Category: Novel

Hear the words of the ecclesiasts who proclaim that love is the greatest blessing bestowed upon us by the Goddess. And indeed, it may be so. Yet, let us not be blind to the full nature of Her gift, for it is not a blessing purely benevolent. Consider, if you will, love as a sword—crafted for both defense and destruction. Love, in its divine essence, has the power to fortify the soul or to strike it down with grievous force. As we cast our gaze upon the annals of history, we discern manifold instances where love has ushered forth both glorious triumphs and heart-wrenching tragedies. Thus, we are not called to be skeptics of love, but rather to behold it in all its profound complexity. Only by recognizing the perils entwined with love can we truly extol its virtues. By understanding that love may cast us into despair, we can more fervently rejoice when it elevates our spirits, when it transforms us into better beings than we were before love graced our lives. For in acknowledging the danger, we find the strength to cherish the goodness of love, and in doing so, we honor the Goddess who bestowed it upon us. Let us therefore embrace love with hearts open and eyes unclouded, ever mindful of its dual nature, that we may revel in its blessings and stand firm against its trials. Thus, shall we fulfill the divine purpose and ascend in virtue, as befits the children of the Goddess. – Ecclesiast Callus Gai, an excerpt from his sermon “Meditations on the Blessing of the Goddess”

RIN

Rin trudged into Eldar’s Court well past nightfall. Kurt was waiting for him with that familiar reproachful look. Rin half-expected the dwarf to have his belongings and a lecture waiting for him. Instead, Kurt handed Rin a mug of ale.

“How much trouble am I in?” Rin asked. Kurt chuckled.

“A bit,” Kurt answered, “How did your hunting go?”

“The Purists had a stronger guard out than we expected. Major Agnelli ordered us back before they knew we were there,” Rin answered. “I didn’t even get to kill any of them. A couple of the others managed to take down a few Purists skulking around in the outskirts. Better hunting tomorrow.” Rin gulped down the ale.

“I know you’re disappointed, but I’m glad you the major pulled you back,” Kurt said.

“How did Illana’s speech to the volunteers go?” Rin asked cautiously.

“Better than expected,” Kurt said, “I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. The girl has years of experience in getting people to do what she wants. She just needed to learn which levers to pull with the volunteers. Most of them were ready to charge out against the Purists by the time she was done. We even managed to sign up another few hundred volunteers.” Kurt took the empty mug from Rin and set it on the ground. Then, he grabbed his foster son in a powerful embrace.

“I love you son,” Kurt said.

“Love you too, you old dwarf,” Rin said. He looked up the stairs. “I guess I should get up there.” Kurt laid a restraining hand on Rin.

“Rin, Illana’s a strong girl, but she’s also fragile in many ways,” Kurt said, “If she comes on strong, don’t try to match her. It’d be like two hammers hitting each other.” Rin nodded and made his way back up to the Imperial Quarters.

Illana was sitting on the bed when he walked into the consort’s chambers. Her expression was regally neutral, but her eyes were red and her makeup destroyed. Rin carefully undid his weapons belt and laid it on the writing desk. The advice from Morelli and Kurt was swirling in his head as he walked up to the Imperial Quarters. He wasn’t sure what he was going to say. He was terrified he was going to say the wrong thing. He reached out for their link and found it full of fear and anger.

“Are you going to leave me again as soon as you capture Shafford?” Illana asked when he turned around.

“That’s not up to me,” Rin admitted, “If the major orders me to take Shafford back to Marei, then yes, I will have to leave again.”

“Why? Why would you do that to us?”

“It’s my duty.”

“Am I less than your duty?” Illana screamed, launching to her feet. Rin felt his own anger rise, but he bit back his retort. There was so much fear in their connection. From both of them. He took a deep breath. He thought back on Kurt’s advice not to meet her anger. Rin took a calming breath and tried a different tack.

“Did you know my paternal grandmother tried to have me killed less than a day after I returned to the Republic?” Rin asked. Illana blinked at the apparent non sequitur.

“Your grandmother tried to kill you?”

“Not with her own hands. She ordered her retainers to kill me.” Illana looked horrified at the idea. Rin guided her back to the bed and laid down next to her. The fear and anger were lessened in their connection.

“Why would your own grandmother want to murder you?” Illana asked. “She’d never even set eyes on you until then.” Rin gave Illana a sad smile.

“When I returned to Marei, I went to my paternal family home. I thought they would take me in. I was so hurt from being told I wasn’t wanted in the Empire, I guess I was looking for someone to help fill that gaping hole.”

“You will tell me who told you that you weren’t wanted here,” Illana said.

“I will, but not now. Right now, let me finish this story.” Illana nodded, but Rin could see in her eyes and through their connection she would not let the matter drop so easily.

“My grandmother’s staff let me in the house. I was so nervous when they told me my grandmother would come down to meet me. They knew exactly who I was. I took that as a sign that I would be accepted. Then she came into the salon. Looking back, my instincts were telling me something was wrong, but I didn’t listen to them. I let my hope drown out the warnings. So, my grandmother sat down and fixed me with a very cold stare. She asked me who I was. That cold and aloof manner shattered she heard my name. She railed at me for being named after ‘that whore’s father.’ She berated me for being the spawn of an ungrateful son who had the gall to die in some far off land instead of returning to the family. Preferably without that ‘gold-digging, whore of a wife.’ As she spouted this, I just sat there. I didn’t know what to do. Maybe if I knew more about how Mariean Great Families worked, it would have turned out differently.”

“What do you mean? What could you have done?”

“I could have calmed her down if I denounced my father for going against her and begged for her forgiveness. Looking back, I realized her senior guardsman and her butler were subtly telling me to do that.”

“Why would you have to beg forgiveness? You were just a child when they died.”

“Yes, but among the Great Families, the sins of the father pass down to the son. If I did what I could to atone, maybe she would have accepted me. I don’t know. I was young, hurt, hungry, and completely oblivious to how Mariean servants subtly hint about proper etiquette. Instead, I treated her like I did every elf lord who berated me for being human. I looked her straight in the eye and thanked her for showing me why my father would rather die in a foreign land with my mother than spend a second in this house with her.”

“That was enough to make her want to kill you?”

“It might have been, but what set her off was when I commented that I should really learn about this Protector she kept swearing to because I’d never heard that He told his people to be so petty and vindictive as she was being. Unless, of course, she was hoping her god would somehow make her heart grow back. Apparently, questioning her faith was pushing just a bit too far. She declared vendetta and ordered her guards to kill me.”

“How did you survive?” Illana asked.

“They expected me to be like my father. I don’t know a lot about my father, but from the little I do know, he wasn’t a fighter. He was a merchant. He learned just enough sword work to fit into polite company among the Great Families. Which wouldn’t be anywhere as good as trained guards.”

“And you were Rin Acciaio,” Illana said. “One of the Heroes of the Empire.”

“Less Hero and more student of Marteen the Scythe,” Rin said. “He always taught me to readily accept reality when violence was at hand. I didn’t know what vendetta was at that time, but I know what to do when people are trying to kill me. I put Marteen’s lessons to good use, took down the closest guard, grabbed his sword, and cut my way out of that house. As I was fleeing the surviving guards, I ran into a friend of my mother. He heard I returned and came looking for me before I ran into my grandmother. He showed up just in time to put the fear of the Protector into the guards still chasing me. He was able to do that because he wore one of these gold stars.” Rin tapped the star on the breast of his tunic.

“Before the end of the day, I was recruited into the rangers,” Rin finished. He looked deep into Illana’s pale blue eyes. They were filled with tears.

“So, you lost your human family after losing your family here,” Illana said.

“No, that’s not what I was trying to say. That woman is not my family. The rangers are my family. The rangers gave me a home when, as far as I knew, everyone else I loved deserted or betrayed me. They let me be my own man. I don’t know if I can explain how precious that is to me. I wasn’t promoted to sergeant because of what some prophecy said or because of whose blood I shared. I was a sergeant because I proved I was capable enough to perform the duties of the rank. The rangers earned my loyalty to them, and I can’t turn my back on my duty to them. I will not break faith with them.”

“So where does that leave me in your life?” Illana asked in a small voice.

“Right here,” Rin said, pointing at his heart.

“Then, why would you leave?” Illana asked. Rin was quiet for a moment. She was almost there. He could see it in her eyes.

“Illana, what would you do if I asked you to leave Lisandra right now? To go with me back to the Republic? To be my wife on a farm deep in the steppe where no one would know us?” Rin asked. Illana sucked in her breath as her eyes grew wide.

“Are you asking me?” Illana said in a very quiet and nervous voice. Rin waited a long moment before answering. He wanted to give one answer, but he knew he needed to give the other.

“No,” Rin answered. Their connection flooded with both relief and disappointment.

“As much as I want to ask you to do that right now, I wouldn’t put you in that position,” Rin said.

“Thank you,” Illana whispered, “I didn’t realize how tempting the thought could be until you said it. However, since you turned back up and cleared out so much of the anger inside me, I see what I need to do. I couldn’t leave everyone when they’re doing so much.”

“I’m the opposite,” Rin said.

“What do you mean?” Illana asked.

“Being around you clears my anger but clouds my sense of duty. I don’t want to leave, but I know I can’t betray those who put their trust in me.” Silence filled the room as the two just held each other.

“Why does everything have to be so complicated for us?” Illana asked. Rin thought it was a rhetorical question until Illana rolled over on top of him and looked up at him with her blue eyes silently demanding an answer.

“I blame you,” Rin said, with a teasing tone. He grunted as she punched him in the side.

“I’m serious, Rin,” Illana said. He stroked her cheek as he thought.

“I don’t know,” Rin said after a few moments. “Selene would chalk it up to prophecy. This is our fate or destiny or some other horseshit. It’s probably just very bad luck.”

“Did you know all of the stories about elves and humans falling in love end in tragedy? I read every one I could find after you left,” Illana said, laying her head on his chest. “It made me believe we were doomed from the start. After that, I just didn’t want to deal with anything that robbed me of so much joy.”

“Stories are just that – stories,” Rin said, “They’re supposed to make you feel one way or another. Most of the time, they only have a passing familiarity with what’s real. You should read some of the stories about the Badlands or the rangers.” He looked down at her.

“The cards are stacked against us. We owe our first loyalties to two different lands. The easiest thing for us to do would be to make a clean break and deal with the heartache.” He smiled as he felt the fear spike in their connection. “Unfortunately for you, I’m a ranger. We never do the easy when the right is staring at us in the face.”

“Well, there’s at least one good thing,” Illana said, before rolling off him and curling up next to him. In a few minutes, they were both asleep.

It was still dark when Rin woke. He reached up and touched the light stone above his head. A faint glow of white light illuminated the room. He looked down and smiled. Illana was gripping him tightly in her sleep. He stroked her pale hair. Her blue eyes sparkled in the low light as she looked up.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” Rin said.

“You didn’t. I’ve been awake for hours,” Illana said, “How can you sleep so soundly?”

“It helps to have a beautiful woman sleeping next to you,” Rin answered, trying for a smile. Instead, Illana frowned. He felt the terror through their connection.

“Rin, could you be serious right now?” Illana asked. Rin hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head.

“Illana, what you’re feeling is completely normal,” Rin said.

“I feel like I did the morning Cull took me into that mountain,” Illana said. “Except it’s worse, because back then I was only scared about what was happening to me.” She gripped tighter. “Now, everyone I love could be killed – and that scares me more.” Rin wasn’t sure what to say, so he just stroked her hair and held her for a few minutes.

“We need to get up,” Rin whispered. “You have to go be the princess while I need to go be a ranger.” For a moment, Rin wasn’t sure if Illana was going to let go. Thankfully, she relented and sat up. She gave him a chaste kiss and then walked to the door. Illana paused at the doorway.

“I’m not going to ask you to promise to be here. I know you can’t. I will ask you to promise one thing though. Try, Rin,” Illana said, “I don’t know if I could sleep if I didn’t know where you were.”

In the annals of the Jeweled Empire, Kallus Parn will be enshrined as one of its most transformative chancellors—a figure whose contributions cannot be overstated. To have foreseen this when he first entered the Diet and boldly severed his ties with the Blood Loyalist faction, renouncing his family’s entrenched allegiances, would have required remarkable prescience. Indeed, his prospects seemed especially grim when he also spurned the Traditionalists. Junior members of the Diet typically do not dare to eschew the major factions. Yet, this very audacity rendered Kallus Parn virtually invisible to the senior echelons of the Diet, those complacent titans who failed to perceive his subterranean efforts. They remained blissfully unaware as he meticulously gathered a coalition of disaffected independents and juniors, quietly expanding his network of confidants and allies. Thus, when the Night of Fire and Blood left the principal factions of the Diet in a state of paralysis, it was Kallus Parn who emerged from the shadows to fill the leadership vacuum. It was through his decisive and unyielding leadership that order was restored. It was Kallus Parn’s guiding hand that steered the Empire through the tumultuous years following the mysterious disappearance of the infant princess. He was the linchpin in forging a historic treaty with the Republic, a pact that not only modernized the Empire’s military forces but also set the stage for a new era of strategic strength. Inevitably, his detractors hastened to label him as a practitioner of ruthless politics, driven by a relentless pursuit of personal ambition. Yet, even if such aspersions hold a kernel of truth, they pale in comparison to the magnitude of his accomplishments. To ignore or dismiss the substantive achievements of Kallus Parn is to indulge in a myopic and fundamentally flawed critique. For in the final analysis, Kallus Parn’s legacy is indelibly marked by his extraordinary capacity to rejuvenate an ailing Empire. His is a testament to the impact of resolute and visionary leadership—a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. – Argis Parn, official historian of the Parn Family

PALLUS

Pallus followed his father’s chamberlain into the office of the Chancellor of the Diet. The emerald walls glowed softly through several tapestries. Two of the tapestries were embroidered with the portraits of the two-hundred and forty-two men and women who held the office of Chancellor since the nobility forced the Diet on the Crystal Blood. Pallus knew his father already arranged for the Empire’s finest embroiderer to do his portrait. Not that his father expected to leave the Chancellorship anytime soon.

Pallus sat down in the middle of the three leather chairs arranged in front of the Chancellor’s desk. The chamberlain walked to the large, stone-topped pine table running almost the entire length of the office’s back wall. The light wood and white granite looked out of place among the room’s darker woods and jeweled surfaces. It didn’t surprise Pallus that his father was using the table upon which the last free Lord of the Mountains signed the annexation treaty ending dwarven independence as mere furniture. The chamberlain poured Pallus’s preferred amber wine and handed the glass to the scion of his master before withdrawing.

