Chapter 21
The Lady in Black
The feast hosted by the baronet of Toruna was delightful. Lansius would’ve never thought that the baronet was a natural party maker. Sir Stan even hand-fed morsels from his own plate to the troubadour, danced with them, and poured ale for his subordinates.
Lansius felt privileged to witness these supposedly private moments between a lord and his closest retinues.
The harvest season brought an abundance of grains and vegetables, sparing Lansius from the dreaded menu, such as roast hedgehog, brain jelly, or viper soup. He was always anxious about being expected to eat something or potentially offending someone.
Fortunately, Sir Stan had an uncanny, relaxed attitude toward the men beneath his station. He didn’t even try to make small talk, but motioned for Lansius to dig in and enjoy the merriment. This put Lansius at ease.
As with any other lowborn, Lansius wisely feared the noblemen, as offending them could result in flogging or a trip to the dungeon. Thus, seeing how a noble behaved so relaxed was a revelation.
Despite the ongoing confusion about the nature of the summon, and the issues with the lady in black, Lansius found his appetite. He was yet to learn about why he was here, but food was food. After living as a farmer for two years, he was too grateful for any opportunity to eat good food.
And he ate with a clear conscience. After all, food was in abundance around harvest, so this wasn’t a privilege of the rich. Lansius ate well and enjoyed the feast.
The meal was the best he ever had, with no salted meat in sight, meaning it was freshly cut. He could taste ginger, pepper, and possibly clove, which were a rarity.
Surprisingly, Sir Stan mostly ate brown bread and vegetables stew with only a few slices of meat. For dessert, they had a sweet pudding made from milk, egg, and day-old bread, topped with cinnamon and honey.
The music ended with a round of applause from everyone, including Lansius. The troubadour bowed elegantly while Sir Stan walked away after his last cup of water. A cool breeze entered the chamber as if signaling the end of the feast.
Lansius felt this was his only chance. He dared to approach the baronet and asked, “My good Sir, I thank you for the hospitality, but I still don’t know what is to become of me?”
Sir Stan paused, unexpectedly reached for Lansius’ shoulder and patted him firmly. “For better or for worse, you have caught the eye of a powerful man. My advice to you… play to his tune.”
“But Sir, I am Sir Archie’s squire.” Lansius couldn’t reveal his master’s true identity.
“Oh, the Arvenian Lord,” Sir Stan mused, which shocked Lansius. However, he ultimately refused to give a counsel. “Well, that’s hardly my problem, but I’m sure someone will sort it out. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
With a vigorous stride, the baronet left, leaving Lansius to wonder about his fate.
The old steward called out to Lansius, “Maester squire, I believe you have a place to visit.” He then motioned his hand toward a tall guard and said, “He will escort you there.”
***
Lansius was surprised by the interior of the manor. Instead of a gloomy castle, the corridor was fresh and lively, with bright lanterns on the sides or hung above the staircase. The white plastered walls reflected the light, creating a welcoming ambiance even on the darkest of nights.
Led by the guard, Lansius arrived at the parlour, a place reserved for private receptions and discussions. The guard knocked on the door, and a maid appeared, carrying a tray of plates covered with a linen cloth. She wordlessly left the room.
"Come in and close the door," a voice beckoned from within.
Now, without anyone's interference, something about her voice stirred a vague sense of familiarity within him. Yet, Lansius couldn't quite place it, and there was little he could do but walk in as instructed. Upon observing a lady elegantly clad in a black gothic gown, he gently closed the door behind him, isolating himself with her and leaving the guard stationed outside.
Just as the door closed, she raised a finger to her lips and beckoned him closer with her other hand.
Something didn’t feel right, but Lansius cautiously followed her instructions. He had only taken a few steps when the woman suddenly lunged at him.
“What are you—” he tried to raise his hand, but she tackled him, knocking him off balance.
He would have fallen backward if she hadn’t caught him and pulled him close.
Lansius gasped in surprise, but she quickly covered his mouth with her hand.
