The sun peeks up above the horizon, briefly blinding me with an odd burst of silver light before it returns to its normal golden hue as my eyes adapt. I hop down the tall oak I've spent the last night-shift on and land in a crouch.

An intense wave of agony courses through my limbs upon landing, originating from my mostly healed injuries which somehow have caused me more pain healing than when I received them.

I make my way to the camp and head for a large tent we seized from the caravan of merchants. We've been traveling towards the last location Sykus was reported to be in for the past few days.

The closer we got, the more we encountered patrols from either side, the temple guards came in handy then as no one wants to antagonize the Order if they have a choice in the matter.

We witnessed destroyed crops and half-destroyed villages as a result of drawn-out skirmishes in the region. During that time, I gathered a hundred and twenty portions of flow.

I could store perhaps eighty more before saturating my body thanks to my increased reserve and storing the energy in my armor, without adding so many gourds I turn into a cistern, but I don't have the spare time.

I snatch my umbrella off my shoulder to open the tent's flap and wait a moment for my eyes to pierce through the dark. I ignore all apart from Siegfried who is already awake and fitting his hard leather armor on with the Templar's help.

“Good news, old man, today you'll be useful.” I cheerfully greet. The mute instantly snaps his chin up to throw me a glare. “You too, I'm sure.” I sarcastically mock the temple guard.

“That is a first in a long life.” Siegfried remarks with a touch of humor. “Will you finally divulge your plan towards Sykus?”

“No.” I deny with a thin smile because there isn't much planning to speak of, I'll make a decision whether to let the man live or not when I meet him. “The town is still surrounded by a few companies of Mirus' soldiers so I need you to get me through with my weapons without causing a commotion, then you'll convince whoever you need to call for a parley.”

“These talks have never reached conclusive results, Jessica Freepath.” Siegfried notes. As I was about to ask if he meant he wouldn't help, he continues. “I'm looking forward to what result this comes to.”

I roll my eyes at his optimism and step out to start sharpening my weapons. The temple guards soon join me in their full plate armor, the old Exemplar moves like a man half his age but occasionally grunting.

My four minions step outside as a group but immediately split up as Idali and Rowland walk up to me. Nahl and Uhla keep their distances as their whisper to each other, the former carrying the claymore I threw at him on his back with a rope.

“You better not think of leaving us out of the fun.” Rowland speaks up.

“Wouldn't dream of it, but there won't be much to do.” I reply with an awkward smile.

“Let us make up for how useless we were.” Idali instantly cuts in.

I throw her a surprised glance. She's more involved in this than her previous persona... no. I pause as I catch myself expressing the same unjustified doubts I've gotten mad at Leomi for before.

Just because I'm surprised doesn't mean it's the symbiont's influence at work. In fact, Idali fought with her life on the line when we boarded Odo's galley and she had even less involvement in the situation.

“The issue is that the forces involved here are just shy of literal armies, Idali.” I tell her. “While I don't doubt your ability, Rowland is the only one here with experience fighting a truly organized force and not enough for me to consider taking him along.”

“I get that but I can handle it, trust me.” Idali pleads.

“Why?” I question. “I'm not here to fight Nobles, I'm not even really planning to pick a fight. There will be other opportunities to prove yourselves, not that you need to.” I tell the two to gently let them down.

“This is important, you're trying to end a war.” Rowland cuts in. “We want to help.”

“What he said.” Idali mutters.

“Look.” I pause as Nahl and Uhla approach.

They stop with their heads hung down, drawing long faces that drains me of the anger I felt for the ex-Templar and makes me wince because I'm so very socially comfortable.

“We're here if you need us to help.” Uhla speaks up. “I would like to avoid making use of this sword but I won't cower if it comes down to it.”

I blankly stare at both until I figure out these four must have been talking, which leads me to staring flatly at Idali who evades my eyes, as innocents do. I rise and use a lion strike to snatch her collar.

“Hey, wait!” She says as a drag her away.

Since she's not complaining, I pull her several dozen meters away and throw her. She almost trips on her own left foot but her right leg bends oddly which allows her to keep her balance.

“What did you tell them?” I ask her between grit teeth.

“Noth... uialgjt.” She garbles the end of the word enough for it to become unrecognizable. “Naught!” The blonde awkwardly recovers, using a word she clearly isn't used to. “We spoke a bit about how I got my scars and what some Nobles are really like.”

“Okay, and?” I press.

“I might have mentioned something about how you lost your arm? And a few things about Patrick.” She confesses.

“Who's Patrick?” I ask, blinking in confusion. She tries to reply but I cut her off. “Never mind, I don't care. Just don't share my past.”

“Jess, we were just talking.” Idali says with a soothing tone.

“Yeah, and before you know it you'll spill something that'll get us both in trouble with the Exemplar traveling with us, Idali.” I grunt at her, picking this reason because I don't have a logical one to keep much of my history secret.

