First Light, page 30
Adulmond presented a letter to another attendant who stood several steps below the throne. She took the letter and presented it to Queen Halthra with a bow. The queen opened it to read while Adulmond continued, “He requests a delegation to renegotiate our rules on Crucidian missionaries being allowed entry to Volar.”
Queen Halthra snorted. “Obviously, that’s a no. I don’t want those bumbling pigs setting foot on our sacred land. Those who would deny Lady Fate’s words and sully the beautiful finality of the Lord of Death have no place here.” A murmur of agreement sounded through the chamber. Lining the sides of the room were dozens of nobles who were attending the day’s decrees.
“My queen, while I agree, I do wish to advise caution,” Adulmond stated, before pausing at the annoyed eyebrow raise the queen gave him. “Intelligence suggests that the king also granted a village, a castle, and the rights to establish a knightly order to the Crucidian Church. We have also received rumors of a large purchase of weaponry from Faradin by the church. Doing things to immediately spark conflict with them may not work to our benefit. I dare not assume the exact state of our military readiness, but losses would be extreme and the stress to the common people nothing less than devastating. While our answer will inevitably be no, I suggest we delay our response for now.”
Gasps escaped the lips of several nobles, followed by shouts of indignation and anger. “What do they think they are doing?”
“Do they dare threaten us?”
“A knightly order under command of the church? Dare they plan a crusade against our people?”
Queen Halthra put up a hand to silence the angry crowd. Adulmond could not blame them for their reactions, as his had been much the same when he had first heard the news. Only minutes after he received the formal request from the embassy had one of his intelligence agents provide him with the information regarding the Crucidian Church’s weapon purchase and knight order.
King Leonidas was a coward who sat upon his gilded throne, content to watch his territories crumble. Under the excuse of impartiality, he let corruption fester. Yet, now he chooses to take action. That action being to cater to the whims of the very corruption that eats away at his kingdom.
“Have we received word from Dethras or Vincent regarding these matters?”
Adulmond answered with a slight sigh. Queen Halthra was a young leader and exposed too much by not using honorifics with the two men’s names. “There is no word on Lord Jelmoore’s position relating to these negotiations. The Vanguard representative from Tri-Spire, of course, has already issued their stance on maintaining neutrality in the matter, barring any additional instruction from Castle Nyer.”
“I see. It is to be expected.”
“However, my queen, we can likely expect Lord Jelmoore to continue his family’s long-standing support of us. Because of that, I believe we can also count on most of the southern nobility. Lord Jelmoore also sent word over to us alongside a message to Tri-Spire. It seems another Reaver has been located amongst the Vanguard Academy’s students. Quite a unique one as well.”
Once again, excited conversation spread throughout the throne room. The queen’s attendant cleared their throat loudly to return attention to Queen Halthra. “A Reaver? What do we know of him? Has Dethras shared this information with King Leonidas?”
“I do not believe the old codger has sent anything to his liege. Though we should assume he has learned of the situation through other means. As for the Reaver, he is being considered a Variant and…” Adulmond paused, as if thinking whether he should finish his sentence. Halthra noticed the hesitation and motioned for the room to clear out. After five minutes of confused shuffling, the room was empty of all but the queen, Adulmond, and the queen’s two attendants.
“Continue.”
“The Reaver is the son of a Wanderer…from Locke.”
Queen Halthra’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the arms of her throne. Anxiety flashed across her delicate face. This lasted only a moment, easily missed by all but the most observant of people. She was the queen, after all. Fixing her face was second nature. If only her tongue could be as careful.
“I see. Send a letter to Dethras. Inform him we will send a team of Shadow-Weavers to monitor the boy and protect him from Faradin, if need be. We will not interfere with his education or missions with the Vanguard. Should he fall in battle during normal duties, so be it, but I will not have him poached or killed by that fool Leonidas or his bedfellow, Archpriest Henner.”
“Your will be done, my queen.”
