------------ Dangou ------------

As Eadrid stepped forward to initiate on Dangou, a weak, unknown voice disrupted the beginnings of their battle.

“Alright Eadrid. You can stop there.” It said, coughing after every sentence.

Dangou peered cautiously towards the heavy-looking door where the sound had come from. He found it strange that he hadn’t noticed such a large structure earlier, but put the thought aside. Keeping one eye on Eadrid, he watched carefully as a shadowy, cloaked figure entered the arena. A lock of long silvery hair caught Dangou’s attention as the new arrival bent down to collect a cup that had fallen from the table. His grip tightened on Osiro’s hilt. If it was a second Siren, then the battle might have become extremely difficult. As the tension in the room came close to being unbearable, the mystery figure slowly peeled back her hood and bowed to Dangou.

“Sir Sheen, was it?” She asked, raising her head.

Dangou nodded hesitantly.

The woman smiled politely then walked leisurely behind the now deathly-silent Eadrid and grasped the young Siren’s shoulders.

“I’m dearly sorry for all the misunderstandings this young one might have caused, Sir Sheen.” She said, pinching Eadrid’s neck lightly.

“But surely you didn’t believe that such a little girl could’ve murdered two hundred grown men?” She teased.

Dangou gulped, the air about this new opponent differed slightly from the beasts he had faced in the past. Her stance was solid and her eyes seemed to flitter randomly, but was in fact carefully observing the enemy. Small details pitted against one another, showing undeniable evidence of prior training. That illusion, however, was shattered as she suddenly bent over and broke into a coughing fit.

Dangou stepped back, unsure as to what to do, then watched as Eadrid sprang into action collecting bits and pieces of ingredients across the kitchen. After swirling each component into a jug labelled ‘spring water’, she poured a small cup of the vile-looking concoction and offered it to the coughing lady, who quickly downed the liquid.

Having calmed her down, Eadrid turned to Dangou and grimaced.

“This,” She said, pointing, “is my mother Ariadne.”

Ariadne smiled feebly and waved, then sat down to take a breather.

“As you can see, she is currently suffering from an illness.” Eadrid continued, her expression sour, “So hopefully you can understand and let us continue at a different time.”

Ariadne frowned.

“No, it’s fine.” She said, “We can entertain Sir Sheen for a little.”

Dangou wasn’t sure how he was meant to respond, and held an uncertain smile.

“Your mother…” He began, but was cut off by Eadrid.

“Ignore my mother.” She replied, “She is not mentally, nor physically sound.”

Ariadne stared angrily at her daughter and gave her a firm flick on the thigh. As Eadrid yelped in pain and hopped away from the chair, she turned to Dangou and bowed again.

“My name, as you now know, is Ariadne.” She said, “And I, am the one who murdered the people of Oakenbrew.”

------------ The Honour Knight ------------

- A day before the Siren’s Nest -

Honour Knight Jericho Fawn strolled briskly down the rugged, brick-layered road of Delsa, all the while wondering what this fabled Queensguard of the Empire would be like in real life. Sure, she’d heard stories, many of which were good, but she would not believe the tales until she found out for herself. After all, if he really was such a powerful and honourable man, why would he have been banished in the first place? Jericho puffed up her chest. No doubt the stories were nothing but mere rumours.

“I mean, how could a man use words to convince a Keep Drake to leave the Imperial Vault?” She said out loud, then laughed at the absurdity of it.

As she continued to walk, an inn by the name of Witch’s Cauldron caught her attention. It advertised a healer’s room with the residence of a White witch. Perhaps the witch could offer her some information at a cost.

Stepping nonchalantly into the warmth of the reception room, she caught glimpse of a heavyset man pacing worriedly outside the healer’s room. No doubt there was a relative inside, receiving attention. Taking note of the scene, she walked up to the receptionist and smiled.

“Hello, I am an Honour Knight of the Empire,” She said, “could I please speak to the White witch of this inn? I have some issues to discuss.”

The receptionist nodded courteously.

“The White witch is currently working in the healer’s room.” She replied, “However she’ll most likely be available in a few hours, would you like to book a room and wait?”

Jericho thought for a moment.

“Hmm… Yes, that would be good.” She decided, “Could I have a room on the second floor?”

The receptionist smiled and jot down her residence.

“Your room is up the stairs, second to the left.” She said, handing Jericho a set of keys, “Please enjoy your stay.”

As Jericho turned to go to her room, she noticed that the muscular man had gone, perhaps inside, to consult the witch. Shrugging it off, she climbed the stairs to her room.

- Hours later -

A knock on her door, informed Jericho that the witch had finally finished and was ready to see her. Pulling herself up from bed, she quickly equipped her sword and strode downstairs to where the witch sat waiting.

The witch, noticing that her guest had arrived, stood up and extended a hand in greeting. Jericho accepted and they both sat down politely.

“My name is Jericho Fawn.” Jericho began, “An Honour Knight of the Empire, and yours?”

The witch knit her brows.

“I’m sorry Miss Fawn, but Witches usually do not carry names.” She reminded.

Slapping herself mentally, Jericho blushed and apologized.

“That aside,” The witch continued, “I hear you’re looking for a certain knight?”

Jericho nodded, “A knight by the name of Dangou Sheen.”

The witch nodded back, chuckling slightly, then pointed to the exit of the inn.

“He left just an hour ago to Oakenbrew.” She said.

“Just an hour ago!?” Jericho blurted.

The witch laughed.

“That’s right.” She said, “Just an hour ago.”

------------ The Siren's Nest (4) End ------------