Chapter 2, Part 4

A simple carriage rolled down a dirt road. The passengers, a man and a woman looked curiously through the windows at their surroundings. There were many children of all ages, running and climbing onto the trees, playing some unknown games in the fields. A number of middle-aged women could be seen supervising the children, and further away they could see the building which housed both the kids and the women.

The Re-Estize Kingdom’s Orphanage Complex was located a few hours away from the capital. Having been recently founded by Princess Renner, it was the largest of its kind in the Kingdom, providing shelter to the orphaned kids and jobs to the widows. And there were a lot of both, orphans and widows. Although the Kingdom was saved from the famine due to the food supplied by the Sorcerer Kingdom, the battle at Katze Plains did result in nearly two hundred thousand dead or permanently disabled by the terrors they had faced.

And so, despite its already impressive size, the Orphanage Complex was still expanding. Which meant that Princess Renner was constantly looking for generous nobles for additional support. This fact provided an excellent cover for anyone who wanted to meet with the princess without drawing any attention.

The scenery outside had changed – instead of randomly running around, doing their own thing, they saw a group of ten-year-old children who were practicing with bows. Several men were apparently instructing them how to properly draw, aim and shoot at the targets a dozen yards away. Looking at the other side of the road, they saw a similar scene. Except instead of practicing with a bow, the kids, who looked a bit older, were practicing with swords. Though their practice consisted of swinging wooden sticks while several instructors looked on, sometimes offering corrections or showing the proper technique.

“Hmm, are they training them to join the military?” The woman in the carriage asked.

“It would make sense. Without land and with limited education there is little for these children to do when they grow up. Joining the military would offer them a stable job and shore up the Kingdom’s soldier shortage.” The man seated opposite of her replied.

Seemingly satisfied with that answer, the woman remained silent, as the carriage continued to the main building. A few hundred yards later they arrived in front of a large, three-story building made out of bricks. Although it was made out of bricks rather than wood, the building was barren of any signs of luxury. After exiting the carriage and asking for directions, the two passengers entered the building,

They attracted little attention from the people nearby, even after asking about the whereabouts of Princess Renner. Of course, given their job, an ability to remain inconspicuous was essential.

Inside, the two walked to the second floor via a wide but simple staircase. Then, they walked through the corridor on the right, towards a door that had a wooden sign that read “Head Administrator” on it. They knocked on the door, and a young man in a white plate armor answered. After they gave their identities the door closed only to open a few moments later.

“Come in,” the man motioned for the two to come inside the room, before closing the door behind them.

In addition to the man in the white armor, three women sat around a table. A young woman with long, blonde hair and green eyes, wearing red leather armor, with white gloves, boots and chest piece. Next to her sat an even more beautiful girl with blonde hair and dark, blue eyes. She wore a white dress and had a golden necklace. The last one was a small, masked figure in a red cloak.

It wasn’t the first time the two visitors had seen these three, so there was no hesitation in their actions.

“I am Kegor Elan Bosk, the Captain of the windflower Scripture, and this is Berta, one of my members,” the man introduced himself and his companion.

“Then, as you know, I am Princess Renner. Next to me is Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra, the leader of Blue Rose, the one beside her is Evileye. The man guarding the door is my personal bodyguard, Climb,” Princess Renner introduced their side.

“Then let’s get straight to it. Why have you sought us out?” Kegor asked, after taking his seat.

“After Lakyus told me that an agent from Theocracy wanted to meet with her and Evileye, I was somewhat able to predict your line of inquiry. Since I have a high interest in your proposal, I asked Lakyus to arrange for these meeting.

“Oh? And what is it you think we are here for?”

“Isn’t it obvious? You want to propose an alliance against the Sorcerer Kingdom, am I wrong?” Renner had an innocent smile on her face.

“Heh, if it is that obvious then we are in trouble,” Kegor let out a small laugh.

