FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Part 12

"I... think I'm going to leave the island."

Marien blinked in surprise. "What?

"Y-yeah." Hazel said after a moment, staring down at her hands. "I think I'm going to leave Basikal."

"Why? Where would you go?"

"I... don't know. I was thinking of maybe going south, maybe I'll try to join up with a trading company or something." As she spoke, all Hazel wanted was to shrivel up and vanish into the crack in the floor.

"I know it's been hard for you here." Marien said softly, gently squeezing Hazel's hand across the table. "I wish there was more I could do."

For a moment, Hazel's mind was made up. She looked up at Marien, fresh fight in her eyes.

"I'm going to tell her. I don't care, I'm not doing this!"

But as she drew in her breath to tell Marien everything, the feeling of Jabarian's rope around her neck came flooding back. Terror overwhelmed her like a crashing wave as she remembered what it felt like to come so close to death, to not be able to breathe, to fight helplessly. The words simply would not come.

"Hazel?"

"You've done more than enough," Hazel finally replied, fighting back tears.

"Well be sure to send me a letter when you get where you're going. I'll miss you." Marien smiled as she picked up her spoon. "Not to mention your cooking."

"Yeah..." Hazel looked down at the table. "I'll miss it too."

===

Between the curfews and the danger of traveling in the dark, it was odd for a messenger to arrive at night, even one belonging to the royal courier corps. Yet the sun had been down for nearly an hour as Lyon stood at his front door, a royal messenger standing before him with a paper wrapped package. The northern wind that whistled through the hills was freezing, with sleet pouring from the sky above.

The messenger bowed his head, trying his best not to shiver as slush fell from his ears. "I'm sorry to disturb you this late at night sir, but I was ordered to get this here as quickly as I could."

"It's fine." Lyon replied, taking the package from the messenger. "But you couldn't simply leave this with one of the servants?"

"My instructions were clear, this was to be delivered directly to the Chariot family hands. Apologies sir, but those were my orders."

"From whom?"

"Couldn't say sir, they would not tell me."

"Fine, fine. You may consider your task completed." Lyon dug into one of his pockets and tossed a pair of gold coins to the messenger. "For your diligence. Go get yourself a warm bed and a meal."

"Thank you sir!"

Closing the door behind him, Lyon paused. "Two gold pieces? I really am going soft..."

With a shrug, Lyon carried the package under his arm into his study.

Lyon's study had once been the favoured room of his family's founder, Tahl Chariot. The room was out of place with the rest of the Chariot manor, appearing more like a lodge than the home of a noble family. The stone walls were covered with thick logs, animal skins hung from the rafters, and a great stone fireplace took up one entire wall.

An ancient chair, crafted from simple wood and animal skins, sat before the fire. The chair had been largely untouched for centuries, but painstakingly cleaned and maintained. The chair had once been Tahl's, and it was where she had died, after living to the seemingly impossible age of eighty nine. Legend had it that her last words were the name of the tiger warlord she had so famously vanquished, a warning to her foe that even in death she would pursue him.

Lyon had sat in the chair only once, when he was six years old. When his father had caught him, he had whipped Lyon's bottom so hard that he hadn't been able to sit for more than a week.

Lyon loved the study, even when he was a boy he had been drawn to it. He found the old swords and armour on the walls helped to focus him, to remind him of his duty, as well as fill him with a feeling of real power.

"Those were the days," he would often ruminate, sitting before the fire with a glass of stiff wine, Jabarian standing just behind him. "Those were the days when power flowed from the strength of your arm and the keenness of your blade, not your ability to make a pen dance."

Taking a seat in his chair, Lyon flipped the package over in his hands. There was a seal stamped at the top right corner, a shield sitting atop a crossed hammer and quill.

Lyon raised an eyebrow. "What does the Tribunal for Justice and Canon want?"

Tearing on the paper, Lyon was surprised to see that the contents of the package was a stack of parchment bound in string. Much of the parchment looked very old, some of it even flaking apart. A handwritten note sat atop the stack:

"CONFIDENTIAL! To Shani Chariot, Care of the Tribunal for Justice and Canon, Historical Records Division."

"Hmmm," Lyon shrugged, setting the box aside. But just as he was preparing to replace the wrapping, a single word atop one of the pieces of paper caught his eye: "Breakwell".

Immediately Lyon brought the box back onto his lap. "Breakwell? Amber's family? What is Shani doing with this?"

