The view from the Pearl District in Shieldhome was gorgeous at this hour. Tobias leaned against the porch railing behind the Wet Moon Tavern, enjoying the changing colors of the sky as the sun neared the Chamson tips. Those mountains, black and enormous upon the world’s horizon, made him think of adventure. To give up everything and go to them with Kip, build a home, and raise their child among nature would have been peace. Hard work, sure. But peace required hard work.

He closed his eyes tightly and wished for it. Wished to the Gods. When he opened his eyes again he and Kip would be thousands of miles away from the Kingdom. The sun would be shining. They would have the tools necessary to get to work, clearing a space, building a home. They would work for supplies and food from the towns of the Chamson people. Their child would be born before their house was built and they would be supported by friends they’d made. Tobias would get help from some others and have a home they can sleep in by the time their child is a month or two old. By the time everything is furnished their kid will be able to take their first steps within the house. And then --

Tobias shook out of his daydream when a hand brushed against his shoulder. He opened his eyes and saw Kip beside him. They were not in the mountains. They were still trapped.

“Heya, Skipper,” he breathed, wrapping his arm around her.

“Stephon is showing some woman a magic trick.” Kip smiled. “She’s not impressed.”

“Can’t be impressed by ‘magic’ when there’s Gods and miracles and Alchemy all around you,” Tobias said. “Not to mention those ‘Cursed’ running about.” He stared at the mountains, now surrounded by an aura of reds and oranges.

Kip looked up at him. “How are you doing?”

Tobias still hadn’t told her about what happened the night he gave that vial to those poor people. He never specified what he was breaking down about. She told him he could tell her anytime… and he would.

“I’m doing okay,” he said. “Sorry. I can’t help but feel more worried as the day approaches.”

“It’s the same for me,” she said, rubbing her hand around him, placing her head on his shoulder. “Gods, I’m so scared. But I know we’ll be fine. Our plans are stronger than their religion,” she smiled.

Tobias admired her courage. She was not a believer in the Gods, but she knew her history and prayers like all citizens did so nobody could tell. Everyone behaved as they should under the all-seeing eye of the Church. Well, mostly everyone.

Tobias didn’t tell her that he wanted to talk with her later. Tonight was supposed to be fun. With the fateful moment of their escape only three nights away, they needed to have at least one night of release. One night of seeing their friends and laughing with them one last time.

“You’re right,” he said. “And I’m okay. Really. Come on, let’s go back inside and see what those idiots are up to.” He held her hand and guided her back into the bustling, loud Tavern.

Stephon had his arm around a woman who, to Tobias’ surprise, appeared interested in him.

“That’s the girl he was showing magic tricks to,” Kip said as they approached the table. She was gorgeous. Sharp eyes. A confident smile. She eyed Tobias as he entered and he nodded to her. She nodded back.

“You don’t say,” Tobias smiled. He sat down across from Stephon who was laughing and chatting with the woman and a couple other men from the Knight Academy. Kip moved around the table and struck up conversation with the woman. They both moved away from Stephon and chatted further away from the noise.

Stephon looked after them, back to Tobias, back to them, back to Tobias.

“Your woman just stole my woman,” he said.

“Not our women,” Tobias grinned. “You’re nearing that drink limit, eh?”

Stephon’s cheeks were red. He was two mugs deep of Wet Moon Mead, the sweetest and strongest drink in the entire Kingdom. The place had a limit for how much you could drink because of the power of its alcohol. Plus, Shieldhome was very careful about how drunk its citizens got.

“I feel fine!” Stephon said. He pushed some hair out of his face, long brown hair that hung down to his shoulder when loose. “I’m no fool. I know I can’t handle a third. Man, this stuff is good.” He threw back the remaining drips of his mug and exhaled as he finished. “The final stage,” he smiled, looking down at the table as he lowered his mug. “Warren and I have worked hard for this.”

“I know,” Tobias said. “Keep working hard and you’ll join me on my Knightly patrols in the next month.” He lied. He and Kip would be gone long before then. They didn’t dare tell anyone, not even their closest friends. Tobias had known Stephon and Warren for years… leaving them behind would be the most painful part. Leaving without a word. They couldn’t take any risks just because of close bonds.

“And you’ll be a married man,” Stephon smiled at him. “Look at us, buddy. Moving up in this world. Quite the journey we’ve had.”

Tobias pushed down the sadness. He smiled through it. “Hey, where is Warren anyway.”

Stephon leaned forward on the table. “Our guy’s found a woman who knows how to sign.”

