Yrantan adventures (Completed)

[ArcticFox]

When she arrived in front of the prison the very next day, Zach was nowhere in sight. Which was to be expected, considering his history, but without much to go on, Anna was at a loss. Sunset was a large, intimidating tower, left there from the reign of the founder of Yranta. It used to be a part of the old palace, but now it was converted for a whole other purpose. Its tall structure, hard wall and narrow windows made it a perfect place for the decrepit and unwanted members of the society. And Yranta was not the safest city in the world.


Anna was clutching a small note when she came to the front gates of the prison. This was the only clue that Zach had left her. It contained a name and a cell number.


"What business have you here, ma'am?" The guard at the entrance asked her as she approached.


"I need to visit Miss Chloe Heathrow at cell sixty seven." She stated the contents of the note. The guard fell silent. He looked left to his colleague and received only a shrug.


"I'm sorry, ma'am, but that prisoner is forbidden any visitations." He stated simply. Anna did not have time for this.


"Here." He pulled the sigil of her office out of her pocket. "I'm Anna Penrose, a Councilor." The guard took the sigil and examined it together with his colleague. Then he nodded, took out a piece of paper from his uniform and scribbled something on it.


"This will grant you passage through the other checkpoints, Councilor Penrose." He gave the note to Anna and the two men unbarred the heavy iron gates to let her in.


Sunset was as chilling on the inside as it was on the outside. Dark and cold and threatening. A narrow hallway led straight to another guard station, which Anna guessed was a second checkpoint. Beyond that must be the holding cells. Zach was still nowhere to be seen and she doubted that she would see him inside. What sort of a favor he had in mind was beyond her.


- Go straight to the cell.


- Wait for a signal from Zach.

 

[Ezri]

Anna paused in the bleak, oppressive hallway, hesitating before she moved on. Was she really supposed to just carry on blindly? But her worry quickly transitioned into annoyance -- Zach couldn't expect her to read his mind! f he wanted her to wait, he could have put it in the note or actually communicated with her like a normal person! Frustrated and eager to get this ordeal over with, Anna marched briskly towards the next guard station. If she was involved in this plot, then maybe this Chloe Heathrow would know what was going on.

 

[ArcticFox]

She progressed through a dozen more checkpoints until she arrived at the ninth floor of the prison tower where one of the guards led her to a small holding cell. She could not fathom how anyone could make an escape from this prison, there were half as many guards here than there were in whole of Yranta. The cell was unlocked and Anna was let inside with the guard escorting her. There was a woman on the floor, curled into a ball, her back against the stone wall. She was chained around one ankle and was very gaunt, her pale blonde hair matted and plastered to her face. She raised her eyes slowly and looked at Anna like a frightened rabbit.


"You should be quick about this, Councilor." The guard said. "She is a dangerous criminal as I'm sure you are aware and I would not like to put you in any danger by letting her be in here for too long."


"What did she do?" Anna asked, but then quickly corrected herself. "Could you please tell me what evidence have you collected against this woman?"


"She robbed a man and then killed him." The guard said, spitting in disgust. "A noble man. In cold blood. She held a knife in her hand when we caught her and all of his valuables. I think that speaks for itself."


"It was self defense." The woman suddenly spoke, her voice weak and throaty. "But, no one believes me because I am a peasant and that bastard was a noble."


"You are a known thief and bandit!" The guard yelled, then calmed down and turned to Anna. "This is the forth time that we have apprehended her. The first three times she got off easy, but this time she'll be here for good."


As the guard spoke, Anna thought that she caught sound of a hoot, much like an owl's, but it was far too early for them to be about. Could it have been a signal?


- Ask the guard to leave the cell.


- Leave the cell.


- Ask the guard some more questions.

 

[Ezri]

Based on looks alone, it was difficult to see this small, cowering woman as a ruthless killer. And she couldn't deny that the Yrantan guard could be hasty with their accusations. The owl's call pulled her out of her thoughts -- it could be a sign from Zach, but then what did it mean? In any case, she wouldn't be able to ask Claire about her mission while the guard was still here.


