The aches in my body gradually fade after the pretty severe wounds were stitched back together. Finally letting me exhale in complete relief and stretching like a cat that just woke up from a long nap.
I hate taking draught so much, but damn does it give results. I feel like I can fight another few hours if I wanted to. But I think we should honestly try to avoid that if we can help it.
Thorpe recorks the bottle and secures it to his belt with some extensive rope work around its neck. "We're gonna head back out into the field in a moment. But first…" He trails off a tad to give a brief complicated expression towards Steppan and the nobleman. "…tell us what happened on your end."
Lord Felix offers a curt nod to Thorpe before turning his attention to me. "Yes, I apologize for the scrutiny, but I really must know what occurred before Ser Steppan assisted you."
My mouth forms a thin line before I take a deep breath, rising to my feet to give myself a few extra stretches. Rotating my midsection and shaking my limbs out. The draught rejuvenates things as small as muscle strain but it definitely leaves you a little stiff afterwards. But honestly, I'm just stalling a little bit to collect my thoughts.
Finally, I turn to face the three men. Opening my mouth to speak but stopping when I notice the hilt of my sword still sticking out of a beam above us. "Um…" I glance over to Old Guard, giving him an awkward smile. "Thorpe. Could you get my sword for me?" Slowly pointing a finger up at the ceiling.
The three men's brows lift before their heads turn to look up in that direction. And for a moment it doesn't seem like their minds register it until they comment in near unison. "Oh, wow."
Lord Felix arches his expressive brow at me. "Did you also do that?"
My throat tightens up and I shake my head. "No. That was the [Bandit]. He disarmed me with a weird dagger he was using. It was serrated with hooked notches that he grabbed my sword with."
Ser Steppan grunts in agreement. "Aye. A swordbreaker. That's what he was using against me. I would have been in more trouble if he still had his sword, but it was busy pinning Miss Liore to the wall." The [Knight] grimaces a bit at that. "Morbidly convenient I suppose."
The nobleman shakes his head. "But a bit disrespectful to the young lady perhaps?"
I chuckle a little. "It's alright. I'm glad I could keep it out of the equation for you, Steppan." And I actually mean it. At least I feel a bit more useful that way.
Lord Felix waves his hand dismissively and returns his attention to me, teasing with his curled mustache. "Now, Miss Liore, if you would care to enlighten us." He asks calmly. Thorpe in the background hops up to grab the hilt of my sword, but instead of yanking it free he just hangs there.
I can't help but snort a little, but I manage to focus up on the nobleman's question. "Well, I came over here to retrieve the bottle of Healer's Draught Thorpe had opened earlier for Ser Ethel. But I couldn't find where he left it in the kitchen, so I ended up in his bedroom." I detail, trying my best not to glance at Old Guard as he lifts and drops his lower half to yank the sword out, grunting a little too much. Steppan has moved over to watch, hands on his hips like he's observing someone fix a drain.
I take a slow breath controlled breath, keeping my attention on the nobleman who seems entirely unaffected by whatever is going on behind him. "Um. That's when I noticed that Thorpe's room was a mess and his draft chest was uncovered. What tipped me off the most was the lock pick still jammed in it. He must have hidden when I came in, because he was completely invisible."
Thorpe grunts and lets himself hang for a moment. "Like those bastards in the forest who ambushed us?"
My face scrunches up somewhat, nodding his way. "Yes. Same way. Like he was stepping out of the shadows."
Ser Steppan frowns, folding his arms over his breastplate. "Sounds like [Shadow Cloak]. That's a skill only high-level [Rogues] get. Level 10 at least. I met one who had that skill during a catacomb raid a few years ago. Hardly ever knew when he came and went."
The nobleman emits a low hum, his eyes glancing toward Thorpe still hanging from the ceiling. "Are you assuming the group you ran into in the Ardennes were [Bandits] as well?"
Thorpe sighs, giving the sword another few tugs. "I don't assume. We KNOW they were. I was actually planning on speaking to you about all this today. Ethel and I had a long talk about them and about your trip up here earlier this morning. But then the Jackelopes showed up."
Lord Felix's eyes take a dark tinge as he fully turns himself to face the Old Guard. "So you admit you hid critical information from a noble [Inspector]?" He demands with controlled venom. "And now you tell me my own subordinate released information to you that I did not clear her to do?!"
Old Guard aims somewhat of a stink-eye at the nobleman, giving the sword a few more tugs as if in emphasis. "Maybe I would have been more forthcoming if you had warned us that you were attacked not even an hour away from us!" He barks back from above. "How long were you planning to keep information that imperative from us?!"
Lord Felix's nose wrinkles quite a lot at the man, but he doesn't seem to have a rebuttal for Thorpe's own accusation. "Point—noted."
At least he seems to agree that this isn't the best time to snarl at each other. Turning himself back toward me and fixing up his darkened expression. "Please continue…"
I nod slowly, clearing my throat. "He attacked me, we fought, kinda—honestly it wasn't much of a fight. He was just toying around with me. But it let me catch him off guard and I…" My eyes shift over to the big hole in the front of the cabin. "Uh. I kicked him."
