novel bin Chapter Forty-Five: The Wages of Victory
Chapter Forty-Five: The Wages of Victory
Chapter Forty-Five: The Wages of Victory
Archfrost was safe.
Two seasons had passed since I returned home and started contending with Belgoroths influence. I had spent months dealing with his Blights, stamping out his cult, and preventing wars that would empower him. A good third of our current generation of Heroes had dedicated all of its efforts towards foiling the Lord of Wrath.
And we won.
In spite of overwhelming odds, we had succeeded where even the first generation failed: we had defeated a Demon Ancestor for good. We didnt seal away or delay Belgoroths return, no. Wed truly destroyed him. The Sword of Wrath lay shattered, its wielders soul imprisoned inside its remains until it faded away. We had saved Archfrostnay, the worldfrom annihilation.
So why was I in no mood to celebrate?
I want you to understand what you are selling away, I told the man before me. You will never see your arm again.
I understand perfectly. His gaunt frame and priestly robes looked familiar, although it took me a while to recall why. This is not the first time we met in similar circumstances, Lord Robin. Do you remember me?
I think I do, I replied. I remembered my first court session clearly. You are Bishop Sigislav Hranslow. When the Arcane Abbey condemned you for your Reformist views, I proposed to reduce your sentence to community service.
And I refused, the man confirmed. My decision cost me months of monastic reclusion, but I do not regret it in the slightest.
I studied him closely. Why are you here? From what I remember, you called Heroes unworthy of worship in your sermons. Why offer your arm to one?
I still stand by what I said. Heroes are humans entrusted with a duty, not idols to be adored. The man smiled warmly at me. However, their deeds and sacrifices ought to be honored. We could see the fires all the way from Snowdrift, Lord Robin. You were ready to lay down your life to save us from evil incarnate, and though I do not worship you, I wish to honor your valor in any way I can.
You do not owe me anything, I countered. Snowdrift was my home. I fought to defend it as any other would have in my case.
Few would have stood their ground against a Demon Ancestor, Lord Robin, the priest replied kindly. Moreover, it is because of your treaty with Walbourg that I was allowed to leave the monastery without facing persecution. I will not leave this room until you accept your reward.
He was quite the stubborn one. I guessed he had to be, to stand up to the Arcane Abbey.
I bowed to his resolve by signing the contract. My mark glowed upon validating the deal. New flesh grew over my left stump. A fresh limb replaced the one I had lost to Belgoroths sword, strong and young. I suppressed a pang of sorrow when my benefactor found himself with an empty sleeve. The bag of gold that teleported in front of him didnt feel heavy enough.
Strange, the priest said upon studying my new arm. Why does it not look like my arm anymore?
Its thanks to a wording trick. I purchased your arm, but I explicitly refused to buy its appearance. A subtlety which I had picked upon when trading away peoples wounds. It causes the grafted limb to shift into one that fits the current owner.
Interesting wordplay. The priest glanced at the bag of coins with disinterest. I do not need your money, Lord Robin. I understand that you need to offer a price to buy my limb, but I am not so helpless as to be unable to work.
Then find a good use for those funds, I told the priest. This country has plenty of orphans who would benefit from an adults help.
I must make a poor priest, to be scolded for my lack of foresight. After a moments hesitation, Bishop Sigislav finally swallowed his pride and seized his payment. Very well, Lord Robin. I shall use these funds wisely.
My friend Marika will design a prosthetic for you too. They are no true substitutes for missing limbs yet, but we are working on improving them.
Is this what you merchants call customer support? Bishop Sigislav asked with a wry smile. Do not concern yourself with me, Lord Robin. You will need your hands more than I will.
That may be true, but I still hoped to create a full replacement for missing limbs one day. I believed we could create perfect prosthetics in time with Soraseos and Marikas help. If golems could move arms of steel, why not men?
Bishop Sigislav left my hospital room afterwards, leaving me alone. I took the occasion to jump out of my bed. My new right leg had been slightly longer than the left one, but I managed to correct that issue by selling an inch of it away. They fit me just like the old ones.
