The Price in Blood (FT, CLOSED, MATURE)

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Outside Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

June looked back up at the dark shape perched on the wall. "Well all this power keeping this vision up has to go somewhere... And I think at the wall is best place for it."

"You can't control that amount of power."

June looked back as James came jogging back to her side.

"Oh no I can't. It can." She pointed up to the dragonish fog perched on the wall.

"And how, pray tell, will you get it to listen?" the Royal Guard asked.

"Liker du dette ... Drage av mine drømmer , gi akt på mitt ord og kommando !" She said, her accent thick, her eyes beginning to glow blue, and the dark fog dragon seemed to climb down the wall and jump over to hang on the side of the cliff near them, the rolling swirling blackness towering over them. James looked a little intimidated. "I'm going to melt that wall to the ground That Jackal banner will burn." She said and the dragonthing began to growl again.

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Jackal’s Point, Wind, Arcadia Star System
25th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

Kelso frowned; he didn’t know what June had planned, and he was more than a little concerned, like June, that she couldn’t control the power she was suggesting they use, or to control the creature to control the power. Of course he knew that there was absolutely nothing that he could do or say that would persuade her to take a less dangerous course of action, so he didn’t even bother trying, particularly after she began to speak to the creature. There was also the fact that this was an opportunity that was far too good to pass up; if June really could bring the walls down in the real world and not just in the vision, then they had to take it for everything that it was worth. It could prevent the siege stretching on for weeks and, if she was able to bring down all the walls, it would save thousands of lives as the assault would not have to cross the killing fields before the walls. Sure, hundreds would still die in the fierce urban fighting, but at least then they would be able to fight back, and not just get cut down crossing open ground.


“Ser Thomas, We need to start preparing for an assault,” Kelso commented, looking over his shoulder at Ser Thomas Howard. “We can’t do much whilst we’re stuck in here, but we can pass the word; as soon as we’re out; we charge the walls.”

“As you command, my Lord,” Ser Thomas nodded. “Knights in front, infantry behind?”

“As you say,” Kelso nodded, turning back to June. “Alright, if you’re sure you can… do it.”

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Outside Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

June took a deep breath and walked forward, right to the edge of where the ground had 'crumbled away.' She looked up at the wall beyond the dark dragonshape looming before her. She didn't really know if it would work, but hse had a feeling, like she'd done something like this before or perhaps heard the words somewhere else.

"Ense på mine ord, jeg har hørt ropene, nå hører min kommando. Forbruker i bålet hindringen som står foran oss. For Sjakalen kan ikke stå mot dragen." (Heed my words, I have heard your call, now hear my command. Consume in fire the obstacle that stands before us. For the Jackal cannot stand against the dragon.) She held out her right hand at the wall.

The dragonshape surged up onto land,taking a place 'behind' June, the dark fog of body engulfing the camp yet somehow still able to see everything that was going on It seemed to brace itsself, its head high as blue wisps turned into steady blue streams of energy directed into the dark shape. The vision around them began to collapse, the sky draining of color and stars, the ground and ocean returning to view. and of course before them the wall that stood in their way. This was the real world. Every except the dark shape that continued to loom above June, its mouth slightly open blue energy seeming to drool out of its mouth around sharp teeth.

"Kelso are you ready?" she asked. When his reply was affirmative she took a deep breath.

The silence was so profound you could hear it ringing.

"Varme." She said simply.

The dragon, and lets not kid anyone that's exactly what it was even if it seem illdefined in its shape at times, reared up, planted itself on the ground and breathed what could accurately be described and 'bright', 'blue' and 'hell.' It breath began to melt, actually melt, the wall to the ground and as June tracked her eyes along it, the wall melted with it. Nothing behind the wall was hurt despite the impressive distance the blue flames were getting, nor was any grass, dirt or material beneath the flame getting burnt. Magic Fire was definitely as accurate term. Finally the wall was just a slagged pile of not even rock, and June lowered her hand, watching what remained of a jackal banner, still burning, float on a breeze.

With its message delivered and deed done the dark shape spread its wings, gave one last roar and took to the sky, straight up and disappeared. June stood there for a moment before turning back to Kelso.

"You know. I as much as I love having powers," She said quietly so only he could hear. "Wielding that amount of power scares me. I could of kept going, burned the whole of Jackal's Point to molten slag. Of course that would be very wrong and a very horrible path to stray onto."

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Jackal’s Point, Wind, Arcadia Star System
25th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

“Indeed it is, especially as there are likely innocents in there, and not just the young children of Lord Keegan, I suspect Keegan will have had his civilians stay within the walls, to use as human shields,” Kelso replied sagely. “Force knows we’re going to inflict a hell of a lot of collateral damage with the assault, anything we can avoid we should, even if it means we lose some of our people to save civilians.”

Kelso was glad that she had stopped herself; that she had realised that despite the power she held that there had to be limits, and that she had been able to realise that herself, and to stop herself from going too far, before Kelso had to. He, like any Forceborn, had had to learn that at a very young age; a Forceborn with no concern for those around him, or the limits of his own power, was a very dangerous being indeed. There were some Forceborn who abused their powers, more than Kelso liked tot think about, but the vast majority of them were at least responsible if nothing else. He was also glad that she had realised it herself and that he had not had to do it for her, that was one conversation and one responsibility he did not want, for aside from anything else he knew full well that he couldn't be objective when it came to June, and he would have needed to have been if that was the case.

Ultimately however right now Kelso had more pressing matters to deal with, now he knew that June was okay.

“Form the line!” Kelso called out to his men.

Within a few minutes the troops were gathering for their advance, the Knights assembling in the centre to charge down the central road and push through the enemy who were scrambling to recover from what had just happened to them, although they were in bad shape having lost both their defences and their first line of defenders. Kelso rode up to the head of his army and drew his sword, energising the bright blue blade and pointing it towards Jackal’s Point.

“Charge!”

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Outside Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

June of course would of never actually burned Jackal's point to the ground. Not with civilians still there. That power and attack had felt amazing, it had not exhausted her, it had given her energy to go on as she accepted Shade back from James and mounted up, drawing her sword, ready to charge. But she had morals and even though she'd rather it be easy, she couldn't burn innocents. Lord knew that some of them were going to die in the crossfire anyways. She could not imagine the line of thinking, 'keep the civilians in so it makes Kelso's life harder.' She'd rather make booby traps or something. I wouldn't want my civilians in the way, especially his wife and children. She would definitely resent a leader if he wouldn't let them leave before a battle. Not that it mattered to Keegan, but what if, by some miracle, he won? He'd have people that would blame him for the deaths of their family and friends and who knows what kind of trouble that kind of thinking might get you into. (Of course she would think not many lowborn would try to rise against a Forceborn, but you never know and anyways, there were plenty of ways to get screwed over without open fighting.)

