BK1 Chapter Three

Chapter Three

The evening sky grew dimmer through the purple curtains shading my window. There was still enough light for me to see the papers on my desk as I sat quietly eating a sandwich Freda had brought me. I tapped my pen against the wooden desk as I contemplated what I needed to do.

Vishka wanted me to join the Army. The idea was fairly simple. They were recruiting in the square during the festival, after all. Like every year when they pass through the towns of the Zopan Empire, the Army recruits at each city on their way back to the capital. Then, they bring the new intakes to the Academy based there. The problem was, getting accepted.

Commoners with large Cores are always accepted, and Nobles with recommendations from their families.

Commoners considered physically able were also accepted as footguards even if they didn't have a Mote Core. As a woman with barely an existence of a core, the issue was that my chances were incredibly slim. Getting a recommendation from my family was also a no-go. There was no point in even asking, as that would tip them off to my plans. I didn't exactly have the physical prowess to be considered a footguard, either.

My only chance is to increase my Mote Core.

Can I do that within the next 2 days before the Army leaves?

The quiet in my room surrounded me as the light tapping of my pen echoed.

Perhaps… there's that one method I could try? I read about it once in the library of Garret's Manor. A newly accredited researcher discovered a type of root that, when consumed with Herbiscous tea, dramatically increases the size of untrained Cores. The discovery was extraordinary, and many weak nobles used it to empower their children. Even commoners used their life savings to purchase the roots for a chance to improve their Core. This method won't be revealed until another five years or so. What was the root called again….

Jabascus! It was a Jabascus root.

I think it was a reasonably unpopular vegetable in the commoner circles as it tastes bitter without any apparent benefits. The corners of my mouth tugged. I should be able to purchase it relatively cheaply then. Maybe I could try taking it a few times to raise my Core?

I quickly noted it down on my paper so I didn't forget the name.

Now for my second problem, Baron Garret Asher's marriage proposal.

The Viscount has already announced his intention to accept the proposal, and Kara was excited by the prospect.

I sighed, dropping my head onto the table. Even if I successfully join the Army, it won't cancel the marriage, only prolong it until I graduate from the Academy. Once Father decides on something, he never goes back on his word, without having my name crossed out of the family records or begging at fathers feet, which I already tried my previous life. There are slim pickings of options. Maybe prolonging the marriage at least will open some opportunities for me to find another way out.

No

That's too risky. Knowing Garret, he will just push the issue. He will likely join the Army at the same time as me if he finds out. That's a guarantee, in fact. He joined after our first year of marriage, so it's fair to plan that he would join a year earlier if I did.

I had to do something else, something that would make Father cancel it…

That's when it hit me, something that would make Father cancel the marriage, something that would also irritate Garret to avoid me if he does join the Army.

My lips upturned even further.

I needed a scandal.

Vishka's guidance system

Quest Granted

Create a scandal to escape your marriage to Garret Asher

***

"My lady", Freda pouted, quietly following me down the dark hallways. "This isn't a good idea. What if you get caught? The young masters…."

"The young masters aren't your concern Freda. Your only concern is what I want, and right now," I stopped and looked around the corner, checking it was empty before continuing. "I want to go out."

"B-b-but it's past your curfew, my lady. If Young Master Eduard finds out you snuck out at night…" she trailed off, continuing to follow me as we secretly crept through the manor. Eduard and Callan have already retired for the night. I checked with Freda before making my escape. She hadn't been too hard to convince to help me after showing her a gem for her troubles.

"Freda." I stopped and faced her. "This is the least you could do" I pointedly stared her down, watching her shrink with guilt.

"Okay", she whispered with a slight nod. Hesitantly, she went in front of me and checked ahead as we had planned. Once she gave me the signal, I quickly joined her at the front doors.

"Good, now, remember, in the morning, just act like you usually do, and if anyone asks, just say I didn't answer when you knocked on my door." I pulled the hood of my black cloak over my head.

"Yes, My Lady, but what if… what if something happens to you, My Lady?" she asked, smoothing down the cloak around my shoulders.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine", I smiled. I had no way to guarantee that though.

"I shall pray for you to stay safe" Freda reluctantly grimaced as I stepped outside. "I prepared a Kreshna outside the gates", she mumbled, surprising me. I hadn't asked her to do that. I had fully expected to walk, expecting getting into the stables unnoticed to be too big a risk.

"Thank you, Freda" I smiled at her genuinely.

"My Lady", Freda bowed slightly before silently closing the manor doors.

Not wanting to waste time, I hugged my cloak close and hurriedly walked as quietly as possible towards the gates in the stone wall surrounding the mansion. Mortal guards would be guarding them, men who didn't have Cores.

