I spent the better part of the night after the battle assisting Mr. Fronan in the rescue efforts.
Walbourgs packed and wooden suburbs had proven a fertile ground for Belgoroths flas to spread through. Thankfully, we managed to contain the inferno within an hour or so. Duchess Griseldas witchcrafters proved as adept at putting out fires as in starting them, and she quickly mobilized the city watch to assist in the effort. Mr. Fronans connection to the local plants proved invaluable in detecting civilians trapped under debris, while I used my powers to shift injuries around in order to support the citys overwheld healers.
The amount of casualties had reached seven hundred by the ti I returned to the manor to check on Soraseos progress. A high number, but thankfully far less than what a Blight could have caused. anwhile, both Selestine and Marika worked tirelessly on our fellow Hero; exorcizing her corruption, tending to her burns, and doing all that was in their power to keep her alive. I wished I could have helped them, but Soraseo was too incoherent to agree to a trade.
I missed Colmar. His dical expertise would have co in handy to save Soraseos life. The burns she suffered from should have killed her twice over. Worse, Belgoroths unholy flas carried his vile essence. Our beloved Monk suffered more exposure in an instant than days inside a Blights center.
Her odds of survival were grim.
At least she has a chance to survive, I tried to tell myself. I couldnt say the sa for Vernisla, whose charred bones we found under the remains of her slain mount. She had dared to engage Belgoroth in lee to save Soraseo and paid the ultimate price for her bravery.
I would have loved to say that her sudden demise saddened . Alas, I had barely known her for a few days and we didnt have ti to truly talk outside of a military context. As awful as it sounded, I mourned the loss of the Cavalier more than the woman who wielded the mark.
At least the Fatebinder quickly released the Class back into the world. Witnesses had seen the mark fly out of Mount Erebia and further north.
Towards Archfrost.
If Belgoroths devastating rampage hadnt put the final nail in the coffin of Walbourgs rebellion, this news would. The support of a Heroa Vassal Class of the Knight no lesshad given the duchys rebellion a degree of legitimacy. For their champion to die and their mark to select a loyalist replacent threatened their credibility. It made it seem as if the heavens themselves had sided with Archfrost.
Ironic as it sounded, the Lord of Wrath might have inadvertently helped our peace along.
I was sitting in the manors lobby, waiting for the door to Soraseos chambers to openboth Marika and Selestine insisted I leave them alone and let them focus on herwhen a familiar cloud of smoke popped out of nowhere beside .
From your expression and the smoke outside, I assu you faced your share of troubles, Eris said upon materializing. She carried a travel bag filled to the brim with letters. Sohow, I always manage to arrive late to tragedies.
Better than to arrive early and watch them unfold, I replied, my arms crossed and a scowl on my face. We fought Belgoroth.
Eris eyes imdiately widened in alarm. I quickly recounted last nights events to her as she sat on my left, the both of us waiting for the door to open; whether Selestine and Marika would bring us good or bad news remained to be seen.
You tried to redeem Bel? Eris sounded vaguely bemused that I even tried it. And he listened?
For about a minute and a half. Long enough to trick him at the very least. You know whats the saddest part? I think that he resents what he has beco deep down.
Eris looked away, her gaze heavy with remorse. You an, what Ive made of him?
I would have liked to tell Eris not to bla herself, but she contributed too much to Belgoroths madness to listen to .
At least you tried to turn your life around, I pointed out. When I presented the sa offer to Belgoroth, he soundly rejected . He chose evil.
Evil? The word drew a chuckle from Eris. When the Goddess selected him as the first Knight, Bel vowed never to rest until evil had been driven from Pangeal. I rember what he ant by evil.
I would say burning down a town for the sake of mindless destruction counts.
True. But what about those who watched it happen and did nothing? Does inaction count as evil? Does ignorance? Eris sighed. Bel ca to agree. Over ti, his definition of evil grew to encompass all of humanity.
Himself included? I asked. Does he consider his mad vision of an oath more important than life itself?
Eris confird my suspicions with a sharp nod. There is nothing more stubborn than a paladin who stays true to his vows, especially when they conflict with reality. In his mind, destroying the world and himself is the only way to stay true to his principles.