Teryn
Brick, Tayven, and Venraya stared blankly at a mission posting that Teryn had placed on the table in front of them. Their party of five had gotten the release to proceed in taking missions since they had not one, but two C-Rankers in their party. This allowed them to bypass the wait until they had become second-years. They could use the winter break to work jobs instead of wasting time in the practice fields sparring. Teryn had selected a D-Rank quest in Tennfeld, a city just north of Jelmoore.
The three were surprised because it had only been a few days since their conversation with Rune about wanting to hold off on taking quests for a bit until he had figured things out, but after some discussions with Vincent, they could bring the three E-Rankers on D-Rank quests. Vincent had also agreed to Rune’s request that they not be assigned any C-Rank quests they did not personally elect to take. Vincent understood their reasoning, since it was a fact that the two were C-Rankers in name and not in experience. Teryn was surprised to learn that the Vanguard would assign work to C-Rankers who were still students, even if she knew that warriors of their skill were in a constant need.
Rune certainly had the power to back up his rank, and everyone felt that his battlefield awareness also met the expectation of a C-Ranker. Despite all of that, he insisted his level of experience left a lot to be desired. Vincent had tried to convince him that simply acknowledging that fact and attempting to work within those limitations was proof enough that Rune was a C-Ranker through and through, but he held strong to his beliefs.
“So, we are hunting down a pack of Spined Toads? What are those things?” Venraya asked. Brick and Tayven’s faces paled at the mention of the monster’s name.
“They are a large toad-monster, about three feet tall, and if stretched out, about six feet, toe to tip,” Teryn said simply.
She had watched many parties fight against the monsters. They were not overtly dangerous to humans, but they were pests that liked to munch on goats and calves, so ranchers and farmers despised them. The downside—which was what made the two boys look as though they might lose their lunch—was that they were covered in a layer of slime that made striking with non-piercing weapons tricky. They also smelled extremely foul.
Tennfeld was a city built in a mostly swampy area. Spined Toads were a pest, but easily ignored. They became a problem when their population grew to a point where they left the swamps and moved to the farmland in the plains outside Tennfeld’s area of influence. To prevent issues, they would occasionally submit culling quests to the Vanguard.
“Is there not another job we can take? Like Dire Ants, Echo Bears, Shadow Wolves…something?” Brick whined. Tayven rapidly nodded his head in agreement. Venraya remained silent as she did not understand why they did not want to fight a bunch of overgrown amphibians. Since they were not native to where she had grown up, it was more than likely she did not know about how disgusting the things could be. Even Teryn thought they were fairly gross.
Teryn groaned at the sound of her comrades’ whining, “Come on and grow a set, would you? Dire Ants don’t live around here, and Rune and I are not stepping foot near the Greatwood to hunt any Echo Bears. That really leaves Jilt, Jelmoore, and Tennfeld as areas of work.”
The two boys eventually relented to Teryn’s logical argument. They did, however, spend the next several minutes informing Venraya of every detail about Spined Toads, which had the opposite effect the boys were hoping for. Instead of her joining them in mutual disgust, she became judgmental towards her friends for their brazen cowardice.
Teryn guided Rune to the table. He was staring at the job board with unfocused eyes. Teryn had already warned them that Rune had settled into one of his off periods. Everyone already knew there was no way to tell how long one of these spells would last.
Rune was positioned between Teryn and Venraya who took turns caring for him. What even is this girl’s relationship with Rune? Yeah, they adventured together for a short while, but still… Teryn locked her jaw in frustration.
Venraya flagged down a waitress to ask for a sandwich and a glass of water for Rune. The area where students could take jobs was shared with the Vanguard Hall of Jelmoore, so it also doubled as a bar, just like in Hilden. The waitress momentarily eyed the strange boy, who seemed to stare at nothing, before nodding at the order. She returned a little later and deposited the food in front of Rune.
