A Quest for the Stars

The girls were given a chance to bathe before meeting with the Constable himself back at the station. They were clean but the smell of smoke remained etched in their nostrils. Between their daring escape from the school, their bath, and their meeting with the Constable, Lenoria and Pearl explained the very nature of the Soulstones to Clara and what it meant for her to have used Apus’s power.

Naturally, Clara didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about it before she accepted Apus. There was more to go over, but if she could convince her parents that she’ll be fine traveling with Lenoria, there would be little keeping her from staying in Helix City.

Before long, the girls arrived at the Constable’s office. The hobgoblin looked displeased as the girls took their seats.

“Why is it that whenever something happens, you just happen to get caught in the middle of it?” asked Constable Richards.

“I wish I knew,” Lenoria lied.

The Constable went on to ask the girls basic questions - what did they see, where were they, were there witnesses, etc. - and was as terse as he could be. He was mildly annoyed at best, however, and was less annoyed to see Lenoria (yet again) and more so because he hated doing paperwork; he was a man of action, not words.

The girls had agreed to omit the part about the Soulstones; there was no way the Constable would believe them. Instead, they chose to tell him the partial truth: The bullies were picking on Omar and had been doing so for months. Omar had enough, and he decided to bomb the place.

“I tell ya,” the Constable commented, “a man can only take so many wedgies before he snaps.”

“Omar was a victim, just like the rest of us,” Lenoria said as she pressed her hands on the edge of the desk.

“It’ll be hard to convince the rest of the boys in that regard, even if that’s true. A dead man can’t defend himself, no matter how innocent he is. And even if he could, you can’t just pin it on Starflower; the headmaster may have pushed for this to happen, but it was your man who decided to bring explosives to the school.”

“Yeah, but…”

“Your bloodlust for Starflower is noted, Lenoria. The man’s already facing time for assault and for his policies in the school. But, at best, he was indirectly involved with the bombing.”

Gritting her teeth in anger, Lenoria sank her head and gave the Constable a defeated nod.

“I’d keep you here longer, but Gabrielle Bisset has requested to release you. Is there anything else you want to add to the report before I let both of you go home?”

Lenoria and Clara looked at each other, neither of them having anything else to add.

“You’re good to go, then.” The Constable stared at the stack of papers in front of him. “There’s a lot I need to review but come back if you have anything new.” He stared at the stack for a moment, then back at the girls. Clara looked like she had something on her mind. "Anything you wish to tell me?"

"Well," Clara began. “Why is Miss Bisset requesting to let Lenoria go?”

“Some of the instructors believe Lenoria planted those explosives as a retaliation for Starflower’s abuse. But thanks to you and Miss Bisset, Lenoria has an alibi.” He gave Lenoria a reassuring look. “It’s not like I would have arrested you right away even if you didn’t have one, unless we have evidence you actually did it.”

Lenoria stood up. “Great. You mind telling me who those instructors were? Because it sounds to me like they just want me arrested.”

The Constable raised a hand to calm the girl. “I understand your blood’s boiling but take it easy. They could just as easily be instructors who were more concerned for their lives, and they all believed you were the main suspect because of your love for explosives and the animosity for the headmaster.”

Unable to argue with the Constable’s response, Lenoria scoffed and averted her eyes.

“As to answer your question,” the Constable continued, “Miss Bisset is interested in whatever deal she proposed to Lenoria. She doesn’t want to see Lenoria behind bars for something she didn’t cause.” There was a look of disbelief when he looked back at Lenoria. “I have to say, girl, you sure know people in high places.”

“I only met her today, and I found out right away she is part of the administration team of the Scholastic Guild.”

“Yeah, I know who she is,” the Constable said. “She’s a big name not only here, but in Thule as well.”

“Now that you mention it,” Lenoria said, “she did say she was part of House Bisset, a noble house in Thule. I’ve never heard of it.”

“Me neither,” Clara said.

“I suppose that’s to be expected. Only major businesses and the bigwigs know that name. And me, of course.” The Constable relaxed his seating posture. “But in Thule, she’s known across the land. Out of the four noble houses, House Bisset is rumored to be the most influential. And Gabrielle is the matriarch.”

Lenoria’s curiosity grew. “Influential in what way, exactly?”

“They’re devout worshipers of Thule’s national faith, the Church of the Crimson Witch. You know, the same church that attracts all kinds of mages, including necromancers. Her word is never taken lightly.”

Knowing it would be wise to know more about her new boss, Lenoria decided to inquire further. “And Gabrielle approves of such practices?”

“It’s the way of Thule, girl. Flesh-eating undead roam the countryside, so you’re bound to have weird people running the place. I’m not sure just how devout House Bisset is to the faith, though; for all we know, she could just be doing it for lip service.”

