15 Chapter Eleven

After two gruellingly slow days, the stone walls of Breura were in sight. Unlike Ironclad, we were able to bypass the large line of caravans looking for passage into the city. According to the little fox, Breura was in the process of setting up a feast in celebration for the coming winter. A celebration that allowed all to reap their rewards for the past harvest. I didn't really spend time this close to the capital, but I had knowledge that Vusta was rich in soil that grew crops at a rate that rivaled that of Athax Frein. In my past travels, I mainly stayed near the Grotto where the 'Spider' dwells with her denizens.

After ensuring that Maddox and his men were detained, the little fox led the way to the castle where we were greeted by several rows of knights all facing a red carpet that led to the massive door. To say I felt anxious was an understatement, several times I caught myself reaching for Tartarus or a misericorde as the knights stood at attention as we passed. Ever since that night, I had always felt uneasy around knights of any kind. I guess you could say that a part of me was still that weak child torn from the arms of his family. My unease was even more heightened when I came across Theo and the others years later.

I felt Nyxis wrap an arm around mine as she walked beside me. I took comfort in the feeling of her beside me, and the calming softness that came with it. We had been through a lot together ever since the day I had asked her to join me for an evening stroll. I often find myself walking into the woods near Siegfried to a hidden oasis where I meditated and trained myself. On several occasions, I had noticed Nyxis sitting in front of her shop watching me. Even then, I thought she was the most beautiful jewel in the world.

Remembering those days, I couldn't help but return to the dream I had the night before leaving Ironclad. The sight of Nyxis tied to a wooden pole encircled by a mass of shadows. The sparks of the torch as it landed in the dry straw. The sounds of her screams as the blaze took her from me drowned out by the nonexistent laughter. Whether it was an omen or a possible fate, I knew deep down in my soul that I would fight with my last breath to ensure that day never comes true.

As if sensing my unease, Nyx whispered in my ear something that made my face redden. She would often tease me as a way to rid my mind of unease. I had to say that it helped, but the image of her becoming nothing but ash had made a permanent home in my mind. Changing focus, I returned to Nyxis's words and enjoyed their cruel comfort. I thought about our future as we passed the threshold of the palace doors. When Nyx told me her dream, I instantly knew of the perfect spot to build a cabin. ('The dryads did owe me a favor or three, then again, I have seen what happens to those they are furious with. If I don't play my hand right then I'll be worm food for sure.')

Like Ironclad, I found myself waiting in a hallway for our turn with the King and Queen. Though this time was even more unbearable, especially since the smallest Crow and the little fox wouldn't stop staring at me as they spoke in private. Sighing, I closed my eyes as I laid my head against the wall as Zeke and a few others made themselves at home. Their shouts boomed through the hallway as the sound of gold and rattling dice were tossed. Zeke had a habit of bringing a set of dice with him on every job to help pass dull moments like these. I still remember the time Aifric betted that the loser would spend the next three days wearing nothing but their weapons and cloak. ('She broke a lot of noses for simply staring at her during the first day. It was even more amusing watching her delegate with a noble that hired us as protection.')

"Brother…" Veronica's voice brought me out of my thoughts. Opening my eyes, I found both her and Casteilla staring at me. Seeing my eyes on her, Veronica continued "that spell you used on the Apophis was one of mother's, wasn't it?"

('Damn, I knew I should have used something else.') Sighing, I nodded as I spoke "In a way it was, however, I mixed my own magic into it."

Veronica just crossed her arms and gave a look that reminded me of father whenever he was in deep thought. The spell she was referring to was one that mother had used countless times to help us sleep at night. Dormio, or Sleep, was a classification of healing spell that derives from light magic. Healers would often use such spells to put patients to sleep while trained doctors proceeded with operations. I remember the countless times mother was called upon to aid with such operations like amputations. Such a spell would make the affected fall into a comatose state where they pleasantly dream. My variation was quite different, however.

Mine derived from shadow magic which itself is a form of dark magic. When I casted it, the Apophis was put in a slumber as it's supposed to. The difference is that the affected live through terrible nightmares so real that most die from the experience. That being the case, there are those able to break through the veil like the Apophis did. I usually saved such a spell for times when I needed to save my strength. I knew that the Minotaur would be more of a challenge based on its agility and equally fascinating strength. It would have been a tough fight especially since I never fought a Minotaur before. I think it would've been a fun distraction from the recent events.

