In the dead of the night, in the desolate sparring grounds behind his manor, Kenric stared up at the stars. Their great shine from the vast distance had a way of calming him and facilitating his thoughts. He was so busy all throughout the day, so faced with herculean problems, that taking time to slow down like this was… nice.
He breathed deep, letting the chilly air fill his lungs, and then exhaled, like he was exhaling all the weight that had settled on his spirit.
"You mustn't be awake this late," an old, cultured voice came from behind, "You have a long journey tomorrow."
Kenric didn't even have to turn to look to know that it was Gerard. He'd recognise his voice anywhere.
"Shall I brew you some tea?" Gerard asked, walking up beside him.
"When have I ever drank tea?" Kenric asked.
"It's never too late to begin," Gerard said, "I strongly recommend it."
"No thanks."
"Very well. Now, what has you up, my lord?" Gerard asked.
Kenric was silent for a long while, and when he did respond, it was not with an answer, "Gerard, you served the Ravenstars. You've never spoken of them, and I've never asked about them."
"That is correct," Gerard said.
"I find myself curious now: why did they rebel? They knew they were outmatched by the crown, so why fight?" Kenric asked. It was a question that had come to him very recently, and as time had gone on, the question had only become more prominent in his mind.
"That is a rather odd question to ask at this time," Gerard noted.
"I assume you have an answer."
"I do," Gerard said. He paused before speaking again, "The Ravenstars… they were once Kings. Like Feren, like Ceadal, like Yenla, they too were subjugated by Yareth during their expansion. It has not been so long since then, and this was even truer a few decades ago."
"So they were fighting for the past," Kenric said, "They were fighting for the dynasty that their forefathers took pride in."
"In a sense," Gerard said, "They were fighting for all they had lost, and all that they wanted to restore." He gave Kenric a sly look, "But you already knew that. The history books say as much."
"I wanted to make sure," Kenric said.
"Do you feel a kinship with them?" Gerard asked, "Fighting insurmountable odds for the sake of their predecessors… do you recognise that feeling?"
Once more, Kenric did not answer. Once more, after a long silence, he asked a question instead, "Was their fight hopeless?"
Gerard gave it some thought, "Not… hopeless, no," he said carefully, "No fight is truly hopeless. The Ravenstars were in too much of a rush. They wanted to fight, and they failed to realise the fact that they needed allies to do so. There were many who would have fought alongside them, had they taken the time to look."
They sat in companionable silence for a while after that, until Gerard put a hand on Kenric's shoulder, "Come, my lord. You must get some sleep."
Finally, Kenric nodded, "Yes, good night."
*
"I must insist, please take one of us with you as well," Edward pleaded with Kenric, as he had been ever since he had heard that Kenric and Elizabeth were going to the Aubet territory alone. He, along with Gerard, Liam, Aida, Noodle, and several other members of the manor staff were all gathered in the courtyard to see Kenric and Elizabeth off.
The carriage was ready, and the day was bright. Perfect weather for travelling, something Kenric had been hoping against. Turbulent weather such as snow meant that the soldiers from Wereion would be troubled as well.
"As I've told you, I need every skilled hand here, just in case," Kenric said. He paused, an idea occurring to him, "I suppose that means you're coming along as well, Noodle."
"Wait, what?" Noodle looked around, startled, "I'm… hey!"
"You have your sword with you, don't you?" Kenric nodded at the blade at his hip, "That's good enough. Get in."
"No—wait—but I didn't even pack anything!" Noodle protested.
"Our destination is only a few hours away," Kenric said, "Precaution is the only reason we packed anything. You'll be fine."
"I guess I don't deserve precaution, huh?" Noodle muttered as he entered the carriage. Elizabeth entered after him, and Kenric nodded to his vassals, "I leave my lands to you all. Do not fail me."
They all bowed, with Aida saying flatly, "Inspiring as ever, boss."
Kenric entered the carriage, and they set off. They exited the city, and headed east, to the territory of the Aubets. There was a sort of path between their territory and Kenric's, but it was not well-maintained, for not many people used it.
"Where are we going exactly?" Noodle asked as he looked out the window, where the vast greenery rolled by.
"The city of Brio," Kenric said, "Similar to Blaidd, it's the city from where Alain Aubet rules his lands."
"Is it nice?" Noodle asked.
"I've never been," Kenric said.
"Have you checked all the information Gerard collected for us?" Elizabeth asked.
"Information? What information?" Noodle asked.
"Basic things like Lord Aubet is having trouble with bandits, or that he had a good harvest this year," Kenric said, "Apparently, according to Gerard, I'll never know when knowing something might give me an unexpected opportunity."
"He's not wrong," Elizabeth said, "Negotiations are like battles, the more information you have about your enemy, the better."
"Yes, I agree," Kenric said, "That's why I memorised all the information he prepared for me."
They fell into silence, but it did not last. Noodle seemed full of questions today, "So, uh, why did you bring me along, my lord?"
Kenric smirked, "To be my bodyguard, why else?"
Noodle looked bewildered, "Really?"
"Are you saying you can't do it?" Kenric asked.
Noodle scoffed, confidence filling his frame by the second, "As if! It's just that Edward's a monster. Here, I can take anyone!"
"I hope you won't have to prove that," Elizabeth said.
Kenric looked out the window, watching his domain pass him by in silence.