Chapter Thirty-Six – Uncertainty

Panic and uncertainty seized the room. The heckler's legs blurred as he rushed to the stage, panting and sweating fiercely. ''I've been informed that there are spies among us!''

Fixing his steely gaze forward, Kardas extended his arm, the only way in or out of the room. Two individuals rushed forward with swift obedience, blocking the door.

No one dared to move. Parents held their children tighter and many clenched their fists, ready to defend themselves if need be. Within the crowd, Ailith and Emlyn lowered their heads, trying to mask their faces in shadow.

Before chaos could descend, Kardas raised his hand. ''Everyone, please, do not panic. No harm will come to you if you have nothing to hide. Remain as you are while we search the room. These spies will be found and dealt with promptly.''

Ailith shuddered. Glancing from side-to-side, she saw at least four armed White Sword members approach the crowd. They began their hunt, prowling through the agitated crowd, examining each face and patting their arms and legs for concealed weapons. Ailith theorised that she could escape suspicion, but Emlyn might not be so lucky, even with her white hair veiled. Hiding her balled fist behind her back, her skin slowly crackled and turned into a light shade of green.

She was stopped when Emlyn slapped her arm discreetly and turned to her. ''Don't be rash. We haven't been ousted yet.''

''They've blocked the exit. We can't escape without fighting our way out.''

Instead of arguing, Emlyn scanned the room for an opening. Somehow, she appeared the most unnerved of anyone in the room. Her eyes would dart back to see the White Sword slipping through the crowd, edging closer to the two women. Judging the speed and pattern of their search, she estimated that she had no longer than half a minute to plan their escape.

Emlyn's gaze stopped at one of the torches perched on the far corner of the stage. The fire danced in front of a White Sword flag that hung from the walls. Much like the flames, a spark flickered in the swordswoman's mind.

Rolling her arm slightly, the Seax strapped to her arm slid down her elbow and nestled in the palm of her hand. ''On my signal, keep your head bowed and run as fast as you can towards the exit.'' She whispered to Ailith, keeping her eyes latched onto the torch.

Staring at Emlyn, then at the torch and back again, Ailith nodded.

Emlyn squeezed the handle of her weapon, almost crushing it. Her arm lashed outwards like a lightning strike.

The small blade flew through the air, pierced through the torch with enough force to carry it over to the flag. Pinned to the material, it only took a second for it to ignite into a blaze. Kardas turned to the fire, feeling its heat grow. ''Someone, help me to put this fire out!'' He ordered.

With the crowd dispersing, trying to distance themselves from the flames, the White Sword withdrew from their search and rushed to help their leader combat the fire. People pushed and shoved their way to the back of the room, moving like a wave about to reach the shore. For a moment, Ailith and Emlyn drifted with the crowd, carried along until there was only a short distance away from the still guarded exit. Emlyn peeked over her shoulder at the guards, noting the uncertainly plastered over their faces. Their sight was spread across a flustering number of people.

''Now!''

Twirling their bodies and digging their heels into the ground, Ailith and Emlyn launched forward with all their strength. The guards were almost blown away by the force of the women sprinting past them.

Kardas twisted his body. ''There they are! Don't let them escape!''

Regaining their footing, the White Sword gave chase.

Ailith didn't look back. Her and Emlyn raced through the earthy hallways, ducking and weaving through the roots of trees and destroyed relics that lay in their path. The warrior could hear people shouting from behind. It was all incoherent babble to her, dulled by the sound of her footsteps crashing against the floor as she quickened her pace, challenging herself to keep ahead of the White Sword and stay level with Emlyn.

Heart pumping in her chest, Ailith and Emlyn refused to slow down even when they saw the light that illuminated the end of the tunnel. They returned to the surface, welcomed by gentle raindrops patting their faces and hurried to their horses. Leaping into the saddles, they urged their horses forward without delay. Chunks of dirt and grass were thrown into the air by the horses' hooves.

Before they were too far away, Ailith looked over her shoulder at the cave. 

By the time anyone else had emerged from the mouth, they were mere specks in the distance.

~X~

Kiros slammed his fist on the table, splintering it down the middle. The Knights and members of the council reclined in their seats to avoid the forceful act. Nassandra sat next to her father, fixing her eyes on the floor as Emlyn explained the scale of the danger they faced.

The Commander described what had happened with Ailith by her side, confirming the details. During this, Ailith took her time to read the unsettled expressions worn on the face of each Knight sat in the room. One stood out amongst the crowd. Ailith felt a lump form in her throat staring at the desolation etched in Kuval's eyes.

The silence was broken when the troubled King returned his gaze to Emlyn. ''If this masked radical really is Kardas Valkoinen...our situation has shifted from worrying to harrowing. Are you certain that it's him?''

''All we know for certain is that he used the name Kardas Valkoinen and his aura...'' Emlyn hesitated, exchanging a quick glance with Ailith. Their bodies froze, remembering the immensity exuding like fire from the Sun. ''It doesn't matter who is under that mask. He poses a threat to us all.''

Kiros rested his chin against his tight fist, sitting in silence for a moment. His eyes were temporarily drawn to his daughter, softening when he noticed he trying to keep a regal posture.