“You don’t know her as well as I do. Renner is a genius of unparalleled ability when it comes to putting obscure information together. I can assure you, your reason for seeking us out was a complete mystery to me,” Lakyus chimed in.

In reality, Renner’s ability was even more impressive. It was Renner who told her and Evileye that they will likely get approached by an agent from the Slane Theocracy. She then went on to explain what she thought the Theocracy’s purpose was, and how they should handle it. At the time, Evileye laughed at how far-fetched such predictions were, yet, here they were, just a few weeks later.

“Alright, let’s say I buy your explanation. Then, why are you here? What’s your interest?” Kegor asked the Princess.

“That much should be obvious. Are you familiar with the situation inside the Kingdom? Specifically, the current power struggle between the three noble factions?” Renner asked.

“I am. But, that’s all the more reason for you to avoid angering the Sorcerer Kingdom.”

“That would be true under normal conditions. Tell me, Kegor-dono, do you believe the Sorcerer Kingdom will allow our nation to exist?”

“If the way things are going is any indication, then no,” Kegor shook his head.

“Then you understand why I must take this action. Additionally, I am but a sister of the king Zanac, even if your mission fails the blame should only fall onto me, not the king or the nation. Though, I certainly hope you have a plan that will guarantee success,” Renner spread her hands before placing them on the table and leaning forward.

“Hmm, and why would we need you?”

“You bastards think we would meet with you if it wasn’t as a favor to the Princess?” Evileye said with a mocking voice.

“Given the history between Blue Rose and the Theocracy, do you think you would be successful in your goal to meet these two?” Renner nodded at Evileye.

“Fair enough. But, I do want you to have some skin in the game,” Kegor had an evil grin on his face. “There are quite a few rumors about how you are in love with your bodyguard.”

There was a commotion near the door and red-faced Climb had already approached the table before shouting.

“These rumors are complete lies!”

“Climb, calm down,” Renner waved her hand. “You were saying?”

“I want Climb to eat this,” Kegor reached into his pocket and retrieved a thumbnail-sized pill, which he placed on the table. “It’s a very special poison – once taken it will stay in a body for three years. If you don’t drink an antidote once a month, you’ll die.”

“This is why I said talking to this bastards was a waste of time,” Evileye complained.

“And you want him to consume this poison why?” Renner asked.

“So that we have a deterrent to keep you from leaking our plan to the Sorcerer Kingdom. We will, of course, provide the monthly antidote if no such leaks occur,” Kegor explained.

“Yea, I don’t think this is a good idea,” Lakyus mirrored Evileye’s attitude.

After contemplating for a few seconds Renner picked up the pill and turned toward the door.

“Climb, do you trust me?” She asked the young man.

“Of course!” Climb replied without hesitation.

“Then I will ask you to put your trust in me, and to eat this pill,” she stretched her hand, offering the pill to her bodyguard.

“Are you sure about this? I wouldn’t trust these guys,” Lakyus asked with a clear concern in her voice.

“I am, they stand to gain nothing by killing Climb. However, this is a pretty good method as a precaution against information leaks,” Renner explained.

Climb came over and took the pill out of Renner’s delicate hand. He then looked at the Princess, and after she nodded gently he swallowed the pill. For a few moments, the tension in the room peaked, with both members of Blue Rose ready to attack the other side. However, after nothing happened everybody breathed a sigh of relief.

“It is a pleasure to deal with someone so, understanding,” Kegor smiled at the Princess. “Here’s the antidote for this month, you should drink it immediately” he added while pulling out a small bottle and handing it to Climb.

After Renner nodded at Climb’s questioning look, he drank the antidote and returned to guarding the door.

“I apologize for making you do this, but given that we are dealing with the Sorcerer Kingdom, any information leaks could be fatal. I am sure you understand,” Kegor said with a small bow to Renner.

“Then, with the precautions over, tell us more about your plan,” the Princess said.

“As you have guessed, we are proposing an alliance against the Sorcerer Kingdom. Specifically, we would like for Evileye to join us, though we would welcome the entire Blue Rose as well.”

