Dancing in Line

Part of the Light of Death SAGA. Here we meet Nathes, a soldier for the Martial Dominion, and Val, a wizard for the Arcane Republic.

Nathes murmured over the strange town he’s been assigned to, large magical towers with gleaming blue crystals that seemed to levitate over the tower peaks; houses built with a rather uniform pointed roof, very unlike his hometown back in the Martial Dominion where flat-roofed stone buildings where the norm. Regardless he liked it, it was strange to him, but the person who lived here made it all the better. 

He marched in a straight line with his fellow soldiers, led by an Oathsworn down the crowded streets of the city. Several banners hung on the walls of the homes and various shops along their way, banners of the Arcane Republic. Nathes kept his gaze moving from side to side, he knew he was to be on alert, but his heart told him why should he?

As they marched down the street they made it to the town square, where a massive gathering had started. Hundreds of humans, elves, and half-elves alike dressed in various robes of various creeds stood around the center where a speaker took the stand.

“Yet here they come, monitoring us like sheep to be herded. The Martial Dominion continues its surveillance of us like criminals! What wrong have we done, I ask you all? What crime have we committed besides following our hearts and minds to explore the arcane knowledge of magic?!” The speaker, an older man, with a long gray beard and a black robe wore the insignia of an Arcane Republic magistrate member. His gaze turned to the Oathsworn and his soldiers behind him.  

Nathes watched as everyone in the town square turned to face them, their eyes full of distrust and fear. Some of them stared with glares, their hands clenched into fists. They began murmuring amongst themselves as the Old Wizard spoke to the Oathsworn directly. 

“Ye come here again, Oathsworn, to harass us? Watch as they look at you all like criminals! They cast judgment on us regardless of proof! What sort of logic is that?!” 

Nathes looked in front of him, his gaze blocked by a soldier’s shiny metal helmet directly in front of him. He did, however, hear the Oathsworn’s voice. “The Martial Dominion is here with peaceful intentions. Do not restrict our operations and there will be no issues.” The Oathsworn took a deep breath and exhaled, “Soldiers! Move!” He turned to the right, pushing through the crowd to make their way out of the town square, toward the temporary barracks the Marital Dominion had set up in this small town. 

As if to prove the Old Wizard right, several of the townspeople hurriedly rush out of the way as the Soldiers shove through the crowd. Their movements frantic, making space for the soldiers to walk through, as they hold each other back to protect each other from the soldiers. 

The voice of the old wizard echoed behind them, “Do not forget, fellow Magi scholars, they have no respect for our sovereignty as a free-nation dedicated to the study of magic. They spread lies and mistrust! Let them not forget who they are, oppressors!”  

The last thing Nathes heard as he continued in line with his group was the collective cheer from the town’s citizens, the word ‘oppressors’ being thrown out over and over again, bringing a chill down his neck. They made it to the barracks, as they entered the last soldier closed the door behind them and the Soldiers all let out a collective sigh. Nathes took his helmet off and sat at the bar, the barkeep preparing drinks for the soldiers already. 

The Oathsworn took his helmet off, revealing his tough, battle-scarred face. He looked like he always had a glare, his thick eyebrows always seeming upset. “Do not allow the Wizard’s words to bother you, Soldiers. Remember why we are here, to look for and stop any practice of necromancy.” He looked at each one of the men, his veteran eyes full of discipline and devotion to the cause, “Dismissed!” He said as he walked upstairs to his private quarters. 

The barkeep served up drinks for the soldiers. Nathes grabbed his drink, taking a large swig as one of the older Soldiers, Corporal Mathius spoke, his raspy voice full of hate, “Damn Wizards. They’re lucky it’s just us here. I’d love to shove that old man’s head down and shave off that ugly beard of his.” He smirked. 

“Aye! Why do we have to allow these weaklings to treat us like thugs? If they didn’t practice Necromancy then we wouldn’t be here!” Another, Private Cet spoke, his young features rivaling his naivety. 

