Blood tinged with golden energy spills out from the fleshly bit hanging under Sykus' chin. It gives me enough of a warning to react when I receive a second one, a mass of silver arising from his body's arms.

I flick my gaze to the hands of a body that has yet to fall. I witness as the fingers release a construct which immediately begins shaping the surrounding air into sharp bits of shrapnel that fly at me.

The speed of execution makes it clear he had been prepared and ready to respond to a threat but had not the reflexes to save his own life. How arrogant, he had seen both my weapon and speed yet still underestimated me, failing to understand swings appear slower when watched from a distance.

His response was adequate, though, the construct would have zoned you for a small while and bought time. I send out ten streams of flow and weave them into his construct to dismantle it from within. The air-shredding construct falls apart and turns into a refreshingly light breeze.

I jerk Sykus' head, banging his brain around in his skull to make him lose focus, and lock eyes with him. His irises are glazing over and his expression is turning increasingly confused as he loses what little blood he has left.

“Summary executions aren't Nobility's way because the spectacle of a well-ordained hanging is more useful to quell unrest, they control the system so they have no need to hurry.” I calmly explain to the dying rebel. “I, on the other hand, am short on time if not height.”

“Jessica Freepath, this is...” Siegfried says with a dismayed tone, trailing off as his words fail him.

“Buahahahaha!” General Mudtwig erupts in boisterous laughter.

“One moment, he has little time to learn of his death.” I politely request. My words cause Sykus' hazy eyes to widen. “To rebel means one cannot rely on the system that put those you are fighting in power, Sykus. I've killed you not because of your betrayal but because you are the kind of human who would not have stepped down or stayed away if deposed. Loss is a heavy sin in war, and this day you've paid the price.”

As the last words leave my lips, the light in the rebel's eyes fades and his jaw morbidly drops. One last stand of flow escapes the man as he dies that rushes out towards the town with such speed I fail to stop it. I flick the now useless piece of flesh at the unshaven officer who catches it without a change to his hard traits.

Thomas proceeds to pick up my rapier and thrust it in Sykus' neck to brandish it high for all to see. I applaud the move because, while it won't quell their troops' panic at the event, it'll ensure they won't immediately break and flee.

They'll stay, if only out of curiosity. Elisa is pale, her mouth has been wide open since I took the man's head off. Sykus' accomplice is stunned like she can't believe what happened. The bodyguards are already in full retreat towards the town.

“Don't let this one flee, she'll be of use to you as a witness in the following days.” I tell Thomas, causing the middle-aged woman to snap awake and tighten her grip on her light blue dress as she turns to the north to flee.

“Elisa!” The veteran barks.

The young woman jerks awake as well and lion's step up to her while joining her hands in a big fist that she slams into the back of the panicked woman's head, sending her to drop face first into the mud. Elisa then slams one of her knees in the small of her back and slams her right elbow into her temple, knocking her out.

“Nice.” I compliment her reaction time, speed, and method. “Now, General... uh, what was it?” I ask because I genuinely forgot.

“General Wilfred of house Claywood. You have my thanks for delivering these rebels to me on a silver platter.” The muscular man proudly responds. “As a reward, I'll keep the Order's indiscretion to myself.” He adds with a smirk.

Kh, kh, kh. Is he serious? There is so much hilarious wrongness, I don't know where to begin! I blink, stunned that the man is trying to blackmail me into not giving me a reward with a secret that's impossible to keep in the first place.

Not to mention the only way the Order could be implicated for breach of peace during a parley is if they distort the facts, which involves not keeping quiet about the events. I sigh and shake my head.

“Elisa, get her back to the camp and bring this, explain what happened.” Thomas orders while throwing my rapier with the head at her side. “Keep the troops together until I return.”

The twenty-year-old glances to me and then to him before nodding. Frsh. A loud conflagration suddenly shakes the ground and flames rush out of the windows from the ruined manor at the center of the town. Chrr. The stone building crumbles in a cloud of dust.

I blink and reflexively glance to Idali just in time to find her slapping her palm on her mouth to smother a guffaw. Our eyes link and I can tell I'm not escaping responsibility for this one either despite this being Sykus'.

My minions at her side wear various expressions, Uhla and Nahl have complicated expressions while Rowland is gleaming from excitement. They know from experience I'm not going to stop here.

“That spiteful traitor detonated the last of the firebombs he acquired.” Thomas swears with a low voice so that he isn't heard but the general's widening smirk makes it evident the man has enhanced his hearing.

“No matter.” I dismiss. “What are the human losses?”

“Some might've made it out depending on whether the guards had time to usher a warning or not.” The unshaven man responds with a darkening expression. “Either way, I've lost loyal friends today.”

“Jessica Freepath, a truce isn't lightly broken.” Siegfried utters. “While internal conflicts are a gray area, you've still crossed a line. I can no longer help you.”

“I'm aware, Exemplar.” I respond and turn to the officer. “I need your support to lead these negotiations.”

“Execute whatever plan you have but the Redreef rebellion is likely over.” Beard bitterly responds. “All that remains for us is to find a way to escape without incurring too many losses.”

