* * *

Arden scowled at the mirror. Their chamber had been silent from the moment they settled in. Gelehrter and Rena both took to their studies, their data and sketching. They took no notice of her struggle to document her findings.

The fireplace cackled with warmth.

Gelehrter stood upright and strode over to the window. A snow owl scratched at the glass and he gingerly opened it. He whispered to the creature and it entered the enclave. The creature eyed Arden curiously and glided over to her desk.

He opened the letter and poured over its contents at length. Rena scribbled in her journal and glanced over to Arden.

“Was my decision correct?” The youngest inquired. Doubt hovered over her like a storm and it swarmed over her very being.

“We fulfilled our task.” Rena turned a page in her journal as she spoke. “That is what Ovelia wanted us to do. Tomorrow we will go over any damage that had happened overnight and continue from there.”

“Have you had to do missions like this before?” Arden asked.

“No, this is a first. I have been working with Gelehrter for quite some time and I am comfortable with his tactics. He is quite a tactician, you see.”

He heard his name but took no notice.

“I assume that more death happened from last night.” She gripped her quill and scrawled for a time in silence. “How do you calculate malevolent intentions?”

“It is a phenomenon in the heart and the mind. Your mind is filled with curiosity. If you were to draw your weapon and attack me with the intent to kill, that is malevolence. It is the essence of dark acts. Vampires are more keen to draw blood so they can feed. The defense matrix allows us to travel at night without fear, but we must play by our own rules. We draw a weapon to kill then we are dead.” Rena explained.

Gelehrter finally took his place and held his letter to his chest. He proceeded to scribble hastily onto his parchment.

“Who are you writing to?”

“I write to Ana often. She does not get to experience these things so I tell her what I see. What I hear...if it isn't too classified.” Gelehrter glanced over his shoulder in annoyance. “Do you not have others to bother with your questions?”

“You two are the only others I know.” She scowled.

He scoffed and continued his writing.

“Enough you two. I will not listen to bickering while I am here.” Rena growled as she peered over her mess of notes.

A knock at their door halted all further conflict. They each reached for their weapons instinctively and readied them.

One of the servants entered. She had healed well from the burns given to her by Arden's sword, but she kept her distance nonetheless. From head to toe she was garbed in rags while others were clothed in well tailored outfits.

“E-Excuse me...Justicar... I-I...I have arrived here to inform you of our dinner this evening. King Thalanil and Accalia send their humblest invitations for you to join them in their mirth.” She spoke softly. Rena stood upright and padded to her. The girl seemed frightened by the intimidating stature of the woman before her. They merely took in their appearance for a few moments in silence.

“Have you healed quite well, miss?” Rena knelt before her as she addressed the girl.

“E-er...I am not sure what it is you are referring to--”

“You were burned when you reached for Arden's sword, weren't you? Are you alright?”

“N-No, I--”

Rena extended out her right hand. Magic pulsed from her palm as she focused on the burns barely visible underneath her clothing. Similar wounds formed onto Rena's body. She winced as she took the pain for herself and when the last of the burns were removed she took a step back. The servant girl watched in awe and tears gently cascaded from her eyes.

“T-Thank you...I-I...I heard the others talking how terrifying you were. I am glad to know they were wrong all along!”

“Let King Thalanil and Accalia know we will attend their dinner shortly.” Rena smiled through the agonizing pain. The girl curtsied and exited.

“You didn't have to use such magic, you know.” Gelehrter reached into his pack and removed a small container of ointment. She obliged him and he applied the oil from her right shoulder to her arm. He cast another quick enchantment under his breath and she grimaced as the healing salve did its work.

Arden seemed at a loss. She witnessed the events play out before her like they were from another realm of existence. Compassion struck her then. Deep in her psyche, she felt the true form of Rena and Gelehrter. They were inseparable. Many commented on how they were the only two who worked together and dubiously watched them from afar. Rena relied on Gelehrter just as much as he relied on her for guidance.

