Theurgy: Forsaken Oaths

Chapter 4 Promises

      Massua was getting bored. At least she took solace; she was not the only one cursed to this fate. At least her brothers may share in her discomfort.

      The event started relatively early in the evening. And of course, many of the higher brass and nobility that had flocked to Liontari on notice could not decline the offer, no matter how unfavored this new queen was amongst some of them. Massua didn't know just how many such people, though, there were. Governors, mayors, lords and ladies, generals and commanders, wealthy merchants, knights, and on and on. There were more people in this room than the entirety of their village, it seemed, all somehow significant enough to warrant their arrival. The crowd that she saw before them was a mesmerizing array of flashy clothing attached with the latest trends, expensive fabrics from all sorts of far-off places. And not just from Liontari either. Some came from their sister clans, others diplomats or elites from the Outland territories of Hath. She even swore she saw a man who may even be from the far eastern kingdoms, a sight indeed.

      But of course, none of these people were there to hear from the queen making all sorts of waves since her appointment to the role. So what will she do next? She has shown to be rather bold and aggressive, an attribute that anyone of the Empire could admire. But will she prove worthy of the throne? Only time will tell. The pilgrimage to the Wild Halls and meeting with the other sovereigns of their sister clans will undoubtedly suffice. So, for now, this was a party of greetings, as various people routinely approach to introduce themselves title first and give greetings to the royal family. Unfortunately, by the sixth or seventh noble family from some Outland territory she never heard of, she felt like tearing her hair out. Vermilliaa was, of course, lucky, as she appeared to be unconscious for now to witness her suffering with her. But as always, when Vermilliaa was asleep, there was this cold feeling, like she was in the middle of a fight and realized she was suddenly naked. And with so many people around, their presence did not so quickly quell her anxiety.

        "I could kill for something a bit heavier," Edlund whispered, downing a glass of thin alcohol. She noticed that Lyse hadn't touched his cup at all. 

      "You know how you get around the stronger stuff," Lyse whispered back. "Mom had to haul you back home by the cuff. And the other time they found you in the field with your pants-"

      "That was two years ago," Edlund hissed. "I've gotten much better at handling myself."

      "I'll have to see it to believe it," Massua whispered over, trying not to be heard by her mother speaking with Lupurious for a moment. "I'm already rather impressed that you have lasted this long, and your pants are still on your ass." 

      "Go suck on a goat's foot," Edlund said.

     "I would rather it be that you all at least try to act like you have some decency," their mother's cool flowed over them all, sending familiar and embarrassing chills down their spines.

       "It's merely banter, mother," Lyse said. "It's not like we can socialize at all. But, look, they already started the dances."

     "Besides, we do have much to catch up about, you know," Massua asserted. "Nearly a year, mother, and it's obviously by the size of his head that he has not been given good offenses. You shame us, Lyse."

      "I think I've had more important things to worry about than the size of Edlund's head, sister."

      "Hey now, how about we talk about something other than my head, yes?" 

      "Like what?" Massua asked coyly.

      "I don't know; how about your little pilgrimage out to the Wild Halls," Edlund shook his head. "Forgive me, mother, but I am still baffled why you chose this gremlin to follow you around."

     "Have you ever considered the fact that I'm just more loved than you, brother?"

     "Edlund has his duties," Celia whispered sharply. "As do Lyse and you. Massua, you know why you're coming with me. Edlund will be in the front lines, and Lyse is continuing to locate the others,  understand."

       "Yes, mother."

       "Good, now stop bickering and keep an eye out into the crowd," she said. "Someone always starts trouble at occasions like this, and it's important to note them."

     "And speaking of trouble," Edlund was the first to notice two men and a woman approach next to greet Queen Celia, common courtesy. Lyse noticed them immediately as well. It has been so long that he has merely forgotten. They carried the same crest as the man he defeated in the night trials, Dagmyre Taurus. And the family resemblance indeed runs strong. He knows that they are a relatively influential family that owns many mines in Liontari and Lykos. They were never of the governing sports, but the business of politics seemed a typical company of all. And this was no more evident in the way they snaked the room, making sure to make contact with each higher power before approaching the queen themselves. Lupurious visibly seemed annoyed by their appearance, whispering something back into Celia's ear before moving across the room. Five sentinels took their place. There was some hesitation at their appearance, but they approached all the same, timid smiles and lowered heads as if out of reverence.

        "Peace be with you, my queen," said the man in the front. "I am Vallus Taurus II. This is my sister, Cornelia Taurus, and her husband, Viceroy Calares of Leomund. It is an honor to be in your presence."

        "Peace be with you," she said, no hint of her tone, just blank acknowledgment. "This is my daughter, Massua, and my sons Edlund and Lyse."

