A Knight's Lilies

“Arterian Redcloaks, although not trained to operate as a military force like the Trinity Guard or an expeditionary force like the Clover Legion. Are still drilled with basic combat formation techniques and an ever growing amount of riot control methods that could apply to a battlefield. Their unique roles as both defender of order and light deterrence force for Arteria makes them especially suited for suppression or counter insurgency.”

- Professor Janek Winthrop, A Look Into Nations, “Chapter: Guard Forces And Strategic Uses”

“You! Stop!” The guard captain cried out, he and his subordinates quickly pointing their weapons at her.

“I was here a few minutes ago! To visit! I came back to check on the people inside.” Sophie hastily announced with her hands in the air.

The Trinite guards protecting the arena looked a little worse for wear. Two lay on the ground being tended to by a third. Only three including the captain remained on their feet, poised against her potential intrusion. Upon hearing her words, or judging by their strained faces trying to parse her words, ascertaining she wasn’t a threat. They lowered their weapons a little, the captain beckoning her forward.

“Ah! You’re that bloody elf. Why are you back here?” The captain growled.

“To make sure the people inside are fine!” Sophie repeated.

This time, they heard her. Though their suspicions never dispelled, still eyeing her warily as she approached.

The captain turned to look at the wounded soldiers before at the debris strewn streets surrounding the arena. Letting out a curse under his breath, he motioned for one of his subordinates.

“Watchman Baxter, go with her, she tries anything funny, detain her. Otherwise help whoever you can.”

“Yes sir!” The watchman saluted.

“You, stay close and don’t try anything.” The captain focused back onto her.

She nodded, a little bit irritated by their hostility though understanding it given the chaos unfolding in the city.

"Bloody knife ears.” He muttered to himself under his breath.

Sophie reentered the arena with the watchman, the halberd wielding soldier looking almost as anxious as she was. Together, they made their way inside, their own expressions soon mirroring that of each other. One of horror, despair, and sorrow.

While the blast itself didn’t seem to have taken any chunks out of the arena like some of the looser stonework had fallen. Add onto that the shockwaves from the mana bomb, and a recipe for tragedy was created.

For most, minor scrapes and scuffs were the worst of their worries. But as the unlikely pair ventured down the halls, they caught sight of those less fortunate. Some with heavier injuries or blood trickling out from wounds. Orderlies and other Trinity troopers busy scrambling back and forth tending to whoever they can whilst trying desperately to contain the rising panic in the air. The final few were those who had already suffered so much and needed to no longer. Crushed by fallen debris, a badly timed slip or shockwave that dashed their heads against walls. Bloodstains and the occasional bit of body were left uncleared. Though thankfully, the bodies at least had some cloth or another draped over them.

“By the Goddess.” Watchmen Baxter muttered, making the sign of the stars as they shuffled past another corpse, the dead girl’s friend trying her best to stiffle her tears to no avail.

Sophie just grunted, unwilling to betray her own fraught emotions by saying anything. It haunted her that there were casualties even here. For these were, to her, the ones that deserved to be protected the most. And where did that get them, stars above.

“What could have done this?” The man muttered to himself.

Perhaps it was a combination of stress and anxiety. Or perhaps her own worries were getting the better of her. Sophie needed some semblance of control. And that was to be information.

“A mana bomb.” She answered his murmurings.

“A… huh? How do you know that?” The watchmen turned to her, curiosity mixed with suspicion.

His suspicion was raised, and now she needed to dispel it.

“The people I was with earlier, do you remember?” Sophie asked.

“I… uhhh… there were… two? No, three of you. Ah! There were three of you! What happened and where are they?” He let out a low growl.

“One of them got injured, but she’s…” An inquisitor, was what Sophie wanted to say. But she doubted saying something like that to an everyday guard would alleviate any suspicion. On the contrary, she suspected it would only place her under more scrutiny, who would casually claim they know an inquisitor, after all? “She’s an apprentice mage. She recognized the mana used. The other hauled her to a healer. I came back to check on things.” She answers as best she could.

“Stars.” The man whispered, “She sure? You trust her?”

“Aye. With my life.” Sophie answered truthfully.

“A mana bomb… in the city…” He practically shook like a leaf, his face growing pale at the thought, “What the hells is happening?”

