Marching Orders

“The people are already calling it the Night of the Black Sky.” Yorba says to the Court.

“How do we know that it was just one night?” Rune asks.

“That’s a good question, we will find out soon.” Queen Asna states.

“Rumor is that it started in the west.” Matthew adds.

“We must send a scout party to find answers.” David suggests.

“I would volunteer but I must accompany David on his… her diplomatic mission that you assigned my King.” Stephan tells Aero.

“Then I volunteer. We must know what happened.” Matthew says.

“The people of the Bend are frightened and look to the Crown for comfort. What should we tell them?” Yorba interjects.

“That we are sending out our best men to find answers. Ser Matthew…”

“No.” Aero stops Asna before she can command him. “The answer is simple; magic is back in the land. I suspect it has something to do with the Royal Blade returning to the mainland. A powerful magician, or sorcerer, or witch or something cast a strong spell last night…. We do need answers and will search for them, but we have more immediate issues to deal with. Matt, coordinate with the Master at Arms, and take a Bellumi force to the gate of Orlea and see if you can draw Marco out. The quicker he is dealt with the more stable our rule will be.”

“Understood.” Matthew says.

“And Matt, I’ll have official orders drawn up before you leave. I will be offering the Broussard’s a peaceful end to this quarrel if they turn Marco over to you.”

“Then who do you suggest we send to lead the survey party?” Asna asks.

“Ser Stephan is correct; I need him to accompany David. Per the letter Adam sent to us this morning, we need to visit Gilbertown to wrangle their knights back to the crown. Especially if magic this kind of magic has returned to the land. We must leave as soon as possible, as they are expecting their final son to be born soon. As an official State visit, I am placing Ali in command of our security, while Master at Arms will continue his duties here in the Capital.” Aero adds.

“Then who does that leave for this urgent mission?” Asna asks.

“Will and his Resurgent’s. They will go.”

“Are we willing to take a risk on them with such an important mission?”

“My Queen, I assure you that the Resurge’s will do their duty.” Will speaks up from the back, excited for such a high-profile mission.

“I have no doubt that you will lead them honorably.” Asna replies.

“Gather supplies and weapons for a four-month journey. You will accompany us until Gilbertown, then you will continue west. Speak to the people as you travel, you should be able to find clues from them. If you receive good information perhaps you can solve this mystery. At four months, return to the Capital with all your findings.”

“Yes, My King, it will be done.”

“We must assign stewards to stay behind to hold the castle and maintain the daily duties of the crown.” Aero adds.

“I believe that we should entrust Yorba and Rune in this task. It will allow them to remain in the Capital and oversee their passion project, the renovation of the Bend.” Asna says.

Aero looks to Rune and Yorba “As the Queen commands.”

The remainder of the court dealt with odds and ends, planning the movement of everyone. Aero is learning that nothing comes easy in kingdom politics. Later dinner is served, then the goodbyes begin.

At dusk, King Aero stands in the stables as Ser Matthew saddles his horse.

“Brother, I want you to allow the Bellumi to command themselves. You are a diplomat on this mission, not a soldier.”

“That may be the plan until the arrows start flying. The Broussard’s will not give up Marco.”

“I know, but the entire Kingdom will know we offered peace before we strike. I want you to approach the gates of the city and wait for their delegates to meet you. Provide them with my sealed decree and await a response. Honor demands that they honor your nonaggression. Once you have either their response or Marco in hand, ride to me in Gilbertown.”

“I will do what the Crown requires.”

“Matt be safe, and I’ll buy the next round when we return.”

“I understand that the King drinks for free.”

“I’ve heard that too, but we all drink for free at Maverick’s.”

“When we get back, we drink at the Grove Stone! I’m holding you to the promise that you made before we left for Meego.”

“Deal. Safe journey, and I’ll see you in about a week.”

Matthew mounts his horse and departs to meet the Bellumi convoy for Orlea.

The next morning, the remainder of the crew meet in the throne room to say their goodbyes.

“Have you made your decision yet big brother; I mean sister.” Aero asks David awkwardly.

David smiles at the awkwardness, it has been a constant since the transformation. “I am still debating it; I don’t have to make my final decision until tomorrow morning. I’m just hoping time speeds by, I don’t know if I can stay in this unknown for much longer. I know Stephan can’t either.”

“Well whatever your decision is, know I love you. I couldn’t have made it through this past year without you. I don’t care what you look like on the outside, I know who you are on the inside. That’s everything I need to know.”

David overcome with emotion hugs Aero “thank you!”

While Aero and David have their moment, Ser Stephan is going over the mission details with Will, giving him pointers on how to get information out of the citizens of the kingdom.

Across the room Asna speaks with Yorba about her duties while they are away. Rain listens closely, her ever-present hovering over the Queen shows her commitment to her duty.

Roasa enters the throne room with Gaia and Shoala.

“My Queen, Shoala has asked to accompany you on your journey.” Roasa says.

Asna smiles “What a wonderful idea! We haven’t had much time to get to know each other, but this trip will give us that opportunity. Of course, my sister can come with us.”

Shoala hugs the Queen, thankful to be a part of the Crown’s affairs. King William never allowed her to participate in his royal duties. Her mixed parentage was always frowned upon until now.

Asna leans into Roasa and whispers “we have to get Shoala and Rain together during the trip. This girl needs her mother.”

“And her mother needs her.” Roasa responds.

The women share a look of understanding.

Stephan and David go around the room wishing everyone good fortune on their travels before they depart. Everyone does their best to show support for David and comfort Stephan. After their long goodbyes, they depart on their secret mission to Crimson.

Asna and Aero give Yorba, Rune, and the Master at Arms final instructions, then they depart for Gilbertown in hopes of restoring their relationship with the Gilbert Knights.

“I’m excited to witness the birth of a Gilbert Knight, hopefully we can restore our relationship with them. Those magic Warhammers are powerful.” Aero tells Asna.