Tobias stared at Stephon. Barely anyone in Shieldhome knew sign language. As far as he knew, it was only him, Stephon and a few others within the Church who were assigned to give sermons to those who had lost their hearing.

“Where are they?”

Stephon pointed and Tobias turned to see Warren, seated across a table near the wall with a woman, tall, strong, with blonde hair tied into a knot behind her. She was signing to him. Warren smiled and signed back.

“Wow,” Tobias said, watching. Then, turned back to Stephon. “Who is she?”

“New recruit for Knight training. Name’s Mia. She doesn’t know a whole lot of sign, but enough to have a decent conversation with him. Where she falters she can just ask him yes or no questions,” he laughed.

The night continued, full of laughter, drink and reminiscence. Stephon had brought along some friends and the entire Academy was packed inside the place. But, really, all that was needed was Tobias, Stephon and Warren. Childhood friends. Everyone else seemed to just be an added bonus in Stephon’s mind.

Mia eventually said goodbye to Warren and he was all smiles. Stephon was ruthless in his teasing. One by one, others left as the night dragged on. Tobias would glance over from time to time, noticing how long Kip had been talking with this woman Stephon had met.

“Hey, Stephon, who is that woman anyway?”

“Hm?” He looked behind him and watched the two women chat. “Ah,” he looked back at Tobias with a mischievous grin. “She owns the Pearl District Bank. A very wealthy woman. Apparently handles a lot of Royal money. High connections. Something about being involved with the Royal Committee that oversees the Knights’ actions and training.”

Tobias swallowed. “High connections. Right.”

“She came onto me first, really,” he said. “Pulled some classic magic tricks on her. Solidified it. But hey, she and Kip seem to be getting along. Double dates on the horizon?”

Tobias looked at Kip, noticing her nervous body language. His breathing picked up in pace. “Hey hold on,” he said, covering up his concern with a smile, “Be right back.”

He left the table, leaving everyone with their conversations and approached Kip and the woman, who were standing away from most of the noise. Kip was laughing and running her hand through her hair. She always did that when she was nervous.

“Hey,” he smiled, speaking just a bit too loud. He put his hand around Kip. “Skipper, did you want another drink at all?”

“Oh, no I’m alright I think. This is --”

“The name’s Kiya,” the woman interrupted, stepping forward, holding out her hand. Tobias released Kip to take it in greeting. She was tall. Long, dark, red hair. Her voice was full of self-importance. “You know, I’ve heard of you Tobias. A very skilled Knight. Graduated the Academy early if I recall correctly?”

“That’s right,” he said. “What can I say? I’m a prodigy I guess.” Ah, boasting was not like him. But he was nervous. Tipsy. Trying to hold onto some confidence and not sweat so much.

“Apparently,” she grinned. “I hear that you both are getting married very soon. How exciting.”

“Yeah,” Kip smiled, “I’m so nervous. But it’s every girl’s dream to be bound to her lover beneath the Gods’ eyes.” She hugged into Tobias.

Tobias pulled her close but watched Kiya. She was undoubtedly eyeing them suspiciously. Was he just being paranoid? What have they been talking about?

“Well, it was very nice meeting you,” Tobias said, “But we should probably get --”

“Have you both thought of having children at all?”

A loud, spontaneous laugh burst forth from Tobias’ mouth. “Of course we have! What couple doesn’t think of such a thing? It’s all up to Kip though.” Tobias watched Kiya. She was smiling. Her eyes were emerald green, her nose tiny, upturned just a bit. The woman had a sweet looking face that was strangely aggressive. She appeared way too invested in Tobias and Kip’s business. Just a nosy woman perhaps. But she gave off an uncomfortable air.

“Well, it’s wonderful that you both are so responsible with Divinus law.” She sighed and looked up to the ceiling. “It’s such a shame when two lovers let their lust overpower the rule of the Gods.” She looked at them, still smiling. “My job isn’t very fun. I oversee the Pearl District Banks as well as the Royal Committee. I make sure everything is up to par, following protocol, and, most importantly, that we’re seeing to it that all citizens are living well and responsibly.” She chuckled. “I said it’s not very fun but it is very important. And I’m honored everyday with the responsibilities I hold.”

Tobias stared at her.

“I’ve had to approach so many people in this city who have broken law in secret. My least favorite are the children conceived in sin.” She sighed again. “Destroying lives like that is such a pity. But it’s important. Making these people an example is crucial. I’m sure you agree.”

“Oh. Of, uh, of course.”