Mortal was a term used for anyone without a Core or access to Aether. It was often used to look down upon someone as such by the nobles, one they had often insulted me with. Most mortals did not worry about such things, though we knew better than to be concerned with the insults of nobles.

Reaching the wall, I moved to push my body against the cold stone. The night sky made it difficult to safely navigate the rocky ground in the moonlight. Carefully, I slid against it until I spotted a particular bush I was familiar with. Dropping to my knees, I pushed it apart to reveal a small hole in the stone wall. It was a gap created by Callan last year when he got overzealous training. One I planned to take advantage of.

Laying flat on my stomach, I began the short crawl through the gap. I felt the jagged stone scrape across the back of my cloak before finally pulling through to the other side. Quietly I looked to my right, where the main gate was and watched for the mortal guards.

A pair were avidly chatting with one another, not looking my way.

Taking my chance, I quickly lifted to my feet and sprinted to the treeline just ahead. I don't know if I made any sound, so I rushed to hide behind a tree peeping back at the guards. Thank gods I did, as they were now walking towards the hole I had run from looking around.

Gently, I moved further back into the trees, watching not to step on any twigs before returning to the pathway further down out of sight.

As promised, on the pathway was a lumbering Kreshna, its cloven feet stomped in impatience, having been tied to a tree, its floppy ears swishing as it snorted at my presence. Kreshna were well known to be incredibly stubborn creatures. Their attitudes towards people were always reluctant and often required specialized stable hands. However, as Freda would have known, I never had such problems with the beasts.

Raising my hand towards it, I approached slowly, holding my hand steady for the Kreshna to complete the distance. He paused momentarily, looking at me intently, then butted my hand with his nose in contact.

"There there, boy" I smiled and patted his head between his curled horns. "Will you help me get to town?" I asked him, moving my hands along his neck towards his back. His nodded snort gave me the signal I needed.

Gripping onto the raised ridge of scales at the base of his neck, I used the hold to pull myself up and onto his back, my feet dangling comfortably over his broad frame. With a small squeeze of my legs, he huffed but began to walk forward towards the lights of the town a distance away.

It was hard to hide the smile on my face as the Kreshna carried me forward. It felt freeing, riding the beast in the night like this. I hadn't had this much freedom before, to be alone, to be outside, to be crazy enough to do what I was planning. I laughed out loud, holding my hands out in the air. Perhaps I should have given up my care for this family long ago. It was very freeing.

Vishka's guidance system

Well done on escaping the mansion at night!

***

After about thirty minutes, we arrived at the town of Talbour. It was completely different at night.

The streets were quiet of families. Only a few beggar children ran amongst the adults that gathered around the stalls of the night market held during the festival. Shopkeepers bellowed about their unique products, primarily different alcohols, games of chance, and even some gambling.

The acrobats Miguel had mentioned danced with fire at the square as a man held a hat for the crowd's coins to flow. I stopped the Kreshna, watching them for a while. Their performance was spectacular. A thin, flexible woman balanced on a large wooden ball on her tiptoes whilst juggling balls of fire. Her fellow acrobat, in the meantime, created a whip of fire, flicking it into patterns in the sky around her as he coordinated the dance of flames. It was incredible.

As I watched, a few of the crowd pointed toward me as I rode the Kreshna. Some raised eyebrows, and others whispered in confusion. It wasn't often someone was seen riding a Kreshna directly. They almost always exclusively pulled carriages. A beast of stubborn hostility to riders. Keeping with the merry mood, I gently waved to a few who stared, changing whispering into smiles as they watched in awe as I moved the Kreshna through the square.

Ever since I was little, I had always had an understanding of Kreshna. I don't know why or how to explain it. I just always knew the best way to approach them, how to calm them and gain trust. Callan had called me a freak for it; Eduard had banned me from ever approaching the idea of riding them in public. They treated it like a dirty secret I had to hide. Well, I had enough of hiding.

Directing the Kreshna away from the square, I rode down the streets past tightly packed wooden stalls toward my destination. It was hard not to notice the increase of soldiers in the town with the Army's arrival. More men happily drank from their mugs as they traversed in groups of three to five amongst the stalls, their coloured cloaks standing out amongst the commoner mortals.

I was fascinated by the few beast-kin amongst them, their stature that of a human but each with different featured tails and animal ears poking out of their hoods and below their cloaks. I hadn't seen many beast-kin in the predominantly human town of Talbour before.

The drake stood out even more. The lizardfolk of Crestel River lived in tribes along the river, Kaytar Bordercity, the main town they communicated with. It was rare for any drake to join the Army of the Empire, most choosing to be nomads of the Crestel River, so it was surprising to see them here.

The daemon were even vaguer. I had only ever read about them in books, similar to the beast-folk but different. They, too, had the stature of humans, but their eyes sported slits for pupils, colours of yellow and oranges unnatural to humans. Sometimes they had been described as having spikes on their arms, but I had never seen one, and it was impossible to tell under the cloaks of the few I thought I spotted.

