Can't Escape The Darkness

Chapter 5 Imposters

"Look here the queen has left me in charge and we're to march to Dreadfort tomorrow as she instructed." Huffed Fractureverse Siphon. He along with the rest of the Fractureverse Frostbourne army were hiding out in the woods not too far from the outpost. Each night Fractureverse Lyria sneaked out of the outpost to inform them of the situation. The previous night she'd told them that her and Azura were to go to Dreadfort now that the doctors said they were well enough, however they were told to take it easy until the injuries had completely healed.

"I don't know why she left you in charge because you can't even remember her name." Fractureverse Agatha said angrily. "It's because I've been the only one who ever gave that kid any kind of support and for another matter I know that she's called Lydia!" Shouted Fractureverse Siphon. "Pfft it's Lyria. Some personal advisor you are. You only wanted this job to make you all important." Snorted Fractureverse Agatha. "If you have a problem with it then why don't you argue with the queen with her end crystals about it?" He sneered in response which soon put a stop to her complaints as they got ready to move out of the current encampment.

Fractureverse Lyria tried to force herself to listen to Patrick's speech even though it was incredibly boring to her. Patrick stood on a platform overlooking the parade while he spoke. Fractureverse Lyria was standing next to Azura who still had her arm in a bandage and sling despite being allowed to return to work the other day. Together they stood on the platform with Patrick with Hilda just behind him as he continued his speech to their right. Neither of them knew why he wanted them there and why they weren't a part of the parade with the rest of the soldiers.

"Now I'm sure you've waited long enough hearing me going on about the importance and meaning of bravery as vanguards of the Frostbourne." Patrick exclaimed which got a little laughter from the crowd. "We made a grave mistake in trusting bandits in our ranks where we should've taken more caution. Additionally we hastily jumped to conclusions when the equipment was stolen which resulted in an unfair arrest. Had it not been for Captain Azura and Captain Lyria's defiance and determination the equipment would never have been recovered nor would the true culprits be brought to justice." He continued before giving Hilda a certain look as a way of silent communication.

"More importantly had it not been for their extraordinary efforts we would have lost two loyal and outstanding soldiers who would still be sitting in the dungeon today. Fortunately this is not the case and thank the fates that they are here with us today having heroically chased after and caught the bandits. Thus I am proud to present 2 medals of the Blizzard's Warth, awarded to soldiers who show phenomenal tactical actions they have independently come up with in times of need." Patrick announced and on cue Hilda stepped forwards holding up a small box with 2 medals inside. Azura and Fractureverse Lyria were shocked on discovering that they would be awarded with a medal each. Together they took a few steps forward with Azura helping Fractureverse Lyria limp forwards.

They then saluted Patrick as he picked up the first medal out of the box before pinning it onto Azura's lab coat. She saluted him again in gratitude before he took the second medal and pinned it on Fractureverse Lyria's uniform. She also saluted the grandmaster as it was expected of her. Patrick then went on to say a few more words to finish the parade of with. While he did so all Fractureverse Lyria could think about was the looks on her soldiers' faces when she showed off her medal to them. A small smile crept on her face when she realised she'd in reality been awarded for her wicked deeds instead of any kind of actual bravery which gave her some future ideas when it came to covering her and her armies tracks later down the line.

Later that afternoon Fractureverse Lyria made sure to find Siphon walking around on his own so that she could initiate the next stage of her plan. Eventually her patience paid off when she saw him on his own facing away from her. She limped over to him and panted like she was out of breath. "Officer Siphon, Officer Siphon. I'm so glad to have come across you. A civilian just informed me that there's a wild boar roaming around in the woods. I'd go and take care of it myself but as you can see I'm in no fit state to do so." She informed him. Immediately Siphon tensed his grip on his bow. "Don't worry I'll take care of it. Just keep yourself safe." He said as he ran straight for the woods. 'It'll be you needing to keep safe.' Fractureverse Lyria thought watching him disappear into the distance.