Chapter Forty: A King and His Knight

It truly was rather beautiful outside.

I was glad that Cinder and I left when we did. As much as I liked the tall and imposing black-wood tree's of Scarl Forest I much preferred open and wide areas when it came to close combat.

The hard ground beneath my feet had been pummelled into some semblance of a road, tree's of green dotted the landscape, but mostly it was grass land this far from The Citadel. It provided a stark contrast to the almost claustrophobic feel of Scarl Forest. The land of the Elves felt open, it's air much crisper and easier to breath. The chill in the air was a welcome addition and I felt it settle on my skin, making me feel awake and alive for the first time in a long time.

Adrenaline had begun to pump through my body as soon as I was in sight of the camp. It was a basic thing, hastily constructed. Row upon narrow row of tents assailed my eyes with one larger structure at the centre.

That was where she would be.

I wasn't dressed for battle, not by any means. I was wearing the soft grey outfit that Ada had purchased for me in that tiny town on the outskirts and the black cloak fluttered around my ankles, wrapped around my neck and granting me some reprieve from the cool mid evening air.

Xolumbrandir was conspicuously absent from my waist, but my mask remained, belted on my right side and in full view to those that watched me from the camp perimeter.

I stopped when I was about fifty metres away, my hands held out at my side with a large smile on my face. Even as I watched, one of the guard broke off from the rest and began to run towards the large, central tent.

Good. They would be here soon.

This part of the plan was more for my own sense of the dramatic than anything else. A lone warrior, absent sword, turns up at the camp of his enemy with seemingly peaceful intentions. Of course, Marwenna would not buy such a ploy, but it was a fun game to play none the less.

I had not lied to the children when I had sent them to confer with Marwenna and Valant. In fact, at the time, I was sure that it was the right thing to do. If nothing else, it would give Mahalis some peace. He tried desperately to see the good in his parents as only a son can and I would be a cruel man to try and take that away from him. I had seen them enter the camp less than an hour ago. They would have gotten their answer soon after. While Marwenna might be inclined to accept such an offer, Valant was not. He didn't truly understand what I was capable of, nor Cinder for that matter. He would just assume that we were on Marwenna's level of strength and leave it at that. But he should have realised that even Marwen would find it easy to destroy five hundred soldiers, even if they were trained by him. Like I said to the Knight Descendants. Hubris. It spelt the end of many a great man. And Valant was far from great.

It was soon after this round of musing that activity began to blossom from within the camp. Cries to gather became known and the soldiers within moved with ruthless efficiency. They were out of their depth, but their sense of organisation was something to behold. They were fast and each of them knew their place in the greater war machine, moving almost as one single entity.

It took them less than ten minutes to gather at the camp entrance, the front row of soldiers all carrying large shields, built to accept heavy punishment, while the two rows behind carried long spears. The rest filed forwards with the standard sword and shield and, even as I watched, every single one of them began to draw in mana.

I could see it move above them clearly, shimmering through the air and into their bodies, strengthening them and preparing them for what was to come. It was all useless, of course. I began to wonder why Marwenna had not just decided to send them away. While her husband was incompetent, she was not, serving as my General for more years than any other.

Perhaps at this point she had realised it was too late, maybe she thought that it would be useless at this stage in the game. Or maybe she really thought that one of the Guard could weaken me enough that defeating me later with Valant would be easier.

I laughed out loud at that one, causing the first row of soldiers on the approach towards me to hesitate but I ignored them. To believe that cannon fodder could weaken me would take an even weaker mind. Maybe panic forced her hand, made her dispatch her troops?

It matters not. There will be violence today.

The rows of royal guard continued their approach, no doubt ill at ease because of my lack of action. I continued to stand and stare at them as they approached. I did not feel threatened by them, so there was no need to act hastily.

When they were about twenty meters away the entire procession stopped cold, not a one of them missing a step. It was then that there was movement in the back and a woman stepped through the line of shields, which moved to the side to allow her through. She was a diminutive thing, but she seemed to command the respect of her fellow guard who all stood and waited for her to speak. Her hand was fixed firmly on the sword at her belt and her eyes were the only thing visible through the slit of her helmet. Her armour looked more battered and beaten than the others, like she had just been on the road for a long time. I realised who it was almost instantly, although we had never met personally.

