Derek Ward

It is all too easy to place the blame for Cull’s malevolent ambitions and the horrific plans he crafted on the enigmatic prophecies of the Sacellum. However, this perspective overlooks a critical precipitating factor. Cull’s decision to kidnap and sacrifice the Crystal Blood was not born in a vacuum; it was the direct consequence of the Jeweled Empire’s elite succumbing to decadence and corruption. The decay of the Empire’s moral and political fabric cannot be overstated. While it is true that external forces contributed to this decline, the principal responsibility lies with those at the helm. In their pursuit of self-interest, the Empire’s elite allowed rot to seep into the very core of the civilization they were entrusted to protect.Consequently, the only factions with the resolve to initiate the Empire’s restoration were Cull’s nefarious organization and a small, determined band of individuals who would later be hailed as Heroes. – Cloni Ashi, "Reflections on the Post-Daemon War Jeweled Empire.

RIN

Rin dodged the makeshift club before smashing his rifle butt into the man’s face. The Purist dropped to the ground unconscious. Another elf charged with a spear. Morelli placed the muzzle of his revolver to the head of the other Purist. The elf threw the spear to the ground and glared at the ranger. Rin clubbed the elf to the ground for good measure.

“What in the Goddess’s name was that for?” asked the burly constable assigned as liaison to Rin and Morelli. “He surrendered.”

“Did you see that glare in his eyes?” Morelli asked as he bound the two elves with manacles.

“Yes.”

“Most folks, even criminals, when they’re beaten have a defeated look in their eyes. Not righteous fury. When someone’s got that righteous fury in their eyes, you make sure they can’t cause trouble, because they for damn sure will at the drop of a hat. In this case, it means Ranger Acciaio hits them very hard to make sure that they won’t cause us any problems.” The constable still looked shocked at what he clearly considered the brutal behavior of the two rangers.

“You didn’t need to nearly crush his skull,” the constable protested.

“Constable, you haven’t dealt with serious rebellious factions before,” Rin said, “Rangers, on the other hand, are the first ones sent in when someone decides to take up arms against the Senate. We have institutional experience in dealing with people like this.” The constable didn’t look convinced, but he whistled for some of his fellow constables to drag the two unconscious Purists back to the warehouse they were holding them.

This was the fourth hidey-hole Rin and Morelli tackled since the sweep began at dawn. The Knifehand’s information proved accurate. So far, all these hidey-holes held weapons and assorted other preparations to do a nasty riot in the middle of Outer Lisandra. Rin scanned the street for the next marker left by Lisandra’s street urchins. The Knifehand kept his promise about having his people point out the Purists in Lisandra. The pickpockets, street kids, and beggars were marking the Purist strongholds for the teams of rangers and constables.

“We know what we’re doing,” Rin told the constable.

“Yes, Hero Acciaio,” the constable said, unconvinced, but unwilling to contradict the rangers. Or maybe a Hero of the Empire. Rin would accept either.

“This would be so much easier if we could just kill them,” Morelli whispered to Rin, “These fishgrippers are worse than the Takis.”

“You dealt with those barbarians?” Rin asked, surprised.

“First patrol,” Morelli answered. “I don’t know the Republic will ever really finish with the Takis unless we killed everyone over the age of five and fostered the orphans with proper Republic families.”

“And you think the Purists are worse than that?” Rin asked.

“Well, maybe not, but that group before last really riled me up,” Morelli said, “That last one damn near stuck me. Would have if you hadn’t stepped in.”

“It doesn’t look good losing a new partner in the first week,” Rin said.

“Is that something they teach in sergeant’s school?” Morelli asked.

“No, it’s something they tell you when you start the Badlands circuit,” Rin answered.

“That makes sense,” Morelli said. The two rangers and their constable minder trotted down the street. A dirty child emerged from an impossibly small shadow and pointed at a glazer’s storefront. Rin grimaced as he looked at the narrow three-story building. It could never be easy.

“You better stay out here on the street,” Rin said to the constable as he slung his rifle and drew his revolver. “Morelli, get out your grapegun.” Rin turned up the collar of his heavy duster and pulled up his neckerchief over his nose and mouth. “You’re on point, corporal. Watch the flying glass when the shooting starts.”