"I see. Thank you for your help." she nodded to him, trying to think of a good excuse to get him to leave until she remembered that since she was a councilor, he might have to just listen to her anyway. "Could you give me a moment to speak with her? It's about some stolen items--" she improvised, thinking that it would be better to give a reason. "-- It will only take a moment, and I doubt this thief will attack me. It would only extend her sentence, after all."

 

[ArcticFox]

The guard left with a nod and a bow, but still lingered somewhere in the hallway. Just when he was out of sight, someone casually strolled into the cell. Zach, of course. How he managed to sneak into the prison and avoid detection, was beyond Anna and he probably would not give her any explanation either way. As he walked in, Chloe looked up and his face lit up in hope. She grinned brightly and that grin reminded her of someone. Zach made his way to the woman and enveloped her in a hug that seemed like it would crush her fragile body.


"I've missed you." Chloe said, embracing him, her voice teary. As if remembering that Anna was in the room, Zach suddenly turned to her.


"This is my sister." He explained. "And she is here because of your corrupted justice system." His eyebrows furrowed.


"We did rob that man, Zach." Chloe chimed in.


"We did, but that is not the point." He hissed in frustration. "We were discovered, his thugs chased us and we got separated. Chloe was captured. Those men..." He clenched his teeth. "They abused her while their master watched." Zach's fists were shaking, but Chloe seemed very calm about this, even placing a hand on his shoulder in comfort. "I killed them. Most of them, along with that preening prick. But, we were still caught and brought here. I was put in a lower cell which is why I could escape, but I couldn't reach Chloe. I wouldn't be able to even now, if it weren't for you to distract all those guards." He chuckled a little. "You should've heard how they whispered the name Penrose, like a prayer. This is why I need you. You have the authority to get Chloe out of here. She had done nothing except robbery, but they are now, in my absence, pinning everything on her. I am not going back to that cell either, so you are going to have to figure out a way to get us both out of here, free of charges." 


While Zach's story might have been truthful and his care for Chloe genuine, Anna could help but notice a slight problem with this. Getting them both to walk away free was impossible. She had the authority to have Chloe on another trial and even help clear her of the murder convictions, but that would mean pinning it all on Zach. Zach did kill those men, no matter the circumstances and on top of it all he escaped out of Sunset. He would be hanged on spot. This case already seemed a lost cause.


- Agree to help release Chloe, but Zach would need to stay a fugitive.


- Refuse to help them.


- Suggest to bail Chloe out and help them both get out of the Yranta.

 

[Ezri]

Zach might be cruel and insufferable most of the time, but he really did seem to care for his sister. That only made this whole mess more difficult. "I can't do what you're asking." She frowned up at him, her voice low but serious. "Even if I absolve Chloe of guilt they'll want to blame someone for those murders, and the only one they'll blame is you. A noble was killed, the courts won't ignore that. There's no way for me to legally free both of you."


Anna paused and looked to the woman biting her lip. If Chloe was innocent, she couldn't just let her rot in prison either. Even a thief didn't deserve that -- now that she knew, she wanted to help somehow. "I can try to help Chloe, but you'd have to stay on the run, Zach." She sighed, resigned and surprisingly a little apologetic. "Blaming you would be the best way to get her released. I can't think of anything else..."  

 

[ArcticFox]

"Oh, no, don't do that." Chloe said, her voice still raspy. "Please, Zach, I'll be fine."


"Don't be an idiot, sister." Zach hissed. "I am not going to have your death weighing on my conscience." Maybe this was his way of being affectionate. A very harsh and strange way indeed. He turned to Anna with a nod. "Do what you must. I operate better on the other side of the law anyway." He smirked.


Half an hour later, with everything agreed on, Anna made her way to her mansion. Zach exited the prison through a path only known to him and Chloe was left in that damp little cell. She would need to petition the Court for a second hearing. While she did have the authority to do this at any moment, it was a long procedure that required a signed confirmation fro all the judges and the jury. She could take a shortcut though, but that would require her to pay a visit to the Duke and ask him for a favor directly. While she did not know the Duke so much to be able to make a request like this, he seemed to know her father pretty well and was kind enough towards her during the Council meeting. Anna could try out her chances.


