Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty-Nine - Say Hello to My Little Friends

Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty-Nine - Say Hello to My Little Friends

Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty-Nine - Say Hello to My Little Friends

Who are your friends? Amaryllis asked. She was eyeing the three new figures a step behind Francisco and his two buddies.

The human walked with a bit of a hunch, hands in his pockets. The sylph to his left had his head up high, as if daring anyone to look down on him, and the other sylph was glancing all over the place, as if he was expecting something to jump out from the shadows at any moment.

Hello, lady Amaryllis, Francisco said with dripping meanness in his tone. It seems that you really have forgotten every last aspect of decorum and behaviour. Did no one ever teach you to greet people when you meet them?

People, yes, Amaryllis. So will you answer the question?

The harpys face reddened at the cheeks and his feathers puffed out, just a little, before he gathered himself. These three new friends of mine are some very kind fellows I met at a tavern. They heard of my plight, having to fight someone of your repute, and bravely decided to step up so that I might avoid soiling my feathers in your presence.

You mean to say that you were too cowardly to fight me and my friends head on, so you hired three mercenaries to fight in your place? Amaryllis asked.

I glanced back at Caprica and Augustus. Can he do that? I whispered.

Augustus Spood bowed his head. If the gentleman, ah, wishes to have someone fight in his stead, then he can elect someone to do so. It isnt entirely uncommon. Its more often than not used by a lady of the court who doesnt have skills as a fighter. She might employ a champion to fight in her stead. On occasion an older noble, past their prime, might also elect a champion. Usually these would be a member of their family, but there are no laws against merely hiring an outsider.

But a young fighter designating a champion in their stead is seen as cowardice, Caprica said. Or at least as very distasteful.

Augustus stepped up, placing himself between Amaryllis and Francisco. Greetings everyone, he said with practiced geniality. My name is Augustus, Ill be the person in charge of todays duel. Lord Hawk, from what I overheard, you will be having these three gentlemen fighting in your stead?

Yes, yes I will, Francisco said. What about you, Amaryllis, will you be fighting yourself? You always did like to brag and strut with your chest puffed out. Or maybe youll send someone else in? That little sylph girl behind you, maybe? he chuckled, and his friends joined in.

I followed his gaze and saw that Gabrielle was blinking back at him, completely confused.

Augustus cleared his throat. He was still smiling, but there was a vein visible along the line of his neck. Lord Hawk, I believe I speak for every sylph when I say that if you could avoid involving her royal highness in your affairs, it would be appreciated.

Ah, Francisco said. I think he noticed all the guards nearby, many of whom were giving him looks and decided to backpedal. A pleasure to meet you, your highness, please forgive my earlier impertinence. The presence of this barbarian brings out the worst in me.

Um, Gabrielle hesitated before dropping into a quick, shallow curtsy. Its fine? I wasnt really paying you much attention. Im really just here to see my sisters friends fight.

Your sisters friends? Francisco mused. Ah, perhaps after our bout I will remain here to observe that fight.

But.. but thats the fight you were supposed to be in? Gabrielle asked.

I eyed Gabrielle. She sounded innocent. A bit too innocent.

Right, big sister Caprica? Gabrielle asked. She blinked at Caprica with big, wet eyes, and I could imagine her lower lip trembling even if it wasnt.

Gabrielle was a very tricky little sister, it seemed.

Thats right, Gabi, Caprica said. Were here to watch Lady Amaryllis, Lady Bristlecone, and Captain Bunch put up a good fight.

On that note, Augustus said. Lady Amaryllis, did you intend to fight yourself?

We have some royal guardsmen here who I am certain would be honoured to be your champions, Caprica added. We even have a paladin or two. Some are in their fourth tier.

Merely doing my job, Lady Bristlecone, he said. We continued down the corridor, around the bend, and stopped before a door that was closed. It had a small light bulb-like thing above it that was currently off. Reaching up, Augustus flicked a switch next to the door and the light started to glow a magical blueish hue. And this is the armoury. Take whatever you need. There are pieces of armour at the back as well. I will be waiting out here for your return.

Thanks, I said.

The room was well lit, a few hanging lanterns casting an orange-yellow glow across rows of racks and shelves laden with hundreds of weapons. The next room over, past an archway in the room we were in, had armour on dummies and on more shelves. Enough to equip three dozen warriors and then some.

Whoa, I said as I reached over and picked up a sword larger than I was. Or I tried to. It was way, way too heavy.

At least the edges on it werent sharpened. I couldnt imagine that helping too much if someone took a swing at me with it, though.

Alright, Amaryllis said. We... dont exactly have an advantageous situation here. Three opponents with abilities we can only guess at, all above our levels, and on an even playing field.

Its going to be a tough fight, I said. But well do our best, right?

Awa, we dont need to do our best, Awen said. We need to win. This is important, Broccoli. We need, um, strategy more than we need optimism, I think.

Oh, right.

Awen turned to Amaryllis. Whats our strategy?

Amaryllis rolled her eyes. Of course. With great intelligence comes great responsibility. I chose not to comment. Lets see. The Frozen Batterer is likely an ice mage. His armour was lighter than most front-line combatant sorts. If Im against him, Ill try to overwhelm him. Ice magic tends to be slow to act. Awen... Im afraid youre not in the best position in any fight here.

I need equipment, and time, Awen said. Im not really much of a fighter at all, really.

Youre great, I said.

She shook her head. Im a mechanic first. Its okay not to be good at fighting, I think. You dont need to worry about me though, I have a few tricks that might work. She reached over to one of the racks, then pulled a heavy shield from it.

Right, Amaryllis said. The Bladesinger is a somewhat common sylph class. High mobility, focused on swords. Hes going to be fast, and hes going to have a lot of tricks. Keep your distance and pelt him with magic. Broccoli, Im sure you could manage to keep away and fling some fire at him.

Uh, alright, I said.

The last is a mystery, and the highest levelled opponent we have to face. Id guess hes more of a defensive expert, but I cant say for certain. Just... try to hit hard.

Amaryllis glanced around, then nodded to herself before moving to a wall-mounted rack covered in knives and daggers and other short pointy things.

I looked around myself. There were so many weapons, but I didnt have a knack for any of them. I slid over to the next side, and grinned at a wall covered in helmets. I swept one right off the topmost rack. A big gladiators helmet, with a metal lions face on the front, and it had a furry ruff on the top and back, with a few holes that my ears could poke through.

That didnt leave me with any weapons though.

That was, until I spotted something in the corner. Perfect!

Whats perf-- oh please, Broccoli, no.

Broccoli yes! I said.

When we left the room, all kitted out, Augustus was waiting for us, as promised. He stared at the weapon I had slung over a shoulder, and the dustpan I held in my other hand. Captain, is that our broom?

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