Alexandria Terrramanz

A silence descended on us, Oberon, and Valeria patiently waited for my response, still in thought I looked to Brigette, and she stared back in excitement no doubt wanting me to accept such a bold offer. I then looked up at Sir Oberon towering next to me, but I could not read his expression. He looked down at me and patted my shoulder a sign that I took as him trusting me to make the correct move.

I was under no illusions that people did not notice that I was preparing to make moves for the throne. I had already been approached by nobles who pussyfooted about the topic, but this was the first time that someone told me they wanted to support me in such an unabashed fashion. Made more surprising since the support came from a man I just met. Although Sir Foltest had told me about Oberon as they were acquaintances the things he told me about him were not always favorable. The Oberon that Sir Foltest told me about was a teen not the young man before me now so I could not assume that they were entirely the same person. I thought it better to assume that Oberon was a different person than the “Prodigal Swordsman” Oberon Flamberge.

Finally, I spoke. “Oberon since you were sincere enough to come out and say you want to support my claim to the throne I will not insult you by lying and saying I am not interested. But I have to ask, why me? I’m sure you did not make this decision lightly however, you do not know me, and I do not believe that with just one conversation you were able to make your decision.”

Oberon Closed his eyes seemingly in thought. I waited patiently for his response.

Oberon opened his eyes and smiled. “You are right Lady Alexandria I do not know you. Though I do wish to get to know you better I only know your reputation. In the same way, I know your siblings through reputation. The youngest, Princess Ludivine with more interests in plays and entertainment than politics or ruling. The oldest, Prince Bertrand an eccentric of a man who does not wish to be king, and indeed most have given up on the idea otherwise we would not be in this situation.”

He is not wrong. Even before I left Sagittae for Aquilae my father was at the end of his rope with Bertrand and the rumors in the palace at the time was that the reason that Bertrand was sent throughout the Kingdom with Sir Raphael was to see with his own eyes the Kingdom that he would inherit, and Sir Raphael was to persuade him to accept his position as the heir to the throne. Unfortunately, the plan backfired spectacularly. I still recall when Bertrand passed through Aquilae with his companions, Sir Raphael had tears in his eyes, and their elderly companion Granny comforted him when Bertrand told me he was having so much fun traveling the Kingdom that he could do it forever. That was also when I seriously considered making a move for the throne because if Bertrand did not want it then Sylvain would be next in line, and I feared what the Sagitta Kingdom would become with him as king.

“The second prince Sylvain I do know a bit personally, and I hope you do not take offense for insulting your brother, is a cruel man who would not know what to do with the kind of power and responsibility that being a king comes with. Lady Alexandria even though I do not know you well, I at least know that you would are more suited to rule compared to your siblings. Furthermore, I respect Sir Foltest and I do not believe that the person he chose to follow would be inadequate in any way!”

“Believe me Oberon you offend nobody here by insulting Sylvain.” Sir Foltest and Brigette nodded in agreement at my words. “I see your reasoning and I can believe why you would want to support me though I feel a bit insulted that your main reason to do so was that you believed I was the only choice.” Though I said that I was just teasing,

“Can I assume then that you accept my support? “Oberon asked with slight anticipation.

Before I could say anything Sir Foltest spoke first.

“Oberon you have presented a believable case on why you believe that my Lady Alexandria is best suited to be heir to the Kingdom. However, I have a question of my own for you. Why do you care who takes the throne? I know that you and Sylvain have had your tiny tussles in the past, but I do not believe that is sufficient motivation for you to throw your lot in with us.”

Sir Foltest raises a good point why does Oberon care? He seems rather well off and a change of power will not affect him much unless he believes that Sylvain would try to kill him for past grudges which I would not put past Sylvain but even then he and Valeria seem to be capable enough to avoid Sylvain's wrath. Perhaps he wishes to have his noble rank back? Maybe, but after speaking with him I do not believe that is the case. Then revenge? I know not who Louis Flamberge will support but perhaps Oberon knows his father well enough to assume he would support Sylvain, so he chose to align with me to help in his revenge.

I shook my head why speculate when I would hear Oberon's answer soon.

Valeria glared at Sir Foltest seemingly insulted about what he said but Oberon chuckled in amusement.

“Sir Oberon you knew who I once was, so I’ll ask you what your thoughts are on the “Prodigal Swordsman” Oberon Flamberge.”

“Hmmm.” Sir Foltest pondered, once again stroking his beard. “Oberon Flamberge was an arrogant boy who could mostly back up his words, he enjoyed fighting and took great pride in his swordsmanship but was mostly indifferent to all else. He also had a tendency of taking on more than he could chew which led to some disastrous consequences. Well, that’s just my opinion I’m sure others have more to say.”

