Morlekai's grin turned vicious. "Much to my surprise, he agreed. The man was shaking. I think, on some level, he knew. But he had the courage to face the horror of what his family had become. I will give him that, at least." He gave an almost pitying shake of his head. "His face betrayed no emotion save his eyes streaming tears, no doubt from the bitingly chill wind. His poor body shook like a leaf, though. I had to help him up the stairs of his chateau after we had walked the path back to his layer, he quietly confessing his regrets to me, as if I had any interest in such things." Morlekai's gaze seemed oddly sad, despite his words. "When he confronted his near frantic guardsmen, he demanded they leave us in peace and make the royal soldiers welcome. He then went back to his quarters, giving each of his men a small handful of gold as a parting bonus with their immediate termination. More than enough to retire on. They were all quite grateful, bowing their respects as they left the Trolos estates for good."
Morlekai took a thoughtful sip of his brandy. “Kipu’s father then penned a formal abdication of his estates to the care of the Crown, wrote a letter to put on his deceased wife’s grave, and promptly leaped out the very window his wife had jumped to her death from.”
“And you… saw all this as it played out?” Agda’s voice was raw, still processing the horrors and revelations of the day.
Verona sighed and nodded solemnly. “Yes, Lady Agda. Both Morlekai and I understood how the final scene must end for Lord Trolos. We thought to at least allow him the grace of choosing his own exit, to be the arbiter of his own ultimate fate.”
“Indeed,” Morlekai concurred. “He at least had the decency to tidy his affairs and exit as gracefully as he could, save for the tragic sick mess that is his son.”
Geoffrey gave an angry nod. “Both his parents dead, and the fault is entirely his own. And the monster gets to rot in a sanitarium and live with that fact for the rest of his life. Good. That’s some kind of justice, at least,” he sighed. “It would be better still if he was so overwhelmed by his own vileness that he hung himself in his chambers, so he could rot in Hell and pollute our world no longer.”
Morlekai chuckled wryly, flashing the young lord an approving nod. “Our dear agent here would never be so crass as to say it, but I have no doubt that loose ends of this sort will be tidied up sooner than later. Who knows? Perhaps he can be enticed to clean up his own mess himself. I am quite certain that opportunities for his own elimination will be thoughtlessly left available for his confiscation and use.”
Agda nodded solemnly at their words. “So. It is understood that Kipu has a sickness that is best kept... contained. For the benefit of all. Dare we hope, Lady Verona, that our dear Jessica, possessing the courage and fortitude to confront the man who would have preyed upon our youngest child; who, along with yourselves, has revealed this Kipu in all his depravity, thus sparing other noble girls poor Elebry e'Cantu's fate, is perhaps viewed in a forgiving light, despite all her eccentricities?”
Verona favored the Baroness with a gentle smile. “My Lady Agda, I am more pleased than I can say to be able to convey to you the Crown's appreciation of your oldest daughter's assistance in aiding in the apprehension of this tragically deluded young nobleman. Though there is some small concern that her... knightly nature may cause her to overlook nuances that would be better appreciated by a young woman who had grown up in more immediate proximity to the Council, it is also believed that her aspirations to polish her mastery of the social arts at the Royal Ladies Academy with the same dedication and earnestness that made her a student of such renown at the College of Highrock is to be commended. And the Crown expects to hear good things about our dear Jessica's future feats and accomplishments in the arts of grace, decorum, and diplomacy, so vital to young ladies of the Court.”
Agda's relief was so great she closed her eyes and shuddered, Arthur's strong hand gently grasping her own with all the tenderness one could expect from a man supporting his wife at such a time. It was as if tension alone had been holding her stiff and upright for so long, and she was ready to collapse in exhausted relief, her husband's powerful arm suddenly around her shoulders being all that served to keep her upright. Yet after that single private moment she was herself once more, gazing at her guests regally, as if she had not been beside herself with dread and worry, just moments before.