And Pearl said the girls’ destiny would be found in such a dangerous country.

“Still doesn’t answer how House Bisset is influential, though.”

“I’m getting to that,” the Constable. “Gabrielle is a powerful noble. Power in this case meaning she’s loaded with money. Thule’s laws aren’t as strict as they are here, so bribes aren’t off the table. I can’t say if she’s done anything shady, but she is loved over there just as much as she is over here.” With a deep breath, he continued. “Then there’s her brother. He holds the title of Warden of the Land and is her personal bodyguard. Whenever he is not protecting her, he’s busy hunting fugitives like prey animals.”

As shocking as this information was, Lenoria showed no reaction. But if she was to work for Gabrielle, she had to know as much information as possible, whether it was true or false. The part that concerned her, however, was that if both of the Bissets were like this, then where did that leave Alistair?

“I see. Thanks a bunch, Constable.” Lenoria made her way to the door. Waiting on Clara to join her, she had one last question. “I’m not religious, but it’s nice to know these things every now and then. What can you tell me about the Hammer of Justice?”

“The Hammer?” The Constable chuckled lightly. “Funny you should mention that, he’s the patron of Helix. Are you familiar with the saying ‘He who spares the rod hates the child’?

Memories of her parents spanking her when she acted up during her childhood slowly returned to Lenoria. She instinctively rubbed her rear for a pain that was no longer there.

“Guess that answers my question, and a few others. But the Church of the Hammer more or less lives by that principle; discipline is crucial for society to thrive. Criminals must be punished, the laity must be corrected when wrong, and everyone must stick to the path of righteousness. Other vengeful deities preach vengeance when someone wrongs you, but the Hammer calls for disciplinary retribution, paying back your enemies an equal amount. No more, no less.” The Constable exhaled deeply. “I tell you, if everyone lived by that standard, my job would be a hell of a lot easier.”

Lenoria opened the door for Clara, who bowed politely before leaving the office. The blonde followed suit and peeked her head in for some closing words. “I got a job out of the country, so it looks like I can’t take your offer after all.”

“You don’t need to explain yourself to me, girl. Get out there and make your life worth living.”

Smiling at the Constable, Lenoria nodded and closed the door.

“Heh. First time in forever she’s been this respectful.” The Constable sighed and returned to his pile of paperwork.

***

“Lenoria.”

Gabrielle and Beau stopped Lenoria and Clara on their way out of the station.

“Your heroism is inspiring, but it was foolish to charge in without a plan.”

“I didn’t mean to worry you, Miss Bisset.” Lenoria grabbed Clara’s hand, pulled her towards Gabrielle, then stood behind her while placing her hands on the shoulders of her elven friend. “This is Clara. My colleague and…best friend.”

The two women exchange greetings, Clara drying her sweaty palms before making any contact with Gabrielle. “P-pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

“Another graduate, I see. No need to be so polite, Clara.”

“I can’t help it. M-my parents always said to treat nobility with respect,” Clara said shyly.

Gabrielle frowned. “I knew the fame of the family name wouldn’t stay secret for long.”

“I blame the gossipmongers, personally,” Beau added.

“Miss Bisset,” Lenoria interrupted, “is there a way Clara could come with me?”

All present were shocked, Clara most of all. “L-Lenoria!”

“I’m not the star student you think I am, Miss Bisset. Starflower was a crook, that’s true, but I was cold to the rest of the student body. In the end, it was my choice, not his, to nearly give up on my studies. Meanwhile, Clara was always this nice girl who had everyone’s interests at heart!”

Lenoria’s lips quivered uncontrollably, closing her eyes to prevent the tears from escaping. Nearby, Pearl and Apus listened in. Pearl remained as callous as ever, while Apus smiled.

A flustered Clara shifted her glances between Lenoria and Gabrielle. “L-Lenoria, you don’t have to do this!”

“I don’t know where I’d be without her, Miss Bisset. In fact, I don’t think I’d be here at all! I-”

“Enough,” Gabrielle said calmly. “I’m aware of Clara’s abilities, but you are the one who can finish the job flawlessly. There’s simply no incentive for me to hire a summoner at this time.”

Lenoria’s face sank. The thought of not having Clara by her side in a strange land wrung her heart. “Is there really no way she can come work with me, Miss Bisset?”

“I didn’t say that.”

Lenoria met Gabrielle’s gaze.

“I don’t need a summoner to do an artificer’s job, but I wouldn’t mind if she helped you out.” Gabrielle smiled. “I do have to warn you that the pay will have to be split between you, as is the Guild’s rule. Is that a dealbreaker?”

Lenoria wiped the tears from her eyes. “N-no, not at all.” She looked at Clara. “What do you think?”

