Seven days after the incident, Selim laid on his bed, eyes closed but awake. He was replaying the battle in his head, looking for where he flawed and could have done better, although all his attempts might be futile, he could have ended the battle quickly and more strategically. A knock on his door brought him back. He opened his eyes and there she was standing in his doorway —Sylvia. He knew this day would comeas she saw his true strength.
"Don't be so guarded," Sylvia said, softly. "I just came to talk."
Selim sat up and gestures for her to come in. Sylvia entered and sat on the bed, her back turned to Selim. Silence hung in the air, only the sound of the wind hitting the window echoed in the room. Selim broke the silence with a sigh, "So asking you to forget what you saw is... "
"Nope, that's impossible," She replied shaking her head.
Selim sighed and silently cast {Memory block}, a modified version of {Erase Memory}. But both spells would only activate on contact with the recipient. He moved his hand towards her head when Sylvia spoke, "If you erase my memories," her voice sweet as poisened honey. "I will kill you," She turned to Selim, a polite yet frightening smile plastered on her face. "Darling".
Selim recoiled back to the edge of the bed, hearing that word from her. 'Darling' coming from her felt more like a threat. Sylvia noticed and chuckled deviously. She climbed on the bed, on all fours, "What's wrong darling?" She purred, closing the distance between them. "Don't you want to be close to your betrothed?"
Selim was coiled up against the wall with Sylvia's face just inches away from his, holding a wicked grin, one that seemed to promise uncertain yet unpleasant consequences. Just then,
BANG!
Selim's door swung open as Amnest burst into the room, screaming, "SELIM!"
She met them in an awkward position and her cheeks flushed, "Wha... What... What are you guys doing?!"
"Nice save Amnest. Now get this girl out of here." Selim thought, staring at Amnest pleadingly.
Sylvia whispered, "Your secret's safe with me."
Sylvia got off the and walked towards the door. Stopping in front of Amnest, she curtsied, " Congratulations on your recovery and Knighting Lady Amnest. I'll be here for the ceremony in 3 days." As she passed her, she stopped at the doorway, "Oh and please inform the Baron and Lady that I'll start the wedding preparations after the Knighting Ceremony."
She left, the echoes of her footsteps fading into the hallway. Amnest stared at him for a while, studying him. The silence and intense stare made Selim anxious and uncomfortable. "Can you stop that, it's unerving," Selim said slinking back into a sleeping position.
"Well, I still can believe you fought off a dragon," Amnest revealed.
"Beaten by a dragon you mean," Selim replied. "I am lucky to be alive."
"Yeah me too," Amnest said with a warm smile. "You are attending the ceremony right?"
"Do I have a choice?" Selim asked fluffing his pillow. "Either you or Mother will kill me if I did miss it so yes I'll be there." He laid, one eye opened, "So, how are your injuries?"
"All healed up," she replied, twirling her arm. "Wanna have a quick spar?"
"After surviving a dragon? No thank you," Selim said, turning away from her.
Amnest chuckled, her hidden worry disappearing as she watched Selim take his familiar lazy posture. She left the room, closing the door behind her.
Inside Maxim's private study, Maxim sat across from Frigs, the mahogany table separating them.
"Lord, I fear that the barony may be under a threat greater than it's capabilities. Even bigger than we anticipated," Frigs said grimly.
"What do you mean?" Asked Maxim, curious.
"The archer that attacked that day was the one who probably brought the dragon. He was a former colleague of mine."
Maxim raised an eyebrow, his expression still neutral, giving all attention to Frigs' words.
"Do you know of the Demon stars?" Frigs asked.
"Vaguely. I heard rumors about them when I was younger."
"Well you turned one of them to your subordinate. There were Eight of us, raised and trained by King Mervos Draker of Rouge, the previous ruler. Each of us were trained in specific martial arts, for eliminating Rouge's opponents. Daemon the tipless archer, born with extraordinary finger and arm strength. Mervos turned him into a godly archer, able to hit his targets from a kilometer away. Brutus, code name Kane. A brute with terrifying strength, a berserker with sanity and Mervos' first Star. According to my information, he aiding the Straigger army in their war. Scout, a kid whose speed rivaled that of knights with {Haste} cast on them. He is currently doing reconnaissance for Calcrius Draker, the current King and Mervos' son."