But those thoughts were for later. She sent a quick prayer that she would not kill any innocents today and when Kelso charged, she spurred her Shade forward, sword drawn.

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Jackal’s Point, Wind, Arcadia Star System
25th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

Kelso urged Dark Wind forward as the main body of his Knights reached him and took his position at the head of the charge as they crossed the open ground in front of what once was the walls of Jackal’s Point. They had some difficulty crossing the remains of the wall, but fortunately their armour and the training of their mounts ensured that they were able to keep their line of advance intact as they swept into the forward areas of the Jackal’s Point. The line of Knights ran down dozens, if not hundreds, of Keegan Men-At-Arms who tried in vain to stand against them; their Bowcaster bolts mostly striking off the thick armour of the horses, although one or two Knights went down to lucky shots, even through battle armour the Bowcaster was a deadly weapon. Never the less the charge continued unabated well into the Jackal’s Point, until the Keegan Guard was able to get its act together and formed a pike line and, rather than be cut down on a veritable wall of lightsaber pikes, the Knights pulled out of their charge and leapt from their steads; better able to combat a pike line on foot than on horseback, with fierce fighting breaking out all along the line.

The Keegan Guard’s discipline and battlefield cohesion was commendable, and whilst very few of the Arcadian Knights were killed, they were unable to make any real progress against the line of lightsaber pikes and shields. At least, that was, until the rest of the invading force caught up with the Knights and even as some troops began to flood into the buildings yet others began to pour fire into the Keegan pike line. Whilst the shields of the Keegan Guard held back a great deal of the fire, and even deflected some of it back against the attackers, but gaps did begin to show in the line and Kelso and his Knights wasted no time in exploiting these gaps and pushing into the cracks in the Keegan defensive line. The Keegans saw this happening and their Knight Commanders were quick enough to start pulling their line back in an organised withdrawal towards the narrowest point of Jackal’s Point before the promontory widened again in the area around the Jackal’s Keep and the main concentration of buildings.

Of course Kelso knew that he couldn’t let that happen and with a shout ordered his people forwards, throwing himself against the pike line with a powerful downward’s strike with his sword, cutting straight through the helmet of one of the Guardsmen, creating himself a gap which he immediately took full advantage of with a Force Push, giving himself fighting space and slashing out with his blade, removing the head of another Guardsmen before he could get his shields up. Behind him other Knights were beginning to fight their way through the gap that their Lord had created quicker than the the Keegans could reposition to compensate and hold them back. With the Keegan Guard now being attacked on both sides, and with the Windtide and Arcadian Men-At-Arms adding their own fire, as well as engaging their Keegan counterparts behind the line of Guardsmen, the Keegan Guard was in trouble; despite their superior numbers they were being overwhelmed. The final nail in their coffin was when the Windtide Guard itself charged into the fray; their pikes meeting the Keegan Guard at their weakest and helping the remaining Knights and Men-At-Arms push through the Keegan lines.

“To the Keep!” Kelso ordered with a shout.

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

The charge was successful, no doubt the very sudden dropping of a wall that should of taken weeks to get though helped that. She wondered if anyone inside Jackal's Point saw the vision or if it had just been the seize camp. It would be interesting to learn if they had seen it, or if it just seemed like the wall had decided to pack it in and give up. Those thoughts were minor and distant and very fleeting.

She pulled Shade up short of the pike line and leapt down, her sword drawn. They weren't making much progress til the res of the troops began to show up and the gaps began to form as some fell to the weight of fire oming there way. June was there, not quite beside Kelso, but there with him, pushing the enemy back and cutting down a couple guardsmen herself. Blood was already splattered over her armor, a side effect of not having an energized blade. She looked up to Kelso at his order and she grinned, the Keep, they would still be sitting outside the wall if it wasn't for her vision. but they were already going to be going to the Keep. Keegan wouldn't be alive much longer.

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Jackal’s Point, Wind, Arcadia Star System
25th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

Kelso, with his Knights and Guardsmen around him, led the invading force deeper into the Jackal’s Point, the Keegan defence crumbling before their advance now that the Keegan Guard had been broken. The Knights and Guardsmen pressed on whilst the Men-At-Arms split off to clear the houses, a task they were infinitely better suited for, perhaps less prestigious than charging the Keep but just as important in ensuring that their Lord and his Knights didn’t find themselves being flanked by the enemy. In addition the Men-At-Arms also had the vital task of guiding the non-combatants away from the fighting; the men and women of fighting age had either taken up arms for Keegan, or had fled the city and taken up arms for House Windtide, so it was comparatively easy to identify those who weren’t a threat; the young, the old and the frail. Although Kelso was strongly considering just ripping the Jackal’s Point down brick-by-brick it would not be the end of inhabitation on Wind, and if Kelso was going to maintain control on this distant moon he needed to ensure he had the support of the lowborn; protecting the weak and defenceless from the turmoil of an Assault was a good way to start doing just that.

They next encountered any real resistance in the courtyard immediately in front of the Keep. Much like Tidespring there was a wide-open area around the Keep, designed to allow the defenders inside to fire on the attackers, whilst the attackers had to cross yet more open ground to even get to grips with their foes. Indeed as they approached they found themselves under withering fire, and the Windtide Guard moved forward to form areas of cover with their shields, allowing the Men-At-Arms to start moving up and return fire, taking out the defenders in a slow, bloody slog across the courtyard. Just as it looked like the Windtide forces were getting the other hand a group of Keegan Knights sallied forth from the Keep and charged the Guardsmen and the Men-At-Arms, cutting down a number before Kelso and his Knights were able to move forward and engage them. The entire courtyard descended into dozens of small engagements between Knights as they all fought for their lives, the remaining Windtide Men-At-Arms continuing the task of clearing the shooting positions within the Keep as best they could from the outside.