Sophie grunted in agreement once more. She echoed his sentiment, the cold reality that dawned on her earlier now reaching him as well. War was coming to Arteria. There was no doubt of it after such an attack. Sophie didn’t know if it was the Imperials or someone else. But she suspected that her own plans with Lucinia would have to change.

She let out a soft snigger under her breath. A thought crossing her mind that was dipped in irony. With what’s happening now, people on campus might be more receptive to the message of peace than ever. Especially given the likelihood that most of them would want to remain uninvolved. Hah.

Trying her best to mask her turbulent thoughts, she kept her focus to the path ahead. Navigating the dusty arena halls felt like walking through somewhere completely different. Some mana lanterns had fallen and now barely shone at all. Occasionally bits of rattled stonework dangled at odd angles or had already outright fallen.

Reaching the end of the hall, she found a couple of orderlies tending to some wounded. She looked around to find no cloths draped over bodies, only a few wounded. It was a relief to see, however much there could be found despite the circumstances.

“Ah, it’s you!” A voice called out from amongst the crowd tending to the wounded. The girl watching the door ealier quickly flagged Sophie down. “If you’re looking for the others, they’re helping out in the western annex.” She pointed down a separate hallway.

“Thank you!” Sophie waved as she and Baxter changed directions.

The western annex proved to be a different kind of chaos. While the stonework here seemed far sturdier and isolated from the brunt of the explosive shockwaves. Instead of the wounded, there were cries of a different kind. Both Baxter and her stopped in their tracks as they reached the source of the crying.

Of course. Of course a place like this would be here. Especially after everything.

The western annex had almost been completely transformed into something akin to a nursery and delivery center. Hastily erected wooden walls and curtains between the arena pillar created little islands of privacy. Many more mattresses and raggedy carpets covered the floors, both for comfort and safety reasons. The Trinite guards here took a more respectful approach, maintaining a significant distance and giving the woman and orderlies all the space that they needed.

A few casted cautious glances over at Sophie. But upon catching sight of her escort mostly left her unmolested. Though they never stopped tracking her movements.

“Can I help you two?” A medic walked up to them, her hands still covered with traces of blood.

“Err, oh. Uhh, sorry to bother. I’m looking for a Ms. Keely…” Ahh shit, I don’t remember her last name. Sophie almost swore out loud.

“Keely… Keely…” The medic mumbled before her eyes glanced back at Sophie, “Ahh, that’s the girl with a posse around her, right?”

Sophie half heartedly smiled, nodding along. Stars, I didn’t even take the time to properly get to know her. After all she’s been through.

“Alright. I think I know who you’re looking for. Follow me. But please keep quiet.”

“Of course.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The two agreed.

The medic looked a little surprised that the watchman was following along. But as Sophie felt it would be too awkward to dismiss his presence now, he just continued making sure she didn’t start trouble.

Cutting through the different ‘rooms’ and beds. The sound of crying seemed to now fully encompass their surroundings. A few pained howls indicating the grimer outcomes that could also happen. Some sobs and wails reminding her of the sobering reality that these people had found themselves in. And why the fight against the company had to continue somehow.

Leading them to their intended destination, the medic simply motioned towards a ‘room’ and then strode away. Unsure, she tried to seek aid from her companions only to find the watchman. Right, the others are at church. Readying herself, she knocked on the makeshift door. One that failed to hide a soft cooing that snuck out from behind it.

The door swung open as an older orderly stared at her. From behind the orderly, a woman panted laboriously after a stressful birth, her child safely being held by a familiar looking face as she recovered.

“Kee… Keely.” Sophie dropped her voice to a relieved whisper before letting out a sigh, “Glad you’re alright. Everyone else…?”

The unspoken question prompted a dark smile from Keely’s face as the girl’s expression dropped.

“Most of us are fine. But…” She looked at the newborn, one that looked like a pure blooded human.

So it wasn’t just the orcs. The mercenaries too. Sophie grit her teeth as her fists balled up. May the hells swallow them whole.

The baby continued to cry, though only Baxter seemed vaguely surprised, the watchman twiddling his thumbs awkwardly at the situation.

“Keely. Is there anything I can do to help right now?” Sophie asked. If anything, to just relieve what burdens I can.

This seemed to brighten the girl’s mood, a soft if subdued grin appearing on her face. She let out a small sad huff from her nose and nodded.

“Yeah. Hah. Yeah, I think I could use some help.”

