Chapter Text
“I don't care about Adira, right as she may be about the sun drop. I do not care, she’s a traitor to the moonstone and I don't care about the wellbeing of traitors,” Hector scoffed,
kicking rocks about the path in a childish display of contempt.
He had been having this debate amongst his own raging self consciousness for a considerable time now, much to the general displeasure of the local flora and fauna.
Ever since he heard of the moonstones theft, he had left the remains of the great tree in a thus far futile attempt at apprehending the thief.
He was angry, angry at the thief of course, but angrier even still with his sister.
“I tried to stop her Hector, but the sundrop insisted she be in the room and I never thought—” Adira had begun.
She smiled warmly at him as she did so, a vain attempt at appealing to what she perceived as a great loneliness in him.
This habit of hers never failed to vex Hector considerably.
“That's the problem with you sister! You never think such things through. You have always just hoped that things will turn out in your favor, you have quite literally been stabbed in the back countless times and yet you never dare imagine that someone might betray you!”
Hector yelled, turning away from her.
“Brother, please” Adira had called in a soft voice, reaching a hand out towards him.
“Get out!!” Hector had screamed.
And then she had left him, like she always did.
That encounter happened nearly three months ago now, and Hector was still angry.
How dare she try to excuse herself? How dare she approach him after what she had done? How dare she try and comfort him?
His bearcats, Atlanta and Penelope, of whom were the only audience to his inner turmoil, pawed at the ground curiously, seemingly unaware or uncaring of their owners distress.
Presently, upon noticing this Hector declared a truce on the sediment, deciding the rocks had suffered enough for his sister's betrayal, he made his way over to his animal companions.
Kneeling to bestow head pats upon them he noticed a small crow at their feet.
“What could this be?” He mused, gently picking up the little bird.
As he did so he noticed a small piece of paper tied to its leg, of which he gently removed from the creature's possession.
Upon removing the purple ribbon and unfurling the letter he endeavored to read its continents.
My dear friend Hector.
As of a few months ago I have taken residence in the palace of Corona with my son.
I along with the help of the royals of this nation and Brother Quirin, who has lived in this place for many years now, have been doing all in our power to stop this moon thieves' rampage.
I regret to inform you however that much of our efforts have been in vain.
Although I am not your king nor have I been for a great many years,
and therefore have no power over you, or right to ask such a favor of you,
I urge you if not for our sake than for your own, to join me in this place at your soonest convenience.
Your old friend, Edmund.
Hector stared at this letter for a not insignificant amount of time, rereading the crumpled parchment as thought to forge some new meaning from the delicate ink lines.
It was certainly Edmund's handwriting.
Despite Hector not having received any form of letter or hearing from the man in any other way in a great many years, he could still recognize that much.
The bearcats curled around his legs purring softly, they were unable to comprehend why the piece of deceased foliage this winged creature had brought was bothering their protector
so much, but were determined to provide what comfort they could.
The bird on the other hand took it upon itself to do the exact opposite,
landing in Hector's unruly spirals of ink black curls and tugging about until it had made a perch it deemed suitable for itself.
“What in the moon does Edmund mean? Not my king? Hasn't been for a long time?” Hector reeled, pacing about the small clearing in a rather frantic manner that displeased his animal companions immensely.
A not insignificant amount of time passed before Hector managed to collect himself once more.
“We shall go to Corona forthwith and meet with king Edmund.
Perhaps then he can explain the meaning of this letter. Besides we have no leads on the thief, and it would be apt to convene with the others” Hector announced.
To anyone else he may perhaps have looked like a mad man, which perhaps he was, but it was not his madness that led to his current behavior.
Hector had long made a habit of speaking aloud to his animal companions even before his partially self inflicted exile.
He could not know whether they understood his speech or simply understood the tone of his voice and mannerisms.
It did bring him a sense of normalcy regardless, besides he had always found animals far more amiable companions than his fellow man.
Presently he took out a small whistle from his pocket omitting a thin shriek that cut through the crisp spring air.
Almost at once, a large rhinoceros came tumbling through the underbrush before hurdling to a stop at Hector’s feet.
“Thank you Achillis, now let's get going, we have places to be” Hector said, folding up the piece of parchment in his hand and placing it in one of the many pouches he constantly had on his person.
They traveled with all the subtlety of a deranged hermit, a one ton rhino and two bearcats.
Due to the peculiarity of their travel method I'm sure one can endeavor to imagine they attracted much attention in the small towns and villages they passed through.
Fortunately, most problems people will have with you for dragging a rhino through their town are resolved by the simple fact that you have a rhino.
They managed to travel without much interruption to speak of, and arrived in the Corona Capital rather promptly at whatever o'clock in the afternoon. Almost exactly three weeks after Hector first received the letter.
Upon his arrival in town, Hector was rather abruptly presented with three things.
The first of which was the fault of the accursed sun this kingdom was so well known for.
The heat it produced seemed thoroughly determined to displace what little remained of his brains after the last twenty six years.
He also noticed the all consuming light that made even the smallest of shadows a rare commodity.
