Banished
Augustus had never been banished from anywhere. Banished. Being escorted outside the palisade walls in the early morning sits poorly with him. Being of a noble household in the capital, there is immense shame in the act. The short time they had spent in Rennes was the most relaxing part of their journey. For the few nights they were there, he had drunk himself into a stupor and befriended many of the locals. The cervi and lapine were kind, and the devilkin, though prickly around the edges, often opened up to him with exciting tales.
The snow crunches beneath his feet, and Mido walks at his side with a conflicted expression. The other three walk several paces ahead in silence. There is a bitterness in the air, and though Augustus feels annoyed at their situation, he has no intention of letting that anger linger. The rapier clatters at his side while he rushes ahead to catch up to the others. The tips of his ears are freezing, the tip of his nose pink and frozen.
Though he is upset with being banished, he understands Khimi’s actions. The cervi pushed him with the cruelty of his words. Throughout the short time they had traveled with the group, he had heard whispers about Lord Zeybek and the aslan at his side. Be it the difference in their age, Khimi’s status, or Lumi’s attire. In Loria, it was not uncommon for beastkin to partner with other races, though it is rare for them to wed or form lasting bonds.
“I don’t want to freeze to death,” Augustus mutters between his chattering teeth. “We don’t even know where we’re going, or do we?” he asks, unsure of himself.
Ennui shrugs her folded arms, tugging a fur cloak over her shoulders. “We’re going north, right? We’re walking north.”
Lumi’s long silence finally breaks, “It wasn’t his fault,” he mumbles at Ennui.
“I don’t want to hear it, Lumi!” Ennui snaps. “If we had a few more days, we could have gotten horses… a wagon. Something.”
“She’s right,” Khimi replies, his hands tucked beneath his armpits. “I should have just let it go.”
“Let it go?!” Lumi hisses. “I was gonna beat his ass myself!”
Mido catches up through the thick snow. “Lumi’s right,” he says suddenly.
Lumi glances back with a look of disbelief, followed by Khimi and Ennui. “Really?”
“He was out of line. I was going to say something, but it seemed like you and Khimi had it handled,” Mido says while color rushes into his red cheeks. “Right, Augustus?”
Khimi chuckles, “You both abandoned us the moment things got serious.”
“Can you blame us?” Augustus chokes, “I’ve seen the way you can get. All intense and broody. Besides! We weren’t the first one to run off. Isn’t that right, Ennui?”
“I didn’t feel like sticking around to listen to some foolish man prattle on with his randy bullshit,” Ennui replies hastily. “And Rennes is supposed to hold some significance for my kind… not that I could find any meaning behind the priestesses bullshit.”
“There were a lot of devilkin,” Mido whispers with a nod of agreement. “I was thinking maybe… it was like some sorta cult.”
“Cult?” Ennui snorts. “It’s a whole faith in its own. Much different than your own.”
Lumi’s head whips in Ennui’s direction, his lips pursed thoughtfully. “You’re in a cult?”
“No,” Ennui groans, “I am not like those people. I do my own thing… walk my own path. It just so happens tha– Never mind, it isn’t worth explaining.”
“Enlighten us,” Augustus says, his hand sliding over Ennui’s shoulder.
Her tail cracks against his lower back, forcing him to recoil. He chokes and pulls away, “Fine, don’t tell us.”
“It’s none of your business,” Ennui grumbles.
“Don’t worry,” Khimi chirps, “she hasn’t even told me about it.”
“It’s not important,” Ennui snaps, and presses ahead of the group. “Maybe when we’re about to freeze to death, I’ll tell you all a fun little story.”
Augustus rubs his hands together for warmth, “Won’t be long now, then.”
A lengthy silence follows. The wooden palisades fade behind them into a field of white. Based on the quick glance Augustus had taken at a map, the mountains that tower in the distance before them hide a frozen lake. Hour after hour through the freezing cold and gentle snow, those towering mountains loom before them, unmoving, never drawing nearer.
