's a right idiot sometimes, so whatever it is I sincerely doubt she’s doing anything smart.” Annalise rejoined the conversation.

Her sudden interruption brought out an exasperated sigh and a deflating ginger, their moods written across their faces.

“Mmm.” Mila agreed.

“But-I mean she…she seemed capable, and she stood up to the Chiefs! The elf seemed to know her too! Surely…” Aryana began but faltered when she met Annalise’s frown, “Sorry…I-I overstepped.”

“Calm down, I’m not mad at you. I’m just trying to think through what she might be doing.” Annalise reassured the crestfallen girl, “Besides, she has a remarkable ability to cheat death, though her penchant for getting injured is also…unusually high.”

“As any good idiot should.” Mila agreed.

“As they should.” Annalise affirmed.

Aryana finally stopped pacing about, settling down in a depressed heap. The sight of which brought another question to the ranger’s mind.

“Say, you, umm Aryana, why are the tribals after you anyways?”

“Me? What do you mean?”

“Like…I get the whole worried about a prophecy and power thing, but do you actually have…powers? I know you used some form of fire magic earlier but you know…like what skills make you so…so valuable?” Annalise asked.

Aryana seemed to consider her words, and Annalise could see the cogs turning in the girl’s mind. Meanwhile MIla continued her meditation though she noticed the inquisitor leaning slightly closer to listen in. Cheeky shit.

“I-I don’t know.” Aryana spoke.

“Huh? You don't know?”

“I-I don’t think I’m special.” Aryana replied, a little more downcast than before.

“I uhhh don’t follow.”

“There’s…nothing…nothing special about me.” Aryana said, her eyes shifting away from the ranger.

“What do you mean nothing special?”

“Nothing…I don’t think…ugh,” Aryana gripped her head in frustration and Annalise worried the girl was about to have an outburst, but thankfully she calmed down quickly enough. “I-I can barely remember anything, it’s all like a blur. All I know is the people called me a Vaettagh, umm like spirit chosen or chosen by the spirits. That I was the flame haired child of prophecy. Kept me on a farmstead till…well now really.”

“Damn.”

“Mmm.”

Annalise tried to word her next question carefully but failed, her own frustrations clouding any attempt to be more supportive and less direct.

“But what do you do? Like what exactly can you do that could be I dunno…considered a skill?”

“You mean like my spell?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

“Err…I can light a stove, I umm….I know how to farm really well? I taught myself how to read. Ummm…I also know English? Sorry I meant common, I know common. I can read it real well though.”

Annalise and MIla traded a small glance, the word choice noticed by both of them. An outlander? Her?

“And?” Annalise prodded.

“That’s…pretty much it…” Aryana paused, sheepishly averting her gaze.

Anna sighed, her brows knotting themselves in frustration once more.

“D-did I say something wrong?” Aryana asked.

“What? No, you’re fine. I’m just…fuck I don’t know. How did you end up in so much trouble from a stupid prophecy anyways? You can’t even do anything?”

Aryana sulked and Annalise quickly corrected herself.

“Shit, no, what I mean is. Why do you bring so much trouble from the tribe? Is this prophecy that important?”

“I wish I knew.” The redhead whispered, “But I get it…I don’t know how to do much of anything…and I'm more of a liability than-”

Saint damned hells! She's just like Sophie, equally unskilled in anything useful, at least this one knows how to farm. “Hush. It’s alright,” Annalise said, offering a sympathetic nod, “Whatever it is, let’s save it for when we rescue Sophie alright? I can tell you’re struggling a little."

“Ah but…I-I guess that makes sense…”

“Good, good. For now, I want you two to get everything packed up again, there’s…something feels wrong, like really, really wrong. So get ready, we might just need to ahh piss off the tribes a little bit more.”

At once both Mila and Aryana jumped to attention, the two breaking out of their stupor and meditation, both now watching her intently. She knows when to focus up at least, that’s better than nothing. Holding a hand up, she stopped the two from asking questions and clenched her eyes shut, tuning her entire being to the world around her. Digging around for the smallest of signs that caused this ill feeling of unease, she tried to block out the outside world and only focus on the unpleasant sensation.

She could feel it, the trembling in the ground, the subtle shifting of soil as something shuddered from beyond. The land itself screeching in pain as whatever energy pulsed from the tower seemed to sap the very life force from the world. The aftershocks were barely perceptible, barely tingling her senses, but she knew something had changed, the situation had begun escalating. Tessadus protect us.

Annalise grimaced before turning to the other two. “Did you feel it?” She asked.

Small nods, not fully affirming, but definitely not denials. Good enough.

“Whatever it is just drained of some mana, I think it’s the tower that Sophie kept rambling on about. If it is a cult ritual then we need to stop it, stop it before they turn this place into another Eichafen.” She growled, “And if my intuition is correct, I think our little maid is what’s aggravating the tower right now.”

“So she’s alive despite not being hidden, fascinating. But how would you propose we go help, ranger? It’s not like we’re exactly free to move right now.” Mila spoke up.

Aryana nodded, but refrained from joining in, a look of uncertainty overtaking the redhead’s eyes. Annalise couldn’t help but grin, perceptive though, she seems to have caught on before MIla, hah! She met Aryana’s gaze and the redhead paled, the sense of understanding being mixed with horror even before Annalise opened her mouth.

“About that...I have a plan inquisitor, but it requires our friend here to do something that really catches the eyes of the tribes.” Her grin grew wider and she could imagine the reactions, “Because if they really fear her powers so much, why shouldn’t we play into it eh? Let’s…indulge their fantasies a little. After all, if she doesn't know her powers then the tribes...”

"...definitely won't either." Mila finished, the two sharing a glance with each other before turning towards the increasingly nervous ginger.

Don’t worry Sophie, we’re coming for you.