Chapter Fourteen: The Scales of Justice

Chapter Fourteen: The Scales of Justice

The Knight and the Inquisitor arrived at Snowdrift in short succession.

It was quite the procession that emerged from the woods around the city. Hundreds of riders trampled grass under their hooves, whipping up a dust storm hiding flying pegasus knights circling above them. The spring wind blew a dozen unfurling banners representing the greatest noble houses of Archfrost: a white hare, a blazing lion, a winged stonetusk I could hardly recognize half of them.

Though none of the banners majesty compared to the largest ones splendor: an icy crown with seven pointed horns, each representing one of the seven great classes and the associated heroes. The symbol of Archfrosts royal house.

I watched their procession from atop a mare gifted to me by AlaireI had taken to calling her Mudkeep due to her brown coloration. Alaire herself rode Silverine at my left, while Soraseo rode her black warhorse and Therese a white steed. Eris was also present, albeit on foother habit of teleporting around spooked the horsesand I had noticed Mersie observing the scene from the citys walls. My former lover kept to the shadows, watching from afar without making her presence known.

So many heroes gathered at the citys gates, I thought, looking over my shoulder. Though we had bought dozens of soldiers with us and secured the area, I half-expected the Knots to attack us now. Or perhaps will they try to split us up first?

Whatever the case, the three-hundred strong procession approached us without trouble. Whereas the Riverland Federations nobles and merchant princes liked their fine clothes and satin, the lords of Archfrost arrived clothed in steel and iron. Our nations knights favored white and blue colors, alongside heavy armor. Many of them carried large pavise shields, mighty maces, long spears, and sharp longswords. In short, the princes retinue came ready to wage war.

And why wouldnt they? The flames of war forged Archfrost. The country had been threatened by beastmen invasion from the north since its foundation, not to mention internal troubles like the recent rebellion in Walbourg. Its nobles learned to wield a sword the moment they could walk. The country might have suffered from an economic crisis, but the armys coffers were never empty.

Would their discipline and weaponry be enough to destroy demons? I hoped so. I had the feeling the likes of Fenrivos were but a taste of what kind of monsters we could expect to fight in the near future. Not to mention the kind that hides in plain sight among men.

We know so little about how demons function, I thought. If the Devil of Greed was a previous Merchant, as I now strongly suspect, how could she still buy souls and transform people into more demons? The class has been passed on to me.

You still owe me a dinner invitation, Robin, Eris reminded me lightly as the princes retinue came closer to us in a thundering stampede. What kind of Merchant takes a ladys merchandise without paying her for it?

The kind who wants to pay in full with interest, I replied lightly. In truth, I spent all of yesterdays afternoon studying the book Eris gave me in an attempt to translate it. I had learned the basics of traditional Erebian, but translating a centuries-old grimoire written in the language proved a little harder than I expected. Do you prefer your meal spicy or sweet?

How about both? Eris teased me with a wink. Surprise me.

Alaire sent me a sideway glance, her jaw tightening. I assume she reproached our flirting with the prince so near. As for Therese, she appeared a little disappointed in me. I wondered why.

Let us see if our Knight lives up to the tales, I thought as the Archfrostian leader strode forward to meet us. The crown prince rode atop a mighty white steed whose color meshed well with his scintillating silver-laden steel armor. A blue cloak of ermine fluttered from his shoulders, and the sheath of his sword carried the emblem of the House of Archfrost.

Two men rode beside him, both of them unarmored. The first was a terribly young man with short jet-black hair, darker eyes, soft features, and pale white skin. He carried a bow around his chest, alongside a short sword on his belt and a shield on his back. The princes squire, most likely. He followed His Majesty like his shadow, his trembling hand ready to draw his sword at the first sign of danger.

The other appeared to be in his late thirties, with a slender build, sharp features, and a small pointed beard on his chin. His neatly combed dark hair was streaked with white. His eyes, as gray as Alaires, radiated wariness when they appraised our group. The man alone carried no weapon, and his unassuming brown mantle contrasted nearly with the splendid armor of his master. I noticed a passive resemblance with the squire. Perhaps they were uncle and nephew, or father and son?