“I believe that is an accurate assessment of who I once was but believe me being disowned and exiled to die changes a person drastically Sir Foltest,” Oberon said with a hint of bitterness.

I was surprised to learn that Oberon was exiled to die as it was believed at the time that though he was disowned he was merely safely tucked away from the public eye like so many other nobles with disabilities. Sir Foltest did not seem as shocked as Brigette and I, so he may have already had some idea of what happened.

“Can you give us more details about the circumstances of your exile Oberon? It may help us understand your motives a bit more.” I said curiously.

Valeria sent such an icy glare my way that I could not help but shiver and Sir Oberon steadied his greatsword on guard aiming a glare of his own at Valeria. Noticing the situation Oberon reached out and grabbed Valeria’s hand squeezing and massaging it seemingly in comfort.

“I apologize for Valeria she is overprotective and knows I don’t like speaking about my exile. I will not deny that it factors into my motivation for supporting you Lady Alexandria and perhaps one day I will share the details with you but for now, I will not speak about it. I will tell you however that it opened up my eyes to the plight of the common folk and made me empathize with them in a way I could not have done so otherwise. You ask me why I care about who takes the throne, and they are my answer. Under your rule Lady Alexandria, I believe their lot in life would improve and in Sylvain's hands at best it will remain the same.” Oberon said calmly.

I nodded in understanding and stood up. “No need to apologize for Valeria, I was at fault for not realizing that your exile is a sensitive topic. I believe you have explained your motives well enough Oberon. Are you satisfied Sir Foltest?”

Sir Foltest leaned in and whispered In my ear. “Don’t trust them too much.”

I nodded and walked up to Oberon and extended my hand. “I will gladly accept your support Oberon and I promise you that your faith in me is not misplaced.”

Oberon smiled and shook my hand. “I Look forward to working with you Lady Alexandria and you as well Lady Brigette, Sir Foltest.”

Sir Foltests set down his greatsword and clapped his giant hands together. Clap! “Now that we’re all friends I suggest we head to the training yard there is something I am curious about.” He said grinning savagely.

“I appreciate the invitation Sir Foltest but I’m no longer one for sparring or duels so we will take our leave and meet you all again at the banquet,” Oberon said apologetically.

“Hahaha, no need to worry I just want to test your sword, Oberon.” Sir Foltest said as he picked up his greatsword.

Oberon sighed and gestured at himself. “You jest, Sir as you can see I no longer carry any weapons.”

Brigette and I exchanged glances wondering what Sir Foltest was planning.

“Oberon you came into this snake's den. You’re not the type of person that would do so unarmed, and indeed you haven’t as I believe you brought your strongest sword.” He pointed his greatsword at Valeria.

Oberon looked conflicted but Valeria spoke first. “I am indeed a bit skilled Sir Foltest but its only to the extent that I am ab-.”

Before she could finish speaking Sir Foltest quickly lifted his clothed greatsword and brought it down in a two-handed chop aimed towards Oberon. Before Brigette or I could react or say anything Valeria drew her sword a blue flash intercepting and parrying the blow knocking the greatsword aside a rip! Quickly followed by the clanging of steel echoed throughout the garden, shocking Brigette and I. Valeria then followed through and closed the distance between herself and Sir Foltest her shimmering blue sword mid-swing, Sir Foltest in a defensive stance.

“Val Stop!” Oberon yelled desperately. Valeria’s sword stopped a hairsbreadth away from colliding with Sir Foltests greatsword. With great difficulty it looked, she calmed herself sheathed her sword in its scabbard, and walked back to stand behind Oberon.

At some point, people had gotten closer to their location and the clanging of steel brought people running to their location. Oberon and I noticed the attention we were about to receive and nodded to each other in understanding.

“It seems we have no choice but to leave for the training yard now,” Oberon said glaring at Sir Foltest who smiled back unapologetically.

With our newly formed allies, we quickly made our way to the exit that led to the training yard. Leading the group, I looked back examining Valeria who was effortlessly pushing and maneuvering Oberon in his wheelchair.

To think that she had the strength to parry Sir Foltests blow and even put him on the defensive. Is she human? I had thought her eerie before and now after that display, I am even more cautious of her. I think I should be careful of what I say to Oberon from now on. Just remembering how she glared at me, her pupils seeming to dilate puts me on edge. I am glad they are on our side but perhaps Sir Foltest was right when he told me not to trust them too much.