Chapter 101: Rip Off the Bandage

Chapter 101: Rip Off the Bandage

Oh, fuck. Now what happened? Tori took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and suppressed her initial irritation that unnecessary drama was happening, and she would now be involved in it. Madam Voss, please take a deep breath. I need you to clearly explain what happened first.

Yes, yes, of course! Despite Toris instruction, Madam Voss didnt seem to get her shallow, panicked breathing under control.

Breathe in, Tori began as she sat down on the desk chair. Breathe out. In. Out. In Out. She paced it for about ten sets before the trembling in Madam Voss voice calmed. Start from the beginning. Slowly.

It is my fault.

Toris brows shot up. She didnt think Madam Voss had it in her to scare away Alessa. Your fault?

I...I want to marry the Baron, Michael, Madam Voss said in a pained voice. He has been courting me for some time and I was hesitant at first. My family is vastly different from his and my family is struggling. Much less now, of course, with my ladys help, but there is a difference. However, Michael has been very earnest. I agreed to marry him, even knowing that his daughter didnt approve. I thought that she would come to accept me in time and her father assured me he would speak to her.

Since she returned, all they have done is argue. Michael refuses to break the engagement and Alessa will not acknowledge it. She believes I am trying to take advantage of her father. Ive tried to talk to her as well. Im not interested in his title or land! Madam Voss sounded not only exhausted, but desperate for someone to believe her.

I understand that, Tori assured her in a calm voice. She wouldnt be surprised if at this point, Madam Voss had more liquid assets than Baron Hart. Did Lady Hart leave because she disagreed with the engagement?

There was a pause on the other end and then she heard Madam Voss let out a low, shaking breath. She told Michael that it was either her or me.

Tori let out a low hiss. Wow. What did Baron Hart reply? No matter what the actual verbiage was, it was clear that the answer did not satisfy Alessa.

Madam Voss took a deep breath. He didnt want to choose. He said he loved us both and couldnt. Alessa left the dining hall with her friends and didnt come home that night. The Baron thought she would stay in the village in protest, but...but she didnt come back.

Tori narrowed her eyes. Lady Hart was with friends? Oh, no...which of those dumbasses....

Yes, she came home with two friends from Lyce; Mr. Guthry and Young Lord Alvere.... Madam Voss trailed off and took another moment to try to calm herself. That is why I am calling you, my lady. Would you have any way to contact them? I dont believe they would leave Alessa.

Is Lady Hart not answering her comcry?

No, Madam Voss said. Michael has been calling for hours. He sent Mr. Mulligan to check the village. My sons went to neighboring villages yesterday and this morning to ask if anyone has seen them, but no one has seen them since the day she left the manor. Michael hasnt been able to sleep and.... She stopped to collect herself.

I understand. Toris hand tightened around the comcry. Has anyone seen their carriage?

The carriage they rented was common with no real standout features that would make it easily recognizable. My sons and nephews have followed leads of similar carriages, but none of them had Alessa or her friends.

What about guards? Tori asked. Dimitri couldnt have gone out with any guards. He was aware of his position, even if he tried to be incognito.

When they arrived in Chetterswickshire, they were relieved of their duties until Alessas return trip to Horizon. They were given money to pay for lodgings in Woodhaven. However, when Michael sought them out, they said they werent contacted by Alessa and hadnt seen them since they escorted her to the manor. He asked the innkeeper and questioned the nearby businesses; the guards hadnt left Woodhaven.

With each word, Madam Voss sounded as if she were getting closer and closer to breaking down. Tori took another deep breath. This whole thing just continued to get increasingly ridiculous.

Madam Voss, I do not have Mr. Guthry and Mr. Alveres comcrys registered on mine; however, I can try to get ahold of Mr. Guthry through other means. I will call immediately and get back to you once I have an answer. If I find anything, I will call you again to let you know. Please keep me updated, as well.

Thank you, my lady! Thank you! I didnt know who else to call.

Tori could almost feel the relief coming from the comcry and couldnt help but think that Alessa was lucky that this woman, whom she hated, loved her father enough to reach out for help to find her. There were plenty of stepparents who would not care if their stepchild disappeared.

Then please wait for word. She slid her finger across the crystal and furrowed her brows. Her stomach began to twist, and a feeling of dread crept up.

She took another deep breath and slid her finger across the crystal once more. Call Miriam Guthry. She remained seated on her chair as she watched the crystal pulse. Just when she thought she couldnt reach Madam Guthry, the glowing pulse steadied.

Lady Tori! Good evening. How are you? Madam Guthry sounded very cheerful. This meant she hadnt realized her son had gone missing with Alessa.