Kelso, naturally, found himself at the centre of attention, as more than one young Keegan Knight tried to put a stop to the assault by killing him, few got past the remaining Guardsmen or Ser Georgia, those that did were inevitably cut down by Kelso himself. The fight seemed to be going there way when another group of Knights appeared and charged the beleaguered Windtide Knights. This time a tall Knight with a helmet shaped like a Jackal’s head made straight for Kelso, and, after forcing aside both the Guardsmen and Ser Georgina, engaged Kelso with a powerful downwards strike. Kelso absorbed the blow with his blade, allowing his attacker to overcommit himself before performing a quick counter-attack that put his opponent on the back foot even as Kelso’s blade whipped up cross his face, cutting the snout from the helmet and revealing the man inside; Lord John Keegan. The disgraced Lord snarled as he pushed back again and despite his lucky strike Kelso knew this was going to be far from easy; this was a Force Lord like himself, who had doubtless had the best training money, or power, could buy.

The two Lords came together several times, exchanging rapid blows back and forth with a speed and precision that few around them at seen before; this was a showdown of Force Lords, and for the first time perhaps Kelso showed what he was truly capable of, now that there was a very real threat at the other end of his sword. Allowing the Force to flow completely through him there was less actual intent in his movements more instinctive response and trusting in the Force, doubtless the same was true for Lord Keegan as well. As the duel continued the blows were coming faster and fiercer, each attack almost blurring into the next as the two Lords fought for any sort of advantage that would allow them to end the fight. As the fight progressed the rest of the duels around them began to end, one way or another, with the Windtide Knights gaining the advantage, who began to form a wide circle around their Lord and his opponent, not interfering but ready to contain the traitorous Lord if he tried to flee. Keegan saw this, and a sense of desperation entered his attacks.

It was then that Kelso knew that he had him and, sure enough, a few blows later Keegan overreached himself again and Kelso was able to score a powerful blow on the thin armour at the back of Lord Keegan’s needs, the blade cutting straight through and severing the man’s leg muscles and ligaments, sending him to his knees with a yell of anguish. A cheer went up from the gathered Knights as their Lord circled around to the side of his defeated foe.

“Any last words, my Lord?”

“Fuck you!” Keegan gasped.

With no further warning Kelso’s sword came down, deactivated now, precisely aimed for the back of Keegan’s neck, and a silence spread over the gathered Knights as their hated enemy’s head was severed from his head and went rolling away as the man’s body fell to the ground, blood spurting from the wound now that the sword was just bare steel. Kelso held his blade at his side for a few moments, looking down at the body of the man who had destroyed his family before turning to Ser Thomas and Ser George.

“Clear the Keep,” He ordered. “We’re not finished here.”

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

It might not be completely over, but this part... This part was done. Keegan was no more.

Despite the intense fight the two had had, it almost seemed anti-climatic. She had known Kelso would win, that Keegan would lose. She was still glad to see him dead, but there had been little drama, just the knowledge that 'Lord' Keegan was a dead man awaiting the swing of the reapers sythe. Well he had finally met his fate and June took a deep breath and stepped up beside her husband, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"You did it My Lord. "

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Jackal’s Point, Wind, Arcadia Star System
25th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

Kelso sighed heavily as he accepted a damp cloth from one of his Knights and used it to wipe down his blade, removing Keegan’s blood as best he could; given the material it was made out of it wasn’t going to stain the blade, but he wanted it gone, even as Keegan’s body was dragged away to be prepared for burial. All around him there was still much activity; Men-At-Arms were swarming into the Keep led by Ser George Forrester, Ser Thomas Howard remaining outside to oversee the wider battle, after all they were far from finished and despite Lord Keegan’s death there were a number of his troops still holding out all across the Stronghold, and some of them in very strong positions to do so. In the distance, he could just about see the Swallow banner begin to be raised over surviving towers, and Banner Sergeants were invariably climbing buildings to wave the banner from the rooftops, making entirely clear that House Windtide had arrived to deliver justice upon those that had betrayed it all those years ago. To make clear that this time the Swallow had defeated the Jackal, and that soon the Jackal banner would be little more than dust and a memory.

So for one moment, for one beautiful moment, Kelso let his guard down as he slipped his sword back into its sheath and allowed himself to smile, after all these years he had finally avenged his parents and his sisters.

The next thing Kelso knew he was being thrown to the ground by the shockwave of a massive explosion. Landing hard despite his armour he was momentarily dazed and disoriented. Looking up all he could see was a great fireball and expanding dust cloud, with pieces of masonry and other materials flying high into the sky and peppering the castle in debris. Then the sound hit up, an almighty bang followed immediately by the shouts of surprise. Kelso grimaced as he forced himself up onto a throbbing arm and climbed to his feet, looking around to get a better idea of what had happened. It seemed almost impossible, where once the great Keep of Jackal’s Point had stood there was now nothing less but an almighty of debris, so severe was the explosion. Those too close to the Keep had been annihilated by the detonation, everyone else had been thrown to the ground, some had been hit by debris or other shrapnel and were badly wounded, Ser Thomas included.

It took a moment for all this to process. No doubt Lord Keegan had left the Keep, he had probably been trying to slip away but, seeing how badly outnumbered he was, had elected to try and take Kelso on, knowing that was his best bet for getting out safely. Obviously he had been hoping that Kelso would go into the Keep himself, and would be caught in the detonation. Instead hundreds of Men-At-Arms had just been wiped out in an instant, not enough to change the outcome of the battle but there loss was tragic enough on its own without considering the tactical considerations. And of course there was their leader…

Oh Force…No…

In the deadly silence that had settled over the Jackal’s Point in the wake of the explosion one sound ripped through that silence like a red hot knife through butter, and stabbed its way into hearts of each and every person who head it; the anguished scream of lost love as Ser Georgia Swift realised what had just happened…

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

June had about as much warning as Kelso did. The first thing she knew of it she was being thrown to the ground. Instinct kicked in and much like the first time she'd ever really used her powers a quick "skjold" threw up a shield around her.

After a few moments she dragged herself up to look around, her vision distorted through the shimmering blue shield around her. She lowered the shield and looked around. Where the Keep once was now was just a pile of rubble. A lot of people looked confused, a few around her hurt, but no one looked to seriously damaged. So Keegan had been trying to escape to leave the Keep to blow up around them? What a thing to do and she hoped that Keegan had not left his wife and children in there. It was bad enough that all those Men-at-Arms and Ser George had...

