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A Light Forgotten 15: Wren

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A Light Forgotten:

Chapter 15: Secrets and Stratagems.


Father, your legends tell me you are a warrior without peer, but what I see in your actions is weakness. What is the point of a king who sits idle as his kingdom is rules by others? What use is power that is never exercised. Rainier can be a strong nation. It should be.

I have seen the future of our kingdom. It will glide on the fairest of of black wings. It will prosper. This woman, this angel, she is what this kingdom needs. She alone will redefine Rainier's place in the world. I will see to it that it happens.

I don't expect you to understand. Understanding is not your best trait. Nevertheless, I will not relent. I cannot relent. For the kingdom I love I will not lay down my sword. I will cut through and forge a strong, proud nation once again.

Too long has this kingdom been ruled by thieves and rogues. Money is not and should not be the core of a kingdom. Rainier will be set right. Rainier will move into the future. Guided on those beautiful, mighty black wings, we will invariably flourish.


Thorbern Randale's expression was stern and strong as he marched toward Hallberg from the Monster' Nest with the small group of assorted adventurers. Big ideas had been flowing in his brain since he met the angel named Wren. He was looking forward to meeting with his father. He was looking forward to forging the future of Rainier.

"Who are they?" asked the adventurer Lyria Felrook.

Thorbern looked up and noticed what the girl did, a moderately large force of armed soldiers marching toward them, swift approaching. He wondered if they were Rainier men at first, but the armor wasn't right.

"Wait... no..." Wren muttered, as she started out at them.

"That's... that's them, isn't it?" the girl called Una Graingier spoke in a shaky voice. She fell to her knees. Tears pooled in her eyes immediately.

"Una? Hey, what's wrong?" the bandit Charlotta demanded, going to comfort the girl.

"I recognize that armor," said Xath Aeon in a steady voice.

"Yes," said Zelenia Reid. "It's obviously the armor of the Maytland Magic Knights."

"Maytland?" Destan Hanley started. "This far into Rainier?'

"Hey you're right those are May-" Charlotta started, her attention going from Una to the approaching knights. "Wait! Those are the Ninth Squad!" The bandit seemed to suddenly panic, and dashed to the very back of the group, hiding behind Xath.

"What are you...?" Elidi Gorman stared at her inquisitively, her head tilted.

"These knights..." Wren finally spoke. "They are the ones who razed our village. They took everything from Una... They killed father Craddock... They..." Even the angel was weeping now, overwhelmed by emotion.

"Then the course of action seems pretty simple to me," said Lyria with a big smirk, fist in hand. "We pound all of their faces in!"

"Hold!" Thorbern started in an authoritative voice, extending a hand. "Stand back!" he commanded as he stepped to the front of the group. This surprised much of the group. "We will try and avoid confrontation. An all out battle between magic knights and adventurers is something to be avoided at all costs!"

"But-!" Lyria started, clearly frustrated. The prince silenced her with a shake of his head.

A few moments later, the Magic Knights had closed in. The two groups were finally face to face. At the front of the knights was an effeminate teen boy with black hair, dressed in lighter armor than the rest. With him was a very large man dressed in pitch black armor made to intimidate. Neither one looked to Thorbern like a worthy leader.

"Well look here, Nevin," the knight in black started. "We've actually found her!" He pointed his axe toward Wren.

"Fallen angel, by the authority invested in us by Empress Berengaria, you are hereby under arrest for your crimes. We ask that you surrender yourself at once," the boy started authoritatively.

"Whoa..." the black knight spoke, having broken from formation. "Is that-?" He seemed to be staring past Xath to the still hiding Charlotta. "It is! First Lieutenant Martynson..."

"Silence, Cathan! This isn't time for..." the boy who had been called Nevin protested his subordinate's lack of discipline. "Wait, you mean the murderer of Captain Noland's predecessor?"

"The one and only," the armored man replied. "I'd recognize that pretty little face anywhere!"

"Excellent. Then it's not one but two wanted fugitives we shall apprehend today!" the boy replied with a steady nod. "Come out, Martynson! You are under arrest as well!"

