Chapter Thirty-Seven: Peace Through Iron

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Peace Through Iron

I spent the better part of the night after the battle assisting Mr. Fronan in the rescue efforts.

Walbourgs packed and wooden suburbs had proven a fertile ground for Belgoroths flames to spread through. Thankfully, we managed to contain the inferno within an hour or so. Duchess Griseldas witchcrafters proved as adept at putting out fires as in starting them, and she quickly mobilized the city watch to assist in the effort. Mr. Fronans connection to the local plants proved invaluable in detecting civilians trapped under debris, while I used my powers to shift injuries around in order to support the citys overwhelmed healers.

The amount of casualties had reached seven hundred by the time I returned to the manor to check on Soraseos progress. A high number, but thankfully far less than what a Blight could have caused. Meanwhile, both Selestine and Marika worked tirelessly on our fellow Hero; exorcizing her corruption, tending to her burns, and doing all that was in their power to keep her alive. I wished I could have helped them, but Soraseo was too incoherent to agree to a trade.

I missed Colmar. His medical expertise would have come in handy to save Soraseos life. The burns she suffered from should have killed her twice over. Worse, Belgoroths unholy flames carried his vile essence. Our beloved Monk suffered more exposure in an instant than days inside a Blights center.

Her odds of survival were grim.

At least she has a chance to survive, I tried to tell myself. I couldnt say the same for Vernisla, whose charred bones we found under the remains of her slain mount. She had dared to engage Belgoroth in melee to save Soraseo and paid the ultimate price for her bravery.

I would have loved to say that her sudden demise saddened me. Alas, I had barely known her for a few days and we didnt have time to truly talk outside of a military context. As awful as it sounded, I mourned the loss of the Cavalier more than the woman who wielded the mark.

At least the Fatebinder quickly released the Class back into the world. Witnesses had seen the mark fly out of Mount Erebia and further north.

Towards Archfrost.

If Belgoroths devastating rampage hadnt put the final nail in the coffin of Walbourgs rebellion, this news would. The support of a Heroa Vassal Class of the Knight no lesshad given the duchys rebellion a degree of legitimacy. For their champion to die and their mark to select a loyalist replacement threatened their credibility. It made it seem as if the heavens themselves had sided with Archfrost.

Ironic as it sounded, the Lord of Wrath might have inadvertently helped our peace along.

I was sitting in the manors lobby, waiting for the door to Soraseos chambers to openboth Marika and Selestine insisted I leave them alone and let them focus on herwhen a familiar cloud of smoke popped out of nowhere beside me.

From your expression and the smoke outside, I assume you faced your share of troubles, Eris said upon materializing. She carried a travel bag filled to the brim with letters. Somehow, I always manage to arrive late to tragedies.

Better than to arrive early and watch them unfold, I replied, my arms crossed and a scowl on my face. We fought Belgoroth.

Eris eyes immediately widened in alarm. I quickly recounted last nights events to her as she sat on my left, the both of us waiting for the door to open; whether Selestine and Marika would bring us good or bad news remained to be seen.

You tried to redeem Bel? Eris sounded vaguely bemused that I even tried it. And he listened?

For about a minute and a half. Long enough to trick him at the very least. You know whats the saddest part? I think that he resents what he has become deep down.

Eris looked away, her gaze heavy with remorse. You mean, what Ive made of him?

I would have liked to tell Eris not to blame herself, but she contributed too much to Belgoroths madness to listen to me.

At least you tried to turn your life around, I pointed out. When I presented the same offer to Belgoroth, he soundly rejected me. He chose evil.

Evil? The word drew a chuckle from Eris. When the Goddess selected him as the first Knight, Bel vowed never to rest until evil had been driven from Pangeal. I remember what he meant by evil.

I would say burning down a town for the sake of mindless destruction counts.

True. But what about those who watched it happen and did nothing? Does inaction count as evil? Does ignorance? Eris sighed. Bel came to agree. Over time, his definition of evil grew to encompass all of humanity.

Himself included? I asked. Does he consider his mad vision of an oath more important than life itself?

Eris confirmed my suspicions with a sharp nod. There is nothing more stubborn than a paladin who stays true to his vows, especially when they conflict with reality. In his mind, destroying the world and himself is the only way to stay true to his principles.

I snorted in disdain. I put great value in my promises too, but I wasnt afraid of changing my mind when the facts changed. Belgoroth would rather sacrifice minions on the altar of honor rather than lose face in his mind. He did not deserve pity.

I will say it again, Eris: I offered him a helping hand and he spat at it, I consoled her. He could have cast away his anger out of his own free will and instead chose to wallow in it. Do not blame yourself for his choice. You helped create him, but he decided to stay that way himself.

