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Part 11

By the time Conrad reached the top of the stairs leading out of the tavern basement, Shani and Jabarian had vanished. Tray stood at the top of the stairs, clutching at a deep cut on his right arm.

"What happened?" Conrad demanded, throwing his cloak over his shoulders.

"One of your guards thought he saw something," Tray replied, the pain from his wound straining his voice. "He went to the back, then we heard a scuffle. By the time me and your other boy got back there, they were in a fight. Me and your other lad stepped in, managed to pin the bastard down. But he was strong."

"Where is he now?"

"This way sir."

Conrad followed Tray to the back of the tavern to a large stockroom. Great slabs of beef and long strings of dried fish hung from the ceiling, along with heavy bunches of dried tobacco and other herbs. The normally carefully stacked shelves were in complete disarray, with dozens of bottles smashed to pieces on the ground. Shards of glass and other debris floated across a small sea of spilled ale, wine, and blood.

One of Conrad's guards sat slumped against a barrel and clutching at his belly as he gasped for air. The rasping gurgle that accompanied each breath told Conrad that the boy was well beyond hope. The second guard was kneeling next to the first, blood dripping from a wound above his right eye.

"What the hell happened here? Report!" Conrad demanded, carefully avoiding stepping on any of the glass.

"I came back to check things out after I heard something moving," the second guard reported, climbing to his feet. "I was looking around when that bastard jumped me."

Conrad followed the Guardsman's pointing finger to a crumpled figure lying at the base of a fallen stack of crates. A large cleaver was buried in the intruder's skull.

"I said to keep anyone you caught alive!" Conrad snarled, grabbing hold of the front of his bodyguards armour.

"He didn't put him down," Tray interjected. "I did."

As Conrad turned to him, Tray bowed his head. "I'm sorry sir. He had your lads pinned, I heard the lad over there-" he pointed to the mortally wounded guard, "-I heard him scream. I panicked."

Releasing his grip on the guards armour, Conrad jerked his head towards the fallen soldier. "Go and see if you can figure out who he is."

"Sir!"

As the second guard stepped away, Conrad knelt down in front of the wounded guard.

"I'm... sorry Colonel," the young soldier gasped. "He... I didn't see..."

"It's alright," Conrad said, placing his hand on the guard's shoulder. "You fought bravely."

"Th-thank you sir." The guard took a deep, shuddering breath. "I... I know I'm not going to... make it."

"No," Conrad replied softly. "I'm afraid not. I'm sorry son."

"Sir, it... it would be my honour if... you... if you would..."

"Of course." Conrad smiled proudly as he touched the side of the guard's face. "The honour is mine."

Conrad leaned forward and pulled the soldier into an embrace. "You did well," he said quietly, while with his free hand he drew a knife from his belt. "Now, it's time for you to rest."

In one swift motion Conrad drove the dagger into the back of the guard's neck, severing his spine in an instant. The guard shuddered once, a small gasp escaping his lips, before he slumped and was still.

Wiping his dagger off on the guard's cape and climbing back to his feet, Conrad turned back to Tray and his remaining guard. "Report."

"We found this, sir," Tray replied, handing the soldier's helmet over to Conrad. "His name is written inside."

"Lieutenant Fawler. And this insignia... the third legion, fourth corps." Conrad's eyes narrowed, " He's one of General Silver's."

"What do we do sir?" Tray asked, his voice wavering.

Corad turned to his surviving guard, "Corporal Janis, you will take Corporal Herd's body down to the basement and store it in one of the barrels. Hide and wait there for the commotion here to calm down. Once the coast is clear, take his body and bury it in the forest. Make certain no one follows you."

"Yes, sir."

"Corporal Tray," Conrad looked over his shoulder. "Once Corporal Janis is hidden, you will go and inform the local guards that you caught what you believed to be a burglar in your stockroom. The man came in, did not identify himself, there was a struggle, he fell and hit his head. He was reaching for a sword when you finished him off."

"B-but he's an officer!" Tray stammered. "I'll be executed for this!"

"Not if you stick to the story. I will intercede on your behalf as soon as I can." Sensing the man's fear and hesitation, Conrad grabbed the front of Tray's tunic and forced him to meet his gaze. "You must stick to the story, no matter what. If you talk and I am investigated, I will not be able to help you."

"I... yes sir."

