บท 19: Chapter 19
In the Vernier estate located ten miles away from Roan, Lord Vernier sat within a large office bearing a finely decorated interior with extravagantly sized windows to let in light. Candle holders were placed on the sides of the walls, and were spaced around a meter away from each other.
Across from Lord Vernier sat a woman wearing a veil over her face, which despite being transparent, made it difficult to associate her features. She had long curly brown-hair which was parted evenly at the top, exposing the ridge of her forehead.
Based on the features of the two as they sat across from each other, Lord Vernier did not very much fancy this woman, but rather seemed to be tolerating her.
"I do hope your sons can live up to expectations," the woman spoke, crossing her legs together beneath her frilled purple dress. Black laces were woven around the ends the sleeves and the hem, giving an elegant sort of appearance.
The colour purple was not something Lord Vernier chose to comment on. After all, it was the colour of Kings and rulers, and who was he to call out a vain woman who had the means to wipe out his entire noble line?
"There's nothing to concern yourself with, madam," Lord Vernier spoke bluntly.
Yes indeed. The woman before Lord Vernier was the Madam who had, in recent months, arrived and had taken residence within the Vernier house.
The madam gestured dismissively with her hand, putting the matter aside for the moment. Her choice in actions left little to be imagined about how this Madam regarded Lord Vernier as beneath her.
Quelling his anger, Lord Vernier took some time for consideration. Although he felt trepidation when it came to his youngest son, Petris, he could always rely on his oldest. As for why he no longer placed much emphasis on his second child, Marvic, he could no longer be bothered with him. Clearly, he was deferring to the camp of this Madam and her hidden agendas.
"Do you have any other matters that you wish to discuss?" Lord Vernier asked impatiently. Even one second sooner to get away from this woman was a worthy investment.
The Madam raised a brow, her hands coming to rest atop her lap, one hand over the other. "Nothing at the moment," she spoke. "It's not as if you alone would be of any help anyway."
That one comment alone nearly popped a blood vessel on Lord Vernier's face. He was the head of the Vernier family, and his influence was obviously not small. What, with his level of ability, could he possibly not be able to do?
Lord Vernier grunted before crossing his arms. "So long as you follow through with our prior agreement, I don't care about any of your other matters anyway," he spoke, ending his sentence in a similar manor.
Even if this Madam had enough power to end the Vernier family line, she obviously would not as they were necessary in the plans she had come up with herself. Lord Vernier was a smart man, and it was precisely for this reason that he could deduce such a simple fact. In which case, he would not allow a slight to his pride to stand. Therefore, he would rather break even.
"Hmhm?" the Madam hummed, her head tilting to the side, and the pitch of her voice shifting to a lower note near the end.
Lord Vernier held back his tongue. Although he knew that his participation was necessary in the Madam's plans, he wouldn't push her too far not knowing what she would do at the end of their agreement.
Moments later, a quiet and reserved knock echoed out from behind the curved oaken doors of Lord Vernier's study.
Glancing once at the Madam, and not getting a single reaction, Lord Vernier then calmly allowed a messenger into the room. They were the only type of people aside from his family that could ever deem it necessary to directly visit his office.
"My lord," the messenger spoke bowing.
"What is it?" Lord Vernier asked.
Based on how the messenger had though it fit to bring this matter straight to the office of Lord Vernier, one could see how important this information was.
"Reporting on the battle of the River Glein," the messenger spoke before fumbling with the sac he kept secured to his waist, and then bringing out a small parchment for Lord Vernier as he began to explain.
The battle of the River Glein had occurred almost a week prior, but only now did news begin to spread. This was mostly in part due to an inadequate information delivery system. Nothing was ever instant, and relied mostly in part to the speed of individual messengers, or informants of their respective kingdoms. This being the case, it was only natural that one Kingdom would receive news first based solely on the distance of travel.
After the messenger finished explaining, he quietly sat still, waiting to be dismissed before he left.
However, it was the Madam, not Lord Vernier who spoke first.
"Weapons that can cut through steel, and armour that can take the blows of mounted cavalry?" The madam crossed her arms before finally inquiring again. "And a beast?"
