Chapter 1
Cybil Novalia strode into the heart of King Andreas Mornalva's throne room, her platform heel clicking on the grey slated floor as she made her way towards the dais where the King stood waiting. Torches sat upon brackets along the twelve pillars of the throne room providing the light for the entire room.
Kneeling, Cybil placed her fist to her lips then to her heart and then onto the floor, her Auburn hair cascading around her bent head as she waited her instructions from the King himself.
"Rise warrior," Andrea's deep voice resonated through the room. The room was empty all except for Cybil, the King, Lord Neil Molandia, the king's personal bodyguard, and Amber Leonard Amalinov; the captain of the army. A scribe sat off to the side under a brightly lit space farther back and out of the way.
Cybil rose to her feet, her green eyes looking deep into King Andreas's eyes. Her outfit of black leather and a rapier strapped to her hip. The rapier had been crafted especially for her with the kings own magic entwined in its blade. A green emerald glittered in the dim light located on the hilt of the sword.
"How may I be of service to you, your majesty?" she asked, her hand resting upon the hilt of her rapier. The trench coat had a badge with a grey dove carrying a sword surrounded by three crowns; this was the kingdoms symbol.
"I have a mission that only you can carry out" Andreas stated, as he swiped his long bangs aside. Today he wore his shoulder length hair in a ponytail, which revealed the grey dove and sword surrounded by three crowns tattoo at his throat.
"I am honoured," said Cybil, her green eyes met his chocolate brown ones evenly.
Normally this kind of act would have a person beheaded, for being so bold to look at the king equally, yet Cybil was the only one allowed the privilege to look at him directly.
"There are men; very important men to be exact; who are coming to Mornalva," Andreas stated, "They are the high mages of Melandia. I would like you to gather your most trusted colleagues together and head out to meet them at the border near Frosty Creek."
Cybil bowed to him, "I shall do as you request, my lord," she said; "I will return with the group safe and unharmed."
"Lord Anothy Meryl will be accompanying the high mages;" Amber piped up from her place just beside the dais. She stepped down from the stairs of the dais towards Cybil, "He will be heavily dressed in robes to keep his identity safe from those he travels with. No one, not even those amongst your troop is to know he is there. Is that clear?"
At the mention of Lord Anothy Meryl, Cybil paused briefly. The infamous Lord was a ruler of the kingdom of Aviant, a kingdom that was a week's ride away from the Kingdom of Mornalva.
"He has been asking for an audience with me for some time," Andrea said, "I am most curious as to why he has been demanding so often and so aggressively. Considering that Lord Meryl has never left his kingdom for years."
It was legendary that Lord Meryl had never left his kingdom since the war, in the early years of his country's existence. It was rumoured that no one ruled that kingdom, and that he had actually died in the end and someone was now playing the part of ruler and was afraid to that he would be discovered by the people.
Cybil bowed again; "I will provide ample protection for his lordship then, and get my best men to accompany me on this mission." she said, "No one will know who is among the high mages except for me."
Amber's grin was cold as mid-January winters, "See that is so. For if he is attacked in this realm then his father Myron Meryl will declare war on us for putting his son in danger."
"Go now Cybil Novalia of Langua and make haste to bring our visitors back in one piece and be careful. There have been reports of ambushes taking place amongst the forests," Andreas declared.
Cybil bowed once more and spun on her heel walking out of the throne room. Once the doors closed behind her she hissed out a breath and continued outside to where the military base was located on the west side of the walled castle.
Calling out to her most trusted comrades Maya Barlov, Carlos Beyon, Caine Lance and Meagan Torrentia and a few others she told them of their mission. Excitement grew amongst them at hearing they would be getting to meet and escort the high mages back to the castle.
They all saddled up and rode out into the early morning fog filled woods that led towards Frosty Creek, a town that bordered along Mornalva and Bristle. Cybil had kept her word upon not telling her friends about the one extra person who would be accompanying the high mages.
The border was a four and a half days ride through heavily wooded areas; and it would be ripe for ambushing from enemies. The mountains to the east provided a cool humid climate and fair protection against eastern attacks.