       "We are familiar with your sons, yes," his eyes darted over to Lyse and Edlund for just a moment before returning to meet Queen Celia's gaze. "It was through their magnificent efforts in the trials that my nephew had been held from attaining the position for half the year."

      Edlund seemed keen on commenting, but Lyse nudged him under the table before he got the chance.

      "Then I am sure that your nephew will serve the Empire all the same," she said, and Lyse saw this as a subtle dismissal, one that the Taurus family did not wish to take a hint of.

      "We had proper relations with the late King James in the past," Vallus said. "Many of talk about taking hold of Outland mining resources and such. If you do not mind me asking for further extensions, it would be much appreciated."

      "Perhaps there will be if the need arises," Celia told them. "In proper settings, of course."

    That final statement seemed to get through of them. Vallus's taught face hid an unpleasant expression.  But he did bow once more and quickly left to the rest of the party. Lyse was somewhat glad to see them go, but he was curious what had become of Dagmyre. He was a self-absorbed, insincere ass, unfitting of the title, but it was because of him that his entire world had shattered. He dared defy him. While he was not precisely stoked to see him, he was curious about what Dagmyre had done to change his ways, if at all. Looking at his family, no one could question where his general outlook came from. They all seemed opportunists, more focused on their success and not the general well-being of the Empire. And that is not the actions that anyone can see worthy of proper citizens.

      "Of all the things I do not look forward to," Edlund sighed. "It has to be around these people for extended periods. I rather spend my days in the front lines if possible."

     "Unfortunately, you'll just have to get used to it," Celia said. "The Taurus is a sight, but compared to what you'll see in Antalya, they are saints. They just want o increase their standings, but our codes bind them. A worthy knight may be born of their ilk as of yet."

      "Speaking of worthy, I think our hero has a visitor," Edlund gestured to someone approaching now after the Taurus left. Lyse almost felt her before she came to view. She was in formal wear, an effortless light blue dress that fell in line with many of the other women of substantial standing attending this event. Her long blond hair, rare in the Plains beside himself. It had been so long since last he saw her that she had almost been absent from his mind. But upon seeing her, his stomach felt like crawling into his throat. Lidia approached them, no sense of hesitance or apprehension. She always had that defiant way of her that Lyse and many others found attractive and quite enchanting. Lyse had regretted before that their relationship came to an end out of childish fear. But with him becoming a knight, he had thought maybe they could resurrect what they had lost. However, the gap between their stations was likely even more prominent than before.

     "Peace be with you, Queen Celia," she bowed gracefully. "I, along with my sisters, will be delighted to perform for you on this occasion."

     "You need not address me with such formality, dear," she waved for her to come closer, and for the first time, she seemed to consider doing so. But she did so. Their table was elevated off the ground, narrow with very few platters, so there was not much in the way for Celia to lean over it and capture Lidia in a surprise hug. It was quick but most certainly unforetold. However, the look on her face did bring a smile to Lyse's face, as there was nothing graceful about it whatsoever. She seemed to struggle for a few moments to find composure, looking around briefly before straitening her dress.

      "You are a dear friend of the family," Celia said. "No length of titles will change that."

     "Of course . . . Mrs. Opal," she cleared her throat.

    "Do you think being called royalty will change a thing," Edlund laughed. "Like I would ever let that happen."

    "It's good to see you, Lidia," Massua said.

     "Indeed," Lyse said. "I look forward to your performance this evening."

     Her smile returned in force, looking back at Lyse, a look that forced his stomach to turn inside out. She was always able to do things like that since he saw her when they were children. It was somewhat reassuring to be still able to have that feeling. But as she receded to rejoin her sisters to walk out to the band that awaited their accompaniment, the subsequent arrival did make his stomach settle at least a bit. Of all people to see at this event, Elena was more than a welcomed sight. She was pretty reserved in dress, as always. Nothing too flashy and rambunctious. Her lack of any flashy jewelry or colorful fabrics made her stand out even more somehow. The lavish look adorned by most women their age did not suit her very well in Lyse's mind. Whenever they talked casually before he departed to train in the mountains, he had found solace in their talks. He felt somewhat of a kindred spirit speaking to her, Elena has taught him much being in the capital already, and the elements they may not be able to talk more in a while. Perhaps he should make that up to her somehow. Ideas did come to him.

"Peace be with you, my Queen," she bowed her head.

"Peace be with you, my knight," Celia bowed his head as well. "It is great to meet you once more. I hope this occasion treats you well."

"I am not all invested in such events usually, and I must admit," Elena told her. "But I am enjoying myself. It is good to see m comrades return."

"Great to see you as well," Edlund lifted his glass. "And it'll be n honor going into battle in the front lines as well."

