Influencing The Siblings

Time frame: wartime

On that morning, everything had seemed to be running smoothly. Clearport was tranquil and well-controlled, despite the recent turmoil that had taken place.

Five days before that, Gamaaloth's troops had arrived in Clearport while Ragnar remained unconscious, under the care and medication of Lady Sophia.

Thankfully, the arrival of Gamaaloth's soldiers had brought much-needed stability to Cescil's advantage. They came bearing crucial supplies for Cescil, including weapons, food, and other essential items.

Having just recovered from his critical condition the previous night, Ragnar was already up and about, making his way through the camp to administer appropriate punishment to those who had failed to reach Clearport on time.

The guilty soldiers nervously awaited their fate, well aware that Ragnar's anger was not something to be taken lightly.

A palpable tension hung in the air as Ragnar approached the first soldier, his eyes ablaze with a fierce rage that sent shivers down the man's spine.

Nevertheless, the soldiers seemed more astonished than terrified to see Ragnar still standing and breathing. They hadn't laid eyes on him for days, and their anxiety had been growing.

But there he was, standing tall, enduring his pain while his indomitable spirit remained unbroken.

As the soldiers looked on in disbelief, they realized that Ragnar's survival was nothing short of a miracle. Trurian venom was one of the most deadly poisons in the land, and the fact that Ragnar was still alive defied all odds.

Their faces held expressions of bewilderment as they gazed upon their leader, as if struggling to comprehend the sheer determination that kept Ragnar on his feet. Fear mixed with awe in their eyes.

The soldiers watched with a blend of shame and admiration, acknowledging their own failure in losing the prince.

As Ragnar meted out their punishments, the soldiers bowed their heads in remorse, accepting his judgments with an unexpected sense of serenity and acquiescence.

They had even asked for more severe penalties, conveying to Ragnar that they comprehended the gravity of their mistake.

For days, Gamaaloth's soldiers had been consumed by sorrow, despair, and anguish. The news of Ragnar's supposed demise had shattered their morale.

They had looked up to him not only as a future king but also as a friend and leader. The revelation that his body had been concealed for the sake of the kingdom's stability had left them disoriented, adrift, and devoid of hope.

* * *

That day was Uzana's designated time to assist the healer girls in the kitchen, but he was substituted by Roman. Early in the morning, Roman had delivered the animal he had hunted and was currently skinning it with precision. Helvis remained close by, staying near him.

The aroma of freshly butchered meat wafted throughout the kitchen as Roman adeptly removed the animal's hide.

Helvis observed him with rapt attention, her eyes following every motion of his hands as he expertly navigated the process.

Roman's quiet strength and unyielding determination captivated Helvis. She watched in silence as he worked, his movements executed with a grace and precision that left her amazed.

Despite her intrigue with Roman, the absence of Uzana was palpable in the kitchen. He was known for his playful banter and infectious laughter, and his presence had always made the workday more enjoyable for the healer girls.

Adeline approached Roman, her gaze fixed on the deer he was in the process of skinning. "Where's Uzana?"

Roman's gaze flickered toward Adeline briefly before he resumed his work, offering no response. His reserved nature and aversion to small talk were well known.

Adeline felt a twinge of disappointment at Roman's lack of reply. She found it challenging to gauge Roman's personality.

Even Ragnar, the most reserved and aloof among them, would occasionally engage in conversation when the mood struck him. Roman, on the other hand, was an enigma - always focused solely on the task at hand.

"Isn't today his day to assist in the kitchen?" Adeline inquired once more.

Helvis shook her head, looking at Adeline.

"Is he unwell? Not that it's my concern, but the well-being of Gamaaloth, apart from Ragnar and Qedren, falls under my responsibility."

With his hands washed in a pot, Roman exited the kitchen tent.

Helvis gave Adeline a disapproving look. "Why are you even talking to him? If you miss Uzana, go to his tent."

Just as Adeline was about to respond, Lady Sophia entered the tent. Adeline fell silent and resumed chopping vegetables.

Lady Sophia glanced at Adeline before turning to Helvis. "No Gamaaloth helpers today?"

"We did have Roman assisting with skinning the antelope, but he left because Adeline kept chatting with him."

Lady Sophia chuckled. "Roman appears to be even more serious than Ragnar. Ragnar at least allows us to engage with him."

Adeline stole a glance at Lady Sophia. Engage? Hmm, there's something odd about that. Does Lady Sophia harbor feelings for Ragnar? And what about her husband, Sir Arthur?

Adeline remembered Lady Sophia's attempts to get closer to Ragnar. Then what was the situation with Sir Arthur, her husband?

"Why don't you go after Roman, Helvis? Inform him that we promise not to engage him in conversation while he's helping in the kitchen," Lady Sophia suggested with a laugh.

"Yes, My Lady." Helvis nodded and left the tent to locate Roman.

Lady Sophia approached the cauldron of mashed potatoes, taking a taste to determine if the seasoning was just right. She nodded in satisfaction.

Then she turned her attention back to Adeline, who was seemingly absorbed in chopping vegetables.

Adeline had been avoiding speaking to Lady Sophia for the past few days, ever since Lady Sophia had mentioned the healer clan's potential use as a war prize for Gamaaloth's army. Now, it seemed Lady Sophia was attempting to mend things.

Adeline could sense the hesitation and guilt in Lady Sophia, the burden of a difficult decision that had been weighing on her.

However, with a sudden determination, Lady Sophia turned toward Adeline and started speaking.

"How much longer do you intend to remain silent, Adeline?"

"My Lady, I'm not being silent," Adeline replied. "I just don't know what to say to you. I understand that your intentions weren't malicious, but your proposal to form an alliance with the Gamaaloth Nation has placed the healer clan in an unfavorable situation. You, on the other hand, are shielded from these consequences. I know I shouldn't be angry at you, and I understand it's not entirely your fault, but I can't help feeling upset."

"I apologize, Adeline," Sophia murmured, her regret palpable for the unintended repercussions.

"I can see that Gamaaloth is trying to get closer to you. That's a positive development. It's better to familiarize them with our ways here before the men from Everkeep influence them negatively." Sophia continued to express her hopes for peace and understanding and her determination to rectify the situation. The sincerity in her voice and her genuine desire to make amends were evident.

Adeline paused in her vegetable chopping, placing the knife down slowly.

"Is that why you approached Ragnar, My Lady?"

"Hmm?" Lady Sophia raised an eyebrow.

"Are you trying to influence him before the people of Everkeep do?"

"Yes," Lady Sophia admitted candidly. "It's easier to shape Ragnar's opinions in Clearport than in Everkeep later on. By influencing both Ragnar and Uzana, I believe we can effectively impact the entire Gamaaloth Nation. Can you assist me in my plan by approaching Uzana, Adeline?"

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