Note to the reader: *.......* means he's saying that in his head.

Rate and Review.

************************************************

Chapter 17

Since Felix got away my first priority had to be getting Gene to safety. I didn't know where Aria was so trying to search the palace while protecting Gene wasn't an option. The thing I feared most was running into a mage. From what I learned during a few talks with Tallie it appeared most of them are much slower than a knight so I could probably kill them before they cast a spell, but if I failed to then there was no way for me to stop a fire ball.

We made our way down the barren looking stone hallway where I came from. A torch was hung on the wall every few meters to provide light.

Gene:"So what's the plan?"

Becket:"First I get you out of here then I come back and find Aria."

Gene stopped walking so I did to then turned to face him.

Becket:"What is it?"

Gene:"I want to help."

Becket:"Can you fight?"

Gene:"I did once."

I continued walking and Gene ran in front of me to block my way.

Becket:"If you try to fight a knight you'll die."

Gene:"It's not like I have much to live for anyway. My wife left me, my inns been taken, I don't have a single penny and my only friend is going to run around inside a palace full of knights that know you're there."

Becket:"I can handle these knights."

Gene:"Not if you run into the Warlord or they bring out the royal artifacts."

Becket:"I'll be fine and if you think your presence will save me you're wrong."

Gene:"I'm not saying I'll be much help, but I still want to try and if it kills me so be it."

I sighed out loud so that Gene could hear it.

Becket:"I really might not be able to protect you."

Gene:"Thats fine."

I thought for a second before coming to a decision.

Becket:"You can help search for Aria, but you'll have to do it how I tell you."

He brightened up and showed a pleased smile.

Gene:"Got it."

I back tracked once again to return to the basement prison.

Gene:"Why are we back here."

Becket:"Strip that knight and put on his clothes and armor."

Gene:"Oh! I get it!"

He stripped the knight all the way down. It was our misfortune that that knight wasn't wearing any kind of underwear. Felix had a pair of briefs on, but that may be something only someone with money could afford. Gene quickly put all the clothes and armor on and tucked the dagger into his waist.

Gene:"How do I look?"

Becket:"Well you have no sword so a little weird."

Gene:"Hmm. Maybe I'll find the armory during our search."

Becket:"I hope you do."

I gestured towards the helmet still on the ground so Gene picked it up and put it on. When I strangled this knight earlier he wasn't wearing it. I punched the knights face hard a few times to make it unrecognizable then dragged him into Genes cell and placed the bars back up. I had to be carful to balance them, but if there was even a slightly strong gust of wind I knew they would fall. Luckily this basement had no windows. I did start to wonder who had the keys to the cells though since they weren't on the knight.

Becket:"Alright lets go."

Gene:"Doing that to his face was a little but much."

Becket:"Just in case. There's no telling when someone might come down here."

As we made it up the stairs I felt the night chill make it into the palace. My thermal insulation activated and I didn't feel it anymore.

Becket:"We'll split up and search. If you hear knights hide. Only try and use that disguise if you have to."

Gene:"Ok."

Becket:"Start your search with that hallway and be mindful of the sounds you make while walking. That armor can make a lot of noise and footsteps will give you away."

I had him start his search where I had already been once. It was a good place to be for him since foot steps echo really well. As long as he tries to stay quiet he'll hear any knights coming before they hear him.

Gene:"Good luck."

Becket:"You'll need it more than me."

We separated and I went deeper into the palace. Most of the hallways looked the same except some were wider and had windows. More and more knights started popping up. I had to break the latch on a few doors so that I could hide. I was currently walking down another another corridor when I heard clanking of armor. Out of reflex I jumped for the closest door and went in. Without even scanning the room I leaned against the door to listen for when the guards passed.

Knight 1:"The king would kill us if he knew we left our post."

Knight 2:"What were we suppose to do? Ignore a noble when he runs right by us in his underwear."

Knight 1:"Maybe Count Felix is just eccentric."

Both of there shadows stopped in front of the door. I took a few steps back and braced myself for a fight, but they just stood there talking.

????:"Hello."

I spun around to see a little girl with black hair that came down to her shoulders. She looked around 6 years old with a teddy bear clutched to her chest and appeared to be wearing a pink pajama like outfit.

Becket:"Sshhh."

I put one of my fingers to my mouth. She tilted her head as she showed a look of confusion. The guards were still talking so I assumed they didn't hear me. I kneeled down next to the little girl and whispered.

Becket:"What's your name?"

Celestia:"I'm Celestia. Who're you?"

Becket:"I'm.......a new maid."

Celestia:"Why aren't you wearing a uniform?"

Becket:"I haven't gotten mine yet."

The room was filled with different kinds of toys and the color pink popped up a lot. Her bed sheets, curtains and a rug right in front of the bed were all pink. The little girl turned around and ran over to her bed then jumped in. She sat there looking at me like I was suppose to do something.

Celestia:"Tuck me in."

Becket:"...Right."

I walked up and pulled the blanket over her then tucked her in.

Celestia:"Story."

Becket:"Ok."

I looked around the room. Celestia pointed to her bedside table. It was actually a small bookcase. I picked a book at random and showed it to her.

Celestia:"Not that one. I want the one with the demon."

Becket:"Demon?"

I looked back at the books and saw one that was thicker than the others. I pulled it out and saw the title.

Becket:"The Demons Bloody Massacre?"

Celestia:"That one!"

*Really!?*

The book had no pictures and was obviously meant for a much older person.