Mido’s teeth begin to clatter together in the freezing cold. His blue lips tremble. Augustus nervously watches the group’s quickly deteriorating state. The light that remains is negligent. The cold only grows more severe by the minute. An occasional light flickers in front of Lumi’s hands, his palms extended before him, his eyes closed in focus while they walk. Bits of heat flash from the light. As welcoming as the heat is, the fleeting warmth is equally disappointing.
Twilight falls upon them. Augustus’ thighs ache. The tips of his toes tingle, the wet from the snow soaks through the leather boots. Exhausted and freezing, he once more breaks the silence. His cracked lips nearly rip when they open.
“We need rest… and we need heat,” Augustus says, his voice trailing. “Lumi… can you make a fire?”
Khimi turns back and lifts his hand, a ball of flames erupts from his palm. “We need shelter, we won’t be able to continue on through the cold like this.”
“We can’t stop moving,” Mido replies.
Augustus looks along the wood line, “Why don’t we just camp there?” he mutters, pointing at the snow-laden trees. “I’m sure we could make a fire and rest for the night.”
Ennui’s eyes pinch closed. “Are you serious? Everything is going to be wet… you’ve no idea.”
“Then what? We just push on until we succumb to our exhaustion?!” Augustus responds. His damp hair clings to his face, the wet snow licks against him.
An orb of flames forms overhead. Lumi’s brow wrinkles in focus. The heat pushes over them, the snow at their feet sizzles. It expands, creating a fiery halo overhead.
“Lumi, you don’t have to do that,” Khimi mutters. “We’ll be fine…” The flame in his palm flickers away.
“Will we?” Lumi responds, his attention on the flames. “We need rest. The skies feel heavy… like the sun can’t reach through. Like it’ll never reach through. Maybe we should go back.”
“They won’t let us in,” Ennui says quickly. “If not because of what Khimi did… for other reasons.”
Mido raises an eyebrow and begins to push forward. “Care to expand?”
“Envy, for starters,” Ennui states. “Samael plays favorites. And those who don’t acquire his favor are scornful of those who do.”
Embers drip from overhead, perspiration drips down Lumi’s face. Khimi takes his arm, walking alongside him. The halo moves along with them, a beacon in the dark. Augustus forces himself to follow, his eyes wide in awe.
“Khimi,” Augustus whispers, ignoring Mido and Ennui’s conversation. “We should rest… it isn’t good for Lumi to keep on like this.”
Khimi’s expression confirms Augustus’ thoughts. “We’ll be fine.”
Through the night they continue their journey. The distant mountains make way into frozen foothills. The surrounding trees become more sparse along the rocky landscape. The skies are heavy. A bone-chilling wind passes through the group. The embers crackle and pop at the wind’s harsh caress. Augustus can hardly take his eyes off the flaming halo. You could probably see it from back from town. The further they travel through the cold, the heavier Augustus’ eyelids become. He had heard how quick and painless a death in the cold could be. Just like closing your eyes. Just like sleep. Mido’s clap on his shoulder brings his attention back to their situation.
The foothills make way into a rocky mountain path. The path is traveled, signs of carriages and foot traffic are all around. Under the cover of the mountains, the winds no longer blow against them. The halo dissipates, Lumi crumples at Khimi’s side. Mido and Augustus both reach for Lumi, only to stop themselves while Khimi scoops him into his arms. Alone in the darkness, the group finds themselves surrounded by the mountains.
“Is he… ?” Augustus questions.
“Dead?” Ennui scoffs. “No, knackered out.”
“Cut him some slack,” Khimi grumbles, adjusting Lumi in his arms.
“The boy can have a god puppet his ass, but he can’t keep a fire going for a few hours?” she asks in a whisper.
Mido’s head twists and turns about, his tail wags behind him. “We should rest here… it’s better than being out in the open.”
“You’re right,” Khimi responds, placing Lumi onto his shoulder. “I don’t have enough strength to carry him and keep going for long.”
Ennui pulls her cloak over her shoulder and surveys the landscape. “I can take him if you’re too weak.”
