Argrave had been to cities in Vasquer like Mateth, Dirracha, Jast, or Parbon. They had awed him, but nothing could really be compared to Relize. Mateth, for instance, was one of the largest trading ports in the kingdom, and probably the largest city in the southern reaches. Even still, its population could not be more than forty thousand. Dirracha was probably near the same number. Jast and Parbon both had difficulties in terms of agriculture, so they were smaller.

Yet Relize it was a tremendous metropolis. At a point, the cart that Argrave and his company were riding stopped to spend the night, and they had a chance to walk and stretch their legs. Even at that time the city had been awake, dancing lights illuminating its splendor in a subtle, almost mysterious manner. It did not have towering constructions like Jast, nor gigantic walls like Mateth. The city simply sprawled across so much land.

In the morning, the city was revealed in earnest. In the crispness of dawn, half-hidden by sea fog and half-revealed by the early suns, its grand gothic design made it seem like some sort of hidden city. Relize was a place of unimaginable wealth, and as much was reflected in everything down from its material: marble. It was a low-lying seaside city without a wall, wrapping around a great bay and split in two by a river that had to be as wide as the Nile.

Even from afar, one could see the pride of the cityits docks. It was like a continuous marble crescent moon laid flat against the coast, connecting all parts of the city to the bay. One could walk from one edge of the docks to the other, all on one flawless marble path that was probably five miles long. There were countless ships both coming and going from the bay, each of them bearing a multitude of heraldries on their sails. Argrave recognized one sailsix silver stars in a circle on a black field, all connected by a silver chain that converged in the center. It was the Dandalan familys symbol.

Three gargantuan bridges connected the parts of the city split by the thick river, the largest of which was part of the docks. These bridges were elevated to allow passage for small boats on the river. These boats were plentifulfishing vessels, vessels with shipments, vessels with other goods to say the least, business was good.

If Argrave were to estimate the population, hed place it at around two hundred thousand. Located in the center of northern Vasquer, access to the ocean, a large river with plenty of upstream agriculture Argrave didnt think he knew too much about geography, but he could tell why this city prospered as it had. It was a jewel that befit the capital of a nation. Its people were too fiercely self-governing to ever allow that to happen, though, and the Kings of Vasquer were content with their highly defensible city of Dirracha.

Why are you gawking? Said youd been here before, Melanie asked, having walked up to Argrave as he was admiring the city.

Long time ago, Argrave shook his head. It was

It was laggy. Place had too many damned NPCs in it. He couldnt really say that, though.

Shame we cant wander, Argrave looked at Melanie. Running the docks, looking around even the warehouses are gilded. Theres Felipe IIs summer residence, too. Nice place.

No place quite like it, Melanie nodded. Youll be visiting the Scarlet District, I assume.

Argraves face grew cold, and Melanie laughed at once.

Guess you really have been there, Melanie said, planting her zweihander against the ground. They say every lord visits a brothel. Dont worryI wont tell your lady friend.

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Youd know, wouldnt you? Having grown up there and all, Argrave jabbed, disliking her teasing.

This time, Melanies face contorted in displeasure, almost mirroring his own cold glare. Then, like it never was, she smiled. Good comeback. Didnt think a royal bastard could have banter. Wonder if itll last. She ran her fingers across the plume on her tellerbarret. Well, anyway, Elenore wanted to see you.

Argrave felt guilty for his crueltyhe had always liked Melanie, and it was a bit uncalled for to bring up her past in such a manner. Anything regarding Anneliese made him have a short fuse, he knew. Before he could apologize, the mercenary woman was already walking away, seemingly unaffected by his cold words.

Shes important. Mends things, Argrave made a mental note. In a place like Relize, maintaining her loyalty would be important. Fortunately, Melanies rough-and-tumble nature wasnt merely an acthe imagined she wouldnt genuinely hold a grudge for what hed said.

Shelving the issue for later, Argrave walked, searching for Elenore. He found her with the rest of his companions by a fire. As he approached, the princess turned her head towards him. The fire cast eerie shadows on her eyeless sockets, but by this point Argrave had gone used to her face.

Im surprised by you, Elenore said. Couple of days ago, you could barely walk. Now

Argrave rolled his shoulders. Still feel a little off. But Im black blooded.

Elenore placed her hands on her knees and then rose. Yes. Anneliese told me of it, she nodded. I youve done a lot. I realized that long before we met, but now that I know the totality of it having your heart replaced? I cant Elenore lowered her head, then turned to pick something up off the ground. Anyway, here.

Elenore held out a sack to Argrave. He reached out and took it in his handsit was something metal. Opening it up, a rainbow greeted himtheir source was about five pink coins, and thirty other golden ones.

