Kingdom of Loradel, The Coast of Beswind, Present day.
The Sovereign Tower; a large watchtower built during the Elven War on the eastern coast of Beswind. The top floor was elegantly furnished with vases containing bright-colored flowers. At the center of the room was an enormous circular table with at least fifteen chairs all around it.
Rebecca looked over the tower balcony and onto the slow waves below. A warm hand landed on her shoulder.
Taloz beckoned her to follow into the inner chamber. "You don't seem pleased with your promotion."
Rebecca took a seat on the edge of the table. "Just lost in a river of thought. Sorry, sir."
"No need for apologies, Orvein." He sat in a nearby chair, it creaked loudly under his weight. "Rather, what about you tell me what's on your mind?"
Rebecca sighed. The day's wind was cold, it felt as if her throat was freezing over. "What's going to happen next? It seems like we're headed towards war with each passing day."
"That may be. Should it come to it, I'll gladly accept it. We live alongside others whom would only make the world worse if left alive. We're demon hunters, we kill the monsters that only look to cause harm. This is no different, don't look at them as humans, they're nothing but monsters, monsters hidden within the flesh of man."
Rebecca took in every word before taking a seat beside the commander. "When I was in Hansel, I killed Zuland soldiers without a hint of hesitation. Even before the commander gave the command…I was ready. I'm a soldier, sir. I don't hold remorse for killing others to protect my home. Though I do feel for the civilians, the innocent pay the wages of war in blood…that's what my brother used to say."
"Brother eh?" Taloz scratched at his beard. "Is he a soldier as well?"
"Was," corrected Rebecca.
"My apologies—"
"Don't be." She paused; her chest felt heavy. "It was five years ago; we were together when it happened…but I can't remember it." She raised a part of her tunic, revealing the scar that ran from her stomach to her side. "This is all I have from when it happened, I was lucky to have survived they said." She covered the scar. "I like to believe that he protected me—that he's the reason I'm alive today." A new fire of morale ignited in her chest. "My brother traded his life for mine, I won't let it be in vain by forfeiting my life to demons, human or not."
Taloz' eyes her lost in hers. "You're going to make it far in this world, Captain."
Rebecca cleared her throat as she fidgeted with her thumbs. It felt as if she woke from a dream, not often did she mention her past. It wasn't something that plagued her mind, she had reached her peace with Liophus' death long ago, knowing that he made his choice. The sole reason she became a soldier was to live up to his example, willing to put her life to protect others.
The entrance door opened widely, behind it entered two fully armored men with Kind Ered following in their shadow.
"Greetings, Captain Orvein," he said, as he sat in his designated seat, the largest and most decorated from all others. His remaining guards walked in behind him and took positions on all sides of the room.
"Lord King," said Rebecca as she bowed. It was both amazing and terrifying having the king before her. She hid her sweat dampened hands under the table.
The otherwise frail king was carried by his grand and upright appearance. "I am here to discuss the future of Loradel, our home. For too long we've been in a pond of uncertainty. Though I take a part of the blame by not taking notice of what was going on around me, around us. A plague of death has slowly spread across our lands and I was blind to it. But after what has happened, I'm here and ready to listen."
Rebecca exhaled as she readied herself in recounting everything that had transpired through the passing month.
~0~
"By the goddess," said Ered as he too in every detail of her report. It was his first comment through the entire telling, he had remained silent and almost in awe. Even his guards would share glances from time to time. It must have been hard to hear the stories of people coming back from the dead, demons being more than a rare occurrence and Zuland's actions in Hansel.
"That's everything I know, Lord King," stated Rebecca.
"It sounds like children's tales, tales I wouldn't have believed had I not witnessed it myself. The Forbidden Auras. I knew their history, though they seemed like myths. It has been over a hundred years since the supposed demon plight and I had never been one to believe tales without evidence. I have read the chronicles of my ancestors many times. It seems it is my time to stop a new demon plight."
Rebecca smiled as Taloz mirrored her expression.
"We stand with you, my king," said Taloz.
"I am pleased to have your loyalty." Ered placed his clasped hands on the table. "And so, I ask you to extend it further."
Rebecca's eyes darted between the two men.
Taloz sat up as he raised an eyebrow. "Uh, how so, lord?"
"The accomplishment of ridding ourselves of the demons will not be ours alone, rather it will be an achievement shared by the Allied Kingdoms."
Rebecca let out an inadvertent gasp.
Taloz' lips parted as he shared in her confusion. "With upmost respect, lord. Do you mean you ally yourself with Zuland? After everything Captain Orvein just shared?"
"Not just Zuland. If we are to overcome this, we need allies on all borders. Zuland has moved a sizable part of its fighting force into Hallos with permission as a form of alliance."
Taloz stood rapidly, knocking his chair to the ground. "Lord, you can't!"
The surrounding guards immediately pointed their spears at the pale-faced general.
Ered put up an opposing hand. "It is fine. Stand down." He clasped his hands together once more. "As I said, General Taloz, I ask for a renewal of your loyalty because I know what I ask of you is difficult. I hope you understand that men in our positions must make compromises for our futures." He turned his focused glance towards Rebecca. "I wish for both of you to be by my side when—"
"Sir!" yelled a guard as he ran into the room. All eyes were on him as he leaned beside the king, cupping his mouth as he whispered into his ear.
Ered gulped hard as his eyes slowly widened. "What?" he exclaimed as he turned his body towards the messenger. "When did this happen?" He quickly stood and looked back at them. "I apologize but an urgent matter requires my attention."
"King Ered," called Rebecca as she stood. "As your momentary King's Shield, I wish to know the details of this matter." Rebecca's throat was dry, how could she have demanded something from the King himself? To her surprise, he gave her a nod of approval.
"Very well. A Zuland general was just found murdered within the city of Beswind. I am to retire to my holding where it is safe. I will offer aid to Zuland and Hallos in any way I can." He turned to the messenger. "Have some of my men help with the capture of the murderer."
"Yes, lord!" barked the messenger.
Rebecca stood upright as she saluted. "Sir, I ask if I may join your party of men to help with this." If it was the work of the necromancers once more, she could end their killings now just as she did on the water.
"I'll allow it. I hope that with this you'll find that allies are a much-needed asset during these times. I do apologize, General Taloz, we will continue this conversation in time."
Rebecca walked around the large table. "Lord, where was the murder?"
Ered looked back at her. "It was a within a brothel, The Gold Feline Cortigiana."