“I tell you what, these Wizards have it coming to them!” Matthias continued, “I hear the Military Governor plans on attacking the Arcane Republic capital itself! Now that, that is the ultimate karma!” A few of the Soldiers laughed, cheered even.

Nathes did not, he sighed over his drink. Silently, he excused himself, walking toward the dormitories and unloading his gear. He dressed himself in his civilian clothing, sneaking out the back exit. 

The gathering in the town square had died off by now, many of the wizards returning to their daily routines. He received stares as he walked down the streets, even in his civilian clothing they knew who he was. It was something he’d gotten used to, he wouldn’t let it stop him from going to her. 

On the other side of town, a few meters outside the main town limits, was a small cottage. It seemed to be unnaturally built, with no real display of engineering or architectural skill. Like a child had thought of what a house would look like and decided to put it together. He walked up to the door and knocked, hearing the rustle and bustle inside. It brought a smile to his face. 

The door opened to a young woman, her eyes instantly lit up as she saw Nathes. “Uhh, I don’t know if I’m supposed to talk to a Martial Dominion Soldier….” She giggled playfully, walking out and embracing Nathes in a hug.

“Lucky for you, I’m one of the good ones.” Nathes chuckled, “Hope you didn’t miss me too much, Val.” He returned the embrace, feeling himself relax for the first time in days. 

“Psh, me? I’m too busy to miss a handsome guy like you!” She smiled, “Come, come, i've got a lot to show you!” 

Hand-in-hand they step inside of Val’s cottage. The inside seemed bigger than the outside, with various furniture that was strangely similar to the house itself, like it was put together through imagination. 

The young witch lets go of Nathes’s hand and walks to the other side of the cottage, a series of potions brewing as spoons spun themselves, pots boiling with blue fire beneath, and a conglomerate of smells surrounding them. She specifically went to a box next to the potion stand, pulling out a small stone crystal. 

Smiling, she handed it to Nathes, “Well? What do ya think?”

Nathes inspected the crystal, unsure of what he was looking at. “It’s a nice crystal.” Nathes said, hoping that’s what she wanted to hear. 

“No, ugh! Dangit!” She takes the crystal back, murmuring under her voice, “It’s supposed to glow when another person touches it. I thought I did the magic right!” She places it back in the box and huffs, “Ok, ok, hang on I got something else for you.”

“I know this one works.” She pulls out an amethyst pendant, attached to a silver chain. Val handed it to Nathes with a brimming smile, her eyes full of excitement, “Put it on.” 

Nathes complied, putting the necklace on, it felt light and soft, he looked at the amethyst, “It’s very pretty.” 

It is, isn’t it? Nathes looked up at Val, he could hear her voice but her mouth wasn’t moving. I bet you’re super freaked out right now. He saw a grin spread on her features, yet again her mouth wasn’t moving. 

“Are you?” 

“Yes!” She smiled, speaking out loud this time,  “I learned this spell recently. Long story short, I can speak through stones I enchant. I uh… Well I wanted you to have this.” 

Nathes tilted a brow, “Do I get one to talk to you?” 

She chuckled, “No it doesn’t work that way. You’ll just have to deal with my voice randomly invading your brain.” She smiled, “Truth is I’m scared, Nathes. Some of the professors at the academy keep telling us how the Martial Dominion blames us for necromancy, they, they say they kill any who they think practices it, without finding proof first… I, well, I….” 

Nathes frowned, while he didn’t like the words she was saying, he knew they were true. Rumours of the Combat and Weapon Master’s missions spread like wildfire. The brutality they inflicted was legend, and he knew they killed any and all who may practice necromancy. He walked to Val and pulled her into a warm embrace, “I know. I understand why you gave me this now. If something happens to you, let me know. I’ll do my best to come find you.” 

She looked at him and smiled, “Thank you, Nathes.” A mix of fear and trust in her eyes, “I know that at the end of the day you have to follow orders, so… I’ll do my best to stay out of trouble, I promise you that.” 

