I leaned against the banister overlooking the flowing streets below with a bottle of ale and a glass mug sitting beside me waiting to be downed like the rest.
It has been two weeks since coming home to Siegfried and giving farewells to those of Twilight Sand following Zeke for better lives elsewhere.
It was quite an event when we stepped foot into Siegfried to find Momma Joan and the others waiting to welcome us only to gaze in surprised horror at the sight of an army of monsters trailing behind.
Momma Joan, of course, was far more worried upon seeing that I had one arm missing and hurried over to check on me only after throwing Kuval to the ground when she tried intercepting her.
She then proceeded to roll my sleeve until the white of the fresh bandages were visible.
I had called for council with Siegfried's elders to discuss what my intentions were and to announce the death of King VonKnight.
At nightfall, I was summoned by Momma Joan after ensuring everyone was settled in makeshift tents until more permanent housings were available and led to the largest building at the town's center.
The building acted like a downgraded throne room were each elder came together to discuss issues plaguing Siegfried or held council with its denizens.
I had attended two of such council meetings since living here and was quickly bored of it as such topics were dull to me yet I attended because Momma had asked for an appearance.
It felt weird being the one to call upon the elders for council but it was the right thing to do especially since they took me in when I had nothing.
I stood before a large table adorned in a white tablecloth with gold lace stitched near the center before branching out toward each corner.
Four chairs sat on the furthest side close to the wall facing toward me as a light shadowed the occupants faces giving them a more threatening atmosphere.
Of course in my case, the light was unneeded and was quickly turned off allowing my sight to fully adjust to the room once more as Momma Joan took her seat at the outermost right.
I smiled and gave a small greeting to each elder out of respect for their title and what they go through to provide Siegfried what is needed to survive.
I also owed many favors to them for several reasons though mainly for scrounging up the gold needed to free me from behind bars on a few select occasions.
I greeted each elder from left to right, "Elder Eda…"
A woman of dwarven descent sat in the leftmost seat dressed in a faded grey tunic that peeked through the elegant gown she wore which opened just below the leather sash revealing a pair of faded trousers stained in dust from her youth.
Black shoulder-length hair tied in a high bun sat gently over a furrowed stern face worn from years spent in mines throughout the lands and brightened by the blazing fires of forges.
Bright aqua blue eyes sunken somewhat into their sockets shifted over my body before stopping on the missing limb where a hint of sorrow flashed before hardening to ice once more.
Three crimson intersecting rings were tattooed just below her left eye symbolizing her membership of the Craftsmen Guild while the right side was a mass of scarred tissue long healed from an accident in her youth.
Calloused hands tapped the table in a repetitive motion filling the room with some melody only known to her.
My eyes shift to the figure sitting next to her, "Elder Dominic…"
A man in his late sixties towered over the others dressed in a dark blue blazer with gold stitching around each wrist hung over a modest black tunic that buttoned just below the neck.
Glinting steel of the long sleeve chainmail shirt sparkled in the candlelight only to be tucked back into hiding.
Short trimmed white hair glistened from the sweat pooling from the heat of the room though it didn't bother him for his many years serving as a knight commander before settling down and raising a family.
Calm green eyes sat nicely in their sockets behind silver glasses among dark rings from sleepless nights spent watching Siegfried for any ailments scurrying through its streets.
Hand rested upon the silver pommel of a longsword attached by fine leather.
I turned and greeted the most mysterious of the elders, "Elder Victor…"
Black cloth swayed with movement as the figure underneath a hooded shawl nodded its head in greeting before silently taking a seat.
Two gloved hands rested over one another allowing the circle of runes professionally sewn into the white fabric to be seen yet none knew what each symbol meant.
A matching tunic could barely be seen from the layers of cloth giving him the illusion of an endless abyss with mouth agape waiting to swallow any foolish to step close.
The lower half of some mask glittered in the candlelight before being extinguished in the darkness of the hood.
An eerie aura surrounded the man that many felt unbearable to be around while an ominous chill touched the skin.
"You have a determined glimmer in your eyes," Dominic was the first to speak, "the same glimmer I saw when you first came here."
Eda added, "He also had both arms back then. One can't help but wonder what foe was able to claim such a feat. One of the accompanying monsters? Or perhaps a lost wager?"
"Eda," Momma Joan looked toward the dwarf, "leave the boy alone. He's been through a lot these past weeks as you can see. Give him time to settle down before asking such things, besides this isn't an interrogation."
"Don't be like that Joan," Eda murmured in an expressionless tone, "especially since you're just as curious like the rest of us."
Eda looked about to continue when Victor cleared his throat telling her to be silent for a moment before his hidden eyes focused on me.
