After a month and two weeks ride from Bredost and passing Heavenhill, Lurter and Orewell find themselves in Heavenbright, seat of House Rivermay, the first few kings and queens in Divios. Their seat was once Solsari, which then also went by a different name, but after their dynasty was plagued by the constant problems that plagued any kingdom, they were reduced to being Great Lords and they made their retreat westwards where they were then attacked in their weakened state by the lord of House Koyn, Maryon and were unfortunately reduced to being Minor Lords and forced to submit to them. For their submission, whoever the lord was at the time were granted the title of First King or First Queen depending if the lord was a man or woman. They were also granted the seat of Crownhold, a half-ruined castle that took generations of their name to rebuild into what it is now.

  "Don't dally around.", Orewell simply told him who was riding beside him while their horses trotted on the road. "We find an inn, stay the night and leave.", he added.

  "Yeah. I know.", he replied. His grip on the rein never loosened as they continue making their way. Though he thought, 'Maybe the Rivermays can help us. They don't seem to be completely bent to the Koyns yet...'

  "Something troubling you?", Orewell asked. "You seemed deep in thought."

  "Troubling me? No, no", he answered with a shake of his head. "I'm thinking though. Maybe we can ask the Rivermays for help. They don't like the Koyns so I bet that they'd take their chances with whoever is trying to fight their ancient enemies."

  "Is that a good idea?", he asked back. "I mean, just by Heavenhill, we encountered those Black Scarf rebels. By now, I'm guessing that the king is now going to rally the lords to march against these rebels. If we involve the Rivermays in this, they might provoke war against the Koyns and fight two wars that they may or most likely may not win."

  "I believe so", he reassured. "The Koyns are going to rally the most men to earn the king's favor. If they do that, they will have so few troops to defend their capital, Hollowgold with that they would not dare to do it."

  Orewell hummed in thought. "How likely would that be?", he asks.

  "Eight out of ten.", Lurter answered. "Lord Koyn could leave his bastard Erdon Gold in defense of Hollowgold. He will indeed be a problem."

  "Aye.", Orewell agreed. "But I'm not a thinking man, Lurter. If you believe that asking the Rivermays for help will ease our work then I would not judge against it. Lead the way."

  Lurter nodded as they continued to ride, posts that hung House Rivermay's banners greeted them with every trot their horses made. A red heart with a silver crown in a field of white. "And besides.", Lurter spoke again. "We have something they want.", he says, glancing at the short scabbard that hung on Orewell's waist. "If we hand them that, we might earn their favor quickly and if the Many Gods allow it, we might get them to do what we want."

  "Their ancestral dagger...", Orewell muttered, his face deep in thought. "In the off-chance that I return this blade to where it rightfully belongs, what do you suppose would happen?"

  Lurter thought for a moment on what could the possibilities indeed be. "I suppose...", he began. "We'd earn their eternal favors. For generations, their blade was passed down from king to king without ever returning to its rightful place. Though we'd also lose a bargaining chip. Without the blade to serve as a symbol of the king's authority, we might not get the cooperation of other lords that we might come to pass."

  "Aye, that's what I thought of as well.", he nods in agreement. "Though at the very least, we can have a secure alliance with a House here in the Westlands. The real question is if that alliance is enough help for us..."

  Lurter then became quiet as he continued to mull over their options, his eyes downcast yet he is still aware and careful to not run into a pedestrian. Their current options both have their own merit. If they hand over the Rivermays' ancestral dagger, there's a huge chance that they might earn their favor. However, the risk is that they won't have any authority over the other lords that may be more useful than the Rivermays. However, if they do not hand it over, by every sense of the word, they are still in hostile territory and might be seized by whomever is foolish enough to be loyal to the Koyns...

  After a moment of thinking, Lurter finally came to a decision.

  "We bring it to the Rivermays", he spoke, his voice determined. "If we're going to be here, we may as well earn their favor and trust. Who knows? They might give us something that can help us."

  "A gamble of yours?", Orewell asks.

  "No.", he answered. "This option has more merit. I know finding out the Koyns' involvement of the Sords' attempted seizing of the capital is urgent business, but with the Black Scarf rebels scattered about the land, perhaps we can earn more of their favor by assisting them in their campaign."

  "I see.", he simply replied. "If that's what you believe to be the best choice then I'll follow you."