I snorted in disdain. I put great value in my promises too, but I wasnt afraid of changing my mind when the facts changed. Belgoroth would rather sacrifice minions on the altar of honor rather than lose face in his mind. He did not deserve pity.
I will say it again, Eris: I offered him a helping hand and he spat at it, I consoled her. He could have cast away his anger out of his own free will and instead chose to wallow in it. Do not bla yourself for his choice. You helped create him, but he decided to stay that way himself.
Thats the saddest part, Robin, Eris replied with sorrow. After centuries of slaughter and tarnishing his Class, I dont think Bel will change his ways. The other hopes to eventually reason with him, to control him, but shes wrong. Bel will never stop killing. If he turned his head to look back, he would have to face the mountains of corpses he piled up, the oceans of blood he shed, and the mistakes he made.
Thats pathetic, I replied without any sympathy. Cowardly, even.
I wouldnt be so judgental, Robin. We are all running from sothing. Eris stared at the door, her legs crossed. It always catches up to us in the end.
My jaw tightened. I wouldnt compare Belgoroth and Soraseoconsidering the weight of their respective sinsbut I could see the similarities. My friend tried to escape her crushing guilt in death. She might very much find it.
We didnt find Belgoroths sword in the Abattoirs wreckage, I said, changing the subject. Will didnt have it anymore.
The Knot of Wrath smuggled it further north, Eris replied with confidence. I believe I ntioned that Colmar wasnt the only beastman among us. The other, the Hunter, lives on the other side of the northern mountains.
The Hunter? I recalled that it was a Vassal Class of the Ranger, but I couldnt rember its power for the life of .
His Class is mines opposite, in a way, Eris explained. I can go to any place I want; while he can find whatever he wants. When I asked him to find the sword, his power led him straight to the City of Wrath.
The City of Wrath The very na sent shivers down my spine. Belgoroth massacred an entire kingdom when he first fell, and the atrocity created a Blight so powerful it opened a rift between life and death: the Deadgate which Soraseo sought to access so desperately.
We knew from Florence that Belgoroth had been trapped in the City of Wrath and that his sword was the key needed to free him. With the seal now so thin that Belgoroth could possess a golem, his escape was now all but inevitable.
When do you think he will break out? I asked Eris.
I cannot say yet, Eris replied with a sigh. Im sure hell escape before sumrs end at the very least.
And what will he do once he does? Eris was the one who knew Belgoroth best, so I assud she would know. Weve heard reports that beastn tribes are gathering an army. Will Belgoroth lead them to march on Archfrost?
Lead? Eris scoffed. Bel does not lead, he slaughters. He will kill anyone that stands in his way and the beastn army will pick on his leftovers. Once he has slain all of Archfrost, he will then turn around and execute the fools who followed him.
After last night, I very much believed her. Belgoroth would not stop until he had burned the entire world to cinders.
Do you think we can beat him? I asked her. Our last battle made realize that as dangerous as the Knight and its Vassals were individually, the combination of all of their abilities made Belgoroth exponentially more dangerous. How could Roland hope to duel a foe who not only shared his power, but could also predict all his movents and ride any mount?
The Knight and his Vassal Classes might match Bel if they join forces and fight as one, but defeating him is only half the problem. Eris scowled. So long as a single person wishes harm on another, Bel will get back up. Cut his head off, and he will put it back on his neck. Burn him up, and he will arise from the ashes. Impale him, and he will wield the stake like a spear.
I realized I should consider Belgoroth a natural disaster rather than a powerful foe. We might as well be discussing how to stop a hurricane. A sentient, malicious hurricane.
Then what other options do we have? I pondered out loud. Can we seal him away again?
Im not sure if thats possible anymore, Eris confessed. Lady Alexios has been working on new seal designs, but Bel had centuries to ponder his defeat. Im not certain the sa trick will work twice on him. Moreover, his old prison was powered by peoples fear of the Demon Ancestors. That feeling has waned over the centuries.
I sank deeper into my chair. You have a wonderful way of lifting my spirits, you know that?
Would you rather that I lie about our chances? Eris shook her head and denied that kindness. I wont deny that Bel is a tough custor. However, we do have many Heroes at our disposal to fight him off. Im sure we can figure a way out of this bind.