Nathes felt tension rise in his body as he hugged Val, yet he tried his best to let go of it. It wasn’t working. He let out a long breath, trying to relax, but the anxiety of what could happen surged in his mind. “When do you go back to the academy?”

“Well, in a few weeks, I think.” She said, as she pulled back from the hug and looked up at him, “Why?”

“Maybe you should stay away from there…” 

“Why?” Val’s eyes again filled with fear, “Why, Nathes? What do you know?”

“It’s just rumours.” He looked her in the eyes, “But I want to be safe.”

“I can’t just abandon my studies out of caution.” She muttered, frowning, “Do they plan on attacking?”

“I don’t know, again it's just rumours.” Nathes sighed, “I’ll let you know if I find out anything concrete, ok?” He looked her in the eyes, a gleam of determination filling him, “If they do, let’s escape together, ok? The military be damned, I am not going to participate in the slaughter of innocent people.”

Val pulled back, taking a few steps back, a frown on her face, “I have friends there, family… I can’t abandon them to fight for themselves.” 

“Then bring them with us!” Nathes said, determined to do what he felt was right, “Val, if the Martial Dominion attacks… Look, I’ve seen your people. Many of them can’t fight. Not an army like the one that’s coming. You’ll be slaughtered!” 

The young woman had tears falling down her face now, “I… I need to think.” She looked at Nathes and smiled, “Wear the necklace, I’ll let you know when I made my decision.” She turned and walked away to another room in the house, closing the door.

Nathes sighed, looking at the amethyst on his neck. He turned and walked out of the small cottage, back towards the town, to the barracks and his fellow soldiers. 

Nathes sat in his bunk, staring at the amethyst. A frown on his face, feeling time pass without word from Val. “Do you think they’ll actually do it?” 

Nathes looked up, hearing Cet’s voice from the bunk above him. He rolled his eyes, keeping his mouth shut, his gaze focused on the blue amethyst in his hand. 

Cet’s golden hair hangs in the air as he peeks his head down to Nathes’s bunk. His youthful innocence was apparent in his face, “I just, I don’t know. I’ve yet to be in a real battle. Aren’t you excited?” 

With a sigh of frustration Nathes glared at Cet, “Then you don’t understand how brutal it will really be.” He grit his teeth and let out another sigh, closing his eyes, “Have you ever killed a man, Cet?” He opened his eyes to look at the young man, “Have you ever felt what that feels like? The smell, the sounds?” He shook his head, hopping off the bunk and standing up, “Don’t be naive. We’re fighting wizards here. Chances a magical fireball hits you and kills you is high.” 

The young man frowned, the room feeling tense. He hopped off his bunk, standing beside Nathes, “That’s what my brothers are for.” He nudged Nathes in the shoulder, a smile on his face, “I know you’ll have my back, Nathes.” 

Nathes frowned, saying nothing. He opened the door, “Let’s go.” The two headed down the hallway as the rest of the soldiers  began to gather in the common area. The place was simple, several wooden tables and chairs, the barkeep area, and no windows. There was no artwork here, highlighting the temporariness of its nature. In the center of the common area stood the Oathsworn, their leader, speaking to a strange man dressed in a black red robe. He wore a mask over his face, the mask looking eerily like a human skull. 

Everyone began murmuring amongst themselves until the Oathsworn turned to speak to them, “Soldiers.” He started, his voice loud and authoritative, “This is Inquisitor Zane, of the Dominion Inquisitorious. He is here under orders to search for necromancy artifacts. We will be aiding him in that search.” The Oathsworn gave the Inquisitor a nod, “Inquisitor.”

The man in the skeleton mask gave him a nod and turned to look at the soldiers. His gaze lingered on them for a long moment, his facial features covered by the mask over his face. “We will do this simple and clean. You will follow my orders without question. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Sir!” The Soldiers said in unison. Nathes looked at the man, feeling a shudder down his spine. He’d heard of the Inquisitors before, their strange tactics a massive contrast to how the Dominion typically operates. What he knew for sure was that when they arrive, nothing good ever happens. 

