Kingslayer

January 31st, Imperial Year 880
Ekuna Duchy

"Huzzah!" The mercs cheered, as dozens of hands with goblets of ale went up into the air. Christoforo, one of the soldiers, pounded a drum, much to the pleasure of both our mercs and several townspeople who had gathered for the occasion. A local man deftly wove his fingers across a lyre, sitting across from Christoforo. The town elders clapped to the beat as boys and girls sang the celebration songs. Several young men and women danced in the central circle, as a few drunken mercenaries attempted to match their movements.

"To the Black Reaper!"

"To the commander!"

A rather drunk looking Anya giggled as she poured herself another cup of ale.

"To Captain Jason!" She leapt into the air, her tail wagging wildly and knocking over a few drinks. A few mercs yelled out in anger as she downed the drink.

"Now now." I said to the crowd. "Save the praise, please. Can't have you running out of things to say to me after the next mission!" I raised my goblet into the air as a roar sounded from the crowd.

I looked back at the pile of spider silk we had hauled after wiping out the nest. For a moment, I wondered...who exactly would that be going to? There wasn't any way for the company to bring it along, but we also didn't want it falling into enemy hands...

"Jason!" Anya pulled my wrist, towards the center square, her tail whipping around her. "Look, they're inviting us to dance!" She laughed as old Julius, a gruff infantryman known for his swift movement and axe skills, stumbled and tripped his way onto the stage as he tried his best to keep up with the dance. His face was red, whether by the ale, or by the embarrassment, I could not tell. Probably both.

"It's all about footwork Julius!" I yelled, half as advice, half to tease. Hearing my words, whether through spite or because my words actually helped him, Julius began to dance more properly, his face intensely focused on maintaining the groove of the dance as his eyes darted around, trying to take in the movement of the others around him. 

"Go Julius go!" Anya yelled out. "Wow, he's doing quite well!"

"Fighting on foot is all about footwork, after all." I shrugged, a teasing tone in my voice. "But his arms are floppy. No beat, no rhythm." I crossed my arms dramatically.

"I'd like to see you do better." Anya said. "I bet you can't, coward."

I grinned. Just the excuse I needed.

"Oh yeah?" I took a step forwards, confidently swinging my shoulders. "I'll show you all how it's done." The crowd roared once more, cheering my name.

"Wait, seriously?" Anya asked. "Go Jason go! I believe in you!"

I took a moment to take in the affections of the crowd, as I did my best to retain a cool face, but I could not erase the smile on my face.

Did you know that dancing is on the Cartethene Academy curriculum? 

I immediately went with a fancy and complex dance, causing the audience - I mean, the townsfolk and my crew to cheer.

"That's our captain!" A voice rang out.

"And that's my crew!" I yelled back. Next to her, stood a very stunned Anya as I continued to stand on the stage. She looked around in abject horror as a few of our men began to push her forwards, towards the stage. "Even drunk you appear to be scared." I teased as Anya was shoved into the square, a slight blush on her face. 

"How many drinks have you had?"

"I don't drink Anya, you should know this."

Anya chuckled, tilting her head slightly. 

"May I?" I knelt down, taking her hand in the knightly style I had been taught. 

"Huh?" Anya asked as she turned beet red. Probably the first time in her life anyone had knelt before her like a lady.

I smirked. I'd practiced plenty of times with Phoebe back in the day.

Just like...with Phoebe...

Anya took my hand - first reluctantly, then with force, as a fire lit up in her eyes. Another massive cheer went up from the crowd.

"Don't blame me if I go too hard." I said, regaining my mental footing. That's right, worrying about things you can't control isn't the best use of your time. No need to think about bad things when you're having a good time.

"Don't underestimate a mercenary, Jason. You don't know how-ahh!"

I immediately launched into the hardest and most complex duo dance, one even I had yet to fully master as I yanked Anya around the square as laughter erupted from the audience. Despite everything, Anya managed to keep up well to the sound of the music, her competitive side taking hold of her.

"You're good!" Anya said, her ears drooping slightly. "I...like that."

"Yeah well..." I thought to myself. "You're good too, for a first timer!"

I thought I could see a small pout from Anya, but I filed it away in my head as something I had imagined.

The ale flowed freely, and the music made the dimly lit night village seem brighter than on a hot summer day. Several couples from the town joined in on the dance, as the music picked up, and children threw flowers at the square, trying themselves, to get in on the dancing. And just for a little while, it seemed that everything in the world was ok.

***

The Absolute Crack of Dawn
Same Town

My peaceful slumber was interrupted by Anya's obnoxious shaking.

