The Burden of Destiny | Sequel to The Aura Within

26 | Bitter Reunion

Four months, three weeks, and six days.

That's how long it's been since Claudius van Dyne and the Obsidian Knights successfully usurped the throne from Queen Rin of Rota. Many casualties were accounted for on that night, mostly from the brave soldiers from the Rota Knights and the unfortunate guests who were sadly caught in the crossfire. With the gargantuan army like that of the Obsidian Knights, it was a miracle that there were survivors at all. However, while some fled with their lives, the horrible memory of that night would haunt them for the rest of their lives.

News of the Imperial King's conquest quickly spread throughout the region like wildfire. Many of the major cities and villages willingly bent the knee to the new rule out of fear. Those that rebelled were immediately executed to make an example of what kind of fate awaited those who dared to go against the Imperial King. Everyone had a target on their back; one wrong move and they were forced to forfeit their life. This new order was no longer a monarchy.

It was cruel, absolute tyranny.

That was the conclusion Elliot, Nicholas, and General Hayes agreed on during their meeting. In the safety of Indigo Palace, guarded by a plethora of capable knights that watched over the closed-off bridge connecting the territory to the mainland, the three decided to discuss their next move. Truth be told, there was almost nothing they could do without thinning out their forces completely. Sending spies out to gather information was especially a huge risk of its own. They couldn't afford any losses from then on.

Fortunately, the risk paid off this time. The spy they sent out had returned with his life and also possessed valuable information. For the first time, a sliver of hope ignited upon learning of Queen Rin's fate.

"Her Highness is still alive?!" Elliot sighed in relief. "Thank Arceus..."

"This means we have a chance at taking back Rota and Kanto once and for all." Nicholas turned to General Hayes. "Where do we go from here?"

"Hmm..." The general looked over at the spy, a wary expression crossing his aging face. "You say Her Highness lives, correct?"

"Affirmative." The spy nodded. "One of the higher-ranked knights ordered me to deliver her meal for the day. They're keeping her locked in the castle's dungeon. She wasn't in the best condition when I saw her, but rest assured, she's very much alive."

But why...? General Hayes wondered deeply. Hearing that Her Highness is alive is excellent news, but why is Claudius allowing her to live if his objective was to conquer Kanto? Something does not add up here...

"Thank you for all of your hard work. You are dismissed for the day," said Elliot.

The spy bowed to the three before leaving the office. The stress visible on Elliot's face had finally straightened out. Knowing that Queen Rin was alive relieved a bit of the tension off his shoulders. Losing Father Malcolm that night had taken a toll on him, especially when his corpse was nowhere to be found. Elliot felt like a terrible grandson for being unable to give his only family member a proper burial. To make matters worse, he hadn't properly mourned over his grandfather. All he could do now was avenge his death along with those who lost their lives during the siege.

"Sending a spy out there was a gamble worth taking after all." Elliot sent his comrades a wry smile. However, it quickly fell when he saw the troubled expression the general wore. "Is something wrong, General?"

"Yes, all of this." General Hayes shook his head. "None of this makes one bit of sense."

"I assume you're speaking about Her Highness, right?" Nicholas spoke up. "Because I also find the situation strange."