“When the skies speak thy name, the earth tests thy strength, thy soul grappleth with thyself. That is when thou art seon the truest of struggles. The judgement of the heavens.”

  - Astralian Verse Of Admonition, Book Of The Stars, “The Ten Judgements”

  “Imbecilic, absolutely insane, and preposterous. What in the damned hells would compel you to such a foolish venture?” The black hatted Inquisitor Janos roared with a quiet fury, the man’s hands balled into fists as he barely resisted pounding them onto his desk.

  Opposite him, a short but just as imposing noble and Sophie’s mistress, Eva, withstood his fury with an unblinking gaze.

  “You people wanted me to also take them on field exercises. To train them should the time arise. What better chance would there be? I trust Sophie and her people as much as I trust yours to do your duty. So what the hells is the difference if we go now or in the future?”

  “The danger? The risk? The unpredictability? Sophie’s team is capable, of that I won’t dispute. But we can’t just rush in on a whim. Our operations take planning, reconnaissance, and lots of information gathering to ensure things go well. The difference in operational procedure is… astronomical.” He growled.

  “I must concur with my colleague here, Lady Rosengart.” The currently more calm but still scowling Inquisitor Mila interjected.

  Though she was younger and ostensibly part of the Lily Knights as well in contrast to her superior. Even she couldn’t justify the potential risk at hand.

  “Well they’ve already agreed to help.” Eva huffed and crossed her arms, “They also agreed that this would be invaluable field experience.”

  “And unnecessarily risky.”

  “Aye, so?” Eva snorted, “You’re trying to not just acclimate them to the world but to prepare them for a potential war. There, I’ve said the quiet part out loud. And you think they’d always get a nice pretty little plan? We’ve already planned some for this, though it’s not much. It’s more than the chaos that would be on a battlefield. Hells, even more so if there’s ever a day they get cut off from people for a while. At least this time there’s you lot around and a few silver boys around too.”

  Sophie just massaged her temple as the three continued to argue around her. It was a vexing conundrum but one of her making, in its own way.

  They had already spent a few days at the Rosengart Estate. Her people and the saints had been settling in as guests rather well, their presence doing the heavy work in terms of mitigating Eva’s brother, Theordore’s complaints about the sudden intrusion. That the saints had managed to wow even his guests silenced the worst of the bubbling sibling rivalry, though he made no attempt to hide his disdain for Eva’s sudden return.

  The rest of the week had been pretty smooth, all things considered. Mortiz dropped by, evidently not having been told anything whatsoever given that he was surprised by the sudden explosion of activity at the estate. He was at least far more cordial to Sophie than he had ever been in the past. His experiences at the Academy have had a noticeable effect on him. Sophie was just happy that he seemed to be, even if barely, more open to repairing his relationship with Eva.

  With the Duke and Duchess still in the capital, the children of House Rosengart were given free reign of the place. Sophie had spent her time trying to show Ary and the others around the estate and the town when she could. Otherwise, her time was mostly stuck preparing for the undead alongside Sir Taurox, the minotaur teaching them techniques to fight the unliving with instead of pure combat skills. After all, it was his reasoning that the way they might move or strike are far different than that of living creatures.

  That unfortunately, was also the reason for the little dispute that had flared up on Eva’s side of the household. Naturally, Sophie would have to inform the others at some point. That the journey to Eichafen was only for half the group. Because she viewed the Mistveil itself as too much of an unknown danger to operate. Partly because of her experiences with the undead, and the unspoken reason that there hadn’t been anymore word of the cult of Arantos, meaning that their presence within the region was also unknown.

  Her original idea had been to travel with herself, Sir Taurox, Mila, and Sophia. Those who have actively had interactions with the cult and could recognize their symbols or fetishes should they be present inside the ruins. Or Sophia, who was connected deeply with the Lady of Shadows and could hopefully shine a light into the darker recesses of the ruined town.

  Once she had told Ary however, the girl’s indignant shriek at such a rapidly conceived plan had alerted Eva. From there, the whole thing was let slip to the others before her craft mistress saw an opportunity. A chance for the saints to experience the true nature of fighting in the wilds outside of heavily monitored scenarios.

  Sophie had initially been reluctant to expand the scope of her operations, the current risk level of the Mistveil still unknown. But it was one of Eva’s arguments that struck a chord with her.

