They arrived at Nightcross that night, it's oil lamps lighting up the black sky. Bash, tired and thirsty, had grown even more concerned that Emory had not woken up.
He desperately ran around, repeating the same thing over and over: "Please anyone! My friend needs help! I'm looking for James Wilson! He's a healer, everyone knows who he is!" No one answered him, they just gave him sympathetic looks.
"Emory?" A man questioned at Bash, approaching Bash with a worried expression. Greying blonde hair complimented his tan skin and the same eyes that Emory had.
"James Wilson?" He nodded brushing a lock of hair from Emory's face. "Thank the gods! We got into an accident at Pinella Pass-" James whipped his head up.
"Why in the seven countries did you take my daughter there?"
"We are tasked with finding the queen sir." Bash replied, his arms throbbing from carrying Emory.
"Selene..." James rubbed his stubbled chin. "Come quick, we have much to do in little time."
Stone houses lined the community symmetrically with a giant cross in the center of what looked too small to be a plaza. People knelt in front of the cross, probably praying to the divine gods for guidance. Off to the side from the rest of the houses, James' loomed over them all, with giant glass windows and a brown bricked outside. James opened the doors, holding them open for Bash.
"In here." He pointed to the living room, and Bash obliged. James threw everything off the coffee table, and Bash gently set Emory on the table. James swiftly brought his tools and trinkets out of the closet and set up.
"I need you to get my stool, it's upstairs in the med room!" James commanded, and Bash hobbled up the stairs, he brought it into the living room, and set it down.
"I didn't catch your name, young man." He set to work on checking for injuries.
"Sebastian King sir, I am your daughter's partner." Bash answered, lounging in an armchair across from James.
"If I may ask, how in the name of Vendaven did this happen?" He started stitching Emory's head wound.
"A bartender gave us a lead on the kidnapping by telling us his employer came from Pinella Pass. We got on a train there, and some explosions caused the train to tumble sideways off the tracks. I pulled her out of the burning train. Emory has been unconscious since this morning, and I haven't been able to pinpoint what exactly caused the explosions-"
"Missiles. The savages who live there don't take kindly to trespassers. Your bartender friend must have warned them you were coming on a train." He snapped her arm back into place, causing her to spasm suddenly. He also fixed her ribs and put a white cream on them, what it was for; Bash didn't know. James collected some food and water for both Emory and Sebastian.
"She should wake up shortly, it is important that I leave immediately. It is dangerous for the two of us to be seen together. Give her this." He handed Bash an envelope with Emory's name on it, and the same cream. "This will explain everything to her and this is a healing solvent for your leg. Apply it immediately! It should heal your wound over time, however, I advise not doing a whole lot on your leg, it's not that magical." He picked up the supplies, while Bash soothed the solvent into his thigh.
"They're keeping the queen in Coldspire." James set a map along the armchair. "The Core passed through about five days ago asking for Emory, and I'm not sure why. Please, take care of my girl." He turned to leave, "Oh and one more thing! Thank you for saving my daughter, the queen will be forever in your debt." And with that, he left.
The Core: a group of international gang leaders who sought to destroy the monarchy for banishing them from Vendaven after they murdered King Roland Bloodborne; the queen's husband. Of course, they were the ones who took the queen, it all fit together like pieces in a puzzle.
********
About an hour later Emory's eyes groggily opened as she sat up. Bash hurriedly went to her aid.
"Hey, hey! Be careful!" He scolded laying her back down.
"Am I-" She scanned the room, realizing where she was.
"Yes, your father just healed your wounds. We are welcome to leave whenever we want." Bash interrupted
"Oh my gods the crash! Are you-?" She widened her eyes, clutching his arm protectively.
"I'm fine, I got some metal stuck in my leg, but I'm ok now!" She sighed in relief, "Your dad gave me this, he said it was dangerous for you two to be seen together.." He gave her the letter and sat back down watching her closely. She opened it with caution.
My dear Emory,
I know we've had our differences in the past, especially when you decided to join the police force. I am proud of what you have become, and your mother is too. I am deeply sorry I kept her identity to a minimum, but she gave me specific instructions to keep you safe and unknowing. Your mother is Queen Selene Bloodborne of Vendaven. I know this is a lot to take in, but please listen to what I have to say.
She came to Nightcross in secret for a special medicine to heal her crippling disease, and Selene knew I had a cure. I couldn't turn down the queen of Vendaven, so I welcomed her into my home. I fell in love with her shortly after that, and her me. We learned about her pregnancy a few days later, and by then we started discussing how to keep you safe. When you were born, it was the happiest day of our lives, Selene even made you that necklace you are so fond of.
Leaving you, was the hardest thing she ever had to do, but she told me she would always protect you and give you the best life possible. And she did. When you were inducted into the force, she watched over you and even assigned Sebastian as your partner.
However, I fear she is in great danger with the Core, and I need you to trust me.
The Core operates in Coldspire, the leader is a man named Tylock Farland. He killed the king himself and has never forgiven Selene for executing one of his children. Be careful, and be prepared for anything, Coldspire is an elaborate labyrinth of corridors and traps. I love you, and your mother does too.
We believe in you Emory, Your father.
Emory set the letter down with shaking hands, tears forming in her eyes.
"Em? Em, you okay?" Bash asked.
"Queen Selene is my mother, Sebastian." She handed him the letter, he read it quickly.
"Woah...that's...that's...incredible...what are you going to do?" Emory started at him confidently.
"I'm going to get my mom back."