The man is Mathias Leclerc, Archfrosts First Minister of State, Therese helpfully whispered into my ear upon noticing my confusion. He has been in the position for five years now.

On which factions payroll is he on? I questioned her.

Therese chuckled. Both, I assume. Otherwise, he wouldnt have kept his post for so long.

Ah, then he was either a crafty opportunist or an ambitionless bureaucrat. I hoped for the latter. We had enough potential traitors in our midst as it was.

Alaire cleared her throat once the prince neared within hearing distance. Greetings, Your Majesty, she declared politely, inclining her head respectfully. I quickly imitated her, as did all of us. I bid thee welcome in Snowdrift.

It is too early to call me Your Majesty, Lady Alaire. Archfrosts crown prince removed his helmet. He was incredibly handsome for a young man short of eighteen, with short, lustrous hair the color of gold and azure eyes that any maiden would have fallen for. His skin was fair as snow and unblemished by the ills of the world. I have yet to be crowned king.

My Goddess, hes even prettier than Mersie, I thought. Much to everyones displeasure, I quipped, causing Therese, Eris, and the prince himself to smile. Alaire herself remained stone-faced, her hands tightening on her steeds reins.

You make me blush, Sir, Prince Roland replied with a warm smile. From your fiery hair, I assume you must be the new Merchant Ive heard so much about. Robin Waybright, is it?

I always knew being a ginger would make me famous worldwide. I hope youve heard only good things, Your Highness.

Please, call me Roland. We are fellow heroes and equal in the Goddess eyes. And he was humble too! And to answer your worries, Robin, Mathias would not stop lauding you at the royal council. The prince waved a hand at his minister, who politely nodded at us. Your reforms fascinate him.

They do. The minister advanced slightly closer and studied my face. Your plans to increase agricultural productivity especially intrigue me. Food production has always been the weak heel of our nation, but we have mostly focused on introducing new grains or negotiating better importation treaties. If your method does yield fruit

Vegetables, you mean? the prince joked. Ive heard you speaking of turnips and clovers, not apples.

You are well-informed, Prince Roland, I noted. It made me cautiously optimistic. Few nobles would have bothered to learn about agriculture, no matter how sensible, let alone a prince. Besides, Roland appeared to have a sense of humor. A rare thing among prickly nobles.

As the future king of Archfrost, it is my duty to learn any information that could improve my subjects lives. He put a hand on his chest. I hope that we can collaborate together to build a new and better kingdom. Archfrost needs new blood such as yours to move forward.

I had grown so used to empty platitudes in Ermeline that Prince Rolands earnest tone took me aback. His words carried the weight of his raw passion and dedication. I could tell he was the rarest breed of politician: the kind that believed in his own message.

I hope so, Prince Roland, I replied with some enthusiasm. My, this association promises to be interesting

I look forward to us working together then, Robin. Prince Roland approached Therese next. It has been a long while, my lady.

Five years, Prince Roland, Therese replied courteously before offering her fianc her hand, which he kissed. I caught the princes squire scowling at the scene, albeit briefly. Was he wary of the imperial princess for her foreign origins? I hope your dancing has improved since last we met. We are to hold a ball tonight.

Im afraid I still have room for improvement, Roland replied with embarrassment. Is a ball appropriate though? I was told the counts funeral would take place at noon.

Alaire let out a sigh, her bearing almost regal. She reminded me of a warrior putting on their armor; one of courtesy rather than steel. My grandfathers death is cause for sorrow, but your coming is cause for rejoice, Your Highness, she said diplomatically. Your Uncle Sigismund will arrive soon, alongside the finest lords of the north. Surely we should welcome them properly.

A wise choice, Minister Leclerc said with a strained smile. It is good to gather friends in these troubled times.

I could read between the lines. There is another civil war brewing, and it is time to tally who will be on each side.

