Mas Bagus

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Jazdia was a bit upset with the closing. According to their account, she deduced that the mercenaries were also oblivious to what they had gotten themselves into. That also means the group was hired at a rock-bottom price, and very incompetent they basically let their employer double-cross them like this. She wondered what Yvonne had to say about it. Though rarely expressed, honor amongst freelancers was still a norm.

Done pondering and returning her attention to Matilda, Jazdia's expression was steeled. To think it could have been her makes the elf shudder.

"Now we only have Fanghorn to look into." she said, fully acknowledging that this time it shouldn't be stated in certitude but she did anyway. "But obviously, we-- I can't overlook the fact that you are not in a condition to fight. We can proceed without you but we can't spare anyone to usher you safely back to Rascade or Hdur if the swift action to rescue the prince is still on the table."

The elf shrugged. She had a plan, obviously, but that will wait for Matilda first. To adapt and be adjusted accordingly. It was never an effective way of deciding things, but due to the duality of the leadership, it was given.

"There, I have said my part. Ultimately, you have to decide it yourself.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

The gloomy night has faded, along with the mist among the trees. Their pace was faster, for the trail had become easier to follow. Yet, to be able to discern the silhouettes of persons on the far end of the road, Jazdia had to activate her eyes, hopefully for the last time this morning.

"Glad you made it out alive!" she greeted as they arrived at their unspecified rendezvous point. The elf spared another moment to give up her assessment after she dismounted from her horse. "And glad you you didn't bring additional company."

Jazdia recognized Chonan and Veronica, and of course, Matilda herself, who seemed a little bit worst for wear. Scanning her purely out of concern ... her prior assessment was definitely an understatement.

Guiding the horses, and by the extent the party off the road, they gathered in a clearing surrounded by enough trees and foliage that at least give them some cover from the passing patrol. Then, Jazdia spoke again.

"We cannot go far with this makeshift sled. But that's the least of my concern. It appears that the enemy's capability to coordinate their countermeasure is not as sophisticated as their magical enchantment." Jazdia yawned, though the sun had arisen, the light it radiates was hardly replenishing. "Still, there are some riddles and decisions we must solve and pick. But first, a full report would be nice. Just keep it simple."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Unnamed local mercenary," The connection was so bad whatever was said from Yvonne's side was still on hold, so she turned to Kaito instead. "Rings any bell? I believe they were not part of Miss Noble's company. Their leader got injured by the explosion, so the situation is a complete mess over there. A misunderstanding I reckon, and considering nobody was trying to defuse the situation, we should at least expect pitchforks and torches. Classic!"

She waited for a moment. Still no reply from Yvonne yet.

"Say, I am wondering if Matilda brought an important trinket with her, something that indicates her service in the small circle around the king himself. I am sure the investigation would be a lot easier if that was the case."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Local mercenaries? Who hired them? And for what purpose?"

Jazdia soon realized that half of her message was lost in transmission, probably colliding and overpowered by Yvonne's incoming message.

"Say, if you're coming here maybe get the cart we hid earlier? Ain't no way to move Mattie on a horse. Ah, would be great if our bear can leg it faster too."

"The bear is not with us. It would take some time to refit the cart with one of our horses. I can do that for you, but if you want to depart quickly, I suggest you look for another transport in that village. Hang tight, we will be there for one hour! It seemed the diplomatic approach is no longer viable from your end. You are free to defend yourself, but keep the body count at a minimum, yeah? Do you still want me to bring the cart or not?"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Meanwhile in Rasacade, on the same frigid dawn, Fredrucus stood at his palace's highest section, watching his city spring to life. Though there was a lockdown and a threat of war, people didn't seem troubled by it. Shops were open, with or without customers, and streets, though somewhat sparse, were still populated by shoppers and common citizens alike.

Kindean people were hard workers and his father's decision to reform the country was a no-brainer move.

His father, King Jonas was a very strict and paranoid man. Though a visionary leader, he trusted nobody unless there was a stake to keep his allies stayed in line. There was no occasion for him to go without deploying a full platoon on his itinerary and there was some occasion when those who breached the security code got mercilessly executed. At one point in his life, Fredricus believed it was due to the rough upbringing caused by his warmongering grandfather who didn't take the defeat of Kindence after a Ten Years war very well, and now at some point he still did.