For the sake of victory, I had to share her optimism. I tried to consider the problem from different angles. Did we need to confront Belgoroth at all? Avoiding a costly battle at all could prove a victory in itself.
Belgoroths Blights are connected to the City of Wrath, I recalled. Do you think Colmars plan to disrupt the forr might work on the latter? If we dropped a payload of Sanctuary-charged runestones in the center of Belgoroths power, would it prevent his escape?
To my sorrow, Eris appeared less than convinced. Honestly, Robin, I wouldnt bet on it. Disrupting the Blights might delay the seals failure by a few years, but at this point, it will fail.
In the absence of anything better, we might as well consider the option, I pointed out.
If that plan failed no, even if it succeeded, it would only kick the Belgoroth issue down the line. He would return one day to confront a future generation of Heroes. One that might be less prepared and united than ours.
What else could we do? Defeating Belgoroth in battle would prove a temporary asure at best if we couldnt contain him afterward. If I could trick the Lord of Wrath into a deal, then mayhaps
No, no, no. I was thinking it all wrong. A rchants role wasnt to fight battles or win them, but to support their allies, foster wealth, and forge unbreakable bonds. My strength didnt co from the skills I had gathered, but from the friends I had made and my understanding of the collective consciousness that drove our powers.
I had been considering how to defeat Belgoroth when I should have been pondering how to destroy the Lord of Wrath. If Eris redemption didnt put an end to the Devil of Greed, then I needed to find another approach.
I reviewed all I had learned so far: how Daltia used soulforged adamantine tools to grant her allies immortality, how the flow of negative essence and their bearers flaws corrupted the original classes and eventually turned them into the Demon Ancestors. A sowhat clear picture ford in my mind.
Eris, I said after so thoughtful consideration. Stop if Im wrong.
With pleasure, my dear rchant, she teased . What troubles you?
The Demon Ancestors exist in their current forms because of three elents. I raised three fingers to illustrate my point. The Heroes they used to be; the soulforged adamantine object tying their immortality to a worldly concept; and one of the original Seven Great Classes.
Eris squinted at . That is correct.
We know what happens when we remove the original Hero from this infernal triad, I explained. They lose the corrupted class and their Demon Ancestor identity survives as a bodiless incarnation of sin tied to their adamantine object. If we sohow convinced Belgoroth to repent, his demonic self would remain as a spirit bound to his old mark and sword.
Considering that the Heros repentance wouldnt put an end to the Demon Ancestor, I had to consider other options. I wanted more than a temporary fix. I wanted a solution.
Suppose that, instead of removing the original Hero, we subtracted another elent of the triad, I suggested. Since youre the one most familiar with the matter, what do you think would happen if we sohow managed to destroy Belgoroths sword?
Thats not possible, Eris replied bluntly. Not unless we manage to put an end to the very concept of anger. Im confident in our skills, Robin, but this task is beyond any of us.
Its only a thought experint, I replied. Please indulge .
Eris intertwined her fingers and pondered my demand. If we sohow managed to destroy Bels sword I suspect he would beco as mortal as you are. However, the corrupted Knight class would likely pass on to another bearer should he perish.
Interesting, I muttered. I had half-expected that answer. How would this process unfold?
If only I knew, handso. Eris shrugged her shoulders. Our generation had no Fatebinder to regulate our marks. The Knight Class might return to the Goddess, or more likely, it would imdiately select a bearer that matches its temperant. Which, considering its corruption, would likely be so bloodthirsty madman or berserker.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
So if we destroy Belgoroths sword and then slay him, the title of the Lord of Wrath will beco an inheritable curse. A prospect hardly any better than sealing an immortal demon for a short while. Then, what if we removed the corrupted mark?
That too is impossible, Eris replied. The original seven were gifts from the Goddess Herself. Even the Artifacts couldnt alter them.
But their wielders could, I pointed out.
Yes, Eris confird with a sorrowful expression. A bearers sins can stain the marks. Hence why the Artifacts put in failsafes in the second generation. Her eyes suddenly lightened up. Wait, I see where this is going. You arent considering how to destroy the original mark, but how to purify them.