Pallus’s father ignored him, ostensibly finishing some paperwork. Pallus never understood the affectation, but it was how the game was played among the lords. Pallus took the time to look at the other tapestries. The first, hung over the Chancellor’s right shoulder was the four-pointed star emblem of the Empire. The points of the star had the emerald circle of the Diet, the sapphire circle of the Sacellum, the amethyst circle of the Liopasto, and the white circle of the Crystal Blood. Behind the chancellor’s left shoulder hung the emblem of the Chancellor, a gold gavel on a field of green. The last tapestry in the office hung was the crest of House Parn. It was hung to Pallus’s left in one of his father’s favorite places to stare while pondering.

“Honor, duty, courage,” Pallus murmured to himself as he looked at the three blue swords on a field of yellow. The center sword was larger and dominated the crest. Honor was first among the three sacred creeds of House Parn.

“So, you do remember your House,” Chancellor Parn said, laying down his pen.

“I didn’t come here to continue old arguments, father,” Pallus said. His father raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

“Then why have you made the trek across Aponte Hill?”

“I came here to ask you to declare a state of emergency and recall the Capitol Army.”

“I thought you just said you didn’t come here to rehash old arguments,” Chancellor Parn said, with the coldest neutrality.

“Father, have you seen what is out there?” Pallus asked. “Ten thousand Purists. With siege engines. And muskets. Are you still going to maintain the Purists are just an unruly mob that should be handled by the constables?”

“Pallus, you are a soldier. From what I hear, a very good soldier. Unfortunately, you think like a soldier. You do not understand how to properly manage a crisis as a lord of the empire should,” the chancellor said, with a hint of disappointment. “If you did, all of this would be clear.” Pallus took a long drink of his wine as he examined his father. The man was ruthless, cunning, and used every opportunity to advance his own personal power. So, what action would benefit his father the most at this moment? Pallus’s eyes narrowed.

“You’ve already recalled the Capitol Army,” Pallus said. His father’s face maintained the same cool neutrality.

“Why would I have done that?” Chancellor Parn asked, in a far too reasonable tone.

“For the same reason you kept the army and the nobles’ armsmen off of the streets of Lisandra on the Night of Fire and Blood,” Pallus answered, matching his father’s tone.

“Repeating such wild accusations is irresponsible, Pallus,” his father said, reprovingly. Pallus let the barest hint of a smile cross his face.

“Father, I was standing outside your door when you and your minions planned your response to the riots. Your restoration of order in Lisandra won your faction enough converts to secure your bid for the Chancellorship. It also positioned House Parn to be one of the First Houses,” Pallus said. “You’re attempting to use the same tactic all over again, but with much higher stakes. Pretend to ignore a building crisis until it reaches a crescendo and then come riding to the rescue and reap the rewards.”

“I’ve been blessed by the Goddess to be in the right place at the right time,” the chancellor said in a perfect politician voice.

“Father, I’m talking to you as your son, not as the commander of the Crystal Guard,” Pallus said, “Could we not lie to each other? This conversation will go far more smoothly.” A genuine smile spread across the chancellor’s face, and Pallus restrained himself from showing his repulsion.

“Then, yes, the army is preparing for its return to Lisandra,” Chancellor Parn said. “From what General Lopanes informs me, the army should be coming through the gates the day after tomorrow.”

“Of course, General Lopanes,” Pallus said and took another sip of his wine. “How much are we adding to his retirement for this?”

“I’m allowing his son to marry one of your cousins,” his father answered. “His family has certainly proved its loyalty to our House enough over the decades.”

“Well, at least we agree on one thing,” Pallus said. “What exactly are you hoping to gain from this?”

“To secure the primacy of the Diet,” Chancellor Parn said, as if it should have been obvious to anyone. “As well as ensuring our House maintains it primacy among the other First Houses for the next few generations.”

“Of course,” Pallus said. He placed his wineglass on the desk before standing.

“Off to run and tell that jumped-up trollop you’re bedding about my plans?” Chancellor Parn asked.

“No. I’m not going to say a thing to Sonya. We are talking here as father and son, I advise you to tell the princess and her regent about the army as well as declare a state of emergency,” Pallus answered.

“Why under the Goddess would I do something like that?” his father asked, somewhere between bemused and annoyed.

“Because if you don’t, it will be the second grievous mistake you’ve made, and I don’t want to see House Parn fall because of your bungling,” Pallus answered.

“Second mistake? What would have been my first mistake? Our House is among the Firsts. Through the Diet, we control the Empire,” Chancellor Parn snarled.

“Your control hangs by a tenuous string,” Pallus said. “One that is dangerously close to snapping. As for your mistakes, your first was chasing Rin out of the Empire.”

“Humans are all liars,” Chancellor Parn said, waving a dismissive hand.

“Rin didn’t tell anyone what, or more appropriately who, sent him scurrying back to Marei,” Pallus said.

“Then, how do you know it was me?”

“Because of your constant attempts to betrothe Illana and me after he was gone.”

“A marriage between the princess and you would have secured our House’s future,” Chancellor Parn snapped. “Instead, you went and started screwing her regent.” Pallus bit down his anger. His father was a master at manipulating people into making mistakes. Pallus took another sip of wine to give himself a moment to calm down and think.

“The sad part is that you don’t understand why chasing Rin off was a mistake. For your edification father, Rin’s departure broke the princess’s heart at a very delicate time. That made it impossible for anyone to get close enough to her to accept a proposal of marriage,” Pallus said. The chancellor sat back and gave his son a rare appraising look. Pallus surprised him.

“You’re correct. That scenario never occurred to me. It certainly explains her refusals of all other offers. Still, that was in the past, and we must focus on the present.”

“You still don’t understand the depth of your mistake. When it comes out that you were directly responsible for Rin leaving – and I assure you, it will – I would not be surprised if Illana executes you, assuming she couldn’t find anything worse to do.”

“The human won’t say anything to the girl,” Chancellor Parn said. “He’s a Mareian. They’re too proud to admit something like that.”

“You don’t understand their relationship,” Pallus said, “At some point in the near future, hopefully after we get through this crisis, Illana will ask Rin directly why he left. Rin can’t lie to her. Not won’t lie to her. Can’t lie to her. If I were you, I would decide how you are going to explain your actions in such a way that won’t end with your head being violently separated from your body.”

“The Empire cannot have a human as the Imperial consort!” Chancellor Parn bellowed. “No one would accept that! Everyone will see that my actions prevented a crisis that we could not have afforded at the time.”

“That won’t save you. Maybe, if at that time, you bothered to explain the realities to Rin and Illana – or enlisted Sonya or Kurt to do it for you – they probably would have agreed to some sort of mutually beneficial arrangement. Possibly a political marriage with Rin as courtesan to the princess,” Pallus said. “Those two would have done whatever was necessary to stay together. Instead of realizing that and using it to the benefit of our House, you did everything you could to keep them apart, including driving Rin back across the Jeweled Sea. Now, we have to deal with the aftermath.”

“The Diet and the Sacellum would never have agreed to what you proposed,” Chancellor Parn said. “It would go against all tradition and propriety.” Pallus gave his father a flat look.

“You mean you weren’t sure if you could manipulate Rin. Considering how you and the Suprema run the Diet and the Sacellum, a politically expedient solution could have been found,” Pallus said. “Instead of building a relationship with a human, you chased off the one person who could exert some restraint over the princess on a gamble she would accept a substitute of your choosing. In the soldiering world, that is called a strategic miscalculation.” Pallus gave his father a contemptuous look. “Now you’re going to compound that error with your current plotting.”

“You think you understand this better than me? You understand nothing! In two days’ time, the people of this city will know who truly saved them from the Purists, and it won’t be the Crystal Blood!” Chancellor Parn said. “Then, your precious princess will have to accept whatever I tell her if she wants to have any authority once she ascends to the throne."

“The nobles will toe the line because they fear you more than the Crystal Blood. At least for now. The commoners, on the other hand, know the princess and the Heroes of the Empire stepped up to protect them. They know who will fight alongside them to keep their homes and families safe, and they will know who used this crisis for political gain. After all of this is settled, they will throw their support to the Crystal Blood. I only hope our House survives when the princess comes for a reckoning.”

“That will be impossible if she never reaches the throne. She cannot ascend without the consent of at least a third of the Diet,” Chancellor Parn said triumphantly. “If she sets herself against the Diet, enough will vote against her.” Pallus gave his father an appraising look.

“So, that’s the second string to your bow,” Pallus said. His father nodded. “This will be amusing to watch.”

“What?” his father asked.

“You think Princess Illana has the same level of political skill as Sonya,” Pallus said, “You have no idea how badly you underestimated that young woman. Especially now Rin is by her side again.” Pallus walked to the door, stopped, and turned back. “Don’t worry, father. I will make sure our House meets its obligations after your head is thrown off of Traitor’s Cliff.” Pallus didn’t wait for his father’s ensuing tirade. There were plans to be made.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Tell me, do you remember the feeling when the Heroes returned with the Crystal Blood? The hope that this girl would restore the Empire? That we would once again be able to stand tall? I remember. But what happened? Ask anyone who has served in the Crystal Palace. The girl is just as bad as her father, or even worse. She doesn’t care about the common people. All she cares about is her own comforts. She’s even corrupted the Heroes who play petty politics to protect their spoiled princess. – Street crier for Purist recruitment team

SASHA

Princess Illana stepped up to the edge of the balcony. Below were several thousand people. Many were men and women who volunteered to fight. Some were just curious. Some were Purist sympathizers. Sasha longed for her armor as she stood next to the princess. She envied Kurt and Marteen who were in full combat attire. Of course, as the Imperial Regent, she was barred from acting in such a common manner. Stupid traditions of nobility.

“I am heartened to see so many of you here. I cannot tell you how touched I was when Heroes Madrigal and Volker told me how many volunteered to fight to save our city from those who would tear it apart. You are truly the finest this city has to offer.” Princess Illana beamed as the crowd roared. The princess let her smiling demeanor drop.

“It is because of that regard I speak with you now. Many of you have heard rumors of what is marching on our city. I am here to tell you the truth. When Heroes Madrigal and Volker asked you to fight, you were told we faced two thousand Purists. We were wrong. We face ten thousand Purists. Even in the light of this new and larger threat, the Diet has refused to order the Capitol Army to return to Lisandra.” There was dark murmuring from the crowd.

“The Crystal Blood will fight. The Crystal Guard will fight. The Heroes will fight. Because we must fight. Because the Purists have come to purify the Crystal Blood. Because they want to purify me. Ten years ago, a madman attempted to sacrifice me for his mad schemes, and I will not let that happen again.”

“The constables will fight. They have a duty to protect this city and its citizens. They must protect its streets from those who would do its people harm. All of us will fight – regardless of what odds we face because we have a duty to do so. You do not.” There was questioning and more dark murmuring.

“You do not have a duty to defend Lisandra. You have a duty to defend your families. To defend your homes. To defend your neighborhoods. Some in the Diet may say you have a duty to fight and die for them or for me, but I will not ask you to do so. I know what the Crystal Blood and the Diet has done in the recent past. The Crystal Blood does not deserve that allegiance. Not yet, but I will.”

“I need your help, and I ask for your help. I am not asking because of your duty to me. I am asking because of your duty to each other. We need to stand together against this threat. If we stand together, we can protect this city TOGETHER!” The crowd roared as the princess spoke the last word.

“If you wish to fight alongside the Heroes, the Crystal Guard, and the constables, I welcome you from the bottom of my heart,” Princess Illana continued after the roar subsided. “We need everyone and anyone willing. If you decide to stay with those closest to you and defend them, you have every right to make that decision. I will pray to the Goddess you come through this without injury.” The princess’s face grew dark.

“To those of you who sympathize with those outside our city, I will make this pledge. Do nothing to aid them and the Crystal Blood will do nothing against you. I ask you watch our actions in the coming days. Let us prove we are worthy of our ancient lineage.” Sasha was impressed at the princess’s deftness with the last. Sasha would have been more threatening. However, as Sasha looked out among the crowd, leaving it unsaid was more effective.

The princess went down. A flash of fear went through Sasha until she realized the princess was kneeling. The crowd was shocked by the sight of the princess kneeling before them. It wasn’t how things were done in the Empire. The common people were expected to kneel before the nobility, not the other way around.

“Goddess of Light, please watch over these people in the coming days. Protect them, guide them, and give them the strength to endure. Please allow your clerics to be filled with your Grace to defend, to heal, and to comfort your children. For those who you must call to your embrace, please let their calling come peacefully. We give thanks to the Goddess.”

THANKS TO THE GODDESS OF LIGHT. The crowd replied as one. Sasha shot a glance over to Kurt. He looked just as surprised. He wasn’t a follower of the Goddess, but he understood the significance of the Crystal Blood praying in public. Not just praying, but leading a prayer. In public. Before thousands. Did the princess realize what she was doing? As the princess stood up and smiled at her people, it was clear the princess was fully aware of how her actions could be seen by the Sacellum. The princess waved to her subjects and stepped back from the balcony. Cheers followed her as she walked back into the hotel.

“Why, under all that is holy, did you have to do that for?” Sasha hissed as they walked through the hallways. The circle of Crystal Guards gave them a small bubble of privacy.

“Do what?”

“Don’t give me that innocent look. Do you want to see what little support we have from the Sacellum removed because you decided to provoke the Suprema?”

“There are several reasons for my actions – including the simple fact that it was genuine plea to the Goddess.” The princess’s tone wasn’t quite reproachful, but it was damn close.

“If you wanted to ask the Goddess’s protection, you could have asked one of the clerics in the crowd do it. You didn’t need to lead the prayer.”

“Yes, I did.” The princess quickened her pace down the hotel stairs. Sasha expected to continue the discussion when they entered the lobby, but stopped when she saw the princess’s face. It could wait a few moments to ensure Princess Illana had some privacy. They crossed the lobby and out into the street. The Crystal Guard fanned out and surrounded the Imperial Carriage. The princess smiled at the people as she stepped into the carriage. Sasha motioned for Kurt to stay with the volunteers. She needed to speak with the princess alone.

“He’s out there somewhere,” the princess breathed, looking out the window.

“Rin?”

“I can’t pray for his safety. Not openly. All I can do is pray for the safety of others. I can’t help him, so I help those who will support him. I can’t go where he is, so I go where I hope I can feel him.”

“It’s very hard to watch the ones we love go into danger. It’s especially hard when we can’t go with them – or do anything directly for them.”

“At least you were there with Marteen when you rescued me,” Princess Illana said.

“I was then, yes, but I can’t now,” Sasha replied. “Now, I have to stay behind and watch him go into battle.” The princess studied Sasha for several long moments.

“I thought you were done with Marteen,” Princess Illana said. “I thought that was why you sent him away.”

“I can love someone and still realize that our relationship is not good for either of us,” Sasha said. “I love Marteen. I know Marteen loves me. It took him so long to figure that out. Unfortunately, love isn’t always enough. Not when one of them is so very broken – and refuses to heal.”

