Chapter 45: Interlude – Polaris

General Candelaria Polaris

Candelaria was ushered into the antechamber, guards to her left and right standing on the sides of the large double doors. Their plate was resplendent, polished silver with gold trim, and brass in the patterns of trees up their breastplates. A man and a woman each, staring straight ahead beneath visored helms.

The room itself was deceptively humble. A pair of benches on either side of the wood panelled room. The carvings on the wood were the expensive part. As she waited, Candelaria took her time to observe the intricate figures that depicted the history of the Korvas Kingdom. All the way from the Bultrong founders to the current house’s rule, the kings and queens were depicted alongside their major accomplishments. The doors themselves were pieces of art, each depicting a half of the tree and mountain emblem of the kingdom in full detail. Had to cost a fortune.

She was in similar armour, but fitted for her Thrundol physiology, and lacking the helmet, which she’d left behind in her assigned rooms. She hated wearing the thing and would only do so if needed for combat. It had been just over a week since the middle Farragher child had brought the Vulhardrin Champion to her, to discuss the matters at hand. The Keep had been in the middle of an exercise, performing field training for soldiers that demanded her attention for that week, but once that had ended, and she could shrug her duties off on her Lieutenant, she hopped a train directly to Korvas.

Word had gotten ahead of her, as it always did, and she was quickly met with a personal guard upon disembarking. Not that she’d ever needed one. Someone who’d been through as many battles, a skirmish with a neighbouring kingdom, and the assortment of other dangers she’d put herself through, was hardly in danger from any but the more skilled assassins. Still, she accepted this formality and was ushered to her rooms.

They were spacious, well decorated, and utterly boring. She’d been informed that the Queen wouldn’t be able to see her for another day, some diplomatic bullshit occupying her, and that she would rest here for now. The time crawled by, and she’d exercised her rank to go out and get a drink for the evening.

Now, now she was here, waiting for her old friend and queen to be ready for her. A couple minutes later, the doors opened and the herald clacked his staff on the ground.

“General Polaris, if you would?” the spindly man requested. He was human, with pure white hair and a pristine handlebar moustache. He’d been in the service of the crown for most of his life, though Candelaria had never gotten his name. She stood, taking a look at the doors one more time, before following the man into the throne room.

The place was immaculate, as always. High ceilings of marble, sandstone, granite, and other types of rock Candelaria wasn’t familiar with mixed in a chaotic, but fascinating pattern. Columns joined with bannisters lined the main floor, providing a gallery for the nobility to gawk at the proceedings of the court. The floor itself was another stone mosaic of the kingdom’s crest, but with precious metals mixed in to further accentuate the wealth of it all. Gaudy, in Candelaria’s opinion, but she could respect how damn old this place was.

Her name was called to those who cared to attend as she marched to the throne, her back straight and her head held high. The pomp and circumstance was expected of her, and she’d bear with it. This was the formality, the actual conversation would be after this farce.

As she reached the end of the long room, she knelt before the thrones, occupied by the queen and king. Like most things in the mountain capital, they were also metal and stone. The Bultrong that had made them in ages past clearly loved their natural resources.

“Your majesties,” Candelaria said clearly, her head still lowered.

“General Polaris,” Queen Orlana Farragher greeted her. The woman’s voice was stern, but familiar to her ears. She could hear the familiarity under the layers of officiousness. “It’s been some time since we’ve ‘ad the pleasure o’ yer company. I trust the Keep is well?”

“Yes, majesty,” Candelaria replied, rising to her full height, and meeting the golden eyes of her queen.

The woman was a warrior, just like her daughter. That build would intimidate anyone, and she never went anywhere without some armour on her. Today, she was dressed in a regal gown with metal pauldrons adorning her shoulders. Not showpieces, either. Those polished steel pieces radiated magic of Gods only know what enchantments. Orlana chose to let her hair fall straight and clean down her shoulders, reaching to the small of her back. Despite this, Candelaria had never seen her get tangled with the locks, something she’d always wondered about.