  After coming to a decision, the two of them spurred their horses forward and made haste towards the castle. As they rode and arrived, admiring the somewhat holy atmosphere that the architecture of the buildings, they were greeted by two guards that stood guard at the gates that crossed their pikes with a stern look on their faces. They were quiet and stood still but the message was clear. 'None shall pass.'

  Orewell then looked at him, a hand on the dagger. It was a subtle question, asking if he should show the dagger to the men in hopes that it might let them pass. As he considered what to do, they were suddenly asked by a woman that came from behind them, "What seems to be the trouble?", her voice was low and deep yet still sounded beautiful and ladylike, a mix of tough and pretty Lurter would say.

  "We're here to meet Lord Rivermay.", Lurter answered, gesturing for Orewell to show the dagger to the woman.

  He watched as the woman eyed the dagger with interest, gazing at the intricate details of its scabbard and such. "This is from the king.", she said.

  "Aye, it is.", he replied. All the while, Orewell just sat on his horse quietly, letting the woman examine the dagger but taking care to not let it go from his grip. "Let us see Lord Rivermay.", he calmly said. "We do not wish to bring any trouble, we only seek to do what we must. If it eases you, we will leave our weapons.", he reassured.

  The woman shook her head. "No. Please, come with me.", she said, gesturing for the guards to take their horses and beckoned for them to dismount. The two followed, landing on their feet and following after the woman and left their horses to the guards.

  They followed the woman into the castle's massive arched gate. Orewell only looked and walked forward with a stern gaze in his eyes, keeping a close watchful eye on the woman that guided them deeper into the castle. The silence is almost palpable. The woman simply took them in and guided them to her lord, and after walking along the long hallways of the castle and its many turns, they eventually arrived at the halls where the lord sat on his chair.

  "My Lord", the woman called.

  The lord in question is an old man that seems to be a wind's breeze away from being pushed and broken into a miserable death. Yet despite him being a push away from death, the both of them can still sense a great kindness in his demeanor as he stood.

  "Ah, who are they?", the old lord asked, a kind smile on his face as he took his slow steps towards the woman that called out to him.

  "They seek your audience.", she politely answered, holding the old lord in place to make sure he does not fall.

  "My Lord", Lurter politely greeted along and Orewell soon followed. He glanced at his friend and mouthed, 'Let me do the talking. Just shut up and stay put.' To which Orewell nodded to in agreement. "It is a pleasure to see you today.", he said with a polite smile.

  "Oh no, no. You lads came here all the way from wherever you came from, the pleasure is all mine", he replied, holding his hand out for a shake to which Lurter accepted and returned a smile of his own.

  "My name is Lurter of House Noubelle.", he said and gestured over to Orewell. "And my friend over there is Orewell...Grey."

  "Oh?", the old lord asks, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Orewell. "A Grey? Who is he a bastard of?"

  "He's the bastard son of Lord Felkin Ays, My Lord.", he answered.

  Lurter glanced at the old lord's face and he can see a look of shock in his face. But despite that, he still remained respectful as he spoke. "I see...even an honorable man like Felkin isn't exempt from the temptations of a woman...", he mused. "But I suppose the woman that seduced your father must be really special then.", he said with a smile and held his hand out for a shake with Orewell to which he reluctantly took. "Your father is a great man. An honorable man...but still a man nonetheless, fret not about it, lad. You're not to blame for your father's choice."

  "...thank you...My Lord.", he muttered quietly.

  He can only guess how Orewell feels at the moment. All his life, he's been thought of nothing as a product of sin and is treated terribly. Very few things manage to break through his cold exterior and he can guess that this must be it, along with Amelie's smile.

  "Oh, I forgot.", he said with a laugh. "I am Hubert Rivermay. Nice to meet you, Lurter. You too Orewell. How may I be of service to you?", he asks. The woman stood by, keeping a close and watchful eye over them as they talk.

  "We...have something to ask of you, My Lord.", Lurter replied. "Currently, we're tasked by the king to investigate your liege lord House Koyn because they are...", he leaned close. "Under suspicion that they are under suspicion of treason against the crown because of their attempted seize of the capital in the king's absence."

  "I see...", Lord Hubert muttered. "But...you do understand our position, do you not, lad? We're not as strong as we once was, and we're to grow weaker because of the Black Scarf rebels roaming about. We cannot afford to make an enemy of our liege lord, especially since many Houses are loyal to the Koyns."