“What happens when both of them are broken?” The question was barely audible. Sasha looked at the princess. There was fear in the young woman’s eyes.

“Is that what you think? Both Rin and you are broken?”

“I know how I was before Rin came back. How horrible I was to you and to Pallus. Rin’s told me how about the anger he felt before coming back. We’re both broken.” The princess’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears. Sasha smiled at the princess.

“You aren’t broken. You were just lost.”

“What does that mean? All of the sudden everything that was important to me just a few days ago are – not meaningless, but less important. I’m ashamed of how I acted. So many years of putting you and the others through turmoil. It’s like…”

“The moment Rin walked in, the haze lifted? Suddenly everything was clear?”

“Yes! I can see how horrible I was. I don’t understand how I could be that person.”

“Because you and Rin share something very special. You have since he found you in that cave. We all knew it was something unique, but I don’t think any of us realized exactly how important it was to the two of you until Rin returned.”

“I need him. I can feel the woman I was a few days ago in the back of mind. It’s hard to keep her away when he’s not here,” Princess Illana said.

“He needs you too,” Sasha said, putting a comforting hand on the princess.

“Then why didn’t Rin say anything when Pallus said he would go back to the Republic when he kills this sorcerer?” Princess Illana demanded. Sasha stopped her normal retort. This wasn’t the lashing out of the old Illana. This was a fearful Illana who was dealing with new, or at least returned feelings, and a sudden shame. Sasha silently cursed Pallus. Why couldn’t he stop digging at Rin? Especially when they need Rin so much? Sasha moved across the carriage and sat next to Princess Illana. She embraced the crying princess.

“Sometimes life makes horrible demands on us,” Sasha said. “Sometimes those we love have duties that take them away from us for a time. We must have faith they will return to us.”

“I don’t know what I will do if Rin leaves,” the princess said.

“We’ll face that if it happens,” Sasha said. It was at that moment she realized what Pallus was trying to tell her. Sasha looked down at the crying young woman. She couldn’t leave Princess Illana. Sasha spent too many years preparing the princess to become the woman the Empire needed. Rin coming back wasn’t the only thing Princess Illana needed. Perhaps the most important, but not the only thing. Princess Illana needed Lady Sonya. Damn it.

Chapter Twenty-One

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.

Chapter Twenty

A Ranger shall ever comport himself with the utmost moral rectitude. He shall permit not his actions, his person, nor the venerable Rangers to be sullied or disparaged, for he stands as the very personification of the Senate and the Republic. A Ranger shall ne’er permit himself nor his deeds to tarnish the honor of any soul, save in the earnest pursuit of his sacred duty. Should a Ranger find himself unable to uphold this solemn charge, he must employ all measures within his grasp to restore the honor of the Rangers. – Tenet of Honor, Creed of the Ranger

RIN

“Good night, Illana,” Rin said, “I’ll try to come see you before morning patrol. If not, I’ll come here afterwards.” He took a step off the dais, but Illana held his arm tight.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Illana asked, a warning tone in her voice.

“To the embassy,” Rin answered. He felt Illana’s anger through their connection.

“Why would you be going to the embassy?” Illana asked with a cool tone that belied the fire in her eyes and through their connection.

“Regulations require me to stay at the non-commissioned officers’ quarters in the barracks,” Rin said, keeping his own voice calm. Selene and Sasha were suddenly between the two of them. Selene looked over Rin’s shoulder at Morelli, who was waiting patiently as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

“Ranger Morelli, would you be so kind as to inform your superiors that Rin will report to them in the morning? Also, would you please come and retrieve him in the morning?”

“Now, wait just a damn minute Selene-” Rin started.

“Of course, Hero Onale,” Morelli said. “Sergeant, I’ll see you in the morning.” Morelli saluted, did a smart turn on his heel, and strode out of the room in perfect martial fashion.

“Illana, why don’t you retire for the night?” Sasha asked, keeping her eyes fixed on Rin. “Don’t worry. He’ll be up in a bit. Selene and I need to talk with him.”

“Thank you, Lady Sonya,” Illana said. Crystal Guardsmen escorted her out of the throne room. Rin felt a warmth flow through their connection when she looked over her shoulder and smiled at him as she walked out the doors. Once the heavy doors shut, Rin spun on the two women.

“You not only undercut my authority with my subordinate, but you completely disregarded my duty to the Republic!”

“Rin, calm down,” Selene said, but Sasha put her hand on Selene’s arm.

“You’re right on the first point,” Sasha said, “Selene should not have asked Ranger Morelli to leave. We should have let you handle that.”

“You’re also assuming that I can stay here. Rangers are required to stay at the embassy.”

“Rin, you were already being very loose with that, and we all know it,” Sasha said. “Otherwise, you would have come to Lisandra first. As every other ranger is required to do.”

“There were exigencies of the hunt,” Rin said.

“Of course,” Selene said, with that knowing tone. Rin narrowed his eyes. He hated when she used that tone.

“Rin, we’re not trying to dismiss your devotion to what you see as your duty,” Sasha said.

“Stop. You’re both doing that thing where you play off each other so that I can’t argue,” Rin said. The two women looked at each other for a long moment. Then, they laughed. Rin just looked at the pair as they laughed.

“You’re right,” Selene said. “We were. Which isn’t fair to you. So, let’s make this simple. The two of you need each other. You know it. She knows it. We know it.”

“That doesn’t change what is required of me,” Rin said.

“Yes, you have a duty to your republic, but I’m sure the ambassador will understand,” Sasha said. Rin felt his frustration

“Why are you both fighting me so hard on this?” Rin asked.

“Look at all of us. Of our little band, none of us who survived our adventure have had particularly good lives after we brought Illana home. None of the happiness we expected. Your reunion with the princess is the one bright point in this mess. Reminds us of better times.”

“I still don’t think it’s a good idea for me to sleep near her,” Rin said.

“Like when you slept next to her for the two months when we travelled back to Lisandra?” Sasha asked.

“Because that’s all we did! We just slept next to each other! We never went any farther!” Rin shot back before he could stop himself.

“Of course, you didn’t,” Selene said. “If we thought you were going to, we would have sat on the two of you to keep you apart.” She traded a look with Sasha. “Not that I think we could have even if we tried. The princess was very determined, if I remember correctly. The point is that we knew we could trust you then. Just like we know we can trust the two of you now.” Rin looked down at the floor, not wanting either of the women to see his eyes.

“Are you sure?” Rin asked. “I’m not the innocent boy I was back then. I didn’t know what I was missing.” Two sets of eyes narrowed.

“You—” Selene looked scandalized.

“What did you expect? I was sure I’d never step foot on this continent again. What exactly would I have been saving myself for?”

“Illana is not some whore you bedded back in the Republic,” Sasha replied, “You know that. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at her. Can you honestly tell me that you would do anything to hurt her?”

“Go to Illana,” Selene said, walking over and embracing Rin in a crushing hug. “We’ll see you in the morning.” Selene walked out of the throne room. Rin looked over at Sasha.

“Stop stalling and go upstairs,” Sasha said, “You both need your rest. I have a feeling this will be the best night’s sleep either of you have had for a decade.”

Rin decided to stop fighting and let himself be pushed up the stairs to the Imperial Quarters. He walked into Illana’s room. Illana was already in bed, so he held her hand until she fell asleep – much as he did the first night after their return to Lisandra. Then, he kissed the top of her head, threw some blankets on the floor, and went to sleep. When Rin woke up, he felt like he just had the first truly good sleep in longer than he could remember. Sasha was right. Damn it.

“Rin, stop moving,” Illana said, drowsily. She snuggled up tighter against him. She was so warm. He’d forgotten how warm she was in the morning.

“Illana, what are you doing down here?” Rin asked.

“I’m trying to sleep. Quit talking and go back to sleep. The maids will be in here soon enough to wake me.” Rin’s protests died as Illana nuzzled his chest. He enjoyed the moment’s peace. Sweet Protector, he forgot how much he missed waking up next to Illana. He stroked her pale golden hair.

“You’re not sleeping, are you?” Illana murmured. There was an odd mix of amusement and annoyance in their connection.

“No,” Rin answered. She looked up at him, and he fought down familiar urges. She was so beautiful in the first light of morning. So many things he forgot over the last ten years.

“I suppose I should be flattered,” Illana said with a mischievous smile as she moved in closer. “Am I that desirous now?” Rin felt his cheeks heat. She leaned even closer and whispered into his ear. “That’s what you get for making me blush in front of Selene and Robar yesterday.”

“Wicked girl,” Rin said. She gave a mock pout. Rin chuckled and bent down to kiss her. She pulled away and crinkled her face.

“What?” Rin asked.

“You didn’t have this the last time I woke up next to you,” Illana said, rubbing the morning stubble on his face. Rin was amazed at how comforting the touch felt.

“It’s itchy.” Illana gave him an imperious look. “You will tend to that as soon as we are roused by the staff.” They both chuckled and kissed again.

“Yes, your highness. As you command, your highness,” Rin said. They both grinned at the old joke. Satisfied, Illana tilted her head up. Rin was more than happy to oblige. Before their lips could touch, the doors to Illana’s room slammed open. Rin gripped the butt of his revolver, but just barely kept him from bringing it up. Sasha stormed into the room, her green dress swirling with motion. Sasha fixed the pair with a stern glare that brought back the memory of the first time Illana snuck into his bedroll.

“What under the Light’s shadow are the two of you doing?” Sasha almost screamed the question.

“Um, I can explain,” Rin said, feeling a different heat rising in his cheeks. Sasha strode over to the two of them and took a deep breath. Then, her anger melted into amusement, and she burst out into laughter.

“Never mind,” Sasha said before either could answer. “Rin, laid down here after watching Illana fall asleep, and Illana climbed under the blankets at some point in the night.”

“Something like that,” Rin answered.

“Would you two do us a favor and just sleep in the bed?” Sasha asked. “It will give the maids less to imagine. One of them told me you were in the middle of wild lovemaking when she came to wake you. I should have known better.”

“I thought you trusted me,” Rin said. “Or at least, that’s what you implied last night.”

“You, I trust, but I wasn’t so sure about you,” Sasha said, pointing at Illana.

“How can you say that?” Illana asked. Sasha looked down at the blankets on the floor and then back at the princess. Illana blushed. Sasha walked over and loomed over the pair.

“Rin, your things are in the consort’s room across the suite. Would you go get cleaned up? I need to have a talk with the princess.” Rin looked down at Illana, who nodded her agreement. As soon as Rin walked out of Illana’s bedchamber, he felt much of the peace leave him to be replaced by the familiar pain. It was as if a shadow blotted out most of the sun suddenly returned after a brief respite. With more effort than normal, Rin pushed down the emotions swirling in his mind.

Damn, what is that woman doing to me? Rin thought as he walked across to the consort’s room. It was smaller, but no less opulent than Illana’s bedroom. His saddlebags sat on a sofa. Much to his dismay, someone emptied them. Damn it, there were things in those bags that shouldn’t be handled by inexperienced people. Five uniforms and other clothes were in the armoire. That was strange. He only kept two uniforms in his bags. Rin ran his fingers over the uniforms. Two were the standard cotton and wool but laundered and patched better than any of the cleaning establishments he used back in the Republic. The other three were soft elven silk. When had the Palace’s seamstresses had time to tailor these? Rin searched through the rest of the room. Most of his other things were placed into drawers of the writing desk. On the top of the writing desk was a silver plate holding a folded note with “Sergeant Rinaldo Acciaio” in Republican script on the outside. The wax seal bore the star sigil of the Rangers.

Sergeant, the note began in stiff, angular letters, Corporal Morelli reported you were asked to stay at the Crystal Palace while you were in Lisandra. Consider this written authorization for you to use lodgings outside of the barracks for the term of your detachment. Further, consider this your written orders that Corporal Giancolo Morelli is assigned to you as your junior, also for the duration of your detachment. As was requested by the regent, Corporal Morelli will fetch you for the morning patrol briefing. Please be prepared to detail your hunt, the quarry, as well as the role that the rangers may be called upon to play in the upcoming hostilities between the Crystal Palace and the Purists. The note was signed by Major Agnelli. Folded up with the note were copies of Rin’s detachment orders from Fort Killian in the Badlands to the Republican Embassy, as well as the standing patrol orders for Jeweled Empire patrol circuit. Rin glanced over them but didn’t see anything unusual. Most of it boiled down to following regulations and try not to kill anyone who didn’t need killing. As Rin refolded the letter, there was a soft knock on the door. Before he could even turn to open the door, a pair of elven women walked in carrying a crystal basin and a pitcher of steaming water. As they placed the items on the dry sink in the far corner, a tall, thin man in the formal livery of the Crystal Palace walked into the room.

“Hero Acciaio, I am Steward Liat,” the man said, with a stiff half-bow. “Lady Sonya requested me to be your personal steward while you are in the Crystal Palace. If you need anything, please let me know.” Liat’s perfectly neutral face split into a grin that didn’t seem natural.

“Thank you?” Rin said, his voice turning the words into a question. Rin wasn’t sure how to handle the steward. Personal servants were forbidden among the rangers, even for those from wealthy or Senate families.

“I would normally recommend a bath, Hero Acciaio, but a Ranger Morelli is in the palace reception hall who says he is here to retrieve you,” Liat said, “If you would care to freshen up and shave, the morning meal will be served shortly.”

“Morelli’s here already?” Rin asked, looking in the drawers. He found his shaving kit and rushed over to the basin.

“Yes, Hero Acciaio,” Liat answered with the neutral formality of an exasperated servant. Rin remembered that tone well enough from his last time in Lisandra.

“Damn it. Don’t bother with the meal then,” Rin said, “I’ll grab some trail bread or something on the way over to the embassy.”

“Her highness expects you to join her for the morning meal,” Liat said, with the barest hint of reproval, as if Rin should have known. Rin grunted as he nicked himself with the razor.

“Do what you have to do, then,” Rin said, frustration filling his voice. He took a deep breath and turned to Liat, who was waiting patiently by the door.

“Thank you, Liat.” The elf did that formal half-bow again, smartly turned, and walked out the door with almost military precision. Rin finished shaving, did a quick wash, and pulled out a uniform. Just by chance, Rin grabbed one of the new uniforms. It matched the requirements, but the cut was slightly different, and the elven silk was softer than the cotton and wool.

Rin threw as much as he could into his saddlebags. He didn’t know how long Morelli had been waiting, and he didn’t dare be late for morning patrol. Rangers were not late for morning patrol. Of all the creature comforts in the room, why couldn’t the damn elves make sure there was a damned clock? He slung the saddlebags over his shoulder and picked up his rifle as he walked out of the chamber. Illana was waiting as he walked out of the consort’s quarters. Her eyes went wide as he stepped into the sitting room. A brilliant smile spread across her face. Rin paused as he watched her. Protector, Illana was radiant. She walked over and ran her hands over his shaven cheeks and tunic.

