Traveler

The three found themselves in the middle of a snowstorm huddling within a large building hall in Camp Dragonhead residing within the Coerthas Central Highlands. It was late into the night. Azlyn had a long day running task after task—solving robberies and saving a man from dying from the monsters in this area. 

Azlyn sighed, recalling the days event that unfolded. After running all through Fallgourd Float to gather information on the missing Airship, Enterprise. They learned some individuals had seen it fly into Coerthas skies, so they travelled beyond the mountains into the snowy tundras.  After some asking around, they found out that it was possible for the Observatorium to have seen it flying years prior. After all, they study the skies quite often. It wouldn’t be strange for them to have records of an airship flying through the skies. 

At first they tried to make peace with those who resided in Coerthas—but getting in with them was as easy as asking the Beast tribes to stop summoning their primals. They arrived in Camp Dragonhead. Cid and Alphinaud decided to help out in the Camp, while Azlyn moved further south to the First Dicasterial Observatorium of Aetherial and Astrological Phenomena. This was where they needed to go to find out about the Enterprise. 

The knights refused her the moment she stepped up to their front door step. It became apparent the scholars within were solely involved in their study of the stars and the older Sharlayan studies of Astrology. After the refusal from them, she was sent to do errands and work by the guards down front. 

This led into a long series of tedious assignments: saving an ungrateful guard who became upset at being helped by a non-believer. She gathered materials. She offered to earn their trust through whatever she could. However House Durendaire and the inquisitor Guillaime running around Coerthas were making it exceedingly difficult. Not to mention their Holy Crusade between them, the factions, and the dragons. 

It all sounded like a bunch of different large-scale things that the locals and lords didn’t have much control over. But just in case, Azlyn made sure to keep her face covered, and kept her tail out of sight. The robes were bulky enough to allow herself some bit of privacy in this land of crazy dragon-killing locals. The last thing she needed were for these people to burn her at the stake for being part Auri. 

She did two major deeds for House Durendaire. After much of the evening was spent running the lengths of Coerthas, Azlyn grimaced in the small brick cabin of the Lord. Apparently the House of Durendaire’s Lord Portelaine mentioned that in order to gain the information she wanted, she would have to get approval for the access to information. In order to get that, she required a letter stamped by all three of the reigning houses. Durendaire would be happy to stamp it as long as Azlyn completed her tasks for them without question. Of course, they weren’t easy. 

In her third and final task Azlyn found herself involved in the middle of a sticky situation. What should have been a routine investigation into a robbery turned into a potential for heresy of the highest order. What she brought to Lord Portelaine’s attention had been a draconian rosary found within the possession of Lord Francel’s merchandise. Azlyn thought it was pretty suspicion that the only box from the stolen goods left in the middle of the road had been tampered with—as if to look like no one tampered with it. And now House Durendaire was postponing her attempt to gain information on the airship because the heretics involvement. 

She was given the sneaking impression that someone was trying to falsely accuse this Lord Francel from House Haillenarte. Given this was one of the three houses she needed to procure a stamp from, she had to present these developing situations with a grain of salt.  

These politics were not something she wished to get involved with personally. But if someone was going to die do to false evidence—she couldn’t very well ignore it. There was a guard within the residence who also felt similarly as she. The guard called her over and instructed her that Lord Francel was no heretic. He was a good man, a righteous man who dedicates his all to the cause.

She was instructed to go to Skyfire Locks to warn the Lord himself—as the inquisitors were ruthless and spared no mercy. Azlyn hurried out from there, running to her destination in between the Observatorium and Camp Dragonhead. She actually wondered if Alphinaud and Cid were having any luck where they were. 

Lord Francel was a good man. Azlyn earned his trust by using the code word that the knight had given her. Apparently it had been the Mother of the Lord’s favorite flower. After informing him that he was considered a heretic by House Durendaire for being in possession of a draconian rosary, he paled. 

