Baron Aylmer

"You think I am frightened?" Baron Aylmer suddenly called out, "A Godless shall remain a Godless. What court would convict me? I have heard tales of you, Duke Blackwater, the Devil of the North. And you do not scare me!"

"He is quite right, Duke Blackwater," Chimed in a young man with long dark hair elegantly tied into a bun. He wore long red robes that skimmed over the ground, yet for some reason, his robes remained clean, free of any filth. "I am called Brayard of Salvan, a scholar of our noble kingdom." He said as if to allow others to understand his status.

Creasing his brow, Zireael crossed his arms, "Is that all? A Baron, and now a Scholar? Is this all? Does anyone else wish to speak out? To curse my name?"

"Master," Muttered Sionn softly, clenching his fist to his side, "let's just go."

"Go! And Where do you think you will go!" Ojected Baron Aylmer, "You must all be the Duke Blackwaters followers I—"

"Is there a point to this!" Zireael interrupted, "Or is this nothing more than drivel? Brayard, is it? You know who I am, so you must understand what I have done. Tell me, Scholar of Ferrum, what do you think my options are? Or should I say what your options are?"

"Fear will not work! We stand together, Godless!" shouted the young Scholar without fear.

"So, what will you do?" Inquried Zireael calmly, "Attack me? Or will you continue to bark like dogs? About some bitch you call a God? If so, make it quick am quite busy."

Turning a few shades darker, Baron Aylmer, along with many within the crowed, grew hushed. Especially Brayard, who had heard the sinful tales of Duke Blackwater. He knew the young Lord would not bat an eye turning the Lake a deep shade of scarlet.

"So, in the end, what is it you achieved?" Asked Zireael with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "You now made an enemy out of me, and I always repay my debts." he said, pressing past Baron Aylmer, who made way.

Shooting the Baron, a heavy stare, a slight smile that chilled the air deepened from Zireael's thin lips, "I wonder," Said Zireael, softly stepping past the Baron, "What will you do when I send men after all you hold dear? Your wife, your kids, even your animals. Will, your God, protect you? or will I have the final laugh?"

Continuing in his path of contempt, Zireael, followed by Aurelia, Ella, and Sionn, made their way from across the Lake into their tent. None spoke out in the face of Lord Blackwaters' words as a chill permeated their bones. He was a duke and a bloodthirsty one, as many had heard.

"Auntie!" Yelled Aurelia within Zireaels tent, rushing with tears streaming down her eyes, "I have missed you so!"

Taking the young golden-eyed girl into her arms, a faint whimper of Talia sounded as her arms tightened around Aurelia, "As have I," She lovingly muttered, kissing her cheeks.

Getting a quick glimpse of the envious smile upon Ella's cherry lips, Zireael waved her off, "Go, just return quickly. Also, here is what I owe your grandparents. It's the last of what I have. Tell them to bring the Ravane."

Holding a small vial of Ether Water in her tiny hands, Ella looked up at Zireaels sterling eyes, with a vibrant grin that could melt the hearts of the greatest evils, her back lowered into a graceful bow. "Thank you, master!" She said, rushing form out of his tent.

"Auntie!" Said Aurelia brightly, "Where is Master?

"Gathering some water from the well just up north, she shall return shortly. The knights should have done so, but I do not trust them. Those bastards are definitely not here for the Prince of Broma. " Muttered Talia hastily, noticing the tent still open.

Unsure of if spies were listening, Talia placed Aurelia down, making her way towards the tent's entrance. Making sure it was closed, she turned with a weary grimace, "We are under heavy surveillance. I am not even sure it's fine to speak of such matters as of now."

"It's fine," Comforted, Zireael with glowing eyes, "I do wish to know what exactly is going on with Prince Lydon. How is he? I did slaughter all his men, right before his eyes. He is quite talented. I am sure he will make a good mate."

Taking a step back, Talia's azure blue eyes trembled. Recalling how the prince stepped into camp, with only one guard by his side, a deep understanding fluttered her mind.

"H-He is not my type," muttered Talia, with a tickle in the back of her throat.

"That I am quite certain of, but it matters not. Tell me, is Prince Lydon going to be an issue? Or will I have to kill him?"

Regaining a poised look, befitting that of a princess of Ferrum, Talia spoke, "he will not, my Lord. From what I can see, either he is hiding it very well, or the death of his men means nothing. Either way, throughout our many conversations, many which involved you, there was no inkling of anger or hatred."

"Is Auntie Going to marry someone?" Aurelia suddenly asked, "Who is he? Can Aurelia meet him?"

"Not sure if that's a good idea." added Sionn darkly, "He may just want to kill us all."

"And who might you be, young man?" questioned Talia, studying the small child a hair's length shorter than Aurelia.

"I am Sionn! The Great Dragon Bearer!" He introduced with a cheeky grin.

"I thought you hated humans?" chimed in Zireael sarcastically.

Nodding without hesitation, Sionn clenched his fist, "You and Aurelia seem to like her, so I will try."

Humming in response, Zireael waved the boy off, "Go and find some weapons. I am sure there is some lying around, same for you, Aurelia. Once Ella returns, I will begin training you all."

"And what of the knights? What are we going to do about them?" Talia hastily sought out, "Innis did a rough check, and there is an entire garrison east just short of the Lake."

"Most of those soldiers are there to both help or kill the prince. It all depends on what happens next, but for now, we ignore them and let fate decide our next course of action. I am busy training three people and myself."