The golden doors opened, admitting light from the lights pressed into the walls. They were torches in paintings, the burning fire in a holy war, the gentle flicker of a candle held aloft from a venturing warrior priestess. Floor to wall of endless stories about the Holy Lands.
At the far end of the decadent hall was the Holy Maiden, the current leader and Queen. It was she who balanced the other countries pressed against her side. She who conducted and allowed royal marriages and even sided in wars where necessary. Her word that could call out the Holy Paladins. It was she who provided aid to whoever asked for it.
And it was here that the Holy Maiden’s oldest and dearest friend quietly walked down to meet her. Past the lines of scribes, servants and Holy folk pressed into clusters throughout the room. Her Formal Priestess robes were pulled on, the sash of her status hurriedly tied.
The Holy Maiden looked up at the gentle padding of her friend, up from discussing aid for a country in the south. She saw how weary and battered she was, how her shoes still had a slight coating of dust on the foot. She raised an eyebrow at Angelica, watching her come closer. Ange tilted her head to the side, then slid a hand under her chin before continuing her journey forward. Ah. They needed to have a word.
Curious, the Holy Maiden called for quiet with a finger, watching as her silent word whipped around the hall. All eyes turned to Angelica as she bowed, her head covering barely containing the volumes of hair braided hastily down her back.
“Your Holiness,” Ange began demurely, eyes to the ground, “I bring answers for a twenty-year request.”
“Ah, yes.” The Holy Maiden feigned forgetfulness, “You were sent to find the young prince after the collapse of Nigara. A horrible affair before my time.”
The child she and Ange had snuck through the gates as the Demon Lord descended. They had lost track of him after he turned fifteen, but knew he lived still through Holy magics. Many had believed he had perished during the country’s collapse. Ange had placed upon him a seal that hid his royal mark, protecting him until he could be reunited with his crown. He was bound to be almost twenty-one by now.
“Did you locate him?”
Ange swallowed slowly, choosing her words. “He lives.”
A cheer echoed around the room, the lights flaring purple at the sudden spark of joy. All had been saddened by the collapse of the Nigara, known for their beautiful fabrics, gardens and oils.
“I wish to discuss with my sister her perils,” The Holy Maiden said casually, “you are all released for lunch.”
Her attendants glanced at each other before shuffling away, waiting for Ange to slip into the first quarter of the hall. When she entered the space a servant pulled a rope, dropping an enchanted cloth to prevent snooping ears and eyes.
When the last had bowed deeply to their mistress and left, Ange sighed deeply, kicking off her shoes. Francesca unclipped the heavy cape that draped down the throne she sat upon, slipping out and down the steps to meet her friend. They embraced, bizarrely contrasted with the beautiful golden silks Francesca wore compared to her journey hardened friend’s starched white cotton.
“We have a problem, Cesca,” Ange sighed, sitting in the provided plush seats at the bottom of the throne. She eyed the dainty golden tea set, smothering a grin as she helped herself.
“Prince Nardine… he ah,” she poured tea and passed a tiny cup to Cesca. “He’s alive. And thriving – definitely thriving.”
“But?”
Angelica grimaced, speaking before taking a sip, “He may be an adviser for the Demon Lord.”
Cesca dropped the cup, hissing when the very expensive tea split down her robe. Ange set her cup down to help dab at the spots. “You mean the one he picked up last year? The adviser that has led to more victories than ever before?”
Ange climbed to her feet with a soiled handkerchief in her hand, “that’s the one.”
“He’s actively helping the destruction of his land.”
“Actually, Nigara is doing incredibly well. Poverty is at an all-time low. Trade is up… even slavery is low.”
“Does he know that…”
“That he’s the heir to the throne he’s aiding and not sitting in? Not that we can tell.”
Cesca dramatically collapsed onto the couch beside her friend, taking a sugared date from the offered snacks. “I don’t even know what to do with that. We swore to his parents we would help aid him when the time comes.”
“That time would be now,” Ange offered unhelpfully.
“You’re going to have to tell him.”
“Come what now, my Queen?”
Cesca turned, eyes wild, “he’s going to have to disown everything he’s ever known and realize he’s been aiding the bad guy.”