“Why am I on point?” Morelli asked, with mock indignation, “I was on point last time.”

“First, because you have the grapegun. Second, I’m a better shot if I need to shoot past you. Third, and most important, because you’re the corporal and I’m the sergeant,” Rin answered.

“You could have just said, ‘Because I told you so,’ and been done with it,” Morelli replied before kicking the storefront’s door open.

“IMPERIAL SEARCH! ALL OCCUPANTS LAY DOWN ON THE GROUND AND PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD OR YOU WILL BE SHOT!” Morelli ducked as a crossbow bolt shot out the door. Rin glanced back at the cry of pain behind him and saw the constable lying on the street with the bolt sticking out of his shoulder.

This went downhill fast, Rin thought. When things went to damnation, there was only one course of action. Move fast and strike hard before your opponents can react.

“FAST STORM!” Rin shouted. Morelli dashed farther into the building with Rin right behind him. The corporal unleashed a blast from the grapegun at the Purist reloading the crossbow. The shredded elf collapsed to the floor. Morelli took cover at the edge of the stairwell as Rin strode through the first floor searching for more Purists.

An elf ambushed Rin as he entered the bellows room. Rin barely dodged the poker with a glowing red tip. Rin felt his skin burn from the close pass. Damn it. Illana was going to be annoyed. Rin extended his revolver and fired. Rin was already moving to the kitchen as the elf’s body fell to the ground. Two children cowered behind the cabinets. Rin snarled and pointed at the back door. The two children scampered out as fast as they could.

The throaty boom of Morelli’s grapegun drew Rin back to the stairwell. Morelli was crouched behind the wall feeding shells into the grapegun. He locked eyes with Rin and nodded. Rin slid past Morelli and pointed his revolver up the stairwell. An elf lay on the stairs, bleeding from dozens of holes. Rin spied a pair of elves hiding at the edges of the upper story. Two quick shots and two more bodies were slumped in the entryway. The two rangers traded places to give Rin a chance to replace his spent cartridges.

“Sweet Protector,” Morelli swore, looking up the stairwell, “You took them both out?”

“Walls are thin here,” Rin answered, spinning the cylinder. “Even revolver shots will go through them.”

“Yeah, but you barely glanced up there before shooting,” Morelli replied. Rin gave Morelli an uncomprehending look. “Never mind. You’re the Hero of the Empire. Of course, you can see through walls.”

“AN ALLY OF THE DEFILER IS BELOW!” screamed a man from the rooms above. “KILL HIM!” The roar that followed had to come from at least twenty throats. Rin gave Morelli a flat look.

“You had to let them know I was a Hero of the Empire,” Rin said. Morrelli leaned back into the stairwell. The corporal quickly ducked a pair of arrows before touching off both barrels of the grapegun.

“How was I supposed to know they could still hear over all the gunfire?” Morelli asked, popping two new shells into the gun. “I’m nearly deaf.” Rin emptied his revolver up the stairwell. Two bodies tumbled down the stairs. Morelli looked at the bodies.

“Did you finally miss?” Morelli asked.

“The other three died up there, I guess,” Rin answered as he reloaded his revolver. Morelli shook his head in disbelief before aiming back up the stairwell. The front door slammed open. Rin nearly fired on the bounding figure before he recognized Marteen. Rin yanked Morelli to the side. Morelli shot Rin a questioning look, but then Marteen sprinted up the stairs with a pair of swords. Kurt walked over to the two rangers as the screams floated downstairs.

“What are you doing here?” Rin asked, “I thought you were training the volunteers.”

“Why are you shouting?” Kurt asked. Or at least, that was what Rin thought the dwarf asked.

“Sorry, gunfire indoors is bad for the ears,” Rin said.

“Oh. Some of the veterans took over training the volunteers,” Kurt said, loud enough for the two rangers to hear. “The princess sent us to fetch you back to the Crystal Palace.” The dwarf looked at the dead bodies on the floor and then peered up the stairwell.

“Been busy I see.”

“It’s been that kind of day,” Rin answered, holstering his revolver. “Marteen’s supposed to clean them up?” Kurt nodded. “Morelli, go outside and tell the children they can pick up the brass.” Morelli nodded and walked out of the building.

