S4:CH7

Nika Everwood leaned against a tall tree trunk, cleaning her dagger of blood, as she looked at her axe, lodged into the skull of a well-known criminal in these lands. Yesterday, she had heard that The People’s Liberation front had raided these lands recently, which was weird, as the PLF were known to mostly operate in Karthus. Oh, Democracy, how she wished to be part of something greater. She imagined how thrilling it would be to be part of The Red Blood Regiment. How being a part of such an organization would prepare her for something much more meaningful. The countless lives that the regiment has saved, and how it has spread freedom throughout the world. Oh, how she wanted to be part of such a group.

But… The Red Blood Regiment did not operate in The Kingdom of Drasek.

She sighed. She was better off here anyway. She had her friends, and they were better off protecting her people here. Shifters and humans here often were refugees, which led them to live in shabby camps that had no guards or soldiers. Had she set out to be in the RBR, she would be abandoning these people, and she wouldn’t even be a soldier of the RBR, but rather a cadet that could only help with labor in the camp and study about Democracy. She had a purpose here. One step at a time.

“General Nika! Ra’Shak is back! He’s with the PLF!” a man shouted.

Time to get back to work.

Commander Darius of the Golden Eagle Guard lifted Kindred by the collar and slammed him to the wall, making him grunt.

“Why were you in Lady Cassandra’s room?” the commander said, around him were fellow GEG knights, with their swords pointed at him.

“It was… a routine inspection… intelligence… gathering…” Kindred said, struggling with his words as he could not even make a difference with the strength of the commander.

“I’m not stupid, Kindred,” tightening his grip and lifting him further up, before pointing his sword at his neck. “Legally, I could kill you right now for entering a Magrin’s room without approval.”

Kindred was trying to laugh and smirk, but the pain and immense pressure from Darius was too hard to ignore. He tried to smirk, but the rest of the GEG were now starting to laugh at the outmatched assassin. “I didn’t know she was… a Magrin! Besides… she was the one that invited me to-”

The GEG walked towards Kindred, with Darius pointing his sword to gouge out the assassin’s eyes.

“Enough,” a voice of a woman they were all familiar with echoed through the hallway. The echoes from her heeled slippers knocked on the marble floor. Every single GEG knight immediately stood straight, saluting none other than Queen Aurelia of Karthus herself, whose eyes were glued to Darius. “Thank you for your work, commander. I’ll take it from here.”

Darius stood silent, before nodding her head. He glared at Kindred before leaving with his guards. Kindred slowly sat down with a smile on his face, and blood dripped from his mouth. The queen handed him a healing potion.

“Did you really have to do it on her 19th birthday?” Aurelia asked as Kindred drank the potion. She crossed her arms, waiting for Kindred to heal his wounds.

“Well…” Kindred said, before exhaling, feeling more relaxed as his wounds healed. The GEG definitely created one of the strongest knights he had ever faced. But that also meant that when they punched hard, they punched hard. Kindred found it both amusing and scary, but before he even delved in his thoughts, he could already see the disapproving look of the queen. “The funds you and Eowyn gave me were sent to The Red Blood Regiment.”

“And why does this relate to my guards finding you and her there?”

Kindred stood up, still feeling the pain from the strikes, but being able to move more. “It’s easier to justify that those funds came from someone willing to do anything for the love of her life, who happens to be a mysterious and dangerous man in black,” he said, smirking while clenching his fist a little bit overdramatically, making Aurelia roll her eyes. “But that’s to be expected from the naivety of a girl, 19 years of age.”

“Osiris, I am… a girl 19 years of age.”

Kindred closed his eyes in a slight feeling of embarrassment. “I of course did not mean it like that, your majesty.”

Aurelia put her palms on her head. Obviously, she knew that Kindred didn’t equate her to be dumb as Cassandra, but it was indeed how the women her age would act. She was annoyed at how much she had to grow, as she never had the luxury to be as dumb as her 2nd cousin. Nevertheless, she had her duty, especially to her mother, and to her kingdom. “Tell me what happened in Freton Keep.”

They walked through the hallways, filled with portraits of well known Magrins from before. Kindred said, “I tried to warn Eowyn that she needed to have proper guards there, as yes, it was attacked, and they stole the documents, your majesty.”

