Legend of Mautau: Angelorum Lux

Ch 33: Ruins of Alcedonia

           Leaving Richter and Mythra in Abigail and Jennifer’s care, Grey, Alexander, Scott, Amy, Schmitt, Serius, and Catherine all began to make their way out of town to the Audentia, stopping briefly as Catherine spoke with the soldiers of the Fifth Division who awaited them at the square. Understanding the situation, her second in command, Captain Brian Daniels, said to the soldiers, “Attention! Lieutenant Colonel Walker will be entrusting the protection of the townsfolk to us while she tends to a very important matter! All soldiers form up! Let’s give her and her team of specialists a proper sendoff!” The soldiers of the Fifth Division lined up on both sides of the main street out of the city, and as Catherine and everyone else passed them, they saluted and Captain Daniels shouted, “Good luck everyone!” As they marched down the main street, Grey laughed and said, “Wow, it’s kinda weird having the Special Forces treating us like this instead of like public enemy number one.” With an amused grin, Alexander said, “Indeed. I must say, it seems you’re quite beloved by your men Catherine.” Looking less than thrilled by all the attention, Catherine said, “Well the fact is that all of the soldiers of the Fifth Division are citizens of the Kingdom of Gaian, and are all part of our investigation of how Altera Veritas has undermined The Guild. I handpicked each of them carefully.” Scott looked surprised as he said, “Really? I was given my division after passing my officer’s examination, I didn‘t choose any of them.” Nodding, Catherine replied, “Yes that’s how it usually is, but in order to infiltrate the Special Forces ourselves and investigate their internal matters, my father pulled some strings and had the members of the Fifth Division completely reassigned.” 

Unable to believe his ears, Scott exclaimed, “What?!” Surprised as well, Alexander said, “Not to criticize you Catherine, but you do realize how suspicious it would look to do such a thing don’t you? If anyone started digging for answers as to why you and your father would have abused your position in such a way…” Waving away his question, Catherine showed no concern as she said, “Relax. Sadly enough, these days the leaders of the world are all abusing their position in some way or another. We’ve covered our tracks meticulously. I was actually going to suggest this before, but I held off what with our current crisis. However, now that we’re on the subject of my father’s influence… If we pull some strings, it may be possible to get The Guild and the Special Forces off your backs.” Amy and Scott both exclaimed, “Seriously?!” Laughing heartily, Schmitt said, “Well now, that’d be somethin! Ya really think his kingship could pull that off?” With a warm smile, Catherine replied, “I won’t go and promise anything, but it is a possibility.”

        Shooting a glance at Grey, Serius said, “Will this be a pardon? Don’t forget, Grey would never accept such a deal…” Just short of the town gate, Grey stopped in his tracks and everyone else stopped to look at him. Glancing over at Serius angrily a moment, Alexander muttered, “True, but given the situation…” Confused by everyone’s reaction, Catherine asked, “Why not?” Staring down at the ground, Grey said, “What I’ve done, regardless of the circumstances is…” With a slight laugh, Catherine interrupted saying, “Oh I see. So it’s a pity party is it?” Getting defensive, Grey shot her an angry look as he shouted, “Hey! This isn’t a joke here, I-” Her manner becoming stern, Catherine said, “Should I arrest you here then? Is that what you want?” Grey fumbled for words as she continued, “I was starting to respect you, starting to think you were a brave young man, taking on the responsibility for what happened by defeating Altera Veritas and avenging those who have fallen because of them. Now you’re acting like a fool, trying to punish yourself for what happened in some illogical manner in order to make yourself feel better! Get a grip!”

           Grey was struck speechless by her outburst, and after a moment of silence had hung in the air, Alexander said, “Well said, Catherine. A bit blunt, but sometimes that’s the only way to get through to him.” Shooting Grey a sympathetic smile, Amy said, “You’ve been beating yourself up for so long over something you aren’t responsible for. It’s not right.” Scott chimed in as well, saying “Didn’t you learn your lesson after being scolded by Grandma? I thought we were past this!” Fumbling for words again, with a stubborn expression, Grey turned away and said, “Fine, whatever! Do what you want…” Laughing heartily with his hands on his hips, Schmitt said, “This kid’s stubborn as hell, but I guess that’s part of what I like about him! Anyway, she did say that offer ain’t guaranteed, and don’t we have more important business?” With a nod, Alexander continued out the gate as he said, “Yes, and we’re more than a little short on time. We can worry about this later.” As everyone else followed after Alexander, Grey trailed behind, wondering whether or not Catherine was right about him.