That's right, Lyse remembered. Both Gray and she will be north as well.

"It is good to see you, friend," Lyse said, then stood, walking down the platform their table sat on to approach her and bow. "It would be nice to talk for a bit at least, yes? Let us."

He held out his hand to her. She looked around hesitantly; no doubt that the prince was offering her a hand in any context was beyond noteworthy. Elena was never fond of the gossiping nature of nobility, as she was surrounded by it thanks to her sister and their acquaintances. She fought the urge to turn back to them, but she knew that any further halt would only further whatever they intended to use to torment her later, so she accepted Lyse's hand. Lyse was well aware of what his actions looked like. He cared not that the gestures looked that of courting, but that did not matter to him. He made sure to steer her away from the band where Lidia and her sisters sang their melodies. He led her to the recreational dancing floor near the center of the room. There, many couples danced before a large band playing various upbeat tunes and regular ballots. It was not hard to find a dance for them to play with their peers; it was almost natural. He was taught many formal dances through being a squire as well as just participating in festivals. But this felt different. Some faint feeling of something crawling in his stomach momentarily took him but dissipated as he thought his pendant warmed a bit. He placed his hand on her hip, clasping her hand in his, and began moving her through the dance floor. Lyse immediately noticed the anxiety on her face, but she seemed to do just fine keeping up with him.

"What have you found out so far?" he asked as he pulled her closer.

That anxiety seemed to melt immediately as she seemed to focus sharply on something for the first time. "I ransacked the Assembly's library for anything on the Frostlanders and documented reasons for war. Unfortunately, the accounts are about as vague as the explanation given to you at Mer'dith."

"And?"

"They brand us, thieves of some sort of power," she said. "Something sacred. But they never mention anything specific, certainly purposeful. Lyse, if you're theory's correct-"

"Hope that it is not," he said. "But what that elder told me, it seems something is going on, and the only way we can resolve it is if we talk to this coalition that many of them have formed to combat us."

"Peace talks have never worked before," she said.

"But now we are more informed," Lyse told her. "Elena, I ask you, Gray, and my brother to try and get more information. Maybe even tell if Talin is behind this or is trying to capitalize on what this war is really about. I smell them all over it somehow. But I'm going to be in Antalya for a while, so I doubt I'll be of much help to you, unfortunately."

      "Leave it to us," Elena said. "We have all made promises, oaths, remember?"

   "Of course," he told her. "And I intend to make good on my promises."

      Suddenly, the sound of a horn blaring over the music and singing of the band. Lidia immediately ceased along with her sisters as all immediately snapped their attention to the head of all this revelry. Queen Celia was standing now, Lupurious returning to his station as many gathered around to see what mew declaration she would boldly declare. Lyse unhooked his hand from around Elena but did not move forward like everyone else, and he was well aware of his mother's plans. But indeed, everyone else will find what their queen will say intriguing. Sentinels provided a barrier between the crowd and their table, and two moved from the shadows to be at Lyse's and Elena's side, though he doubts they cared for her safety as he did. However, Lidia was suddenly beside him, and an arm hooked around him as she looked on to his mother. He was not the only one surprised as Elena nearly jumped out of her skin. He never knew how Lidia could evade a knight's keen senses so easily.

        "You did great, Lidia," he said.

     She did smile, but she seemed concerned. "What is your mother going to say?"

     "You'll see," he told her. "You know her."

     "Now now, settle down, everyone," clamors slowly came to a simmer as she looked over the crowd to pierce everyone. Lyse suddenly felt a presence enter through the main doors, turning to see the PAladin of exploration and diplomacy, Novia Soctia of the Umani. His mother smiled as soon as she noticed her, though Novia did not share the enthusiasm. "It is wonderful to see my citizens enjoying themselves. It is only grace that my sons have returned from their ventures, and we have gathered to see me off on this journey. Yes, it is time for me to follow in the familiar footsteps only experienced by the first in a dynasty. It saddens not only me, but us all to see the Colton line ended so hastily, and we, the Opal, swear to live the codes and wills posed by our predecessors. I promise to continue to uphold the values of our wonderous Empire."

        Lyse knew all this to be the standard talk from all he had read of past kings' declarations. And the nobility seemed rather pleased with the notion of promises. But some could feel the anticipation she silently built, as she would not have made this declaration without something shocking to be in mind. And she wasted not another moment on formality. Making every word, she spoke heavy.

      "On my journey to the wild halls," she said. "I shall be taking my daughter, Massua, and her alone. My second son will be sent to our borders to aid Paladin Aurelius in securing our territory from Frostlandic enemies. And my firstborn shall go to the port of Antalya to strengthen our bond with our island cousins."