The messenger looked unsurely at the madam, before the Madam glared at Lord Vernier, forcing him to acquiesce due to their agreement.
The Madam had only come about in recent months, and most did not know of her status. Thus, to be acknowledged in conversation, she must first get permission from Lord Vernier as she was a woman. This being as it was, Lord Vernier was still reluctant to have others see him as a man who relied on the intelligence of a woman, despite said woman out classing him in most regards. Fickle as it was, he did not build his reputation only for it to be destroyed by his own hands.
Straightening his back before un-wrinkling a portion of his clothes, Lord Vernier looked down at the messenger with a tilt of his head. "Indulge her," he said as if he was the one in the higher position of the two.
The Madam took note of such behaviour, but didn't make any outwards signs of displeasure. She was never that sort of woman anyway, and if anything, when she struck there would be no room for retaliation.
In regards to Lord Vernier, there was only a single reason she was helping him in the first place, and it was quite clear.
The town of Roan was a place that attracted the attention of numerous nobility, and people alike. It was the selection stage of the next ruler of the country.
The town alone held the ancestry of four noble lineages including the Vernier's. Of the four, only one was able to stand up on equal footing with the Vernier's, and she couldn't allow it to remain that way to further the process of the True King's joust selection. Thus, she had plotted along with Lord Vernier to produce a showing of the strength of the younger generation, elevating the Vernier's status and allowing the noble family to be a tad more domineering in their attempts at a joust. This was due to the understanding that the younger generation would one day overtake the old.
As for why she had chosen the Vernier family, it was simply a matter of convenience.
Still, she couldn't help but grimace thinking of problems that may arise from Lord Vernier's sons. She wasn't worried though, for she had always taken everything into consideration before acting.
This particular consideration was a son of King Lot of Orkney and Lothian. Although she didn't think it would be too troublesome to coerce the help of his other brothers, their personalities were not suitable for the tasks she had in mind. In which case, she had instead managed to keep them settled within Orkney in the North, too far away to tamper with anything too vital as to be irreparable.
Those matters aside, she waited with a patient air for the messenger to answer her inquires.
With permission from Lord Vernier, the messenger answered positively to all of the Madam's inquires. The more she heard, the more the Madam seemed to fall into quiet contemplation. At the point where she completely fell silent, it was only then did Lord Vernier dismiss the messenger and turn his attention on the Madam.
"You're thinking of something?" Lord Vernier probed.
"Perhaps a troubling matter, or perhaps not," the Madam spoke. From the inquires that she had made from the messenger, she had been able to create a rough depiction of what had transpired in the battle of the River Glein.
The battle was definitely tampered with.
And yet, from what she knew, this wasn't in the style of the most contemporary Wizard in which she knew of. Therefore, she could only conclude that it was the work of one of the more reclusive Wizard families. As for whom, she had no idea as no distinguishing family mage craft was utilized in the battle. She couldn't even be sure of the application of 'Reinforcement' either as she couldn't rule out the sharpness of swords made by master smiths.
The appearance of the beast though, served as the largest indication of a Wizard's hand in the matter. A familiar perhaps?
There were only two things at this point that she needed to make sure of to validate her assumptions, and one way was to go directly to the source.
Her finger tapped gently against her lap, a transparent string of magical energy linking her with one of her familiars. Feeling the connection, she conveyed her only command.
Send out the child of Lot.
LINE BREAK
Within Roan, two pieces of information were spreading around like wildfire. The first of the two being the astonishing youth of the Young Blade's competition. This youth did not only possess a superior degree of sword skill in which he exhibited throughout the earlier rounds, but it was to such an absurd extent that he defeated his opponents with a mere stick. His opponents were not just average either, but the sons of the noble house Vernier.
Shirou Emiya, was the youth's name.
The name itself sounded so foreign that some garnered doubts if this was his real name or not. The red hair he possessed made many link him to that of Irish origin, and thus left many to believe the name a fake.
This was the general consensus.
However, no news spread as fast as a princess in hiding.
It was said that one of the participants in the Young Blade's competition along with Shirou Emiya possessed a beauty like none other. A pale complexion, with soft and smooth delicate skin that barely wrinkled upon a change in facial expression. The fact that she wore full body armour to conceal her gender pointed out the status of her lineage and nobility. If she wasn't a princess from a local King, then she surely would be the daughter of an influential aristocrat.