A cloud of white smoke filled my room.
You might be the first Merchant to try to dissuade people from selling you their body parts, Robin, Eris noted upon teleporting in. Half of Snowdrift volunteered for the honor, but you haggled over each one.
Were you eavesdropping? I raised an eyebrow at her in amusement. Isnt it a sin to listen to another priests confession?
Only if you dont keep the secret, Eris teased me back. Can you blame me? You wouldnt be the first Merchant slain by a hidden assassin. I wonder why you insisted on meeting your volunteers one-on-one.
Because I do not want them to feel pressured, I replied. My new legs and arms bore visible scars where they had joined with my body. A permanent reminder of the gifts others granted me. Trades like these ones should be carried out without any regrets. I wished to buy limbs that would be the least missed.
It had taken me long enough, but I had fully recovered.
Our fateful battle with Belgoroth had left me comatose for a while. When I awakened days later, Id learned that we had been evacuated to Snowdrift for immediate care. Healers and witchcrafters spent enough time purging my body of Belgoroths foul essence that Therese and our allies managed to travel all the way back from the capital to check on us.
How are the others faring? I asked Eris. I knew Marika, Roland, Soraseo, Alaire, and Selestine had recoveredenough that they apparently visited me in my comabut Cortaner was still in critical condition the last time I checked.
I worried for Colmar the most, however. Whereas Id been lucky to survive with just my limbs cut off, my undead friend had lost his entire body except for his hand. It was a miracle his will endured in this form at all.
Cortaner will make it. Do you know what he told me when I last visited him? The Goddess condemned me to live with my regrets, Belarra. I have made peace with it, and so should you. Eris scoffed. Thats Corty for you. Hell never change.
No, he wont, I replied. I couldnt help but notice that his words to Eris could be interpreted in multiple ways. I admire his resilience. I thought Belgoroth ripping off his Penitent Ones armor would kill him.
That man has survived worse. The first thing he asked for upon waking up was to have the removed chest piece put back on.
I shuddered to even imagine what ordeal could be worse than being beaten to near death by a demonic embodiment of all the worlds fury. At least Cortaner didnt suffer those injuries for nothing.
What happened to the Sword of Wrath? I questioned Eris. Has it been secured?
Lady Alexios has decided to take the fragments to a place unknown to me, Eris explained. I assume she will seal the sword in a secret Sanctuary and wait for its essence to purify the old Knights mark. Bels soul will remain imprisoned inside until that day comes to pass.
A process that might take decades for all we knew. Do you think he might find a way to escape again?
I dont think so. He has no way of consenting to a trade even if my other self gathered all the swords fragments. Without the flow of wrathful essence fueling his curse, Bels soul is powerless. Eris looked away. He will spend his final years in solitary confinement.
I studied her sorrowful expression. In spite of his atrocities and attempted murder of her, Eris still considered the fallen Knight a friend. Do you regret putting him there?
I regret binding his soul to a sword at all. Eris clutched her staff in her sorrow. Silly as it sounds, I thought that he would become courage itself when I soulforged his sword. I hoped to preserve Bel forever at his best: the bravest Knight I ever knew.
Instead, Belgoroths soul turned to hatred and fury. Unlike Roland, he had allowed his worst qualities to overwhelm his good ones.
The frontier between valor and madness is often thin, I reassured her. We both gave him his chance to turn back from the latter, and he denied us.
I know. Eris shook her head. Id hoped that he would take the hand I gave him. Instead, he pushed it away and chose to drown.
Redemption is a long and difficult road, Eris. Not everyone has the strength to take the first step. I took her hand into mine with my new fingers. I will help you avoid the pitfalls along the road, if you will let me.
Thank you, oh wise one. Eris winked at me. Your task should be easier, now that you have two arms to hold me with.
Beware, oh wicked nun of unfulfilled desire, one of these hands belonged to a holy man, I teased her back with a mock, dramatic tone. It shall only save the righteous.
Eris laughed at my joke, and I found it to be the most beautiful sound in the world. It did not last long. Once she calmed down, she looked at my hands as they held her own.