He was once again in a dissociative state. Teryn had finally gotten the clerics to look at him while he was under watch from his Awakening. They had informed her there was nothing physically wrong with him. Professor Lylah stated it was likely a trauma response. When asked how she could help him, Teryn was told that Rune either needed to come out of it on his own, or be forced into a situation in which he had to confront his trauma.
Unfortunately, she did not know how to do the latter. Teryn sighed as she guided Rune’s hand towards the plate. He could feed himself and take care of basic needs and the like. He just needed nudges in the right direction to change tasks. Before Rune grabbed the sandwich, he mumbled something.
“What was that?” Venraya asked. She leaned in closer to her friend to catch what it was he said.
“Home.”
This time, the statement was loud enough for everyone at the table to hear him. Teryn nodded immediately and grabbed a sack of coins to count out the cancelation fee. Brick and Tayven protested the expense, but a harsh glare from Venraya silenced them.
Neither boy was brave enough to go against Venraya when she was angry, and they were even less inclined to disagree with Teryn when they really thought about it. Like Rune, she claimed she was C-Rank in name only, but they still had not seen her fight. Even if she did not consider herself a C-Rank, she was absolutely a D-Rank, which was still higher than both of them.
Teryn walked back to the table, pocketing her change and holding another mission flyer. “This one is a Rock Goblin nest encroaching on Locke.”
“Rock Goblins? Sure, that’s fine. I’ve not fought any of the beasts before,” Tayven stated, with Brick nodding along.
“Alone, they are pretty simple, but in groups, they can become overwhelming. They use primarily weapons made of bone and rock. They live in mountainous and hilly areas. They specifically migrate to areas with lots of loose rock. Because of that preference, mines are overrun by them quite often,” Venraya explained.
Teryn was not too familiar with them either, since she never moved further north than the outskirts of Dorn. Rock Goblins simply did not cross her path. While trying to imagine exactly what they would look like from some additional details Venraya shared, Teryn noticed Brick shifting oddly.
“If you have something to say, say it.”
“Okay, I feel like I have waited long enough, so I’m just going to say it. We need a name.” Brick stated.
Teryn shrugged, indicating she did not care too much. Venraya, Tayven, and Brick tossed around several ideas. Some attempted to include references to the members’ backgrounds and skills. Teryn and Venraya immediately vetoed any that referenced Rune’s class. No one needed to draw any additional attention to their group more than they already had.
“How about the Rite!” Brick offered. He had a huge and proud smile on his face. “You know, like your last rites?”
“Sounds like someone has read too many fantasy novels from the library instead of assigned readings. Next recommendation,” Venraya quipped. Her response even elicited an affirmative grunt from Rune. No one provided alternatives. Rather, they sat in awkward silence.
“No one? Then, how about…First Light,” Venraya offered.
The group paused for a moment to ponder Venraya’s suggestion. “I’m not immediately opposed. What made you suggest that?” Teryn asked.
“It is from an old Zentus belief. The first rays of light in the morning represent hope and dreams. I figure since we all are still young and relatively inexperienced, that it represents our hopes for the future!”
The others around Venraya nodded in affirmation. Even Teryn gave the girl a thumbs up. First Light then celebrated their formation by ordering a round of drinks before going their separate ways. They walked together to the paths between the dorms, when Venraya turned to Teryn.
“We head out tomorrow?” she asked.
“I think that would be best. It will be a long trip, so pack everything you need. A few sets of travel clothes, rations, and anything you need to maintain your weapons and armor.”
“I know that much, at least.”
Venraya shifted uncomfortably, as if thinking about saying something. Her green eyes settled on Rune for a moment. Against Teryn’s expectation, the girl remained quiet and simply parted at the fountain between their dorms. Her eyes remained attached to Rune for several more moments before she finally entered the E-Rank dorms. Teryn guided Rune back to their room so she could prepare their supplies.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Vincent
The complex, smokey aroma of a luxurious tea filled the air of a fine office. Anna stood near the door to the room and was in a pseudo-relaxed state while remaining ever ready to respond to a threat to her master’s life. Next to her was a guard in full plate mail, holding a shield with the crest of the Nefera family on it.