- Request and audience with the Duke (alone or with a companion).


- Visit Duke privately (alone or with a companion).


- Petition the judges.

 

[Ezri]

Despite the warm weather, Anna felt one uncomfortable shiver -- how did she keep getting into these messes? Considering his relationship with the law, she doubted that Zach would be happy to accept a lengthy appeal process. But asking the Duke for a favor like this out of the blue felt pretty bold! If he refused she wouldn't have any choice but to petition the judges and take the long route, which wasn't too harsh of a punishment. But offending him would have a much more severe impact on her career... although even that couldn't be as awful as what Chloe was living through.


If she set up a professional meeting with the Duke, surely she couldn't look that bad. And there must be something she could offer to make it a fair deal, as much as the idea made her nervous. Her bargains had turned out less than ideal lately. It would be comforting to have someone with her, but her options were quite slim -- Levon was the only one she could think to ask, and she couldn't help but think he would be unhappy about the entire situation if he knew. It might be better to just go alone...

 

[ArcticFox]

It took her an hour to write a formal letter of request. She worded it carefully, very professional, but not too stern, hoping that the Duke would grant her this audience quickly. However, she did not expect her messenger to be back with an answer directly from the Duke.


Dear Ms. Penrose,


Come to my office at once. I also have a need to speak with you.


Lord Marcus Teil


Well, that worked like a charm. Although, Duke was far too informal about this whole thing. Still, having fulfilled her intention and not willing to split hairs, Anna made her way to the palace, up the stairs, and into the office of the Duke of Yranta. The guards let her in once she introduced herself and pulled the double doors open so she could slip inside. Duke's office was twice as big as her father's, with twice as many books and twice a larger writing desk. Lord Teil sat behind it, holding up some papers and reading them carefully, glasses low on his nose. He looked almost comical. When Anna entered he quickly set the papers aside and removed his glasses. Standing up, he nodded to her in greetings.


"Miss Penrose, thank you for coming so quickly. I understand that you wish to have an audience with me, for some cause of your own no doubt, but before everything this is an urgent matter I must speak to you about." He spoke rather quickly, quite different from the calm manner he had during that meeting.


"Of course, my lord." Anna bowed slightly and then sat in the chair opposite from Duke's desk as he indicated. It would do her no good to rush matters now.


"You are my Councilor of Law, miss Penrose. Your father did a formidable job and I expect that he taught you well. I hope so. Because I have a very dire task for you." He indicated the unfolded letter on his desk. "Ulmo. They have raided our farmlands. While we have enough manpower to drive them away, we also have a lot people held hostage at those lands. The captain of these Ulmo soldiers is willing to talk, but he wants someone to meet with him personally." With a sigh, he continued. "Now, you know why I need you. My military Councilor is a very harsh man as you may have noticed and while he is an excellent commander, he would quickly turn this into needless bloodshed. This matter requires someone with more tact and knowing your father, I would say that you are a right person for this job." The Duke smiled slightly. "Please, the sooner you finish these negotiations, the sooner will I be able to help you with your matter."


Doing this little request really was no choice, it was a statement and a duty to her city and Anna knew that asking her was only a pleasant way of going about it. Lord Teil did not seem like a person who liked ordering everyone around. This was quite a task, but if she excelled at doing it, not only would she be able to finish up Zach's quest, but she would also have the Duke in her debt, which was quite something for a woman in her position. 


- Agree and hear the details.


- Agree but make a counter proposal (ask for something more).


- Agree but insist on telling him the details of your request first.

 

[Ezri]

When Anna thought that she might have something to offer the Duke, she hadn't expected anything like this. A hostage situation was very dire indeed, and certainly daunting. But if the Duke thought she was the one most equipped to handle it, she couldn't afford to be uncertain. Unfortunately talk of Chloe's trial would have to wait -- Lord Teil had enough on his mind as it was, and it wouldn't help her or Zach to try and force the issue now. And if she did well enough he might just agree to help her out of gratitude, which would be a relief.