“Look, they saw the damage in the region and spoke to people. They realize that whatever issues they have with you, they can't deny you solve issues swiftly with comparatively little collateral damage.” She explains. “Although you collapse way too many buildings, and may be slightly unreasonable at times.” She adds with a low pointed voice.

“Hafjord wasn't my fault!” I snap at her.

“Uh-huh.” She nods with a blank expression.

I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. Once calmed, we walk back to the others and I silently flick my hand at them to tell them to wrap up the campsite.

After a quick snack on some bread and dried meat, we take off for the town a few kilometers away. As expected, Siegfried struggles in his plate armor without his horse but doesn't fall behind.

As the deserted town resting along a river in a small valley between two hills comes into view. Most of the buildings have lost walls, from either fire or the foundations crumbling.

Those made of wood are mostly open ruins, most grant refuge to peasants holding simple weapons and bows. There are three made of stone that still stand, if barely.

One is the Temple which, apparently, has been built above ground here but I can see the entrance to a staircase from where I stand. Another was a manor for the local Liege but has now been turned into a headquarters for Sykus' forces.

The last is a long building which must've been a warehouse, the roof is breached and exposes the few hundred soldiers sleeping inside. There is a singular flag flying above the empty town representing a sword crossed with a pair of shackles.

There are a dozen small camps surrounding Sykus' troops clearly occupied by Mirus' troops in groups of fifty to a hundred-fifty soldiers as the two-dozen different crests they wear show.

I realize at the sight that the encirclement of Sykus' forces, which has lasted for a good month, is more thorough than I was led to believe from what I heard since no one has expressed much worry towards the rebel leader.

It may even be possible he isn't staying here by choice but because he hasn't been able to breach their lines. I call for a break to observe the situation from up here despite the fact that there are several patrols gazing at us and two headed our way.

I would rather cut short the number of encounters I have with Nobles and their troops but it would be unwise to sneak into town without a good sense of the situation.

“Sieg?” I call out.

“He is Exemplar, Jessica Freepath.” The mute berates as he takes his helmet off.

“It greatly disappoints me that you keep breaking your vow of silence, I had such hopes for you, oh he-who-does-not-share-his-name-for-reasons-of-peacefulness-with-the-madwoman.” I theatrically exclaim.

“What?” The Templar asks as his eyebrows join to create a perfectly confused expression. “I didn't take a vow of silence.”

“I can keep them away, but it'll look more suspicious than if you meet them.” Siegfried intervenes as he raises his visor. “Especially if you intend to break through the siege.”

“If they can touch me with an arrow, I'll hang my sword for good.” I humorously reply.

“With the state of these buildings, much more dangerous things than arrows have been exchanged.” The Exemplar warns.

I absently nod as I scour the top of the surrounding hills for signs of life. In the following hours, during which Siegfried and the mute keep patrols away from me, I spot a number of squads and pairs of scouts on horseback.

Most patrols are concentrated in the north-west and not all of those in that area belong to the same side. In fact, I've come to count four different groups who have exchanged blows to chase the others away.

Casualties are incredibly low, leading me to think that the siege lasted this long because neither side is truly motivated to fight for a hard win. They would much rather stick to the status quo until one of them makes a mistake to either charge in or out of town.

There are no bodies scattered so it's relatively safe to assume they haven't fought for a little while. There are holes in the town with ropes going down into them, leading me to believe the river was likely spoiled from upstream at some point by the besiegers.

“The four of you stick with Siegfried, you're too conspicuous.” I offhandedly justify my decision.

“Says the one-armed woman holding an umbrella and going around in armor.” Idali quips.

“I'm going to strangle you one day, Idali.” I tell her with the sweetest smile I can muster.

“Are you about to bite me?” She asks while taking a quick step back.

“I've some salt, I'm sure it'll help with the rancid taste.” I gripe.

“Hey!” She cries out.

“I need to get into that town.” I say as I turn to the other three. “But I can't take any of you because I might need to quickly fly out of it, so just stay with Siegfried and we'll meet again at the parley if all goes well.”

“You actually intend to participate in that?” Rowland asks, badly faking incredulity.

“It would be easier if things here were resolved peacefully, winning a battle isn't going to solve the issue and escalating hostilities would only make it more difficult for people to leave for Hetlan.” I explain. I doubt peace is going to be an option here.

“Our little girl's all grown up.” Idali lets out a loud emotional whisper.

Rowland claps both of his hands in front of his mouth to stop himself from bursting out laughing while Nahl and Uhla barely manage to control their smiles. I slowly hang my umbrella back on my half-shoulder and pull my fist back.

Yvonne's idiot boyfriend quickly realizes I'm not turning around to deal with Idali and tries to protest. But, unfortunately for him, my fist in his stomach speaks louder than his words.

He crumbles down to his knees, retching and coughing. I ignore his most assuredly theatrical reaction to my lion strike to start walking downhill. I meet back up with Siegfried who is being fawned on by an officer with middling red hair and a bad shave.