Easing the Kreshna to a standstill, I grabbed the raised scale on its back and jumped off, taking the rope around its head towards a wooden pole set up for horses to be tied. The stallions there baulked a bit at the Kreshna's presence but soon calmed down with a few pats to their noses.

Turning, I made my way into the swinging doors of my destination, a local inn called The Travellers Rest.

Immediately as I entered, a gush of noise rushed through my ears, crowds sat around various tables drinking and laughing, and many of the Army's soldiers hollered, clanking their mugs in merriment. I looked around and struggled to see an available table, but there was a free barstool, so I made my way over, raising the hood of my cloak.

"What will it be?" a young woman approached me as I sat down. Her dress was strung so tight her chest was pressed upwards. I couldn't help the blush on my face as she chuckled at my gaze. "I recommend the Talbour Ale. It's our best since it's fresher than the imported stuff" She winked, clearly an advocate for her town's products.

"One of those then, please" I dragged my eyes away from her chest, thankful for the suggestion. She promptly brought a wooden mug over, and I gave her a bronze coin taking my first sip. It was a smooth drink with a harsh aftertaste, bearable.

Glancing around, I watched the patrons as they enjoyed their evening. If this was going to work, I needed someone foolish enough to gamble with, a small part of me was also a little bit picky about my target if it worked. The blush returned as I considered my gamble, slight hesitation making my heart pump faster. Was I being foolish with this? If it didn't work, Eduard would probably lock me in my room for years, repeating my first life.

A heavy sigh fell as I looked at the mug in my hands. What other choice did I have? I had tried most of my other options before, but they didn't work out so well.

Eduard's probably going to lock me up regardless for sneaking out.

Standing, I straightened my cloak in preparation, then made my way to a particularly rambunctious table of young men.

"I raise you two bronze" A gentleman dressed in grey slammed his hand down on the splintered wooden table, his scraggly brown beard twitching with his glare at his fellow gamblers.

"Bring it on, Hugh", a young gentleman opposite Hugh grinned. He had short, trimmed blonde hair and was smoothly shaven compared to the other men at the table, who all looked similar to Hugh. His bright red robes stood out against their bland grey, and he was also reasonably handsome.

"I'll take that bet", I interrupted, causing silence to descend as they all paused to look at me.

"What?" I sat down next to Hugh. "Afraid a girl might beat you?" I smirked, purposely picking up a set of cards.

"Bold", the man in red leaned back into his chair. "We might let you join, but isn't it rude to hide your face in a game of cards?" He questioned, raising eyebrows.

"Fair enough", I shrugged, pulling down my hood and taking out my dark hair to sit against my shoulders. They all stared at me again. I expected that much. Soldiers were often on guard around me because of my Dramorian features, and Terra-cotta beige skin wasn't common in Zopan. "How about I buy a round to apologize for my rudeness" I smiled, signalling for the barmaid.

"Ah ha! Welcome girly! The more, the merrier when drinks are offered" Hugh slapped my back, causing me to jolt forward, chuckling as the rest of the table grinned.

"Happy to help", I laughed, making an order with the barmaid for the table.

"So what do we call you?" another gentleman dressed in grey with tawny hair asked, taking my two bronze to add to the pile at the centre of the table,

"Lynette", I checked my cards and began to devise a plan. "And you?"

"I'm Jacob, this is Hugh", he nodded to the gentlemen beside me, "That's Richie", he pointed to the older man beside the blonde in red, "and that's Nate" The man in red gave a showmanship bow towards me.

"So what's earned us your presence tonight, Miss Lynette," Nate asked me, placing down a card.

"What brings anyone to a Tavern? Gambling" I placed my own card down with a smirk

"Good answer, girly" Hugh leaned into his hand folding

"Well, you're definitely good at it", Nate observed me, his eyes flicking to my cards as Jacob and Richie folded.

"I'll take that as a compliment" I pulled out another bronze coin. "I'll raise you."

***

The night grew weary as empty mugs scattered around the table. Hugh was face down on the table, passed out from the alcohol. Richie and Jacob were slightly better but had long lost their coins and were now just watching as Nate and I competed for the large pile at the centre,

"Are you sure you're not cheating!" Richie exclaimed as I placed another strong card

"Don't blame me. You got bad hands", I laughed, waiting for Nate's turn. He sighed in exasperation.

"You're killing me here, Lynette!" Nate moaned, taking a large sip of his ale. "Come on. I can't afford to lose this much. There's gotta be something, a compromise", he whined.

I couldn't stop my smirk as I leaned my head on my hands, I had avoided drinking as much as they had, but Nate wasn't really that drunk either, despite the many mugs he had consumed.