As he picked up his fallen comrade, the remaining bodyguard turned to Conrad, "What will you do Colonel?"

"Once the guard arrives I will slip out the back in the confusion."

"What about the guards we ran into tonight? If they decide to talk..."

"I'll take care of it," Conrad said after a moment. "Now, let's move."

===

"What am I going to do..." Hazel muttered to herself. Spread out on the table in front of her were several small stacks of coins. Despite emptying every one of her hiding spots, there was still barely enough money for the next month. Her mother would be no help, she hadn't spoken to Hazel since Cander had defected.

Picking up a bottle sitting beside her, Hazel took a long drink. As she set the bottle back down, her gaze turned to the pair of small chests sitting by the door.

"Marien gets to move in with her sweetheart," Hazel grumbled, taking another swig. "And I'm sitting here counting pennies. Now there's justice for you..."

As Hazel grumbled to herself, the sound of a creaking floorboard caught her attention.

Hazel looked over her shoulder. The house was dark, the only light a single candle on the table. Rain pattered against the windows, the afternoon sky a gloomy grey.

"Hello?" Hazel called out, her ears perked up. "Is someone there? Palles, is that you?"

No answer came, but still Hazel's instincts were on full alert. A feeling of dread crept across her as she scanned the gloom again, but there was no one there. Slowly, Hazel lowered one of her hands to her lap, her fingers brushing against the knife hidden under the edge of the table.

Suddenly there was a noise in the kitchen. As Hazel leapt to her feet she felt something wrap around her neck from behind. Before she could react, the rope was pulled tight, cutting off her breath.

Hazel frantically kicked her legs, but to no avail. She tried to grab the hidden knife, but her assailant dragged her out of her chair before she could get a hold of it. She tried to cry out, but only a strangled gurgle came out. Desperately Hazel clawed at her neck as little white starbursts filled her vision. Her mind raced in panic, her heart beating rapidly, but she was unable to fight back.

Soon, darkness began to creep into the corners of her vision and her struggles became little more than weak thrashing. Her thoughts began to drift in strange directions as her chest rose and fell in vain. Moments before she lost consciousness, the rope around her neck loosened.

Coughing raggedly, Hazel frantically gulped down breath after breath of air.

As she gasped, a familiar voice spoke softly into her ear, "Good evening miss, I trust I didn't interrupt anything."

"What the hell are-" Hazel's voice was cut off as Jabarian tightened the rope again.

"No no," Jabarian scolded as Hazel clawed at her neck. "I'll ask the questions. Understand?"

Hazel desperately nodded and Jabarian loosened the rope. "Good girl. Now, take a deep breath."

Allowing Hazel a moment to gasp for air, Jabarian spoke, his voice soft and his tone even. "We had an agreement, you and I, and you have not lived up to your end."

"I did... what you... asked..." Hazel gasped.

"The fact that your friend is pregnant would seem to suggest otherwise."

"I did what you said! But she didn't drink the tea!" Hazel croaked, her eyes searching for anything in range she could use as a weapon. "What was I supposed to do, force it down her throat?"

"If that's what it took, yes. If you take money to do a job, you do that job."

Jabarian rolled his eyes as Hazel started shifting to try to reach a fallen bottle. "Oh please."

Hazel tried to lunge for the bottle as Jabarian tightened the rope again. Her fingers just barely brushed against the glass, before Jabarian hauled her backwards. In panicked desperation Hazel tried to tear through the rope with her claws, but that got her nowhere. Her lungs burned and her legs kicked wildly.

"You know, you've caused me a fair bit of trouble," Jabarian said as Hazel struggled. "And for something so simple."

After a few moments Hazel's movements grew weak. Though he was tempted to continue, Jabarian loosened his grip.

Hazel was exhausted, barely able to keep her eyes open as she gasped for air.

Content that Hazel had no fight left in her, Jabarian reached into his robes and withdrew a small paper packet.

"When your friend returns you will give her these," he ordered, dropping the packet in Hazel's lap.

"H-how."

Brew them in tea, put them in a stew, so long as she eats them it won't matter."

"What... what are th-they?"

"They will solve the problem that should have never arisen in the first place."

"I- I can't!" Jabarian started to tighten the rope again, but Hazel cried out. "No, please! Stop!" Tears streamed down Hazel's cheeks as she whimpered. "Please, I beg you... no more."

"Then you will do as you are told."