“We will see.” I reply with calm confidence despite being unsure of how their people will react to Sykus' death by my hand, it helps that they're surrounded. “Exemplar, they will have need of the documents.” I speak up. “You've acquired them thanks to me.” I add to hammer my request in.

“The Order does not prosecute the dead, if it'll bring peace then so be it.” Siegfried replies after consideration.

As expected, he understands that it's for the best if Sykus' supporters receive closure, it'll prevent the man from turning into a martyr. Thomas quickly snatches the stack of parchments from the table.

“General.” I address the large man still wearing his cocky smile.

“I'll of course accept your surrender in their name.” He eagerly cuts in, showing little to no patience or even a shred of respect as his mind is focused on the glory awaiting him. I can exploit this later.

“There will be no surrender unless you're offering yours.” I return with a gentle voice that causes the mute's eyes to narrow and his hand to wander near the sword fastened around his plate armor. “I will agree to a cessation of hostilities if Mirus commits to supplying the town with food for the week since ours appear to have blown.”

“You must be joking.” The general says with a guffaw. “These troops have lost their leader by your hand. You've naught to negotiate with, only terms to accept.”

“I assure you, I couldn't be more serious.” I cheerfully return. “Unlike the previously incompetent leader, I singlehandedly am a force to be reckoned with and I've fought against forces you couldn't lift a finger against by myself.” Mudtwig's expression falls.

“Arrogant little low born, Mirus' blood runs deep, it was old and Noble before Caeviel turned from province to Kingdom.” He barks. “I've commanded on the front-lines against the Rykz, your so-called exploits wouldn't raise an eyebrow compared to mine!”

He's likely to favor cohesive formations and overestimate his troops' capability to fight ours one on one. Can't you just bash him? Victory seized by my hands alone would have little meaning and further cripple the Redreef rebellion, I intend to leave a force to reckon with here.

“Let us delay these negotiations and find out, don't whine when my demands increase tomorrow.” I return.

“Enough, let you both negotiate through me so that some good can come of this day.” Siegfried intervenes. He takes his helmet off and places it on the table. “Jessica Freepath, can you convince the rebels to lay down their weapons?”

“Probably, but there will be ropes rather than strings attached.” I warn.

After all, I have to play this game until the Noble pushes so far the responsibility for the failure will be on his back. It wouldn't be in my interest for the talks to succeed but I'm not going to sabotage them either, especially if I manage to obtain terms the rebels would agree to so as to avoid another battle.

“State your most basic requirements.” Siegfried asks.

“First, each rebel's safety must be guaranteed by the Order and no reprisals had after peace is agreed upon. Second, Mirus must buy back the weapons of war if they wish to seize them and make no attempt at taking away farming tools.” I state.

“Hmph.” The general snorts at me. If I had to guess, he's thinking I'm posturing.

“These demands seem reasonable enough to begin with, General Claywood.” The Exemplar notes.

“There is none to discuss unless she agrees to deliver the rebellion's leaders to me.” He responds.

“Jessica Freepath, if time is given to you, is this something you can accomplish?” The old man asks.

“It is.” I tell him. Thomas stiffens. “But I won't do it.” I deny.

“They are responsible for many crimes, including banditry on the Empire's highways at the very least.” The Exemplar argues. “But I do have the latitude to offer some leniency.”

“Sykus is dead, let it end here and not further antagonize these people.” I justify. “If you promise a blanket pardon, then I can agree to sending them to stand trial so as to restore order.”

“I'm afraid I cannot do this.” Siegfried firmly responds.

“What a farce.” The general suddenly erupts.

“General Claywood.” The old temple guard calls out with a frown.

“Enough, Exemplar. The Order has fulfilled its role, now stand aside and let me do my job of dealing with the rebels.” The man dismisses.

“It will be too late to ask for Arbitration if events turn in your disfavor, General.” Siegfried intently warns. “Once you've engaged Jessica Freepath in battle, the Order will be unable to hold a refusal against her.” He explains, giving me the odd feeling the message is half meant for me to hear.

“Her Majesty's great Nobility never required the Order to deal with internal affairs. You've stated the Order's intent to pursue these people for their crimes and I, Wilfred Claywood, will ensure that both Mirus and the Empire have the opportunity to deliver Justice.” The general declares. The muscular man turns to me with a toothy smile. “Here is what is going to happen, little girl, you're going to agree to my demands or I'm going to return to the camp and order my army to attack.” You command barely a regiment, much less an army.

“And what demands would these be?” I ask with a bright smile.

“You will surrender unconditionally, no coin will be given for the weapons we seize, every officer above that of a squad leader will be held as captives to be put on trial.” He lists off. “The rebels themselves will be contained within this town until the conclusion of said trial.” The general pauses. “I will keep them decently fed for the duration.” He adds almost as an afterthought.

“Ha.” I chuckle. “Funny, what makes you think I would ever agree to this?” I question out of curiosity and to learn more about the man to later defeat him.

