Blade and Stylus

Four

Roxanna watched with a hint of amusement on her features as Kazia wolfed down three hunks of bread dipped in warm gravy, in addition to clearing away two bowls of meat and vegetable stew, washing it down with a half a pitcher of ale.

Noticing she was being observed quite closely, the woman cracked a grin. "What? Try going three days without eating, even if you are asleep for most of it. This is really good bread by the way."

The princess couldn't help but laugh, which made Kierra smile all the more broadly. "I must admit, they make the best bread here in the palace. No other place can match the skills of our cooks, the finest in the Five Districts."

Draining her last glass of ale, Kierra let out a contented sigh.

"Done?" She nodded in affirmation.

"Good, let us go see the king now."

Making their way to her father's study, Roxanna explained to Kierra who he was. At the mention of his name, the other woman spoke up. "King Gerulf von Fromm? He was the one who finally united the Five Districts, and spearheaded the legislation to put in place certain checks on the Council of Ekat, correct?"

Roxanna nodded, "Yes. I was unsure if you were aware of him."

"In my profession, it is our business to know these things. Although I have never seen him, nor you before this day for that matter, I have been schooled in the allegiances of all the important figures in this chess game." Upon seeing Roxanna frown at her use of the term "chess game," Kierra quickly elaborated. "Forgive me, but it is the truth, Princess. To the enemy, this is no more than a game that must be played strategically, and knowing who the most powerful players are is of the utmost importance. Even your people play a part in this situation, and though not royal, nonetheless hold great power when exercised in a unified manner."

The princess sighed. "I do not take ill to your words, for I know that it is the truth. I just hate to think of my people as pawns, to be disposed of when they are no longer useful. My blood boils at the thought of the Council caring so little about the value of human life that they would throw it away at the slightest whim." She clenched her hands in frustration. "However, I must play their game. Albeit though they fight only for power, I fight for freedom, which is more dear than they will ever understand. When it comes time for me to take over the throne, I will do my best to see it through. In the meantime however, I do not plan on being idle."

The conversation came to a halt as they neared the study doors.

"Father?" Roxanna called, as she and Kierra entered the room.

"Ah, Roxanna, I was just about to send for you. Is that the young woman you found?" Seeing his daughter nod in confirmation, the king gestured for Kierra to sit down.

The princess excused herself, telling Kierra she would meet up with her later at dinner before going off to attend to her other duties.

"So, you are the young warrior my daughter's escort discovered on their way home? You seem a bit young to be fighting in general, let alone as a member of the Spazten Knights." The king remarked, perusing her general figure and appearance.

"My king is wise indeed. My name is Kierra Nikt, and I have been privileged to see twenty two winters. Both of my parents were members of the knighthood, so naturally I was born into it. When I was fourteen, they were killed while on a mission to stop the Riesians from assassinating Duke Hagen of the Southern District. While successful in thwarting the attack, they both gave their lives in service to the people of our country. When I was sixteen, I was officially christened into the ranks. Three days ago, I lost everything when my entire squadron was wiped out. I do not even know how I alone survived." Kierra bowed her head in sorrow, willing herself to fight back the tears that once again threatened to form. Crying was not becoming of a warrior, she had been told.