“Now I understand what Lady Sonya meant about men in uniform,” Illana said. “The seamstresses did a very good job. I think you look good enough for me to let you out in public without embarrassment.” Illana went on her tiptoes and chastely kissed Rin on the cheek.

“Speaking of which, I’m needed at the embassy,” Rin said. He kissed her on her forehead. “I hope to be back before supper, but we’ve got a busy day.”

“You’re going now?” Illana asked, with annoyance and something else filling their connection. A hint of fear?

“If you want the Republic’s help defend your city, then I need to go now,” Rin said, hoping to avoid an argument.

“Couldn’t you at least stay for the morning meal?” Illana asked, her hands on her hips and a pout on her face. Rin couldn’t help himself from smiling at how pretty she looked in that pose. Illana’s pout turned into a scowl, so Rin grabbed Illana up in his arms and kissed her again.

“It’s part of my job, Illana. They give orders, and I follow them,” Rin said, before leaning in closer. “They also don’t take excuses like ‘I was late because I stayed to have the morning meal with my beloved.’ Even if she is the Crystal Blood.” Illana went still in his arms, and he felt the heat in her cheeks.

“Illana, I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have to,” Rin said.

“I know. I don’t like the feeling I get when you’re away from me. I feel myself slipping back to who I was. That’s not what I want to be,” Illana said, hugging him again. She let him go reluctantly. “Please take care out there. You need to come back to me.”

“I will,” Rin said. He kissed the top of her head and walked out of the Imperial Quarters. Sasha joined him in the hallway. They were near the heavy metal doors when Sasha stepped in front of him.

“The princess is right. That uniform does look good on you,” Sasha said. She flecked off some invisible dust from his epaulet. “By the way, you handled that perfectly.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Rin asked.

“You can ask me anything, Rin. You know that,” Sasha answered.

“Illana seemed so comfortable around me when we woke up, but then she acted almost embarrassed at any hint beyond propriety when we were out in the sitting room. Why?” Rin asked.

“That’s probably my fault,” Sasha answered, contritely, “In noble circles, it is considered unseemly to be seen being too intimate in public. The princess is still working on how she needs to be with you in public. Believe me, she is not purposefully trying to confuse you or trap you.”

“So, should I be more formal with her in public?” Rin asked.

“No. Doing that was part of the reason Marteen and I ended up having so much trouble,” Sasha answered. “He is always so true to himself and his emotions. Having to act completely different in public and private was not something he could handle. You’ve been keeping it reasonable. Keep doing that. It’s good for her.”

“You know, when you stormed into the room, it reminded me of that first morning all of you found Illana and me together,” Rin said. Sasha let out a gale of laughter.

“Goddess, I thought Selene and Kurt were going to murder you,” Sasha said.

“None of you believed me when I told you that I didn’t invite her into my bedroll. If Illana hadn’t said anything, I don’t know what would’ve happened,” Rin said, and Sasha laughed harder.

“‘What is all this fuss about? I was cold and he was warm.’ I thought Selene was going to faint when the princess said that,” Sasha said. She reigned in her humor as they entered corridors with servants walking around.

“In all seriousness, Rin, keep doing what you’re doing,” Sasha said. “Just don’t flaunt your relationship outside of the group.” Sasha gave him a quick peck on the cheek before rushing down another corridor. Rin stared at her in confusion.

“What is it with women and contradictory advice?” Rin asked.

“I blame mothers. They always say contradictory things,” Morelli said, startling Rin.

Protector, Morelli moves like a ghost. Rin pretended as if nothing out of the unusual happened. It wouldn’t do for a subordinate to know he just scared his superior.

“I wouldn’t know. My mother died before she could start doing that to me,” Rin said, flatly. Morelli blushed in embarrassment. He contritely handed Rin a panini as an apology. Rin ate in silence as the two walked out of the Crystal Palace.

“So, did you have a peaceful night, Sergeant?” Morelli asked as the two of them mounted their horses. There was a slightly lecherous tone in the question.

“Don’t go there, Corporal,” Rin answered, with a warning tone.

“Come on, Sarge. There must be a great story there,” Morelli said. “Not only are you a Hero of the Empire, but-” Morelli stopped talking at the dangerous look on Rin’s face. The corporal looked around and gave a knowing smile.

“If you like stories so much, then maybe you can tell me how the Knifehand became your informant,” Rin said as the two rode towards the Republican Embassy. “You look like you just finished your qualifier patrol, and you somehow got the highest ranked criminal of Lisandra as an informant. How did you manage that?”

“Not much of a story there,” Morelli said, shrugging his shoulders. “I just let him seduce me.” Rin’s head whipped around in surprise.

“You’re-?” Rin couldn’t complete the question.

“A man-lover? Yep. Is that a problem?” Morelli asked. There was challenge in the corporal’s voice. Rin recognized it. He used that same tone many times against elves. The revelation set him back on his heels.

“I’ve just never known one,” Rin said.

“You probably have and not known. It’s not like most of us advertise it,” Morelli said. “You know how most people react to people like me.” Rin nodded. The Church of the Protector preached the individual’s duties to those around them, particularly of husband and wife to each other and to the family. Homosexuals, in the church’s teachings, disrupted those duties, particularly the familial duties so central to the Mareian worldview. The Republican branch of the Church advocated gentle separation instead of the condoned murder practiced in the Kingdom and the Southlands.

“Why be so upfront with me about it?” Rin asked. Morelli took a deep breath as if he was steeling himself.

“Because I’m your partner now. You need to be able to trust me. I’ve found it’s better to get it out of the way in case you couldn’t handle it and needed to ask the major for someone else,” Morelli answered. “Plus, if the princess is going to trust the Knifehand because you told her so, you need to know why I trust him.” Morelli was quiet for a moment, looking like he was deciding something.

“Also, I felt like I could trust you,” Morelli said, “You know what it’s like being around people who hate you just because of what you are.” The two of them were quiet for almost half a kilometer. Rin thought hard on what Morelli just told him.

“Is it going to be a problem, Sergeant?” Morelli asked, breaking the silence. There was the barest hint of fear in his voice. Rin thought for a few moments longer.

“I’ll be honest with you, Corporal,” Rin said, “It makes me uneasy, but that’s my problem, not yours. You’re right. I grew up as the only human in a village of dwarves. Even after I left the village, I was always the only human surrounded by elves and maybe a dwarf or two. Having everyone around me uncomfortable because of what I am is something I’m far too familiar with.” Rin halted his horse and looked over at Morelli.

“I will do my best to treat you like any other ranger, and we’ll see how it goes from there. If I’m acting like an ass, just bring it to my attention. Respectfully. I am your senior after all.” Morelli just nodded, but Rin could see the man’s relief in his eyes.

“So, I’m assuming that this means you don’t want to hear about my prowess in the bedchamber?” Morelli asked, with his normal confidence. “I am truly a heartbreaker of great renown.”

“I’m willing to bet that if I shot you right now, the major wouldn’t take official notice,” Rin said.

“For some reason, all of my partners say exactly the same thing,” Morelli said as the pair saluted the gate guard and trotted their horses into the embassy’s grounds.

Chapter Eighteen

Jevin was our leader for two reasons. First, he had a resolve that none of us could match. A resolve that dragged us along even during the darkest hours. The second was Jevin understood what each of us contributed to the group, and he would draw it out of us by any means necessary. That last part is what made Jevin the bastard that he was. I would like to think I’ve learned how to be a strong leader by imitating his good qualities and discarding his less desirable ones. – Colonel Pallus Parn, lecture at Imperial War Academy

KURT

Kurt settled further into the plush chair. If he was acting as the stereotypical dwarf, he should be verbally berating the elves for their decadence. Kurt was honest enough to admit he enjoyed the fluffy cushions and soft fabrics. He grunted as he took the proffered tankard from a servant. He spent too much time in Lisandra. Maybe after the Purists were defeated and the princess properly on the throne, he could finally return to the farm. Maybe he could get Rin to come with him. On second thought, Kurt doubted the princess would let Rin out of her sight long enough to go back to their old home. Kurt wasn’t sure if Rin was aware of that yet or not. Princess Illana gently cleared her throat as the last of her informal council walked into the throne room and sat down. The servants took their cue and left.

“Thank you all for joining me at this late hour,” Princess Illana said, “Let’s make this brief so we can get some sleep. We’ll have enough sleepless nights in the coming days.”

“It may not be as bad as we think, your highness,” Marteen said. She nodded for him to continue. “Kurt and I went down to the Broken Tip.” He paused as the princess let out a very un-regal giggle at the name. Damn, she sounded just like the girl they rescued. Sonya glared at Marteen.

“What? That’s the pub’s name. It’s full of veterans from the Reclamation Army. A lot of them know Kurt and me.”

“Please continue,” Princess Illana said. Sonya kept her face neutral, but Kurt saw the fire dancing in her eyes. It didn’t help Sonya had been forced numerous times to send the Crystal Guard to pull a very drunk and boisterous Marteen out of that very pub. And pay for the injuries and property damage caused by a very drunk and boisterous Marteen.

“Once they learned why we were there, a bunch of them agreed to help out, right off,” Marteen said. “Word spread and others started showing up. Most were just regular people, but some veterans. A few former sergeants I know started organizing companies and started drilling them. They need weapons, though.”

“How many?” Pallus asked.

“Maybe a thousand volunteers, all told,” Marteen said, pleased with their progress.

“Only a couple hundred are veterans,” Kurt said with a cautious tone. “The rest are just people willing to fight.” Marteen shot the dwarf an evil look. Kurt was pretty sure Marteen was trying to get back into Sonya’s good graces and trying too hard.

“We should be able to equip that many,” Pallus said.

“How?” Sonya asked, “The Crystal Guard only has four hundred members, with your reserves.”

“Correct, but as the commander of the Crystal Guard, I also have access to the Lisandra Armory. The Capitol Army took all their muskets and cannon with them, but they left spears, halberds, swords, and armor. There’s plenty to equip that many volunteers.”

“You may want to avoid the armor if we’re facing musket-armed troops,” Morelli said, “The Republican Army found it wasn’t very useful and slowed down the infantry.” Pallus pondered that for a moment before nodding.

“You’re probably right about regular armor, but there’s a few suits of jewel-spun armor. Those will stop a musket ball,” Pallus said. He looked over at Marteen and Kurt. “If you have your sergeants at the armory tomorrow morning, some of my Guard will be there to issue equipment and weapons.”

“Arming a thousand volunteers? Then organizing and training them? Do we have enough time to accomplish all of that?” Princess Illana asked.

“No, your highness,” Pallus and Marteen said at the same time. The princess motioned for Marteen to continue.

“If we had weeks instead of days, we could make them into a somewhat competent force,” Marteen answered bluntly. “What we’re doing is making most of them into somewhat useful fodder to keep the Purists busy while the veterans, the constables, and the Guard do the real damage.” Marteen nodded to Pallus and Chief Constable Dalan.

“I’ll be keeping the active Crystal Guard here at the palace,” Pallus said, “My reserves will be stationed at the Aponte Wall.” The Aponte Wall surrounded the base of Aponte Hill. It was the border between Inner and Outer Lisandra. As Lisandra grew to become the predominant trade city in the Empire, Inner Lisandra became the province of the wealthy. When Lisandra became the capital of the newly united Elven Empire, the first emperor decided to spin his palace on Aponte Hill. Centuries of growth moved the geographic center of the city, but Aponte Hill was still the political, cultural, and economic center of Lisandra – and the Empire. The top of the hill was dominated by the Crystal Palace, the Sacellum, the Diet Hall, and the ruins of the Liopasto. Below those were the nobles’ townhouses and the shops catering to the top tiers of Imperial society. Taking up most of the northern slope were the Imperial Gardens. At the base of the hill was the Aponte Wall, a massive structure made of spun emerald, ruby, and garnet some twenty feet high and ten feet thick. In addition to being a massive defensive structure, the Aponte Wall was the focus for the Barrier. When needed, the clerics of the Sacellum could pour the Goddess’s Grace into the Aponte Wall and create a magic shield five hundred feet high and impervious to even the most powerful siege weapons.

“They won’t be alone,” Robar said. Pallus gave the cleric an appraising look. “Etan sent a message this afternoon. Fifty paladins will be on Aponte Wall under her command.”

“Who is Etan?” Sonya asked.

“That paladin who slapped you?” Rin asked, surprised. Robar nodded, a slight tinge of embarrassment coloring his cheeks.

“Did the Suprema change her mind?” Princess Illana asked.

“Not exactly, your highness. From the rumors, you convinced some of the paladins and ecclesiasts to join us,” Robar said, “I suspect the Sacellum is quietly allowing any of their lower clerics to assist in the defense of the city to keep the more radical factions in check.”

“Why do you say that?” Sonya asked.

“Because Etan would never break with the Sacellum,” Robar said. “If she’s coming, her Head authorized it. Although, I very much doubt you would get any of them to admit the Sacellum gave them permission.”

“Will that help?” the princess asked Pallus.

“Yes, your highness,” Pallus answered, “Those paladins will let me form up a flying company with some of my musket-armed reserves.”

“Wait, the Guard has muskets?” Marteen asked. “When did that happen?”

“About six months ago,” Pallus said. “I still don’t like those things, but since the Capitol Army is adopting them, the Guard must transition as well.”

“Damn it, Pallus, why didn’t you tell us?” Rin demanded. “We can train the volunteers for firing lines fairly quickly.”

“I didn’t say anything earlier because I only have fifty muskets,” Pallus shot back with a glare. “I have enough to arm the flying company.” Marteen frowned, but Kurt was personally glad. Even after the rigorous instruction from Rin, Kurt didn’t trust firearms.

“In addition to the paladins on the wall, there will be about a hundred ecclesiasts helping the residents,” Robar said.

“Ecclesiasts? Aren’t they forbidden to fight?” asked Princess Illana.

“Yes, your highness. The senior ecclesiast asked to set up a hospital in the Imperial Gardens and maybe some smaller ones in the city.”

“That might be difficult. I planned on using the Imperial Gardens to house evacuated civilians,” Chief Constable Dalan said. The chief constable was probably the stockiest elf Kurt knew. In many ways, he reminded Kurt of a dwarf stretched to elven height. Dalan joined the Lisandra Constabulary as a junior constable. Quick wits and good instincts during the Night of Fire and Blood put Dalan on to the leadership track. He was promoted to chief constable nearly two decades ago. His thick hands were gnarled with the scars of breaking up too many pub brawls and rough takedowns of criminals. He even kept the lower-class drawl, even though his position entitled him to the clipped accent of the higher classes.

“I can’t order an evacuation without the Diet declaring a state of emergency. What I can do is have my constables strongly suggest to the folks living in the outskirts and on the main avenues in the Outer City they may want to start packing up, just in case,” Dalan said.

