14 Windstall Port

I stood in the doorway of Isaac's and his father's cabin below deck, hoping to inform them that we were about to make landfall soon. Windstall Port had a processing system in place like the other ports which helped register what cargo goes where and who has permission to be aboard. Though if I'm being honest, the commission officials and knights were simply looking for any signs of slaves procured from their homes by the likes of Spatonamus or Vaniel nobles looking to score free toys to play with. Being a neutral port as mandated by past kings, Windstall couldn't simply tell the Vaniel ships to depart without reason of course. On the latter thought, I was instantly reminded of Westbrook and about how Vaniel's flag flew in each direction. 

[(Could another war be upon us in the coming days? If so, I need to quickly get Isho and everyone as far away from the Undercroft and into Siegfried. Once above deck, I'll send a message to the Little Bat and have her warn the old man.)]

Sighing, I knocked on the door in three spaced rasps followed by two more in quick succession. Hearing the rhythmic thuds, I was reminded of the time I had first met Octavius in a tavern located in Torres to the southeast of the Kirksend Forest. I traveled there upon leads from a contract posted to the job board in Siegfried's guild hall. Though not truly a member, I had access to the jobs not wanted by adventurers. I had found it quite lucrative in gold and a simple pastime as I traveled which made some high ranking adventures hostile towards me but they didn't do much except belittling my name. If I remember correctly, our friendship grew from a drunken brawl only to discover that he was my target. 

[(The bastard gave me a scar to remember that time.)]

I chuckled to myself listening to the sound of footsteps silently stalking toward the door on the other side. The footsteps were replaced by the sound of mechanisms falling into place with the turn of the adjacent doorknob. When the door opened, I saw Isaac sitting up on his own with his feet draped over the bedside behind his father who still wore his hood though indoors like some thief trying to blend in with the crowd. With a grin, Octavius gave a slight bow and stepped to the side allowing me full entry. I chuckled and patted his shoulder making my way inside the room.

"Lord," Isaac said upon seeing me. 

Hoping not to offend me or his father, the lad tried to stand and bow like his father, however, his legs began to shake like a sheet hung to dry blowing in the wind. I caught the lad before he could fall forward and sat him gently back down, "Sorry to burden you, Lord."

I asked with a hint of ridiculing confusion, "What burden? You've proven to be quite capable like your father. You supported our plan without hesitation in Westbrook. For that, we now have more of a bargaining chip at hand. It's only natural that I return the favor for a foundation of trust without stability is doomed to fail." 

I turned to Octavius who just smiled as he nodded. "I told you before lad, Lord Jackal isn't like most pompous asses," he removed his hood revealing the crimson eyes underneath, "he only wishes for loyalty in return, nothing more or less."

I just laughed, patting the man on his shoulder, "That and a tankard of strong ale." 

I smiled as Octavius nodded in agreement as he poured some water in the glass cup on the side table and handed it to Isaac. Octavius was the result of two different species becoming one through trickery or love. Though, halflings like Veronica and I that have elven blood coursing through our veins are referred to as Echuidae. Diving a little deeper, those born half Dökkálfar  are known as Tenebris Echuidae. However, most humans refer to us simply as Knife-Ears because of our pointed ears.

Octavius was a much different case than simply being a halfling and harbored the blood of an infernal. Infernals are what we call ancient daemons that live in the physical world without need of a seilbh. Solomon for example is an Infernal of the chimeric tribe or those that are a menagerie of beasts. Octavius was the result of his father being seduced by an Infernal and born to human parents. To this day, I remember the way he spoke about the tragedy that befell his family because of his blood and how white his knuckles went clutching his family's crest.

The man was driven to lengths that far outweigh even the tallest mountain and carried the burden of wanting to change his life on his shoulders. Whether it be by chance or prophecy like he believes, he found a life serving me just like Ogga and many others as one of my infinite shadows. Since the first reports of the mysterious killings, I had tasked him to keep an eye on the west with those he considered allies. It was through him that I learned of the ploy being played from Westbrook and some of the dealings that went on. Dealings that I considered should be known to the citizens of the Port especially since it involved the founding of deceased corpses of young women tucked away in the chapel.