Though Alaire initially wanted to avoid holding a celebration after her grandfathers funeral, Therese convinced her to go through with it for two reasons. The first being that it would help secure her place as the new countess of Snowdrift by building up political capital. Second, it would help Prince Roland build up a coalition to take down the regent in case the latter refused to relinquish power. Considering Therese would become Queen of Archfrost once her fianc assumed the throne, it would neatly unite the country under someone who had its best interests at heart.

As for me, I supported the event because it meant flushing out our enemies. The Knots would never be able to resist an opportunity to strike such an event. Success meant wiping out nearly a third of the worlds heroes and destabilizing Archfrost a great deal more. It, in turn, would give us an opportunity to wipe them out from Snowdrift once and for all.

Lady Alaire, allow me to offer you my condolences, Roland said with a grim tone. Though Count Brynslow was no friend of mine, he was a wise lord who duly fostered my future queen. I give you my word, you shall have justice for his murder.

I did not believe in noble promises, since words were like wind, but something in the princes dark tone and eyes unsettled me. The way his blue gaze harshened when he spoke of justice, and the very subtle sideway glance his squire and minister exchanged I had a gut feeling something was wrong.

Your Highness is kind, Alaire replied courteously, not giving anything away. But there will be time to discuss avenging my grandfather once we have cremated him.

Of course. Roland turned his gaze on Eris and Soraseo. It is good to see you again as well, Lady Eris. Might I ask who rides at your side?

My, who else but your vassal, my pretty prince? Eris replied with a smirk. The loyal one.

Yes, I have heard about the Cavaliers poor choice of employer. Once again, I caught a glimpse of that cold stare in the princes eyes. I do not know what madness seized her or what leverage Griselda has over them. The heroes should not fight on opposing sides.

Give me time to work my charm, oh Knight, Eris reassured him. I will do my best to bring her back into the fold.

Good. For the Cavaliers sake, the princes tone implied.

He hides darkness in his heart, I realized. Made sense. Nobody was that perfect. Still, I wonder how much dirt a Knight in shining armor can hide

Soraseo introduced herself with a respectful nod. I have a great honor meeting you, Lord Knight. I am Soraseo, the Monk.

And from the way you carry yourself, a true warrior too. Prince Roland removed his left hands gauntlet, revealing a familiar symbol: a golden bastard sword topped by the Erebian symbol for eleven. Perhaps you would indulge me in a short joust, Lady Soraseo?

What, right now? I asked, flabbergasted.

Our prince does have an appetite for battle, Minister Leclerc mused.

Prince Roland exploded into laughter. King Koshro, the first person to unify Archfrost, dueled a citys commander each time he visited one, to ensure both of their skills remained sharp. Besides, my squire, Sebastien, spent so long dressing me up in my armor. I would hate for his efforts to go to waste.

I would rather that His Grace not endanger himself, the squire complained with a grunt. He keeps breaking his swords.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.

You exaggerate, Prince Roland chided them. Besides, I havent faced a real challenge since I earned my class. I am eager to see how I perform against a fellow hero.

I will have great pleasure in accepting your challenge, Soraseo replied eagerly. Were all warrior-aligned classes so desperate for the thrill of combat? Sword or spear?

Both work for me, Roland replied with enthusiasm. Shall we go with blades? I am curious to see how your curved sword performs against mine.

Therese winced at her fiancs words. Shouldnt we try to stop them? she whispered to me and Alaire. This will delay our plan for the day.

Ten? I didnt hide my disappointment. I had hoped for more reinforcements from the Fatebinder. Thats not much.

Oh, believe me. Gunndra glanced at Cortaner, who walked to the docks with Colmar in tow. Hes worth a hundred of us.

The tension in the air was palpable as the Alchemist and Inquisitor joined us. Colmars hands clenched and unclenched on their own, his back as tense as a bowstring. I had never seen him so frightened.

I am conflicted, Cortaner admitted to Colmar, his voice colder than an Archfrostian winter. The Abbeys teachings demand that I destroy you on the spot.

Colmar did not say a word, while my companions exchanged silent, shocked glances. My hand moved closer to my daggers hilt on its own, ready to defend my friend if need be

However, Cortaner added, Your soul is pure, and the Alchemists mark chose you in spite of your sinful state. It is not my place to question the artifacts plans for you. I shall not interfere.