  "I understand. I do not wish you to wage war for us...", he then gestured for Orewell to step up and show the dagger. "But we have something your house wanted for generations, and if we secure your cooperation, this blade is as good as yours."

  "...what a shrewd lad you are.", Lord Hubert chuckled. "Suppose that I help you two, is it guaranteed that the blade will return to us?"

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  "Aye. In the king's honor.", he answered.

  "Alright then. Come, you two.", Lord Hubert called them over. "Nara here will guide you to the halls while I call for my council.", he said then left the room and called a servant to gather the lords in his council.

  Following Nara, the woman that guided them to Lord Hubert, at the halls leading to the council chamber, Lurter noticed banners that hung by the walls. A red eye with white pupils in a coat of black.

  "I don't remember any House bearing those banners.", Lurter remarked as they walked and passed through the banners that hung along the walls.

  "Because it's not.", she answered. "It's the symbol of Yngwald, the all-seeing god in the faith of the Many Gods. Do you not know?"

  "Ah, I see...", he muttered. "I suppose I haven't seen anything about him in our libraries at the South. Can you tell me about him? He seems interesting, being the god that sees anything and everything."

  "You see, we Lord Yngwald to be an honest god, one that sees all. In the ancient faith, before the One God became Many Gods, the One is believed to be an omnipotent yet kind god. Once, he read the minds of the mortals all over the world. They were filled with thoughts of new things that he had not taught them. Even though some of the mortals doubted his existence, he did not smite them as the other figures of the Many Gods would have done today. Instead, he left his heavenly realm and descended to the realms of man and conversed with them about why they doubted his existence. When the Shattering happened, one of the One's many figures was Lord Yngwald. We believe in his kindness and generosity like he had done when he was still whole."

  "Hm...", Lurter hummed. "That's quite interesting. A god that sees all yet is still kind to his subjects. I don't believe that any god, much less a mortal would be able to handle such power. I think they would break before they even process half of what entered their mind."

  "Tell us more about the Rivermays.", Orewell suddenly spoke. "I believe your House bears no love for your liege lords, but the fact that nobody had tried to stab out backs or slit our throats is more concerning compared to when there's an actual attempt", then his face morphed into a stern and threatening gaze. "There's two of us and one of you. You're also unarmed", he said as he gripped the dagger. "Make a wrong noise and your blood will spill the banners of the god you praise."

  Nara met Orewell's threatening gaze with her calm and unfazed own. "A cautious one.", she remarked and sighed. "Do you truly wish to make an enemy out of the lord that sheltered you here?"

  "Even if you hate your liege lords, the fact that you're still a vassal doesn't change the fact that you're still an enemy.", he retorted. "I'll trust you if you trust us enough to tell us everything about the lord you serve."

  "All right.", she sighed. "I do not trust you, but I do value my life. As you already know, you're in Heavenbright, seat of House Rivermay. The current lord is Lord Hubert, sixty-seven years of age. He had two wives, first is Lady Orinna Marrowmine, mother of the late heir, Baryl who died at thirty-one and the second son, Iryn who died at twenty-five. Then later, he got married to Lady Marynn Trysh who gave birth to his youngest daughter and eldest surviving, the thirteen-year old Robyn. Heavenbright can muster one thousand three hundred men when our liege lord rallies us. Currently, four hundred men are in a campaign led by Lord Garrick Calerband in repelling the Black Scarf rebels. Also, Lord Hubert is looking for a potential suitor to betroth Robyn with as he wants to see his youngest daughter secure with a good man before he passes.", she cocked her head to Orewell. "Does that satisfy you...Lord Grey?"

  "Is it safe to say you're telling me part-truths and part-lies?", he asked back.

  "Aye. I'm not as foolish to reveal everything about my lord to a stranger.", she retorts.

  "I suppose that's fine. We'll just figure out the truths and lies for ourselves. At the very least, you trust us a little.'

  Nara nodded and continued guiding them to the castle's council hall. Lurter took this as a chance to approach Orewell and yank him by his sleeve. "What in the ten fucks are you doing?", he softly asks. "Why are you trying to make an enemy out of our potential ally?! What would you do if she reports this to Lord Hubert?!"

  "She wouldn't.", he reassured him. "There are guards following us this whole time, if you haven't noticed. The moment I held the dagger, she could've sent the guards to slit our throats yet she didn't."