Cain rode up beside her; "You okay?" he inquired to Cybil, "You seem less than thrilled about this mission."
Cybil shrugged; "It's just another mission" she responded her gaze straight-ahead; "Nothing special. We will rest at the Yule Tide Inn in Greendale for a meal and give our horses a break. Then it'll be hard ride for another day and a half."
Cain nodded and fell back to let her take the lead, they all rode with minimal chatter through the Glesion Woods; it was the most dangerous part of the ride since Glesion Woods had many dangers including bandits.
They reached Yule Tide Inn and as she had said, they all rested and ate a meal letting their horses rest. They were back in the saddle and on the rode a few hours later, riding through the towns of Brisson and Camole, before heading east towards the town of Bristle. They rested briefly since they were to reach the border as soon as they could. One resting place was near a set of hot springs. Both the warriors and the horses enjoyed the soak in the relaxing waters that were provided. They unrolled their mats and settled in for the night.
"I can't believe that we're going to be escorting the High Mages of Melandia," Megan Torrentia said excitedly, as she passed the bowl of stew to Carlos Barlov, "I am glad you chose us to come with you Cybil."
"Who else would I choose?" Cybil asked, as she dipped bread into the bowl of thick gravy; "No one else is as highly qualified from our section of the garrison, and we couldn't take everyone when I was told to only select a few?"
"True. We are the best warriors in the Defense and Weaponry section of the garrison;" Carlos said, "But wouldn't the Kings Elite have been better as escorts for the High Mages? After all that is their job as the Elite guards and it is in their job description to escort nobles and other people of importance back to the castle."
"I guess this could be a test to see if we're worthy of promotion. Perhaps this might get us up into the ranks of the Vanguard?" Lance suggested; "I, for one wouldn't mind getting promoted to a higher rank that has more jobs than just defending the castle."
"I second that statement;" Caine said "We've been on the Defense squad for 10 years and no one has ever recommended any of us for high rank missions"
Cybil listened to her friends and comrades bicker and talk with only half of her attention on the conversation they were having.
She did not mind being on the Defense squad; since there was less to worry about than with the higher Vanguard and Elite groups. Even though she was an exceptional soldier and warrior she did not want to rise any further in the rankings.
Anothy Mornalva sat among the High Mages of Melandia. His anger simmering underneath the outward calm façade he had on his face.
It was a lesson in patience for him not to snap at the whining from such a high order from Melandia, being in disguise as Prince Meryl from Aviant and it was hard not to reveal his identity.
The High Mages duty and obligation was to go and see King Andreas to hand him the scroll of Emeli. None of them seemed too fond of sleeping outside on the cold ground nor were they much for living off nature. All they had been doing was complaining since they had stopped on the borders, and it was starting to get on his nerves.
"Relax my brother Emilio; we will be in a warm bed and have a hot meal soon. I'm sure that would make you happy," the more practical mage said.
Anothy had heard someone call him Salam Dehandro.; "It was the council's decision to send us with the scroll and you know we cannot deny our elders!"
Anothy ignored the whining as the man named Emilio continued to complain about their conditions for their journey from Melandia to Mornalva.
"What do you think of Mornalva's King Andrea's stranger?" asked one of the mages; "We have heard many tales of King Andrea's and are wondering if you have too?"
"I have. I hardly know the man though since this is my first journey outside of Meryl since my father passed away" replied Anothy; being careful not to let the disgust and feelings of anger he felt towards the topic seep through in his tone, "So I can hardly form an opinion without meeting the man first."
He had not wanted to return to Mornalva, but the job he had been hired for called for him to return to the home of his birth.
A noise just past their firelight had them all standing and turning to look at in the direction that the sound had come from. Anothy withdrew his sword, and waited tensely.
Cybil's group came into the dim firelight, the crest of Mornalva visible as they approached the High Mages group.
"My lords," Cybil said, as she dismounted and bowed to the group. She was clad in black armour with the crest of Mornalva etched into the chest plate, "I am Cybil Novalia of Langua, commander of Team 6 out of Mornalva barracks Section 12. We are here to escort you back to Mornalva Castle."
