《Adversary》Alea Iacta Est - 9

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After having finished the last bit of paperwork, Kato and I now sat in the main hall of the guild, at one of the tables with food sitting in front of each of us. Bread, cheese, corn, a steak, and a bowl of stew comprised our complimentary meal for finishing up the paperwork. The paperwork would take approximately a week to go through for registration to complete, but it would’ve been longer had it not been for Relona’s recommendation, though it still had to be verified. I didn’t know what to feel upon hearing that, but Kato had told me we’d be staying in Xadria for a bit longer before heading back out, considering we now sat a comfortable distance from Nyrill and the Royal Capital.

“Soralynn knows the full route for our journey, but I’m familiar with it enough to know that we’re at a comfortable pace.” Kato had told me as we ate, dipping her bread into her stew and taking a bite. “When she finishes her current task, she will find us. No need to concern yourself with finding her.”

With that, I considered my current standing. Kato and I now had personal identification that’d act as ID until registration went through. I had asked Aspen to explain it to us as we gathered all of the completed paperwork.

The guild had chosen this path for registration because it acted as an unofficial test of trustworthiness for prospective Adventurers. Yes, an Adventurers time is a premium, considering they did not have entirely consistent employment, moving from job to job when they completed and turned them in. However, they also had to work within the confines of the time frame their employer set for them. Impatience or slothfulness would adversely affect job performance and reputation, for both the Adventurer and the guild, so the delay between paperwork and official registration would allow the guild to see how the Adventurer would react to forced downtime.

The prospective Adventurer would be given a specific time frame to return to the guild, and they had to return at that precise point in time. They could not loiter at the guild or continually harass the clerks for information on registration, else that would disqualify them. At the same time, if they returned late, then that would also exclude them unless they provided plausible and provable reasons for their delay as an Adventurer’s interactions with clients came back to the guild, who acted as intermediaries to create the various jobs that Adventurers partook.

However, those who created this system understood that Adventurers live a very active and constant lifestyle, requiring a steady stream of income to survive. To alleviate this, if they did not have funds to support themselves during the interim, the guild loaned them a limited stipend to pay for room and board at designated inns distantly connected to the guild. This tested the Adventurer’s ability to ration and control their spending when during a job drought, where the number of clients who needed jobs done wasn’t as numerous.

Typically, this interim took place either between two weeks and a month, depending on the interaction between the prospective Adventurer and the designated clerk. The amount of time was at the discretion of the clerk, their observing coworkers, and the District Administrator. They would initially consider the Adventurer’s attitude with the clerk and how they interacted with one another, both at the desk and how they acted on the path to the room to fill out the forms. After they finished that, what happened next was that word would go out to the inns and shops affiliated with the guild and the prospective Adventurer would be discretely observed by various parties in a variety of caste levels, from the local Nobility to the proletariat with a plethora of connections.

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Should the prospect successfully make it to the guild at the appointed time, the committee responsible for accepting or denying registration would have already decided by that time. Barring exceptional circumstances, though, which are resolved on a case by case basis.

When she had told me this, I immediately asked why she was saying this to me, considering I was a prospect.

“Recommendations are an infrequent event within the guild because it is a risk for a hard-earned reputation.” Aspen had explained. “And the few that do occur are primarily done for family members.” She slid our papers into a folder and put it beneath her arm. “Relona has been an exemplary scout in our employ, adored and respected by our clients for her professionalism and conscientious attitude; even with her curt demeanor and preference for solitary jobs. She has been with us for five years and not once has she been given anything less than a model review from her clients.” She studied me intently, a smile growing on her face. “As her Liaison, I know her very well. For her to offer a recommendation alone speaks well of your character.” She held out the leaf-shaped pin that Relona had given me before leaving Del yesterday. “For someone who’s been my friend, I’m willing to take the same risk for you that she is.”

With that, Kato and I were sent back out to the main hall, given our food and a list of the inns affiliated with the guild. Still, though, with the answers I had received, I had one last question.

Why tell this much? Wouldn’t it ruin the sanctity of the test if I knew of its contents early?

I suppose the question itself is a part of the test as well, considering that approaching the clerks for it could be regarded as harassment. I could ask it after the week had passed. I checked the list given to me and noticed an attached card. Flipping it open, I took note of a specific time to return. A smile escaped me as I finished the last of my meal. After noticing that Kato finished it as well, I stood and said, “Let’s go. We need to find a place to stay.”

