17 A Royal Proposition (1/2)

Jin clenched his hand around his wooden sword's hilt before lunging forwards again. He could almost feel Theresa's sigh, as she twisted her body around his stab attack, and spun behind him. With one quick flick, she knocked his back, and brought him to his knees.

”Take a break already.” Theresa said.

”One more.” Jin repeated, for the fifth time.

Jin noted Theresa's concerned expression. Still, he stood to continue the ”training”. He didn't want to stop. He wanted to keep going til the aching in his heart disappeared.

”Sure. After I have myself a water break.” Theresa said before sheathing her sword and walking over to some nearby crates. Jin's hand trembled with anger. All he wanted was to let off some steam, was that so wrong?

Well, ”steam” didn't usually last more than a few days. This was the third day since he had fought the yargoth, and he still felt terrible.

”Jin.” Theresa spoke up. ”It's been a few days, and you still haven't told me anything about it.”

”So?” Jin muttered, looking away.

”So, I can't help if I don't know what happened.” She said, with a concerned expression. Jin looked up at her, but looked back down immediately when their eyes made contact.

He didn't want to think about it. Whenever he thought back to that fight, all he could see was the yargoth's claw scraping down Viscerin's back.

”I...” Jin said, trying to find the courage to speak further. ”I failed.”

”Failed what?” Theresa asked.

”I failed my friend.” Jin let out, causing a slight shiver to go through his body. ”We went on a hunting mission for the guild. A monster appeared out of nowhere. It almost killed us, and... My friend was hurt.”

”Did this friend die?”

”No.” Jin replied.

”Then be grateful.” Her eyes turned slightly distant. ”These things don't usually go that well.” There was a brief silence, before Theresa cleared her throat. ”So, what was the monster like?”

”It's called a yargoth. I read about it in a book, back in the forest. Black skin, large claws, wings that double as arms, red, glowing eyes. And, it has this weird ability, where it can harden parts of its body. It was giant too.”

”That...” Theresa's eyes widened. ”It couldn't be the same...” She whispered. ”No, it has to be. Although, mine wasn't that big...” She continued to mutter. ”Jin, what else do you know about that beast? Its origin? Its weaknesses?” She sounded desperate.

”Uh,” Jin tried to remember what he'd read. ”The book only said that they appear when 'the magic in Azeria is unstable', whatever that means.” Jin shrugged. ”As for weaknesses... I'd say surprise attacks are the only way to kill it. The only reason we survived was because my friend shot an arrow at it, at just the right time.”

”When the magic in Azeria is unstable...” Theresa repeated. She looked distraught, her hand caressed her chin as her eyebrows furrowed. ”It is said that magic is what created this world. It doesn't obey our laws, things like cause and effect don't apply to it, and thus, thousands of years ago, one day, magic simply spawned into existence, with nothing to make it. That force came together, and became sentient, forming the Goddess of Creation, Charlotte. She was magic incarnate.” Theresa was pacing back and forth as she spoke. ”She created Azeria, its wildlife, and the elves and demons. At some point, she either died or disappeared or ascended to some sort of paradise. No one knows which, but what we do know, is that her transition dispersed her magic into the world, and that is why we have mages, ice-wolves, thunder-bears, psycheons, among other things.”

”I really don't...” Jin tried to interrupt her, but she continued.

”Magic retained its ability to defy reality, or maybe create reality, but never did so, until...” She stopped, as if she had arrived to some conclusion. ”Until it became unstable, in the second era, and created the terreth, and the celestials. Entirely new races, just appeared one day, as if on a whim. Does that mean these 'yargoth' are a new race?” She shook her head. ”If they are, then why did they disappear the last time they were here? I doubt an ancient society could have defeated a collective of them. There has to be something more to them...”

Suddenly, a commotion started in the distance. Jin turned towards it, his eyes landing on a crowd that was gathering near the northern gate. Several citizens, whispering to each other, with faces of... Concern? Anticipation? Anxiety? Jin couldn't tell.

Even the guards seemed nervous.

Theresa turned towards them as well, with one eyebrow arched.

”Hm? What's this?” She asked, and without another word, she moved towards them.

”H-Hey, wait for me!” Jin yelled, but she didn't hear him. He looked back towards the gate, but couldn't see past the crowd. Clicking his tongue, he scanned his surroundings until he found some wooden barrels placed in a triangle formation to the crowd's left.

He jogged over to them, and hopped on top of one, hoping it wouldn't break. With this, he could see over the citizen's heads.

