Mas Bagus

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

Baker could be found sitting at one of the guest's tables in the middle of the room, reading some books with a snicker on his face, not because the book was an exciting read, but because of the whimsical attitude his patron showed. On the terrace, he had his former boss who refused to enter. On another, he has a hungry bear who seemed all too eager to raid his entire establishment, but commendably decided to be a gentleman and knocked politely.

The Bakery owner closed his book and approached the door. "Yes? Please come in, what can I do for you? And where are the others?"

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

Jazdia activated her eyes, deactivated them to look at the map, then reactivate them again to verify the route they take. The road was calm with nothing unusual afoot. Their guide so far was still playing nice with the entire arrangement, and although the land and the road were strange to her, the elf didn't let cautiousness slow down their journey. Their countermeasures were already as strong as it was. They had Veronica as their early-warning system, and she has her eyes for a direct detector against ambush.

When they reached another crossroad, Jazdia opened her map again as a standard procedure. And activated her communication device.

"Good night, Baker. I assume there was nothing unusual at your end?"

There was a few second delays before the earpiece sounded the reply from the other end. "The road is clear... and if you don't believe what I say, your girl is napping next to me."

"My girl?"

"That blindfolded gal you picked on your way from Rascade." answered Baker, intentionally sounding it like describing a stray cat. "He was with me on the lookout."

Jazdia was almost choked by the air she was breathing. "You--Baker, If I heard you right, then I don't know what else to say other than hoping you know what you are doing."

"I figure you'd say that. She has been a nice girl, don't you worry. I have my reason to take her on a stroll. The suppressor might kill her, and her power can also kill her if I let it build up inside her. So, I do what a good guardian must do and let her unleash some of it on some unfriendly passersbies.

Jazdia paused to rearrange her breathing. No matter what she did, she lost the battle with her own mind; she has a powerful living weapon in her custody, and her plan for her must be addressed sooner or later.

"Don't worry, it was also for your own benefit as well," said Baker again, breaking the silence.

"I have heard that phrase too many times this day alone. But whatever, if you can 'read' her, that was not very surprising."

A hearty cackle could be heard from the other end. "So, nothing else from you as well? Delving has been a good friend?"

"Still remain to be seen."

"Good enough for me. Anyway, I am heading back now. It's night already and I have a kid in my care."

"Yeah, thanks for doing this. Baker."

"Yeah... be safe out there, I know you will. What I do not know is, what we, a bunch of retirees are doing out here, relieving the old days? National interest and security? Feels like I am a true Kindeance now..."

The communication was cut off without giving Jazdia a chance to answer. Almost like Baker was ashamed of his own sardonic comment. It was a shame though, riding on a lonely road with nothing else to do had made even a talk with Baker sound like an interesting activity.

Another two hours had passed, and Jazdia didn't bother anymore to count how many kilometers they have traversed. The convoy maintained its speed and all was quiet Jazdia for once though everyone inside the carriage was sleeping.

When she looked forward again, she saw two specks of light in the darkness. Jazdia had her ultravision activated and saw five men camping on the roadside. They didn't seem alerted when the convoy passed through, save a few glances toward the incoming gallopers. They were indeed armed, but their presentations didn't seem like people that were there for combat.

Another kilometer passed, and she saw similar campers again. Now looked more like traveling merchants with burden beasts and roofed cart. But.. as ridiculous as it sounded, no less than seven men were being packed inside that small cart. She was ready to nock an arrow, but thankfully nobody was stupid enough to instigate hostility.

They reached the bridge now, and anyone who was still awake would easily notice another remnant of a wall of thorns. Jazdia who had her eyes peeled since they passed that weird wagon was focused more on the structural damage caused by the overground and immediately notified Kaito to slow down and cross it with caution.

The road was quiet, and Jazdia barely picked up any sign of heat signature when looked at the treelines. The Delvings were still ahead. Though the admiral was beyond the range of her vision, the maid was not far, riding almost by her lonesome through the darkness and only looking back at some occasions.

It was almost too easy. After yet another long haul, they finally arrived at Hdur. The town too, was quiet, but not devoid of life. Some townsfolk could be seen hanging out at the plaza, and guards were patrolling. It was still nine o'clock when Jazdia looked at her pocket watch.

The Delvings, that had been their foremost outriders were nowhere to be seen. She did not see which turn they took.

The group made their last stop here, right in front of Baker's Inn. Jazdia parked her horse and sit on the bench on the bakery terrace, taking a moment of respite. There was still a considerable distance between Hdur and Rascade, but at least the road ahed was a lot safer now.

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

It was still several hours before the sun sunk at the western plain when the party set out from Fanghorn. Jazdia took the lead, with the cart following behind her. Reinhold was their coachman, with Kaito sitting behind him to ensure the vehicle drove on the intended path. No offense, but the hunter was still an unknown quality to her, and to see how grief could devastate a man like Chonan, a preventive measure should be at the ready.