"It's about time you got here!" one of the High Mages snapped, "We will start gathering our things."
"Very well, we will wait;" Cybil said, "Then we will take you to a small inn a few miles from here for a better rest."
At the mention of warm beds and a roof over their heads the mages rushed to pack their belongings and douse the fires. Anothy watched with a slight amused grin, never having seen them pack this fast before since they had started out on their journey.
Anothy moved towards his mount, untying it, after tightening the girth he climbed up into the saddle and went to wait with the small group.
Once the mages finished packing and on their horses; they all set out to head for the small inn. The inn was only about two miles away from where they had been camped.
"Why were we not told of this place?" High Mage Moran asked Cybil, as they dismounted from their horses upon having reached their destination, "This not only would have been safer for us, but it's more comfortable."
Cybil did not reply to the question, she had no idea why King Andreas had made the High Mages and reported Prince Meryl wait outside the border of his land instead of giving them the name of a nearby inn.
As they entered the establishment Anothy took a deep breath and smiled; "After we settle in I think I'm going to eat something smells wonderful" he said, and headed for the bar where the innkeeper was.
The plump elderly woman looked up and smiled; "Hello, are you looking for a room?" she asked.
"Indeed we are," Anothy replied, "14 rooms please, the best you have in the house."
The woman's face beamed, "14 you say, unfortunately I only have 8 rooms so some of you are going to have to bunk up or sleep outside or here on the main floor" she said.
Anothy turned his attention to the group behind him, seeing the distaste on the High Mages faces at hearing they would have to bunk either together or with the escort party.
"Very well, we will do that" Mathias said, with a bit of disgruntlement; "We also require food and bath. We are tired and covered in filth from travelling."
"Right Away sir. I will notify my staff," she said, "It'll be forty five Vinpels please!"
The mages and Anothy added their money to the table for the woman to look over, some grumbling over the price ensued, but they did not outright speak against it. Once she counted all the money she put it in the small lock box and disappeared in the back.
Cybil watched as each of the mages headed upstairs, before she sank into a chair at on of the tables.
Anothy sat down across from her just as a group of men came into view carrying tubs and water.
A young woman came out carrying a tray of food, which she placed before Cybil and Anothy; '"Lamb stew, and butter rolls" she said, "Our house special. Madame says to treat you to the best for your money."
"Cybil?" the older woman chortled; "Cybil Novalia, my goodness dear it has been a long time since I saw your face."
Anothy watched as the innkeeper rushed over to engulf Cybil in a hug. Cybil was smiling as the woman chattered taking a seat with them.
"It's good to see you too Louise" Cybil commented, "Thank you for providing us with rooms to stay"
Just then her comrades walked in; when Louise saw Caine she went to engulf him in a hug too. Her voice was full of excitement as she greeted the man and asked after his wife.
Anothy sipped his drink of apple cider and watched the commotion as the two rejoined him and Cybil at the table.
Cybil told her group of the arrangements for the rooms. A few declined declaring they would sleep in the hayloft of the barn instead. More food was brought for the group, and soon the Mages joined them.
As the night wore on, everyone from the group slowly meandered towards their accommodations for the night. Anothy remained sitting with Cybil, he watched as she sharpened and cleaned her sword with expert moves that showed she had been a part of the garrisons a long time.
They chatted a bit, before he too excused himself to get some rest. The moment she was alone Louise appeared and took a seat beside her.
"He is doing well I see, that brother of yours. Expecting a child is he?" She asked, her brows drawn; "If I had my way I'd skewer him for what he had done to you. Betraying you like that was the ultimate sacrilege."
Cybil sighed and set her cup down; "I don't want to talk about it Louise; what's done is done. There is no going back." she said, tiredly.
Louise snorted, "He should be ashamed of himself," she said her eyes dark; "My god girl if that was me I'd be seething with anger, hurt and plotting revenge."
"He is my brother Louise, how could I hate him. He was young, stupid and in love" she said, "Still is in love, and I can't hold that against him."