I am, I confird with a sharp nod. I an, it does make sense, no? If we can purify a Blight with a steady flow of positive essence, why not a corrupted Class too? What was tainted can be cleansed.
In theory, Eris confird, albeit with heavy skepticism. However, so long as the marks bearers are bound to the object fueling their immortality, their Classes are constantly exposed to a flow of sinful essence. We cannot clean a cloth constantly drenched in tar.
But suppose we do purify the mark and dissociate it from the triad, I insisted. What would happen then?
The forr Hero would beco an immortal human wielding a powerful cursed relic, Eris replied. Bel was a peerless knight, but he would be no match for the likes of Roland or Soraseo without the mark. A good prison could probably hold him indefinitely.
Of all three scenarios, this was the one I would favor most. This outco also opened the possibility of imprisoning the fallen Heroes and forcing them to pay for their cris; or at least contain them. Maybe so of them would try to turn their lives around like Eris did. A man could always dream.
I understood the problem a little better now. A Demon Ancestors existence rested on a self-reinforcing loop. The Class granting them extraordinary power was constantly kept corrupted by a flow of sins, itself channeled through an indestructible object bound to the bearers soul and tied to a concept born of the collective consciousness of all mortals.
The lynchpin was the corrupted Class itself. The marks powers were what separated a Demon Ancestor from a mundane fiend or criminal. I could only see two ways to permanently neutralize them: either end the sin that fueled their corruption, or purify the mark that granted them their power.
You compared a marks corruption to a cloth being constantly tainted by a flow of tar, I told Eris. If we cannot end that flow, would preventing it from reaching the mark be enough?
Like raising a barrier between all of the worlds anger and the Knight Class? Eris stroked her chin. An interesting idea I suppose it will take a very long ti to purify the mark, though it should make it possible.
Then the idea was worth a shot. So you agree with the concept.
The hypothesis is sound, Eris confird with a chuckle. However, I draw a blank on how to test it out. The mark is bound to Bels soul, and thus the sword he hid it within.
True, I conceded. Belgoroth refused to form a contract with , so my power wouldnt help separating them. Neither could it fully separate a mark from the soul, or Eris would have fully lost her connection to Daltia and her demonic self, however remote it had beco. So far though, it sounds easier to achieve than ending all hatred in the world.
It is, Eris confird. She searched in her bag and dropped a pile of docunts onto my lap. I imdiately recognized the treaty draft Id asked her to show Roland. This should prove a step in the right direction. Our prince charming agreed to your idea of forming a parliant without any reservation.
Truly? I had hoped for that outco while still fearing failure: I trusted Rolands good heart, but I did ask him to concede so power and compromise with the faction that slew his father.
I read through the draft and checked the annotations. Besides a few minor editswhich I quickly recognized as Thereses handworkmost of the structure remained the sa. Roland had decided to put the greater good ahead of his absolute kingship. His heart remained in the right place.
Did Therese convince him to sign it? I asked.
Clever boy, Eris replied with a chuckle. I suspect these two have co to an arrangent. Roland reigns while she governs. The sword and the quill.
Quite the nickna for future generations, I mused out loud. The question of an heir might prove problematic down the line, but I trusted Roland and Therese to find an arrangent of so kind. You lifted a burden off my shoulders. Ive lost count of the hours I spent agonizing over each word.
Please, we dont play in the sa league. Eris patted her bag and the letters it overflowed with. She should beco a mailman if she ever wished to retire from the Hero business. I also present you with Lady Alexios correspondence with her niece. I was with her when the Cavaliers mark returned to the roost.
I smirked ear to ear. I assu well avoid a religious purge?
Lady Alexios is open to a compromise, though she would rather discuss it in person at Rolands coronation, Eris answered my smile with one of her own. Both parties understand a war will only strengthen Bel, so Im optimistic theyll settle for an amicable divorce.
At least this marriage would end better than Marikas. I allowed myself a sigh of relief. After so many tense calls, it felt good to clean up those sses.
Were doing a pretty good job, I mused. Were ending wars before they can start.