He spoke in a cold stern voice like Grandfather used to, "I am more concerned about the horde of monsters wandering our town disrupting much needed business and scaring off visitors. I've already seen two caravans of supplies gather their wares and practically trample one another to reach the gates. Tyke and his clan are one thing but having a mass of monsters isn't what Siegfried is known for. So please explain this circumstance to us."
I didn't move my gaze from his only to take in the awaiting eyes of the others before returning to those cold eyes.
"It's simple," I began to pace the length of the table, "they belong to me. They are those who chose to follow me here hoping to find a peaceful life free from prejudices displayed upon their shoulders for being what they are. They are my subjects and part of the future I wish to build."
I stopped and glared into the darkness, "Where I settle, they belong; end of the question."
The room was quiet for a long time making my anxiety rise to a whole new level yet gave enough time to look between each elder for their collective response.
Dominic let out a sigh as he removed his spectacles and proceeded to rub exhaustion from his eyes to fully understand my words.
Eda stared blankly at the table before her though I noticed slight movements of her jaw as if she were repeating my words only to gaze up with a surprised expression chiseled on her usually neutral face.
I could not really tell what expression was made underneath his hood but Victor's body shuddered almost in laughter which is very unusual for the man.
My eyes fell on Momma Joan who smiled brightly and nodded her head in approval.
"Jackal," Eda sheepishly said my name, "when you said 'they are my subjects and part of the future I wish to build' does that mean you intend to create your own kingdom?"
I nodded my head, "Many things happened during the weeks spent in Vusta from discovering that the current Beastking was a fellow slave during my captivity to finding monsters I considered family slaughtered by Paladins of Lokdis and the place I called home destroyed."
I moved closer to the table, "I sacrificed my arm to rekindle the trust those monsters have for me and staked my vows upon it without looking back. Those same monsters helped defend Breura from Vaniel forces trying to gain full access to the wealth of Vusta and free reign over its people."
I looked to Momma, "It was because of them that I decided to fulfill my birthright and become king of my own nation."
"Tell us," Victor clasped his hands underneath his shrouded chin, "why bring them here to Siegfried?"
I sighed and walked over to a nearby wall decorated in murals of grain fields in the sun's foreground.
"I was wanting to make Siegfried its capital," I touched the smooth wooden sun, "that's why I asked for this council. I simply wish to gain your approvals but if it's not to be then I'd settle for Siegfried to be a part of my kingdom."
I heard shifting fabric and the small screech of their chairs creak as they muttered in quieted tones.
They held the safety and well-being of everyone in Siegfried in the palm of their hands so it was only natural to discuss such matters amongst themselves though I knew from Momma Joan's eyes that she was already aboard with the idea.
This somewhat concerned me because she was placing the duties of her position as an elder behind the fact that I was the closest thing to a son she had.
She had a good heart but knowing such a serious decision was already made without thought just didn't seem right.
I didn't want her or the others to regret their decisions later on down the line.
"Jackal," Momma Joan broke the silence, "we will need a few day to delegate about your offers. In the meantime, have your subjects find a place to set up camp or find shelter in one of the ruined buildings."
I bowed my head, "I await your answers."
Within a few days, it was decided surprisingly unanimously that Siegfried would become the capital city of the nation I wished to build and construction began shortly after the decision was made public; beginning with the demolishing of all unsalvageable buildings.
Several groups were assigned different tasks more suited to their skills in attempts to make the workflow a little less stressful while being efficient.
The first house chosen to be reused appeared to be a three story manor nestled near the forest entrance to the northwest that wasn't in too terrible shape on the outside except for overgrown shrubbery.
Inside however was in total disarray just like the old Inn where I faced Augusta and had to be entirely remodeled so whoever would live here wouldn't find themselves falling through floors.
I soon was even more surprised that this place was chosen by everyone for me to live in since it was more fitting for a king than a room at a tavern which I didn't mind living in.
I took another swig of ale enjoying the mundane day to the best of its capabilities while silently overseeing the intertwined lives below.
Ogga was assigned to the group consisting of those who held great strength hince why he carried fresh lumber to the work area to be used with Aron by his side keeping him company and Dutch on their heels.
I smiled at the sight of Nathaniel and Korin walking hand in hand toward a new clothing shop run by an experienced fairy named Mysta who often played seamstress with several others for the Grotto.
Since Siegfried was to be a city, we had to extend its boundaries a bit more and placed none other than Stalo to oversee the construction of new places with the architectural aid of Isabella.
Siegfried was starting to become filled with more life than ever before, especially with everyone preparing for the coming festivities.
[(If only mother and father were here to see it.)]
Shaking such thoughts out of my head, I pulled the pistol that Cortez had given me as a token of his loyalty before taking Zeke and the others to the new lands down south from the leather holster attached to my right hip.