  'Guards?', he thought to himself. He didn't hear any footsteps...and so he looked back. There were two hooded figures following behind them at a few paces away. Far enough to not be heard but close enough to strike with a ranged weapon like a dart or throwing knife. He then leaned close to Orewell, whispering, "I didn't hear them follow us. How did you?"

  "While you were preoccupied talking with Nara, I looked around and saw them following behind us since the gate guards took our horses. I'd wager she would've told those hooded fucks to kill us as soon as our feet landed on the guard.", he shrugged. "I suppose the dagger that the king gave me is what saved us from being a loose pool of blood."

  Lurter could never fathom how keen Orewell is...but he's thankful that he is.

  At the end of the hallway, Nara stopped, opening a wooden door that stood tall and sturdy. "Come, my Lords.", she politely gestured them and they followed, stepping inside the council chamber and Lurter took the interior into mind. The chamber is constructed with light red stone and the furniture are well-polished. There are scrolls and quills in shelves and an ink pad and seals of House Rivermay. As he looked around, he saw a young girl with long brown hair that's tied into a ponytail, sitting on a chair while reading a book.

  "Lady Robyn.", Nara called then gestured towards him and Orewell.

  "Ah, who might you two be?", she politely asked, a small smile on her face as she approached them, holding the big book by her chest that covered her small form. By the looks of it, Robyn is about just as tall as his shoulder.

  "...who's this lost child?", Orewell asks, raising an eyebrow at the small lady.

  Without hesitation, Lurter smacked him across the head. "Dumbass, are you not paying attention?! That's Lady Robyn!", he said with a huff of annoyance at the end.

  "This...little sh--"

  Before Orewell could say things that might make them look worse, Lurter just sealed his lips with his hand before apologetically bowing to the young lady. "Apologies, My Lady. Weeks of travel has dulled my friend over here.", he said before forcibly making Orewell bow as well.

  However, she seems to be a good sport about it as she only laughed about it. "He surely doesn't hold his words, does he?", she asks with a chuckle at the end.

  "To his detriment.", Lurter retorted.

  "Oh no. I don't think so.", she replied. "It's quite refreshing, if I must admit. Not having to be treated like a fragile little girl all the time and having to paste their words with false flattery. What's your name, good sir?"

  As he sighed and let go of Orewell's mouth, he couldn't help but think about her smile. It exudes warmth and a feeling that everything will be alright even if the situation properly calls for despair.

  "The name's Orewell.", he flatly replies, not only looking at her hand as she held it out. It took him quite a while to process that she seems to be offering a handshake that he eventually accepted.

  "...he's a dolt around women...and girls, apparently...by the gods...", Lurter muttered to himself.

  "It's not everyday that I have new company around the castle", she said and smoothly looped her arm around Orewell's. "Please, do tell me about yourself if you do not mind."

  'This...is a dangerous combination.', Lurter taught to himself. 'Now that I thought of it...Orewell never held himself well around woman...hell, I'd bet all my money that the only woman or girls that he came into contact with is his half-little sisters and the inn keeper's daughters that he's working with. I may be overthinking it...', he paused his thoughts as he watched the young lady cling herself to his friend. 'But...Lady Robyn is quite charming...to Orewell's detriment...her charm is more like a snake's than a statesman's...I hope he won't be swayed by her because I definitely would have folded if she did that to me...'

  "Don't worry, Lady Robyn isn't like a snake or witch that you think she is.", Nara interrupted his thoughts by speaking to him. "She's naturally nice, but even more so to your friend because she hasn't seen a boy treat her like a commoner than a noble lady. It's too early to say but I think she has taken an interest to him because his mannerisms were different from what she's used to."

  "...ah...I see.", he muttered and let out a relieved sigh. "That's...good to know. It's just...I never saw Orewell around a girl or woman that isn't his family or colleagues at work so I'm slightly worried that he'll just...shut down or collapse or something. But I'm relieved to know that he's in good hands."

  He then looked back at Orewell and Robyn who now stood by the chamber's window, looking at the view of the city outside as they talked. 'This is the same person that defeated Ser Dert in a trial by combat...', he thought to himself again. 'How is it possible that he can kill a man easily but still be a nervous wreck around a girl so smaller than him that he can easily push her around or toss her like a doll?'

  "Earlier, Lady Nara...", he spoke. "You told us that Lord Hubert is looking for a suitor for Robyn. How come she isn't betrothed until now?"

  "Lord Hubert is also looking for a suitable heir of Heavenbright. You know he won't last for long, don't you?"