Maxim exhaled grimly, "So the unknown archer is a Demon star called Daemon, sent by King Calcrius of Rouge?"
"Yes," Frigs answered.
"What does Calcrius want with Leoch?" Maxim asked, tapping the table.
"I have no clue but if Calcrius Draker is the same as the boy I met at Rouge, the barony might be in trouble."
Maxim sighed. "Tell Captain Fletcher to increase the border security and Bech to tighten the patrols."
"Yes Lord," Frigs said.
"At the smallest hint of trouble, come to me first, Frigs," Maxim's lips quirked. "Or should I say... Shadowless."
Frigs gave a short bow and vanished.
Two days passed by in a blur and by the third, the entire palace bustled. Decorations were being put in place, meals were being prepared, the halls were being cleaned and the ballroom was being put in order. Afternoon rolled in and the Knighting began. Maxim stood with his family at the head of the building. Many dignitries and commoners attended as witnesses, filling the pews. The double doors swung open and Amnest walked in with her amour on. She moved between the pews till she came in front of her Father. Maxim gave a small nod with an approving smile.
Amnest dropped to one knee and Maxim started: "We witnessed Your strength and bravery, stopping the bandits that attacked and saving the Barony from destruction. As such we have gathered here to witness your ascent to knighthood. Now for the oath," His face regal and held the severity of a ruler.
"Amnest Viel Leoch, before your Lord and people, do you swear to defend the Leoch Barony from all who want to cause it harm?"
"I do," she responded solemnly.
"Do you promise to use your strength for Leoch and ultimately for the kingdom?"
"I do," she answered.
"With my powers as the Lord of Leoch, I knight you as squire knight," Maxim said, tapping a custom sword on her shoulders then handing it to her.
She took the sword, stood up and faced the people in the hall. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as she raised the sword in the air. As the people cheered, Kaleb leaned closer to Selim and whispered, "Aren't you tired yet?"
"I was tired before the preparations began," Selim yawned.
The party began in earnest in the adjourning ballroom. More dignitries arrived, including Sylvia, her brothers and Syrian Draker.
Amnest appeared in a seablue ball gown, bedazzled with rhinestones and cloth flowers. Nobles schmoozes between themselves while some commoners tried to curry favors and build relationships with the nobility. Selim spent his time in a corner, observing the party. He accidentally lock eyes with Sylvia and she made a beeline for him with her brothers in tow. He tried to leave and act as though he never saw her but she called out, "Selim"
Caught, he waved at them. They came to him and Sylvia curtsied, "Good evening Lord Selim."
Selim stared at her, shocked. The Sylvia he met had no such manners to him. He bowed and responded, "Pleasant evening Lady Sylvia."
"I see you have recovered."
"Well, it's not everyday one escapes death from a dragon," Selim said.
"So the rumors were true," one of Sylvia's brothers said.
"And you are...?"
"Pardon me. Sitrym Energ, heir to the Energ Duchy," He replied.
"Sika Energ, at your service," the other said. "So, how terrifying was it?"
"I'd rather not talk about it," Selim replied.
"Not talk about it?" Sika said with a snort. "Or perhaps the rumors were nothing more than exaggerated lies. There's no way a weak, frail brat survived a dragon, let alone this dump of a barony."
"Brother, there are certain lines one shouldn't cross," Sylvia said with a glare.
"She's right Sika, apologize."Sitrym said.
"Tch," Sika spat in annoyance and left them.
"Sorry about him, Sika can be a bit loose with his words," Sitrym remarked with a chuckle.
Just then, Amnest came in their midst, "Sorry, but I need to borrow my brother for a moment," she said pulling Selim away.
Amnest dragged with to a separate place and asked, "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for that," Selim replied.
"I know how you feel about things like this so no worries."
Kaleb walked up to them and said, "I feel like someone's watching. I have a bad feeling...."
Gareth appeared besides them and asked, gazing in Syrian's direction direction, "Have you met that noble?"
They all turned in that direction. They stared intensely, trying to place the face but none of them could.
"No, I don't think I have."