“Very well. Oathsworn, get your men ready. We move in 5.” The Inquisitor said as he turned away, causing the Oathsworn to hurry the men, gathering their armor and weapons. 

As Nathes and Cet walked to their room, Cet looked at Nathes, “Who is that guy?”

Nathes shook his head, “An Inquisitor. I’ve only heard stories about them.” 

“Like what?”

“They’re the only magical users in the Martial Dominion military. They rarely go out into the field.” He paused, frowning, “From what I've heard, they use taboo magic when it fits them.”

“Like, Necromancy?” Cet asked, his eyes full of confusion and fear. 

“That’s what I’ve heard.” Nathes said, shrugging as he put on his armor and grabbed his weapon. 

“I thought Necromancy is illegal in the Martial Dominion?” Cet asked as he readied himself. 

“It is. But the Military operates on their own rules.” Nathes said with a smirk, “You got a lot to learn, Cet.” He winked at him as the two walked out of  the room down the hallway. They gathered with the rest of the soldiers, getting into formation. Without another word the Inquisitor stepped outside, followed by the Oathsworn, followed by the Soldiers.

The people in the streets all stopped to stare at the Inquisitor, whispering amongst themselves. The Dominion force moved forward regardless, shoving any aside who didn’t get out of the way. Nathes had no idea where they’d strike first, he just knew to focus on the person in front of him. 

Soon they move toward a shop, as the Oathsworn kicks down the door and they all move in. The soldiers moved in first, securing the area, pinning the scared shopkeeper to a corner. The Inquisitor walks in shortly after, making his way straight to the shopkeeper. He begins to mutter a chant under his mask, as his hands begin to glow a sinister dark color. 

“P-please, what do you need? I will tell you anything!” The shopkeeper pleaded, his eyes full of fear as he looked at the Inquisitor's hand begin to glow. 

“I can sense a necromantic artifact here. Where is it?” The Inquisitor asked, staring at the man before releasing the spell, shooting the  black wave into the man’s mind. The shopkeeper cried out in pain, heaving as tears fell down his face. 

“I found it.” The Inquisitor said with a grin. “Check the attic, on the left corner.” He pulled his spell from the shopkeeper who fell unconscious, “Thank you for your help.” The Inquisitor walked away, leaving the shopkeeper’s body to lay on the ground.

“Nathes, Cet, go take a look.” The Oathsworn commanded. 

The two men instantly obeyed, making their way up to the attic. Nathes led the way, looking around. The location was full of storage bins, but Nathes was focused on the left corner. 

“What do you think we’re looking for?” Cet asked curiously. 

Nathes made his way to the left corner with a variety of storage boxes. He began opening them up one by one, “I imagine it’s something dark? I’m not sure. Come check with me.” 

The two men checked the boxes, opening them all up. To them everything here seemed like junk. They finally opened up a final box that had a black pendant, Cet grabbed it and handed it to Nathes, “This might be it.” 

Nathes gave him a nod, “Let’s go.” They head back downstairs and present the black pendant to the Inquisitor. The masked man takes it from them and inspects it. Without saying another word he slides it into his satchel and moves on.

Again the soldiers fell in line behind him, following him wherever he went. They continued a few more times, breaking into homes, shops, and finding these odd black pendants in all of them. After their fifth raid the Inquisitor stops directly in front of Nathes, he inspects him curiously, something has caught his attention, “Soldier, what do you have around your neck?”

Nathes felt a chill down his spine. He wordlessly pulled out the amethyst pendant, “It was a gift.”

“This is enchanted with magic. Who gave you this?” 

“A… Friend.” Nathes said cautiously, his gaze sternly on black holes of the Inquisitor’s skeleton mask. 

“Tell me who!” The Inquisitor commanded with an erratic sway of his hand, his freehand clenching tightly onto the tall wooden staff he walked with, “That person may have enchanted these onyx pendants.” 

“Sir, with all due respect, this is a Wizard community, it could’ve --" Nathes felt the sting of the Inquisitor’s staff hit him square across the head. He fell to his side slightly, gritting his teeth as he stood back up and faced the Inquisitor. 

