“The fall of House Noxia is a story etched into the legends with the Imperial Palace of Traxia. Once a prominent noble house at the helm of military warfare under the first Basileus Primus. They fell from grace when they allowed the northern realms of humanity (now the Traxian plains) to be ransacked almost unchecked by elven raiding parties from the forests of the Adonar. Rebellions washed across the north like a wave and every member of House Noxia was subject to immediate dismissal, exile, or execution depending on their proximity to the military disaster. ”

- Lord Dion Clarke, Rise of the Traxian Empire, “Chapter 4: House Noxia and The Traxian Military”

“And that’s what happened.” Sophia finished her terse summary of events.

The crowd all shifted somewhat uneasily, everyone noting the tone that Sophia’s recounting of events was dangerously emotionless. Even Alodie’s normally cheerful demeanor seemed to falter, the Ostian’s eyes glancing downwards in empathetic sorrow. Eva looked the most despondent at this turn of events. The saintess seemed almost as remorseful at what happened with Sophia more than the girl herself.

“Well then.” Elaria broke the silence that followed, “That’s an… unfortunate turn of events. And with how everything’s going on right now…”

“I’m fine. Worry more about Sophie and Alodie. Their wounds are still present and require more persistent healing.” Sophia stated.

“Are you sure? We don’t mind if you want to share anything.”

“I’m fine.” Sophia gritted her teeth.

Elaria held up her hands in surrender, “Right… I… suppose that’s fair.” Elaria hesitantly agreed, her eyes turning to Sophie for assistance.

“Ela’s right, we’ll always be around if you need anything. But at the same time, you’re you. So we won’t pressure you into anything.” Sophie looked to Elaria who looked more visibly relieved at her statement.

“Hmm, thank you all for worrying, but I’m fine.” Sophia curtly spoke with little emotion, “If that’s the end of that, then I’d rather us look at the bigger problem. The trading house and the riots.”

Gah, what the hells can I do?! It’s not like we can force the issue. Sophie and Elaria shared a reluctant glance. This, it seemed, was a matter that Sophia had deigned would not be dealt with anytime soon. At the very least, their brief moment of eye contact also solidified their resolve to keep an eye out on their sister, to be ready to support her whenever necessary.

“If you say so.” Sophie mumbled, her words getting acknowledged as the group's affirmation.

Sophia seemed a little disappointed, but the emotion was quickly wiped away, a blank expression returning.

“So? What do we know, what do we have?” Ary anxiously interjected, trying to help the group push along.

Seeming almost relieved, Eva looked hesitantly towards Sophia for approval. Sophie noted how her twin seemed almost annoyed, but discreetly nodded anyway.

“We know that the Braveskull trading house is responsible for… most of everything that has recently happened.” Eva began. Tch, she’s skirting around the subject. Though I suppose Sophia did ask for people to forget about it. Still.

The older girl moved a little closer to the table, taking great pains not to startle or alarm Sophia.

“We also know that they have and likely fled to a place that they term, ‘The Kolonia’. What we managed to glean from a few documents on recently crafted items also mentions the creation of an alloyed trinket labelled ‘of Traxian nature’. Though not positive, it does match with what we were told from dwarven smiths in the Stone Quarters.” Eva continued.

“I assume we could just let the church take over from here.” Elaria noted.

“Possibly. Though I doubt Inquisitor Janus would be keen to involve us or me any further. His eyes are focused on helping the saints and saintesses grow, not pacify such troubles.” Eva looked away.

“But the other inquisitors could still help. Alaran and Cross seemed amenable enough.” Sophie joined in.

“Sure, but after how everything went down and now the riots? I somehow doubt they’ll be allowed to interfere any more than they already have.”

“That does sound problematic, but if that's the case, there’s nothing we can do. Just rest up and hope that everything sorts itself out. We’ve done our part after all.” Sophie sighed, some more than others.

“Using this time to recover wouldn’t be that bad. It’d allow us to figure out what we do next. We’ve stopped an assassin and helped bust the trading house wide open. Well, you guys, technically.” Elaria nodded.