Louise sighed, and patted her arm, "I'm sorry dear, but you have been coming here since you were a toddler and I am wishing I could have protected you more."
Cybil gave a small grin; "Still make those apple pies?" she asked, "I'd love to have some!"
The woman laughed and got up going behind the curtain leading to the kitchen. She came back with a huge slice of pie on a plate; "Only the best for my little Cybil." she said, setting the plate down and watching as Cybil ate it.
Cybil and Louise talked until the woman finally left to go to sleep. Alone Cybil relaxed, enjoying the silence of the Inn. Thinking over the past and the present and wondering what her future entailed for her.
Dawn came and Anothy was the first one to come down the stairs, he heard Cybil chattering with a man in the main room. As he entered he saw a burly man with a beer gut standing at the bar cleaning cups with a cloth.
Cybil sat on a stool sipping on something while she talked. When Anothy came up, taking a seat beside Cybil.
"Ale, Milk?" the bartender asked, with a friendly smile on his face
"Ale please, " Anothy replied; "When will breakfast be ready?"
"My daughter is making it now. Eggs and bread with bacon we just got from the butchers down the way." the man said, "We will serve you all as soon as it's finished."
"Thanks, I'm starving after eating trail food for the last two days;" Anothy stated, "I had travel a long ways to meet up with the Mages, then I had to stay with them for the rest of the way."
"So Cybil, when will you be recognized and rewarded for your duties to King Mornalva?" asked the bartender.
Cybil shrugged; "I really haven't been aspiring to go up in the ranks. This mission is something for the higher ranks which has surprised me since we are lower in the ranks."
"Perhaps this is will show him that you are worthy of a higher rank then?" the man said, giving her a scowl; "You deserve it."
The bartender disappeared back into the kitchen just as the rest of the group headed down and took their seats around the table. Soon they were all eating and laughing over some of the stuff except the High Mages who seemed to be in even grumpier moods than last night.
By noon they were continuing on their way, they were making good time. As they came over a rise they were faced by a group of six armed men. Cybil called a halt and went to demand that the men stand aside.
They laughed, and then a war cry whooped and more poured from the surrounding bushes and trees. Cybil called her comrades into arms and they all drew swords.
The fight was gruesome, and hard as men were slain and swords continued to swing. Cybil was in the midst of a small group that were intent on driving her away from her comrades it seemed.
She whipped around slashing, kicking and striking at them, when her eyes spotted Caine who was fighting one man. Behind him another snuck up, before she could call out a warning the man who had snuck up on him drove his sword through his armour.
She screamed as she watched the man fall, and renewed her attack on the group that surrounded her. Taking them down with no problem, she ran towards where Caine lay and fell across him. Hearing the shouts for a retreat just as horns blared in the distance.
Crying she begged Caine not to go, to stay with her and not die. That he was needed in this world but it was no use he was dead and no longer there with her.
Riders approached over the distance bearing King Mornalva's colors and even the king himself appeared.
King Mornalva dismounted his horse; approaching Cybil his eyes showing no remorse nor feeling as he placed a hand firmly on her shoulder. When Cybil struck out knocking his hand off her shoulder, Andreas wrapped his arm around her waist and whispered into her ear.
Anothy watched the exchange with narrowed eyes; ~Typical man, no remorse same as always~ he thought with anger building up in his chest.
Cybil's eyes turned to glare at King Andreas, she knocked his hands away from her body and stormed over to his horse and mounted up.
Meanwhile some of the guards had made a pallet to carry the dead body on. It was first to lead the way back to Mornalva Castle, and as it passed by Cybil again she broke down and started to sob again.
Andreas mounted up behind Cybil, and clucked his horse into a trot while everyone else was still mounting up. The trip back was now gloomy and solemn.
The pain was horrendous for Cybil, as she watched her brother's body being carried into the castle walls and set down by the church.
Melissa's sharp cry told her that the woman had seen her brother's body and she immediately clambered off the Kings horse and walked to her pregnant sister in law wrapping her arms around the distraught woman.
