Year 2: The Heroes Descend - Chapter 11

Eva drew open the bedroom curtains and smiled at the pleasantly warm weather. “Good morning, Lady Rebecca.”

“Good morning, Eva.” Slowly, the woman sat up in bed with a yawn, before stretching her limbs above her head. “Has there been any word from his majesty at all?”

“None yet, my lady. While today might be the day, Lord Allaric has yet to depart from his chambers.”

“I see. Then.” Rebecca climbed out of bed. “Shall we get started?”

***

Rebecca’s days at the Dread Keep were always spent the same way.

After being awoken by Eva at half six, she was served a light breakfast by some of her other maids whilst Eva informed her of her work and duties for the day. Then, once that was all done, she changed into attire befitting her new title - the Lady of Dread.

It was a title no one in the Demon Emperor’s inner circle had given her, but it was how she was known to the citizens of the Demon Empire.

I’ve already resolved myself to my position, so I might as well embrace it, she thought.

As such, all the dresses she wore were all deep shades of reds and blacks. The dress she was wearing today was no different; a long, crimson gown to compliment the makeup and nails that her maids had done for her. Her long hair remained neatly brushed and travelled down to her lower back, and she wore no accessories or jewellery.

Once she was changed, she immediately started work.

Several large piles of documents sat on her desk and a nearby table which Eva worked at. Eva was in charge of managing all of the day-to-day operations of the Dread Keep, whilst Rebecca’s work consisted of running almost a third of the former Holy Empire, a testament to how much trust the Demon Emperor had in her.

I went from being in charge of the Northern Hills to all the northern parts of the old Holy Empire, she thought, smiling a little, glancing down at the map beneath many piles of paper.

The Northern Hills.

The Rock Lands.

Teriscantten.

She had full administrative control of three of the seven territories and she couldn’t let the Demon Emperor down, not that she wanted to.

After many long internal battles, Rebecca had come to accept her position among the Demon Emperor’s inner circle and swore to see this war to its end, regardless of what the outcome was.

If the Demon Emperor lost, then Rebecca’s fate was almost certain.

I wonder how many people out there curse me and want me dead.

“My lady?”

“Hmm?”

“Is something wrong? Your hands haven’t moved in quite some time.”

“Ah, it’s nothing, Eva. Just…lost in thought for a moment, that’s all.”

Eva smiled warmly at her mistress, then resumed her work.

Rebecca returned her focus to the documents in her hands; reports from the various mining operations being run across the Northern Hills and Rocklands. About half of the mines were run by goblin tribes that the generals, the Dread Knights and others had subjugated or convinced to join his majesty’s forces.

Out of the one hundred mines Rebecca was in charge off, one stood out to her in all the worst possible ways.

The Stone-biters? Why are their-?

Suddenly, a knock came at the door.

“Who is it?”

A Dread Knight poked their head into the room and bowed to the two women. “Forgive the interruption, my ladies, but Commander Hersi is here to see-”

Rebecca groaned and dropped her head onto her desk. “Not again.”

“…Yes, Lady Rebecca.”

“About the exact same thing?”

“…Yes.”

Rebecca moaned and lightly hit her head a few times on the desk, before sitting back upright and smiling kindly. “Could you tell him to wait in the lounge next door for me? I won’t be five minutes, so don’t bother sending someone for refreshments.”

The Dread Knight nodded, bowed and then left, closing the door shut tightly behind them.

“Eva?”

“Yes, my lady?”

“Before I speak to Hersi, could you find for me all the documents we have about the goblin mines in the Rocklands?”

“Of course. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for?”

“All data about their weekly yields, please, particularly for the mine belonging to the Stone-biters. I think there’s potentially a worrying issue developing there.”