Across the desk from Vincent was Lord Erich Nefera. He was one of the most powerful members of nobility, politically speaking, in the kingdom. A dangerous glint in his eyes belied Erich’s true nature, despite his noble visage. There were many reasons Vincent might have to visit an old friend, but Vincent found himself concerned about this one.
Erich was a patient and calculating man, aspects of him that kept him in power in the largest city in Faradin despite being at odds with his regional peers. Even though Nefera was settled within the northern territories, Erich and his family had long been staunch allies with southern nobility and by extension, nobility of Volar. His family’s city, Nefera, was the first settlement along the road from Jilt. Jilt being considered the gateway to the southern territory.
Erich was one of the few northern nobles who did not view Volari in a negative light. This was likely because he had separated himself from the hardline views of the Crucidian Church. Such a thing was necessary as the ruler of a city that was a large trade hub. With people of various cultures constantly mingling and trading within its walls, being known as someone opposed to the beliefs of others could hurt the economy of his land. Outside of Jelmoore, Nefera was probably the city with the next highest concentration of Volari and Wanderers amongst its populace. It might also be in part because of his wild youth…
“Well met, Vincent. I hear my son has formed a party with a newly awakened Reaver,” Erich stated between sips of tea. “I am glad that he was not harmed when the boy, Rune, Overheated. Choosing to remain by the young man’s side is dangerous, but I am also glad Tayven has elected to adventure alongside such a strong comrade.”
Vincent smiled wryly. Of course, his friend had all the specific details regarding Rune. “Yes, Erich, I agree. If things had gone poorly, losing Tayven would have been quite a blow to the young generation of Vanguard. You have raised quite the competent swordsman.”
Erich sighed and gave Vincent a sideways glance. “You know damn well that I did not train him. How could I? He’s my fifth son and born from a different mother than his brothers; out-of-wedlock, mind you.”
“Ah yes, my bad. I forgot he was your illicit bastard. Ah, how I miss his mother. She was such a kind woman. A shame what happened.”
“Careful Vincent,” Erich growled. “We may be old friends, but that does not mean I won’t introduce your face to my floorboards.”
Vincent quietly chuckled, though it was dry and devoid of humor. “Anyway, Erich, the king and that old bastard Henner are making moves. Granting Guldin and Guldin Castle to the church, setting up an order of knights just north of your territory… It speaks volumes about their intentions. They’ve had their own forces for years as guards and their Inquisitors, but now, they can remove themselves from the shadows and grow, unchallenged.”
Erich gripped his teacup so tight that cracks formed before it shattered in his hands. “That fool Leonidas is a coward. Suddenly choosing to finally pick a side and he jumps into bed with Henner. The idiot is fanning the flames of war even more! I have done all I could to satiate the southerners.
“Many of their worries, wants, and needs were filtered through me and into the royal court, but none of my ramblings were heard. Drowned out by the voices of those with the privilege of safety and proximity to the capital. If anything, my efforts have only served to make my fellows doubt my loyalty to the crown. I’m not so stupid as to not realize I have spent the last two decades digging my grave.”
Vincent could only nod solemnly. He knew all too well the situation at hand; things were coming to a head. The royal family had never had a strong spine, always maintaining the status quo rather than risk changing anything for the worse. Yet, things will worsen now that they had begun clinging to the church’s robes instead of working to curtail their increasingly aggressive proselytizing. The royals finally chose a side and ended up choosing the wrong one.
That was not all. Other than Jelmoore, the southern nobility suffered financially. They lived healthy lives but relied upon the Vanguard to protect them. They did not possess the standing armies of Faradin. Their roads were filled with monsters and bandits; beings whose only enemy was a mercenary organization. In the north, the kingdom’s forces handled all but the most dangerous of monsters. Foreign trade in the south was restricted due to ‘safety concerns’ save for Jelmoore’s trade agreement with Volar and Boros.