After a few seconds, Veronica looked at me as she spoke "If I'm correct, mother called it 'Slumber.' I remember that both of us tried several times to recreate the spell only to fail. Mother said something about our attributes being off a little."

I shook my head as I placed a hand out with the palm facing upward. Like before in Swallow Tail, a black billowy mass formed at my palm's center. This time, however, the mass took the shape of a small swirling sphere. "At first, I couldn't understand what she meant either, however ever since Zeke and the others inadvertently freed me, I had furthered my understanding of my capabilities. Like most in our family, we have a special connection to flame magic," the black sphere shifted into a dancing flame, "with an adjustment to the flow of mana. I simply infused my shadowmancy with our family's pyromancy. The same goes for Mother's spell, to each person performing the same spell there is hardly a chance that each would be the same."

The flame shifted again, this time into a black bird that flapped its wings as it took to the sky. As it flew, a trail of black flame burned the air. "Shadow Puppets," the bird spiraled around Casteilla as it landed on her head, "a technique I mastered that relies on a constant flow of mana and a source of darkness such as inside my sleeve." What I didn't mention is that I had found a way to simply bypass such conditions.

I watched as Casteilla put a clawed finger in front of the shadowy bird and allowed it to settle. She moved it in front of her as she analyzed every detail, "Fascinating, it looks so lifelike that even the most keen eye would be troubled to tell the difference except when it flies."

As a shadowmancer, our craft relies on two factors: our knowledge and the ability to be deceitful. Like any gambler, deceit is key for survival. This little showing, however, wasn't the full extent of my hand. Through the years, I have lived among the shadows of the world until I was given the choice to either be consumed or consume it. I chose the latter and perfected my craft as I waited for the opportunity to end the lives of my uncle and sister. An opportunity that I chose not to take for a better future. Sighing, I dismissed the bird, its shape returning to the shadows where it belonged. "Tell me Casteilla, what kind of king is the fox's father?"

Both mine and Casteilla's eyes looked to where Zeke and the others played. The little fox watched the excitement as a smile curled on her lips. She seemed to be happy among people so carefree and rowdy. I noticed on several occasions since accepting this endeavor that she always seemed happy. "King Udreth is a just and kind king, Kin-Killer. I hardly use such words to describe a person, but from my own experience, those words define him. He saved me from myself. I was one of three given the right to serve as the matriarch's personal guard. A duty I was so proud to serve until, well you already know." Casteilla looked to me with sad eyes, "After her burial, chaos once again ensued as many wanted to fill the void while others simply wanted revenge."

As the image of the Ija Matriarch flashed in my mind, I asked the question I already knew the answer to "Did you seek revenge for Batheris?"

Casteilla nodded, "I was her guard and looked up to her as a mother. So of course I sought vengeance, all three of us did. We decided to leave our homes with as many that would follow in hopes of finding you, then the massacre happened. With our number fighting between one another the other four tribes took the opportunity to strike. Many of my brethren were cut down before my eyes as others were taken as trophies."

I saw tears roll down her scaled cheeks as the vision Batheris spoke about echoed in my mind. ('In the end, your vision came true.') Blood began to fill my mouth as I bit down so hard on my inner lip as Batheris's peaceful grin entered my mind as I held her lifeless corpse. ('Why didn't you kill me when I offered my life as penance for their deaths? Even if your vision came true, your people would've had a fighting chance. So why, why did you allow me to live among your tribe?')

"Kin-Killer?"

"Brother?"

The voices of Veronica and Casteilla brought me from the pits of my mind. Sighing, "I'm alright just past thoughts came back to haunt me. Anyway, you managed to survive all alone until Udreth found you. Am I correct?" Casteilla didn't say anything as she stared at the turquoise striped flag with the insignia of a golden wreath that hung on the nearby wall. The only words I could say we're "I see."