       As anticipated, that got everyone talking. It just seemed like the royal family had been formed and asserted. And yet, they are breaking apart so soon. Perhaps it can be said that Celia has more than earned a righteous reputation amongst them. Still, the only claim to recognition for the brothers is their outstanding performance in the trials and their sudden disappearance afterward. In the eyes of many, they are fresh out of the womb knights who have yet proven themselves, and yet the queen entrusting them for such tasks? Lyse could see that even Lupurious struggled to keep a level and unbothered face, taking his time surveying the whispering crowd. But that was not all that his mother wished to announce.

      "And on my pilgrimage," she went on. "Of course, I leave the safety of this kingdom in the hands of Lupurious and his military police, But I will be taking my Paladin of Diplomacy, Novia, with me. That is all, and you are all now dismissed.

(X)

     The house looked a bit better last time he saw it.

    At least he tried to focus on things that rooted him in this place. It has been a while since he has consistently stayed at the orphanage; he has spent the better part of the last two years looking, searching. And yes, e has grown tired of that. He had missed this place, and he's at least glad to see that he is yet to become a stranger in this home of his. As soon as they entered the door, two more minor children ran past chasing each other, diving between his legs to escape to the street outside. Like all the others, he noticed that their clothes were a bit in disrepair. When was the last time they even had new clothes? Or shoes, for that matter. The furniture inside was a patchwork, several holes in the available couches that all looked salvaged from the streets. There were a few mats here and there, but Ryan was a bit surprised to find that the place wasn't as crowded as last they remembered. Zofia, Bal, Kenny. Faces were missing, new beginnings and older faces. But otherwise, it's the same miserable little place as it ahead had been.

      "So is Tom getting off his ass too, you know, do stuff?" he asked her.

    She shrugged. "He's doing his best. But, you know how hard work is coming by for us regular people, you know."   

     "Regular," he smiled. "It's not all thieves and petty thugs out there, you know. It can't be that hard to find someone who knows needs their shoes shined. And by the way, things looking, it seems your the actual caregiver around here."

     "I wouldn't have to be if I had help, Ryan," she sat at the table at the back of the room. Nothing separated this area from the other half, but this was the kitchen for all intent and purposes. The stove and oven was the most expensive thing in the house, unfortunately not a lot of food for its use, perhaps some bread being baked and potatoes being stewed. He was always the better cook, but she was not a clumsy hand in the slightest. He sat down opposite of her. She watched with slump posture all the children around the room, playing with makeshift dolls, folding mats and sheets, and hitting each other, mimicking how knights fight. Some of the older kids were lounging around, talking, or doing nothing at all. Maybe there were a few out there, getting involved in the street scenes, as so many have in the past.

    "I know it's hard," he told her. "But I'm here now, and I want to help this place out a lot more."

     She lifted her head to him skeptically. "Why the sudden change of heart. What you said last time, it sounded like you wanted nothing to do with the orphanage."

        "I'm serious," Ryan went for his belt, unhooking the bag and setting it on the table. The clink of loose coins brought stillness to the room, if only for a moment. A lot of the kids looked on curiously at them for a moment, but most moved on. It was only the only kids that now looked at them from a side-eye. Even Avery was momentarily taken aback, lifting herself and staring at the pouch. She looked from it to Ryan, who encouraged her to open it. She did, loosening the chord to look inside, eyes going wide as the coins reflected off her already golden eyes. She closed it back immediately, looking incredulously at Ryan.

      "Where do you get this kind of study," she asked, but then her look became wary. She released the bag as if it would bite back. "You got this from the Underlords, didn't you?"

       "No," he said. "No. Just . . . bounty stuff."

      "Well," she glanced back at it. "What you want to give us this and just leave us or something. If that's what it is, then I don't want it. You don't have to win us with this."

     "It isn't like that, Ave. Look at me," he sighed. "I'm serious. I want to settle down and help this place out for real. This is my home too."

      Once more, she looked down at the bag of coins. "You're serious, aren't you? You're done chasing this . . . whatever you're chasing." 

      The words were so hard to say. So hard to admit. And he hated the fact that he hesitated even to say it. No doubt Avery can see through him; she always could. But then, he saw her shift her sleeve. He almost didn't notice it, and it looked like a natural gesture. But as soon as she brought caught to it, he remembered. And further guilt fell upon him than before. Ryan took both of her hands into his own, held them up, and kissed them. A familiar gesture of affection in the outlands, and her expression seemed to soften from it. However, they did have to ignore the hushed giggles from the children.

     "Ave," Ryan said. "I'm done charging my past. All I want is a future. A future with you."

       She seemed almost at a loss of words, her eyes going misty, but she still looked so intently at him. "I want to protect these kids. I've seen so many falls into those dark places with the Underlords. Please help me, Ryan."

     "I will," he said. "I promise."