The Oathsworn came and stepped between the Inquisitor and Nathes, staring Nathes down. “Tell him where you found it or who gave it to you, Soldier.” 

“Bah, forget this!” The Inquisitor shoved the Oathsworn to the side slightly and grabbed the amethyst, ripping it off of Nathes neck. Before Nathes could react the Oathsworn placed himself between the Inquisitor and Nathes. 

“It came from a nearby place, I can sense it.” The Inquisitor muttered with excitement, he turned and began walking toward Val’s cottage. 

The Oathsworn turned and stared Nathes down, “Do NOT do that again, understood, Soldier? I have no authority to keep you safe from him. Next time you speak out again like that, you’re on your own.” He glared, turning, “Soldiers, with me!”

Nathes felt his blood boil but fell in line with the rest of the soldiers. He felt his anxiety spike as they made their way to Val’s cottage, desperately trying to find a way to warn her before they got there.

He had no such luck, soon they were at her door, kicking the door open. The soldiers made their way inside, fitting rather cramped in the small cottage and began rummaging through all of her stuff. Nathes looked around, feeling relief wash over him as he realized she isn’t here. He watched as the soldiers tore her place apart, feeling a wave of guilt at not being able to stop them. 

Soon they found the crystal that she had shown him earlier. A soldier handed it to the Inquisitor, who inspected it curiously. “I sense magic from this, but it’s not clear what kind.” He stared at it for a long while later, “Find her. I want to question her.” 

The Oathsworn eyed the Inquisitor, “We have no Rangers in this group. We’d need to call one over.” 

The Inquisitor laughed, “Such useless cannon fodder you all really are. We have a camp nearby, I’ll find the real soldiers to track her down. Dismissed!” The Inquisitor said as he shoved his way out of the cottage and away from the group.

Nathes saw as the soldiers and Oathsworn left the cottage. A frown on his face. Cet put a hand on Nathes shoulder, “I’m sorry about your friend’s place.” 

Nathes looked at Cet, seeing the true remorse in the young man’s face, “I just hope she’s safe.” 

“If she has nothing to hide… She’ll be ok… I hope.” Cet said, giving Nathes a nod and walking out of the cottage. 

Nathes stood still, his hands rolled into fists, clenching against his own skin. He felt his body get hot, his head begin to spin as he went through a surge of emotions. Surely Val saw them come in, and if she did, surely she knew to run as far away as possible?

“Nathes!” The Oathsworn called out, breaking his train of thought, “Fall in!” Nathes gave him a nod, and joined the rest of the group, getting into formation. 

As the group formed up, the Inquisitor approached them, “Head towards the camp. We will expand the search.” He eyed the group, his gaze focusing on Nathes, “We will find this fugitive, one way or another.” 

Nathes kept his gaze forward, hearing the Oathsworn’s orders to move forward and following the group. He clenched his fists again, feeling his anxiety rise. Val, please be safe.

Val frowned as she rode on the carriage heading toward the Arcane Republic capital. She could feel the malice behind the person holding the amethyst pendant. She no longer felt Nathes’s warm essence on the other side, now it was something entirely different, and she knew she was no longer safe.

As she rode all she heard was the bumping of the wooden tires hitting the dirt floor. The driver, an old family friend, whistled a tune as they made their way east. “Say, Val, I’m surprised you’re headed back so early. Trying to get a headstart on your studies?”

Val gave him a deceptive smile, feeling the guilt of having to lie to save him from any potential danger, “You could say that. You know me Ben, I’m always up to something!” She gave him the usual cheerful smile she gives others. She didn’t want him to suspect anything wrong, she knew the more innocent the situation felt, the better. 

“That you are girlie. I still remember when your mother brought you over to the farm for the first time. The rooster scared you so bad you almost turned it into dinner!” He laughed, “I knew y’all mages are naturals, but you really impressed us all that day.” 

