Fan Fiction ❯ Shielded in Broken Armours ❯ Part 1: Song of the Nightingale ( Chapter 8 )
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.30.2004 | Updated On: 11.30.2004 | Pages: 2 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 171 | Status: Completed
by Alice Montrose
completed July 31, 2004
Chapter Eight
There was plenty of food and drink, and soft music, and all present seemed determined to enjoy themselves that night. Even Ignis, who was not very keen on banquets - or so Marzio had been told -, seemed to be having a good time, snickering at some joke or another, and smiling pleasantly to everyone. And, whenever his and Marzio's eyes would meet, the smile would turn into a dreaming stare. The Angelian was a little uneasy, but nobody seemed to notice their prince's interest on the handsome general. Or at least they pretended not to.
Besides, Marzio himself was studying the Demons with interest every time he could do so without being too obvious about it, and he had caught various details that had escaped him before. His discussions with his table companions had been of great use, too, and he begun to draw his own conclusions.
The Angelian High Commander found out that Ignis was truly loved and respected by his countrymen. No indecent things were being said about him, no sly remarks made. Of course, the dirty military humour did not steer clear of him and his deeds, but there was always a certain respect when his name came up in the conversation. No details of his personal life were revealed, either.
Marzio, Ceni and Lord Angus were instantly accepted by their company, and for all his misconceptions and old-fashioned beliefs the lord had proven to be quite a pleasant man. He was also open-minded, and he was gradually accepted by his all-military company. Lords Kelan, Gettik and Elssi were a different story. A few indolent and offending remarks from them, and the Demons began avoiding their company. It did not seem to bother the three.
"It looks like some things are not that different after all," he mused, catching the attention of the middle-aged major at his right. The man followed his gaze towards the group at the other side of the table, and smiled.
"Oh, we have quite a few of those ourselves, in Aquiline. Still, there are some whose presence we can tolerate." He was of course referring to the officers' general reticence towards civilians. "I think these three would fit nicely with Lord Lucifer's entourage."
"Are you referring to the High Priest of Drako?"
"Who else?" The man made a disgusted sound. "He often gives dear Ignis a hard time, you know. No wonder he tries to stay away from Court as much as possible."
Marzio laughed, and took a sip of his wine, sympathizing with the prince. He was not bothered by the fatherly tone the man had used while referring to the young sovereign. It seemed it was common to all present, and never once had they made use of his title. The familiarity between the prince and his men was even greater than the one between Marzio and his subordinates.
Other aspects caught his attention as well. For example, that the six women present were not excluded from the conversation, which he had partly expected. Tempesta, Owen and Ignis had a good time at the main table, always finding something to laugh at - or, in Ignis' case, to smile at.
Sometime later, around midnight Marzio reckoned, the musicians that had entertained them began playing dancing songs, and the real party began. The Demons' music was cheery and beckoned for movement, and those present did not hesitate to show off their dancing talents. Tempesta proved to be an excellent dancer, and Marzio watched her moving on the wild rhythms, with Owen of all persons. The Captain was a bit shaky on his feet, probably because of the strong wine, but they made a nice pair. And there was something in the way they held each other that indicated they were a bit more than just good friends.
Glancing at Ignis for a confirmation of his suspicions, he received a slight nod. Then, the prince slowly placed a finger across his lips, a seemingly casual gesture that bound Marzio to silence. This was not a topic opened to discussion, then.
That dance being over, Ignis rose and asked Tempesta for the next. Again, all conversation miraculously ceased, as the two moved together on a slower tune. Marzio considered the Demon General a good dancer, but Ignis was by far the most astonishing one he had seen. The way he moved, holding one arm on the woman's hip and the other supporting her small palm, stirred a deep desire inside the Angelian. He could not manage to look away.
"There are some who say they will get married one day," Owen's voice came into his ear, startling him. He had been too captivated by Ignis' graceful movements to notice anything else around him.
Marzio turned to see the young captain grin, leaning over his chair. His eyes were a little blood-shot, and he smelled slightly of wine, yet he did not seem completely drunk. He leaned even closer, and his voice was low enough to allow no one else except Marzio to hear him. "Of course, things are not always as they seem. Am I right, Marzio?"
The general blinked, a little surprised. The captain had never called him by his name before, and making such a statement in the presence of a foreigner was definitely strange. He could not refrain from asking back, "And do you know something that nobody else does, Meris?"