Sighing, I made my way to the small window where shadows of movement came through accompanied by wood being walked on. Peering through, I saw that we were next to be searched by the looks of the Ursa, beastmen that resemble bears, standing guard with a large axe in paw as his scared eyes looked on. The Ursa was more beast than man and reflected the counterpart of Daonna beastmen. Those whose dominant features resembled that of beasts were known as Dyr or those that walk among the forest. Most Dyr were secluded and lived by their own laws however there are plenty of cases where they live among humans and the other races. 

This Ursa had a story of his own just by the looks of him. Being part bear, he was quite large like any bear standing on its hind legs. One ear was clipped on the top while the other was missing entirely. From this distance, I could tell that his body was scared from many battles underneath the armor he wore. He wore a single plated pauldron that covered the entirety of his left arm down to his wrist. Leather straps bound it into place so that it wouldn't interfere in battle nor could it be used against him. A specially made leather skirt tanned to some degree was wrapped around his waist, over the plated breeches and greaves protecting his lower half. A turquoise striped cape hung over his bare shoulder.

[(I hope this trip will be worth the effort. Seeing knights in every direction I turn is really starting to wear on my patience.)]

I leaned against the wall with my arms crossed watching a lone knight passing the window inspecting the ship of any secret compartments or stowaways. I heard a small chuckle coming from the bed. Looking at the source, I saw that Octavius was rubbing Isaac's head as if he were still a small child. I couldn't help but watch the two messing with one another as long forgotten memories came to light. After a few moments, I made my way out of the room with my mind clouded by the past. 

[(Father, would we have been the same as them?)]

Above deck, I stood next to the Orc captain of the vessel calling himself Cortez as the robed official did his usual routine. I watched carefully as crates were opened and charted on a piece of parchment while the Ursa and the other beastknights kept their eyes on me, almost tempting me to interfere or give them reason to use force. I generally drew the attention of those with authority from a common knight to so called Lords. I never really understood why I drew such attention nor did I really care. Such attention was often joked about between Zeke and the others whenever we traveled together; a dark aura that tends to send people on edge. 

Sighing, "This is a waste of time."

"That it is indeed," Cortez chuckled beside me as a plume of smoke billowed around him, "but a necessary waste." 

He flicked ash to the side making his way to the side of the ship that overlooked the open sea. Following, I took in the beauty of the sun on the horizon. "So you're the one Octavius told me about," the Orc mumbled hoping not to raise unneeded attention, "his Lord?"

I shook my head at the mere mention of being called a Lord had become a numbed pain during the past few days. It was becoming more and more difficult to correct people each time it was brought up to the point that I ignored the word. Then again, I was technically a Lord to those that have pledged themselves to me for many unknown reasons even if they knew I didn't care for such things. One example would be Octavius who sworn himself to serve me after sorting out a couple of rouge nobles. As it seems, Isaac wishes to continue in his father's footsteps and serve as one of my shadows.

I took a much needed breath before speaking what I truly felt, "I guess you could say that. Though to be honest, I have no right to be known as such yet it seems that the Cinniúint have other ideas in play. Whether to hinder or help me, I could not say."

Hearty laughter came from Cortez that somewhat infuriated me. "Aye. The cinniúint are mysterious in their ways," he spoke before I could confront him, "Governing the lives of so many as they weave the fabric that shapes life itself. That being the case, I choose to believe they allow us to weave our life into place. We are given the opportunity to become more than ourselves if we so wish it. Don't run away from such an opportunity, but embrace it."

I smiled after a few moments when his words became clear, "Life is simply the path we choose to forge. Am I right?"