Hector stared longingly at the shadow caste alleyways, doubtlessly filled to the brim with criminals that were doubtlessly more very easy to shank,
but the alleyways were not nearly wide enough to accommodate Achilles, so Hector was forced to keep to the far too well lit streets.
The second thing Hector noticed was the people, everyone in this city was way too happy for people that lived somewhere this blasted hot.
Store owners waved cheerfully at potential customers, children played happily on the streets and side walks, and couples walked cheerfully hand in hand through overly artistic gardens.
It was terrible.
On the one positive.
Aside from the odd child that got a little too close, everyone seemed miraculously unbothered by the man riding a rhino through their town.
Not that people didn't notice, the little party got their fair share of odd looks and double takes, but it was nothing compared to the usual treatment.
Perhaps Edmund had warned them of his arrival?
The third and final thing that was immediately brought to his notice was the guards.
Granted he hadn't seen much of the world in the past two and a half decades, but Hector still felt confident that coronas guard must be the most incompetent it had to offer.
He watched in utmost amazement as several guards failed spectacularly at catching a man that had seemingly been training diligently in the art of ungracefulness for most of his life as he managed to be even clumsier than the guard that was attempting to apprehend him. One could very well have been convinced it was an over dramatic theater performance.
Despite the immense temptation Hector decided to leave them be and hoped to all that there was to hope to that those guards had just started training today.
Unfortunately for Hector, right after he got past those two guards he spotted two others,
one of which was submerged in a fountain of all things, a toy duck sat upon his head.
Hector once again decided not to ask.
Fortunately he happened to spot Edmund sitting on a park bench nearby the aforementioned escapades.
“Hello your majesty!” He called perhaps a little too gruffly as he dismounted and walked over to his king.
“Oh hello Hector! It's good to see you” Edmund exclaimed warmly. Standing up and embracing the other man.
If he had gleaned any displeasure in the other man's countenance he said nothing of it.
“Thank you your majesty” Hector wheezed as Edmund smothered him in a one arm bear hug.
“No need for formalities friend, just Edmund will service” Edmund laughed cheerfully, releasing the man at last.
“Alright then” Hector replied, struggling to regain his breath as well as his composure.
Both men stood in awkward silence for a moment, fortunately for them a younger man approached them before things could get too awkward.
The man was dressed in impractical white pants and a smart red jacket decorated with many pins and tassels.
“Oh hello son! This is my old friend Hector I told you about” Edmund introduced, waving his hand cordially at the warrior, as though the other man could mistake who he was being introduced to..
Hector recognized the man immediately but he knew not whether it would be appropriate to bring it up.
Fortunately for him the younger man brought it up first.
“Ah yes crazy Rhino guy. I believe we have met before although we didn't exactly exchange pleasantries at that time. When Edmund spoke of inviting a friend I had a feeling it would be you.” The younger man called cheerfully.
Hector was about to chide him for not using his name.
But quickly realized he didn't know the younger man's name, so instead he opted to defend himself in a different manner.
“My duty was to keep any and every human soul from passing through the great tree, a duty of which I performed diligently for twenty five years before the traitor Adira and her precious sundrop tore it to the ground. Now I am here, awaiting my next command.” he stated definitely. Bowing slightly to a rather surprised Edmund as he did so.
“I suppose we can call it even then?” The younger man said, holding his hand out.
“I would not call it even, not by miles, you destroyed my home for goodness sake! All I did was my job.” Hector stated definitely.
The younger man took his hand down promptly after Hector made it clear he would not be receiving the honor of a hand shake.
“Let us make our way to the palace, and if I may intrude on your hospitality Eugene, perhaps we may have some tea? I'm sure Hector could use some rest after his journey here. We will discuss battle strategies and such tomorrow after everyone receives their proper rest” Edmund interrupted politely, if not a bit awkwardly.
“That sounds like a splendid idea, although perhaps we should arrange something as to the rhinoceroses' care.” The man Hector noted as being Eugene, said with every degree of diplomatic kindness and forced formality Hector had once been accustomed to.
There was once a time when he had been obliged to spend a great degree of uncomfortable hours in the attendance of the dark kingdoms court.
And if Hector did catch a degree of mockery in the younger man's formality, he made no public note of it. Choosing instead to suggest that if the kingdom had any large fields in need of trimming he would be pleased to leave Achilles in their attendance.
This request was quickly obliged, and he was led to the back of the palace grounds.
The garden keeper, who upon being presented with the beast seemed at first as though he was going to deny the assistance. But after the initial shock dissipated he seemed quite pleased with the arrangement.
“Why if this isn't a rhinoceros! I would be more than pleased to attend to one of the last remaining mega herbivores, as a matter of fact I have a rather large field in need of trimming at my immediate disposal as of this very afternoon." The gardener went on to explain how, as a symptom of the black rock infestation, he had been tasked with clearing land for temporary camp grounds for the displaced citizens.
Upon reassuring Hector that poaching was not common in Corona, and that he would do everything in his power to tend to Achilles while the animal was under his care, the gardener along with Achilies took leave of them.