“Hey Sieg!” I call out, unable to help myself.

Both the mute and the officer throw me dark glares while the soldiers from his squad throw tired but interested gazes my way. The officer catches onto the fact neither the Exemplar nor the Templar are reprimanding me and smooths his expression.

“Jessica.” Siegfried speaks up, I catch a slight warning to his tone.

“Exemplar, what are the chances of you making these talks happen today?” I ask, noticing that no one reacts to my name.

“I'm assured they are good.” The old man replies with a dubious glance to the officer.

“Of course, Exemplar, you are our Emperor's exalted right arm. Everyone here will do their best to accede to your wishes.” The redheaded officer quickly assures.

“But that results are in no way guaranteed.” Siegfried adds with a pointed voice.

He clearly expects that they'll entertain his request but won't do much to assure the success of the talks, if anything. It might be good if they don't actively try to sabotage him.

“That'll do.” I assure the old man.

Siegfried nods, causing the officer to attempt to throw a furtive glance my way, no doubt to assess my identity. He makes a slight bow as a prelude to engaging a conversation but I walk past him without acknowledging the gesture.

“Make your presence known to all, if you don't mind Siegfried.” I speak up I make way towards the town with the Exemplar. “It'll help me locate him if he's here.”

“It will naturally happen with the call for a parley, but do be careful if he attempts to run because he may act dangerously if cornered and strong-armed.”

“That would make this easier.” I casually throw out.

“Jessica.” Siegfried says with a hard voice.

“I'm being serious Exemplar.” I respond with a grave voice. “I've seen enough of what Sykus has done with little to no improvement for those he's supposedly fighting for not to overthink this, he'll either own up and do what's needed or I'll end him.”

“Ending him will not end this conflict, I'm putting a lot of trust in you this so I would request you not act impulsively.” The Exemplar insists. “What you think is needed may not be understood by Sykus, the two of you live in different worlds.”

“We do not, Exemplar.” I deny. “If he does not understand that the role he's taken involves viewing things from a different perspective, then I will make him see it.”

The old man turns to inspect me through his visor. We lock eyes for a while until he huffs and taps my shoulder in what I can only take as a show of trust. It touches me enough that I resolve to hold back my temper a bit when I meet the rebel.

The officer escorts us as we trail downhill, constantly trying to strike up a conversation with the Exemplar who only offers brief answers. I have an inkling he tried to speak to me a few times but his words never reached my ears.

We enter one of the larger of Mirus' camps to find soldiers in unkempt gear. The numerous holes in their uniforms, lack of individual rations, and dented weapons indicate a shortage of supplies. At least half of the archers I spot lack arrows in their quivers.

I split from the group as soon as I find the opportunity when none of those escorting us are watching and sneak behind a row of brown tents. Then, I inspect the terrain to find the quickest and most discreet path to approach the town.

I end up deciding to follow the river despite the fact it doesn't run through the town but by its side because there are thick bushes and trees to hide behind on the banks.

My umbrella is cumbersome to carry around and a makes me more visible but I take it along because it's useful to have a concealed rapier if I have no other way to meet with Sykus than to leave my broadswords behind.

I manage to make it half-way through the town before I hear the familiar sound of arrows whistling through the air. It isn't surprising that they immediately began shooting at me but it baffles me that the projectiles are coming from behind.

I use a couple lion's leap to leave the zone where the archers aimed at. Idiots, shooting at someone sneaking into their enemies' camp. They might have taken me for a spy returning to make a report.

Hrmph. Liz grumbles, being as reasonable as usual. Soon after Mirus' arrows find dirt, more arise from the town ahead to pierce through the foliage. I dodge them all with as little movement as possible but soon find that I'm not making any progress.

I opt to simply charge ahead while committing a stream of flow to diverting the projectiles with a chance at hitting me. I ignore those that'll impact my freshly-repaired cuirass to trick the archers into thinking they landed a good hit and wait to see if I fall before shooting another volley.

It works the first few times as the number of projectiles they launch grow fewer but they catch onto my trick and resume their bombardment anew. Still, my little trick bought me enough time to arrive on the outskirts and run into a large group of peasants brandishing cheap spears.

Some of the spearheads are bent while others appear completely blunt. One of them even broke the tip but sharpened it again, giving the point an odd shape and tons of scratches that suggest he used a piece of granite.

“Halt there where you stand, Mirus dog!” A girl with mud on her face screams at me.

I inspect them as I stop to consider my next move. She's my size, so rather average, while the other thirty are barely a few inches taller which suggests a pattern of malnutrition in their region.

The group fans out to semi-encircle me using a scattered formation that'll ensure they won't take too many losses to arrows if the other side decides to move in to protect me. An essential precaution considering their thin wool clothes aren't going to protect them from projectiles.

“My fiancee insists I'm a fickle bird.” I cheerfully greet them, bragging just a little.