Chapter Fifteen: The Calm

So, Leigh was hyperventilating in the corner, Ursula was staring at me like a dead fish and Ada was kinda just... standing there. Bell hadn't stopped pointing at me, her face pale and sweaty as her body began to shake like a leaf.

I couldn't blame them to be honest. Bell had just figured out who I was after all.

I honestly shouldn't have been surprised that she had come to the conclusion that I was The Rebel King so fast. Considering talking about Marwenna's son had caused me to become quite angry and the questions that I asked seemed to be explicitly about the Knight's of the Rebel Court. Of course, the magic that I could control and the aggression that the constructs had shown me was a rather large hint, as well as the mask that I had picked up and tucked under my arm.

Yeah... I was not very subtle in the way I was doing things.

I carefully took off my patchwork leather armour and threw it to one side. While it might have helped protect my vitals, I was sure I could find something better in the tower so there was no point in holding onto it now. I had originally taken it to look like a mercenary, after all. Something that obviously wasn't possible now that Black Tusk had figured out who I am.

“Do you deny it” Bell said, her voice cracking slightly, her eyes continuing to search my face for the truth.

I sighed, I was worried about this.

Sometimes when I walked into a room in the old days there would always be silence and everyone seemed to stare at me with awe, as if I was some kind of God. I could see the same thing happen here but to a much larger extreme. The girls were all in various states of shock and seemed to have trouble looking at me. Although, Bell didn't seem to have this problem, her eyes never left my own.

“I do not, Bell of Black Tusk, sister to my daughter.” I replied, my voice changing again to the tone I had used often when holding court in the great throne room of my tower. I needed to convince them, to push them past the point of disbelief and to become convinced I am who they think I am. Only then could I rely on the them to do as commanded. Only then could I make them my allies and help me fend off the encroaching group that comes at the request of Marwenna.

At my words, Leigh threw up on the ground, vomit and spittle around her lips as she stared at me wild eyed. Ada subconsciously went to her friend and began to rub her back, comforting her and throwing me the occasional stare.

“So, you are the King of the Rebel Court, Corus, the master of magic.” Ursula said, her statement in no way a question “They say that Corus was greater than all the Knight's combined and that his will was the only one that could control Xolumbrandir... is that true?” This time as a question.

I looked to her. She held my gaze for all of second before her eyes turned to the wall, the beginnings of a blush creeping onto her face.

“Yes, my name is Corus, I am the King of the Rebel Court. I don't know if I'm greater than all the Knight's combined, but I'm fairly good in a fight. That I promise.”

The members of Black Tusk all stared at each other for a moment, I was glad to see that the shock of becoming aware of who I am was subsiding, can't very well go to work on Xolumbrandir without my faithful guard, now can I?

“As to Xolumbrandir, yes I am the only one that can tame the swords power but... the last time I did, it almost killed me. Destroying it would be easier I believe. But I will need that fucking piece of shit swords power to help with what is to come.”

The girls looked at each other again before a giggle escaped Ada's lips at my foul language, directed at my own blade.

“You really don't like that sword, do you?” Ada asked as the others also relaxed a little at my comment. I needed them to be themselves, they needed to feel comfortable around me and for that I needed to let them know that I am just like them. Not a God, not even divine. I'm just a human who had the fortune to do some remarkable things and meet some remarkable people.

I gave Ada a smile “You have no idea. All jokes aside, I need to retrieve Xolumbrandir but with the 'Knight Descendants' at my heels I won't be able to give it my full attention, which could cost me my life... again.” I finished, rubbing my hand against my head. Dying was not fun the first time and I have no intention of repeating it.

If I saw Vitriss again, I might try a little bit harder to kill the bitch.

“Yeah, how are you still alive? I mean, I believe you are who you say you are, the facts are just too convincing. But weren't you killed in the last battle of Ellai?” Leigh asked, looking much calmer, but she still clutched onto Ada's arm.

“Yeah, well that's a long story, best put to one side for now. The good news is that I'm back, new body and a new goal.” I said with a cheerful smile, always good to look at the positive after all.

