Passage Chapter 1
The Great Murder Mystery
That makes three towns now.
You must be kidding.
It was in the early afternoon, two days later. As soon as news centering on the uncommon string of crimes reached Sol-Falena, Queen Lymsleia called an emergency meeting of the knights in hopes of an immediate solution to both current and potential future problems. In the audience chamber were three of the Queens Knights, which included Kyle, a dashing blond man, Galleon, a loyal soldier with many years, and Miakis, the only female in the force but whose power could easily match that of the two men. Also present in the room were several guards and the preteen queen herself.
There are lots of things I kid about, Galleon, but this isnt one of them, Kyle replied solemnly. Its really getting dangerous.
The much older mans brow furrowed. This...cant be happening, he said, sounding every bit as troubled as he looked. Nobles being murdered left and right...is history repeating itself? It hasnt even been a month since Lord Godwins defeat, and Her Majesty was crowned a mere fortnight ago. Couldnt we have experienced some peace...?
Miakis eyes were fixed to the floor, her facial expression nearly identical to Galleons. Im a little worried about the pattern of these murders. Two in Estrise, three in Rainwall, and now, these two in Stormfist? Not to mention, the victims were the strongest supporters of the princess. What does this mean? Are the killers trying to send us a message? Such as, Sol-Falena is next? What if the princess...I-I mean, what if the queen is in danger, too?
Galleon turned to the young woman. Thats a scenario very much on our minds as well, Lady Miakis. With the deaths of Alenia and Zahhak, and the absence of Georg, Lyon, and Her Majestys brother...we three make up the total power of the Queens Knights. Granted, were receiving new trainees, but none of them are yet qualified to perform bodyguard duties, let alone more offensive tasks.
Lymsleia, who had been fidgeting on the throne, let out an anxious sigh. That makes me all the more nervous at the thought of you two retiring, she said, looking at Galleon and Kyle. Its times like these Im reminded of how lucky I am to have your strength. Oh, I wish you werent leaving so soon...!
Dont worry, Your Majesty, Kyle assured her. With all the killings going on, were not going to abandon you.
Certainly not, Galleon added in agreement. But what if we call upon our old friends as well?
That would be good... Lymsleia started, but did not look so confident. ...except...well, I know they were all fighting to defeat Godwin, but in the end, it was Brother who brought them all together. Do you...do you think they would band together for the sake of protecting me? And what about all those nobles that have nothing to do with them?
Theyd better band together! Kyle exclaimed. The prince was the one who saved Falena from Godwins rule! Is that how theyll repay his courage and kindness? By refusing to help his sister and the ruler of their country in her time of need?
And if anything, it doesnt hurt to ask, Miakis added, and then grew lost in thought. Hmm. I hear Roog is trying to form a Dragon Brigade right here in Sol-Falena, but Im not sure how far along those plans are. In the meantime, maybe we can send messengers to the other towns, and call together the delegates of the new parliament.
Im told Wilhelm and the Lindwurm Mercenaries are still in the area, said Galleon. Shall we see about hiring them as well?
They do have an excellent reputation, Lymsleia replied, and then nodded. All right.
Good idea, Galleon, Kyle said, but suddenly looked depressed.
Is there something wrong, Kyle? Galleon asked in concern.
Ah... The younger man tried to crack a smile. I-its nothing, he said, bringing a hand to the back of his head uncomfortably. Its just...kind of hard without Ferid, you know? We could use a commander right about now. Then, realizing the weight of his wish, he quickly turned to Lymsleia. Er, not to put any pressure on you, Majesty!
The queen shook her head. Its okay, Kyle. I made the decision to do away with the Sacred Games, and I dont regret it. But in the meantime...we could have a temporary commander.
Sounds good to me! I nominate Galleon.
The older knight let out a nervous laugh. You flatter me, Kyle, but that honor is reserved for the future husband of Her Majesty.
I know that, Kyle told him. Thats why its temporary.
Still, Im not comfortable filling Lord Ferids shoes, even for a short while. Perhaps... His eyes drifted from Kyle to Miakis. ...one of you two could do it, instead?
Dont be silly, Galleon, Miakis responded. My duty is only to protect the princess!...At least until we get a commander. Im no good at giving orders!