“Depends on where you’re standing. Thanks to his policies the country is doing well without us.”
“Then convert him! Get him to light the beacon and we have the Holy rite to help him.”
“I’m not liking my role in this.”
Cesca looked at her friend who leaned back in her very white couch, sinking into it as she ate cherries one at a time.
“Who else can I send?” Cesca argued, “Everyone here has a golden rod lodged very high up their asses. They’ll buck… or try and exorcise him.”
“Excommunicate, even.” Ange suggested, grinning as her friend and Queen scowled. Ange spat the last seed out of her mouth, watching it land and roll round in a golden bowl on the little golden table.
“Go get him and I can promote you to my personal aid.” Cesca offered with big blue, pleading eyes.
“I don’t look good in satin. Hospital wing in my name and you’ve got a deal.”
Cesca sighed, smiling at Ange. “I love you a bit too much, I think. I would name a whole Paladin Legion after you.”
Ange rolled out of the couch ungracefully, crawling on all fours as she fought not to be swallowed. “I know. And I would do anything for you. Declare tonight my Holy Quest and I’ll be gone by nightfall. I’ll get him to light that Holy Beacon. If not… I guess I’ll defect to his side. They have better food.”
Cesca threw a grape at Ange who caught it and popped it into her mouth, smiling a rogue grin. She pulled her boots back on before standing to attention, performing a perfect bow. “Blessings be to our Maker and queen. I will see your will be done.”
“Stay safe.” Cesca said, acknowledging the bow with a hand. “I pray for you every day.”
Ange winked and turned to leave the shrouded conference, “and I you.”
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP1u4gNZir
.OoO.
“You know, when I was a boy desperate to become a Holy Paladin, I thought I would see glory, honor… at least more baths.” Chuck sighed, “being assigned to you has meant very little of any of that.”
“We dipped in the river a couple days ago.” Angelica offered, frowning at the bustling marketplace. “Besides Sir Charles, you know you like this. No stuffy Paladin is nicknamed Chuck.”
“Or carrying his armor around wrapped in cloths at the bottom of his pack.” He grumbled good naturedly.
“Prince Nardine is due to ride through here for inspections this afternoon. We need to switch you two. I’ll do a little bit of sparkle-sparkle and we’ll go from there. Just keep that enchanted ring on. Come back when you can give them the slip.”
“Holy Enchantments should be better respected.” Chuck said, watching as a very serious procession rode down the street. Nardine led the group of five. Two were guards, one obviously an accountant by his anxious twitching, and a woman who stopped to smile and chat to any who got closer. He was easy to pick out with his beautiful chocolate skin, hair braided tightly down his back with golden hoops and twine curled into it so they caught the little light left since becoming a Shadow Land.
“He has an enchantress. That’s problematic.” Ange frowned, “but I’ll make it work.”
The prince wandered down the street, sampling food, asking questions, allowing his twitching friend to stammer questions. Sometimes gold switched hands for muttered conversations. Ange and Chuck stood in front of a stall holding fruit from the border between the Holy Lands and Nigara. At the sight of the strange wares and people, Nardine stopped and started to ask about permits and travel costs. Chuck bowed and smiled, offering to come see the stock behind the cart. It was where their imaginary papers were.
Chuck pressed a friendly hand on Nadine’s back just as Ange stepped in front of the prince. The slight pressure from Chuck combined with Ange’s well angled foot had Nadine stumble. As he fought for balance Ange blew Holy Dust in his face, letting Chuck gently pull him behind the cart. Ange pulled nabbed a hair strand from Nadine’s head, grabbing Chuck’s hand to slowly sink it into the ring. In seconds she had placed another ring onto Nadine, Chuck already rejoining the group as Nadine. It all took less than three minutes, the enchantress busy gawking at some pretty, but useless earrings.
As Chuck left to do a round of the marketplace with his new friends, Ange knelt in the dirt next to a befuddled prince. She waited for the dizziness to leave his eyes, watching him look down at Chuck’s impressive chest hair.
“How… where… ah.”
“Good afternoon, sir.” Ange smiled, “I just wished to have a very quick chat. We will do no harm to you or any who reside here.”