"But... it was one thing t-to keep her from h-having a child.... but this..."

"-is what you agreed to," Jabarian snarled into Hazel's ear. "You were paid to do a simple task, you did not do that task, so now you will clean up your mess! You knew exactly what you were doing when you agreed to this arrangement!"

"I-"

"Say it," Jabarian snarled, threatening to tighten the rope again. "Say it now, or you will die, right here, right now."

"A-alright," Hazel whimpered, "I'll do it."

Releasing the rope from around Hazel's neck, Jabarian climbed to his feet. "Good." As he turned to leave, Jabarian looked over his shoulder, "Oh, and one more thing. If I have to come back here again, believe me, young one, I will not be so gentle."

As Jabarain left, Hazel curled up into a ball on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

===

"So, what do you think sir?"

Sieg shook his head slightly to wake himself up. "Wh-what?"

"About the peg-leg case!" the guardsman exclaimed. "Come on, Lieutenant, you must have an opinion."

Sieg sighed heavily. For almost two weeks, the story of the one legged tavern owner who somehow managed to kill a Lieutenant in his stockroom had gripped Basikal city. The populace found themselves in one of two camps, those that believed the man was right to defend his tavern, even if he was perhaps too zealous. For those on the other side the soldier had every right to inspect where he desired, and the tavern owner was little better than a common murderer.

The case had been a welcome distraction, at least at first, something new for the guards to talk about as they stood watch in the gloom and the rain. But after two weeks, Sieg wasn't sure how many more times he could stand going over the same facts and opinions, again and again.

"I... I don't know," he said at last. "It's a shame the Lieutenant died, but if I caught someone creeping around my house, I'd probably fight first and ask questions later."

"Yeah, but what I want to know is how he did it!" the other guard, a young man with long blonde hair drawn into a ponytail, whispered. "I mean... how does a one legged tavern owner overpower a Lieutenant!"

Again Sieg sighed, "Listen, Private Garra."

"It's... Garda, sir."

"Right," Sieg nodded. "Sorry, Private Garda, just because someone is strong, doesn't mean they can't be taken by surprise. Look what happened to our Capital. This is why we always have to be alert and watching."

"Yeah but-"

"Watching, instead of talking."

Private Garda paused for a moment before turning back to the ocean and straightening his back. "Yes Lieutenant, sorry Lieutenant."

"Good, carry on."

Stifling a yawn, Sieg started back along the dock towards the shore. The sun was just starting its rise into the sky, little more than a pale yellow ball just barely visible through the thick morning fog. Thick clouds hung low in the sky, thin grey streaks of rain reaching to the ground.

"I guess that's one advantage of this job," Sieg thought to himself. "I've probably seen more sunrises and sunsets than most people."

As he reached the shore, Sieg's ears perked up at the sight of another Basitin officer walking towards him.

The officer saluted as she drew near. "Lieutenant Kolvest, I'm here to relieve you."

"Thank you Lieutenant Basker." Sieg nodded, a relieved smile on his face.

"Anything to report?"

"Nothing, all clear. Just another-." Despite his best efforts, Sieg was unable to stop himself from yawning. "Apologies," he mumbled.

"Did you pull another double shift?"

"Triple."

Lieutenant Basker shook her head. "You can't keep doing that. At this rate you're gonna fall asleep on duty. They flog you for that you know."

"I know," Sieg replied, nodding his head as he blinked bearily, "But... baby coming. I need the money, especially because I want to take as few shifts as possible once she's born."

"Just wait till she is born," Lieutenant Basker scoffed. "Between the wailing and the mess they make, you'll be begging for extra shifts."

Before Sieg could argue, Lieutenant Basker clapped him on the shoulder. "Now, go home and get some sleep before you end up keeling over."

"Yes, ma'am."

Crowds of fishermen and other dock workers were just beginning to arrive as Sieg made his way towards the dock gate. The rainy season meant that many of the larger boats couldn't go out, but those with small boats could still fish in the protected bay. Dozens of males and females, their arms full of crab traps, fishing poles, bait, and other goods, flooded towards the pier and the parts of the dock open to civilians. Fishmongers also began setting up their stalls, their carts laden with a huge array of wares, from thumb sized clams to tuna fillets so large Sieg imagined he could use them as a blanket.