“Captain Hilin. It is a pleasure to formally meet you.” I said softly with a smile, giving the decorated soldier a small nod of my head in greeting.

For a moment, the captain said nothing, merely staring at me and then at my mask. She was not a fool, she knew exactly who I was. She had seen me from a distance, beating the Knight Descendants in Ellai.

She gave a bow, causing all of the members of her guard who could see to look at her in shock, temporarily breaking the illusion that they were all one unit.

“Your Majesty, I'm glad you remember my name. It is an honour to meet you.” She said, her voice muffled by her helmet but I picked up the words despite it.

If the bow had caused people to stare, referring to me as royalty was sure to have a greater reaction still. Within every line of the guard, muttering could be heard as they puzzled over why Hilin had greeted me in such a manner.

I ignored the hushed whispers and instead focused on the Guard Captain “I wish to meet with my Knight and her husband, if she is willing to accept an audience from her King.” I said the words in a calm and easygoing fashion, but there was a subtle edge to them. Just to let them know of the consequences should they refuse my request.

Now the whispers became louder still as incredulous noises could be heard from within the many rows of protectors. Mutterings of 'The Rebel King' and 'Corus' could be heard throughout the entire congregation.

Hilin raised a hand above her head and the voices immediately stopped. Seems they were trained well enough at least.

“I am unsure whether I can allow that, your Majesty. As much as I want to believe that your intentions here are peaceful, I would be a fool if I did not take the proper precautions to protect my charges.”

I nodded, the smile never leaving my face “You are absolutely right, Hilin. It would be foolish of you to do as I asked simply because of who I am. But in this case, I'm going to need you to do it anyway.”

“I'm afraid I can't do that, your Majesty. The Knight Descendants told me enough on the way here to make me more than aware of the current situation. I know that Knight Cinder is here somewhere and I know that you intend to cause harm to the King and Queen of the Elves.” Hilin said the words with a calm tone, but it caused the large group of soldiers to rumble and fix me with sharp eyes.

I smiled in response to the angry glares I was receiving “Speaking of the Knight Descendants. Aren't they your responsibility, Hilin?”

“I have appointed my second, Malthas, as their chief protector in my stead. I won't leave knowing what I know. I will protect the royal family, even if it costs me my life.”

I nodded. So it seems that they were committed to protecting Marwenna and Valant. A pity. Even if they were ordered to leave now they would refuse, as was their right. When a great enough threat presents itself the guard were given full control, their instructions even superseding the commands of their charges in extreme cases.

I suppose this was something of an extreme case.

“Hilin, you know how this ends.” I said, the words carrying within them an edge of sadness. Killing church scum had always been easy, but killing someone who was just doing their jobs, to provide for a family, never was.

I heard the great exhale of breath from Hilin's helmet as she, in one smooth motion, drew her sword and held it before her, even as mana began to pour into her body.

“I do, your Majesty.” Her voice was even and calm. Her eyes were glacial and filled with purpose.

I offered her a small smile and tilt of my head, honouring the warrior.

“Then let us begin.” I walked forwards.

“The King and Queen! They approach!” The joyous cry echoed out from the back of the guard, causing Hilin to lock in place, her eyes never leaving me as mine never left her

I could see the conflict running through her body. She was supposed to protect Marwenna and Valant but they were coming out into the open, where they would be much easier targets. She wanted to go and demand that they return to their tent, but she was afraid to leave her spot, lest I attack while she was unaware.

I smiled and raised my hands by my sides once again, showing her I wasn't going to attack. Not yet anyway.

Hilin gave a slight nod, aimed in my direction, before she slowly lowered her sword. I could hear her heavy breathing even from here. She knew how close to death she had come, even if her compatriots had not. She had seen me in Ellai, with Xolumbrandir in hand. I could feel the fear as it echoed out from her aura, but it was contained by a wall of willpower. Hilin truly was remarkable, I wondered what kind of monster she could turn into if I subjected her to my training.

