Fan Fiction ❯ Shielded in Broken Armours ❯ Part 2: Dance of the Dragons ( Chapter 9 )
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.30.2004 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 153 | Status: Completed
by Alice Montrose
completed July 31, 2004
Chapter Nine
General Zain-Reil stared at the high buildings rising about them, dark in the early morning light. Aquiline was a huge city, perhaps larger than Mnemon, the Angelian capital. Seen from the top of one of the hills surrounding it, it had looked like a giant, occupying the entire plateau, the houses long ago having slipped past the fortified walls and watch towers.
Tempesta had refused stopping that night, saying they would get plenty of rest after reaching the city, and that she did not want to get there in the middle of the day. Marzio did not blame her - he too would have avoided the crowd that was bound to gather. Town people were generally curious, and he doubted Demons were different in this domain. He remembered the trips he had taken to the three city-ports of the Mauri Confederation, and the way everybody had gathered to stare at him and his escort as they had passed through.
By day, the capital city of Demonis would probably be overflowing with people, but very few were awake this early in the morning, and even fewer dared show themselves. An emissary had been sent to the palace to announce their arrival in advance, and now the party made its way through the maze of streets and markets, carefully avoiding the three main access roads. Sneaking into the city had been easier than expected, even with the Lords' carriage. Luckily, it was not one of those used by nobles when taking a ride outside their homes, but a sturdy travel carriage that could be easily led by a good driver. It was one of the reasons why that had made such good timing on the road.
Two weeks had passed since he had last seen Ignis, and his heart carved for the sight of the young prince. No doubt, he would be there to greet them...
From the Demon Supreme Commander he had learned that Ignis had left so abruptly because of a situation that required his immediate presence in Aquiline. Marzio had had a few discussions with her after the one at the inn, and even if the woman did not seem too enthusiastic about his presence there she had not been as hostile as one would have expected. He even thought she actually understood his position, and even if she did not approve of his relationship with Ignis she would probably not do anything against it either.
As they had continued their route towards the capital city of Demonis, his thoughts of the young prince had begun to change a little. Of course, he still wanted the man, and not just because of what he represented but for other reasons as well. But a grain of doubt clouded those thoughts. Now that he was back in his palace, where no doubt the nobles and servants would answer his every whim, what use would Ignis have to be around him? The Angelian was sure at least half the people at Court would sleep with the handsome prince without a second thought. And Marzio did not want to be just another cheap fuck in his eyes.
These thoughts were not in accordance with the impression Ignis had left on him, or with what Owen and Tempesta had either said or suggested. They were just his fears, fed by the general's experience with the highborn in Mnemon. All one needed was a title and some wealth and everyone would be at that person's feet. Nobody gave a damn about such things as love anymore.
Well, perhaps nobody except Marzio and a few others. He wondered if things were different in Aquiline. From what he had seen and learned so far, the Demons were a passionate people, and that should make a difference in the long run.
At any rate, there was nothing he could do about it, and the thought of seeing Ignis was intoxicating, to say the least.
"Pretty nice, wouldn't you say?" someone asked, pulling him out of his thoughts. He turned to see a familiar face; the major that had been seated next to him at the banquet table, dressed in cavalry uniform, was riding alongside him, a smug smile on his lips.
"Bet you ain't seen the likes in Angelia," the man continued, undisturbed by the weary look on Marzio's face. "Aquiline's the finest city this side of the Mauri, if you ask me."
The Angelian nodded. "I hope it's not this quiet during the day. That would be very disturbing."
The major - whose name eluded the general at that moment - let out a short laugh. "Nay, dear sir, 'tis as loud as a wasp nest! You should see all the merchants and people swarming; you'd easily lose your way without a proper guide. I doubt you'll be allowed to take a walk without an escort, though. Which's a pity, really - merchants and their likes keep their tongue when the guard's around to hear."
"I doubt they would talk with me as it is, Major. I'm Angelian, remember?"
"Not to worry, sir," another rider from further back replied, shooting him an amused look. "There's many of them from Angelia and Terlandia with business in the city. Ya' only convince the young prince to give ya' and yer escort civil clothing. They won't bat an eye as ya' pass!"
The presence of foreign traders surprised Marzio, but he probably should have expected it. After all, Demonis had always held open trade with Terlandia and the Mauri Confederation. They had no reason to restrict Angelians' presence there, or in any other city. He wondered why his own people had to be so hard-headed about keeping this from happening. He could only think about benefits for both sides.