Tori tried to find the words to ask without alarming her all at once. Madam Guthry, good evening. Im doing well. Im currently visiting River View for crystals. How are you and the Prime Minister?

Were doing well, thank you! she said, pleased. She lowered her voice and giggled a bit. Im counting down to our next trip back to Viclya. Its our anniversary...oh, I cant wait to dance beneath the stars in the plaza again....

Tori felt a stab in her chest. She really didnt want to destroy the good mood now. Regretfully, she continued. Im happy youre looking forward to it, Madam. I hate to trouble you, but I was wondering if youd be able to do me a favor.

If it is in my capacity, Id be happy to, Lady Tori! Madam Guthry said. Tori could almost see her smiling.

I am trying to reach your son; however, I dont have his comcry registered.

She heard a slight gasp. Is it urgent?

...A bit. Tori grimaced. Just tell her. Get it over with. Rip off the bandage. He has left with another classmate and that classmates parents are unable to get an answer from their comcry. Unfortunately, they dont have Mr. Guthrys and reached out to me to ask if I would be able to get in contact with him.

Knowing that Madam Guthry already had a bad impression of Alessa, Tori decided not to aggravate it further, if possible.

Left with a classmate? Madam Guthry said, appearing confused.

Yes, he was with two of our classmates on their trip, Tori replied.

There was a long pause. What trip? The joy in Madam Guthrys voice was gone. She sounded confused, if not suspicious.

Tori knit her brows once more and couldnt help but tilt her head to the side. Didnt Mr. Guthry go on a trip for the summer?

No, Madam Guthry replied. Dimitri is spending most of the summer in Fosse to oversee his Lyce Project.

Toris brows shot up.

No fucking way! She almost shook in her seat, wanting to call Ilyana and the others immediately to tell them about this sudden turn of events. She gritted her teeth and tried to calm herself. He is in Fosse? I must have misunderstood. I totally did not. Is it possible for you to call him and ask if everything is all right and if our classmates are still with him?

Yes, of course, Madam Guthry said. I will call immediately.

Thank you, Madam Guthry. I hate to rush you, but my other classmates parents are quite worried.

No, its not a problem at all. I can understand their concern. Im a parent, as well.

I will have my comcry with me. Please call once you can reach him. Thank you very much, Madam Guthry. Tori repeated her thanks and apology for troubling her again before ending the call.

She put the comcry on the desk and leaned back against her chair. She let out a heavy breath.

Tori couldnt believe Dimitri lied to his parents. While she was closer to Madam Guthry than to Madam Voss, she knew Madam Voss would not call her in desperation for nothing. In addition, since Madam Guthry did not approve of Alessa, she wouldnt consent to Dimitri following Alessa to Chetterswickshire for the summer.

How else could Dimitri get away if not to use his Lyce project in one of the satellite villages as an excuse?

Unfortunately for him, Alessa running away set off a chain reaction and now, Madam Guthry was about to discover that not only did her son lie to her, but that he was with Alessa.

Oh...this is a he dun fucked up moment. Tori shook her head and picked up the comcry. She slid it into the apron-like pocket in the front of her dress and returned to the vanity to finish her hair.

She carefully folded a black scarf and used it as a headband to keep her hair out of her face. It was still wild and puffy, but it was out of the way. She changed out of her bedroom slippers and into a pair of leather flats and went downstairs.

The dining hall was still being prepared for dinner and she heard voices in one of the parlors that opened to the garden. Tori drifted towards the noise and found that her brother and Idunn were talking to Duchess Tetri and her husband. The Duchess had a son and daughter. Her daughter started studying at a university in Nord last fall and was staying over the summer to assist with a research program.

The Duchess son and heir was in the Anlar Fleet, onboard Andys ship, from what Tori had been told, and they were currently on tour until the end of the summer. Duchess Tetri had proudly shown Tori a painting of her children when they first arrived.

As she slipped into the parlor, her brother noticed her immediately and rose from his seat. Did you get some rest? Youve worked hard.

She certainly has, Duchess Tetri said with a slight grin. This girl did not yield a bit during negotiations.

Well, you know the motto of our family, Sebastian said with a laugh.

As I admitted, Your Grace, I was only following my second brothers instructions, Tori said with a sheepish smile.

Sebastian let out a slight snort. That explains it. Our Tori is very soft-hearted. Kasen is the merciless one.

Tori resisted rolling her eyes in front of the ducal couple. Idunn tilted her head to the side and squinted. Tori, are you all right? Are you still tired? You did quite a bit today.

Tori tried not to cringe. In the mine, she had been very curious and anywhere they would let her go, she went to explore. She even carefully climbed down into a pit after wrapping her shawl around her head in a small turban to try to protect it. She was sure she made the mine manager and their workers nervous when she was trying to wiggle her way through some large cracks.