The young girl smiled, looking down. She continued to feel the malicious presence of whomever was holding the amethyst pendant, causing a sense of dread, yet she didn’t show it. All of her magical intuition told her it was somebody bad, something evil. She fidgeted with her fingers, her thoughts going to Nathes again, Please, please be safe. She looked up at Ben after a moment, “How much longer do you think?”

“Aah, I’d say about ten hours.” Ben said, a happy smile on his face, “You look tired girlie, take a rest. I’ll wake you up when we get there.” Ben closed the hatch, leaving Val alone to her thoughts. As the smack of the hatch closed fully, Val couldn’t stop thinking about her home, having to abandon it like she did. She hated that she couldn’t communicate with Nathes now. To tell him she’s safe. She just hoped they’d get to see each other again.

The next few hours were uneventful, Val tried her best to find some sleep as she lay in the carriage. All things considered it was a comfortable carriage, so that part made the anxiety-driven ride more bearable. As she looked out the window she noted the lush, green landscape around her. Her home nation was beautiful and green, with rolling hills that went miles in either direction. A soft smile set on her face, taking in the beauty of her environment, a welcome distraction.

“Ay, what is that?” Val perked up, hearing Ben’s voice from the front of the carriage. She opened the compartment up to see what was ahead of them. Ben seemed disturbed as a single human female stood in front of them, her hands up. The female was dressed in leathers, typically worn by soldiers, yet she seemed unarmed. 

“Excuse me!” She said as she ran up to the carriage, her hands up, a smile on her face, “I’m sorry, I’m a little lost. I’m trying to get to Magonia, do you know the way?”

“Little lass, ya shouldn’t be standing on the road like that!” Ben said, a brief impatience on his face, he cracked a smile regardless, “We’re actually on our way there. Fancy a lift?”

Val eyed the female quietly, she didn’t have any obvious insignia, though her outfit did make her suspicious. She leans in close to Ben’s ear, “Are you sure? She could be a bandit. Look at how she’s dressed.” 

Ben quietly listened, musing as he saw the female approach, “Let’s give her a chance, yea Val? I’d hate to leave an innocent person out here alone.” 

Val narrowed her eyes as the female approached, the smile on her face claiming innocence, “Yes, please! That would be mighty helpful.” She approached the carriage slowly, bringing her hands down to her sides as she got closer. Her eyes darted to Val’s face, making Val uncomfortable. Her gaze seemed to be searching Val’s features. 

Ben hopped off the cart and walked to the back, “We’re about 6 hours out from the Capitol. You’re lucky you found us! Getting there on foot would’ve taken days!” Ben opened the door to the carriage, as Val made space for her cautiously. 

The human female smiled, “Thank you, kind sir!” She stopped and looked at Val, staring at her for several seconds, before looking at Ben and smiling, “You’ve been most helpful.” She brought her fingers to her mouth and let out a loud whistle.

Instantly two arrows flew through the air, both hitting Ben in his neck and his chest. The man’s eyes shot open, a look of horror on his features as he slowly fell to the ground. Val screamed, sending a ball of fire to the female, who quickly dodged out of the way. 

Val felt her heart rate go up as she looked around the carriage, the human female had run off leaving Val alone inside of the carriage. She tentatively looked at the window and couldn’t see anything or anyone. Hesitantly she moved away from the window and sat, thinking over her options, who could they be? What do they want with her? They just killed Ben! Her hands shake as she clenches her fists, deciding to make her way out of the carriage and confront Ben’s killers.

“Cowards!” she yells out, looking around the area, her hands up ready to block any potential attacks. She looks around, noticing that she’s on top of a hill and all around her are green plains with bushes that people could hide behind. She grits her teeth, channeling a spell and closing her eyes. 

Quietly she reaches out with her spell, looking for any signs of life, warmth or a heartbeat. She finds four heartbeats, and all four are surrounding her. She opens her eyes and looks around, trying to decide what the best course of action is. Her eyes darted back and forth, when suddenly she felt a sting on her right thigh.