"Be quiet and listen," she whispered, scared that Lansius could alert the guard. Slowly, she lowered him to the floor.
The well-lit room was completely silent. Without saying anything, she removed the black veil that covered her entire head. Unlike the usual coif or headscarf, hers was more akin to a wedding veil, thus revealing her face for the first time.
Lansius saw a face pale with an unnatural whiteness from makeup. Yet there were two piercing brown eyes that were fierce enough to make children cry and wet their pants. He recognized her immediately and tried to speak, but her hand muffled his voice.
“You,” she looked at him in contempt. “Why are you even here? Are you Midlandia's agent?”
Lansius couldn’t think straight and just stared at her as if burning her face into his mind. He breathed in her long-forgotten scent. Meanwhile, suspicion drove the lady to disarmed him, taking his dagger and knife.
She then pressed the flat side of the dagger to his face. Lansius broke out in a cold sweat, looking at it in terror.
"Don't make a noise," she warned. Having been confined within this manor for so long, she was starved for information from the outside world. The last thing she needed was him raising an alarm that would bring the guards running.
Lansius nodded, and the woman took her hand away from his mouth.
“Now, why are you here?” she asked as Lansius took deep breaths through his mouth.
“Stefi... you’re Stefi," he stated adamantly.
She exhaled deeply. “I am Audrey of Toruna.”
To emphasize her point, she pressed the flat side of the dagger slightly harder against his face.
Lansius did his best to nod, feeling the cold steel against his cheek. “I-I was invited here. Is this necessary?”
“Invited? By the baronet?” she asked, ignoring his question.
“Yes, I have the letter in my bag.”
“What does a baronet want with you? Who are you working for now?” her voice full with suspicion.
Lansius hesitated before speaking in an even softer whisper, “Now, I’m Lord Arte’s squire.”
“The young Lord, did he escape Riverstead?”
Lansius nodded. “Just barely. We rescued him from the slavers’ den.”
Audrey let out a sigh of relief. Lansius continued, “I was there looking for you. I’ve searched everywhere.”
She withdrew the dagger from his face. Now, her expression was a blend of hesitation and guilt, mirroring her inner conflict. Although she had been treated like an honored guest in Toruna, in reality she was nothing more than a prisoner. The only explanation offered for her situation was that Lord Stan had saved her on a whim - something she found hard to believe.
The circumstances had perplexed her, but she played along, acutely aware that resisting would gain her nothing but trouble. Lansius' sudden arrival, however, had triggered something within her.
For a moment, they just sat there in silence. Lansius’s head rested in Audrey’s lap while she looked down at him, her face full of regret.
Instead of apologizing, she suddenly declared, “I’ll get you out of here.”
“Stef- Audrey!” he objected. “Escape, but why? Am I in danger?”
But she didn’t listen. She got up, dagger in hand, and headed for the door, leaving Lansius scrambling to his feet.
Knowing her too well, he rushed after her. Disregarding the dagger, he lunged at her, trying to stop her from doing anything reckless.
He caught her. Audrey recoiled but stayed on her feet. She looked at him and struggled to break free, but Lansius held on tightly.
“Don’t do anything reckless. Explain to me what’s going on, damn it!"
“Let go, Lans! This is for your own good.”
“Fuck that! I’ll die for you. Just stop and fill me in.”
Lansius’ outburst seemed to have an effect. Audrey stopped wrestling against him. Taking a deep breath, she tried to answer, "You're probably here because a Midlandian nobleman wants to use you."
“Lord Stan wanted me?”
"No, he's just another pawn. I'm referring to Lord Bengrieve."
The name sent shivers down Lansius’ spine. "Why does he need me? For what?"
She clicked her tongue. "That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”
"Could it be related to Sabina Rustica?" Lansius ventured.
“Sabina what?” Surprisingly, she was oblivious of Lansius' triumph. “I’m not familiar with Midlandia. I hope that’s not a brothel.”
“No, no, well... sort of,” Lansius admitted awkwardly.