“Peasants, they truly have no presence of mind or ability to assess their situation.” The lieutenant says with scorn. “You're surrounded with half your top leadership dead, the rebels' morale is at its lowest while we have an Exemplar on our side proving the Emperor is with us.”

“Minor inconveniences.” I dismiss her. “Is this your last offer, Mudtwig?” I ask, causing the large man to lose his smile.

“It is, and I'll waste no more time. Agree this very instant or this shall end in the bloodiest manner.” He threatens. After waiting a brief moment, he flips around and stomps away with his people.

“Indeed, this shall have a bloody end.” I whisper as I watch them leave.

Thomas steps to my side as Siegfried turns to me with a stern expression. The mute closes his visor, hiding a face without a trace of surprise. I ignore them to wave at my cute minions to come over. They quickly move and cross paths with the disdainful general.

“Make your choice, today a battle is to be fought.” I formally tell them. Uhla places her hand on Nahl's shoulder.

“Wait.” Siegfried throws out. “Don't answer until you've heard the facts.”

“We've seen enough on the way here.” Nahl utters. “From Hetlan to these hills we witnessed the result of abuse unrestrained by people charged to rule, not suppress.”

“You would stand at the side of rebels?” The mute directly questions the ex-Templar. “Maintaining order is more important than any individual's temporary suffering.”

“I may have stuck to this principle whence I had not witnessed the truth behind this stance, not today.” Nahl counters. “This rebellion could've ended today had those in power been inclined to reason, I will do as resolved to do when I joined the Order. I will help those in need.”

“At the very least have the presence of mind of listening to all the information presented to you before making a decision.” The old man berates, addressing all four.

“I've never been one for lectures, and I can't resist pulling one over on Nobility.” Idali cheerfully remarks.

She crosses over with an eager Rowland while Nahl and Uhla remain as they are but holding postures that make it evident they're about to move to my side. I throw a questioning glance at the Exemplar.

“This is not what I had in mind when you told me you had a plan.” The Exemplar utters.

“The day isn't over, Exemplar.” I return. “And peace was never in that general's mind, you can't fault me for this battle as I tried to offer reasonable terms despite my stronger negotiating position.”

“Can't I?” He questions. “You could have killed Sykus in the town if your stated goal of removing him from a position of influence proved unworkable. No, whatever your plan is, it functions best if you have the Order implicated in the proof that proved his guilt and take control of this army.”

He could tell it wasn't merely about the legitimacy of the proof but also about undermining the Order's standing among the rebels, which must already be rather low. What they say after the battle will have little impact on these rebels, ironic considering none would even think to accuse the Order of dishonesty.

“I have little interest in commanding this rebellion, in fact I have none other than to make it easier to win this battle so that they are treated as they should be.” I honestly argue while dishonestly ignoring part of his objection.

“Your methods are despicable, Jessica Freepath, no matter the goal. You've steered events and played on this general's personality to arrive at this result from the very beginning.” The mute accuses.

“If my goal is honorable and I only have two methods to achieve it because of limited time, then is the path I choose despicable when it is the one involving the least slaughter?” I coldly counter. “Shall I take it upon myself alone to end this battle at risk to my life by destroying this pitiful army they challenge me with?”

“There are other methods with Sykus dead, the Order would have settles this.” The mute insists, speaking far too much for one with such a nickname.

“Listen to your elder, Templar, for he is silent and so should you be.” I coldly return. The old man remains quiet, causing Nahl to step in.

“The Order isn't here, if Jessica does not act then Claywood will tear the rebels into pieces regardless of who stands in his way.” Nahl says. “Exemplar Siegfried would be sidelined by Nobility because this is mostly an internal matter to Mirus.”

“Now, tell me Templar.” I speak up. “Would the correct path be for me to slaughter this army by myself? Squad after squad, day after day as battle rages and more fall dead on these fields made muddy by spilled blood because of a misguided notion of honor?”

“No!” Nahl exclaims and Uhla nods firmly. “We'll make a stand here to end this aimless war.”

“Your reasoning is flawed because you assume it is up to you, Jessica Freepath.” Siegfried intervenes. “We needed not come here, the documents could have been entrusted to the Grand Master in Coprich.”

“That is just as flawed an assumption as mine, old man.” I gripe. “Who is to say Sykus wouldn't have caught wind of our plans from the merchants we had to leave behind and countered us? Who is to say most of these rebels would have survived that long? Shall I have let their lives up to fate's whims instead of acting?”

“...” Siegfried sighs with closed eyes, bringing his wrinkles to evidence. He picks up his helmet and sets it back upon his head. “As our Emperor wisely told warriors of old, the fates can bring allies to cross arms. On this day, I wish that neither arm nor sword fails you so that I not spill your blood, Jessica Freepath. May we once more partake food around the same fire if the Lake allows.”

The old man turns and departs on these words, the spikes at the sole of his greaves tears soil from the ground. His gait appears as heavy as the plate he bears on his shoulders and it becomes difficult for me to breathe as I've grown to respect the old man for his understanding of other's plight.