Without a word, the guard captain spun and headed back into the crowd of warriors, who split once again to allow their leader through.

I, unfortunately, couldn't see much. The wall of guard prevented me from seeing far back into the camp, but I was in no hurry. One should not rush to shed blood.

I could make out voices echoing from the back of the royal shield wall. Due to the multitude of other sounds I couldn't make them out very well, but it didn't matter, I got the gist of what was going on. It seems Hilin was trying to exert her authority and command the King and Queen to return to camp. I'm doubtful that she would be successful.

While Hilin did technically have the authority to command the royal family in times of crisis, this would make little difference to Marwenna, who would do whatever she wanted to do, with Hilin being unable to prevent her from doing so. I would suspect that the guard captain would try to keep their exposure to me to a minimum.

I was pulled from my thoughts yet again as I noticed movement, the lines of the guard splitting apart to let someone through and I felt my heart begin to beat faster within my chest, adrenaline beginning to pour into my system.

I felt nervous, which I was expecting. Who wouldn't feel a little anxious in a situation like this? I was about to confront the woman who had been my closest companion and and greatest friend for six centuries of life. I kept the emotions from reaching my face, however, which remained fixed in it's neutral stare.

It was then that the front line finally split and revealed the person I had not stopped thinking about for a single day since I returned to this world.

Marwenna.

She looked beautiful, as if she had barely aged a day. Her long dark hair tied up behind her head. Her familiar blue eyes, usually soft and warm, were cold and hard. She was dressed for war, wearing the familiar suit of silver plate that I had forged for her so many years ago. It was like it was only yesterday that I last saw her, sword in hand, about to remove my head. I had to remind myself that four whole centuries had past from her perspective.

Beside her stood the idiot. Dressed similarly to Marwen in silver armour, although a crown made of some kind of green crystal rested upon his brow. His holy sword, Corravai, at his hip with his hand firmly locked around the hilt. His mouth was a line and his eyes were angry.

I tried not to laugh. Was this Valant trying to look intimidating?

I returned my gaze to Marwen, my eyes drinking in her face, trying to feel something, anything.

Why didn't I feel anything?

I thought for sure that when I saw her again I would react somehow. Perhaps I would want to forgive her? Maybe I would just want to kill her and her husband for the pain they have caused. I expected anything but this. An absence of emotion, a nothingness that could not be filled no matter how hard I stared.

They stopped just as they passed the first line, Hilin a single step in front of them, her nervousness could be seen clearly from within her aura and also a sense of panic. She obviously was not happy about this, but she could do nothing to convince the royal family otherwise. I felt for her.

A few seconds past with them just staring at me, Marwenna's eyes were locked, but Valant's were moving around, searching the area, as if looking for something.

“So, where is Corus? Are you another of his errand boys? Come to convince us to hand ourselves over for his judgement willingly?” Valant said mockingly, not even looking at me but continuing to look at the surrounding tree's, as if the real Corus would pop out at any moment.

He didn't recognise me. I wasn't surprised. My aura was hidden and my face was changed. Plus, Valant never met me until that night with Marwen. It must look like I'm just an ordinary human, sent to talk on the behalf of his betters.

Still, he should have noticed the fucking mask.

“Well, boy? Speak!?” Valant yelled, his attempt at being seen as an intimidating ruler and warrior was too much for me to handle and I started to laugh. The sound washed over the two monarchs and the guard, who flinched slightly at my seemingly uncaring attitude.

Marwenna knew who I was. Her eyes never left mine and her mouth was hanging open, her grip on The Angelis weakening slightly as she came to the conclusion that Valant was still having trouble with.

“Corus?” Her voice was just as I remembered. Clear and light. It used to fill me with joy, the sound confirming that she was close, that I had someone I could rely on.

Now all I felt was cold.

“'First and most favoured'.” I said with a musing tone. My eyes leaving Marwenna and Valant as I ran my gaze over the guard behind them. “I've been thinking about this moment for some time now. Of what I would say. Of what I would do. But I find my mind wandering to a memory. Do you remember, Marwenna? That time in the Gardens, before I left Callai?”