“It’s fine with me.” It was Clara’s turn to smile. “It will be an honor working for you, Miss Bisset!”

“Think nothing of it. However,” Gabrielle nodded to Beau, “before we go any further with the hiring process, I’m going to need to test you.”

Of course there was a catch, Lenoria thought. Gabrielle headed down the hallway with Beau right behind her, prompting the girls to follow them outside the station.

“Don’t look so disappointed, ladies. I’m doing this to see if your heart is truly in this job, not to mention this test will determine if you can handle yourselves in the wilderness.”

Lenoria’s face brightened up at the sound of that. What kind of test had Gabrielle prepared for them? A treasure hunt? An island adventure? A rescue mission that involves several men in armor, trapped and distressed?

“As you know, the mountains to the north serve as the Thule-Helix border. My test is the following: Cross the border on foot. Once you reach Thule, you are to report to a small village named Goodsprings.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad,” Clara said. Lenoria quietly agreed.

“The mountains are dangerous. If the treacherous paths don’t kill you, the local wildlife will certainly do its best to finish the job. There’s also reports of bandit activity, but Constable Richards has informed me of your history fighting crime.”

Lenoria grinned smugly. “I have no problem with bandits.” She pounded her fists together. “No problem at all.”

“You seem surprisingly lax at the terms of this test.”

“I’ll probably be screaming once we reach the point of no return, if I’m being honest with you.”

“We could use some help, Miss Bisset,” Clara said. “Won’t you be joining us?”

Gabrielle shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t. I’m a busy woman, and once I wrap up my business with the Scholastic Guild, I’ll be heading back to Thule sometime tomorrow.”

“And it is, of course, my job to protect her,” Beau chimed in.

“We could head back together,” Lenoria proposed.

“You’ll need a few days to get your affairs in order here. You need to arrange your goodbyes, shop for gear, and get plenty of rest after the day you had.”

It was then when the girls paid closer attention to their sore muscles. It had been a long day, and Lenoria fought the desire to take a nap on the cold ground. “That is a good point, ma’am.”

It only took a handful of minutes to reach the main exit of the police station. The quartet is greeted by the night sky, the girls welcoming the night breeze after the hot day they had.

“Starflower’s trial date has been set, by the way,” Gabrielle revealed.

“Really? When?” Lenoria asked.

“A little over six months from now, on the 17th of Albastru.” Gabrielle exhibited a look of disapproval. “Such is the law of the land. His crimes are classified as felonies, but just barely.”

There was no doubt in Lenoria’s mind that this had something to do with her test. Something Gabrielle was about to confirm.

“We’re all required to be here on that date, ladies. Get some rest and start your preparations, because at the latest you’ll be departing on the 15th of this month. Once that day arrives, your timer will start. Cross the mountain, head over to Goodsprings, and finish your project in time to make it to the trial. Can you handle that?”

Each month had twenty-eight days, so starting on the 15th the girls had one hundred and seventy days to complete their task and return home in time for the trial. Lenoria was not agreeing with the terms so far, but she would have taken slave labor if it meant winning thousands of gold pieces at the end. Now she was just looking for more favorable terms. “Challenge accepted. So, it’ll just be the two of us?”

Then came the words Lenoria would never have expected. “Alistair will be joining you once he finishes his pilgrimage. He should be back in Helix City between the 14th and 15th but knowing him he plans to rest only when he’s extremely tired. Be ready to depart around that time frame.”

Lenoria’s brain shut down the moment Gabrielle mentioned Alistair. In her mind, Lenoria was fine with rescuing handsome men in armor from a fire-breathing dragon. However, that image was immediately replaced with her and Alistair going on a romantic hike. She could see it now; his armor would be too heavy, causing him to slip and fall a lot. She would rush to his rescue more than once, each instance increasing his affection for her. By the time they camp for the final night, the aloof paladin would be wrapping his arms around her as they stargaze under the night sky.

What came after a successful date? More dates? Marriage? Children? Five children? Seven? Lenoria’s face reddened with embarrassment. She wondered if picturing the distant future with Alistair was too soon; she had to be careful how she acted around him or else she’d risk chasing him away. She promised herself to take it slow if he accepted her feelings.

The idea of rejection did not escape her, but plenty of men had rejected her before. It was only thanks to Clara that her faith in men was slowly, but surely, restored. Even if Alistair rejected her, there would be plenty of times to win him over. She just had to be herself.

“Lenoria?” Gabrielle snapped her fingers in quick succession, but Lenoria was lost in her fantasy. The noblewoman was utterly lost on how to act.

“She’ll snap out of it soon enough,” Clara promised.

A short distance away, Pearl pinched her nose in frustration. “Apus.”

“What’s the matter, Pearl?”

“This girl is a hopeless case. I’m counting on your support.”