Jess blinked away a grateful tear, flashing a relieved smile. “I regret that I am not quite so innocent as that, my friend.” Josie grimaced and paled, looking away. She was a healer, and Jess a Squire of War, and more than once at least one of their number had needed the aid of the Healers Wing. There was no way she could not know.
"But always before, Malek and I had a full coterie of companions at our back, even if we did lead the vanguard. Never before was it just the two of us against all odds, with the lives of our friends hanging in the balance."
Josie nodded. “It always hits worse when one must push oneself to exhaustion, fighting against overwhelming odds. You and Malek did, after all, just take down over half a score of heavy cavalry, Jess.” Josie looked toward the dozen or so corpses that had perished in the most extreme of circumstances splayed about the battlefield, the grizzly nature of the encounter they had just survived laid stark and bare before them. Her lips pressed together with sharp regret, careful not to gaze directly at Jess as she did so. “And all too many souls won’t have any chance to recover from the shakes or poor choices made, for to lose to a Squire of War is to lose one's very life.”
Jess hissed, feeling her friend’s sad disapproval lance her like a knife to the gut. Josie blinked, lowering her head in embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Jess. My mind was wandering; I shouldn’t have said those thoughts aloud. Had you been anything other than what and who you are, I would probably be suffering rape at this very moment, my lover captured or butchered for these men's amusement.” Josie gave a sad shake of her head. “It’s still a damn tragedy, either way. If only men didn’t have to be such fools.”
Jess took a deep breath, gazing at the utterly peaceful clouds billowing gracefully across the blue sky high above. “I know it looked cruel when we speared all their bodies. How ruthless we were in striking dead the one man who had been faking it, moments before.” Jess grimaced, not knowing what she would find in Josie’s eyes. “I could tell you it had to be done. I could tell you that the worst folly is to show mercy or carelessness to an enemy who would turn that compassion into a dagger plunged right into your kidneys the moment your back was turned, and the last sound you ever heard would be the agonized cries of your loved ones. But it was not ruthless logic alone that drove my blade into my enemy's pleading chest.”
Jess gave a fierce shake of her head, forcing herself to utter a truth she would deny no longer, not even to herself. “No, Josie. It was darkest wrath that fueled my killing thrust. For the moment they had lifted their crossbows against those I loved, the moment that I sensed their malice towards myself and by proxy all of us, they had signed their death warrants.”
Everyone was utterly silent, the air itself still as the grave as Jess forced herself to say what must be said. "View me a savage barbarian if you like, Josie, but I would trade the lives of a dozen enemies for even one of my friends, any day, and strike them dead gladly, no matter who disapproves, even if their disapproval breaks my heart! And I will not stay my blows, Josie. I will show our enemies no quarter!" Jess furiously blinked away the bitterest of tears. "Think of me what you must, but I'll be damned before I let even one of these bastards walk again upon the face of Erovering, knowing it is you or I or the children we might one day have that would be the targets of their vengeance! Striking us at our most vulnerable, when our swords are long since put to mantel, our wands locked away, focusing on babes and husbands and all the joys of home and hearth, far away from the killingfields we once reveled upon! To know that our enemies, sick and full of hate, might come for our innocent children long after we had parted from the field of war? Such a threat is not to be tolerated, not even for a moment! Best we kill them now, utterly and completely, so they might never strike at us through our families, repaying foolish mercy with murderous spite!"
Josie gazed at Jess some moments longer, her soft brown eyes giving nothing away, before she gently rose once more. “I will check on Jera,” was all she said as she strode away.
“Well that was interesting,” a gently smiling Malek declared, thumping Jess's helm as he held her protectively by his side. She leaned against him and sighed, grateful for his closeness, knowing that her shieldbrother was doing his best to look out for her, as he always had.
Malek sighed. “I don’t think Josie much approves of our given vocation, nor the ruthless savagery it requires, for all that she freely admits it saved her from rape, and perhaps death as well.”
