A Knight's Lilies

“It is understandable that many guild members might hold camaraderie and loyalty to their nation of birth/residence in the same vein as they do with the guild. In the event of conflicting interests and commissions, the guild is willing to allow members to participate in those conflicts. Under the knowledge that the guild will hold no responsibility, liability, or provide any help to members embroiled in regional struggles in circumstances that do not directly affect the guild. It is thus up to each individual member to solve their own problems and sort out their own affairs when rejoining the guild afterwards. Furthermore, we are not liable to assist should legal or other matters arise due to a member’s involvement in affairs even after their return to the guild. ”

- Adventurers Guild Handbook, “Addendum Addressing Guild Conduct”

The cold, frigid, air made the hairs on her skin stand on end. Like dutiful wardens on the lookout, roused to attention at the first sign of trouble. Her muscles tightened, ready to launch her body into overdrive should it be needed. But Sophie didn’t.

Though her senses bristled at the situation she was in, she breathed in, then breathed out. It had been a while since she felt the distinction between simply being reactive and professional. Long enough that she needed to actively draw herself back. To steady her own mind despite the discomfort she felt.

What was once second nature to her had grown enfeebled over the past months. It troubled her even more that she didn’t know whether that was because she had grown too relaxed. Or that her emotions themselves had begun shifting in ways even she couldn’t keep track of. Her once stoic foundation had grown chaotic. Though one thing remained etched into her center, Ary, and now the others that surrounded them. Family.

Thus it proved all the more vexing when things threatened that little bit of peace in her life. Especially when it was a problem that seemed to compound her other ones. Her fingers wrapped themselves around the hilt of her blade, caressing it as she continuously readied and unreadied herself for battle. There was no real danger, or at least not anytime soon. Their current commission was a routine sewer cleaning for the sake of the city.

But this was anything but a normal day. For this task usually involved a gathering of whoever happened to be free at the guild. Unfortunately for both her and Mila, that included the now fully reinstated silver ranked adventuring group Runebound. In no small part due to Sophie splitting off to form her own group, as well as Annalise’s absence in contesting the manner in which the group’s members survived their encounter in the Mistveil.

Being that Runebound then became the most senior group within the assembled posse, the guild had designated them as ‘mentors’ for the lower ranked teams. Ostensibly to guide and support the groups, a task that Runebound’s current leader, Arnold, found all too interesting upon noticing Sophie and Mila’s presence.

So it was that when Sophie hunted small scale slimes, rats, and other unknown critters crawling about Arteria’s sewers. It was the overbearing presence of the humans that made her the most uneasy. Although she was certain that Arnold would honor their agreement of going to visit Gratia only after Sophie had served her sentence. She was just as certain that a person like him would only do that as a last resort, that perhaps, he was already planning a more nefarious way of seeing the two of them to Gratia.

Sophie was simply glad that though he was watchful, he hadn’t tried to intrude upon them just quite yet. Mila seemed wary, though the inquisitor found herself carefully trying to inquire the other teams with them about the city’s recent actions. Sophie and Hanabi meanwhile, focused on the act of eradicating the pests.

A stray screech caught her by surprise and she spun around only for a soft splattering of blood to pepper her sleeves.

“Forty two.” Hanabi calmly announced, quickly hacking off a piece of rat tail to turn in later at the guild.

The decapitated rat’s body twitched its final spasms, dark red liquid melting into the turgid sewer water. From behind them, the eerie form of the former healer Sara stalked over to collect the rest of the corpse, now destined for a grand pyre to cleanse the sewers of what pollutants they can.

“What are you up to?” Hanabi asked nonchalantly.

“Thirty five.” Sophie replied.

“Hah.” The outlander chuckled, “You have to stay focused. You keep looking all around. C’mon, you have to trust the other teams are covering the corridors, no need to worry.”

“Pfft. It’s better to be cautious than to get injured here.” Sophie retorted, and I don’t exactly trust the Runebound.

“With your track record, I suppose.” Hanabi grinned, “First a mermaid, next we’re going to find some rat hybrid and you’ll bring her back too!”

“Hey! That was a special circumstance.”

“Sure. Naked and smelling like seawater and moss. Next it’ll be bile and sewage.”

Sophie shivered, “No thanks. Would rather not repeat that.”

“Oh?” Hanabi paused her relentless advance forward, her attention now settling fully on Sophie.

“Giant spider. Wasn’t pleasant.” Sophie stated curtly.

“Sounds like a story.”

“A long one. So look forward and focus up.”

“Tch. Fine, fine. As the illustrious party leader orders.”

In return, Sophie fished out a rat’s tail and wiggled it menacingly at the outlander, “That’s right. The party leader. So let’s get this done without trouble, then we can discuss stories, eh?”

Hanabi shrugged dismissively but resumed her push forward.