It seemed to her that he understood the implications this would lead to, but offered her to find the airship without doing anymore favors. He didn’t seem like the rest of the Elezen who stared with judgmental gazes. Now she really needed to help this man. Still Lord Francel did more for her in five minutes than what House Durendaire did in three hours. He handed her a letter of introduction to Lord Haurchefant of House Fortemps and told her he would assist her in her endeavor. 

“You seem lost in thought friend?” Azlyn stirred from her last memory: how she, Alphinaud, and Cid brought the letter of introduction to Lord Haurchefant and was immediately offered room and board from the sudden snowstorm. She looked up to see Lord Haurchefant hold out a mug of steaming hot tea for her. 

“Just going through the day’s event.” Azlyn reached for the cup with an appreciative look. Alphinaud was rubbing his hands together by the fireplace, as he had been running around in the snow just as she had been. 

The one known as Haurchefant sat down with them. He was not like the other Lords. While most liked their formalities and rules—this man was the opposite. A tall Elezen, with pale blue hair and kind blue eyes. This man seemed the type to listen to all the tales of the passing travelers and break bread with strangers. 

“Are you perhaps worried about Lord Francel? If there is any justice in this world, these charges will receive no serious consideration.” 

Azlyn nursed her hot cup of tea, staring at the dancing embers beyond Alphinaud’s form. “It’s just weird is all. I can’t stop thinking about it.” 

Lord Haurchefant of House Fortemps chuckled into his hand, then looked to her companions. “It is beyond inconceivable. However Lord Francel’s letter made mention of a pressing matter for which you required assistance. What might that be? Besides staving the snowstorm of course.” 

Alphinaud chuckled. “If you have any information involving an airship that passed through Coerthas skies five years ago, we’d be most appreciative.” 

Azlyn nodded. “It was known as the Enterprise.” 

The Lord brought a hand to his cleanly shaved chin, thinking back. “So this Enterprise you speak of was last seen above Coerthas before the Calamity five years ago. I fear it may it may prove difficult to find any eyewitnesses to these events, for while Ishgard did not participate in the Battle of Carteneau, we were embroiled in our own internal conflicts at the time.” He nodded. “Nevertheless, I will make sure inquiries on your behalf and share with you my findings in the future.” 

The front door of his abode burst open from the wind, as several lancers ran in. Lord Haurchefant looked over to them with a smile. “Ah, more friends! Welcome! How did the training session go with the Dragoon platoon?” 

“It went well Lord Haurchefant! We were practicing our diving until the storm bore in.” 

Azlyn watched as one—a female—taller than most of the Elezen stepped forth. It wasn’t just her height that drew her attention, but her large bunny ears that flexed off the snow. She had long, red curly hair—with red frosted tall ears atop her head. Her face was a beautiful sight, not a blemish upon them. 

“My Lord, thank you for allowing us into your abode.” She bowed to him. Azlyn noted her thick accent right away—definitely something beyond the borders. 

“You are welcome anytime, you all know that! Come let us eat dinner and warm up by the fire!” He gestured to the table with open seats. Some of the workers were starting to get hot stew dished out in bowls for them all. 

Azlyn kept her hood up for the entire time, again not too sure how well they would take to her being Auri. 

The soldiers joined them, and looked to the three of them with great interest. “Who are these people, my Lord?” 

Lord Haurchefant answered one of the guards with a warm smile. “My guests and good friends. Please be kind to them.” 

The woman with bunny ears regarded Azlyn closely. Her ruby eyes shined intently. “My Lord, you are too trusting. What about this one who hides their face? I do not trust them.” 

Azlyn knew it was bound to come up. She received many looks for her cowl and robes—how she didn’t reveal herself to anyone in these foreign parts.

Haurchefant seemed ready to defend her. “I thank you Mjnt for your observation—however they are still my guests.” 

“It is alright Lord Haurchefant.” Azlyn interrupted, lifting both her hands to the lip of her cowl. “She speaks true—if we are to gain an understanding of one another we should be as open as possible. And I cannot hide my identity forever.” She removed the hood, letting her white curly hair billow over her shoulders. 

There were a few guards who had an intake of breath at the sight of her scales and horns. However Azlyn maintained eye contact with the Lord. In that moment she was looking for his true character to emerge—to see if he would change faces upon the sight of her. 