I appreciate your mercy, Ser Cortaner. I could almost taste the relief in Colmars voice. He was clearly pleased to avoid a fight. If it pleases, I would like our discussion to remain private.

Your confession will stay between the Goddess and us. Cortaner turned to face Marika. I could only see darkness through his visors slits. Do you remember what I told you when we last met?

Marikas smile faded away, swiftly replaced by a deep scowl. I know the price of letting a demon live, yes.

Good, Cortaner replied with laconism. That is why you were chosen.

Since Marika appeared clearly uncomfortable with the discussion, I decided to intrude. Inquisitor Cortaner, a pleasure to meet you

I have legal documents for you to sign, Lord Robin, the man cut in, his tone sharper than his armors spikes. I request the right of pursuing an inquisition within this city.

This man has neither patience nor humor, I realized. Eris, that silly hyena, cackled behind me. The more I hung out with her, the more I was convinced she only found delight in embarrassing others.

Granted, within limits, I answered calmly. If this man couldnt stand social niceties, I would get straight to the point. You will be allowed to interrogate and detain suspects of demonic activities, but no torture, no arrests without evidence, and no extrajudicial execution unless its a confirmed demon or cultist collaborator.

Its not extrajudicial if Alaire were to give permission, Eris suggested mirthfully.

Youre not helping, I complained.

I know.

Cortaner crossed his arms in displeasure. Half-measures will only slow down the demonic purge.

But this will reassure the populace, Gunndra pointed out. The Blight is strong enough as it is. Us acting with a heavy hand would strengthen the believers fears and thus the Berserk Flame.

True, Cortaner conceded, much to my surprise. He did not argue further. Very well. We shall do as you ask.

My Goddess, did he actually listen to criticism? Perhaps that man was less rigid than he looked. First of all, what can your power do in detail? I asked him. The more we understand it, the better we can figure out synergies with our own abilities.

Cortaner looked down on me until I could finally see his baleful black eyes. His deep, terrible voice echoed both in the air and in my mind. Confess your sins to me.

My mouth opened on its own. When I was eight, I stole marbles from a shop, I confessed my first step on a life of sin. When the merchant noticed, I lied and I accused a magpie.

Eris gasped in mock shock. Robin, you monster!

Whats happening? Before I could recover my composure, my mouth, tongue, and jaw moved on their own without any input from my mind. It was as if a foreign ghost had entered my flesh and seized control. I cant I cant stop!

When I was at the orphanage, we used an old Board & Conquest board, but the instruction manual was written in Iremian because Sforza was a cheap son of a whore, no offense to whores, whose beds I often visit, I continued, unable to hold back. I tried to close my mouth, to tighten my jaw, to seal my lips, but the truth poured out from my heart nonetheless. Since none of the children understood Iremian, I pretended that I could read it so I could invent rules whenever I was pushed into a corner. Then I learned to load dice so I could establish dominance at game contests. At eleven, when a bully tried to steal my lunch, I forced his head into a chamber pot

I recounted all of my crimes in chronological order in perfect detail; from my childhood pranks all the way to the dirty work I did under Sforzas guidance. When I tried to physically keep my jaw shut with my hand, my mouth struggled back harder so my tongue could tell everyone present how I had skimmed money from Sforzas criminal empire to buy myself a feathered hat, because I thought it would impress Mersie. It did not. It did not.

Meanwhile, Marika clearly struggled to hold back a fit of laughter. Eris, that traitor, mocked me with a smile. Colmar gave me a gaze full of compassion, which only made me feel worse.

Stop this, I pleaded at Cortaner with my gaze, for my mouth said, I lived a life full of lust, bedding virgins, whores, commoners, and noblewomen without care, because I am thirsty.

Cortaner listened to my words and remained blind to my suffering. His black eyes stared at me with the weight of all the authority figures in my life. Only when we reached the moment when I earned my mark did I finally feel his power release its hold on me.