Robin, she said, her tone solemn.
Yes? I replied.
Ive thought over what you said to me before we fought Belgoroth. Eris gathered her breath. Are you truly ready to commit to me? Even knowing well, everything?
Yes, I replied firmly. If you are ready to commit back.
Then I stand by what I said. This wont end well. Eris chuckled lightly. But I swear to you: I will do my best to help you prove me wrong.
I suppressed a laugh of my own. What kind of promise is that?
The best deal that you will ever get, handsome, she teased me back. We are in an exclusive contract now. There is no going back.
No, there wasnt. We had entered a serious relationship now. Come what may, I would see this through the end.
And I wouldnt have it any other way.
You know, I said while drawing her closer, since were alone here, we could
Someone knocked on the door as if on cue, much to my disappointment. I immediately recognized Benis light touch after living with him for so long; the shy boy had visited me each day since he returned to Snowdrift. He entered the room, politely bowed at Eris and me, and then gestured at me with hand-signs.
Your mother wants to see us? I translated, my brows furrowing into a deep scowl. About Colmar?
She and Selestine must have finished grafting his glove to his new suit, Eris said.
Somehow, Benis worried expression did not inspire confidence in me.
Eris and I followed the child through the corridors of Snowdrifts hospice. Hundreds of wounded soldiers received treatment in its convalescent ward. The stench of blood and medicine choked my breath, and the sight of rows upon rows of beds filled with burn victims filled my heart with sorrow. Our victory had come at a cost.
Belgoroths rampage had left Archfrosts northern armies shattered, with only a handful of the tens of thousands sent to protect Stonegarde returning alive. A set of catastrophic losses. The one silver lining was that the beastmen armies from the north had been similarly damaged and wouldnt be able to muster any kind of invasion for years.
In a way, Belgoroth had ensured peace by ravaging both sides. Neither Archfrost nor its would-be invaders retained any strength left to continue the fight.
Beni guided us to a sizable laboratory deeper inside the building. Blood, bile, and other chemicals bubbled away on shelves in between over-laden bookshelves. Colmar had used this place as an office for much of his time in Snowdrift, and piles of scrolls adorned with his notes piled up on the cabinets.
Selestine, Marika, Soraseo, and Alaire were already present. All of them appeared to have recovered from the wounds they sustained in the battle, with our Priest covering her wings and scales under her robes. They surrounded a perfect copy of Colmars apothecary outfit, which they had lay bare on an operation table. My undead friend very much looked like one of his own patients.
How are you managing the transition, now that Alaire has decided to abdicate? I asked Therese as she guided me through a stairway to her husbands office.
I admit I was quite annoyed at first, after all the time my husband and I spent to secure her claim, Therese conceded. However, part of me always knew it would happen sooner or later. Alaire was born to ride, not to rule.
On that, we agree, I replied. However, I had the feeling Alaire wouldnt completely leave Archfrost just yet. The kingdom had stabilized somewhat, but it would remain in dire need of brave knights to deal with the remnants of Belgoroths influence. I know you will do well in her place.
Snowdrift no longer needs a guiding hand, Robin, Therese said to me. You have made sure of it.
It was such a bittersweet feeling, to see my work so complete that my help was no longer required.
If I may ask, I said. Why did you want to become queen so much?
I assume you mean why did I want a crown more than love? Therese winked at me. Why, because I wanted to turn Archfrost into a vassal to the Everbright Empire. I am a dirty foreign spy sent to corrupt your beloved king after all.
Of course, I replied with a chuckle. And the real reason?
That was my original plan. Therese briefly paused as we passed near a window, her eyes observing Snowdrift. However I confess that I have grown more attached to this country than my homeland after spending so many years in it. I wish to see it and its people prosper.
More than the Everbright Empire?
I believe my old homeland and the new can become close friends. Therese chuckled. But only on our terms.
Archfrost would find no better stalwart defender.
Therese introduced me to her office. We found Roland working there behind a desk, stamping documents while looking bored to death. The King of Archfrosts mood clearly brightened upon seeing me.