The bandit slowly stood and stepped forward, looking none to pleased. She glared at the man in armor. "You're the lowest, Cathan. It doesn't surprise me that it's you involved in this..." She looked over at Una' still on her knees, crying. "Especially since I don't see her around."

"You mean Captain Noland?" Nevin started. "She was all too involved until recently."

"That woman proved useless," the one Charlotta had called Cathan said with a fierce laugh. "She was stupid enough to get herself abducted by pirates."

"Pirates?" Charlotta muttered, giving a short awkward laugh. "I can't believe that..."

"Unless you spy any other wanted criminals in this pack, Cathan, I think it's time we finish up here," Nevin started coldly. "Men! Apprehend the wanted!"

"You'll do no such thing," Thorbern said sternly, standing tall at the front of the group.

"Oh? Under who's authority do you think you can stop us?" Cathan started with a deep laugh.

"By the authority of the Randale name! I Prince Thorbern Randale of the Kingdom of Rainier declare that any further advance on this party shall be taken as an act of aggression on Rainier by Maytland!" Thorbern said in a loud, clear voice.

The boy Nevin's eyes went wide. The armored man just laughed. "You're supposed to be some prince of something. Ha! Like I'd-"

"Silence you contemptible oaf!" Nevin shouted, pushing the much larger man aside as he nervously stepped forward. He bowed to the prince in respect. "I hope you may excuse the behavior of my men, your highness. We knew not who's presence we shared." He gave a nod. "I am Nevin Coyle. Acting Captain of the Ninth Squadron of Maytland's Magic Knights." He straightened his postured and nodded toward Wren. "It happens the one you shield, the angel calling itself Wren, is wanted by Maytland and the Semiran Church for crimes of genocide."

"This woman, Wren Pandra, has saved my life, and moreover the lives of everyone with whom I travel here today," the prince countered forcefully. "I see no reason to believe your story over the nobility and strength of character I have witnessed with my own eyes!"

"But-" Nevin fumbled nervously. The boy was clearly petrified of causing an international incident. "But, the church... surely you've seen their statements indicting the angel for her crimes. It's not my word, it comes straight from the Pope himself!"

"Bardrick Teo has no political authority over Rainier," Thorbern sternly replied.

"But that's-!" Nevin started. He backed up, looking defeated. "T-the woman in red..." he started. "Martynson... she's wanted for murder and desertion. Can we have her at least?"

It was almost laughable to see how the boy's strong speech and holding had crumbled so entirely to this. His demands were now issued in a voice that could only be called infirm and pathetic. Thorbern shook his head. "This woman too is a hero of Rainier. She personally slew a fearsome demon which had been plaguing one of our forests and displayed clear valor."

Nevin clenched his fist, which began to shake. He turned around in a single furious motion. "Magic knights, we march back to Maytland! Our mission has ended in failure."

"What? Just because the prince of some-" Cathan protested, sounding furious.

"Do not finish that sentence!" Nevin screamed, looking a total mess now. He looked back toward Thorbern. The boy seemed almost ready to cry. "We thank you for your time, Prince Thorbern."

Without another word, the boy started to lead his men away, defeated and demoralized. Thorbern's group watched as they made their retreat.

"Uh..." Charlotta spoke, moving toward the prince. "Er... thanks," she said, smiling weakly.

"I did nothing that wasn't warranted," said the prince, shaking his head.

"It's all true you know," she said in a weak voice. "I was one of them... I killed my superior while he was sleeping and I deserted."

"The past seldom contains all pleasantness," said Thorbern in a gruff voice. "That doesn't dictate who we are..."

"But..." Charlotta started. She stepped toward Una. "Will you ever be able to look at me the same, knowing I was once with them?"

The red headed woman moved toward the bandit and embraced her softly. She smiled. "You're my friend, Charlotta. Nothing could change that."

This seemed to calm the bandit. "You really are too nice..."

"I..." Wren started to speak, moving toward Thorbern. "I don't know what to say, Your Highness... I-I..."