There were several reasons I didn't tell the girls about Marwen cutting my head off with The Angelis. The most important is that Bell was close with Cinder. Now I hadn't seen her in nearly four hundred years but if I knew her like I think I did then the result of Bell telling Cin would be... Well, let's just say that Vermalia as a whole would be at risk and I didn't want that. Best to tell Cinder myself within a controlled environment where I could restrain her and prevent her from doing anything rash.

“Why come back now?”

I looked over to the source of the voice and found Bell staring at the floor or, more specifically, her hands, which were trembling. I couldn't see her face hidden behind her hair, but I could feel the hostility in her voice.

I remained silent. I merely walked up to the mercenary and kneeled in front of her. The others stirred slightly but didn't go for their weapons which I could only take as a sign of our blossoming relationship.

I reached forward and took Bell's hands in my own, she didn't resist and just continued to stare downwards. I realised quickly that her whole body was still shaking. I also knew the reason why.

“I never left her on purpose, Bell. I would never leave her if I had a choice. I returned when I was allowed to. I woke up here, in Ellai, and had only been back for a couple of days when Ada found me.” I said gently in a soothing voice, trying to calm the vampire.

It seems that she cared for Cinder much more than I thought she did. Suddenly, I felt warmth rise in my chest, thankful that Cin had at least made a friend. No, she had made a family in the Scarl Forest.

Bell lifted her gaze and her eyes met mine, a smile on her own face as tears began to fall down her cheeks. “Will you return with me to Scarl Forest... after we get the sword. Cinder will want to see you, she misses you. Every day.”

“Try and stop me” I said with a wink and a smile.

I had already made my decision when we had been talking about Cinder arriving in Scarl Forest alone. I would go and make sure she was ok, explain to her what happened and from there I would head to Paltos to find Abhor.

My reunion with Marwenna would have to be put off for a while. Simply because I was fucking pissed at her and I was afraid that I would kill her myself. She had abandoned everyone. She had left Cin alone in a world that despised her and I would not for one minute allow that to pass. She may be my oldest friend, but she hasn't been under the influence of mind magic for the last four hundred fucking years. Marwen and Valant could wait.

Bell was smiling at me so I patted her on the head and rose to my feet making my way to the centre of the room. It was time to lay out the ground-work for the plan to attack the tower and, also, to defend it.

“So, since the whole thing about me being the Rebel King is out of the way, I'm going to ask you ladies up front. The reason that I came with you wasn't to aid you all in your mission. My intent was for you to aid me.”

I moved my gaze to each of the girls in the room and they met it with determined looks on their faces.

“I'm not a god, I'm not all powerful. To retrieve Xolumbrandir I will need to completely focus on it to the point of dismissing everything else. For that reason I'll need you four to run interference on the Knight Descendants.” I finished.

“While that was the original intent of our mission, I don't see how we'll be able to completely hold them off without your help.” said Ursula as she stepped forward. “They were trained by the Knight's themselves and while we're no pushovers, they will have the advantage of skill and numbers on their side. I doubt that they would be sent without back up of some kind.”

I nodded at Ursula's assessment. While I understood what she was getting at, there was a way to separate the Descendants from their guard. Although it will all depend on pride.

“I've thought of that as well, Ursula. While they will have definitely brought additional troops I believe that there is an easy way around that problem. They are Descendants, they are not Knight's. I am sure that by being given this mission they will wish to prove their worth against their opponents and will not rely on numbers to overwhelm you. I believe that if we play this right, we can force them to engage you four against four.” I continue and walk up to the table placing my hands against it. “You must goad them, convince them that they are your lessers. All we need is one of them to attack and the rest will follow. Their guard will most likely stay out of the fight, they will believe that you four are the true threat, that you are the ones hear to take the sword and will not engage or enter the tower unless commanded.”

Bell got to her feet then and circled around the table, her eyes absent of tears. All I saw in front of me was the commander of Black Tusk, the gears turning as she thought through my plan, looking for a possible flaw.

“This is mostly a leap of faith, your Majesty. So many things can go wrong, so many variables that we are not seeing. What if Xolumbrandir interferes? What if they do decide to overwhelm us with numbers?” Bell asked, looking at me curiously.