The Dreak laughed, and seemed to lose his balance for a moment. He gripped at the chair for support. "Too much drink," he confessed, but did not answer Marzio's question. Instead, he asked another one of his own. "So, how are you feeling now, that you are our 'honoured guest'?"
Marzio frowned. "Call it what you will, I am still a prisoner."
"Of course you are. You know, he wanted to let you return to Angelia. But the rest thought you were too valuable a hostage. And there was no way to deny it."
The general looked back at Owen. "And why would he be against me being here?"
The man shrugged. "Beats me. Nobody knows what's going on in his head. He likes being mysterious and untouchable."
"Even to his lovers?"
It came out without thinking, and Marzio felt himself blushing violently, cursing himself and hoping the torchlight would hide the colour in his face.
Owen leaned even closer, and his breath passed across Marzio's skin as the Demon spoke in his ear. "Ignis has no lovers anymore. Oh, there is the occasional tryst every now and then, but always with different partners. Nothing that would involve him emotionally. Not since Rasya died."
Marzio blinked. 'No lovers? And who is this Rasya?'
"You haven't heard this from me, you understand?"
"Yes," he whispered back at the captain.
He felt Owen leave, but paid no attention, too surprised to care about anything, his eyes searching for Ignis. The dance had ended, and both he and Tempesta were back at their places. Burning eyes met Marzio's green ones, and Ignis looked at him biting his lips, a hurt look on his face. The prince rose quickly and left the table, not bothering to apologize for his abrupt departure.
Thanks to the wine-induced state, nobody noticed this. Nor did they seem to notice the Angelian general sneak away and follow Ignis to his tent, determined to find out what had drawn that reaction.
Ignis was relieved to finally return to the darkness of his tent, alone with his thoughts at last. His heart raced as the scene replayed continuously in front of his eyes. Owen, leaning over Marzio, whispering something in his ear, his face hidden by the general's wavy golden locks.
He leaned his arms on the heavy desk, trying to clear his mind. 'You are being stupid,' he berated himself. 'Why feel betrayed? The man means nothing to you!'
But he knew he was only fooling himself. 'Why not just admit to it? You are deeply attracted to him.' This was not mere infatuation, as he had thought at first. It was something different.
It was also the reason why he had wanted to let the general leave. He wanted him as far away as possible. Every time he looked at Marzio, his feelings would grow stronger. He was not willing to risk falling in love. He had tried to fight his desire.
Only fate had betrayed him, this time.
He breathed in deeply, and retired to the private section of the tent. If Marzio had toyed with him from the beginning, Ignis too held part of the fault. He had thought that the man felt the same as he did. But why should he? After all, they were enemies.
But there was no denying Ignis' feeling of betrayal. Especially not with Owen involved. Their long rivalry had said its word in all this, and the fact that the Captain of the Guard was deeply in love with Tempesta and would not risk hurting her like this did not make him feel any better.
A faint noise interrupted his train of thoughts. Someone else had entered the tent, treading carefully to mask his presence. Ignis' warrior senses flared into alertness. He gripped the pommel of his dagger and drew back in the shadows, ready to defend himself against an attacker. Silent footsteps approached, and the curtain drew back soundlessly, the dark form of a man slipping inside.
Ignis jumped him instantly, but his arm accidentally caught in the curtain and pulling it free made the intruder aware of his presence. He ended up on the floor, his wrists caught in iron grips. He was preparing to use one of his defensive moves, but the sight of blonde hair and green eyes glittering in the darkness stopped him. As much as he wanted to break General Zain-Reil's neck at the moment, it was not a very wise move. He settled for struggling and waiting for the man to lower his guard a little.
He drew in a sharp breath as the grip on his right wrist tightened, and let go of the dagger. The Angelian still pinned him down with his whole strength. "Were you planning to kill me, Your Highness?"
That did it. An innocent smile spread on Ignis' lips, and Marzio stared back at him hesitantly, loosening his hold just a little.
It was the chance the Demon needed. A well-placed kick, and soon their positions were reversed. The Dreak did not take any chances, and he made sure his opponent could not move an inch. The grin grew brighter. But Marzio smiled back at him, and it made him angry. He would not fall for his own trick.
He pressed the dagger he had picked up again against the soft skin of the Angelian's neck. "Maybe I should, and get this over with, your lordship."
Marzio flinched, but he kept smiling, ignoring the sharp weapon. "Did something upset you at the banquet? You left like a hurricane."
'Why is he asking? He was just playing with me. He doesn't care,' Ignis' mind rebelled.
