I get up early after nightfall to take the lookout shift, before they even come to wake me. I go around the rocky ridge we're camping behind and climb up the hill.

Nahl and Rowland are talking in the dark of night while watching our campfire. It isn't the best way to stand guard considering they're a bit far away but they can see relatively far thanks to the height so they'll spot anyone traveling with a torch.

Anyone aiming to attack us is unlikely to use fire but, then again, they might only extinguish it when they find us. Either way, Liz and I would awaken if anyone got near.

“Time to go to bed, boys.” I speak up.

“You didn't have to get up, but thanks.” Rowland replies. “You alone?” Not really.

“There's five of us, so yea.” I tell him with a shrug.

“I can take another shift if you want.” Nahl offers.

“I'll enjoy the time alone and I'm least like to be taken by surprise.” I refuse with a smile.

The two pick up their luggage and bowls to make their way back down. I follow them and then go further out the camp to guard the only direction people can approach the ridge from.

Who's next? First, we need to make sure we're done here. Aren't we? The girl can handle the rest. I want to make sure things are going in the right direction, but next should be that Lord who likes Tournaments.

Fun, I'll cheer you on. I doubt that Lordling is worth my time, I'll just throw Rowland at it. I take out Vikiana's notebook and start cruising through it again to train.

My lion strikes have gotten damn fast with her technique which allows me to swing one way while shaping another lion strike to hack the other. I've built an internal circuit through my muscles with flow that I can use anytime while leaving the bone and tendon reinforcing segments as they are.

I spend a few hours training without exerting myself too much before working with Liz perfecting the blood construct. When dawn approaches, I get up and return to the camp to wake Idali and Uhla. The two glare at each other as they head out while I go back to my blanket.

--- --- ---

I wake up a bit out of it in the morning, likely because I slept in two phases, and decide to lie there thinking while Rowland makes breakfast. I hear Idali and Uhla return from afar because of their bickering.

“Are you two seriously still arguing?” I ask, baffled.

“She tried to claw my eyes out!” Idali utters with a dark look.

“Because you were choking me, and I wasn't but you were!” Uhla snaps.

“Okay, enough.” I grumble. “Uhla, get ready to go back to Hafjord with Nahl after breakfast to check and make sure they've returned the tools.”

“Are we really picking a fight again?” Nahl asks with a tight expression.

“I doubt it'll be necessary, they might actually have jumped on the opportunity to pacify the peasantry.” I reply sarcastically.

“They might try to wait you out.” Uhla notes. “You're impatient enough it would work.”

“Am not.” I deny but feel too lazy to argue it. “And no they won't, not after witnessing what I did to that rich old bastard, they'll either try to kill me thinking I can't fight or pretend to play along to confiscate the tools later which will horribly backfire once Edusa arrives.”

“So we're dealing with and leaving?” Rowland asks with a disappointed expression.

“There will be other fights.” I reassure him with an amused smile.

“Let's hope not.” Nahl and Uhla mutter at the exact same time.

“So much for the Order's renowned steadfast courage.” Idali mocks.

“It's best to resolve conflicts before they come to arms.” Uhla recites. Oddly enough, Nahl holds his tongue.

“That very diktat is why the Empire has barely changed in a millennium.” I grunt.

“You know that's not true, for one these cults have been outlawed and there are laws, and slavery is much more civilized.” Uhla argues.

“Being condemned to become a galley-slave isn't civilized from any sense of the word.” I deny. “And, if a criminal knows they'll going to end up being a slave if they get caught, then they're more likely to double down on breaking the law than stop.”

“I...” Uhla trails off.

“Besides, you've seen enough to know Nobles don't respect the law, they merely hide their crimes.” I add. “The only way to effectively combat their lack of respect for the law is with violence because, as long as their culture exists to be transmitted, it won't end.” I tell her.

“Breaking the law to have it respected? I don't think that can work, if it succeeds it'll end up creating another group of people who think the ends justify the means.” She counters with a frown.

“How many do you think have the courage to go through with what I do?” I ask with a smirk. “Besides, I don't see a problem if the end is to ensure that people live in a system that guarantees their freedom.”

“Please, you're more intelligent than that.” Nahl grumbles.

“Well, of course it can go wrong but everything can when dealing with absolutes like right and wrong, or freedom.” I say with a sigh. “The fact of the matter is that you can't negotiate with Nobility because the majority don't do so in good faith.” Uhla opens her mouth to argue but Nahl cuts her off.