Her thoughts suddenly slid to a halt at that and no sooner then when she realized that he was dead she heard Ser Georgina scream in anguish as she realized her love had been lost. She staggered to her feet, ears still ringing a little from the explosion. Not another person. Yes this was war, and people died in wr, but why did it have to be Ser George? He had been a great man deserving of much better then what he had just gotten.

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Jackal’s Point, Wind, Arcadia Star System
25th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

Kelso moved slowly, dazed and shell-shocked by what had just happened. The bastard had done it again, in a last measure of defiance against the family he had betrayed, John Keegan had taken a truly happy moment of Kelso’s life and rent it asunder. He had not just killed hundreds of Kelso’s loyal Men-At-Arms, but he had ripped away from him one of his oldest and closest friends in Ser George Forrester. He had been angered and saddened by the loss of Ser Christopher less than a week ago, but this hit him like a true body blow. He had known George for as long as he could remember and he had been amongst the first that had come to find him and swore his loyalty, and his life, the cause of House Windtide. Unlike many that made such an oath, even during wartime, Ser George had been called upon to give his last full measure of devotion to the House he had sworn his sword to, dying at the height of the fighting. The glory of his death did nothing to make the pain of his loss feel any better, hell, it felt just like it had when Ser Alvis Jenson had been assassinated.

Perhaps that was because Kelso had been just as incapable of protecting Ser George as he had been with Ser Alvis. As much as a Knight swore to serve and protect his Lord, in the same oaths exchanged between the Lord and one of his sworn swords the Lord swore to protect and provide for those in his service. Everyone knew where the balance lay, and that if there was a choice between the Lord dying and the Knight dying it was the duty of the Knight to protect his Lord with his life, but Kelso felt like he should have done more to protect Ser George; but what could he have done. There had been no indication, no warning about what was about to happen, and Keegan himself had died defiantly without giving even the hint of what was to come, not even the coldest of smiles. And who else but his trusted best friend could he have chosen to launch the final assault into the Keep; all of the other senior Knights were busy or otherwise engaged, besides Ser George would have insisted on the ‘honour’ of commanding the final assault in any case, and would have resented it if Kelso had tried to stop him.

Looking around Kelso could see that Ser Georgina was sagged against a pile of debris, her body wracked by strong sobs as she tried in vain to come to terms with what had just happened to her. No one knew quite what to do; she was well respected and liked, but she had always been an outsider, so aside from the inner circle with whom she had become close friends with the rest of the Knights likely didn’t feel close enough to her to be able to offer any real assistance. Instead, a group of them formed a circle around where she was sat crying, facing outwards, and stood vigil to protect her in her grief. Kelso sighed heavily, he would have to speak to her at some point, do whatever he could to console her, but right now he sensed that she wanted to be alone; the only person that might have been able to reach her now was gone from this world, regretfully never to return.

Kelso heard a clattering of armoured hooves on the cobbles and turned in time to watch as Ser Hannah Forrester and a contingent of Knights rode up. After breaking through the Keegan Guard’s lines, she had taken a detachment to go and secure the spaceport on the far side of Jackal’s Point, to ensure that no one was able to escape. Kelso could tell from the pained look on her expression that she knew something was wrong; doubtless, she had felt her sibling’s death through the Force and was hoping desperately that it was not what she feared.

“Where is my brother?” She demanded striding towards Kelso.

“Hannah, hold up,” Kelso said, finally snapping out of his reverie and moving quickly to intercept her, gripping her upper arms firmly, his battle armour holding her in place despite her own armour. “George was in the Keep.,.. When it exploded… he’s gone.”

There was such pain and anguish in her face, behind the anger, that Kelso almost hated himself for telling her. Losing a sibling was hard; Kelso knew that from experience, having lost a brother during the war and two sisters during the Night of the Jackal, but losing a twin had to be even worse. The pair had been side-by-side literally since before birth and the two had been inseparable for much of their lives, now Hannah was having to suddenly and without warning come to terms with the fact that she was going to have to face without her twin brother.

“I know it’s hard, Hannah, but right now you need to be strong,” Kelso said softly. “Not for me or any of us, but for that young girl over there who has just lost the man she loved; you’re the only one who can reach her.”

Hannah looked back at him, tears stinging her eyes as she took in what he had said, and she nodded. Kelso knew Hannah well enough to know that she needed time to process this on her own; now whilst she couldn’t be alone she needed something to focus her mine on, and the best thing Kelso could think for her to focus on was helping the young Knight who was still sobbing inconsolably. Hannah sighed heavily and moved away from Kelso, he could tell from her posture that she was doing her best to remain strong and unbowed, but he knew that as soon as she could she would likely shut herself in a room and grieve properly.

As for himself, Kelso began wandering away from the Keep, or the scorched remnants of it, determined to wander the Stronghold that had cost him far too much to take already. There was an anger, and a hate, similar to what he had felt at Ser Christopher’s death, but deep down it was more of a deep numbness; a pain that was too great to acknowledge and that instead just began to eat away at his insides. He had lost another friend, on his orders for his cause. He and his family had sacrificed enough to make this day possible, not that it should ever have been necessary, why did the Price in Blood have to be so damned high… why did so many good people have to die because of the treachery and ambition of one man. The swallow banner now flew from the towers of Jackal’s Point, but Kelso couldn’t help but feel that they were soaked in blood.

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

June watched, feeling a bit helpless, as Hannah went over to comfort Ser Georgina. Yet another person they had been close to was gone, given their life in service to Kelso and his house. The universe really did not seem to like them, it was like they were cursed.

She turned away, leaving the grieving lover and sister to their own, looking around to where Kelso went to. He shouldn't be alone, not while they were grieving and prone to error. She didn't see him, had she been so distracted that she he'd been able to wander off without her noticing? Apparently so. After a few moments of looking around she looked down at her mark.

"Finne Kelso." She said quietly and the mark began to glow. She looked up and set off.

He had not gotten far however and she came up to him, giving him a hug despite their armor, god what she wouldn't give to have all this bloodshed end. So no one else had to die. She hated losing people she'd grown close to. She was lucky in a way she guessed, that she had 'only' lost her family. Of course that had still hurt, as it had been recent, relatively speaking, but none of her own Dracoixan friends had died yet. Hurt yes, James had begun to show scarring from all the battles he followed his princess into and Moore had lost his leg. Others among her had died, like Stalcor's tactical officer of an untimely heart attack, and of course every battle in space usually netting a few more casualties of people who would never see their home and loved ones again. But Kelso seemed to be living magnet for grief and all these people he'd grown close to, old friends and mentors, dying to retake his home. It hurt. It hurt a lot.