The only question now would be why a princess would masquerade as a Knight? Not only was this action unbefitting of a woman, but it completely contradicted the various stories of a damsel in distress.
Growing up, many have heard the stories of Knights and princesses, but who had ever heard of a princess saving a Knight?
Still, what pervaded alongside the news of a princess in hiding, was the actions of the eldest Son of Vernier, threatening anyone that so much as even held a fancy towards this princess in hiding; it was not known whether it was for feelings of affection or revenge for his youngest brother, Petris, either.
Luckily for Palamid, he was not in range to hear of such rumours as he himself along with the rest of the group were back resting in the tavern they had taken residence in.
It wasn't till later that Shirou and Arturia left to obtain some timber to be used later for a fire on the instructions of Kay.
Walking along silently, Shirou absently stared at the brisk pace Arturia was setting in front of him. Unknowingly, it had been quite a long time since the two of them had been in each other's company without any pressing circumstances. Therefore, he took the time to carefully watch her.
From the child she once was, she had grown significantly over the past years, her stature, although not tall, seeming to possess a certain dignity to it that couldn't be overlooked. Her once rounded features had now also become sleek and refined, but do to the necessity of hiding her gender, she always masked it away behind a thin layer of dirt and grime.
Currently, she was in plain attire so as to not stand out as much.
They talked about mundane things as they went. From training, to recent experiences, the two just seemed to become lost in their own conversations. The talking though seemed to pause abruptly as the matter of the Sword in the Stone was brought up due to a passing comment from a stranger.
Shaking her head, Arturia smiled faintly before pushing the matter aside.
Shirou did not oppose such a thing. The Sword in the Stone was where it all began. The Legend of King Arthur.
Right now, though, what mattered most for him was how to gather more support on Arturia's side. Despite having famed Knights such as Lancelot, Gawain, and even Percival in her Round Table, Camelot had still fallen, and a tragedy had occurred.
Talents.
That was precisely what he needed, or perhaps another power?
With his standing alone, he could not do anything. Even with his apparent title as an Ashton, there were too many uncertainties with using that title to garner recognition. Instead he would have to build his own step by step.
Watching Arturia point and stare at the various odd and exciting merchandise being sold in the markets, he soon thought back to the offer of Baron Barwheld as he smiled.
Ride with me.
It was an invitation to join into Baron Barwheld's ranks. Of course, he would have to start as a foot soldier and work his way up using merits, but by achieving said merits, his fame would rise far more rapidly. A story of Knights and war can spread far faster to the people than the reputation of a blacksmith. Thus, accordingly, so too would his influence.
He thought more on the matter, and concluded that it could indeed help him in his cause. That, and Baron Barwheld can help him adjust to the current politics, letting him know Arturia's friends from her potential enemies.
"What's this?" Arturia asked, meticulously inspecting, from what Shirou could see, was an object made of ivory
Arturia did not get out much from Bristol, and had dedicated most of her life to the way of the sword. From the looks of the current market they were in, it was highly likely that the product What Arturia was inspecting in her hand was an import of some kind.
Trade was an essential part of society that even existed during Roman rule of Britain. Not only did it spread the culture of the various countries, but it also brought about ambitions and desires to obtain more items. This was why trade posts still existed at such a time.
Taking the piece from Arturia's hand, he began to explain what he knew of it using structural analysis, before reminding her of their intended purpose. Quickly nodding her head, she retained the bearings of a calm, cool, and collected individual.
Based on her age of nearly fifteen summers now, her acts of maturity actually made her look younger in people's eyes as it appeared that she was trying too hard. A squire who had yet to face the difficulties of the world, yet remaining proud all the same.
Shirou only shook his head.
It wasn't long until the two eventually reached their destination, a small wooden home that was really more of a hut.
At the front sat a man who was tiredly lazing away.
As soon as the two approached, the man turned a careful eye on them before grunting dismissively after a moment.
"An Ashton, and the youngest of Sir Ector," the man spoke before getting up from his chair, and directly acquiring an armful of timber for trade.