They remained with the body as it was moved to the church. There the body would blessed by the priest and then lay to rest with everyone who knew Caine there to say their prayers the next day.
Read Chapter 2
Kneeling, Cybil placed her fist to her lips then to her heart and then onto the floor, her Auburn hair cascading around her bent head as she waited her instructions from the King himself.
"Rise warrior," Andrea's deep voice resonated through the room. The room was empty all except for Cybil, the King, Lord Neil Molandia, the king's personal bodyguard, and Amber Leonard Amalinov; the captain of the army. A scribe sat off to the side under a brightly lit space farther back and out of the way.
Cybil rose to her feet, her green eyes looking deep into King Andreas's eyes. Her outfit of black leather and a rapier strapped to her hip. The rapier had been crafted especially for her with the kings own magic entwined in its blade. A green emerald glittered in the dim light located on the hilt of the sword.
"How may I be of service to you, your majesty?" she asked, her hand resting upon the hilt of her rapier. The trench coat had a badge with a grey dove carrying a sword surrounded by three crowns; this was the kingdoms symbol.
"I have a mission that only you can carry out" Andreas stated, as he swiped his long bangs aside. Today he wore his shoulder length hair in a ponytail, which revealed the grey dove and sword surrounded by three crowns tattoo at his throat.
"I am honoured," said Cybil, her green eyes met his chocolate brown ones evenly.
Normally this kind of act would have a person beheaded, for being so bold to look at the king equally, yet Cybil was the only one allowed the privilege to look at him directly.
"There are men; very important men to be exact; who are coming to Mornalva," Andreas stated, "They are the high mages of Melandia. I would like you to gather your most trusted colleagues together and head out to meet them at the border near Frosty Creek."
Cybil bowed to him, "I shall do as you request, my lord," she said; "I will return with the group safe and unharmed."
"Lord Anothy Meryl will be accompanying the high mages;" Amber piped up from her place just beside the dais. She stepped down from the stairs of the dais towards Cybil, "He will be heavily dressed in robes to keep his identity safe from those he travels with. No one, not even those amongst your troop is to know he is there. Is that clear?"
At the mention of Lord Anothy Meryl, Cybil paused briefly. The infamous Lord was a ruler of the kingdom of Aviant, a kingdom that was a week's ride away from the Kingdom of Mornalva.
"He has been asking for an audience with me for some time," Andrea said, "I am most curious as to why he has been demanding so often and so aggressively. Considering that Lord Meryl has never left his kingdom for years."
It was legendary that Lord Meryl had never left his kingdom since the war, in the early years of his country's existence. It was rumoured that no one ruled that kingdom, and that he had actually died in the end and someone was now playing the part of ruler and was afraid to that he would be discovered by the people.
Cybil bowed again; "I will provide ample protection for his lordship then, and get my best men to accompany me on this mission." she said, "No one will know who is among the high mages except for me."
Amber's grin was cold as mid-January winters, "See that is so. For if he is attacked in this realm then his father Myron Meryl will declare war on us for putting his son in danger."
"Go now Cybil Novalia of Langua and make haste to bring our visitors back in one piece and be careful. There have been reports of ambushes taking place amongst the forests," Andreas declared.
Cybil bowed once more and spun on her heel walking out of the throne room. Once the doors closed behind her she hissed out a breath and continued outside to where the military base was located on the west side of the walled castle.
Calling out to her most trusted comrades Maya Barlov, Carlos Beyon, Caine Lance and Meagan Torrentia and a few others she told them of their mission. Excitement grew amongst them at hearing they would be getting to meet and escort the high mages back to the castle.
They all saddled up and rode out into the early morning fog filled woods that led towards Frosty Creek, a town that bordered along Mornalva and Bristle. Cybil had kept her word upon not telling her friends about the one extra person who would be accompanying the high mages.
The border was a four and a half days ride through heavily wooded areas; and it would be ripe for ambushing from enemies. The mountains to the east provided a cool humid climate and fair protection against eastern attacks.
Cain rode up beside her; "You okay?" he inquired to Cybil, "You seem less than thrilled about this mission."