"Mind it now, general," the major cut in again, "we're getting into the Noblemen's Quarter. See the difference between the houses here and the ones we passed?"
And so on. He was offered information about the city without having to ask for it, and by the time the palace gates came into view his head was swarming with a thousand facts on trade, architecture and even some spicy details concerning persons he couldn't possibly know.
They passed the carved iron gates and entered a huge garden, and then rode for another fifteen minutes before reaching the palace courtyard. The building itself was huge, and set in the middle of a park that did not serve just for walks, but also held some military training facilities - or so the Demons told him, for tall trees hid anything of the sort from sight. Right in the middle of an immense stone-paved yard, the Royal Palace of Aquiline rose in all its glory. It was a huge construction, not built as a fortified castle but more like a country estate, only of greater proportions. A magnificent marble staircase led up to the main entrance, which was sculptured ebony with gold carvings, and was flanked by two marble statues, one representing a woman holding a sword and the other of a man holding a battle flag - made from real material in the colours of the Royal House of Demonis.
They dismounted and the Angelian lords were finally allowed out of the carriage - with the necessary complaints about their sleep being disturbed at such early hour. The Demons ignored those and Marzio joined the four as they were led up the staircase and inside the castle.
Kelan hardly acknowledged the general's presence, but the other three nodded in his direction and Lord Angus secretly shook his hand when the others were busy studying the great hallway stretching in front of them. There were servants there, going about their business but stopping to see them pass under the escort of some Palace Guards. General Neri-Lokh had taken the lead, with Kelan, Gettik and Elssi following, and then Marzio and Angus. The lord whispered to him, sleepily, "Perhaps you should lay low for a while, or at least avoid Lord Loreh-Ven if you can," and Marzio silently thanked him, even if the words expressed his own feelings on the matter.
But he had no idea what would happen to them next, had he? They could be thrown in the palace's dungeons and left there, for all they knew. He smiled, thinking he would at least see Ignis one more time before that happened.
The grand corridor gave way to a large marbled hall, three storeys high and with banners hanging down the walls bearing the insignia of Demonis' important houses. On the wall opposite to the door hung the banner bearing the crest of the House of Sagni-Dor, a golden dragon on a field of red; and in front of it, raised on a dais, was an imposing - and surprisingly empty - throne.
Next to the throne there stood a man. Well into his forties, with dark skin, curly hair falling to his shoulders and arrogant black eyes, he wore scarlet robes with ample embroideries, as well as a vicious smile that immediately gained Marzio's antipathy. The name Lucifer Drak-Mer instantly came to his lips; from behind, he heard the muffled groans of several of the guards.
But where was Prince Sagni-Dor?
The man waited for them to approach the dais, Tempesta Neri-Lokh still leading the way. When they finally stopped, the accompanying guards formed a half-circle behind the Angelians, and they dropped on their knees. Tempesta only bowed her head, and the Angelians followed her lead; the man responded with a similar, but more minimal, gesture. Then the guards rose again.
"Welcome back to Aquiline, Supreme Commander," the man finally spoke, his voice strong and used to command. "I trust your journey home lacked of unpleasant surprises."
Tempesta nodded as she replied coldly, "That it did, your lordship."
Then the man turned to glance at the Angelians, and there was a quick glimpse of hatred in his eyes, that did not escape Marzio. 'This man does not want us here,' he realized. He would have to be careful around him.
"And these must be the honoured guests the Lord Prince spoke so highly of," the man said in their direction, studying them attentively. The Angelian general forced himself not to flinch as the dark eyes rested on him for a few seconds longer than he would have desired. There was a certain note in that voice that he did not like, though the tone was quite pleasant.
"We are honoured to finally make your acquaintance, Lord Lucifer," Kelan replied, and again Marzio felt that there was more in the words that met the eye. He did not like this, not a bit.
The High Priest nodded again, and continued apologetically, "His Highness asks you to forgive him for not being able to greet you personally, but pressing matters required his presence outside the capital. However, he has left precise instructions, and hopes you will find your stay with us enjoyable." Then he spoke to Tempesta again, "General, His Highness also asked for a full report on your journey. I would like to have a look at it as well."
And then something happened that made Marzio understand what exactly it was that bothered him when Lord Lucifer spoke of the prince. The Demon general replied "I am sorry, milord, but your status does not allow you access to military reports," and for a moment undisguised hate crossed the priest's face.