And Im just not the leader type, Kyle added, showing a genuinely apologetic face to Lymsleia. Its nothing against you, Your Majesty. Were all perfectly willing to lay down our lives for you, but none of us really knows how to lead.
I understand, Lymsleia said resignedly. Maybe one of our old friends can fill the role temporarily. And if not...well...with all of us working together, Im sure we can come up with something.
Ow! exclaimed Richard, rubbing his freshly bruised noggin. Mueller! Not so hard!
Then stop slacking off, scolded the sinister-looking older man, who was waving the steel rod at the blond teenager threateningly. Though not the commander of their unit, he was the first officer, not to mention one who truly earned his unofficial title of Tyrant. The war may be over, but thats no reason to take it easy. Were mercenaries. We train so that were ready at anyones call.
I know that, Mueller, Richard insisted. And I wasnt slacking off. How many years have you know me?
Enough to know when youre slacking off, fool! Mueller barked thunderously. I dont know why anyone in the Lindwurm Mercenary Brigade calls you the Blademaster when you slack off like that! Now back to your training!
Uh...y-yes! Of course, Mueller! Richard returned to his rigorous exercises, but, as usual, besting his opponent was hardly a challenge at all. Eventually, the other soldier, a man also from their unit, collapsed to the ground in defeat, weapon dropping from his hand.
Ugh... The soldier set his gaze on Richard as he clutched his own chest. Damn, kid... he said, panting loudly. If this is you slacking off, Id hate to spar with you when youre giving it your all. That guys...so full of it...you may be young, but damn if you aint strong enough to lead your own unit!
A grin formed on the teenage boys face. Ha ha. Its tempting to be honest, but for me, its more rewarding to fight by Muellers side.
The man looked puzzled. But why...? he asked as he arose. The guy just hits you on the head all day. Wouldnt you rather be in a position where youre respected more?
Its okay, Richard said, the smile unfading. Besides, Mueller hits everyone with that rod of his. Im sure hed do it even if I had my own unit.
Whatever you say, kid. Whatever you say...
Richard! Mueller called suddenly. Get over here!
Yes, sir! Richard quickly approached the man, who was standing with another man named Wilhelm. What is it?
Looks like weve been given a job, kid, Wilhelm--who was also known as the laid-back commander of their unit--told him.
Really? asked Richard with interest. What is it?
Were going to Sol-Falena to fortify its defenses, Mueller explained.
Oh...has war broken out again?
Mueller shook his head. Not that we know of. There have been a string of murders among the nobles lately, specifically those who are strong supporters of Queen Lymsleia. It is believed that the queens life may be threatened next, so theyre calling as many of their old allies as they can to protect her...as well as any other nobles who are possible targets. Theres more, but we can get into it later.
Oh, all right, the teen said, nodding. When do we leave?
Immediately. The Revolving Bridge isnt far away, and the
Queens Knights have already given the guards notification of our arrival.
If we leave now, well reach the
Thats right, Wilhelm said, a sly smile forming on his face.
The sooner we get to Sol-Falena, the sooner I can get a glimpse of
that bangin bodyguard. Maybe she and the former prince are back now,
so I can-- ow!
Mueller lowered the rod, clearly annoyed. You fool! This isnt
the time to think about such things.
The scruffy man grumbled, ruffling the wild pink hair just above the sore
spot on his head. Well, if not now, then when? he whined. None
of the beautiful babes in the princes army would even go out with me,
and its been a good month since we l-- ow!
Having run out of patience, Mueller resumed the punishment, striking repeatedly.
We havent--
Muel--
--the time--
Ow!
--for such--
Damn it--
--idiocy! Now pay--
Ow!
--attention--
Stop it--
--to the task--
Oww!
--at hand!
Ow! Okay! Guh! Wilhelm withdrew both physically and mentally,
panting, relieved that it was over. All right, already! Geez. Im
sorry. It was just a joke. Im with ya, okay? Ugh. He shook his
head, shooting the man a look of disgust. I really shouldnt have
to take this crap from you, you know. Im in charge, after all.
Muellers eyes narrowed. Perhaps, he said, putting away
the metal weapon. But without me to keep you on your toes, wed
never get anything done. Now prepare to depart!
Yes, sir, Wilhelm said sarcastically, offering a weary salute.
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