***

“The Emperor’s Voice has left with your welcome gift for the Summoned Heroes, your majesty,” Mímir said. “As per your orders, he shall be escorted publicly by the Demon Emperor’s Hand and skeletons, with my Ravens and Jorōgumo’s spiders accompanying them in secrecy. Once they’ve entered the Free People’s borders, they shall start departing in regular intervals to begin setting up our newest spy network.”

“Excellent. Pass my sentiments onto Jorōgumo as well.”

“Of course.”

“Abaddon. What news from the Green Mountains?”

“Lord Emperor, I’m ashamed to report that my forces have been unable to break through their defences over the last two weeks.”

“Now that is quite shocking, general. Last time you held council with my husband, you said, and I quote, ‘I won’t disappoint you and will bring you their leader’s heads’.” Lilith glowered at the demon. “Why did you return before achieving victory?”

Frustrated, Abaddon’s hands curled into fists, fury emanating off his body, but he managed to control himself.

“Because, Lady Empress, I believe that there is a better way to reach the last remnants of the rebels in the north-east than throwing our troops at their strong walls, and suffering heavy causalities.”

“And yet, with a single blow of your mighty sword, you collapsed the defences of the city of Jaeda. Actually, didn’t you level the entire city that day?”

“…I, we, have tried that, Lady Empress. The walls are made of stone several metres thick, with runes and enchantments placed upon them, inscribed by the finest magi and scholars Aangapea has ever known.”

“Yet, you did not consult with our court wizard, Hermes,” David reminded him. “Why not?”

“I-”

“Surely, it cannot have been out of a petty rivalry or some bitterness regarding the fact that my husband’s latest general can summon more Machai and other forces from his portals than yourself?”

David was thankful that he’d chosen to wear his helmet during today’s council meeting, for he was making a rather awkward expression at Lilith’s continued bashing of Abaddon.

Truthfully, Abaddon was a capable battlefield commander and a powerful warrior. Despite having failed David several times in key moments, he hadn’t done anything to upset Lilith as far as he knew.

Maybe Mania’s influence is rubbing off on her?

The Vampire Court had vast-reaching power and influence, and had been a key player in the destruction of the Holy Empire as well as the creation of the Demon Empire. In that sense, they were David’s most loyal, and dedicated, subjects.

“It was my understanding, your majesty, that Hermes Trismegistus was involved in multiple research projects at the moment and didn’t have a minute to spare for anyone but yourself,” Mímir added, coming to his fellow general’s defence. “The last time I sought him out for guidance, he quite bluntly told me not to disrupt his important work for the Demon Emperor.”

David let out a low laugh. “Hermes is a very busy man, but I’m sure he could’ve spared an hour or two to accompany Abaddon north.”

“Y-yes, your majesty.”

“Abaddon - tell me, why didn’t you consult Hermes about this?”

“Because, Lord Emperor, I believe that there is a better way to take the lands beyond the Green Mountains without having to break down the Gateway.”

“Oh?”

***

“Lady Rebecca, I-”

“Commander Hersi.” Rebecca stood straight up at the door, flanked on either side by Dread Knights. “Before I so much as even sit down, please answer this honestly; are you here about the Dread Keep’s defence again?”

When the commander quickly shut up, Rebecca sighed and shook her head. “What a waste of time,” she muttered too softly for anyone but her to hear. Then, in a louder, slightly annoyed voice, said, “Commander Hersi, I am a very busy person and I cannot keep entertaining you like this when I have so much work to do.”

“I-I know, Lady Rebecca, and I would never dream of inconveniencing you or his majesty unless it was urgent, but-”

“Today, is the day that the Summoned Heroes arrive in the Free People’s Alliance. Today, is a day that his majesty has been preparing for since he first arrived in Aangapea, and it is something that both he and I have been planning around for a very long time. Please, do not waste my time with this request any more. Or, have you come up with a new argument to make your case about?”

“…I have, Lady Rebecca.”

With a soft sigh, Rebecca finally sat down. “Then, speak, and be quick.”