Nadine looked at her, wiping his eyes, “and who is we?”
“I am Priestess Angelica of the Holy Lands. But what is more important is this: Do you know who you are?”
“Nathan.”
“Ooooh, so close.” The Priestess smiled good naturedly. She stood to grab the nearby vase filled with water, kneeling to dig a hole in the ground between them. He watched confused, but willing to see what a holy priestess was doing in conquered Shadow Lands.
She poured the water into the hole, pressing her hand over the now filled hole. She began to whisper sing, white light sinking out of her hand into the water below. When she removed her hand, the water swirled in a clockwork whirl until becoming unbelievably still.
“Show me Angelica Page.” She told the water, together watching as her face appeared in the water’s reflection. “Show me the Ice Dragon of Lemei,” a dragon snored peacefully in an icy fortress. “Show me the Captain of Light, Andre Hamer.” A man in golden armor rode before an army within the reflection.
“Any suggestions?” She asked, looking up at the fascinated Prince, “something to prove I am not trying to fool you. I do not think you would trust the word of a hiding Priestess. No matter my vows.”
“Show me the glittering Hall of Nigara,” he offered, watching a hall flooded with purple light spring into the water mirror. “It only shines like that in the afternoon.” He murmured, almost convinced.
“Show me my hound, Viper,” he mumbled, watching as a small wolf pup played amongst tall grass. The dog had one blue eye, one gold.
He leaned back, convinced. “Okay, Priestess. What do you want of me?”
Ange gently pressed a hand into his shoulder before looking down at the water. “Show me Prince Nadine of Nigara.” She murmured, watching as his face flashed into view.
He exclaimed and pulled back, eyes darting from the reflection to Ange.
“No.” He murmured, “it cannot be.”
Ange pulled out her hand, a dagger in the other. She nipped the tip of her finger, silently asking for his arm. He did so, watching as she wiped her blood on his arm. Under her blood the royal signal flared on his skin. The Heir Signal of a rising sun. An enchantment older than time to tell the next heir of a kingdom. His eyes widened, combing fingers through the intricate braid down his head.
“I am an ambassador of the Holy Nation, Priestess Angelica. We have come to fulfill a vow made to your parents.” She smiled sadly, aware how strange it was to see an unmarked, travel stained stranger saying binding words, “Light the Holy Beacon, call upon us. And we will see your line restored.”
“Where were you when my country was plunged into a recession?” He muttered, “where were you when my people cried out from hunger?” He looked up, furious, “From sickness? Where were you when we needed you then?”
Anger flared in his eyes. Anger bright and haunted. Angelica breathed deeply through her nose. “We cannot take control of a kingdom. Only restore it. Aid it. Without a channel of a royal family, we would be no better than the Demon Lord. My Queen does not want, nor has the right to conquer.”
“Aid –”
“Does Demon Lord mean nothing to you?” Ange interrupted, “we cannot coexist in the same place. Light and Dark take turns, never share.”
She went to release the enchantment on the water mirror, but he stopped her, whispering something into it. The water rippled and went still, revealing the faces of his parents. Long gone. They stared out of the water as all the dead did, as their part in life was finished. The Queen was beautiful, her severe face and eyes mirroring the man starring at her. The king held her hand, easily the same build as his son. The same mouth, the same darkened brow.
Chuck slipped in, taking the ring off. “Time to go.” He hissed.
Ange looked up at her knight, looking back at the young man gazing at his parents. “If you wish,” she told the unmoving figure, “I will wait two days by the Star Fountain. I cannot spare more.”
Then the two vanished into the shadows.
The prince was found by his bemused attendants staring at a hole in the ground, water long trickled into the dirt.
.OoO.
Chuck twisted a nail beside his tooth, trying to dislodge a piece of hard meat out of his mouth. “So, what if he doesn’t come? Or worse, ambush us?”
“You didn’t see his face.” Ange said, shoving him and his disgusting habit, “a well of sadness. I offered him power, riches, right to rule… and he demanded to know why we let his people suffer. Not him. His people.”
“If this is an ambush you owe me ten gold.”
“And if he decides to take the offer you have to let me purify that mouth of yours and give me ten gold.”