Sophie nodded. For now, it’s the least I can do. Yeah, yeah. It'll give me some time to think.

Academy Of Arteria, Runegarde Hall Workshops

Maylesa and Thalnor were deep in thought, their arms perched upon the table as they frowned at each other. Around them, clockwork and arcane machinery ticked away. Inventions of others and some of their own clanking without a care in the world. Each second that passed was another spent uncertain about the fate of the others.

Elaria knew that Raylani and Sophia were headed northwards towards the markets. Meaning that they should be fine. Which by extension, meant Aryana’s group were likely okay as well. That left Sophie’s squad who were left with destinations unknown to her.

Alongside the siblings, she had set out from the port minutes before the massive explosion lit up the sky. Though far enough to be spared the brunt of the shockwaves, they all felt the ferry rock violently for a frew moments before calming down. The sickly pale blue sky that followed unnerving most of the other passengers seemed to originate mainly from the southern sections of the city near the Chamber of Stalwart Justice if not the main port of Arteria itself. She only hoped that the Academy port continued to function so that the others could regroup back on campus. Otherwise, the separation at a time when assassins and assailants were at large would only grow ever more troublesome.

The siblings had quickly suggested that for ‘a temporary duration of time’ they should sequester themselves in one of the most secure places they had access to. Their workshop room. Located within Runegarde Hall, it was a spacious enough if still somewhat cramped place aimed at the creation of machinery and gadgets. But it had no windows and at least three sets of doors before one would arrive in the room. Secure enough.

A door outside clicked open, the sound reverberating across the empty workshop floor, cutting through the relentless ticking of gears. Elaria glanced at their own door, impatient but ready. Maylesa gripped the edge of the table with a not insignificant amount of strength while Thalnor grasped a strange looking gadget. Both elves looked far more nervous than even after their attempted assassination back at the museum of Arteria.

Footsteps drew closer and closer until they came to a stop outside their room. Well, they’ve finally come. With a tut and click, the door handle was pushed down and the door swung open.

Lucinia Trax’s annoyed yet concerned frown was the first thing that greeted the group. Followed by Lady Olivia’s ever present but coy smile. The two Traxians dipped their heads ever so slightly in acknowledgment of the people gathered, both of them taking a moment to glance at the bizarre contraptions littering the room’s walls.

Only Lucinia’s eyes seemed to show a modicum of surprise at the lack of Sophie’s presence. It made sense at least, Sophie was the one who often liaised between the Traxians and the rest of them. Even the planning of the recent debacle centered around those two. Without her sister present, she wondered if the Traxian would act any more hostile towards the elves. Thankfully, no looks of derision were to be found from the usually frustrated Traxian, only the composed grace that befitted that of nobility.

“I’ll spare the formalities.” Lucinia broke the silence, “I assume we’re meeting because of the bright blue glow in the sky?” She let out an exasperated sigh.

Elaria offered a wry smile and shook her head, “Not really, no.”

“Huh.” Lucinia was taken a little off guard, “So that wasn't… you guys?”

Lady Olivia meanwhile, had her expression darken, the girl making it clear that she already suspected as much. That something greater was afoot.

“No.” Maylesa spoke up from behind. “Whatever else occurred was not our fault.”

“Indeed. All that happened was we were attacked. Hence the retreat.” Her brother added.

The siblings nodded to themselves, confirming what each other had said.

“Thank the Goddess... Wait, what? Attacked? What the hells happened?” Lucinia abruptly demanded.

Elaria held up a hand before beckoning for the princess and her attendant to come take a seat. Lucinia looked mortified at being so rudely redirected, but a gentle tap from Lady Olivia reminded her of the moment. The princess let out a half dignified huff before striding over and forcefully sitting down. Deliberately planting her head in her arms and motioning for Elaria to continue.

“Well? What happened?” Lucinia’s combative tone seemed to soften a little.

“Assassins, we think.” Elaria turned to the siblings, the two bobbing their heads. “At least two groups that we know of. One attacked them in the museum of Arteria, the other hit Raylani and myself at a tavern.”

“Assassins… attacked…” Lucinia sucked in her breath, “And they…”

“Raylani took care of most of mine.”

“She’s the dark elf?”

A nod.

“And you two?” Lucinia begrudgingly asked the elves.

“Sophia fought some, but the guards handled most of the rest too.” Maylesa answered.