Immediately as he stood on the barrels, a cart rolled into view. Jin squinted his eyes at it, he had seen a few carts here and there, but this one was different.

Red fur, and metal frames lined its edges. The horses that pulled it forwards were entirely white, to an almost blinding degree. Another way this cart stood out, was its walls. The carts Jin had seen didn't have any, but this cart had two walls on both sides, decorated with some strange symbol.

A red and gold symbol, composed of three circles with an eye in the center.

He scratched his head as the cart came in, and along with it came multiple carts just like it. What was he watching?

The crowd had been completely silenced though. And, as the cart came to a halt, Jin noticed Theresa in the distance, tapping her foot against the ground. Even she looked nervous. Jin wasn't sure she was even capable of such a feeling.

One of the cart's doors opened. From it, came two figures that made Jin's jaw drop.

One was a girl who was probably around Jin's height. She had to be around Jin's age as well, he thought. Her eyes were a deep amethyst, her hair was a sort of brownish grey, and her skin was pale and smooth. She wore a white dress, that hugged her thin frame tightly. She looked like a more... dream-like version of Viscerin.

She stepped aside, and from behind her, came a taller, slightly older looking woman. But, she was no less beautiful. In fact, her aged, experienced look almost added to her beauty. She had the same amethyst eyes, and wore the same dress, but her hair was black. Her skin was slightly wrinkled, and her smile carried a sense of confidence to it. And, unlike the younger girl, her ears were pointed, like Theresa's.

Jin almost fell off the barrel.

The crowd, still silent, began to kneel collectively. Even Theresa joined in the gesture. Who was this person, to command such authority? Jin wondered.

The older woman cleared her throat, and all eyes floated up to her.

”Greetings, citizens of Nova. I am deeply sorry that I have not the chance to engage with you, in the same pleasant manner you'd usually expect from me, but I am short on time, and I carry with me a grave proposition I must make to all of you. As many of you know, I have spent some time up north, negotiating with the demons for their aid in our war against the Griffins. I am sad to say, that the negotiations did not bear fruit. And thus, I find myself on a return journey to the capital. However, the Griffins took this moment to strike, and now, I find myself without an adequate amount of soldiers to defend me, and my daughter who travels with me. And so, I must ask of you, citizens of Daysinn Village, are any of you willing to aid me in my time of need?”

She spoke with an elegance Jin hadn't encountered yet. Theresa would be the most comparable, but even she fell miles short of the bar this woman had just set. Immediately as she stopped, every citizen began asking all sorts of questions that Jin couldn't quite internalize. They looked even more nervous than before. Jin feared that if he weren't so ignorant of the world's state, he would be nervous as well. But, as of now, he felt nothing. Only a great sense of amazement at the sight of this woman.

She lifted one hand up, and instantly, all speaking ceased.

”I understand my request is sudden. I will remain here for one day, to give myself, my daughter, and my soldiers a moment of rest. Tomorrow morning, we leave for the capital. Anyone willing to assist me, need only show up in front of my caravan. Good day.” She bowed, lifting her white dress by its sides, before turning and entering the cart once again. Her daughter entered behind her, and the cart's door closed, cutting them off from the outside world.

What had just happened?

The caravan began moving further into the village, and once again conversations started. Jin could see people dressed in light armor, carrying basic weapons, arguing amongst each other. He could see guards pacing around. He saw villagers clamoring about those 'negotiations'.

Theresa walked back to him, and lightly grabbed his arm.

”Let's get something to eat.” She said, before dragging Jin back to the inn.

...

”That was the queen of Nova.” Theresa stated. Jin spat out the water he was drinking.

”What!?” Images of the storybooks he read flashed before his eyes. Almost all of them involved kings and queens, with some world-ending problem usually being the crux of the story. That was the queen of this nation!?

”Yes. I assume you know about the war by now?” Theresa asked. Jin shrugged. ”Well, as we speak, Nova is at war with Griffin's Sight. The war is in a stalemate though, and up until now, the queen was negotiating with the demons up north, to hopefully turn the tide in our favor. But, those negotiations failed.” She gulped down a large portion of water from her own tin cup. ”This is trouble. Things are even right now, but without the demons to help, the Griffins could end up winning this war. And if the queen herself is killed...” She looked up at Jin. ”Ah, well, I'm sure you don't understand what this means. You see, this queen was made the official queen of Nova just two years ago, when King Nathaniel divorced the past queen. In just one year, under...” Theresa shook her head, ”... anyway, she became very popular. Extremely popular, because of her appearances within the poorer communities all throughout Azeria. In just two years, she has essentially, become the face of Nova. For her to fall, even though it wouldn't have an effect on the war directly, it would crush the spirits of Nova's people. And that, could absolutely have a direct effect on the war.”