“Wha? I wasn’t insinuating anything like that! I was going to suggest that now would be the perfect time to pick up the trail. After everything that’s happened and what… yeah. We can’t afford to just let them get away!” Eva growled.

“We can’t just act without support, Eva.” Sophie frowned.

“We do have support! We all know people in the city who could help. Hell, I can even get us in touch with the adventurers from the Dragon Wagon if need be. There’s also more than a few saints who would be willing to lend a hand, provided I can sneak them out from under the church’s watch dogs.”

At this, Sophie’s frown turned into outright displeasure. “No, Eva. We’re not getting anyone else involved. We’ve…” She grimaced, “We’ve done enough harm. If anything happens, it has to come with official support.”

“But the trail will go cold if we just wait!”

“Maybe the church will dispatch a hunting party.”

“And if they don’t?”

“Well then the city will at least take some action.”

“You’ve never been around bureaucrats for that long, have you?” Eva tutted.

“Does that really matter right now? We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, we should wait for word from the inquisitors and Taurox.” Sophie stared directly into Eva’s eyes, her gaze managing to hold the older girl’s next words back, “Half of us here aren’t fighters or are less than able.” She wiggled her wound to emphasize the point.

Eva was about to fire back when her eyes landed upon Sophia before jumping back to Sophie quickly enough. That seemed to temper her desire somewhat and Eva lowered her head. When their gazes met again, she could see that Eva was beginning to understand. Sophie was injured and likely unable to properly fight, though reckoned that she still could. Sophia shouldn’t be dragged out to combat at any cost. Alodie and Aryana were noncombatants. That left Elaria and Raylani, neither of whom seemed particularly enthused about the whole affair. Though Sophie could sense the desire for vengeance behind Elaria’s eye. An emotion she shared whenever she caught a glimpse of Sophia. They need to pay. But what can we do with just ourselves?

With great reluctance, Eva relented and motioned that she was done speaking. Elaria shot her a sympathetic expression, understanding the need for action. However, to her surprise, Sophie saw how Sophia’s hands briefly dug into her own skin, a small show of dissatisfaction from the emotionless girl. Is she annoyed at Eva? Or at my decision? Her choices being questioned, she looked around at the others.

Alodie seemed worried in general by recent events, even if the girl was putting on a brave face. She got slashed too, she’s lucky that the wounds weren’t too deep. Yana was perched atop Ary’s head, the faeire taking in the scenario and studying each person’s expression like Sophie was doing. Upon their gazes meeting, she huffed and looked away. At least she’s calm. The girl under her however, seemed worried. Ary was fidgeting with her braid and constantly tried to sneak glances at Sophie. It was her that equally made Sophie worried as well. For participate or not, she would suffer if Sophie suffered. And no one wins in that scenario. She sighed.

“Sophie?” Elaria asked, noticing her weighty sigh.

“Yeah?”

“What was that about?”

“Nothing. I’m just thinking about how ridiculous everything is.” Sophie answered.

“True.” Elaria grunted.

“Still, since everyone’s here. Why don’t we ask the temple guard if we can go get lunch?”

A few of the others looked skeptically at her. Eva looking the most baffled at her sudden changing of subjects.

“You think they’ll let both of us go outside?” Alodie voiced her concern, “The discharge only happens tomorrow.”

“Hmm, maybe? Worse comes to worse they can escort us to the canteen in Fidelis Hall. Heh, we’d definitely surprise all the church kids.” Sophie chuckled dryly.

“Lunch sounds good.” Sophia chimed in, her vote of support making everyone else pause as they wondered if she would say anything else.

Seeing that she wasn’t and that there was no need to worry for now, Eva volunteered herself, “I’ll ask the guard and try to look for the inquisitors. You guys just give me a moment.”

No one voiced their approval or disapproval as Eva got up. Sophie just closed her eyes and leaned against Ary’s free shoulder, content to wait in this pose. How the hells did everything turn out to be such a damned mess? But Eva’s right, we have to do something. I don’t feel right just sitting around.

