Chapter Twenty-Six - A New Mission
Chapter Twenty-Six - A New Mission
Levana hurried down the halls of the castle. Her sword was strapped to her belt on the left, while her shield swayed with every step by her right. She ignored the jolt of pain whenever it banged against her knee, desperate to reach the war room before she could test the patience of her superiors.
She approached the door, noticing the lack of guards standing watch. After a momentary pause to straighten her posture, she entered, quietly and hesitantly.
Across the room, sitting on the other side of the table were Kiros and Nassandra. Masters Kuval and Jerimoth stood closest to them, the former bowing his head slightly to welcome their last arrival. Jerimoth repeated the gesture but kept his eyes fixed on the stack of entry forms piled on the table. At the two corners of the table were Marshal Cadere and Commander Emlyn. He acknowledged her with a hospitable grin, while Emlyn barely reacted.
Levana advanced before clenching her fist over her heart and bowing. She pursed her lips, fearing that if she spoke they would hear the tremble in her voice.
''Rise, Miss Elpida,'' King Kiros instructed. Without delay, Levana obeyed, holding her chin high and puffing out her chest. ''We appreciate you coming on such short notice.''
''The privilege is mine, your majesty. How may I be of assistance?''
The King glanced in Kuval's direction and the Knight took that as his cue to explain the situation. He turned and smiled at Levana, somewhat sheepishly. ''There is an investigation currently going on to find and question those who participated in the tournament. Unfortunately, we've underestimated the time and number of Knights it would take...''
Jerimoth scoffed. ''That's an understatement if I've ever heard one.''
Ignoring his snide comment, Kuval continued. ''As we are short on options at the moment, we've called you here to inform you that you will be supporting us with the interrogation of a suspect.''
Levana stiffened. Her best efforts to remain passive failed as the colour drained from her cheeks. ''I'm going on my first mission?''
A loud clap from the King startled her. ''Aye, that you are,'' he chuckled with pride. ''Try not to get too excited. We know how much you've been looking forward to this moment.''
Levana prayed to the Gods that he couldn't see her knees shaking. She kept her face blank to the best of her ability, not sure where to turn. Her heart was drumming against the interior of her armour, threatening to break free. Afraid that she was going unresponsive for too long, she bowed once more. ''I am ready to serve, for the good of my kingdom and my home.''
Kiros smiled. ''That's what we like to hear.''
As the trainee's head was bowed, Nassandra stared with soft eyes, recognising the rigidness and hesitance. She longed to meet the eyes of the nervous Knight and offer her support.
After lifting her gaze, Levana stared at Cadere. ''Are we together?''
''I have another matter to tend to,'' he replied. ''But, fear not, you'll have two Masters and a Commander by your side. You're in good hands.''
She couldn't have agreed more. Her mouth twitched upwards, excited to hear that her first mission would be done alongside legends. However, a hint of dread slowly clawed up her spine. What could they possibly face that would require this group? She swallowed her fear and turned to the two masters. ''Who is our target?''
Jerimoth reached outwards, his hand hovered over an entry form on the table. He slammed it down with a heavy thud before flinging it over to Levana. It fluttered upwards and sideways. Levana's hands blurred, trying to catch the piece of paper. After a few fumbles, she caught it and inspected it thoroughly, finding a name. Holding the form, she felt another piece of paper stuck to the back. She flipped the form over and felt a trickle of sweat pour down the back of her neck the moment she saw the wanted poster of a finely-dressed Majan.
''Turrock,'' Jerimoth blurted. ''Cunning, dangerous and powerful. See those tattoos on his arms? They're coated in Sorgink.'' He tapped his hand on the top of his staff. The light from the braziers above gleamed off the black markings on the stick. ''One arm makes oil, and the other creates sparks that light it up like a dragon's flame.''
It was near impossible for Levana to hide her fear. The paper shook in her hands, no matter how hard she tried to still her arms. Her eyes scanned the paper.
Wanted
Turrock
Dead or Alive.
Reward: Seventy-Thousand Ark
She looked up, licking her dry lips. ''Would it really require the four of us to confront him?''
