《Precipice》 Where Crowns Meet The guard yawned, pulling his hood down as the rain intensified. The night was young, the half moon barely in the sky. He overlooked the carriage in the distance, its figure only illuminated by the glow of a lantern. He immediately got his spear ready, walking in front of the gate. He let out a sigh, readying himself for the worst. The carriage came to a halt right in front of the guard. The carriage master removed his hood, revealing his wrinkled visage. ¡°Where from you?¡± He asked the old man. ¡°We hail from Ortantis. We¡¯re but humble travellers starting life anew. Can you let us kind soldier? These rains are weary for an old man.¡± ¡°No can do.¡± The guard said, ¡°Never know when an enemy spy may come through.¡± A second guard joined in, keeping an eye on the carriage master while the first went to back. There were a total of six people in the back, two of which were women. There was a soldier among them, indicated by black mail armor he wore underneath his cloak. ¡°Good day soldier.¡± The guard said, ¡°Where from you?¡± ¡°Ortantis.¡± He said with a sigh, ¡°But I¡¯m from Gridhigh.¡± ¡°That¡¯s far from home.¡± ¡°I was sent to deliver a message to the King.¡± ¡°Ah. I need some identification then. Standard procedure, that sort of thing.¡± The soldier revealed his bare wrist, revealing a black pattern of a sword. The guard check the others, getting a similar reaction from them all. The guard nodded at his other, who allowed the carriage master to pass. ¡°I hope that this message of yours brings as good news.¡± ¡°Good news is scarce these days.¡± The soldier said, ¡°But that is all we can pray for.¡± The carriage came to a halt, the passengers alighting from the back, paying the wares to the carriage man. The soldier made his way through the rain, hurrying towards the 2ndlevel, not heeding two of his fellow passengers that walked towards an inn. They were greeted by the stares of those inside, scrutinizing them as they made their way to the counter. The bartender didn¡¯t glance their way, only polishing his glasses. ¡°A drink for two.¡± The man said, removing his wet hood. He had long brown hair with grey hair growing on the sides, his beard quite unkempt, his dull brown eyes showing traces of tiredness. His companion did same, revealing her braid red hair. She had a quite a pleasing face to look at, her brown eyes darting about the inn, like a snake looking for its prey. ¡°A drink for the two of us, please.¡± The man said, The bartender nodded, reaching out behind the counter for a bottle of ale. The man drank the poured ale. His companion, however, did not seem to pleased with it, so he drank her share as well. ¡°Where¡¯ve you been?¡± ¡°Ortantis.¡± ¡°That far?¡± The bartender scoffed, ¡°Didn¡¯t figure you¡¯d come back. What madness made you come back?¡± ¡°Thought you guys would miss me.¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Heh.¡± the bartender scoffed, ¡°Who¡¯s the lady.¡± ¡°Her?¡± The man glanced at her, ¡°She was wandering about so I decided to adopt her.¡±. ¡°Another stray?¡± ¡°Ahem.¡± The woman cleared her throat. The two turned to her, and resumed their conversation. ¡°What¡¯s new around here, Pilt? Any new gangs needing some common sense? Or perhaps some guards that are not acting the way they should.¡± ¡°Ever the vigilante, Ruel.¡± Pilt said, pouring himself a glass, ¡°Well, you¡¯re in luck. The streets aren¡¯t safe anymore, ¡®specially at night. The war¡¯s breeding fresh new orphans who onl know how to steal and kill, some of them go missing, but who gives a damn.¡± ¡°My, oh my, I leave for a year and the streets go to shit.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Pilt sighed. The maid came out from the backroom, dishing out meals to some of the customers. ¡°This has gotten bigger than just thugs and drunk soldiers. Nobles have began to think that they¡¯ve won the war. Their lining their pockets with gold, stealing all that belongs to the people.¡± ¡°So the rumors are true.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not even the worse part . News from the frontlines say that the Sleepless Knights have been deployed. Ruel went silent, watching the bottom of his glass. He turned the cup upside down, watching as the last drops trickled down. ¡°What a sad state of affairs.¡± He said, placing two coins on the table. He got up and headed for the door, the red-haired woman following right after. ¡°Don¡¯t go overboard Ruel.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± Ruel watched the last drops of rain fall to the ground, the sky now astonishingly clear. He groaned as he made his way across the wet pavement, his weariness forcing him to drag his body. ¡°That man may have said it, but I will say it again,¡± ¡°Don¡¯t even dare¡­¡± ¡°You cannot go around fighting on the streets, leave it to the guards.¡± ¡°Yes, the guards who are not here.¡± ¡°And would you take responsibility for every theft? Every murder? You¡¯re not a hero, You have your responsibility, and it is not one you should take lightly.