Your heart lacks discipline, Cortaner judged me. You should control your vices, not the other way around. I recommend self-flagellation.

From what I gathered, he was the one holding the whip when it mattered, Eris mocked me. She laughed twice harder when I glared back at her. You understand how it feels now.

I guessed this was karma for forcing her to tell me the truth yesterday, but damn it. Poor gentle Marika couldnt look at me without putting her hands on her mouth to swallow a fit of laughter.

The Inquisitors class compels others to answer my questions truthfully. Cortaner raised his helmets visor just enough to unveil his scar-ridden lower mouth. He childishly stuck out his tongue at us, which bore a silver symbol on its surface: a pair of scales bearing the Erebian numeral for twenty. It lets me detect lies even when I do not say anything. No cultist will be safe from my judgment.

Did you truly need to ask him such a question? Gunndra questioned her coworker. He is the Merchant. The mark wouldnt have chosen him if his virtues did not outweigh his sins.

Cortaner put his visor down without apologizing. No one should be above suspicion, not even heroes.

Then what are your sins, Inquisitor? I rasped back, pointing at his armor. I knew it was childish, but his judgmental attitude rubbed me the wrong way. For you to wear that armor, they must have been heavy indeed.

His pitiless black eyes met mine. Have you ever heard of the Kaliyara?

No, I have not, I replied. I noticed Gunndra visibly flinching.

They were a tribe from the Fire Islands raiding Iremian colonists ten years ago, Cortaner explained with eerie calmness. Irem offered a silver coin per Kaliyaran scalp. I was a mercenary back then, ruled by a different kind of lust than yours.

Eris laughter died out.

With other men of ill repute, I went into the jungle to hunt, Cortaner continued without skipping a beat. We happened upon a village of fifty-three natives. They were not Kaliyaran, but we knew Iremian authorities wouldnt tell the difference. Brown is brown.

Marikas face lost all color, as did mine. I knew what was coming next.

So we killed them all. Men, women, children. All of them. We gathered the corpses in a pile and set them on fire, laughing. We did this all for fifty-three silver.

Most frightening was the mans unwavering voice. I did not hear a single sob nor a hint of hesitation. If he felt any emotionand he must have to put on his Penitence Armorhe had buried his shame very deep inside his shell of steel.

That was the least of my crimes, Lord Robin, Cortaner concluded. I have done the demons work on earth, for which I pay for now by suffering in the Goddess name.

Oh my, he is serious, I thought, my blood frozen in my veins. I I see.

I pray to the Goddess that you do not, Cortaner replied before changing the subject. As for how we will proceed, our exorcists will help strengthen the seals on the Blight. Once we have secured the site, we will conduct an investigation into the Knot and root them out. If you have a list of suspects, we will begin with them.

I have one, I confirmed warily. Mersie provided one to me, based on what she had learned in Ermeline and her own private investigation.

Good. Then we shall not waste time. Cortaner walked away with a steady step, with Gunndra following right afterward. I shall send for you as soon as we find a lead.

Our group watched the two leave with the rest of their squad in the Blights direction. None of us tried to stop them, if only to further discuss strategy.

I warned you he was something special, Eris whispered, her eyelids lowering slightly.

Thats one way to put it, Marika whispered. The Inquisitors words had shaken her to her core. What he has said could a class truly choose someone like that?

He is a tormented soul, Colmar replied. To my surprise, his tone sounded sympathetic towards the Inquisitor. It is not our place to judge him.

Marika scowled at him. Colmar, he threatened you.

Few inquisitors would have let me walk away after what I told him. Colmar shook his head. What he has done before receiving the mark is of no concern to us. We face the same enemy today.

I suppose we do, I whispered to myself, though I was only half-convinced. I wasnt certain Cortaners inner nature had changed much. In fact, I worried he had simply redirected his brutality towards cults and demons rather than innocents. He was a sword without a hilt. He might harm us as much as the enemy.

Still, we would need his help. The bait had come. The hunters were here. The trap was set.

Now, we just had to wait for the enemy to trigger it.