"The same goes for you, Wren," he said steadily. "Your past crimes do not matter."

"Wait, but that knight called it 'genocide'?" Zelenia said, her voice a little concerned. "That sounds like kinda hard to overlook stuff to me..."

"They're just saying that!" Una started. "It was those bad knights who did it all!"

Wren looked down. "They're not talking about Irvyn, Una. Not entirely at least. There was another town. Fourteen years ago. Norwyn..."

"The Norwyn calamity?" Lyria started at once, the event more recent to her given her situation. "You mean that huge incident?"

"Indeed," said Wren, looking vulnerable. "I was the cause of that. Everyone there died because of me..."

"Was it your fault?" Elidi asked, her head titled.

"Of course!" said Wren, like it should be apparent. "If I hadn't been there, it wouldn't have happened!"

"That's not the same," said Una, shaking her head. "I can't believe you'd ever have willingly killed people, Wren. You're the kindest person I know."

Wren shook her head. "I wanted to kill in that moment. I wanted desperately for someone to be dead..."

"But not the whole town," said Destan with a nod. "From what I know of it, Norwyn was destroyed in an instant by some powerful magic... or I suppose miracle would be more accurate if it was you..."

"When we're pushed to the edge," the quiet Xath spoke. "Sometimes new power is found. Power we can't normally access. Power we can't hope to control."

"It doesn't matter if I was in control or not..." Wren started. "I still-!"

"Let's not speak of the matter," Thorbern said in a strong voice. "Let's continue. We must speak with my father."

"Yes," said Orsala Lyons, the most quiet of the entire group, the amnesiac girl, still ill, was sleeping on her back. "It is best this girl is brought to a bed and physician quickly too."

"Okay. Let's go then," said Wren with a nod.

------------------

Gwayne Garron sat in his office, a smug look on his face. It was kind of boring being at the top. It was mostly busywork. Sitting around, managing others, making sure requests for work got to capable adventurers. At the same time, it made him feel like he had power, and he liked having power. Still, he did kind of miss being out there, displaying his own strength. He'd have to set aside a job for himself soon.

Mulling over those thoughts, the underground king found his solitude interrupted. He figured at first that it was just that idiot woman Rochelle coming to him to appease her boredom and sexual appetite. But no, it proved to be a number of his adventurers, having returned from assignment. He nodded to Orsala Lyons, Elidi Gorman, Xath Aeon and the two new faces that had left for the Monsters' Nest. Craddock's disciple and the other one.

"Ah, so yer back?" he said, looking at them. "I trust the Monsters' Nest was a success then?"

"The mission was a failure, sir," Orsala spoke as steadily as ever.

"Yes," said Elidi. "It is with much regret we must inform you that the kidnapped women we were sent to rescue were slain before we could secure them."

Garron gave a small shake of his head. This is what he got for leaving such a delicate operation to a bunch of women. He really did need to do more himself. "Failure of this kind makes us look bad. And when the clients are members of the senate, it's even more inexcusable."

"The mission was a failure," said Xath. "But we did meet some success. The culprit responsible for the crime was killed, thanks almost entirely to Wren here."

Garron looked toward the tanned woman who had learned from Craddock. He studied her a moment. "Is that so? I thought the kidnappers were simply common imps?"

"They were being controlled," said Orsala, in a low voice. "For centuries likely, the Monsters' Nest had been housing a demon by the name of Abellona. It was this demon, who had recently decided to become more active, who kidnapped the senators' loved ones."

"A demon?" Garron was surprised. He had encountered a demon once. It was one of two times in his life he had known fear. The other was the day he lost his eye. "This girl bested a demon then? 'Er Divine Word is that incredible?"

"Well, she did learn from Mister Craddock!" Elidi started cheerfully.

"True," said Garron. "Demons are weak ta God's light." He nodded. "I can believe it."

"Wren saved us," said Orsala. "Our party was defeated by the demon and cursed. Not only did she weaken the demon so that it could be killed, but she freed us all, along with a number of others who the demon had made prisoners."

