In all of this world, there is no place more sacred than Mount Ordeals. Mages dared to attempt the treacherous ascent, believing that their powers would be amplified at the peak. Others, such as the determined widow, would traverse as well though. For the average Man, the peak of Mount Ordeals would be the closest one could ever come to reaching the Heavens. It was also said that if a sinner were to reach the top and pray, that the gods may grant mercy.

If the legends were true, of course. It's always possible that the mystery of Mount Ordeals is a mere myth.

At the mention of Cecil's name, I jerk to attention. As does Rosa. He means to become a paladin? Inside, I release a sigh of relief. To do so, means that the former Lord Captain is still alive. Yet... How could a Dark Knight ever become a paladin? He had trained under the dark blade before he was even a teenager.

I exhale silently. There's no denying Cecil has a good heart. For him to attempt becoming a holy knight though? It sounds like a suicide mission...

Even if it were even possible to 'remove' sins, and even if Cecil never wanted to have the blood of many on his blade, there was no way that a mountain's mere presence would be sufficient to restore the Dark Knight's purity. Even if he were transformed from a man of darkness, Cecil would still have the blood of others on his conscience.

Kain voices my thoughts. "My lord," he tells Golbez, "Cecil will never become a Paladin. He has spent far too long with the dark sword to ever become a holy knight. I bet the light itself would actually burn him."

Yes, he voiced my thoughts, but he sounded so harsh. To think that the two men had been best friends previously.

Kain wasn't wrong though. A Paladin is no ordinary knight. Scarmiglione hissed.

"What a nuisance," Golbez mutters, turning to face the small creature. "Scarmiglione, see to it, that our little pest does not succeed."

Kain stepped forward. "Lord, I believe I can handle him.." he began as the wizard cut him off.

"Just as you handled him before?" Kain said nothing. "If it weren't for Lumen's intervention and my arrival, you would have failed," he said coldly.

"Scarmiglione," he called to the Fiend. "Be sure that our dear Cecil never leaves Mount Ordeals... ever."

"Your wisssssh is my command," the creature hissed before vanishing. The scent of rotting flesh lingered.

As Golbez strides away, with Kain in tow, I set to work on cleaning my spear. On the walk, Rosa is still. In the complete silence, I hear her holding back sobs. Something inside me cracked.

"You don't have to hold back. Cry if you need to." The crying stopped, and I
looked at her. The blond woman's eyes blazed angrily with hurt and betrayal.

"How could you, Lumen! Why are you doing this? This is mutiny against Baron-"

"You are incorrect," I interjected. "Lord Golbez is the newly appointed Lord Captain of the Baron Red Wings. He acts with the full authority of King Baron."

The woman is silent, then asks, "But the Dragoons are separate from the Red Wings, so why would Kain and you-"

"I owe you no answers," I say, mustering as much coldness in my voice as I can. But even ice has a breaking point...

Suddenly a wind swirled throughout the tower. "So cruel to a beautiful girl!" A raspy voice cackled. "I love it!" The wind intensified into a yellow miniature tornado and descended to the floor. As the vortex subsided, a woman's form appeared, her long, mustard-yellow hair flowing around her body. She floated to Rosa and grasped my sister's chin with long, slender fingers. "A very pretty prisoner," she purred before floating to me.

"You're a harsh one for a human, aren't you, boy?" I said nothing. Her red eyes searched my face, but she sighed, finding nothing it seemed.

"You're pretty too," she mused, "Wherever did Golbez find you?"

"Baron, with Commander Kain," I respond promptly. Her face breaks into an avian grin.

"Oh yes!" She laughs. "I know him! He's another pretty boy; it's such a shame he insists on hiding that face behind that vulgar helmet."

Before I can respond, Golbez's deep growl rumbles through the building. "Barbariccia! Where are you?!"

The female archfiend gently pats my cheek. "I like you; I'll be back after Master is done ranting." With that, her body spun into a vortex and levitated to the upper floors. As I turn, Rosa is still glaring at me. I stone my face, and I can feel the tension in my neck.