Her side glance was enough to make Lansius blink several times. “Is it just me, or has it grown stronger?”
“The veil does also help with that,” she hinted cryptically.
"So, you have no idea why this powerful man wants me? I doubt he's interested in a lowly clerk or squire like myself?"
Audrey bit her lip. "I really don't, but perhaps it has to do with your background?"
"Background?"
She glanced at his hair and Lansius instinctively realized she meant his black hair, the mark of a foreigner.
A foreigner, huh... Indeed, having a foreigner can be useful if one needs a scapegoat, especially one with clear, undeniable proof.
Lansius let out a long sigh. Despite his newfound worries, he felt a burden had been lifted from his chest. "At least I found you," he voiced. "That's what matters most."
She pouted and looked away, a response Lansius was all too familiar with. “It’s really you, but why did you change your name?”
"How long are you going to hold me like this?” she finally demanded, disregarding his question.
At that moment, Lansius realized that he hadn't endured Amertume forest and the battles of Sabina Rustica just to be spineless now. From their first journey together, he had been captivated by Stefi. He was never one to be choosy about women, but Stefi was unique. She was independent and spirited, much like the women of the modern world, rather than those typical of their time. Self-reliant and bold, she navigated life with an easy confidence.
Acting on his feelings, Lansius gently spun her to face him, held her face tenderly, and leaned in for a kiss. At least, that was the intention. Instead he was met with a firm punch to the gut.
Oof!
“The hell are you doing?” she snapped.
“Proving my love for you,” Lansius wheezed, doubled over in pain.
She blinked, taken aback by his declaration. “You realize what you’re trying to say?”
Lansius straightened his back despite the pain. “I’m Lord Arte’s Squire de Camp. Am I not good enough for you?”
A blush bloomed on her cheeks as she met his determined gaze. “Why would you want me?” she muttered, her words intended more for herself than for him.
With Lansius rejecting her offer to escape, she withdrew, moving back to her seat across the room. “We have so little time. Any moment now, the maid will knock and they'll escort me back to my chamber.”
“What’s happened to you?” Lansius asked as he dragged a chair to sit opposite her. “That fine black gown and everybody referring to you as a lady. Even the baronet called you a sister... Did you marry someone?” He couldn't help the twinge of jealousy and embarrassment that clouded his thoughts.
Audrey stared at him, disbelief written across her face. "Are you serious? Why would anyone desire a female squire with no land or titles to her name?"
“Just answer me.” Lansius refused to back down.
She shook her head, at a loss for words. “I don’t know,” she admitted bitterly. “I don’t know why they saved me or what they plan to do with me, or you.”
Lansius drew a deep breath, trying to figure out whether the Midlandian nobles were ally or a potential threat.
"We're mere pawns in their grand game," Audrey murmured with a grim acceptance.
“Let them try,” he retorted. “One way or another, I’ll find a way for both of us.”
Her gaze held a glimmer of admiration, yet she voiced a cautionary note, "Remember how I was drenched earlier?"
His eyes widened with sudden comprehension. "Magic?"
She nodded. “One of his retainers must be... Sir Stan is Lord Bengrieve’s most trusted henchman. Having a magus under him is not that far-fetched.”
The close brush with magic thrilled Lansius, but another more pressing issue was on his mind. “What about us?” he ventured.
"Us...?" Audrey echoed, a gentle chiding in her tone. She turned her gaze away, murmuring under her breath, "I'm just a sword maiden, Lans."
He prepared to contest her words but she held up a hand. "The hurried hare falls prey to the waiting hound," she recited.
"...What does that mean?" Lansius questioned, puzzled by her sudden adage.
"It's what my master used to remind me," she began, her voice dipped in nostalgia, "Haste leads to unpreparedness and danger." She took a deep breath, meeting his gaze, "We need to focus on surviving now. Once we're safe, we can talk about 'us.'"
Understanding dawned on Lansius and he nodded, appreciating the pragmatism behind her words. "Promise?" he sought assurance, offering his hand.