Sitting beside her was her husband, Kremdol. He was essentially the opposite of his wife. Slim, almost wispy, but with keen blue eyes that felt like they could pierce your soul. An Alfhindur, like his wife, his pale ears broke a tide of wavy black hair that was slicked back over his scalp. Despite his frail features, his eyebrows were unreasonably bushy. Candelaria had heard him joke that he must have some Bultrong somewhere in his family line, though she wasn’t quite sure how true that was.

“The Keep is well. The walls stand strong and the people stronger. Exercises were recently carried out, and the reports came back favourable, as I’m sure you are already aware.”

“Quite,” Kremdol droned, lacking his wife’s accent. The man spoke in such a flat manner that it grated on Candelaria’s ears. She knew him well enough by now that it was just how he spoke, but it still bothered her. “I am sure you have been doing a fine job protecting our kingdom and raising its newest warriors. Do you have any reports on the Warped, or incursions from Bortislav?”

“Minor sightings, the usual for this time of year regarding the Warped. One exception to the north west that has been assigned to a mercenary team. It should be handled soon, if it is not already, considering it was Katlyn who took it.”

Candelaria watched Orlana’s features shift as she tried to hide a smile. “Ah, so that’s what the little one’s been up tae. I’m glad she’s keepin’ in touch, despite her ‘atred o’ formality.”

Murmurs from the observers reached Candelaria’s ears at the comment. Katlyn’s distaste for the court and royal duties was well known, and a frustration within the political sphere. Any news of her antics was going to spread like wildfire.

“But,” Kremdol continued, “this all seems rather mundane. A letter would have sufficed for this information, General. What is the meaning of this personal visit?”

“If it pleases,” Candelaria replied, meeting the eyes of the royal couple, “I would prefer to relay that information in confidence. It is a matter of, well, larger import, to put it mildly.”

The buzz of the nobility increased at the words. Speculation was going wild as to what this could be. Military matters were, as always, held behind closed doors, but it didn’t stop the gossipers from spinning their tales.

“O’ course,” Orlana smiled, golden eyes narrowing as she tried to read Candelaria’s expression. “We’ll talk in the council chamber. Make yer way back there, an’ we’ll be there in an hour. Ye know the way.”

It wasn’t a question, and with a wave, Candelaria was dismissed. She walked to the left of the room, guards opening the door for her, and she made her way to the council chambers.

Chambers was overdoing it, it was one room. A massive round table adorned with a detailed map of the kingdom dominated the space. Chairs surrounded it, with benches lining the walls. Each of the eight walls were lined with pieces of armour or some weapon Orlana decided she liked. Candelaria settled herself in a larger chair meant for someone her size and let her mind wander while she waited.

Just past an hour, the doors opened, and the queen and king entered, along with a scribe. Candelaria would’ve preferred it just be the three of them, but records needed to be kept of such things. The moment the doors shut, Orlana relaxed, her normally ramrod straight back curving as she let out a heavy sigh.

“Sorry about all tha’, Candy,” she apologized as she took her seat. “It’s been non feckin’ stop lately. Needed tae make a show o’ bein’ all proper an’ shite. Expansionists are gettin’ loud an’ we’ve gotta make sure we’ve got the image o’ stability an’ strength tae keep ‘em at bay. Ye know, politics.”

Kremdol chuckled dryly, sitting perfectly in his chair. His propriety wasn’t a necessity like his wife’s, just how he was. “Quite. We do have quite a bit of work on that front. That side of the spectrum is getting restless, thinking that we should have more than we do. We are strong, yes, but that strength comes from our stability. I will be buried in council and meetings for months to come, trying to placate them.”

“An’ I thank ye fer makin’ tha’ sacrifice,” Orlana smiled warmly to her husband, her hand resting atop his on the armrest of his chair.

“I get it,” Candelaria laughed, her rough voice making the sound more of a bark. “Kat’s still taking after you, Orlana. That’s for sure. Your kid’s found something interesting this time, though. She’s the reason I needed this to be private.”