The nobleman keeps quiet for a moment. His brows wiggle through so many expressions in short succession but his dark look from before is all but gone. "You—you kicked him?"
My mouth forms a thin line while my hands fiddle together awkwardly in front of me. "I kicked him really hard," I answer a bit more quietly.
Lord Felix pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. "I know that there are more pressing issues here. But I really must ask. As it is something I have noticed quite clearly." He takes a deep breath and settles that sharp stare on me again. "I've already been informed of your prowess against the Jackelopes by Ser Ethel. I believe she used the term exceedingly competent."
My stomach starts to churn at the direction this is going. The compliment from Ser Ethel sounds a lot more accusatory than it likely should.
The nobleman narrows his eyes as I shrink back a bit. "So tell me. How does a 12-year-old level 1 '[Knight]' kick an alleged [Highwayman] through a wall?"
The quiet creeps in between us. A chill rushing through my body. "Uh. Um." I stammer out in response. Likely making me look even more guilty. And I already don't particularly like the emphasis he put on [Knight].
I can't stop myself from glancing up at Thorpe who is already watching me. And Lord Felix definitely notices, glancing over his shoulder at Old Guard as well.
Thorpe let's out a long-winded sigh, yanking on the sword a couple more times in frustration, the weapon finally wiggling free of the wooden beam and dropping him to his feet. "Just tell him what your skills are, it's fine."
The nobleman definitely does not look happy at that answer, but looks back toward me to await my own. Even Steppan looks a bit more on edge at the conversation.
But with Thorpe's go-ahead, which I hate to have to even ask for, I do feel a bit more at ease. Even though the look in Lord Felix's eyes is really discomforting. "I have—I have two unique skills. One of them is called [Leap Stride]…"
Ser Steppan's brows raise. "Ethel said you jumped high enough to clear the palisade. I'm guessing that's what did it?"
I nod slowly at the [Knight]. "It lets me do standing leaps and long strides. I can go pretty fast because of it. But it also cushions my landings so I don't hurt myself."
Lord Felix's eyes have gone from sharp to intrigued at least. Stroking the little goatee on his round chin. "That is quite the skill. You said you had two? I assume the other allowed you to—as you said, kick really hard?" He arches his brow and folds his hands behind his back.
I bite my lip sheepishly at the question. "Well. No. The [Spring Kick] is a sub skill I got for [Leap Stride] pretty recently. The other skill…" My throat tightens a bit because I'm struggling to think of how best to explain it without it sounding completely absurd. But thankfully Thorpe seems to notice.
"It's called [Threat Detection]. Basically gives her a radial sense of things that threaten to hurt her. Most often attacks aimed her way." Old Guard answers casually. "Probably how she knew he was attacking her at all."
The nobleman's nose scrunches again as Thorpe answers for me. "I asked her, not you. Your incessant need to speak on her behalf is unnecessary. And suspicious."
Thorpe steps past the nobleman and slides my sword into its sheath on my back. "Firstly, I'm her mentor. It's my job to know what she's capable of. Secondly, she's twelve and you are making her uncomfortable." He states sharply right back at him, placing his hands on my shoulders. "…my, Lord."
Lord Felix is looking pretty furious now, his face scrunching up so much I swear he's about to bite him. It feels like my heart is banging against my rib cage from the tension. But to my surprise, the nobleman's expression softens as his attention returns to me again. He even offers me a light bow of his head. "My sincerest apologies, Miss Liore. I did not intend to make you uncomfortable."
I can hardly believe this is even happening, and the sincere apology from someone so high-profile makes me feel a bit embarrassed. Clearing my throat I offer a tighter bow back to the man. "It's alright, my Lord. Thank you."
The nobleman stands up straight and smooths out his styled hair. "I have a tendency to appear quite intense when I am trying to understand something. So I hold no ill will against you." He admits while reserving himself again. "If you would be so kind as to demonstrate the kick? Just for my peace of mind."
My brows lift at the request. "Oh? Yeah, I can do that." I agree, scanning around the room for a moment. "Um, not sure what to demonstrate it on though."
Thorpe steps out from behind me and grabs one of the chairs that was near the now demolished dining table. Setting it down in front of me. "Already gonna have to replace the whole set anyway." He comments only a tad bit sourly.
I grimace at the comment and give him an apologetic look but he just waves it off. So I focus on the chair instead.
The three men watch carefully while I step up to the unfortunate piece of furniture. Which feels somehow even more embarrassing somehow even though I'm just kicking something for them. But I take a deep slow breath and grab the chair.
I mean he wants to see how I did it, so I'll be authentic.
I drag the chair over to where I was pinned before and drop myself back down in the same spot. Scooting the chair close against me. "I was pinned like this and he was leaning over me like this." I pull the chair to tilt it over me. "And then I just did this…"
Thorpe and Steppan flinch, quickly ushering Lord Felix out of the way as I tuck my legs. Simply lifting them and activating the skill.