Shed managed to find some superior quality, raw chunks of aquamarine for her troubles, including a large piece as tall as her thigh. Shed paid for them out of her own pocket, and theyd be delivered to Viclya before she returned.

She lowered her head and shook it. A small, bitter huff escaped her. I think I have a problem, Sebby, she said as she lifted her head. I may have the means to help find them. Money. Manpower. Local connections. The Harts and the Guthrys could not compare. I cant ignore this.

A large hand was gently placed on top of her head. All right, Sebastian told her. If this is what you want, then we will help find them.

She closed her eyes. I hope I dont regret this.

The marches had a reputation to maintain. As Tori watched both her brother and Idunn shift from the flirty couple a few hours earlier into active roles in a search and possible rescue, she understood that the reputation wasnt without warrant.

Your Graces, Sebastian had said as he returned to the parlor after Tori made her questionable decision. Im afraid there is a problem that we have to deal with.

After explaining the situation, Duke Tetri brought them to the castles main library and had his valets retrieve the maps for the locations they suspected Alessa, and her two love interests may have gone. Duke Tetri was born noble in Horizon, to a family that produced high ranking imperial knights. In his youth, he was on track to become one himself, but he and Delilah, the Duchess Tetri, met at an anniversary tournament and now they were married.

However, Duke Tetri had never forgotten his roots and was a disciplined man who studied at La Garda with, surprisingly enough, Duke Fekete. Tori briefly wondered if Duchesses just had a thing for military men. There was something between Duchess Alvere and the Marquis General, as well. Tori shook her head and tried to focus.

If they werent seen for two days, then we can assume that they are in this area, Duke Tetri said as he took a compass and circled an area near the lakes. The largest towns surround the lakes. We can send people to comb the resort town for three teenagers matching the descriptions of the students.

It will take us another day or so to get to the lakes from here. How far can they get? Idunn asked as she hunched over the table with sharp eyes.

As long as theyre traveling by carriage, they can go about this far. Duke Tetri made another circle.

But if theyre using a carriage, theyd likely take an established road that would be wide enough to support it, Sebastian said, tapping his finger on the table.

Its unlikely that theyd get out of the carriage and travel by horse or by foot, Duke Tetri said.

Tori, you know them personally. What do you think? her brother asked, lifting his head to look at her.

If Im being honest, I dont know them that well. However, they cant afford to buy horses. Lady Hart simply does not have the money. Mr. Guthrys funds are limited; most of it has gone to his Lyce project. All his money came from his parents and Madam Guthry wasnt shy about talking about it.

What about Duke Alveres son? Duke Tetri asked.

Tori felt her skin crawl. I dont think he has money. Im sure you know that the Alvere Duchy is not doing well financially. She lowered her eyes. And from what I heard of Mr. Alvere from his roommate, who is a friend from the Sword Association, I have reason to suspect that his homelife is...volatile.

Her brother frowned. He seemed to want to ask her what led to such an assumption, but he shook his head. That didnt matter now.

How certain are you of this? Idunn asked, carefully.

Certain enough to find them buying horses unlikely . If they tried, someone wouldve seen them, and we may be able to track them. If they havent, then theyre either still in the carriage or traveling by foot. I highly doubt that Mr. Guthry and Mr. Alvere are willing to let Lady Hart travel by foot, Tori said. She narrowed her eyes. However, this is all assuming that they have a choice.

The library was quiet, and several eyes lingered on her. Sebastian looked towards Duke Tetri. Your Grace, as this region is on the border of your territory, do you know if there are any troublesome areas?

Duke Tetri frowned and looked down at the map. The main roads going through the lakes region are busy. Theyre mostly used by tourists going to the resorts and traders supplying the area with goods. Every so often, there are reports of burglaries in carriages and unattended rooms, some tourists face scammers, and crowded areas also tend to have pickpockets, but there isnt anything major that has been reported recently.

Lets assume that they were on their way to the lakes and perhaps have found a place to stay nearby, Sebastian said. Your Grace, may we borrow a few of your people to search the resort towns around the lakes?

I will send a dozen of our knights, Lord Sebastian, Duke Tetri said. I will oversee the search through the towns myself.

Your Grace, is this all right? Tori asked. This was her problem. Her brother had already agreed to become involved when she decided to accept a responsibility to help find Alessa and the others because she was his sister. She didnt want to drag the Tetri Duchy into it.

Of course, it is, Duchess Tetri said. She had been silent the entire time and was sitting in a nearby chair. The Prime Ministers only child is missing. We would be remiss not to be of assistance.