Cid tensed beside her, not sure how to help—while Alphinaud gripped his forearms tightly. They were in a tight spot given they were the guests. It wasn’t as if they had other preparations for shelter in place. 

Haurchefant smiled warmly to her. “What beautiful eyes you have friend—why would you want to hide those from sight?” 

This caused the entire room to pause. Save for Azlyn, who burst out laughing. She didn’t know why she found that funny. 

“That’s...that’s the first time someone said something like that.” She laughed again. 

Alphinaud visibly relaxed, as he took his place at the table. “Thank you for the food Lord Haurchefant.” 

The tall woman with bunny ears sat at the table, even sitting she was fairly tall. She raised her bowl of stew to her lips, sipping it from the bowl itself. She seemed appeased now that Azlyn wasn’t hiding her identity.

Haurchefant asked his servants to bring out several loaves of bread for them to dip into their dinner as they waited the storm off. “The storm will last well into the night, but I hope the soldiers in Camp Dragonhead will work well with our guests.” 

Mjnt nodded her head. “Yes my Lord.” The woman placed the bowl upon the table once more. “My name is Mjnt. I come from the far outskirts beyond Dalmascan soil. I see you are not from these parts either. Where do you hail from?” 

This question was directed to her—probably probing her for information. Azlyn granted her that. “Azlyn.” She pointed to herself. “My parents told me that I was born in Doma, and together our family sought refuge in Othard after opposition increased from the Empire. Long story short, my parents and I found our way to Sharlayan, and it was there I grew up.” 

She hadn’t realized everyone at the table had been intrigued by her story, which led Alphinaud into another tirade of his questions. 

“How old were you when your parents took you from Doma? Do you remember anything about Yanxia? What about the fighting? Anything to note in particular? Did you remember anything about the royal family in Doma? How they fell—?” 

She waved off the boy’s rapid fire questions. “Alphinaud breathe!” 

Mjnt seemed taken back by the long fire of question from his lips as well. “For someone small, you have an inquisitive mind.” 

“I get that a lot.” Alphinaud spoke unabashedly. “Forgive my line of questions, I sometimes forget myself in the presence of knowledge.” 

The wind outside rattled the outside of the house, howling loud. They turned their attention to the noise before returning to their dinner. They all had the similar thought of being glad to be inside. 

Azlyn sipped her tea. “Mjnt you mentioned coming from the outskirts of Dalmascan soil? How did you wind up here in Camp Dragonhead?” 

The woman folded her hands over one another. “I came about two years ago, and Lord Haurchefant has been kind enough to offer me work. I have been with the Dragoon squadron ever since, and I have never found truer friends than the ones by my side.”

The Au Ra could see the residents of Camp Dragonhead beam in delight at the compliment. Lord Haurchefant smiled warmly, nodding over to the Viera for her kind words. They returned to their meal, eating the warm soup and pieces of bread.  

When dinner had ended, Lord Haurchefant directed each of them to tell a story about themselves. He proposed this type of activity to get acquainted with the locals. He led by example, explaining a time where he had been traveling with the Azure Dragoon before he earned his title. Together they ventured into the Coerthas Western Forelands are got lost in the snow. One of the Lords in the Holy See wound up rescuing them, and from that point forward they never let him live it down. He had a small rubber ball in his hand, before tossing it over to Azlyn to catch.

She fumbled with the ball, not expecting it to be bouncy. Azlyn had to think about this one as Alphinaud was expectantly waiting for one of her tales. “Can I pass?”

“No.” Mjnt was the first to interject as her lips curled upward. “I’m looking forward to your story.”

Azlyn nervously laughed. “Well then, I’d hate to disappoint.” She placed the ball down on the table and used her index finger to roll it in a circular motion. She didn’t really find her life to be all that interesting, just an average traveler. “When I first set off on my journey from Sharlayan, I traveled from the homeland by airship. Along the way the ship had been attacked by sky pirates.”

The group widened their eyes at the admission.

