I Will Be the Greatest Knight

They didn't want the precedent to be that they were mistrustful of Nickronian mages, but the way they treated Commander Henry and Sylaron the last time they were in their presence, Irene, Felix, Trenton, Bren, Sven and Siverly all approached the situation with caution.

Deciding it was best to travel as a unified body, they all went on horseback to the outer edge of the forests and on the path that led north to Nickron when they were summoned.

However, all they were met with was one single mage. The one Siverly's grandfather seemed to speak to the most. When she pulled off her hood, long, black hair was revealed. She bore the appearance of someone as young as Irene, but because of the mage blood in her veins it meant she was likely in her 30's or 40's, Siverly would estimate.

"I thought you said the mages summoned us," Irene mentioned to Felix when they were all stopped and climbing on their horses.

"There were more than five when we were summoned in the first place," he persisted.

The mage had moved forward. She was now close enough to hear the words shared by knights.

"The others are still here and they're listening, don't worry," she assured them. "But the only person here to talk is me."

Knowing that they were there but not visible didn't make Irene feel better about the situation. In fact, it made her feel worse. She had an urge to pull out her sword for safety. The mages were acting as if they were trying to plot an ambush.

Considering he could sense their hesitation, Siverly stepped forward after dismounting from his horse.

"I can tell where each mage is," he explained. "They aren't far and most are camouflaged but their mana is easy to sense."

However, his eyes weren't on the knights who were taking heed to his words, but the mage they were meeting who seemed less than pleased at his reassurance. Siverly wore an expression that seemed to beg her to try and push him further. It caused Irene to wonder if he was a stronger mage than her.

Siverly seemed to have a lot of things he wasn't up front about, but because he was still on their side, Irene felt comfortable not pressing him about any of it.

"Thank you," Irene uttered to him.

The other mage had stepped away and went towards the grassy fields where it seemed she was intent on speaking to the knights. Already there was a small fire started and it seemed to be dancing just above the wood rather than actually burning it.

Oftentimes, the only reason the mages still set up fires but didn't actually burn anything was because their magic needed something to hang onto. They could make a rock seem as if it was on fire if they wanted to, but wood with fire needed no explanation.

Once everyone was seated, the mage looked around and sighed.

"While I am disappointed that your Commander is not here, I have no other choice but to speak with those he trusted enough to bring him with him in the first place since you all are familiar with the situation explained," she began. "As promised, the border surrounding Polona has been officially restored using our surplus of mana stones. However, Nickron does hope that His Grace will uphold his half of the promise by delivering the dragon orb soon. We are more than ready to compensate him for such a generous offering."

"In other words, Idona is safe once more?" Felix double-checked. "Our interest in this region has been due to the importance of Idona as a trade hub that unites the east and west and allows those who brave Polona a chance to earn from their spoils by meeting with those from far and wide. It's also a valuable source of information for travelers and for His Majesty in central Hydrogia."

"It is safe once more," the mage confirmed. "But that is why we are insistent on procuring the dragon orb as soon as possible. The small mana stones we have used to seal the border once more have a much shorter life than something like a dragon orb which could power it for generations to come."

The knights present nodded slowly. It was really no wonder the orb was so valuable or why the Commander used it as a bargaining chip.

However, Siverly knew deep down that these words were coming directly from his grandfather. There was no doubt that, while he wouldn't venture far out of Nickron, he would send those most loyal to him. They didn't mind being used as a mouthpiece.

Since Felix had talked to the Commander about the orb most out of anyone there, he spoke up. "As the Commander has already promised, it will be done but you must send your own to Chemois when he is there. I will not be in charge of passing over such a valuable item without his direct involvement."

At that, they all noticed the mage's mouth twitch. Her once neutral expression became a bit disdainful.

Many had the similar thoughts as Irene who was silently wondering if they knew the Commander was gone which was why they were making this insistence now. Too bad for them, the people under Duke Mattson of Tenetium were unbelievably loyal in the short time he had been theirs.

"We will then make further arrangements, but mages are unlikely to travel in the winter," the mage finally stated. "It will be done in the following spring."

In spite of everything, Felix offered a smile that didn't seem all that friendly.

"We look forward to having you," he stated.

"I'm sure," the mage responded. "I have nothing else to say."

Siverly had been eyeing her and he grimaced at her, wondering if this was how people perceived him as well.

"Then we shall be off," Siverly said. "I feel I ought to send a letter to Commander Lothian to fill him in on this conversation and Sir Alix."

When they returned to the heart of town and the inn, Siverly did as was promised and sent a letter for both Commanders but penned by Sir Felix.

Considering they were all using magic to send these communications back and forth, it was only a couple of days before they received another reply.

To my knights in Idona, it is time to return home.

Under the direction of Commander Lothian, the Knights of Hydrogia will be going with you to Chemois. Please treat them with the hospitality and as your own brothers (and sister).

I look forward to seeing you. There is a high possibility I make it there before you do.

Duke Henry Mattson, Commander of the Knights of Chemois