She looks down to see a dart on her right thigh, she quickly grabs it and removes it, instantly casting a spell to cure poisons, focusing the spell on her right thigh. Then she felt one on her left arm, then again on her left thigh, and then she felt nothing. 

Nathes followed his nightly assigned routine, taking a stroll around the encampment for patrol. He walked with three other soldiers, all of them walking in formation as they completed their route. They didn’t speak to each other, marching quietly as they completed their assigned task. 

As they approached the entrance of the camp, he noticed that four rangers were arriving inside the camp. They were met by the Inquisitor, who seemed very eager to see them. With them, they carried a woman, her face covered with a white bag. 

Nathes eyes went wide, he felt his blood pressure rise as he saw the woman. He didn’t know if it was Val, but he knew the Rangers were sent after her, and now they returned with a woman? It couldn’t be a coincidence. He clenched his fists but followed his route with the other soldiers, not wanting to seem suspicious. 

The Rangers and Inquisitor take the woman into the Inquisitor’s tent, and all Nathes could do is watch it happen. His mind reels with possibilities, if it is her, how can he get her out? What can he do? He follows his route with the soldiers until they finish, being excused by the local sergeant for the night. 

Nathes instantly walks toward the Inquisitor’s tent, his thoughts focused on getting in there and breaking Val out, until his thoughts are suddenly broken by a hand on his shoulder. He looks to his right to see Cet, his young face grinning, “Hey! You’re done with patrol, I was thinking we could get a drink? What do ya say?”

Impatiently, Nathes shrugs his shoulders, “Not now, Cet.” He said as his eyes bore into the Inquisitor’s tent. The younger man looked at Nathes curiously, his gaze following Nathes to the tent as well. 

“Wait. I heard the Rangers returned. Do you think?”

“Yes.” Nathes said, his fists clenched as he took a deep breath, “They came back with a woman. She had a bag over her head but I know it's her. I have to do something!” 

Cet eyed Nathes and frowned, bringing his hand back to Nathes shoulder, “You can’t, I mean not directly. You need to be smart about this, they won’t just let you into the Inquisitor’s tent.” 

Nathes knew he was right, but his desperation and impatience threatened to get the better of him. He let off a sigh, closing his eyes and thinking, “I just want to get closer.” He began walking forward, Cet hesitantly following behind him as the two made their way closer to the tent. 

The tent was directly unguarded but there was a group of guards nearby. As the two approach the tent they hear screaming, painful screaming. Nathes clenched his fists, his teeth grit together as he looked at the tent, “What is he doing to her?” 

Cet gasped, “General, sir!” Forcing Nathes to turn and salute immediately. There stood General Tiberious, an imposing man by reputation and physical presence. He looked at the two soldiers curiously, both Nathes and Cet at attention.

“At ease, Soldiers.” Tiberious responded as his eyes wandered to the tent, he then looked back at Nathes and Cet, “Where are you stationed, Soldiers?”

“We were dismissed for the night.” Cet quickly responded, still at attention. “Sir!” 

The General gave him a nod, “You two seem like good men. Come with me, I’m going to visit that Inquisitor and want good men at my back.” 

“Sir, yes sir!” Both Cet and Nathes responded. They followed Tiberious as he walked straight to the tent, Nathes eager to see what’s inside. As they made their way in, Nathes eyes darted around the inside of the tent. It seemed much larger than it looked from outside. Soon they arrived at the central chamber in the tent, where Val sat on her knees with her arms bound behind her back, a blindfold on her face, and the Inquisitor towering over her.

“I see.” He said simply, his hand moving in erratic motions as dark magic emitted from it. “I knew you wouldn’t be a waste of time.” He said with a grin, his concentration broken as he saw Tiberious and the others walk in from the corner of his eye. 

“I’m a bit busy, General.” The Inquisitor said, his gaze staying on Val. 

“Inquisitor Zane. Is this hostage of yours an Arcane Republic civilian?”

“She’s harboring secrets that will help our cause, Tiberious. Do not distract me.” The wizard said, annoyed as he kept his concentration on his spell. 