  “If a Dark Tide truly is coming, then to familiarize oneself with a foe would be prudent if not essential. Now you’re willing to wade head first into the territory of the undead. But what about when you first faced them, your first unexpected encounter?” Eva had said.

  And Sophie could still see the scene in front of her. The sacrificial circle. The undead. The other adventurers who had been taken and sacrificed save for the maujurinn Riza. All while she had tried to hide, too afraid to act. In the end, it didn’t matter anyways, huh.

  Then came the more obvious argument. That they wouldn’t be alone. Sophie’s team, partial or not, would be there alongside Sir Taurox. The red hawk knights would naturally follow, as was their assignment. Then the possibility of the templars and Grorok the orc, should the operation be approved. Together, that was a sizable fighting force on its own. One more than capable of withstanding a concerted amount of pressure before having to retreat or go into hiding.

  That’s why she had half heartedly, though with lodged protest, agree to let the saints tag along. She had naturally expected some disagreement to arise. But certainly not to the heated degree that it currently was.

  “... isn’t that right, Soph?” Eva’s voice startled her.

  “Eh?”

  “Stars above. Space out later, not right now.”

  “Sorry.” She mumbled a weak apology, “What were you asking about again?”

  “I said, worse comes to worse, Eichafen is still within Carradorian territory, like the cave was to the Academy. There should still be military outposts nearby that we can call for aid in an emergency. So we can treat it like that cave mission, isn’t that right?” Eva sighed.

  “I suppose.” Sophie half heartedly agreed.

  Eva shot her an exasperated expression but did not push further, realizing that Sophie’s mind was still lost in its own thoughts.

  “Regardless, the threat level is completely different. A city fell here, Lady Rosengart. The cave was a limited number of feral lizardmen. This?” Janos grunted, “This is a completely different theatre. One where the undead denizens don’t play by any rules. While yes, field experience of this sort is invaluable and something we rightfully can’t just force upon them without a situation such as this. We can’t go in without permission and arrangements.”

  “Not within the prescribed time limit anyway.” Mila grumbled.

  “Exactly. Another time, perhaps. I would’ve approved this in conjunction with the appropriate church authorities. But this? Too sudden. Too soon.”

  “Ugh, enough already. We’re going. That's that.” Suzuki finally found a moment to interrupt.

  The outlander’s voice cut off the argument between Eva and the inquisitors. Sophie too, shot a glance at Suzuki.

  In her face, she saw someone trying to hide her own worries. Someone trying to put on a brave face either for themselves or another. She saw the doubt, the uncertainty, mixed in with the determination that had led to her statement.

  “Sensei Eva is correct.” Suzuki continued once she noticed that everyone was listening intently to her, “We need to know our enemy. We know you want us to fight monsters and evil. That’s why you brought us from another world. We’re not that naive. We might as well get to learn about some of them first sometime”

  Her words pierced the two inquisitors deeply. Even Mila seemed uncomfortable at the accusation. But neither made a move to dispel the claim. The veracity of it has already been proven by mere fact of the outlander standing before them.

  “Of course. But there should still be contingencies in place regardless. Contingencies that we cannot muster up on a whimsy like this. I see no issue with you taking on tactical missions, but do so with care and precision.” Janos softened his tone.

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  “Do you think we wouldn’t? That we are just happy to die or something? You and the others, you watched and trained us. So why stop now? We have about a half dozen templars, you two, and the others. If you really mean to protect us, then you’re free to do so.”

  “With this little? In the Mistveil? You don’t understand the dangers the forests pose, do you?”

  “No. But she does.” Suzuki turned to Sophie.

  Sophie just nodded, unsure of how to properly respond.

  “I don’t question that. In fact, her deeds alone have proven that she’s more than capable of holding her own. That the nobles here question her capacity to be beneficial for the land is a folly entirely of their own making.” Janos commented, “Still, there is only so much one person can do.”

  Sophie looked towards Suzuki again, the flame in her eyes still there. She wondered what the outlander was thinking, what strange plan that she might’ve concocted or what she saw in the mission. Perhaps it was pride, a desire to prove herself and her kind capable. Or perhaps it was the same wanderlust and yearning for some freedom that had seen Hanabi leave the saints. Maybe it was something else entirely. But who was she to stifle such desires? Who was she to make such judgements?

  “Enough of this.” Sophie let out a defeated sigh.

  “Miss Kastiane?”