¡± ¡°Need I not remind you that is because of these responsibilities that we are here in the first place.¡± Silence fell between the two as they walked through the streets. The lights from the lanterns burned brightly, the shadows being shone on the walls. The guards watched them through their visors, some stopping them, while others merely ignored them. The well organized streets slowly transformed into a rough and muddy terrain. The buildings were replaced by worn down shacks and rickety structures, There were no guards in sight, and while there seemed to be no one around, the eerie feeling of being watched constantly hang in the air. ¡°Samantha.¡± Ruel said, ¡°Make sure my pillow is warm tonight. I intend to sleep until midday.¡± Samantha looked at Ruel for a while, letting out sigh before walking off, tired of his antics for the day. Ruel turned a corner, fading into the darkness around. He observed the buckets of water that had been filled up by the rain. He bent down, looking at his darkened reflection in water, and at the figure that stood on the roof. ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± A young voice spoke out from behind him. ¡°Drop all your belongings.¡± Ruel paid no heed to him, still observing the figure watching from the roof. Another boy emerged, looking a bit more muscular and quite taller, brandishing a rusty sword that could barely harm a fly. The boy behind him itched closer, as the did the one in front. Ruel finally stood up, facing the one behind him. ¡°I must warn you, I won¡¯t go easy.¡± The boy showed no sign of hesitation, still stepping forward with his dagger. The bigger one was the first to charge forward, thrusting his sword at Ruel. Ruel dodged, grabbing the hand of the other boy and throwing him aside. The bigger boy charged again, carelessly swinging his sword while Ruel parried each blow effortlessly. He grabbed the boy by the shoulder, twisting his arm until he cried out, then kicking him to the muddy floor. The other boy charged in again, aiming for Ruel¡¯s thigh. Ruel caught the blade, breaking the rusty dagger into pieces. The figure on the roof finally attacked, lunging straight for Ruel¡¯s purse. Unfortunately for him, Ruel span round, kicking him into the nearby wall. Ruel sat down, watching the three boys groan as they struggled to stand. ¡°Told you. You are no match for me.¡± ¡°Shut up,¡± one of the boys said. Ruel ignored him, getting up and approaching the one who had been on the roof. ¡°One glance and anybody would think that you were just another stray,¡± Ruel began, ¡°But that technique is only taught by the Arachnos family.¡± He bent down in front of the boy, holding a string in front of him. ¡°What¡¯s a noble like you doing all the way here?¡± ¡°Back away from Cay!¡± Ruel caught the fist of the boy, but the next thing that happened shocked him. The boy kicked his other knee, forcing him down. Just as he was about to raise his head, a bucket of water was poured right in his face. Ruel felt his purse being pulled out of his pocket as the three boys escaped. He watched them go, a bit impressed by their teamwork. ¡°Have I grown old, to be bested by three children?¡± Ruel shook his head, ¡°Samantha¡¯s going to have a laugh about this,¡± Bedivere ¡°By God, where is Miranda?¡± The head maid bellowed, searching frantically for the girl through the giant halls of the Bedivere family. ¡°Has anyone seen Miranda?! Miranda?! Miranda! MIRANDA!!¡± This was a usual ordeal in the Bedivere residence, a place that was usually quiet, especially being situated in the city¡¯s center. Among the High Noble families of the Kingdom of Aethelria, the Bedivere family ranked high in the social ladder, third only to the Aethelgard, the current ruling family, and the Pendragons, the rightful ruling family. The fact that they also had two lines of descent also made their circumstances quite unique, giving them an edge over all others. ¡°MIRANDA!!! My, this child would be the death of me.¡± ¡°Words are powerful , head maid.¡± ¡°Oh, Sir Noah. Good evening, sir.¡± ¡°Evening,¡± Noah replied with his usual smile, ¡°The little girl is missing again, huh?¡± ¡°She is making our work quite difficult. This place may be a haven, but other places may not be as welcoming.¡± ¡°I understand, I understand.¡± Noah said, placing a hand on the head maid¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I will look for her, worry not.¡± The rain had cleared up the clouds in the sky, revealing the stars that danced in the sky, playing alongside the half moon. The girl lay underneath the display of it all,the cold air brushing against her face, the smell of grass in the air. Her calm expression was fixated on what lay beyond the stars, far far away in a place on she could reach, where the boundaries of what could and could not be where defined by her alone. ¡°The entire house searches for you, young lady.¡± The girl¡¯s calm expression twisted into a frown as she was forced to leave her own little universe to face the cold and bland reality. ¡°She¡¯s annoying.