As she finished speaking, the inn's front door opened. Jin turned towards it, to his left, and almost dropped his cup when he saw one, elegant woman, wearing a white dress walking in.

Several of the citizens inside the inn, immediately stood and knelt down.

”Ah, it has been some time since I've walked inside a common inn. I've missed the cozy feeling.” The queen said. Although he'd remained neutral before, now that he knew who this was, he was just as stunned as the other citizens. He was even more stunned however, when she began walking towards his table. ”Ah! Do my eyes deceive me?” She exclaimed.

Theresa stood from her chair, and bowed towards the approaching woman.

”Your grace.” She said, with a more professional tone than Jin had ever heard her employ.

”Please, Theresa. You need not use such formalities with me.” To the Theresa's surprise, the queen hugged her. ”I've missed you, taisen.” Jin didn't recognize that last word, but he did note Theresa's intense blush. This was the first time he'd seen her like this.

”I-I don't think...” Theresa looked away. The queen chuckled, but even as she laughed she maintained her overwhelming sense of eloquence.

”Even if you don't wish it so,” What she did next, stunned everyone in the room. The queen got on one knee in front of Theresa. ”You will always be my taisen, Theresa.”

”P-Please, your grace, stand!” Theresa whispered. The queen giggled once more, with a sound that was far more adequate for a girl Jin's age, before she stood.

”Alright, alright.” Her face, while still maintaining a cordial smile, became slightly more serious. ”But, now that I've seen you, I'd like to speak with you.”

Theresa nodded, and gestured towards the table, where Jin sat. The queen's eyes landed on the yellow-eyed young man. She tilted her head as she gracefully walked over to him.

”Ah? Are you and this boy...”

”I'm just training him.” Theresa said.

”Really? So, does that mean you've put what happened with...”

”No.” Theresa said, with a shaking voice. ”But I'm trying to.” She whispered.

The queen nodded, and approached Jin, extending one hand in his direction, with her palm aimed down.

”Greetings, my name is Cerena Bravilion. Any fellow student of Theresa is a friend of mine.” What did that mean? Jin looked towards Theresa, who was holding her own hand up and kissing the back of it. Oh, was he supposed to do that?

Jin leaned forwards and planted a small kiss on the back of Cerena's back. She seemed a little surprised.

”You didn't even flinch.” She commented. ”This is a dangerous boy you've found yourself, Theresa.”

”No, he's just very ignorant.” Theresa said.

”I'm right here, you know.” Jin said.

”As I was saying,” the queen continued, before taking a seat to Jin's right. Theresa sat down opposite him. ”You heard me speak of my... Issue, yes?”

”Yes.” Theresa replied.

”Well, then there isn't much to say. I need you, Theresa.” The queen stated. ”My soldiers are few, and the ones remaining are far from my best. The only real help I've got left are but three Saviors I took with me. I had originally taken four.”

”The Griffins killed a Savior?” Theresa asked. She sounded legitimately shocked.

”Who are the 'Saviors'?” Jin asked.

”The most elite knights in all of Azeria.” Theresa promptly answered before turning her attention back to the queen. ”When did they become so ferocious?”

”Truth be told, I doubt they could have killed him if we had been fresh, but these past few weeks we've been running from these strange monsters we kept encountering. The savior in question had already been wounded before the battle that did him in.” The queen said. For a moment, Theresa locked eyes with Jin.

”These monsters, could you describe them?”

”Certainly.” The queen answered. ”Black skin, glowing red eyes, large wings. One of them, we fought two, had the ability to control the weather. It could summon thunderstorms, or make the air unbearably cold. The other could summon several ice beams around its head.”

”What?” Theresa pulled back. ”I... I see.”

Jin didn't miss the details, or why Theresa was so concerned. These yargoth had different abilities than the ones they had faced.

”So, you understand why I'm in need of your assistance?” Cerena asked.

”O-Of course, I understand completely.” Theresa paused for a moment. ”But, I have a duty now. I've promised this boy,” she gestured towards Jin, ”that I'd train him. Make him as strong as he could be. With all due respect, your grace, it is his decision whether or not I go with you.”

The entire inn seemed to gasp at her words.

”Really?” The queen seemed surprised. ”But, why don't you both go with me?”

”Your grace, he is far from ready. If he went on this journey, I fear he wouldn't live through it. If even a Savior was killed...”

