Freydis’s Conviction

“I’d like for Eiric, Vilgur, and Sigrun to come to Solgrad with me.”

Freydis speaks to the captains three days after her return to Sanctuary. She plans to return to Solgrad and deliver news of her journey. Alongside the news, she wishes to show the blessed and demons that traveled with her.

“Why?” Astrid said.

“If it can help even a little with prejudice, I want to try. I believe many in the kingdom will be willing to speak with blessed after we cure it of its curse, but the thoughts behind demons are deep rooted. You two are kind, I want them to see this as well.”

“It could be a good idea.” Keldan said.

“Are you sure?” Torsten said.

“The same way you gave me and Nattlina a chance, I hope there will be some in the kingdom that will do the same. But I am old and a known criminal, Vilgur and Sigrun are much nicer looking demons hahaha.”

“Hmph, Vilgur will only scare more people. But a beauty like me will turn heads, I’d like to go.” Sigrun said.

“You only want to go because you know Eiric will.” Vilgur said, “I’ll go as well. I’m sure they will want proof of our journey.”

“Eiric?” Freydis said.

“If everyone allows it, I’d like to make a better impression this time around.”

“Hmm, we will speak with the captains of Solgrad then. They should be arriving soon. Prepare yourselves, if they allow it then you could be leaving by sundown.” Astrid said.

The five captains of the revolution, and the five captains of Solgrad sit across each other in the meeting room. The younglings have been hidden for the time being.

“Where is the princess?” Tyran said.

“She will be returned once we have discussed our deal.” Torsten said.

“Deal?!” Tyran slams his hands as he stands, “We should be tearing the village apart in search for her. You have no standing to make a deal.”

“But they do. Please, we can’t return without the princess.” Alvis said.

“What is it that you want? Money?” Ingrid said.

“A non aggression pact. You must swear not to attack our people any longer. Allow us to handle the blessed children here, we will only ask for you help if we need it.” Brynja said.

“You must understand why that is difficult.” Runa said.

“We do. But we are strong enough to contain them if we must.” Astrid said.

“We shouldn’t trust them.” Dagrmir said.

“Well then a fight it is!” Leif stands, the mere sight of Dagrmir angering him.

“Sit you.” Keldan pulls Leif down, “That is only part of our deal. We want Eiric, Vilgur, and Sigrun to be with Freydis as she returns to Solgrad and gives her speech of the journey she took while she was away from the kingdom.”

“Are you fools? Nobles will seek retribution and you’re giving them just what they need to lure you out.” Tyran said.

“We treated princess Freydis as one of our own during her time here. I hope the people of the kingdom will see that we mean no harm to them, we only wish to live as we peace.”

“But your selfishness has caused nothing but chaos. You do not understand the danger of the blessed because you allow your judgment to be clouded.”

“We believe there is a way to save them, now more than ever. Your princess and our children have found answers.” Torsten said.

“You expect us to believe you!”

“Did they?” Runa said.

“They did.”

“Runa!”

“Enough.” Freydis said as she entered the room, the five captains of Solgrad stand as she does, “I will not allow any more attacks on the people of Sanctuary. We will sign the non aggression pact, but I’d like for us to stop arguing now as well. Any more tension is pointless.”

“Princess, you must understand that people of Solgrad will not be satisfied with only your return.” Tyran said.

“My people should not be seeking blood, but peace. I will not repeat myself on the matter, any who disobey me will be dealt with without delay. Even if I must do so myself. Do you all understand?”

“Yes mam.” Alvis said as he gave Runa a delighted smile.

Freydis has gained confidence Alvis always believed she had within her. Whatever journey she has taken, all that matters is that she has returned safe and well, but there can only be joy found in her new confidence.

The meeting ends with a non aggression pact signed. There are stipulations; should enough of Solgrad’s leadership find the danger of blessed high then it could be broken, but Freydis will have sway in such decisions.

Although there was heated debate after signing the pact, what Freydis wanted is agreed upon as well, the three younglings will be allowed to return to Solgrad with her.

“Wow.” Vilgur’s head tilts back as he looks at the stone pillars of Solgrad’s wall.

Soldiers surround the returning group, Freydis given a tear filled welcoming as many civilians stand by the kingdom gates to see the princess.

Freydis displays composure and style she never did in Sanctuary, even a simple wave is one filled with nobility. She doesn’t speak, only smiling and keeping the younglings close as they receive intrigued and angered looks.

“Why is everything here so big?” Sigrun said as her voice echoes down the castle hall.

“My ancestors had expensive tastes.” Freydis said as she opened a bedroom door, “This is where you two will be staying. No funny business! You’ll be under heavy surveillance which even I can’t stop. Vilgur, you’ll be given the room next to theirs.”

“Will it be as big as this one? I’m not sure what to do with so much space.”

“You rest. We’ve been on a nonstop journey for some time now. I will give my speech tomorrow, I hope you all will be there.”

“We will be. But will you be ok?” Eiric said.

“I will. It’s not my first speech, I only hope everyone will understand.”

Eiric, Vilgur, and Sigrun are given special clothing the next morning. A festival was prepared overnight to celebrate the return of Freydis, her speech to be given before dinner as festivities run throughout the day.

Sigrun and Freydis twirl and laugh as they skip around the room in their dresses.

“She doesn’t seem nervous.” Eiric said.

“She’s hiding it.” Vilgur said, “Eiric, how do you think it will go?”

“I’m not sure. But if even one person understands then it will be worthwhile. We can start small and go from there.”

“I like your thinking, but I doubt they’ll give demons a chance.”

“You never know, Sigrun was turning heads all day yesterday.”

“Sure it wasn’t me? Dad said I’m quite handsome.”

“Or maybe it was me, dad said some women like a man with long hair.”

“And who are trying to impress?” Sigrun said as she wrapped her arms just above Eiric’s chest.

“Only you of course.”

“Mhm.”

“Ready everyone? You all look quite nice as well.” Freydis said.

“We are, is it time?”

“I can see everyone gathering at the square, I prefer to do it before I have second thoughts. I’m ready!”

Freydis steps onto the balcony overlooking the kingdom square. Her name is cheered, a loud roar overtaking the area as she appears. Children, adults, even the animals of the kingdom are in love with the princess of Solgrad.

“Hello everyone.” Freydis begins, all nervousness gone from her voice, “I’d like to begin by saying that my disappearance was my choice. I wanted to find answers outside the kingdom walls, and I am fortunate enough to say I have. Together, with new friends I made in the village Sanctuary, we found a way to cure the blessed. But it is difficult and unjust to the blessed. Some will do it, but others hesitate. My goal will always be to protect you all, to create a world where you will no longer live in fear from conflicts with other realms, or the blessed who turn. And I will do that by attacking the source. Everyone, if you would please join me.”

Eiric, Sigrun, and Vilgur join Freydis on the balcony. Silence overtakes the crowd. Eiric is the well known kidnapper of the princess, next to him stand two young demons.

“These are my friends, Eiric, Sigrun, and Vilgur. Together, we plan to journey to all five realms and collect the pieces of Yggdrasil. With the pieces, we will journey to heaven and confront the source of the cursed blessings. We believe it is the angels, the very ones that give the blessings, that are behind the curse. In the meantime, the people of Sanctuary will care for the blessed, they have given me their word to keep them from causing anymore danger.”

“Can we trust them?” A voice from the crowd said.

“The people of Sanctuary?”

“No, those beside you?”

“Of course. I do. They were tasked with protecting me during my time away and on our journey to find answers. Not once have they hesitated to protect me, and I believe they will not hesitate to protect this world. Once again, thank you for listening, I hope I will have your support.”