All were grateful for the most welcome news, save Apple alone, seeming to have collapsed upon herself with the weight of confusion and sorrow that now burdened her. She alone looked lost and numb, Twilight having seen countless souls wearing similar expressions over the endless eons of his existence. For the man who she had thought wanted to sweep her away to a life of romance and excitement had been but a predator, a wolf in noble's clothing, seeking to entice her away from the flock that cared for her so, into the den of the raving beast that would have delighted in her torment and despair.
"It is with the greatest relief and the most heartfelt gratitude that we hear these words, Lady Verona," Agda said. "Please know that our family is well aware that you and good Del Morlekai both went far beyond the call of duty in securing evidence of these atrocities committed by parties that would no doubt have worked madly to clean their lair every last trace of crimes committed, had more formal channels been taken. We thank the good bard Alexo also, for his efforts in seeing justice done. For these acts of courage and diligence, our family is most grateful."
Lady Verona dipped her head solemnly. "To be honest, Lady Agda, had good Del Morlekai not had the audacity to face down a score of Trolos armsmen, and the gall to goad the lord himself into overcoming his own hesitation, daring the man to glimpse the horrors we had seen firsthand, I cannot say that our venture would have been quite so... conclusive."
Arthur nodded, smiling gently. "Your humility also does you credit, Lady Verona. Many a Crown Agent would be quick to claim all credit, I should think, seeing assistance rendered on their behalf as little more than their due. That you have such grace shows that you are indeed a noblewoman above all else. And having shown your exemplary character, it would be my pleasure to invite you and your family to visit ours and share the autumn harvest with us. In a strictly informal capacity, of course."
Agda nodded in accord. “Your son as well has aspirations to attend the College of Highrock, does he not? Perhaps he would enjoy meeting Jessica himself, and hearing firsthand her insights into college life.” She smiled then as if sharing a secret. “I must warn you, though. Our daughter is as likely to engage him in tales of her exploits and adventures as she is to give more pragmatic advice, but in any event, I hope your son would find the experience enjoyable, as well as illuminating.”
“My lord, my lady... I am most grateful for the invitation. I would be honored to accept.” Verona's voice was close to a breathless tremble, as if having achieved a goal she had scarcely dared hope for, even if to the eyes of some, she had to work at cross purposes to the very people who would grant her such a boon. The meaning underneath the words was crystal clear, even to Twilight, who understood these games better than most.
It was the opening overture to granting Verona's son a powerful patron, no doubt helping to secure him a much prized seat at Erovering's most esteemed college as well. And few things could be of greater value to Verona than assuring that her son had a noble advocate of means who would look out for his welfare, should the future hold bitter cards in regards to Verona's own fate. Of course, it also tied her family's fortune to the Calenbry's, thus assuring them the sympathies and support, if not outright alliance, of a Crown Agent which, if nothing else, should serve to give them direct access to the sentiments of the Court, and alert them, should anything untoward be in the wind.
That her own Spymaster was no doubt aware of this possible arrangement playing out was also understood, yet were the Calenbry clan not at present in the Royal Family's favor, this entire encounter would never have been allowed to play out as it had. One could only assume that Jessica was deemed to be of more potential use as a future
royal asset than a possible risk, and overtures were being made to assure that the girl in question was carefully molded into a young lady of skills and temperament quite different from that which she had been most fiercely trained for, as Twilight well knew. Perhaps a role that would see her in royal circles, no less.
No doubt a sympathetic agent that could discretely alert the Calenbrys as to steps that needed to be taken to assure a minimum of ruffled noble feathers, as well as serve as an intermediary to assure that all that needed to occur would, in fact, occur as smoothly and discretely as possible, was exactly the asset the Crown thought most fitting for the Calenbry clan.
Lord Arthur gave the fierce looking Delver before him a measuring nod. "It appears our family owes you a debt as well, Del Morlekai. And although I find your etiquette wanting, well do I know that the true proving ground of a man's worth is on the field of battle, not the petty intrigues of Court. Facing down a score of men on my family's behalf is a deed which proves your mettle far beyond concerns of grace or manner. Your actions on our behalf have earned you my family's sincerest gratitude. Tell me, Del Morlekai, what boon can we grant you to repay the debt of honor we have to you?"