Marwen's eyes opened wide and a gentle breath left her lungs. Her cheeks flushed and I could see the recognition in her eyes.

“I was leaving the next day. You decided to take me out of the palace and into the Gardens. It was beautiful, summer had just arrived and the heat poured down on us. We were by the lake. You told me you loved me. That I was your knight.”

Marwen looked at me with a complicated expression, before her eyes found the ground and would not rise.

“I remember.” She whispered, the words passed over me and I felt a smile rise on my lips.

“I think about this memory, and many others. I believe it is my way of trying to find some sort of peaceful solution to this whole thing. That if I think hard enough about the good times, I can forget about the pain you and your husband have caused. Congratulations, by the way. Queen of the Elves, Wife, Mother. I'm proud of you.”

Marwenna said nothing, but she raised her eyes again to look at mine, while Valant's own filled with clarity. He knew who I was. I could see his face pale.

I sighed “But I don't believe that there will be one. I tried but I came to the same conclusion, over and over again. As much as I want to believe that all of this was caused by Valant's Goddess, I don't.”

I continued to smile as I took a step forwards causing everyone but Marwenna to move backwards.

“But, before we begin in earnest, I believe you have something for me. Something from Vitriss?”

Marwen's eyes were clouded but she nodded.

“She said... she said to tell you that what you seek lies in northern Omara.”

“Ah.” I said. So Vitriss didn't know where my other half was when I was in her realm but she suddenly does now? I put the issue to the back of my mind. I would deal with that later. This was more important.

“I understand.” I turned to Valant and gave the little King a smirk. “How does it feel? Knowing that your Goddess has chosen me for her glorious plans? Must piss you off something fierce.”

Valant's mouth fixed itself into a line but he said nothing, which was wise of him. As much as I disparage Valant, he was intelligent. At least enough to know that if he spoke he would piss me off.

“Corus... I... I missed you.” Marwenna suddenly said, taking a step forwards and causing Hilin to move slightly in front of her, sword at the ready.

“I missed you too” I said, giving her a smile. “But that doesn't matter. This has, unfortunately, gone beyond what we feel, Marwen. Cinder wants blood and I can understand her feelings. Faral and Abhor will have similar agendas once they know the truth. But I want you to know, I forgive you for killing me.”

Marwen nodded, accepting her fate.

I raised a hand into the air causing all to tense “But. I have a question that must be answered before we begin. Know this, Marwenna of the Elves, this question shall determine your fate.”

Her eyes widened, as did Valant's. I could see the confusion in his, but within Marwen's I could see a sliver of understanding, followed swiftly by horror. She knew what I was about to ask.

“How long, Marwenna. How long have you and Valant been lovers?” I whispered, the question passing through the space between us and reaching Marwen's ears. Her eyes widened even further and became pinned, like a cornered animals.

“Please... Corus. Don't make me answer this.” Her voice was ragged, her voice cracking.

I smiled “But answer it you must, Marwen. For you are still my Knight. I am still your King. Even if that changes after today. Perhaps I should be more specific. How long before Vitriss manipulated you, have you and Valant been lovers?”

“I...I...” Marwenna was struggling to speak, her whole body shaking.

I put my hands behind my back “You see, I noticed that you two were already close when you killed me. Already you seemed like you were more than just allies. It made me wonder. How could Vitriss speak to you and Valant in the first place? Why were you together?”

For a moment there was silence, the stand off continuing, Valant's hand still wrapped firmly around Corravai, ready to draw at a moments notice and engage me.

“How long have you been a traitor to the Court, Marwenna? Was it days? Weeks? Months?... Years?”

“Twelve... Twelve years.” It sounded like she was being tortured, tears began to roll down her face as she struggled to spit out the words.

I smiled and nodded. Finally, I felt something. Disgust, sadness, rage, all of it filled up the absence inside of me. But I kept it inside, hidden within me. It was a struggle to maintain control, but maintain I did. I wouldn't give her or Valant the satisfaction of seeing it effect me. My best friend, my greatest ally... she had betrayed me even before she had taken off my head.

