The Royal Send-off

  The party continues long into the night as guests file in and out of Ciar’s home. One of these notable guests is Prince Hektor, younger brother of Claudia and older brother of Maria. Given that this is his sister’s send off, he is considerably late, but he appears to be either unaware of his faux pas or he simply doesn’t care. He approaches Teo, Claudia, and Maria, who are gathered together on the far side of the room, cheerfully greeting familiar faces along the way. Eventually, he reaches his family’s circle.

  “There’s my little sister!” he shouts while reaching out for a hug; a little too informal for this setting, “how many months has it been since I’ve seen any of you? Too long.” he gives a satisfied sigh looking over the faces of his siblings.

  “It really has been too long Hektor. How has your business in Armillaria been?” Teo is asking about his diplomatic mission.

  Just like Raul and Maria, Hektor is serving in a foreign nation to improve relations. For Hektor, he has been working with Tab’s cultural, military, and economic rival for several years now.

  “Oh my dear brother, it really is a difficult task to mediate between our nations. Relations are terrible right now and it’s everything I can do to rationalize the decisions made by our senate.” he looks around at the other guests, “I swear sometimes I think our family are the only competent ones in this entire city.”

  “Careful, Hektor,” Claudia cautions, “We’re guests in Ciar’s home. Let’s be respectful.”

  Hektor rolls his eyes at the mention of their host’s name, “Oh he is the worst one of them all. I feel like he is always pushing an agenda counter to the family’s best interests.”

  Maria feels a bit guilty about speaking ill of their host, but she feels the same way. Hektor knows Maria agrees but before she can say anything he speaks up again.

  “Maria, did I hear correctly? You and Raul were attacked on your last outing?” He stares intently at his sister dropping his casual demeanor only briefly.

  Maria recounts once again the events that took place. She no longer needs to remember the events exactly, she only has to recite the same script she has given many times already.

  “What a horrendous ordeal you’ve been put through! I arrived from Armillaria too late to attend your original farewell party, but I’m just glad you’re safe and we’re not holding a different kind of ceremony for you. If it’s any consolation, I can vouch for Armillaria that they had nothing to do with this. It must have been the Strix.” He crashes one fist into the his palm, “You’ll be traveling west, won’t you? Please be careful on your journey if you move along their borders.”

  Another voice joins their conversation as two people walk into their circle, “I think you’re the first person, possibly the only person in the entire kingdom who would make that claim,” it’s Ciar with Torix walking beside him, “Care to explain why you would absolve Armillaria so easily?”

  Hektor isn’t happy that these two have invited themselves into a conversation with the royal family, but Ciar is their host, and Torix is the most respected member of their army. Claudia is right, it would be a bad look to disrespect them publicly here.

  “Well, simply from my time with the people of Armillaria I know that they don’t see our rivalry the same way we do. Those people are happy to live simple and peaceful lives. They don’t have the same hatred found in our senate, or the desire for war that our military does.” Poorly veiled insults at Ciar and Torix.

  “I see. That reminds me, Hektor, I should congratulate you on your recent engagement. I hear she is a lovely woman and the daughter of a powerful Armillaria senate member. I’m sure your relationship has given you plenty of keen insights and helped you see many things from the Armillarian’s point of view.”

  “I don’t like what you are implying Ciar. Please be careful when speaking to a member of the royal family. It is no secret though, that yes, I am engaged to a wonderful woman. If she happens to be Armillarian, or from a prominent family such as myself, what of it? Besides, our marriage will surely help to repair some of the damage you and your peers have done to our relations.”

  “Yes, I’m sure the prince is correct about that. In that case, why don’t you bring her here to Tab? I’m sure the people would be inspired seeing how the fruits of your labors have paid off all these years.”

  “Alas, I would if only the journey weren’t so long and perilous. There are some in our own military who would rather settle a score and set our efforts back years than risk peaceful relations with our neighbors. A long, vulnerable journey is exactly the kind of opportunity they would jump on.”