“That's actually a big problem.” He says. “Without good faith when making an agreement, it will not last. I've seen deals broken because of it a lot, Jessica's right.”

Uhla presses her lips together and sits down with an agitated expression. She remembers she's leaving after breakfast when she spots Nahl packing and gets up, embarrassed, to grab her bare sword.

“Where did you get that?” I ask her.

“Picked it up yesterday.” She mutters.

“Alright, well be careful in town and leave right away if you feel like there's any danger.” I advise her, and Nahl.

I grab my bowl to have a serving of Rowland's stewed hare. The two of them leave after the meal. I give Idali twenty portions of flow for her to heal her flesh with, which is half what I regenerated since the battle.

I spend the morning writing and training while the other two discuss yesterday's battle. It annoys me that they have this need to validate their actions but I don't bother them because I've needed as much from Leomi. Uhla and Nahl return by noon.

“They didn't return that many tools but, according to the Lieutenant, it's a process that will take a while to be fair. He said he'll see to it that it is completed.” Uhla says with a smile, looking much better than she did when she left.

“What about the Hafjords?” I ask.

“Didn't see any but it's their warehouse and their guards distributing the tools so they must have given their agreement.” Nahl responds more soberly. “There were quite a few funerals happening.”

“But people looked happy.” Uhla notes.

“Those you saw, yes.” I grunt. “They're being given tools that probably cost more than they make in a year.” Her mood falls a bit but she still seems relieved that we didn't start a civil war. “We're lifting camp.” I speak up.

--- --- ---

We arrive in a new town a week later. This town is located in the mountains near three iron and two copper mines. The buildings at the northern side are made of cut stones with tiled orange roofs. The rest are small and made of uneven piled up stones held together by cheap friable mortar with roofs made of brambles.

“Let's go down then, shall we.” I speak up.

“You sure I can do it?” Rowland asks nervously.

“Why not, that Lordling's reputation isn't exactly that of a great fighter.” I ask.

“Yes, but I'm not exactly an expert either.” He mumbles.

“Just bash him from afar with that claymore you stole.” I offhandedly reply.

“I didn't steal it, I borrowed it and forgot to give it back.” Rowland answers with a cocky grin.

I spot a large crowd between the buildings in the rich northern quarter of the town. They're gathered on a flat sandy opening near a cliff with a barricade to safeguard people from falling between.

“Seems like the tournament began.” I note.

“Good, we can challenge him in the open.” Nahl speaks up.

“Oh, eager are we?” I ask.

“He should have already been dealt with by the Order.” The ex-Templar responds somberly.

“I'm pretty sure they did all they could considering he's the Countess' son.” I say, very much not defending the Templars.

“Their limits are also what allows the Order from being able to arbiter and do much good rather than be seen as opponents by the Noble houses they advise.” Nahl argues.

“But not as much good as killing that Lord would do.” Rowland cheerfully remarks, causing Idali to chuckle.

“Killing people doesn't solve problems.” Uhla denies.

“Well that's quite a generalization.” I bemusedly comment.

“His death will radicalize his family, and it won't revive the victim.” She argues, as she has begun to do lately. “Imprisoning the Countess and giving the tools back to the people did a lot more for that town than merely killing her would have.”

“That's a bad example considering she's going to be executed but I can see your point and I'm going to call it misguided at best.” I tell her, amused.

“Why?” Uhla asks.

“Because that depends on how many people you kill.” I coldly utter, causing her to freeze. “Killing every Noble would solve the issue of Nobility itself.”

“That's insane.” She mutters.

“But it's true, isn't it?” I ask with a smirk. “They rely on succession to continue their lines so if I kill every successor, then it ends. And before you argue others would rise, then I can kill them too.”

“But, Nobility might rise again after your death.” Uhla counters.

“Good point, then I could kill every single sapient being on the planet to end it all but that's a pretty extreme path.” I note with a chuckle. “There is a much easier way to contradict your statement. If someone is trying to harm me and I kill them, then I've solved that issue.”

“But then...” She starts.

“That issue is solved, you can't just raise another one like revenge and call it the same.” I tell her. “Besides every action has consequences so, in the end, you never solve anything if you're only looking at the problems you create with your solutions.”

“Fine, but it isn't a good solution.” She murmurs.