She nodded to my statement and followed me as I left. As we exited the guild, I noticed that the sun was still high in the sky. “Milord.” Kato caught my attention while we walked. “Do you…still, wish to find her company?” For a moment, I was confused over what she meant; then it hit me. Kacee.

“Yes. I don't want to meet Kacee yet. I want to become more comfortable with Xadria first, then we’ll see.”

Kato hummed in assent to my answer. “Follow me.” She walked ahead of me as she led me through the city streets. We strode quickly through the endless sea of people, navigating them with almost supernatural grace. As we walked, I noticed the surrounding building shift from a merchant-esque area to a more residential section. The first set of houses appeared to be of a lower class, with them being primarily wooden. I frowned as I took in the various people around us. The sea of people had lessened, becoming an occasional passerby. I noticed the rare person in the corners of alleys, vanishing from sight. Children and elderly hung around the front of their homes; the occasional glance pointed toward us, but quickly turned away when I met their gazes.

The big thing I couldn’t help but notice was that…it was so dirty, compared to the section where the guild stood. “Kato, why is everything so…?”

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“There is a disparity between people that grows, the closer we get to the outer walls of Xadria,” Kato explained, still facing forward. “It is when we go further into the main section of the city that we see where the nobility and higher ranked adventurers reach states of needless convalescence.” She then motioned forward. “Your old friend made her base in this area to ensure that the common people could be protected.”

I looked around her to see what she had pointed out. The structure stood out amongst the blatant dilapidation of the surrounding homes and decaying streets. Built from stone and marble, it showed itself to be a monument for strength, as if proclaiming its defense of those encompassing it. Four floors, like the guild hall, but far blockier and humbler. A banner hung from the roof, slowing above the double door front entrance, depicting a pair of crossed staves with folded flags hanging from them. Well-manicured shrubbery framed it, bringing a pure beauty to it. People milled about in the windows, moving back and forth.

“The Twin Flag Company,” Kato spoke softly, eyes focused on the banner. “Formerly lead by a discharged Knight of Veritas.” She inclined her head to the building. “The company used to thrive, on both the merits of his skills and those of his people, but with the events of Nyrill, business is being pulled away from companies like this.” I frowned at that, but before I could ask about that. “When the time comes to join the guild fully, then you’ll have the opportunity to see what I’m referencing.”

I didn’t reply as I stared at the building in front of me. Kacee likely worked from this building, leading them to a new direction, hopefully with plenty of success. A part of me wanted to walk into the building and find her; to tell her that I was alive, that I was okay. But…I couldn’t. I had no idea her current stance, her position. Would she accept me? Would she turn me into the Knights? Am I worrying over nothing?

If my brother in all but blood showed himself as willing to stab me in the back, then how could I believe that Kacee wouldn’t do the same?

“Milord?” Kato’s voice came out as a whisper, pulling my attention to her.

“Let’s go back.” I turned around and walked away from the building, an uncomfortable churn at the bottom of my stomach.

Sora found Kato and me a few hours later after I had toured around Xadria, getting familiar with the town that I would be staying in for the foreseeable future. She found us as we walked through the merchant center, striding past a few clothing stalls selling cloaks and blankets. As Kato took over a watch for us, I told her what we had done after breaking apart.

“Your former compatriots have been moving.” She started as we walked down the dirt road. “Nowhere near here, barring Miss Fitzgerald, but still within Veritas itself.” Sora reached into her bag and pulled out a dull, grey sphere. Holding it out to me, she continued, “Just in case we’re separated, I want you to keep this with you.” I took it from her and held it in my hand, resting it on my palm. Smooth, but with multiple flat faces, it rolled with my steps. “A newer communication stone keyed to you and me specifically.”

I nodded to her explanation as I slid it into one of the pockets in my pants, beneath my sheath. A part of me wanted to ask about Luke, to know what he had been doing, but a knot formed in my stomach at the thought, so I pushed it out. “Kato and I registered at the guild. Are you going to do the same when we reach an inn?”

Sora offered me a playful smile as she reached into her bag, pulling out a bronze plate with three stars framing the outer edge and surrounding the image of a wand. “I’ve been registered with the guild for a year.” I came to a stop and offered her my driest glare, but my ire caused laughter to escape her. “I’m sorry for not saying such.” She slid her card back into her bag, grinning playfully.