  Hektor is being intentionally spitefully towards Ciar but his bravado dies down as he finishes speaking. He half-forgot Torix is still standing among them and although he doesn’t particularly care about hurting his feelings, he is well aware that Tab’s greatest general is also a god’s manifestation. It’s dangerous to provoke him. While Hektor doesn’t know Torix personally, Ciar is good friends with the man and knows there is no danger in involving this Corsac in their conversation.

  “What are your thoughts on the matter, General Torix? You’ve dedicated your life to Tab and worked alongside all manner of her most dedicated citizens. Do you think there would be danger in a journey like that?”

  The Corsac doesn’t think long about his answer, even among children a fraction of his age, he knows where he stands among politicians and royalty.

  “I consider myself to be in a very fortunate position. I am a soldier after all. I simply do what I am told and leave the politics and trickery to the younger folks,” Torix glances over his companions and his eyes meet Maria’s, “That being said, the military only fights and kills in service to their nation. If an order is given to execute a member of an elite family, that order doesn’t come from the military, but from much higher,” his gaze slowly turns back to Hektor, “If the order was given to eliminate a member of an elite family,” he pauses, “none of us would give it a second thought.”

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Hektor is visibly shocked by Torix’s words and waits for the man to continue.

  “In any case, I only came this way to bid farewell to the princess. I am retiring for the night but I’m sure I will see you again before you set off.”

  Maria thanks Torix for his consideration and he and Ciar leave the circle of the six of them. Hektor speaks up again before the men are even out of sight completely.

  “Did you hear what that old man said? He might as well of come out and said it! We’re talking about my fiancé here and he’s talking about killing her without any remorse. My personal relationships aside, if anyone in Armillaria heard that, can you imagine the uproar there’d be?” he turns to the emperor looking for some sympathy, “Do you see what I mean when I say how hard it is to mediate?”

  “I agree, his words are a little unsettling brother, but please remember that man has spent his life fighting Armillaria. It’s natural that his views won’t always reflect the more tempered ideas of the senate or the empire. We owe his a great deal; even if his views reflect some of the most radical opinions in Tab.”

  Claudia adds, “It’s true, you’d be hard pressed to find a man with more resentment towards them than Torix. The man is deeply torn by grief and anger. Even if he doesn’t show it, he's hurting.”

  Maria considers what Torix said about following orders to kill someone. He was looking right at her when he spoke.

  Was he talking about me and Raul?

  She keeps these thoughts to herself.

  Someone gave the order to execute me and my brother. If not Armillaria then someone else. But who?

  This question begins to burn stronger than ever before. Here at Maria’s going away party, they are celebrating her departure back out into the world. In a few days she will be exposed to the dangers once again, but with so much uncertainty surrounding the future, fear, anxiety, and panic begin to grip her for the first time

  “Actually, I think I’ll retire as well. It’s been a long day.”

  The three siblings all encourage their little sister to go home and get some rest. At the suggestion of Claudia, Maria also takes Coco along who has been thoroughly bored since Letz went home with Bao. Even after some time has passed, Hektor is still stuck on Torix’s words.

  “If we’re being completely honest, the general is committing treason speaking like that. Brother, I hope you will use some of your influence to discipline him in some way.”

  Claudia is ready to move on from this topic, “The old man didn’t mean anything personal Hektor. Can we just drop it? Besides, if Torix is guilty of treason, then there isn’t a single innocent person in all of Tab. The man's loyalty is unquestionable.”

  The night continues on and the festivities at Ciar’s estate eventually come to a close. The Half-Elf is not finished with his business however. He left the estate with general Torix but on his return trip he makes a detour to the palace. There is another Half-Elf on the night watch who he needs to speak with.

  Keyon has already received word that Ciar intends to speak with him tonight, so when the two meet, it’s no surprise. Still, in the late hours of the night, meeting in a secluded spot along the palace’s exterior walls feels sinister.