Feeling his body begin to respond at Marzio's proximity, he let go and stood up, turning his back to the man. He put the blade back in its sheath, and folded his arms over his chest. He took a proud stance, and refused to give in to any weakness he might feel. "Like you would give a damn." A little reproach, but he hoped it had sounded cold enough to make his unexpected visitor leave.
But Marzio misinterpreted him. Rising, he came closer. "I apologize if I have upset you in any way. Whatever it was, I have done it unintentionally." His words sounded like they were actually true.
A light touch on his shoulder made Ignis turn around abruptly, brushing away the intruding hand. Eyes gleaming with fury, he refused to look back at the general. Being alone with him in a confined space did nothing to improve the situation. The attraction he felt grew stronger, and he fought hard to maintain control. He would not repeat past mistakes, and bleed again.
But whatever the prince felt, he was not alone. Two strong hands caught his upper arms and pulled him forward, and before he could make any move Marzio's lips were on his. He froze, eyes wide in shock, forgetting all anger and hurt and betrayal. His mouth opened of its own free will, and he let himself drown into the heat.
The general finally pulled back, smiling brilliantly. But his face fell as Ignis remained frozen into place, staring somewhere past him.
"Ignis?" He shook him gently, and the prince pulled away in a sudden movement.
"You have no right to be here!" he seethed, but he did not seem very sure of his words.
"I was worried. You were so willing to share your thoughts with me earlier. Why do you now refuse to tell me what is wrong?"
Ignis' control was slipping away once more. He grasped at it with all his force of will, not wanting to find himself in the same situation he had been in the day before. He did not want to hurt the Angelian. Or, better said, he would feel very guilty if he did.
He suddenly realized that he was afraid of what could happen between them.
Afraid. It sounded ridiculous, after all he had been through. Fear was not unknown to him, but this time it was different. He was afraid that Marzio would use him and then reject him.
But the general had always seemed an honest man. Why would that change now?
Ignis finally let go. "What do you want from me?" he asked, emotionally exhausted.
Marzio seemed confused. "I already told you. I want to know what is bothering you."
Supporting his head with one hand, Ignis sighed. "Nothing, really. I did not want to get in your way when you and Owen seemed to get along so well, that's all."
A short laugh erupted from Marzio's lips. "Really, this is silly. I never..." He stopped abruptly, realizing that the young man might be actually feeling something that looked like jealousy. Or betrayal.
He drew near the prince and caressed his hair. "Ignis, trust me, there is nothing between me and your friend." He watched the beautiful face rise to look at him, and placed his lips on Ignis' once more.
Contrasting emotions raced through Ignis' heart, but this time he did not reject Marzio. He pulled him closer, feeling his body heat up with passion and his pulse quicken.
Then, he remembered where they were. This place was not safe for such things. Guest or no guest, the Angelian was still officially under surveillance. If anyone noticed he was gone from the feast table, the whole camp would be in uproar. And finding him in the prince's tent involved in some private activities was not a bright prospect for either of them.
The decision was difficult, nevertheless it was made. Besides, Ignis really had to think this over before taking a clear decision about the course of things. He pushed the general away, a lot gentler then the first time. His eyes begged for understanding, and his voice trembled slightly. He picked his words carefully. "I am really sorry, but you can't stay here tonight. Things could get... out of control. I don't want to compromise your situation."
Marzio seemed to understand, his fingers stroked Ignis' cheek, and the Demon turned his face to place a kiss in the hollow of his palm, before taking it in his own and slowly removing it. He smiled shyly and placed a quick kiss on the general's lips.
Marzio turned around and left without further words, returning to the banquet with little desire to be there again. Thankfully, no one had noticed his absence. He apologized to the others, and retired in his tent, dimly aware that guards followed his every move.
'And he foresaw this, of course. He doesn't do anything without a reason.' Now Marzio understood what the prince had meant by 'compromising'.
The day of his countrymen's departure came all too quickly. And knowing they would all get safely to their homes, Marzio could not stop worrying about the whole situation. He envied those leaving, especially Ceni. He could not help feel happy that his trusted friend would be spared the humiliation of having failed the King's expectations. And even if deep within his heart he knew he bore no fault, his mind told him that he would be the one King Teh-Kai would hold responsible. He even wondered if this whole campaign had not been a cover set to discredit him in the eyes of the Court of Angelia.
But no; it was too cruel a concept to actually believe it. The lives of so many men wasted for just one's shame was a sacrifice his monarch could not make easily.