“The children are going to do what?” Kurt asked as they waited for Marteen to finish.

“The Republic pays the street urchins a copper penny for any of the metal casings they pick up,” Rin answered.

“Why?”

“We can reuse the casings to make new cartridges. Plus, it keeps them out of the hands of the elven tinkers.”

“May want to curtail that when the Purists are here. Hate to think of some then rushing into the middle of a fight to get them,” Kurt said.

“That’s…a good point,” Rin said, “I’ll talk it over with the major. Morelli can tell the Knifehand, so he can spread the word to the urchins.” Marteen came bounding down the stairs. His armor was splattered with blood and his swords dripped with more. The swordmaster smiled at his friends.

“Well, that was fun,” Marteen said, “A couple of them actually knew how to use their weapons.” Kurt looked the elf up and down and then frowned. The elf gave the dwarf a questioning look.

“What?”

“You realize we’re going to have to hose you down before Sonya will let you near the princess,” Kurt said. Marteen looked down.

“Really?” Marteen asked. “I’ve seen Sonya come out of fight looking much worse.” Kurt gave an exasperated sigh before storming out of the storefront. Marteen smiled mischievously at Rin.

“Don’t tell Kurt, but Sonya made sure there are servants waiting for me back at the Palace in case of, well, this.” He motioned to his dripping armor.

“Oh good,” Rin said, “Because if you were serious about going in front of Illana looking like that, I might shoot you myself.”

“You can’t shoot me. The princess would get mad if you killed me right before the Purists got here,” Marteen protested as they walked out to join Kurt.

“I’d just shoot you somewhere unimportant,” Rin said, “Like one of your toes or something.” Marteen gave Rin a hearty clap on the back.

“Damn, it’s good to have you back Rin,” Marteen said before strolling out of the building.

“Sweet Protector, all the stories about Marteen the Scythe are true,” Morelli said, watching Marteen and Kurt walk down the street.

“Like all good stories, they’re somewhat exaggerated,” Rin said, “To be fair, he is truly scary when he starts the dance. If you ever see Marteen stop smiling and laughing during a fight, run and find cover. You do not want to be in his way when he starts serious sword-dancing.” The two rangers mounted their horses and started trotting to the palace behind Marteen and Kurt.

“Can I ask you a question, Sergeant?” Morelli asked.

“Sure,” Rin answered.

“What is going on with you and the princess?” Morelli asked. Rin groaned under his breath.

“I told you to let that go.”

“Come on, Sergeant. There’s something going on between the two of you. I heard you two fighting when I came to get you this morning.”

“We weren’t fighting,” Rin said, a bit sharper than he intended.

“Then loudly discussing. And you’ve been a bit savage all day. If it’s something that’s going to affect you this much, don’t you think I should know something?” Morelli asked. Rin wanted to be angry with Morelli, but he couldn’t. There was just something in the man’s voice and eyes.

“People have an easy time talking to you, don’t they?” Rin asked. “They tell you all sorts of things. Even things they weren’t planning on telling you.”

“Pretty much,” Morelli answered, confused by the non sequitur. “It was one of the reasons I was posted down here. Why?”

“You remind me of Trennis,” Rin said. “He was the same way. He could get anything out of me. Especially when I didn’t want to talk about it.”

“Trennis?” Morelli asked, “He was one of the Heroes, wasn’t he? Didn’t he die during your adventure?”

“Yes,” Rin answered. “Selene was our cleric, but Trennis was our counselor. Things really started going downhill for us after he died.” Rin could still see Trennis – bloody, pale, and with a spear sticking out of him – holding the axe aloft as the rest of the group made it across the bridge. Rin was both ashamed and grateful Jevin didn’t let them stay to watch Trennis’s final stand.

“Sorry to bring up bad memories,” Morelli said, reading Rin’s expression.

“Some are bad. Some good. Just like those of any friend,” Rin said.

“Seriously though, what is going on between you and the princess?” Morelli asked. Rin gave him a flat look. “I’m not just being nosy. Alright, I’m sort of being nosy, but I need to know some of it. If nothing else to know what I need to cover for you. The major asked me some pointed questions when I told him you were staying at the Crystal Palace that first night. I told him Lady Sonya asked you to stay because that’s where the rest of the Heroes are staying. It would help me if I knew what I’m allowed to talk about.” Rin thought that over for a few minutes.