Eugene at first insisted the two bearcats should join Achilies, but upon Hector's firm insistence it was quickly decided that the bearcats should continue to accompany their owner.
This was much to the displeasure of the palace staff.
After this matter was settled the warrior was obliged to be led to his quarters. which he was pleased to discover were next to those reserved for that of king Edmund.
The accommodations themselves were far too regal for Hector's taste, consisting of many purple and gold draperies, some of which seemed to serve no purpose but to cover the walls, as the room only consisted of one window, along with countless equally as purposeless decorations.
Although he was rather pleased to notice a large cushion doubtlessly set for his animal companions at the foot of the bed. Atlanta and Penelope quickly took to it, and appeared to have made themselves quite comfortable.
Hector for his part, upon placing his bag on a nearby chair, began to settle his possessions in the needlessly ornate dresser.
He at first considered leaving everything packed away, realizing however that he was likely to spend a while here, decided it would be in his best interest to organize himself.
His possessions consisted of several weapons as one could imagine.
As well as all the things needed to maintain a person.
Such as his severely battered wooden comb.
So far as clothes went they were all in accordance with his usual appearance,
Practical of course for mucking about in the forest and fighting the odd adventurer who dared inter his domain, but less than fashionable.
Especially since most had been in his possession for some twenty six or more years, and therefore sported a variety of tears and stains. Mainly that of blood, both animal and human, of which he never seemed to be able to remove.
After this task was complete, Hector endeavored to look himself over in the mirror.
For a moment he took amusement in how his appearance clashed with his accommodations. Taking note to arrange something to the effect of acquiring clothes more suited to the polite society he had been begrudgingly re-introduced to.
After this contemplation Hector was relieved to be drawn from this tiresome train of thought by the discovery of a properly stocked writing desk.
Once the appropriate amount of time to settle oneself in a new accommodation had surpassed, a servant arrived to escort him to the aforementioned tea.
He was brought to a small sitting room, decorated just as exuberantly as his quarters.
where he rejoined the company of King Edmund and Eugene.
He then proceeded to mumble the appropriate niceties before taking his seat in the armchair next to the couch where Edmund sat.
A servant brought in several trays consisting of a tea pot and cups, as well as a small selection of biscuits.
This marked the beginning of the conversations of which are apt to accompany afternoon tea amongst gentlemen of their sort.
It began with Eugene as he was the current host present.
“What sort of tea do you enjoy? I can have someone fetch a different sort if the present options do not suffice.” He offered kindly, flourishing his teacup as he did so.
Hector, upon realizing this offer was pointed at him, stated.
“Im absolutely confident that it will suffice, i honestly cant taste the difference in teas” taking a scoop of sugar from one of the dishes.
“You won't want to say that in front of princess Rapunzel, she is rather opinionated on tea,” Eugene replied, his voice filled with warm mirth.
Now It was Edmunds turn to speak up.
“Why I believe we also know a woman of whom is also quite opinionated on tea.” He stated, gently nudging Hector.
“I don't care about that traitor's opinion on dead leaves,” Hector announced grumpily, taking a sip of his tea.
“It is true that us and Adira have had our differences. But as of the present we share one goal, besides as much as I hate to admit it. She was right about the sundrop was she not? There is no reason to curse her name at every opportunity.” Edmund stated calmly..
Hector sat in stunned silence at this remark.
Upon realizing his companion was not going to grace him with a reply, Edmund continued.
“I sense this anger of yours runs deeper than a mere disagreement over the moonstone”
At this remark Hector regained the liberty of his voice.
“What are you insinuating? For I assure you nothing is of more importance to me than the moonstones safety. The protection of which I have endangered life and limb on countless occasions. and would risk countless more times. Do you accuse me of disloyalty?” he stated with utmost sincerity.
“Not at all,” Edmund countered, caught off guard by the sudden outburst. “You of all my knights, neigh all of my court, are the most loyal, I apologize profusely for my offense, rest assured i did not intend it”
After this outburst was put to rest everyone returned to the business of exchanging polite niceties.
Hector and Edmund made apologies for their ungentleman-like behavior, and spoke politely of trivial things such as the weather and the loveliness of the gardens until the tea pot was empty and the biscuits deplenished.
“Before you go, there is a council meeting tomorrow at nine that I would appreciate if you both could attend. I apologize for the early hour.” Eugene stated, standing from his chair.
Both of the men in question reassured that the hour would serve no inconvenience to them and agreed to attend.
This marked the end of the tea.
Upon excusing himself, Hector returned to his room only briefly to check upon his companions, before inquiring of a maid where he might find a library.
The woman at first seemed startled by his presence, before quickly collecting herself and escorting him to the library.
As they walked Hector moved the acquiring of new clothes higher up his to do list.
The library was a large room filled to the bursting with expensive looking books and elegantly decorated tomes, such as a complete collection on the doubtlessly mundane care and display of tulips.
Unsurprisingly, none of this succeeded in interesting Hector,
who milled about the room until a plain book laid haphazardly on an end table caught his attention.
“A complete collection of Demantius's known works.” The title read.
Hector picked up the book and began to flip through it, taking a seat in one of the many overstuffed chairs about the room.