After an hour, our merry little group found ourselves in a tavern called The Drunken Garlet near the docks. Though I found the name a little obvious, I did enjoy the taste of the food and the strength of the ale. It wasn't as strong as Momma Joan's brew, but left a burning sensation on the throat as it went down. After days spent on whatever was caught and ale that tastes like watered down piss, the tavern was a prayer answered. I already finished my second helping of roasted beef on a bed of rice drenched in a sweet honey glaze and third tankard of ale. I guess one could say that was happy with the venue was an understatement.

I had stayed behind to finish the last bit of my ale and listened to the whispered words filling my ears. Anyone who wishes to know information should develop two traits: a tolerable stomach and keen ears. I have often gone to taverns to not only drink, but listen for hidden details usually kept secret. Drunken lips were often loose lips just like Luther had said in Siegfried and a fact that I knew well. Taverns are the best places to gather information especially since knights and those of nobility often seek refuge in the pits of revelry from their positions of power.

For what felt like an hour, I sat and listened to the sounds of laughter, conversation, and people making fools of themselves. On four occasions, such fools would often come up to me looking for a fight. With each fool, I was successful in changing their attitudes whether through bribes which was a tactic I hated to use, or through intimidation which is something I specialized in. One of the four bubbling idiots had decided that I was bluffing about breaking an arm and reached for my collar. He screamed like a newborn fresh from the room when I did as promised and reset the bone. 

[(Guess I should hurry and rejoin the others. There's no telling what trouble Zeke will get himself into in my absence.)]

I chuckled as I swirled the last bit of drink hoping to mix the liquid a little more and bring out the flavor. Even with my tolerance of the toxins that made one drunk thanks to Alabasta, I still enjoyed the last part of a good ale. In my opinion, the last bit was filled with the most flavor that yearned to be savored like a fine red wine. I was about to gulp down the last swig when I noticed Luca and Veronica running toward me, pushing past other patrons with each step. Taking a breath, I sat my tankard down when the two reached the table and doubled over from being out of breath. 

[(Gods, what now?)]

"Ei…Einor, c-come quick," Veronica practically spat the words out as she tried to regain her composure, "There's trouble!"

Sighing, I looked around taking in all of the disgusted gazes sewn on the faces of the other patrons. I found some enjoyment looking into their bewildered eyes as they attempted to clean themselves from the sudden spectacle. Unfortunately, such attention wasn't needed when gathering information. My eyes fell upon each patron who turned back to their tables without hesitation to refrain from gazing back into my cold gaze. Most shivered with the touch of a phantom chill causing them to knock over tankards or drop silverware.

Once again I took up my own tankard, "Take a moment and tell me what exactly has happened during the mere moments you left to fetch me."

I was about to finish the ale when Luca spoke, "Princess Udreth and the others were surrounded by her brother and his men. Their demanding we hand her over before reaching Breura." 

I must have had a confused look on my face because I remembered the little fox saying something about being an only child when we first met. Before I could question, Luca simply shook his head. "It's not my place to say," he faintly whispered, "Please follow us, I fear what might happen."

"Lead the way," I said, inhaling the remainder of ale.  I followed close behind them, but not before handing the alewife a sack of gold that more than covered our meals and thanked me as we went through the threshold and into the crowded streets of Windstall.

After fifteen minutes traversing the streets, I saw the signs of a commotion up ahead with people still gathering for a clear view. The sounds of metal clashing together and the casting of spells swam into my ears that were still heightened from my endeavor in the tavern. Shoving past people and into the first roll, I had found that a large circle was formed by knights of Breura with Nyxis and the others at its center fending off blades to the side from involuntarily striking the three children. I watched with horror as Ulf, Ruben, and Xeth fought a Dyr known as a Minotaur, beastman class monster hybrid of man and bull, clad in iron and leather. Their bodies were damaged to an extreme extent while the towering beast looked unscathed by their weak weapons.

I turned my gaze to the second conflict underway just a few feet away from the main force of actors. Casteilla looked to be having her hands full fending off an onslaught of blows from an Apophis, another clan of Lamia composed of Dyr, for an opening to present itself. The Apothis spun and twirled like a child's top bringing blow upon blow with the halberd she wielded. Her grey almost snow white diamond scales glistened in the rising sun while her leather custom-made armor flapped in the wind. My blood began to boil at seeing how two Lamia tribes fought one another for the first time. 