The two maintained a steady pace as they continued dispatching more rats that infested their section of the sewer. Though each was about half the size of a forearm, enough to classify them as ‘giant rats’. They were far easier to kill than their truly ‘giant’ brethren who could range from a foot, to the size of almost a whole adult human leg.

Deadly and likely very much infested with a multitude of diseases. Their bites and scratches were deadly, though to an adventurer wearing leather armor, much less those with metal, they were more or less simply nuisances that stalked the sewers. One that now seemed to approach in pairs as the duo rounded the corner.

With lightning fast reflexes and eagle eyed precision, they darted forward at the rodents. Giving the rats barely a moment to register their presence, they swung their blades and cut the rats down. Hanabi’s blow was clean, splitting open the rat’s head in but a single swing. Sophie’s was messier, her own force not even close to that of a saintess, her blade embedding itself into the rat’s skull as she hacked and pulled the weapon free, allowing a trail of grey matter to slosh after the sword.

“Forty three to thirty six.” Hanabi counted.

Leaving the bodies behind, they both glanced back just in time to see Sara collect the bodies. Sophie understood why they did it. After all, leaving the corpses to rot in the sewer would practically nullify any progress the adventurers make here. Protocol involved a large pyre to burn it all. Still, Sophie couldn’t help but feel just a little creeped out. Especially if a life like undead was the one collecting them. But they are our superiors on the field, what else can we do?

Accepting her current lot in life, Sophie gripped her sword a little tighter and advanced. Might as well get this over with.

The dour mood combined with the rancid smell of the sewer did little to lift Sophie’s spirits even after they had exited. After what felt like hours of arduous work, the adventuers had exited with a staggering pile of rats, slimes, and other critter corpses awaiting them. A solemn cheer echoed from their ranks as one of the newer adventuring teams received the honor of setting the bonfire alight. The smoke barely masked the stench.

A soft sigh and the gentle clink of metallic boots alerted the duo to the approach of their third. Judging from her expression however, Sophie merely braced herself for the disappointing news to come. She traded a scowl with Sophie. Everything was as they had expected.

“Angry, maybe. But not enough to do anything.” Mila informed her.

Sophie tried not to let her downcast expression show. It wasn’t unexpected, but it was a gut punch nonetheless. Her trial, the verdict, and the riots of Arteria had done little to shake the hearts of the people. Worse, many seemed momentarily surprised, according to Mila. In a way that showed that they likely didn’t know until now that the Braveskulls have been almost fully reinstated within Arterian ranks.

A part of her had hoped that Lucinia’s predictions would be wrong, but then again, if what she had gleaned from the student body had been any indication, this was a result likely to repeat with the others as well. Ironically, and much to her own delight and what could potentially be Lucinia’s dismay, the ones holding the most elusive opinions might be that of the elves and the dwarves of the city.

For humanity was easy to predict. What mattered to them was whatever captured the public’s attention at the time. Whereas the elves held council mostly to themselves, keeping whatever esoteric thoughts they shared to themselves. Thalnor and Maylesa were oddballs in this regard, so open with their creative process and fascination with their friends. Miraevie too, I suppose. The dwarves meanwhile, were mostly content to also keep to themselves, though notably, Sophie remembered how they supported her during the first trial. But I doubt they’ll come through this time. Worth a shot, at least.

She did feel guilty at getting Ary and Sigrid involved. Though she doubted there would be anything safer than her acting as a liaison with Karzan. The dwarf clearly valued her presence, or so Sophie could tell. And she doubted that she could keep Ary out of this matter if the girl continued to insist on helping. Can’t say no to her at all, heh.

“Seems like you’re poking into dangerous places.” A suave, unwanted voice cut through the din of her thoughts.

“Arnold.” She let out a short huff.

“Sophie. Been a while.” He drawled.

With all too smooth motions, he sauntered beside her. His smile hid the serpent that was slowly coiling itself within him. Here, stood a rogue. A quick witted trouble maker and coward. Behind them, slowly forming an extended semi-circle around the trio were the other members of his posse. Dead but not dead marionettes moving with impeccable precision. Imbued by some foul magicks that even Mila found mildly distasteful.

“Mmhmm. How can I help?” Sophie feigned some level of politeness.

“Aside from simply coming with me to meet Anna?” He smirked, “No, I bring a counter offer.”

Sophie tensed up, a wave of dread assailing her from every front. I don’t like this, what the hells is he playing at?

“Ah?” She mumbled, unwilling to fully drop her guard.

“Don’t try to play coy with me. That black hat of yours, she’s not exactly being very secretive with her questioning.”

Sophie grit her teeth. The ploy had long since fallen. Though it could be argued that there wasn’t much attempt to hide their questions. They were blunt and direct, just as the answers they received were. Of course we’d get sniffed out.