So he tried to focus on making sure everything went smoothly, that everybody had the necessary things one would need. Their road would lead south, and they would cross the river in the city-port of Tulse, where there lay no danger of drowning if one accidentally took a wrong step. They would be escorted by armed Demon troops, and all the confiscated weapons had left for Tulse at least a week before the actual convoy departed the camping site.
Ceni looked great in his new role, even if he insisted that he would never make a good High Commander, and that would always be Marzio's position no matter what he said. But the Angelian general knew that, for a young captain such as Ceni, this was a dream come true.
Of course Kelan had opposed to this decision, but surprisingly enough his friends had not backed him up, for once. Marzio knew he had Lord Angus' silent support, and hoped they had all understood where they stood, and how dearly they would pay for disobeying their captors' commands.
The only thing that brightened his mood a little was the fact that, wherever Ignis went, he would probably go too. And having the Prince's company was going to help him from going mad. Every day, he wondered if the young man would come visit again, or ask that he came to his tent.
But nothing happened. They met around camp on several occasions, but there was no way they could talk privately under the surveying sight of several dozen people. So all they could do was act civil and draw as little attention as possible. Marzio had had some difficulty with the part at first; Ignis none so ever - he was used to doing it all the time.
Then, one day before the Angelians would finally leave, when even the slightest detail had been dealt with and nothing could go wrong, Ignis suddenly vanished, and so did his Personal Guard. Tempesta had been left in charge of everything, and Marzio kept asking himself what had happened and why had Ignis not informed him in any way about what was going on.
The Angelians left, and three days went by before camp was finally broken and they departed for Aquiline. During this period, the general was witness to a strange phenomenon. One by one, the units that had been encamped in the large clearing left in various directions. All was done in a well-organized way, and nobody complained that they would not leave earlier, or that a certain unit had left sooner.
The Palace Guard and one cavalry squadron were the only ones to remain behind. On the third day, at dusk, the Angelians were informed to pack their things, for they would leave for Aquiline early the next morning. Which they did, and on a faster pace than anticipated, considering that the four civilians were not used to riding this fast. A carriage had been provided for them, and Tempesta had threatened them to stop complaining or else she would cut out their tongues on the spot. This particular threat had been addressed to Lord Kelan, of course, and managed to attain the desire effect - the man shut up instantly.
Tempesta had not even bothered to ask Marzio if he would prefer to ride with the four. Instead, she told him openly that he would better stay within her sight, which led to them riding side by side somewhere in front. He resolved that he would ask her a couple of questions as soon as they were comfortable with each other's presence.
The scenery was breathtaking, and the mountains bordering both sides of the road were more than the Angelian had ever hoped for. They would leave even the highest hills of Angelia to shame, and were covered by thick forests of evergreen. There was snow on top, and the sun reflected onto it in a million rays if he looked up. Waterfalls that roared down the rocks completed what was a picturesque landscape, and he wished he would have been a painter, so that he could preserve the sight in front of his eyes. The road they took was paved and well-kept, which meant that it was one of the main commerce roads in Demonis. There were villages scattered here and there, or lonely inns that would welcome any traveller. They stopped at these for their night's rest, and after five days of travel they were met by the sight of a city in the distance.
"Is that Aquiline?" he demanded the Demon general.
Tempesta had been extremely quiet during their journey, for no apparent reason he could think of. But Marzio did not think it was his fault; she did not look at him in anger or anything. And the rest of the soldiers had given him some information, admittedly reluctant at the contact at first, but then a little more friendly. He thought the men and women were even beginning to like him.
But this time, the woman laughed. "Don't be ridiculous, General! It is one of our main towns, Gheest. It does not hold a candle compared to the capital. You shall see!"
They avoided the town, though a few soldiers were sent to purchase provisions, and stopped at about two hours distance, in a village whose name Marzio did not remember. The locals were extremely friendly, just as he had come to expect. And the village, albeit small and probably of no great economic importance, looked extremely wealthy in comparison to its Angelian equivalent.
That evening, after supper, he remained in front of the fireplace in the inn's hall for longer than usual. He thought he was alone, and his thoughts began to wonder as a little cough drew his attention as a person sat next to him. It was General Neri-Lokh, looking exactly the same she had ever since he had met her, but yet different in a way he could not describe.
"You seemed deep in thought tonight, general. Does something bother you?"
Small talk. She knew very well it was so.
"Nothing much. I was wondering... how long until we reach the capital?"
A slight smile crossed her lips. Strangely, it was not ironical. "You miss him already?" she asked, looking Marzio in the eyes.