The rest of the crushing throng were shipwrights and construction workers, employed by the shipyard that took up the entire southern half of the docks. Three large vessels sat in various stages of completion at the far end of the yard, while the closer berths were filled by ships that required refit or repair. Sieg couldn't help but stare at some of the workers as they passed, marvelling at their impressive muscles. But despite the impressive physiques their professions afforded then, the workers all nodded respectfully and stepped aside for Sieg. Being a soldier and an officer did indeed have its perks.

Finally, Sieg reached the heavy wooden gate that led out of the docks.

"Lieutenant Basker has relieved me, so I'm heading home," he called out to one of the guards standing just inside the gate.

"Yes, sir," the guard called back. "Sleep well Lieutenant."

As he passed through the gate into the rest of the city, Sieg heard a familiar voice call out to him from behind.

"Sieg!"

Sieg turned and nodded his head with a smile, "Naomi! What a pleasant surprise."

Naomi blushed slightly as she smiled back. "Here," she said, extending a paper wrapped package to Sieg, "I thought you might be hungry."

In truth, he was ravenous. Without a word Sieg tore the paper aside and bit deeply into the crispy fillet of fish.

"I can't believe you make this yourself," Sieg mumbled through a mouth full of fish. "You should open a place or something, this is amazing."

"Thank heavens for Jabarian," Shani thought to herself as Sieg wolfed down the meal in just a few bites. "I don't even know how to cook an egg. I really should get Jabarian to teach me someday."

A genuine smile crossed Shani's face as Seig finished wolfing down the meal."Aw well, here's hoping what they say about men's hearts and stomachs is true."

Swallowing the last morsel, Seig sighed in satisfaction. "Thank you, that was... perfect."

Naomi blushed again, shly brushing a strand of hair away from her face and batting her eyelashes. "You're welcome.."

"Uh..." Sieg blushed a little as well, "So... I'm heading home, but I'd love some company. If you aren't too busy of course."

"I'm never too busy to keep you company." Naomi smiled, hooking her arm around Sieg's.

"So, how are you settling in these days?" Sieg asked as he and Naomi began making their way down the street.

"Very well," Noami replied brightly. "I found a place to live, and I found some work."

"That's great! Where are you working?"

"I've been doing some odd jobs for the Chariot family."

Sieg paused, "Oh..."

Naomi tilted her head. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, just... I have a bit of history with the Chariots."

"Oh? Good or bad?"

"Let's just say it's been... mixed," Sieg admitted after a moment. "But they've been good to you?"

"So far," Noami nodded.

Well that's good at least." For a moment a thought flitted unbidden across Sieg's mind.

"What is it?" Noami asked.

"Well I..." Sieg looked down at Naomi's big bright eyes.

"I can't put her in danger by asking her to spy on Lyon," Sieg thought. But as he tried to put the idea out of his mind, Sieg kept coming back to the ember of frustration that still smouldered in his chest.

For weeks Marien had avoided telling Sieg what it was that was bothering her. He had tried to put his questions aside, tried to forget, tried to reason with his doubts.

"She's a captain," he told himself again and again. "Of course she has things she can't tell me."

"She'll tell me when she is ready."

"If it was truly important, she would tell me."

But those platitudes were beginning to ring more and more hollow with each repetition. The only thing that Seig was certain of was that Lyon had something to do with whatever Marien was keeping from him.

"It's fine," he said after a moment. "Don't worry about it."

Shani had to fight the urge to smile as she nodded. "Trust is such a foolish illusion," she thought to herself as she shifted closer to Sieg, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked. "No one really trusts anyone else. The only thing that you can trust is your ability to make someone else pay for betraying you. Without the power to hurt those that hurt you, you're just a leaf in a typhoon."

For a moment Shani felt a tiny flicker of regret flit across her mind. "I'm sorry that you're going to learn the lesson the hard way, the same way I did. Still, it is a valuable lesson, and it is better you learn it now, when you stand to gain something from your education."

"So, how is Marien?" Noami asked as Sieg turned onto the street his apartment was situated on.

"She's well, though she already says she's sick of being pregnant." Sieg smiled to himself, "She's really looking forward to meeting our child; you should hear her speaking to her stomach sometimes."

"That's so sweet."

"We've been preparing our place."

Naomi squeezed Sieg's arm and smiled up at him. "I'm glad. You're going to be such a wonderful father."

"Well I hope so. I'm not so sure, but Marien seems to think so as well."