“By who?” Aurelia asked.

“The CSS.”

Aurelia stopped. They were now both at the door. Behind it were leaders of both the GEG and BVR, as well as other factions that protected Karthus. The last thing she wanted to hear was a political disaster shaping up behind her. She sighed. There was no time to argue. Now was the time to plan.

“Tell me this is manageable, Kindred.”

A silence formed between them. Kindred didn’t know.

An airship arrived at The Camp of Freedom. Aboard was Gold and Aida, now the new councilors of the Red Blood Regiment. They have been working together in keeping the logistics of the RBR camps, which kept on proving its complications as they grew. They knew they needed a more permanent and proper base of operations. They hoped that one day, The Camp of Liberty would be a more sovereign territory, but because of the treaty of 1582, it meant that the BVR had full access to their camps.

A second batch of individuals arrived. One was a centaur lady, and the other was a human male with white hair. It was Velnet and Sebastian, now finally making their first step into Selyria. The other RBR soldiers greeted them, especially Raven, who had arrived for them as well.

“Is this him?” Raven said, followed by the arrival of Zanloleth.

“Aye,” he said, before walking closely towards him. “Bright tactician, I would add. But I suppose his combat training would take more time than usual.”

Raven saluted the man in white hair. “Sebastian, right?”

The man saluted back. “Sí… err, I mean yes!”

Every RBR soldier near them stopped. Zanloleth giggled, before waving off her comrades. “He’s from Sentora, everyone. Don’t worry.”

“In here, we say ‘aye’. Vonturians say yes,” Raven added.

‘Oh…” Sebastian exclaimed, nodding as he scanned the camp. “Aye, then.”

The rest of the officers smiled. Zan patted Sebastian’s back, then gently rubbed his thumb on the waist of Velnet. “See you at the festival!”

Zanloleth winked at the centaur woman, before moving somewhere else.

“Velnet, acabamos de llegar,” Sebastian said, muttering at the fact that they’d just arrived, and Velnet had already started flirting with someone.

“This is not NOT my fault, hermano,” Velnet said, before looking away and continuing down the airship.

“You of all people would know that-” Sebastian was about to finish, before being whistled by Raven, gesturing to him to follow him. “I…. have to go.”

Nika arrived, with her large backpack. The world became huge for her. Nobles, knights, merchants, and mages. This was a far cry from her previous home. The diversity could drive someone insane by just looking at the countless items in the vicinity. Food, art, books, but most of all, she was here for a specific purpose. And there it was.

The Red Blood Regiment had arrived. It was marvelous. The maroon uniform, the badges, the flags. The traces of mud on their tassets and boots. Their horses walked calmly on the streets of Vendeaux, and there was even a centaur in their ranks. A centaur??? This was heaven for her. So many things happening at once!

Wait, she must focus…

She walked through the gates of Queen Aurelia’s castle. She showed her papers, and began to walk to the castle grounds. She was young, and she was tiny. If she pushed herself to keep walking along with the people, she felt like she would be squished. But alas, she arrived at the throne room, where everyone was mingling and talking, and in the end, there she saw it. Queen Aurelia, being advised by Commander Kindred of The Black Valkyrie Regiment.

Kindred whispered “Perhaps I should hold your hand right now to create a scandal,”

“One of the leading commanders of the Karthusian kingdom, willing to risk the queen’s reputation?” Aurelia said, as her gaze was locked to the nobles awaiting their turn to speak. “You know me better than to hold the hand of one of the most hated man in this nation.”

“It wouldn’t be so bad, your highness,” Kindred replied, smiling as he talked. “You could lay down low in the countryside with your husband, far away from this mess.”

Aurelia giggled, covering her mouth a little bit, as a goblin girl with a backpack began to stand in front of them. “Unlike you, Mr. Osiris, my duty does not revolve around spouses and relationships.”

Kindred smiled. He knew that his queen had more wisdom than most rulers he served. However, she was still young, and the beauty with young rulers was that they fancied banter more than older ones. “Then you mistake your place in this room, your majesty. Politics by its nature revolves around relationships. Even with spouses.”