Morlekai's gaze turned thoughtful. "It is true, I was less than pleased with how little faith you gave to your own child's warnings, and the price she has paid for your condemnation of her. Your love for her, however, shines as purely as the noonday sun. There is no way one such as I could fail to sense that, for all that I refuse to walk any path save my own."
Twilight smiled at that.
“It is fear that strangles your heart. Fear of falling prey to the machinations of Erovering's mad little Court that causes your tongues to scold so scathingly one you should revere and hold sacred. This I understand. The world we live in is far from perfect, so it would be foolish for me to expect perfection of flawed, mortal souls, capable of love and folly in equal measure. Redemption through contrition and compassion, that has always been her way.” He flashed a grin, sipping his brandy, at ease once more. “And who am I to preach, sitting here beside you? No ivory wings do you see upon my back.”
The powerful Delver shrugged, muscles rippling through his silken undertunic. “Honestly, baron, I am just pleased to see your clan humbled by the truth of how poorly you have treated a girl so able to scent out the ruthless predator in your midst, one that others all too easily dismissed as harmless. It is good that the war hound, as you put it, acted as she did, even if her master was far too quick to castigate.”
Morlekai shook his head ruefully. "Only later does the owner see the cleverly concealed knife in the seemingly innocent priest's robes. Only after kicking his loyal hound senseless does he realize how true she was to him, even to the end." He spent a moment quietly gazing at the portraits, those present strangely still, as if hanging on his every word. "Your daughter, of course, is no man's hound, though she has earned the loyalty of one in truth. And you, no cruel master, for all that you may have underestimated the savvy of one so precious to your clan." Morlekai gazed upon the baron before him full on, then, his fierce intensity causing even the stalwart noble to blanch, for all that Twilight knew Morlekai was seeking to build rapport, not terror.
But on some level, a soul always knew when it was being judged.
“Forgive me, Baron de Calenbry. You had asked me a question for which you deserve an answer. You had asked what boon I would have of you for facing down twenty of Trolos's armsmen. In truth? You owe me less than you think. For I would have reveled in the fierce crucible of battle, should they have dared to cross blades with my own.”
His grin turned savage and wild. Agda gasped, holding her daughter close even as her youngest whimpered, the simmering madness barely held in check peering out raw and baleful before them, as if Morlekai were but a poorly banked fire ready to burst into searing flames at any moment, winnowing all before him in a terrible inferno, leaving naught but hot ash in his deadly wake.
Morlekai gently fondled the hilt of his exquisitely crafted falchion, hanging heavy and brooding at his side, radiating an aura of terror and menace apparent to all, even those unversed in the arcane arts, so potent was the artifact at his side. His voice turned reflective. “It has been too long, I think, since the Court was last reminded of the true power of the Guild. Some begin to question us. Our right to our privileges and place.”
He then turned his wicked grin to Verona, who shuddered and looked away. "We know as well that all too many nobles would choose to interpret all our bards' great works and plays as nothing more than flights of fancy, dreamed up to cow the gullible and assure the Guild's place as a major power worthy of respect. Lords who would believe that tales of our adventures and deeds, noble and terrible, are merely the result of drinks infused with poppy extract and dreamspice, slyly dispersed to gullible nobles and commoners alike. Frightened nobles who would like to think our exploits naught but a facade of smoke and mirrors, a fanciful play cast for their gullible amusement.”
His grin turned positively feral even as he chuckled throatily at the agent's obvious discomfort. “I do sometimes think a lesson is indeed in order. A gentle reminder of just how... savage we Delvers can be, when foolish men dare to cross blades with those who risk their very souls keeping this realm free of the dark clutches of Shadow, free from the vile machinations of countless fallen realms below, hideous places that would so dearly love to claim this realm for their own once more.”