“Plus, the Knifehand’s been kind enough to let it be known he would be very annoyed if any of his people tried to take advantage of the current situation to do some looting or otherwise illegally acquiring property. Rough estimates are between ten and twenty thousand civilians will need accommodation inside Aponte Wall.” Kurt knew of the Knifehand from Ral, but this was the first time Kurt laid eyes on the man. Kurt was astonished when he found out about the agreement negotiated between the Knifehand and the princess, but he was even more surprised by how readily Dalan and Rin accepted the Knifehand into Princess Illana’s “Inner Council.”

“Twenty thousand people crammed into the Imperial Gardens?” Princess Illana asked, with a slightly horrified tone in her voice. Then, she took a deep breath and nodded. “Well, we can always replant.” She turned to Sonya. “Could you at least make sure the violet lilies are moved into the Crystal Palace? I don’t want to lose them.”

“So where will we put the hospital?” Selene asked. “We need someplace for the wounded, and the Imperial Gardens is the only space big enough.”

“The Liopasto,” Princess Illana said. Kurt almost dropped his tankard. The room went silent. Once the greatest school for magic in the world, the Liopasto was destroyed when the daemon army broke through the Aponte Barrier. According to accounts, the sorcerers of the Liopasto put up a valiant fight before being swarmed and wiped out. In the process of slaughtering every soul in the Liopasto, the daemon corrupted the destroyed buildings with their foulness. Now, only a few brave – or foolhardy – souls dared to tread on the Liopasto grounds in hopes of finding ancient texts or other treasures.

“Sweet Goddess, she’s serious,” Marteen muttered under his breath. Everyone – except the two humans – mirrored his sentiments.

“Your highness, with all due respect, I don’t think we could get a hospital set up on the Liopasto grounds,” Selene said. “I don’t know if anyone treated there will heal properly. The Liopasto is defiled with the remains of the daemons’ magic.”

“It’s tainted, not defiled,” Rin said.

“What is the difference?” Robar asked, sharply.

“Your Goddess will let you use Her grace on the Liopasto grounds, won’t She?” Rin asked. “You can still feel Her?”

“That’s what the few clerics who have gone to the Liopasto reported to the Sacellum.”

“Then it’s tainted,” Rin said. “If it was defiled, you wouldn’t be able to sense your Goddess at all. Tainted grounds can be cleansed.”

“If that is the case, then you will do whatever is needed to set up the hospital on the Liopasto’s grounds,” Princess Illana ordered. Her face softened as Selene and Robar looked flummoxed.

“Selene, it’s the one place in Lisandra where the Purists will not go. The one place you can concentrate on saving the injured without worrying about having to defend yourselves. Besides, it’s long past time those grounds were reclaimed. They’ve been an open sore for far too long. Tomorrow, I want you and your husband to take the clerics who volunteered to help to the Liopasto grounds. Determine how to cleanse a large enough area for the hospital.” Selene stood there speechless, but Robar spoke up.

“We will convince them, your highness,” Robar said. When Selene gave him a shocked look, Robar just gave his wife a smile. “We will convince them, Selene.” Selene didn’t look convinced, but she nodded in agreement. There was a softness in Selene’s eyes as she looked at Robar. What exactly happened at the Sacellum?

“With that settled, Chief Constable, what are your plans for putting the evacuees into the gardens?” Sonya asked.

“Of my two thousand constables, I’ll have about three hundred assigned to assist with the encampment. I have criminal labor set to clear and set up the space,” Dalan said.

“Criminal labor?” Sonya asked, “Is that wise to have them on Aponte Hill?”

“They will behave themselves, my lady,” the Knifehand answered before Dalan could say something, “Some of my more trustworthy people will make sure that their constable keepers will be obeyed.”

“I wasn’t aware of that!” Dalan protested.

“I apologize, Chief Constable, but I needed to make sure their identities would not be compromised,” the Knifehand said. “I would appreciate it if you not let your constables assigned to oversee the labor pools not know about my special people.”

“I understand why, but I need to know so I can properly disperse my constables.”

“You are correct, Chief Constable. Again, I apologize. I will make sure to keep you informed of such matters.”

“So, the rest of your constables will be helping to defend the outskirts and the city proper?” Sonya asked. Dalan nodded. “Will they need time to prepare?”

“I’ve already pulled a thousand of my constables off patrol duty to prepare for combat,” Dalan answered, “Most of those are army veterans or my more experienced constables. We’ll have them in what armor and weapons I have and drilling for combat. My remaining seven hundred constables will be busy trying to cover all the normal patrols until the Purists get here. Then, we’ll have them ready to help the citizens.”

“Can those few constables adequately police Lisandra?” Sonya asked.

“For a short time, and as long as we have the cooperation the Knifehand’s promised,” Dalan answered. “It will still mean some long days and nights for my men, but they understand. They all agreed to work as hard as they can to protect Lisandra. I just hope you remember this the next time I petition for a pay raise for the constables.” A dark chuckle circulated around the room.

“With most of your constables setting up the encampment or training, how are you going to stop the Purist insurrectionists already in the city before they start their riots?” Princess Illana asked.

“To be blunt, there’s nothing I can do about them,” Dalan answered, “With what evidence I have right now, there’s nothing I can bring before the Imperial Tribunal. The tribunes would just dismiss us out of hand. The only way I could legally round these Purists up without charges would be under a state of emergency or martial law.”

“So, how are we supposed to deal with them? Wait for them to begin burning down my city and then arrest them?” the princess asked with a hint of exasperation in her voice.

“Well, we have these rangers here. We might as well make use of them,” Chief Constable Dalan said. Dalan’s malicious smile was mirrored on Rin’s and Morelli’s faces.

“Rin, please explain what the Chief Constable is hinting at,” Princess Illana ordered, with a stern expression on her face.

“There’s wording in the treaty between the Republic and the Empire giving rangers the same right to hunt quarry in Lisandra as we have in the Republic,” Rin said, as if that explained everything. Marteen grinned. That wasn’t necessarily a good thing in Kurt’s experience. Sometimes the man had the survival instinct of a baby duck – particularly when there might be violence to be had. Princess Illana was just as confused as Kurt. She gave Rin a flat look.

“Your highness, Major Agnelli placed the rangers assigned to the embassy at Ranger Acciaio’s disposal in his hunt for the sorcerer Smythe,” Morelli explained, “Ranger Acciaio said the sorcerer was last seen in the company of the Purists marching here. Based on his reporting, the major considers it possible the Purists sympathizers in the city could have relevant information about the whereabouts and disposition of the quarry. So, under the careful observation of a few constables assigned as liaisons, we, the rangers, intend to question them.” The words came out as if Morelli was reading them. Once he realized what the younger ranger said, Kurt sat up straight, nearly spilling his tankard in shock.

“God of Iron! You’re letting humans round up the Purists?” Kurt blurted. “They’ll die before surrendering to a human, much less answer a human’s questions.”

“I’m sure many will refuse to answer our questions. They may even use violence to resist us,” Rin said. “We may be even forced to kill some in self-defense.”

“Such a shame,” Morelli added with complete neutrality.

“Sounds like fun,” Marteen said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

“Which you will not join,” Princess Illana said, coldly. “You will be training the volunteers.” Marteen stared agape at the princess, as if he couldn’t believe she would deny him a chance at fighting Purists. A ghost of a smile flittered across Sonya’s lips.

“Chief Constable, would you object to your constables being under Hero Madrigal’s command during the battle?” Sonya asked. “Despite his previous antics in Lisandra, he is a somewhat effective field commander. Especially with Hero Volker there to rein him in.” Kurt sputtered in his beer. They were expecting hime to rein in that madman during a battle?

“Of course, your highness. My men know Marteen the Scythe’s reputation,” Dalan said, managing a bow while seated.

“Thank you,” Princess Illana said before fixing her gaze on Marteen. “Marteen, I’m trusting you with the volunteers and the constables to defend the city. Do what you can to hold the Purists outside the Aponte Wall. Do not betray that trust.” Marteen swallowed hard and nodded. Princess Illana shot a quick look at Kurt, and he nodded as well. The girl certainly knew which levers to pull to get what she needed.

“Robar, is Paladin Etan a good commander?” Princess Illana asked.

“One of the Sacellum’s finest, your highness,” Robar answered.

“Pallus, I want you to let Paladin Etan command the forces at the wall,” Illana said.

“Then, where will I be, your highness?” Pallus asked, warily.

“Here at the Palace,” Illana answered, “In the Golden Observatory. It has the best view of the city, which you will need as commander of the city defense.” Pallus nodded solemnly.

“Lady Sonya, have we covered everything?” Princess Illana asked.

“I believe we’ve covered everything that needs to be dealt with tonight, your highness,” Sonya answered. She looked down at the notes she scribbled during the meeting. “We’re in better shape than I feared this morning.” Sonya looked out at the gathered group.

“I think we should retire for the evening. We will meet again in the morning to see if anything occurred to us.”

As soon as they were outside the throne room, Kurt realized Rin wasn’t with them. Apprehension and elation filled Kurt as he looked over to where Marteen, Chief Constable Dalan, and the Knifehand discussed the next day’s activities. As happy as Kurt was for his son, he was worried the boy would do something foolish. As soon as the thought crossed Kurt’s mind, he berated himself. Rin was almost thirty years old. He wasn’t a boy anymore, especially for a human. Marteen stormed over to Kurt and glared.

“This is all your fault,” Marteen said, petulantly.

“What is all my fault?” Kurt asked, trying hard to keep the grin off his face.

“Getting Rin and the princess back together,” Marteen answered, “If you hadn’t meddled, Princess Illana would still be locked in her room screaming not to bother her, and Sonya would let me go play in the city instead of making me some kind of general.”

“Probably closer to a lieutenant colonel,” Kurt mused. “Pallus is only a colonel after all, and he’s in overall command.”

“Damn it, Kurt, you know what I mean!” Marteen shouted. Kurt put on his “stern father” look and Marteen deflated.

“Are you done?” Kurt said.

“Yes. Sorry,” Marteen muttered as the two walked to their rooms. They walked in silence for a few minutes before Marteen spoke again.

“I’m glad you were right, Kurt. Those two deserve some happiness in this life,” Marteen said.

Chapter Seventeen

We now know Ral as the Betrayer. Some say we should have know, considering his reputation as perhaps the greatest thief in all of Lisandra. Here’s what everyone forgets – Ral was loyal. I know how that sounds considering what happened, but it was part of his reputation. He was loyal to his employer and to those select few he called friends. He even warned Jevin not to force him to come along with the rest of us. We just thought he was concerned how the Knifehand, the head of the criminal underworld, would react to Ral leaving. Considering the Knifehand’s reputation for ruthlessness, everyone was sure the only reason Ral accompanied us was because of his love for Ela. We still don’t know how he was able to deceive his soulbound, and Ela is in no state to help us decipher that mystery. – Lady Sonya, in an interview for the Lisandra Times

RIN

“Sasha’s angry,” Rin said, as he looked out of the window. Sasha’s brow was furrowed, and her mouth was a barely perceptible crease across her face. Rin was familiar with that expression – mostly from when Sasha was busy breaking up a fight between Pallus and him. Illana climbed over him to look out his window. He grunted as her weight landed in uncomfortable areas.

“This is not helping me maintain my calm and professional demeanor,” Rin whispered in the princess’s ear. When that didn’t get her to move, Rin added, “Especially when you’re wearing that perfume.” Illana immediately sat back in her seat. Faint pink spots blossomed on Illana’s cheeks. He felt her shock and embarrassment through their connection. For a moment, Rin was worried he overstepped, but Selene smiled at him. As the carriage stopped, Rin hopped out, and then helped Illana step out. Sasha took one look at Illana, who was still blushing, and the regent’s scowl transformed into a knowing smirk.

“Why are you smiling? This is not funny!” Illana nearly shouted at Sasha.

“No, of course not, your highness,” Sasha said.

“Then why are you smirking?” Illana asked.

“Because it’s nice to see you acting as a woman,” Sasha answered. The comment perplexed Rin, but Illana looked like she was about to verbally tear apart her regent.

“Before the princess has a fit of apoplexy, maybe the regent could tell us why she is waiting for us out here,” Robar said. The statement instantly erased Sasha’s momentary amusement with Illana. Sasha turned to Rin, and he felt the full force of her glare.

“There’s a Mareian ranger here who says he’s your partner,” Sasha said. “He brought the Knifehand. Into the Crystal Palace.” Rin froze. The Knifehand was the man who ran the underworld of Lisandra. During their travels to rescue the princess, Ral spoke about him with a mixture of respect and terror.

“What under the Goddess is he doing here?” Selene asked.

“I don’t know, but the Knifehand is demanding to speak with the princess,” Sasha answered. “Pallus was going to kill him and be done with it, but then Rin’s new partner informed Pallus that the Knifehand was under his protection, and he would kill anyone who attempted to harm the Knifehand. Maybe you should tell us what is going on.” Sasha shot Rin an accusing look.

“What? I don’t know any more than you do,” Rin said.

“How does your partner know the Knifehand?”

“My partner never stepped foot on this continent. The last time I saw him was back in the Badlands. I don’t know how he would be here, much less how he would know the Knifehand. That being said, it might be a good idea to find out the why before someone ends up shot. Unless he shoots Pallus.” Sasha glared at him before leading them into the Crystal Palace.

Sasha led them through the advisors’ door into the Imperial throne room. The door opened directly onto the wide dais at the front of the throne room. In the center of the dais was the Crystal Throne. Illana walked to the diamond spun throne and sat down. The throne glowed and pulsed as it shifted to match Illana’s stature. Sasha, Selene, and Pall flanked the princess while a couple dozen Crystal Guardsmen filed in around the room and stood at attention. Rin walked down the dais, examining the two men standing in front of the dais.

One was a human in a formal blue ranger uniform. He was ten or so centimeters shorter than Rin, with hair somewhere between brown and black. Dark eyes twinkled out of a youthful face that looked too smooth for a ranger. Rin wasn’t even sure if the man needed to shave on a regular basis. The chevrons on his uniform sleeve marked him as a corporal. Rin’s eyebrow quirked up in surprise. Corporals were very junior rangers. How did a corporal get assigned to such a prestigious assignment as the Imperial embassy?

The elf, who Rin assumed was the Knifehand, was spectacularly unremarkable. He was a textbook example of a typical elf right down the sandy blond hair and blue-green eyes. The Knifehand even managed to make a prosperous merchant’s clothes look commonplace. Rin met the man’s eyes and saw the hidden intelligence and cunning. Rin instinctively flipped his duster back and slid his hand next to the butt of his revolver. The Knifehand smiled and nodded his head, as if he took Rin’s actions as a compliment. Rin walked straight up to the ranger. The corporal braced and held his hand to his chest in formal salute. Rin returned the gesture.