“We were all corralled into the main deck and stripped of all our valuables. Just as the sky pirates started to debark from our ship and sail away, a large flying monstrous whale emerged from beneath the ships. The clouds darkened, and lightning started to crackle in the distance. We weren’t sure what exactly caused the weather to change abruptly, but the pirates wound up losing their ship in the storm.”

Alphinaud shook his head at the whole situation. “To be foiled while getting away. Serves them right, I suppose.”

Azlyn nodded. “We wound up saving the same crew who robbed us, but they were kind enough to return our stuff after we survived the storm. Made a couple of buddies on that trip—and there were no hard feelings about it afterward.”

“What of the massive whale that caused the influx of weather?” Mjnt asked, interested in the tale.

“Not sure.” Azlyn rolled the ball in a figure eight shape now. “It went back into the clouds after the falling sky ship. The only thing I can remember is the intensity of the storm and almost getting flung off the deck saving someone.” She smiled at the rubber ball before tossing it over to Mjnt now. “Your turn.”

The woman with long red hair chuckled. She caught the ball with ease as she thought of something. Mjnt talked about the origin of her name, and how she earned it after becoming a full-fledged huntress of the wood. She took down an enlarged Maboro with only a bow, a set of arrows, one stink bomb, and traditional herbs and remedies passed down through the tribe.

She tossed the ball over to one of her squadmates shortly after, and the stories continued to come. It abruptly ended in Cid’s hands shortly after, and he stammered to the ball. “St-stories…I uh…”

Azlyn smiled to him, “It can be anything that comes to mind. Nothing too fancy.”

“Yes Cid, take all the time you need! Think long and hard if you have to!” Alphinaud looked ready to serve him to the sharks if he didn’t remember soon.

“You’re pressuring him Alphinaud.”

“Sorry.” He mumbled, looking away with pouted lips upon her statement.

Cid gripped the ball tightly in his hand, before sighing heavily. “A horologe. I repaired the time piece and returned it to it’s owner.”

Lord Haurchefant clapped his hands together at the story, seeing how it was making Cid a bit uncomfortable he decided to change the game. “Most excellent! May I have the ball once more Cid?”

The man rolled the ball back to the Lord who grinned like a child. “Let’s play a round of Truth or False. Each of us tell an event, and someone will guess whether it is true or false. I shall go first: I ate bread during dinner!”

The guards, workers, and the guests at the table laughed. “Truth!” They chorused.

Lord Haurchefant tossed the ball to one of the squadron members. “And we continue as such.”

“I perfected my divebomb!”

Mjnt was the first to interject. “False.”

The group laughed while the squadmate shrugged. He passed it over to Alphinaud.

“Wonderful! It’s my turn to present. I am allergic to tomato.”

Lord Haurchefant took the opportunity to shake his head. “I would hope not. That was lentil soup had tomato in it.”

Alphinaud gaped down at the empty bowl. “Eh?!”

Azlyn widened her eyes. “Please tell me you lied.” She looked ready to jump out from her seat to find a doctor if it wasn’t the case.

“I did, but I didn’t detect the nodes of tomato in the dish.” He passed the ball to Azlyn as the entire room let a collective sigh of relief out.

“Don’t scare us like that Alphinaud.” The girl shook her head and tried to think of something that was true. Everyone had mentioned things that were false about themselves, so she wanted to flip things around. “I have a tattoo.”

This gave the group a moment of pause. Alphinaud, however, raised his index finger up to postulate. “I say false.”

Mjnt stared at her before crossing her arms. “She’s not lying My Lord.”

Azlyn chuckled, passing the ball to Cid. “Mjnt is correct.”

Everyone, even Lord Haurchefant exclaimed in shock.

“WHERE!?” Alphinaud stood up looking over her.

“It’s on my upper back, close to my spine. Most of the time it’s covered.” Azlyn explained with a smile. “I was seventeen without parents around. A traveling tattooist drifted in on one of the ships, looking for information on where to set up shop efficiently—and well—I got a tattoo. But the Archon found out and was really mad at me.”

Lord Haurchefant laughed wholeheartedly. “I would never have suspected something like that!”