The book proved rather interesting, delving not just into the inner workings of the machines themselves but the varied histories of their creation and use.
Although he did not make it farther than chapter two before he was interrupted.
“Lance said it was my turn to pick the story!” A red haired girl cried, followed shortly by another girl sporting a short black bob.
“No fair we didn't finish mine last time!” The black haired girl retorted.
“Not my fault you picked a long story” The red haired girl stated definitely,
It was at this moment that both girls made notice of Hector.
“Who are you!” they called in unison bounding over to where he sat.
“I will tell you, once you ask me politely in a library appropriate voice” Hector stated calmly.
Although he did feel annoyed at having been interrupted, it was hard to feel anger at the rambunctious pair.
Besides, he always found children to have more interesting conversations. Having not yet had the innate curiosity quelled by the pressures of the adult world.
“Who are you?” The girls reiterated in a comically quieter tone.
“My name is Hector, and now that I have told you mine, tell me what are your names?” He replied, a barely detectable smile in his voice.
“My name is Catilina,” The redhaired girl replied quietly.
“And my name is Kiera!, but everyone calls me Angry” The black haired girl replied, much louder than Catalina.
“Well it's nice to meet you,”
They sat in silence for a moment while Hector returned to his book, this silence did not last long though.
“You're not from here. Where are you from?” Angry asked abruptly.
With a resigned sigh Hector sat down his book.
“I am here on official business” He answered simply, hoping they would leave it at that.
They did not in fact leave it at that.
“Are you here to help with the black rocks?” Catalina asked hesitantly, a hopeful look in her eyes.
“I am a warrior sworn to the moonstone, I am here by my king's command, and to do everything in my power to help” Hector replied genuinely.
He recognized that hope. Having looked up at others like that once as a child, naively seeking a solution to problems that could not be solved.
This time Angry spoke up.
“Princess Rapunzel says the only way to get rid of the black rocks is for her to join with the moonstone, are you going to help with that?”
“No….I don't know” Hector slumped forward in his chair as he said this.
At first he had every intention to deny such an outrageous thing, and then the horrifying realization hit him that he truly didn't know anymore.
Hector's conundrum was interrupted by a man entering the room.
“KIera Cataline there you are!” A tall and profoundly bald man proclaimed enthusiastically.
“Hi Lance!” The girls called cheerfully.
Lance however had dropped his carefree demeanor and was staring at Hector, a look of uncertainty darting across his face.
“Hello there” Hector greeted perhaps to abruptly
“Hello, it's..uhm” Lance stumbled over him words in a rather nervous manner.
Hector understood this as his cue to break the overbearing tension.
“My name is Hector, and may I assume you are the Lance of whom these young ladies were referring?” Hector introduced.
“Yes my name is Lance, may I ask what you are doing here?” Lance replied. His question was perhaps a bit rude.
Hector however took no offense, considering the circumstance of their last meeting, Hector vaguely remembered this man from the attack of the great tree, an event of which he decided would be most prudent to address immediately if there was any hope of civil conversation.
“I am here at the request of my king. And as at the current moment you are not attempting to apprehend the moonstone or trespass on my home, I am no danger to you or yours” Hector stated. Putting on what he thought was a charming smile. (it was not)
To Hector's significant fortune the girls decided that now was the time to make their opinion of the present events known.
“Wait, you fought lance?!”
“How did it go?”
Angry, followed by Catalina shouted abruptly.
Lance laughed but there was no mirth in it.
“I don't recall ever fighting you directly, although I may be mistaken. Am I?” Hector asked, turning towards the man in question.
“No sir, not that I can recall, our galient Lady Adira did most of the fighting,” Lance recalled from the couch he had taken a seat upon, smiling wistfully when he said Adira's name.
Hector who upon hearing his sisters name is such a matter was rather tempted to say something rather ungentlemanly but held his tongue.
Lance did not proceed with the conversation any farther, opting instead to turn his attention to the girls. marking an end to the conversation.
Hector returned to the book he had set aside earlier. spending a few moments reading before endeavoring to excuse himself and take his leave, not wanting to bother the family any longer.
But as he attempted to do so, was interrupted once more.
“Mister Hector, Would you tell us a story?” Angry asked.
At this remark everyone in the room, besides the one who asked this question, was in a great degree of shock.
Lance was the first to regain some degree of composure, explaining gently to the girl that it was impolite to ask such things of a stranger.
Especially one who was here on such important business as he was at the current moment.
Angry sat through this explanation and the subsequent explanation that “I have only recently taken in these young ladies and they are still learning the rules of decorum” provided by Lance.
But not once did the girl remove her quizzical gaze from Hector.
Hector, who for his part had said nothing up unto this point, turning his entire attention to the girl.
“What story would you like? I haven't much time but I can't leave a child in want of a story when you asked so politely” Hector answered, a smile, a very real one, spread across his face.
“Thank you!” She replied, prancing off to a nearby shelf.
Lance, who at this point was far too bewildered to say anything more, made no more protest.
Angry brought a thin green book over and handed it to Hector.
“The secrets of a master swordsman” The title read.