As he took hold of the string binding the papers, for a moment Lyon hesitated. Opening mail not intended for someone else, especially mail from the Tribunal of Justice and Canon, was a serious crime, not to mention a violation of his sister's trust. But he couldn't put it down, the Breakwell name seemed to stare at him, boring into his skull.

Finally, Lyon undid the knot and began flipping through the documents.

Many of the pieces of parchment were smudged or damaged, but Lyon was able to decipher most of their contents. And the more he read, the more his eyes widened.

===

"S-Sieg!"

Slowly Sieg opened his eyes, his brain was foggy, the cobwebs of dreams still clinging to him. His bedroom was dark, lit only by the glow of the street lamps outside. As he awoke he could feel a body moving beside him, Marien must have finally gotten home and managed to get into bed without waking him.

As Sieg woke, his senses began to alert him that something was wrong. There was something warm and wet on the mattress and the sheets around his waist. He could hear Marien's breathing, but it was gasping and ragged. The air was thick with a foul smell, and the scent of blood.

Again Marien's voice called out, ragged and weak. "Sieg... "

As Sieg sat up, his eyes widened, there was a large, dark spot on the bed around Marien waist. Marien was lying on her side, convulsing and shivering as if she was freezing, her pillow covered with vomit and blood.

Panic flooded Sieg as he grabbed Marien's shoulder. "Marien!" His eyes widened with terror as he turned Marien towards him. Her face was contorted into a mask of agony, tears streaming down her cheeks and blood running from her nose.

"Sieg..." she managed to croak, "Help me... please... help me..."

In a rush of blind panic and terror, Sieg leapt out of bed and threw the covers aside. Marien's pajamas were covered in blood. Her tail thrashed about in agony, her legs pedaling as if she was trying to run as she clutched at her stomach.

Sieg grabbed a sheet as quickly as he could and bundled Marien up. "It'll be okay," he whispered again and again, "Just hold on, it'll be okay."

With all of his strength, Sieg pulled Marien into his arms. She cried out in pain as Seig lifted her, but was unable to resist.

Everything was a blur as Sieg rushed to the door, kicking it open as hard as he could.

As Sieg made his way down the stairs as quickly as he could, being careful not to trip on the stairs or the sheet. He was about half way down when an old Basitin man carrying a lamp appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

Paul Warret was the owner of the Broken Sword Tavern, above which Sieg lived. He was a crusty old veteran who loved nothing more than a stiff drink and a long story. Paul had had his doubts about renting to such a young man, especially when Sieg had mentioned his wife. But Paul's own wife was a soft touch, and had convinced him it might be nice to have a younger couple. But now here he was, awakened from his slumber by shouting and bumping around upstairs.

"Do you know what time it is?" Paul demanded. "What are you two doi-"

Paul froze as he raised the lantern. Sieg looked like something out of a nightmare, covered in blood and vomit, carrying his gasping wife in his arms. The colour immediately drained out of his face. "What in the hell?!"

"I need help!" Sieg cried, desperately clutching Marien. "Please! We need a doctor!"

As Sieg reached the bottom of the stairs, Paul's wife emerged from the back room, "Paul? What's-" She too froze at the horrific sight that greeted her.

"Kalli, go and ring the alert bell! Now!" Paul yelled as he stepped forward to help Sieg.

With a single sweep of his arm, Paul sent a pair of plates and a candle holder flying as he cleared off a nearby table. "Alright boy, set her here! Help will be coming soon. You stay with her, I'll go get someone!"

As the sound of the alert bell rang out, shattering the silence of the night, Sieg grabbed one of Marien's hands. "It's okay!" he said, his hand shaking as he stroked the side of her face. "It'll be okay."

"I'm so sorry..." Marien groaned, "Sieg... I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, it'll be okay."

"S-Sieg, if... if I'm dying..."

"You're not dying!"

"I just... want you to know-" As she spoke, Marien suddenly cried out in agony and convulsed on the table, large flecks of blood and bile staining the table as she coughed raggedly.

"You're not dying!" Sieg whimpered, holding Marien as tightly as she could, "You're not dying, please... please don't die..."

===

Sieg sat on the front step of the Tavern, staring numbly down at the cobblestones. The first glimpses of light were just beginning to show in the east, the velvety blackness of night fading away. It had only taken a few moments for the doctor that served on duty at the docks to arrive, but those minutes had been the longest of Sieg's life. As soon as she arrived, the doctor had pushed Sieg out.