The Duke gave her a helpless smile and Tori had the feeling that despite the Duchess arrogant words implying that they were only helping for favor from the Prime Minister, she sincerely wanted to help.

Then we will trouble you, Your Grace. Tori lowered her head to give them a small, thankful bow. Sebby, when can we leave?

Immediately, Sebastian said. Ill rally our people.

Bring my personal knight, Duke Tetri said. We will search the resorts, but the area around the hills north of the lakes is within the scope of our search. You and your knights are more capable of searching that area.

Our family has a winter cabin there. Its large enough to house your party, Duchess Tetri told them as she stood up. Use it as your base for the search.

Thank you, Duchess, Tori said. She looked at her brother. Ill inform Instructor Ignatius and pack my things.

Sebastian gave her a curt nod and Tori headed out the door.

Youre going to bring your sister? she heard the Duke ask as she left.

She is a bridge of communication between the Harts and the Guthrys. If we are searching, we will need her, Idunn said.

My sister is young, Tori heard her brothers final words. But she is still a Guevera.

Tori bit her lips. Shed already come too far to yield.

Instructor Ignatius was still asleep when she knocked on his door. Tori told him the gist of what was happening and asked if he wanted to stay and continue studying the irrigation methods or come with them. She would not force her burden on him.

I will be ready in a few minutes, my lady, he said, surprising her. She didnt question him and went to gather her things. She changed from her neat clothes to a pair of pants and a blouse. She slung her box of crystals across her body and met her brother in the outer courtyard.

Everyone was ready to depart and as her brother was making additional arrangements with Duke Tetri, Tori climbed into their carriage to call Madam Voss and Madam Guthry. As expected, both women were near inconsolable. Madam Guthry reported that their valets had gone to nearby Foss to look for Dimitri and confirmed that he had been gone for two weeks.

Madam Guthry was both worried and furious.

The Prime Minister and Baron Hart thanked her profusely for her assistance. The Prime Minister sent had some of his people towards the lakes, as well, but they would take some time to get there. If they were lucky, they would intercept Alessa and the others on their way to Horizon, but Tori didnt count on it.

She looked out the window and saw that her brother, Idunn, and Instructor Ignatius had opted to ride horses and she pursed her lips.

Oh, great. Now Im the one holding everyone back. She narrowed her eyes and scowled.

My lady, Lord Sebastian will lead a group ahead. We will follow and meet them at the Duchess winter cabin, Sir Aguilar told her from outside her window. She and Sir Iturralde were also on horseback.

Tori, well see you there. Dont rush. Leave this to us! her brother shouted as he peered inside.

Tori suppressed her irritation at her inability to ride. I understand.

She could do nothing but sit in the bumpy carriage after her brothers entourage galloped ahead. Tori frowned. A small grumble came from her stomach, and she looked down.

...And Im hungry. Wonderful timing. She tilted her head back and slumped against the back of the carriage. Her foot hit a wooden box across from her and she looked down. The style of the box was of the heating boxes she and Instructor Ignatius sold. Her eyes widened as she bent forward and opened the lid. Eureka.

She picked out a paper wrapped sandwich and moved her crystal carrying case onto her lap to use it as a table. As she bit into her sandwich, she eyed her bracelet, and wracked her mind for a way to use them to help. Aside from being a communication point, she didnt know what else she could do.

She couldnt ride a horse, so Sebastian wouldnt let her physically join the search.

If she knew that shed end up looking for Alessa, Dimitri, and Montan, she wouldve slapped a tracking charm on them while they were in Lyce. Her charms had grown stronger with her increased ability to ground and gather energy. It still wasnt anywhere near as great as Sebastians, but it was much better than when she started.

Master Ramos was right in that practicing at the delta and over the energy veins would be beneficial. Shed improved with the help of the energy veins. In her metacrystals class, many students struggled to sense their charged crystals. And once they did, they had an even more challenging time connecting to them.

Tori had practiced this on the energy vein with Master Ramos. She now had a habit of searching for her charged crystals by grounding and connecting energy rather than physically rummaging through her dorm room.

She reached forward with her left arm to grab a napkin from the box when she saw the deep blue and gold speckled crystal on her bracelet. Her chewing slowly came to a stop, and she narrowed her eyes. Lapis lazuli.

Alessa, Dimitri, and Montan didnt have a tracking charm on them.

Tori reached for her comcry and slid her finger across. Call Miriam Guthry. The woman mustve been waiting for her call.

My lady-

Madam Guthry, did you give your son the lapis lazuli I gave you at the delta?

Yes. I gave it to him before his final exams, Madam Guthry said, a bit confused as to why she was asking.

Then, do you know if he brought it with him when he left?