Lunch was an awkward and quiet affair. The guards allowed them access to the cathedral’s own facilities. Where Sophie had expected that they would chat and try for some semblance of normalcy, the reality was that eating alongside templars, priests, and other temple staff felt far more intimidating than expected. Even Elaria, who was liable to charm the crowd with song was more subdued. Though Sophie suspected that singing and dancing alongside Raylani likely being frowned upon within the cathedral might’ve had a part to play there.

It didn’t help that one of inquisitor Janus’s underlings were present to keep an eye on them. Or rather, keep an eye on Eva. It did lift everyone’s mood when the more senior inquisitor arrived to inform them that considering their ability to move about, albeit with some pain, that they were to be discharged after lunch. Sophie could practically see Alodie celebrate internally at the news, the Ostian having gotten more and more antsy the longer they had been interred within the cathedral. Miraevie would be relived, heh.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

That left the question of Sophia and Eva. Eva was likely to return to her duties in teaching the saints. But seeing her, Sophie could tell she was less than satisfied with the result. She’s stubborn and hot headed, she won’t let this drop, I’m sure. But Sophia absolutely does not want her getting even more involved. In terms of Sophia, Sophie was more worried. The entire time they had been together after the raid, she had heard nary a quip or sarcastic comment from her twin. It felt bizarre if not outright concerning, for she was certain that Sophia was very much the opposite of being alright. It’s like she’s frozen herself, trapped herself somewhere.

It was also that observation that steeled Sophie’s resolve. For she had always learned to try and right her wrongs, to fix her mistakes. She had also inherited Eva’s hotheadedness, though with a perhaps a touch more cunning than the older girl. This was all my fault, and I’ll fix it.

Even without saying anything, her siblings had picked up on her change in mood. Elaria looking concerned, afraid that Sophie was about to suffer just as Sophia had. Whilst Sophia appeared positively disappointed with her choice, though her twin did not voice her opinion out loud. Raylani judged as Raylani had always, remaining aloof but offering little shows of support when she felt like it.

So it was that when the others prepared to return to the dorms and Eva wanted to stay to help. They not so gently suggested that everyone was to take a break, sending the older girl towards Janus and the saints.

Breaking away from the group, Sophie headed deeper in the cathedral with Ary by her side. The duo were flanked by an errant temple guard that they had bothered, somehow managing to convince the soldier of her quest. In front of them now, were two templars who looked curiously at the strange trio in front of the Argent offices.

“These two are looking to speak to Blademaster Taurox.” The temple guardsmen introduced them.

The templars just looked down to examine the arrivals. After a moment, one turned to open the door.

“Wait here.” Was all the man said as he headed inside.

There were a few tense seconds as Sophie and Ary squeezed each other’s hands. The two breathed in sync as they waited. One here to do something stupid, and one just to support the other. That only added onto Sophie’s guilt.

The door opened once again, “Come in.” The templar gestured.

The temple guard bid the two farewell.

The duo were instructed to keep their eyes to the ground and avoid looking up until told. They diligently followed the templar until her knocked and opened the door to a separate room.

“Knight Commander, Blademaster.” The templar greeted.

“Let them in.” Taurox’s familiar voice ordered.

“As you command. In you go.” The templar ushered the two inside before closing the door behind them.

The duo patiently waited to be addressed, their eyes cast firmly to the floor.

“Well? Mind explaining this flagrant breach of protocols, Blademaster?” The deep growl of the unknown knight commander spoke up. Sounds old, but young, middle aged probably. A veteran for sure. “We’re not in the habit of taking supplicants.” He scoffed.

“I will. May I?” Taurox asked about something. What, Sophie could not tell.

“Go ahead.”

“You two can look around, it’s fine.” Taurox instructed.

Sophie and Ary both lifted their heads, finding themselves in an almost clinically white room. Only a few temple decorations adorned the wall though most were militaristic in nature. Though a fancy looking square clock ticked at five minutes to two o’clock. She recognized the shielded star and cross of the templar order dominating the back wall. Taurox stood hunched over a map table of Cyndralia and across from him, staring at the duo, was an older man, the commander.