“Agreed.” I acknowledge.

“What?” Uhla questions. Rowland blinks in surprise at my agreement.

“What? I don't think I've ever said killing was always the best option, is simply often is the easiest most expedient one to take.” I tell them with a shrug. It is the best option. “People only have so much time in their lives so they cannot solve everything through discussion, education, or negotiation.” Especially us. “There are also those who will refuse to change, and others will cling to their beliefs and strive make them true even when proven wrong.”

“I still think it isn't right to kill when there's another choice, especially if the only reason is failure to convince others of your point of view.” Uhla says.

“That depends on who it is, I'd rather die than end up a slave or stuck in a dungeon.” I tell her. “And if someone is trying to kill you, why spare them at a risk for your life even if you're able?”

“Because it's the right thing to do.” Uhla insists. “If you defeat them without killing them, you can show that there are other ways to solve problems.”

“Let's look at the Emperor's conquest of Haitia.” I tell her. “The Emperor sent an ultimatum to a city, forgot the name, he told them to yield or die but they refused to surrender so he had every single combatant who fought put to death after his victory. That resulted in the surrender of a dozen cities when his army reached their gates. Arguably, the example shows that killing some to convince others saves lives.”

“But, no, that's...” Uhla stutters in disarray.

“Killing solves some problems rather permanently and helps alleviate other issues like making those hunting you too afraid to fight.” I tell her with a cold tone. “It's a fact rather evident by the fact the Empire is at war right now and I am alive to tell this to you.”

Uhla hangs her chin down and falls silent. I take a deep breath to keep going but Idali's hand lands on my shoulder while both Rowland and Nahl frown at me. I scowl and spin my umbrella as I turn back to the town.

“Let's go.” I grumble, a bit disappointed in myself at having gotten so riled up when the girl is still having trouble with what happened in the previous town.

The Lord we're after killed a kid in an unsanctioned duel, a kid that merely tried to defend his sister's honor from his pursuit. That story is as old as Nobility, and as bland as it could be but no less tragic. We don't encounter many people as we enter the town, mostly elders sitting on their porches watching children.

I take the opportunity to stop to ask a few questions because we heard of the event a few days back in a village that was too far to have much news to share and I didn't want to stop in any other to prevent news of our arrival from reaching this town.

“G' day old man, it isn't too dark.” I engage a man with white hair sitting on a rocking chair. His left major finger is missing a couple phalanxes which suggests he's a carpenter.

“Can't see the sun down the mine, makes me glad I'm too old to be sent down there anymore.” The man grunts. I'm glad you don't have much of an accent. “What can I do you for, Dame?” He asks with a smile, revealing several missing teeth.

“I heard there's a tournament, what's it for?” question.

“Lord heard of our defeat to the Rykz so he organized it to supposedly raise morale.” The old man says. “Methinks the cheers have more to do with beer and the day off than anything else, though.” He adds, chuckling.

“No doubt.” I agree with a laugh. “So, a defeat?” I probe.

“The Twelfth apparently got destroyed, a few thousand survived but most are so injured they can't fight anymore.” He says. “You might want to head to Kruzser with that armor of yours, Emperor might accept you for the reformed Twelfth even though you're too old.”

“I'm pretty sure I would be considered too injured as well.” I tell him with a grin while shoving my cloak aside. The old man makes a grimace and lays his palm over his own stump. “A Rykz scout burnt it to the bone, it fell off like an old prune.” I jokingly tell the man.

“My condolences.” The old man says with a long face full of empathy. “I'm sure the Emperor will push them out of the lost lands but, even if we're not strong enough to do that, he won't let them take any more.”

“Hm.” I exhale. “Have a good day, I'm going to see if there's anyone worth their weight in battle over there, and if not there's always beer to fall back on.”

“Hurry up, it'll run out fast!” The old man exclaims while waving us away.

I nod and head off into the streets with the others. I bring my index to my lips to tell them to hold their tongues and make my way to an area with no one around so we can talk without being overheard.

“The Rykz apparently won a decisive battle, overwhelmingly if the old man's right and a whole phalanx got obliterated.” I tell them with a serious expression.

“Shit.” Idali swears, looking crestfallen.

“What is it?” I ask, knowing she isn't the type to be so attached to the Empire she would react like this. After all, she's as responsible for Meria's fall as Cecil, Aisha, and me.