”Hm...” The queen went silent for a moment. ”I see.” Another pause ensued, before an idea appeared in the queen's mind. ”Well, how's this?” She turned her attention to Jin. ”Young man, what do you know of magic? Can you cast it?”

”Not much.” Jin shrugged. ”And I only know one spell.”

”Ah, but you are capable. You are already at an advantage, only about one in four elves can cast magic.” Jin surpressed the urge to say that he wasn't a full elf. However, how perceptive was this woman that she identified Jin's ever so slightly pointed ears? ”Well, I offer you this. If you come with me, and we all make it to the capital, I will give you a full scholarship to Nova's Grand Academy.” She proclaimed with a slightly smug expression.

Theresa's eyes went wide.

”You're serious?” She exclaimed.

”You should know by now how stubborn I am.” Cerena indicated. ”Even up north, I didn't give up until they threatened to toss me out of the city by force. I will have you come with me, Theresa.” She stated, before turning back towards Jin. ”Well boy, what do you say?”

”Let him consider it.” Theresa spoke up. ”He's never heard of the academy. He can't make a decision right now.”

Cerena looked displeased. She closed her eyes and stood.

”Very well. You have until tomorrow morning, as the rest of the villagers do. I trust you will arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.” She said, before turning and walking away.

Decena's POV

What had she just seen? Decena found herself crouched against her wall, with her eyes bulged. Had they come for her? No, of course not. Why would the queen travel to this painfully average village, just for her? It wasn't like she was the only murderer in Nova, and she was serving her sentence at this very moment. Exile. That was the decision the king had come to. Had he changed his mind?

More importantly, why did she care? If this were happening a week ago, Decena may have simply walked up to the queen and asked her for death herself. But instead, she felt a cold shiver passing by her heart.

Another thing that shocked her was, she didn't recognize this queen. She looked different. Was this even the same person who had, maybe, convinced the king to exile her? The only reason she knew this was the queen was because of that symbol on the carriage. Was this a new woman, seeking to eliminate all remnants of the previous queen's decisions?

Her shock and confusion started this morning, when she paced through the dirt streets of the village, looking for fresh food to buy. She wanted to try new things, maybe see the village in a new light.

Boy, did that go well eh?

Instead, she came dangerously close to someone who could execute her on the spot with no repercussions.

A knock sounded at her door. She breathed, trying to calm herself down. She told herself not to worry, of course the queen wasn't here for her. Why would she be? Even if they were going to execute her, and overturn the decision they'd made, why would they send the queen? And her daughter, apparently.

She laughed at herself, for freaking out like that before walking up to the door. How foolish she'd been.

She opened the front door, and her jaw sank when she saw a middle-aged woman, with amethyst eyes, and brownish grey hair standing in front of her.

”Red hair, very young, angry look on your face. Yes, I'd say it's you.” She said. ”Hello, Decena~” The queen said in a sing-song voice.

She almost fell to her knees.

”W-W-W...” She tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come out of her mouth.

”Please dear, I've been walking all day. My legs are killing me, could you, maybe, allow me to sit somewhere?”

”Y-Yeah.” Decena squeezed out of her throat, before stepping aside. She almost tripped and fell.

The queen walked in, and immediately, her face crunched up with disgust at the condition of Decena's home. She wandered over to the living room table, and sat on one of the chairs. The only moderately clean part of the house.

”Well, I'd say this is just about the kind of home I would expect an exiled murderer to live in.” She stated.

Decena's discomfort turned into anger. She approached the table and sat down on the opposite end.

”What do you want?” She asked.

”My, the venom in your words is surprising. Have you forgotten who you're speaking to?”

”I... I don't care.” Decena replied.

”Clearly you do. Maybe at one point you didn't. I was informed of your rather blank face on the day of your trial. But now, something has changed, has it not?” The queen giggled. ”Ah, but pardon me, I've been on edge these past few days. I'm afraid I've made a bad first impression. Oh dear.” She said. Suddenly, her face turned stoic. Business-like. ”I'll have you know, I'm not fond of making deals with murderers. But, at this moment, I find myself in desperate need. So, I have to do this. I need you to come with me, and protect me on my journey to the capital.” She said.

Decena resisted the urge to laugh.

”Why would I?” She said. ”Out of the kindness of my heart?” She felt a sense of victory rising within her. She'd imagined herself cursing the king and queen of Nova in her dreams before, and now she'd have the chance to do so. ”Am I not a cruel, and cold murderer?” She asked, leaning forwards, getting closer to the queen.