“Then perhaps you can announce to the court your relationship earlier with Cassandra…”

Kindred was stunned, but felt embarrassed, before scratching his hair and smiling. “I-I suppose you have your first visitor who wishes to speak to you.”

“G-greetings, y-your majesty queen,” it was a goblin girl, around 14 years of age, struggling to look down and up, anxious as to what she would say. “Aurelia Queen. M-my name is Nika Everwood.”

“Greetings, Ms. Everwood,” Aurelia replied, with full confidence looking down at the goblin. “What is it that you wish to speak about?”

“I… wish to ask for help,” Nika answered. “I am from The Ebonwood Vanguard.”

Aurelia looked at Kindred. “Any records?”

Kindred looked at his notes. “It appears they are new,” he said, before turning a page. “Draseki. Non-government affiliated. Democratic.”

“No.” Aurelia immediately said. Kindred closed his notes, before looking at her.

“B-but your majesty, The People’s Liberation Front-”

“It’s alright, young lady. I understand, but this is a Draseki issue, correct?”

“Yes ma’am, I mean queen. Queen Aurelia your majesty…”

Kindred whispered something in her ear. Aurelia nodded, then put her hands on her back. “I will speak to King Rolim on this matter, and hopefully, the Red Blood Regiment can help you,” she said.

Nika didn’t know whether to be relieved or sad. She wasn’t getting anything. She decided to bow down and leave.

“The Queen who signed the creation of the State of Illou, just denied a Democratic Faction?” Kindred said, challenging her, but also curious as to what her answer is.

“Drasek is not allied with Karthus at the moment. They’re not affiliated with them. It would do nothing for this kingdom to help them dramatically,” Aurelia replied, looking at Kindred. “Do you think I did the right thing?”

Kindred nodded. “I would’ve helped her, but I understand your reasoning,” he said, before tapping his chest. “I’m here to guide and give knowledge, but whatever your decisions are, I will support.”

“Thank you, Kindred,” the queen replied, before smiling. This was followed by Kindred’s smile back. As the commander then looked at the GEG knights in the back however, he could see their glare at him. A sense of anxiety creeped into his mind, but for now, he was safe.

A series of talks followed. Nobles wanting their share of Dwarven Steel, and mages wanting sponsorships. Aurelia and Kindred talked together to form plans, and as time went on, they both finished many lessons in politics.

“I’ll take it from here, commander,” Aurelia said, patting Kindred’s shoulder. “I know you’ve been staring at that person for the entire time now.”

Kindred suddenly looked at the queen in shock. “Your majesty, you saw?”

Aurelia chuckled. “I wish to see you and someone with white hair. It’s very interesting,” she said, creating a silence between them. Aurelia’s face changed from a laughing smile, to a relaxed one. “Don’t worry, I already know what to do now. Martinus Triventius needs more supplies, and I will send more ships and mages to them.”

Kindred smiled, then raised his eyebrow, staring at her deep in the eyes. “...and?”

Aurelia stuttered, before thinking deeply. Suddenly, it hit her. “The northerners! Yes! I-I almost forgot. I shall congratulate Lord Tarik for his victories and develop ties with them!”

Kindred bowed slightly. There it was, his queen, at such a young age, was already becoming well with governing. With this, there was nothing to worry about. He finally walked to the person in white hair, wearing what seems to be the uniform of the Red Blood Regiment.

Commander Siren leaned on her waist at the crenellations of the castle walls. A BVR assassin approached her, telling her that the CSS was indeed seen west of Hreinngar. Her eyes immediately went to Kindred, who she saw was flirting with another person… again.

“Kindred didn’t stay in Porthos for too long, didn’t he?” she said, receiving shrugs from the assassins. She sighed, before jumping down. She hated this man. His annoying smirk. His status. They way he achieved his ‘goals’, and how he acted as if he was part of the nobility. However, hints of peasantry still stuck to his skin. She could see it.

The castle was now packed with so many nobles and faction leaders. Each step was an opportunity to gather information to what they were, and what they liked. Some nobles liked the food and wine. Those nobles were poor, and wanted money. Easy to manipulate. Others talked a lot. They wanted connections, and were desperate for it. Another easy target. And then there was Kindred, who…

“Hello, young lady,” Kindred said to the figure with white hair, smirking.