"You'll only get in my way," he had said as Sieg was forced out the door. "I will do all I can, I promise."

Since then, Sieg had sat on the front stoop, staring at the ground. For a while a curious crowd had surrounded the tavern, attracted by the commotion, but the town guards had quickly dispersed them and sent them home.

Occasionally Sieg had heard noises from inside, cries of pain, cries of his name, but every time he had tried to look through the windows, his vision had been blocked. After about an hour everything had gone quiet.

More doctors had eventually arrived, including doctor Kallen Hail. She too had promised to do everything she could before rushing inside.

Sieg looked up as the door opened, but returned to staring at the ground as Paul stepped outside.

With a soft groan of old muscles and bones, Paul sat down next to Sieg.

"Here," he said, extending a bottle to Sieg. "Drink up."

"What is it?" Sieg's voice was low and numb.

"Rum. It'll help."

"I don't drink."

"Shame." Paul popped off the cork and took a drink. "This is the good stuff." He leaned back against the door. "I'll tell ya, Canine Kiedran aren't good for a whole lot, excitable, randy, yappy buggers all of them, but I'll tell ya boy, they know how to make a good rum. Had a run in with a Canine ship back in my younger days, developed a taste for the stuff after splitting a bottle with the captain."

Noting Sieg's silence, Paul nodded, "Yeah... not such a good time for a story, is it?"

"No... it's not that." Sieg looked up at Paul. "Is she okay?"

Paul sighed heavily and put a hand on Sieg's shoulder, "I don't know lad, The doctors moved her into one of the beds in the back. They're still with her now."

"Is she... is she alive?"

"I don't know, boy. But they are still back there, so that's a good sign."

"I can't believe this is happening."

"I know." Paul was quiet for a few moments before looking back at Sieg, "If you'd rather be alone..."

"No," Sieg replied, shaking his head, "No... I don't want to be alone."

"Good," Paul replied, putting an arm around Sieg. "It'll be alright, you'll see."

For a long time, Sieg and Paul sat on the front stoop, Sieg staring at the ground while Paul told him stories. The first rays of the sun were just starting to peak over the eastern hills when the Tavern door finally opened and a voice called out.

"Mr. Kolvest."

Immediately Sieg jumped to his feet and spun around. "How is she?

Kallen stood before him, her blindfold untied and draped over her shoulder. Blood and vomit stained her overcoat and gloves, while sweat dripped off of her fur. The look of sadness in pain in her eyes felt like a punch to the gut.

"Mr. Kolvest... I'm so sorry"

Before Kallen could say anything else, Sieg leapt past her. He tore through the tavern, tripping over several chairs as he went but refusing to slow down. As Sieg reached the back rooms of the Tavern, both Paul's wife Kalli and another doctor tried to stop. With a ferocious snarl Sieg forced his way past them into the room where they were treating Marien.

Marien lay on the bed, curled up into a ball and sobbing. She was still covered in blood, her fur matted and filthy. She clutched something small in her hands, holding it close to her chest.

As Sieg reached the doorway, Marien let out a horrible mix of a howl and a wail. The sound was uline anything Seig had ever heard, and it made every strand of his fur stand on end.

"Marien..." Sieg managed to croak. As he started to step forwards, a hand gripped his shoulder.

"She fought as hard as she could." Kallen said softly, her own eyes wet with tears. "She tried so hard... but there was nothing we could do."

"Wh-what happened?" Sieg managed, the ground swaying terribly beneath his feet, his vision swinging back and forth.

Kallen sighed heavily. "I... don't know. For whatever reason... it seems that her body turned on the child inside her. There was nothing she could have done."

"W-what about the baby?"

"It... it was just too early... I'm sorry, Mr. Kolvest..." Kallen looked away. "I'm so sorry..."

"You mean.... she's..."

"She won't let us get close to her," the second doctor spoke up. "We still need to know if there is any more bleeding. Perhaps you could..."

Pulling away from Kallen, Seig stumbled over to the side of the bed and dropped to his knees. His hand shook as he reached out.

"M-Marien..."

As Sieg's hand drew close, Marien's head flashed up and she sank her teeth into Sieg's hand. With a yelp of pain and fear, Seig pulled his hand away.

"Don't you touch her!" Marien snarled, a flame of rage and hatred in her eyes that froze Sieg's blood. "Don't you dare touch her! I won't let you!"

"Marien..."