He was astounded. "I - I'm sorry, but I do not understand..."
"Ignis. Do you miss him already?" she repeated. Seeing the shocked expression on his face, she felt compelled to explain, "He told me the two of you had something going on. Now, would you please answer my question?"
Still feeling a little strange about what her words implied, he nodded. "I do... a little."
This time, Tempesta giggled. "A little more. I have studied you, you know. For all these days, I have studied you carefully, to see if..."
Her voice trailed off, and the room was silent for a moment. But she began again, without Marzio being forced to ask her what she had meant.
"I know Ignis likes you a great deal. And now I am certain the feeling is mutual. But keep in mind one thing, General. If you hurt him in any way, I will hunt you down and kill you without remorse, understood?"
The Angelian had a faint idea what this was all about. He nodded in agreement, and looked at the woman seriously. "Is it because of Rasya?"
She blanched. "Who told you that name?" she asked, not furiously but visibly disturbed.
It was bad, then. "Meris Alisi-Feit mentioned it once, I believe. But all he said is that she has been his lover. I did not imagine there was more to it than that."
She sighed, looking vulnerable for the first time they had met. "Then you don't know what happened between Ignis and her, right?"
He thought the worse. "No, I'm sorry. Did she... hurt him? Betray him?"
"No," Tempesta said, in a sad voice. Then she looked him straight in the eyes. "You must promise me you will never repeat the words I will tell you tonight. To anyone, and especially to Ignis. Understood?"
"I swear upon my honour," he said firmly.
"Very well," she began. "Rasya Talien-Kay was an officer in his Personal Guard when he returned to Aquiline, five years ago. She was an extraordinary woman, and I can certify to that. They became friends in a short time, and lovers a few months later. Everybody thought he would take her as his Consort... and he would have probably done so." She took a few sips of wine before continuing. "It was not meant to be, though. Three years ago, Ignis was the mark of an assassination attempt. Rasya jumped right in front of him, and took the arrow full in her chest. She died in his arms, almost instantly."
Marzio remained silent as the Demon general regained her composure. "The basic story, I know. The bodyguard takes the hit, and the Prince's life is saved. But it affected Ignis greatly."
"I can imagine that," Marzio whispered. "He is a very sensitive person."
He could feel her eyes digging into him as she studied him carefully. "I do not have his ability to read people the instant I meet them," she confessed. "But you do not strike me as the type that would hurt someone just to see him suffer. I hope I am right."
"You have had plenty of opportunities to judge that."
She smiled bitterly. "I probably have. I must warn you of a few things, though. First of all, be honest with him. He tends to be aggressive with people who lie to him in the face. And one way or another, he always finds out about it. There were a few highborn who fell in disgrace because of it."
Marzio was not at all surprised to find this out. He had not had an opportunity to lie to the prince so far, but even when he had been hiding something Ignis had made him say it. "It is as if he can read your mind," he told the woman, and she assented.
"Secondly, no politics in the bedroom. He promised this to the whole Court the day of his coronation, and he has proved true to his word ever since. He would not deny his bed partners one favour or another, but nothing that has to do with politics."
"Because his father was too easily influenced?" Marzio inquired. It seemed likely, considering that his own King was being manipulated this way without him realizing it.
Tempesta frowned. "You assume things too easily, General. But that is correct, and Ignis was aware of it ever since his mother died." A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "And Lucifer lost his position as the Prince's personal advisor for it, after Ignis became sovereign."
Well, that would at least explain the man's absence in the Demon battle camp.
"Is there a third point?" he asked the Demon officer.
"All things good in life are three," she said caustically. "If you force him into something he does not desire, I shall..."
"... hunt me down and kill me without remorse, I know. General, did anyone tell you worry too much? I mean, Ign- His Highness is an adult, you know."
She laughed and stood up to leave. "You're already calling each other by your first names? He moved fast this time, I see."
Marzio saw it fit not to mention it had actually been his idea.
"Anyway, if you do, then feel free to do so in my presence as well." She continued, "I know I'm overprotective... but he is like a little brother to me. And I am not the only one to care for him, so beware!" She started to go up the stairs, but turned around at the last moment, her face solemn. "I know you will eventually end up sleeping together - be careful whom you trust with that secret. And good luck!"
After she left, Marzio returned at staring into the fire. 'I knew he was loved by his subjects, but not this much,' he reasoned. 'Had Ignis not suggested she was Owen's lover, I would think she looked at him very differently from a brother!'