He shook his head with mock sorrow. “Alas, those soldiers of Trolos did not accept my challenge, armed as I was with but the blade you see at my side, armored with little more than scale covered leather, and a battle gauntlet older than all the ages of mortal men.”
“Perhaps such was for the best, Del Morlekai,” the baroness whispered, fear painfully apparent, yet she alone had found the voice to speak. “You may rest assured, none doubt the talents of Delvers in this family, and there has been enough blood shed as a result of this tragic affair, I think.”
Morlekai gave a bemused nod, wild temperament once again cloaked in the guise of genteel sophistication, demeanor fierce yet pleasant, the madness only peering from the hot twinkle of his gold green eyes, flashing with the play of the fading light. "Perhaps you are right, Lady Agda. Far more diplomatic heads than I deal with the nuances of Guild policy. Myself? I far prefer the rush of battle, venturing into lands dark and forgotten, rich with secrets, powers, and danger, accessible to only a few favored souls. Valiant spirits willing to brave terrors for the chance to behold wonder and glory the likes of which few mortals can even dream. Adventurers such as myself, and of course, your beloved Jessica, whose own talents allowed her to sense and thwart a dark plot indeed.”
Morlekai gave a formal bow of his head. “You had asked what boon I would claim, Baron de Calenbry? Very well, then. I wish only the chance to make her acquaintance. And dare I hope, her friendship. I would request the privilege and the right to train with her.”
He paused then, sipping the brandy filled glass before him once more with an air of a sophisticate well used to life's finest luxuries. He nodded approvingly, tilting his head in respect to the hooded gaze of the baron. "Fine spirits, indicative of the care and exquisite taste your family displays in nearly all things, from what I see. It is a family of potent strength and sacred roots. For yours is an ancient lineage that goes back to the very founders of our kingdom, does it not? Once little more than barbarian raiders themselves, possessing a fierce warrior's spirit and a battlefrenzy that made them an almost unstoppable force, back in the days before tightly disciplined formations became the norm. But the old bloodlust, useful as it is, never truly died out. From what I understand, that battle-frenzy still lives on in certain select tribes, no?"
“Del Morlekai!” Lady Agda hissed, appearing mortally insulted by the Delver's insinuation, causing the man to chuckle disarmingly as he raised his goblet.
"Whether one attributes her martial prowess to battlefrenzy, or to the power that is the prize of anyone w
ho dares to Delve and survives to tell the tale, I suspect that your daughter has little in the way of suitable sparring partners with which to sharpen her skills among the common populace."
He flashed his version of a winning grin, which all and all Twilight thought a bit too bloodthirsty for Morlekai's present audience. “And thus, I would like to present myself as a possible candidate. A sparring partner, if you will, for dear Lady Jessica. And, the fates willing, a friend as loyal and true a one as she could ever hope for. That is, if she would accept me, of course.”
The baroness just shook her head. "Del Morlekai, though I appreciate your desire to serve as a... training partner for our daughter, it would seem that a more graceful path is expected of Jessica at this juncture, and quite frankly we are grateful for the reprieve the Crown grants us, even now."
She sighed and gazed forlornly in the direction her daughter slept at that very moment. "I assure you, it is enough of a challenge encouraging our Jessica to follow this path that lies at such cross-grains to her natural temperament, without enticing her with activities that are so much more pleasing to her, only to then have to cajole her to take the more difficult path once more."
Geoffrey nodded then. “My family is grateful and in your debt, Del Morlekai. But it would be cruel, don't you think, to entice her with games of swordplay, only to have to force her back into dress and courtly etiquette once more? Like taunting a wild mare with freedom before breaking her into saddle and bridle yet again. Far kinder to simply mind her consistently with gentle application of stirrup and carrot, then to force her to buck against the hard demands of duty, every time she has a taste of freedom. Wouldn't you agree, Del Morlekai?"
The young man paled before Morlekai's gaze. “I think, young Geoffrey de Calenbry, that your sister is more than a packhorse to be broken in for the king's pleasure.”
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