"She's right. So, have you picked out any names yet?"

Sieg cleared his throat. "Well... there was one that we've talked about."

Noami bounced up and down in excitement. "Oh! You have to tell me!"

Sieg blushed a deep red. "Well... actually... I actually really like the name 'Naomi'."

Shani's heart skipped a beat and her eyes widened. For a moment she was genuinely unable to process the words Sieg had spoken. All of her plans, predictions and analysis flying out of her head. For a moment, the cold, calculating part of her mind completely stalled. All she could manage was a slightly choked, "I..."

"Only if it is alright with you of course!" Sieg said quickly, sensing Noami's sudden discomfort. "A-and you are more than welcome to say no!"

"I..." Shani shook her head, forcing herself back into her persona. "I... I don't know what to say."

"I also thought... Maybe you should meet Marien."

"Focus!" Shani commanded herself inwardly. Making certain to keep the string of filthy curses that flashed through her mind to herself, Shani plastered a small frown on her face.

"Do you think that is such a good idea?" Naomi asked. "What if she's jealous?"

Sieg titled his head. "Jealous of what? You're a friend, a good friend. Marien doesn't have many friends of her own, and I think you and her have a lot in common."

"Is he really this clueless? Could this be a trap? Am I being played? No, his eyes, his posture, he's not lying! This is genuine! How is this genuine? Are you kidding me?" Shani's mind screamed. "How do I... dammit all! Salvage! I have to salvage this!"

"That sounds wonderful," Naomi replied, not a trace of the turmoil running through her mind visible on her face.

"Great!" Sieg grinned as he and Naomi arrived at the tavern above which he lived. "I'll talk to Marien about having you for dinner perhaps. I uh..." Sieg scratched the back of his head and grinned sheepishly, "Truth be told, I'm not much of a cook. Is there any way you could bring some of your fish?"

Quickly regaining her internal calm, Shani nodded. "Of course, I'd be happy to."

"Thank you, and thank you for the company." Sieg bowed his head as he stepped away from Noami. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am exhausted. I'll see you soon."

"Sleep well Sieg," Naomi replied with a smile and a little wave.

As Sieg stepped into the tavern, Shani turned round and started walking back towards the dock. For a moment, she felt a genuine pang of regret, the slightest flicker of doubt.

"No!" She snarled inwardly, her face twisting into a scowl as she forcibly banished her hesitations. "You've come this far. People like him... they need an education, they need to be taught what the world is really like, or it will kill them."

"Besides, I can have it all," she thought to herself, still scowling and shoving her hands into her pockets, her tail thrashing back and forth. "There's no point in settling for second prize when all it will take to win and take everything is a tiny little push."

===

By the time Sieg reached his door, he could barely keep his eyes open. The energy he had gotten from breakfast, and from speaking to Noami, had faded quickly. His hands shook and it took a great deal of concentration to insert his key into the door.

Finally unlocking his door, Sieg stepped into the apartment. "I'm home."

He looked around, but there was no sign of Marien. The apartment was dark, the fireplace cold.

As he stepped inside, Sieg noticed a piece of parchment on the table. Dropping himself into a chair, he picked up the note.

"Had to leave before you got home, had a meeting with Lyon. Going to pick up the last of my things from my old place today. Will try to be home before tonight.

I love you.

Marien."

With a frustrated sigh, Sieg dropped the note back on the table. "Lyon..." he grumbled, folding his arms onto the table and resting his head on his elbow. "That Chariot bastard... he sees more of Marien than I do."

Within moments Sieg was fast asleep.

===

"How about this ridge here?" Lyon asked, gesturing at a map laid out on the massive table in front of him.

Lyon and Marien stood around a massive stone table in the main war room of the Chariot manner. According to legend, the table at which they stood was carved from the very same stone upon which Lyon's ancestor, Tahl Chariot, planned her final defense against an invading army of a tiger warlord.

Dozens of maps detailing every corner of Mekkan covered the walls, rolled up and stored on shelves. An entire wall was taken up by shelves covered in carved miniatures, from human archers, to wolf rangers, to Basitin siege weapons. Modular sections of castle walls carved from real stone, allowing for a strategy to be accurate down to the last detail, took up a whole shelf to themselves. There were even carved figures of the most important leaders of the world, from King Adelaide standing with her massive sword drawn and held high, to the Grand Templar, Trace Legacy, a tiny glowing Mana chip embedded in his outstretched palm.