I rolled my eyes at her words, smiling despite myself. “Honestly, I don’t mind, but I’m curious why you didn’t say anything.”

“It’s important for you to be as self-sufficient as possible,” Sora explained with a smile, leading us down the dirt road. “At the same time, I’ve made sure to remain under the radar while raising my rank in the guild.” She waved a hand to the side. “Though I am on record, my notoriety is low compared to most adventurers, so a recommendation from me wouldn’t amount to much.” A gleam appeared in her eyes as she smirked over to me. “I never expected you to meet a skilled adventurer and gain her favor.” Her smirk widened into a grin. “It’s almost as if you were born for this…”

I shook my head. “That only happened because I wanted us to leave Del promptly.”

“You committed to action for a single reason, but it had a multitude of positive consequences.” Sora rebutted, meeting my gaze as she stopped in front of me. “Such things are part and parcel of the role you’ve taken. Accept it, and you’ll find that your future will be far happier with your decisions.”

I grimaced as I took in her words, glancing to the side with a reluctant frown.

Sora took in my expression and nodded once, then promptly turned back around to resume her trek. “I’ll drop this for now, but you must soon understand your role,” I grunted. “As of now, though, I believe it’s time you meet more of our people.” I gave her a surprised look, causing her to turn her head to meet my gaze in her periphery, a smile on her face. “Yes. During the rendezvous, we agreed that you should be able to see who they are and hear their explanations in person, rather than only from me.”

“Then let’s go. I have a few questions that I want to have answered.” At that, Sora submissively inclined her head to me and turned around to resumed leading Kato and me. We strode through Xadria with a purpose, effortlessly navigating the sea of people still going about their day this mid-afternoon. The constant state of disrepair that surrounded us slowly gave way back to the typical atmosphere of the ‘modern,’ medieval city. The crowd thickened as we continued, forcing us to adjust how we proceeded.

Soon enough, we began to enter the ‘noble quarter’ or where the wealthy lived in the city. After leaving the merchant quarter, I started to see manors spaced about, reminding me residential suburbs back home, for those who made six figures, anyway. The number of people populating these streets fell to an almost nonexistent number, with the occasional person being an individual clad in elaborate clothing. They took notice of us, appeared momentarily confused, then upon seeing our clothing, paid us no more mind. I didn’t make a fool of myself, looking around like a tourist, but a part of me wanted to look around more carefully. Thankfully, I had the self-preservation to control myself in this new area.

Eventually, we came to a stop in front of a twelve-foot-tall iron gate. I peered through the bars to see a two-story Victorian-style manor. Several people dressed in scuffed uniforms worked in the gardens that filled the entryway; unlit lanterns resting atop light poles stood at intermittent internals on the grounds. Sora lifted a hand and gave a single wave before she lowered it with a knowing smile. The front door of the manor opened, and an older gentleman in a black overcoat approached the front gate.

Upon reaching us, I noticed that he indeed appeared older, considering his perfectly-groomed goatee and pronounced laugh-lines around his mouth and crow’s feet framing his light brown eyes. He wore a black and white suit with immaculately clean white gloves and black dress shoes. Seeing Sora, he offered her a kind smile. “Lady Soralynn, you’ve returned far sooner than anticipated.” The man spoke as she undid the latch on the gate, sliding it open soundlessly.

Sora let out a small laugh, smiling widely. “I’ve always given my all in my tasks, Oxton. You know that.”

The man, Oxton, answered with his smile, significantly smaller but no less kind. “Indeed, Lady Soralynn.” His eyes rolled over Kato and I. “Lady Kato.”

“Oxton.” She answered with a grunt.

Then his gaze fell onto me. For a moment, he didn’t respond, before his eyes widened in surprise. He quickly masked his expression and closed the gate behind as we entered the grounds. “Welcome to Luvian Manor, Milord. I wish you a peaceful stay here.”

Surprised by his deference, I composed myself and inclined my head. “I am grateful for the hospitality. I’ll endeavor not to make myself a nuisance.”