I smiled. “You are correct, Bell. This is mostly a leap of faith and while I would rather avoid conflict altogether, this is the best plan I have at the moment. The good thing about it is that you will only have to keep them distracted for a short time, until I arrive and incapacitate them. Please, call me Corus.”

Bell blushed when I asked her to call me by my name and looked to one side

“Forgive me, your Majesty, but I don't think that would be possible. You are... a legend in Vita. I wouldn't be showing you the proper respect you were due if I referred to you so casually.” She said, her eyes trying to find anything else to look at but me.

“Fuck, I'll call you Corus. I've never really had to do the majesties and what not, so I'll stick with what makes me comfortable, that cool?” Ada said, her lips curling up into a smile “Besides, you did throw me off a roof. Seems that we're old friends now.”

I gave Ada a grin and made my way to the door to the servants house.

“I'm going to ask you now, truly. If you don't want to aid me, then I completely understand. Does anyone want to stay here until it's all over?”

Bell was the first to answer, nearly tripping over herself as she brought herself to one knee in front of me.

Fuck, seems the vampire was really taking it hard that I was the Rebel King. Hopefully she wouldn't stay like this for long, after we've spoken a bit more.

“Your Majesty, I would be doing myself a disservice if I did not aid you in your mission.” She looked up at me and gave me a sharks grin. “And besides, Cinder would kill me if I didn't try my hardest to get you to the Red Citadel, so I'm with you until then.”

I returned the smile, helped Bell to her feet and she stood beside me. The other three girls looked at each other with worrying expressions on their faces.

“I will understand if none of you wish to aid me in helping the King. I must though. For family.”

Ursula snorted and took a step forwards, pacing herself next to Bell. “I might be many things, but a deserter is not one of them, Commander. I'm with you till the end. And you.” The she-wolf aimed a finger at my face. “I'm not as convinced as Bell that you are who you say you are. But that doesn't mean I'm going to betray my friends. If you betray us, I'll rip your throat out and watch you bleed out on the floor. I don't care how powerful you are”

I nodded firmly at the she-wolf and aimed my stare at the remaining members of Black Tusk.

“Why not, I'm in. It's gonna be suicide, but how often can you say that you fought members of the Knight Descendants with the King of the Rebel Court by your side. Sound's like it would make a fucking great story.” Ada said as she walked forward twirling her bow.

Leigh merely nodded, her shy nature still present as she took a firm step forward, resolute and determined. She was ready for a fight, I could definitely see that.

I looked around at my impromptu guard and couldn't contain my smile. Looks like it's time to get this show on the road.

“Thank you, Black Tusk. Now, get ready and be prepared to fight with all you've got. We've got a sword to steal.”

“AYE!” shouted the members of the band as they began to get whatever they needed for a fight and I stood next to the door, stroking the silver metal of my mask.

Time to go get Xolumbrandir.

* * *

The members of the Knight Descendants wondered through the ruined gateway that led into the market place, their hands on their weapons as there eyes sweep the foreboding courtyard, searching for any and all signs of a threat to their safety.

Kara walked up the east side of the large space, already Furela was drawn and in her hands. The sword of Heilvol glittered fiercely in the risen sun as she scanned the market, looking for any sign of the thief.

The other's did likewise, making their way around until they met near the statue of Corus, located dead centre, in this, a battlefield that their parents and grandparents had once fought on.

The Knight Descendants stood before the statue, awe etched on their faces as they each in turn bowed their heads to acknowledge their King. It was in near pristine condition, even after so long. No doubt a result of the enchantments placed upon it by Knight Marwen. As their gazes found the head of the statue however, they noticed it lacked a certain special something.

“So it's true, the mask has been taken.” said Dran, rage laced into his words as his grip on Drogna's Edge shook.

The others merely took in the young dwarf's words as they stared at the blasphemy that had been committed on the statue of their hero.

“Yes, and from the looks of thing's, it seems the enchantment did activate. But the lack of a body only serves to let us know that whoever activated it, was too powerful for the enchantment to incapacitate.” Mahalis said, his tone heavy as he realised the implication of his words. Whoever had taken the mask was strong enough to brush off one of his mother's enchantment's as if they were nothing. Truly terrifying. Mahalis, or any of the Descendants, could not boast such a thing.