"She's alive!" Marien screamed, her sharp teeth flashing red. "I can feel it! She's alive!"

The second doctor stepped forwards. 'Mrs. Kolvest I'm sorry but-" The doctor paused and took a step backwards as Marien's glare shifted to him.

Just as suddenly as it had come, Marien's rage was replaced by grief. Her lips trembled, her shoulders shook as she stared down at the tiny body in her hands.

"Please..." she whimpered, "Please... just breathe... please..."

Sieg pulled Marien into his arms as she wept again, her whole body shaking with desperate anguish.

"It'll be okay." Sieg whispered, "It'll be okay."

"I'm sorry." Marien wailed into his shoulder, "I'm so sorry..."

"It's not your fault." Sieg moaned, holding Marien as close as he could, his own shoulders shaking and tears flowing down his cheeks. "It's not your fault..."

===

Neither Seig or Marien really heard the words of the elder as he spoke before a small assembly in the city graveyard. They didn't really feel the rain or the wind, the sharp bite of cold salt in the air. They didn't even really hear the various condolences and offers of assistance.

The cemetery was located on the outskirts of the city, on the side of a gently sloping hill that overlooked the sea. A small stone wall and a line of planted trees surrounded the space. Monuments of various sizes filled the cemetery, from tiny stone plaques to larger than life statues of military figures.

Sieg and Marien saw none of it. The only thing that they really saw was the small wooden casket, with the carved figure of the Basitin warrior sitting on top of it.

As the casket was lowered into the ground, both Marien and Sieg felt as if a part of them went with it. And as the small pile of earth filled the hole, neither Sieg nor Marien could feel anything other than a dull ache.

"And so, the body of one of our own is returned to this land we hold so dear," The elder intoned, his head bowed and his arms spread wide. "Her flesh, her bones, her very spirit, returns to Basidian, to be a part of all of us once more. Long live Basidian, long live the King."

"Long live the King," the rest of the assembled crowd muttered, all except Sieg and Marien.

As the crowd began to disperse and head back towards the city, Marien stepped forwards and stared down at the tiny stone plaque. Slowly she knelt down and placed her hands on the ground, her tears mixing with the rain.

"Goodbye little Naomi," she whispered, clenching a handful of dirt into her hands. "I'm so sorry..."

As Sieg stepped forward, Marien climbed back to her feet. Sieg reached out to take her hand, but Marien pulled her hand away.

"Marien?"

"Sieg... I think.... I think I need some time."

"Marien..."

"Please..." Marien looked over her shoulder, tears running down her cheeks, "Sieg, please... I need to be alone."

Sieg's ears flattened against his head, "But you aren't alone."

"I know Sieg. But I... I don't want to fight you on this."

Without another word, Marien turned and walked away, leaving Sieg standing alone in the rain.

===

At the edge of the graveyard, underneath a large apple tree, stood a lone cloaked figure. Beneath her hood, Shani watched as Sieg slowly turned and walked away. Despite herself, Shani felt a slight stinging at the corner of her eyes.

The sound of familiar footsteps shook her out of her own thoughts.

"Seems your plan worked," Shani muttered as a second cloaked figure drew up beside her.

"Indeed," Jabarian replied. "The herbs were quite effective. Who would have ever thought your great grandfather's obsession with rare plants would ever be anything other than a nuisance."

"And the one you gave them to?"

Jabarian frowned slightly, "I have been unable to find her, apparently she's made a run for it. I have put out some feelers however, and offered a reward to the right people. It won't be long before they find her floating in the harbour."

"Fine."

"Now, so long as Conrad plays his part and you play yours, with that little bit of refuse swept away we are clear to proceed."

As he spoke, Jabarian noticed Shani stiffening, even through her cloak.

"Is something wrong my lady?"

"Jabarian... I understand that we have a plan to see to... But don't ever say something like that again."

Jabarian was genuinely taken aback. "What did you just say?"

"It wasn't refuse, it was a child. Its sacrifice may have been necessary, but it is still a loss."

Jabarian paused, Shani's voice was different from before, softer, less certain.

"You know what they were going to name her? Naomi."

"And? What of it?"

"What of it? It's my name. They were going to give her... my name."

In a flurry of movement, Jabarian swung Shani around, seized her by the front of her cloak and slammed her against the trunk of the tree. In a flash of silver he drew a knife from a hidden pocket in his sleeve and pressed it against Shani's throat. Shani didn't even react, and instead just stared at Jabarian, her face cold and expressionless.