  “You’re both right. The Mistveil is dangerous, fucking dangerous. But as long as we keep our eyes and ears open, nothing should really surprise us. Still, I wouldn’t willingly go back there. Especially not Eichafen.” She muttered the last part to herself.

  “Then what is your objection?”

  “I’d rather Suzuki and the others go through something like this with clear intent. The portions of the Mistveil near the roads and towns should be safe enough, though still dangerous.”

  “I can confirm that.” Sir Taurox grunted, “When the investigation party journeyed to Eichafen, the roads and resupply points were mostly unmolested. Only those closer to the city and beyond had seen signs of conflict.”

  “If you’re really intent on coming, and the church wants more reassurances, I’m sure we can find a place to set up as a fallback position or rally point. Like with our operation in the caves, the Academy.” Sophie added.

  “Like when you got taken and we had to retreat for a spell.” Mila mumbled.

  “It worked out.” Eva chimed in.

  “Barely. We encountered far more than we expected.”

  “And the templars stood outside and we still made it. We were fine then, we’ll be fine now.” Eva scoffed, “If we’re that concerned, we’ll play it like Sophie suggests. A fall back point near the town. At most, we brush around the outskirts and come right back. Minimal risk, but still experience.”

  Mila and Janos exchanged a glance. The two inquisitors were still visibly uncomfortable with the idea. But Mila eventually shrugged and nodded, her surrender being the final dagger that struck down the senior inquisitor’s opposition.

  “Fine. If you’re all so dead set on it, I’ll see what extra help we can get from the church, though I doubt your duchy would have much in the way of templars. Also, we will assign strict rotations for patrols and formations before we set off, that is non-negotiable.” Janos stated.

  “Of course.” Eva let out a relieved affirmation, “We don’t plan on going in blind.”

  “Right.” Suzuki agreed.

  “But what about you, Sophie?” Eva turned towards her.

  Sophie arched an eyebrow. What about me? She wanted to say, but just waited for her friend to expand the thought.

  “Aryana and Lucinia.” Eva pressed when she noticed Sophie’s extended silence.

  Sophie stiffened and sat rigidly still. She had tried to avoid this line of thought. Lucinia wouldn’t be a problem, in fact, the Traxian might be positively delighted to not have to put herself in the line of danger and getting to rest. It was talking to Ary that she feared. For by allowing the saints and Eva to join her quest, it would mean almost the whole party and everyone involved would be with the expedition. To leave her here, even if for a while, seemed almost cruel. She sighed, that’ll be a painful talk. But it’s for the best.

  She shook her head, “They’re staying here.” She declared to Eva.

  “Of course.” Eva merely acknowledged, “I’ll make sure the staff knows.”

  Eva left it there, but Sophie could sense the unspoken question.

  “I’ll let them know. Don’t worry.”

  Eva quietly nodded, offering Sophie a small shoulder squeeze of support.

  Stars. Sophie took a deep breath, Ary’s going to be so upset.

  After a moment of silence that followed Eva’s words, Janos simply turned on his heel to leave. The Inquisitor clearly still displeased but setting about his task regardless. After all, while he could’ve potentially used his post to outright set a path for Sophie or another adventurer to follow given his influence. When it came to a squad of saints and Eva, at the end of the day, they would do what they wanted to do and it was clear that the church would rather not alienate them. It’d take a hells lotta force to stop angry saints, if Hanabi’s any indicator, heh.

  “Well…” Mila broke the growing silence, “That’s sorted. I presume we’ll all be busy pretty soon. Sophie, I’ll come with you.”

  “Eh? But-” Sophie let out a startled mumble, caught off guard by her friend’s forcefulness.

  “No buts. I know you well enough by now. If Aryana really fights you about it, you’ll crumple like a soggy biscuit.” Mila wagged a finger at her.

  “Wha-?”

  “Hahah.” Eva chuckled.

  Suzuki snorted while Sir Taurox just nodded knowingly. At least Inquisitor Janos seemed unbothered and professional about everything.

  “Now let’s go, before you chicken out.” Mila scowled and motioned to the doorway.

  “Go on. Just come to me and I’ll see what I can do about supplies.” Eva patted Sophie on head.

  “Thanks.” She bobbed her head. Now let’s hope this next part goes just as smoothly.