The queen smiled, and quickly brushed her index finger against Decena's bottom lip. Decena yelped and pulled back, causing the queen to burst into laughter. She was almost crying. A furious blush appeared on Decena's face.

”Threatening people doesn't suit you, dear.” The queen said. ”I've conducted deals with mercenaries, slavers, bandits and the like. Did you really believe a teenager could intimidate me? No. Especially, when I know why it is that you committed your crime.” The queen placed her elbow on the table, and her hand on her chin. Decena was still reeling. ”I was told of what happened. A man took the one you loved, you fought to get her back, he killed her, you killed him. Let's be honest, you aren't a cruel and cold person. You're just someone who lost something dear to them, and wanted revenge for it.” The queen said, before holding one finger up. ”But, you didn't lose everything.” Decena's eyes shot back up to the queen's. What? What was she saying? ”Yes, you lost the one you loved, but, the one who gave you shelter, took you in and raised you as her own... She still lives.”

Verana. Decena thought. Her adoptive mother. She had almost forgotten about her over these past few years, but the instant the queen mentioned her, Decena found herself back at that dirty, cobblestone street, walking inside a bathhouse, ran by a woman with pitch-black hair, and an apathetic expression. The woman who'd show Decena a kindness she didn't think possible. Suddenly, she looked up at the queen, with a grave expression on her face.

”No, I'm not threatening to kill her.” The queen cleared up. ”Rather, I'm making you a simple offer. Mutual exchange. You come with me, protect me, and ensure both my safety and my daughter's, and I pardon your charges. You can walk the streets of Nova, freely, once again.”

”What? No, the king is the one who,”

”No. I have the right to pardon charges as well. The king may, if he wishes, overturn my decision, but I doubt he would. When I was researching you, he was the first person I asked. He didn't even remember your name. Why would he be mad about me pardoning someone he can't even place in his thoughts?” The queen said. Decena looked down.

”Why? Why me? I'm...”

Suddenly, a hand lifted Decena's face. She was standing dangerously close to one of the most powerful women in all of Azeria. When did the queen even stand up?

”Decena, I know about your exploits. I became queen just two years ago, before that, I was a woman of the people. Just like them, The Red Knight was a figure I idolized. A peasant who was developing into a force even the nobles feared? How could one not respect such a person. I'll admit, I was among the most disappointed when I heard about your crimes, and your exile. But, I have not forgotten how good you were with your sword. It is because I'm armed with that knowledge that I have chosen to find you, and make this request. I need your skills, and I'm willing to forgive your crime to get them. You have until morning to make a choice. Please, choose wisely.”

With that, the queen walked away, leaving a confused and conflicted Decena standing in the middle of a dark house.

Ker'Tallen's POV.

He was insane for even thinking of this, truly, but today, he'd seen something that he could not ignore. Was this the opportunity he'd been looking for?

He rubbed his right, clawed hand against his green, scale-ridden arm. A hiss escaped his reptilian mouth. It would be a miracle if he wasn't killed on the spot. But still, this was the kind of opportunity that merited such a bold action.

He could still remember the feeling of that damned metal collar around his neck. He had risked everything to escape from that nightmarish place, and arrived here, successfully. However, he hadn't entered the village yet. He feared that he'd be killed immediately.

He wasn't ignorant. He understood that it was his country, his race that these people feared. Still, even if he were to die here, it would be better than life as a slave.

But, if he were to achieve what he wanted... Was that queen's offer genuine? Would she accept all help, no matter who offered it? He'd heard her speak from just outside the village walls, and when she spoke, his heart raced at the thought of it. This was it. He could make a better life for himself, finally.

Walking in the village, all eyes immediately locked onto him. He expected this, and thus, he confidently continued his stride, until a guard stood in front of him.

He looked at Ker'Tallen with eyes that screamed ”are you stupid or something?”

”You're coming with me, beast.” The guard said. Well, at least he didn't kill him. That was a start.

Ker'Tallen simply nodded, and extended his hands, which the guard quickly placed handcuffs on.

Walking through the village, with this guard pulling him forwards, he noted how bright everything was compared to his former home. There were so many trees. So many animals.

Back in Griffin's Sight, you couldn't see over five feet in front of you because of all the sand. He knew the entire world wasn't a desert, but to see this much... Green. It was mesmerizing.

The guard led him to a large building. Was this their version of a castle? The one in Griffin's Sight was so much more... Crude. This one seemed lush, with windows allowing air to breath through the structure, a bridge leading into it, almost saying ”hey, look how awesome we are!” But, he couldn't deny that this was an amazing sight.

