Opening Moves (The Lion Knight Book 1)

by Aurelius L. Zero

  “As such, the crown was unaware of his misdemeanours and the bastard was promoted to knight commander of the region. He and his band of thieves plagued Albri for a long time, Bose was too hard a target to go after so he brought down misfortune on our heads instead. A small farming village out in the middle of nowhere with no one to turn to, perfect for his purposes.”

  “I see, so he’s just like some of the nobles of the Empire who oppress the peasantry just because they can huh? Judging by how he’s no longer in charge, I take it the higher-ups eventually caught on and punished him for it?”

  A bitter laugh emanated from the man. Hearing it disturbed Leon and Noire greatly, such bitterness did not feel right coming from such a friendly man.

  Even Valor was disturbed as he let out an uncharacteristic squawk.

  Just what the hell happened to him?

  “I wish it were that simple young squire, I really do. But alas, fate decided otherwise. No, his downfall came during the eighty days of blood. When the Rolance Empire invaded six years ago, Albri was the first settlement to fall to the imperial war machine.”

  “At the time, the only defenders in the area were the rangers and the knights. The kingdom’s soldiers weren’t stationed in Brune during that time, the border guard was just a formality and the rangers were ill equipped to deal with a conventional army.”

  “Truly, the only ones capable of turning back the tides would have been Allant’s company of knights. Had he fought, our casualties would have been far lower and Albion herself might not have been overrun.”

  “Allant is many things, a skilled warrior, a heartless bastard, a cruel man, but above all else, he is nothing if not a coward. He talks a big game, but when push comes to shove, he flees immediately.”

  “During the first hours of the invasion, he’d already heard about the approaching army. He didn’t even bother to help marshal the defences. He just packed up and left with his company without so much as giving us a warning other than to raid us of everything we had left.”

  “He left us to the mercy of the imperials. I… I remember that day like it was yesterday. I can still see it every time I close my eyes. I hear the screams in my sleep, smell the burning buildings when I wake. We had no time to evacuate, the first we knew of the invasion was when the first imperial shell struck home and destroyed the windmill at the village centre. It was a bloodbath, my friends, my family, people I’ve lived with and known for years… all burned away by the opening salvo.”

  Leon and Noire listened on in silence as Regis recounted the disaster he lived through, visibly struggling to continue.

  Cup held in a shaky grip as his hands wouldn’t stop trembling. Tears had already sprung to Noire’s eyes while Leon was far more composed.

  A closer look at him though would reveal that his hands were tightly bunched into fists and squeezing so tight that the knuckles had already turned white and his nails had drawn blood.

  “Bodies were everywhere, the streets were filled with the dead and the dying and everything was on fire. The Imperials only stopped firing when they realised we were offering no resistance. I still remember the commander’s expression when he saw he had essentially destroyed a non-resisting civilian village. The Empire’s soldiers did their best to help with the clean-up and administer aid to those who needed it.”

  “By then the damage was already done though. Heh, to be frank, we received more aid from the imperials than we did our own countrymen. If only the price wasn’t so high. Their commander only stayed long enough to try to fix the damage, he committed suicide out of shame shortly after giving his orders.”

  “The end result didn’t change though, the dead remained dead and all of south Brune was rapidly overrun. And I… I…”

  Sobs could be heard coming from Regis, his eyes hidden behind a veil of endlessly flowing tears.

  “I lost nearly everyone I cared for, my granddaughter is all I have left.”

  “General Knox caught wind of Allant’s cowardice after questioning why nearly half the kingdom was essentially handed over on a silver platter. He easily saw through Allant’s lies and excuses and arrested him on the spot. Immediately stripping him of his rank, titles and wealth before sentencing to death.”

  “But the slippery snake that he is, he managed to bribe his way out of jail in the confusion of the war and escaped justice. Last I heard he had joined up with a band of mercenaries calling themselves the Iron Wolves and was near the top by way of his strength.”

  Finished with his story, the three sat in an oppressive silence, broken only by tortured sobs coming from the man who’d lost too much.

  Noire was ashamed to be of noble descent after hearing how much pain had been inflicted by one. Leon’s face was studiously blank, the only tell that he was beyond pissed was his bleeding fists.

  “I am sorry for your loss Elder Regis. That man wasn’t present amongst those who attacked us, but given that he is a member of the Iron Wolves, it is almost a given that we will be running into him soon. When we do, my lord and I will do our best to bring him in. failing that we will deliver justice on your behalf.”

  After a few more sobs, Regis managed to rein in his emotions and was capable of coherent speech once more. It was clear he still hurt but he managed to put it off for the time being.

  “Ahahahah, ignore the regrets of an old man waiting to die, there’s no need to go out of your way to avenge us. You are still young boy, no need to throw your life away in the pursuit of vengeance.”

  “It is justice Sir Regis, not vengeance. Such a man will only bring pain to others and as a noble I will not suffer such a person to harm my people. This man needs to be stopped and with the aid of my two vassals I will see it done.”

  “Well said milady, I couldn’t have put it better myself.”

  “You two… I, I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything Elder, just await news of our victory.”