“You’re right, but what I tell you does not get back to the major. This stays between partners. The only reason I’m telling you this is because, yes, I need your help to keep things quiet from the embassy. And because you trusted me with your deep, dark secret, it’s only fair I return the favor,” Rin said.

“I swear that this stays between us.”

“The princess and I grew… close after we rescued her from Cull. It may have become something more, but we didn’t have a chance to find out before I left to go back to the Republic. We’re sort of picking things up where we left off. It isn’t easy for either of us.”

“That was never in any of the stories,” Morelli said.

“From what I hear, I’m supposed to be a dwarf,” Rin said, not able to keep the bitterness out of his voice.

“Well, yeah, there’s that, and they’re always vague why you weren’t still in the Empire like the rest of the Heroes. Most just say you went home,” Morelli observed. He was quiet for a few minutes. “You know, I like the idea of you and the princess together. It’s spiffy.”

“Spiffy?” Rin asked, “What is that supposed to mean?”

“You know, good,” Morelli answered.

“I don’t think I’ve heard that word before,” Rin said.

“Really?” Morelli asked, clearly surprised, “It’s common in Marei City.”

“I spent exactly one week in Marei City after I returned,” Rin said. “After that, my life was the rangers.”

“That would explain it,” Morelli said as the group entered Eldar’s Court. Rin took one look at the grave expressions on Selene’s and Pallus’s faces to know something was very wrong.

“What is it?” Rin asked, dismounting, and handing the reigns to one of the stable boys.

“You’ll see up in the Observatory,” Pallus said. The elf sharply turned and walked to the tower.

“Why can’t you tell me now?” Rin asked.

“Because I want your opinion without me coloring it for you,” Pallus answered, not looking back. There wasn’t any of the normal taunting or condescension in Pallus’s voice. That wasn’t a good sign.

“What did you do to your face?” Selene asked, running a finger over the burn. Rin flinched at the sudden pain.

“A Purist got a little too close with a hot poker,” Rin answered.

“The princess is not going to be pleased,” Selene said.

“It’s not like I went out of my way to get burned,” Rin said, following Pallus into the Gold Spire. Just inside the door was a spiral staircase that ran up to the Observatory. Morelli looked up at the seemingly endless stairs.

“All the trading the elves have been doing with the republic, and they couldn’t have installed an elevator?” Morelli asked.

“It’s only a couple of hundred meters up,” Rin chided his corporal. “Besides, elevators are death traps. Everyone knows that.”

“Everyone who lives out on the steppe, maybe,” Morelli muttered, just loud enough Rin could pretend to ignore Morelli’s complaining.

“What’s an elevator?” Selene asked. Morelli proceeded to explain the new-fangled devices being installed in buildings in Marei City and some of the other large cities in the Republic. Much to Rin’s satisfaction, Selene looked horrified at the concept. Rin tuned them out as he focused on climbing the stairs with appropriate stoicism.

“Thank the Goddess,” Illana said, nearly knocking Rin down just as he finished climbing the stairs. Nearly winded from the climb, Rin didn’t have time to explain before Illana spied the angry burn on his cheek.

“What happened?” she asked furiously.

“One got too close with a hot poker. I’m fine,” Rin answered. He held her tight for a moment and kissed the top of her head. Illana wasn’t satisfied. He resisted squirming as Illana’s hands darted across his torso. He wasn’t about to admit that he was ticklish in front of everyone. Maybe when they were alone tonight, he’d say something to Illana. He banished the thoughts as he saw everyone’s expressions. Pall motioned Rin over to the viewing crystals.

Rin had been in the Observatory only once before, shortly after they returned the princess. The room looked out over Aponte Hill and most of Lisandra proper. The Observatory’s walls were three-meter-tall crystal windows, giving the occupants an unrivaled view of the city and surrounding lands. The Observatory’s real utility was the four viewing crystals mounted on rails directly behind the windows. The viewing crystals could expand the view, like a high-end spyglass.