"Hey back 'dere-- Could on a ya fetch ma boots 'n beatin' stick? Muh daddy made 'em boots!"

Yelled Cedar as the group passed the turn where they had hidden the old wagon.

Yvonne looked at the doctor for a moment, then broke away and into the trees, only to emerge a short while later with a large stick tied to the side of the saddle, and noticeably more stuffed saddle bags.

"Got 'em!" Yvonne shouted, before falling back in line.

They only slowed down when reaching the settlement scattered along the road from Fanhorn to Pesti. Initially intended to avoid the attention, but rather moot with the wagon having bear perched atop of its roof. And thus, such sightings became a small novelty to amuse disconsolate peasants and passersby.

Jazdia kept gripping her bow in one hand while the other unfixedly held the reins, ready to reach her arrow should the need arises. On her left and right was a swath of tilth with many orchards planted, but due to the storm earlier, it seemed they were having a crop failure, and many peasants could be seen salvaging the fruits that fell prematurely.

Another dozen kilometers had been covered without any portents. The group arrived at the remnants of the thorny wall that was supposed to block the road, courtesy of Cedar the Druid. But now it seemed someone had mowed through, creating a gap in the rosy hedge enough for two horses to walk through it side by side. Jazdia did not hear what they spoke of back them, but she figured someone might question how and who. Didn't really matter to her. The wagon passed without a hitch and they could put up more speed afterwards.

The sun was no longer on the horizon when the group slowed down again to a trot. Still leading Jazdia reached her arrow and breathed her power into it, causing the arrowhead to glow in soft purplish light, and with that, she signaled the group to stop. Kaito would know that this was the time to light up a lantern so the rearguard didn't lose the convoy.

When everything was all set, the elf detected another rider headed toward her. The alert, however, immediately dropped when her eyes scanned through the darkness and saw a certain maid trotting with a lantern hung on her saddle.

"Greetings, madam. The admiral sent me to guide." she said.

***

From the distance, the two seemed to be having a lengthy conversation, though nobody could hear the words uttered. On some occasions, the maid glanced at the party before talking to Jazdia again. It looked intense for a brief while, Jazdia could be seen nodding, pointing in the general direction of Fanghorn while the maid then having a facepalm.

After more pointings and affirmative gestures, the maid canter ahead of them. Her white silhouette and dimed light persisted for a while before being swallowed in the pitch black.

And finally, Jazdia signaled the team to continue their journey.

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

Jazdia was already on a horse's back when she saw the two sped up to reach the meeting point. Clutching her antique, pocketwatch, the elf marked the 25 minutes had passed, pretty fast for such a tight deadline.

Cedar and Reinhold brought them two horses. Looked healthy physically, but rather questionable on the mental side; looked reluctant and giddy as if fear was still gripping their psyche. She assumed the beasts must have suffered terrible would before Cedar's healing spell did its wonder to them. Thankfully they seemed to be slightly calmed when they got closer to the rest of the steed.

"Right on time!" Said Jazdia as she rode past Cedar. "Get some rest at the back of the wagon. And you, Hunter, take a driver's seat with Kaito."

Jazdia pointed at the disguised fox youkai now standing next to the already arranged wagon set before giving up more orders.

"Mister Solomon, kindly take one of the horses and follow the wagon. Miss, Rosenving, I actually planned to delegate this task to Chonan, but sadly he preferred to meet his maker." Jazdia straightened her posture and announced to everyone. "That's right, he killed himself." then leaning forward toward the petite noblewoman again, continuing in a slightly annoyed tone. "So, you will replace him and join our good doctor as our rear guard."

The elf yanked the reins and trotted back to the carriage, ensuring everything was ready for their departure. "Miss BlackWater, please accompany our prince and Madam Matilda inside."

I think that's all. She said, guiding her steed to take a position in front of the carriage. 'If you have any objection, say it now. Though I am afraid we wouldn't have enough time to resolve it."

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

Jazdia dismounted from the horse and caressed the animals' mane, still continuing the conversation with Solomon.

"Now you mentioned it, they do seem like a sibling. Though the maid was not as 'golden' as the admiral. Well, I did ask her about their relationship, and what is she to him."

"And her answer?"

"Just a mere servant, she said." Jazdia lifted a hand to let it bathe in the afternoon sunray and massaged her fingers as she continued. "If you ask me, her soul was not of the deceiving type, but she was telling an incomplete truth. Don't take my word for it though. It is safer to assume that she is also a Delving."

Despite saying that, Jazdia assessed that Solomon's theory didn't seem very cogent. If you are looking for someone who can influence someone with their power, that would be Baker. The Delvings' power seemed to be revolved around the barrier and utilization of cleansing magic. Usually, that kind of element would come with extra features like spell nullifiers, to mana siphoning.