The alliance between the royal family and noble clans was built on fragile associations. It was a legacy from his father, but he did not blame him. Jonas was always a role father and leader to him, but Fred had no desire to be the copy of his predecessors.

Instead of brandishing fear and intimidation, he chose to be practical and understanding. In exchange for their loyalty, he distributed power to those clans. A sign of trust, and promoting them to take their part to make this country prosper. It worked for so many years and to think someone would break this status quo had made him enraged. Even more so when his spy reported that one of the Delving whelps was caught sneaking from his tomb. He had to take refuge in the highest pinnacle of his castle to cool his head off.

The scheme their orchestrated was not that surprising, but they did the extra mile to desecrate his father's resting place as well. Right in the most critical times. Only animals are capable of doing such preposterous things.

The noise of heavy climbing steps causes Fred to draw his sword and spin around. He was a king, but make no mistake, the aging monarch was still capable of personally lopping off a traitor's head from their treacherous shoulder.

"Your highness..."

Despite having a blade pointed at him, his chamberlain astutely knelt. For someone who just experienced a rude awakening that highlighted his vulnerability, it did ease Fredricus' nerve a bit.

"... I bring news from Squire Anderson, they have finished the search on the tunnels, and found the body of the Black Serpent Guild Master Gerrald, as his highness requested."

Fredricus sheathed his sword. "What about Henri?"

"They didn't find him."

"So what the heck did they find? What about the weapons?"

"Indeed His Highness, the soldiers found the weapon stash. It says the amount was enough to arm at least two and a half thousand people. The place seemed to have been abandoned just recently."

"Seemed just recently?" the king glared tensely. So Jazdia's report was true. there was a potential rebellion hiding under his feet. Nearly losing a grip on his trademark calmness, Fredricus blared. "Who dares to do that?"

"I beg your pardon, His Highness. I do not now, simply relayed what the squire said."

"And what are the fates of those contrabands?"

"The royal guards are still transporting the crates as we speak."

The monarch sighed. Clearly, there was no way Delving could plan all of this by themselves. He must have supporters, other nobles, and clans to cover their backs. It felt like everyone was turning against him and he could no longer differentiate between his own allies. Could he trust Matilda? Where was his son? Was there anyone in this country that doesn't want him dead? Could he even trust his own chamberlain?

"The body of the aforementioned individual had been secured by Madam Antigne and her team, His highness." the chamberlain reported, again his timing could not be any better. at least it was something else Fred could divert his attention to. If chance allows, he would go down to the wizard's laboratory right now and commended Antigone to use whatever spell to make the dead sing. But right now he doesn't want to act brash. He could imagine how those pesky nobles would mock him behind his back for using testimony from a talking corpse as sole
evidence-- no, he will need another piece to connect the dots, and he expected his hirelings to bring him just that.

"Very Good. Summon the Squire at ten o'clock. I want to hear the full report from him. Dismissed!"

"As you wish, my liege."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"So it is either they are not really aware of what happened in Pesti, or simply trying to keep us out of their city..."

There was a powerful mage warding the entire place. That explained the curtain and anti-scrying magic deployed in Fanghorn. Once again the unconventional agent had proven his worth. Unlike Matilda and--

When Jazdia busied herself contemplating a certain orc captain, she heard a ping on her communication device. Huh, it seemed the commpass was not as damaged as she had imagined.

"Yes, come in!"

At first, it was a distorted voice akin to a dying chipmunk. "Is this-- yiikk working? Hello? ---- wiikkk yiikkkkHello? ----"

"I cannot hear you. Grip the device tightly then speak."

Oh finally! Whoever designed this need to get a spanking, I swear."

Oh, she would be more than happy to deliver the feedback on this obsolete piece of junk to Old Man Anderson himself just for the fun of it. But that could wait.

"Cut the chatter, Miss Yvonne. What's happening over there?"