Thats the saddest part, Robin, Eris replied with sorrow. After centuries of slaughter and tarnishing his Class, I dont think Bel will change his ways. The other me hopes to eventually reason with him, to control him, but shes wrong. Bel will never stop killing. If he turned his head to look back, he would have to face the mountains of corpses he piled up, the oceans of blood he shed, and the mistakes he made.

Thats pathetic, I replied without any sympathy. Cowardly, even.

I wouldnt be so judgemental, Robin. We are all running from something. Eris stared at the door, her legs crossed. It always catches up to us in the end.

My jaw tightened. I wouldnt compare Belgoroth and Soraseoconsidering the weight of their respective sinsbut I could see the similarities. My friend tried to escape her crushing guilt in death. She might very much find it.

We didnt find Belgoroths sword in the Abattoirs wreckage, I said, changing the subject. Will didnt have it anymore.

The Knot of Wrath smuggled it further north, Eris replied with confidence. I believe I mentioned that Colmar wasnt the only beastman among us. The other, the Hunter, lives on the other side of the northern mountains.

The Hunter? I recalled that it was a Vassal Class of the Ranger, but I couldnt remember its power for the life of me.

His Class is mines opposite, in a way, Eris explained. I can go to any place I want; while he can find whatever he wants. When I asked him to find the sword, his power led him straight to the City of Wrath.

The City of Wrath The very name sent shivers down my spine. Belgoroth massacred an entire kingdom when he first fell, and the atrocity created a Blight so powerful it opened a rift between life and death: the Deadgate which Soraseo sought to access so desperately.

We knew from Florence that Belgoroth had been trapped in the City of Wrath and that his sword was the key needed to free him. With the seal now so thin that Belgoroth could possess a golem, his escape was now all but inevitable.

When do you think he will break out? I asked Eris.

I cannot say yet, Eris replied with a sigh. Im sure hell escape before summers end at the very least.

And what will he do once he does? Eris was the one who knew Belgoroth best, so I assumed she would know. Weve heard reports that beastmen tribes are gathering an army. Will Belgoroth lead them to march on Archfrost?

Lead? Eris scoffed. Bel does not lead, he slaughters. He will kill anyone that stands in his way and the beastmen army will pick on his leftovers. Once he has slain all of Archfrost, he will then turn around and execute the fools who followed him.

After last night, I very much believed her. Belgoroth would not stop until he had burned the entire world to cinders.

Do you think we can beat him? I asked her. Our last battle made me realize that as dangerous as the Knight and its Vassals were individually, the combination of all of their abilities made Belgoroth exponentially more dangerous. How could Roland hope to duel a foe who not only shared his power, but could also predict all his movements and ride any mount?

The Knight and his Vassal Classes might match Bel if they join forces and fight as one, but defeating him is only half the problem. Eris scowled. So long as a single person wishes harm on another, Bel will get back up. Cut his head off, and he will put it back on his neck. Burn him up, and he will arise from the ashes. Impale him, and he will wield the stake like a spear.

I realized I should consider Belgoroth a natural disaster rather than a powerful foe. We might as well be discussing how to stop a hurricane. A sentient, malicious hurricane.

Then what other options do we have? I pondered out loud. Can we seal him away again?

Im not sure if thats possible anymore, Eris confessed. Lady Alexios has been working on new seal designs, but Bel had centuries to ponder his defeat. Im not certain the same trick will work twice on him. Moreover, his old prison was powered by peoples fear of the Demon Ancestors. That feeling has waned over the centuries.

I sank deeper into my chair. You have a wonderful way of lifting my spirits, you know that?

Would you rather that I lie about our chances? Eris shook her head and denied me that kindness. I wont deny that Bel is a tough customer. However, we do have many Heroes at our disposal to fight him off. Im sure we can figure a way out of this bind.

For the sake of victory, I had to share her optimism. I tried to consider the problem from different angles. Did we need to confront Belgoroth at all? Avoiding a costly battle at all could prove a victory in itself.

Belgoroths Blights are connected to the City of Wrath, I recalled. Do you think Colmars plan to disrupt the former might work on the latter? If we dropped a payload of Sanctuary-charged runestones in the center of Belgoroths power, would it prevent his escape?

To my sorrow, Eris appeared less than convinced. Honestly, Robin, I wouldnt bet on it. Disrupting the Blights might delay the seals failure by a few years, but at this point, it will fail.

In the absence of anything better, we might as well consider the option, I pointed out.

If that plan failed no, even if it succeeded, it would only kick the Belgoroth issue down the line. He would return one day to confront a future generation of Heroes. One that might be less prepared and united than ours.

What else could we do? Defeating Belgoroth in battle would prove a temporary measure at best if we couldnt contain him afterward. If I could trick the Lord of Wrath into a deal, then mayhaps

No, no, no. I was thinking it all wrong. A Merchants role wasnt to fight battles or win them, but to support their allies, foster wealth, and forge unbreakable bonds. My strength didnt come from the skills I had gathered, but from the friends I had made and my understanding of the collective consciousness that drove our powers.