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Jackal’s Point, Wind, Arcadia Star System
25th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

Kelso gratefully accepted her hug and sagged into her embrace as she put her arms around him and pulled him close; taking the comfort from her that only she had ever been able to provide. He had known that she would find him, either through her powers or through simply knowing him as she did, and that was part of the reason he had wandered off; away from his Knights and his troops. As she held him in her arms he finally allowed his grief to flood over him, and felt bitter, angry tears streaming down his face as he finally allows himself to accept what had happened; that his friend, his trusted Knight, had been killed, so callously and without reason, and that he was gone from this world never to return. That he would never hear his voice, would never be able to enjoy their back-and-forth banter around his relationship with Ser Georgina, would not be able to confide in him in a way that he simply couldn’t with his female friends. As boys they had grown up together, they had learnt to fight together before the Night of the Jackal and ripped their lives apart.

And now the Jackal had claimed one last victim.

“It’s just not fair, we’ve sacrificed so much already at the hands of that bastard and yet he has to take one more thing from all of us, after he took everything else away as well,” Kelso sobbed. “Taking his head was too good for him, part of me wished I had kept him alive just so I could inflict as much pain upon him as he has upon me.”

A dark tone had entered Kelso’s voice; he had rarely talked about deliberately inflicting pain upon another being, and certainly hadn’t meant it particularly seriously, certainly not as seriously as he obviously meant it now. Before he could say anything more he sensed someone approaching and, drying his eyes, he turned to face the interloper, who turned out to be one of his Knights, who bowed formally, if he had any real reaction to his Lord obviously upset he didn’t show it; everyone in Jackal’s Point knew what had happened now.

“My Lord, we’ve finished securing the spaceport; we discovered the two daughters of John Keegan hiding in a shuttle, their pilot had been killed by bowcaster fire,” The Knight reported. “All indications seem to point that Lady Keegan was still n the Keep when it exploded, however both the girls appear to be unharmed, although obviously frightened.”

“How old are the girls?”

“Seven and four, my Lord,” The Knight replied. “What would you have of them?”

Kelso considered for a moment. A very, very small part of him wanted them dead; to remove the blood of House Keegan from the universe, never to return. In a way it would have been preferable if Keegan had only had sons, of fighting age, and they could have been killed on the battlefield. But he hadn’t he had daughters, young ones at that, and no matter how much he hated their father, Kelso could not bring himself to murder, or order the murder of, young children in their beds, just for the sake of his own vengeance.

“We’ll take them to Tidespring, raise them as Wards,” Kelso said after a few moments. “Hopefully we can make sure they grow up better than their parents.”

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

June didn't really have to say anything, just be there for him. She could hear the darkness in his voice, and she could understand it. Keegan had taken dear friends from him, caused an enormous amount of grief for everyone. She did not know if she could do such things herself, but she wouldn't exactly deny him if he ever got the chance unless said target was innocent.

She turned to the knight with the interesting news about Keegan's daughters. They were young and still very impressionable. Raising them as wards would be a good idea. June could not imagine what it would be like, knowing your father had been a traitor and (as they would probably learn one day) a truly despicable man. She felt bad for the two girls, who had not chosen their father. What kind of stuff had they already learned? Had their father been nice to them? She hoped that he had.

"I hope we can set them on a straight and narrow. But you're doing a good thing Kelso."

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Jackal’s Point, Wind, Arcadia Star System
25th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

“We can hope, my Love, hopefully they are young enough that they will not have been corrupted by their father’s views and his treason, and that they will understand why we had to fight him, and why he had to die,” Kelso sighed heavily. “Yet I will not hide anything from them; when the time comes if they ask about their parents, about their House, I will tell them, and we’ll deal with the consequences.”

Kelso turned back to the Knight.

“Have the girls taken up to the Ser Alvis Jenson, get them cleaned up, give them some food and assign them quarters; talk to Consular Jacque and ask him to meet with them,” Kelso ordered. “We’ll probably be here for a few days, I want them back in lessons as soon as possible, but tell the Consular I want an assessment on their mental state, and how much of their father is in them.”

“As you command, my Lord,” The Knight nodded, bowed and departed.

Kelso turned back to June.

“We’ll have to talk to Alyssa, she’s going to be essential in those girls settling in alright, but I don’t want her own bad experiences with House Keegan to shadow her interactions with them,” Kelso commented. “I know it will not be easy for her, especially at her age, but we need to make sure she realises that they did not choose who their father was.”

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

June gave a small nod. she understood the logic. "I'm sure Alyssa will be fine once she has time to adjust. She's a strong, smart girl. I trust she'll be able to help, even if their name might not bring back fond memories."

She looked around again, almost unable to believe that it had happened. They had done it. They had retaken Kelso's home and avenged his family. It had come at a terrible cost, lost troops and a dead friend, but it was over. Wind and Tide were theirs to keep. SHe'd married a wonderful man and no longer would Keegan be able to betray them or hang a shadow over them like he had for all these years.

Now all that was left was her own Dracoixa and the false king Othan that sat on its throne and it was so painfully close she could feel it. They would get there in time of course, but now, looking forward, it was much closer then it use to be.

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Tidespring, Tide, Arcadia Star System
30th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

It was nearly a full week before Kelso was satisfied with the destruction of Jackal’s Point; personally overseeing the razing to the ground of the entire Stronghold to ensure that as many of the bad memories could be removed as possible. They had discovered the remains of Ser George Forrester; he had been thrown away from the Keep by the explosion, but unfortunately had been killed none the less; but at least there was something for them to hold a funeral around. Once Kelso was satisfied with the destruction, and had established a sufficient garrison to hold Wind as the rebuilding process was begun in earnest. Once all that was done they began their return to Tidespring; they would hold a funeral for Ser George, a memorial service for the rest of the lost and then Ser Thomas and his Howard troops would depart to head home; the fighting was done and the war was over, peace would return at last to the Arcadia Star System, no doubt much to the satisfaction of the Warden of Arcadia, Lord Howard, and the King himself, Kelso fancied, given what had been said the last time that Kelso had been on the Capital World.