You look terrible, Robin, he said upon shaking my hand. Unlike mine, his new one was made of metal and silver rather than flesh. But its good to see you out of bed.
Your Majesty doesnt look too shabby either, I teased him back, my eyes settling on his new hand. I see you didnt waste time replacing your lost body parts.
This is a witchcrafter-made prosthesis. Roland examined his silver fingers. I demanded that they add a hidden blade to it.
So it would count as a weapon for your power and thus let you control it seamlessly? I couldnt help but chuckle in admiration. Seeking loopholes already? This proves that you are a true Hero, Roland.
He learned from the best, Therese teased me. You were a terrible influence on him, Robin.
A fact Therese will not let me live with. Roland examined my new legs with slight discomfort. Do they fit?
They fit me well enough. I sat on the desk. I lack your valor, Roland. Selfish as it sounds, I would have missed that tingling sensation coursing through my veins whenever I flip a golden coin into the air.
You should have seen the lines of people who offered to take on your burden, Robin. Roland smiled warmly. One of my tutors once told me that a persons worth was determined by how many lives they had touched. You have inspired thousands, my friend.
You flatter me. I tried to smile, but for once I couldnt find the strength to. I wont forget it.
Rolands expression soured. I know this expression, Robin. This is the face of a man about to say goodbye.
Im afraid so, Roland, I confirmed. Eris had already departed for the northern lands, and the others were preparing our airship for departure. We leave tomorrow at dawn. One of us cant afford to wait any longer.
Ive learned about Colmars condition. This is truly a shame. We couldnt have defeated Belgoroth without his help. I and Archfrost owe him so much. Roland scowled. Is there nothing we can do for him?
There is. I handed Roland a letter, which I had written under Colmars guidance. He asked me to deliver this to you.
Roland read the letter alongside Therese. Both frowned the further they read, the former more than the letter.
He wishes me to spare that wench Florence. Roland set the letter aside in disgust. Is he mad? That woman started the Purple Plague that ravaged our land. The only reason I belayed her execution was to gather information on the Knot of Wrath. With Belgoroths destruction, her usefulness has come to an end.
I almost regretted selling him his wrath back after I woke up. It would have made negotiations easier.
I am no happier with it than you are, I confessed. My parents had died because of Florences madness. If I had my say, she would rot in a special kind of hell until death; but I didnt have the heart to argue with a dying friends final request. However, Colmar believes that she could eventually be rehabilitated.
He is the only one to think so. Roland set the letter on his desk. At least he didnt ask me to pardon her. Why does he care that she spends the rest of her life in prison instead of ten minutes in the gallows?
Because he is a doctor and his purpose is to save lives, even those that used to be his enemies, I replied. Those were his exact words.
Privately, I also suspected that Colmar saw himself in Florence. He too had lost people and suffered prejudice. Perhaps he hoped Florence could learn to deal with her grief and make peace with her sins if given enough time.
Florence is no threat to us anymore with her patrons demise, Therese argued. Alive, she might come to regret her choices and become a productive member of our society. Death will solve nothing in her case.
Roland pondered the letters words for a moment before reaching a decision. I will ask Selestine to take care of her. She needs more healers than I can provide her with. Florence will pass from my jurisdiction to that of the Reformists.
A wise choice. Selestine had taken it upon herself to guide Eris and could deal with Florence if she ever returned to her old ways. Part of me selfishly hoped that the fallen apothecary would prove Colmar wrong, but I had given Daltia a chance for redemption. It would have been hypocritical to deny it to another because I disliked her personally.
Your mercy honors you, my husband, Therese complimented Roland. Showing a few felons mercy will help us reassure the dissenters in Walbourg that we wont betray our covenant.
Roland stifled a laugh. You never miss an occasion to find a political angle, do you?
Only because my lords gentleness made it possible, Therese replied diplomatically.
She was more right than she thought. The Roland Id met for the first time would rather have died than offer a second chance to the likes of Florence. The vengeful prince was slowly maturing into a wise king worthy of respect.