Trust , Robin. The world would be a better place with more rchants and diplomats than warriors. Eris tilted her head to the side. Sohow, I can tell victory leaves you unsatisfied.
You do know well. I kept thinking back to Belgoroths taunt. That I had let my mother die and sought to help others only as a way to atone for it. Perhaps he had nailed the core of my problem. Where do people like us go when were no longer needed?
Where the sll of comrce carries us. Eris gave a strange, thoughtful look. Dont take it the wrong way, Robin, but perhaps it is ti for you to focus on yourself rather than others.
I chuckled. Should I spend more ti in front of a mirror?
No need, you always look impeccable, Eris teased , though her expression darkened slightly. Instead, I suggest that you take ti to focus on building your own strengths rather than fixing the weaknesses of others.
My brows furrowed on their own. Co again?
External satisfaction is fickle because it relies on the will of others, which we can never control, Eris explained herself. It binds us to outside forces and grants them power over us. True happiness cos from within.
From her expression, I could tell she spoke from experience. Youve struggled with it yourself.
Yes. Eris lips twisted into a deep scowl. I thought I could fix the world, and when it refused to conform to my expectations, I forced it to. All rchants stumble on that slippery slope at one point or another.
I pondered her words thoughtfully. Ever since Id left Erline, I sought to rid this world of corruption and save Archfrost from its downward spiral. But now that victory was within sight, I realized it brought little satisfaction.
I didnt regret helping others. If I could go back in ti, I would still travel back to Snowdrift all over again. However, Eris had a point. I couldnt keep throwing myself at problems expecting that fixing them would bring joy; because if I did, then I would care more about my satisfaction than those I was trying to help. That kind of mindset was bound to backfire soday.
I was mulling over what to do when the door finally opened. Selestine walked out, her creased eyes surrounded by black rings. My heart skipped a beat in my chest.
She will live, Selestine reassured .
I sank back in my chair with a sigh of relief, as did Eris. Our friend had survived in spite of her best efforts.
Thank the Goddess, I whispered. Thank you, Selestine.
She will require a long rest, physically and ntally, Selestine said as she turned to . You should go talk to her, Robin. Marika assured the three of you were quite close.
I set aside the treaty and jumped to my feet. I could read between the lines. Soraseo needed moral support. I left Eris and Selestine behind to discuss the Reformist-Abbey settlent before walking into the bedroom.
I found Marika sitting next to Soraseos bed. Soraseo herself was wrapped up in bandages soaked in dicinal poultice, her damaged armor piled on a table nearby. She had lost her hair and every patch of her body showed signs of burns.
At least she was alive. So long as Soraseo was coherent enough to trade with , I could partition her wounds and offload them to volunteers. I would bet many of Walbourgs citizens would gladly offer a patch of skin to a Hero who valiantly defended their lives and hos. The mont I t Soraseos hollow eyes, however, I realized I would soon face a dangerous obstacle.
My power couldnt help those who refused to trade.
She had us worried for a mont, Marika told with her warst smile. A pile of blackened runestones sat near her. Belgoroths corrupted essence raged inside them. Selestine is an amazing healer and witchcrafter. I wonder if she has a Mage or two sowhere in her family tree.
She might, I replied. She certainly had more than humans among her relatives. How are you feeling, Soraseo?
My friend responded with a blank look devoid of feelings. The sight sent shivers down my spine. She had borne the sa expression right before she threw herself at Belgoroth. I was speaking to a corpse on its way to the tomb.
Marika and I exchanged a worried glance. We had to drag our friend out of her downward spiral before she sank any further.
I confess I took the opportunity to peek over your correspondence, I admitted. I apologize for violating your privacy, but I had to know why you tried to throw your own life away.
That, and I had to confirm whether Belgoroth spoke the truth when we battled. His power allowed him to wield words like weapons, but he could have woven lies or half-truths. And I was right.
Soraseo did not answer. Her silence did not discourage .
Your father, the Shinkoku Emperor, perished of a stroke, and your brother will inherit the throne in your stead, I recounted, searching for any hint of a soul in those hollow eyes of hers. Is that why you tried to throw your life away? Because you bla yourself for his death?
Still no answer.