Cybil shrugged; "It's just another mission" she responded her gaze straight-ahead; "Nothing special. We will rest at the Yule Tide Inn in Greendale for a meal and give our horses a break. Then it'll be hard ride for another day and a half."
Cain nodded and fell back to let her take the lead, they all rode with minimal chatter through the Glesion Woods; it was the most dangerous part of the ride since Glesion Woods had many dangers including bandits.
They reached Yule Tide Inn and as she had said, they all rested and ate a meal letting their horses rest. They were back in the saddle and on the rode a few hours later, riding through the towns of Brisson and Camole, before heading east towards the town of Bristle. They rested briefly since they were to reach the border as soon as they could. One resting place was near a set of hot springs. Both the warriors and the horses enjoyed the soak in the relaxing waters that were provided. They unrolled their mats and settled in for the night.
"I can't believe that we're going to be escorting the High Mages of Melandia," Megan Torrentia said excitedly, as she passed the bowl of stew to Carlos Barlov, "I am glad you chose us to come with you Cybil."
"Who else would I choose?" Cybil asked, as she dipped bread into the bowl of thick gravy; "No one else is as highly qualified from our section of the garrison, and we couldn't take everyone when I was told to only select a few?"
"True. We are the best warriors in the Defense and Weaponry section of the garrison;" Carlos said, "But wouldn't the Kings Elite have been better as escorts for the High Mages? After all that is their job as the Elite guards and it is in their job description to escort nobles and other people of importance back to the castle."
"I guess this could be a test to see if we're worthy of promotion. Perhaps this might get us up into the ranks of the Vanguard?" Lance suggested; "I, for one wouldn't mind getting promoted to a higher rank that has more jobs than just defending the castle."
"I second that statement;" Caine said "We've been on the Defense squad for 10 years and no one has ever recommended any of us for high rank missions"
Cybil listened to her friends and comrades bicker and talk with only half of her attention on the conversation they were having.
She did not mind being on the Defense squad; since there was less to worry about than with the higher Vanguard and Elite groups. Even though she was an exceptional soldier and warrior she did not want to rise any further in the rankings.
Anothy Mornalva sat among the High Mages of Melandia. His anger simmering underneath the outward calm façade he had on his face.
It was a lesson in patience for him not to snap at the whining from such a high order from Melandia, being in disguise as Prince Meryl from Aviant and it was hard not to reveal his identity.
The High Mages duty and obligation was to go and see King Andreas to hand him the scroll of Emeli. None of them seemed too fond of sleeping outside on the cold ground nor were they much for living off nature. All they had been doing was complaining since they had stopped on the borders, and it was starting to get on his nerves.
"Relax my brother Emilio; we will be in a warm bed and have a hot meal soon. I'm sure that would make you happy," the more practical mage said.
Anothy had heard someone call him Salam Dehandro.; "It was the council's decision to send us with the scroll and you know we cannot deny our elders!"
Anothy ignored the whining as the man named Emilio continued to complain about their conditions for their journey from Melandia to Mornalva.
"What do you think of Mornalva's King Andrea's stranger?" asked one of the mages; "We have heard many tales of King Andrea's and are wondering if you have too?"
"I have. I hardly know the man though since this is my first journey outside of Meryl since my father passed away" replied Anothy; being careful not to let the disgust and feelings of anger he felt towards the topic seep through in his tone, "So I can hardly form an opinion without meeting the man first."
He had not wanted to return to Mornalva, but the job he had been hired for called for him to return to the home of his birth.
A noise just past their firelight had them all standing and turning to look at in the direction that the sound had come from. Anothy withdrew his sword, and waited tensely.
Cybil's group came into the dim firelight, the crest of Mornalva visible as they approached the High Mages group.
"My lords," Cybil said, as she dismounted and bowed to the group. She was clad in black armour with the crest of Mornalva etched into the chest plate, "I am Cybil Novalia of Langua, commander of Team 6 out of Mornalva barracks Section 12. We are here to escort you back to Mornalva Castle."
"It's about time you got here!" one of the High Mages snapped, "We will start gathering our things."
