It was late. The moons hung high in the sky and Alfred sat alone on the balcony looking at the night sky, drink in hand. He couldn't help but admire the night sky of this world, one that wasn't obstructed by light pollution.
"May I sit with you?" A soft voice spoke from behind. Alfred turned around seeing Isra standing there. His smile was soft as he pulled a seat out for her and offered a drink. It was a weird sight to see the two drinking alcohol. But they both were adults in mind and the taste for alcohol didn't leave.
The two were silent, looking at the night sky. It was peaceful. Isra however, repeatedly took glances at Alfred trying to say something, but found she couldn't find the words. "Just say it?" Alfred's calm voice floated on the wind as he looked at her.
"Will the marriage continue? It has been weighing on me since the Pope's visit and we have not spoken properly for many months. Has your newfound title changed things? Can you no longer give me what you promised?" Isra spoke with a sadness in her voice. After so long she finally found someone like her with her unique circumstances. She was scared to lose it.
Alfred could see the worry on her face. He knew he had been a bad partner and although the relationship was made for political reasons it didn't mean he wished to mistreat her. "Forgive me Isra. These past few months have been busy. I know I made a promise to you and I have given you the freedom to do as you wish, but I'm sure it must have been a stressful time."
Alfred got up and walked behind the girl. "I won't send you back to that old man across the border because I wish for you to remain here. You and I are the only two people who truly understand one another. We are the only ones who can tell each other about the past. But you must also understand that I have a responsibility to the Kingdom. The blood I've spilt, the things I have done. I can't let it be for nothing so I must keep marching forward even if it means those I care about must go through a little suffering."
Isra turned her head, looking up and Alfred's blue eyes. They sparkled like sapphires in the starlight. "I understand." Her smile was gentle and her eyes understanding. Her hand reached and held his as he pulled his seat next to her. The two once again in silence looked at the night sky.
Within the Commonwealth, Snowid watched the departing army of the Pope. His face was scrunched in displeasure. "Konrad. Any news from across the border?" The knight with an angelic smile walked out from behind a nearby tree.
"Nothing out of the ordinary. He continues to consolidate power underneath him. The Royal Guard still expands but no Commander has been placed in it yet. An influx of steady business has begun to bloom due to the opening of the Gold Masked Bank, but this was expected. Flanders remains silent for now returning North and the Godwin's still build their ships. The Arch-Bishop does his thing. The only one unaccounted for is the new marquess. We can't find a trace of him which is weird."
Snowid shook his head to Konrad's list. "The new marquess is the priority. If he is out of sight then it's because he's making a move. Keep watch of the others but make this the priority."
"Of course My King. But I must warn, the Old Snake is on the move again in the Kingdom. The Spymaster will have trouble in the near future, so don't kill him in your rage later." Konrad said teasingly getting a glare from Snowid.
"I'm not petty enough to kill a man for something so stupid. The Old Snake's reputation is warranted after all." Snowid stopped, looking back at his soldiers. In a rare weakness his face showed hesitation. "Konrad. I want the truth from what I ask. How do you think we hold up to the Kingdom?"
Konrad put his hand on his chin. "Honestly. It's not favourable. The business flowing in the Kingdom added with the new farming techniques means they will overtake us within a few years. The way the Boy is advancing the military is also rapid. The Great Purge he committed has been able to consolidate the military underneath his lone control and the sub-branches he created in it are making it so one general can't have too much power. How far he goes with this is yet to be known."
"If we wish to not be outdone, then we must either innovate or change. Whilst we can't pull off a purge of that scale, maybe there is another way that doesn't stain your reputation. It's just a matter of finding it." Konrad sighed in regret. He wished he had all the answers.
Snowid sighed too. He knew that it was tough going forward and could only hope that he would find the path in the near future. He had already become the foundation that held the Commonwealth together and now he needed to become something more.
Abu looked down in the courtyard. Those who accepted his offer to follow him trained with swords and other weapons. It brought a smile onto his face knowing that he had helped to bring about some change.
When he first saw the slaves owned by the numerous nobles flood into the castle he had been given, he felt anger, but within it, he saw that it was his opportunity. The choice he gave was fair, if you wish to leave then you can as a free man, but if you have nothing left serve him and the crown and be given a new purpose.
Very few left. Those who stayed hoped it wasn't a lie. The first month was spent vetting all the slaves for the most useful skills they had as well if they were criminals or not. It was a long and arduous process, but it was worth it in the end for Abu. He found those who were learnt that had been enslaved, those strong or those skilled in niche talents.
Many were normal and could be moulded in any way he wanted, but he knew it was just the start. The light in their eyes had slowly returned as they had finally been given purpose.
Esmond walked behind Abu looking down at the ex-slaves. "His Highness delivered on his promise to you." His sudden words stunned Abu who jumped and looked at the silent old man.
"What do you want? You already took those we found undesirable." With a tone of annoyance, Abu calmed himself, once again watching the courtyard.
"I'm here to find some diamonds in the rough. I've finished training the first batch and reestablishing my old network. It's time for me to find more."
"You may look but if you try to take anyone who wishes not to leave." The threat was clear and Esmond nodded. He was annoyed he couldn't tell the man no outright.
"I must ask. Do you have any eunuchs?" It was a sudden question that didn't make sense to Abu. "They are the slipperiest of them all. Must be something to do with the lack of manhood. Truly people that you can rely on to find things for you. Just make sure not to keep them too close or you might end up on the end of a poison-coated dagger." Esmond laughed to himself, with Abu not understanding a thing the man was talking about.
"I didn't check their manhood so I wouldn't know. Just go take your look and leave." Esomnd frowned at Abu's lack of participation and turned, silently leaving. Abu respected the man for being good at what he did, but there was always a level of fear and repulsion towards him.
Deciding to clear his head, Abu left the courtyard. A walk through the castle always gave him memories of his past and the terrible person he once was. He lowered his head with a bitter smile. It was funny to him how despite everything, he found himself back, ruling a castle. Yet it was different. He wasn't a cruel lord but someone given the chance to help the weak.
It may not make up for his past sins, but he hoped that at least it was the path to his redemption. The image of Alfred appeared in his mind. Abu stopped as Esmond's words replayed in his mind. It was Alfred who gave him a chance and let him have a chance to right his wrongs. With a happy smile on his a new feeling towards the boy filled his heart and mind.