Belgoroth said your father died of a broken heart and that he cursed you on his deathbed, but nothing indicates it in the letter you received, I insisted. He could have died of natural causes for all you know.
Demons lie, Marika added. Thats what you say all the ti. Dont trust anything he said.
This ti, Soraseo mustered the strength to raise her head at us.
I have killed my mother, she confessed quietly.
Marika clenched her jaw, while I listened in respectful silence.
My heart had no intention, but my hand did the deed, Soraseo said, her voice breaking. When Father banished , I asked him how I might earn his forgiveness. He ordered to return with my mother or not at all.
She had dedicated herself to an impossible quest, and now blad herself for its predictable failure.
Father died. My brother hates . He shall not let return ho. Soraseo looked down at her bandaged hands. Did she imagine the blood she spilled dripping between her fingers? I can no longer wash away my sha.
Dont say that, Marika insisted. She took Soraseos hands into her own, as if to warm them up. So long as you live, theres hope. Im sure well find a way to repeal your exile.
Why? Soraseo swiftly retired her fingers out of Marikas grasp. My people loathe . They loved my mother and I slew her. Should I return, I will find only scorn. Father could have absolved , but he is gone too.
Marikas words were heartfelt, but I could tell they had fallen on deaf ears. Soraseo had given up on redeeming herself. When a door was shut tight, forcing it to open would only break the hinges. I would better break in through the window. Find another entrance, another angle.
I considered what to say. I had known Soraseo for months now, so I understood how she thought. Her life weighed little compared to her principles.
Vernisla died saving you, I said bluntly.
Soraseos eyes darted at in shock. From the glare Marika sent my way, she and how Selestine carefully avoided ntioning it. I could guess why they would think adding more guilt on the platter might prove too much, but in this case, they misunderstood Soraseo. This woman had been willing to jump into an impossible quest in the hope of washing away her soiled honor.
The Cavalier perished saving you from Belgoroth, I told Soraseo without sugarcoating anything. From the way she slightly recoiled, my words hit her like a hamr to the face. Did she die for nothing?
Marika scowled at . Robin
Did she die for nothing? I repeated myself; and when I received no answer from Soraseo, I kept insisting. Will you let her die for nothing? Are you so craven?
Soraseos hands curled into fists. I am no coward.
If you wont live for yourself, then live for her. If Soraseo valued her honor more than her life, then I ought to turn it into a rope to salvation rather than a weight dragging her down. Vernisla had what, twenty, thirty years of life ahead of her? She gave them all to you, so you owe her a lifeti.
It was a cheap blow, but one Soraseo couldnt ignore. Her eyes regained so flicker of light. I had inspired another emotion in them.
Anger.
I have taken countless lives, Soraseo replied with a baleful glare. I have killed innocents. I have taken more years than you will ever see, Robin. My death
Wont be enough, I cut in. Youre shortchanging the dead!
Soraseo stared at as if I had grown a second head, while Marika looked fit to gag.
Short change? Soraseo repeated, though I could tell whether she struggled to understand the word or my aning.
Youve ended countless lives, and you hope to repay them with one death? I enlightened her. No rchant will ever take that deal. You want to know what it will cost to pay back your victims? Save as many lives as youve taken.
That If Soraseo still had the skin for it, she would have blinked repeatedly. I cannot
You can, and you must. I shrugged. Because in your case, to live is braver than to die.
Soraseo clenched her jaw and fell back into a tense silence.
Well let you rest for now, Marika said with a tone that brook no disobedience; neither from nor Soraseo. We will check on you in the morning.
Soraseo watched us leave without a word. I sincerely hoped my words had reached her. I doubted she would try sothing stupid like jumping out of the windowshe sought a glorious warriors death, not a shaful suicidebut the risk remained.
Before we left her alone, I took a mont to activate the soundstone Soraseo recorded for . The song of her biwa filled the air, smooth and lodious. I hoped music would help soothe her soul.
That was harsh, Marika scolded after we exited the room. Eris and Selestine were both gone by then. I supposed they decided to review the Fatebinders correspondence in a more private setting. Did you try to guilt-trip her out of her depression?
If thats what it takes to save her life, I replied shalessly. I wouldnt apologize for it.