Oxton didn’t react noticeably to my words, merely nodding as he walked ahead of us, directing us inside of the manor itself. We strode down the marble pathway, and I turned my head in time to see one the gardeners, a boy who seemed on the elder end of teenage his years, stood from his work. His light eyes met mine before they widened, and he swiftly turned back around. Before I returned my attention forward, I managed to catch sight of a white furry belt wrapped around his waist. I blinked in surprise, before furrowing my brow and turning my attention to the others working the gardens.

All of them had some form of animal-like additions. Ears atop the head; tails wrapped around their waists; scales on exposed skin; and strange looking pupils. Beastkin. The people who own this manor employ Beastkin to work in and around their home.

I faced forward and continued to follow the party into the manor. Oxton opened the door, an elaborately decorated wooden door with silver filigree framing the outer edge of the entryway. A trio of dark blue tinted windows rested head height on the door. He waved for us to enter as he bowed his head. Sora offered him a kind smile as she led us into the building. There was a noticeable dip in temperature as I stepped over the threshold, goosebumps racing up my arms before I became accustomed to the cold. The entrance hall revealed a spacious, empty area with a set of wide steps leading up to a second floor — an elaborate chandelier with an ambiently glowing sapphire that illuminated the area. The walls were decorated a dark blue with various decorations. White pillars reached the two-story high ceiling, attached to a railing on the second floor.

Off to the right, a door flung itself open as a young woman with short hair so black it appeared to have blue highlights strode towards Sora with an excited smile. She wore what resembled a merger of a summer dress and a dark pantsuit, a parted skirt revealing her white tights-covered legs and raised heels. Around her shoulders rested a white shawl contrasting beautifully with her dark sapphire necklace. “Sora! You’ve returned so quickly! I didn’t know you missed me so much.” Her voice gave off a pleasantly husky soprano as she smiled at Sora, showing off her bright white teeth.

Sora returned the smile, though much more subdued. “Alba. I told you that I planned to return. You shouldn’t be so surprised.”

Alba’s rolled over to me, icy blue eyes rolling over me, paying Kato no mind as she did so. “Oxton. I’m now entertaining guests. There will be no interruptions unless I give the order.”

“At your will, Mistress.” The man replied with surety, shutting the door behind us with an echoing click.

“Come! I’ll show you my study.” Alba seemingly spoke directly to me, her eyes meeting mine with an almost burning curiosity before she turned and walked back out to where she arrived. I hesitated for a second, my eyes falling onto Sora, who just met my gaze with a smile. With no more than an exhale, I turned back to follow the path that Alba had taken to leave. Taking the lead, I left the entrance hall with Kato and Sora following after me a few steps back. I strode through the doorway and heard Sora close it behind us. The brightly lit hallway that we entered seemed decorated with a plethora of pictures and decorative items, primarily that of flowers, bouquets and derivatives of such. The photos appeared to be of others of similar appearance to Alba, though she seemed to be only one smiling in them.

We followed Alba passed a few closed doors until we reached the end of the hall, to which she pulled out a key and unlocked it. With a click, the door opened, and she walked inside. The first thing I saw when we entered was the bookshelves, filled to the brim with an assortment of books, folders filled with papers and the occasional knick-knack. My gaze fell onto the map on the far wall, with various darts poked into the mountainous portions of the areas, with the occasional plain containing one or two. A stand rested in the corner, with a shut book and a quill sitting next to it. Directly across from the door rested the desk, in front of a window with the blinds pulled shut. Upon the desk rested a few more books with an open notebook in the center, sitting on an empty page, with an upraised mirror aimed towards the door we just entered.

The door clicked shut behind me as I came to a stop in the center of Alba’s office. The young woman’s gaze turned intense as she stared at me, turning around and walking over to me, coming to a stop in front of the desk. She did not blink as she stared, eyes wide and lips parted. “The Fallen Hero…” She whispered; her voice almost reverent as she exhaled. “How long has it been since you’ve awakened?”

“This is the fifth day,” I answered her as I met her gaze with a frown.

Alba’s eyes widened even more, shock appearing in them as she quickly turned to Sora. “Five days, Soralynn? So soon?” I gave her a confused look, but she ignored me. “The journey to Lady Mina is far too treacherous for you and I at our best, let alone a Demon Lord who hasn’t broken the surface of his potential.” Alba glared at my companion.