  Ary didn’t look mad or sad when the two of them walked into the guest room, only disappointed. By now, Sophie and Ary had made it a bit more homely with a few cushions that Eva had spare in the estate. It had become a comfy little room for just the two of them. And with the disappointment that flickered across Ary’s eyes in that moment, Sophie felt a small pit of guilt form within her stomach. It felt almost like she had sullied the sanctuary somewhat.

  “So, I guess you’re really going then.” Ary stated impassively.

  Sophie winced at the tone, knowing that the girl had likely been stewing over this since she had first told her. She nodded.

  “Just for a week. Then we’ll be back.” Sophie reassured her.

  “It better be.” Ary narrowed her eyes, “That why Mila’s come with you? I’m sure we’ll have a group talk before we leave anyways. What is it?”

  Sophie lowered her head and awkwardly shuffled a little. Mila couldn’t help but snicker at the amusing display. Sophie glanced at the inquisitor with a pleading expression and MIla let out a practised but gentle scowl.

  “She’s nervous as hells because besides just saying that you and Lucinia are probably going to be staying here, Eva and the saints will probably be coming with us. Not deep into the city though.” Mila informed her.

  Ary dipped her head appreciatively at Mila for speaking up. The girl’s withering gaze landed back upon Sophie once more.

  “I see.”

  “Sorry, Ary. It was mostly a split second decision. After Eva talked to me earlier.” Sophie mumbled.

  “I could’ve guessed as much.”

  “Ary… I just… I just didn’t want you to feel excluded. Since almost everyone else ended up volunteering to come along.” Sophie explained as she cautiously approached.

  She wanted to reach out but noticed the tension in Ary’s shoulders and held back. Her hand half raised before hovering near the girl. Ary just quietly stared for another moment or two before letting out a deep sigh.

  “Sophie.”

  “Ary.”

  “Before anything else. Are you alright with this arrangement?” Mila interrupted the moment.

  “ I am. I do need to borrow Sophie for a second.” Ary tried to stay calm.

  “Pfft, good enough. If you really are alright with this then I’ll be in the guest annex for when you two are ready.” Mila flashed them a rare smile.

  “Got it.” Sophie affirmed.

  “Uhn.” Ary uttered.

  As Mila stepped back out of the room, Sophie could feel Ary staring expectantly at her. Turning around she found a crooked frown awaiting her.

  “Sorry.” She instinctively mumbled.

  With crossed arms, Ary just glared at her. In stark contrast, Yana poked her head above Ary’s hair, the faerie giving Sophie a subtle nod of approval. At least someone’s happy about this.

  “What are you sorry for?” Ary asked tersely.

  “For thinking about leaving you out of this.”

  “Hah. Honestly.” Ary grabbed onto Sophie’s shoulders, exerting enough pressure that Sophie understood that she should squat so that she matched Ary’s sitting height.

  “Ary?”

  “I am cross about that, just so you know.” Ary huffed.

  The girl then drew her closer and planted a tiny kiss onto her cheek. Whatever tension Sophie had held upon entry now faded away like dandelion seeds in the wind. It was a reassurance that though not all was forgiven, just having her around was enough. In that, Sophie found comfort from the thought. She sat upon the carpet and then scooted over to Ary. When she faced no resistance, she gently rested her head on Ary’s lap, earning her a still frustrated but equally playful bop on her nose.

  Ary let out a sigh before running her hands over Sophie’s head, calming the both of them down with a tender caress.

  “I’m not stupid, Sophie. I’m well aware of the fact that I’ll be a bit of a burden from now on.”

  “Ary…”

  “No need to pretend it isn’t the case. I know dragging me up the Frostwinds might be a pain, so I have no intention of being more of a problem here. Before you say it, I know. But it doesn’t matter now.” She moved a finger to shush Sophie’s thoughts, “I am more upset that you have to go back to Eichafen. I remember what you told me about the place. So bright and kind and now… sometimes things are best left to memory.” She muttered.

  “Mmhmm. Bad place.”

  “I’m just worried about you, that’s all.” Ary leaned down to give her another peck.

  “Heh. I appreciate it.” Sophie whispered.

  “Next time you plan on doing something dangerous, at least consult me first. Even if you don’t think I should be a part of the mission itself..”

  Sophie saw Ary’s lip quiver a little and immediately reached over to hold the girl’s hands, giving them a squeeze. Ary squeezed back.

  “I just want to be useful, that’s all.”