"What is wrong with you?!" Jabarain hissed. "Naomi doesn't exist! You understand? Her precious little smile, those big eyes of hers, her wonderful cooked fish, it's not real! You are Shani Chariot, of the Chariot family!"

"I am aware." Shani replied, her tone as cold as ice as she glared back at Jabarian.

"Are you?"

"Of course I am!"

"Then wake up!" Jabarain snarled. "We are on the verge of achieving everything you have spent the last five years working towards, that I have spent the last twenty years working towards! I have followed every order, obeyed every instruction, so don't tell me you are getting cold feet!"

Shani opened her mouth to argue, but couldn't find the words.

"You will not falter now!" Jabarian hissed, "I will not allow it!"

"You won't allow it?" Shani scoffed. "And who are you exactly? Jabarian Zakres, the ghost of 'Sliver', the failed assassin. You're just a tired old man with a fake name who shuffles around my house and grumbles under his breath because he is oh so above it all. The only way your position could be any more pathetic is if you literally got down on all fours and allowed Lyon to put his feet up on your back!"

"You want to play that game?" Jabarain growled through clenched teeth. "Fine! You are an arrogant, damaged little girl who never would have survived childhood if it wasn't for me! I am also the one who made you! And I could unmake you right here, right now."

"It would be the last thing you ever did." As Shani spoke, Jabarian felt a slight pressure in his groin. Shani had a knife of her own, and it's point was directly above one of his arteries. A single thrust, and Jabarian would bleed out in minutes.

Jabarian looked back up at Shani. "Is this what you are reduced to? You kill me if I kill you? That's not the mindset of a predator!"

"I am not a predator!"

"Oh but you are! You see something you want, you circle it, tear it to pieces, and then you devour it. And yet here you are, getting sentimental over an insignificant speck? Are you really that weak?"

"Careful Jabarian," Shani snarled, tightening her grip on her knife.

Jabarian's eyes narrowed, "This is so much bigger than your girlish crush on the clueless soldier boy! And if it is your conscience that is bothering you, then may I suggest you soothe it with the knowledge that, at the cost of one tiny little life, you and your brother are going to save our entire race!"

Before Shain could reply, Jabarain forced her to look into his eyes. "Remember the Sindal'Whey!"

Shani froze as the name entered her ears. For a moment images flashed through her mind, a ship broken on the rocks, a beach stained red, blood on rusted chains, shouting, crying, burning... The vision lasted only a moment, but it left Shani shaking and gasping. Jabarian sighed a tiny sigh of relief to himself as he saw the change come over Shani, the flicker of hatred in her eyes, the hardening of her body.

"You have seen what the humans will do to us, what the Templar will do to us if they are given the chance!" Jabarian said, his voice far softer as he lowered his knife and released Shani. "We cannot stop now, not when we are so close.

For a moment Shani was silent, but then her shoulders began to shake. After a moment she began to laugh. She had to raise an arm to her mouth to keep her laughter from echoing across the graveyard.

"Oh Jabarian." Shani lowered her hand and smiled. "Are you honestly trying to pretend you are doing this out of the goodness of your heart, rather than your own desire for revenge?"

"I would never seek to mislead you that way, my lady." Jabarian replied, slipping effortlessly back into the persona he had spent so many years carefully crafting.

Shani sighed, "Good old Jabi, what would I do without you."

"Die, my lady, almost certainly."

"In your dreams, you old grouch." Shani ran her fingers through her hair. "Still, you're right, as usual, there really is no path but forward."

"I am glad you have come to see reason, my lady."

"Besides, once he's mine, I'll give him all the children he wants."

===

The Broken Sword Tavern was as busy as ever as Sieg entered and made his way towards the stairs. Sailors, fishermen, and soldiers, all talking and laughing, a few even singing, but Sieg paid no attention to any of it.

Behind the bar, Paul and his wife Kalli watched as Sieg climbed up the stairs without a word or glance.

"Poor boy," Kalli said with a heavy sigh. "Do you think we should talk to him?"

Paul shook his head, "No, let him be. He'll come down when he's ready."

"I wonder where his wife is."

"I don't know..." Paul put an arm around his wife. "It's a hard thing, what they just went through."

"Think they'll come through."

"I hope so." Paul turned back to polishing glasses. "The worst thing you can do is let tragedy beget tragedy."