She stood from her place at her desk and helped Rena to her feet. The elder Justicar glanced at her in embarrassment, but accepted her aid.

“I am sorry, Arden. The spell I used was not prepared properly and I felt more than just her physical pain. She is a strong one to endure such hardships at a young age.” Her body felt drained of all life, but she managed to regain herself after a few moments. She tied her weapon to her side, slipped on her boots and headed for the door. Arden and Gelehrter followed suit.

The halls outside of their quarters was devoid of activity. Any signs of life were from wind howling like usual outside. They made their way to the stairwell and found another heading up to meet them. Their visage was hidden behind a full platemail helm which was as black as the night. From head to toe metal encased them and a spear was clutched in their gauntlet.

Within the dark platemail helm were a pair of crimson hues. The orbs widened as they spotted the trio and immediately turned to flee in panic, their weapon tolling as it struck the ground. Arden reached for her arm and grasped it tightly. In an instant she reached from behind her and lifted the figure to the wall, forcing their arm to their back.

“T-The hell?! H-How...How on Sanctuary did I--” Her voice echoed from within her helm. She squealed as Arden pushed on her limb.

“Think you can march anywhere you damn please, don't you?” The young Justicar scowled. “I will show you a thing or two about pain!”

“I believe you owe us an explanation, girl.” Gelehrter chimed in and retrieved her weapon.

“I...I was on my way to...to...” She stammered and attempted to gather her thoughts. “I realize what terrible things I have done to you and yours, especially for being born the way I am—will you stop pushing so hard? You're going to break me!”

“Release her.” Rena ordered. Arden reluctantly obeyed and her adversary crashed against the stairwell.

“I know you have many questions but I am your...escort for the evening. I was sent behind that little girl you surely clobbered before me--”

“We healed her and when I'm through with you, no amount of healing ointment will be able to take away your pain!” The youngest Justicar snarled as the threat, mostly empty, left her frame.

“I am...one of Thalanil's knights! Honest! Please just...walk with me or have it seem as if I am the one in charge here.” Eloise pleaded.

Gelehrter examined her spear closely. The scarlet pike was molded expertly and the entire weapon was a single piece. Runes glowed softly at his touch and he turned to her. “Your weapon is enchanted. Lifesap, I trust?”

“Errr...no, not at all.” She fidgeted and tried to snatch the spear from his grasp—a fist halted her in her tracks.

Rena motioned for them to continue on. Gelehrter returned her spear while Arden fumed silently, her sapphire eyes boring into the back of her skull.

The dining hall greeted them after an agonizing spell of silence. A massive table was lined with food: turkey, hams and other assorted meats. Vegetables, steamed or otherwise, were prepared separately. Aromas of spices filled their nostrils and their mouths watered instinctively.

Eloise marched to her post while attendants danced about. They worked feverishly to set the table, each bit of silverware placed onto the table with care. The white marble walls matched the cloth of the evening.

Thalanil entered the dining hall shortly after they did. His nerves shot through the roof as he spotted them, fresh horrors of his dealings with Rena haunted him. Composure was broiled as cold sweat beaded down his forehead.

“M-My! I am so...happy you were able to activate the defense matrix again. I trust that your health has improved since our last meeting.” His choice of words seemed to either fail him or he was imploding.

“Yes, we have enjoyed our stay here. I trust you have kept your word and notified Ovelia of our success?” Rena's posture straightened as she spoke, her dominance asserted.

Arden mused over the exchange.

“Quite right. I have invited you to a feast to commemorate your success as well as to have a small chat with you! Please, have a seat.” He motioned for them to take their places. Rena took her seat nearest to Thalanil, while her compatriots sat across from her.

Accalia entered shortly after they took their places. The tension within the air seemed to strike her square in the jaw. She hastily took her place next to Rena and narrowed her eyes at the eldest Justicar. As they took their seats, servants appeared from various entrances carrying jugs of water. They filled their goblets gingerly and then vanished from view.