"Right." she nodded, trying not to let her nervousness show on her face. Although she couldn't help but think she must look a bit paler than before... "My matter can wait. Please give me all the details you can."

 

[ArcticFox]

After a thorough briefing with Lord Marcus Teil, Anna had gathered the following: a small part of Ulmo's army had raided their countryside, taking control of about a dozen farmlands and not letting any people occupying them go free. There may have been some deaths, but Yranta had no details as the enemy army took a chance to attack when the Yrantan troops were recalled to the city for the annual celebrations that were about to happen. The Sacramentials were always a time of peace and n country every breached this, but Ulmo was either growing very desperate or very cocky. Captain of the enemy forces, a ruthless man named Tarren Zielihn was stated at a farmhouse about thirty kilometers from Yranta. He is holding around three hundred people hostage and would execute them all should Yranta and Ulmo not come to terms. He did not state his demands, but is asking for a representative to hear him out. Duke judged that the captain was getting tired of his current position and is looking to wrap this all up.


Since Anna agreed to his request and Lord Teil had told her all that he knew, she was escorted back to her mansion with promises that she would get whatever she might need for the journey, but she had to make it before nightfall. It was of utmost urgency, after all. Anna could settle everything by herself, but being in an enemy encampment would prove to be a trial.


- Take someone with you (Levon, Zach or Nate or two of them or all of them).


- Go with a military escort.


- Go alone.

 

[Ezri]

Trying to keep a cool head while she gathered her things, Anna thought that now she had to ask Levon for help. There was no need to keep this mission from him, and it would be reassuring to have him with her. He seemed more than capable should they end up in danger, and since he was born in Ulmo he might have some valuable insights. (Or at least, he said that when they met... for all she knew he might have been at its founding.)


Not that Levon was the only person who would be helpful, but Zach was far too unpredictable as well as frustrating. Nate would be comforting, yet Anna couldn't help but think that his temper might be a problem. He was quick to judge and even quicker to speak his mind about it -- not the best traits in a fragile situation. Even though she'd appreciate his company, Anna wasn't sure she could risk it.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Of course, madam." Was Levon's simple reply when Anna stated her mission details to him and asked for his companionship. "I would need to appoint someone to take over my responsibilities in the mansion while we are gone." He said, more to himself than to her. Then he excused himself and disappeared through the servant's quarters.


"You are dawdling." Zach made his entrance as dramatically as always, stepping from behind a corner when Levon left. "You are on my personal errand now, why are you taking other requests?" His brows furrowed as he spoke in that overly pretentious tone that assumed his control over everything.


"In order to help you, I need to help my city first." Anna said brashly, not really having any patience for his manner right now. Zach waved his hand in dismissal and took a couple of quick steps toward her.


"Don't bring him with you." He said in warning whisper. "Take me, or you will regret it." This could have been just a ruse, one of his endless ploys. Zach was pretty much against Levon from the start and being a criminal with a terrible attitude, he wasn't the most trustworthy person either. But, there was something in his voice that made Anna's skin prickle. What if he knew something that she did not? Even if she asked him, she would probably not get a definite answer.


- Take both of them.


- Take Levon.


- Take Zach.

 

[Ezri]

"I can't see why I would regret it. I'm not going to just take your word for it, either." Anna argued immediately, crossing her arms. They'd been at each others' throats from the moment Zach arrived, and although he was somehow aware of Levon's unusual secret, her steward had never given her any reason to be wary of him.


Still, even if she wasn't afraid of Levon, Anna was curious. it was hard to believe that Zach would willingly insert himself into this obviously dangerous situation just to bother her, no matter how contrary he could be. And now that she thought about it, he did have a vested interest in keeping her safe, if only because she could help Chloe. She grumbled, her resolve weakening -- Anna might not agree, but he must believe that his worries were founded. She couldn't be too angry about that. "If you're really so concerned about my welfare, you can just come with us." she relented -- taking both men might end up being miserable, but at least she could be confident about her safety.