Both Shirou and Arturia were completely caught by surprise. It wasn't because of the man's actions, but rather the shock factor of what the man had just revealed.
It was quite odd that a man of Roan would know of Sir Ector of Bristol. What was far more shocking though was how this man seemed to know he was an Ashton. Apart from a select few people, no one knew that Shirou was an Ashton.
"Who are you?" Shirou asked. From his memory, he could not remember a man quite like this.
The man shrugged. "A simple trader," was all that was spoken. "We trade and go about our days to make ends meet, and from time to time listen to the few stories that come from wandering soldiers."
Arturia's expression slightly relaxed after hearing that explanation. After all, Sir Ector was currently out looking for the famed Wizard. It would only be natural that people within Roan would know of him as he went about on his search.
"That's not quite all, is it?" Shirou asked, watching the minute movements of the man.
The man narrowed his eyes, and then grinned.
"Truly, the young-in possessed a keen eye for people," the man ascertained.
"Wait, what?" Arturia had to question.
Moments earlier she had just believed the man's explanation, but now Shirou had deduced that there was something more in the man's words?
Her eyes narrowing, she asked coolly. "Who are you?"
The man's gaze shifted from Shirou to Arturia, assessing her quietly. She stood tall and resolute, her expression not once glancing away from the man's hard stare as she waited for an answer.
"Good courage," the man spoke as he decided to hand over the timber for free. "But not suitable."
The man's gaze then fell back on Shirou.
"You, however, are different," the man calmly spoke. "Think of the timber as a small gift, and take some time to consider a proposition."
Shirou raised a brow.
"You as well have courage, but I can also tell that you're not set into traditional beliefs," the man stated. "Therefore, you have a chance at fitting in. Your skill with a blade is only a secondary matter."
Shirou wasn't surprised that the man would have had heard about the most recent event, so he didn't pay much attention to the latter matter. As for the matter of not following traditional beliefs, he could accept that without any thought. He was never a Knight, and he was most certainly not a normal magus. What he did pay attention to was the implications of the second comment.
Was he being recruited into some kind of group? And if so, should he at least hear the man out.3
Noticing Shirou's expression, the man only gave a small smile as a dull thudding sound echoed out from behind the hut.
Turing their gazes, they all saw a young man who wore nothing but long rags around his waist, his torso bare.
It was the swordsman at the start of the Young Blade's competition. The one who had failed to garner entry.
"That's just the youngin," the man spoke. "But in regards to previous matters, you may indeed have what it takes."
"For what exactly?" Shirou inquired.
He couldn't help but be particularly intrigued. He had never encountered something like this in his past life, nor in his memories. Thinking on such a fact, his mood immediately took a blow as he realized that he did indeed encounter a similar situation. In regards to that, they were swindlers attempting to lead him on. Still, just like then, his morals prevented him from just instantly refusing.
"The youngin will explain," was all the man said, directing their attention back to the swordsman from the Young Blade's competition who had arrived just before them.
Based on the swordsman's physic and features, he was roughly in his late teens or in his twenty's.
The swordsman grunted, and then promptly remembered what had happened previously. "Is your companion alright?" he asked bluntly.
The companion the swordsman was referring to was the Son of Wolfred who had previously stood up for the swordsman, and even blocked a surprise attack in his behalf.
Upon hearing, what the swordsman had asked, Arutria's expression somewhat darkened. After all, the injury the Son of Wolfred had sustained was taken on her behalf. How could she not feel guilty or uncomfortable whenever she thought about the issue.
Rather than change his expression, Shirou just replied calmly. "He'll be fine," he said.
"Good," the swordsman nodded before his gaze became a tad more serious. "To be frank, I was actually intending on looking for you. Coincidentally, it was you who came to me."
"Then what were you looking for me for?" Shirou asked.
The swordsman looked back and forth before motioning with his hands. "Come, this is not the place to talk," he said.
Leading, the swordsman walked them through a winding trail of buildings and fields, before eventually ending up at a market of sorts by a building used for animal pens.
On the way, Arturia had had to reposition the timber in her hands numerous times as the pieces would shift after every turn. Shirou had insisted on his help, but Artuira had adamantly refused.