===

As he reached his door, Sieg was so disconnected from reality that he didn't even notice that his door was already unlocked. As he opened his door and stepped into his apartment, a figure seated at his table slowly got to his feet.

"Hello son."

Sieg blinked in surprise, "F-father?"

Conrad nodded slowly. "It's been... a long time."

"Not long enough," Sieg growled. "Get out, and don't come back."

"Son... I just came to talk."

"I'm not your son!" Sieg barked, his hand drifting to the sword on his belt. "You made that very clear last time we talked. And I thought I made it clear that the next time I found you in my house, I'd treat you like any other intruder."

"Your mother misses you as well."

"I don't care."

"Sieg please, let's-" Conrad paused as Sieg drew his sword.

"I said, get out."

For a moment, Conrad stared at his son, neither one moving a muscle. Eventually, Conrad slowly lowered himself back into his chair.

"No."

"I'm warning you!"

"Will you strike down your own father?" Conrad demanded. "I am unarmed, I came only to talk."

"I don't want to talk to you!"

"Then kill me if you must."

Sieg hesitated, his sword wavering in his grip. Finally, with an exhausted sigh he lowered his weapon.

"Fine," he mumbled, dropping into the chair across from his father. "Say what you came to say, then get out."

"I came to apologize."

The words hit Sieg like a blow across the head. Never in his life had he ever heard his father apologize for anything.

"The last time we spoke, I was disrespectful to you," Conrad continued. "I was also disrespectful to your career, and to your wife. I had my reasons, of course, but still... I did not show you the respect that I would demand in my own home, and I apologize."

"Why are you saying this?" Sieg demanded. "You've never talked like this to anyone."

"Because, my son, I have come to realize that I was wrong."

"You've never admitted you were wrong, not once!"

"Well... things are changing." Conrad sighed heavily. "The path you set for yourself, while not the path I would have chosen, was yours alone to choose. And you have done so with honour. You've clawed your way up, and I am proud of you for that. You've even made Lieutenant."

"I... well... thank you, father."

"Which brings me to an important topic, your potential." Conrad held up a hand to stop Sieg from interrupting. "You have shown what you are capable of, my son. But my role as a parent, and a soldier, remains, to see you reach your full potential."

Sieg's eyes narrowed, "I get it now... I know why you are here. You're going to use what just happened to convince me to leave Marien. That's it, isn't it? My daughter dies and your first thought is how to use it to your advantage!"

"The death of my granddaughter is a tragedy." Conrad shot back, unable to keep the anger from his voice. "But it should be clear to you now that Marien will never be able to bear you children."

Standing up from his chair, Sieg leaned across the table, his teeth bared. "I don't care! We'll adopt, Basitin, Keidran, a damn human, I don't care! We'll do whatever we have to, but we are going to be a family."

"And what if she is killed in battle against the Western forces? What then?"

Sieg took a step back. "Battle? What battle?"

Conrad raised an eyebrow, "Hasn't she told you? The thirteenth company has been making preparations to deploy to the mainland by this time next year."

"W-what?"

"They will be operating in concert with Lyon Chariot and the Goliath fleet. The intention was for her to give birth, raise the child until she was no longer needed, and ship out to join her company. I was under the impression that you knew this."

"She... she didn't..."

"It will be a rather long deployment, I understand, at least a year. They've been planning it for months, and final approval of the operation is all but certain."

"No... Sieg shook his head, "That's a lie."

"I would not lie to you, my son. And besides, even if I was lying, surely it would not be a difficult thing to confirm."

"Even if it is true, I won't leave Marien. Not now, not ever."

"And I accept that."

"Yeah, I bet you do." Sieg scoffed.

Conrad sighed and climbed to his feet. "I understand you are angry and you are hurting, so I will take my leave. Just know that, regardless of what I said, you are still my son. Your mother and I care for you very much and we want you to be happy."

Sieg wanted to be angry, to scream and rage, but he simply didn't have the strength. With a final sigh, he nodded, "Thank you... father."

Conrad placed a hand on Sieg's shoulder as he walked by. "You will be alright my son. This too shall pass, as all things do."

As the door closed behind Conrad, Sieg stood alone in his apartment.

He wasn't sure how long he was standing for, or when he started to move. His feet seemed to step of their own accord, and before long he found himself in the bedroom that was to have been his daughter's.

He stared down at the cradle, at the little woolen blanket that he and Marien had bought together a week ago, at the tiny pillow with the extremely lopsided flower that Marien had attempted to cross stitch into the fabric. As he stared he began to breathe faster and faster as his body tensed with fury and rage. He couldn't think, he couldn't breathe!