Good god, Argrave exclaimed, then quickly sealed the bag shut and looked back up at her. I didnt get you anything, Im afraid. I still have that Vasquer mantle and crown, if you want it.

Its pocket money, Elenore said. Told you I could turn a profit in DirrachaI did. Salvaged my network, contacted old and new people alike. A few enchanters I do business with could use earth magicshady businesses needed reconstruction after the riots and couldnt go to the Elenore shook her head. Sorry. Details dont matter.

Pocket money, Argrave repeated. Viewing her as a big sister seemed markedly easier when she casually unloaded this much gold on him. Thank you. Not sure Ill need it, considering we plan to stick together the whole time.

Best to be prepared, the princess dipped her head towards him. As for those enchanted items you entrusted to metheyre enroute to a warehouse I own within the city, along with a manifest detailing what each does. My enchanters were quite excited about some of them. Im sure we can sell those you dont use off in Relize.

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Argrave smiled, then stepped forward and hugged her. She was surprised but eased up after a moment. Lucky to have you with us, he told her. Dont ever think Im not grateful to you.

yes, well she said quietly. Get off me. Im hot enough from this fire.

Argrave laughed and pulled away, then moved to sit by the fire beside Anneliese.

I think its well past time that you tell me what you withheld from me in that message to Vasquer, Elenore decided, going back to sit in her spot.

Argraves happiness dimmed somewhat when he heard her words. Yeah, youre right.

Elenore waited in silence for a few moments, then said, So?

Youve gotta ask, Argrave told her. Ill answer what Im asked.

He made me ask Anneliese, Durran pointed at Argrave. Despite his earlier outburst at Thereses coffin, things had been fine between the two of them since. Looks like family gets special treatment.

I didnt make you, Argrave disagreed. I politely requested you direct inquiries to Anneliese, so that she might give her perspective on this whole thing.

Elenore put her hands on her lap. How do all of you take this matter, this Heroes of Berendar?

Everyone grew silent. Argrave looked at each of them in turn, curious himself.

Dont care, Galamon said first.

Of course you dont, Durran nodded. I dont know. Way I figure it, its probably just some way of a god implanting a prophecy in someone. Doubt all that nonsense is real.

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Elenore turned her head to Anneliese beside Argrave. And you?

I am unsure, Anneliese said distantly. I think I would enjoy finding the truth of the matter.

Me too, Argrave concurred.

I see, Elenore said, nodding her head. Well its another day yet before Relize. All of my affairs are in order, and everything is set up for a smooth journey. And so you will tell me everything, Argrave.

Argrave looked into the fire, resigned to his fate.

#####

King Felipe stood before a giant mirror, his back straight. He wore black fine clothes, embroidered with golden snakes on the sleeves. Slowly, with his breathing heavy, he undid the bottom buttons. When the buttons were undone, he pulled the shirt away. It resisted slightly, clinging to something wet.

Beneath, there was another black undershirt. Felipe lifted it up, the fabric clinging to the wound beneath. It was not so dire a gougehaving penetrated not even half an inch on his stomach, it could be healed by magic near instantaneously. Nevertheless, he refused to have it treated.

The great serpent Vasquer, near synonymous with the founding of this country she had sided against him. He felt her presence in his mind, felt the revulsion. His daughter, Elenore, and another he thought it was Argrave, but the golden eyes the man bore made him uncertain. All of his royal knights had seen the serpents rejection, seen her assault. On top of that Levin had betrayed him, released a manifesto. Had the legendary Bat even been there? He could be certain no longer.

Felipe dropped the shirt and stepped away from the mirror. A young woman laid across his bed, naked body covered by purple sheets. She was asleep, and Felipe sat down in a chair just beside the bed. Felipes gaze lingered on the wound in his stomach. He placed his fingers against it.

He had thought Levin might attack his brothersexpected it, even. But if there was one thing he hadnt anticipated, it was his betrayal. Dirrachas riches were gone, plundered. A great mass of royal knights left with the prince, and many others had seen Vasquer reject him. Orion was missing. Much of the north would follow Levin in forming his Kingdom of Atrus. The south would rally stronger than ever before at the divided north.

Felipe dug his fingers into the wound, pushing. All the while, he remained silent, eyes closed. When his fingers were knuckle-deep, he opened his eyes.

It doesnt end like this.

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He pulled his fingers free, a fresh wave of blood pouring out of the wound. Calmly, he reached for a goblet on a table beside him. He took a long drink, then set the goblet down. His gray eyes had a cold fire to them.

It doesnt end like this, Felipe repeated. Then, he serenely set to work healing the wound on his stomach with his bloodied hand. I decide how it ends.