 

[ArcticFox]

They had made the journey immediately, since Anna explained the gravity of the situation to Levon he did not want them to wait any longer. The steward made sure that they had enough provisions and clothing packed for a week on the outside and they brought three of their best horses. Of course, as Anna expected, neither of them were glad of each other's company, so she was forced to ride between them. To her surprise neither man tried to throw an insulting comment at the direction of his adversary, but instead they glared at one another over Anna's head, which made her uncomfortable. It was an odd situation to say the least.


It took them an hour to only get out of Yranta, through the military district and out the main gates, and then one more hour until the main road led them through the closest farmlands. These were well watched and guarded, considering they were so close to Yranta, so they did not need to fear that they would run into bandits or enemy forces. Leading their horses at a slow canter, they might have passed around eight kilometers, almost a fourth of their way, when Levon suddenly spoke.


"It will be sundown in four hours, madam. If we ride without rest we will be arrive at their encampment at dusk. I would not suggest this."


"Why not? That's the best time to sneak into their camp." Zach countered.


"We cannot sneak." Levon hissed. "This is a serious matter and there are a lot of human lives at risk."


"Why do you care, then? Those are just human lives." Zach accented the last two words, looking at the steward darkly.


"Madam." Levon refused to be dragged into an argument. "Please, I suggest that we ride for a few more hours and then make camp. This way you can decide on how you wish to approach the negotiations. I am no expert in these matters, but this seems like the most sensible way."


"Pft." Zach snorted. "We should go straight, get the job done and be back before sunrise."


- Listen to Levon.


- Listen to Zach.


- Propose something else.

 

[Ezri]

It was only a matter of time before they started arguing, although it took longer than she thought it would. Levon was pretty good at ignoring Zach anyway, unless the theif was making some improper remark, and thankfully none had come so far. Despite the palpable tension, she had almost hoped that they would make it through one day without incident.


Alas. Anna took a deep breath, considering their options. "I don't want to drag this out, either." she said, giving Zach a pointed frown. She wasn't exactly persuaded, though his motivations for wanting to rush were fairly obvious. "But I was asked to solve it peacefully, and I don't think sneaking around will help our standing with the enemy army. Waiting until morning would probably be for the best." While she still wasn't sure how she would approach the negotiations even then, Levon was right that she could use a little more time to figure it out.

 

[ArcticFox]

Since the matter was decided the three continued their ride through the countryside for two more hours. They were close to the enemy lines now, but not so close to encounter their scouts. The nearby forest provided some cover from any who might wonder close. Levon picked a spot for the camp, between two large trees, which shielded them from view enough that they could light a fire. As they dismounted, Zach strode off somewhere, possibly angry that his proposition was not taken. He disappeared among the trees, but Levon unpacked their stuff and everything was neatly arranged before Anna could say anything.


"Please, madam, rest." Levon said as he started preparing some food. He sliced the meat and vegetables with a pocket knife as good as any professional chef would in a well supplied kitchen. Anna could take a seat on one of the blankets that Levon placed on the ground, which were supposed to be their beds for the night. Levon looked at her with a sad smile. "I know it is not much, madam, but please bear it for the night." A she spoke, Zach returned from the woods, throwing a pile of twigs and branches next to Levon and then turning around to look at Anna.


"Want me to warm your bed tonight, princess?" He said with a sly smirk. Levon instantly jerked, the knife in his hand ominously raised, but he did not speak. "I'm joking, gods." Zach rolled his eyes and then plopped down onto the blanket next to Anna, which got him a warning look from Levon, but after a moment the steward continued his task.


Soon enough the fire was lit and the meal ready and eaten as fast as it was prepared. The three of them sat around the fire as the night was falling, when Levon broke the silence.


"How do you plan on approaching this, madam?"


- You have a plan.


- Ask Levon's advice.


- Ask Zach's advice.

 

[Ezri]

Anna hummed, focusing on the crackling little fire in front of them. Levon asked a dfficult question, and it was one she didn't have a proper answer for. Maybe talking about it would help. "I'm not sure." she admitted. "Ideally there won't be a need to resort to any violence. If their demands are achievable I'll accept them, and if they're not I'll have to try to find a compromise. But I'm not sure how reasonable this captain will be, since he's already taken hostages..."