"Nng..." After a moment of ignoring her, I sat up, surprisingly alert. I could hear a trumpet outside. "What?"

"Jason, allied forces have arrived. They must have gotten the message."

"Oh yeah, the intercept..." That was here, I had almost forgotten. Did they really have to arrive at the crack of dawn at - actually, what time was it? "What...what's the time?"

"Dawn."

Thank you Anya, very useful. 

I peered outside. I could make out the silhouette of several knights, and a wagon full of supplies. 

"Less than I thought." I tried to make out the colors from my window, but I could barely see in the dark. I could hear Christoforo downstairs, apparently chatting to the knights.

"Shame you couldn't have made it here earlier, we had a large festival to celebrate..."

The voice faded away as I put on my coat and headed outside. The sun would be rising soon, and I admit I wasn't happy about having to get up so early.

"That's a great shame." A female voice said. "I would have loved to attend the festival." She lowered her head.

Where have I heard that voice before?

"Oh, here he is!" Christoforo said. "Jason!"

"The legendary Black Reaper himself. An honor to meet the legend himself." The female knight removed her helmet. Though she had a kind, knightly smile on her face, my blood ran absolutely cold at the sight. Daphne.

A fellow student from the Academy.

The sun gradually rose, the rays slowly working their way and lighting the world as Daphne lowered herself from her horse, sticking her hand out for a handshake.

"Hello miss knight!" Anya said cheerfully, evidently misreading the room. Daphne's face froze as the first rays of sun hit my face, lighting my features. "This is...ma'am?"

"Jason?" Her face went pale, as if she had seen a ghost, as she took a step backwards. "It...can't be..."

"Daphne..." I reached out for her, but suddenly, she grabbed a lance, and rapidly stepped away from me, fear written on her face.

"It...it really is you." Daphne bit her lip. "Jason Thame."

Christoforo was the first one to react, looking back at me with a look of equal bewilderment and betrayal. Several of the knights, as well as a few townsfolk within earshot that had been starting their day early gasped. I looked around. They gathered around, almost in the same manner they had gathered around me that evening before.

"The kingslayer?"

"The murderer..."

 Eyes, eyes everywhere. Murmurs everywhere. A thousand daggers sunk into my skin as more and more people gathered around.

News travels around quickly in towns it seems. I looked back at Daphne, who now looked at me with raw contempt and anger.

"You." She gritted her teeth in anguish. "Why? Why are you alive?"

"I...I..." As much as I wanted to defend myself, I knew it was futile.

"Are you happy? Satisfied?" Suddenly, a few tears ran down her face. "Do you know what I've had to do? What we lost because of you?"

"Wait!" Anya stepped in, putting her arm in front of me. "Miss knight, I've fought beside Jason for almost a year." She looked out at everyone. "I don't think Jason is the type of person to murder someone." She looked back at me, a look of determination on her face. "Jason's innocent!"

There were a few murmurs in the crowd.

"A beastkin mercenary?" Daphne looked at Anya, quizzically. There was a skeptical view in her eyes as she looked at Anya's ears and tail.

"Jason said he didn't do it." Anya stepped forward, looking Daphne straight in the eyes. "I believe him. I've fought by him side by side, and we've saved each other multiple times. All of you should remember that!" Anya shouted, pointing at the other soldiers. "And if none of you do, then shame on you!" Anya looked at Daphne once more, meeting glare for glare. "You nobles would believe the sky was red if the king said so. I don't know what you two were back before I met Jason, but shame on you too!"

Several townspeople gasped once more.

Hey Anya, what the hell are you doing?

"Anya-" I looked at her, my mind utterly refusing to believe Anya had actually said that. A part of me was more concerned that Daphne would just lop off her head right there and then, though I knew Daphne wasn't that stupid or cruel. 

"Um, hello?" A lone trooper on horseback rode through the streets, and hopped off of his horse, panting. He was promptly ignored. Daphne had a look on her face, the type of calm look that indicates that someone's about to explode.

"Are all beastkin full of this much lip, or is it just you?"

"Take your pick." The two women glared at one another as several soldiers dithered around, unsure of what to do.

"Uh, I have critical reconnaissance information!" He waved a small paper around. "Hello?"

"If I were anyone else, you could be dead by now." Daphne spat. "I've seen human commoners get imprisoned for less."

"Miss!" The trooper shouted, as Daphne redirected her attention.

"What?"

The trooper caught his breath, and walked over to her, handing the sheet of paper over. From my position, I noticed some hastily scrawled text that I didn't have time to read before it was handed over.

"There's an entire Red Rose Banner legion headed for this town. We need to make a stand or retreat now!"