"Short version, it all went to shit. I think Matilda got a face-full of explosives, she's got shrapnel all over."

"Is she dead?

Currently unconscious again, but she got some scrying orders out to missus Verny here. Supposedly prince's in Fanghorn. For sure this time. Small fort on a hill, there's stone wall, village attached next to it, in view of the river yeah? He's in the garret up there.

"The description matches, yes.

What to do now, boss?"

"First is to make sure you are clear to move out from Pesti. How is the situation over there? How many of them you are dealing with, and who are they? The prince can wait. We are currently on our way to provide you with some assistance."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Resurrected druid huh?" asked Jazdia with a raised eyebrow. Like what Cedar had currently demonstrated, Druids were difficult folks to deal with, and she reckon the difficulty would be at least twofold with an undead druid. But Solomon assured her of his purpose and seemed confident that this 'siabre' would be more approachable and cooperative than the first impression about him suggested.

"Yeah, I think I can see the trace of Cedar's works," she said, recalling gleaming sands that had been sowed on some parts of the road. She activated her eyes again and had a quick scan toward the treelines on both sides of the road "Pretty sure I didn't ask him to disable the entire road, and I can't see him anywhere nearby."

Without lowering the speed of her horse, Jazdia reached her thermos, pulled the cap, and drank her already-cold tea without bothering to reheat it.

"Let us hope August can finish his task quickly. We might need all extra hands we can get."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Even if I am right, it is still fifty-fifty odds. My initial plan was to scout Fanghorn and got a good look if the Prince was there. Then ride back to Rascade to inform Fred and put him in a situation that he can't refuse to send an army. That option is still viable, but The Enemy's curtains made it a lot more complicated."
The cold air morning air caused Jazdia to shudder occasionally.

"The reason why we retreated back to Pesti is for our own safety too. Now the north bridge is closed there would be no easy way for us to escape had Matilda and her team got overrun by the enemies. We can't let ourselves be trapped between hammer and anvil."

"We can lure the enemy out a lot easier if only Fred is actively doing his part and not cowering under the pretense of secrecy." Jazdia groaned, which seemed to be the only expression she showed after a long while. Indeed they should asses their 'resources' as Kaito put it, but broken comms were unexpected. She decelerated her horse and turned to Solomon. "What's the status of your shadow in Pesti? And was that...a Leshen?"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Mess? No, not all. This is still within my calculation. Fred wanted to use me as a pawn, I simply did the same to his subordinate. Hurting Matilda means the Noble in charge of these lands can be held accountable, and his next move will be easier to observe. I simply prefer to have our dear captain take the brunt. Remember that she is the leader in this investigation, and was eager to go to Pesti. The decision was taken as the compromise."

Jazdia's voice was as cold as the morning air, and it stayed that way when she continued.

"Our enemy is trying to get rid of us? You don't say! I don't know how to say this without making you feel undervalued, or making me look confronting, but you are stating what both of us had already aware of, and yet the big question still remained; How would we deal with it?

Jazdia closed her reply by giving the fox a searched look.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Jazdia's horse barely moved a few distances when Kaito asked. "”What do you mean in trouble? What did she say, do you have any intel on their situation? Did they run into an obvious trap based on intel too good to be true? ”

"She said nothing important, the usual." Jazdia pulled the reins a bit harder than usual, causing her mount to slightly recoiled in protest. She wasn't an animal lover sort, but after a gentle tap on the neck, the beast had calmed down.

"From what I heard, Matilda was trying to force an entry into a building or trying to open something. She triggered a tripwire or god knows what I guess. Explosion ensued. The comms stopped working after that."

Jazdia nodded at the hunter, who had expressed his intention to remain here. "Good Idea. Tell the bear that we are regrouping with Matilda and to... uh stay here until we returned. Or whatever."

Seeing the doctor has already joined them, the party started their journey back to Pesti. Although time was against them, they did not force their steeds to gallop and opted for a more steady pace. They would need the horses in top condition on their way back to Fanghorn. Hopefully.

Riding side by-side, Jazdia noticed the gloom on Kaito's face. "You don't seem very happy. Mind sharing it, little fox?"