Chapter 686: A Mixed Taste

Chapter 686: A Mixed Taste

Well, we won, Theresa smiled, taking Alex by the hand.

I guessso, he said, squeezing her hand in his. I guess we actually won.

The huntress and wizard stood together, looking through a window in the ruling councils dining hall.

The twelve wizards had already departed, after finishing their extended lunch, theyd returned to their duties.

Theyd left the Roth family and Professor Jules behind.

Unfortunately, were short on time, but feel free to stay and enjoy some dessert, the elven Councillor Eleniel had said. It might not be quite as fine as the fair you serve, Mr. Roth, but our chef is offering a gelato sweet cream with freshly baked tiramisu today. I think youll all enjoy it. Ill be sending you a messenger construct in the next few weeks; you ought to have tea at my vacation home, north of the Rhinean Empire. This time of year, the snows have already come, and the landscape is as fresh and lovely as you'll find anywhere.

And so the council had left Alex with the run of their dining halland both a growing sense of relief and a deep bitterness brewing in his chest.

You know, Kartika told me theyd made their decision days ago. That theyd pretty much only held this meeting as a formalityand I guess so that Id kinda be in their debt?

I could believe that, Theresa said. Ive never had so many invitations to so many fancy places in my life.

I know, Alex said. And I just keep thinking aboutwhat if I was still just Alex from Alric?

You were never just Alex to me, Theresa said.

I know, he smiled at her. But to most people, thats who I was.

So, whatre you saying? she asked.

Well, you saw that guy that got dragged away before our meeting started, right? He frowned. The guard captain was saying how uncompromising the ruling council is. I think if Id still been just Alex, right now Id be in some jail cell somewhere being prepared to be sent back to Thameland on the first ship heading there. Unless they sprang for someone to teleport me there, I guess.

He looked over the crashing sea. I know this doesnt soundlike it makes any sense, but the fact that the only reason I wasnt sent home was because they thought I was more valuable than our entire countryjust doesnt feel great. Like thats a big compliment, but am I really worth so much? Is our realm worth so little?

Well, when you put it that way Theresa said quietly. It doesnt sound real great, does it?

No, but this is what I wanted, isnt it? he looked at her, his eyes haunted. I mean, Ive spent so much time and effort trying to make myself as important as possible in Generasi; to make myself so important, that they couldnt get rid of me very easily. And I accomplished what Id set out to do. Im important enough that theyre giving us all citizenshipif we want it

I definitely want it, Theresa said quickly. Even if I want to travel the worldhaving this as my home? Bringing my familyour familyhere? Thatd be such a dream.

Yeah, I agree, he said. I want that too. I mean, our lives are so much better than they were back home, but if I wasnt so useful to them, they wouldnt give two shits about any of us. They wouldnt care that you and I have a life here, they wouldnt care that I am working hard with my professors, they wouldnt care that youre a beautiful, awesome hunter whos going to be my wife

One of the councillors actually offered us their villa as a wedding venue, Theresa said, looking shocked.

Really? Alex sputtered. Holy hells, theyre trying hard, but thats just it! They wouldnt care about any of us if I wasnt Alex Rothbusinessman, golem crafter, wizard, researcher.

Dont forget Hero, Theresa threw in. A lot of those councillors were telling me and Claygon that we were Heroes to Generasi. They even talked about us speaking to some of their soldiers

Wow. He shook his head. Thats something. But yeah, thats it, thats the only reason why theyre trying so hard for us. Its the reason theyll defy our kingbut at the same time, if Thameland was worth more to them, then Id be on the first ship back home.

Alright, he said. I dont know what the future holds butIm going to have to get better at reading people if Im going to have dealings with those councillors. Theyre next level. But, thats a later problem.

He looked at Professor Jules. I guess Im about to be a subject of Generasidoes that mean this whole thing ends? The king cant demand a citizen of another country be brought to him riWell, actually.

Alex gave that some thought. Im still a subject of Thameland, I guess, even if Im also a citizen of Generasi. And in the kings mind, Ive committed the crime of desertion, so he could still ask for me. But, I think hes got less of a leg to stand on than before.

Indeed, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. Andif he were to order his soldiers to attack you, he would be attacking one of his subjectsbut also someone who is a citizen of Generasi. He would be wise to think twice before harming you.

I dont think thats going to stop the hidden church, though, Theresa said. Theyre only answering to Uldar.

Maybeit willslow them down? Claygon asked.

Only one way to find out. Alex smiled for the first time in hours. I guess its time to prepare for our meeting with the king.

That it is, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. This will be your final battle for freedom from your gods disgusting destiny for you.

Yeah, Alex said. And I cant wait to fight it. Its time to be done with this. Its time to be free.

###

When King Athelstan Merciex rode out from his capital, he did so equipped for war.

His glittering plate armourcovered in enchantmentssheathed his form as he sat astride a charger, the pride of the royal stables. The shield of the ruling housepassed down for generations since the days Uldar walked the landwas strapped to his saddle, while the royal sword hung in a scabbard at his waist.

The kings honour guard surrounded him, their polished armour gleaming, reflecting the morning sun. Lances were held high, their shields at the ready. Bannersboth their own and those of the House of Merciexfluttered on the tips of their lances, as did crimson plumes flowing from their helmets.

Ringing the circle of knights were priests and soldiers sworn to the church of Uldar, with the white hand of their god emblazoned on their tabards.

Beyond them a smaller army of knights, soldiers and rangers rode. The latter scouted ahead and behind, ensuring the countryside was free of Ravener-spawn.

The safety of their charges mattered above all else, for beside the king, rode the Court Wizard Errol, the High Priest Tobias Jay, and his holy council.

The very crown jewel of ruling power within the boundaries of Thameland was riding out that morning, and should they meet with ambush and massacre, it would mean the devastation of the realm.

But, their purpose was divine and in the service of Uldar, so none could stay behind.

For it was on this morning that they rode out to unite the five Heroes of their god.

Today, they would meet with a delegation from Generasi.

Today, they would bring the Fool home.

So intent were they on that purpose, that they did not notice two members of their councilMother Charity and Father Leecommunicating with subtle hand gestures as they gripped the reins of their horses.

Nor did they notice the sly glances the two council members threw toward ruins and distant trees dotting the fields around the road.

Nor did they notice the other members of the hidden church, who had long infiltrated the armys ranks.