  “Your testimony on the betrayal of Maria and Raul by their entire escort is deeply troubling. Is it all true?” Ciar doesn’t waste any time.

  “Of course it’s true. Or do you also doubt Raul’s testimony?”

  The two men don’t know each other very well, but Keyon knows that Maria doesn’t get along with Ciar very well. That's reason enough to be suspicious.

  “I knew it was unlikely, but I still wanted to ask,” he lets out a deep sigh, “In a few days Maria will leave Tab for her assignment in the city state of Lismore. They're currently at war with their neighboring city state of Carcassy. This war is escalating and despite that being common knowledge in the senate, the emperor has decided that he won’t alter Maria’s schedule. Still, with the revelations you brought forward the other day, it’s not necessarily safer to add more soldiers to her escort this time either.”

  Keyon knows Ciar is correct. With the news that some in Tab’s military can’t be trusted, combined with the threat of assassins tailing Maria, her journey is certainly going to fail. Lismore is across the continent all the way on the west coast. She will need to avoid assassins, conflicts along the Strix border, heightened tensions between Lismore and Carcassy, and all while having to look over her shoulder in case members of her own military are turncoat. Rather than another large escort, it would be better to depart with a small group of trusted and skilled guards from the start. This is exactly what Ciar has in mind.

  “The emperor has selected you to continue traveling with Maria on her journey. You will travel to Lismore and remain by her side until you receive further instructions. You should be receiving these orders through official channels sometime tomorrow. In addition to that, the emperor has selected another team member to aid you. In total, your journey will consist only of Princess Maria, yourself, and the additional guard.”

  Only two escorts!?

  Keyon’s thoughts began racing through his mind. Even for a secret and covert mission, this is too small. Not only that, but Maria’s trip is not a secret journey. There are definitely going to be parties looking for her along all points in their journey. If the military has been compromised to any degree though, then there is no one else who can help them.

  “You’re thinking the same thing, aren’t you? Why else would you be here meeting me in the middle of the night?” Ciar has no leadership role in the military and has no reason to be giving Keyon these orders, but from what Keyon has gathered about the man standing before him, they both care about Tab. They both care about Maria, “What did you have in mind?”

  “The princess’s new friend. Bao? Can he really be trusted?”

  So that’s what this is about.

  “Bao is ignorant of a lot things in this world but there is no doubt in my mind that right now he is a trusted ally of the princess. Although I can’t same the same for his loyalty to Tab.”

  “That’s good to hear. I understand he has plans to remain in the city after Maria leaves. He is going to continue studying magic with the master Fos right? Please ask him to join the three of you when you leave.”

  Keyon thinks for a moment, there is no doubt that bringing Boa along would not only increase Maria’s odds for success but also raise her morale. There is only issue with this plan.

  “Bao isn’t traveling alone. He has three children in his care and a Bolbian that he hasn’t figured out what to do with yet.”

  “We’re talking about the princess and the country here Keyon,” Ciar’s voice is colder than the night air, “You already know how cruel this world can be. From what I understand, the children you’re talking about are already on a path of suffering. Do you believe that Bao is capable of saving them? Or do you think keeping Bao here a few extra days will transform their lives? I already know the answer. As for the Bolbian, you understand the situation more than I do. If he becomes a danger to the princess, I’m sure you and the second guard will be able to deal with him.”

  The meeting of the two Half-Elves ends here. Keyon has made up his mind to speak to Bao about changing his plans. He still can’t help but feel guilty about placing the children in harm’s way by keeping them close to Maria. In some ways though, he is relieved that Bao will not be alone with them. Maria doesn’t seem to have any issues with this, but Keyon doesn’t believe Bao is knowledgeable enough about this world to properly care for these children. He is too naive to help them process their hardships or move on from pain. At least in this way, he can monitor Katz, Letz, and Kikka and help them for a little longer.