In the past week Consular Jacque had been able to sit down with the two Keegan orphans and get a good read on them. From what the Consular had said the youngest of the two, Elizabeth Keegan, was too young to be able to understand anything that had happened, and would be unlikely to be a problem, although it was suspected that she would miss her parents. The older of the two, Jennifer Keegan, was a little more able to understand what had happened, and was understandably resentful towards Kelso, having refused to speak more than a few words to him in the handful of times that Kelso had met the two young Keegan girls since the death of their father. At the advice of his Consular he had given the girls space; at this age all they knew was that this was the man that had taken away their father, and nothing would change that; the hope was that as they grew and were educated they would come to realise just how detestable man their father had truly been and that Jennifer Keegan in particular would forgive Kelso for his role in their father’s death.

Kelso wasn’t particularly convinced by that argument, but he was determined to try and gifted the older Keegan girl with a warm smile as their shuttle touched down at the Tidespring Spaceport, getting only a glare in response, before making his way down the ramp. Pretty much everyone in Tidespring had turned out to welcome their Lord home in victory, and there were banners aplenty flying across the Spaceport, including from all of the vassals. Kelso had intended to speak to Lord Forrester first, however Alyssa, of course, had other ideas, and as soon as Kelso stepped onto the surface he saw her come running, totally unladylike, from where she had been standing to embrace him tightly, so pleased was she that he had returned safely. Of course the gathered crowd just adored this and a general ‘awww’ could be heard across the square, causing Alyssa to blush a very interesting shade of pink as she drew back from her brother.

“Did you miss me, Little Bird?” Kelso smiled.

“What do you think,” Alyssa smirked. “Of course I did.”

“Well, I’m glad,” Kelso nodded. “I’m just as glad that Tidespring is still in one piece after you have control of it for a fortnight.”

“Just because you would have blown the place up if you had been given control of it at my age,” Alyssa retorted, sticking out her tongue at her older brother. “I’ll have you know that I am highly responsible, me and Edward-“

“Ah, you and Edward,” Kelso smirked, earning him a deeper shade of pink and a swift jab to his stomach. “Yield, Yield; if only so you don’t break your hand on my mail.”

“Humph,” Alyssa narrowed her eyes. “I’ll get you back for that, you know this?”

“Promises, Promises,” Kelso smiled, then his smile faded. “Did Consular Jacque tell you about the Keegans.”

“Yes,” Alyssa replied shortly.

“And how I expect you to treat them?”

“Yes.”

“You are a Windtide of Tidespring, they are our guests now, you will treat them as such,” Kelso said sternly. “Besides… they couldn’t chose their parents anymore than you could yours, would you have liked it if someone truly held your original bastardy against you?”

“No, I guess not,” Alyssa sighed. “I will do as you ask.”

“Good,” Kelso said, turning as Lord Forrester approached. “Lord Forrester.”

“My Lord,” Forrester replied sadly.

“You have my deepest condolences for your loss, my Lord, and my most heartfelt thanks for the sacrifice that your son made for my House and my cause,” Kelso said formally. “With your permission I would like to hold the funeral here, in the Forcewood of Tidespring; the place that your son fought so hard to reclaim.”

“I would be honoured, my Lord,” Forrester nodded. “I would like some time alone with my son.”

“Of course, we’ll have his remains moved to the Forcewood and I will instruct my Guard to restrict access to all but yourself and myself,” Kelso replied with a nod. “We’ll hold the funeral tonight, if you have no objections.”

“None, my Lord,” Forrester nodded, and departed.

Kelso sighed heavily as the rest of his entourage disembarked. It was going to be a long day.

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Tide
Tidespring
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

The return back to Tidespring was both welcome and a bit unwanted. Even though they had leveled Jackal's Point, it still hurt to be around there, where Ser George had died and such a despicable man had ruled.

And yet they were to hold yet another funeral.

She was happy to see Alyssa, and once she was done hugging and talking to Kelso she gave her a hug of her own, happy to see that she was well and that Tidespring had not burned to the ground in their absence.

Of course joining Kelso's people were her own. Though most of her people were spacers, now that they had a planet, well moon, to come down to, a lot of them had showed up to greet their Princess's return 'home.' Even Moore, standing pretty much at the 'head' of the group, had come out to greet her. He was of course somber as June walked up to speak with him.

"I'm sorry for your loss June, Ser George was a fine man. I already offered my condolences to Lord Forrester."

"Thank you Admiral." June said, looking over to Forrester talking to Kelso. for a moment they stayed silent, the silence heavy before she broke it again. "How is the fleet holding up?"

"Better then expected. With Tide to rest on the crews are much happier. Kumal is having so trouble with wear and tear, after all she is a pretty old tiger cruiser. Darli's been flitting around the system, respectfully asking permission of everyone she needs to as she checks out each of the planets. I believe she's over in Lord Howard's orbit now, I'll let you guess what's she doing over there."

"I hope you reminded her not to poke the beak of the Raven into anything that can blast it back to Dracoixa alone?" She said dryly, thinking of the large ship Lord Howard commanded.

"She was warned, and and she knows better. She's a risk-taker but she's not stupid." He said.

'How are things going with you?" She asked and Moore shrugged.

"I can't complain. Being down here is nice after so long on Stalcor, not that I don't love my ship. Locals don't really know what to do with me, especially if I let it slip that I'm a Lord. But they're a charming people." Moore replied. "But I like it down here. Praying to the Goddess on ship is nice, but its good to touch down and ground yourself to one of Her creations every once in a while. Am I allowed to attend the funeral tonight?"

June nodded before she turned to go join Kelso again. It was definitely going to be a long day.

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Tidespring, Tide, Arcadia Star System
30th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

The wind whistled through the trees that made up the Forcewood of Tidespring, sending ripples across the pool of water at the centre of the wide clearing in the centre, and causing the torches providing the lighting to flicker and dance dramatically. It was a cold night and everyone was wrapped up warmly against the chill, yet even if they had not been Kelso knew that they would all have turned out for this sad, sad event. Ser George Forrester was one of the better known and most liked members of Kelso’s inner circle, his exploits in battle only matched by his loyalty to House Windtide, and the resolve which he had possessed to ensure that the House of his closest friend, the House which had given him everything, would be restored to its place of former glory. All the Lords of Wind and Tide were present, as were many of their Knights and important middle-class lowborn, particularly those from House Forrester, all here to pay respect for one of the most promising Knights of his generation, whose life had been cut tragically short, in a way that meant that he hadn’t even been able to fight for his life; it had been cruelly snatched away from him.