“This would usually be the point where I ask why. Where I ask how you managed to keep it a secret from us all for so long. He killed people, Marwenna. Killed people we cared for. Yet you fucked him, repeatedly, for years. You betrayed Heilvol, Drogna, Abhor, Faral and Cinder. You betrayed me. You betrayed everything we built.”

“I... I fell in love with him. It was a scouting mission, I was-”

I raised a hand “I don't fucking care.”

Her breath became sharp as the venom in my voice caused her face to flush.

“Don't you speak to my wife like that, Demon! You are nothing but a shade and I will-”

Valant was blown backwards through the air, my aura appearing and disappearing just as fast, the blade of air connecting with the King of the Elves torso and sending him flying into a group of his soldiers, who were knocked to the ground by the collision.

“Protect the King and Queen!” Hilin cried, before moving in front of Marwenna, who remained unresponsive, her expression one of total despair.

I ignored Hilin and began to walk forwards, my fury cold.

“You betrayed your family. Burned Ellai to the ground. Left Cinder and the others to rot. The Goddess played her part, Marwen, but the rest was a result of your own treacherous decisions!” I hissed the words and called for mana. I felt power run through my body and I waved my hand, which caused the air to smash into Hilin, sending her flying off to the side. I didn't stop once, I kept making my way forwards, towards the woman I had once loved. What else had she done? Had she given sensitive information to Valant? Had she been the mastermind behind Ellai's fall? I felt my control begin to slip, I was holding on, but barely.

It was then that Marwen let loose a cry of pain and drew The Angelis, the blade coming loose freely. She pointed the sword at my chest, tears continuing to fall, but her face was now set in stone.

“I may be a traitor, Corus. But I won't allow you to hurt my family. I loved you once, I loved the Court once, but I wanted to be free. To live a life with the man I loved. I knew that you would kill us both if you discovered the truth. I won't apologise for what I've done. Nothing I say, or do, will change what I did. I love Valant. I won't let you kill him.”

I continued to walk, saying nothing. I walked right up until the blade of The Angelis was pressed against the cloth of my tunic, my eyes burning as they stared into Marwenna's own.

“Then you have sealed your fate.” I said softly. “But you will decide nothing today.”

It was as I said the words that an aura flared up off to my right and Marwen's eyes widened in understanding. She had forgotten Cinder.

My daughter flew forwards from her hiding place in the foliage, her eyes glowing with her hungry red light as she moved with a speed that would put most Air Aspect users to shame. She collided with Marwenna with a crippling impact, causing a shock wave to echo out around them and knocking over several of the guard who were beginning to make their way forwards to defend their Queen.

“Get away from him, you fucking whore!” Cinder roared and began to pummel Marwen, her fists were a blur and each released their own shock waves as they connected with Marwen's body, sending her reeling backwards.

Marwen wasn't my Knight without reason, however, and mana ran through her body before she activated Aspect of Air and began to avoid all of Cinder's dizzying strikes.

“Stay out of this, Cinder!” Marwenna roared in return and The Angelis began to move blindingly, slicing into Cinder's flesh, cauterizing each wound as it went, which only caused her to laugh.

Finally Cin landed a solid hit on Marwen's torso sending her flying some distance away, with the Vampire Queen in hot pursuit.

I watched them go with a heavy heart. I prayed that Cin would be okay. Marwenna was a ferocious opponent, but I couldn't go and help her now. I had my own opponent to face.

“Quick! After them, protect the Queen!” Valant cried as he rose painfully to his feet. The nearby guard nodded and set out to chase the two women.

I clicked my fingers, mana charging and releasing, setting the guardsmen on fire. Their screams were immediate as the fire ate them away, super heating their armour and roasting them alive, causing Valant to take a step back in horror, with the other members of the guard having similar reactions.

“Perhaps it would be best if you worried about the threat that was still here, Valant.” I said and began to make my way forwards.

“Defend the King, kill him!” Hilin's gasp for action came off to my side as she rose to her feet, still shaking off the attack I had hit her with.

The Guard immediately returned to their original formation, war cry shouted as they charged, their formation holding. It seems they think that they can kill me with overwhelming numbers. They were wrong.