Hector flipped it open to the first page and began to read its continents.
A proper swordsman must always take proper attention to the care of his sword. Here I will describe the proper manner in which one should endeavor to care for every type of sword.
“Wait this isn't a story, this is an instructional, and not a very good one at that” Hector interrupted himself, flipping through the book and skimming its pages.
“Whats wrong with taking care of your sword?” Angry asked.
“Why nothing, it's the manner in which this book would have you care for them that's the problem. In fact almost everything in this book is false to one degree or another” Hector proclaimed.
He really should have predicted what happened next.
He had truly only intended to read for a few minutes, but the girls asked him so very many good questions that he simply could not resist answering,
(in considerable detail as Lance complained) that he lost all track of time.
In fact it was only when a maid entered the library to summon the girls to dinner, interrupting Hector's rant on the proper weighting of swords, did he realize the room had grown considerably darker than when he had first arrived.
At this the girls had thanked him cheerfully for the “Story” and Lance thanked him for his time, and they went their separate ways.
Hector, although still not pleased with his current situation as a whole, retired to his room with a lighter countenance than he had borne upon his arrival.
This was quickly detected by Edmund at breakfast the next morning.
“Why, you look rather pleased this morning! I suppose you had a good rest?” Edmund had greeted.
Hector, who was unaware of any change in his appearance, other than wearing a collared shirt which granted he did not often do, was rather caught off guard by Edmunds musing.
Not knowing how to respond next Hector took his seat next to Edmund.
They proceed to eat fried eggs and toast in abject silence for a not insignificant amount of time before Edmund once again endeavored to speak.
“So what do you plan to say at the council meeting?”
“I don't know, I haven't been to a council meeting in twenty six years and have never attended one in Corona, so I dare say I haven't the faintest idea what is going to be discussed.” Hector replied.
Edmund paused for a moment seemingly taking into account what he had said.
“I never thought that Coronas council meeting would be different, i am so stupid” Edmund grumbled half under his breath.
“You shouldn't say such things about yourself” Hector reassured nervously, rather disturbed by his king's reaction.
“Oh did I say that aloud? I apologize” Edmund hastily corrected.
“Its no matter.” Hector muttered, realizing his statement very well may have offended Edmund.
“Oh, I'm sorry to worry you friend. Admittedly I have been struggling to…..in simple terms,
keep my thoughts to myself” Edmund explained. “The coffee here is quite nice” The king diverted, taking a sip from his coffee.
They spoke absentmindedly of coffee and eggs until time for the aforementioned meeting for which neither man was adequately prepared.
Not that any one could have guessed as much when Hector proceeded to open the meeting in about the worst way he could have.
“Mornin people, none of us want to be here so lets get his show on the road shall we” He had greeted.
Everyone (Except for Edmund) stared at him in abject horror.
Eugene, who was sitting next to Hector, leaned over and whispered in his ear.
“There is a certain degree of …..formality that is usually expected at council meetings” Eugene had kindly attempted to explain.
Hector immediately understood a little too well what he had just done.
Even before his days residing in the great tree he had usually only attended meetings amongst the brotherhood.
Of which were only military meetings in topic, and resembled family bickering in every other regard.
Hector however had more than once attended official meetings of the sort he just now gathered he was attending at that present moment.
It would be difficult to talk his way out of this one and leave a good impression, but Hector dusted off his diplomatic skills with a flourish.
“I apologize for my intrusion, I merely intended to provide a degree of levity from the severity of the issues at present, but I see now that I may have offended some of you in doing so.” Hector excused politely.
At this remark the various occupants of the table reassured (With varying degrees of honesty) that it was no worry and Hector had done nothing to offend.
“Now that we have that out of the way, would our guest be ever so kind as to introduce himself?” A man with a frivolous red coat and mustache asked.
“Yes, thank you Nigal,” Eugene spoke up as they both turned to face Hector.
Of whom, upon realising that he was the one being referred to, proceeded in introducing himself.
“My name is Hector, knight of the brotherhood and loyal servant of the moonstone. I am here to provide what assistance I can at the request of my king” Turning to Edmund as he finished.
Edmund for his part seemed rather surprised at this gesture, but quickly regained his composure.
“Yes, Hector has generously granted my request for aid, to which point I am extremely grateful” The Dark king spoke.
The rest of the table proceed to mumble their thanks with varying degrees of sincerity.
Hector was somewhat flustered with the praise but maintained his composer.
After this someone read off a list of imports and exports.
Hector very nearly fell asleep half way through a quite detailed list of fabrics down to the very composition, when the conversation took a rather abrupt turn.
“Thank you smith, I will be sure to look into finding a new tailor to prepare uniforms for the guard” Eugene began.
“On that note, caption fitzherbert, would you mind sharing how many new recruits we have for the royal guard?” The man, Nigal, spoke.
“I was getting to that,” Eugene said, shuffling through his papers before continuing.
“As of this month 45 men have enlisted for the guard, leaving us with a total of three thousand eighty four as of this moment, five hundred eighty nine of whom have been recruited within the last year. We currently have seventy men currently out of service due to injury and ninety eight of which out of duty for other reasons.” He finished.