  “I… I… very well.” A smile appeared on Regis’ face for the first time in what seemed like ages and the oppressive atmosphere seemed to lift.

  “I’m sorry you had to see an old man break down like that.”

  “And now, is there anything that I or the village can help you with? If there is something just speak up and I’ll see what I can do.”

  A sheepish smile fixed itself on Leon’s face.

  “Well, err, we are sort of in need of a job. Sir Geahart and I came here looking for work to finance our travels in the first place, and we picked up Lady Noire in the forest. Our finances are still okay for the moment but without a job they will start to get uncomfortably tight soon.”

  “Hmm, is that all?”

  “For the time being that is all Sir Geahart and I require, I am not too sure about Lady Noire however. Oh and we need a place where we can buy supplies, most of our equipment are still serviceable but we are running low on materials for maintenance. Things like flux weave and Ceph crystals are of vital import and our reserves are critically low. Is there any place in Albri that we can purchase such things?”

  “Ah Mr Regis, I don’t need anything really other than a place to get a new set of clothes and a first aid kit.”

  “That’s easy enough to settle, there is a general store near the Ysmos where you should be able to find most of your needs. As for the flux weave and Ceph crystals, you need to head down to Landon’s fluxite factory. It’s located just on the outskirts of the town. Now about jobs, the village will be compensating you for the successful rescue of our people from the forest.”

  Reaching over into a pile of papers, Regis withdrew a blank sheet and began drafting out a contract.

  “Now, the presence of an illegal mercenary unit so close to Albri is worrying to say the least. That… man who controls the beast, he’s another issue that needs to be dealt with. I understand that you will be dealing with them soon, but I’d still like to put that down as a job.”

  Done inking his request, Regis handed the contr
act over to Leon.

  “This is a rough draft of the job contract, if Sir Geahart is agreeable just have him sign on it and bring it back to me tomorrow. Do bring the receipts for your purchases as well, the town will be able to subsidise your costs to an extent, flux weave and Ceph crystals aren’t cheap after all.”

  Eyes widening in surprise at that generous offer Leon could only stutter out a response.

  “The-there’s no need for such generosity Elder.”

  “Nonsense my boy, consider this our thanks for a job well done and I did promise to aid you in any way I can.”

  Looking up at the clock, Regis noticed that it was almost ten.

  “Oh goodness me, has it gotten so late already. My apologies to you both, I shan’t hold you any further. Sir Geahart must be wandering what has become of you both.”

  “Give me a moment while I go collect your pay.”

  With that, the puppeteer and the noble stood to offer their heartfelt thanks for the hospitality shown by Regis before leaving.

  Stepping out into the cool night air, both began to head back to the inn to rest for the night. They walked on in silence, both lost in thoughts and Valor had fallen asleep in Noire’s arms some time earlier.

  Upon reaching the inn, they found Geahart seated on one of the banisters of the second floor overlooking the main road, clearly awaiting them. Looking up at it, Leon gave a tired smile to his trusty puppet.

  “Oh no, has he been waiting for us all this time. I have to apologise!”

  “It’s perfectly alright milady, Sir Geahart won’t mind. He isn’t waiting for us per say as he is appreciating the night sky. It is a habit of his to enjoy the quiet of the night while gazing up at the stars and the moon.”

  “I, I see, still I must apologise. It is only proper manners to do so.”

  “As you will milady.”

  Taking the momentary lull in conversation, Leon exploited the opportunity to reconnect his control glove with Geahart’s systems and downloaded its memories into his own mind.

  Excellent, there was an empty room available, all evidence safely secured.

  Knight sub-routines fully functional, lucky, no challenges of any kind other than a number of curious onlookers. Well done, well done indeed.

  I am a genius.

  Assimilation of data complete, Leon had his puppet leap from the bannister, landing in front of them noiselessly in a crouch.

  Rising to his full height, Geahart led the two inside before bringing them to their rooms.

  “This young miss will be your room.” Geahart said while pointing to a door at the end of the corridor.

  “In it, all the basic amenities are present, I have left a few apples in there should hunger strike you in the middle of the night.”

  Lowering his hand, Geahart jerked his head to the left, “This adjacent room is where Leon and I will be staying in. I don’t expect any trouble tonight but just in case keep the doors and windows shut and locked, no sense in inviting trouble.”

  “Milady, do keep Valor close, he might be able to help protect you should anything happen. And if there is anything you need, just knock on our door. With that, I bid you good night.”

  “Likewise Lady Noire, have a pleasant rest.”

  “Thank you and good night to you both my valiant knight and trusty squire.”

  With that the three returned to their respective rooms to retire for the night.

  Noire falling asleep almost immediately upon lying down. Valor remained asleep and cuddled in her arms, rest undisturbed by her motions.

  Leon himself opted to stay awake till just past midnight working on maintenance for Geahart and his control glove before his exhaustion eventually caught up with him.

  -*-

  “Ah look! It's the knight and squire who saved those children.”

  “Hey mister, thanks for saving us the other day.”

  “Ehhhh, come join us for a drink yeah? We still haven’t celebrated yet hero!”