Audrey took his hand, her grip firm and steadfast. "My oath to you remains. No matter the circumstances, I'll protect you."
Outside, the gentle whisper of the wind caressed the night, offering a deceptive tranquility in this idyllic, rustic corner of the world.
***
While Toruna and the rest of Midlandia were reaping the benefits of a bountiful harvest, other regions of the Imperium were battling the imminent threat of famine. The situation was worsened by an ongoing nomadic incursion in the west, rising beastmen attacks in the south, and the northern provinces breaking away from the Imperium. The Elven Calendar year of 4423 was shaping up to be the most difficult year the Imperium had faced since its inception.
Despite the joy of their reunion, Lansius and Audrey found themselves in a precarious situation. As Audrey had guessed, a powerful Midlandian nobleman wanted Lansius not because of his skills, but because of his status as a foreigner, providing a convenient scapegoat should he be captured. His vulnerable circumstances also made him an easy target for manipulation.
However, there were other mysteries Lansius had yet to unravel. The reasons why the nobleman had saved Audrey remained suspicious.
Under the guidance and assistance of the Baronet of Toruna, Lansius and Audrey spent the ensuing months in training, preparing for their inevitable roles as pawns in a grand scheme.
The world outside was changing rapidly. Throughout winter and spring, Lord Arte had been gathering support from the Midlandian nobility. Felicity had become betrothed, and Calub had recruited a small band of ragtag troops to join Lansius in Toruna.
Upon Calub's arrival, Lord Stan finally gave his consent for them to meet with his mage and a representative of the Hunter Guild, which led to intriguing discoveries for both Audrey and Lansius.
As spring turned into summer in the year 4424, Midlandia launched an attack on the southern region of Lowlandia. Their intent was unmistakable: to secure their exposed southern flank before the looming confrontation with Arvena. Amidst this delicate game of power, an unlikely piece was put into play – Lansius. He was chosen to lead a diversionary attack that was, by all appearances, suicidal in nature.
Chapter 21
The Lady in Black
The feast hosted by the baronet of Toruna was delightful. Lansius would’ve never thought that the baronet was a natural party maker. Sir Stan even hand-fed morsels from his own plate to the troubadour, danced with them, and poured ale for his subordinates.
Lansius felt privileged to witness these supposedly private moments between a lord and his closest retinues.
The harvest season brought an abundance of grains and vegetables, sparing Lansius from the dreaded menu, such as roast hedgehog, brain jelly, or viper soup. He was always anxious about being expected to eat something or potentially offending someone.
Fortunately, Sir Stan had an uncanny, relaxed attitude toward the men beneath his station. He didn’t even try to make small talk, but motioned for Lansius to dig in and enjoy the merriment. This put Lansius at ease.
As with any other lowborn, Lansius wisely feared the noblemen, as offending them could result in flogging or a trip to the dungeon. Thus, seeing how a noble behaved so relaxed was a revelation.
Despite the ongoing confusion about the nature of the summon, and the issues with the lady in black, Lansius found his appetite. He was yet to learn about why he was here, but food was food. After living as a farmer for two years, he was too grateful for any opportunity to eat good food.
And he ate with a clear conscience. After all, food was in abundance around harvest, so this wasn’t a privilege of the rich. Lansius ate well and enjoyed the feast.
The meal was the best he ever had, with no salted meat in sight, meaning it was freshly cut. He could taste ginger, pepper, and possibly clove, which were a rarity.
Surprisingly, Sir Stan mostly ate brown bread and vegetables stew with only a few slices of meat. For dessert, they had a sweet pudding made from milk, egg, and day-old bread, topped with cinnamon and honey.
The music ended with a round of applause from everyone, including Lansius. The troubadour bowed elegantly while Sir Stan walked away after his last cup of water. A cool breeze entered the chamber as if signaling the end of the feast.
Lansius felt this was his only chance. He dared to approach the baronet and asked, “My good Sir, I thank you for the hospitality, but I still don’t know what is to become of me?”