My eyes flickered to a smaller circle created to cut off the little fox from the safe arms of the others. She was on the ground with the tip of a blade pressed against her throat keeping her from making sudden movements. I followed the length of the blade to find a well groomed Alris man that looked to be in his twentieth winter. He was sharply dressed in a tailored suit of a Taupe color with golden salmon colored buttons on the vest. Underneath the vest, the Alris wore a whit long sleeved dress shirt free from wrinkles. Exquisitely made boots covered from the calves down and looked to be engraved with elegant designs. I took note of the crimson cape with a golden roaring lion head hanging from his left shoulder, the flag of Vaniel.

I felt my hands twitch with each strike of the blades and the reverberating battle cries roared to one another. The eyes of three knights hoping to keep interference to a minimum fell on me as my aura ran rampant making them step to the side and allowing me to enter the fray. I heard Orion announce my arrival, gaining the attention of most of the knights surrounding Nyxis and the others. Ignoring the gazes, I made my way straight towards the little fox and the one I assumed was her brother who stared with disgust. Several knights ensnaring the others broke formation and charged toward me. 

I continued my nonchalant pace using several unconscious knights as stepping stones and dragging others through Penumbra. Those that were last to reach me stopped in their tracks and looked upon my closing presence with ever growing fear. They turned to flee only to be dragged into their own shadows and spat out in a fetal position. I didn't outright kill the knights out of the contract formed when my uncle hired me to act as an escort. If he wished for an alliance to be made, then killing the ally's men would do nothing but hinder the task at hand.

The Apophis hissed in my direction as if realizing my identity and the danger I posed to the plan to take the little fox away. With a single blink of an eye, I was caught off guard by the speed the Apophis possessed which exceeded that of the Ijā who wielded immeasurable strength when it came to battle. Her halberd crashed into the ground where I once stood, sending clumps of dirt into the air with a powerful tug. I appeared behind her only to disappear once more to avoid a timed strike of her tail that could break bones with ease. We continued this dance a few more times as the rhythm of her movements became apparent. 

Anticipating my next move, the halberd came at me in an horizontal arch only to be parried to the side at the last second. Just as I hoped, this sudden change in repetition made her off balanced enough for me to reach out and grab hold of her forked tongue. "Dormio!" I roared the incantation.

A blackened mass began to form from my hand and enveloped the head of the Apophis like some custom-made helm forged in molten rock. Her arm holding the halberd slowly rose in a desperate attempt to strike me down only to fall once more with the clatter of steel against stone. Her hands wrapped around my wrist with a failing strength as the spell began to take effect and her claws screeched against the chainmail of my sleeve. After moments passed, I removed my hand from the darkness when her arms went limp with the rest of her body. She began to convulse uncontrollably hoping to fend off unseen threats and plant the seeds of fear into all who watched.

Casteilla asked in a whispery tone when I passed her, "What did you do, Kin-Killer?"

Ignoring the question, my eyes fell on the crippled and disheveled bodies around the Minotaur as I neared. Its left hoof stood on the broken shield still attached to Ulf's broken arm like some doormat. Pieces of bone could be seen among the crimson tide pooling around it as he fought to keep from screaming in pain and clawed for the damaged flail a foot away from his free limb. My eyes moved to the paling body of Xeth who tried to pry herself free of the monster's grasp and breathe much needed air. The last thing my eyes fell upon was the image of Ruben laying a distance away unmoving next to the two broken daggers he cherished.

Whether it was my past self interfering or the fact that a part of me still cared, I was infuriated at such treatment of those I once called family. I appeared above the Minotaur using Orion's shadow outlined by the sun with Morrigon in hand. Like butter, her sharpened blade easily cleaved through the broad elbow severing the arm that held Xeth in place. The beast bellowed a pained roar clutching its limb just like Ronald once did as I landed ready to strike once more while Xeth rolled out of the way and took in multiple gasps of air. Just like a spinning top, I twirled bringing the other end of Morrigon down on the leg that pinned Ulf only to cut air in half.