Finally, with a cry, Sieg drew his sword and raised it over his head.

"SHE LIED TO ME!"

But just as he was about to bring his sword down, Sieg paused. Slowly he lowered his sword, setting it fall from his fingers and he fell to his knees.

"She lied to me..."

===

Conrad was just climbing into a carriage parked outside the Broken Sword Tavern, when a voice called out behind him.

"You have my sympathies, Colonel Kolvest."

Conrad paused and looked over his shoulder. Kent was approaching the carriage with a pair of bodyguards flanking him. Kent was dressed in full armour, an odd sight for the infamously laid back Lieutenant General. Conrad's own bodyguards gripped their spears in both hands as Kent drew closer.

"General." Conrad nodded respectfully. "I didn't expect to see you here, and in full regalia no less."

Kent stopped a few paces from Conrad and bowed his head, "It's a terrible thing, losing a child. As a new grandfather myself, I can only imagine your pain."

"Much appreciated General." Conrad bowed his head again. "A tragedy to be sure."

"Especially since this should be such a happy time for you. I understand that you have been promoted to Lieutenant General."

"So it would seem."

"Well, my congratulations. You have certainly climbed the ranks, perhaps someday we could test swords against one another?"

"Perhaps indeed. But, forgive me, General, I find myself wondering, what are you doing here?"

"Yes, well, I came to pay my respects to your son."

Conrad's eye twitched almost imperceptibly, "Really? How kind of you. I wasn't aware that you made a habit of offering condolences in person."

"Usually I don't, but your son and I have spoken on several occasions and I find myself rather fond of him."

"Oh really. And just how 'fond' is that, General?"

Kent raised an eyebrow, he had not expected Conrad to be quite so brazen.

"It seems strange that you would bring your guards with you on such a task." Conrad added, nodding at the two Basitins standing on either side of Kent.

"Apparently the streets of Basikal aren't as secure as they once were." Kent replied, eyeing Conrad carefully. "There have been a number of strange deaths recently, including one of my own Lieutenants."

"I am aware. A terrible tragedy."

"Indeed. And especially strange considering his last assignment was to keep an eye on you."

"Then he was doing a poor job of it." Conrad shrugged, "If I recall he was killed in a Tavern. I was in my office that night."

"And yet from what I hear, you've been working to have the tavern owner released."

"I know the man, he served with me." Conrad straightened his shoulders. "I know the character of the man, and I know that he would not have committed such a crime unless he were provoked.

"Is that so? Well I guess we'll have to see. I myself just put in a petition to have him banished."

The rush of fury that ran through Conrad very nearly made him lose control. His fists clenched and unclenched as he forced his temper back under control.

"Putting that aside for the moment." Conrad replied, his voice barely above a snarl, "What right do you have to spy on me?"

Kent crossed his arms over his chest. "Did you forget who is in charge of Basikal's security? I have every right. Besides, it's not as if you have anything to hide... yes?"

"Your inference offends me." Conrad's hand moved to rest on his sword.

"And then of course there are the two guards who were on duty that night." Kent continued, ignoring Conrad's threat, though his guards did not, placing their own hands on their weapons.

Conrad paused, "What do you mean?"

"Two guards, patrolling in the same area where Lieutenant Fawler was killed. They both seem to be missing. According to the wife of one, she claims that her husband mentioned meeting someone that night, someone important, but he wouldn't tell her who. Next day, he's gone, as is his partner, not a trace."

"I just had them reassigned! It must have been those damned Chariot assassins!" Conrad growled inwardly.

Gathering up his composure, Conrad straightened his back and drew himself up in front of Kent. "It would seem the city watch is not doing its job."

Kent's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward and spoke quietly into Conrad's ear. "Let us drop the games. I don't know what you and the Chariots are up to, or why you've decided to play games with the second legion. But I promise you this, Conrad, the moment you step one toe over the line, I will rain hell upon you like you can't even imagine."

Conrad met Kent's glare with his own, "I have no idea what you are talking about, General."

"If that is the game you are determined to play, then so be it."

Conrad stepped back and bowed, "If you will excuse me, General, I have business to attend to."

"You're not a bad man." Kent said as Conrad stepped into the carriage and settled in. "But you are not a politician. The Chariots, on the other hand, are politicians, good ones too. You would do well to remember that."