Jess shrugged her shoulders. “She’s a healer. There is a reason why healers are kept so carefully cloistered, even when nearing the front lines. It is not good for them to witness battle firsthand, empathizing so deeply with the wounded soldiers they treat, even enemy combatants.”
Malek nodded. “All true, Jess, though I won't be shedding any tears for these bastards, corrupt as they were, and perfectly willing to commit treason for coin.”
Jess gave a solemn shake of her head. “I know it's not good for Josie to be witnessing any of this, but what other choice did we have?”
Malek shrugged. “Considering the fact that you were right, that treachery awaited our friends, we had no choice at all, really. Even if you were just being paranoid, that paranoia has perhaps already saved Raphael’s life, and I don’t think he’s unaware of just how much he owes you.”
Jess nodded, having also caught sight of their friend’s solemn expression, knowing that Raphael, at least, realized the full gravity of what had transpired. His exquisitely trained mind had no doubt instantly appreciated the horrific details of what would very likely have been his fate, had Jess not been so fiercely protective of her friends.
Jess's focus, however, was on Jera; her large green eyes so obviously filled with regret and doubt, even as Alex held her gently by his side, whispering words to soothe and comfort.
“Jera? Are you all right?”
Jera’s eyes widened and she fought back a flinch, giving Jess a weak smile. “Yes, Jess. I’m okay. A bit shaken, but really, what do I have to complain about? I was safe inside a wind ward while you and Malek were fighting desperately for your lives.” Her lips pressed together in a frown, and Jess could sense the unspoken self-condemnation. Alex glanced at Jess, giving a little shake of his head.
“Jera.” Jess gently tilted her friend’s chin with her naked hand, forcing Jera to meet her gaze. Jess’s smile was heartfelt. “You have nothing to feel bad about, Jera. You stood ready by Alex’s side. You held fast and didn’t break, even as those men clustered together, trying to press through.”
Jera gave an angry shake of her head. "But Jess, I didn't do a damn thing! All I did was sit there astride my mare, too frozen to do anything but stare at those men roaring and leering at us. I swear, Jess, my hand was shaking so badly when I held my sword. I so wanted to blast them, but I was terrified, Jess. I don't know why, but with my heart racing, sick with dizziness and I don't know what, I was afraid to unleash my magics, afraid something bad would happen." She shuddered even as Alex held her, blinking back a tear.
“I was so afraid, Jess!” she sobbed. “To be honest, I don’t know if I could have unleashed my lightning, even if they had burst through. And then, and then you and Malek were behind them, and it was all a mad chaotic flurry, and then Alex released the wind ward and said it was all over.”
Jess nodded solemnly. "You did well, Jera. Mastering one's own fear is perhaps the most important thing a soldier can do in the face of grim odds. That, and follow orders, and do one's best not to hurt one's fellows." She could only hope her words of comfort could provide some measure of reassurance to her friend's shaken confidence, even as she gently squeezed Jera's hand. "The bottom line is this: You followed orders and did not unleash your lightning before they broke through. That's a good thing, Jera. Gods above forbid you had accidentally hit Malek or me with some unexpected blast of lightning! And don't worry, my friend. When next we face battle, you will find your mind is more focused and your thoughts clearer, even if the terror still hits you. Yo
u will be all the more ready to do what must be done, magic or otherwise."
Jera gave a grateful nod. “Thank you, Jess. It means something, hearing those words from you. Both intimidating and reassuring at once.”
Jess blinked. “Intimidating, how so?”
Alex smiled. "You were quite the hellion out in the field, Jess. You and Malek both." He gave a bemused shake of his head. "I have no doubt it would shock your family to see how savage you truly are when lost to battlefrenzy, but I am dead certain Master Eloquin would be nodding with quiet pride, right about now."
Jess grinned. In her heart of hearts, she hoped her most esteemed instructor would commend the worth of her actions, as much as she knew that, in calmer times, safe in her garden, she would look back at some of the things she had done today and shudder. War was war after all, and the fiercest savagery may be all that stood between an enemy’s triumph and protecting all she loved and held dear. It was much as Eloquin had said. She could deal with nightmares and regret, if that’s what she found herself burdened with, embracing her darkest nature in the heart of combat. What she could not bear, her secret terror, was discovering her family butchered by nameless foes as a result of her inability to act, to lead, to fight with ruthless savagery and do what must be done.