¡± ¡°She¡¯s only doing her job.¡± This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. ¡° ¡®Oh Miranda? Have you done your homework? Have you read your books. Don¡¯t forget your archery lessons. You have to act like a lady, blah, blah, blah¡± ¡°Funny, your father used to act like that all the time. Now he is the most strictest between the two of us.¡± ¡°When will father be back?¡± Miranda asked.¡± ¡°It is uncertain, little Miranda.¡± Noah said, patting her blue hair, a color that all Bedivere¡¯s had. ¡°But he is in perfect health.¡± Miranda sighed but said nothing. She looked up at the sky again, watching the stars dance once again in the sky, this time in the company of her beloved uncle. Noah lay the little girl in her bed, closing the door behind him. He nodded at hr bodyguard, who saluted him as he left. He walked through the empty halls, the only people around being the family¡¯s guards. He moved his room, watching his wife and son sleep soundly. He kissed his wife on the forehead, pulling the sheets over their bodies before snuffing out the light in the room. He continued his tour of the house, going through the empty dining halls and up the stairs. It was there his interest was peaked by the light coming out of a room which should not be opened. He approached it slowly, a silver blade forming in his hand. He waited for a full minute, listening to figure out who dared to desecrate the sanctity of that space. ¡°Fret not, Noah, I¡¯m no wizard.¡± The sound of his brother¡¯s voice took him by surprise. Noah stepped into the candlelit room, watching his brother as he sat at his desk, his feet up on his desk as he fiddled with a long war-bow. ¡°Norman. When did you arrive.¡± ¡°Today. Thought I could surprise little Miranda, but she was already asleep.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t even tell me you were coming.¡± ¡°I believe it is called a surprise.¡± Noah shrugged, the silver place shrinking into a small silver ball. He approached the desk, pouring two glasses of wine for himself and brother. ¡°How¡¯s Fountain¡¯s Reach.¡± ¡°Same. All the usual scheming, planning, lies and deception.¡± ¡°Must be thrilling.¡± ¡°The Pendragons clearly want to take over the throne, and once the King dies, it will be only a matter of time.¡± ¡°What about the Aethelgard brats? Clearly they have a hold of the throne.¡± ¡°Not with their attitude. The King may be trying his best, but the war is starting to reveal the cracks in his leadership.¡± The war. The Knights of Aethelria and Illumina, Men who whose bodies rejected the arcane and men whose bodies accepted it. It had been going on for ages, some even said as far back as the creation of the world itself. The last treaty between the two kingdoms ended only five years ago, and war had began to wear out both sides. There were rumors of peace, but everyone knew that it was only temporary. But the damage had already been done. Many lives had been lost, many cities destroyed. The Illuminorians were far to powerful with their ability to manipulate all phenomena, whereas very little of them had Descent. Not even mentioning the petty and nonsensical strife between the nobles. Truly war brought out the worst in everyone. ¡°Let¡¯s just forget about it.¡± Norman said as he raised his glass, ¡°To the King.¡± Noah raised his glass as well, ¡°To the King,¡± He said, in an audible but sad voice. Blades at the Throne The sun did not peak that morning, its glory covered by the sheets of dark clouds hell bent on unleashing more torrents of rain. Peasants walked through the streets, going about their daily duties, while guards walked among them. There was a sudden heaviness in the air, a heaviness that reached all the way to even the noble district, and to the halls of the great king. The Throne Room of Aethelria was quite majestic, a white hall adorned with gold spread along its white pillars and walls, with black drapes displaying the symbol of the Aethelria; a sword between a cross mark. However, the throne itself was veiled, the King¡¯s visage hidden behind a translucent white curtain, too dim to see his face, yet clear enough to view his imposing figure¡­and feel his anger. ¡°Explain, one more time soldier.¡± ¡°Yes my liege.¡± the battered soldier kneeling at the foot of the stairs said, ¡°We lost Rhegar Fort. There barrage of the magicians was too much for us to handle. Eyewitnesses have sworn the appearance of the some members of the Coven among their assault.¡± The King remained silent. ¡°Where is the Marshal of War?¡± ¡°We¡­¡± The man swallowed, ¡°We don¡¯t know. I was only sent by Sir Jorran to deliver this report.¡± Silence befell the entire room as the King pondered on the words the battered soldier had just said. The soldier kept his head bowed, feeling the Kings aura rising with every passing second. ¡°You may leave.¡± ¡°Yes my liege.¡± The soldier said, getting up and exiting the throne room. ¡°What do you think of this, Edwin?