“That burns.” The paladin whined.
“Then brush your teeth more.”
“How can you be considered a holy priestess when you shower less than three times a week? Riddle me that. That’s not very clean.”
“I cast purify on myself once every two days. That counts on the road.”
Chuck looked at her with absolute horror. That was the equivalent of bathing in lemon juice covered in cuts. To do that every two days… he looked upon her with the awe of a new convert. “You’re insane.”
She looked at him in the fading light, amused. “You know when I was ordained, I had to sit in a vat of Holy water? People have died from that. You can’t cast holy magic without a purified magic chamber.”
“So… you’re a masochist.” Chuck decided.
They watched a figure weave his way into the gardens, placing a large book on the ground so he could rest his hands on the gigantic white fountain. Mirrors were placed in strategic spots all along the layers of water and stone. When one lit the fire at the base of the fountain, the light created would bounce off the mirrors to create a layered light display. Almost like a star constellation.
They watched as the prince lit the fire at the bottom, resting his hands against the alabaster stone. Chuck scanned the rest of the garden, seeing no silent intruders. He closed his eyes, waving his hand through the spiritual realm in search of invisible forces. Nothing stirred.
He opened his eyes to Ange’s very smug smile. “You better start counting out my coins, Chucky boy.” She grinned as she walked out into sight. Chuck sighed, taking out and laying his sword across his knees. She truly was the meaning of chaotic good.
“Good to see you so soon.” Ange smiled at the prince, walking around the fountain so they were on the same side. He didn’t get up, only turned so he sat by the fountain and faced her. He lifted the large volume he had onto his lap, spreading it open to a page he had marked. The Priestess peered at the ledger, seeing how detailed it was. It reminded her of catching Francesca in her hidden study, surrounded by the lives written there.
“Ask your questions.”
“It took years to create a stable economy for my country. We are starting to get off the floor of poverty. Why should I upheave that now when we’re so close to stability?”
Ange suppressed the urge to groan. She had hoped she would get a young, impulsive and justice-oriented princeling. Not a thinker.
“Because as your country stabilizes the demon king expands his shadow lands. You are being fed the spoils of war. Better to plan for a long future than a short one. Your peace will be a short one as he attempts to conquer others.”
“Or become the jewel of the Shadow lands.”
“The demon king has never cared about people. Only power.”
“Which, with me he is finally keeping. With me in his council he is forming commerce and lasting trade.”
Ange sighed, turning to the fountain. She spread out her hands, encompassing the light and water with her reach. A picture appeared in the falling water, a moment in time from her memories. A time before the Demon Lord. The traditional dress, the bright fabrics, the beautiful water ways throughout the capital. The language, the singing. Culture burning brighter than a stacked bonfire.
“Security cannot buy the soul of your people. Ruthlessness as your sword for your survival will leave you friendless. You will tire of being a horse and wagon. You were not made to be a tool, you were made to be a king.”
His eyes were transfixed on the image, on what was before. He reached out, gently touching the water so his fingers collided with the water.
“The Demon King could provide you the power to be stable. But stability is not living. This is how he rules. Not always with cruelty, but with a dampening that turns the brightest sounds into a whisper.” Ange said softly, “The Holy lands wish to return you to the light. My Holy Maiden does not wish to conquer, but restore.”
“Why?” he asked, turning to her. “Why does it matter to another country, why spend the lives and money?”
The Priestess didn’t say because with his aid the Demon Lord could roll through and conquer the continent. Plunge everyone into darkness and grey shadow.
Instead.
Ange dismissed the image, looking down at the pool of the fountain. She indicated with her hand at the water below, swirling it until a memory rested by her fingertips. Of a king and queen holding their son curled between them. The sky was dark, swirls of red and green trickling down like rain behind them. They handed their child to a young woman with bright blue eyes, her white robes soiled with dirt and blood. Francesca cradled the child to her chest, tears streaking through the dust coating her face.
“Water magic is my talent.” Ange murmured, “I cannot show you falsehoods as it goes against the purity vows I made. But believe me, Prince Nadine, the life planned for you was entirely different. Your parents sacrificed much to keep you protected. When we took you away, the Holy Maiden swore to return you to your kingdom.” She looked up, the image dissolving into light and water.
“We will help you restore what was and what should be. But only if you wish it. We cannot battle darkness without a conduit to battle through. A warrior to stand behind.”
“Why didn’t you help my parents?” He whispered.
“The darkness had won.” She sighed, “Help asked too late, pride too strong. The Demon Lord had struck down our High Priest.” A single tear dropped down Ange’s face, the memory stark in her mind. “Much was lost that day. Much was rebuilt for this one.”
“And you think you can win?” The Prince asked doubtfully, “what is different this time?”
Ange grinned through the tears, “You. Oh, we will win. You already have the heart of your people. Take up your birthright, take up your sword and light the beacon.”
She gave him two spark rocks covered in a Holy fire seal. “Set the beacon alight and we will await you.”
“How can I trust you?” He asked as she handed him his book.
She shrugged, turning to leave, “I cannot lie. Can the same be said for your Demon King? You will outgrow him. You are not made for shadowy places. Light the Beacon, sit upon your throne. And let your bloodline rekindle. You are a great oak, not a mushroom.”
He looked down at his ledgers in one hand, the spark rocks in the other. He looked up to ask another question. Finding himself alone once again.
“I am Prince Nadine of Nigara.” He whispered into the night, “and I love my people.”
.OoO.
Ange watched the prince stalk off, returning to the fountain shortly after to rub out the silence marks on the ground around it. They stopped snooping and spies from hearing conversations best not known.
Chuck helped her, dipping his hand into the fountain to splash the chalk off the pavement.
“Do you think…”
“Hush.” Ange murmured, staring up into the stars to whisper a prayer for victory and protection.
“We have just asked him to both betray and save something beyond his understanding.” Her eyes bright and old, “Let’s rest. It’s going to be a long couple days.”
OoO
Ange rolled out of bed, running on all fours to the open window to watch the blast of light reach the heavens. Chuck woke from his place by the door, sprinting to her side clutching his blade. The light exploded from the inner chambers of the castle, breaking the black clouds hovering over the city. Dust blew through the streets, Chuck moved in front of Ange to protect her from debris.
The light dispersed, traveling quickly through to the pair as it hit them squarely in the chest. Chuck laughed, watching the Holy light soak through his underclothes to his skin.
“Quick!” Ange commanded, ripping apart a package covered in holy marks. Her summoning robe lay there perfectly white and gleaming. She wiggled it on, turning to help Chuck slide into his armor. He had slept in half armor just encase the prince jumped.
Their skin glowed from the calling, the golden glow dyeing their brown hair honey brown. Staff in one hand, her Paladin knight waiting behind her, Angelica threw her bags out of the window to the waiting wagon below them. Then she looked back at Chuck, the smile undoubtedly feral. The look had him hastily sheath his sword and grab his huge paladin shield.
“Let’s go.” She grinned, pulling him after her as she jumped from the second story window. She directed her staff at the burning Beacon before her, feeling the Call lift them and carry them over houses and walls. Chuck’s armor glimmered, catching the light of the beacon and exploding light through the city. Dawn was not far behind, echoing their joy as the sun rose.
The pair landed in the courtyard, running into guards barring their way. But Beacon Calls would hinder none of the Light, Angelica using a shield to bound up and past the group. Chuck lowered his mighty shield and bowled through them, chasing after his priestess.
There they found the Prince huddled by the beacon, the light stopping any from coming near him. Angelica smiled at him, turning her eyes to the Holy Beacon. Once lit by the heir apparent it took the Rain of Chaos to extinguish. It would burn away the darkness, bring forth light from the clouds.
“It is always this… bright?” Prince Nadine of Nigara asked, shielding his eyes. Angelica turned his eyes back to the flames, watching the film of darkness burn away.
He wrenched himself from her grip, rubbing his eyes. He turned in a full circle, seeing the dark decay over most of the building with fresh eyes. “Has the castle always been this… dirty?” he asked.
Chuck gave a warning, thumping his shield in place just as something slammed into it.
“Narissa, the Demon King’s eyes and ears.” Nadine explained, watching as another fireball smashed into the shield.
“What are you doing, Nathan?!” the enchantress screeched, still in her nightgown. “This was the one shadow land we expected loyalty. Have we not supported you? Loved you?”
She conjured up a big ball of water and hurled it at the beacon. Chuck lifted his shield above his head, protecting the three of them as the beacon shot out boiling water. The droplets landed on her guards, burning through them like lead bullets. Narissa screeched again, swiping a mana shield in front of her. One of the water droplets shot through her shoulder, causing her to scream.
“You two distract the banshee while I finish the Beacon Call.” Ange whispered, turning as another fireball was stopped by Chuck’s shield. “That way I can secure passage for Holy knights and bar passage for Shadow Corsairs.”
“None of our men should attack you,” The prince offered helpfully, “I told them to stand down.”
Ange flashed him a smile, “I’ve decided I like you, Prince.”
He turned back to the howling Narissa, “please. Call me Nadine.”
They shared a comradery look, and she dashed around the other side of the beacon. She held up her hands, feeling Holy Power whipping at her robes. She spoke the ancient rite of the Call, demanding a fulfillment of wish, vow and will. The beacon glowed red, then blue, then white, pulsating through her and out into the lands beyond. In response, a golden sword glinted many miles away. The beacon hit the sword, bouncing back and creating a road of paved gold. It hovered above the land, ready for the Holy Army to ride to the aid of their ally.
“Charles! Sword!” Ange yelled, waiting for him to sprint to her side. The knight caught the rebounding light on his own sword, strengthening the Divine Road and securing its line to the capital.
He winked at her before lumbering back to Nadine, helping him secure Narissa. Ange watched as the crusade began, the distant thundering sound of horses pounding towards them.
She returned to Chuck, seeing Narissa hissing from her place tied to a pillar. She wore Chuck’s helmet, restricting her magic use as the holy metal contained her.
Ange laughed, “now, that’s using your head!”
Then she turned to the Prince, gripping his arm as she sprinted towards the throne room.
“Gonna need you to sit on that throne.” She told him as she dragged him with her, “you’re going to have a very busy year.”
He wiggled free of her, guiding her to where she wanted to go. The room was empty. Guards and servants alike huddling in terror as the light took over.
“Seriously,” Nadine said, looking around, “what is all this black stuff on the castle?”
“Shadow Decay,” Ange said, locating the throne. It was forgotten, a relic of twenty years past. She wiped the seat with her sleeve, regretting the decision when it came back black.
“Sit.”
Nadine made a face but climbed the steps and sat in the frosty marble seat. A soft sound like windchimes echoed around the hall. The ghostly remnants of King Akiem appeared on the steps before the throne, smiling at his son as he leaned forward and gripped his shoulders. Nadine stood, embracing the figure.
Ange smiled, looking at Chuck, “cliché, but I always like that bit. Love and family and whatever.”
Chuck smiled back, closing his eyes as he breathed in the light magic trickling into the castle.
Nadine sat, watching a golden glow explode from the throne. He looked to his left, seeing the pair grinning like naughty children at him.
“You know, for holy people. You two have such a chaotic vibe.”
Chuck and Ange shrugged in unison, smelling like fire and covered in black decay and dust.
“The Holy Maiden’s Paladins are going to be here in… three hours. Much quicker than anything the Demon Lord can summon. Especially with his pet locked up.” Chuck said, “Light is always efficient. Light speed and all that.”
“So, what you’re saying is…?” Nadine asked.
The knight looked down at the priestess by his side, Ange already pulling off her summoning robe.
“Breakfast.” The two said in agreement, already walking out towards the city.
“Shouldn’t we…” Nadine began, thinking of how he was going to house an entire army, how he was going to provision the castle, explain to his people what was going on… how he was a king now…
The two looked at him, shaking heads.
“Feed the body first.” Ange said.
“The rest works out better after that.” Chuck offered.
They nodded in unison and said, “Ergo. Breakfast.”
Nadine scratched his head, amused. “Breakfast.”
“Chuck’s paying,” Ange said, smiling at Nadine as he hopped down from the throne to join them, “he owes me ten gold anyway.”
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