Kuval slowly nodded. ''While we shouldn't underestimate him, it's those with him that worry us more. He's one of the elder sons of the Duron Gang. They're quite possibly the most notorious gang in the kingdom. And we speak from experience.''
A slow exhale escaped her. She felt Commander Emlyn's eyes burn into her from the side. Despite being silent throughout the meeting, her presence couldn't be ignored.
''We know you're still in training,'' Kuval said. ''But, all other Knights are assigned to other missions. There's no one else we can call.''
''I understand.'' Levana replied shakily.
Kiros rose from his seat and all eyes turned to him. ''It's settled. You'll head down to the armoury before departing. We know that the Duron Gang won't leave the kingdom, but I'd prefer he be questioned post-haste.''
Something cried out for attention in the back of Nassandra's mind. She remained still and quiet, casting out what was being said now and focused on what was said before. Kuval mentioned that all Knights were preoccupied with missions. If an untested trainee was selected for such a risky assignment, it had to be true. The number of entry forms scattered across the table gave her an idea of the magnitude of this search. Her heart froze at the prospect of one, if not all, of them targeting her family. That's when her mind shifted to Ailith. If all Knights were busy with the search...
''Who's guarding Ailith?'' She flinched as everyone turned in her direction. The voices in her head cursed her for raising her voice. Much to the surprise of everyone, including herself, she continued. ''Is...does Ailith still have a guard?''
After a short, unresponsive beat, Cadere cleared his throat. ''Not to worry, your highness. We have a guard for today, then tonight...'' he suddenly hesitated. His reassuring smile dropped and his eyes became distant.
The next sound came from Jerimoth tightening his grip on his staff. ''Then what?'' he growled.
Cadere sighed. ''The Knight who was assigned for tonight was called away on another mission...''
''She'll be unguarded?'' Jerimoth barked, trying to hold back the vulgar words edging over the tip of his tongue. ''I expected better of you, Marshal!''
''Forgive me, Master Jerimoth,'' Cadere solemnly bowed his head. ''There was no other option. The group was limited and needed all the numbers they could get.''
''We need solutions, not excuses!''
Kuval glared at his old friend. ''Jerimoth...''
He shot Kuval a fierce stare. ''What? Are you going to reprimand me for showing concern that we'll have an unguarded commoner ambling on castle grounds?''
Nassandra fidgeted in her seat, silently wishing that she had held her tongue. Her skin crawled as Jerimoth ranted, his voice bellowing louder with every word. Fearing that she would make the situation worse, she buried any chance of her speaking again. Instead, she opted to keep her head low and wait for her father to offer an answer.
Levana quietly stepped forward. ''Perhaps I could stay behind to watch her?''
Before Jerimoth could make another cynical comment, Kuval intervened. ''Thank you for the offer, but we need you on this mission.'' He paused. Clenching his fist he gently tapped it on the table as everyone stared at him inquisitively, knowing that something clicked in his mind. Finally, with a glimmer in his eyes, he turned to the King. ''If I might make a suggestion...''
''No!'' Jerimoth snapped.
''You didn't hear what I was going to say...''
''I know what you're going to say and there is no chance amongst the stars that you are going to bring her on this mission!'' The second those words passed Jerimoth's lips, everyone's eyes widened. ''She has had no formal training that we know of. We don't know where her allegiance lies. Oh, and this is my favourite part, we are tasked with confronting someone who has already defeated her!''
''You are the one who called for solutions, not excuses!'' Kuval responded firmly.
No one knew where to look as the room fell into an uncomfortable calmness. Kiros displayed a questioning glance. ''This is unprecedented. We cannot make this decision lightly.''
Kuval nodded. ''That is why it will not be up to me alone. We shall vote.''
Levana opened her mouth. Without uttering a word, Jerimoth waved his hand dismissively. ''You're just a trainee, your voice holds no weight here.''
She quickly sealed her lips.
''You all know where I stand.'' The agitated Master murmured.
Kuval's lip curled upward. ''I say let her come. I think she could be a valuable ally in this mission.''