Nathes's gaze turned immediately to Val. She looked to be in so much pain. He could see tears running down her face, and he knew the blindfold likely brought her only fear. “I’m here Val.” Nathes whispered. 

Tiberious kept an impatient gaze on the Inquisitor. “She’d better produce results, Inquisitor. You can’t kidnap Arcane Republic citizens. You know this.”

“Pah, yes, yes!” The Inquisitor retracted his hand, feeling the spell dissipate as his concentration ceased. Val’s body fell to the ground, exhausted. He turned to face Tiberious, his gaze turning to Nathes and Cet, then back to Tiberious, “Actually, this one behind you is the reason why I asked the Rangers to track her down.” He looked back at Nathes.

Nathes felt a chill run down his spine, as Tiberious turned to look at him too. The General looked at Nathes with his brow raised before looking back at the Inquisitor. “Why is that?”

“A pendant he wore was enchanted by this witch. The magic is similar to the onyx pendants enchanted with necromancy. I thought there could be a link.” The Inquisitor’s masked face bore into Nathes, before turning to face the General. “Then I found this.” He pulled out the crystal that Val had enchanted, “Also enchanted with similar magic.” The crystal glowed a dull hue, “Harmless magic, it turns out.” 

Tiberious crossed his arms and shook his head, “So, this kidnapping didn’t produce anything?” He looked at the Inquisitor, “You risk breaking our agreement here with the Magistrate over a hunch?”

Nathes clenched his fists, feeling his blood boil as he stared at the Inquisitor. The Inquisitor however, didn’t seem bothered. “I did get something while I probed her mind.” He looked back at Val’s unconscious body, “It appears that necromancy is a liberal topic amongst her classmates.” He looked back at Tiberious, “They speak of it so casually. Perhaps the Arcane Republic is practicing it.” 

The General kept his arms crossed as he looked at the Inquisitor, he stared at him for a long while, before finally speaking, his voice cold and calculated, “Students speaking of a magical school is hardly proof that they practice it.” He sighed and shook his head, “Regardless, if the students speak of it, then so do the teachers. I will relay this information to the Military Governor.” 

He turned to Nathes, “I take it you know this woman, from what the Inquisitor said?” His gaze is mostly curious. 

“Yes, Sir.” Nathes responded honestly. 

“Take her.” He turned to the Inquisitor, “You’ve had your fun. Let her leave this place unharmed.” 

“So be it.” The Inquisitor practically spat out the next word, “General.” 

Nathes walked over to Val and lifted her unconscious body up, watching as the three others stared at him. He looked at Tiberious, “General, I'd like permission to leave the camp.” 

“Granted.” 

Nathes gave him a nod and looked at Cet, giving him a nod of respect as he walked out of the tent, then out of the camp. He carried Val’s body straight to her cottage, opening the door and laying her down on her bed. He gently caressed her head, looking at her unconscious body as his body shook with anger. 

“I’m sorry Val. I never wanted this to happen to you.” He whispered out. His mind raced, unsure if he could stay with the Martial Dominion after this event. He hated the fact that he had no power in stopping it, he just sat by and obeyed, like a loyal soldier. 

Val shifted, slowly opening her eyes. A soft smile spread on her lips as she noticed it was Nathes. She reached up to caress his chin, “Nathes.” Her voice was soft and tired, “I knew you’d come back.” 

“I’m so sorry Val. I shouldn’t have let them do this to you. I should have stopped it from the start!” He clenched his teeth, his body shaking as he looked down at Val, “They could’ve killed you!”

Val didn’t remove the smile from her face, looking up at Nathes lovingly, “But you’re here.” Her hand continued to caress Nathes cheek, “My hero.” 

Nathes reaches up and grab’s Val’s hand, “I’m coming with you to the Arcane Republic Capital. We’re going to get your family and we’re going to get out of there together. I’m done with them. I’m done feeling powerless to do the right thing.” He leaned down and kissed Val’s cheek, “I’ll never let them get you again. I promise.”