“I’m glad you are alright,” Illana said, quietly, “I was worried.”

“I have a good partner,” Rin said, nodding his head to Morelli. He looked at Sasha. “Am I correct the Purist army is in sight? That’s the only reason I can think of why you’d pull me out of clearing out Purists.”

“Yes, but you need to see,” Sasha said, motioning to the nearest viewing crystal.

“They’ve moved faster than we expected,” Rin said, stepping up to the crystal.

“It’s much worse than that,” Sasha said.

“How could it be worse?” Rin asked.

“You, Kurt, and Marteen only saw a portion of their forces.”

“What are you talking about?” Rin asked. He looked out to the west where she pointed through one of the viewing crystals.

“That’s the force you were pursuing,” Sasha said. There were a couple thousand elves marching with the distinctive shapes of muskets at their shoulders.

“Then, there are those,” Sasha said, guiding his gaze northward. Rin swore as he saw another two columns marching towards Lisandra. Those were armed with more traditional weapons – pole arms, crossbows, and swords.

“And these,” Sasha said, guiding him to the south. Rin’s swearing became even more violent as he saw two more columns. No muskets, but that group of Purists were dragging maybe a dozen trebuchets along with them.

“So, ten thousand instead of two,” Rin said, “With artillery. That makes things more interesting.”

“Quite,” Pallus said, standing next to Sasha. “Although, you may have disrupted their plans. They expected Lisandra to be in the middle of a nasty riot. From what the Knifehand’s told us, your people stopped that cold. Of course, some of the buildings now look like they’ve been looted.”

“Yeah, it’s a shame we did a bit of property damage to keep the constables from bleeding themselves red digging out those bastards,” Rin said.

“I’m glad we understand each other,” Pallus replied, flatly. A sharp look from Sasha killed Rin’s retort on his tongue. Marteen stepped up to one of the other viewing crystals and looked out at the Purist forces. Then, he looked up at the sun’s position, and did some mental calculations.

“Mortan, did your people kill their scouts before they got into the city?” Marteen asked.

“Yes,” the Knifehand answered, surprised by the question.

“What scouts?” Pallus asked. “Why didn’t I hear anything about this?”

“Apologies, Colonel Parn, but I received word just before I joined you up here. I was waiting for the proper time to inform you.” Pallus nodded as if acknowledging the point without actually accepting the Knifehand’s apology.

“So, this Edess Kul sees Lisandra isn’t in flames, and he doesn’t know what is going on in the city, except it isn’t what he expected,” Marteen said.

“I can’t imagine they would want to march tired soldiers into a city even marginally prepared to repel them. They’ll set up camps just outside the city along the major roads to cut off the city,” Pallus observed

“Probably stop in an hour or two to set up the camps,” Marteen said, “Then, the commanders of those different columns will meet to decide what to do.”

“Maybe we can finally get a look at who’s leading these Purists,” Sasha said.

“Well, based on this little discussion, I should get to finding out what those prisoners know,” the Knifehand said, standing up and dusting off his finery. “I wouldn’t expect much, but I’ve been surprised before.” Rin saw Morelli and the Knifehand trade looks before the elf walked over the spiral staircase. The elf looked relieved Morelli hadn’t been hurt during the morning’s fighting.

“Mortan, would you be so kind as to inform the servants below that we need a light meal sent up?” Illana asked. “I think we need to stay up here until the enemy leadership shows itself.”

“Of course, your highness. I am ever your loyal servant,” the Knifehand said, bowing with a flourish. Illana smiled appreciatively.

“See Rin, that’s what you should be doing when I give a command,” Illana said.

“Forgive these Mareians, your highness,” the Knifehand said, “They’re impossible to teach proper respect to noble blood. It comes from electing their leaders.”

“That does explain a great deal,” Illana said, “Thank you for that insight, Mortan. It is good to have such fine and loyal subjects.” The Knifehand bowed again with even more flourish, which Rin didn’t think was possible and walked down the stairs. Illana motioned Rin over to one of the chairs. As Rin neared, Illana roughly shoved him into the chair before settling herself in his lap.

“Now, you are commanded to stay here until Lady Sonya and Colonel Pallus decide they need you,” Illana said quietly, “Am I going to have trouble with you on this?”

