Chapter 256 - A Friend Named Fern

He sighed, "Over ten years ago, the Sanki King came to get the Holy Empress. We fervently refused. Back then, the church had more power than the King. However, he didn't listen to us. Instead, he sent his men in to slaughter everyone. Women, children, priests, even the animals were all brutally murdered. All except for me."

He looked into the air as if recounting that traumatic scene, "They forcibly broke into the chamber of the Holy Empress and took her. I will never forget how they led her over the corpses of the ones who served her. That poor girl… She had no idea what death had meant. She had never left that room. Her studies only included the handed down scriptures in the church. After the King took her, he forced her into marriage while simultaneously destroying the church." 

I could tell by her writing that the Holy Empress seemed to be a naïve and clueless girl who knew nothing about how the world actually worked. I feel a bit bad for the poor girl. She probably had no idea what the King had intended to do with her.

She had the mental capacity of a young child, yet she was forced into such a situation. 

He continued, "Now we are merely a weak voice. We can do nothing anymore. The Kingdom only follows us because of tradition. But even that has been lacking lately." He shook his head, "Now the King won't even let the people see the Holy Empress. It used to be that every time he made a public appearance, he would have her join him. Then he locked her up without reason and refused to let others see her."

I winced at his last words. Has the King been covering up the fact that the Holy Empress is dead? I suppose that would make sense. Even if the church doesn't have the power it used to have, it still resonates with the people. If it got out that he had her killed, it's possible that this would cause a rebellion in itself.

I spoke calmly, "Would you like the church to return to it's former glory?"

His face turned dark, "Those are dangerous words."

"I am only speaking figuratively. What if one day another King takes over and wishes for the Church to return to how it was? Would you support that King?"

He studied me carefully, "To support a new King would be too dangerous for my church. We are already broken. Taking a gamble on another could finish destroying this church. We will not risk it."

I pinched my lips together and went to leave. I couldn't blame him for disagreeing. He had seen such a horrifying sight. He had to watch as innocents died before him, yet he was the lone survivor. It's no surprise he was too worried to help. 

I paused and clenched my fists. No. I can't give up.

I spoke calmly, "The King ordered her to be killed. Your Holy Empress is no more."

His mouth dropped as he looked up with a shocked expression, "W-What did you say?"

"The Holy Empress has been dead for several years. That is why you have not heard or seen her."

"No… You are lying…"

"Just think about it. Why haven't you seen or heard from her? There is only one explanation. The King ordered her to die and now is covering it up."

I watched as I saw him think about it. He was connecting the dots quickly. He forced himself to shake his head, "Even if that is true, I can't risk the children being killed."

I sighed, "I understand, but there are things worth risking death for. How can you be sure following the current King will ensure those children's lives?"

He frowned and did not respond. Without saying another word, he turned to lead me back to the others signifying that he was done discussing it. His face was scrunched as he mulled over my words.

Even though the King was the one to give the order, Simon was the one who killed the Holy Empress. However, from what I understand is that only the King and Simon could possibly know this. Perhaps the brothers know as well, but the King has done a good job keeping this matter secret.

I saw Simon and gave him a forced smile. I stood by his side as we made offerings to the Gods and the Holy Empress together. I was careful to follow the Head Priests instructions while also watching Simon to make sure I did not mess up.

While our heads were bowed, he whispered, "Why are you dressed like that?"

I felt insulted, "Don't I look nice? I am like a sexy nun."

Do you know how many girls (and maybe some guys) would love to dress like this for Halloween?

He chuckled as he eyed my figure closely, "I did not say you looked bad. I just wondered why."

I looked away with a guilty expression, "I may have fell down several stairs and ruined my previous clothes. The Head Priest was worried you would kill him due to a misunderstanding, so I changed my clothes."

"That is not too surprising. The Head Priest is very cautious around us." Simon's carefree face fell as he looked at my sleeve, "And that?"

"Oh this? This is Fern. He is going to come back with us. Now if you try to touch me inappropriately, I will have him bite you."

"…"

The snake peeked it's head out of the sleeve and carefully looked at him. Simon watched as the snake slowly crept back into the sleeve as if it was saying, "I am watching you…"

Simon looked back at me, "Did you know that the poison on the blade that cut you was made from the venom belonging to this snake?"

I looked at him in surprise, "It had?!"

He nodded, "There is no known cure for it either."

Millie may argue with that.

I felt Fern coil around my wrist and suddenly considered whether it was a good idea to have him on me or not. But was he really that venomous? The Holy Empress had written about him biting her. She did not die from it, but instead became sick.

Could the Gods really have protected her?!

Nah. I am sure she just built up her immunity to snake venom.

After we finished with the ceremony, I followed Simon to go meet with his father. We exchanged greetings following the proper etiquette. The King looked at me closely, "Why are you dressed like a Holy Maid?"

Simon cast me a glance that said, "I knew he would ask."

I answered with a smile, "I accidentally bumped into something while I was walking and tore my clothes. I did not want to embarrass the King by appearing in such an unkempt appearance, so I asked to borrow some clothes. I hope your Majesty is not insulted…"

He waved his hand, "It does not matter. Since the ceremony has finished, we will depart back to the Palace."

The King passed by the Head Priest who bowed, "Greetings to your Majesty… Just how is the Holy Empress doing?"

I was shocked by his direct questioning.

The King tossed him a look, "None of your business if you want to keep your head."

The Head Priest did not speak and kept his head down. The King was the first to get into his carriage and leave with several bodyguards accompanying him. Simon led me to ours where I turned to see the Head Priest standing outside the door with the two children beside him.

When our eyes met, he gave me a determined nod. I smiled back and climbed into the carriage. 

Simon raised an eyebrow, "What was that about?"

I stroked the snake still clinging to my wrist, "It means he has accepted my proposal."

Simon smirked, "You are really trying hard."

I looked back into his eyes with resolve, "I have to."

Now that I had the bandits and the Church of the Holy Empress behind me, all that left was for Gilyn to tell me his decision. Then my plan could proceed. However, I still need to figure out when a good day is to have the rebellion.

I have already told the bandits to look out for the signal. I planned to raise a flag to signal for the bandits to get ready to attack. Then they would only have to wait until the citizens advanced to hand out weapons and fight alongside them.

Of course, I still need to have Gilyn open the main gate. The gate is almost always closed. There is only a certain time of day it opens. If people were to storm in during that time, then it would be a massacre unless the Royal Guards choose not to fight us.

In addition to figuring out the logistics of the rebellion, I was also missing something very important.

My sword.