I dont approve of the thod, but I hope itll work. Marika shook her head. Tonight was exhausting. Weve won, but I dont feel like celebrating.
Not even your widowhood? I teased her, trying to lighten the mood. We would both need to relax a little. I would drink to that.
You know I said I didnt care who killed Will, so long as he was out of my life? Marika scratched her cheek. Well, I was being truthful, but
You thought his death would be the end of it all, I guessed. Instead of a new beginning.
Yeah yeah, thats one way to put it. Marika let out a heavy sigh. Ive spent so long dealing with the ss Will left us with. The debt, the fear he would co back to kill us now hes gone, Im not sure what to do next. Beni still wont talk to , for a start.
Give it ti, I insisted. Its one thing to win the battle and another to heal its scars.
Marika burst out laughing. You sound like an elder pretending to be wise.
Does that make my words untrue? I replied with a thin smile. Youre strong and smart, Marika. Youll figure things out.
Careful, you smooth-talker you. I told you I cant stand complints. Marika stretched her back. Ill get back to work. It never fails to clear my mind.
Might I suggest working on the airship? Call it a gut feeling or intuition, but I can tell our conflict with Belgoroth will soon co to a close. One way or another. If that crybaby shares the sa powers as Vernisla, he might confront us atop a winged monster. We must possess the ans to challenge him for control of the skies.
Yeah, I guess an airship would help if he flies at us on a dragons back. Marika crossed her arms. Alright. Ill get to work on it with Marwen at once.
Thank you. I glanced at the door to Soraseos room. And thanks for being there for her. Shell need us.
The sa goes for you, Robin. Marika excused herself with a pat on my shoulder. Night night.
I returned the gesture and watched her leave for her workshop. My head remained heavy with questions. I needed to find a plan to deal with Belgoroth, alongside a back-up or two. The enemy we would soon face demanded novel strategies.
My gut told that the key lay in our marks. The old and new generations were sohow connected enough for mine to resonate with Daltias in certain circumstances. I suspected this bond applied to all of the Seven Great Classes.
Perhaps I had approached the problem the wrong way. Diplomacy would never convince Belgoroth to stand down. No rchant could defeat the Lord of Wrath.
But a true Knight might.
The next few weeks passed in the blink of an eye.
Soraseo did not kill herself, much to my relief, though she still refused to talk to or accept a trade to remove her injuries. Selestine at least managed to convince her to follow a strict essence therapy with her.
I knew Soraseo would open up to us sooner or later. My friend was like a river whose calm surface hid powerful currents. She needed ti and serenity to process her anger and the recent tragedies. Once she was ready, she would confront us for the better or worse.
Eris left as swiftly as she showed up to deliver the Reformists answer to the Fatebinder, while Marika and Mr. Fronan started working on building up the airship. After the assault on her capital, Duchess Griselda proved more than willing to provide additional funds for our enterprise.
anwhile, I spent my ti alternating between helping Walbourg dealing with the fallout of Belgoroths attack and smoothing over the treaty. It had taken a while, but the lords of Walbourg finally understood they needed Archfrosts help as much as my holand needed their own. Rolands honor and my power offered them a once-in-a-century opportunity for a bloodless, unbreakable compromise. I could only pray that they would take it.
As a foreign diplomat, I was not allowed to observe the Estates-Generals deliberations, though Selestines allies kept inford of the proceedings. When Duchess Griselda finally left her assemblys room after eight hours of discussion with a satisfied smile on her face, I already knew I had won.
The Estates-General of Walbourg have decided, by a narrow majority of one-hundred sixty-one votes against one-hundred twenty-nine votes and ten abstentions, to reincorporate with the United Kingdom of Archfrost. Griselda presented with a bill filled with signatures. My congratulations, Lord Waybright.
The pleasure is mine, Lady Griselda. I accepted the docunt with a warm, satisfied smile. You have proved that sotis, the quill is mightier than the sword.
I brokered peace between Archfrost and Walbourg.
The civil war that claid the lives of hundreds of thousands was coming to a close. After all the struggles we went through, this news filled my heart with happiness. My holand would finally nd its wounds.
Soon, it would no longer need .
And I would have to live with it.
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