Therese excused herself under the pretense of preparing Florences transfer. I knew it was mostly a polite way to leave Roland and me alone. The new queen always possessed a keen sense when it came to understanding others motivations, and she could tell we Heroes had private matters to discuss.
Do you trust Eris? Roland asked me the moment his wife exited the office.
Yes, I replied without hesitation. Why the question?
Roland looked into my eyes with utmost seriousness. Do you know who she is?
Yes. I narrowed my eyes at Roland. Do you?
I have my suspicions. Roland shrugged his shoulders. She took great risks fighting with us and I trust your word, Robin, so I will defer to your judgment.
So Roland knew the truthhis power must have helped him with itbut he would keep it to himself. Good. I didnt think Eris was ready to come clean to everyone yet.
Thank you. Im sure Eris appreciates your trust too. I smiled at him. You have grown wise, Roland. You are the Knight who should have been.
Because you helped me rise when I stumbled, my friend. Roland joined his hands together and studied my face. You are going to hunt down the other Ancestors. I can see it in your eyes.
He knew me well. It was the first Merchant who granted them their immortality, and our battle with Belgoroth proved that I can strip it away. My successors and I may be the only people who can put them in the ground for good.
If they do not kill you first. Rolands jaw clenched in worry. Do you require my help?
I shook my head. I doubt the plan we used last time will work twice. From what I heard, none of the other Demon Ancestors soulforged items count as weapons, but Ill figure something out.
I trust you to do so. Roland crossed his arms and pondered my words. I should leave my kingdom in Thereses care and follow you. You are likely to get yourself killed otherwise.
Dont worry, Ive hired Soraseo on as a bodyguard, I quipped before quickly regaining my composure. Archfrost needs a king as much as it needs a Knight. Belgoroth has carved out a path through the mountains and Stonegarde is a smoking ruin. The border between your kingdom and the northern lands can no longer be closed, Roland. You know what this means.
My subjects will have to find a way to coexist with the beastmen, simply because we have no other choice anymore, Roland replied with a sharp nod. If we made peace with Walbourg, I am certain that we can achieve it with the beastmen given time.
Not all wars are waged with swords on burning battlefields, I said. Your new battles will be fought with words and in the hearts of men.
It is a war I promise not to lose, Robin, though I would have an easier time winning it with you at my side. Roland sighed. Where will I find a prime minister of your caliber?
Find a person you trust, and I will sell him the required skills, I joked back. With a friends discount.
Roland laughed heartily. You are more than a friend, Robin; you were the best. He took my hand into his own, using the one made of flesh this time. His fingers felt warm against mine. I would tell you goodbye, but I know we will meet again one day.
I hope so too. The sooner the better. Take care, Roland.
I had made a friend for life.
We discreetly left Snowdrift at dawn.
Marika had expanded the airship prototype by merging it with parts from the shipyard. The result wasnt as large as the Vernisla, but it nearly rivaled a caravel in size. We hadnt given the ship a name yet, although I had the feeling we would come up with one by the time our journey north concluded.
Selestine had fulfilled her promise for good winds. A powerful breeze pushed our airship north towards the snowy mountains and the icelands beyond. With luck, we should reach the Deadgate within a few days time.
I disliked farewells of any sort. Those always left a bittersweet feeling. When I watched my hometown shrink away from the skies above, I found myself overwhelmed by a deep sense of melancholy. If my life was a book, then I was doing more than turning the page. I was writing a volumes final words.
I found Snowdrift a dying port crumbling under the weight of its decay and corruption. Id left it as a thriving city bustling with life. My parents would have been proud. I first came here to disperse their ashes, and I hoped that they would bless this land with luck for many years to come.
Therese was right. Snowdrifts people no longer needed my help or Alaires leadership to prosper. We had given them the tools to seize their own future and they would live up to the occasion.
Was this how wandering knights felt once they departed the village they had saved? A strange sense of accomplishment in the fact that they had become unneeded?
I had the feeling that I wouldnt return to my homeland for a while, if at all. Perhaps I would try to visit it again in a few years and witness what fruits our labor yielded in our absence. For now, the horizon was my frontier.
The City of Wrath awaited us.