Alex gave her a fond clap on the shoulder, bowing his head in respect. Perhaps her friend had sensed something of what she was feeling at that moment, insightful as he was. “I, for one, am grateful to have you by my side, Jess. And however unusual a daughter you may be, I have no doubt that if your father had ridden with us this day, he would be proud of you as well.”
Jess flushed, humbled by the depth of her friend's compliment, and the tremendous weight it seemed to lift from her soul. "I thank you for your words, dear Alex. It means more to me than you know."
Jera grinned. “He is rather wise, my Alex. Now let’s head to that chateau, shall we? Clear out whatever rats still lie within.
Jess took a deep breath, feeling that her momentary weakness had passed. She still felt a bone-weary fatigue she knew she could push through for as long as necessary, but it was with some relief to see that her hands no longer trembled. She exchanged a grim smile with her shieldbrother, he too giving a relieved sigh.
“Never expected that,” he said quietly. “What’s say we retrieve and clean our weapons, and do what must be done?” Malek sighed, gazing at the once pleasant courtyard that had become a battlefield. The sharp coppery tang of blood was thick on the air, and they both knew it was only a matter of time before darker smells permeated the field, if the fallen were not taken care of soon.
Jess shook her head slowly, gazing at the chateau with a critical eye. “Not yet, Malek. Let’s go find this seneschal, and get to the heart of whatever’s happening here. Then we can worry about doing what needs to be done.”
“No need to worry any further about this sorry scene," Raphael assured quietly, joining them in their grim survey of the battlefield. "You two have both done enough, saving my life and Josie's as well, I have no doubt." His gentle smile was heartfelt. "The diOnni clan is indebted to you both. If you ever have need of my help, all you need do is ask, and I will do my best to come to your aid."
Jess gave a grateful nod, more touched than she could say to be so appreciated, relieved beyond words at having trusted her instincts and springing the trap that would otherwise have cost the lives of at least two people she loved. “I’m just glad I could be there for you, my friend. No need to worry about debts or obligations or anything like that.” She turned to gaze at Alex, who quickly joined them.
“The plan is this: Malek and I will blitz inside, disarm and disorient any resistance, and capture the seneschal. Raphael will join us in order to question him. Alex, I need you and Jera to stay here, using your wards and lightning to protect Josie and Jacob both, as well as keep a lookout for any further trouble while we secure the chateau."
Quick nods were exchanged, Jacob looking so shaken Jess feared he would faint, not saying a single word since the moment Jess had hammered her mace into the first of the guards who had been sent to lure them into their trap. The gaze he flashed her was unreadable, though he quickly looked away. Jera flashed Jess a gentle smile and shrugged, and Jess firmly pushed Jacob and his issues out of mind. She had far greater concerns to worry about, when all was said and done.
Alex assured his friends that he was not at all fatigued, putting the truth to his claim as he once more gathered in his will and formed another perfect spell web, the shrieking howl of guarding winds a comforting sound as Jess and Malek approached the front entrance with blades drawn, Raphael trailing behind with rapier unsheathed and held in high guard.
Jess gently placed her hand on the finely carved oaken door, feeling its general amicability and desire to please. Sensing no one waiting in ambush just beyond, she gave the door a gentle push and it immediately sprung open, the exquisitely crafted steel lock seeming to pop free of the oak of its own accord, skittering across the polished tilework of the foyer before them.
Jess's brows furrowed, expertly eyeing the entirety of her environment, sensing no sign of danger save the faint sound of whimpers deeper within the house. “Raphael, where would we find the seneschal?”
“Up the hallway, Jess. He has his office next to my father’s own.”
Jess nodded. “Malek and I will cover you. Twilight?”