But it was swiftly gone, and the thin lips curled in a smile. "I'm sorry, I forgot about that," the High Priest apologized. He clapped his hands, and a few servants walked in the hall through a door at their rights. "My lords," he spoke to the Angelians, "if you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend. The servants will guide you to your rooms. Your belongings shall be delivered to you later today." And with another nod, he left through the same door the servants had used.
"He couldn't be stiffer if someone stuck a pike through his ass," one of the guards swore after he was well out of hearing. Marzio could not help smiling at the remark, but he saw that Kelan was not amused.
"Could we get to those rooms already?" he demanded angrily. "I want to get some proper rest!"
"Right this way, my lords." One of the servants, whose livery marked him higher in rank than the others, gestured towards another door at their left.
Marzio was just about to follow his four countrymen, when a young boy wearing a red tunic with a golden sash abruptly burst into the hall, and nearly collided with Tempesta in his way.
The guards laughed at this, and the woman asked him, "Where to so abruptly, Kheerah?"
Blushing furiously, the young page looked down at the floor. "I'm sorry, milady. I am supposed to show the Angelian general to his rooms, but I can't seem to find him anywhere."
More laughter from the guards. "Well, boy, you found him now!"
Marzio smiled and stepped forward. "I am General Zain-Reil," he told the boy gently. "And you are?"
The boy looked up at him with awed brown eyes, and then bowed deeply. There was something very familiar about him. Marzio was sure he had seen him before, but he could not remember where. "I am Kheerah, milord. Please, follow me." He turned to walk towards the main entrance, but Tempesta caught him by the shoulder.
"And where's Ignis having him quartered, hmm?"
"The Prince Heir's suite, milady," Kheerah replied shyly.
"Ah well... you're in for a treat then, General," Tempesta told Marzio. "That's one of the best rooms in the Palace. Not to mention it's in the Royal Wing." She shot him a knowing glance. "At any rate, security's tight, so heed my advice and don't try anything funny." She motioned for the other guards to follow her, and headed back the same way they came without a glance back.
Marzio sighed, not knowing what that actually meant but not very eager to discover it either. He gestured for the young page to show him the way.
The rooms assigned to him were at the left end of a corridor with only three doors, somewhere on the third floor. The page - Kheerah - unlocked the massive oak door and offered him the key. Marzio stepped inside a spacious room that probably acted as living-room, with two large window-doors leading on a small terrace overlooking what looked like an interior garden. All furniture was made of oak, with blue velvet upholstery on the few chairs and two loveseats facing the marble hearth.
There was a door to the right that probably lead to the bedroom, and he was about to go check when a little cough reminded him he was not alone. Turning to the boy, he smiled reassuringly.
"Thank you. That would be all."
The big eyes looked up again, and the page fidgeted a little. "Umm... Milord, whatever you need, just ring for me. His Highness said I should serve you as if you were he."
Marzio raised one brow. "Did he, now? Are you his servant?"
"I am his attendant, your lordship," the boy said proudly, then bowed deeply and left the room abruptly, before the Angelian had the chance to ask him anything else.
Marzio sighed. 'Ignis is not in Aquiline, but he left me the use of his attendant. Nice...'
Smirking, he peered through the door inside what was his future bedroom. The same colour dominated here, provided in more shades, and there was another door leading to a magnificent marble-tiled bathroom. The bed was canopied and opulent, and the general took a minute to test it - it was extremely comfortable as well. The various chests and wardrobes had been emptied, but there was a collection of leather-bound volumes in a bookcase covering an entire wall. There was also a small desk stocked with all necessary items for writing - all new, he noted - and a spacious window seat that would probably see much use, if he had his way.
Shrugging, he took off his boots and tunic and threw himself on the bed, suddenly very tired. 'So Marzio gets the Prince Heir's suite. And what comes next, Your Highness?'
Less than one week after their arrival in Aquiline, Marzio received an anonymous letter. Kheerah had given it to him with no explanation when he had brought him lunch, and he had stared at it for several minutes, not knowing whom it was from. There was nothing written on the outside of the paper, and the red wax seal represented a burning flame. Finally, Marzio decided that the only person he could possibly associate this with was Ignis. The letter was probably not anonymous, but merely unofficial.
He had not heard from Ignis in all the time he had spent there, but Kheerah had told him the prince had returned the previous day. He had half-expected to see him that very evening, but it had not happened and the Angelian had begun to settle with the thought that his company may not be welcomed anymore.