  “Were you scared? You were scared right? I heard the monster was really scary.”

  Such shouts greeted the group as they walked down the streets.

  Owing to the events of the past two days, they had slept in.

  Upon emerging from the inn, Leon and Geahart were bombarded by well-wishers wanting to congratulate them for their efforts or inquire more about what happened.

  Sometime yesterday, news of the two heroes had clearly spread around town and everyone wanted in on the action.

  “No need for thanks…. I was just doing my job…. It was no problem….”

  Leon was nearing his wits end having to constantly respond to so many people. A few would have been easy enough to deal with but it seemed everyone and their dog had shown up.

  To call it taxing on him would be an understatement. He was positively aggravated by this point.

  By his side, Noire was giggling at his ‘misfortune’ as she hid her mouth behind her hands.

  A good night’s sleep and not having to worry about imminent danger did wonders for her mood.

  A part of her still worried about the strife in her future, but she had faith in her two new sworn protectors.

  “Please don’t laugh milady, this isn’t funny at all.”

  “You’re right, it’s not funny, it’s hilarious. Maybe it’s you who needs a hat and scarf to hide your features.”

  Refusing to give her words a response, he settled for grumbling under his breath, an action that only increased Noire’s giggling.

  Well at least her she’s laughing now… even if it’s at me.

  Resupply complete, they were headed for the Ysmos for lunch.

  Leon had taken back the jacket he loaned Noire to protect her modesty and currently had it tucked over his arm.

  Both of them had bought a fresh set of clothes, their old ones were too worn after their ordeal in the forest.

  Leon had opted out of anything fancy, getting himself a pair of beige cargo pants and a brown muscle tee, black combat boots adorned his feet to finish off his look.

  All dull colours to help him blend into the background better.

  Noire had bought herself a blue one piece dress with a skirt that reached her knees, a light blue shawl draped across her shoulders and a red scarf currently wrapped around her neck, hiding the bottom half of her face.

  A wide brimmed wicker hat sat atop her head with her long ebony hair tied into a pony tail. Her feet were protected by a pair of white sneakers, all in all her appearance did give off an image of a mysterious beauty.

  She was protected from being the centre of attention simply because Geahart stood out even more than she did.

  In the span of a night, the azure knight had his armour polished to an incredible degree, easily looking like it just came from the smiths.

  All the dents and tears from the journey downriver had been smoothed out. Silver armour gleaming in the noon day sun, he attracted attention and Noire faded into the background as a result.

  She was most thankful for the lack of attention, even as a young noble, she had never been comfortable being the focus of so many people.

  To have something else draw attention away from her was liberating. For a time she could believe that the expectations heaped on her shoulders had vanished.

  After fighting their way through the horde of townsfolk, they finally made it to the Ysmos and secured a seat for themselves.

  “By the way milady, where is Valor? I haven’t seen him all morning.” Leon inquired while looking through the menu.

  “Hmm, oh. Valor’s gone off to spread his wings for a bit and hunt for his own food, he doesn’t really like to eat food cooked by humans.”

  “Eh? He seemed quite eager to eat the boar Sir Geahart cooked back in that cave though.” Done placing their orders, Leon settled in to wait while making small talk with Noire.

  “We-well the food was delicious and Valor agrees. My compliments to the chef.” The young noble replied.

  “Is that so? We
ll I don’t really know about that. Neither Sir Geahart nor I cook that much and compared to what we usually eat, anything’s a delicacy.”

  “Eh?”

  “Our other travelling companion Libra, he used to be the cook for our small group. Because of that, we had to learn to cook our own meals fast. I’m about eighty percent sure some states of the Empire use his food is used an execution method for the worst of criminals.”

  Noire let out a fit of giggles at that, “It can’t have been that bad, can it? And what about the other twenty percent?”

  “The other twenty percent I believe that they banned it outright on the count of it being a crime against humanity. Nel, you need to understand this, that one time I ate one of his… new inventions… I could see sound and hear colour.”

  A fresh wave of snickers broke out from the young teen and her laugh was infectious as Leon joined in soon enough.

  And so they whiled the time away awaiting their meal and shooting the breeze. This time with company, the wait wasn’t as painful for Leon as it was the first time.

  Eventually the food arrived and all three dug in.

  A small pained expression flashed across Leon’s face as Geahart began to eat.

  To keep up appearances of being human, Leon had to make his puppet eat and drink lest it raise unwanted questions.

  My food... my wallet… damn keeping up appearances. All that food going to waste. *sigh* And it’s coming out of my pay check too.

  Time passed rapidly and the trio were done with the meal. Satisfied if a bit miffed about having to waste perfectly good food on a puppet that can’t appreciate it, Leon turned to a nearby waiter to ask for the bill.

  “Bill? What- oh no, the meal’s on the house.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Eh everyone in town knows this already but you’re the knight and squire who saved those kids trapped in the forest. For that this meal is on the house.”

  “Is that so? Hmm hmm, let it never be said that I allowed good fortune to pass me by, thank you good sir.”

  “If it’s no trouble, could you wait around a bit, the boss would like to speak with you both for a bit.”