The map Lyon and Marien were pouring over was a lay out of a small section of the Northern Coastline of Basidian, and area labelled, 'Razor Dock Bay'.

Marien frowned and crossed her arms as she examined the ridge line that Lyon had indicated. Half a dozen model catapults sat atop the ridge, while in the bay below there was a small collection of Western ships.

"We lure their fleet into the bay," Lyon explained. "We'll set up some juicy bait, perhaps a pair of supply ships. We keep our catapults hidden until they are in the bay, then close off their escape."

Lyon pushed a half dozen Eastern ships across the narrow entrance of the bay.

"Fire pots would probably be most effective," Marien pondered aloud. "We wouldn't need to score more than a few hits."

"I doubt the Westerners will put up much of a fight once they realize they are trapped." With a flick of his finger, Lyon tipped over one of the Western models. "With any luck, they will surrender and we can take their ships and their crews without much bloodshed."

"There is one thing that concerns me," Marien interjected, crossing her arms. "What if they decide to land their ships instead and attack our siege positions? It may be uphill, but my company alone may not be enough to stop them."

"Well I was hoping for this to be a surprise, but..." Lyon snapped his fingers, "Jabarian!"

The door to the war room creaked open and another old servant shuffled in, a velvet cloth draped across an oddly shaped object in his arms.

"Where is Jabarian?" Lyon demanded.

"Apologies my lord, the majordomo said he had business to attend to in town. He left me in his stead."

"Fine fine, never mind. Just bring it here."

"Yes, my lord Chariot," the servant mumbled, coming up to stand beside Lyon.

"Behold." Lyon grabbed the velvet and pulled it aside, revealing that the servant was holding a crossbow in his grip.

Marien's eyes widened, "Holy... how did you get this?"

"I had it made," Lyon explained, taking the crossbow from the servant and holding it proudly. "The design has taken inspiration, well... copied, from a design used by the Human Empire's elite guard. A gift from a friend of mine in the Empire who owed me a few favours. Here."

Marien took the weapon and tested it in her hands. It was lighter than she imagined, yet sturdy.

"The grip is a little off," Marien observed, raising the crossbow to her eye.

"It is a test model, a proof of concept." Lyon shrugged, "There are bound to be issues to work out."

"It is certainly an impressive weapon," Marien admitted, handing the crossbow back to Lyon. "But I'm not sure one crossbow will make much of a difference."

"Very true." Lyon handed the crossbow back to the servant and dismissed him with a wave. "Which is why I took the liberty of commissioning a further eighty of them."

Marien's mouth dropped open. "Eighty! That must have cost a small fortune!"

"Not so small it turns out. But with these, we'll be more than able to defend the siege weapons." Lyon drew his hand across the map. "Two lines, one firing, one reloading, and these could cut down an entire Western company before they get close. This weapon will be a game-changer in the war, and your company will be the first outfitted with them on a large scale."

Marien shook her head. "Lord Chariot... I genuinely don't know what to say."

"Say? I don't expect you to say anything, just make certain that your troops fight their best when the time comes." A cocky smile crept its way across Lyon's face. "Besides, if we succeed in our mission, the reward for capturing a sizable portion of the Western Fleet and its commander should be more than ample to recoup the cost, as well as provide you with a tidy share. You and the guardsman will be able to live rather well."

"I suppose we will," Mariensaid, nodding.

"Speaking of the guardsman, how did he react to your news?"

"I..." Marien sighed and looked down at the table, "I haven't told him yet."

Lyon raised an eyebrow. "Don't you trust him?"

"What? Of course I do! It's just..." Marien reached down and gently touched her stomach, her ears drooping. "We're finally able to be together like a family. Ever since we got married, Sieg has talked about how much he wanted to be a father. And no, after so long, it's finally happening. I can't... I don't want to ruin this for him."

"No."

"No?" Marien looked up at Lyon. "What do you mean?"

Lyon shook his head. "You must tell him. The guardsman loves you very much, and I have the scars to prove it. He deserves to know the truth."

Marien blinked in shock, "Are you... are you sticking up for Sieg?"

Lyon stepped over to Marien and drew himself up in front of her. "The guardsman... Sieg, and I... Goodness knows we have our differences. However, he is, in his own way, a noble Basitin. He has earned your faith, has he not?"