“So…” Sophie sighed, no point hiding it now, “what are you proposing?”

“Remember our agreement?”

“Of course. Six months service, then I visit Anna.”

“That’s right.”

“What about it?”

“It’s too long.” He smiled darkly with a chuckle.

Sophie’s hands dropped to the hilt of her blade, ready to draw steel at a moment’s notice.

“Easy now, I told you before too. I ain’t here to fight.”

“You didn’t back then either.” Sophie unconsciously spat out.

His false joy died and a hint of darkness entered his eyes. Sophie’s own eyes darted to his hands, the man momentarily considering reaching for a weapon before thinking better of it.

“It was different. You know it.” He snarled.

Sophie didn’t respond.

The two spent a moment cooling off. The unexpected argument having drawn the attention of their comrades, the outlander and the inquisitor both maintaining a defensive posture as the members of Runebound circled them.

“Leave the past in the past.” Arnold finally spoke, “For now, my offer is this. What if I said that I could help you with your… management problem, and see that you get found not guilty should you make another appeal?”

Sophie glared at him, her eyes scrutinizing every little detail, every crease, wrinkle and scratch on his face. From what she could tell, he wasn’t lying. How would he even do that? He’s an adventurer, an envoy at best. How could he guarantee that?

“You’re wondering if I’m taking the piss. I’m not. It’s a serious offer.”

“But…”

“Everyone has their secrets.” He cut her off before turning on his heel, “Think on it. The terms are pretty good. All you’ll need is to visit Anna, and all your problems just…” He reached out his hand, making it appear as if something vanished, “disappear.”

“Don’t trust him, Sophie. The ranger might be our friend, but she has consorted with foul magicks.” Mila chimed in with a scowl of her own, the inquisitor seconds from pulling out her weapons.

“I’m aware.” Sophie nodded.

“Tsk, think whatever you wish, but my offer stands as is. Trust me, it is as genuine as it comes. And if you don’t trust me, then trust in Anna. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Arnold started walking away, his steps unhurried but hefty.

“Hey, wait a minute. What do you mean? I’m not done with you yet.” Sophie reached out to stop him.

In a singular deft motion, he side stepped her and swiftly batted her hand away, the sudden push staggering her.

“But I am.” He finished and whistled, the noise rousing the other members of Runebound.

Sophie could only stare at his back as she bristled from being so casually dismissed. Taking a moment to breathe, she found a frown growing ever more intense. A singular thought swirled amongst the silence within her mind. Is there really a way to get what we all want? What’s the catch?

Mila scowled and pinched the bridge of her nose. The brief sensation doing little to help quell the thoughts that cried out in doubt within her. Unlike Sophie who was more distressed than her, her emotions were centered around an ever increasing wellspring of worriy within her that didn’t seem to be getting any smaller.

Anna had deployed her minions to Arteria and somehow they had implied they had a mechanism to help Sophie. A way in which they could help change the decision of the council. A worrying connotation at the best of time, even more so when it concerned the ranger who could now utilize ancient arcane magicks. Worst of all, Mila was an Inquisitor. She had seen and read about plenty of cases where arcane power was misused. She even carved out a fucking kingdom of death in Gratia using that power. If she could do that here…

It was a thought that Mila dared not entertain. For one versed in dark magicks, the very idea of such a city falling into the control of someone with those powers was terrifying. Beyond the political impact of such a thing, having so many bodies at her disposal could be a continent defying force. One which the Astralian church would certainly not permit to exist.

Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at the half elf beside her, swaying gently even with her face twisted into a scowl. Their encounter with the emissary of Annalise had proven less than pleasant with the man having presented a devil’s bargain to the elf. What is essentially a free way to the top. Some unknown agenda at play all in the service of having Sophie and Anna reunite. How suspicious.

She reached out and clasped her hand on Sophie’s shoulder, giving the elf a reassuring squeeze. Sophie glanced over, her eyes softening a little as their gazes met. Sophie’s mouth moved to open and then paused. Mila offered a small smile, prompting Sophie to let out one in return.

“Pay them no mind.” Mila advised, her voice softer than usual, “Whatever they promise, the price we might have to pay will be shrouded until it’s too late. I’ve seen what Anna can do. Whatever her minions say will likely hold little sway.”

“But…” Sophie mumbled, “What if-”

“Doesn’t matter. If they truly had the power to change such things, why would they simply wait for us to present the offer? Wouldn’t they just do whatever they wanted regardless?”

“I… I guess that makes sense.” Sophie looked away.

“We’ve already agreed to meet with Anna. No need to rush things. Especially with this… ‘action’ that we’re planning.”

Sophie gingerly smiled, letting out a reluctant sigh, “Mmm.”

“Have faith. The Stars will bless our path.” Mila reassured her.

“Stars bless us.” Sophie muttered.