Cid played with the ball in his hand as he seemed more relaxed. “My goggles…were a gift.”

Azlyn and Alphinaud snapped their attention to Cid who spoke softly, as he focused on the ball.

Mjnt smiled. “Truth.”

Cid blinked slowly and smiled. “...Yes. I see.” He rolled the ball over to one of the lancers at the table.

The night continued peacefully even as the storm raged outside. Lord Haurchefant offered them bedrolls to sleep on before he retired to his room in the back. By the time everyone had been settled Azlyn found herself laid between Alphinaud and Cid. They each had their own bed rolls, but they were laid next to one another.

Mjnt and her two mates were huddle in the other corner, an equidistance amount away from the fireplace as they were. Azlyn hadn’t expected the temperature to exponentially drop the way it did. She drew her wool blanket over herself as she tightened into a ball.

“It’s too cold.” She muttered which elicited a chuckle from Alphinaud.

“I suppose we are a bit under dressed for the weather.”

She chattered her teeth, nodding. Cid didn’t seem to mind it as much. He was already sound asleep from the slow even breaths he made.

“I hope we find this airship soon.” Azlyn prayed for a quick resolution. “I don’t know how much longer I can last.”

Alphinaud feigned shock. “The Bloody Princess of the Sea is weak to the cold! What will the tabloids say!”

She brought her hand out from under the blanket to flick him on the forehead. Then she laughed. “Don’t you start that out here. I don’t need that title following me in foreign soils.”

He sunk his head under the blanket before laughing. “On my honor as a scholar and a Scion, I will not speak of your title in these frigid lands.” Alphinaud tucked in for the night and Azlyn was the only one of the groups awake. She could tell the guards from Lord Haurchefant’s brigade in Camp Dragonhead were sleeping soundly—the howling of the wind didn’t bother any of them.

The smell of something warm being cooked awakened her. She groggily pulled herself up from the warm comforts of her temporary bed to see the guards from last night already packed up and gone. She could see that Alphinaud was still sleeping, but Cid had been nowhere nearby. His bedroll had been put away neatly in the corner.

She shook her head of the sleep.

“Good morning friend!” The familiar warm voice of their gracious host walked into the room they occupied. “I came to see if you two had awakened. We have breakfast ready if you’re hungry.”

Azlyn looked over to Alphinaud who grumbled in his sleep. “Five more minutes.” He pulled the wool blanket over his head, messing his hair up in the process.

“Thank you for allowing us sanctuary Lord Haurchefant. We are grateful for your generosity.” She bowed her head to him, and he waved off her formality.

“You’re amongst friends—no need for such displays. When you’re ready we shall eat, and I will tell you the latest information I have.”

Azlyn hoped for some good information, as they were following a thin trail of crumbs by this point. If they didn’t snag anything, they’d be in serious trouble when they would face Garuda. Azlyn rolled away her sleeping bag and blanket with ease, stowing them in the corner where the rest of the guest’s rolls were placed. Alphinaud was slowly rousing, barely blinking sleep away when she walked over to his side.

She reached out to muss his messy head. “Comb out your bangs before coming out—you rolled all over the wool.”

He gaped, trying to smooth the frizzy hair with his hands.

“Probably going to need some water.” Azlyn advised to him with a grin. She watched as he started to panic looking around her some water. It wasn’t until she pulled out her canteen for him that he visibly relaxed. “I’m going to see what Lord Haurchefant will tell us. Take your time.”

She entered the mainstay where the large table had been set for a group of five to eat. She noticed Lord Haurchefant and Cid chatting near the end of the table. Sitting by herself smearing some fruit jam upon a piece of toasted bread happened to be the Viera from last night.

Mjnt acknowledged her presence with a curt nod, and then gestured to the open seat beside her. “Sit. I wish to have a word with you.”

Azlyn took the seat and smiled to the warm plate of breakfast assortment. “Mjnt…right?”