She groaned, her gaze beginning to sink to the ground, but she knew that being fatalistic wouldn't help either. Optimism could only improve Anna's situation; she had friends, or one friend, with her and the Duke seemed to have confidence in her. With that in mind, already she could feel herself perking up. "That he asked to negotiate at all is a good sign, at least. I'll... just have to take them seriously and hear him out. Be tough yet understanding! ... how does that sound?"

 

[ArcticFox]

A small smile played on Levon's lips as he watched her speak. He beamed like a proud parent for a moment, but quickly his smile faded and there was a distant look in his eyes. If someone was to watch him intently, they would notice that the steward was having an inner battle. He had two choices and he was torn between them. The biggest part of him wanted to go along with his nature, to keep fulfilling his purpose like he had done over so many centuries, but a new part grew inside of him in the last couple of weeks, a part that cared about someone, that wanted to protect someone. But in all, this was still a small part.


"That sounds very sensible." Levon said to his madam.


"I would still rather sneak in and take the captain by surprise. Hold a knife at his throat. He's bound to be reasonable then." Zach threw in casually.


"That would not work, even you know it." Levon sighed.


"Shut up, dog." Zach snarled. "You are too meek."


It seemed for a moment that Levon would answer back or just jump over the fire at the brunette, but the moment passed and he only took a deep breath, stretched his arms and stood up. The night fell as they talked, but the moon was still low on the sky. Their fire provided enough light for them, but the forest around them was in complete darkness. Levon walked straight into it, without a word of explanation. Zach watched him leave with a snort and a smirk and he fell back on his blanket, making himself comfortable.


- Follow Levon.


- Don't follow him.

 

[Ezri]

Confused, Anna glanced back at Zach and then towards the woods again. He didn't seem concerned at all about Levon's well being, which was unsurprising, but he also hadn't questioned it. She could only guess that it had to do with her stewards mysterious state of being; her first instinct was to go after him, but as she started to get to her feet she stopped herself. If she followed him into the dark, she wasn't confident that she wouldn't get lost. Even if he couldn't be that far ahead of her, once the light of the fire was behind her Anna wondered if she would even be able to see her own hand in front of her face.


After a moment she sat again, hugging her knees. Logically following Levon was a bad idea, but knowing that didn't change how much she wanted to. What could he be doing out there? No reasons were coming to mind... of course Anna vowed to ask him as soon as she could, but she had a feeling he wouldn't give her a proper answer. All of this secrecy was vexing -- hopefully he be gone for too long, anyway.

 

[ArcticFox]

Levon did not return that night. Zach had gone to sleep and when their little fire had died down, Anna had no choice but to do the same. She leaned back on her makeshift bed, listening to the deep breathing of the man opposite her. Maybe she missed her chance to find out Levon's true nature. But, such thoughts would not help her now. Soon she was also asleep, although that sleep was restless.


In the middle of the night she vaguely felt something soft and gentle on her forehead, a kiss, but thinking that it was but a dream, she continued sleeping.


"Wake up." Zach was leaning over her, shaking her shoulder. As Anna's eyes opened, she saw that the man had a strange look on his face and not his usual cocky smirk. Was he worried?


"What's the matter?" She asked, getting up.


"Your lap dog broke off his leash." Zach said rudely, but there was no mocking in his voice. His teeth clenched. "He did not return."


As Anna got up she could see that all of their supplies were still there. Even Levon's horse was there, but there was no sign of him. Did he really just disappear last night? If so, Anna's chances of looking for him now were even slimmer than the night before. He could have gone anywhere and she did not know him so well to correctly judge as with what cause did he move. Zach stood next to her, arms crossed. She doubted that he would lift a finger to help her search for Levon. There was not much that could be done in that moment.


- Pack and continue with the journey.


- Pack and go home.


- Question Zach.