Augustus, hearing the rising inflections in their voices finally speaks up. “We should rest, Ennui. Just a few hours, till sun up.”
“This is not where we should rest. I’ll scout ahead,” she mutters before setting off down the pass.
Mido lets out another sigh as Ennui vanishes behind a limestone boulder. “The next town… it’s going to be weeks away on foot.”
“Maybe,” Khimi says, trying to sound reassuring. “Someone in the town mentioned there were smaller villages and towns from here to Winterholt.”
“There is also a citadel city on the south side of the lake,” Mido chirps, looking up at Khimi hopefully. “Maybe they will let us in.”
Augustus shivers, standing in the cold. “Let’s hope.”
The night passes in the cold of a cavern Ennui had managed to find north of their location. The cavern is barren, dried grass inside serves as kindling to fuel their fire. The night passes, their spirits damped by the cold and their banishment.
The following day, they continue through the rocky passage and along the traveled path. Among the highest points they stop to appreciate the view. The lake extends as far as the eye can see. Ancient pines reach for the skies, their evergreen boughs covered in veils of snow, along the neck of the lake, a stony citadel comes into view, gray walls surround what appears to be a small town. In the center, is what Augustus can only guess is a manor. Despite his excitement, Augustus notes the stern expressions of the rest of the group.
“Am I missing something? Aren’t we excited? Civilization is right there.” Augustus questions, unsure of himself.
Ennui purses her lips, “That is a citadel. We won’t be granted entry… and if we are, we don’t know what kind of reception we will receive.”
“It’s not like walking into a town,” Khimi whispers. “They could be mercenaries. Soldiers.”
“Musicians,” Lumi whispers from Khimi’s side, shivering at the notion.
Augustus chuckles, “You mean minstrels?”
Lumi glances at Augustus, his ears twitching at his words. “Whatever they are,” he whispers. They begin to take the path down to the foothills. “I hate them.”
Mido looks at Augustus curiously. “Isn’t your cousin a minstrel?”
“Beatrix? Yeah, she studied music in the capital,” Augustus responds, following behind.
Ennui smirks, “Why couldn’t she have come instead of you? At least we’d have some tunes to listen to on our merry adventure.” Her laughter echoes menacingly around them.
“Oh, I doubt you’d want to hear her nagging,” Augustus mumbles, catching a smile from Mido.
“He’s right, she’s… a handful. She’s known in the capital,” Mido laughs.
“Known?” Lumi asks, raising an eyebrow while Khimi helps him down a boulder.
Khimi smiles, his hands on Lumi’s waist. “He means… she gets around.”
“She’s a whore,” Ennui says flatly.
Augustus coughs, “I don’t think she’s a whore. Just… loose with herself.”
Khimi smirks at Ennui, “Your type?” He asks, a broad smile forming on his lips.
“Shut up,” Ennui snips, rolling her eyes.
The hours continue to pass. They pass through the mountain pass in a tight group around Khimi. The heat from his flame extends outward enough for it to be felt against their skin. The stone structure looms a short distance before them. Flames atop the stony gatehouses display shadowy shades walking before the fires. At their approach, a smaller door along the gate opens, and riders break through the thick snow to meet them. Despite the earlier warning, Augustus is hopeful and eager. Excitement shows across his features while the riders draw near.
The riders on horseback draw near. The figures, wrapped in heavy furs and cloaks, stop just paces ahead of them, a torch held high above their heads. The light from the torch dances with the light from Khimi’s flames. The air is thick and uncomfortable. Neither party wanting to break the silence.
“We need entry to the Citadel,” Augustus says finally.
The figures on horseback remove their sallets, revealing their lapine features. Their lengthy rabbit-like ears stand up on point. “The citadel is barred to outsiders, though it is not in our good nature to see anyone suffer. You’re welcome to camp outside the gatehouse. We’ll provide wood for your fires and food for your bellies.”
“We can pay for horses… or passage!” Lumi says, his voice shaking eagerly. “Right, Khimi?”