"Yes, he has," Marien said after a moment, her shoulders slumping as she stared down at her feet.

"Hey..." Lyon reached out and guided Marien's chin upwards to meet his gaze. "It's hard, this life you've chosen. My mother and father... they were warriors as well, but in the end they kept so much from each other, their love turned into distrust, then anger, and finally into hatred. You cannot allow the same thing to happen to you."

Before Marien could speak, there was a knock on the door and a servant stepped inside.

"Lord Chariot, there is-" The servant froze, staring wide eyed at Lyon standing over Marien, his hand on her chin and their faces close. "I... I'm sorry!" the servants stuttered.

"What is it?" Lyon demanded, releasing Marien and striding over to the door.

"There is a message sir, from your father," the servant nervously extended an envelope towards Lyon.

Lyon took the letter and quickly placed it in his tunic. "Fine. Now leave."

"Y-yes, my lord!"

Shutting the door, Lyon turned back to Marien. He was surprised to see her blushing with embarrassment, her ears drooped even further and her tail curled between her legs.

"What's wrong?" Lyon asked, setting the package on a small table near the door.

"I just..." Marien shook her head vigorously, "I'm sorry, I'm just feeling guilty about spending so much time here, and then to be caught in such an embarrassing position..."

"The servants know better than to say a word about anything that goes on in this house," Lyon replied, putting his hands on her shoulders. "And you have nothing to feel guilty about. I've acted honourably and so have you."

"Yes... you're right." Marien turned back to the table, "Shall we continue?"

"No, I think that's enough for one day," Lyon replied, rolling the map up and placing it in a secured metal cylinder. "Go and spend some time with the guardsman. We won't be deploying for months either way, so we'll continue this the day after tomorrow."

With a heavy sigh, Marien bowed her head and smiled. "Thank you, Lord Chariot."

"I think it's about time you started calling me Lyon."

"Very well, thank you, Lyon."

As Marien started towards the door, a sudden shifting in her stomach made her freeze. It wasn't pain, but she did feel a sudden jolt. She stumbled, catching herself on the small table by the door.

"Are you alright?" Lyon asked, hurrying forwards and gripping Marien's arm to help steady her.

Marien nodded quickly. "Yes, I think... I think I just felt... a kick, I think she kicked."

Lyon's eyes widened, "Really?"

"I think so."

Lyon paused for a moment. "Forgive me if this is forward, but... may I... feel?"

Marien was taken aback by Lyon's request, but after a moment nodded. "If you wish, of course."

Slowly, almost hesitantly, Lyon extended his hand and placed it on Marien's stomach. For a few moments there was nothing, and then, suddenly, he felt movement beneath his hand, first one bump and then another.

"That's amazing!" Lyon breathed. "Simply stunning. What an incredible feeling it must be..." Lyon felt a third bump and chuckled. "Strong legs already. He'll be a fighter, that's for certain."

Lyon looked up, genuine wonder in his eyes. "Thank you Marien."

Blushing slightly, Marien bowed her head. "You are welcome, Lyon."

Lyon climbed back to his feet and rang a bell beside the door. "Well, I will clean up here, one of the servants will escort you to the door. I've arranged to have a carriage waiting to take you home."

"Thank you." Marine bowed her head again as the door opened and a servant arrived. "I will see you in two days time."

"Indeed."

As Marien departed, Lyon looked down at his hand. He had just felt life, precious and new, real, genuine innocence.

"Oh Amber..." he whispered, tears forming at the corners of his eyes. "How I wish I could have had that experience with you..."

===

"I can't do this! I can't do this!"

Hazel paced back and forth, her mind ringing with panic. In front of her, a small pot of Marien's favourite fish stew bubbled away on the stove. Hazel had spent the last of her coins on Marien's favourite type of fish and the ingredients for stew. On the counter beside the stove sat the package from Jabarian, empty except for a few leafy crumbs. The rest of the ugly yellow herbs were already in the soup.

"No... I can't do this! I won't!" Hazel snarled, grabbing hold of a kitchen knife."That bastard thinks he can scare me, I'm a Basitin soldier! If I ever see him again, I'll gut him!"

But as she spoke, the terror of the morning came flooding back. Her mind spun, her heart beat frantically and her legs threatened to give out beneath her. Dropping the knife back on the counter, Hazel reached up and touched her neck.