“Already on it, my mistress," Twilight assured, even as he flowed from her shoulder, padding silently across the well-appointed hallway, ears alert, ready to report on whatever he found up ahead.
Cautiously Jess and Malek followed, seeing no sign of anyone as they made their way, Jess only absently aware of the opulence of her surroundings. Gold plated figurines and ivory busts were merely pieces of her environment that she must tactically account for as she scouted for possible ambush points; the exquisitely rendered landscapes and portraits lining the fine oak paneled walls but paint upon canvass intended for a time when beauty, philosophy, and orderly reflection could safely reign, a time when the virtue and value of one's existence was not dictated solely by the sharpness of one's blade, and the skill with which one used it.
Raphael, Jess thought, belonged to a world far different from her own. A world of elegantly appointed foyers, dining rooms and dance halls, where connoisseurs of the most exquisite works of art commented on various masterpieces while forging sophisticated trade deals, a place where an orderly mind, a calm demeanor, and a silver tongue held the keys to mastery of all one surveyed.
Far different from her own world, Jess mused, where the highest art was the way of the sword. A way and purpose which enveloped every element of her being at that moment, every hair upon her body tingling with the slightest air current, her exquisitely well-balanced blade ready to arc out with heart-stopping speed, bringing woe and death to whoever would challenge her mastery of that most savage of all arts.
For in her heart of hearts, Jess knew she was exactly where she belonged, doing exactly what she was meant to do. She felt as if she had been forged expressly for a time and place where the battlefield was the canvas, her blade the instrument, and every savage sweep of her sword the forging of her masterwork, till the battlefield itself bled with the dark glory of her work.
“Jess? What’s wrong?.” Raphael's worried tone jarred against her reflections. Malek, long accustomed to her ways, merely flashed her a faintly bemused smile before focusing once more on covering their flanks.
Jess blinked, realizing that she had been chuckling softly, losing herself in a mad collage of memories not her own. She shuddered, castigating herself, determined to focus on the here and now above all else. “Twilight?”
“All is clear, mistress. A single serving maid whimpering in the room you are passing. Ah, I can tell by her scream and panicked pleading that you’ve already caught sight of her and no doubt have blade to throat. She smells harmless. You might, however, want to hurry ahead. I do believe I have the sense of certain strands of d
ark magic at play, and our dear seneschal is going to do something rather regrettable in the barred room ahead.”
Jess blinked down at the young towheaded girl sobbing openly at the sight of her naked blade. Jess had acted on pure instinct, having knocked aside desperately held mop even as she took down the screeching servitor, blade to throat just as her cat had predicted, coldly relieved to see that her instinct had not been to run the maid through.
“Please, my lady. Have mercy, I beg of you!”
“Silence!" Jess's voice was cold as ice, so close she was to the killing edge. Never had her senses felt so acute; ears picking up even the panicked girl's heartbeat, her eyes catching every sparkling mote of dust from the golden shafts of light coming from the stained glass windows lining the room, yet she detected no telltale signs of stalking foes. Her gaze immediately fastened upon the single drop of crimson trickling down the young woman's throat, even as Jess gently let up her blade, sensing not the slightest iota of malice, only bone-deep terror. "What can you tell me about the men we fought? Do any lie in wait here to ambush us?"
The girl shook her head frantically. “No, my lady. Jacks was the only guardsman inside when the captain lined everyone up, bragging that visitors were going to liven things up for us. And he has since fled.” The girl shuddered at that, eyes filled with weary exhaustion, which for some reason made Jess feel all the more vindicated hammering the very life out of that monster of a captain. “In any event, we all do our best to avoid Sir Petrie, especially when he slips into one of his… moods.”
Jess chuckled darkly. “You don’t have to worry about the captain, girl. He won’t be troubling you with bouts of temper or cruelty, ever again.”
The girl blinked up in surprise, flashing Jess a relieved smile. Her eyes widened all the more and she began to tremble. Jess snapped around, sensing cautious footsteps, Raphael stepping back, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "Easy, Jess. I see we have rescued our first servitor. Well done."
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