Sora rolled her eyes, meeting the glare with an unmoving mien. “You know as well as I do that the borders within Veritas are becoming more difficult to traverse stealthily. Heavier levied taxes; more unwarned searches and seizures of solitary travelers; the slow push against registered mercenaries.” Sora pointed towards the window. “Veritas is far too dangerous for us at the moment to take our time to gather strength slowly. If we are to succeed, then we must seize the momentum and never let it go.”

Alba bared her teeth at Sora, a chilling mist seeping out from the corners of her mouth. “It is only because the remaining Heroes don’t wish to be revered that there aren’t monuments celebrating Joseph Blaine’s ‘sacrifice.’” The black bled out of her hair, becoming a whitish-blue that seemed to wilt amid her anger. “Simple glamours cannot hide our incipient King forever, Soralynn. Your breakneck pace will bring all we’ve all ever planned to ruin!”

Sora’s amber eyes took on a furious glow, her bangs raising and curling as they lost color as well. “Time is of the essence, Alba. Tensions between humans and Beastkin are becoming too noticeable. If we don’t act soon enough, then humanity will attempt a purge.” Her face twisted into a rictus of anger, black markings resembling veins appearing on her face, branching from the corners of her mouth, her nostrils, her ears, and her eyes.

Alba rolled her eyes, her face taking on an unhealthy pallor, splotched of black dotted her dry, flaky skin. “Your hatred of humanity makes you predictable, Witch. I’m surprised you haven’t given in to that fury of yours.”

Sora sneered, her upper lip curling as her eyes narrowed. “And your obsession with beauty is apparent, Wight. Still wasting your funds on making things look pleasant to look at, aren’t we?” She snorted at the growing fury on Alba’s face. “It’s a wonder that Penemue still allows you to move, considering your evident envy.”

The woman growled gutturally, stepping forward. “At least I bring something to the table, unlike you.” Her fury twisted into a mocking scoff. “You tour the world and use other's hard work as your own. A second-rate Lady Kaede.”

My companion bristled, the veins on her face pulsing once before her expression turned blank. She took a single step forward and replied, “Says the one ordered on standby for her overzealous assault last year.” Alba twitched at that; her eyes narrowed at Sora. “Scarring two of the Heroes when Penemue simply said to test them.” She gave a contemptuous sneer. “And you’re still on house arrest, yes?”

Alba snarled audibly and nearly took a step forward…

“Enough.” I cut into their argument with a frustrated growl, causing the two of them to stiffen. They continued to stare at one another, but I knew they could see my glare in the corner of their eyes. “I don’t know about your disagreement, and, frankly, I don’t care for it right now.” I turned and placed a hand on their shoulders, pushing both of them a few steps back. Alba’s body was cold to the touch, unnaturally so; while Sora was the opposite, her body burning hot at the touch. “We’re here for a reason. Introductions, people I need to meet and know; not for the two of you snipe at each other over a difference in opinion.”

I rolled a gaze from Sora to Alba, eyes narrowed and holding back the irritated anger that had begun to bubble as they argued. “Am I clear?”

The two of them were silent as I waited for an answer, wide eyes intensely focused on me. As they stared at me, I could feel Kato’s silent approval radiated behind me, a faint upward twitch of her lips, before her stoicism returned.

A shaky breath escaped Alba as she stepped back, causing my hand to slip from her shoulder. As she did so, though, her eyes never left me. “Oh my…” Her voice came out shaky as her face slowly began to change back, her hair regaining its black. “Soralynn was right… You were born for it.”

Sora scoffed at her words, the veins on her face slowly disappearing and the glow in her eyes dimming. “Obviously.” Alba narrowed her eyes at the woman.

Before she could retort, I clapped my hands to catch both of their attention. “Need I treat you both like children?” I glared at them in turn, causing them to bow their heads slowly. “Now, let’s all take a moment to gather ourselves. After that, we’ll continue our discussion. Professionally.” I narrowed my eyes at the two of them, daring either one to defy my will.

…Defy my will? The hell?!

An excited smile appeared on Alba’s face, eyes shifting to a glassy white-blue. “Fallen Hero, indeed. You truly are our Demon Lord, Joseph Blaine.”

My gaze flickered past her, and I caught my reflection in the mirror on her desk. Red eyes stared back at me, an undercurrent of demanding anger billowing within them.

Is it wrong that I don’t feel surprised by that?

I thought so.

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