¡± the king asked his advisor. ¡°My King,¡± Edwin began, ¡°it would be wise to send more troops to Rhegar, however without word from the Marshal of War, it could be a grave mistake.¡± ¡°True.¡± The King said, ¡°Sir Jorran sending a message means that either the Marshal is currently engaged in combat, or worse¡­¡± ¡°Sending a scout team would also be disastrous. With the Coven involved, even the best of our scouts would be spotted from a mile away. Silence fell once again. The King rose, though not exiting the curtain. ¡°And our shadow unit?¡± ¡°No word from them, my King.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± The King sighed. Just as he was about to say something, the doors to the throne room opened. ¡°King Aethelgard!¡± The voice bellowed, ¡°A pleasant morning.¡± ¡°Sir Giliard.¡± The King groaned, ¡°What makes you think you can barge in here like this is your bedroom.¡± This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Oh please,¡± Giliard said, ¡°Am I not welcome in this place as much as you are? Or will you come out from behind that curtain and hug your little brother.¡± The King guards attempted to stop him, but a look from Giliard made them hesitate. Giliard approached the throne, winking at Edwin. However, he did not dare go past the curtain. ¡°Interesting rumors are spreading around about one falling fort. What was its name¡­ah, yes. Rhegar.¡± ¡°News does reach you slowly.¡± ¡°On the contrary, I was the first to hear of it, if I do say so myself. I just wanted to know what our dear King will be doing about it.¡± ¡°Rash actions cannot be taken with the Coven¡­¡± ¡°I was not asking you Edwin. I asked the King.¡± ¡°It is just as he said, rash actions cannot be taken. The Coven has been deployed, and who knows what else they have in store.¡± ¡°So what? We wait like sitting ducks? Until they get here?¡± ¡°Aethelria must be fortified if it is to withstand their onslaught.¡± ¡°And be under threat of siege? I¡¯m sorry, but being on the other side of that is not what I¡¯m in for. We must FIGHT!¡± ¡°And lose how many more men? Hundreds? Thousands? If we do not put thought to our actions, we will lose the war before it even starts.¡± "Then deploy the executioners." A dark presence fell on the room. "EXECUTIONERS?" The King bellowed, "Those mindless monsters that have only murder in their hearts?" "It is way better than sending out our own men. The executioners were a mistake of the past. A cruelty that should never have been fathomed." "Then what? Send out more men? Send out those from the noble families? How many more should we sacrifice for the sake of the war when we can equally use those that have no will of their own save to fight. "So, is this why you sent out the Sleepless knights?" "Ho... how?" "Do you see me as blind, brother? Or perhaps do you think my ears have dulled. I warned you about involving the Sleepless knights, but you refused to heed my instructions. The only reason you came was because you do not have the authority to command the Executioners." "And perhaps it is necessary to utilize them." "They are not tools, brother, they are ALIVE." "Then they must serve their Aethelria!" Silence broke out between them. Even with the curtain drawn, the gaze of the two brothers was intense. Then, as if bewitched, Gilliard turned, not bothering to bow. "This is why you are not a good King brother," Gilliard said, "You always chose morality over reason." "If all we used to judge our actions was reason, then the world would be a heartless one." ¡°Another brotherly quarrel.¡± A full plated knight said, immediately Giliard walked out. Giliard turned to her and sighed. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°All my life I have never seen the King angry, not even in the worst of situations, and yet you manage to do so with a mere couple of words.¡± ¡°The king does not want to take drastic measures, still clinging to our old honor and pride.¡± Gilliard said with disgust. ¡°While I understand those things are getting in the way of our war, we still need to remember that it was because of the absence of pride and honor that we committed atrocities on our own people.¡± ¡°And yet, in that period of time, we won.¡± ¡°True. At the cost of many other problems.¡± ¡°What do you want Odessa? Did Lilith send you?¡± ¡°Why of course she did. The Pendragons just want to make sure that the Aethelgards are at the best of health. We cannot have a King and his successor being stressed out in such difficult times. The presence of friends helps heal pains.¡± ¡°Fancy words do not suit you, Odessa. Now out with it.¡± Giliard did not need to see that Odessa had put on her smile from underneath her winged helmet. ¡°This is a warning from the head of the Pendragons. If you do not get your game together, you can be so easily replaced. Most of the noble houses are already questioning your competence. Do not give us reason to same.¡± "You talk about honor and pride yet threaten me so callously." "Threats? I only bare a warning." Odessa said as she left, "The other houses, well, they may have different ideas