The King's Knights

Chapter Six: Reunion

It was a door Sophia had not wanted to stand outside of, even if she would never admit it.

It had been a long time since she'd met with Azgora or Vanion, people she had deeply admired. Queen Agesia had been furious at their departure and cursed the names of those who left as the war fell apart. But Queen Agesia had become increasingly unpopular as the conflict continued.

She'd been forced to conclude a treaty with the worshippers of Typhos.

Had she been right? Had Azgora betrayed them?

The question had occurred to Sophia privately, though she had never once spoken it aloud. No one else had voiced it in Acoria; Queen Calgora refused to consider it. Acoria had been scandalized by the choice of Themousia over Azgora. And she had departed the war first. They took several of their allies with them, citing the threat Spirtana posed.

Queen Calgora had been against the war in the first place, while Azgora had pushed for it. She'd been too happy to withdraw from the conflict. Calgora had always hated Agesia, after all.

Casia knocked before Sophia could. She really did seem the more forward of the two.

"Are you sure about this now?" asked Casia, sounding like she'd read Sophia's mind.

"Yes, quiet," said Sophia, shouldering her shield. "We must at least speak with Azgora and Vanion to tell them we are present."

"We could have gotten a contract at the Fighters Guild by now," said Casia.

"It will have to wait," said Sophia.

The time in Antion had been fascinating.

Looking at the many streets was a history lesson in itself. Turn a corner, and you will find a completely different architecture from an ancient era. There were temples of all kinds to all kinds of deities. The people were of many races, though still mainly of the white Harlenorian stock.

It was amazing that you also had so many people bustling around at any time. Themousian cities could be crowded, but never on this scale. Dinis also had such towns, but Dinis had been declining for a long time. While the population had seen a resurgence since the days of King Kalif, it was a far cry from what it had been.

And hardly anyone paid them any heed.

The door opened.

Azgora looked out, clad in a white tunic and brown leggings. Her mane of golden hair was longer than last time. Her expression was stern and beautiful, as always. "Sophia, Casia?"

"Azgora, it has been some time," said Sophia.

"Yes," said Azgora. "It has."

Dead silence fell over them.

Azgora hardly ever spoke or laughed at all. She never had, and many thought she was also slow to judge. Sophia had never believed as much, however.

"May we come in?" asked Casia.

"You may," said Azgora, turning away. "The threshold sticks up. Do not trip."

"Thank you," said Sophia, bowing.

Casia bowed as well, and they stepped through into the brick building. The walls here were not elaborate; they were of clean plaster. The floor was of wood, and there were no incredible decorations, vases, or anything. Azgora moved through them with that same fast stride as always.

"These are unusually Spirtanan living quarters for you," said Sophia.

"I prefer them," said Azgora. "One does not get lost in these halls."