“Xolumbrandir” I spoke and the sword answered, the blades dark aura making the air heavy as it suddenly appeared in my hand, it's icy presence malevolent and desperate to spill blood.

I charged, activating Aspect of Air, and arriving at the first line before they had even taken ten steps.

I brought Xolumbrandir forward in a huge arc that cut through the shields like paper and sliced into the men that lay behind them.

They tried to surround me, moving around to the sides, the shield users shaking as those with spears tried to stab at me from the back. I jumped into the air, easily over the heads of the guard who looked upwards incredulously. I landed in the lines of the spear men, those closest unable to properly use the weapons because of how close I was.

With one slash I cut three men in half before breaking the spear of another and plunging Xolumbrandir into his skull, swiping sideways and severing a man's arm. It wasn't long before the ground was slick with blood and the other guard members began to slip on the bodies of their compatriots trying to close the distance.

I moved with ruthless efficiency, not even drawing mana as I moved through them with ease. Some tried to throw spells, but more often than not they were hitting their own men, so they gave up on that quickly. I could hear Hilin's voice as she tried to organise the offensive but we were in the thick of battle now, they couldn't hear her over the sound of their own heartbeats thumping in their ears.

I grabbed a woman by the throat and lifted her into the air, crushing her windpipe and throwing her outwards into her colleagues. One of the guard was fast enough with his spear to cut into my side, the wound deep, but healing almost instantly as I turned on him in a second, dissecting him before he could make another attempt.

I saw Valant standing at the back, his eyes wide and undecided. I could tell that he wanted to go after Marwenna, but to do so would mean trying to get past me first, hesitation filled his expression and a disbelief as he watched me mow down all his soldiers.

Soon they were hampered by their own movements. Seeing their friends die only made them want to kill me more but they were crushing into each other trying to get closer, meaning I only had to deal with three or four at a time. It was relatively simple, but I took no joy in it.

Xolumbrandir moved through the air lazily, severing limbs and taking lives, enthusiastic hissing following every clean cut. Without my command, tendrils of darkness began to drift out of the inky darkness of it's blade, which were just as sharp as the sword itself, killing hungrily.

It wasn't long before I stood in a sea of corpses, some still wriggling with life and screaming in pain as they looked at their wounds. I ignored all of this and looked to Valant, who still stared at me in horror.

“Stay away from him!” I dodged Hilin's blade by a hairs breath and avoided the following two as she set after me, mana strengthening her as she released a spell of earth, large spikes rising from the ground to impale me.

I brought Xolumbrandir down and shattered the two growing monuments before bringing the blade up to meet Hilin's own. Her eyes widened in surprise as Xolumbrandir passed straight through the blade of her sword before resting firmly against her neck. She froze, shock and fear evident on her face.

I stared at her with severe eyes. I liked this woman. She wouldn't die today.

I smashed my fist into the side of her helmet, immediately causing Hilin to lose consciousness as she hit the ground, limp and without function. It was then that I turned my attention to the King of the Elves.

He stared at me like I was a demon sent forth from the bowels of hell. And I suppose I did look like one. Blood had bathed me as I moved through his troops, who now all lay dead or dying at my feet.

I stabbed Xolumbrandir into the ground and removed my mask from it's place on my hip and placed it on my head, before pulling the sword free once again.

“Draw your sword, Valant. Prove to me that you are not as worthless as you seem.” I said, my mask making the words seem darker as they emerged from within the silver metal.

Valant's eyes seemed to be filled with acceptance as Corravai left it's sheath. Immediately the blade was wreathed in bone white flames that flickered and crackled over the blade.

“I want you to know that I was going to leave the church, Corus. I was going to, for her. But then Vitriss came. Perhaps all I believed were lies, perhaps Vitriss isn't the Goddess that I once thought she was. But I don't fight for her any more. I fight for Marwen, for my family, for my son.”

I stared at the man. “Then you will die for them.”

Valant roared and sped forwards, mana filling his body as I met his charge, our blades colliding with great force, sparks flying as our battle began.