“Corporal Giancolo Morelli with a party of one, Sergeant,” the ranger said in Mareian. The corporal’s accent marked him as a Marei City native. “Major Agnelli assigned me as your partner while you’re in the Empire.”?

“You’ve been in the Empire for a while? Speak the language?” Rin asked.

“Yes, Sergeant,” Morelli replied, switching to Imperial.

“Should I ask why an experienced ranger is still a corporal and without a partner?” Rin asked.

“You can if you want, Sergeant,” Morelli answered. His tone implied a long story behind his words. Morelli angled himself to introduce the elf with him. "Sergeant Acciaio, I present Mortan Doral. He’s – " Rin cut Morelli off with a wave of his hand.

“The Knifehand,” Rin said. “Why is he here?”

“The very question I was asking myself,” Illana said from the throne. She sounded annoyed at being ignored so far.

“Please forgive the imposition, your highness, but you seem to be the only leader in the city who is preparing for the impending crisis,” Knifehand said, “Once I heard Hero Acciaio was not only back in Lisandra, but a Mareian ranger, I asked Giancolo – Ranger Morelli – to bring me here to speak with you.”

“Again, why?”

“I was the source of the information about the Purists rioting in Lisandra. I knew the Mareians would bring it to the Chancellor, which wasn’t something I could do. Given the current relations between the Empire and the Republic, I expected the Diet to recall the Capitol Army. Instead, they seem content to let the Purists burn the city. You, on the other hand, sent out Heroes Volker and Madrigal to rally volunteers. You asked the city constabulary to quietly prepare to defend the city. You even went to the Sacellum seeking the Suprema’s assistance. I felt compelled to offer my own contribution.” The Knifehand knelt with a flourish and bowed his head.

“Princess Illana, I offer the services of me and mine against the Purist threat.” Pallus, Sasha, and Selene were appalled by the Knifehand’s offer. Rin felt the princess’s hesitancy, but she was intrigued. She was also surprised at Rin’s lack of revulsion of the offer.

“Your highness, we need to rethink our actions if the intelligence on the Purists came from this man,” Sasha said in a low voice. She shot a suspicious glare at the Knifehand, who ignored the comment and the glare. Illana just looked at the Knifehand with an appraising look.

“Exactly what services are you here to offer, Doral?” Illana asked.

“First, the people in my organization will lead your forces to where the Purist inciters are gathering within the city,” the Knifehand said, “Second, I will direct my people to curtail their normal activities until after the Purists are dealt with. Third, my people will join the fight when the attack occurs.”

“In return for?”

“No arrests of my people for actions committed prior to today until after the Purists are defeated,” the Knifehand said, “Any caught committing a crime during the emergency will be handed over to me to deal with as I see fit.”

“Ridiculous! We can’t have criminals given free reign while we try to keep this city from being sacked,” Pallus said, outraged at the very notion. Rin felt something in his connection with Illana. She was probing his own reactions to the Knifehand’s offer. It was a bizarre sensation.

“You make an interesting proposal,” Illana said, “Would you and Ranger Morelli please wait outside while my advisors and I discuss it?” The two men bowed, turned smartly, and walked out of the throne room. As soon as the doors were closed, Pallus, Sasha and Selene whirled on Illana.

“Your highness, you can’t seriously be considering this!” Selene said.

“He’s a criminal, your highness,” Pallus said, his face grave, “Worse, he’s a leader of criminals. You can’t trust him. You certainly can’t entrust the security of the city to the likes of him.”

“His people will take the opportunity to loot and rob while we’re fighting to save Lisandra,” Sasha said, “We may save the buildings long enough to lose the city.” Sasha spun and looked down at Rin.

“Rin, you’re a constable. Would you please explain this to the princess?” Sasha asked.

“Yes, Rin, please tell me what you think about this,” Illana said, frustration pulsing in their connection.

“You should take the deal,” Rin said. The three elves stared at Rin in shock. Pallus was the first to recover.

“Of course, you would side with the criminal,” Pall said, “You were always far too close to Ral. Right up until he betrayed us. Besides, it’s not like you have to worry about what will happen to this city. You’re just going to sail back to your precious Republic and leave us to deal with the aftermath the moment you capture this sorcerer of yours.” Sasha laid a restraining hand on Pallus.

“Rin, would you please explain your reasons?” Sasha asked. Rin took several breaths before answering. Pallus always managed to say just the right words to rile his anger.

“Here’s two things you need to realize. First, the Knifehand will do what’s in his best interest. Second, and far more important, he was brought here by a ranger.”

“Just because the Knifehand managed to dazzle a comrade of yours doesn’t mean we should all be blind,” Pall said, coldly. “It’s not like we can trust –” Pallus’s mouth snapped shut as he saw the glowing rage in Rin’s eyes.

“Say it Pallus,” Rin taunted. “Tell us who we can’t trust.”

“Enough!” Sasha said, glaring at the pair. “Goddess, you’re both almost thirty years old. Quit acting like squabbling children. Rin, what did you mean it’s in Knifehand’s best interest?”

“You keep equating the Knifehand with a common criminal. Maybe even a smart criminal like Ral,” Rin answered, “He’s not. He’s more like a rich merchant. His basic interests are the same – a stable environment where he can sell his products, offer his services, and protect his property. Because his products and services aren’t legal, he can’t ask for the same protections of a normal merchant. So, he takes actions – mostly illegal – to protect his enterprises. One of those actions is trading information. It’s not uncommon in the Republic for the rangers to have informal contacts with the heads of the costra nostra to trade information and favors.”

“Why would any government allow such blatant corruption?” Pallus asked, unable to keep the disgust out of his voice.

“It’s not corruption. It’s reality,” Rin answered. “Smart criminals know there are things worse than themselves. Sometimes much worse. They don’t want their families hurt or killed. They know we protect them from those things, so they help with those kinds of things.” Rin’s mind drifted back to the murders that sent him on his journey to the Empire. He took a deep breath and pushed the memory back. He’d have his chance at Smythe soon enough.

“So, you recommend accepting the Knifehand’s assistance?” Illana asked.

“Yes, Illana.”

“Lady Sonya, please ask the Knifehand and Ranger Morelli to return.” Sasha and Selene traded an inscrutable look before Sasha nodded.

“Of course, your highness,” Sasha said, “Pallus, Selene, please come with me.” Selene nodded. Pallus stood in place, scowling at Rin. Sasha gave him a stern look and furiously motioned for him to follow her. Resigned, he followed the two women out of the throne room. Rin was acutely aware he was alone with Illana. Well, except for the guards. Illana strode down off the dais. Rin instinctually put his arms around her as she nestled into his chest.

“I felt something horrible from you. What did I do?”

“Not you. Remembering something I wish I could unsee,” he answered. Illana gently hugged Rin. He smiled down at her and kissed her on the top of her head.

“I have those kinds of memories too, Rin,” Illana said, tightening her grip on him. “From when I was with Cull. He did horrible things to prepare for–” Rin lifted her face to his and kissed her gently. He felt their bad memories being pushed away.

“I can’t believe criminals are stepping up to help,” Illana said.

“If the Knifehand’s anything like the dons, he’s carefully balanced the risks and rewards before coming here,” Rin said. Illana looked up at him with a smile, and he felt satisfaction through their connection.

“Thank you, Rin,” Illana said, “You just made me realize what was bothering me about the Knifehand’s offer.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before walking back up to the Crystal Throne. She was settling herself in the chair as the doors opened and the others came back into the throne room.

“Mortan Doral, we agree to your offer,” Illana said. “With one stipulation.”

“I thought my offer was very generous, your highness,” the Knifehand said.

“It is,” Illana said. “Except, Hero Acciaio made me realize you wouldn’t have come before me if you weren’t expecting to profit somehow.”

“Your highness, I profit by keeping my people alive,” the Knifehand said.

“True, but that’s not only the way you will profit,” Illana said, a withering smile on her face. “Strict altruism from the Knifehand is just a bit too hard to believe.” Illana sat silently for a few long moments. “I need your help too much to pry into your schemes. It would take away resources from defending this city. Hence, the stipulation.”

“What is your stipulation, your highness?” the Knifehand asked, the ghost of a smile dancing across his face.

“Ten thousand Imperials.”

“Ten thousand? That’s outrageous! I came to you in good faith!”

“You are somehow going to make money off the city while it is facing a crisis. I won’t stop you if it secures your help, but I’m going to take a portion of your profits to make sure I can care for my people after we win.”

“Is the ten thousand contingent on the defeat of the Purists?” the Knifehand asked. Illana’s eyes narrowed.

“If we don’t defeat the Purists, ten thousand Imperials will be the least of my concerns,” she answered in a cool tone.

“Fair point,” the Knifehand said, with a smile spreading across his face. “I agree to your stipulation. Normal terms?” Illana looked over to Rin. He could hear her unasked question through their connection and nodded in silent answer.

“Normal terms,” Illana answered. “Make arrangements with Lady Sonya for delivery of payment. Colonel Parn and Constable Dalan will talk with you regarding coordination of your people and their forces.” Illana motioned for Rin to follow her as she walked out of the throne room.

“What are normal terms?” Illana asked, in a low voice as soon as they were through the door.

“Half up front, half upon completion,” Rin answered.

“Oh. That makes a certain amount of sense,” Illana answered. “Let’s take a walk through the gardens before someone decides that they need us.”

“I really should go talk to Morelli,” Rin started, and felt the rising annoyance in Illana. “I guess I can talk to him later.” Illana’s smile warmed him through the entire walk.

Chapter Sixteen

We do not assert that the Sacellum is corrupted like the Crystal Blood. The Traditions maintain their stewardship of the souls of the Empire. The ecclesiasts of the Tradition of the Soul continue to alleviate the darkness in the peoples’ lives and provide what comfort they can. The scholars of the Tradition of the Mind continue to teach all in the ways of the Goddess and provide conciliation among aggrieved parties. The paladins of the Tradition of the Heart are often the only defense against the more aggressive bandits the small towns and villages have. The Sacellum does not require the purification that the Crystal Blood does. However, that does not mean they are our allies. – Excerpt from a Purist leaflet circulated in Lisandra

SELENE

Selene hated the Sacellum. Not the jewel-spun temple. The gently sloping walls flowed seamlessly up into the three towers of the Traditions. The blue-tinted rays of sunlight reflecting off the sapphire walls brought their own serenity every time Selene walked in them. Selene needed that serenity. Her stomach quailed. The last time she stepped on the Sacellum grounds, she was married off to Robar and then exiled from Lisandra. There was a good chance this time was going to end worse.

After meeting with the chief constable, Princess Illana announced she was going to the Sacellum and request the Suprema’s aid in defending Lisandra. Selene felt compelled to escort the princess. She couldn’t let the princess face the senior leadership on her own. The Imperial carriage stopped at the Sapphire Arch. The massive gate guarded the entrance to the Sacellum grounds. Selene allowed Robar to assist her from the carriage. Her husband looked unconcerned, but she saw the tightening around his eyes betraying his anxiety. This was the first time either of them stepped onto Sacellum soil since their hasty, arranged marriage eight years ago.

“Thank you, Rin,” Princess Illana said as he helped her out of the carriage. Sweet Goddess of Light, the smile on his face from those words looked so right on him.

All under the Goddess’s Light, Kurt was right, Selene thought, We just needed to get the two of them near each other. Still, that was only supposed to happen between elves. How could it have happened between an elf and a human?

Selene was still concerned about Rin escorting the princess. Knowing the Suprema, the old woman would see a human – especially an armed one – on the sacred grounds of the Sacellum as a provocation. Selene’s worries diminished as she watched Rin with the princess. He wasn’t quite his old self, but he was healing. The shift in Princess Illana was even more dramatic. She was almost back to the young woman from those two months traveling back to Lisandra after her rescue.

“Your highness, we should wait here until the Sacellum Guard can escort us,” Robar suggested. Selene looked at the open-air gardens between the Sapphire Arch and the wide stairs leading into the Sacellum. A few novices were finishing their morning chores in the ornamental flowerbeds. Under normal circumstances, Selene would have dismissed Robar’s concerns. With the Purist sympathizers in the city, Selene wished the princess brought along her Crystal Guard.

For the first few hundred years of the Empire’s existence, the Crystal Blood were the solitary rulers of the domain. Until Tallen the Corrupt. After more than two decades of wild swings between decadence and reigns of terror, the nobility of the Diet – aided and abetted by the sorcerers of the Liopasto and the clerics of the Sacellum – rebelled. The War of Four lasted three years and cost hundreds of thousands of lives. It only ended when Tallen the Corrupt leapt, or perhaps was pushed, from the top of the Crystal Palace while talking with his son. The son, who would go down in Imperial history as Matrim the Wise, negotiated the Great Compact forging the modern Empire. The Crystal Blood was now first among equals with the Diet of Lords, the Sacellum, and the Liopasto. To reinforce each’s independence from the others, the Four were barred from bringing their personal soldiers onto the others’ grounds.

“We don’t have the luxury of time to wait while the Sacellum decides to officially greet us,” the princess said, “Selene and Rin are here. Two Heroes of the Empire should be more than enough to protect me between here and the Suprema’s cloister.” She turned to Rin and bestowed a dazzling smile on the human. Rin didn’t return the smile as he looked around. His hand rested on the handle of his pistol. Princess Illana put a restraining hand on Rin’s arm as he tried to hurry their pace. Rin settled for scowling at anyone who came within ten yards. Novices fled in terror at his visage. Princess Illana pretended not to notice as she climbed the stairs and into the Great Hall.

Dozens of novices, scribes, and ecclesiasts stopped and stared as Princess Illana walked in. The few paladins looked unperturbed, although their nonchalance was forced. Selene looked around at the gawking members of the Sacellum. There should have been some sort of official reception. It wasn’t like they couldn’t have seen the Imperial carriage approaching.

“It seems I am to be your guide to the Suprema’s Cloister, your highness,” Selene said. Internally, Selene fumed. Under Sacellum protocol and common courtesy, at least one of the Heads of the Traditions should have greeted the princess. Selene could feel the the Suprema’s schemes swirling around them.

“That’s fine. I’ve missed your company,” Princess Illana said with a warm tone that didn’t match the cold look in her eyes.

“Your highness, Selene, I will join you later,” Robar said. “There are matters here requiring my attention.” Selene looked at her husband quizzically. What needed his attention after most of a decade?

“If you must,” Selene said. She was annoyed that he was leaving her alone to guide the princess and Rin to the Suprema’s Cloister. Robar nodded his thanks and walked over to a group of ecclesiasts. Robar was from that Tradition. His reputation for compassionately ministering to the lowers of Lisandra was one of the reasons Selene accepted Robar as her husband.

“Should we let him go like that?” Rin asked, with a dangerous tone in his voice.

“Robar won’t betray us. That would invalidate our marriage vows. He takes the vows seriously,” Selene answered as the trio started walking deeper into the Sacellum.

“Even though it’s a forced marriage?” Rin asked. Selene stopped in the middle of the hall and whirled on Rin.

“Who told you that?”

“You just did.”

“How did you know?”

“Selene, I watched you around Marteen for a long time, even after he chose Sasha,” Rin answered, “Robar is so completely different than Marteen, I can’t see you marrying him by choice. I just can’t figure out how that old witch forced you.” Selene’s head whipped around to see if anyone heard the insult. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw that they were alone in the corridor.

“You need to leave this alone,” Selene said, the barest hint of a warning in her voice.

“No,” Rin replied, forcefully. Selene stopped in the middle of the hall and looked at him in shock.

“Excuse me?”

“Illana was rescued because you refused to stop your research on the prophecies when the Suprema ordered you to do so,” Rin said. “You shouldn’t have been punished for that.”

“Is Rin correct?” Princess Illana asked.

“Yes, it was forced, but not because I helped rescue you,” Selene said, keeping her voice under tight control.

“Then why would the Sacellum want to force a marriage on you?”

“Other issues arose after we came back. I didn’t pay as close attention as I should have and was outmaneuvered. The marriage was the most acceptable option,” Selene answered. Rin wanted to press the matter further, but Princess Illana put her hand on his arm. Selene felt silent communication between them.

“So, why Robar?”

“Because of the choices of husbands, he was the most acceptable,” Selene answered. The princess nodded her understanding.

“I don’t trust Robar,” Rin muttered.

“Rin, outside of our little group, are there any elves that you do trust?” Selene asked.

“Point taken. If you trust him, I’ll trust him. As long as you don’t expect me to like him.”

“Can you try to keep your antipathy to something below what you have with Pallus?”

“That may be difficult,” Rin said.

“Why do you and the colonel hate each other so?” Princess Illana asked.

“Because they were two boys who both needed to prove themselves, and they often decided to compete for the attentions of pretty women.” Selene tried to sound neutral, but it was hard remembering the number of times Pallus and Rin tried to best each other in garnering her attentions.

“That’s not true!” Rin shot back.

“That’s how I remember it.”

Princess Illana shot Rin a look that let him know in no uncertain terms he would explain further at a later time. The trio through the Sacellum’s hallway. The soft azure light illuminating the hallways was supposed to be soothing. Of all the jewel-spun buildings in Lisandra, the Sacellum retained more of its original magic because the Sacellum was the only building spun using both the Goddess’s Grace as well as natural magic. When almost all the world’s natural magic was sealed away by the humans, hundreds of jewel-spun buildings collapsed killing thousands of elves. Only the strongest spun buildings remained standing. Something tickled Selene’s memory. There was something in the prophecies around the binding of the world’s magic, but Selene couldn’t remember it clearly.

After we deal with these Purists, I’m going to go back and research. Assuming the Suprema is willing to grant me access to the archives, Selene thought. Selene considered the last time she spoke with the Suprema and internally grimaced. Getting back into the archives was probably the least of her concerns.

Selene put those thoughts away as she saw Robar standing in the hallway. Selene was surprised to see him. She thought he was still talking to old friends. He must have raced up to meet them here. Selene opened her mouth when Robar answered her unspoken question.

“The Heads are waiting for you,” Robar said, “They are not pleased.”

“What are they not pleased about this time?” Selene asked.

“First, you came here under arms, which was one of the reasons you were asked to leave the Sacellum last time. Second, and more importantly, they are extremely upset he’s in the Sacellum.” He nodded to Rin, who thankfully stood there quietly.

“Are they barring me from seeing the Suprema?” Princess Illana asked.

“According to what I was told, as soon as they saw the carriage coming, the Heads and the senior scholars combed through the legal archives for an excuse to do so,” Robar said, “My supposition is they were hoping we would wait at the Sapphire Gate long enough for them to find something in the law. I can’t think of anything they could use to keep the princess from seeing the Suprema. Under Sacellum law and tradition, the Suprema must see the Crystal Blood if she comes to the Sacellum. I think the Heads will try to keep Selene and him out of the Cloister while Suprema talks with the princess.”

“Can they?” Princess Illana asked.

“I don’t think so, your highness,” Robar answered, “Selene and him are Heroes of the Empire. Under Imperial and Sacellum law, they have the right and responsibility for your protection. Not only can they go with you into the Cloister, but they can carry weapons while escorting you. Unfortunately, I’m not a scholar. The Heads of the Traditions might know some obscure Sacellum law to bar their entrance.”

“Sweet Protector,” Rin muttered. All three elves looked wide-eyed at him. Of all the things to say inside the Sacellum.

“What?” Rin asked, with the tone of perfect innocence. Honestly, couldn’t that boy do anything without complicating things? Wait. Rin made a joke. The Rin she remembered joked when he was dealing with difficult situations. Maybe the old Rin was returning.

I TOLD YOU THAT YOUR TASK WAS NOT TO HEAL HIM. The Goddess’s voice boomed through Selene’s head. Selene nearly stumbled from the power crashing through her skull. The Goddess sounded like one of those newfangled cannons of the Capitol Army in her head. Why did the designers of the Sacellum decide to make the building amplify the Goddess’s voice to such painful levels? Robar looked concerned, but Selene waved him away. The Goddess never spoke to him directly, like She did to Selene. He didn’t understand what it was like when She forced Herself into Selene’s mind.

After another few minutes of walking, the hallway opened into an anteroom. Two polished wood benches sat against the walls for those waiting for a private audience with the Suprema. Across from the hall was the simple wood door leading into the Suprema’s Cloister. Normally, four paladins were standing guard at the Suprema’s door. Instead, three women were standing in the middle of the room with matching stern looks.

“Selene, how dare you walk into the Sacellum wearing armor and carrying a sword?” demanded Simona Ler. She was the Head of the Tradition of the Heart, the paladins of the Sacellum. At almost seven and a half feet, Ler was tall for an elven woman. Her black hair was in a short, efficient style. Ler’s weathered face had been pretty when she was a young paladin, but the years and battles were not kind. Ler’s armor bore scars from when she led the paladins in the Army of Reclamation.

“As a Hero of the Empire, I am allowed and required to be armed to protect her highness,” Selene replied.

“We overlooked you taking up the sword during your escapade. Doing so does not make you a paladin. You are not entitled to wear armor. Further, there is no reason to protect the princess within the very walls of the Sacellum.”

“There’s a Purist army marching on the capital,” Selene said, “Since we don’t know when they will show, I do not know when I will be called upon to fulfill my duties as a Hero of the Empire.”

“Being a Hero of the Empire does not give you the right to seek combat in opposition of Sacellum law!”

“I don’t seek combat, but I will be prepared if I find myself in it. I was nearly killed during my ‘escapade’ because I kept strictly to Sacellum law. Worse, my friends were nearly killed. This time, I will be prepared to defend myself and my friends.”

“You forsake your oaths as a scholar!” said Genima Talan in a raised voice. The Head of the Tradition of the Mind was normally soft-spoken. For her, that tone was a tirade of truly epic proportions. The Tradition of the Mind prided itself maintaining calm reason in all situations, and Talan prided herself on being the epitome of her Tradition. Short, plump, and blond, Talan looked somewhat matronly. Until one saw the scheming in Talan’s ice blue eyes. Selene gave her nominal superior a contemptuous glare, but bit back her tongue when Robar laid a restraining hand on her shoulder.

“Head Talan, nothing in your Tradition’s oaths prevent a scholar from learning the martial arts – or employing them in her defense as she fulfills her scholarly duties,” Robar said, “Or those duties thrust upon her by being a Hero of the Empire.”

“Robar, your own transgressions against the Sacellum were not dismissed,” growled Belar Talan, the Head of the Soul, “If you wish to continue being counted among the Sacellum’s clerics, I suggest you not continue to place yourself against the will of the Sacellum.” Belar was Genima’s first cousin. Even with the family resemblance, Belar looked more like a compromise between the two other Heads. Middling of height and weight with dark sandy blonde hair and dark brown eyes. If the stories were true, Belar was once considered a warm and compassionate ecclesiast with a quiet passion for serving others. Those qualities were no longer there since Belar entered the upper ranks of the Tradition of the Soul.

To anyone else, Robar’s face was its normal impassive mask, but Selene could see the tightening around his eyes and mouth betraying his anger. It was Selene’s turn to place the restraining hand on her husband. Robar was likely their only diplomatic road back to the Sacellum after this meeting. It wouldn’t do the princess any good to have him flay the Heads apart with Sacellum doctrine. Selene had been on the receiving end of two of his tongue lashings when she pushed him too far. Robar looked down at Selene’s hand, then up at her, and then nodded.

“Very well, Head Talan. If you will excuse me Heads, I will attend to more appropriate matters while I am here in the Sacellum,” Robar said. The three women nodded in dismissal, satisfied they cowed at least one of the princess’s attendants. Robar shot Selene a look of caution before walking out of the anteroom.

Princess Illana stepped in front of the Heads. The three elder clerics gave exquisitely perfect expressions of respect for the Crystal Blood. Selene half-expected the princess to tear into the three of them, but instead the young princess wore the look of a disappointed superior dealing with insubordinate subordinates. Selene shot a quick glance back at Rin. His face was an expressionless mask.

“I have come to speak with the Suprema,” Illana said with the full force of command. The Heads traded surprised looks. This was not the princess they expected. “You three may either escort me in to see her or go back to your duties. I’m sure there are many for women of your importance.” The Heads all flashed identical glares of anger. They were not used to be dismissed like common servants.

“Of course, your highness, we would be most happy to escort you,” Head Genima Talan said. Her sister Heads took their cue from the scholar and generously swept to the side. Head Ler opened the door to the Suprema’s Cloister. Princess Illana inclined her head the minimum fraction required by the rules of polite society before gliding across the floor. Rin followed Princess Illana but paused as Head Simona Ler stepped to block him. Rin looked the leader of the paladins up and down as if deciding whether the woman was an annoyance to be ignored or an actual threat to be dealt with. The paladin smiled as if she welcomed the fight.

“With respect your highness, this one is not allowed to step into the sacred Cloister,” Head Simona Ler said, a look of disgust twisting her face. “None who do not know the Goddess’s Grace may be allowed entrance. That is the Sacellum law.”

“The Sacellum would obstruct a Hero of the Empire in his duty to protect the Crystal Blood?” Princess Illana asked, with a perfect neutral. Before the Heads could answer, a warm soprano from inside the Cloister interrupted them.

“As amusing as this petty squabbling could be, Princess Illana came all the way here for something more important than debating Sacellum rules,” the Suprema said. “Daughters, please see to the rest of my children. The two Heroes may enter with her.”

The Suprema sat behind the same desk she had used since her rise to the office. She was probably the oldest person Selene knew. The woman flicked her cold blue eyes at Rin and Selene before they settled on Princess Illana. There was a tense pause as the two women stared at each other. Princess Illana finally broke the tense silence with a warm smile.

“Suprema, thank you for seeing us,” Princess Illana said, inclining her head slightly. Selene saw the flash of surprise in the Suprema before the older woman recovered and returned her face to its normal serenity.

“Of course, your highness,” the Suprema replied, “If you felt it necessary to come to the Sacellum, it must be important.”

“May I assume you’ve heard of the Purist threat to the city?” Illana asked.

“The Chancellor advised me on the rumors being spread by the Mareian ambassador,” the Suprema answered. The older woman’s eyes flicked to Rin for the barest instance before returning to the princess.

“Heroes of the Empire confirmed a Purist army is marching on Lisandra. It will take some time for the Capitol Army to return to the city, which leaves my subjects undefended,” Princess Illana said, “I must ask the Sacellum to place its considerable resources at the Crystal Palace’s disposal to defend this city.” The Suprema studied the princess for a long moment before speaking.

“I’m sorry, but that will not be possible,” the Suprema answered. Princess Illana’s body went rigid. Selene involuntarily braced for the coming tirade. Instead of the expected screaming rage, Princess Illana’s voice was cold as ice.

“Perhaps you should explain why,” the princess said. The Suprema frowned at the princess’s words.

“I am not accustomed to explaining my decisions,” the Suprema replied, with an affronted tone. “I am the Suprema of the Sacellum. It is my responsibility – and mine alone – to determine how the Sacellum responds to any request.”

“I am not one of your clerics. I am the Crystal Blood. Your decision affects my city and my subjects. So, yes, you will explain.”

“This is not yet your city and they are not yet your subjects, your highness,” the Suprema said with the aggravated patience of a tutor with a particularly dense student. “According to the laws of this Empire, the people are under the protection of the Diet.” Princess Illana gave the Suprema a hard stare. The Suprema involuntarily shrank back before remembering herself and straightening back up.

“While you are correct that I have no legal authority over the residents of this city at this time, they are still my subjects. If the Sacellum, as the populace’s spiritual advisors, refuses to support me in defending Lisandra, then perhaps it is time to find others who will,” Princess Illana said, then spun on her heel and started to stride out of the Suprema’s Cloister.

“What are you going to do, child?” the Suprema asked, condescendingly, “Demand the Jeweled Empire convert to your lover’s Protector?” Princess Illana paused at the door long enough to fix the Suprema with a dangerous glare.

“Such a remark is below the dignity of the Suprema,” Princess Illana said, her voice hovering just above the temperature of ice. “However, since you are under an incorrect impression, let me clarify. There is nothing in the laws of the Empire requiring the Sacellum to be the only way for the Imperial subjects to speak with the Goddess. Tradition, yes, but not law. The Crystal Blood respects tradition, but as you have reminded us, we are only bound by the law. As such, the Crystal Blood will support any who provide for our people’s needs – both spiritual and physical.” The Suprema sat in shock as her mind grappled with Princess Illana’s words. The Suprema’s eyes bulged as she launched to her feet.

“You would treat with heresy?” the Suprema demanded. “You would risk Expulsion?”

“There is very little I will not do or risk to protect my subjects,” Princess Illana answered, her own tone cool and calm. “Including withdrawing the Crystal Blood’s support of the Sacellum.” Princess Illana walked out of the door before the Suprema could say another word. Rin followed in her wake.

“Selene, a moment,” the Suprema said, as Selene was walking out the door.

“Yes, Suprema?”

“Does your appearance here mean you have finally chosen to do as I have asked?” the Suprema asked.

“No, it means I am following what the Goddess asked of me,” Selene answered.

“She still speaks to you?” the Suprema asked, surprised.

“She never stopped speaking to me.”

“You were warned about going against the Sacellum, again,” the Suprema said.

“You aren’t worried about me going against the Sacellum. You are worried I will join with those in the Sacellum who want to replace you.”

“You are picking up bad habits from that child,” the Suprema said, “I admit the girl acted far more like her grandfather today than I have ever seen from her before. Even if she is making a disastrous mistake. Did you have a hand in that?”