“Oh? And what has our daughter done this time?” Kremdol asked dryly, with a faint smile at the edge of his lips.

“Well, you know how I said there was nothing major going on with the Warped? There’s something major going on with the Gods. She dragged in this Vulhardrin girl. Must have been in her mid twenties. Wildest lupine I’ve ever seen. I swear she was half wolf herself. Grey, tall even by their standards, with ears, teeth, claws, fur and the lower legs of a wolf.”

“A deviation? Warped, possibly?” Orlana asked, leaning forward.

“In some ways, yes. Girl told a story that was hard to believe if Kat and Bren hadn’t backed her up on it. She’s shared her Stat Screen with Kat, by the way. Anyway, says she’s sponsored by Orenous. Claimed her path was Warrior of Orenous, with a title to back it up. Champion of Orenous. And let me tell you, Orlana, she looks the part. If she was my type, I’d have made a pass even with the age difference. Something otherworldly about that beauty.”

The royal couple sat there for a moment, likely going through the same mental recoil Candelaria had gone through over a week earlier.

“Dear, have you heard of anything like this before?” Kremdol asked, turning to his wife.

“Nae, nothin’. There’re priests, paladins, all that o’ the Gods. The title is somethin’ special. What else was there, Candy?” Orlana pressed, locked in on the conversation now. Any exhaustion she was showing had fled the woman’s muscular frame.

“Well, then there’s the part where she said she’s met the Goddess herself. Talked to her, even. Kid says she’s been given a quest to figure out what’s going on with the Seeds, to figure out how to fix the issue with the Warped.”

Kremdol actually laughed at that. “Preposterous! Scholars and priests have been striving for any information on this for centuries. How does this child claim to have a chance at doing so?”

“You’ve got me, but she was telling the truth. At least from what I could tell. Kat and Bren seemed to believe her, too. I trust those two quite a bit. Neither of them would lie to me.”

“I don’t even know where tae start,” Orlana sighed, slumping again. “If that’s the full truth, the expansionists aren’t gonna be the biggest headache anymore. The Gods damned churches are. They’ll be ecstatic, aye, an’ all the more eager tae help the, wait, did ye say her name?”

“Oh, no, Annita Kronforst is her name,” Candelaria corrected.

“Well, Annita is gonna ‘ave all the support she could ask fer, that’s fer sure. Just worried that the devout might get a bit too zealous in that support,” Orlana said, rubbing her temples.

“If I might,” Kremdol interjected. “It may be for the best to meet with her discreetly first. Speak with her, Katlyn, and Bren, and get the full story.”

“That would be my suggestion, as well,” Candelaria posited. “I can get them the message without anyone else knowing. They’re just registered as a mercenary team at the moment, so no heads have been turned, and I handled Annita’s registration myself before you ask.”

“Good, good,” Orlana sighed. “Looks like that’s gonna be one more thing on our plates. Ye really know how tae bring a storm, Candy.” The queen laughed, leaning back in her chair.

“What kind of General would I be if I didn’t sniff out trouble in the ranks,” Candelaria chuckled back. “Gods, you know I hate you a bit for this appointment, right?”

“As you tell us every time you visit,” Kremdol said with a smile. “Who better, though, to lead this force? You have demonstrated your loyalty to the kingdom time and time again. I, personally, would have it no other way.”

“Ye just need a good night out,” Orlana said, playing with a strand of her hair distractedly. “To talk about more personal things, ye find anyone ye’re interested in? It’s been so long since ye’ve been on the front lines, I woulda thought ye’d ‘ave someone in mind by now.”

“No one, no. It’s driving me somewhat mad. How hard is it for a girl like me to find a guy who wants to treat me like a lady? I put up all that bluster when I’m on duty, but it doesn’t mean I want to be like that all the time,” she sighed, putting her face in her hands, being careful of her tusks.

“Well, your physique does attract those who prefer strength in a partner,” Kremdol advised. “I would not advise changing this. However, it is a significant barrier. If you would like, I could put out some inquiries into possible suitors? It would not do to have the General of our mightiest city to go lonely for her later years.’