Kelso stepped forwards into the circle and looked around at the crowd of mourners.

“Ser George Forrester is my oldest friend, one of my earliest memories is of playing with George, and his sister Ser Hannah, in the forests of Westwood, we were playing Knights and Ladies; although of course our Lady wasn’t being particularly Ladylike,” Kelso recalled with a slight smile, provoking a low chuckle of amusement, even from Hannah herself despite the silent tears flooding down her face. “George was my closest friend for many years, up until the Night of the Jackal when he, like everyone, fought I was dead and gone for ever; betrayed by House Keegan.”

Kelso paused sadly.

“The moment that George, and Hannah, received word that I was in fact alive they both, um, acquired, themselves a Star Destroyer and came out to pledge their loyalty, and their lives, to me and my House, becoming my first two Knights and my most stalwart supporters,” Kelso continued. “Ser George Forrester fought by my side for over three years in our struggle to make this day possible’ where we would stand in Tidespring once more, our banners flying from the walls, and although we never talked about it, he was resolved to give his life for mine if the need arose.”

“And yet Ser George was more than just a Knight; he was a loving partner to our own Ser Georgina Swift, their love story a favourite amongst our forces in the Tide’s Edge, and although we are pained by his passing, we know that he had such a powerful affect upon so many of us in so many ways,” Kelso added. “Alas the Force called upon Ser George to sacrifice his own life to ensure that we would be victorious in our fight, he died as he had lived; a Knight, true and honourable, ripped away from us before his time.”

Kelso glanced at Lord Forrester who nodded grimly and he took up one of the torches and approached the pyre upon which Ser George had been placed.

“Glory is the reward for valour, Ser George lived and died by that code and his name shall be remembered in word and song for now, he is beyond the reach of his enemies,” Kelso said formally, reaching out with his flaming torch and setting the pyre ablaze. “From the Force we came, and to the Force we return, from now until the end of time, we therefore commit this empty shell to the flames, sure in the knowledge that Ser George of House Forrester has become one with the Force.”

The watching circle remained in silence as the fire caught hold and began to burn, it was only once the flames had hidden Ser George from view that they began to disperse, until the only ones remaining where Kelso, June, Alyssa, Lord Forrester, Ser Hannah and Ser Georgina, the last of whom was still sobbing, one hand over her mouth, the other resting on her middle. The Forresters were speaking quietly, and Ser Georgina was stood alone. Kelso frowned and stepped over to her.

“Are you alright?” He asked softly.

“No… but I will be,” Ser Georgina replied after a few moments, taking a deep breath. “He may be gone, but he will always be with me in the Force, in my heart, and in here.”

Ser Georgina pointed to her stomach and watched as Kelso looked back at her and frowned.

“I’m pregnant, Kelso… I found out the night of George’s death,” Georgina replied as strongly as she could manage, but Kelso could sense the fear and uncertainty in her voice. “We were going to get married before we had a child… so they wouldn’t be a bastard.”

“And neither will this child, I promise you,” Kelso replied firmly. “I’ll talk to Lord Forrester… I don’t know how, but I’ll make it happen.”

“I hope so, my Lord,” Georgina replied. “But I’m just glad that I have at least part of George left, in our child.”

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

She stayed respectfully silent for the funeral, watching the flames engulf the pyre. Yet another body she had to watch burn.

June could wish she didn't have to be here all she wanted to, but it would not bring Ser George back. She moved over to stand with Ser Georgina as Kelso talked to her. And she was (pleasantly and a bit bitterly) surprised to hear that the knight was pregnant. She gripped one of Georgina's hands, feeling tears in her eyes at the cruelty of having the father die the night after learning she was pregnant.

She was unable to find the words she wanted to say. A soon-to-be mother had just lost her love and father of her child. She didn't have words for the monumental cruelty Keegan had inflicted. June. Maybe it was the fact that she'd lost a child to a cruel play of genetics. It had hurt a lot. It wasn't exactly the same, but she could find words for that either. Only unfair came to mind, and that wasn't a great comfort to a grieving person.

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Tidespring, Tide, Arcadia Star System
30th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

Kelso didn’t really know what else to say that could comfort the grieving young Knight, beyond his condolences and his assurances that, no matter what, he would ensure that her child was legitimate. Of course, even if he achieved that it was only a small victory; the child would still grow up without a father, and Kelso knew how painful and how difficult that was. This child would have it even worse, Kelso had at least known his father before his death and the Night of the Jackal, this child would grow up never having known his father, something that not even Kelso could relate to. Force knew that Kelso’s adolescent years had been particularly difficult without a father, only his memory and the guidance of Ser Alvis, had, eventually, put him on the straight and narrow and helped him grow and mature into the man and Lord he was today. Kelso knew that this child would likely have the all the support it would need in the years to come, however none of that would ever really be able to make up for the fact that the father would not be there, although Kelso was confident that they would all do their best.

Leaving June to comfort Georgina he made his way over to where Lord Forrester and Ser Hannah were talking quietly and explained the situation to them. Hannah’s reaction was one of complete shock, despite the close friendship it was not something she had known, and Lord Forrester was obviously just as shocked as his daughter was, although he kept it better hidden. Once they had absorbed the news that Kelso was giving them he laid out his plan and waited to see what the response would be; it would all rely on Lord Forrester getting on-board with the plan; he was the only one that could cause problems or question it once it was in place. Fortunately, Lord Forrester was a kindly sort, and he had no desire to see his Grandchild, his very first, not be provided for and to bear a bastard name, and knowing how much his son had loved the young former Hedge Knight from the Capital, he had no problem giving her and her child his name. With the details sorted Kelso returned to June and Georgina.

“You married George,” Kelso told her firmly.

“I… I don’t understand,” Georgina frowned.

“The night before the assault on Jackal’s Point you and George came to my tent, and asked me to marry you both, in a small private ceremony,” Kelso explained. “Ser Hannah and Lady June were both there as witnesses, and Lord Forrester has agreed to this and will not challenge the story… you are Georgina Forrester now, your child will also be a Forrester, and heir to Westwood.”