“Sirs.” Sophie politely bowed.

Ary quickly followed, though her posture was a bit more chaotic.

“I’m waiting for the explanation of why there is currently an elf and a girl standing in our offices.” The commander barely acknowledged them, continuing to grill Taurox.

The minotaur’s nostrils flared in contemplation, his beady eyes turned to meet Sophie’s gaze. What she saw was only the briefest hint of surprise, but instead, they were filled with regret and a sense of expectant curiosity. He was… expecting me?

“I believe I know why they are here, at least.” Taurox calmly stated.

“Oh? Care to elaborate, Blademaster?” The commander briefly glanced at the duo.

“Redemption. They are here for a sense of redemption.”

Sophie’s eyes must’ve widened and twinkled in the dimness of the office. For she noticed the commander’s attention lingering on her for a split second. He didn’t interrupt however, and just waited.

Sophie nodded at Taurox, the minotaur giving a thoughtful hum in response.

“I already told you about how the riots started. While this one is not directly involved, I suspect she sees herself as responsible for what happened.” The minotaur explained.

“And how exactly does that set these two apart from the, oh, I don't know, thousand other rioters?” The commander snappily asked.

Taurox seemed to pause. The minotaur looked over at Sophie, his eyes almost asking an unspoken question. In turn, she tried to decipher it, only coming to the conclusion that there was something he saw in her. But it was something she had already committed too with Sophia. Thus, she nodded.

The minotaur almost smiled, dipping his head at her slightly in a sign of respect.

“Because she’s my apprentice.” Taurox announced. Ah.

Ary's eyes widened, the redhead squeezing Sophie's hand for reassurance. Sophie squeezed back. I'm not disappearing on you.

The commander seemed the most caught off guard, arching an eyebrow and looking between the two of them. “An outsider, Blademaster? Really?”

“Hmm, yes and no.”

"Continue."

“I’ve worked with her with Inquisitor Von Krantz and a little afterwards. So she isn’t an unknown variable. But she is not in the church or the argent curia, yes.”

Now the commander began examining her, the intensity of his gaze making Sophie wither slightly. Whatever he saw did not seem to please him as he pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a tense sigh. The man appeared to be in some state of disbelief, taking a few moments to catch himself before speaking. Sophie tried to avoid fidgeting or shuffling and turned her eyes back to the clock. Three minutes till two.

“So she’s not even an acolyte in the order?” He finally replied.

“No.” Taurox calmly answered.

“And you’re allowing her this because…?”

“I see the potential and strength in the little elf.”

“I…” The commander sighed, “I don’t even want to express how many rule violations all this is.”

“I understand.”

“Little lady, so why exactly are you here?” The commander turned to her, his eyes narrowing. He was not as fond of her as Taurox, even less so when he glanced at Ary.

Sophie debated on what to say and looked to Taurox for support. But the minotaur just shrugged. Well… how helpful, she grumbled.

“It is as Sir Taurox says, I came to seek redemption and aid.” Sophie softly answered.

The man looked unconvinced, or rather more bothered than anything.

“Be more clear, state your goals. I do not have time for you to dance around the subject.”

Sophie stiffened up, his tone reminding her of her professors.

“The Braveskull Trading House hurt people I care about. My comrades brought information about them having a Kolonia or mine of sorts. We turned our evidence in the the inquisition and Sir Taurox and I’m hoping to get some information about it.” She tried to be succinct.

“Hmm.” He mumbled, his eyes briefly flickering between Taurox and the map table, “Then what? You intend to take out an entire trading house by yourself?” He spoke with an exasperated sigh.

Sophie looked at Taurox, the minotaur only staring back in response.

“Yes. If need be.” Sophie answered.

The knight commander’s brow furrowed even further, the man pinching his nose as he then massaged his temple.

“One damned idiot you choose for an apprentice.” He grumbled, “And what about you? Why the hells are you here?” He motioned at Ary.

“I-ummm, I’m just here to support her. I-I won’t get in the way after this.” Ary pointed at Sophie, before quickly shuffling slightly behind her for cover.