The Viera woman spoke confidently. “Yes. You are Azlyn.” She also was incredibly direct. “I shall be direct. I want to apologize for my distrust last night. I understand why you wore your cowl the way you did. Please accept my apology.” Mjnt handed her the piece of bread she smeared with jam. “As it is apart of my custom, when I make apologies I give food I prepared.”

The Au Ra could see that Mjnt waited for her to take a bite of the toast, so she bit off a moderate sized piece to chew. When she finished chewed the Viera nodded in contentment. 

“I am glad.”

Lord Haurchefant stopped in his conversation to look over to the two ladies. “Since you all are fairly new and getting adjusted to life here, I have asked Mjnt to be your guide. She will lead you through and introduce you to the Lords and Ladies of Camp Dragonhead. Many of the locals are accepting of her, as she’s done many a deed with the Dragoon brigade. She may even rival the Azure Dragoon.” He jested.

Mjnt chuckled warmly from her seat. “To be complimented by the Lord early in the morning is quite a blessing. Halone smiles upon me.”

“Forgive me for asking, but what is a Dragoon?” Azlyn asked once she finished the piece of toast given to her.

Mjnt smiled. “Specialty trained lancers who fight against the Dravanian armies that would march upon Ishgard.”

“How does one become a dragoon?”

The Viera looked to Azlyn with curious crimson eyes. “By obtaining a soul gem from Alberic in the south encampment. He specializes in all our training and he’s well known for training even the weakest of whelps. Why? Is our little Auri interested in becoming a dragoon?”

Azlyn flushed at the little comment. She wasn’t the smallest one in the group at this point due to Alphinaud. However, she knew he would probably get taller the older he got. She grumbled into her food. “I can’t help it if I’m short.”

Cid laughed after she pouted. He shook his head before returning to his meal. 

Meanwhile Lord Haurchefant warmly smiled to the two of them. “I have a personal request to make of you two. It concerns Lord Francel. Since yesterday rumors and whispers have been quick to spread. I have received a report that he and three knights were seen heading north towards Steel Vigil. The outpost was long ago overrun by the Dravanian Horde, so I am not certain what he intends to accomplish with such a small force. Whatever his motives, I fear for his safety. Pray, journey to the Steel Vigil and see if Lord Francel’s party requires assistance.”

Alphinaud caught the tail end of the conversation, as he reached for one of the only seats available with a breakfast plate. He gave Azlyn a sheepish grin. “Are you heading out already?”

The Au Ra nodded. “Yes, but you don’t have to rush. I can go check things out while you and Cid get the lay of the land. Maybe Lord Haurchefant has something you two can do while I’m out?”

The Elezen chuckled. “Now that I think of it. I have the perfect job for Alphinaud and Cid!”

Azlyn reached over to her cowl, returning it over her head to hide her face from view. She looked to Mjnt who stood up. The height difference was astounding, even though Azlyn was taller than average she was barely at the woman’s chest.

“We’ll be on our way Lord Haurchefant.” Mjnt announced, her plate of food had been finished. Azlyn had nibbled on bits of hers. She only had a few pieces of fruit left. Feeling bad about leaving those few pieces behind, she started to stow them away in her bag for a snack. 

Mjnt directed her to follow as they left the Lord’s barracks to head into the cold wintery morning. Camp Dragonhead had been topped by snow—it must have snowed over two to three feet of snow, as the piles of white mounds were taller than the previous nights. Azlyn felt the crunch of white snow under her boots as Mjnt marched.

“We will head northward toward Steel Vigil. This area is known to the locals as Providence Point.” Mjnt pointed up to the massive, broken down structure of brick and mortared rock. She could tell age had taken its toll on the place even from all the way down in the camp. “I have been told by the people that House Hallienarte failed to protect their outpost—which led to their houses loss of control.” The Viera then looked over her shoulder to her. “Many dangerous monsters and beasts prowl these snowy plains. Here’s one now: That is an Aevis.”

She vaguely remembered Aevis’ from one of the books she studied. “Aevis are part of the scalekin—correct?” They stopped around some large boulders to watch its course. The two-legged dragon with wings couldn’t have been taller than eight feet.