Adjustments were made that allowed me to use it with only one hand.
Runes were inscribed onto the crystals used as ammo and the inside of the barrel allowing me to simply use the darkness of the barrel to easily reload much like using shadow movement to get from place to place.
A leather wrap was nailed and sanded down around the handle making it easier to carry while the barrel itself was recast in Zutryx to better match my color scheme upon the request of Nyxis.
Even though all this was done, I still knew very little about the weapons capabilities except from what I've seen and needed more practice using it.
The Little Fox's voice chimed on my right, "Preparing for another battle, Mongrel?"
I chuckled at her little insult and placed the weapon back into its holster before refilling the mug one again.
"Maybe," I answered after a long drink.
She placed her arms on the banister, "How long has it been?"
Puzzled, I repeated the question: "How long has it been since what?"
She glared at me with a determined sideways glance taking me aback a little.
"How long has it been," she repeated the question with a little more force, "since you've last slept?"
That same damnable question returns to irritate me once again souring my already foul attitude hence the reason for staying away from everyone.
Momma Joan had asked me the same question for days now only to be followed by several others who were so intrigued by my sleep schedule or lack of.
I had enough of hearing that damn question on the third day and decided to board myself away from everyone so their mood wouldn't sour because of my self loathing.
My mind was troubled by many things though the foremost one had to deal with Nyxis who locked herself in her store for obvious reasons.
I knew she was having a hard time coping with what happened and I was to blame for not being there to protect her just like I was responsible for Uncle's death.
[(How many days has it been?)]
Sighing, I put the mug down and saw the determined gaze of the Little Fox awaiting an answer.
Scratching my chin, "It's been maybe five or six days now, I guess. I'm not entirely sure to be honest."
She shook her head and poured herself some ale before drinking it in one big continuous gulp without stopping for air.
Letting out a sigh, she placed the mug back on the tray then took the remaining bottle and smashed it on the floor without warning sending shards of glass sprawling everywhere.
Anger burned in my chest but it soon faded away when I noticed tears flowing down the corners of her flustered face yet her eyes still carried their determination.
She stepped forward and pulled me toward her by the collar where she proceeded to kiss me, cutting off my unheard words of disapproval.
When we separated, she placed her head against my chest and wept.
"You are not the only one in pain," she spoke between tears, "everyone is saddened to see you like this. Everyone is in agreement that this isn't like you and are worried."
[(Nice one Jackal, making everyone worry especially one of your Queens.)]
Sighing, I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her closer ignoring the startled shiver of her body.
Her eyes looked into mine as the portrait they were painted on became wrought with emotion giving them a more alluring shine to them that drew me in for some reason or another.
I couldn't understand why such an attraction was affecting me since this was practically cheating on Nyxis who wasn't here to defend her territory.
Nyx held my heart in the palm of her hand yet she willingly told me that it was alright to accept Thirteen's offer and take on the Little Fox as my bride to be.
It was just my dumb luck that all this happened after claiming Ashe as mine in front of everyone.
A voice boomed from the doorway leading to the balcony: "It seems we are interrupting something, my Lord. Shall we come back in, let's say about an hour?"
Startled, I turned to find Thirteen and his Queens standing in the door frame with ambiguous smiles plastered on their faces.
I felt the Little Fox pull away from me and began swatting the air trying to explain what was going on only to let out incoherent gibberish as her face became an even brighter shade of red.
I couldn't help but laugh watching her mother and Izras pat her defeated frame.
The Little Fox looked at me with pleading eyes for a quick merciful death to her from such embarrassment.
I was glad that no such fate happened to me but that soon changed when Thirteen clasped a hand on my shoulder and gestured for us to talk inside away from the others.
Thirteen was the first to speak while I tried to form a solution about what they witnessed, "how is life with my daughter here?"
Breaking from his grasp, I made my way to a nearby bookcase and ran a finger across each spine with enough force to push those hanging out back into place.
The room was considered the main rest area where things of comfort were placed after a long day.
At the room's center, a large rectangular rug sat evenly throughout the room filled with overlapping intrinsic patterns painted on a velvety canvas.
The three bookcases from Raven's Claw lined the far wally that adjoined the newly restored fireplace while the two couches sat on opposite sides of a medium sized glass table.
In all, the room wasn't much but it provided a place to think when plagued by sleepless nights.
I pulled one of the journals my father had written recounting days spent under the care of a tribalistic group worshipping an unknown deity and began flipping through its pages. I answered the question absentmindedly, "Truthfully, I haven't really noticed."
I heard disappointment in Thirteen's voice, "Is that so?"