"I see," said Garron. "And the other girl?"

"She supported me," said Wren in a soft voice. "Una isn't strong and she lacks in skills. But... I couldn't have done anything without her."

"That's not quite good enough, I say," said Garron with a snort. "But you, yer in." he nodded to the woman, Wren Pandra. "Ya 'ave my full recognition as an adventurer!"

"Adventurer?" the girl called Una started, looking surprised.

"Yeah..." Wren said. "I kind of figured it out a while ago, Una. It was sort of a misunderstanding..." She gave a short smile. "But I don't mind. I think I ended up doing something really good as a result."

"Well, if you're happy, Wren..." Una started, smiling brightly but still looking confused.

Garron honestly had little idea what they were talking about and didn't particularly care. He was certainly pleased though. Priests were the rarest breed of adventurers and it there was a new one around of this caliber it could only be a good thing.

"So, that's about the all of it," said Garron with a nod. "None of rest you will be gettin' a reward for your efforts."

"Alright," said Wren in a respectful voice. "Thank you."

"Great!" said Elidi, who seemed quite happy for the other two women. "You two better hurry along to the castle then! Wouldn't want to keep the king waiting."

"The king?" Garron perked up. "What these two got ta do with ol' Randale?"

"Prince Thorbern was among those rescued from the demon," Xath explained.

"Now don't that beat all..." Garron started in a low voice. "I s'pose there will be rewards bein' 'anded out then..."

He gave a bold laugh. Quite the attention this new adventurer would be getting. First assignment and she already had the royalty in her debt. Certainly a feat, that. This Wren Pandra was someone he'd have to watch closely.

--------------------

Charlotta gave a long sigh as she sat at a stool at Hanley's Pub. She felt more comfortable here now for some reason. Part of it was that she had been invited in by Lyria. Part of it was that she was just out of it. Her mind was still back there at the meeting she had been dreading for all of three years.

Or well, she wasn't sure it entirely qualified. Leandra hadn't been there. Pirates had gotten her, really? Charlotta didn't know whether to be concerned for her or just relieved that she had avoided that particular meeting. Seeing Cathan Muiredach again certainly hadn't been pleasant though. It was people like him who had convinced her she needed out of that place. Knowing he was a part of Una's pain just kind of pissed her off. The pub was a good place for her. She definitely felt like drinking.

"I still can't believe it..." said Calder Hanley, engaged in conversation with Lyria. "All this time we thought you were dead..."

"I know, it's just crazy..." Lyria said. "You're all old now..."

The barman gave a low growl. "Thanks a lot..."

"It's good to have you back, Lyria," said the old mage named Jyles Derry, nodding to the woman. "Most lost friends don't just suddenly return after all."

"Yep! Well, I'm definitely glad to be back!" Lyria said cheerfully. She clearly had a lot of catching up to do.

"You seem less nervous around me than usual," Charlotta decided to say something, eyeing the information seller sitting near her.

"Er... I... The Glorious Troubadour merely thought that you seemed less intimidating than before," Rune Darnall replied with some nervousness.

"Heh. I wonder about that..." she said, baring her teeth through a grin.

"So, Rune," Zelenia Reid, who had accompanied Lyria and Charlotta to the pub while her girlfriend accompanied Wren and the others to meet Garron, started. "Any information you have that could be bought for a drink?"

"Er..." Rune calmed down and smiled. "Why don't we find out, Zelenia."

"Calder! One of whatever this miserable sod takes," Zelenia called out, indicating Rune, throwing some gold pieces onto the bar. Calder walked over with a tall glass of ale.

"Well, as you may have heard," Rune started to talk freely as he sipped his drink. "Eirwen Fenix departed with the Tempest Crew to take on Harkan Island."

"Eirwen Fenix? You mean that bitch you sicked me on who kicked my ass?" Charlotta spoke with a snort.

"Er... yeah..." Rune said, smiling nervously. "That's her..."

"She takes on Harkan immediately after the Hell?" Zelenia said in a low voice. "My rival certainly has ambition equal to her master, even if she'll never hope to match him in any other way."