“Huh.” Lucinia sat back in her chair, slouching.

“Where is everyone else? They are… you all seem not as distressed as someone would be at a loss.” Olivia asked nervously, failing to hide the fidgeting of fingers that betrayed her calm facade.

“They are fine.” Elaria picked up with confidence before faltering a little, “Or so we hope. We assume Aryana’s group likely got attacked too so we had Raylani and Sophia go check up on them. You know, both being skilled warriors.”

“Right.”

“Sophie’s squad? No clue.” Elaria paused, a worried sigh escaping her lips, “All I know is that I’d feel it if she’s in trouble.”

Lucinia arched her brow, not even trying to conceal her doubt.

“But we’re pretty certain that they’re in the southern half of the city.” Maylesa gave voice to the unspoken doubt.

“Indeed. Where the explosions occurred.” Thalnor added somberly.

“Stars.” Olivia hissed, “That’s not good.”

“No, it isn’t.” Lucinia agreed.

“But like I said. I’ll know if she’s in real danger.” Elaria tried to reassure the group.

No one seemed inclined to disagree, though no one seemed like they agreed either. A growing tension slowly filled the ticking room. The mechanical hum only adding to the sense of unease that they felt.

Perhaps feeling as if she was the ranking member in the room, Lucinia tapped the table with her fingers to get their attention. The princess wiped the conern off her face, trying to control her emotions as she beckoned for everyone to listen. Almost feels like a conspiracy, heh.

“And what about the explosion? We could feel parts of it from here. Any ideas?” The princess queried.

Elaria looked to the siblings, the two shaking their heads and showing little signs of providing any insight onto the matter. Though she did sense a small sparkle of a theory being developed behind their eyes.

“You two have any thoughts?” Elaria tried to prompt them.

Maylesa frowned at her, the elf narrowing her eyes. As they waited, a slightly salty taste tricked into Elaria’s mouth. Didn’t even know I was sweating, huh.

“No?”

The siblings shook their heads much to the Traxian’s disappointment.

“Not even a theory?”

That gave them paused, Maylesa’s frown deepening as the elf pursed her lips in contemplation. Elaria could feel the pressure bubbling up from the siblings, the pair evidently disliking those who could analyze their thoughts.

“Perhaps.” Thalnor spoke for the two of them, “Though this is simply a conjecture at best with no real evidence given as of yet. I must emphasize that before we jump to conclusions. We think that the air was laced with an exceptionally high amount of mana, suggesting a bomb powered by arcane spells or mana directly.”

Lucinia took them at face value, slumping into her chair and pinching her nose in frustration.

“Sounds like a bomb, hmpf.” She grunted, “How vexing.”

“My lady?” Olivia gently asked.

“So nothing matters, hah. If that really was a bomb, it matters not what we do. We’ve already lost.” Lucinia kicked the table leg.

“We have?”

“We’re aiming to reverse the council decision, yes?” She asked Elaria and the siblings.

“Aye.” Elaria responded.

“Well, they’ll certainly welcome any help after an incident like this. No turning that back. Almost too convient. Hmmm.” Lucinia drummed her fingers, “If it wasn’t for the scale, I might even say that they could easily be one of the main culprits. Would certainly put them back on the political power stage fast enough.”

“But isn’t it in the southern part of the city? Near their headquarters?”

“Former.” Lucinia tutted, “And good sympathy votes. If you were all attacked then I suspect it was by someone closely monitoring Sophie. Only few candidates there.”

No one spoke. The implications were clear. They were actively being watched and spied upon. They would need to move much more carefully.

The princess traced something onto the table’s surface, her fingers absently walking along it. Her face devolving into a deeper and deeper scowl.

“Someone somewhere is hiding secrets. And we’re either getting in their way or getting too close. We need a new plan of action.”

“Agreed. But how should we go about?”

Lucinia chuckled, “By not involving me.”

“Huh?” Thalnor unwittingly let out a noise.

“Aside from Sophie, myself and Lady Olivia are the highest profile individuals. Despite my desire to figure what wretched beast dared to try to attack me and you lot. I am most definitely being monitored. Easiest one to watch too given that I’m not as skilled as evasion as you and yours. So…” She smirked, “Don’t involve me, at least not in person like this. Not for a while.” Her brow knitted together, "Besides, I sadly think this is the beginning of something terrible and I'll need to prepare for it."