Syrian stopped mid step and turned his head, locking eyes with Sylvia. With a smile, he made his way towards her. As he got closer, he bumped into a server and drinks spilled on him. Shocked, the server let go of the tray and it clattered on the floor, shattering the glasses on it. Syrian's face twisted in rage.
"You lowlife mongrel. How dare you?" He growled, slapping the server across the face.
Every one turned to the commotion. The server bowed her head in apology but Syrian wouldn't have it. He slapped the server again, knocking her to the floor. "You insolent..."
"Alright, that's enough," Amnest said, walking into his view.
At the sight of her, Syrian swooned. He immediately dropped to one knee and yelled, "Marry me!"
His proclamation shocked everyone. From the crowd, a voice cut across, "I don't think you are in the position to make such a request.."
The crowd parted and Sika walked out. "You have been suspicious from the start. No one knows you or where you're from. How you got in to this ceremony is still one thing I don't understand." Raising his hand and facing the crowd he continued, "Has the Leoch Barony fallen low that they now have no security? You are basically endangering the lives of everyone here if someone like him can get in."
"Enough Sika," Sitrym ordered, walking into view. "We are guests and you should act like one."
"A guest unsafe in a host's home, is nothing more than a victim," Sika replied with a snear.
He then grabbed Amnest's hand, looking directly into her eyes, "You were gravely wounded in the last invasion. Come with me and I'll protect you, My lady."
"You come into my home, insulted my family and Land, and you expect me to follow you!" Amnest yelled, striking Sika across the face.
"And I, Lady Leoch?" Syrian asked with a smirk.
"No. I don't know you and I don't want to," Amnest responded.
"Refusing me could spell doom for your land. Do you still want to?"
The entire Leoch family appeared behind her, like towering walls. Staring down at Syrian, she said, "Leoch is not so weak to fall to the likes of you. Guards!"
Few guards came at her call. "Escort this man out of the Barony."
"No need," Syrian said, rising to his feet. "I was already leaving."
A magic circle appeared beneath his feet and shone a blinding blue light. As the light faded, Syrian was gone. The whole party became tense for the rest of the night. The party began to wind down and most of the attendees were leaving. Selim was outside, staring at the moon in the night sky, when an aura sword arc flew at him. Sensing it, he got up and walked out of the way. The aura smashed a statue, shattering it.
"It seems you have a little bit of skill," Sika said, walking out of the shadows, with his sword coated in aura.
"What do you want Sika?"
"What I want is not an issue but how I get.... Cooperate and nobody gets hurt," Sika snarled.
Selim chuckled, "Does he really think he stands a chance?" He thought. Closing his eyes, he cast {Radar}—his own innate spell that gives the information on how many people are around the area, how close or far away they are. There was nobody close by. Selim opened his eyes and released his bloodlust, directing it towards Sika. Sika stood shaking, unable to move out of fear. Sweat beaded on his forehead and in his mind, "What is this pressure? I feel as though moving would cost me my head."
Selim began to close the distance, slowly, eyes holding Sika's in a lock. Sika shivered with fear, his tried to run but his legs just won't move. He fell to the ground and Selim stood towering before him. He leaned in and said, "know this, I hate your face. Try something like this again and you might not live to tell the tale."
He left Sika and went back inside.
On a forest path, Syrian's carrige rode, headed for Rouge. An orb in the carriage lit up and a voice came through, "So, how was Leoch?"
"Quite alright father. They might be a small Barony but they are a force to reckon with," Syrian replied.
"Shadowless?"
"I couldn't find him."
"How do you think would be the best way to destroy them?" Calcrius asked.
"Take the youngest and torture him. It will break the baron and cause him to act without caution. If we use that against him and he dies, the Barony is done," Syrian replied with an evil smirk.
The orb went off, leaving Syrian to his thoughts. As the carriage rode quietly, a mana bomb flew in through the window. Syrian immediately cast {Teleport} as the bomb exploded, destroying the carriage. Frigs stood atop a tree, staring at the burning pieces of the carriage.
Syrian appeared in the palace courtyard in Rouge. His arm and right side of his face held burns. He fell on his knees reaching for the walkway to the palace. He soon began to lose consciousness as a guard ran towards him.