Mjnt nodded. “Yes. However, they are babies if we were to compare them to an actual dragon. Have you seen a dragon before?”

“Yes. There had been one that migrated into eastern La Noscea in a goblin community. It spoke sparingly—and spat poisons and acids.”

The Viera pulled her lance to her side as they progressed further into the snow field. “To think that dragons have flown that far away from Dravania—I fear Ishgard will be in for tough battle.”

Azlyn brought forth her summoner’s book, calling for her Ifrit-Egi. The burst of heat warmed her up a bit more as the familiar floated down to her shoulder. “I recall Lord Haurchefant mentioning Ishgard’s drawn out battles briefly. Why is Ishgard at war? Is it why the Ishgardian’s did not participate in the Battle of Carteneau?”

Mjnt frowned. “I don’t know much. However what I do know is that the wyrm who caused the war to begin is pressing in its assault. The Azure Dragoon has stated even now that it looks for a chance to get its revenge.”

She thought hard about why a dragon would be bent on revenge; only for her thoughts to be interrupted. Shouts of terror echoed further northward—and in the direction where they assumed Lord Francel and his men went. 

“I fear we were chatting too much. Quickly, we must go.” Mjnt sprinted forward, blithely moving through the snow. Her armor clicked with each passing movement she made. Azlyn followed her, commanding her familiar to dash ahead and attack any Aevis’ in the area.

There were several knights doing their best to fend off the Aevis that attacked. Azlyn tried to see if Lord Francel was apart of the group of knights, only to see that he was not there. Mjnt dashed ahead, springing up from the ground with the help of her lance, and jettisoning herself down upon the back of the Aevis.

The roar of the dragon’s pain reached all their ears—but Mjnt did not stop in her assault. She continued to stab, puncture, and pierce the creature until it ceased moving. Azlyn helped from afar, casting spells and commanding her Ifrit-Egi to attack. It wasn’t long after that when the knights ran over to thank them in person.

“Thank you!”

“You’re the one who came by last night—thank you for your assistance!” The guard bowed to her.

“We were separated from Lord Francel during the attack—please find him!”

Mjnt looked down to the snow, seeing a pair of footprints trailing off further north. They were scurrying, as if chasing something—or was the one being chased. “Come Azlyn.”

The girl nodded, leaving the three knights and went further into the snowfield and rubble.

Mjnt kept her ruby eyes to the ground, following the tracks for another five hundred yards. When they arrived within the bounds of fresh footprints did they see a shaking Lord holding up a spear to a large Aevis. Azlyn watched as the creature heavily flapped both of its wings, created a gust of powerful wind to hit Lord Francel—his grip on the lance now gone as the weapon flew ten feet behind him.

He fell to the ground, eyes wide with horror.

“Lord Francel!” Mjnt lunged to the giant Aevis to protect him. Azlyn jumped into combat from afar, signaling several formulated spells to burst into the creature’s wings. Her Ifrit-Egi followed suit, slashing and hacking at the Aevis’ back with the fiery claws.

Mjnt had been diligent in her movements, drawing the focus of the Aevis solely upon her as she pierced the soft tissue of the dragon. She didn’t relent and pushed in her attack—Azlyn could how grounded the Viera was in battle, using precision technique and drive to slay the dragon.

In a matter of seconds, the Aevis dropped to the ground. Lord Francel scurried backward as the red started to seep into the white snow beneath, spreading in a wide arch.

“Are you alright Lord Francel?” Azlyn ran over to his side, calling off her familiar with a swish of her hand. “We heard you left with a small party.”

Lord Francel recognized her as the girl from before, and he bowed his head to her. His blonde wisps of hair bounced as he stared to the ground. “It was a foolish thing to do, I know, but I had hoped we might demonstrate our devotion by slaying a number of the scalekin. Moreover, it was House Hallienarte that yielded the Steel Vigil to the horde many years ago. One might say that our defeat here heralded the slow decline of our houses’ once great name.”

Mjnt stepped forward, swiping her lance’s tip away to flick the blood away. “Lord Francel, you need not force yourselves to such a thing.”