Ennui, glances about the group. “We need shelter… the weather is worsening.”
One of the riders clears his throat, “There is a blizzard coming, but you can make it to the nearest town to the north of here. It’s a few days’ ma–”
“And freeze to death on the road?” Khimi interrupts, the blaze in his hand flickers, the color shifting to a darker hue.
A rider laughs aloud, his sallet tucked under his arm. “Travelers, we’ve offered our kindness, take it or leave it.”
The horses turn back to the citadel. Augustus’ desperation gets the better of him, he shouts out without thought, “Wait! Wait!” He calls. “I am Augustus Helvia of Loria. Son of Noctus and Alba Helvia! This is Khimi Zeybek of the Cerulean Star! We’re seeking asylum! I beg of you!”
The anger shows on Ennui’s face, while eyes him with a scowl. “We’ll take your hospitality outside the gates. Ignore the boy, he has no idea what he’s saying.”
The lapine at the center of the other riders looks them over. A whimsical smile forms on his lips. “I am Perri of house Barrau. While I have no awareness of Lorian nobility, I have heard of the Cerulean Star…”
“Then you will give us shelter?!” Augustus shouts, anticipation clear in his voice.
“We will ride back to the Citadel and share your plight with my father, Lord Barrau. The decision is solely his,” Perri replies with a hopeful smile. “I am certain my father would make accommodations for such notable guests.”
One of the rider’s eyes linger over Ennui, “Even if you travel with questionable company.”
Lumi’s brow furrows, and he begins to speak, only to be cut off by Ennui. “Right, well… I am just a humble retainer of the Cerulean Star,” she mutters. “This one, and this one,” she adds, motioning to Mido and Lumi are also retainers.
Perri sighs and offers the other rider a scowl. “No need to be discourteous. We will hear of their story and situation at the Citadel,” he says before he spurs the riders away.
The moment the riders arrive at the edge of the citadel, Ennui shifts back to the group. “I suppose you think you’re smart, don’t you?” She asks Augustus. “Yo–”
“At least we won’t be sleeping in the cold,” Mido interrupts, “And maybe we can get passage from here to Winterholt. They seem to know the Cerulean Star!”
Lumi looks contemplative, pacing back and forth before them. “Why would they know the Cerulean Star? Khimi, I thought you said no one in the north would know you?”
Khimi scratches the scruff of his chin, “I didn’t think they would…”
Lumi’s brow furrows further, his face screwed up in worry. “What if they’re like those other creatures? The ones back in Cochon?”
Mido sighs, “Not everyone in the north is a vampire, Lumi.”
“True,” Lumi nods in agreement, “But it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.”
“Right, so treat everyone like they are evil? Got it,” Augustus snorts.
Lumi pulls his hair in frustration, “Y-you’re not understanding! I didn’t say that.”
A short while later, the riders return with spare horses. They instruct the group to mount and lead them by the bridles into the Citadel. The thick stone walls greet them, the citadel is as quiet as a crypt. Once they pass through the gatehouse, they make their way across a cobbled street. Despite the size of the structure and its walls, the citadel feels empty, abandoned. The buildings are wood and beam construction, heavy stones along the outside with thick thatch rooftops. The buildings near the central manor are adorned with sloped slate rooftops, and painted brick walls.
The few citizens they do cross paths with in the dark of night are wrapped in the comforts of woolen shawls and jackets. Wool wraps around their legs and feet help keep them warm. None of the figures offer any words, only bow their heads respectfully at their passing.
The manor looms before them, a multi-leveled building with wings which wrap around a frozen central courtyard. The entirety of the area is covered in snow, only the path through the iron gates appears to have seen any recent foot traffic. The group all looks at one another uncomfortably while Perri leads them into the frozen courtyard and dismounts from his steed.
“Welcome to Riverwatch!” Perri shouts, his arms extended wide in a glee-filled greeting.
Snow slides from the frozen roof of the estate and hammers into a massive mound in the courtyard, echoing loudly across the silent yard.