Learning

"Duke Blackwater kneel and receive the decree of the king," A powerful shout echoed out from a ball-headed man with large muscles pressing against his leather jerkin.

Resting under the shade of his gazebo, Zireael gazed towards the flakes flowing endlessly from the heavens. Showering the land with its tears, a sea of ice covered his land.

"I love snow," whispered Zireael.

"Duke Zireael, you must bow to accept his majesty decree." The Stranger roared once more. Glaring with chilling intent towards Lord Zireael, who seemed captivated by icy flakes flowing upon his land.

"Ryan, Duke Zireael is exempted from such rules. You along and countless others should have been informed by king Cyrus," Talia corrected, standing beside her master's side. "Simply read his Majesty's decree before Lord Blackwater grows angry."

"Agreed, these days, that little shit has been pissing me off." Zireael impatiently said, rising off his bed covered in snow. "Speak, or your head will fall."

"You would kill the messenger of his majesty?" asked Ryan in shock.

"I would tear your bloody head off and send it to Cyrus." Zireael coldly exclaimed, turning towards the distance of a young girl covered in sweat.

Scuffing towards the young duke Ryan opened a leather scroll. "By the will of his majesty. I, King Cyrus, would humbly like to ap...apologies for... dear god! What the hell is this? Why would the king of Ferrum apologize to a child?"

Not needing her master to tell her what to do next. Talia snatched the scroll from Ryan. Clearing her throat, she read its contents. "By the will of his majesty. I, King Cyrus, would humbly like to apologize for this transgression. Sir Gilbert was debriefed, but fault has not been found. We have been searching and found a few leads pointing to various spies within my court during these four months. However, we believe this is simply the Empire of Broma doing. In Azalea's name I..."

A/N: It's been four months since Innis joined. In case you didn't understand.

"Ok, that's enough, " Zireael said, "What a shit show. So he has now no idea of who tried to pull me in. Ryan, do you know who this Gilbert is?"

"Of course I know." Ryan proudly stated, pressing his arm to his chest, " Sir Gilbert Hue is the son of the Great General Garb Hue. He is currently station on the border. However, I hear he is heading towards the capital by order of King Cyrus. "

"Nonsense Father would never remove General Garb over something like this!" Talia shouted, "To move a general is a risky move. Aand a treaty has yet to be signed between the two nations."

Realizing his mistake Ryan grew quiet. Taking a step back, Talia stood still, and silent watching sweat trickle from Ryans' brow.

"You may go,"

"Lord Zireael!"

Raising his palm, Talia held her tongue. Bending a knee towards Lord Blackwater, Ryan quickly took his leave in a hurry. Watching his fading figure, Zireael chuckled, "More and more conspiracies. Are you sure you don't want to go home? From what I see, your kingdom is under attack."

"Huh? Is this not just miss information?" said Talia with unease, "That man is a fool that could not tell the horse's ass from its head. He operates on limited information."

"And so does most of your kingdom." Lord Zireael indifferently revealed, "It doesn't take much for one to live a lie. And once the lie grows, it turns to the truth. Someone is pulling strings within your kingdom, and you don't even realize. Right now, they are testing the waters, but it's coming. "

"That is a bit far fetch, your grace,"

As princess of this Kingdom, Talia was far more informed regarding the state of her people. There was always misinformation being passed on. However, Zireael theory of someone manipulating information was far too ridiculous. Her kingdom was, after all, Ferrum. One of the most powerful powers to exist.

Choosing to ignore his warning, Lord blackwater didn't express any more concern taking his leave towards the young girl with a silver sword within her hands. Tensing her muscles, she rushed towards Innis, holding a small bronze dagger within her left hand.

"She has truly come a long way. " expressed Talia to his side, " Even the way she moves is different."

Zireael did not speak, simply watching Aurelia blade begin to Peirce through the air towards Innis's heart. Pushing her dagger up, Innis parried Aurelia's thrust pushing it off course. Taking her chance, the dagger within her palm suddenly twisted in an ecstatic arch towards Aurelia's throat.

Not panicking like so many times before, the young girl leaped away, avoiding the cold steel of Innis dagger against her neck. Releasing a breath, Aurelia's muscles relax before tensing once more.

Hiding the amazement, Innis shot towards Aurelia, picking up the pace. Slashing towards over five lethal vital points, Aurelia's golden eyes glimmered as she did not retreat but rathered met them head-on. Innis had a lot more flexibility, but Aurelia knew she had just enough power to disrupt Innis flow.

Flicking her black and purple wrist, Aurelia ignored the searing pain easily blocking the first two strikes; however, as the third blade, a vicious smile appeared upon her lips. Pushing all her strength into her sword, Aurelia's hands twisted like a serpent blasting Innis away. Skidding through the grass a few meters away upon her feet, Innis beamed.

"Innis, raise your strength. You are not to match Aurelia. Anyone can defeat one on their level. She needs to battle those ahead of her in both power and skill. Its been four months, while her progress has been exceptional. You are not pushing her hard enough." yelled Zireael, staring at all the openings.

"Dumb Dumb is just jealous of Aurelia's genius!" Said Aurelia with glee.

Lifting his arm towards the sword upon his back Lord Zireael flashed his pearly teeth. A deep killing intent radiating within his heart.

Pulling his hands away, Talia sighed, "It's always like this between you two. Can there be one day where you two do not fight?"

"You call this a fight?" asked Zireael in derision, "It's a massacre... Just let me cut her arm off."

Slapping her own face, Talia lowered her head, "Lord Zireael, if you attack Aurelia, I will hide Innis away from you. No food!"

"I am your LORD!!!"

"And you will be a hungry lord should you keep behaving like a child!" Talia voiced, rolling her eyes towards her Lord.