She smiled widely. “I’m glad my committee won’t have to do that to you both. You seem like good people.”

Tobias found his voice. “It’s… good that it’s not very common for people to have pregnancies in sin. With the way the Church has handled previous offenders, I’d be surprised if anyone ever risked such a thing.”

Kiya drank her wine and looked Tobias in the eyes. They were all silent for a beat.

“You’d be surprised what we find,” she said.

Tobias held onto Kip tightly. Kiya downed the rest of her drink.

“Well,” she said with a breath, “I should go say goodbye to the men of the hour. It’s getting late. It was wonderful meeting you both. I’m looking forward to seeing you both become husband and wife. Perhaps I’ll even be helping in the organization. I’m quite active with these sorts of things as you can tell. Anyway, have a wonderful night.”

Tobias and Kip walked alongside Stephon and Warren through the Pearl District after the Tavern closed up. They were all heavy with alcohol, food and sleepiness as the day was coming to a close. Stephon was in high spirits, his arms around Warren and Tobias.

“Look how far we’ve come, fellas,” he grinned. “Forgive me, Kip. But I can’t help but reminisce. When we were a few poor kids stuck in the Commons. And now we’re warriors of the Gods. Living the good life.” He laughed. Tobias humored him. “Thank you both,” Stephon continued, looking at Tobias and Kip, “for coming out to celebrate. It means the world to me. To us.”

“Of course,” Kip said. They all stopped walking and Kip gave him a big hug. Tobias could see the pain in her face. Kip didn’t know the two of them as well as Tobias did, but they were practically family, being so close to Tobias. And she knew the pain he was feeling at the prospect of leaving them both behind.

“Ohhhhh youuuu,” Stephon chuckled, squeezing her into a hug.

Kip hugged Warren as well, who was silent but blushing with gratitude. “I know you’ll both become wonderful Knights.”

“And you’ll make us wonderful weapons! Owning a sword crafted by the greatest Blacksmith in all the Kingdom would be an honor.”

“Of course,” Kip lied.

“All right, bring it in,” Tobias laughed. He hugged Stephon and resisted tearing up. They patted each other on the back.

“When I’m a Knight we’ll have a rematch,” Stephon said, releasing him. “My sprint time is becoming faster.”

“I look forward to it.” Tobias pulled Warren into a tight hug. “I’ll see ya later buddy. Proud of you.” Warren held him tight. He pulled away and grinned.

Tobias and Kip walked to his horse, Shadeheart and Kip stroked him on the nose.

“What were you and that woman, Kiya, talking about?” Tobias asked, securing the saddle. “You looked nervous.”

“I’ll tell you when we get home,” she said. She walked over, took his hand and as he got up on the saddle he helped pull her up. She wrapped her arms around him. They rode through the gates of Shieldhome out into the Commons. The moon was bright and painting everything in a cold blue light. “I don’t want to wait any longer, Tobias,” she said. “I want to leave. Sooner. Now.” She squeezed him. “I’m so afraid.”

He held her hands that were pressed into his belly and gripped the reins with his other hand. They were trotting down the path, then went up the dark hill that led to their home.

Tobias secured Shadeheart into his makeshift stable that he and Stephon had built. It was big enough for the horse, held plenty of hay and walls for protection from weather and some warmth. Tobias saw to it that Shadeheart had plenty of water and was securely locked in and pet him before walking away. Kip was waiting at the back door. Tobias followed her inside. He locked the door behind him as well as the front door.

“There was something up with that woman,” Kip said, leaning against the wall of the kitchen. “She kept asking me very personal questions. I just wanted to meet whoever Stephon was interested in, you know?”

“What was she asking you?”

“Well. She asked me how I was feeling. Just, health-wise. She asked me when the two of us met. At first it just seemed like concern and small talk. But then she was asking me about you and I living together and how much trust the Church had placed in us to do so before marriage.”

“Gods…” Tobias said, running his hand through his hair, sitting down in a dining chair. “There’s no way anyone would know about… you. Right? There’s no way.”

“...Cade,” Kip said. Crossed her arms. “You don’t think…”

“No,” Tobias said quickly. “No, there’s no way. Why would he go through all of this trouble just to rat us out to the Church? Why would he give me that --” Tobias stopped himself.

“Give you what?”

Damn it. There was no point in hiding it any longer. Tobias leaned forward and breathed out slowly, but his heart was pumping. “The night I came home and broke down in your arms… I had just broken the law.”

Kip was silent. She slowly moved over and pulled a chair next to him and sat down.