''If I may,'' Bricen rose from his seat. ''From what I've heard, this man claims to be only after those of noble blood or with ties to the crown. It would seem he has no quarrel with commoners.'' His scowl altered in Ailith's direction, boring holes into her.

Ailith narrowed her eyes. ''You still think I'm a suspect?''

''I just find it curious that you continually assert innocence, yet everyone who does seem to be involved in the attack has been in contact with you. First, the assassin, now this White Sword protestor we have imprisoned who told you of this secret rally.''

''Because I was locked in the same dungeon as her before I could explain myself!'' She snapped back, her eyes flickered to the far corner where Marshal Cadere sat. He raised his chin defiantly, yet he illustrated a somewhat sympathetic expression.

Before they could argue any further, another councilman spoke with a worried tone. ''Returning to the topic at hand, perhaps Kardas is trying to raise an army to overthrow us?''

''That's ridiculous!'' A Knight scoffed. ''The White Sword has been around for years and they've never caused us such a level of distress before...''

Jerimoth suddenly slammed the bottom of his quarterstaff on the floor, drawing all eyes towards him. Slumped against his seat, he looked on with a pale, emotionless face. ''That is true, the White Sword has only been a minor inconvenience. Protests and strikes are manageable to deal with. But, if Kardas is leading them, then we are in a grave situation.''

''He's just one man,'' a councilwoman interjected. ''He's past his prime and clearly has to rely on others to do his work for him.''

Jerimoth clicked his tongue and frowned. ''The rank of Master is considered the highest in our order. It wasn't always like that. There used to be a rank above that, the peak of what any Knight could achieve. Grand Master. There's only been one in our Kingdom's history. I'll give you three guesses who it was!''

The doubters were hushed instantly.

Shifting in his seat, a condescending smirk grew over Jerimoth's lips. ''While many of you were still suckling milk from your mothers, Kardas was out there becoming the best. He defeated some of the most dangerous criminals and savage warlords across the continent. And, if what our dear Commander and her lackey have said is true, then it sounds like he can still decapitate anyone in this room without breaking a sweat...''

''Enough!''

In that instant, Ailith's heart stopped, fearing that Kuval had become possessed.

It was clear that she wasn't the only one surprised by the outburst. Everyone stared at him, wide-eyed and silent. He trembled in his seat, waiting for the red in his face to disappear as he composed himself.

Jerimoth looked away, keeping his lips sealed to the best of his ability.

''Kuval,'' Kiros said, waiting for the Knight to look up. ''I can't have you silent on this matter.''

''I know, Your Majesty,'' Kuval sighed. Lacing his fingers together, he closed his eyes, shutting everyone out for a few seconds as he pondered. Before long, he opened his eyes and turned to Ailith. ''Would you be able to identify the woman who told you of this rally?''

She nodded hesitantly.

''That's where we'll start.''

''But...'' Ailith responded before she could stop herself. ''She said this rally would prove the White Sword didn't have anything to do with the attack.''

Another Knight raised their voice. ''She either lied and sent you into a trap, or she lied about being apart of the White Sword.''

''No,'' Emlyn folded her arms over her chest. ''It couldn't be the latter. They'd been informed that someone would be infiltrating the rally.''

''Katelyn couldn't have done it!'' Ailith protested. ''She's imprisoned, how would she have told them?''

Kuval released a shaky breath. ''I have a theory. A dreadful one, but with every new piece of the puzzle, it seems the most likely outcome. The White Sword...has already permeated itself within the castle.''

A sea of pale faces filtered throughout the room. The horrifying notion filled the air with dread as one person looked to the other, unable to hide their suspicious looks.

Nassandra kept her head bowed, clenching her knees tightly and trying to regulate her breathing pattern. She flinched when she felt even the smallest of movements next to her. Thankfully, it only turned out to be her father shuffling his seat closer to hers.

Bricen lifted his bottom jaw after it had dropped and turned to Kuval. ''That's...quite the leap to make. I was hypothesising that the assassin knew the routes around the castle because a former Knight is leading the White Sword...''

''But, Kardas wouldn't know who would be on guard and when without inside help,'' Kuval replied. ''It would explain why no one was around at the time and how Ailith was also able to navigate the castle without being caught. I hate to suggest it as much as you all hate to hear it, but I fear that we have a knife pressed against our backs.''

In the midst of the uneasy silence, Ailith's mind spun. It sickened her to think that one Knight would be involved with the attack on Nassandra. The idea that there could be traitors in the ranks churned her stomach.

''This raises another issue,'' Cadere said. ''If word got out that the perpetrators of the attack were hiding in the castle all along, then the tournament competitors might want retaliation for being kept in the Kingdom during this investigation.''

Kiros nodded. ''Which is why everything will proceed as it has done for the past few weeks. The Kingdom remains on lockdown. The tournament competitors will remain public suspects while we focus our attention on the White Sword. I do not care if they are simple protestors, anyone whose name is attached to that group will be under investigation. We'll double border patrols around the castle.''

''Your Majesty,'' Bricen said, extending his arms. ''Our numbers are already stretched, we can't...''