Sir Stan paused, unexpectedly reached for Lansius’ shoulder and patted him firmly. “For better or for worse, you have caught the eye of a powerful man. My advice to you… play to his tune.”
“But Sir, I am Sir Archie’s squire.” Lansius couldn’t reveal his master’s true identity.
“Oh, the Arvenian Lord,” Sir Stan mused, which shocked Lansius. However, he ultimately refused to give a counsel. “Well, that’s hardly my problem, but I’m sure someone will sort it out. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
With a vigorous stride, the baronet left, leaving Lansius to wonder about his fate.
The old steward called out to Lansius, “Maester squire, I believe you have a place to visit.” He then motioned his hand toward a tall guard and said, “He will escort you there.”
***
Lansius was surprised by the interior of the manor. Instead of a gloomy castle, the corridor was fresh and lively, with bright lanterns on the sides or hung above the staircase. The white plastered walls reflected the light, creating a welcoming ambiance even on the darkest of nights.
Led by the guard, Lansius arrived at the parlour, a place reserved for private receptions and discussions. The guard knocked on the door, and a maid appeared, carrying a tray of plates covered with a linen cloth. She wordlessly left the room.
"Come in and close the door," a voice beckoned from within.
Now, without anyone's interference, something about her voice stirred a vague sense of familiarity within him. Yet, Lansius couldn't quite place it, and there was little he could do but walk in as instructed. Upon observing a lady elegantly clad in a black gothic gown, he gently closed the door behind him, isolating himself with her and leaving the guard stationed outside.
Just as the door closed, she raised a finger to her lips and beckoned him closer with her other hand.
Something didn’t feel right, but Lansius cautiously followed her instructions. He had only taken a few steps when the woman suddenly lunged at him.
“What are you—” he tried to raise his hand, but she tackled him, knocking him off balance.
He would have fallen backward if she hadn’t caught him and pulled him close.
Lansius gasped in surprise, but she quickly covered his mouth with her hand.
"Be quiet and listen," she whispered, scared that Lansius could alert the guard. Slowly, she lowered him to the floor.
The well-lit room was completely silent. Without saying anything, she removed the black veil that covered her entire head. Unlike the usual coif or headscarf, hers was more akin to a wedding veil, thus revealing her face for the first time.
Lansius saw a face pale with an unnatural whiteness from makeup. Yet there were two piercing brown eyes that were fierce enough to make children cry and wet their pants. He recognized her immediately and tried to speak, but her hand muffled his voice.
“You,” she looked at him in contempt. “Why are you even here? Are you Midlandia's agent?”
Lansius couldn’t think straight and just stared at her as if burning her face into his mind. He breathed in her long-forgotten scent. Meanwhile, suspicion drove the lady to disarmed him, taking his dagger and knife.
She then pressed the flat side of the dagger to his face. Lansius broke out in a cold sweat, looking at it in terror.
"Don't make a noise," she warned. Having been confined within this manor for so long, she was starved for information from the outside world. The last thing she needed was him raising an alarm that would bring the guards running.
Lansius nodded, and the woman took her hand away from his mouth.
“Now, why are you here?” she asked as Lansius took deep breaths through his mouth.
“Stefi... you’re Stefi," he stated adamantly.
She exhaled deeply. “I am Audrey of Toruna.”
To emphasize her point, she pressed the flat side of the dagger slightly harder against his face.
Lansius did his best to nod, feeling the cold steel against his cheek. “I-I was invited here. Is this necessary?”
“Invited? By the baronet?” she asked, ignoring his question.
“Yes, I have the letter in my bag.”
“What does a baronet want with you? Who are you working for now?” her voice full with suspicion.
Lansius hesitated before speaking in an even softer whisper, “Now, I’m Lord Arte’s squire.”
“The young Lord, did he escape Riverstead?”
Lansius nodded. “Just barely. We rescued him from the slavers’ den.”
Audrey let out a sigh of relief. Lansius continued, “I was there looking for you. I’ve searched everywhere.”