“My Lord… I don’t know what to say,” Georgina murmured in awe at what her Lord had just done for her.

“You don’t have to say anything, you and your child have already given the greatest sacrifice to my House,” Kelso replied firmly. “You will always have a seat at my table, and a positon in my Household, if you want it.”

“Thank You, my Lord,” Georgina said, her voice a little stronger now. “I must thank Lord Forrester.”

“Of course,” Kelso inclined his head and stepped back to let her past.

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

June continued to try her best to comfort Georgina while Kelso retreated to talk to Hannah and Lord Forrester.

She was of course still with the former hedge night when he got back and she felt a small smile flick across her face. At least, the child would not be a bastard. He, or she, would be missing his/her father that they never met, but they would be a Forrester. It might be a lie, but she, nor anyone else that might of 'heard' the marriage vows, like James, would object. Kelso and Lord Forrester had just done Ser Georgina a massive favor. She watched the knight walk over to talk and thank the two Forresters and her smile was still on her face, a sad, somewhat bitter smile.

"I'm glad that we can do that for her at least." She said quietly to Kelso, glancing back at the still burning pyre. "Should we leave them to their peace now?"

[The Kingdom of the Five Systems]

Kelso Windtide, Lord of Tidespring
Tidespring, Tide, Arcadia Star System
30th Day of the Sixth Month, 375 AWU

“Yes, I think we should,” Kelso replied with a nod, satisfied that he had at least been able to do something to help.

Tidespring was quiet by the time they stepped out of the Forcewood and back into the street. Safe in the centre of their own Stronghold there were no Guardsmen close around them, merely those that were standing post at various places, including two outside the Forcewood who bowed deeply as their Lord and Lady passed. By and large everyone had likely returned to their homes or chambers, by tradition the Funeral had been held late at night, and after such a sombre affair doubtless many people had just wanted to get their heads down and sleep the sadness away. Kelso had no problem with that, indeed he was intending to do pretty much the same thing, although the grief for his friends’ loss would not be dispelled by a single nights sleep, but it would be a start. The knowledge that the fighting was over was some comfort as well; the only two Keegans left in existence were now Wards of Tidespring, and they would hopefully be able to mould them into upstanding young Forceborn, who would return honour to the name their father had so terribly besmirched with his betrayal.

“At least it’s all over,” Kelso said softly as they passed between two Guardsmen and climbed the steps into the Keep. "Our fight against the Keegans, in any event."

[Dracoixa]

Arcadia Star System
Wind
Jackal's Point
Lieutenant Commander Tatsua Von June IV, Lady of Tidespring

June gave a nod. Long day, somber atmosphere made her want to crawl into bed and sleep. She just wanted today to end. She idly wondered if she would have the vision again or if she would have normal dreams.

She gave a small head shake. She was distracting herself. "At least that fight is over. On to the next one... In good time of course. For now we rest and recoup."

and mourn our losses. she thought as they climbed the stairs of the Keep. There was still a long way to go, though much shorter then before, to take back her home. But it would be retaken.

---

Red Heart Star System
Dracoixa
King Drake Othan I, Protector of the Phoenix Nebula, Dracoixa, and all of its Territories, Claims, and Wealth

King Drake Othan could feel the fear. He savored it.

He tapped one of his lightswords on the floor of the training room. Across from him stood one of the foremost experts and teachers in swordmenship. The man had silver hair by choice, eyes the color of dirt and looked like a little weasel of a man. His name was Kirken Salem, and his looks were the produce of what happened when you let genetics do their own thing. Oh sure he had a little charm, but he was no prince.

Then again, thanks to the mans worship and vows to the Goddess, he was also never going to breed. If he was, Othan would of sterilized him after their second training session with how annoying he could be. He'd needed some one to train him in handling two swords. And Kirken was the only teacher that taught two sword fighting. Mostly for sport, but the teacher had shown to be very good at get through his guard. The man still feared him though.

"You did good Your Majesty. Guard still needs work. Your swords are of great quality. They will serve you well." Kirken explained. His soft island accent sounded strange with that note of fear. "They might even be able to break a regular Dracoixan sword." Kirken looked down at the basic swords he had, made from the same material as the stuff from the Kingdom.

After All, Othan wouldn't let those foreign mongrels have all the nice toys. He had deposits of the lightsword resistant materials too. He grinned.

Not that it would help anyone all that much.

"Raise your swords Kirken" Othan commanded waited as the teacher settled into a stance. He'd been practicing this technique for months now. Now it was time to test it. He focused on the Force, feeling its power and raised one of his own. Channeling that Force power his sword came down hard on the other sword.

And it shattered into tiny pieces. Kirken skittered back like a panicked animal as his sword shattered. He looked up to the King.

Othan was pleased. Oh yes he could do it. It would require more practice and fine tuning and it was hard to do even after months of practice. But he could do it.

"I will have the swordsmith replace that for you. Now I must leave." He said turning, sheathing his swords and walking out of the room into the Royal Palace beyond. A guard joined him, and he paid the man no attention. He was not of the caliber of a Palace Guard but Othan kept him around, just in case. As he walked, he thought. He was alone now. Tidespring would be after him soon enough. And June with him.

"Call my Staff Advisor... I need to speak with him." He mused as he walked into the Throne Room, studying the swords mounted on the wall he'd claimed as prizes. The crossed pair of red tinted blades is the one he stopped at. The former King and Queen's swords.

Soon a woman trotted in. Tall and built for strength. She was the Staff Advisor... His woman of secrets and espionage. Her name was Sonya, and wasn't afraid of him like a lot of others were. They were also distant cousins of some sort, and she had no problem with him being king. He kind of liked her. Ambitious, strong, smart. She might be a good person to plant an heir in since he discovered what a mess the former princess's genetics were. Othan shook his head. Now was not the time.

"Did you seal the deal?" he asked and Sonya nodded.

"Yes Your Majesty. Do you want it changed?" She asked, pulling out a small tablets to take notes.

"Not exactly changed, more added on to." He said as he stared at the swords. She followed his gaze and then nodded again catching his thoughts easily.

"I understand."

Othan couldn't help but smile a little. Definitely a good candidate. "Only one sword though."

She nods again. "Anything else?"

He waves a dismissal to his guard and once he leaves he turns back to her, a smile that managed to make his scarred face handsome. "I have a proposition for you my loyal advisor..."