"Harkan's arguably more of a death trap than the Hell..." said Destan, who was also sitting nearby. "It's not as big an undertaking, but fewer people have ever returned."

"Tempest and Fenix together won't die easy," said Zelenia, shaking her head. "I wager we'll see them again, unfortunate as that may be."

"You really just don't like her..." Destan said with a sigh. Zelenia replied with a simple smile.

"What else you got," said Charlotta to Rune, not particularly caring about the cloaked woman who had nearly killed her. "I'd say that little is hardly worth Zelenia's drink."

Rune sighed. "Wystan and Calantha departed for a Farramond expedition a couple days back," he started, looking hopeful.

"Boring," Zelenia said with some indignation. "Save it for when you have something more juicy to report between those two."

"The Silver Reaper is active in Rainier. He was here at Hanley's. He was looking for your friend named Wren," Rune said, looking even more nervous than before.

"Silver Reaper?" Charlotta started, shrugging. "Never heard of him."

"He's probably one of the more dangerous men you'll ever find," said Destan in a low voice. "A freelance hunter who rejects association with us adventurers. Brutal killer who's had relics grafted directly into his body. He had a certain history with Osman and that lot."

"Could mean serious trouble for Wren," Zelenia said in a low voice.

"Indeed," said Destan. He glanced at Rune. "But if he was here in the pub, that information isn't particularly valuable or rare."

"How about this then," the masked man started, giving a confident nod. "Preparations have already begun within the castle for the coming Rainier Grand Tournament."

"Well that's certainly exciting," said Zelenia, her interest clearly piqued. "I mean. I assumed it would be cancelled what with the war going on all around us."

"Yeah, I did too," said Destan, nodding. "We certainly won't be seeing much participation from other kingdom's this time, I'd wager."

"What's this tournament?" Charlotta asked, unfamiliar with it.

"The Rainier Grand Tournament is held at the castle every five years to determine who is the strongest in Astraeia," Rune explained steadily. "Mostly its adventurers who compete, but champions of Maytland, Corliss, Vernell and beyond have been encouraged to attend in the past."

"I see," said Charlotta with a laugh. "Figures you adventurers would come up with some crazy competition like that." She smirked. "So what's the winner get?"

"The winner is awarded the chance to fight the king," said Destan shaking his head. "No ones really sure what you get if you beat him, as its never happened before and probably never will happen. Just getting to that point is a major boost to your reputation, however."

"Garron won the last two tournaments," Zelenia started with a steady nod. "Before that, Osman was the safest bet you could make."

"Garron?" Charlotta started, surprised to hear the name. "Someone beats that guy..."

"They get the respect and the power," Destan said, with a nod. "That's what its about. This tournament has the power to change quite a lot about how were organized."

"So, anyone around who could beat that guy?" asked Charlotta, now curious.

"I doubt it," said Zelenia with a shrug. "You should have seen the last tournament. He embarrassed the woman who made it to the final round. Toyed with her before the crowd and then maimed her. Cut out her eye; I guess so she'd be like him. That woman, Hendrik, used to be a regular in the scene, and one of the most capable warriors you'll ever find. Now she doesn't even show her face in Rainier."

"Wow, that's sick," Charlotta started, impressed by the ruthlessness being described.

"If Tempest can get back in time, my moneys on her to make it to the final round," said Destan, steadily. "That pirate has the skills to at least give Garron a fight."

"Tempest, eh?" Zelenia spoke in a low voice. "Yeah, I can kind of see that. Aren't exactly a lot of other options."

"So any of you guys gonna enter?" asked Charlotta with a laugh.

"Of course," said Zelenia with a smile. "I don't think I'll win, but I'm sure me and Elidi will give it a go. Just placing high enough can do wonders for your rep after all. Might be a good chance to best Eirwen if she makes it."

"I'm sure a lot of us will compete," said Destan, nodding. "You should as well."

"Eh," said Charlotta, shrugging. "I'm not sure it's my scene exactly."