“No, your highness,” Rin said, and wrapped Illana in his arms. Rin let himself relax and enjoy the warm princess snuggling up next to him and the strong feeling of contentment filling their connection. He didn’t even notice as his eyes slid shut.

Rin awoke at the slight shake on his shoulder. He’d fallen asleep? He looked up to see Kurt standing over him with a grim expression. Rin started to move before he realized Illana was wrapped around him. He whispered her name, but she just grunted and gripped tighter.

“Illana, it’s time,” Rin said, giving the princess a firmer shake. She looked up at him with an evil glare which promised retribution. It was quickly replaced by a shocked expression.

“We fell asleep?” Illana asked, sitting up straight. She shot a reproachful glare at the others. “Why did you let us sleep?”

“You weren’t snoring much,” Marteen answered, with one of his less manic smiles, “Well, Rin was, but it wasn’t that loud.” Rin and Illana fixed the swordmaster with matching glares, but he just smiled.

“We thought the two of you needed the rest,” Sasha said. Illana gracefully alighted from Rin and walked to where Pall and Sasha were looking through the viewing crystal.

“Wait, your highness,” Selene said, and then waved her hands to bring the view closer to the center of the main Purist camp. Rin looked over the large pavilion, examining the people milling in front. Rin focused on one face in particular. It was the only human face among the elves, but that wasn’t what drew Rin’s attention. He knew the face. More to the point, Rin knew the scar on the man’s head very well.

“So, the sorcerer Smythe is Lord Tyrell Shafford,” Rin said.

“That’s impossible,” Morelli said, “He’s dead.”

“I thought so too,” Rin said, “I was part of the posse that chased that bastard into the Little Sea. I watched as the Navy reduced his ship to splinters and then burn what was left to charred timbers.”

“Could Smythe be a relative of this Lord Shafford? That’s why he looks like a dead man?” Marteen asked. Rin shook his head.

“See that scar?” Rin pointed at the angry red line creasing Smythe’s forehead before disappearing under the man’s blond hair.

“That was my bullet. The motherless dog slipped a magic shield up just in time to keep me from blowing his brains all over the beach.”

“You missed a shot?” Pallus asked, with that annoying smirk on his face. “You – of all people – missed a shot?”

“No,” Rin answered, gritting his teeth, “I hit what I was aiming at. I couldn’t tell the bastard was using magic to protect himself.” Pallus didn’t press further, but he kept the smug look on his face.

“Would someone mind explaining who this Lord Shafford is to the rest of us?” Marteen asked.

“Eight years ago, Lord Shafford and several conspirators walked into Keep Diwen and murdered the King of the Eastern Reaches, his entire family, and the heads of most of the senior noble families of the Kingdom. They were all at Keep Diwen to discuss a new treaty with the Republic. Shafford’s group murdered any noble in the Keep who could have kept the Kingdom together. For all intents and purposes, that man and his followers are directly responsible for the Kingdom’s civil war.”

“How did you get involved?” Sasha asked. “If I remember correctly, the Republic and the Kingdom don’t get along very well.”

“That’s generally true. The duchies and baronies along the border have a kind of de facto agreement in place with the patriarchs on the other side of the border to keep the peace. They alerted the Republic that Lord Shafford was crossing the border to meet with other conspirators. My sergeant at the time said Shafford may have been working with Republican insurgents to bring down the Senate and the Great Families to cause the same kind of chaos spreading across the Kingdom.”

“Our posse caught up with Lord Shafford and a group of fifty or so near Black Vale at the south end of the Little Sea. That was a nasty fight that went through the town before the bastard managed to escape aboard a brig. He was maybe fifteen kilometers out when a pair of Republican gunboats intercepted him. They burned his boat to the waterline with hotshot and then sank the wreck. As far as anyone knew, there were no survivors.”

“That seems to be a theme among our enemies,” Sasha said, adjusting the view to look at the four elves standing next to Shafford. Rin recognized one of them but couldn’t remember where he’d seen the elf before.

“Sweet Goddess’s Light. That’s Tanus Milnor,” Marteen swore, pointing at the tallest of the elves. He walked the carriage of a soldier with the scars of a veteran, including an ugly one that divided his otherwise handsome face. Milnor had one of the most weathered faces Rin had seen on an elf.