"What if I go to the authorities?" her mind raced. "I'll go to the guard! I'll tell them... tell them..." Hazel dropped to the floor, her head in her hands. "That I've been poisoning my friend for years... If Marien doesn't kill me, they'll banish me for sure! Or worse!"

"Why?!" she shouted out loud, as much in frustration as in terror. "Why did I agree to this! Stupid! Stupid..."

The empty house offered no useful answers.

"I had no choice," she moaned, squeezing her eyes shut. "It was never supposed to go this far... And I had to live, didn't I? Don't I have a right to live as well? I lost Cander, I lost my rank... I lost everything..."

Slowly her eyes opened, and as she stared up at the ceiling, Hazel's face twisted into a snarl. "It's all Marien's fault!" She growled through clenched teeth. "Her with her perfect Sieg, and her perfect company, and her perfect life! I had everything I wanted, and then it all got taken away! And then she gets everything she wants! She's not even Eastern! It should be mine!"

Even as she spoke them, Hazel knew the words were hollow.

Hazel's anger vanished as her ears caught the sound of a carriage rolling up.

In a panicked frenzy, Hazel leapt to her feet and tossed a pair of bowls onto the table. She was just digging out spoons when the sound of the door handle rang out, and Marien stepped into the apartment.

"Hey Haze," Marien called out brightly. "Just here for the last of my things." She paused and sniffed the air. "Wow... it smells amazing in here!"

"Y-yeah!" Setting the spoons down on the table, Hazel strode up and pulled Marien into a hug.

Marien blinked in surprise at the sudden display of affection. "Uh... it's nice to see you."

"You too, you too." Hazel pulled away, smiling.

"Hazel... are you alright?"

"Y-yeah! Why?"

"Well... you're crying."

Hazel paused for a moment and reached up to her face. There were indeed tears in her eyes.

"I uh... well I had a bit to drink," Hazel said after a moment. "And you know, I get kinda weepy sometimes."

Marien tilted her head. Hazel was acting extremely odd, almost frantic. "Are you sure you're okay Hazel?"

"Yeah! I'm fine! I just..." Hazel leapt forward and hugged Marien again. "I'm going to miss you so much!"

"Haze, I'm going to be literally ten minutes away. You can see me whenever you want."

"I know! But it's not going to be the same. And..." Hazel fought to swallow as her throat turned bone dry, "I thought... maybe you could stay for dinner. One last time?"

Marien paused, "Well... I really should go and see Sieg..."

"No!"

Hazel's tone startled Marien.

"I mean... I went to the trouble of making your favourite stew." Hazel reached out and grabbed Marien's hands, "Come on, just for a little while. Please?"

Again Marien raised an eyebrow, her instincts on full alert. Hazel's eyes were wide, her movements were jerky and manic. Seeing Hazel out of sorts had become commonplace over the last year, but Marien had never seen her like this before.

"I..." After a moment Marien sighed and smiled at Hazel. "Alright, for a little while."

"Great! Just sit down, I'll be right there."

Hazel hurried back into the kitchen. As she stirred the stew, she caught sight of one of the fragments of yellow leaf.

For a moment Hazel thought she would pass out.

"I can't do this... I can't do this."

Again Hazel reached up and gently touched her neck, feeling the bruise hidden by her tunic.

"Hazel... are you sure you are alright?" Marien called out.

"Yes! Yes, I'm fine!"

"Can I help?"

"I..." Hazel trembled terribly. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to pick up the pot.

"It's all fine," Hazel said, stepping back into the dining area, placing the pot in the center of the table. She had to fight from keeping her hands from shaking as she ladelled the stew into the bowl.

As Hazel slid the bowl across the table, Marien reached out and grabbed her hand. "Hey."

Hazel looked up sharply, her heart threatening to leap out of her chest. "I'm dead!"

Marien smiled and squeezed her hand. "I know it's been hard, but you're going to be alright. I promise, everything will work out."

"I..." Hazel turned away, unable to meet Marien's gaze. "I'm sorry..." she whimpered, tears rolling down her cheeks again. "I'm sorry... I've been such a bad friend."

"It's okay." Marien squeezed her hand again. "We all have our problems, the challenge is facing them. And if there is ever anything you need, please, just talk to me."

"I..." Hazel swallowed hard and met Marien's gaze. "Marien... there's something I have to tell you..."

End of Part 11

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