Conrad nodded respectfully one last time. "Your advice is most appreciated, General Silver. Farewell."

As the carriage rolled away one of Kent's bodyguards leaned close. "Should we have him followed, General?"

Kent shook his head. "No, I merely intended to rattle his cage a little."

"And his son?"

With a sigh, Kent looked up at the darkened windows of Sieg's apartment. "He's just another victim, caught up in this storm."

===

"Take this, three times a day, and rub this ointment on your chest whenever you are having a hard time catching your breath. And do try to stay out of the cold. Your cough should clear up in a week or so."

As her patient left, Dr. Sara Silver removed her blindfold. With a loud yawn she stretched and rubbed her eyes. It was late, the last light of days quickly fading as cold rain pattered against the windows.

The rainy season meant that there were fewer casualties from battle or training accidents, which Sara found quite to relief. But the cold and wet brought its own problems. Although Basitins only rarely got sick, it had been a long day of seeing patients with horrible coughs and fevers brought on by the awful weather. As usual, the greatest concern remained the Basitin's stubbornness and desire to appear tough, only seeking out help when it was most needed. By the time they came to see her, many of her patients were quite ill indeed. But, after a long day, at last it was time to go home.

Making her way back towards the staff area, Sara paused as she noted light coming from the potion lab.

Pushing open the door, Sara blinked in surprise, "Kallen? What are you doing here?"

Kallen sat at one of the tables, a scrap of cloth laid out in front of her, as well as an array of plants and potion components. More than a dozen books were scattered about the table, all opened and stacked haphazardly.

Kallen looked up sharply as Sara entered. "I'm sorry Dr. Silver, did you need something?"

"No, no. I am just surprised anyone else is still here." Sara tilted her head, "What are you doing?"

"Well... You remember the girl I was treating, the western one?"

"Yes... the one who lost her child."

Kallen nodded, "Right. Well... when I examined her, I noticed something odd." She pushed the scrap of fabric towards Sara, "Smell this."

Sara leaned over and sniffed the cloth. The fabric was heavy with the scent of blood and bile. The bile smelled of fish, potatoes, and other vegetables.

"But..." Sara frowned and sniffed again, "What... what is that?"

"You smell it too then."

Sara nodded, "It smells like... it smells a little like camphor but... but it's different."

"I took this from the sheet she was wrapped in." Kallen explained. "It just seems so strange... I've heard of pregnancies ending like that, but never so violently."

"I see."

"Dr. Cinna ruled out poison, after all we're all but immune to poison. He reasoned it might have something to do with her Western physiology, but that I don't see how that's possible, they are just as Basitin as we are. I thought that maybe it was just bad luck, but then, I found this."

Kallen slid a small glass plate over towards Sara. On it was a small pile of mashed and chewed up yellow leaves. Sara sniffed them and immediately pulled back, her nose stinging.

"What is it?" Sara asked, shaking her head to clear the scent from her nose.

"Well that's just it..." Kallen gestured at the various books and plants on the table, "I've searched everything I can find, nothing matches. Nothing, from any record, matches this plant. I don't think..." Kallen paused for a moment. "I don't think it's from Basidian."

"Why do you say that?"

"Nothing on Basidian would have had this kind of effect, not even nachtweed. But if it was a plant she had never been exposed to, a toxin we aren't immune to..."

Sara blinked in surprise. "You're saying she was poisoned with a foreign plant?"

Kallen leaned back and rubbed her eyes, "I know it sounds crazy. But there was just something about the way this all happened that doesn't make any sense to me. I mean, I hear that among humans an incident like this isn't all that uncommon, and its not unheard of for our people, but this is the first one I've ever seen! And neither Drs Connor or Acer can remember ever seeing one either, and Acer has been a doctor for forty years."

"Kallen... if you want to pursue this, I will do what I can to help you." Sarah smiled sadly, her voice soft. "But you have to remember, we all lose patients."

"I know," Kallen nodded.

"Listen, why don't you go home and get some rest. It's been a long day."

Kallen nodded, "Thanks, I'll do that. Just let me clean up here."

"Well don't stay here too late. You have a little one of your own to look after."

As Sara left, Kallen leaned back in her chair, staring at the pile of mashed up leaves.

"Something is very wrong."

End of Part 12

If you like this and wish to support me, please consider supporting my Patreon. Or just visit for more stories and art:

And for more stories and artwork, visit the Auroran Archive Subreddit: