“Against the evils that which even the bravest of warriors shrink from,


    The darkest of atrocities hidden from the light,


    Of the profane that tries to curse the heavens.


    That is why we fight. For order, for the people, for the stellar concordant.”


    - Lord Commander Clemenstria Kyrus, Templar Arch Militant of the Church of Astralis, “Unknown Meeting with the Stellar Observatory”


    <hr><hr>


    It was only midday when they finished bathing and debriefing at the guild. The Inquisition arrived and took charge of the scene, with the rest of the negotiations being handled by a mild mannered but calculating man in black who introduced himself as Inquisitor Desola. Who proceeded to immediately admonish Mila for involving the church despite being on official sabbatical as ordained by their higher ups, before praising her for a job well done. Mila for her part, took the criticism and praise with a professional scowl on her face.


    The duo was then relieved from the commission with their compensation ready for them at the guildhall. Only when they stepped outside did they come to the startling realization that the day had barely moved. What felt like hours of harrowing tunnel cleansing had amounted to two hours at most. They both looked somewhat bewildered, only getting a move on when they realized how foul they smelled once again.


    Sophie sipped at her cup of cocoa while waiting for Mila to finish discussing things with Aralyn about their commission. There was something calming from the sweetly bitter scent in front of her compared to the putrid rot that had infested the tunnels. She chuckled to herself and took another sip. Mila seemed to be getting harangued by the clerk for having invited the Inquisition along, whatever her past might have been. It amused her greatly.


    She closed her eyes to savor another sip.


    “Resting up? Mind if I take a seat?” A gruff voice calmly spoke up from across from her.


    “Mhmm.” Sophie half heartedly nodded, Mila wasn’t here and she could always move when the inquisitor was done. “Go ahead…” Sophie opened her eyes and frowned.


    There was something familiar about the person in front of her. A recognizable face that made her search the back of her mind. The man regarded her with an odd like. Slowly, his eyes crinkled a little as his expression turned into a smirk.


    “Been a while, eh?”


    Sophie felt a chill pass by her as the lingering cocoa turned into a lasting bitterness.


    “You…” Her voice wavered halfway between horror and disdain. Her hand immediately lowered to her waist, instincts driving her to wrap her fingers around the hilt of her blade.


    “Hey, now.” Arnold nervously smiled, “I’m not here to start anything.”


    Sophie’s eyes narrowed.


    “Look.” He raised his hand, “I was just as surprised seeing you here. You’ve made it far.”


    “Mmhmm.” She grunted, her own scowl forming.


    “Heard you got a new outfit. New family too. Hahah, broadcasted over the city.” He chuckled.


    “Yeah. And you left yours.” She growled.


    He winced a little, his false cheeriness dropping to a more morose one, “Yeah.” He sighed, “That did happen.”


    “Right.” Sophie didn’t relax her grip, glaring at the man.


    “Look. I know. It was bad.” Arnold slid into his chair, “I won’t deny that.”


    “But he tried to make it right.” A monotone voice startled Sophie.


    Sophie jumped a little and nearly pulled out her sword, only pausing when she noticed another adventurer standing beside her before moving towards Arnold. Sophie then watched as he was joined by two more adventurers, one a human and the other a dwarf. The cogs in her head slowly churned as the faces got attached to names. Names that had almost been forgotten.


    “Sara. Thulgrim. Gil.” Sophie whispered. You all died...


    “Aye. I tried to make it right.” Arnold sighed again.


    “But they…”


    “Anna told you the truth. Things went south and I was a coward.” Arnold admitted.


    Sophie was confused. She thought Arnold would squirm a little harder than that. Perhaps he would’ve pushed back. But he didn’t.


    “And we’re back.” Sara spoke once more, though oddly monotone still.


    Wait. Sophie pulled back, they’re back? Does that mean… Her eyes widened and Arnold held up a finger.


    “I know. I know how it looks. And before you say anything. Yes.”


    “Stars…” Sophie gasped.


    Sensing no hostile intent, Sophie allowed herself to relax. Confused and a little overwhelmed. Sophie resorted to just taking another sip of her cocoa. With only a hint of sweetness returning, she grumbled to herself and leaned back against her chair. What the hells is he doing here? Goddess. And the rest of them… they’re definitely dead. Were, dead. Stars above.


    “Listen. Sophie, right?”


    Sophie snarled.


    “Look. Sophie. I know things don’t look good. But I’m trying, we’re trying.” He motioned to the others, “To get a fresh start.”


    “But they’re-”


    “Goddess, I know. It’s bad. But tell me you can tell just by a glance.”


    Sophie stiffened up, letting out a deep into her drink as she glanced at them. On one hand, she didn’t want to admit it. But Arnold had a point. Compared to the undead she’d seen so far, they looked very much to be in good, living health, if a bit emotionless. She pinched her nose and brushed her hand against her ears.


    Today had started off so foul in the rat filled manor. Now that she was just about to enjoy the rest of the day. Something troublesome had arisen. Grunting to herself, she downed the rest of her drink. She puffed her cheek as she swirled the cocoa in her mouth. The sweetness drowned out by the natural bitterness.


    “So?” She demanded.


    “So what?”


    “Why are you here? Here, here. In front of me.”


    “Ahh, right.” Arnold brightened up, “I heard the announcement. Well, for the court case anyways.” He tapped the table, a slow drumming that irritated Sophie.


    Sensing her irritation, he continued, “Sophie Kastiane, was it?”


    Sophie raised an eyebrow, why do I have a bad feeling about this? She nodded.


    “Fancy name. Thought you didn’t have a family back then. ‘Sides your mistress from Carrador. That much I remember.”


    Sophie scowled once more, “Your point?”


    “How’d you get it?” Arnold tried to coyly ask, “Or err, find out.”


    “The Goddess.” Sophie scoffed.


    It wasn’t true, nor was it untrue. She did technically learn it from a being beyond herself. But there was something about Arnold that threw her off.


    “Oh?” He looked genuinely surprised, “Really?”


    “Something like that.” Sophie muttered, “What’s it matter to you anyways?”


    “A lot, actually.” Arnold grinned.


    Sophie shuddered.


    “Let’s say I’m employed by someone, alright? That someone happens to have a peculiar connection to the Kastiane name. Or rather, to the name castillanter, roughly translated, according to my employer as ‘castle keeper’ in common.”


    Sophie did not like his smile, nor the information he shared. She leaned forward, her hand resting back over her blade. This is bad news. Whatever it is. Her uneasiness only spread as he seemed to rejuvenate his own energy. Looking around, they just seemed like two adventurers amongst a few that were chatting. Letting her gaze dart to the front desk, both the clerk and Mila were missing. Mila?


    “It’s a… shall we say, antiquated name that’s seen a few iterations over time. But ahh, what am I doing, this isn’t supposed to be a history lesson.” He chuckled to himself, “Let’s just say I’m interested to meet you and that bard, sister of yours, right?”


    Sophie snapped to attention. Ela! He knows about Ela! She waited, watching him like a hawk, seeing every little twitch that passed the small little grin on his face. He’s not mentioning Sophia, so he doesn’t know her? And someone sent him here? With the others… She looked at the former now returned members of Runebound. Someone dabbling in the dark magicks sent him, I’m sure of it.


    She nodded cautiously, making mental notes on everything that was happening.


    “Fantastic. Truthfully we only heard about your sister. Caught our employer’s ears after hearing that old name pop out of nowhere.”


    “From where?” Sophie asked.


    “Eh? On the road? Not often you get a bard and an elf performing in Traxia. Word eventually got to us about her full name after she performed in Ostia.”


    Sophie paled. That’s right. Ela and Raylani had their own thing before they met us. Does this mean someone’s after them? Which then extended to me? And by ‘us’, does this mean he’s working with the Traxians?


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    “Whoa, that’s a mighty scary look there, Sophie. Kinda reminds me of when we first found you in the Mistveil. Look,” He held up his hands in surrender, “I know we haven’t been close nor did I well… leave under the best circumstances. But I meant it when I say we’re not trying to start anything. All our employer wants is to have a talk with people who’ve taken up this potentially ancient name. See if it’s a misunderstanding or if well, you’re related to people from the history books.” Arnold explained.


    “A talk? Just that?”


    “That’s it. Think of my employer as very, very, historically connected and curious. So when we heard about the name Kastiane in use. We figured it was some strange fluke. But then it popped up more and more about the bard doing this or that. Then bam! What do you know? A court case and public announcement of you two. Your names and all.”


    “Name and all, huh?” A voice sounded out from behind her.


    Sophie saw how Arnold and the others all looked up. Following their gaze, she found Mila wearing a semi exhausted expression. She shot the girl a soft smile, Mila returning it with only a half scowl.


    “New friends already?” Mila continued. Uh oh, an inquisitor and the undead. This isn''t good.


    “Ermm…” Sophie muttered.


    “Ahh, someone from your party?” Arnold chittered.


    Sophie nodded, “This is Mila.” She replied curtly.


    The inquisitor seemed to recieve the message, her eyes turning a little more kindly at sensing Sophie’s unease. To Sophie’s own shock, Mila rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. Perhaps only slightly offended at Sophie’s reaction, the inquisitor aggressively pat her head in a shown of displeasure.


    “Pleasure.” Mila acknowledged the others without much emotion before deliberately turning to Sophie, “So who are they?”


    Sophie furrowed her brow. It seemed to her that Mila didn’t know who they were despite having travelled with Anna. At the same time, Sophie got a bad feeling from Arnold’s undead party, no matter how human they looked. But she didn’t want to start a scene, at least not here within the guild.


    “They’re-” Sophie started.


    “Arnold. Nice to meetcha.” Arnold announced himself, standing up with a hand outstretched.


    Mila looked at Sophie, seeing nothing amiss, the inquisitor shook the man’s hand. There was a polite smile on Mila’s face, but behind that, Sophie could tell that her eyes were busy scrutinizing every movement.


    “The rest of them are Sara, Gil, and Thulgrim. We’re an old adventuring party called Runebound.” Arnold cheerily announced.


    Sophie saw the exact moment Mila’s polite smile faded, the inquisitor’s eyes widening. Ah… well, it makes sense that Anna talked about them, at least. Arnold too, seemed to realise this. Whatever false front Arnold was putting out also faded a little, the man recognizing the face of someone who was just below completely hostile.


    “Runebound?” Mila’s voice grew icy.


    “Ah… ah, yeah. Runebound.” Arnold admitted, “You ah… heard of us?”


    His tensed voice seemed to provoke the others. The other three members of Runebound postured themselves to help out if needed. Sophie’s own hand lingered back on the hilt, ready to leap for if needed.


    “Aren’t you supposed to be dead?” Mila hissed.


    Arnold nervously smiled and retracted his hand.


    “Well…” He tried to feign ignorance.


    “I see.” Mila’s eyes narrowed, a hostile scowl appearing.


    “Yeah.” He snickered.


    The man sank back into the seat. Sophie looked at him and he just sighed once more.


    “Are you going to explain it or should I?” The man queried Mila.


    Mila just glared, whatever realization she had she was not sharing out loud. Arnold smirked.


    “Sophie. My employer is your or should I say, our, dear friend Annalise. In a manner of speaking. ”


    <hr><hr>


    They retired to one of the many rooms that adventurers guild had on hand. There, the members of Runebound and The Lily Knights had a meeting about their past and future. At least, no one seemed to have come to blows yet. Though she could feel the tension simmering beneath it all.


    According to Mila, and from what she pieced together the first time they had talked. Annalise had changed due to grief and had become a practionner of dark magicks. What put the nail in the coffin was Arnold not denying those claims, only elaborating on how Anna was after grander ideals in seeking out a more measured peace for her homeland of Gratia.


    Only then did the members of Runebound begin to realize that Mila had been one of those that tried to lead an expedition against Annalise’s seizure of a Gratian territory. That made the whole atmosphere incredibly awkward and tense. It was up to Sophie to break the deadlock before things escalated into violence. Fortunately for her, she noticed something most peculiar.


    She raised a hand and put it over Mila’s, ensuring the girl wouldn’t pull out her sword. Mila stiffened at the touch, only drawing back when Sophie warmly smiled at her. I’ll take over for a bit, Sophie wanted to convey. Noting how Mila was still scowling, she doubted the girl understood. But she made no move to stop Sophie, and for her, that was enough.


    “Arnold. There is one thing I’m curious about, morality aside.” Sophie spoke up.


    “What? Finally going to agree to meet Lady Annalise? She misses you, you know.” Arnold sensed that she was defusing the situation and responded in kind.


    Still, his choice of words made Sophie wince a little. Anna… I’m sorry I was such a burden before. I hope you’re a little better now. She glanced at Mila before focusing back on Arnold, and I hope you haven’t strayed that far.


    “No. And as I told you before. I’m here until my service ends.”


    “Tch. Had to try. And alright, alright. Don’t look so mad. I already said I’ll write to her about your situation. Hopefully she’s willing to be patient.” The uncertainty in his eyes however, only deepened Sophie’s suspicion of him.


    “What do you mean, ‘willing to be patient’?”


    “I mean, she seemed really eager to meet someone with the last name Kastiane. Practically screamed her orders at us when she found out about the bard. Bit weird, honestly, that’s Anna for you. She’s probably cooled down a little by now.” Arnold shrugged.


    Sophie kept herself expressionless. But on the inside, she had already flagged that as odd. I didn’t know Anna that long, but I don’t recall her having any particular historical fascination. And my name… what isn’t he telling me?


    “Look, I can tell we got off on the wrong foot, which is fair enough.” He tipped his head at Mila, who just scowled deeper in response, “But I really meant it when I said I didn’t want to cause trouble. I’ve gotten a second chance. So did they.” His voice dropped.


    Sophie herself lifted her gaze to look over the adventurers. She had not known them long, but they were a friendly, caring bunch. They had looked after Riza and herself despite the two of them being practically dumped upon them. She had also seen Annalise’s eyes twinkle with joy when she conversed with them. Back then, the ranger held a smile that Sophie wasn’t certain she’d seen anymore after Eichafen.


    She remembered how they had both been so broken. Lashed by the crucible that had been that fateful day. Brought closer together through the suffering they face. Sophie from her seperation to Eva, and Anna with the loss of her friends and comrades. If she really did bring them back… then do I have any right to question her? Would I not do the same if I could with Riza? And if I lost Ary… Sophie shuddered at the chilling thought. And Anna lost Kimmie too. Yet even then, she was willing to be friends with me… hah, the first ones besides Eva and Freddie, heh.


    Something ached in Sophie’s heart. A sprinkling of sorrow followed by a flicker of untempered guilt that remained unaddressed. And everyone who caused that suffering remains unpunished. She scowled at herself and balled her hands. I will see them brought to heel, that direktor and that God of his. Sophie found another spark burning bright within, for the fallen, and for the hurt they caused you.


    When Sophie’s attention to the room, she found the atmosphere completely different than it had been moments ago. Mila was ready to draw her blade again, as were Arnold and the others. However, at the same time, they all seemed to be looking at her.


    “Eh?” Sophie unwittingly let out.


    For a moment, neither side moved, only continuing their vigil. Then Mila sighed and found a seat beside Sophie. With that one action, the hostility was gone, the other adventurers then relaxed as well.


    “Mila?” Sophie queried.


    “I thought you got mad at him. You looked so angry for a moment.” She pinched the bridge of her nose, “I was worried you were about to just let loose.”


    “And I’ll premptively apologize if I did hurt or offend you with anything I said.” Arnold let out a resigned murmur.


    “Wha? No. It’s fine.” Sophie tried to correct whatever misconceptions had arisen.


    The whole room seemed to let out a small sigh of relief.


    “I was just thinking about… what happened back then. How the ones responsible are still basically out there.”


    Arnold practically found a second chance at life just from that alone, the man’s whole demeanour taking the form of both surprise and odd amounts of joy.


    “So you understand we’re not the enemy.” He grunted in relief.


    “At least, not yet.” Mila growled, “Don’t think I’ll overlook what Anna’s done just because of this,”


    “Hah.” Arnold, “And yet you call her Anna. So you’re her friend too, don’t you want to see how this all plays out.”


    “Tch!” Mila grinded her teeth, frustrated at the temporary slip up.


    Sophie reached over and gave the inquistor’s hand a soft squeeze. Mila glared at her, then relented and just nodded, blowing a disgruntled puff of air out of her nose.


    Sophie then turned to Arnold before deliberately looking out the window of the room. At first, he simply followed her gaze, trying to ascertain whatever it was that she seemed to be staring at. But after scanning the city streets a little, he seemed to get the message and clapped his hands together.


    “Well, I suppose we’ve said our piece.” He shot her a wink that made her shiver, “I’ll write to Annalise, but no guarantees. The lady is quite busy with her fief nowadays.”


    Stars, her, a princess all along. Still sounds like some bizarre retelling of an adventure story or something. And Mila thinks she’s a villain of sorts. Sophie opted for a soft grumble.


    Taking that as his cue, Arnold stood up and motioned to his comrades. The rest of Runebound politely bid their faewells and started shuffling out the door.


    “It’s good that you’re well.” Sara suddenly said before walking out.


    Sophie was so caught off guard that she didn’t even have time to register the words before the healer was out the door, leaving Sophie to stare at it as it clacked shut once more. She sounded almost… human.


    “We’ll try to be here in the afternoon on weekends if you want to talk some more. Or if we have something for you. But I did mean it, this feels like a second chance and I’m not going to waste it. We’ll be doing our own jobs too, to regain our standing. Good luck.” He clapped Sophie’s shoulder before leaving, shooting Mila a smirk that seemed to only incense the girl.


    The duo just remained there for a minute, taking their time to decompress from the hectic day so far. From rats, to a coward, to Annalise’s strange offer. It all seemed so disconnected yet strangely related within Sophie’s mind. The direktor clearly had many secrets and had been on the opposite end of the struggle. Annalise, at least, seemed like she would also stand in opposition to him. Yet at the same time, Anna, as she is rumoured to currently act according to Arnold and Mila. Sounded like a completely different person.


    “That’s it?” Mila grumbled, “That’s it?!” She slammed her fist down onto the table, making Sophie jump.


    “Mila?”


    “All the death and bullshit. And this is it?” She roared, “A nice chat. Some words. That’s it?! That’s all hundreds if not thousands are worth?”


    “Mila!” Sophie squeaked as the girl grabbed her by her armour, staring into her with eyes filled with rage and loss in equal measure.


    “She’s killed so many, Sophie. And just like that, you’re fine meeting her? A letter and some… patience?” Mila growled.


    Sophie sulked. It wasn’t as if the question didn’t entertain itself in her mind. But that simply didn’t matter to her. After all, I’m just as guilty. Sophie looked away.


    “She betrayed the world, Sophie. She shot me.” Mila’s eyes seemed to drift for a moment, “But she knew where it wouldn’t leave lasting damage, huh. Still, she turned to the darkness.” She paused, “Like you and that weird power of yours…ah…”


    Mila’s rage seemed to subside after a few more seconds. Sophie felt a weight on her as Mila leaned over her, a pleading look in her eye. Confused but worried, she sought to defuse the situation the only way she really knew how out of a combat situation. Seeing her friend’s anger and pain, she instinctively outstretched her arms.


    Mila was hesitant. Bewildered, perhaps. But she leaned in, climbing on top of Sophie awkwardly. Sophie didn’t know what to expect, but Mila’s arms slowly reached around her. Looking up, she didn’t see a rugged inquisitor or a worldly warrior. She saw just another soul, alone and adrift against the currents of the world. Someone else whose pain never left them and with almost no one to watch over them. That’s right, no Ary, Eva, or the others. Stars… that must be… lonely.


    Sophie pulled her in and embraced her, hugging her. Mila grunted, her discomfort evident. Yet she did not pull away. Mila tensed up, unsure of what to do. Sophie moved her hands up and eased Mila into the hug, allowing the girl to burrow herself upon her. Her frustration made bare, Sophie could only absorb the emotions and gently pat her friend.


    Wordlessly, the two remained like that for a while. It had been a long day.