“Pfft, fat chance,” Evileye sneered.

“Evileye, let’s hear what they have to say first,” Lakyus admonished her.

“We know that attacking the Sorcerer Kingdom via conventional means is a fool’s errand. Even without the Sorcerer King’s devastating magic, the undead he commands are more than enough to challenge any army. Because of this, we have come up with a different plan.”

Kegor took a deep breath and looked at the three women, before continuing.

“The Sorcerer Kingdom had asked the Slane Theocracy for help against Jaldabaoth, for when the demon revives some year and a half from now,” he noted how both Blue Rose members tensed up at the mention of the demon. “The Theocracy had agreed to provide such help, in the way of gathering an alliance of powerful heroes, and then making them available to the Sorcerer Kingdom.”

“And this is a good plan why?” Evileye wondered aloud.

“Once these alliance had been gathered, the servants of the Sorcerer King will bring it inside the Great Tomb of Nazarick,” Kegor explained.

“Great Tomb of Nazarwhat?” Lakyus asked.

“Great Tomb of Nazarick, it’s their real power base. The emperor of the Baharuth Empire had visited it, prior to the war at the Katze Plains, but details are hard to come by.”

“Hmm, okay. So, once the alliance is gathered, they will bring us inside their base. And then what?”

“The official story is that we will wait there until Jaldabaoth strikes. We would then move out, along with their own forces to confront the demon. In reality, however, we will use that time to learn more about the Tomb and to pick an opportune moment for our strike,” Kegor said.

“I see, so that’s the Slane Theocracy’s plan. You are betting on a surprise strike from the inside,” Lakyus nodded her head in thought.

“It is our best chance. If we have to fight the army of the dead and then fight through the Tomb… it would be impossible.”

“Let’s say you are successful and manage to destroy the Sorcerer Kingdom and scatter the king’s servants. What about Jaldabaoth?” Evileye asked.

“The Slane Theocracy is committed to using its full resources to defeat him, should he strike again,” Kegor assured her.

“Even if Jaldabaoth attacks a nation of demi-humans?” Lakyus asked.

“Yes, we have recognized the danger he poses and will use our full strength to defeat him,” Kegor repeated.

“Heh, just like you did two hundred years ago during the age of the Demon Gods?” Evileye laughed mockingly. “No deal. I don’t trust your nation. I don’t have much confidence in your plan and I highly doubt your ability to oppose Jaldabaoth,” she said dismissively before leaning back in her chair.

“You are right, there is little trust between us, I think we’ve already established that,’ Kegor waved at Climb. “But, as Princess Renner said, the Kingdom of Re-Estaize will be absorbed by the Sorcerer Kingdom. It’s just a matter of time. What will you do when that happens? Will you flee south? What will you do when your new host nation falls as well?”

“He’s right. If we want to defeat the Sorcerer Kingdom then this is our best chance, maybe even our only chance. Not only will our forces be led inside the enemy’s base, but the Sorcerer King himself is currently dead,” Renner said, looking expectantly at Lakyus and Evileye.

“As far as Jaldabaoth goes. From what we know, Jaldabaoth should be at his weakest when he revives. Last time, Momon was able to confront him. Therefore, he should be able to fight him evenly as well,” Kegor said.

“Ah, that’s right, that great, powerful man should be able to deal with a revived Jaldabaoth,” Evileye squeaked from under her mask while becoming quite animated.

It seems like our intelligence was correct, she seems to have a crush on Momon, Kegor thought.

“Exactly. That is why securing Momon’s participation in our plan against the Sorcerer Kingdom was so crucial,” He wouldn’t miss his chance to persuade Evileye.

“Are you saying that Momon and Darkness have agreed to participate in your plan? Lakyus asked.

“Yes. Although it’s a tentative agreement, consistent on our ability to gather powerful allies and guarantee we can deal with Jaldabaoth. But, I am sure we can fulfill both conditions.”

