Northern Neighbours

"Consider today's meeting adjourned! I'm grateful that you all were able to attend!"

After the wolves finished gauging the strength of their peers, normal discussions of news commenced. Each monarch seemed to only say just enough to sound useful while not revealing anything major. In a way, it felt as if nothing was really gained.

"Clement."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I quickly head to the door and push the sturdy wood open. As agreed upon before the meeting, I had Peo hold the door while I bow to the meeting participants.

The leaders of each nation pass by with their Blessed Knight not far behind. I receive nothing more than subtle glances from all except one.

"Very interesting…"

Those few words are only mumbled by the hero bathed in gold. I see a brief spark in the one amber eye visible from his profile, a motion that almost draws out my weapon on instinct. Fortunately, he continues walking without looking back.

Traffic out of the room soon disappears, allowing Peo the chance to whisper her thoughts to me.

"That man…dangerous."

"Not just him. All of them."

Her silent nod confirms that my instincts were not incorrect. Even if I were not trained in gauging the strength of my enemies, there is still a major detail to take into consideration. The magic I possess is powerful and I have yet to truly understand the limits of this world. For all I know, these knights may contain powers that I cannot comprehend without first witnessing them. At that point, I would likely just be dead.

"We'll look into them at our next opportunity."

"Mhm."

I'm about to tell Peo to close the door before realising that one of the represented parties has not exited.

"I must offer my congratulations on receiving the Goddess's favour!"

"You are too kind!"

Two kings are talking, one from the castle we currently reside and one from a castle I may never witness. They both smile with glee, but even this friendly interaction seems laced with conflict. Either oblivious to the atmosphere or indifferent to it, a knight walks up to me as I close the door.

"I've heard much about you, Clement! It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance!"

The young man doesn't look any older than 18 years of age. His brown hair is cut short and his green eyes flare with the energy of youth. Much like many in his position, he bears full plate armour that shines a brilliant silver. A pure white cape runs down his back and a bejeweled sword is held in his right hand. The crystal embedded within is green.

With the class of a businessman, I reach a hand forward and shake his.

"I had not expected my deeds to have spread so far."

"You are far too humble! Many travelers speak well of your exploits in the South. It is no surprise that such a man was recognised by the Goddess!"

He grips my hand tightly with a bright smile on his face. He's shining with a friendliness much unlike the other knights destined to save humanity. I'm receiving such praise and honour, but I pay it no mind. My attention is still on the exchange occurring across the room.

The king of Norwin claps his hands together, causing the green robes over his body to wave wildly.

"To think our nations would receive a blessing only a month apart! This must be a sign of long and successful relations!"

"Your nation has still only just sprouted from its roots. It would be an honour for our glorious nation to aid in your booming growth! However…"

The one to remove his mask first is King Aufrey. The wolf sheds its wool and brings his face forward, just enough to whisper into the ear of his fellow monarch.

"Of course it would have been poor manners to make mention during a sacred meeting, but in regards to what you owe…"

"R-Rest assured! You will be compensated! However, we are currently unable to make a full payment at this time…"

Our neighbour to the north has cold sweat dripping down his slightly wrinkled face. Meanwhile, my king has not relieved even the smallest amount of pressure.

"If I recall, you were making preparations for an expedition. Perhaps we can make an arrangement…"

The king of Norwin winces in pain, but eventually relents. He turns to the two of us in the middle of a handshake.

"Young Bermar, I hope you have become well acquainted with Sir Clement!"

Our conversation and theirs merge into one, including the ulterior motives lurking beneath the surface. King Aufrey begins to explain their 'agreement'.

"It is far too dangerous for such juvenile Blessed Knights to fight a Titan alone. Therefore, the two of you will embark on this quest together. Your target…"

"The Stone Titan…"

Bermar's friendly demeanor shifts as he utters those words. His eyes narrow with one of the few features we share with many other creatures, the desire to kill. The target of this rage is obviously the threat to mankind, yet I still feel some of that heat.

"Indeed. I do not distrust your abilities, Bermar. However, I believe this arrangement to be the best for our goals. Sir Clement is a distinguished knight, so I'm certain that he can be of assistance."

"If…that is your wish, Your Majesty."

The young knight crushes metal beneath his clenching fists. Even if foul play was present, we should all agree that strength in numbers offers a better chance of success. That should be the case, but the room does not experience mutual satisfaction. Like every knight I've encountered thus far, Bermar is proud. Accepting my help must provide him nothing more than shame.

* * * * *

"I apologise that I cannot provide a better experience. I have only just recently entered the castle myself."

"Perish your concern! I find this view quite the marvel!"

I lead the Blessed Knight of Norwin to the castle balcony as the sun begins turning the sky orange.

King Aufrey certainly made my life a challenge when he asked me to show Bermar around the castle. My memory may allow me to perfectly navigate the space, but it doesn't help when trying to identify points of interest. When all else fails, take someone to the ocean.

"To listen to the waves at all times, how does one not fear the Titans resting below your very walls?"

"Fortunately, neither the Tide Titan nor Abyss Titan tread these waters."

Or so the book I read last night stated. Placing an entire civilisation at the coast in a world of behemoths feels unwise, but the gamble seems to have paid off in this case. There were supposedly many others that were not so lucky.

"Your people are fortunate, Sir Clement."

We make our way to the end of the platform, where I stand beside him with Peo trailing behind at the balcony entrance. This scenery is familiar, but I don't intend to cast anybody into the depths today.

Bermar grips the stone railing as he stares into the sea painted orange.

"I assume that you are aware as to how our kingdom was formed?"

"Forgive me. I'm not well versed in history."

That's a lie, but part of me is curious as to how a man of the mountains would describe his origins.

"Norwin is a collection of small settlements across the Sedile Mountains. Raids and natural disasters brought the different groups under one crown. The primary cause of our suffering…"

The Stone Titan.

One of the oldest recorded in history as well as one of the most docile. It rarely attacks settlements on its own, but any move it makes causes tremors felt across the continent. Just its mention causes Bermar to become caught in a landslide of emotion.

"Earthquakes and avalanches have claimed tens of thousands of lives. Even my village a little ways from the mountain's base was flattened by the Titan's tantrums."

"It is a wonder that your people have managed to survive such threats."

"Many villages and the city of Norwin itself are placed in places protected from an average disaster. However, it takes only a whim for the Stone Titan to change the shape of the mountains and end us."

His passion seems to shake the stone we stand on. The green gemstone on his sword begins to glow within its sheath.

"I will be the one to end that monstrosity!"

"Then allow me to help."

Bermar almost jumps at my sudden declaration. That determination of his hasn't yet dissipated as I attempt to emulate it.

"I believe ridding the world of Titans is a dream we all share."

I turn to face him with a smile forged from trained charisma.

"Let us save the world, together."

"Sir Clement…"

He looks conflicted at first, but hostility soon disappears and my hand is met with his once more. His genuine smile shines along with the sunset.