  He nodded. "I see. I suppose he hasn't found a good man to entrust his lands and daughter with then."

  "Mhm. A few lords sent their sons over to Heavenbright to court Robyn, but none of them seems to be in the lord or lady's liking. He said their kindness is just a facade. And I'm inclined to agree. Some of the Houses like House Baronwood, House Fredmont, House Jombrey and House Peaton are hostile towards House Rivermay. Lord Hubert thinks the sons of those lords I mentioned will just hurt Robyn once he comes to pass.", she sighed. "The deaths of Lord Hubert's sons is truly a problem."

  "If I may ask...how did Lords Baryl and Iryn die?", he politely asked.

  "Lord Baryl died to disease while Lord Iryn was assassinated by an assassin from House Waspstone. Lord Hubert was miserable and it wasn't until he met Lady Marynn and they had Robyn that he smiled again. Since then, Robyn became his world...which is why it was so important for him to select a suitable husband for Robyn before he passes. He could not care less who becomes heir of his seat, all that matters is the man will keep Robyn safe from everything that's going on."

  'That's sweet.', Lurter thought to himself. 'It's not everyday you see a lord father not wedding his daughter away for an alliance with a fellow lord...'

  As Lurter stood there, the slow and loud rings of the bell echoed all through out the city. Both Lady Nara and Lady Robyn were alarmed. A few moments passed, heavy footsteps echoed through the halls and the door swung open, followed by a guard that spoke as he caught his breath. "Lady Robyn! Your father...he...he has been slain! It is not safe here anymore, the Black Scarves have somehow made their way inside the city and they're in the castle as well! Come with me and I shall take you to safety!"

  Lurter can practically see how the young lady shattered by the look on her face. It was all so sudden. They were just having a conversation with Lord Hubert a few moments ago yet he's already dead...but he knew he can't just let this be. "How many of the Black Scarves are in the city and the walls?", Lurter asked.

  "There are about two hundred of them wreaking havoc in the city. We don't know how the Black Scarves entered the castle so we cannot give an estimate, but I'd say it's less than sixty or so.", the guard answered, the pike in his hand trembling. The guard gulped, 'His nerves must be getting to him.', Lurter thought. After the guard collected himself, he spoke again. "I'll lead you to the city's southern gate, please come with me."

  Orewell dislodged himself from Lady Robyn, grasping her shoulders. Despite the coldness in his eyes, Lurter can see some warmth in it which was honestly pretty out of character for him. He can recall so many times where he could not care less about things or misfortunes of other people...yet he can without a doubt see. He cares. It's a massive feat to make Orewell care about something that doesn't concern Amelie. "I know you're grieving, My Lady, but snap out of it but you cannot mourn if you break here and die.", he said, his tone equal parts harsh and truthful but caring. "Focus on living now and you can mourn later, do you understand me? If so, then come with me and let's focus on living, alright? You can cry as much after then.", he pulled her small form in a hug and whispered something in her ear that managed to snap Lady Robyn into reality. He drew his sword that glowed a dim blue. "Lead us, guard. My friend and I do not know this city, Lady Robyn is too shocked to be of any use at the moment. Our lives rest on yours."

  The guard nodded and began to lead them, first through the castle's halls and made a left turn at a junction then continued westward until they arrived at another turn and the guard guided them right. The sight of guards fighting the rebels was in full view, red stained both sides, the Rivermay soldiers' armors painted in white and the rebels' black tunics.

  "Eyes ahead, Lurter!", Orewell called to him. "I know things are messed up right now but I don't need you dozing off on me!"

  Lurter blinked twice, snapping himself out of the sight of violence. Orewell ran with his sword held in one hand and Lady Robyn's hand on the other. Lady Nara also followed them as the guard guided them. "Yeah...yeah...sorry.", he stammered.

  The guard eventually led them to a chamber that led to a descending staircase. "Go down here and keep heading south. You'll eventually find yourself in an alley that is not far away from the southern gate. I'll join my brothers in fending off these rebels, My Lady. It has been an honor serving your family.", the guard bid his farewell as he closed the door that led to the paths under the castle. As they navigated the underhalls, faint sounds of steel clashing and loud yelling and grunting echoed through the closed doors...

  "Don't dilly-dally, Lurter. Think while we walk. About the whats and whys....everything. We need a plan, we won't be here forever.", Orewell told him as he led the way, his sword still emanating a dim, blue hue as amidst the torch's orange flames.