REVILED

Magister Cromwell scribbled his signature on the petitions for conscripting more soldiers for the war. He then set the parchment on the pile of approved requests before pulling the next one. This one was from Sir Halligan and Elizar to request aid from the paladins of the Church. Cromwell rubbed at the dark bags under his eyes. He desperately wanted to assist in the investigation of Sir Maelon’s death, but he needed to run the city while the Duke managed the province. What’s worse, the Duke needed to prepare his second son to take the duchy. Phineas, the Duke’s second son, was an excellent knight and competent commander, but he wasn’t a politician. Phineas’ blunt, straightforward approach turned off many of the aristocracy. This would cause strife that the duchy didn’t need right now. With a sigh, Cromwell signed the request and added it to the approved pile.

A knock came at the door, “What,” Cromwell growled.

An attendant stepped inside, “Sir, lady Meridith is here to see you.”

Cromwell sighed rubbing his face, “Show her in,”

He plastered on a tired smile as he rose from his seat. Lady Meridith stepped inside wearing a green dress that showed no skin, and velvet gloves to match. Her attendants followed right behind her with small frowns.

Meridith smiled at him, “It’s good to see you again magister Cromwell,”

“Likewise, my lady,” Cromwell took her hands, but she flinched and pulled them away, “Have I offended you?”

“N-no…it’s simply…” Tears started leaking down her face.

Kogna stepped forward and whispered into Cromwell’s ear, “My lady was assaulted a month back. She’s still dealing with the trauma.”

Cromwell gasped looking at Meridith being comforted by her other attendant, “I’m so sorry, my dear,” he said pulling out a handkerchief, “Is there anything I can do?”

“Thank you for your concern,” Meridith took the cloth and dabbed her eyes, “But the scum was dealt with.”

“Painfully, I hope,”

“Yes,” Meridith gave a sad smile, “However, that’s not why I need to speak with you,” Cromwell gestured to the sofas, “This information is for you alone sir,” she looked to the attendant.

“Go fetch some refreshments,” Cromwell ordered the attendant out of the room. When the door closed, he sat across from Meridith, “This must be important.”

“Have you heard about the attack on the theater last night,”

“I have,” Cromwell rubbed his face, “I’ve been dealing with it all morning.”

“Were you aware that lady Priscilla was there,” Cromwell groaned at the revelation, “My master was concerned how his Grace would react, since he was the one who set the event up. He also wanted to apologize for putting her ladyship in danger, so he’s offering seven gold bars as reparations.”

Cromwell smiled warmly at her, “We need more members like your master,” she said, “I shall let his Grace know about the incident last night, and about your master’s generous gift. Believe me when I say that the Duke won’t take any actions against your master.”

“That’s wonderful,” Meridith clasped her hands together, “Does her ladyship not have a personal knight?”

“Sir Halligan was filling the role, but he’s been busy as of late,” Cromwell sighed.

“I’m sorry sir, but that is unacceptable,” Meridith scoffed, “Thankfully, my maser recognized her, and had Kogna protect her,” She gestured to the Amu’Ryjin warrior, “She needs a trustworthy protector, and no offense to Sir Halligan, one that can always be by her side at all times. My master would like Kogna to take the position. He is a skilled fighter on par with the greatest knights.”

“I’ll bring it up with his Grace,” Cromwell said eyeing Kogna, “However, he may ask for a demonstration. Would that be an issue.”

“No sir,” Kogna bowed, “It would be an honor to prove my skills.”

“There’s another thing I would like to ask,” Meridith cleared her throat, “May I have an audience with lady Priscilla. I…worry she doesn’t understand what she’s getting into.” She dabbed her eyes.

“Of course.”

Priscilla sat in the tearoom sipping her morning tea. Her mother sat across from her, staring out the window. The dark circles wouldn’t leave from under the Duchess’ bloodshot eyes, and it made Priscilla sigh heavily. Ever since Maelon died, her parents increased the amount of time they spent with their children. Poor Phineas was spending all his time by their father’s side learning to rule, and he absolutely hated it.

“How are your studies with Sir Halligan coming along,” her mother smiled setting down her cup.

“I haven’t had lessons with him since…the incident,” Priscilla took a sip.

The Duchess nodded fingering her cup, “That’s a shame,” she sighed, “Are you still wanting to pursue him?”

Priscilla twirled her hair, “I wouldn’t mind it,” she smiled sadly, “But I don’t think he sees me as a woman.”

“Dear,”

A knock came from the door, and an attendant stepped in, “My lady Rosalynn, his Grace wishes to see you,”

The duchess sighed and rose from her seat, “We’ll talk about this later,” Rosalynn kissed her daughter’s forehead.

“Lady Priscilla, there’s someone here to see you as well.”

Priscilla rose to her feet and followed the attendant with Lana following closely behind. She was led to one of the sitting rooms where a woman with red hair waited with two Amu’Ryjin servants. Priscilla’s eyes fell to the swordsman. Something about him felt familiar, but she couldn’t figure out why.

“Thank you for seeing me,” the red-headed woman curtsied while her servants bowed, “My name is Meridith, and these are my attendants Hykaru Mina, and her brother Kogna.”

“I’m sorry if I kept you waiting,” Priscilla smiled sitting across from her. The attendant left, leaving them alone.

“Truthfully, I’m glad you made it our of the auction,” Meridith smiled.

A chill ran down Priscilla’s spine as she stared at the group in fear, “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Meridith chuckled which made Priscilla frown.

“My lady, you don’t need to be worried,” Meridith said, “I’m here to check on your well-being. Kogna said that you made it out safely, but I wanted to be sure.”

“You’re the swordsman from last night!” Priscilla gasped, staring at Kogna. She squeaked when she realized her mistake.

“Yes, my lady,”

“So, are you here to collect your money?” Priscilla smoothed her dress and stared imperiously at Meridith.

“No, my lady,” Meridith said, “My master suspected you were after something else. In fact, he wishes to speak with you.”

Priscilla cocked an eyebrow as Meridith placed her hand on the table, and a black rat materialized. Priscilla gasped and jumped back into the sofa, but Lana placed a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s a familiar, my lady,” Lana said trying to comfort her, “This Master Legion is a mage.”

The rat bowed it’s head, “We’re glad to see that you are safe,” Legion’s voice came from the rat

Priscilla covered her mouth with a gentle cough, “Yes, your swordsman was an excellent bodyguard,” she said with a small smile.

“That pleases us,” Legion chuckled looking at Kogna, “We’re glad we recruited him.”

“Are you here to blackmail me,” Priscilla clenched her fists, “You should know, I won’t…bend to your will easily.” She bit her lower lip.

“Child,” the rat crossed the table until it sat right in front of her, “You aren’t ready to play this game. Truthfully, if it was anyone else, you’d be trapped. We, however, aren’t like that.”

“I’ve already told magister Cromwell about last night,” Meridith said.

Priscilla blushed as she looked at the rat, “I see,”

“Child, why were you at the auction last night?” Legion’s rat tilted its head.

“I was investigating Bartholomew Decker,” Priscilla said, avoiding the rat’s gaze, “I thought he was the one behind the auction. I…thought you were tied to him in some way.”

“We are,”

Priscilla gawked at Legion, “How,” she leaned forward, “Is he your rival? Was he responsible for my brother’s murder?”

“Yes, the Decker’s did play a part in your brother's death,”

The knowledge hit Priscilla hard, and she covered her face. She sat there for a few moments, trying to fight back the tears. After a few deep breaths, she looked back at the rat.

“What can you tell me about the role they played in his death,”

“Why,”

Fire burned in her eyes, “I want to bring Bartholomew Decker down,”

“Very well,” Legion bowed, “Allow us to be the sword that brings justice to Decker.”

Samon slammed the mug onto the bar and growled at the prostitute to refill his drink. The small shack that was acting as his headquarters was completely silent. His men were scattered across the slums. His reputation was in the gutters, and the respect his men had for him was practically gone. The damn Legion had brought him down.

The door to the shack creaked open, and Andren sauntered towards the bar. He sat next to Samon and gestured for a mug of his own. The ugly prostitute smiled at Andren as she slid the mug to him.

“What do you want?” Samon spat on the floor.

“Sire is giving you another chance to redeem yourself,” Andren sipped his drink as he leered at the woman, “The Legion has kidnapped Taela, and he wants to get her back.”

Samon perked up, “How in the Dead Prison did they do that?”

“Baron pissed off their boss,” Andren growled, “And he failed to get her back himself. So, he’s wanting you to do it,” Andren slid a piece of paper to him, “I had my men scour the city, and they think she might be here.”

Samon took the map and studied it, “How did they find her?”

“There’ve been changes going on in the sewers since the Legion conscripted the wererats,” Andren leaned in, “I’ve been having my boys map out these changes, and they found one camp that seemed out of place. It had skeletons guarding it,” He took a deep drink, “When the Legion attacked Reina, she mentioned that the leader used necromancy to create a monster.”

“I see,” Samon nodded.

“Also, and you didn’t hear this from me,” Andren smiled, “Reina doesn’t know that her niece was kidnapped by the Legion, and that Decker’s been doing everything to keep her in the dark. If you were to save her…”

“She’d be in my favor,” Samon’s smile turned vicious, “And her support could get me back into Decker’s good graces.” He turned to Andren, “I’ll go get her myself.”

Andren finished his mug and rose to his feet, “Good luck,”

Bartholomew sat at his desk working when the door to his office burst open. Reina stormed in and slammed her hands on to his desk glaring at him.

“Where is Taela!” Reina snarled.

“I don’t know,” Bartholomew took a deep breath, gently clasping his hands, “She’s probably dealing with my useless son.”

“Don’t lie to me!” Reina spat, “No one has seen her in weeks, not even your own staff. I was hoping that you would tell me, but I’m tired of waiting,” she crossed her arms, “Now where is she?”

Bartholomew stared at her unfazed, “I genuinely don’t know,” he said keeping his voice calm, “When I do see her again, I’ll let you know.”

Fear filled Reina’s voice, “Does… the monster have her?” Bartholomew simple stared back, “Oh Virtues…” Reina covered her mouth, “What… does it want?”

“I’m working on getting her back,” Bartholomew sighed deeply, “Once Andren has found something, I’ll let you know.”

“Dammit Bartholomew, why didn’t you deal with this monster sooner!”

“I’m dealing with it now,”

Reina leaned into Bartholomew’s face, “I’m not making any of my payments until my niece is safe,” she smiled wickedly, “So you better find her quickly.” She turned around and stormed out.

The door slammed shut behind her, and Bartholomew clenched his fist, “Damn monster.” He growled.

Halligan wiped the sweat from his face. The training grounds were full of soldiers performing evening drills after their guard shifts. Sir Phineas stood in the center of the sparring ring fighting against three other soldiers. Halligan couldn’t help but admire his skill.

Phineas effortlessly parried each strike and retaliated with quick, successive attacks of his own. Each one a killing blow. Phineas started instructing them on how to better their forms and went back to training with them. Again, he easily blocked each attack and landed killing blows, and corrected their mistakes. This cycle repeated a few more times, and each time the young soldiers were a little bit better.

“He’s nearly as good as Sir Solomon,” Halligan sighed as he looked at the welts on his shoulder, chest, and legs. They too were given to him by Sir Phineas.

“Your Grace!”

Halligan’s attention was drawn to the commotion coming from the castle. The Duke, his wife, daughter, and Cromwell approached the training ground with an Amu’Ryjin swordsman following behind them. A chill ran down Halligan’s spine. He could tell the foreign warrior was skilled. His eyes took in the surroundings, aware of every possible threat in the vicinity. Despite the robes, Halligan could see the readied stance the Amu’Ryjin swordsman had.

“Phineas,” the Duke waved to his son.

“Father,” Phineas bowed slightly but his eyes never left the Amu’Ryjin, “Who’s this?”

“This here is master Kogna,” Cromwell gestured to the warrior as he bowed to Phineas, “He’s an attendant to a staunch supporter of his Grace, and they requested that he be lady Priscilla’s personal knight.” Murmuring filled the air.

“I want you to test his skills,” the Duke said.

“Understood father,” Phineas said taking his place on the field.

“Is there any conditions you wish to impose, my lord?” Kogna bowed to the Duke.

“No, fight with all that you have,”

“As you wish. May I have a piece of rope?” the Duke nodded, and a trainee brought him a rope. Kogna tied his sword to his scabbard and took a readied stance, “Forgive me, my lord, but your practice swords don’t fit my style well.”

“I understand Kogna,”

“Fight,” the Duke signaled.

Halligan gasped. Phineas charged forward and struck out, but Kogna fluidly blocked the first strike and retaliated. Phineas stepped out of range, his eyes wide in shock as he rubbed his nose. The Duke’s heir smiled and took his sword in both hands. Everyone started gathering around to watch the fighting. Phineas remained on the attack, striking Kogna and testing the Amu’Ryjin’s defenses. Kogna expertly parried each strike and retaliated with his own, but none seemed to have any power behind them.

“When are you going to start fighting?” Phineas growled.

Kogna smiled viciously, “Now,”

Kogna punched Phineas, and a gust of air pushed the Duke’s son back. Kogna struck out three times, each sending a blast of air that struck Phineas, opening his guard. Kogna jumped forward and stabbed Phineas’ stomach, but the noble rolled to the side. Before Phineas could recover, Kogna struck his neck, but Phineas brought his sword up to block it. Kogna slipped his weapon underneath Phineas’ and with a flick of his wrist sent Phineas’ sword into the air.

Phineas held up both hands, “I yield,” The gathered crowd gawked as Kogna helped Phineas up, “You weren’t giving it your all.”

“My apologies, my lord,” Kogna bowed, “But I didn’t want others to get hurt.”

“I understand,” Phineas turned to his father and nodded.

The Duke approached with his daughter, “Hear me,” the Duke quieted the crowd, “As of now, Sir Kogna will be my daughter’s personal knight,” he turned to Halligan, “This will allow you to focus on the investigation.”

“Of course, your Grace,” Halligan bowed, “It was an honor to serve you, lady Priscilla, even if it was for a short time.”

“You will still have a place at the castle, and once your investigation is over, you’ll be allowed to return to her service,” the Duke said leaning closer, “There was an incident last night, and I need someone who can keep an eye on her.”

Halligan nodded as the Duke stepped away, “Sir Kogna, I’ll have the servants prepare a room close to my daughters. Is there anything you’ll need to gather from your previous residence?”

“There are a few things, my lord,”

“Cromwell, see to it his effects are brought here,” Cromwell bowed as the Duke left.

Halligan felt someone touch his arm, and Priscilla stared at him seriously, “Sir Halligan, I have some information that might be of use to you.”

“You do?”

“Yes, it’s about my brother’s murder,” She leaned in and whispered, “And the monster.”