"Very well, we will wait;" Cybil said, "Then we will take you to a small inn a few miles from here for a better rest."
At the mention of warm beds and a roof over their heads the mages rushed to pack their belongings and douse the fires. Anothy watched with a slight amused grin, never having seen them pack this fast before since they had started out on their journey.
Anothy moved towards his mount, untying it, after tightening the girth he climbed up into the saddle and went to wait with the small group.
Once the mages finished packing and on their horses; they all set out to head for the small inn. The inn was only about two miles away from where they had been camped.
"Why were we not told of this place?" High Mage Moran asked Cybil, as they dismounted from their horses upon having reached their destination, "This not only would have been safer for us, but it's more comfortable."
Cybil did not reply to the question, she had no idea why King Andreas had made the High Mages and reported Prince Meryl wait outside the border of his land instead of giving them the name of a nearby inn.
As they entered the establishment Anothy took a deep breath and smiled; "After we settle in I think I'm going to eat something smells wonderful" he said, and headed for the bar where the innkeeper was.
The plump elderly woman looked up and smiled; "Hello, are you looking for a room?" she asked.
"Indeed we are," Anothy replied, "14 rooms please, the best you have in the house."
The woman's face beamed, "14 you say, unfortunately I only have 8 rooms so some of you are going to have to bunk up or sleep outside or here on the main floor" she said.
Anothy turned his attention to the group behind him, seeing the distaste on the High Mages faces at hearing they would have to bunk either together or with the escort party.
"Very well, we will do that" Mathias said, with a bit of disgruntlement; "We also require food and bath. We are tired and covered in filth from travelling."
"Right Away sir. I will notify my staff," she said, "It'll be forty five Vinpels please!"
The mages and Anothy added their money to the table for the woman to look over, some grumbling over the price ensued, but they did not outright speak against it. Once she counted all the money she put it in the small lock box and disappeared in the back.
Cybil watched as each of the mages headed upstairs, before she sank into a chair at on of the tables.
Anothy sat down across from her just as a group of men came into view carrying tubs and water.
A young woman came out carrying a tray of food, which she placed before Cybil and Anothy; '"Lamb stew, and butter rolls" she said, "Our house special. Madame says to treat you to the best for your money."
"Cybil?" the older woman chortled; "Cybil Novalia, my goodness dear it has been a long time since I saw your face."
Anothy watched as the innkeeper rushed over to engulf Cybil in a hug. Cybil was smiling as the woman chattered taking a seat with them.
"It's good to see you too Louise" Cybil commented, "Thank you for providing us with rooms to stay"
Just then her comrades walked in; when Louise saw Caine she went to engulf him in a hug too. Her voice was full of excitement as she greeted the man and asked after his wife.
Anothy sipped his drink of apple cider and watched the commotion as the two rejoined him and Cybil at the table.
Cybil told her group of the arrangements for the rooms. A few declined declaring they would sleep in the hayloft of the barn instead. More food was brought for the group, and soon the Mages joined them.
As the night wore on, everyone from the group slowly meandered towards their accommodations for the night. Anothy remained sitting with Cybil, he watched as she sharpened and cleaned her sword with expert moves that showed she had been a part of the garrisons a long time.
They chatted a bit, before he too excused himself to get some rest. The moment she was alone Louise appeared and took a seat beside her.
"He is doing well I see, that brother of yours. Expecting a child is he?" She asked, her brows drawn; "If I had my way I'd skewer him for what he had done to you. Betraying you like that was the ultimate sacrilege."
Cybil sighed and set her cup down; "I don't want to talk about it Louise; what's done is done. There is no going back." she said, tiredly.
Louise snorted, "He should be ashamed of himself," she said her eyes dark; "My god girl if that was me I'd be seething with anger, hurt and plotting revenge."
"He is my brother Louise, how could I hate him. He was young, stupid and in love" she said, "Still is in love, and I can't hold that against him."
Louise sighed, and patted her arm, "I'm sorry dear, but you have been coming here since you were a toddler and I am wishing I could have protected you more."