My legs spring forward swiftly, connecting to the chair, which immediately shatters with a loud CRACK, blasting it up into the air. Since it's lighter than the [Bandit] was, it doesn't go out of the breach and instead hits into the ceiling above it. The wooden pieces either shatter further or pierce into the roof and wall. Shredding up the beams above in the process.
I grimace at the destruction and shoot up to my feet. "Thorpe I'm so sorry! Oh God, your house!" I panic. I've already done so much damage to it already. I can't keep doing this.
But Thorpe just laughs and steps over to ruffle my cloud-like hair. "Don't worry about. I wanted to redecorate anyway. That was incredible." He assures with a smirk while the other two men just look shocked.
Well, Ser Steppan looks shocked. Lord Felix just looks like he's thinking very hard about something. The nobleman fiddles with the curl of his mustache again. "Fascinating. Truly fascinating." He mutters, turning his sights back over to me. "I think that plainly answers the hole in the wall. And why this mysterious [Bandit] was weakened enough for Ser Steppan."
Steppan gives an impressed whistle as he stares up at the damage. "Aye. He had to have been bleeding internally pretty badly when I showed up."
Thorpe concurred with a couple of slow nods. "He underestimated her, got cocky, and he paid for it."
Steppan snorts in response. "Tale as old as time." The [Knight] then moves back up next to the nobleman. "So you finally believe Ethel and me's theory about [Bandits] being involved?"
Lord Felix gives the man a passive wave of his hand. "It is not as though I disbelieved you. But there are too many moving parts and gross miscalculations to this entire travesty that I have to consider." His nose scrunches up somewhat. "But yes. I do." He admits, shifting his attention to Old Guard. "Mr. Thorpe, the [Bandits] in the forest you encountered. I assume with your level they won't be an issue any longer?"
Old Guard crosses his arms over his chest and gives a blunt nod. "I think you overestimate me, but yes. Already told Ethel I can mark where we left their bodies and the caravan haul they took. And I have a bag of their flash pipes and maps in our armory."
My brows raise as I remember a detail I didn't mention before. Looking up to Thorpe with concern written all over me. "Wait. I managed to distract him because I mentioned Dreyfus. And he knew about him, called him a traitor, and wanted to know where he was." My face scrunches up with a bit of shame. "I told him we knew about what they were planning. And now he's gotten away."
Thorpe's expression tightens as he quiets for a moment before exhaling through his nose, "That is definitely not ideal. But you are alive because of it. They were going to find out either way." He states, but he certainly still doesn't look happy about it.
Lord Felix looks like he wants to ask something pressing but seems to hold himself back. "I have a great many questions for both of you still, but certainly the timing is not right for it. We shall have that long chat you mentioned later." The nobleman concedes with a brief sigh before scanning the room again. "I have a feeling our current jackelope problem is not unrelated to this."
Old Guard places a hand on my shoulder to give it a comforting squeeze. "Agreed. Too much of a coincidence. And they knew I had a stash of draught. Someone had to have told them." The frown on Thorpe's face is frighteningly deep.
Lord Felix furrows his brows, his expression trending downward much the same. "And I think you and I both know who that could have been."
Thorpe is quiet for a moment, his eyes shut as he seems to mull over something I'm not certain of. "I—I haven't confirmed that yet. We'll figure that out later."
The nobleman gives Old Guard a hard stare but doesn't push further than that. "So be it. It seems like we are getting an update on our war front anyway." He remarks, gesturing to the opening in the wall where we can spot one of the [Guards] sprinting this way.
The old man groans while rubbing a hand down his face, then slaps himself on the cheek. Psyching himself up before he makes his way over to the breach in his home with us tailing behind. "Something tells me this ain't gonna be good news."
The [Guard] skids to a halt in front of the house and gives a tip of her helmeted head to Thorpe. "Captain! The [Scout] mercs are back and have made a report to Ser Ethel."
Old Guard grunts at the woman. "What's the word?"
The [Guard] straightens up and flips up her helmet's visor. One of the younger members, I think her name is Monica. "Aye, sir. The reason they ain't moving is that the Den Mother has collapsed. From the sounds of it, she's in a bad way, sir. Extensive wounds, very severe. Likely won't last night. But her honor guard is tight around her. I was told to tell you that it would be suicide to try to approach her, even for them."
Thorpe's right hand grasps an edge of the breach, his fingers squeezing tightly enough for the wood to creak. His left rubs at his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose as his head lowers. "God damnit…"
An uncomfortable silence sets in around us. Quiet enough for the cold harvest wind outside to wail slightly through the cabin's damaged front end. My face sinks at the sight of his shoulders slumping. The utter exhaustion heavily imprinted on his features.
After a deep breath, I move in beside him and place a hand on his back. His head turns to look down at me while he uncovers his face. Moving that hand down to settle it onto my shoulder. "I'm—I'm alright."
I nod slowly, but don't really believe him. The old man looks like he's about to collapse himself.
Lord Felix approaches from behind, dusting off his nice coat. "I fear I know the answer, but what does this mean?"
Thorpe slowly inhales and exhales, shifting his half-lidded eyes to the nobleman.
"It means I have to put her down."