Though broad bodied, the Minotaur was quite agile for its size as it placed some distance between us with a single backwards leap. Steam blew from its nostrils as its bluish green eyes burned with uncontrollable rage at the audacity of a weak halfling striking such a blow. The roar that followed came from deep within the pits of its gut making all eyes fall upon it. Ignoring the cascading blood, the beast hunched forward placing his four fingered hand deep into the ground and kicked up dirt with his cloven hooves. I rested Morrigon against my shoulder and held out my arms to the side inviting him to charge me. 

Taking the bait, the Minotaur charged forward like its rampaging counterpart ready to drive its curved horns through my body. Ignoring the screams of the children and the pleading eyes of Ulf and Xeth, I stood motionless awaiting the incoming death ready to flatten me like a rug or skewer my body upon its horns. I stared into the beast's eyes unfrightened by the rapidly closing distance. Nonchalantly, I stepped to the side when its massive body came crumbling to the ground and slid the rest of the way. Just like in Uncle's throne room, shadowy limbs reached from the shadows and forced the Minotaur off balanced.

I paid the Minotaur no mind as he continued to thrash around trying to free itself from the endless onslaught of shadow. Taking a single step forward, I rose from the intersecting shadows knocking the sword free from the pampered Alris and placed the lower end of Morrigon against the back of his neck ready to cleave it free. I eyed the Alris as I turned to look at the little fox who was battered but still breathing. Casteilla took this opportunity to slither forward and gathered the fox princess before retreating into the arms of Luca, Veronica, and Lieutenant Combs. The sudden sting of a blade being buried deep into my side brought my attention back onto the Alris who pulled a gilded dagger free and took the opportunity to strike.

From behind me, I heard Nyxis yell my name followed by the clattering of metal as Ulf tried to stand once more hoping to come to my aid. I stared into the young Alris' eyes, a shade lighter than his sister's, as his face became a mask of triumph at the thought of having killed the fabled Jackal. That moment of triumph grew with the clatter and disappearance of Morrigon on the cobbled road. A triumph that quickly turned to fear with the grabbing of his wrist and the increasing pressure until fingers were freed from the blade. In one motion, I placed my right leg behind his and shoved him hard into the ground.

I chuckled towering over him, "I see why the little fox didn't bother to mention you." 

I gripped the handle and pulled free the blade as the faint coppery smell of my own blood filled my nose, "Especially since you're a disgrace to your own people for wearing Vaniel's flag."

I watched as he took shelter behind the Minotaur who was covered in new wounds as blackish blood oozed from him. Becoming irritated, the limb I had spent energy to sever was reattached as steam rose from the place I cut. It appeared that the monster before me had some knowledge in magic but I couldn't be sure how much. Then again, it wasn't uncommon for high tier monsters to gain arcane capabilities especially when adapting to newfound territory with its own hierarchy of monsters in place. Basilisks, giant serpents, for example have the ability to petrify any foolish enough to catch its gaze.

[(Damn healing magic!)]

I brought the blade close to my lips and tasted the crimson liquid as the all so familiar metallic earthy taste of wolfsbane burned the back of my throat like a fine ale. "Even the smallest amount of wolfsbane could kill an average man," I muttered tossing the blade to the side, "unfortunately for you, I have a somewhat tolerance for such things." 

To my surprise, the Alris became calm once more as he took a few small steps towards me but not far away from the safety of the Minotaur. "Join me," he whispered with a sly grin, "join me and I'll give you everything you could desire." 

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that the Apophis had broken free of her torment and stalked closer to me. I didn't say anything as the noble continued, "Think about it, you'll be a Lord of your own land. I can promise much more if you'll surrender my dear sister to me."

 I followed his gaze to Nyxis and Veronica who stood forming a barricade with Zeke and Scarlett around the injured, "Along with the Knife-Ears, of course."