“And what of the rest of the military?” Hector asked, an air of slight impatience detectable under his forced pleasantness,
“The guard is the military, if that's what you're asking?.” Eugene answered hesitantly.
“So that number you just gave us, that's all the forces you have at your disposal at the moment?” Hector asked, very nearly dropping any pretence of formality but catching himself at the last moment.
“Yes that is correct, is that a problem?” Eugene asked, arching an eyebrow.
“Tell me, out of these guards, how many have seen combat before?” The warrior stated bluntly.
Eugene, and the rest of the table for that matter, seemed rather surprised at this statement.
“Corona has not been at war in quite some time, the closest thing our men have seen to combat in the past few years was…”
Eugene paused briefly before continuing hesitantly. ”We had a domestic terrorism incident nearly two years ago. I was not appointed Caption at that time, actually I was barely a part of the guard, although I did take part in the subsequent attack.
Admittedly the only thing stopping us from a rather devastating defeat was princess Rapunzel’s magic,” He finished. Awkwardly fidgeting with his pen as he did so.
This defeat, whatever it was. had cleared been a point of which the council had no pleasure in being brought up.
And considering the general demeanor of the room, it would doubtlessly be difficult to abstract more information.
“I understand why you don't desire to speak of the details of this case. And I truly do not wish to cause you any grievance in asking this, but considering the current calamity at our doorstep, would you perhaps be willing to provide me with the details of this case? I truly believe the information those details could provide would be invaluable.” Hector asked with every degree of diplomatic charm he could muster, exaggerating the importance of obtaining that information only slightly.
The rest of the table seemed about as uncomfortable as Hector expected, but Eugene seemed surprisingly undisturbed by this request, in fact he looked rather pleased.
“Yes I do believe that would be for the best, although I do ask that we refrain at this present moment. Perhaps you would be so kind as to meet with me this afternoon?” Eugene stated kindly.
Hector suppressed a groan as he smiled and agreed to the arrangement.
Truly it had gone over better than he could have hoped,
but the last thing he wanted to do was attend another meeting today.
After this had passed, remaining matters had been addressed without any speed whatsoever.
The meeting was adjourned.
After which there was a great deal of handshaking and obligatory niceties before everyone took their leave.
O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”
It had taken a shockingly short amount of time for Eugene to develop a good opinion of Hector,
rather surprisingly considering the circumstances under which they had first met.
It had been only a few months since Eugene had taken the position of captain, and those few months had been a drastic learning curve.
It was during this time he realized something about the people he was now of equal rank with and worked with.
To put it plainly they were accustomed to a system designed to work for them, and Eugene had grown up in a world seemingly designed against him.
This had led the council to be rather unpleasant, specifically towards the new captain, on more than one occasion now.
It was because of this he found himself so quickly drawn to Hector, of whom, according to Edmund, had faced a rather similar situation to the one Eugene found himself in now, having started life as an orphan and stumbled his way into a place of rank by sheer happenstance.
And so Eugene had found himself inviting Hector to his office that afternoon.
It made sense really, if half of what Edmund claimed about the man was true.
(And given his first encounter with the man, Eugene had no reason not to believe it.)
Hector had been a very competent commander as well as a ferocious warrior.
It was more than clear the man would be more than invaluable in the coming conflict,
So when the man had asked about the "Incident" as it had come to be known among the council, Eugene quickly saw the soundness of the man's reasoning.
But he also knew how the council was about, shall we say the details? Of that particular case.
Knowing it would not go over well Eugene decided that a private conversation would be required. Not that Eugene wanted any more meetings that day.
And so the two men found themselves in the Captions office drinking coffee that afternoon.
“Shall we get right to business?” Eugene had begun, placing a thin stack of papers on the table between them.
Hector thanked him, both for the coffee and the getting directly to business, as he picked up the papers.
.His face was mostly unreadable as he read through them, occasionally giving a slight nod or other expression here and there.
“I fear this report doesn't inspire much faith in your guard caption. If I may ask, are you sure it was only one man who organized this attack? As well as built like those, how are they pronounced? Atomoatons, Is that how you say it?” Hector stated quizzically.
“I fear what I say next will diminish any faith you have left in my men. Now that you have looked through those, there is something you need to know, a detail that is skimmed over or omitted entirely from every documentation of those events.” Eugene spoke gravely.
Hector looked up from the papers he had just read, needless to say he was very intrigued by this, if not somewhat concerned by its connotations as well.
Eugene, after taking a sip of his coffee, continued.
“There is no way to say this that isn't embarrassing so i will just say it. The person responsible for these attacks was…is a child. Specifically a boy by the name of Varian Rudiger.”
The caption watched the face of the man in front of him intently as he said this. The man in question didn't seem to react at first, but suddenly a deep scowl spread across his face.
“Quirin’s son” he muttered, “But how?” looking up to meet the other man's eyes.
“I see you know the boy. Have you met him before?” Eugene pried gently.