The mountains in the distance, the grass beneath the bridge, yes. He could call this place home.

... If they didn't execute him, of course.

They entered the castle, and again, all eyes fell on him. It was getting a little redundant at this point. Had these people never seen a beastman? Although, to be fair, ”snake-heads” as they were often referred to as, were rare, even back in Griffin's Sight.

They walked along a vast hallway, until they ended up at room that held several doorways leading to other places, butlers who looked deathly shocked to see Ker'Tallen, and a few chairs near the back of the room. Thrones, he assumed. However, they were vacant.

Instead, the man Ker'Tallen assumed owned this place was speaking to the woman who had ignited that hope inside of Ker'Tallen. The queen.

This was it. Either he'd die here, or he'd find a new purpose. A new life.

”Uh, sir.” The guard spoke. ”This Griffin, we found him just kind of... wandering around the village.”

Everyone's faces showcased different emotions. The king, Ker'Tallen assumed he was the king anyway, seemed shocked. The butlers were deathly scared. The queen, to his surprise, seemed amused. That scared Ker'Tallen more than anything else he'd encountered so far. What kind of person was she?

”Yes?” The king (maybe) said. ”Was... Was that it?”

”Yes. He was just sort of... Walking around.” The guard shrugged.

”Truly?” The queen, the woman dressed in white, who almost blinded Ker'Tallen with her radiance, said. She began taking several steps towards Ker'Tallen. A guard walked up to her, and tried to hold her back, placing his hand on her shoulder.

If looks could kill, the one the queen gave him, would have splattered his entrails all over the room. He quickly apologized and stepped back.

The queen smiled, and continued pacing towards Ker'Tallen. This was truly a fearsome woman.

The woman of Griffin's Sight were rough, sure, but this was a different kind of toughness. How could someone be so sure of themselves?

”What's your name?” She asked. Ker'Tallen cleared his throat. He'd been practicing this moment for months, ever since he first ran away.

”Ker'Tallen.” He answered in his guttural voice.

”You are from Griffin's Sight?”

”Yes.” He replied.

”You are a soldier?”

”No.” Ker'Tallen glanced down at his stained, dirty tunic, and ripped pants. How could anyone believe him to be a soldier? ”I was a slave.”

”Ah? Was?” She said. ”No longer?”

”I ran way.” He said. ”I betrayed my country.” He stated. Murmurs started. This was good, he needed them to talk, to discuss him. To change what they thought.

”So, why are you here? Why didn't you simply live the rest of your days out in the wild?”

The moment of truth.

”By pure coincidence, I arrived here today, as you did. I heard you speak. I heard you make your offer. I,” he took a few steps forwards. Several guards unsheathed their swords, but the queen held her hand up, stopping them. ”I wish to accompany you, to land my sword to you.” He said, before getting on both knees and bowing his head.

”I think you mean, 'lend', and you don't seem to have a sword to give.” Ker'Tallen quickly assumed she was denying his request, but just as he was about to plead his case, she began laughing. ”Well, well. This is truly interesting indeed. How do I know you're not a spy, dare I ask? How do I know you aren't lying? How do I know you will not slit my throat as soon as I turn my back?”

The way she said it, Ker'Tallen could tell that she didn't believe any of that would happen. That confidence, it did not cease to surprise Ker'Tallen.

”Chain me. Restrain me. But allow me to prove myself, through my actions.”

”That's all nice and good, but I don't even know if you'd be a decent fighter to have.” The queen said. ”Here,” With complete ease, she unsheathed a guards sword faster than he could stop her, and threw it at Ker'Tallen. Everyone gasped. More guards unsheathed their own swords, and stepped forwards but she stopped them.

”It has been some time since I sparred.” The queen said, before taking someone's sword from their hands. ”Come at me, Ker'Tallen, I will judge your prowess.”

Was she joking? No. Her smirk, her squinted eyes, her laid back stance, all indicated that this was no joke.

”My queen, I don't think,” the man she had been speaking with started.

”Silence.” She ordered. No one spoke. Ker'Tallen was impressed. In Griffin's Sight, if a woman were to tell a man to be silent, she'd have her head cut off. Of course, many of them still did it, but here, no one moved.

He had to respect her will.

Was Ker'Tallen a good fighter? Well, the guards who tried to stop him from running away would say so. If they weren't dead.

He held his sword in both hands, and nodded at the queen, as if asking her ”Are you ready?”