Now, with trembling hands, he opened the seal and unfolded the sheet of paper. It contained a very short and concise message in elegant handwriting.
'Dinner, at eight. My rooms.'
That gave him new hope. But 'dinner' could mean anything, from a private meal to a small feast. And how was he going to find Ignis' rooms in the immense palace, anyway?
'One thing at a time,' he decided. He would get some rest and then a bath.
But the thought of finally seeing the prince again did not allow him to close one eye, and the bath did not help him relax either. At first, it had been excitement. But, with the passage of time, it had turned into nervousness and uncertainty. He began to ask himself why Ignis had avoided him all this time, and some of the answers he came up with were very disturbing.
He hoped he would not look ridiculous in his choice of clothing. Not in Ignis' eyes, for the prince had never bothered to comment on such trivial things as clothing. But he remembered the looks he had received from various nobles on his short walks through the corridors.
No more blue, for the colour had begun to overwhelm him. He settled for a sleeveless forest green jacket, with bands of gold trim; it fit him tightly, a deliberate contrast to the flowing white sleeves of his shirt, which accentuated his shoulders. Black velvet breeches and his always-present boots and gloves completed his attire for the night.
It was a quarter to eight and he was still debating on the best method of finding Ignis' apartment without being too obvious about it, when a discrete knock on his door informed him he had a visitor.
It was Kheerah. The boy smiled up at him in complicity. "Milord, please come with me when you are ready."
Marzio was by now getting visibly annoyed with the boy and his use of nobility titles every time they met, but kept his mouth shut and silently followed his guide through the torch-lit corridor. The guards that had been stationed there had disappeared without a trace. To his surprise, the boy stopped in front of the massive door at the other end of the hall and knocked twice, then paused and repeated the action.
No answer came, but Kheerah opened the door all the same, and showed him in, Marzio's feet burying in a thick green-and-brown carpet. The page did not follow him inside, but instead shut the door and soon his steps could be heard descending the stairs.
The room was large, and magnificently decorated. Since it was already dark outside, dozens of candles filled the room with a warm light, casting shadows on the frescoes that covered three of the four walls. Each wall had its own theme - mythological, hunting, battle. Marzio could not make out the details in the semi-darkness, but he concluded that they must have looked astonishing by daylight.
The unpainted wall held a remarkable display of weapons, from swords and daggers to the more sophisticated crossbow, and a heavily ornamented armour that must have been worth a small fortune.
All the furniture in the room was carved mahogany - Ignis seemed to have a preference for this particular type of wood essence. There were shelves supporting leather-bound volumes, a few maps and various small carvings. A large table facing one of the immense door-windows that probably led on a balcony. Heavy drapes of burgundy velvet with gold thread patterns flanked each of the windows, which were closed to block out the chill of the night.
A smaller table had been set near the same wall as the entrance, facing the marble hearth where a fire burned brightly. It looked more intimate than the large one, and the couch and two armchairs placed next to it were beckoning him to go and sit down.
But it would not have been polite to do so without his host's invitation, so instead he decided to take a better look at the weapon collection. All the items seemed in extremely good shape, and Marzio could have bet that they were regularly put to use, or at least tended to. He raised one hand to touch the armour's breastplate, his fingers following the pattern of the Royal Crest. Was it real gold?
"The thing weights a ton. I avoid wearing it as much as possible."
The silent voice made him turn around to see Ignis leaning against the double door that probably lead to other chambers adjoining this one. The prince was wearing a calf-long velvet robe, loose shirt and trousers and in-door slippers, and seemed by far more relaxed than Marzio felt.
He came towards his guest, smiling brightly. "I see you got my invitation. Please, have a seat!" he said, gesturing towards the table near the fireplace.
The Angelian's anxiousness grew, and he swallowed, pushing himself into motion.
"Thank you." He eased his body on the plush couch, and forced himself to relax. Why was he feeling so out of place? "Is this a private dinner?" he added, now actually wishing it was not. The sole idea of being alone with the prince in his private rooms gave Marzio thoughts he should not have. At least, with someone else present, things would not get out of control.
He had no such luck.
"Why, of course," Ignis confirmed, sitting in one of the empty armchairs. And, as if things were not bad enough as it was, he had to say more. "It is also more or less secret, in case you were wondering. No one except me and Kheerah know that you are here tonight."
Marzio sighed. It was going to be a long evening.