She hasn't learned just who I am yet.

I dodged to the side as the Apophis struck with her halberd once more while my attention was placed elsewhere. Hoping to end this charade quickly, I placed my hand dead center of her chest and unleashed a black ball of flame that exploded on impact. With no time to evade or properly shield herself, the Apophis took the full force of the explosion that had enough strength to send the end of my coat fluttering. I enjoyed watching her collide with several knights following her attack and knocking them down like a stack of freshly laid brick. I turned my gaze back to the Alris and considered the offer he presented.

[(It would be nice to be rid of this nuisance and return home. Technically, my job would be accomplished and I could reap my rewards. Maybe…)]

I felt a tug on my sleeve that was so delicate that I thought a child had broken through the knights. I found the little fox clutching my sleeve so tight that her knuckles were white and her head bowed hiding behind purple locks. "Don't," she softly whispered, "don't give into his lies. A-as soon as you hand me over, he will kill me."

Tears dripped from her face as her shoulders shuttered, "Please keep your word and bring me safely home, I beg of you." 

I gently grabbed her hand pulling it free before making my way to stand before His assness pleading for my allegiance after stabbing me. My right hand became consumed by black flames and was pressed hard against the bleeding wound and seep through the vertical cut made in the clothing. I felt the heat burrow deep into the wound cauterizing it from within and sealing it shut so internal bleeding wouldn't be an issue. The smell of my flesh burning brought back past images as my brand began to burn once more. I knew Nyx would've wanted to heal me but I had other problems to deal with.

[(Within a day or two, it'll be nothing but a new scar to my collection.)]

I stopped just before the minotaur and his assnes. "You offer quite a bargain that many would not hesitate to pounce on like Streguar," I smiled as his hand rose waiting to receive mine, "however…I am not like most. You can shove your offer up your ass along with one of the Minotaur's horns."

Turning my back on the Alris, I heard the faint scratching of a blade being unsheathed and readied to plunge deep into my back. I smiled that my assumption was spot on and turned with Tartarus in hand ready to cleave his head from his shoulders. The Minotaur would just be an added bonus and the first of its kind to fall by my blade. With the sudden sound of a blade slicing the air as it struck the ground between us, two new figures clad in black attires appeared with a cloud of smoke. Each wore matching attires best suited for blending into shadows and waiting for a precise time to strike.

Smiling, I stared into the eyes hidden beneath two slits of a mask resembling that of a snarling aquarian dämon known as a Uknesh. I was even more intrigued that the figure held Tartarus at bay with a curved dagger while another was pressed against my throat ready to sever my jugular. The figure gave a small chuckle before looking down to find that the tip of a misericorde was slid in the gap where pieces of leather intersected over the center of its chest ready to be driven the rest of the way. The figure slowly rose its head to gaze into my eyes once more as we held this position waiting to see which of us would make the first move. It seemed that neither of us had faced an opponent truly able to think like us.

"We are not your enemy," the one I was entangled with, the smallest of the two, spoke in a muffled feminine voice.

As if to prove her words, I felt the blade leave my neck along with the weight against Tartarus. I returned the kindness by lowering my blade, "Who sent you to follow me? My uncle? Or someone else?" 

The woman didn't say anything as she stared at me as if I was some kind of unknown plant that alchemists discovered. It was then that I noticed the unease floating around the gathered knights upon seeing the masked figures and the accompanying knights on horseback. Losing interest, I found Nyxis already tending to the wounded starting with Ulf who held back a pained scream when his arm was reset. I felt relief when my eyes fell on Ruben who laid in Xeth's lap with a hand on her cheek and a grin on his face like nothing happened. It seemed the situation was becoming under control with little to no bloodshed.

Looking around, I was quite surprised to find several knights clad in armor the color of Breura's flag rather than the common brown of Port guards. There looked to be about twenty or so troops moving in unison and rounding up the knights who played a part in such a commotion. I was surprised to see that the new knights had already bound the Apophis in chains and loaded into a barred carriage. Curious, I turned my gaze to a group of knights surrounding the Minotaur and cautiously began to chain its large wrists together hoping to not agitate it further. Its attention wasn't on the cold steel of the bindings it now wore but was focused solely on me with rage filled eyes.

