by Billy Wong
"Should we contact the southern lands too?"
"Go ahead. Just because they fought with us before, doesn't mean we should wish pointless deaths on their people especially when most of them weren't even devoted followers of King Galen. There's another thing. Aside from the islands deteriorating, I suspect the magical energy is what keeps our entire continent afloat. If it drops enough, we could fall."
Malin's normally calm eyes bulged. "Fall? But in that event, we'd all..."
"Yes, few of us would survive if we were here when it happened. Don't tell the public about this theory by the way, though I'm sure they'll speculate anyway. We'll investigate and search for a way to stop it if need be, but I'd be much relieved if it turns out there's no danger of that and I'm just scaring myself."
"I wish you luck with that then, for all our sakes, and we will do what we can to help."
She looked at Rudolph. "By the way, about our alliance?"
The king took on a sour expression, making Malin gaze disapprovingly at him. "No, absolutely no. We are tired of our kingdom standing unjustifiably below yours, and unless you marry me and acknowledge us to be equals..."
You would never be my equal. Kind of a conceited thing to think admittedly, though he wasn't so impressive to make dismissing him a sin. "You know that's not happening. I'll leave you to think about whether staying separate from Aerilea will benefit you in the long term. If you change your mind and can't find me, talk to my son."
He stormed off with a grunt while she and Keith looked bemusedly after him. Then Malin said, "I'm unsure if this is the best time, but I should mention his feelings towards you are not the only reason His Majesty canceled our arrangement with your country. There was also some widespread dissatisfaction with your trade policies among the people who encouraged him to do so."
"I'd heard about that, but didn't know it was a major influence on this decision. Why don't we sit down and discuss what the problems are, then?"
He called over some other advisors knowledgeable about the issues involved, and they spent the next couple hours mulling over what compromises could be made to satisfy both their nations. At the end they came to a tentative agreement, and Duke Malin concluded, "If King Rudolph comes around, provided you make the changes we agreed on, we won't oppose rejoining Aerilea."
"We thank you for working with us," Julianna said. "May our relationship continue to be successful."
As she and Keith left the town hall, he asked, "Where to next? I was hoping we could go home and be with our son after visiting the three nations, but it looks like that won't be the case now."
"About that, I've been thinking about it too... maybe you should go back, while I investigate this on my own. Julian should have at least one of us helping him run Aerilea."
"I agree, but on the other hand, you shouldn't be alone either."
"I'll be fine." She winked. "I'm almost peerless in a fight, have a body made of solidified magical energy that doesn't have to eat, drink or breathe, and can still use some magic in a pinch. There's no one more suited to traveling by themselves than me."
He put an arm around her lovingly. "All true, but I meant more that somebody should be around to support you emotionally. You just came back from the dead, I want to be there to comfort you in your weak moments."
"Have I shown any weak moments?"
"Well, not particularly. You're pretty damn unshakable Miss Julianna, but still... it just doesn't feel right letting you go off again so soon."
She smiled. "Because you missed me, right, and don't want to be away from me again? I appreciate the sentiment. But our son needs you at his side more than I do."
"He has competent advisors and General Duncan guarding him, and you'll be exposed to more danger walking around."
"I won't insist on sending you away if you really want to stay with me. I'll be worried about Julian, though..."
"He'll be fine. This is good experience for him, to have to rule without being led around by his parents."
Julianna shrugged. "I suppose you might be right, though he already had his share of that when you abandoned him. Let's go to the inn, so we can sit down and write him a letter telling him everything that's happened."
They drafted it together and went back to ask Duke Malin to have it delivered for them. After thanking him, they left the town hall again. "Where do we go now?" Keith asked.
"Let's head back to Ostuh and see if their researchers came up with anything useful yet. It'll have been a while by the time we get back, so they might've."
Keith crinkled his forehead. "We have to travel all the way through Severil again?" He rubbed his knee in an exaggerated fashion. "My almost forty year old bones will be feeling the strain, not like some eternally young immortals around here."
"I'll have you know I'll probably be mentally fatigued from going back and forth too. Can't be helped, though." She grinned. "Maybe we could ask Becca to join us so the return trip will be less boring. I bet she would welcome some adventure in her life."
"You'd have a queen leave her country to go adventuring with us?"
"I am the princess of Aerilea wandering around if you forgot, and her nation can probably cope with having its ruler away better than many with its simpler political atmosphere. But I'm joking anyway, I wouldn't drag her along just to make our journey less tedious. Unless I thought we could use her help or she really wanted to come, that is."
#
After a long, boring trip in spite of a few monster encounters, they returned to the capital of Ostuh. Julianna hoped most people living on the outer islands had received warning and evacuated in time, with the northwest country of Kureau being the most concerning. There were no doubt many who would be reluctant to leave their homes too, and while stupidity of that sort was to be ridiculed, it still saddened her to know some would likely die because of it. She and Keith rode the tram once more up into the Tower of the Council, where they asked Gilbert how the investigation progressed.
"Do you know of the wellsprings of magic, being a mage yourself?" he asked.