“To answer your question, no,” Selene answered. “As to your assertion, you are the one making the mistake.”

“Not allowing the paladins to fight against this Purist force?” the Suprema asked, “The Purists are no threat to the Sacellum. Their own literature states have no quarrel with the clerics.”

“Only tangentially, but that wasn’t the mistake to which I was referring,” Selene replied, “No, your mistake is treating Princess Illana as the child you think her to be and not the empress she is going to become.”

“Selene, you are still as foolish as you were when you ran away on that silly adventure,” the Suprema said, “Worse, you think because of the horrible things you’ve endured, you are somehow wiser. I hate to see you waste yourself in this foolishness. For the sake of mercy, I offer you a chance to return to your rightful place in the Sacellum. Maybe with a few decades of proper instruction, you could reach the potential we saw in you when you first came to us.”

“I see very clearly where my path leads, and it’s not back to the Sacellum,” Selene said.

“Then you have chosen,” the Suprema said, regretfully, “I hope you can live with the consequences. You are Expelled.” Selene felt as if her heart was ripped out. She knew Expulsion was a possibility when she agreed to come with the princess, but only intellectually. Hearing the words nearly drove Selene to her knees.

“You can’t Expel me without a trial,” Selene said. The Suprema smiled.

“There will be a trial, Selene, but you’re even more of a fool if you think any cleric would vote against my will,” the old woman said. “You may be a Hero of the Empire, but I am the Suprema.” Selene walked out of the Suprema’s Cloister trying to grapple with what just happened. Selene expected the Heads to be waiting, but instead Robar was waiting with Rin and the princess. Her husband looked his normal calm self, but Selene could see the light of excitement in his eyes. He bowed to the princess.

“Your highness, there’s something you need to see,” Robar said. Rin shot Robar a suspicious look, but Selene waved him down. Rin grimaced but followed along without complaint. Robar led them down to one of the large halls. Standing in the center of the hall were close to two hundred clerics from all three traditions. As Selene surveyed the crowd, she saw most of the crowd were younger clerics with a handful of seniors. Robar turned back to the princess as they walked into the hall.

“They heard you are raising defenses against the Purists,” Robar said, “They could do with some words from you, your highness.” Princess Illana looked over the group and smiled.

“You did this?” Selene asked Robar as the princess stepped up to talk to the assembled group.

“I just informed some old friends that the princess was here, and she was talking with the Suprema about a very serious threat to the city.”

“Why?”

“Selene, the Sacellum isn’t going to side with the princess against the Chancellor,” Robar answered. “The Suprema, the Heads, and the senior members of the Traditions are too comfortable with the current balance of power. The younger members of the Sacellum, on the other hand, are the ones who live and talk with people in Lisandra.” Selene looked at her husband, seeing him in a new light. He never did anything that so much as hinted as going against the Sacellum. Yet, he must have been planning this even before they arrived at the Sacellum. Selene gave Robar a small smile of approval as the princess started to speak.

“I am Princess Illana, the Crystal Blood,” the princess announced to the gathered clerics, “So you will all know what we face, there is an army of the Purists marching on Lisandra. Based on their beliefs, they intend to purify the Crystal Blood by murdering me and anyone who gets in their way. They hold a misguided belief that doing so will return the Empire to its former glory. Anyone who gets in their way includes the people of this city. I have no intention of letting them do so without a very nasty fight.” She let the crowd murmur for a few moments before continuing.

“The Capitol Army is far away training with the new arms we received from the Mareian Republic. We have few resources to defend Lisandra. I came here to request the Suprema place the Sacellum’s valiant paladins and clerics at the Crystal Blood’s command to bolster the defense of Lisandra’s citizens. It is the Suprema’s considered opinion that the Purists do not pose a threat to the Sacellum, and therefore it does not need to involve itself in this fight. She is correct. The Purists have not called for the abolition of the Sacellum, only the Crystal Blood. All of you will be perfectly safe within the Sacellum’s grounds.”

“Why are you telling us this?” a young scholar asked. Princess Illana’s face hardened before she continued.

“As I said, I intend to protect the people of this city. The Heroes of the Empire have come together again. They stand by my side, as does the Crystal Guard and the Lisandra constabulary. Others will join our cause to protect the city from these rebels. I cannot ask you to go against the Sacellum. What I will ask you is to think of the innocent people who will be caught between the invaders and the defenders. Think about what is coming. What do your own oaths to the Goddess ask of you?”

“You are asking us to forsake our oaths of obedience to the Suprema and the Sacellum,” an ecclesiast stated. Some of the others looked about nervously.

“I am asking you to look to what called you to serve the Sacellum. I’m asking you to judge for yourselves what is the highest duty of the Traditions. Who are you ultimately serving?” The murmurs in the crowd grew larger.

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?” boomed a woman’s harsh voice through the hall. From one of the side doors, a tall woman in paladin’s leathers walked into the hall. She was flanked by two male paladins who oozed casual violence. The gathered clerics were paralyzed as the dark-haired woman swept them with her hawk-like eyes.

“I am telling these clerics why I have come to the Sacellum, paladin,” Princess Illana answered, completely unfazed by the woman’s harsh glare.

“You are leading them dangerously close to heresy,” the paladin said. Princess Illana fixed the woman with a cold glare.

“Your highness,” the paladin amended.

“I’m sure the Sacellum has already explained what their duties are and how to properly execute them,” Princess Illana said. “I’m fulfilling my duties as the Crystal Blood in telling them what the people they serve face in the next few days.” The paladin’s eyes slid from the princess to fix on Robar.

“You’re behind this, aren’t you?” the paladin asked Robar. “This smells of your machinations.”

“If you are asking whether I explained the realities of the situation to some of my Tradition who wanted to hear what Princess Illana had to say, then yes,” Robar answered.

“You are dangerously close to being Expelled from the Sacellum, Robar,” the paladin said, “Just like your wife.” The paladin’s last word dripped with the venom. Robar whirled on Selene, his eyes wide with astonishment.

“If any of you are in this hall in the next minute, we will put you to the question to make sure where your loyalties lie,” the paladin said. The clerics nearly fell over each other running for the different exits. In less than a minute, only the paladin, her guards, Princess Illana, Robar, Rin, and Selene were standing in the hall. The paladin strode over to Robar and gave him a harsh glare.

“Why in the light are you courting Expulsion?” the paladin asked, with a shocking tender concern.

“I support my wife,” Robar answered. The paladin slapped Robar hard enough to drive him to the floor. Selene found herself between Robar and the snarling woman. The two locked glares. Both women gripped the hilts of their swords. The tension was broken by Rin’s chuckles. The paladin whipped her head to focus her glare on Rin.

“What is so funny, human?” the paladin spit out through clenched teeth.

“You smacking Robar,” Rin said. “I really enjoyed seeing that.” To Selene’s horror, Rin traced a triangle in the air with his two forefingers. The paladin looked confused.

“May the Protector bless you and keep you in His mercies,” Rin intoned. The paladin sputtered as rage turned her pale skin a dangerous shade of puce. Selene took advantage of the moment to drag Robar to his feet out of the hall. Rin followed with a casual stride. As soon as they were back out in the sun, Selene shot an evil look back at Rin. He just grinned back. Selene deflated as they continued walking to the carriage. As much as Selene hated to admit it, sometimes Rin’s propensity to push things was useful.

“Who was that paladin?” Princess Illana asked as she stepped lightly into the carriage.

“Etan,” Robar answered, with a flat tone. “She’s one of the three color leaders for the Tradition of the Heart. Perhaps their best commander.”

“So why does she hate you?” Rin asked. “That slap was personal.”

“I’d rather not discuss it,” Robar answered. Rin was about to press the issue further, but Selene reached over and slightly rapped him on the head.

“Leave it alone,” Selene told Rin. He shrugged before leaning back next to Illana. Selene looked at her husband out of the corner of her eye. He would hate to see the pity that was welling up inside her. Robar looked out the window, refusing to look at the others. Selene couldn’t blame him. This was probably the first time Robar had seen Etan since he broke off their own engagement to marry Selene.

Chapter Fifteen

Every lord with an eligible son has paraded him before the illustrious Crystal Blood, in hopes of a most advantageous match. Indeed, whispers abound of a looming engagement between the Crystal Blood and the dashing Hero Pallus Parn. One cannot help but ponder, however, why the Crystal Blood has so resolutely turned away every proposal. Rumor has it that the vigilant Lady Sonya has steadfastly refused to present any suitors to the Crystal Blood, citing the Blood’s well-known volatile disposition. Yet, hushed voices speak of a more sinister reason — a reason tied to the mysterious vanishing of the valiant Hero Acciaio. – Anonymous source, as reported in the “Aponte Hill Whispers” tabloid

RIN

Rin was grappling with what was happening inside of him while Illana and the ambassador talked. Rin wanted to be angry at Illana. When he walked into this room, he wanted to unleash a decade’s worth of pent-up anger and rage at her. She even gave him the perfect opportunity with her attitude when they first walked in. Except when her blue eyes met his, all his anger melted away. In its place, Rin felt something reopen with Illana. The same connection that opened the day they found her under that mountain. He could feel Illana in his mind like a warm comforting glow. Rin wished everyone would leave so he could deal with the sudden whiplash. So that he could just talk with Illana. Then the Chancellor stormed into the room.

Rin instantly recognized the man. The man who deftly manipulated Rin down to the docks to go back to Marei. Rin didn’t understand what was happening back then, but as the Chancellor talked, the memories flowed back. Looking at what the Chancellor did with the eyes of a ranger – and having talked with his friends – Rin understood. Just as Rin made the realization about his past, he also realized something else. He could feel Illana’s hatred of the chancellor in that part of his mind where her warm glow resided. It startled him enough that he barely registered when Sasha announced that everyone else was leaving. And he would be alone with Illana.

The room fell silent as Illana and Rin just looked at each other, neither sure what to say. Moments stretched into minutes as the two walked around the room, warily eyeing each other. There was so much Rin wanted to tell Illana. Words were never his strong suit. It was why he was always on the losing end with Pallus. Worse, he was scared if he said the wrong thing, their sudden connection would vanish. He looked at Illana, but he couldn’t read her expression. Part of him wished he was back in the Badlands. At least he understood the dangers there. Finally, Illana broke the silence.

“I don’t know whether I hate you or I love you. Maybe both,” Illana said, looking at the fireplace. She whirled to face him. “Nothing to say in your defense?”

“Illana, until I walked in and saw you, I was sure I hated you as much as I do your Empire,” Rin answered. “I’ve had this, I don’t know, ball of anger in me since I left this continent. I thought it was because of how everyone forgot about me when we came back. Then everything changed when I saw you. All of my anger just went away.” Rin wracked his brain for a better way to describe what he was feeling.

“You hated me?” Illana asked, in a small voice. Rin grimaced. Of all the things he said, that was what she decided to hear? After she already said she wasn’t sure if she hated him. How did her mind work?

“Illana, a week ago, I knew everyone on this continent, including you, was happy I left,” Rin explained. “All of you had turned your backs on me.”

“How could you think that? About me?” Illana asked. He felt her pain through their connection. It took Rin a moment before he could speak again. This was going downhill fast. He took a moment to collect his thoughts. How had he talked to her when they were traveling back to Lisandra?

“Illana, what happened when we returned to Lisandra?” Rin asked. “After that first night when we were given these medals, when did we see each other?” Illana visibly stopped her retort. Rin could see her pondering his words.

“Yes, we didn’t see much of each other, but there was a great deal happening,” Illana admitted.

“Except for that night and the one breakfast a couple of days later, we didn’t see each other at all,” Rin replied.

“That can’t be true,” Illana said, her face scrunched up in thought.

“In fact, I think the breakfast was a mistake by the people around you. They certainly made sure it never happened again.” Illana looked like she wanted to object, but instead she sat down in one of the chairs

“Why didn’t I notice we were being kept apart?”

“I’m learning everything I thought I knew about what happened about that time isn’t true. None of the others saw me being pushed aside. They were too dazzled by everything thrown at them. Talking with Kurt, Marteen, and Selene helped me understand what was happening to them. That none of them wanted to see me leave. Still, in the end, leaving was something I needed to do.” Rin flinched at the pulse of hurt he felt echo in their connection.

“You needed to leave me?”

“That wasn’t quite how I meant it.”

“How did you mean that?”

“I needed to prove to myself that I was more than being just part of some prophecy. I needed to find out who I really am.” Rin paused as he collected his thoughts.

“Then, I look at you, and that drive to prove myself is lessened. Not gone, but less. I don’t know how better to say it.” Illana appeared in his lap. Her warm hands stroked his cheeks. An odd sense of peace filled Rin with her touch. He felt their connection fill with a warmth he didn’t know he had been missing. The pain was suddenly far away, and he realized how much he missed being close to Illana. Echoes of old feelings rang through Rin.

“I’ve decided I don’t hate you, Rin,” Illana said, with a familiar, mischievous smile.

“You’ve decided?”

“I have a confession to make. I’m just as confused as you are. Everything you said? The anger? I had it in me as well. Except it made me want to drive everyone away. Everyone was just being so foolish about this stupid political fight or that public appearance. None of it was important, and I wanted all of them to stop bothering me. Then you came back, and it was like a cloud lifted, and I could see the sun again.” She paused for a moment and locked eyes with Rin. She bent down and gave him a very chaste kiss. It sent jolts through Rin.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but at least you’re back home, again,” Illana said. She placed a finger on his lips before Rin could say anything. “You are home. You are with me. That is home.” Rin looked at Illana skeptically but didn’t argue.

“Rin, do you love me?” Illana asked. The question caught Rin off guard. He stopped himself from answering immediately. This wasn’t a casual question for either of them. He dug deep in his mind as he pondered Illana’s question. Was that what he was feeling between them?

“I think so,” Rin admitted. “I want to think that’s what I’m feeling, but my feeling have bounced around so hard in the past hour, I don’t know.” Illana looked regally satisfied before leaning into him. He breathed in the light floral scent of her perfume.

“That’s how I feel too,” Illana said, “There is one thing I am certain about. I am not going to lose you again. The sooner you understand that the easier everything will be.” There was a determined glint in her eye. Rin let out a resigned chuckle. The iron door opened, and Illana jumped off Rin’s lap.

“Are you two done making up?” Sasha asked, striding back into the room. The red-headed regent gave the pair a disappointed harrumph. “Not enough. The princess’s makeup isn’t even smudged.”

“You told us to be on our best behavior,” Rin replied.

“No, I told you to be on your best behavior,” Sasha said. “I expected her to show more initiative.” Illana and Rin traded confused looks.

“We’ll discuss that later. The chief constable sent word he will come here in an hour. Rin, go find something to eat. The princess and I need to talk.” Rin just shook his head in frustration with the minds of women.

Chapter Fourteen