“Who?” Rin asked.

“Junior son of Lord Milnor of White Stone. Tanus was supposedly killed during the War of Reclamation,” Sasha said.

“He was one of those who never made it out of the Badlands,” Marteen said, in an almost haunted tone. “One day, he started babbling about voices calling him. We tied him to his cot, just like we did with all the insane ones. We woke up one morning and he vanished. We thought a demon got him.”

“That’s Remi Jitun,” Kurt said, motioning at the elf Rin vaguely recognized. “He was appointed as the ambassador to the dwarven lands. Jitun was traveling to take up his post when he disappeared. No one was sure what happened, but the Diet blamed Lord Renier for not controlling the dwarven brigands along the border and put more Frontier Army soldiers in the dwarven lands.”

“Yes, I remember the incident now. Another barb into the relations between the Diet and the Dwarven Conclave,” Pallus said.

“He was why we left the farm. I remember Lord Ranier asking you to find him. That’s when we met Selene?” Rin asked Kurt. The dwarf nodded.

“Jitun asked for me to be assigned to his staff as a local liaison, since I previously worked with him during my time with Lord Renier,” Kurt answered. “We were on our way to meet with him when Selene dropped in our lap.”

“Who is this one?” Illana asked, pointing at a smiling, fair-haired elf.

“Amar Haltis. He was an associate of Lord Kalen’s,” Sasha said, “He went missing a few months before you all showed up at Lord Kalen’s looking for the Codex. From his mutterings, Lord Kalten was glad because Haltis was asking too many questions. It was about that time I started thinking about leaving Lord Kalten’s employ.” Sasha smiled without any warmth. Considering she ended her employ in Lord Kalten’s service by siding with this group against his other guardsmen, Rin wasn’t surprised. Sasha pointed at the final member of the quartet. “This last one I don’t know.” The man was the palest elf Rin had ever seen. His hair was an even paler blonde than Illana’s. If it weren’t for his blue eyes, Rin would have thought the elf was an albino.

“That’s Palin Saren. I thought Cull killed him. Pity he survived.” Illana answered, in a nonchalant tone. Rin felt Illana’s terror under her unconcerned expression.

“He was the first leader of the Red. Until he tried to take liberties with me when I was eleven.” Illana took a few deep breaths before continuing. “I was alone in the house when he cornered me. I didn’t even understand what was going on. I was just scared. Cull stormed in. The next thing I knew Palin was being pulled out of the house by some of the Black, and Cull was dragging me into the back room. To, um, make sure I wasn’t violated.” She shuddered at the memory. Rin hugged Illana close. “Cull told me a few days later that Palin had been dealt with.”

“Who’s this?” Rin asked as a tall elf walked out of the pavilion. The elf wore a brilliant white uniform with gold piping. It stood out even more contrasted with the black metal mask encompassing the elf’s head. The mask was a featureless faceplate with a long, leather hood covering the head. A pair of swords were belted at the elf’s waist.

“That is the Edess Kul,” the Knifehand said, rejoining the group in the room, “The war leader for the Army of the Pure, as those bastards are calling themselves. In most respects, she is Colonel Parn’s counterpart.” Pallus grimaced at the comparison.

“Hrm, where have I seen that woman before?” Rin asked.

“What?” Pallus asked, “What do you mean?”

“There’s something familiar in her gait. The way she moves.” The others studied the Edess Kul for a long moment.

“Maybe what I have will help jog your memory,” the Knifehand said.

“The prisoners knew something?” Kurt asked, surprised.

“Two did, Hero Volker,” Knifehand answered, “More to the point, the rangers were lucky enough to capture the ringleaders of the Purists in the city. One confessed to being a Prior, which from what I gathered is one of their higher ranks. He believed admitting that would garner him some sort of respect or leniency.”

“How did you get them to talk?” Pall asked, “Every time the army managed to get their hands on a Prior, he’d find a way to suicide before he could be made to talk.”

“Milk of the red orchid does wonders to loosen the tongues of even the most reticent,” the Knifehand answered. “Especially when one has access to the purer strains.” Illana looked up at Rin with a questioning look.