"I wonder how Wren would do?" Zelenia asked, her voice becoming quiet.

"She won't participate," said Destan, shaking his head. "It's not like her."

"I'd pay to see Wren wreck Garron's smug face," said Charlotta with a smirk. "But you're right. That girl wouldn't enter something like this, not when she wants to keep certain things under wraps."

"I wonder what our friend the prince wants with her?" Destan asked in a steady voice.

"I'm sure we'll find out eventually," said Charlotta with another shrug.

-----------------

Wren wasn't entirely sure what to think as she was escorted by two guards and the prince through the expansive halls of Castle Rainier. She felt out of place. Her emotions were so entirely mixed she felt like she was going to explode. She couldn't say a word to Thorbern. He had her gratitude. She still wasn't sure she deserved his protection, Garron's recognition or any of the praise she had received. Now she was to meet with a king. She hardly knew what to think.

"Presenting Crown Prince Thorbern and his guest, Wren Pandra!" one of the guard's started loudly as they entered the castle throne room.

They were shown in. Wren stared in awe at the luxurious room, decorated with only the finest of things. At the center of it all was set of stairs draped in red. Atop them was a giant chair and in it sat a giant man. His bright red hair and beard flowed out around him, matching the crimson of his robes. A jeweled crown of gold rest atop his head. He looked exactly like Wren thought a king might.

"My son, you have returned!" the king bellowed, staring down a them as they approached. "You should not have completed your travels yet."

"My journey was cut short, father," Thorbern spoke in a stern, steady voice. "My men and I ran afoul of a fearsome demon in the Monsters' Nest! They were all slain. I was placed under a curse for these past several months."

"What's this? A demon? A curse?" the king shouted, surprised by the words. "There are such horrors so close as the Monsters' Nest?"

"Aye, father," Thorbern said. "There were. It is the woman before us now, Wren, who freed the curse and allowed for the demon to be slain."

The king's eyes studied Wren closely. "She seems but a normal girl," he said. "Who is she?"

"Wren. Can I ask you to reveal yourself?" Thorbern asked in a low voice, nodding to her. "It will be easier to show than to tell."

Wren nodded quietly. She took a step forward. She let her power slowly pour out. Her hair took on its natural silver. Her wings appeared from her back. She stood quiet as the king stared.

"The feathered wings..." said the king, staring in shock. "She is a..."

"An angel, father," said Thorbern. "This woman is one of God's angel."

"But those wings..." the king spoke. His eyes widened as something occurred to him. "The church's warning! This must be the same one as that-!"

"I remind you father, this woman has saved my life! She has rid our lands of a scourge!" Thorbern protested. "I've seen nothing in her actions but the most noble and selfless."

"My son..." said the king in a low grumble. "You put me in a terribly difficult place. Do you know that this woman is wanted by the church?"

"So I have heard," said Thorbern in a strong voice. "But I have reason to believe she is wrongly accused. Furthermore, I believe in all my heart that while she may be wanted elsewhere, here in Rainier, Wren is needed!"

"What are you speaking of, my son?" the king questioned in a low voice. "I do not follow."

"Has it not occurred to you?" Thorbern asked. "What it is that our kingdom lacks?"

"Lacks?" King Randale shouted. "Speak not in riddles, boy!"

"Consider it, father! Archerd with her Athanasius, Melozza and Caerwyn. Maytland and Lucanus and Anthemia. Vernell with Ragnild. Even Corliss had her Haskel and Udolf before their king went mad and had them destroyed!" Thorbern started. "Our kingdom however..."

"What of it?" the king started. "What are you intending?"

"We shall elevate this Wren! We shall build for her a cathedral! She will become the angel of Rainier, the Angel of Hope!" Thorbern proposed. Wren looked back at him, shocked. She couldn't believe it. This was his plan? It sounded ridiculous.

"You return early from your task with this preposterous idea?" the king spoke. "My son... you disappoint me."

"What of it is preposterous?" Thorbern questioned. "The symbolic significance of the angels is noted. In creating a better Rainier, we need one of our own!"