"Hmm, maybe there's something you could do", I grinned. "A favour of sorts" This is what I had been waiting for. I didn't spend years in my room with absolutely nothing to do other than study books. Turns out I had a talent with cards.

Nate narrowed his eyes. "What sort of favour."

"How about you let me share your room tonight? Everywhere is full with you guys in town, so I'm in somewhat of a pickle."

"Ehhhh", Richie perked up a bit, his eyes widening, turning his head to Nate and back to me numerous times. Nate was quiet, looking at me. It was a little unnerving compared to his attitude for most of the night.

"Sir..." Jacob tried to talk to Nate, but he cut him off with a shake of his hand.

"Take Hugh up to his room, will you? I think he's had enough", Nate's voice lowered. Richie and Jacob glanced at Nate before nodding and moving to each take one of Hughs' arms and haul him towards the stairs to where the rooms were.

I felt a chill run through my spine at Nate's look.

Crap.

"What's your aim", he asked, picking up the cards to reshuffle the deck.

"I told you I need a room for the nigh-"

"Don't play dumb with me, Lynette. We both know there's no good reason a noble daughter would approach a table of men to play cards."

"I-" I felt a lump forming in my throat. Double crap. "How did you know?"

"Your cloak is pristine, with a few scuffs but otherwise barely worn. Your boots are clearly expensive leather with tight stitching, you appear to have money to burn, and you've not tried to flirt once, which most mortal commoners do when chatting with a summoner" he dealt us each six cards.

"What's your aim?" He asked again, following my silence.

"I have an issue I need to resolve" I placed down a card

"Such as?" Nate placed his own

"Marriage", I sighed, taking a hearty gulp of the ale this time

"Marriage? What's so bad about that? You're a nice girl. I'm sure you'd make a great wife", he said, frowning while placing his card.

"Hah", I laughed sarcastically ", That may be true, but is it fair for me to have a husband who'd cause me nothing but misery? I think not."

"How do you know? Is he that much of a scum bag?"

"Trust me. He is" I shivered a little thinking of Garret's face.

"Who are you?" Nate asked me after a pause, "If I agree to anything, I need to know the repercussions."

"Lynette Heversham", I whispered, hoping he didn't know of it.

"Heversham?" Nate suddenly looked at me with a new expression. His defensive body language relaxed, and I could see the cogs working in his mind.

"Eduard and Callan's relative?"

Crap. Of course, he would know of them despite the size of the Army. I had hoped he wouldn't have. Small hope.

"Sister, actually", I mumbled.

"Sister? I thought their sister was called… what was it… Kayla?" Nate leaned forward, now scrutinizing my face.

"Kara, don't worry. I doubt they mention me much" I pulled back, a little embarrassed by his stare. "I'm adopted, not real blood."

"You say that with such resignation?" He raised an eyebrow, ultimately abandoning his cards now.

"I guess I'm used to being an existence they don't mention" I shrugged

"And they're forcing you into a marriage you don't want?" Nate asked, linking his fingers on the table.

"What choice does a girl have against their father's decision?" I'm nothing but a burden Father wants to pawn off to the worst man possible. He did once. He'll do it again.

"Alright", Nate suddenly stood up

"Wha-" I straightened in surprise

"Alright, I'll share a room with you" Nate held his hand out towards me with a smile. His lips were smooth, and I could see the cut of his sharp jawline from this angle. He really was handsome.

Hesitantly I placed my hand in his and let him pull me to my feet. However, he quickly dragged my body towards him, enveloping his arms around my waist. I felt the heat in my cheeks and couldn't stop the small gasp from escaping my lips.

"Shall we make a show of it?" He leaned his head against my cheek, whispering as a few of the patrons began wooing at us, many of the soldiers bashing their drinks in laughter at his actions.

"Uh-um", I gulped as he pulled away, his face so close our noses touched. "Thank you", I whispered back, my nervousness swirling in my stomach.

He didn't think I was going to actually…. No, he couldn't… could he? Should I? It's not like I haven't been with a man before, having been married to Garret in my previous life. Technically I was still a virgin in this life, but I've never experienced it with a man I didn't hate.

"Don't worry about it" he leaned even closer, causing my heart to thump faster than I knew it could. I felt his breath on my skin, it was warm and soothing, and then suddenly, his lips were against my own. I jolted at the action. My skin didn't tremble in disgust. It was pleasant, nice even. I could swear the nerves in my stomach fluttered with every lip movement.

As he pulled away, I realized the noise of hollering the patrons were now making and quickly raised my hands to cover my beetroot-red face. Nate gripped them though, and pulled them away with a slightly apologetic smile.

"Shall we?" He hinted towards the stairs, and I could only meekly nod, letting him lead me hand in hand up towards his room for the night.

Well, I guess the scandal was successful.