But that was just a wild guess based on books she read a long time ago in the academy. A useful knowledge if you want to brag about your magical savviness amongst the commoners. Outdated and unreliable in the field application.

“Then again, from all I’ve heard, he may have finally fell victim to his own emotional turmoil." said Solomon, returning to the topic they had earlier. "He may have been suffering from internal conflict this entire time, and we failed to notice in our ignorance.”

The elf shook her head and stopped flexing her finger. It was apparent that Jazdia disliked the words Solomon had chosen and uttered, but she expressed that in her usual monotone.

"If we need someone to blame for his self-inflicted demise, that would be the man himself who craved an easy way out. I am sorry for the harshness of my words, but I have no respect for those who ended their life like that, no matter what words are used to twist it. Self-sacrifice, for the greater good, better to die honorable than to live in shame. That's hogwash all of it. Life is precious no matter what, and you should cherish your own."

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

Jazdia was aware that it was not a common topic to discuss, nor perfectly appropriate. But it was a mystery she wanted to be answered, both to sate her curiosity and for the formal rapport in the next meeting with Fredricus.

“I’ve done all I could. I cannot tell you he reasons, I do not understand them myself. But as it stands, I do not believe Chounan will be returning to us.” said Solomon.

Jazdia stopped her horse, tapping its mane akin to giving head pats to a boy. Solomon approached and properly faced her before continuing, “I would ask how you’ve come across such knowledge, but I know some of your ways. I assume you informed the others then?”

"I did, but it seems they were as indifferent as I was when hearing the news."

A pair of glowing, violet rings flared on the elf's irises as she channeled her magic into them. The change was barely noticeable in the place with sufficient lighting, but the gesture she made when focusing her sight usually enough to make people feel unnerved.

And with that, she glanced at the ground that was once blackened by the Doctor's shadowy spell, but then found no entity hidden beneath.
Shrugging, she added.

"My eyes could see the physical heart, but not what was going on inside it. Before we regrouped at Hdur, Chonan accidentally killed two restrained slaves during our effort to raid the Black Serpent Guild."

She wondered if everyone could notice the change in her expression. She had been trying to not frown, and recalling the situation in a distant tone, yet it still gave a bad taste in her mouth.

"It was the result of his own recklessness, an act of bravado to prove his worth if I could be so bold to assume. After the revelation, the man discarded his armor and hurt himself. We managed to have him back, but I presume the blunder has been gnawing his sanity ever since. Or it could be some other reason...? For a veteran with a lot of blood on his hands, the last collateral would have been rather insignificant. And he said he liked that Delving Maid. It was not something a suicidal man would say."

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

The wagon was a modest carriage with a fully enclosed cabin and an additional passenger seat on its back side. Layers of leather were used as its suspension, and the cabin was wide enough to be occupied by four people. But it has no air conditioning, a minimum standard in Helvitia for a nobleman's carriage but apparently was not the case here for some reason.

"It seems they really did what I asked. Too specific to be honest down to every detail, nothing less and nothing more."

"A wagon and horses detached from each other? Yeah, that's specific alright,"said Kaito, appearing behind Jazdia when the elf inspects the wagon. A set of towing harnesses could be found inside the cabin when they opened the door.

"Oh, looks like they were not forgetting it." snickered the elf, taking a step back and ruffling Kaito's hair. "Well, guess who will attach the horse to the carriage!"

The fox let her have her fluff for a while. "Can't say no to the boss, eh? I'll do it. Though if we do the math, we still need more horses to take us all.

It seemed everyone agreed on that assessment. And as Matilda started to ask what to do now in her trademark passive-frantic queries. Cedar was the first to openly propose a solution,

"Hey yo! Me an' da ol' fellar gonna go roun' up more horses. What do yer say?"

Jazdia looked at the bear. While Matilda grunted and Kaito shrugged.

"The process of attaching the horses would take some time, but that's not what concerns me. I see no healthy horses anymore after that blazing and wet light show--"

Jazdia sighed, before giving the druid a nod. Here comes the crucial part. It should have been brief, but dealing with this druid would require an elaborate do and don't.

"If you can improvise, you do it. But don't get yourself into trouble. No peasant would be willing to part with their mules at this time, even if the beast is a wounded, malnourished donkey that can barely stand on its legs. Search the Baron's stable. It is in the western part of the city. Go for it, double time!"

"Dat be a good point. I's understood. be right back."

As Cedar off for another adventure, Jazdia already felt Matilda's impatient breath down on her neck.

"What are you doing? We don't have time for more hide and seek!"

"Yes, but the shortage of transportation is not a negligible problem either unless you prefer having the two of us staying. Considering the potential dangers ahead and our doubt about the Delvings, that's a handicap we can't afford."