“Sweet powder,” Rin said, using the drug’s more common name.

“Just so,” the Knifehand said, “These five are the Acolytes.” Knifehand pointed at Shafford and his companions. “None of the prisoners are exactly sure why the Purists are here, but it was at the command of the Acolytes. The Prior didn’t say it outright, but I got the impression that the other Priors do not understand why the Acolytes ordered this attack on Lisandra.”

“Aren’t they here to purify me?” Illana asked.

“The rank and file of the Purists believe that is why they are here,” Knifehand answered, “As to what the Acolytes’ actual plans are for this battle, the Prior has no idea. It could be to simply murder you, or something very different.” Rin’s mind flashed back to Shafford’s ritual murder back in the Badlands and involuntarily shuddered. Illana gave him a worried look.

“Whatever it is, it can’t be good,” Selene said.

“Princess Illana should talk to our volunteer forces, as well as those guarding the Aponte Wall,” Pallus said, “Tell them what they are facing. Better to kill any rumors now. They’ll believe what she tells them.”

“Wouldn’t that put her at risk?” Sasha asked, “She’s the one person the Purists want above all else, and we don’t know if the rangers got all of their sympathizers inside the city.”

“I must show my people that I am willing to risk myself, just as they are risking themselves to protect Lisandra. Besides, Rin will be there to protect me.”

“As much as I want to do just that, I’m needed somewhere else,” Rin said.

“Nonsense,” Illana said dismissively, “By the time I go address my people, the rest of your rangers will have finished taking out the insurgents in the city. The Knifehand said he was going to interrogate the prisoners, so what exactly do you have to do?”

“With the Purists this close, I need to try and snatch Smythe,” Rin said.

“You’re going into the middle of the Purists?” Illana asked, not quite yelling. Close, but not quite.

“Those rangers out there helping your people? They’re doing so because they were ordered to assist me in my hunt,” Rin answered. “I have to make an attempt if you still want their help.”

“What if you succeed?” Pallus asked. “What will your rangers do then? Leave us on our own?”

“I’m sure the ambassador or the major will have an idea,” Rin said. “They don’t want to withdraw the rangers either.”

“But what about you?” Illana asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be here tonight.” Rin tried to push his love through their connection.

“Fine, go play with your friends,” Illana said.

“Yes, your highness,” Rin intoned seriously. He kissed her chastely on the forehead before heading back down the stairs. Morelli joined him a second later.

“You messed up badly, Sarge,” Morelli said as he caught up with Rin.

“What are you talking about?” Rin asked.

“She looked terrified, Sergeant,” Morelli said. “I think she’s scared you are going to leave as soon as you kill or capture Shafford.”

“You know as well as I do that’s a possibility,” Rin said. “This isn’t my patrol circuit. I was detached so I could hunt Shafford. My major could yank me back whenever he feels like it.”

“Is that what you want, Sarge?” Morelli asked. “Do you want to go back to the Badlands?” Rin didn’t know why he wanted to trust the corporal. They’d known each other less than a week. Yet, there was something about Morelli. Maybe it was the way the younger man echoed Trennis.

“I don’t think I do,” Rin answered. It was the first time Rin said it out loud. Rin leaned on the cool crystal wall as the shock of the revelation hit him. Maybe he didn’t want to go back to the Republic. Maybe he wanted to stay in the Empire. With Illana.

“Sarge, she needs to hear that from you,” Morelli said.

“You’re probably right, Morelli, but I can’t do that now,” Rin said. " I’ll just screw it all up. I need to focus on the hunt."

“Sergeant, I’m your partner, and like any partner, I have your back,” Morelli said, “I’m not saying this because I enjoy it. I’m telling you these things because I know your reputation from the Badlands, and I’ve seen how you are with those people upstairs. You need to tell her.” Rin stopped and faced Morelli.

“Yes, you’re being a good partner. Yes, you’re giving good advice,” Rin said, “Right now, I’m just not sure how to take your advice. So, we’re going to brief the major on what we learned. Maybe by the time we’re done, I’ll have figured something out.” Morelli gave him an informal salute. The two made their way out of the Crystal Palace without another word.