I smiled watching steam blow from its nose once more, "Keep that up and I'll take your eyes as well, then again I could take one or both your horns and hollow them out. They'd make great drinking cups."

The Minotaur bellowed with fury and began to thrash about making it hard for the knights holding onto its chains to keep standing. Shadowy black tendrils began to surround the Minotaur's body and began to pull it down into its own shadow. Within a span of seconds, the towering beasty was pulled from this world and into that of Penumbra leaving a vacant void where it once stood. The knights holding chains that were once bound around the Minotaur stood with mouths agape in shock as were everyone else present including the two new figures. I smiled as I glimpsed growing agitated fear in the eyes of the young fox who was held at sword point.

[(Let's see if some time being chased by Nightmares will improve your manners.)]

I crossed my arms and watched as the figure knelt before the little fox with her head bowed. "I am glad that you are safe, milady. We were going to interfere sooner, but He came in time," the woman gave a small glance toward me before continuing, "he's quite capable as your father said."

"That he is," the little fox stared up at me as her cheeks turned somewhat crimson, "and trustworthy as well." 

[(I believe I'm going to be sick.)]

The two continued their conversation as a rush of nausea faded and was replaced with a familiar sweet aroma that I couldn't place my finger on. The little fox asked the question I wanted an answer to, "Did mother send you to keep an eye over me?"

The figure nodded, "As a precaution, Her Majesty requested us Crows to observe from the shadows upon the approval of King VonKnight, of course. Siegfried and its surrounding area is known throughout the kingdoms, even in Vusta, to be a filled with cutthroats, no offense Sir Jackal."

I shrugged her words off like a duck does water, "None taken especially if it's true."

The woman nodded at my words, "We were also given orders to observe your brother's actions toward you. A test, if you will, which he failed by trying to act against your father's will. As a consequence, Maddox Torkel Udreth is to be taken before your father for trial."

The Alris, Maddox, scoffed at such an order pushing the blade from his neck and made his way past the other Crow who stepped aside without resistance, "I don't answer to them any longer since my ostracization from the crown." 

Placing a hand on the cape, "I am here as a representative of Vaniel. Under that regard, not you nor them shall lay a hand on me or you'll incur the wrath of Van-"

Growing tired of hearing his mouth, I drove the pommel of Tartarus in the back of his head, shutting him up for a while at least. Enjoying the now peaceful air, I grabbed the back of his collar and proceeded to drag his unconscious body over to the carriage. Passing knights stared in shock at the treatment of their prince as his head bounced off a few stones scattered along the path. I ignored such gazes and listened to the two voices following behind me speak to one another. The main topic of their conversation was the weak threat that Maddox failed to make hoping to get his way.

I nonchalantly muttered, "I'll never understand the policies in place about striking a representative from another kingdom, especially if the ass was asking for it."

[(Then again if I did comprehend such things, I'd more than likely do it again without hesitation.)]

When we reached the carriage, I found that the occupants inside were just as shocked at the poor care of the prince as everyone else was. The Apophis seemed even more in shock from the point-blank fireball she took in the chest and could barely move. Her dull eyes did however still harbor the hatred I saw during our battle. Seeing such a thing often made me wish to come across such a person later on in life and fight them once more. Just thinking about the rematch made my blood boil once more.

 I tossed the prince into the carriage without even giving the occupants inside time to make room for him. Before his head could strike the floor, the Apophis positioned her tail underneath the prince so that he wouldn't be harmed further. I still didn't understand why or how the Lamia and Minotaur came to follow a traitor like the prince nor did I really care. I watched as the barred door was shut and locked before turning away from the carriage. I smiled as Orion changed into his dire wolf form ready to depart.

"As I said princess," I helped Nyxis onto Orion's back while the others mounted their horses or climbed into the carriage, "I am a man of my word."