Becket:"Don't you think one of the other books would be better?"

Celestia:"No."

Becket:"But this book seems like it's not meant for someone your age."

Celestia:"I'll call the guards."

Becket:"Ok I'll read."

*Did this girl realize I'm not a maid?*

Becket:"I have a question for you. Have you seen any fairies around the palace?"

She shook her head then just stared at the book in my hands.

Becket:"Ok I'll start reading. Oh yeah don't tell anyone I was here. They may not be happy I read you this story."

She nodded.

There was a chair next to the bed which other maids probably sat in to read to Celestia so I sat down in it. She was asleep after a single chapter, but the book already had some intense moments. Honestly I wanted to finish reading it. I quickly put the book away and went back to the door. The guards weren't talking anymore, but I could still see their shadows.

*****************Sylvia POV******************

Sylvia:"I suggest we execute this man."

I pointed at the pile of trash next to me.

King Francis:"Execute the next king? Have you gone mad?"

Sylvia:"No you've gone mad. How can any father just sit there in front of the man that attacked his daughter."

King Francis:"It's not my business what a man does with his wife. As long as she's not dead he hasn't broken any laws."

Sylvia:"Who cares. You're the king. Try and flex that power sometimes."

King Francis:"Executing him would never go over well with the other nobles especially with his father Duke Gabriel Mountier."

He made sure to stress the title and name. As a Duke he's considered one of the high ranking nobles and holds a lot of power in this kingdom. Francis came from a family with close ties to the Mountiers. In this kingdom the throne is passed down through the first born daughter. In order to lower the chances of discord with the nobles one of their children marries the oldest daughter and becomes king. The kings holds all the power while the queen holds everyone's allegiances. The king is suppose to be in charge, but since he's basically an outsider from the royal family it's a long time after he ascends to the throne before he holds any allegiances. Because of this the king and queen are almost equal in power.

The last time a suitor was selected was one of the most difficult ever. The Mountier families oldest son Gabriel and the Yalus families Francis were the choices. Obviously Francis ended up becoming the king. Once married into the royal family they adopt the royal families name. The kings name is Sir Francis Yalus Esyn.

Sylvia:"I don't care what Gabriel thinks. This brat hurt our daughter."

The king began rubbing his temple while a look of frustration float onto his face.

King Francis:"How about this. We make Felix duel the elf man that started this whole thing. If Felix looses and is killed by the elf his death will be considered lost during a proper duel and the nobles won't be able to complain."

*He's trying to buy time. We don't even know where the elf man is.*

Sylvia:"Fine."

Felix:"My king! What about the artifact!"

King Francis:"Of course I will give you one for the duel.."

Felix let out a sigh of relief."

Sylvia:"An artifact during a duel would tip the scales."

King Francis:"Yes but the elf stole his."

Sylvia:"This child lost his families artifact? How careless."

King Francis:"Felix go now and search the palace, but remember that if you find Becket you must challenge him to a proper duel."

Sylvia:"Why is he searching the palace?"

King Francis:"Because Becket is here right now."

I was surprised which showed on my face.

Sylvia:"He's here?"

King Francis:"Why do you think Felix rushed here without getting dressed? It was to warn us."

*No it was because he was chasing Evalyn.*

Sylvia:"Then I'll send my personal guards to search for him too. I'd like to start this duel as soon as possible."

Aelisia:"I know where he is."

Everyone in the room turned around to see Aelisia the Warlord standing a few feet behind the queen.

Sylvia:"Aelisia. It's nice to see you again."

Aelisia grinned from ear to ear.

Aelisia:"You've become a fine adult Sylvia. Last time I saw you was when your father forced you to marry Francis."

Sylvia was showing a delighted face and a beautiful smile.

Sylvia:"Yes and you don't look like you aged a day."

Aelisia:"Oh I have aged."

Sylvia:"So you know where he is?"

Aelisia:"Yes he's still in the palace."

King Francis:"If you already knew why haven't you done anything about him!?"

Aelisia:"I wasn't called to the palace to handle intruders."

The king looked furious and whispered under his breath.

King Francis:"You bitch."

Sylvia:"Well then could you go and collect him. We'll hold the duel at the knights training ground."

Aelisia:"Okay. I'll meet you all there."

She disappeared.

Sylvia:"Then lets all move to the training ground. I'll need to get our daughter first."

I turned and left the throne room then proceeded to where I left Evalyn with some of my personal guard. It was a guards station I had taken over once I ran into Evalyn. I entered as soon as I got there. It was small with walls lines with spears, swords, shields and other weapons. One of the knights had gotten a new dress for my daughter who was now changed.

Sylvia:"Evalyn."

Eva:"Mother. So what's happening?"

Sylvia:"It's been decided that Felix will duel Becket in a death match."

Eva:"Aren't they going to need to find him first?"

Sylvia:"He's already here."

Aria:"Beckets here!"

The fairy that was with Evalyn flew up into the air looking directly at me. She had been sitting on Evalyn's shoulder this whole time.

Sylvia:"Yes he's here. We are going to have them fight on the knights training ground soon so I came to get you two."

Eva stood up and began rushing towards the door.

Eva:"Then lets go already."

I couldn't help but chuckle at how excited she looked.

Sylvia:"Very well lets go."

I followed after her as we made our way to the training ground. It looked like everyone inside of the palace was now waiting at the training grounds in anticipation. This was a fight no one wanted to miss.

Story Information