Finding the page I was looking for, I skimmed the paragraphs searching for the details I hoped to find.
"Don't sound like that," I gave him a small grin, "she has been a big help these past few days while I've been somewhat of a recluse. She is quite the diplomat when the need rises in her own little way."
Sighing, "Aside from that, you interrupted a realization moment presented by her though honestly I don't know how far it would've gone if you hadn't interfered."
Thirteen boomed with laughter that echoed throughout the room upon hearing my truthful answer.
Such a sound of joy was a pleasant reprieve from the constant loathing that's been brewing ever since receiving a visit from Veronica last week with some unsettling but expected news.
Veronica had basically told me that Freya had ordered for me to be killed if spotted anywhere near Ironclad which is why I haven't been able to sleep as the waves of guilt ferried the ship of my consciousness far from the dreaming shores.
She also told me that Uncle's funeral procession had been planned for today and that he would be placed next to his beloved late wife who died during childbirth.
Which brought us to the reason why Thirteen was here, he of course felt like he needed to attend such a ceremony to show that Breura had all intentions to respect the late king's treaty and to simply help me sneak into Ironclad without a trail of bodies.
I placed the journal back where it belonged after finding what was needed, "How did the departure of the Vaniel princess go?"
"Always to the point," Thirteen muttered shaking his head.
I shrugged as he continued, "It went off without problems or none that couldn't be taken care of directly. A few of the remnant soldiers tried one last assault upon the port but were quickly put down thanks to your representatives."
"Aye," a smile contoured on my lips, "Akroq and Shz'rak are quite capable when it comes to slaughtering enemies. I can't tell you how many times they've tried turning their eyes on me."
Thirteen took the glass of ale I offered as he chuckled, "The lich has been a blessing dealing with Maddox. He has started to show signs of improvement; still wants to kill you but an improvement is an improvement nonetheless."
"The feeling's mutual," I agreed, pouring another glass of ale.
"Still though," I looked deep into the red liquid, "I'm glad your family has a chance to reconnect unlike mine. As you read in my letter, Freya has ostracized me from Ironclad."
Swishing the liquid so my reflection was distorted, "I can't blame her though when I'm the sole reason her father died."
Thirteen took a sip of his ale before finding a place against the small side table between two bookcases.
He didn't say anything for the longest time though I did see him open his mouth to say something perhaps comforting but refrained himself on several occasions out the corner of my eye.
Raising the glass to his scarred lips, I watched the liquid disappear leaving behind an empty mug wrapped tightly in his paled hand.
He looked toward the ceiling hoping for some kind of answer to bestow itself upon him but alas no such miracle sparkled from the pearled marble roof.
I placed my hand on his shoulder telling him it was alright not to say anything when there weren't words to be used.
"Is that what you truly believe," he asked after a long sigh.
It was my fault for many things that had happened over the years starting with the death of our parents long ago.
Father was a master swordsman who defeated twenty opponents one after another without breaking a sweat and had trained his offspring to do the same for what came after his time was up.
By age ten, I was well on my way to enroll in the Knights Academy a whole year ahead of what was the required age after one of the headmasters had seen me keep pace with father during one of our skirmishes.
He was so proud after hearing the headmaster say that a child such as myself would be a fine addition to the school.
Though talented, I was still too weak to even protect them.
[(Power is everything in this world.)]
Putting the barely touched ale down on the table, I looked into Thirteen's inquisitive eyes. "Yes," I whispered, "if it wasn't for me he would have possibly lived."
Thirteen shook his head before finishing off his drink, "I don't think he saw it that way, Twenty-one."
"No," I raised an eyebrow.
"No," he shook his head, "I believe he saw his eleven year old nephew once again when he saw you under that rubble."
Thirteen made his way over to the fireplace and picked up the charred family portrait, "He talked about you a lot when we were alone. Couldn't keep from mentioning how much you reminded him of the late king. The way both of you viewed the world in your own way and stood behind your words without hesitation when faced with abrasions."
"To me," Thirteen turned an eye on me, "it sounded like he was overjoyed to see you follow your father's footsteps. I believe he died without any regrets no matter what you or anyone else believes."
I wiped a stray tear from my cheek and looked at my open hand now chilled by the liquid it swept over.
Uncle was many things over the years but the fact he cared for all his family remained the same no matter the tribulation just like how father was when he willingly threw himself before the blade meant for mother.
He was a man with his own sort of honor that made people admire him.
Such a man didn't deserve to die in battle but in the comforts of his own bed surrounded by such people.
With or without regrets, the fact that he died because of my carelessness didn't change though I appreciated Thirteen's and the Little Fox's attempts to make me feel better.
Sighing, "We had best be going; don't want to keep the dead waiting."