"I've heard of them." Places deep underground overflowing with magical energy, which mages could get a boost to their powers from being near. She had never used one or felt a need to however, given her immense natural ability.
Gilbert seemed to pick up on her ambivalence. "Assuming you know what they are, our researchers visited one of them to find it has nearly run dry, which would lend credence to your theory about magical deterioration throughout the continent. So, I have become inclined to believe you."
"It's great that you believe us," Keith said, "but did you learn anything else which might help us stop or reverse this? I don't know how much you've heard, but it seems the outer islands are starting to break off due to the decreasing magical energy, and if this continues the whole continent might fall."
That got the expected reaction, as Gilbert's eyes widened. "The continent? That doesn't sound good, and I certainly hope you are wrong. As for your question, we have not discovered any clues on how to correct this—but considering your talents, Saint Princess, might seeing the wellspring yourself possibly help you figure something out?"
She wasn't so much a scholar of magical theory, more just good at using it. Still, "It can't hurt to check it out, considering we have no better leads."
"Then I'll have someone guide you there."
They waited by the entrance as he instructed, getting some stares from other visitors who recognized them or more likely suspected their identities. After some minutes a girl of about sixteen approached them, wearing a mail shirt over her tunic with an axe on her back. "Princess Julianna, Sir Keith?" she asked in a timid voice. They nodded. "My name's Eve, and I'm to guide you."
Julianna raised an eyebrow. "You are? I'm a bit... surprised."
"She does look young," Keith said, "but give her a chance before you judge. If I recall correctly, you were already quite formidable at that age."
"That's true, but it's still unexpected for
her to be tasked with assisting such dignitaries as us." She extended a hand. "I'll try to be fair though. Welcome to the team, Eve."
"Welcome to the party," he added.
Eve blinked. "There's a party going on? Where?"
"Um..."
"He means our traveling group." Julianna exhaled. The likelihood of her being a solid comrade seemed significantly lower, though perhaps her fighting and survival skills were greater than her mastery of language.
"Oh, that's right." A huge grin split her face. "I can't believe I'm getting to guide the legendary immortal Saint Princess of Aerilea and her star crossed love, the almost as impressive Sir Keith! This is going to be a grand adventure, and I look forward to listening to your stories!"
"Seems like she might rival Rudolph," Julianna whispered to Keith. In annoyance level, she didn't clarify in case the girl heard.
"At least she probably won't touch your breasts."
"What was that?" Eve asked.
"I said you'll probably do your best."
"Oh, of course I will! So Lady Julianna, what's the secret to your incredible strength? I hear even without using magic, you're the equal of a hundred normal men!"
Gods help her... "I don't actually have the physical strength of a hundred men. I could probably beat a hundred average warriors in combat, but that's different."
"Well, what's your secret for that?"
"Lots of training, experience and a fair bit of natural talent. Anyway, shall we be off? We've been sitting here a long time, my legs are already stiff."
"Sure, I'll lead the way!" Eve bounced towards the tram, motioning for them to follow.
Keith gazed curiously at Julianna. "I didn't know your legs could still get stiff."
"They're not."
"Oh. Why do you look so grumpy though, she seems like a harmless enough kid. If you're flustered already, that could be viewed as you showing your age poorly."
She rolled her eyes. "It's not only because she has that type of personality. It's the job she's doing and her lack of maturity making it seem like she might be unqualified."
"Maybe she just acts this way when it's safe, and will show a different side of herself when needed. Give her a chance, will you?"
"Like I said, I'll try."
They left the city and trekked south within Ostuh, Eve enthusiastically asking things about them all the while. Julianna actually reconsidered her opinion of her, owing in no small part to the way Keith happily answered her questions. Maybe she had been too critical in forming her initial impression of the girl, and should treat her more kindly. She joined in the conversation and smiled at the fact Eve just carried on as she had been, not even seeming to notice Julianna hadn't spoken much before. Keith nodded at her though, glad she viewed their guide with a more open mind.
When she could get a question of her own in between Eve's, she asked, "So you're a researcher? You seem young to be doing field work."
"Why's that? I understand why you might find me young, but I've been assisting in magical research since I was fourteen. I don't have a family, so I had to do something with my life early... though I only recently started working in the field. A lot of what I did until now was more just training, what's so special about it? Many warriors begin training or even fighting young, don't they?"
Hearing her defensive tone, Julianna patted her shoulder with a smile. "You're right, Keith and I were both already decent fighters by your age. Although I was royalty trained from very early to defend myself in times of need, and Keith's brother really pushed him to become the warrior illness prevented big brother from being. I just figured intellectual work like being a researcher was usually for older people."
"Most of my colleagues have had more formal education, yes. But it's possible to learn on the job, and I didn't have anywhere else to go. I'm definitely grateful Director William tolerated me being around. I was probably chosen to guide you because of my inexperience though, since I can't contribute as much as others to our ongoing work."
"Besides," Keith said, "it's not like being a researcher is only an intellectual job. Look at that armor and axe, I imagine she trains to fend off the dangers one might find in exploration too."