“I have to go to Kruzser now.” She tells me with a grimace. “I'm meant to deliver the peace offer when I hear the Rykz won a decisive battle and the news spreads throughout the Empire.”

“Celyz?” I question. Merely pronouncing the name out loud causes me to long her embrace and our discussions.

“No, Grikyz.” She shakes her head.

“Can't help you there.” I say with a grimace.

“I might be able to return to Altenburg, or maybe catch Edusa in Hafjord...” Idali murmurs.

“It depends on what the exact wording of your deal is but trying to cheat it is a bad idea.” I honestly tell her. The other three are listening with interest and a look of discomfort. “Don't make those faces, you know I've worked with the Rykz and her mission isn't one of sabotage or even spying. The Rykz already have their own spies anyway and Idali is far from being as qualified as they no doubt are.”

“I don't want to cheat it, just buy some time.” She tells me, ignoring the others.

“Again, terrible idea. The Rykz do not lie and they stick to the wording of their deals, they sought my permission merely to delay their retreat from Caeviel when they had every reason to do so whether I agreed to or not. They would have done much more damage to the Kingdom if not for the importance they placed on their word.” I spell it out for Idali. “Fenyz herself barely tolerated my occasional dishonesty and the Rykz know not to hold humans to their standards, not to mention she didn't dislike me. Don't expect Grikyz to have any patience if you break even the slightest clause of your deal.”

“I'm meant to leave as soon as I hear of it.” Idali says with an awkward expression. “Do you think...” She trails off.

“You could probably trail back to talk to Edusa if she isn't too far but, honestly, I wouldn't risk it.” I tell her. “If it was in Kruzser's general direction, fine, but that would be trailing back.”

“Could I travel with you then?” She asks a bit awkwardly.

“You're shy?” I ask offhandedly with a mocking smile.

“A bit.” She mutters.

“Wait, truly?” I say, stunned.

“I'm meant to deliver this personally, wherever the Emperor is.” Idali mutters. “I can't go to the Palace, or even the Tomb! I'm not even a city guard anymore, I'm pretty much a runaway peasant without a Liege to runaway from!” That sounds less criminal than a runaway with a Liege, though...

“How personal is this?” I question. “Do you have to meet the Emperor?”

“No, thank the Lake.” Idali utters with wide eyes. “Any high ranking Templar, like a Master or an Exemplar, will do. Or someone high up in the administration, or maybe a Marshal but a Field Marshal would be best.”

“Okay, well I don't mind holding your hand.” I tell her. The blonde glares at me.

“Ha!” Uhla mocks. “Get babysitted!”

“I don't think that works.” Nahl notes while hiding his smile.

“Look at her blush, definitely works.” Uhla preens.

“Enough.” I speak up before Idali loses her cool. “But I'm not going straight to Kruzser so you're taking a risk.”

“You're going towards Kruzser so it should be fine, right?” Idali worriedly asks.

“Their agents will report what you did if they find out and Grikyz might determine you didn't respect your deal to the letter but there is a chance she'll ask for Celyz' advice and she would definitely understand.” I tell her before pausing. “Uh, maybe make sure we don't end up atop of each other next time we get drunk, though, because if that gets reported...”

“Shit.” Idali loudly swears. “You think anyone saw or heard?” She questions while throwing glances around.

“Doubt it.” I tell her while rolling my eyes. “It's not like they could have many agents.”

“Why would the Rykz care?” Uhla asks curiously.

“Let's just say she has opinions on my relationships.” I reply while closing my eyes at my stupid revelation. That's a euphemism if I ever heard one, next time say it about Lance and it might break the world.

“Wh...” She starts.

“I have a history of unhealthy behavior and Celyz doesn't understand my decisions.” I interrupt her.

“You just said the Rykz is understanding.” Rowland notes with a corner smile.

“Enough.” I snap at him. “Idali, you can delay if you want but if we're too slow you're going to have to go on your own.”

“That's fine, I don't want to show up in Kruzser without backup.” She says with a tight smile. “Shades scare me after what happened to Lady Grace. Other than Ai...”

“Stop.” I cut her off. “Finish that sentence and you'll pretty much ensure they'll seek you out.”

Idali pales and slowly nods while the others throw us eminently curious looks. I sigh because we went over so many secrets in this conversation I'm going to have to fend off probing questions for the next decade.