“Eh?...” the person said, as they walked back slowly, trying to avoid the commander. Siren was not surprised. If this was a woman, she would’ve walked away immediately now.

“Don’t be afraid, m’lady. I’m Kindred, nice to meet you,” Kindred said, trying to reach the person’s hand. Siren finally realized it, and a smile started to form on her lips. This wasn’t Kindred trying something new. Kindred just didn’t know that this was a-

“Sebastian!” Raven finally arrived, patting the white haired man’s back. A sense of comfort showed up in the young man, and Raven finally looked at Kindred. “Kindred, this is Sebastian.”

Kindred felt a sense of shame, and his face showed a slight fluster at the knowledge that he was trying to court a man. “Ahh-” he said, but no words could clean any filth he tried to do.

“Sebastian wishes to join us,” Raven said, before walking closer to his ears. “To join us.”

Kindred’s eyes changed to a serious tone, before sighing. “My apologies, good sir,” he said, before looking at Siren, who cleared her throat. She nodded, telling him that the CSS was indeed here. He was about to say something, but she was ignored by the other BVR commander, immediately walking past him. “I’d advise you to stay outside while I notify her majesty,” he said.

“And I would advise you to know your place, peasant,” she replied back, making Kindred grip his hand a little bit.

Siren arrived at the dais of the throne room, ignoring Commander John Triggerman of the GEG. She whispered something at Aurelia.

“Good. I will meet them then,” she said, causing Aurelia’s eyes to widen in shock.

“But your majesty…” Siren said, but Aurelia simply raised her hand, before nodding at the man he was talking to.

“My apologies, Ductor Triventius. I assure you that our ships will be there,” she said, before walking down.

Nika stood outside the castle, gripping her fists. She tried approaching the RBR, but simply, no one would approach such a young girl for such serious matters, like a military alliance. If only they knew what was happening in Drasek, then they would know how serious this is. Suddenly, something caught her eye. It was a man that appeared to be a Durgan, being paid by one of the richest people of all of Selyria.

Ra’shak was being paid, but why?

Scouter Kidd, a warrior undercover for the Porthos Imperial Army saw what just happened. A man killed in cold blood, or it seemed to be. As the perpetrator ran away, Scouter had one thing in mind. That black cloaked man had just passed by KTW enforcers and GEG knights. If he could defeat him, then perhaps he could prove that he had the chance to be the strongest of Gaeia.

But first, he actually had to do it.

Immediately sprinting towards the man, he followed him towards a clearing. It was an airport, with some people confused as to why they were there. However, as he arrived, there was already a man waiting for the attacker. He knew him. It was Kaito.

“What you did was wrong. I cannot let you go,” Scouted said, as he saw Kaito prepare his weapon. “I AM SCOUTER KIDD OF THE PORTHOS IMPERI-”

A hail of spikes flew towards Scouter. He dodged them, jumping to the side. 

“And I am Ra’shak.” the man said, before sprinting towards him. The strength, and ferocity was intense, and Scouter could feel it. He threw several fireballs, and some did hit. But instead of feeling pain, Ra'shak smiled. Kaito then rushed and slashed the shoulder of the enemy, and it was the same outcome. The problem however was that he was immediately grabbed, then dragged on the floor. Scouter had to act quickly. So he tried his best to cast multiple fireballs towards Ra’shak. It was effective, and Ra’shak was knocked back, with several burns in his body.

“I WILL NOT FALL! I WILL BRAWL AND STAND TA-” he said, before he felt something.

Wait…

The pain, the headache. The nerves in his body betrayed him. He had been throwing so many spells, but didn’t know that he had already almost expended his affinity. His body couldn’t stop himself. His mouth started to scream, and his body dropped to the floor. As Kaito saw his veins, they were millimeters near his eye.

Kaito’s eyes widened, and his heart almost sank. Ra’shak lowered his sword, finally using it for his execution. In the corner of his eye however, something stopped him.

It was Nika, walking towards him.

He walked back, before running away.