“Thank you, Lady Rebecca, I shan’t forget your kindness.” Hersi cleared his throat nervously. “Ever since the day his majesty invited us to become his subjects, the Gørviligr have looked for many different ways they can distinguish themselves in service to his majesty’s cause. We helped him greatly during the Conquest of Themis, we took the city of Elvast in his name, and protected his lands against invaders during the One Hundred Days War.

“We have enjoyed much glory, revenge, and pleasure at his grace, but I still feel that we Gørviligr can serve him much more than we already have.

“I do not mean to brag when I say this, but I believe that my people are some of the strongest forces that the Empire has to offer. We are excellent marksmen and all capable with spear, shield and sword, and we would gladly give our lives for his majesty at a moment’s notice. I feel, therefore, that it is only right that we should be permitted to help protect the crown jewel of the Demon Empire, the Dread Keep, from any would-be rebels.

“I assure you, Lady Rebecca, Lady of Dread, that we will not let a single arrow, stone or hand even touch the walls of this great castle!”

“…Commander Hersi. I can feel your passion, loyalty, and dedication to Lord Allaric. However.” She narrowed her eyes. “Aren’t you being quite rude to his majesty with your words?”

“…Excuse me?”

“That’s what I should be saying. ‘Some of the strongest in his empire’, was it? That would mean that you are putting yourself on the level of the Machai, Hysminai, Neika, the Awoken or even Hilda’s Dread Knights, wouldn’t it? All of those strong forces guard the Demon Emperor’s home; are you so bold, or arrogant perhaps, to presume that you and the Gørviligr match their station?”

“N-n-not at all, Lady Rebecca! If anything, I believe-!”

“Do you see these two beside me?” She lazily gestured at the Dread Knights behind her. “There are only four people in the whole Demon Empire who are guarded by the Dread Knights. Lord Allaric, Lady Lilith, myself and Eva. We four alone. Normally, I would be being guarded by two of the Demon Emperor’s Hand, had the Voice not needed them for his visit to the Free People’s Alliance.

“Eva would always have one at her side, two would accompany Lady Lilith and Lord Allaric would have Hilda by his side, or a whole squadron of Dread Knights should she be busy. You didn’t go to our liege lord and lady because you were scared of how they’d react to your proposal, and you didn’t go to Eva for she is, and I hope she’ll forgive me for saying this, just the head maid.

“I, therefore, was your only option.” Rebecca took a sharp breath and shook her head again. “Commander Hersi, I would advise you to watch your tongue when inside the Dread Keep or anywhere else inside the empire; I might be forgiving, but his majesty is not.”

“Lady Rebecca, please, forgive me,” Hersi cried as he dropped onto his hands and knees. “I phrased my intentions poorly! What I meant to say was that I too agree with you, that there are much stronger forces in this empire than we Gørviligr, and that’s exactly why they shouldn’t be bogged down with guard duty. Instead, they should be on the frontlines, earning the most glory as is befitting of their station.”

“Yet you, and others in this castle, claim that defending the Dread Keep is the greatest honour one can hold? How can I-?”

“Lady Rebecca, Lady Eva is here with the documents you requested.”

“Let her in.”

One of the guards at the door let Eva into the room who was carrying a small stack of documents. “Forgive the interruption, my lady, but I have the information you wanted.”

“Let me see it. Oh, and please get up off the floor, Commander Hersi.”

Rebecca carefully read through the documents on the Stone-biters twice, before shutting her eyes tightly. “Eva.”

“Yes, my lady?”

“Is Lord Allaric still in the council chambers?”

“He should be.”

“Good. Take these documents with you and follow me to see Lord Allaric.”

In just four weeks of operation, the Stone-biters productivity has dropped every single weak by a very notable margin, Rebecca thought. That means that they’re failing to harvest consistently, but why?

***

“Pirates?”