“Stars above.” The knight commander rolled his eyes, “A whole feckin carnival of fools in here.” The man sighed. He tapped his fingers on the map table, running them over the edge of Arterian territory that bled into the Ascalonian Plains. His eyes then ran down to a drawer. Reaching over, he pulled out a small stack of papers and slammed them in front of the minotaur. Sophie jumped a little, trying to hide her reaction and looking everywhere but at the commander. One minute to two, huh.

“I expect you to fill out each and every citation on the violation of established protocol. Whatever happens, good or ill, these are to be reported to the arch bishop at the end of the next week and to the lord commander.” The man waved a pen at him, “The very, next, week.”

“Mmm.” Taurox almost grinned, “It will be done.”

“Stars help whatever damned trouble you get in. Apprentice, helpers, whatever, just be out of this office in ten minutes.”

The knight commander didn’t even bid the duo goodbye as he stormed out, forcefully closing the door shut behind him and leaving them with the minotaur. The trio each took a few breaths, the minotaur’s almost prideful expression with the commander dropping to a pained frown that spoke of wounds deeper than one would expect. When Sophie met his gaze, she could feel the weight that burdened him much like it burdened her.

“I too, feel the weight of failure. If I had not left them alone, expected them to stay still. But alas, you said she was your twin, and your twin seemed to have your reckless disposition.” Taurox let out a grim snort.

“And I learned that from Eva.” Sophie added with a soft whisper.

“An unfortunate blending of circumstances.” He dropped to a pensive silence before brightening up a little, “It is good to see you well, Lady Aryana.”

Ary’s downcast mood also brightened, the girl bobbing out from behind Sophie, “Likewise.”

“As for you companion here.” He absently sorted the stack of papers, “I presume you too, seek to rectify the mistakes that were made.”

“I do.” Sophie stated resolutely.

“Hmmm.” Taurox moved a small balled up piece of paper to where the commander had touched along the Arterian border, “In truth, I too seek for the distribution of justice. Especially for crimes as heinous as this. In turn, I also cannot help but think the orcs and goblin infestation within the border regions might be connected.” For once, the minotaur looked almost tired, exhausted.

“To the company?”

“Aye.” He mumbled before standing up, towering over the table as he gazed at the border region, “Be sure to offer a prayer to the Knight Commander, it is by his good graces that we have a week to accomplish whatever it is we need to.”

“A week? Oh! Is that why the commander…?”

“Yes. Then, the trouble begins. But until then, we have time. As for this…” He mimed shooting a crossbow, “Are you certain? The risks involved will be great. The toll on both body and soul will be taxing.”

Sophie’s face darkened, “I’ve killed before.”

The minotaur snorted, but looked almost saddened, “But is it the same? For we will be going against people who might or might not even know the full extent of their crimes.”

“I-”

“Do not answer, merely reflect on it yourself. For in this line of duty, that is the quandary one must contend with.” He shook his head, “May our judgement from the Goddess be kind. For our sins only continue to grow.”

“May her judgement be kind.” Sophie repeated.

“Lady Aryana.” The minotaur turned to her, his eyes narrowing and demanding the duo’s full attention, “You will not be coming along.” He stated. No frills, no orders, no suggestions. Just a statement as if it was a fact.

Thankfully for the duo, Ary had long understood what was to happen and just solemnly nodded, giving Sophie’s hand a soft squeeze. Squeezing back, Sophie prepared herself for whatever was to come.

Satisfied with the answer, the minotaur too, seemed to take a moment to reorientate himself. During this lull, Sophie’s eyes glanced back up at the clock. Two o’clock and one minute. Time goes on, just like that. Holding Ary’s hand, Sophie was filled with a sudden burst of determination. To keep her safe from those that would commit such atrocities. To avenge the wrongs done to Sophia. Then… I believe this stain is a worthy sacrifice. Let’s just hope I’m not making another mistake. Stellesia only knows that I’ve made even.

Looking back down, she saw the same doubt and determination in the minotaur’s eyes. The road forward is a grim one, but I'll be ready. For Ary, for Sophia, for Alodie.