Candelaria waved away the offer. It wasn’t the first time the meddling man had offered as much. The annoying thing was that she was beginning to consider his offer. She had a type, and that type certainly rarely had her. She’d be drinking again tonight. That was for certain.

“So, anything you need of me? Or am I just gonna head back to that stuffy office you’ve chained me to?” Canedalaria huffed, glaring playfully at the royal couple.

“Sorry, Candy. We’ve all got our burdens tae bear,” Orlana apologized. She actually looked sorry, bless her. “If ye’d like, or if ye ‘ave the time, I’d like ye tae keep up wit’ Kat an’ ‘er party. Not anythin’ complicated, just make sure they’re safe.”

“Kat’s gonna hate you for that,” she warned, raising an eyebrow. “If it’s a request from you, though, I’ll deal with it. Times are going to be complicated enough. I do know they’re looking for a heavy hitting front liner, along with a caster. Annita seems to be progressing as a rogue, so I might be able to get someone in there. They did leave with word saying they were gonna pick up a local witch to help with their latest assignment. Knowing Bren, he’s likely done his research and there’s a high chance she’ll be joining the group.”

“That sounds likely. Then their front liner might be more influenceable,” Kremdol pondered. “Likely not a military sort. Katlyn would balk at that immediately. A mercenary. Possibly military background? Someone we can trust to have their best interest in mind, and I would think around their age would be best.”

“I think I may ‘ave a few candidates in mind,” Orlana mused as her eyes unfocused in thought. “Aye. I’ll ‘ave tae check in wit’ a few contacts, but I think I know a few people that’d work.”

“The temples are going to want a representative there, as well,” Kremdol advised, his eyes rolling slightly at the thought. “Though with Annita being a literal representation of Orenous, we might argue them down. What a mess. I’m almost excited about how complicated this will be. Plus, we are disregarding the other political factions within the Nobility themselves. They will try to sink their claws into our daughter’s friend as soon as possible. Who wouldn’t want a champion of the divine under their house’s protection? The power that would provide could change the entire landscape. I will need to make sure preparations are made to solidify our protection of the girl.”

“Well, about that,” Candelaria sighed. She’d not wanted to get into this and let the girls do it themselves, but it was relevant. “You are probably going to have an easier time with that than you think.”

“Oh? Do tell. Anything to make this go smoothly,” Kremdol almost crooned as he leaned forward, listening intently with a slight tremble in his long ears.

“Listen, this is private, so I feel kinda bad for sharing it, but time is of essence here. From what I could see of Katlyn and Annita, and reports from elsewhere, including a guard I had shadowing them, they’re more than friends. I’d say by now they’ve well crossed the threshold of lovers.”

Orlana and Kremdol sighed in unison. “Well, aye, that does make things easier,” Orlana said first.

“I have things I need to take care of,” Kremdol said with urgency, rising. “Announcing both the presence of a divine champion, and the fact that she’s entangled with our daughter. Yes, I need to get to work setting up safeguards within the political spheres. Excuse me, ladies.” He gave Orlana a quick kiss before striding regally from the council chambers.

“Katlyn’s always been trouble,” Orlana griped in their privacy. “I love ‘er fer it, cause it reminds me of me younger years. This is a new level, though.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice. All we can do is keep moving and make the best decisions we can,” Candelaria replied, making to stand as well.

“Aye. Well, I ‘ave work tae do as well tae prepare fer our guest. Get that summons out tae Kat as quickly as ye can. We need tae stay ahead of this.”

“Yes, my queen,” Candelaria said with a bow. She did so because she knew it annoyed Orlana a bit when they were in private. A friendly little game they played of testing each other’s patience.

She turned and left the room, pulling aside a soldier and requesting a trusted courier be brought to her chambers. A few hours, and several reports from the local garrison, later she was able to escape to her room. She stripped everything but her undergarments and laid down on the incredibly soft mattress. “I fucking hate politics,” she grumbled to no one.