I had been considering how to defeat Belgoroth when I should have been pondering how to destroy the Lord of Wrath. If Eris redemption didnt put an end to the Devil of Greed, then I needed to find another approach.

I reviewed all I had learned so far: how Daltia used soulforged adamantine tools to grant her allies immortality, how the flow of negative essence and their bearers flaws corrupted the original classes and eventually turned them into the Demon Ancestors. A somewhat clear picture formed in my mind.

Eris, I said after some thoughtful consideration. Stop me if Im wrong.

With pleasure, my dear Merchant, she teased me. What troubles you?

The Demon Ancestors exist in their current forms because of three elements. I raised three fingers to illustrate my point. The Heroes they used to be; the soulforged adamantine object tying their immortality to a worldly concept; and one of the original Seven Great Classes.

Eris squinted at me. That is correct.

We know what happens when we remove the original Hero from this infernal triad, I explained. They lose the corrupted class and their Demon Ancestor identity survives as a bodiless incarnation of sin tied to their adamantine object. If we somehow convinced Belgoroth to repent, his demonic self would remain as a spirit bound to his old mark and sword.

Belgoroth said your father died of a broken heart and that he cursed you on his deathbed, but nothing indicates it in the letter you received, I insisted. He could have died of natural causes for all you know.

Demons lie, Marika added. Thats what you say all the time. Dont trust anything he said.

This time, Soraseo mustered the strength to raise her head at us.

I have killed my mother, she confessed quietly.

Marika clenched her jaw, while I listened in respectful silence.

My heart had no intention, but my hand did the deed, Soraseo said, her voice breaking. When Father banished me, I asked him how I might earn his forgiveness. He ordered me to return with my mother or not at all.

She had dedicated herself to an impossible quest, and now blamed herself for its predictable failure.

Father died. My brother hates me. He shall not let me return home. Soraseo looked down at her bandaged hands. Did she imagine the blood she spilled dripping between her fingers? I can no longer wash away my shame.

Dont say that, Marika insisted. She took Soraseos hands into her own, as if to warm them up. So long as you live, theres hope. Im sure well find a way to repeal your exile.

Why? Soraseo swiftly retired her fingers out of Marikas grasp. My people loathe me. They loved my mother and I slew her. Should I return, I will find only scorn. Father could have absolved me, but he is gone too.

Marikas words were heartfelt, but I could tell they had fallen on deaf ears. Soraseo had given up on redeeming herself. When a door was shut tight, forcing it to open would only break the hinges. I would better break in through the window. Find another entrance, another angle.

I considered what to say. I had known Soraseo for months now, so I understood how she thought. Her life weighed little compared to her principles.

Vernisla died saving you, I said bluntly.

Soraseos eyes darted at me in shock. From the glare Marika sent my way, she and how Selestine carefully avoided mentioning it. I could guess why they would think adding more guilt on the platter might prove too much, but in this case, they misunderstood Soraseo. This woman had been willing to jump into an impossible quest in the hope of washing away her soiled honor.

The Cavalier perished saving you from Belgoroth, I told Soraseo without sugarcoating anything. From the way she slightly recoiled, my words hit her like a hammer to the face. Did she die for nothing?

Marika scowled at me. Robin

Did she die for nothing? I repeated myself; and when I received no answer from Soraseo, I kept insisting. Will you let her die for nothing? Are you so craven?

Soraseos hands curled into fists. I am no coward.

If you wont live for yourself, then live for her. If Soraseo valued her honor more than her life, then I ought to turn it into a rope to salvation rather than a weight dragging her down. Vernisla had what, twenty, thirty years of life ahead of her? She gave them all to you, so you owe her a lifetime.

It was a cheap blow, but one Soraseo couldnt ignore. Her eyes regained some flicker of light. I had inspired another emotion in them.

Anger.

I have taken countless lives, Soraseo replied with a baleful glare. I have killed innocents. I have taken more years than you will ever see, Robin. My death

Wont be enough, I cut in. Youre shortchanging the dead!

Soraseo stared at me as if I had grown a second head, while Marika looked fit to gag.

Short change? Soraseo repeated, though I could tell whether she struggled to understand the word or my meaning.

Youve ended countless lives, and you hope to repay them with one death? I enlightened her. No merchant will ever take that deal. You want to know what it will cost to pay back your victims? Save as many lives as youve taken.

That If Soraseo still had the skin for it, she would have blinked repeatedly. I cannot

You can, and you must. I shrugged. Because in your case, to live is braver than to die.

Soraseo clenched her jaw and fell back into a tense silence.

Well let you rest for now, Marika said with a tone that brook no disobedience; neither from me nor Soraseo. We will check on you in the morning.