''I have just been told that there is a potential traitor, do not test my patience, Bricen!'' Kiros snarled with enough malice to shush the councilman and leave him squirming in his seat. ''The more of the White Sword we detain, the greater our chances will be of finding Kardas. I refuse to allow them the chance to plan another attack. If there is nothing else, I call this meeting adjourned. You are all dismissed.''

Everyone rose from their seats. Many clenched their fists on their chest and bowed while others didn't, most likely still fighting the fear grasping their throats.

Just as Ailith's eyes were about to drop to the floor, she noticed Nassandra approaching her and Emlyn. The Princess timidly wrung her hands together and bowed respectfully to them. ''I beg your forgiveness, Commander. Had I known the danger you'd be facing, I wouldn't have ask-,''

''It was necessary,'' Emlyn said. ''We know more than we did yesterday. You have no reason to beg for forgiveness.''

''If anything,'' Ailith followed up. ''You should be thanked.''

''I could say the same to you.'' Nassandra smiled, a small hint of red flushed over her cheeks. She pursed her lips, appearing as if she had more to say, but chose to keep the conversation short. ''I have to go. Take care.'' She gave a curt nod and turned to join her father.

Ailith pursed her lips, noticing the way Nassandra murmured something harshly under her breath before departing. ''She just needs more confidence in herself.''

Emlyn stared at her. ''You think others haven't already told her that?''

Discouraged to stay on the conversation after hearing the Commander's bitter tone, Ailith turned to face her fully. She flashed a small smile before shifting the topic. ''We made a pretty good team today, at least, I think so.''

She raised one hand and cupped her fist into a ball, holding up in front of Emlyn's face. The swordswoman raised a single brow, eyes darting from Ailith's face to her waiting hand.

''Oh, it's a Partona salute! Just do the same as I do, and then we unlock our hands and run them together.'' She explained. However, Emlyn's probing expression didn't change. ''It's a sign of camaraderie, and said to bring good luck if we work together again in the future.''

Stoic as ever, Emlyn remained still for a few more seconds before turning and walking down a corridor until she was out of sight. Ailith lowered her hand, tensing it a few times.

''Don't be disheartened,'' Kuval's soft voice caught her attention. She spun around and saw him walking over.

''I don't think she likes me,'' Ailith said frankly.

''You and she have...conflicting personalities. Emlyn has a good heart, she just prefers to keep to herself.'' His smile slowly formed into a shameful frown. ''I must apologise for my reaction earlier. It must have been startling for you to see me like that.''

Ailith almost shrugged it off but knew that she couldn't lie to her hero. With the room now empty, an eerie silence lingered. ''You knew him, didn't you?''

He swallowed hard. ''Aye, I did.''

''And...it's the same Kardas that Duron mentioned?''

''They are the same.''

Although she had suspected it, the confirmation was enough to make her skin crawl. ''Is there any chance it might not be him?''

''Until we're face to face, I can't say for certain,'' Kuval stated sombrely. ''I've not heard from him in over twenty years. It would not be absurd for me to think he would be the one orchestrating this uprising. He didn't leave on the best of terms.''

Her mind rattled with so many questions. She tried to comprehend the situation, but couldn't picture a scenario in her head where a Knight would plot to destroy. The image of Kardas entered her sub-conscious. Despite the mask, the armour and the weapons, she could only think of the Knight's symbol. Her body tensed. ''I can't explain it, but...I couldn't face him.''

''Most likely your defensive instincts after feeling his aura.''

''No, it was different. I've never backed down from a fight before, even if I knew my opponent was stronger. Actually, that encouraged me more. But, the idea of fighting Kardas paralyses me. It was like I physically couldn't bring myself to fight him.''

Kuval scratched his grizzled chin. ''I don't know what to tell you, Ailith. It's been a long day, more so for you than others. Let's return you to your room, and you can get some well-deserved rest.''

Reluctantly, she nodded. It wasn't the most satisfying answer by any stretch of the imagination. But, there was nothing more that could be done for now.

Before they left, something still plagued her mind. She looked at Kuval with uncertainty. ''You don't still think I'm involved in the attack, do you?''

He stared for a moment before, to her surprise, laughing lightly. ''If you were, you'd be one of the greatest criminal masterminds I've ever stumbled across.''

The heartfelt sound of his laughter was enough to ease the tension building inside of Ailith. A smile tugged at her lips and she joined him in a small chuckle.

She flinched when she felt Kuval's hand clap down on her shoulder. ''In actuality, I think that you are a brave and strong woman with a good moral compass. I believe that if fate was to align just right, you'd be a capable Knight.''

Ailith's breath hitched in her throat and her heart almost burst out of her chest. ''You-...I...'' she babbled, unable to form a coherent sentence until a few attempts had been made. ''Th-thank you.''

A/N: Hello guys, girls and everyone else. How have you been? I hoped that you enjoyed this new chapter. I apologise for taking so long. I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone that has been getting into the story so far. There's plenty more excitement and thrills on the horizon. Is there really a traitor within the castle? If so, who do you think it is? And can Ailith face Kardas if it comes to a showdown? Only one way to find out. Until next time, thank you all and take care.