Rats Among Beasts

Since I was the one who gave Stoler the bright idea to get the princess to do his chores, the rangers agreed that it falls to me to bring the news to her. While the others were sent with Stoler to retrieve their weapons from the duke's custody, I'm meandering through the castle halls, mapping out any locations I missed last time and trying to find the princess. She wasn't in the library, dining hall, or garden so I make the long march back up to her bedchamber. Confronted with two heavy wooden doors, I pound on them to get her attention.

A moment or two later a maid beckons me inside. As I stroll in, the princess calls from her lab, "Found those books, have you dear brother? Many things, you may call me, but a liar is not among them."
She pokes her head over the edge and her expression of childish pride turns to surprise when she sees me. "Oh. Kar'Desh! A welcome sight to be sure. Come, join me."
I smile and bark my acknowledgement, but inwardly sigh. Here we go again. As soon as my head pops over the ladder, she begins speaking again. "It would appear I've run straight up against a wall. Although I can recreate our experiment-"
She points towards the side of the room. "Fill those with your mana would you? I plan to create more."
Finished with her distraction, she continues as though it never happened. "-Our experiment without challenge, it would appear to be for naught. I'm all too unsure what steps to take next."

While focusing on moving mana into the new spheres, I ask, "What was the original plan?"

"If only there was one. The very idea was conceived during our initial meeting; our spontaneous child, if you would."
Our what? She proceeds as if what she's saying is totally normal. "Although I'm perfectly content bearing the burden of raising our offspring, I know not what her future holds for her. If I am to become duchess she will undoubtedly bear the title of princess. If I am to run away from my duty however her fate remains largely uncertain. Even more so considering her father."

It's only getting worse! I interject. "Where is this going Aroura?"

She finally notices my worried expression and puts a scar-cloaked hand to her mouth, stifling a laugh. "What has you so concerned?"

"What do you mean 'what!?' You're over here creating this entire imaginary scenario where you and I have a daughter apparently."

She dismisses it with a wave of her hand. "Oh, 'tis no more than analogy. Besides it'd be impossible even if we tried."
Her eyes light up with a sadistic curiosity. "Have you a child?"

"What? No, I-"

"Can you make one?"

"I'm not-"
Now hold on. This could be a good opportunity. I pull up a chair and lean forward. "What did you have planned?"

"I wish to know if your siphon is hereditary. You would impregnate a newly hired elven maid and I would study your offspring."

I have to make sure. "Would she be busty?"

"Did I not say? You would chose."

Freala would be incredibly envious right about now. I allow a long endless line of elven beauties to seep into my mind before regaining composure with a deep breath. "As much as the idea of my own concubine entices me, and trust me. It does. I couldn't subject my firstborn to your whims."

She sighs. "A shame. Mayhaps I can sway a later opinion with concubines."

"I look forward to it."
I stand to get back to business. "Anyway. I've come to tell you Stoler has asked your absolution be undertaken today. We're to overtake his current duties hunting beasts North of the city."

She reels back in a moment of thought. "He supported this? You outside city walls?"

I shrug. "I don't get it either. He probably has some scheme planned to ensure I enjoy this venture as little as possible."

"Indubatibly. Very well then, I shall prepare. You may return."

As I leave, I let her know that her rangers will be waiting by the drawbridge. That was an interesting exchange. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about her trying to get a kid out of me. On one hand. She's bat-shit insane. On the other...
Gah, I need to calm down. Last time I stuck my dick in the general vicinity of crazy, it was nothing but headaches and suffering until she found some new poor sod to harass. I just need to keep it in my pants until Nick is dead and I'm free.

Once I meander towards the castle gates, I find Stoler leaning against a carriage, holding a casual conversation with Naz and the carriage driver. Wal and Maheed stand nearby, simply listening. Stoler notices my approach and holds up a finger to pause Naz's story. "Where is her majesty?"

"Currently getting ready. Said she'll be here soon."

Stoler nods and marches towards the carriage's rear. Opening a lid on the rear, he pulls out a spear and kite shield and hands them to me. "Give it a few jabs to get used to the weight. Once her majesty arrives, I'll explain our plan."
He turns back towards Naz and jovially says, "So. Kazi was the kid's name right? And you said his mother was trying to take over your class?"
Naz laughs, remembering the story and resumes where he left off.