“A few things before I move to a more pleasing subject. Once the defense matrix was brought online, it fired upon many of my citizens. Vampires, mainly. Others who brandished weapons to defend themselves were killed. I recognize the need for such a terrible thing, but it does not discern if one drinks blood or wine.” Thalanil explained. “A few houses were burned, but they housed vampires only. They were segregated when the citizenship were brought to speed of their new neighbors.”

“You did not inform Ovelia of your change.” Rena's gaze focused onto Thalanil. The King appeared no more than a blubbering fool.

“Yes, I know it is quite wrong to perform such a social experiment without the Overlord's approval. However, I think it has led to such great results! No matter if you drink blood or wine, you are welcome in my kingdom. More flocked here than ever before and Burm flourished with new blood.” Thalanil smiled toothily. A pair of elongated incisors greeted them; Arden's knuckles shone white as she gripped her goblet.

“I see.” Rena's dry response was met with scrutiny.

“You don't see a damn thing!” Thalanil cried. “Instead of changing your view and seeing it as I do--a man who has toiled for the good of his people—you instead wield your one narrow ways like you would your weapon!”

Accalia attempted to intervene but Rena spoke first. “I was sent here to bring the defense matrix back online. I appreciate your hospitality but vampires were the individuals who brought down Ernald and Eloise the First. They drank of their blood until nothing was left. I am not here to talk history, but I am stating truth. Gavilis was alive and well when they were brought down, he saw their demise.”

The King's temper flared. He stood upright and brandished a dagger. He lunged forward to strike Rena but his blade met Gelehrter's. They struggled for a spell before he finally sheathed his weapon.

“I am glad we have come to an agreement.” She sipped at her water and watched him from her peripherals.

“We should dine with them as planned, my liege.” Accalia suggested. He nodded hastily, gripping his chair as if he would fly from it at any moment.

The dinner proceeded in silence.

The three Justicar efficiently consumed their portions while Accalia and Thalanil only indulged when they felt necessary.

“I am...quite sorry, miss--”

“You may call me Rena.”

“Yes...Rena. I am sorry for the upset, I hope you are--”

“You are forgiven, my liege.” She raised her hand and he fell silent. The silent struggle of power between them had come to fruition.

She wiped her mouth and hands clean. Without another word, she drained her goblet of water and turned to him once more. “We will leave in the early hours of the morning. If there are any gifts you wish to send to our Overlord, please leave them with us before we depart.”

“I will join you, as you are aware.” Accalia reminded the eldest of the Justicar. A silent nod was her reply and she stood upright.

“If you will excuse us. We have much to document and little time before tomorrow's journey.” Rena bowed to the King, whose frame shook with near violent tendency. The trio turned to leave, they were greeted with the immense yet empty castle.

Eloise followed after them, whether out of duty or sworn reluctance.

“I am sure he will one day learn to forgive us.” Gelehrter commented after a spell. He chuckled softly to himself and caught Rena's glare.

“Will you be guarding us tonight, Eloise?” Rena addressed the vampire without turning to her.

“E-Err...yes. I will be.”

“I see. If you dare enter our chambers before we leave, I will gut you.”

“Y-Yes...I will assume my post on the other end of the hall.” Eloise gulped as cold sweat beaded down her brow.

Their quarters greeted them with open arms. The fireplace had been fed additional lumber and the newfound warmth rejuvenated them.

Eloise peeked from behind the bars of their door as it was shut and bolted.

Silence blanketed the chamber as they took to their individual tasks.

Gelehrter stood upright after a spell and opened their door. Eloise fell onto her back, she attempted to regain her posture.

They stared at one another for a moment before he dragged her into the room. He silently pointed to a place near the fireplace and she scurried to the warmth.

“I understand you know the implications of this, Gelehrter?”

“She will freeze.”

Arden took notice of the vampire in the room, but instead focused her energies into documenting her sightings. She scrawled and poured her entire being into each page.

* * *