The young Lordling nodded, lifting his head to see them both. “We have been brought lower by these despicable accusations of heresy. And despite my best efforts, I have done naught to improve the situation.”

Azlyn shook her head, reaching out a hand to help him off the snow. “Is there anything that can be done Lord Francel? Like an appeal or request for further investigation?” Lord Francel accepted her hand, pulling himself off the ground. He shuffled the snow off his attire with his gloved hands.

Mjnt frowned. “I know not how things run in other lands, but the say of the inquisitors is absolute. If they are determined to see a man charged with heresy, they will make it happen.”

“This evening marks the start of my trial. Soon, I must accept the judgment of the inquisitors, whatever it may be. But even should my protestations fall on deaf ears, I will proclaim my innocence to my dying breath.” The Lord gave an impassioned reply, which made the Au Ra want to help him.

“You will be proven innocent.” She spoke with confidence. “I know you will.” Azlyn smiled up to Lord Francel and pointed over to the three knights sheepishly hiding by one of the rubble. They had approached them but was not able to interrupt their lord’s speech. “I know they were quite worried for you as well my Lord.”

“Your knights have come for you Lord Francel.” Mjnt calmly reiterated. “And Lord Haurchefant knows your devotion to your homeland. He knows this will pass, and House Hallienarte will see the light.”

The Lord nodded. “…I shall take my leave.” The Lord and his young knights ran off back in the direction of Camp Dragonhead. Which left Azlyn and Mjnt with several dead carcasses of Aevis to peruse. Mjnt was thorough in her search, collecting any materials that would be good to use for armor or for a quick sale.

After an hour of searching, finding, and saving the Lord from danger the pair returned to Camp Dragonhead and into the warmth of Lord Haurchefant’s residence. They found Alphinaud biting his thumb, deep in thought while the Lord with pale blue hair had both of his hands interlaced on the desk he sat at. His elbows propped them up as he too seemed lost in thought.

“My Lord, we have come back from the Steel Vigil.” Mjnt announced, bowing her head to him.

Azlyn walked over to Alphinaud’s side. “What’s wrong?”

“It appears we have a potential witness to the Enterprise’s location. However…” The boy frowned. “It seems we’re in a bit of a predicament because of this.”

Lord Haurchefant responded to Mjnt with a bit of worry. “A reckless plan, but at least it did not cost him and his knights their lives.” He turned his blue eyes over to the pair discussing about the witness. “What Alphinaud says is truth. It has become common knowledge that you paid a visit to Lord Francel at Skyfire Locks not long ago. Upon learning of this, the witness became understandably reticent to make your acquaintance, for fear of being seen in the company of a woman who might be declared a heretic.”

Azlyn seemed taken aback by this new information. “Me? Why would I be branded a heretic?”

“Merely by association one can be branded as such.” Lord Haurchefant sighed once more. “Given the zeal with which Inquisitor Guillaime has conducted his investigation, it would appear he’s narrowed some sights in your direction. In any case, if we wish to obtain the testimony of the witness, we must first clear Lord Francel’s name—and, by association, yours.”

Mjnt crossed her arms. “My Lord has the Inquisitor tried to pin you as a heretic as well?”

Haurchefant shook his head. “Not at this current moment. But who knows where the winds will sway next.”

Alphinaud snapped his fingers, drawing the group’s attention to him. “The problem is that there was incriminating evidence in Lord Francel’s parcel. Azlyn—you mentioned that you thought the box with the rosary inside was tampered with. Perhaps we need to look inward to the cause.”

Lord Haurchefant narrowed his eyes, but slowly began to nod his head. “Indeed. It would be wise to assume someone is trying to sully the reputation of House Hallienarte. I have been informed that Lord Francel’s trial will be held this evening. I need you three to do a thorough investigation before the trial commences. Bring me anything that you find.”

Azlyn clenched her fists together, Alphinaud nodded, and Mjnt saluted to the Lord. They all were determined to get to the cause as well.

“Speak with Rickeman of House Hallienarte. Tell him what you wish to do, and he will lead you three in the right direction. I pray we get to the bottom of this quickly.”