She withdrew the dagger from his face. Now, her expression was a blend of hesitation and guilt, mirroring her inner conflict. Although she had been treated like an honored guest in Toruna, in reality she was nothing more than a prisoner. The only explanation offered for her situation was that Lord Stan had saved her on a whim - something she found hard to believe.
The circumstances had perplexed her, but she played along, acutely aware that resisting would gain her nothing but trouble. Lansius' sudden arrival, however, had triggered something within her.
For a moment, they just sat there in silence. Lansius’s head rested in Audrey’s lap while she looked down at him, her face full of regret.
Instead of apologizing, she suddenly declared, “I’ll get you out of here.”
“Stef- Audrey!” he objected. “Escape, but why? Am I in danger?”
But she didn’t listen. She got up, dagger in hand, and headed for the door, leaving Lansius scrambling to his feet.
Knowing her too well, he rushed after her. Disregarding the dagger, he lunged at her, trying to stop her from doing anything reckless.
He caught her. Audrey recoiled but stayed on her feet. She looked at him and struggled to break free, but Lansius held on tightly.
“Don’t do anything reckless. Explain to me what’s going on, damn it!"
“Let go, Lans! This is for your own good.”
“Fuck that! I’ll die for you. Just stop and fill me in.”
Lansius’ outburst seemed to have an effect. Audrey stopped wrestling against him. Taking a deep breath, she tried to answer, "You're probably here because a Midlandian nobleman wants to use you."
“Lord Stan wanted me?”
"No, he's just another pawn. I'm referring to Lord Bengrieve."
The name sent shivers down Lansius’ spine. "Why does he need me? For what?"
She clicked her tongue. "That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”
"Could it be related to Sabina Rustica?" Lansius ventured.
“Sabina what?” Surprisingly, she was oblivious of Lansius' triumph. “I’m not familiar with Midlandia. I hope that’s not a brothel.”
“No, no, well... sort of,” Lansius admitted awkwardly.
Her side glance was enough to make Lansius blink several times. “Is it just me, or has it grown stronger?”
“The veil does also help with that,” she hinted cryptically.
"So, you have no idea why this powerful man wants me? I doubt he's interested in a lowly clerk or squire like myself?"
Audrey bit her lip. "I really don't, but perhaps it has to do with your background?"
"Background?"
She glanced at his hair and Lansius instinctively realized she meant his black hair, the mark of a foreigner.
A foreigner, huh... Indeed, having a foreigner can be useful if one needs a scapegoat, especially one with clear, undeniable proof.
Lansius let out a long sigh. Despite his newfound worries, he felt a burden had been lifted from his chest. "At least I found you," he voiced. "That's what matters most."
She pouted and looked away, a response Lansius was all too familiar with. “It’s really you, but why did you change your name?”
"How long are you going to hold me like this?” she finally demanded, disregarding his question.
At that moment, Lansius realized that he hadn't endured Amertume forest and the battles of Sabina Rustica just to be spineless now. From their first journey together, he had been captivated by Stefi. He was never one to be choosy about women, but Stefi was unique. She was independent and spirited, much like the women of the modern world, rather than those typical of their time. Self-reliant and bold, she navigated life with an easy confidence.
Acting on his feelings, Lansius gently spun her to face him, held her face tenderly, and leaned in for a kiss. At least, that was the intention. Instead he was met with a firm punch to the gut.
Oof!
“The hell are you doing?” she snapped.
“Proving my love for you,” Lansius wheezed, doubled over in pain.
She blinked, taken aback by his declaration. “You realize what you’re trying to say?”
Lansius straightened his back despite the pain. “I’m Lord Arte’s Squire de Camp. Am I not good enough for you?”
A blush bloomed on her cheeks as she met his determined gaze. “Why would you want me?” she muttered, her words intended more for herself than for him.
With Lansius rejecting her offer to escape, she withdrew, moving back to her seat across the room. “We have so little time. Any moment now, the maid will knock and they'll escort me back to my chamber.”