Leaving Matilda, Jazdia mounted one of the horses and had a test run by circling the wagon several times. She would need a healthy and agile steed to escort the convoy.

"45 minutes," she announced. "We will depart in 45 minutes, with or without them. That's acceptable enough for you, Mattie?"

The orc did not answer save a low grunt as she escorted the prince into the carriage. When Kaito was already working on towing the second horse, Solomon cathed up.

"Welcome back. I... assume our Samurai didn't make it?"

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

Matilda was annoyed by the proposition but found no reason to object to it, especially with the changes in the doctor's tone.

"We will not wait for him," she said, redundantly stressing what the doctor had implied earlier. "So don't take your time. If you can't find him, don't bother searching."
One more runner and betrayer would not make much difference now. If he was deserting, then we leave him. This way, His Majesty."

The group, save Solomon left the tower immediately and encountered Jazdia on their way down

***

"Oh, leaving so soon?" the elf chirped. Matilda, again didn't find it amusing and grunted as the rest of the party paused their descent.
"Isn't that what you want? What we agreed upon?" she grumbled angrily, but Jazdia shook her head. Stabbing her lithe finger toward the direction of the tower behind them, her eyes glittered with a violet color as she spoke.

"No, I mean... I thought there would be a movement of silence for that Samurai or something. I think Solomon found him now. He is lying on the floor somewhere in the building with his gut ripped open. Dead now, by his own blade. A suicide most likely."

The orc captain only balled her fist and knocked her metal armor with it, Saying nothing as she continued their journey down.
Jazdia took a deep breath, she would not grieve for him, not one bit. She had no respect for people who did not cherish their life, especially those who died cowardly by their own hands for an easy way out.

The elf glanced at the tower one last time before following the group again. Her mind raced back to the slave room and the victims the Samurai accidentally murdered during their raid on the Black Serpent HQ. The only regret she felt was Chonan died without a proper trial. The man must have felt the sheer pain of guilt torturing him before his untimely demise. Was this all a fair retribution for those he wronged?

There was nothing much happened when they walked through the ruined city. The evacuation effort had been mostly finished, and some civilians could be seen scavenging their belongings from what was left of their dwellings. Some surviving guards and Silas' naval officers were patrolling around, trying to maintain a semblance of order before the help from the capital arrived.

As they reached the city gate, three horses and Baron's wagon were parked near the city limits. Silas and his maid were nowhere to be seen.

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

There was nothing unusual when the orc arrived, except one particular person was not among the group.

The absence of the two bothered her somehow, but it was more on the Samurai. Jazdia was a wild card, yet her motive was clear; she would not abandon the investment she had worked so hard to rescue. She couldn't say the same Chonan however. That little man was a different breed of suspicious, he was a renegade, a quitter, and still a foreigner that has seen much of the nation's secret. She remembered how upset King Fredricus was when the foreign man resigned from his knighthood. His proposal was granted, true, but she marked him as untrustworthy from that day on. Why would the king hire him again on this important matter, she never knew.

"Where was Chonan?" the orc asked with a slightly agitated posture. "I did say to everyone to stay here and wait for us!"

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

When Cedar asked about the plan, the image of desperate civilians they just encountered played in her mind. It more or less represented the damage they had done on the surface, such damage would hard to miss. As much as she hated it, Jazdia and that damn Delving whelp were right. It was not the time to rest yet, and her option was limited.

"Where was that elf? Is she behind us?"

"Nay."

The orc shook her head and slowed her pace. And it was not because the elf went on the opposite way. No, that particular long-ear always had her own way of dealing with things, indeed seemed sketchy and suspicious sometimes, and she wondered if she had gotten used to it. The only logic that prevented Matilda from twisting her neck at any opportunity was because her king trusted her on a level she could never grasp.

He was all for a quick departure, but noticing that the prince was struggling to keep up the pace, she relented, and that was the reason.

"We get the heck outta here fast," she answered Cedar without looking back. The irony of such a straightforward answer was that she herself had no plan of how to do it. "There was an opinion concluding that we have been compromised, and suspected that enemy agents are inbound. That was why I ordered Solomon to send you the signal."

The boy peered back at the talking bear as if saying "I told you so"

"Err, about Admiral Silas. Did you meet him? Was it really him I heard earlier?" The young prince fidgeted after several attempts to remind Matilda of his unanswered question. Even in the dark tunnel, the enthusiastic glitter in his eyes was apparent.

At that question, Matilda sighed. "Yes."

"Is he going with us?"

"No, we sent him away." she answered and bothered a moment to curse Jazdia under her breath before turning to the boy again. "Doesn't mean he wouldn't try. Young Majesty, the information about your circumstances is very sensitive, please refrain from interacting with anyone save those who I have introduced as your rescuer. Please understand that it is for your own safety."

They finally reached the door leading to the cellar, and Matilda immediately stomped her way back up.