The rest of the time we spent waiting was in silence except for the laughter coming from the dice game. To my surprise, several knights had stopped to join the fun as did several servants dressed in clean black and white garments. Casteilla and Veronica hovered to the right as a pile of gold was set between Zeke and Luca. The game they played, Rattling Bones, was a popular pastime among Twilight Sand. The objective was to see who had the most bones, points, at the end of three rotations. Each player would roll four dice and simply tally the total, however, if a two or a five is rolled then that die is taken. A player can keep rolling dice as many times until no dice is left. Also, a player could use some of their points to handicap their opponent by removing dice automatically.

Zeke was a master of the game and had won multiple times in succession. I had once watched a game between him, Aifric, and Fang before. Poor Aifric made a bet she couldn't win and shoveled horse shit for a week while Fang lost his barrel of honey spiced wine. No matter how many times they lost, I would always see those two trying their luck. I once played a game with Zeke and almost won, ('I lost a lot of gold that day.') Even now, I could tell that Luca was on the ropes as he rolled the last two dice he had. I chuckled as Zeke savored his victory as he took only half the winnings and gave the rest back to Luca. ('He always respected a good opponent of the game, probably gonna take him through the ringer next time.')

I leaned back against the wall with my eyes closed as we waited. Like before, the darkness gave way to an aerial view that looked down on the world below. I had Orion to find a perch that overlooked the stable house where the carriage and horses were taken. Cortes, Octavius, and Isaac stood guard as well to ensure no unwanted hands made way with our horses. I didn't trust anyone here especially since the little fox's brother may have unseen allies. I didn't want to take an unexpected turn of events.

As I looked through Orion's eyes, I felt a warm softness against my arm as a pair of lips kissed my cheek. I just smiled as Orion's view changed to that of Nyxis looking up at me. She smiled as she held my arm. "Taking a quick nap, I see. I hope I didn't disturb a wonderful dream."

I couldn't help but snicker as I noticed Zeke and the others gathering their things. Zeke had made out with quite the haul of gold as he piled three red sacs filled to the brim. He just smiled as he caught me staring. He was either extremely lucky or gifted. I can never tell which suits him better. Returning my attention to Nyx, I watched as she stared at the gleaming emerald of her ring with a faint smile, "Don't tell me you dislike my choice."

Nyxis just chuckled as she shook her head. She was about to say something when the massive wooden doors creaked open and a throng of beastmen of all types made their way through deep in conversations. Many looked toward us with hostile eyes that screamed for us to leave. Others looked forward as if they didn't notice our little group, ('pompous asses.') All, if not most, gave a small bow as they passed the little fox. After the last of what I guess were advisors left, we were welcomed into the throne room as I raised my hood.

Like Ironclad, the Breura throne room was a large space that seemed to be able to house thousands of guests, even more than what trailed through the door. Towering pillars with gold etchings lined the walkway leading to the two thrones at the other end which shimmered in the sun as two figures sat watching our approach. On the left throne sat a thin Alris woman that looked to be in her early forties. She wore an elegant white dress with a halter neckline that gives one the impression of a collar that heightened her sun-kissed skin. The sleeves of the dress seem to be loose fit, but tighten as the eyes reach her wrists and encircles the joint like a glove would. A tint of turquoise runs across the middle of the arms and around the wrists.

The dress is thin at the waist as a wide leather sash adorned with jewels along its width. The dress widens below the waist as it twists to the side like a rose and stops just midway down her calf. Her feet are bound in exquisite tanned leather heeled shoes. Like her daughter, the woman's hair along with the fur of her tail and ears were the same shade of purple. An iron circlet with large jewels lined in a row held her flowing hair in place as the braided end draped over her shoulder. Any who saw the woman saw power hidden behind the yellow amber eyes. The woman just smiled showing her canines as she rose to meet her daughter's embrace.

As the others stopped just a few feet from the bottom step that led up to the thrones, I made my way to a pillar and leaned against it with my arms crossed. A nearby knight armored from head to toe made a disgusted sound as she stared at me. I paid her no mind as I watched an older Alris man stand and make his way to join his daughter and wife.