Cybil gave a small grin; "Still make those apple pies?" she asked, "I'd love to have some!"
The woman laughed and got up going behind the curtain leading to the kitchen. She came back with a huge slice of pie on a plate; "Only the best for my little Cybil." she said, setting the plate down and watching as Cybil ate it.
Cybil and Louise talked until the woman finally left to go to sleep. Alone Cybil relaxed, enjoying the silence of the Inn. Thinking over the past and the present and wondering what her future entailed for her.
Dawn came and Anothy was the first one to come down the stairs, he heard Cybil chattering with a man in the main room. As he entered he saw a burly man with a beer gut standing at the bar cleaning cups with a cloth.
Cybil sat on a stool sipping on something while she talked. When Anothy came up, taking a seat beside Cybil.
"Ale, Milk?" the bartender asked, with a friendly smile on his face
"Ale please, " Anothy replied; "When will breakfast be ready?"
"My daughter is making it now. Eggs and bread with bacon we just got from the butchers down the way." the man said, "We will serve you all as soon as it's finished."
"Thanks, I'm starving after eating trail food for the last two days;" Anothy stated, "I had travel a long ways to meet up with the Mages, then I had to stay with them for the rest of the way."
"So Cybil, when will you be recognized and rewarded for your duties to King Mornalva?" asked the bartender.
Cybil shrugged; "I really haven't been aspiring to go up in the ranks. This mission is something for the higher ranks which has surprised me since we are lower in the ranks."
"Perhaps this is will show him that you are worthy of a higher rank then?" the man said, giving her a scowl; "You deserve it."
The bartender disappeared back into the kitchen just as the rest of the group headed down and took their seats around the table. Soon they were all eating and laughing over some of the stuff except the High Mages who seemed to be in even grumpier moods than last night.
By noon they were continuing on their way, they were making good time. As they came over a rise they were faced by a group of six armed men. Cybil called a halt and went to demand that the men stand aside.
They laughed, and then a war cry whooped and more poured from the surrounding bushes and trees. Cybil called her comrades into arms and they all drew swords.
The fight was gruesome, and hard as men were slain and swords continued to swing. Cybil was in the midst of a small group that were intent on driving her away from her comrades it seemed.
She whipped around slashing, kicking and striking at them, when her eyes spotted Caine who was fighting one man. Behind him another snuck up, before she could call out a warning the man who had snuck up on him drove his sword through his armour.
She screamed as she watched the man fall, and renewed her attack on the group that surrounded her. Taking them down with no problem, she ran towards where Caine lay and fell across him. Hearing the shouts for a retreat just as horns blared in the distance.
Crying she begged Caine not to go, to stay with her and not die. That he was needed in this world but it was no use he was dead and no longer there with her.
Riders approached over the distance bearing King Mornalva's colors and even the king himself appeared.
King Mornalva dismounted his horse; approaching Cybil his eyes showing no remorse nor feeling as he placed a hand firmly on her shoulder. When Cybil struck out knocking his hand off her shoulder, Andreas wrapped his arm around her waist and whispered into her ear.
Anothy watched the exchange with narrowed eyes; ~Typical man, no remorse same as always~ he thought with anger building up in his chest.
Cybil's eyes turned to glare at King Andreas, she knocked his hands away from her body and stormed over to his horse and mounted up.
Meanwhile some of the guards had made a pallet to carry the dead body on. It was first to lead the way back to Mornalva Castle, and as it passed by Cybil again she broke down and started to sob again.
Andreas mounted up behind Cybil, and clucked his horse into a trot while everyone else was still mounting up. The trip back was now gloomy and solemn.
The pain was horrendous for Cybil, as she watched her brother's body being carried into the castle walls and set down by the church.
Melissa's sharp cry told her that the woman had seen her brother's body and she immediately clambered off the Kings horse and walked to her pregnant sister in law wrapping her arms around the distraught woman.
They remained with the body as it was moved to the church. There the body would blessed by the priest and then lay to rest with everyone who knew Caine there to say their prayers the next day.
Read Chapter 2