“So what's the plan, boss? Head straight for the tower?” Lor asked, his eyes squinted in awareness as he once more threw his gaze around the ruined courtyard.

“Yes, we have little choice. We have to ensure that-”

Before Mahalis could finish his sentence they heard a sound that ripped through them, pushing them to their knee's and open in their mouths as silent shouts left them. Agony assaulted their hearing and all they could do was bear it as it continued to grow louder, as if directed at them.

It was a hellish sound, one that seemed to be filled with pain and a terrible anger, the type that could fell mountains and shatter whole armies.

Mahalis clamped his hands over his ears and scrunched his eyes shut, trying to drown out the sound with screams of his own, but to no avail. He drew in mana, trying to stop the sound magic with air, but that didn't help, not even slowing down the sound. All the Knight Descendants could do was helplessly wait for it to stop.

Eventually, the scream ended and the world became completely silent. The guard and the Descendants lay panting on the ground, their faces red and expressions filled with relief at the passing of the pain filled cries.

“What in the God's name was that?” said Sergeant Hilin as she pulled herself shakily to her feet.

For a moment no one replied as they pulled themselves to join her back on two legs and stood still for a second. Each of them staring towards where they knew the source of the sounds came from.

The Tower.

Xolumbrandir.

“It was the sword, right? It has to be. That was no normal noise, even with sound magic.” said Lor as he panted with his hands on his knee's.

All the other's could do is nod as they aimed their gaze towards the tower and felt something that they hadn't felt in quite a while.

In each of their stomachs was an emotion they knew all to well. It was making them want to flee, to turnaround and run back the way they came. Run to the Knight Marwen and beg her for help. Fear.

But Mahalis would do no such thing.

“Whatever it was, it's passed now and our mission remains unchanged.” He said as he drew The Angelis and began to make his way forward.

He felt a hand grab his arm and turned to find Kara holding onto him, her eyes looking deeply into his own.

“I would not be concerned about the sound itself, but why the sound was made. That was the sword's scream, of that I have no doubt. It sounds... afraid.” Kara whispered, her voice quiet as she seemed to look for comfort in Mahalis' eyes.

“So the sword's afraid of us. Isn't that a good thing?” asked Dran, curiously as he hefted his axe and placed it over his shoulder.

Kara shook her head and raised her voice so all could hear. “I doubt the sword knows we're here, we've only just arrived. Which makes me wonder what could make the sword so scared. Anything that scared the sword that scares the other Knight's, should not be treated lightly.”

Everyone stood silent for a moment as they absorbed Kara's words. If what she was saying was true then that means that the thief was a lot stronger than they thought he was. Much, much stronger.

“So... what should we do?” Lor said, his voice low as he leaned into the group, trying to keep out of earshot of the nearby Royal Guard.

“Nothing has changed. We continue onwards as we did before and we make sure that the thief doesn't get his hands on the Xolumbrandir. Agreed?” Mahalis said, his voice determined and confident.

One by one, each of the Descendants nodded and hefted their respective weapons, ready for the fight that would inevitably come.

“Sergeant Hilin! We're moving out!” cried the elven prince and, together, the troupe made their way towards the tower, eyes open and aware for any threat.

Something was telling them this was going to be a bad day.

* * *

They had moved out from the old servants house that Leigh had found soon after they decided to support Corus in their plans. Now they walked, with sure steps, towards the tower where their stupid plan would be put into effect.

'And it is stupid' Bell thought as she walked beside Corus.

Although she had said nothing to The Rebel King at the time, perhaps this was not the best path of action. To stupidly wait for the Knight Descendants to attack without planning any surprises for them. It would have been wise to lay an ambush but, as he said, that would mean their entourage would get involved in the fight as well and it would end up being a who knows how much against four. Not the best outcome.

