Chapter 47

"Companionship and Society; those were considered to be blessings to humanity, but truly, he considered such to be reckless arts of weakness.

After all, is it not rash to develop dependence on the fleeting things that are not eternal?

And like such are fellow humans as well. They do not last with us."

~

Passing the Avenues of the Central Provinces,

Kingdom of Tristendyre,

The first Phrinight of the Second month,

XXI Year of Regency

"I received such news from the source they had ordered from", said the Chief Physician, earning a look of amazement aroused from his face. "I shall have to request him for the documents as evidence", she finished.

"That is convenient", said Jaycob, but he was still partially pensive regarding her disclosure. "I knew that the Rivenhove was ordered, but I did not know of the Threstwich. That is grave news."

Lady Minerva felt an ominous feeling embrace her at that mention. She had expected that all these affairs were entrusted with him and was appeased be-cause in his depths, he was a good man and she could woo his competence to her side of Justice at any time.

However, if he was not as esteemed by the heart of the Government as she had perceived, there was far more darkness that was deep in their lair of wickedness.

"We must find out if they have anything amiss under their reins that we are unaware of", said she.

The Lady remembered the dark organisation that Jaycob had spoken of, but she had assumed it wasn't a great threat, when Ingrid Luna-ward had not wished to be produced before the Regent, for it seemed as though he had no part in such.

"There is much that does occur beyond our reach and knowledge", said Jaycob, pensively.

"That is true. These men murdered Imogen, the girl nearest my heart; I have cried a great deal and yet, have not healed. I know not how treacherously this night would assault my heart when solitude shall have me captive", said the woman, massaging her temples.

There was a conflicted and long pause between the individuals, before Jaycob broke the silence to say: "If it would ease your pains, your darling is still alive."

Lady Minerva's heart jolted for the outbursts of joy, as she gushed, "Is it verily so?"

For a moment, after all the sorrows observed, her soul was not ready to trust his words as they came, for her feelings did not wish to encourage even the slightest shreds of potentially false hope.

However, Jaycob's composure seemed weighed down as he spoke quiet and unkindled words: "For the present moment; she is not allowed to meet persons and has been stored in the Imperial Castle where the Princess used to live before escape."

Lady Minerva nodded. The masked archer seemed to trust much information into her bivouac of heart.

She had been unaware that Mercedes had levanted, but it felt greatly like there was a large depth of affairs that may have come to pass, leading up to her abscondance.

For a few years until present day, the Royal Physician was not granted to treat the Princess in her time of sickness or assessment of general health.

Although it appeared to be for only seasons, they began to last longer and finally, the Physician was never suffered ministry to her Majesty.

It was said that she would have a more private doctor to tend to her and that had been a bash to Lady Minerva's honour, but she preferred not to pay it much mind.

Like so, she had drifted far from the young damsel's company and ergo, had not heard much from her.

However, the further news spelt by Jaycob was unfortunate be-cause she would most likely never be able to receive Imogen into her arms as her apprentice. But she was glad that the damsel was safe and well-kept. It appeared her blessings before the execution had seen fruit.

The elderly Physician tenderly stroked the azure hair of the young lad sleeping by her side. She had taken to caring for him deeply and it was a thankful event.

Looking up, she found Jaycob's eyes wistfully looking at the boy whose heart was a goblet into which Lady Minerva was pouring the wine of her love.

"That child is like an egg", said he, casting his glance away like he did not truly care.

"Yet to hatch and bring forth?" asked Lady Minerva, expecting philosophy.

"No, he starts scrambling at the slightest temperature."

She slapped Jaycob's bicep, and said, "You absurd bat, he is more than meets the unperceptive eye!"

The two chuckled until their gazes met again as reunited friends.

"You know, for all the cleverness that is yours, you could be using your people as pawns, but you have always chosen honesty", Jaycob began.

"And your decided case against the men that hold the very State is commendable. Even with all the class and ranks that I have earned in my tenure, I cannot afford to be so frank. That is, of your traits, one I find grand", he praised and Lady Minerva smiled.

"Ah, but you must know that I have been in service for many years, I have seen these men as youth or children and they have always seen me ever the adult. And further, I am a Physician and I could very well turn them from patients to victims", said she.

"Your jesting is so dark, I fear to laugh", he chuckled.

Lady Minerva proceeded: "But I must say, when you lean on a side that assists my advance, you lean on the side of honest progression. The truth will see light and the covert of their lies will flee. I must find the means by which these men bring forth Dragon and once that path is discomfited, we needn't fear them."

Jaycob appeared to be pensive with regard to her spoken words. "I will try my ways to discover these affairs as far as my tread would grant. I cannot guarantee you that I will triumph, but I can endeavour to trespass a few boundaries, if that would bring fruit to our concerns."

The Chief Physician accepted his words.

"Thus, there is the import of Threstwich and the means of the Dragon invitation that you require?" asked he, and she nodded, "Those are, indeed, my frets."

The lady knew that this lad's artfulness and resolve would accord her the sanction of receiving such information. He unclasped his hands in preparation as the pace of the carriage slowed in nearing his destination.

"Shillinston? What business have-you here?" asked she as he collected his capes in his hand and stepped off the vehicle.

"Have I not answered far too many questions to you?" he smirked and the woman huffed.

"Cede the assassin, along with the writ, to the Regent before I arrive", Jaycob called to the coachmen.

Lady Minerva bid him good-bye as the carriage departed, knowing well that he was awaiting their leave before he could turn to commence his journey towards his intended station, such as not to be traced by her judgement.

~