Eve gave a meek laugh. "I have had training, but I'm not that much of a warrior. I'm sure my skills are nothing compared to yours."
"Considering I'm High Knight of Aerilea and the princess here is in the same class, that's nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, look how young you are compared to us. You'll have plenty of time to improve by miles."
"That's an encouraging point. I'll do my best to someday be as strong as you."
Julianna didn't think striving to be a supreme warrior would necessarily fit with a career as a researcher, and might be counterproductive instead. "It's flattering you find us impressive figures, but you needn't think to walk in the shoes of anyone else. Be the best version you can of the ideal you that you envision, that's a healthier aspiration than trying to live up to somebody else's legacy." Especially when it might be unrealistic...
The girl gazed at her in confusion. "I don't exactly understand what you mean."
Keith chuckled. "What Her Highness means with the fancy words is that you shouldn't feel you need to be as good at something as some other person. Just pursue your own goals, and consider it a worthy life if you're content with the effort you put in."
"Oh. The princess is kind of wordy if you put it like that. Oh, sorry! But you guys are more down to earth than I thought you'd be with that outlook."
Julianna put hands on her hips. "My goals have been to be the best warrior, strongest mage and wisest ruler around, not exactly the most down to earth." She had achieved the first two or come close too, although she could never convince herself to have great confidence in her ability to rule. Still, she did her best. "I won't look down on anybody for having less ambitious ones, though."
"Yeah, it would be quite hard to match that. I'll settle for looking to be a respected researcher and competent warrior, I suppose."
"While our time together might be limited, we can probably show you some tricks when we break for the night to add to your fighting arsenal."
"Thank you! I look forward to what awesome techniques the Saint Princess and the one man worthy of her love will teach me."
That night, after Eve had fallen asleep first following an evening of hard training, Keith said, "She's pleasantly lively, no? Considering she doesn't have family, I almost wish we could keep her."
"I think she prefers it here with the emphasis on scientific research. Although, she is kind of the right age for Julian..."
"Didn't I mention Julian is courting that baron's daughter, Leelee the Golden?"
"I was jesting about matching Eve with him, though I forgot you mentioned that. Is this Leelee a warrior, with a title like that?"
He shrugged. "She has some training as nobles do, but I believe she's just called that for her beautiful hair."
"Lots of people have blonde hair."
"She takes better care of it than most. It's meticulously brushed and oiled all the time, though Julian says he likes her for her wit more than her looks."
She had a flash of remembrance. "Wait, I know this Leelee. But if it's the same girl I'm thinking of, isn't she kind of old for him?"
"About four years older. That wouldn't be much of a gap with the man being the elder, so is it really too much for a woman?"
"I guess not. I had an impression the difference was bigger from recalling how they compared as kids."
"Also, uncharacteristic of you to forget something we talked about before, concerning our son."
Her voice grew lower. "I might have blocked it out due to not being ready to think of him in serious courtship. He was still our innocent little boy the second to last time I saw him, you know? Turns out three years can change a lot."
Keith hugged her. "You'll be okay, Julianna. You've been away for a while, but we'll be there to help you settle back in. See? You did need a companion
's support after all."
"This wouldn't have come up if you weren't around."
"True."
"Still, I do appreciate your company." She glanced towards Eve to make sure she was soundly asleep, and confirmed her to be as she softly snored. She pushed Keith gently to the ground and fumbled with his belt buckle while he grinned. "So here, let me show my appreciation."
#
The next afternoon, they left the roads to press into the forests of Ostuh. No surprise that the mythical wellspring of magic wouldn't be so conveniently reached by following the beaten path. Not long after entering the woods, they heard heavy footsteps ahead. It could just be some beast, but few normal animals grew that large. Julianna and Keith drew their weapons, and following their example Eve did likewise. The steps grew closer and louder, then a figure appeared between a pair of trees ahead. It was a biped twelve feet tall with a chitinous hide, multifaceted eyes and mandibles like a humanoid insect—a grasshopper, perhaps. Though lanky in appearance, it must weigh a lot given the sound of its passage.
"I'll take care of it!" Eve said, and ran forward before either Julianna or Keith did.
Julianna made to rush after her, but Keith stopped her. "Why not give her an opportunity to show her stuff?"
"That thing seems too big for a newbie to handle alone." But she didn't push past his arm, though she held her spear poised to jump in should the girl get in trouble.
Eve dodged a downward blow of the insect-like giant's heavy fist, which sent dirt spraying up around it on impact. She slashed at its forearm and carved an oozing rent into the chitin, making it trill in pain. It struck back with its other hand, and she jumped away while swinging her axe up. Another gash opened up on its second arm. It shrieked and barreled forward. Eve gasped in fright at its oncoming mass, raised her haft desperately to block while it kicked at her. Her strength and small weapon proved nowhere near enough against its power as she was sent flying. She hit the ground hard, tried to sit up—then sank back, closing her eyes. It stomped forward to finish her.