“Yes, Lord Emperor. Mímir informed me of them a few days back after my last failed assault on the Gateway. There is a fleet of one-hundred ships that lie almost permanently anchored a hundred miles from the northern coast. Their banner flies a red-skull on a black and white banner, and they proclaim themselves to be the Scarlet Skulls.”

“The Scarlet Skulls?”

How original, David thought, before remembering what his own castle was called.

“Before we established the empire, the Scarlet Skulls would raid the coastal regions all across the northern coasts of Aangapea,” Mímir continued on behalf of Abaddon. “They were ruthless and often battled the navies of the world. Supposedly, their leader, one called the Kraken’s-bane, slew five S-ranked adventurers singlehandedly a few years ago.”

“If that’s the case, then he must be very powerful,” Lilith said.

“Indeed. ‘If’ being the key word, Lilith.” David folded his arms and lent back in his throne. “Do you believe that we could bring them into the fold?”

“I do, your majesty. As of right now, the Demon Fleet is only twelve ships strong and is in desperate need of experienced seamen to lead it. Were it not for the continued hard-work of Scylla and Charybdis, I imagine that we would’ve suffered several harsh invasions from the seas by now.”

“…Regrettably so,” David muttered. “I feel bad for the Twins, but that’s just what we’ve had to do all this time. If we had a fleet that large, we should be able to hold back any invasion fleet from the Free People’s.”

“I believe so as well, though I have asked my Ravens that we’re sending west to confirm this.”

“Good work, Mímir. That sort of forward thinking is what I hoped to nurture when we arrived here a year ago. Abaddon, I assume you wish to use this newly acquired fleet to invade the cities beyond the Green Mountains?”

“Yes, Lord Emperor! With the fleet, we wouldn’t have to try and fight our way through the ten layers of the Gateway fortress; instead, we’d bypass the lot and take everything beyond with relative ease.”

“…Then, Mímir, send word to this ‘Kraken’s-bane’. Tell him I wish to welcome him into the Demon Empire and draw up rough terms for a treaty.”

“At once, your majesty.”

“Now then, if that’s all for today, you’re both dismissed. Abaddon, for the time being, attend to your normal duties.”

“At once!”

Once the two generals left the room, David immediately grabbed his wife, put her on his lap, dismissed his helm and started patting Lilith’s head.

“A-Allaric?!”

David smiled and just kept stroking her hair, not concerned with how red her cheeks were turning for a few minutes, until Rebecca and Eva arrived.

“Lord Allaric.”

“What is it, Rebecca?”

“Forgive me for interrupting your alone time with Lady Lilith, but I found an irregularity that I thought it best to bring to your attention. If I may ask you to have a look at these documents.”

David held out his hand and Rebecca gave him the copies of her reports.

“Over the past few weeks, one of the goblin mines, belonging to the Stone-biter Clan, has seen an increasingly sharp decline in mineral production. More troubling is that the decrease in production is so dramatic that it’s barely producing a tenth of what it was six weeks ago.”

“How did that happen?” Lilith snatched the documents from Rebecca’s hands. “Allaric, this is-”

“Hmm, troublesome. No.” David growled, slowly crushing the papers in his hands. “This is inexcusable.”

“Shall I send the Dread Knights to handle it?”

“Actually, Rebecca, I was wondering if you might let me handle this,” Lilith said, leaping from David’s lap.

“Lady Lilith?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve stretched my wings, and I want to be of more use to my beloved husband. I trust that neither of you will have any objections if I depart under armed guard?”

“Take twenty Dread Knights.”

“Lord Allaric?!”

Lilith giggled a little and lovingly touched David’s cheek. “There’s no need to be that worried, sweetheart. I’ll take five of the Dreads and take a detachment of Gørviligr too. If I’m not much mistaken, Commander Hersi is still desperate to prove his worth, yes?”

“Y-yes, Lady Lilith. He came to my office-”

“Then, it all works out. Don’t worry, Allaric - I’ll be back before you know it.”