"Your plan is ill conceived, my son," said the king, shaking his head. "You intend to build a church for one the Church has declared an enemy? Do you not see the foolishness of that?"

"That is why Cathedral Wren will not be associated with the Holy Semiran Church!" Thorbern started in a strong voice.

The king looked as perplexed as Wren felt. "My son... what are you saying? How could the Church not be involved?"

"I see not why Rainier needs to be bound to the pope!" Thorbern started. "I say we throw off his reigns! We'll start a new faith! A church built from the same principles, but with you, the king of Rainier at the head!"

"What you suggest is sacrilege! Blasphemy! Son, Rainier cannot separate from the Church," the king started, shaking his head fiercely. "It shouldn't even be discussed. For one thing, it would mean war for Rainier."

"We've stayed out of the war long enough!" Thorbern protested.

"You have much to learn, son..." said the king, shaking his head. "For saving your life, I will protect your angel so long as you wish it so. However, I will not entertain the rest of this nonsense. I do suggest you begin your quest anew! Seeing the world might set your confused head straight."

"Understood, father," Thorbern said. "I have nothing more to say."

With that, the prince departed the throne. Wren bowed to his father before following him out. She was even more unsure what to think than before. Her, honored in a cathedral? She was an angel. She always had been, of course. But she hadn't ever even put herself in the same category with the likes of Lucanus, Anthemia or the other angels honored in lavish churches, sought out for blessings.

"I kind of agree with your father... I don't think I'm cut out for what you have in mind," Wren said as the two found themselves alone in a corridor. "It just sounds really weird to me."

"I can see it clearly enough," said Thorbern, shaking his head. "And I maintain that it will happen."

"But your father-!" Wren spoke.

"My father is a stubborn man who has never been able to see what is best for Rainier. He resists change even when it will be for the better," the prince spoke. "I knew he would reject this idea. It will happen all the same."

"What do you intend?" Wren asked, entirely unsure what to make of what the prince was saying.

"In just months a tournament is being held. My father will challenge the winner to a fight," Thorbern replied finally. "Should he lose that fight, my father will be dishonored. Tradition dictates that he'll retire his crown, allowing it to be passed to me." The prince gave a nod. "I simply need to ensure my father loses."

"How are you going to do that?" asked Wren, surprised.

"You're going to help," said Thorbern. "With your angelic might, you're the only one who can."

"Me?" Wren started, shocked. "What?"

"You are to stay at the castle, Wren. You shall receive training in the art of combat and in the Divine Word," Thorbern said steadily. "When the Tournament comes you will participate on my behalf. You will win and you will defeat my father."

"I-I..." Wren spoke. It sounded absurd to her. "I really don't think I..."

"You're friend Una will be allowed to live in the castle as well," Thorbern said. "The two of you will be defended. You will be safe here."

Wren froze up. Una. Una would be safer in this castle than anywhere else. Wren didn't want a cathedral built for her. She didn't want to be the "Angel of Hope". She didn't care about any of that. But if it was to keep Una safe, there was little she wouldn't have agreed to.

She gave a solemn nod. "if you swear to keep Una always safe, then I'll do it," she said. "I'll fight for you. I however can't promise anything beyond that. I can't promise I'll defeat your father or even win the tournament."

"Fair enough, Wren," the prince said. "But I have faith. My father is not as invulnerable as legends will have you believe." He smiled quietly. "Find Una. I'll have someone show you both to your new rooms."

"Alright," Wren said, nodding. She turned to leave the prince. Just the mention of Una had set her mind at ease. All at once she remembered why she was doing everything. She was going to restore her dear friend's happiness anyway she could.
Chapter 15 of my dark fantasy adventure story. Wren Pandra's part.

Wren finally is confronted by the Magic Knights as some secrets come out, including the big plans Prince Thorbern has for her.
© 2012 - 2024 PhilTheTimeWizard
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Sghytm90's avatar
I thought the last part was the most interesting. It took a ridiculously long time for the king to catch on to what his son was trying to tell him.