A matching iron crown wrapped his head as his peppered grey shoulder length laid gently over his shoulders as his ears seemed to hold the crown in place. The man wore a velvety crimson jacket that is buttoned over his right breast which flows to either side revealing the clothes underneath much like a cloak. The sleeves looked to be a bit wide and made for comfort as they stopped just above the wrist. Upon closer inspection, one would be lost in the menagerie of patterns throughout its entirety. Underneath the jacket, the man wore a cuirass made up of several vertical layers of leather with an inner fur coating for comfort. The armor surrounds the entirety of the man's front and back, however, the thin leather attachment strips leave the sides under the arm exposed as a light blue flannel shirt poked through.

Like his upper body, the man's lower half is well protected. As a blade dangled from a knotted rope, the man's upper legs are protected by pointed, half covering cuisses that stop just right at the knee. Steel greaves with a wreath insignia on the knees cover the man's shins. Layered leather books covered the man's feet that looked to be made of exquisite leather that only those of nobility could afford.

I felt as if I knew the man from somewhere, but couldn't remember where exactly. I may had bumped paths with him on one of my travels. I shook me head trying to rid myself of the familiarity I felt toward the man. The man was a king and ever since my "release" I tried to stay away from those of nobility, especially kings. So why, why was I drawn to this man? It was as if my soul screamed the answer, but a part of me didn't want to listen. Taking a breath, I watched as he along with the little fox and his Queen looked upon our group.

I watched as Freya got down on one knee followed by everyone else including Zeke, Scarlett, and Nyxis as asked. "King and Queen Udreth, it is an honor to finally make your acquaintance," her words filled with the authority of her title, "I am Freya Evangeline VonKnight and acting envoy of His Majesty, King VonKnight."

I watched as the king nodded his head at such an introduction. "I am surprised that King VonKnight would send his own daughter knowing what is at stake. Tell me, was ever…"

"Bow before His Majesty, knave!"

I turned my gaze to the knight only to find the point of a sword in my face. I just stared down the blade and into the woman's eyes with a bored expression. The woman's eyes burned even more like a fire with a limitless supply of fuel. I just smiled as she pressed her blade's point against my throat. Looking to the side, I saw Freya and Veronica pleading with their eyes for my cooperation. I scoffed as I gripped the blade and tilted my head annoyed, "If I were you," the woman flinched as my cold eyes bore deep into her soul, "I'd remove this blade. I have killed many in my life, knights included." I felt the weight of the blade slacken as the woman knight gave into her fear. Pushing the blade to the side, I spoke in a loud clear tone "I bow before no man, not anymore."

Laughter came from the throne. Following it, I found that the source was King Udreth who spoke as he descended the steps "As it should be, Twenty-one."

I felt my eyes widen and my heart begin to beat so fast that I thought it would burst out of my chest. I watched as King Udreth made his way to the end of the row so a clear path to me was between us. He smiled, "Aye, I know who you are, Number Twenty-one: The Immortal Jackal."

As if knowing what I was about to ask, the king turned his head so that the left side of his face was clearly visible. My heart quickened even more as the faces of those I held flashed before my eyes. I felt invisible metal cold to the touch bind my wrists and neck as if the dead had come to take me with them. "Alabasta was a cruel bastard. I remember the smile he often had whenever he branded his new toys like livestock," Udreth spoke as my eyes remained locked on the number thirteen forever burned into the center of his cheek like a badge of honor.

In a daze, I whispered "Number Thirteen: The Berserker of the Wildlands."

King Udreth just smiled as he made the distance between us in a blink of the eye. My mind was clouded upon seeing someone, a slave like me, from that time as he gripped my throat pinning me against the pillar. I watched as Nyxis, Zeke, Scarlett, and the others rose to their feet. They tried to rush to my aid, but a wall of stone rose from the marbled floor blocking them. I heard them scream my name as I stared into King Udreth's eyes. "I do not wish to harm you, but just to settle any doubts. I wish to simply see your bra…"

I appeared behind him as a shadowy afterimage danced to the ground as it faded. Taking a few breaths, I brought Tartarus, shrouded in darkness, across the wall destroying it. Upon seeing me, everyone including Luca, Casteilla, and the little fox surrounded me as I rubbed my throat. I let my guard down at a crucial moment that could've cost my life. ('Damn, I really shouldn't be surprised about anything anymore.') I focused my gaze on Udreth as his Queen stood by his side, ('does he intend to finish what was started before the riot? Or is there another meaning to this?')