Soraseo watched us leave without a word. I sincerely hoped my words had reached her. I doubted she would try something stupid like jumping out of the windowshe sought a glorious warriors death, not a shameful suicidebut the risk remained.

Before we left her alone, I took a moment to activate the soundstone Soraseo recorded for me. The song of her biwa filled the air, smooth and melodious. I hoped music would help soothe her soul.

That was harsh, Marika scolded me after we exited the room. Eris and Selestine were both gone by then. I supposed they decided to review the Fatebinders correspondence in a more private setting. Did you try to guilt-trip her out of her depression?

If thats what it takes to save her life, I replied shamelessly. I wouldnt apologize for it.

I dont approve of the method, but I hope itll work. Marika shook her head. Tonight was exhausting. Weve won, but I dont feel like celebrating.

Not even your widowhood? I teased her, trying to lighten the mood. We would both need to relax a little. I would drink to that.

You know I said I didnt care who killed Will, so long as he was out of my life? Marika scratched her cheek. Well, I was being truthful, but

You thought his death would be the end of it all, I guessed. Instead of a new beginning.

Yeah yeah, thats one way to put it. Marika let out a heavy sigh. Ive spent so long dealing with the mess Will left us with. The debt, the fear he would come back to kill us now hes gone, Im not sure what to do next. Beni still wont talk to me, for a start.

Give it time, I insisted. Its one thing to win the battle and another to heal its scars.

Marika burst out laughing. You sound like an elder pretending to be wise.

Does that make my words untrue? I replied with a thin smile. Youre strong and smart, Marika. Youll figure things out.

Careful, you smooth-talker you. I told you I cant stand compliments. Marika stretched her back. Ill get back to work. It never fails to clear my mind.

Might I suggest working on the airship? Call it a gut feeling or intuition, but I can tell our conflict with Belgoroth will soon come to a close. One way or another. If that crybaby shares the same powers as Vernisla, he might confront us atop a winged monster. We must possess the means to challenge him for control of the skies.

Yeah, I guess an airship would help if he flies at us on a dragons back. Marika crossed her arms. Alright. Ill get to work on it with Marwen at once.

Thank you. I glanced at the door to Soraseos room. And thanks for being there for her. Shell need us.

The same goes for you, Robin. Marika excused herself with a pat on my shoulder. Night night.

I returned the gesture and watched her leave for her workshop. My head remained heavy with questions. I needed to find a plan to deal with Belgoroth, alongside a back-up or two. The enemy we would soon face demanded novel strategies.

My gut told me that the key lay in our marks. The old and new generations were somehow connected enough for mine to resonate with Daltias in certain circumstances. I suspected this bond applied to all of the Seven Great Classes.

Perhaps I had approached the problem the wrong way. Diplomacy would never convince Belgoroth to stand down. No Merchant could defeat the Lord of Wrath.

But a true Knight might.

The next few weeks passed in the blink of an eye.

Soraseo did not kill herself, much to my relief, though she still refused to talk to me or accept a trade to remove her injuries. Selestine at least managed to convince her to follow a strict essence therapy with her.

I knew Soraseo would open up to us sooner or later. My friend was like a river whose calm surface hid powerful currents. She needed time and serenity to process her anger and the recent tragedies. Once she was ready, she would confront us for the better or worse.

Eris left as swiftly as she showed up to deliver the Reformists answer to the Fatebinder, while Marika and Mr. Fronan started working on building up the airship. After the assault on her capital, Duchess Griselda proved more than willing to provide additional funds for our enterprise.

Meanwhile, I spent my time alternating between helping Walbourg dealing with the fallout of Belgoroths attack and smoothing over the treaty. It had taken a while, but the lords of Walbourg finally understood they needed Archfrosts help as much as my homeland needed their own. Rolands honor and my power offered them a once-in-a-century opportunity for a bloodless, unbreakable compromise. I could only pray that they would take it.

As a foreign diplomat, I was not allowed to observe the Estates-Generals deliberations, though Selestines allies kept me informed of the proceedings. When Duchess Griselda finally left her assemblys room after eight hours of discussion with a satisfied smile on her face, I already knew I had won.

The Estates-General of Walbourg have decided, by a narrow majority of one-hundred sixty-one votes against one-hundred twenty-nine votes and ten abstentions, to reincorporate with the United Kingdom of Archfrost. Griselda presented me with a bill filled with signatures. My congratulations, Lord Waybright.

The pleasure is mine, Lady Griselda. I accepted the document with a warm, satisfied smile. You have proved that sometimes, the quill is mightier than the sword.

I brokered peace between Archfrost and Walbourg.

The civil war that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands was coming to a close. After all the struggles we went through, this news filled my heart with happiness. My homeland would finally mend its wounds.

Soon, it would no longer need me.

And I would have to live with it.