This was why when they stopped moving, only Arturia seemed to have worked out a minor sweat, a thin sheen covering her skin.
As it would turn out, their destination was in fact at a location secretly within the building used for animal pens.
From where they were standing, they could hear all sorts of sounds made by various animals that would probably end up traded at a certain point.
Walking slowly, the swordsman led them towards a small opening within the building located at its eastern face.
It was at this point that the swordsman spoke. "The squire stays," he said simply as he opened the way into the building.
Arturia did not look happy upon hearing such words, and neither was Shirou.
The swordsman sighed before explaining. "It's not that I have any prejudice against your friend, but others that come here from time to time do," he said.
In which case, it wouldn't exactly be safe.
Understanding the situation, Arturia reluctantly agreed to wait outside as Shirou followed the swordsman in.
Upon entering, Shirou could see that the building was, in fact, not a building meant to house animal pens, but instead used that notion as a front. What lay within was a spacious room with numerous men possessing varying degrees of apparel. Some good quality, and others quite low like the swordsman who wore nothing over his chest.
"What is this place?" Shirou ended up asking.
"Well, first let me introduce myself," the swordsman spoke, breaking his calm looking exterior as he broke into a smile. "My name is Brian, and I'm a mercenary, a sword for hire."
Mercenary?
Shirou's brows furrowed.
In the times of Medieval Britain, mercenaries, for local Lords and Kings were tantamount to taking a huge gamble.
The warrior brothers Hengist and Horsa were a prime example. The both of them had not originated from Britain, but had come from overseas and were employed by the then in power Vortigern to assist in defeating the invading Picts. Although the warrior brothers were successful, it was they who brought about the start of the invasion of the Saxons, Jutes, and Angles."
Still though, it couldn't be neglected that the number of mercenaries far outweighed those of knights. If he was able to mobilize, and trust them enough to aid Arturia in her endeavors, he could imagine what sort of boons that sort of situation would bring.
"Those men over there are the ones who accept any kind of mission, including even assassinations," the swordsman pointed out to people in the room as he continued speaking.
So, there were even those who would take assassinations in this room.
Shirou could now understand why the swordsman had asked for Arturia to stay outside. Knowing her values and principles, she would not associate well with people in here. Then again, neither would he so long as one didn't cross his bottom line.
"If you're wondering how we got yours and the blond's information, it would be because of those brothers over there," the swordsman pointed to a group of men idly chatting while drinking down large mouthfuls of beer. "They may not look it, but they hold a pretty extensive network of information."
Shirou's eyes brightened upon hearing that.
In his past life, he had grown to know the importance of what good information could bring. It could be the difference between a successful mission and a failed one. Knowing the enemy's movements before even planning one's own. It was how Rin had helped him complete some of the missions he had received as an Enforcer with the church.
Due to the fact that all that he knew of the people and events around Arturia were based off of her own memory, it couldn't be helped that there were large instances where he was left with a blank. However, if he could accurately gather information on the current status of things, it could help him prepare for future hurdles.
At this point, it wouldn't be a lie to say that he was somewhat interested in what Brian was going to propose.
"As for your first question of what this place is, I suppose we can be considered to be a sort of Guild like those merchants," the swordsman said. "As for your qualifications for being here, well; I suppose there's no need to explain it to you now."
Shirou could understand Brian's reasoning. He wasn't a part of the group yet. There was no need to waste resources on only a potential candidate.
Grinning, Brian asked simply as he noticed the intrigued look on Shirou's face. "Then what would you say to agreeing to an entry test?" He asked.
LINE BREAK
Arturia was feeling a tad flustered at the moment, but she held back her indignation behind crossed arms, and kept her composure.
It didn't really matter if she was interested or not. If she was not invited, she would not needlessly enter on a whim. She wasn't the kind of woman to lose control after a slight against her after all. However, like all adolescent youth, patience was something she still had to work on.
Fidgeting, her eyes wandered as her fingers tapped against her arm.
The people around her were simply going about their day. Some talking, and others whispering amongst themselves as they pointed at her spending her time by the animal stalls.
Her face coloured in mortification when a piglet waddled up to her and gave her a quick oink.