“Well, if that man decided to put his life on the line, then I certainly… I too must.”

“Hold on, Evileye,” Lakyus interrupted the stuttering magic caster. “Why don’t we talk to Momon first? Find out what he thinks. Before we make any decisions.”

“Ah, um, I guess. And we could use his success in aiding the Draconic Kingdom as an excuse to visit him!” Evileye said.

Lakyus couldn’t help but roll her eyes at such behavior. Truly, anytime Momon’s name was mentioned, Evileye would lose all of her usual composure. She looked at Renner, who had been quiet for some time.

“I think your plan is the best chance we’ll have. And although you didn’t ask for it, I want to send Climb as part of this alliance force,” Renner said.

“Oh? That is unexpected. I thought you would want to keep him safely near you,” Berta chimed in before Kegor could respond.

He cast her a glance, but it seemed like she was getting bored of staying silent. Besides, he was curious about the answer to her question as well.

“Think of it as a vote of confidence in your plan,” Renner shrugged. “Also, there is another man, Brain Unglaus, I would like to join, if he agrees.”

“Brain Unglaus?” Kegor asked.

“Hmm, is that the guy who lost to the late Warrior Captain in the finals of the tournament for that title?” Berta asked.

“Yes. He had come under my service some time ago,” Renner said.

“I see. That should be fine then. Although, you’ll be the one responsible should he leak any information regarding our plan,” Kegor shrugged.

“I understand.”

The room went silent for a moment, as it seemed that everything that needed to be said had been said.

“There is one more thing. Evileye-dono, we would like to ask your former colleague, Rigrit Bers Caurau, to join us. But we can’t seem to locate her whereabouts. Could I trust you to relay our message?” Kegor asked.

“Ah? Um, fine,” Evileye replied after being caught daydreaming about her reunion with Momon.

“Very well. Then, this had been a very productive meeting. We are still gathering allies and will begin to officially assemble the allied strike force about ten months from now. Oh, also, you don’t need to keep this meeting a secret. You can use the official version – that we are looking for powerful individuals to help confront Jaldabaoth when he revives, as an explanation. That’s not to say you should scream about it, but there is no need to be overly secretive either,” Kegor explained. “Then, if there is nothing else, we’ll be leaving.

Kegor and Berta stood up and began to make their way to the door before Renner’s voice stopped them.

“What about the antidote for the poison that Climb took?”

“Ah yes, there is that. He took the antidote for this month, we’ll deliver the antidote for the next month in three weeks. Oh, and just so you don’t try to recreate the antidote, we do ask that Climb consumes it immediately, while in the presence of our agent,” Kegor replied.

“That’s fine,” Renner replied with a shrug.

After the members of the Windflower Scripture left, the three women exchanged glances.

“So, what do you think? Lakyus asked Renner.

“Like I said, it’s our best chance to defeat the Sorcerer Kingdom before they absorb this nation. But, you should make your own decision if you want to participate or not. No matter what, this is an extremely dangerous mission. Surprise attack or not, many people will die,” Renner said with a solemn expression on her face.

“If that great man is participating, then it should be fine. I was wondering why he hadn’t rebelled against the Sorcerer King sooner, this must be it. He must have been waiting for something like this to happen, before making his move,” Evileye said.

“By the way, why do you want to send Climb on this mission? As you said, many will die,” Lakyus asked curiously.

“How would I look if I asked others to risk their lives while refusing to risk losing the one most important to me?” Renner replied, gazing lovingly at Climb, whose face once again turned bright red.

“Ah, and here I thought it was because you were certain of our victory,” Lakyus said dismayed.

“There are too many unknowns to guarantee success. But, this might be our only opportunity and I do like our chances. At the very least I am confident Climb will return to me.”

“Oh, why is that?”

“That’s just the kind of man he is. Some think him weak and talentless, but I know better. When push comes to shove, he will do what he needs to, to stay by my side.”

 

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