“No I haven't, but Quirin wrote often of him, and this” He motioned to the papers. “Sounds nothing like the boy my brother described”
“I see, but allow me to tell you the full story before you make up your mind.”
And so Eugene did, telling all the details the report had conveniently excluded.
When the whole story was told, or at least so far as Eugene knew them to be true.
As well as a few speculatives thrown in for good measure.
“I'm sorry to hear of how the boy was treated,” Hector said at last.
This was not the response Eugene had expected, perhaps his fear that the man would judge too harshly upon the boy's actions had been unjustified, Then again the knight had proven more than impossible to predict to any degree of certainty.
When his father had first mentioned inviting the man, Eugene had been worried about his behavior.
Thinking perhaps it may be impossible to speak reason beyond violence to the man given his past experience. However upon his arrival Hector had proven himself to be, if not a little rough around the edges, rather diplomatically skilled.
And so Eugene sat, once again befuddled by the man.
He had expected him to be angry, perhaps insisting they had gone to light on the boy, he even thought he caught a scowl from the man when he mentioned the boy had been pardoned.
At first that's what he thought Hector meant, but it was clear by his demeanor the man was referring to the things done against the boy rather than those done in his favor.
“Yes, I too am sorry for it and am doing all in my power to see nothing like it happens again. Although it has proven rather difficult for the boy is unable to discuss anything from that time without a great deal of distress.” Eugene spoke at last., an underlying sadness in his voice.
The man only nodded in response.
They talked of the boy for a while more, discussing the various things Varian had been working on at that moment.
The man seemed rather shocked as the captain detailed the invention of the amber apparatus, and its effect with the rock.
And, after a while Eugene at last suggested Hector speak to the boy.
He quickly agreed.
O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”O”
Hector followed Eugene out of the room and through a rather short hallway.
He supposed the captain had expected him to be disappointed, ashamed of his brother's son, his nephew.
But Hector felt nothing of this.
Indeed he found that he felt proud, proud of this boy he was yet to even meet.
Perhaps it was the “violent instincts” he was so well known for, or perhaps it was the simple fact Hector never cared for Corona.
This boy had nearly single handedly destroyed an entire army, and avoided killing anyone in the process, only stopped by that accursed sundrop and black rocks.
How could he not be proud of a boy like that.
Their destination was not far from the captions office, of whom presently knocked on the thin wooden door and called out the boy's name.
Presently a muffled “come in” sounded, assumedly from the boy in question.
Eugene opened the door partially. “I have someone who would like to speak with you”
He said kindly, motioning for Hector to follow him in.
The room was sparsely decorated, consisting of only a desk, sat before a window. There were also several sets of shelves filled to the brim with books of all sorts.
What was more intriguing than this though was the boy who sat at the desk.
Of whom presently turned from his work to great them.
Hector first noticed the blue streak in his bangs, of which his brother had written so fondly of. (and that the report had written rather un-fondly of)
He also noticed the beaming blue eyes, got them from his mother Quirin had said.
The boy was dressed like a scholar, with a red vest and crisp white shirt.
Although perhaps it was the large book the boy was currently occupied with that gave that impression, rather than his apparel.
Hector of course also noticed with great delight, a peaceful raccoon curled up the window cill.
Overall it was an exceedingly pleasant picture.
“This is Hector.” Eugene introduced simply, waving a polite hand at the man.
“I would like you to speak with him, if you would be so kind”
The boy looked first at the Caption, and then to Hector, staring at him quizzically.
Hector, realizing the boy was looking at his hands, wordlessly slid off his glove, and held his tattooed hand out for the boy to shake.
Recognition flashed across the boy's face upon catching sight of the symbol.
“It's nice to meet you sir.” He greeted.
“And if you don't mind, can I ask if you know of my father, Quirin Rudiger?” The boy asked hesitantly.
“Yes I know of your father, for he is my brother.” Hector responded, a hint of a laugh in his voice. Surprised at how quickly the boy had caught on, but perhaps given the track record for cleverness the boy possessed Hector should not be surprised.
“So you are him!” Varian responded enthusiastically.
“You know me?” was the surprised response.
“I never expected my brother to speak of me.”
“Well, he didn't really speak of you, not often. But Auntie Adira did.” Varian responded apologetically.
The boy's response caught Hector so severely by surprise he very nearly forgot to respond.
Of course Adira had gotten to the boy first, and of course he called her Auntie Adira.
But Hector had since enough to know he couldn't blame his sister for this particular grievance. Nevertheless he endeavored himself to secure his position as the favorite.
“How long has it been since Adira has visited you?” was what he finally decided upon saying.
Varian seemed rather surprised by the question, but answered politely anyway.
“It was a little less than three years ago when she last visited. Although several things have happened in that time to prevent her from coming to visit. And I'm sure she would have come earlier if she could have”
This information served spectacularly in Hector's favoritism mission, or at least so he believed.
Suddenly a knock sounded on the door, the captain opened it and spoke a few whispered words to the person who had knocked.
Hector, being able to see the new arrival from where he stood, took note that it was one of the palace guards.
“If you gentlemen will excuse me, I shall return to my office, it is only a few feet away if you need anything.” Eugene announced, glancing at Varian before taking his leave.