“What’s happened to you?” Lansius asked as he dragged a chair to sit opposite her. “That fine black gown and everybody referring to you as a lady. Even the baronet called you a sister... Did you marry someone?” He couldn't help the twinge of jealousy and embarrassment that clouded his thoughts.
Audrey stared at him, disbelief written across her face. "Are you serious? Why would anyone desire a female squire with no land or titles to her name?"
“Just answer me.” Lansius refused to back down.
She shook her head, at a loss for words. “I don’t know,” she admitted bitterly. “I don’t know why they saved me or what they plan to do with me, or you.”
Lansius drew a deep breath, trying to figure out whether the Midlandian nobles were ally or a potential threat.
"We're mere pawns in their grand game," Audrey murmured with a grim acceptance.
“Let them try,” he retorted. “One way or another, I’ll find a way for both of us.”
Her gaze held a glimmer of admiration, yet she voiced a cautionary note, "Remember how I was drenched earlier?"
His eyes widened with sudden comprehension. "Magic?"
She nodded. “One of his retainers must be... Sir Stan is Lord Bengrieve’s most trusted henchman. Having a magus under him is not that far-fetched.”
The close brush with magic thrilled Lansius, but another more pressing issue was on his mind. “What about us?” he ventured.
"Us...?" Audrey echoed, a gentle chiding in her tone. She turned her gaze away, murmuring under her breath, "I'm just a sword maiden, Lans."
He prepared to contest her words but she held up a hand. "The hurried hare falls prey to the waiting hound," she recited.
"...What does that mean?" Lansius questioned, puzzled by her sudden adage.
"It's what my master used to remind me," she began, her voice dipped in nostalgia, "Haste leads to unpreparedness and danger." She took a deep breath, meeting his gaze, "We need to focus on surviving now. Once we're safe, we can talk about 'us.'"
Understanding dawned on Lansius and he nodded, appreciating the pragmatism behind her words. "Promise?" he sought assurance, offering his hand.
Audrey took his hand, her grip firm and steadfast. "My oath to you remains. No matter the circumstances, I'll protect you."
Outside, the gentle whisper of the wind caressed the night, offering a deceptive tranquility in this idyllic, rustic corner of the world.
***
While Toruna and the rest of Midlandia were reaping the benefits of a bountiful harvest, other regions of the Imperium were battling the imminent threat of famine. The situation was worsened by an ongoing nomadic incursion in the west, rising beastmen attacks in the south, and the northern provinces breaking away from the Imperium. The Elven Calendar year of 4423 was shaping up to be the most difficult year the Imperium had faced since its inception.
Despite the joy of their reunion, Lansius and Audrey found themselves in a precarious situation. As Audrey had guessed, a powerful Midlandian nobleman wanted Lansius not because of his skills, but because of his status as a foreigner, providing a convenient scapegoat should he be captured. His vulnerable circumstances also made him an easy target for manipulation.
However, there were other mysteries Lansius had yet to unravel. The reasons why the nobleman had saved Audrey remained suspicious.
Under the guidance and assistance of the Baronet of Toruna, Lansius and Audrey spent the ensuing months in training, preparing for their inevitable roles as pawns in a grand scheme.
The world outside was changing rapidly. Throughout winter and spring, Lord Arte had been gathering support from the Midlandian nobility. Felicity had become betrothed, and Calub had recruited a small band of ragtag troops to join Lansius in Toruna.
Upon Calub's arrival, Lord Stan finally gave his consent for them to meet with his mage and a representative of the Hunter Guild, which led to intriguing discoveries for both Audrey and Lansius.
As spring turned into summer in the year 4424, Midlandia launched an attack on the southern region of Lowlandia. Their intent was unmistakable: to secure their exposed southern flank before the looming confrontation with Arvena. Amidst this delicate game of power, an unlikely piece was put into play – Lansius. He was chosen to lead a diversionary attack that was, by all appearances, suicidal in nature.