The plan had some merit. She did believe that if they played it right it would force the prideful lordlings to fight them on equal terms and prove their superiority. All they had to do then was to make sure that they kept them busy until Corus was freed up to aid them in moping them up. Something that Bell believed he could do single-handedly, after seeing him take down those monsters sent by Xolumbrandir.

“Why not just tell them that you are the Rebel King, your majesty? Wouldn't that solve all of our problems? They may even aid us.” Bell asked, her eyes finding the side of the young looking man's face as he continued to walk beside her.

Gods, he does look young. Barely older than Ada and yet his eyes, they were old. They contained centuries of pain within them, similair to Cin's. The pale green of his eyes almost seemed to glow with power, his pale skin and dark brown hair, all of it painted him as some kind of divine being, such was his beauty.

At the thoughts that began to pour through her head, Bell blushed. She shouldn't be thinking about him like that. Especially considering he is Cinder's father. Well, adopted father, but the point remains valid.

For a moment the King did not answer her and simply stared ahead, before turning with a smile.

“I wish I could, Bell. But something is... off here. I'm not sure whether telling them would aid us or hinder us. Besides, Xolumbrandir is awake. I don't have the time to deal with the children of my Knight's.” he replied softly, before fixing his stare ahead.

Bell nodded and looked away. Ursula was at her side and rolled her eyes at her commander for the blush that appeared on her cheeks. Bell glared at her friend before the she-wolf turned away with a snort of laughter. Leigh remained at the back of their procession, her eyes downward and hands clasped together. She had yet to recover from finding out that they had just met the King of the Rebel Court. Ada remained at the front, her hands on her bow, an arrow already drawn as she continued move at a steady pace.

“I want to thank you.”

Bell turned to face the King again and, although he wasn't looking at her, she could feel his attention directed on her, almost as if it was a palpable force.

“Thank you? For what, my King?” Bell asked, confused. Why would Corus be thanking her? She hadn't done anything.

“For being there for Cinder and keeping her on an even keel. It was supposed to be Marwenna. She promised me that she would always look out for her. It seems it was a lie.” Corus said bitterly, his gaze lost now as he relived a time from ages past.

Bell continued to look forward, unsure of how to reply to the Rebel King.

They arrived at the tower sooner than expected and the courtyard was exactly as Bell remembered it. Destroyed.

Piles of rubble surrounded the great courtyard that led up to the steps leading into the tower. On a raised plateau, separated from the rest of the city, this space was where they would engage the Descendants in combat.

Looking up at the Tower, Bell gasped in awe. She had been here before of course, but it didn't seem to sink in until this moment. The tower of the Rebel King.

It was a creation of beauty, it rose up and seemed to be gripped by the sky, as if a mere gust of wind would blow over the silver spear head. That was how delicate it seemed.

On the stairway that led up from the plateau and into the tower proper, there were six statues lining the marble steps, each made of obsidian, three on each side. They were statues of the six Knight's of the Rebel Court.

As they drew closer Bell could make out the statues clearly and fully. One was a dwarf, proud and noble with a huge beard, a bald head and a playful smile on his face, he was garbed in armour and holding onto a large hammer that was nearly twice his size. Such was the detail of the statue that one could even see a twinkle of quiet intelligence in his eyes.

Drogna, Knight of the Rebel Court. Architect of Ellai.

The next one was a statue of a proud looking human, both hands resting on a sword as he stared straight ahead, at attention, his armour smaller than the dwarf's but it seemed natural on him, as if he had been wearing it his whole life. His close cropped hair and lack of a beard clearly showed him as a man who took himself seriously. This was the soldier.

Heilvol, Knight of the Rebel Court. Commander of the Armies of the King.

The third was a large wolf that dwarfed the other statues, it was easily three times the size of Ursula in her wolf form and snarled ferociously. Bell could see a hunger in it's eyes, a rage that seemed to be never ending.

Abhor, Knight of the Rebel Court. General of the Vanguard.

As Bell swept her eyes over to the other side of the stairs and examined the other three she focused on the one closest to her. That of an elf, her grin ferocious and jovial, a three pointed hat lay crookedly on her head and she wore leather armour that seemed to have seen several battles, if the detail was to be believed. A scimitar was at her side, her hands on her hips as she arrogantly faced outwards, as if looking for a fight.