Wal decides to lead Maheed and I in some drills while we wait, correcting every mistake, I'm sure I'm not making.
It's a long while before the princess finally arrives dressed in surprisingly light armour. A barbute and padded jack with the royal crest slapped in the middle. She should definitely have more armour than that. I suppose since we're hunting beasts, it's fine. There's no doubt people would target her first. That obnoxious crest and lack of armour essentially paints her as a massive target.

With her arrival, Stoler bends a knee to her. "Your majesty. I'm pleased you could join us."

She waves her hand politely. "None can resist Sol's call to arms. Alongside the chosen of Sol no less."

"Your words honor me."
I can't help but inwardly sigh at the pandering and useless fluff nobleborne are required to say. Just get on with it already. Stoler stands and explains the situation. "Recently, concerningly coordinated beasts have attacked trade caravans leaving the contents scattered and ripe for scavengers to claim the remains."

Wal takes a step forward to interject. "Coordinated or no, most caravans should be equipped to deal with beasts, yes? Even gryphons should pose little threat to the well prepared."

Stoler nods. "Ordinarily, yes. That's why I suspect brigands. Though survivors are scarce and their stories have yet to suggest malignant beasts tamers, I have reason to believe otherwise."
The princess crosses her arms in what I perceive as disbelief. Stoler continues. "Only two types of caravans have been targeted. Those entering Solaris and carrying goods ordered by either the noble families or the temple. And all caravans transporting prisoners."
Is he planning on turning us into fucking bait?

Aroura pieces together that parsley information. "The clear markings of a vendetta. Mastery over beasts remains a perplexing issue."

"That's why I wanted your opinion. Summer told me it was impossible, but could magic play a role in this?"

She places a hand to her chin and contemplates the idea. "Human magic, certainly not. I'd need more research to conclude anything about Draconian and Beastman magic however."

There's different types of magic? Wal steps forward again. "Draconian magic possess no such qualities. I have seen beastmen commune with animals, though they've never made it past the saurian provinces, let alone this far West."

Aroura's unmistakable spark of curiosity burns in her eyes. I can tell she's restraining herself as she says, "Thank you for your insight. It would appear speculation will get us no further. Chosen of Sol, are you perhaps looking to use my rangers to further our knowledge?"

He nods. "As expected of her majesty. Yes. By dragging the eclipse rangers and flying the flag of Sol, this carriage will certainly be attacked. We'll stash the eclipse's weapons in the trunk here and loosely tie their binds."

I interject. "Won't this be too obvious? Caravans are under constant attack with prisoners being targeted above all else and the temple just sends a lone carriage with no guards? If these are brigands like you suspect, they'll no doubt see through this."
There's no chance I'd be caught out in the open with my hands bound when beasts might pounce me. Not to mention such an obvious trap would be avoided.

Stoler grunts. "Well said. If we were to add more guards, perhaps it would appear as though we suspect only beasts."

Wal growls, "Or you're trying unnecessarily hard to protect those you deem heretics."

Aroura holds out a hand as though she were offering something. "We are under the assumption these brigands are within Solaris, yes? They are then undoubtedly aware of my rangers and our relation. Let word spread of my departure towards... Let's say Denmeer where, for my absolution, I shall endeavor to spread Sol's will. With the assistance of my penitent rangers of course."

Maheed, clearly confused, asks, "Wait. When did they get into the city?"

I answer before someone else has a chance to steal my thunder. "Since they're attacking traders from specific families, they probably have informants in the city."

After allowing Maheed a second to catch up, Stoler addresses the princess again. "Would the royal family donate soldiers to our trap in order to ensure it's believable?"

She nods. "Though I can hardly speak for my father, I'm beyond certain he'll gleefully contribute. We've a reputation to uphold after all."
She bows ever so slightly as she asks, "Chosen of Sol if you would, accompany me to bring your request before father."

"Of course."
His sightless gaze falls on me. "Wait here."

I exasperatedly shrug. "What else would I do?"

Instead of answering he turns towards the carriage driver. "Deliver a message to the cathedral. The chosen of Sol is requesting a free squad for an urgent escort quest. I shall be there shortly."

We watch as the two enter the castle and the carriage diver takes off. I sigh and turns towards Wal. "More drills then?"

He nods slowly. "Our time would be wasted otherwise."