Dangerous Plan

“Eiric!”

Astrid and Torsten embrace Eiric as he returns to Sanctuary.

After Eiric escaped with Freydis, a warning was sent to Solgrad. To guarantee the safety of Freydis, Solgrad is to withdraw all troops until negotiations can be completed for her safe return. Solgrad obliged, withdrawing all troops and allowing the captains of the revolution to return to Sanctuary.

“You’re just like your father; do you want me to die of worry?” Astrid said.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t want anyone else to get hurt or die.”

“I know dear. It’s difficult to be mad, you were brave.”

“Good job, Eiric, returning alive is more impressive than you realize.” Torsten said.

“And he brought a gift. Eiric, I hope you accept my apology once more; I made many mistakes during our battle.” Brynja said.

“No need, Brynja. This is Freydis, she’s here to help us find a way to stop the blessed from turning.”

“I see. Let’s discuss this inside the meeting hall. Princess Freydis, follow us.”

“Of course.”

Freydis keeps her head low, all eyes that look her way filled with scorn and questioning why she walks without restraints or at all. Killing her would be bring many joy, but the captains are aware of her value.

The captains of the revolution gather with Eiric, Sigrun, Vilgur, and Freydis inside the meeting hall. Soldiers surround the building and the halls. Freydis is now the most protected person in the five realms of Ymirra, but her hands will not stop shaking.

“I’m sure you know about Eiric then, I assume that is why you sent Runa for him.” Brynja said.

“It was. Unfortunately, why he remains sane is still a mystery. He is proof that it is possible, but we don’t have time to wait and find out why. We need answers, I believe we will find them with the immortal one. They may understand why Eiric remains sane, or they may know how since they remain somewhat sane themselves.”

“The immortal one? I wouldn’t say they are sane; they’ve lost control and made an entire area uninhabitable.” Leif said.

“Yes, but they don’t attack anyone. Even if they don’t know, we’ll find similarities between them and Eiric. It may have to do with their blessings, or with the memories of a distant past they carry. We need more information, that is why I asked Eiric to bring me here.”

“Visiting the immortal is believed to be a death sentence, I’m opposed to letting anyone go.” Astrid said.

“As am I.” Leif said, “Losing any of the captains would be devastating. We can’t risk it until negotiations are confirmed. Even then, trusting the kingdom is difficult.”

“I will be the one to go with her.” Eiric said.

“Absolutely not.” Sigrun said, “It’s far too dangerous. No one here will let you go.”

“I hope you all will discuss this further, it may be all we have as Eiric understands no more than I do. Time is of the essence, we are not certain that Eiric can control this forever.” Freydis said.

“He will not turn.” Sigrun said.

“I hope as much as you do that he does not. I can promise that Sanctuary will not be attacked so long as I am under your care. Even if I am away, the nobles cannot take over for at least half a year, the people will be asking for my return. It is not much, but it is what I can offer, I beg you to reconsider. Eiric and I are willing to make the sacrifice; I will make the sacrifice.”

“Fine. Someone take Freydis to a room, she is to be watched and protected at all time.” Torsten said, “We will discuss it more amongst the captains.”

“Sigrun!”

Eiric chases Sigrun as she stomps her way home. Each time he reaches for her arm she slaps his hand away, refusing to even look his way as he continues to call her name.

“Sigrun please.” Eiric manages to stop Sigrun, turning her to find teary, yet angered eyes, “I must go. I know you all have faith in me, but it has gotten worse. Every day it gets worse.”

“No. I thought I lost you, I’ve lost you so many times. I can’t lose you Eiric.”

“You won’t, but this way we don’t have to lose anyone else. Freydis wants to end this conflict, but we must do this for her to do so. We’ll save the blessed, and we will free our people.”

“Fine. But I will only allow you to go if I can go a well. I have a much longer lifespan; I would go in your place but you’d never allow that.”

“I don’t want you to go.”

“Oh, maybe you enjoy your time alone with the princess. Is that it?”

“No, of course not. I-”

Sigrun presses her finger against Eiric’s lips. “Love, we’ll get nowhere like this. Please, we can go together.”

“I fear losing you as much as you fear losing me, placing you in danger is unforgivable.”

“I made the choice; I will stand by your side until I must stop you myself.”

“Stop me?”

“You can be reckless dear; I know that well now. The next time you attempt to sacrifice yourself I’ll drive a weapon through your heart and drag you back.”

“Then I’ll do my best not to be.”

“Good, are we in agreement?”

“Fine, but the second there is danger you are to run.”

“Only with you at my side.” Sigrun drags Eiric home.

“It’s two to two, Keldan, you’ll be the deciding vote.” Torsten said, “Astrid, I know you worry about Eiric, but he’s growing up fast. He’s talented, I believe they could find something there as well.”

“Talented but with little experience. We couldn’t train him as much as we needed because of the battles. He’s far behind where he must be to go somewhere like the Immortal land. Let me go with them.”

“Absolutely not, you just had a baby. None of us can go. We’ll keep the guise of Freydis being here to recover, but they could attack at any time. We need everyone here.”

“Allow Vilgur and Sigrun to go.” Keldan said.

“Keldan. No, Eiric and Freydis have made up their minds, sending any more of the kids is too much. Something… something could go wrong.”

“I understand how difficult it is to send you child away on such a dangerous mission, but it is not I that wishes to send them. They will both ask to go. You must understand that how much they care for Eiric. Vilgur hasn’t gone a day without training ever since Eiric gave himself to Runa, Sigrun was a mess until he returned. They will beg to go, or they will sneak away. Together, those four may find something.”

“Fine.” Astrid said, “But on one condition. I will let them go but they must train first. Sigrun and Vilgur are strong because of their demon blood, but Eiric needs more training. Torsten, its’s time you and I show him what he is missing.”

“Fine. We will train for a week?”

“Two. That will give us time to set scouts and begin exchanging with the kingdom.”

“Then it is settled.”

Freydis is informed of the decision in the evening by Astrid.

“Do you want to come eat with us?”

“I will be a bother.”

“You will gain their trust. Many still complain of your presence here, continue to show yourself and that may begin to change. Although, it does depend on how you represent yourself.”

“Am I not a lovely princess?”

“Hospitable is all I know.”

“Thank you, for not killing me. Today and when we first met.”

“I only kill those I must.”

“Is the reason you live this way not deserving of death?”

Astrid grabs Freydis’s chin. “I’m well aware of your position young princess. Although I hold anger for you, I understand the conflict and why you are powerless to change much. Prove yourself, and you will have our support as well when this is done.”

“Very well, I would love to join you.”

Freydis joins the captains and their families for a celebratory dinner. Most of her meals are spent alone. The food is tastier, the drinks sweeter,

“I hope I can have this again one day.”

“You will.” Eiric said.