The focus was shifted to the next person, the quiet and resigned Emlyn. ''She has some skill, but it's too much of a risk. I vote no.''
''Glad that someone other than me is speaking rationally.'' Jerimoth mumbled.
Like the turning hands of a clock, everyone's gaze swung over to Cadere. He stood, thoughtful and patience as he mulled over his decision. His mind flickered back to Ailith's plea. ''I should say no...but, I think this will be a good test for her.''
''A test?'' Jerimoth snarled. ''This is not one of your training assignments, Marshal! She is a danger to herself and others who have to watch her back!''
''I am aware of that.'' He argued.
Hoping to prevent another argument from starting, Kuval leant forward. ''A stalemate. It falls to the King.''
The King scratched his chin. ''I'm in two minds. I don't want someone to die because we brought them along on a mission. I can't deny that I'm curious to see what she's capable of.''
Nassandra seized the arms of her chair, praying that he decide the vote. She saw the debate in his eyes. A single vein bulged across his temple. Guilt plagued her for causing this commotion. She wanted it resolved. Silently, she asked herself what Ailith would want. Only a second passed when she had her answer. ''May I speak?'' She inquired.
With everyone's eyes on her again, she rose to her feet before anyone could answer. ''I...I understand both sides. It wouldn't be fair to put this pressure on Ailith to help us. But...I think it would be unfair if she weren't given the chance to prove herself. I don't want to be the one to stop her dream. Let her come.''
Everyone could see her quaking. She was looking forward, but too numb to register anything. Her father clapped his hands together eagerly. ''Then, it's settled...again.''
Kuval turned to Levana. ''Inform Ailith, and take her down to the armoury.''
''Yes, Master Kuval.'' Levana bowed before she quickly turned and left.
Nassandra's face had gone pale. Regret hooked into her skin. She jumped when she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. Her smile slowly started to return after seeing her father offer a comforting and supportive smile. ''I'm sorry...'' she whispered.
''Don't be,'' Kiros said gently. ''I would be more disheartened if you didn't speak your mind.''
The sound of Jerimoth's staff echoed throughout the war room. The one-legged master headed for the door, trying with all his might to avoid the glare from Kuval. However, he couldn't hold his tongue any longer. He stopped and turned to his friend one more time. ''If anyone dies, their blood won't be on my hands. Not this time.''
~X~
Hardly any time passed between Levana knocking on Ailith's door and entering the room. The trainee was focused on nothing more than finishing this life-threatening mission as swiftly as possible.
Ailith was upside down, a common sight to the Knights guarding her, performing handstand push-ups. Her body was up against the wall on the far side of the room. When she heard the door to her room open, she flipped her body and her feet returned to the floor. After mentally noting down the number she'd reached, her face glowed as soon as she saw Levana. The anxious look plastered over Levana's face caused her smile to fade. ''Is everything okay?''
''I've been assigned on my first mission.'' Levana replied sharply.
Ailith gasped. ''That's incredible!''
Levana swallowed hard. ''You're coming with us.''
Time stopped. Ailith blinked once, her stomach clenched and her bottom lip quivered. ''What?''
''I'm taking you down to the armoury. You'll need to be prepared for the mission. We can't have you going to a Majan gang hideout with only a vest and pants for protection.'' Levana said with the hint of a forced smile. If she was going to face potential death, she might as well use up what little bit of amusement she could.
Ailith was wringing her hands. ''Is this another dream?''
Levana was caught off-guard by that question. She shook her head. ''This is real. We need you for this mission.''
Dreams from Ailith's childhood embraced her. Images flashed of her fighting alongside the Knights. All her struggles, her battles, her scars, they finally felt worthwhile. With excitement bubbling in her stomach, and her heart jumping for joy, she pumped her fist into the palm of her hand. Her knuckles cracked as her smile returned, confident and determined. ''Let's go!''
A/N: Hello everyone, I hope that you like this latest chapter. At long last, Ailith has her first mission. How will it go down? Can she prove she has what it takes? You'll have to wait and see. I hope that you're enjoying this story so far. Don't be afraid to let me know what you like and where I can improve. Thank you all once again. Until next time, take care.
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