“That was odd, I wonder what he's in such a hurry about” Varian wondered absentmindedly.
Hector wondered much the same thing. Pulling a chair up to where the boy sat.
“What is it exactly that you wanted to speak to me about?” Varian asked, turning back to his book as he did so.
“Why, I wanted to meet my favorite nephew!” Hector answered cheerfully.
“You have only just met me, how can I be your favorite?" The boy asked quizzically, turning his head to the side as he did so.
“Your father has written extensively of you, if half of what he says of you is true. And I know it all to be true for my brother does not lie. Then I know without a shadow of doubt you are my favorite, you would even be my favorite if I had any other nephews!” Hector announced happily.
“Dad wrote to you about me?” Varian replied quietly.
“Of course he wrote about you, he wrote of almost nothing else”
“What sorts of things did he say about me?”
Hector paused on that last question, searching his mind for a good example.
“He would write about the sorts of books you read.” He finally decided.
It was true, Quirin had often written of Varian’s reading, but it was always to complain.
He complained once that his son read too many childish books, worrying that if he continued to read only those sorts of books.
Two years later he had sent another letter, in which he complained his son had read too many old books, and that Quirin could never hope to understand them.
Hector had kept those letters next to each other, comparing them always brought him a good laugh.
“Do you like to read?” Varian asked.
“Yes, there wasn't much to do at the great tree most of the time, so I have spent a lot of time reading these past few years, although I have always enjoyed a good story.” Hector answered, very much wanting the conversation to continue in this direction.
Unfortunately his luck did not prevail.
The boy took in a breath, before quietly saying.
“I know you came to talk to me about my attack on Corona. I understand why you want me to talk about it, I really do. But I'm not like that anymore, I can't hurt anyone else.”
Hector didn't respond, sitting in surprised silence.
His dreams of a book discussion with his nephew suddenly disappear in a rather abrupt manner.
Varian, suddenly noticing this had bothered the man, endeavored to explain himself.
“I heard some people saying they talked about it at a council meeting today, and that Eugene had invited you to his office this afternoon.”
“I should have known words would get around fast. Although I am sorry if I led you to the impression I was coming to interrogate you. Truth be told, Captain Fitzherbert did ask me to speak with you, but gave no instructions as to what I was to speak to you about.” Hector spoke, finally having reimagined his composer after being taken rather by surprise.
“He didn't give you instructions on what to speak to me about, but I know you both want my help with the……. Cassandra situation.” Varian responded. At this the raccoon that had been sitting in the window came over and curled up in the boy's lap.
Hector was rather tempted to steer the conversation in the direction of the animal,
It was clear however that changing the topic so abruptly at this point would leave rather the wrong impression.
“You have the makings of a great general in you, but that life takes much from you. I understand why you don't want anything to do with this war.” He said instead.
“Its not that I don't want anything to do with this war, i already have everything to do with this war. Casandra kidnaped me because of the scroll i translated, used my own truth serum against me to retrieve the third incantation-”
“Wait what!?” The older man interrupted.
“Yes….I supposed Eugene had mentioned that to you as well. I suppose my list of crimes was too numerous to bring into account those done unto me.” The boy gave a mirthless chuckle as he said this.
Although upon noticing the great concern that embedded itself across his uncle's face, he hurriedly added.
“I was just kidding, Eugene has taken a great deal of attention to me. Likely it just slipped his mind”
Hector was uncertain as to whether or not that particularly important incident had truly slipped the captain's mind, however it was apparent that pushing him further on this would only prove detrimental so he pushed those concerns to the back of his mind for the time being.
“What is it that you are working on now?” He asked, taking note of the book the boy had been preoccupied with this whole time.
“Its just some old records and stuff they wanted me to translate and condense, nothing of great importance…..I'm not permitted to work in my alchemy around the palace, but they also don't want me away from the palace much. So I have been tasked with translations and such. I ran out of anything related to the moonstone a while ago, I think they have just given me random stuff to keep me busy” Varian explained. Writing something down in a notebook as he spoke.
“What sorts of things have you translated relevant to the moonstone?” Hector asked, his curiosity piqued .
“Manly the Demanitus Scroll, as well as a few other papers here and there. Nothing particular of use besides the indications from the scroll” Was the response.
“I brought a few scrolls along with me when I left the great tree, do you believe you would be able to translate them?” Hector asked.
But before he could receive an answer a knock sounded and Captain Fitzherbert reentered.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I'm afraid Varian is needed immediately.” He announced.
“Give me a second” Replied the alchemist in question.
Getting up and grabbing his backpack before turning to Hector and explaining.
“One of the amber machines is probably jammed up or something”
“Will it take you long?” Hector asked.
“Ehh, probably at least a few hours.”
“Perhaps you would be willing to visit me tomorrow so I can show you the scrolls I have in my possession. If you would like, I can also introduce you to my animal companions.” Hector offered.
“I would love that! Thank you.” Varian responded, smiling cheerfully before darting off to whatever it was he was needed for.
Hector couldn't remember the last time he had been so excited to spend time with someone.