Faral, Knight of the Rebel Court. Admiral of the King's Navy.

The next was of another elf, this one was a dressed in plate armour, long hair pulled back from her eyes as they stared outwards severely, as if judging all who passed under her. In her hands was a blade that was considered legend. The Angelis.

Marwen, Knight of the Rebel Court. Second in command.

The last statue was the smallest by a rather large margin, but it was the one that Bell herself was most familiar with. It was Cinder, so strange and surreal. The girl who Bell considered family appeared to be around the age of fifty three or fifty four, nine or ten in human years. She was smiling, but it was not friendly, it was the grin of a predator that had seen her prey. Her pointed teeth were on display as her eyes seemed to stare with a hunger that was similar to the statue of Abhor, but was different. There was no rage, just the need to feed. Her short hair framing her face and her distinct lack of any armour was by Cinder's own choice. She had said many times that getting injured just made her hungrier. She didn't want to stop that by wearing something that could prevent it.

She had improved in recent years due the care afforded her by Bell's mother and herself, but the hunger still gripped her and it emerged sometimes, seemingly out of the blue. Bell loved her, but even she was scared of her sometimes.

Cinder, Knight of the Rebel Court. The King's Huntress.

“Are you ready?” asked Corus from behind her, the sudden noise making Bell jump.

“Sure am, ready to kick some ass! What do you say ladies!” Ada cried as a ferocious and bloodthirsty grin took over her face.

Bell smiled and shook her head at her companion as the others laughed. Ada may have been the youngest but she always knew how to cheer them all up when the opportunity presented itself.

Corus chuckled as well “Ok then, remember to wear your masks and don't let any of them see your faces, we want to make a clean getaway and if they see any of you, they could trace it back to Cinder, understood?”

Everyone nodded and placed the masks over their faces, clipping them into place. Just in time too as suddenly one of Xolumbrandir's screams, the same ones that had emerged from the abominations suddenly engulfed them and, even through the enchanted masks, they could feel a dull pain in their ears.

Bell turned to Corus to see if he was ok, but the young looking man was fine and didn't even flinch at hearing the sound. Bell could only imagine what it would take to actually hurt this guy. Then she blushed as more indecent thoughts rattled through her head.

'Cinder's fucking father!'

Corus turned and faced the four of them and gave them all a smile.

“Sorry, ladies. This is where I'm going to have to leave you. The sword knows I'm here now and if I stay I'll put you all at risk. I'll try to keep the damage contained within the tower. Good luck.” Corus finished, meeting each one of the girls gazes in turn before turning and making his way up the stairs.

“Good luck, Corus!” Leigh shouted, surprising everyone who thought the timid girl wouldn't be capable of such a thing.

The Rebel King gave a wave without turning and suddenly shot forwards, disappearing into the darkness that clouded the front entrance of the tower.

The girls all lined up in front of the stairway of the tower and prepared themselves, each drawing their weapons, except Ursula, who fought bare handed.

“You going to be ok without having to turn, Ursula?” said Bell, looking over at the she-wolf only to find her meet her gaze with annoyance in her eyes.

“Even without turning into a wolf, I can still run rings around you three. Bring them on!” She said with ferocity and again turned to face forwards.

They didn't have to wait long.

Within an hour of their arrival, there was sudden explosion of air from the staircase that led to the plateau and, when the haze cleared, there were around two dozen people standing there, with four in the lead.

Bell knew who the four in the lead were of course. The Knight Descendants.

She felt her heartbeat increase as they began to walk slowly forward, confusion etched on their faces at seeing four bodies standing between them and the tower. Bell smiled beneath her mask as the grip on her axe tightened. She could feel the girls begin to get excited at the prospect of a good fight as well.

Fighting the constructs had been a pain, because they didn't know how to fight them. But this was different. These were opponents that they could face. These were enemies they knew how to defeat.

As they approached, one of their number stepped forward. An elf, wearing glittering silver armour and in his hand a familiar sight from on of the statues behind them. The Angelis.

This must be Marwen's son, the Elven Prince.

“So... you're the thieves.”