For a moment, she entertained the idea of lecturing the swordsman about not keeping their headquarters at such an obscure location, yet she knew that she would only get laughed at if she did so.
It would sound too much like a child's whining to be of any particular use than to make a fool of herself.
Sighing, all that she could do was continue to wait.
After the genuine curiosity of the people observing her dissipated, Arturia was then simply ignored. However, because of this, she was able to silently observe the hidden actions of the people walking about without being overly noticed.
Generally, people are somewhat reluctant to reveal their true thoughts and actions.
For example, one of the people Arturia had just watched walk by had talked to a friend with a wide grin, before glaring at said friend's back as the distance between them grew further apart.
She didn't know the reason.
Past lover, or rival, it didn't matter; only that she detested such two-faced actions.
It was after ten or so minutes that Shirou exited the building and walked up to her.
"May I ask you to go back without me?" Shirou asked after a moment of hesitation.
Arturia was a tad bewildered, but she knew that when Shirou hesitated before asking her of anything, it must be something important that he had to do. It was the same from when he decided to work at the smithy's, and it was the same now.
Although a part of her felt disappointed that their time together was cut a bit short, as a friend, how could she refuse him.
"Thank you," Shirou said before tenderly placing a hand on her shoulder. "Stay safe," he added with a nod.
For some reason, the concern in Shirou's voice caused an uplifting sort of feeling to burst forth from within Arturia. Without another word, she then left; any disappointment she may have had previously felt, fading away completely.
The way back to the tavern she and the rest were staying in was not a difficult one.
In fact, Arturia had even just recently discovered on her way to gather the timber that a long sort of building with connecting corridors could be utilized as a shortcut.
This was why she had first asked if she could enter the building, and then after getting permission, was currently walking through one of the corridors. This corridor in particular lead straight towards the tavern ten minutes after exiting the building.
As it would turn out, the building with the corridors was actually something designed by nobles to allow them easier access around the town of Roan. Built at the town's center, it made it possible to bypass the homes and other such things that would generally take a while to maneuver around.
Walking slowly, she tried to get her mind off of what it was Shirou was currently getting involved in. However, due to her own curiosity, she could not. Still, her principles would not allow her to change her decisions now.
It was then that she noticed a youth approaching from just in front of her.
The youth had long slicked-back black hair that reached around the top of his shoulder blades. His face was also narrow with a visible ridge of his nose. The rest of his body was covered in black leathers, making it difficult to discern his body type, but it was easy to see the healthy condition of his body.
What had caught Arturia's attention about the youth though, was that the youth seemed to be frowning at her.
Walking towards each other, it wouldn't take long before the two of them would meet.
Just around a meter away, the youth paused and spoke.
"My name is Agravain," the youth gave out his name curtly as one should in first encounters.
This gave Arturia a favourable impression of the youth despite the youth having been glaring at her.
About to return the introduction, Arturia's words caught in her mouth as Agravain continued.
"And you are in my way," he said.
Furrowing her brows, Arturia stared coldly at Agravain. Based on the surroundings alone, it was clear that Agravain could have just walked past her. She wasn't exactly taking up the majority of the corridor, or at least she didn't think so.
Agravain sighed seeing the expression on Arturia's face, her eyes narrowed, and face impeccably calm. It was almost unnerving as Arturia's features seemed to overlap with a woman he utterly loathed. Perhaps that was why he had even dained to open his mouth to meaninglessly antagonize while out on the field.
Still though, Agravain was smart enough to know when to concede and when to push forward. This was one of those times where he had acted on impulse, and as such he knew his course of action.
"Apologies then fellow Squire, may you now please grant way? I am in a bit of a hurry at the moment," Agravain spoke courteously, making it difficult for anyone of noble standing to deny his request.
Indeed, Arturia nodded, feeling internally surprised as she didn't expect such a hard-looking youth to admit his own faults. Feeling as if she had accomplished something, she smiled faintly while giving way to Agravain despite the general width of the corridor being just enough for the two to slide past one another.
The matter dealt with, Arturia proceeded on her way after re-positioning the timber in her arms.
From there, it didn't take long before she eventually arrived back, explaining to the rest that Shirou had some matters to attend to.
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