The flight to the southern mountains took longer than Ilea had expected. Im too used to my own awesomeness, she thought, having to slow herself down behind the flying formation. Around her flew about two dozen Paladins and Inquisitors, some carrying healers, others more warriors. A large part of the higher leveled members of the Corinth Order were here. What do you think? Kyrie asked, flying close by. I dont know these people. You tell me, Ilea answered. Joel grinned, sparks flaring up on his lightning wings. The Speaker is strong, but hes not a fighter. The Inquisitors he got on his side are who they should worry about. There are too many unknowns. Bryce had to choose a frontal attack if they want to save the honor of their Order and any resemblance of pride, Kyrie said, his shadow wings barely moving. Frontal attacks work, Joel said. Lilith just showed as much. The Speaker isnt a mindless beast. He knows about everyone here and he knows this is not a fight he can win, Kyrie said. His plans failed. The longer they wait, the longer he can prepare, Ilea said. Yes. And yet a risk remains. Im worried about the cards he has yet to play. Nathanael will be desperate. He isnt a man known to lose, Kyrie said. Ah, you worry too much brother, as always. Bryce will slaughter anything the Speaker can throw at them, Joel answered. Soon well see, Ilea said. How long until were there? Twenty more minutes at this pace, Kyrie said. You didnt have to come, you know? Joel said with a smile. But to be honest, youre the reason Im not worried in the least. Why are you two even here? Shouldnt you be protecting the king? What if this is all a massive diversion and the city is being attacked instead? Ilea suggested. It isnt, Kyrie said. Should there be a danger here to Halstein or Kroll, we will take care of it. And if we cant, we have the highest chance of getting out alive. And someone has to keep these lunatics in check, right Bryce! Joel shouted, laughing when the Paladin didnt react. I thought you trained with him before, Ilea said. Hes usually not that tense and serious. That man was so ready to slaughter those demons with his group of holy warriors until you stole the moment. Brilliant fireworks by the way, maybe we should hire you for our next festival, Joel said. I charge exorbitant rates, Ilea answered in a dry tone. Well just pay you in food. I hear you ate up half our coffers worth, Joel replied. Wish I wouldve been there for the betting. How much you would eat. I hear Kyrie lost a months worth of pay, Joel said happily. His brother frowned but didnt comment. Why werent you there then? Ilea asked. He grumbled something and Kyrie replied in his stead. Hes banned from any event involving general nobility. For good reason. It only happened twice, Joel said, shaking his head. What about Jeanne? Kyrie asked. Ah yes Jeanne. Okay three times. No reason to be so strict. Ive already missed dozens of events, Joel said. Were not allowed to participate anyway. You had your fair share in the kitchens, Im sure, Kyrie said, his words figuratively cutting his brother apart. Ilea smiled. Youve been at this for a while, hmm? Our first battle was in our mothers womb, Joel said. The lightning mage grinned. I won. Your poor mother, Ilea said. Yeah. She died, Joel said, dodging the knife thrown by his brother. Decades later, in her own bed. Dont act like that Kyr, you know she despised us. And here you are, confirming her opinions, Kyrie answered. Enough of this. Focus, we should expect an ambush. The three were flying at the rear of the loose formation, Bryce in the middle and now gesturing for the troop to land. Attack on foot? Joel asked. They will expect an aerial strike, Kyrie said. Just send in Lilith and be done with it, Joel grumbled. What could one helpless woman ever do? Ilea asked. The man chuckled to himself. They all landed in the lightly forested area, mountains rising up in the distance, the chain that separated the plains from the Isanna desert to the south. Ilea smiled, taking in the fresh air after being in the city and stuffed halls for a while. Her armor active, she stalked the group of fast moving holy warriors, the same who wouldve likely tried to kill her had the plan of the Speaker worked out. Space magic to the rescue, she thought, watching both Joel and Kyrie move to the side and farther back, their own orders likely suggesting they dont participate in the thick of the coming battle. Ilea herself didnt have that restriction. She had shown her might against the demons, a part of it at least but based on the fear she saw in the warriors eyes and the discomfort she felt all around, it was more than enough. They knew not to mess with her or hers, both Kroll royalty and the Corinth Order itself. To think they were the ones going as far as hunting healers not associated with an Order, she thought, looking at the backs of the armored people. They didnt seem particularly impressive or dangerous to her but she knew her views were a little skewed. Based on her talks with Donnavon, Mateo, and Bryce, she could see the Corinth Order becoming a more progressive part of human society. No healer would have to fear them or any other Order anymore, not with the Sentinels around. Gael could likely take on Bryce already, and time would only increase their might. Still have the Order of Balance to visit. But they seem less problematic overall compared to all the shit Orders Ive met so far. The Azarinth werent exactly anything more than just powerful either. The Corinth warriors at least seemed disciplined and experienced, even those who couldnt fly not making a lot of sound as they rushed up the slope.
Chapter Comments (0)
Login to comment.