"Lady Rosa, do you require the privy?"

"No!" She shrieked. "I require my release-!"

I had to stop her. "Miss, I will not ask for a few more hours. If you even think you may need to use it, I would go now."

Distrust flashes in her violet eyes. "I won't harm you in a position such as that, Lady Rosa," I add quietly.

"Very well.." she whispers and nods.

Careful to avoid the guillotine, I carefully lower the mage to the floor and untie her hands, taking the rope in my hands to lead her to the freshly made room. Opening the door for her, I follow inside after her. We weren't alone though.

Before the girl can do anything, I slammed the base of my spear on the ground. "If anyone else is in here, get out!" Suddenly several shapes appear and sulking lay wander out of the restroom. Surprise appeared on her face.

"How did you know they were there?"

My nose crinkled out of habit. "Monsters have a strong smell typically," I said as I locked the room door. "And," I add, turning my back to her, "don't worry, I will turn around. Just please, don't run. For your own safety.."

"Thank you," came her soft reply.

After a few moments, she called out, "I am finished." I turned. Rosa has already slipped her restraints back on her arms, waiting for me to tie the knots and hang her back up. I stood there. "What are you waiting for?"

"I... don't know when you'll be able to come down again. Savor the time out, Lady Rosa. Even the time here is a rare commodity..."

"Lumen," she said, "I just don't understand. How can you serve.... him... but be so kind..?"

Because Kain does, and I serve Kain and King Baron, the latter is he who chose Golbez personally.

"Lady Rosa, I am a Dragoon of Baron. I serve the orders of my Commander, my King, and anyone those two deem fit. Please understand."

Unsatisfied, her mouth opened to respond. However, there came a knock on the door.

"Oh, Lumen! Don't let the pet princess have too much freedom! That's just teasing her, my dear," The air archfiend cooed.

I held a hand up so Rosa would stay silent. "We're coming; the prisoner had to remove a massive load of excrement," I announced loudly. The Baronian mage's eyes bulged in horror. 'Please play along', I mouthed.

Barbaraccia screeched. "That's disgusting!" She rasped. "How are you even alive in there, I think I smell it out here!"

Actually, that smell would be the Monsters.... but sure.

"Lumen!" She shouts. "If you're alive by time the wench is done, meet me in the next room. We will do training, and Kain wants to teach you something."

"Thank you, Barbaraccia!" I shout back through the door. When the air rustles, I know she is gone, and I return my attention to Rosa.

"My apologies, my Lady. But you see, things have changed in Baron. In true Baronian fashion, we adapt." Before she can say more, I finish. "I should return you to the chamber now; I'm sorry."  Wordlessly, she allowed me to lead her out of the tiny room and stood still as I tied her up and pulled the lever to suspend her.

"It will be much safer for you to remain quiet," I advised curtly before leaving to find Kain.

As the archfiend of wind had said, she and Kain awaited me in the chamber beside Rosa's. It looked the same as the rest of the tower, but the ceiling seemed to rise forever.

"Good gods, Lumen," Kain muttered. "You took forever just to take her to the privy."

"Yes, well, it appears stress can impact a woman's bowel movement-"

"That's absolutely disgusting," Barbaraccia hissed as her face contorted.

"Lumen," Kain said, ignoring my comment, "I'm going to teach you how to leap farther and hit harder. The Dragoons have always specialized more in hand-to-hand combat, but with your shooting, you're an asset, especially if we can get you in the air." He suddenly whipped his lance out, and leaped straight up.

Barbaraccia draped a slender arm over my shoulder, pulling my eyes from the commander. "Lord Kain truly is strong, for a human. I can see why you humble yourself to him."

I don't deny Kain's strength. But in no way do I humble myself by being a subordinate. With his experience, he deserves the power he has. I return my gaze to the armored man.

His armor seemed weightless as he continued higher and higher. He vanished and I searched for him in the sky.

Suddenly I heard a soft thud and felt a blade at my throat from behind.