“Sandon had given me that nightly patrol, as you know. But when I followed the thief, she led me to some abandoned house in the Bronze District. There was a pregnant woman inside. The girl and another man had been stealing food for her and keeping her hidden.”

“Oh…” Kip said. She took Tobias’ hand.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was in the hardest place I’ve ever been in. I couldn’t just report them to protect my job… I’m a Knight. I’m supposed to be… protecting the people. Not securing this government’s corruption.” He paused. “Luckily,” he started again, holding onto Kip’s hand tightly. “When Cade came by that night to hand us our papers for when we crossed the border… he gave me something.” Tobias swallowed. Everything was so quiet. He could only hear the thumps of his heartbeat. “He gave me a v-vial.” He looked at Kip’s large eyes. “It was forbidden Alchemy. Used to purge a pregnancy.”

Kip stared at him.

“I… wanted to tell you. I wanted to, really. But I couldn’t. I just couldn’t entertain the idea of giving up our child. I mean, I was going to tell you eventually… but then I found those people in need and… and I…”

“...just made a decision all on your own.” Kip finished his sentence for him and let go of his hand. Furrowed her brows. Her lips trembled. “You just made that decision for us? Just decided that keeping this child was the best decision. Didn’t even want to include me!”

“Kip, I --”

She stood up, nearly knocking over the chair she sat in and looked down at him, her fists clenched. “We’re both bearing a burden here, but GODS, Tobias, why would you take that decision away from me?!” She paced. “I’m the one who’s carrying this child for Gods’ sake! You don’t think I would have liked a decision?!”

Tobias remained silent. But couldn’t stop thinking of those people.

Kip stifled a sob and retained an angry face and demeanor. “Why, Tobias? Why?!”

“Because, I --” he stammered, “Damn it, because I was afraid of you wanting to go through with it! I --” He stood up.

She grabbed him by the shirt and started to cry. “You don’t trust me enough to at least have a conversation with me about it? Damn you, Tobias, damn you!” She cried and was twisting the fabric of his tunic. “It’s… gone now, then? You gave it away…”

Tobias breathed. “Kip…” He held her shoulders. “I should have told you… I’m selfish. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He swallowed. “When I met those people, I couldn’t stop thinking… that we have a way out. We were blessed to know Cade and be given a chance to escape. Start a family. Like we always wanted to. Those people… they had no chance. No way out. They would have been caught eventually. I had to give it to them. I just had to. It was the only way I could help.”

Kip breathed and sat back down in the chair, as did he, facing one another. “I think I would have said no,” she said slowly. She sniffed. “If you told me about this vial. I would have refused. I think.” She took in shuddering breaths. “But, Tobias… I don’t know for certain. Because you didn’t include me…”

Tobias clenched his eyes shut and held her hands. “Kip I’m so sorry,” he said. “I… I have no excuse. I…”

Kip moved her hands away. Tobias’ heart sank. But she stood, held his head and kissed him there. “I need to sleep,” She said. “I just need to go to bed.”

She walked away into their dark bedroom. Tobias watched her go. He watched the dark room for a long while after she entered it. His mind screamed at him. With this situation they were in now… with someone, somehow, potentially being suspicious of them, Tobias couldn’t help but think he should have helped themselves rather than someone else. He may have saved another family. But his own was now in potential danger.

Outside of Tobias and Kip’s home was a figure, hidden away in the bushes, close to the outside wall. Their ear was pressed up just beneath the window -- a woman who had been keeping a close eye on Tobias and Kip for months now. A woman who had now confirmed that the two of them had conceived in sin.

Shieldhome had an agent assigned to all Knights of the Divine Force to secure their laws and control. This woman, Kiya, was Tobias’. And her suspicions were finally made clear. She could finally put in an order for their arrest.

Kiya slowly made her way out of the bushes, dressed in black, her hair tied up and tucked away beneath a hood. For a moment she wanted to slip inside and kill the both of them in their sleep. Speaking to the both of them in the Tavern was difficult… conversing with lower class citizens was always sickening. And she had always suspected the both of them were up to something but didn’t know for certain… until now. Sinners were disgusting. Lower than worms. And they did not belong in this city, living happily, pretending to be human. She should kill them.

But she controlled herself. Offered a prayer to Qinos to stay her hand and not act outside of His Law. There was a process. After all, they deserved a pain worse than death for their sins.

Kiya made her way to the Church through the darkness. Giggling. Itching. Nearly hyperventilating with the anticipation to give this news to the High-Deacon.