 

[Ezri]

Heart sinking, Anna hurriedly looked around their little camp, but as Zach said there was no sign of Levon. Surely he wouldn't have just vanished like that intentionally... right? He might have even gotten hurt or lost himself... although that didn't seem like him, either. Regardless of why he left, she could hardly so looking for him on her own -- not to mention, there was still a hostage situation in immediate need of her attention. She knew that, but it was hard to think about continuing toward the enemy camp without him.


"You didn't say anything about it last night." she turned to Zach, for once more flustered than angry. She could only hope that she was right about him knowing why Levon had taken off. "Do you have any idea what he was doing? I don't understand..."

 

[ArcticFox]

Zach looked at her and the look in his eyes was not something she was used to. It was sad, compassionate. His eyes met hers for a couple of breaths and there was softness in them,and when Zach spoke, his voice was apologetic. "I don't know." He said with a shrug. "I only feel that he is not close by. It's hard to explain." He grunted in frustration, walking back and forth, trying to find the right words. "I know that I am a violent person, but I can usually contain that anger and violence well. But, whenever he was close, I just felt like I could tear someone apart with my bare hands." He paused to look at Anna with a smirk. "In your case my excitement was concentrated elsewhere." Then he stopped in front of Anna, ruffling his hair with one hand. "His presence removed all my barriers. But, it seemed that he did not have the same effect on everyone. You looked alright. He is something inhuman and if you don't know his purpose, then I could not even begin to comprehend it."


Their conversation died there. Zach only gave another shrug to her silence and got to gathering their stuff. He packed everything neatly and saddled the horses, but when he noticed that Anna was still standing at the same place, as if completely lost, he strode back toward her. He did not stop until he was an inch away from her and then his strong arms wrapped around her and he pulled her into a suffocating embrace, that was still somehow warm. Just as quickly he pulled back, placed both hands on her shoulders and lowered himself slightly to be on the same eye level with Anna.


"Snap out of it, woman." He said, but his voice was not unkind. "You need to finish this and then go charm the Duke into letting my sister go. You still owe me." And he grinned fiercely.


- Do your task.


- Stay with Zach a little longer.

 

[Ezri]

Zach's hug was too sudden and unexpected to react to in the moment. He had shown this sort of kindness to Chloe before, but never to Anna. It was almost surreal, yet not unpleasant... he might be rough and self-important, but he was far from totally heartless. And she was thankful to have still have someone's support, even if it wasn't from who she expected.


"... right. Thank you, you're right. We should get this over with." she agreed with as much of a smile as she could manage, then she lightly patted her cheek a few times as if to wake herself up. She must really look bad if she was getting pep talks. The idea of leaving Levon behind was still hard to accept, especially since she didn't know if he was even all right, but it would be selfish to stay when so many people were depending on her. At least for now, they would have to continue forward.

 

[ArcticFox]

They left Levon's horse in the forest since there was nothing else to do about the animal. Zach untied it and threw the saddle down, letting the animal go. Penrose stables had many more horses and would not be empty without this one. They climbed onto their horses and continued riding toward the enemy encampment.


After a couple of hours of riding they saw a big farmyard with a wooden fence around it and armed soldiers at the posts on every two steps. There was a shout among them when the riders were spotted on the road and immediately five horsemen rode out to meet them, lances at the ready. The one in the middle wore the epaulets of a lieutenant and he stepped forward while the other four soldiers lingered back.


"Identify yourselves." He commanded in a booming voice.


"I am Anna Penrose and I come here with the authority of the Duke of Yranta to negotiate with captain Tarren Zielihn." She said, surprising herself with how steady her voice was. The lieutenant waited in silence, so Anna produced a signed parchment that the Duke gave to her and handed it over. The man read it and nodded. "You can come with me, ma'am." He said to Anna. "But your companion must follow my men and wait for you with them. You also must relinquish all your weapons."


"The hell I will!" Zach exclaimed and his horse neighed nervously. The soldiers shifted and two of them raised their lances.


"Be reasonable." The lieutenant commanded, but looked to Anna to calm down the situation."


- Request that Zach accompany you.


- Tell Zach to give up his weapons and go with the soldiers.