It didn't take long for Abel to reach the castle, and he had to remove all his weapons before even entering. He was left with his armor, escorted closely by an annoyed glare towards his appointed guards, who were leading the way.
During the war, time was flexible. A day could mean absolutely everything, while at the same time weeks could go by that held no meaningful impact whatsoever. War, if you knew what you were doing, was a game of patience; of strategy, of careful moves that rarely looked or felt as such to the people living and dying in the meantime.
A month had gone by and from the outside, it looked like nothing had changed. And yet....
"Abel!" A voice crooned out from where its owner was lounging on a pile of pillows.
He stopped upon hearing his name, blue eyes glancing over to the open door to see the royal queen. The light gust of wind blew against him, stepping into the large room with both curiosity and caution. The scene looked as if it were straight out of a painting. Arched openings allowed fresh air and cheerful sunlight to fill the room--a thousand different opportunities to escape, be overheard, or be seen.
Between the queen, the lighting, and the long, translucent curtains that rippled silently around the large ‘bed’, it was almost perfectly beautiful.
"Goodness, you must be hot as hell in that garb. The winter's finally over, and the sun hasn't been kind to my soldiers." The Queen of Morya tsked---her outfit just as revealing, her eyes just as sultry, as they had been at that first introductory ball.
The mention of his gear caused him to look down at himself, slightly embarrassed.
"Take a seat, have a beverage. I insist."
A servant revealed themselves from an otherwise unseen corner, offering Abel a tray of filled glasses.
The entire scene left him feeling something unsettled within his chest. Her tone, body language, voluptuous frame, and…suggestive clothing. It felt untrusting, treacherous, and uncertain.
“Your grace.” Abel bowed his head slightly, trying his best to show absolute respect. He softly took one of the glasses that was held out in front of him and walked to one of the decorated love seats near the stack of pillows she rested on. His eyes settled on her, the uncertainty overtaking the awkwardness he felt when his eyes met the exposed sections of her skin.
“You...asked for me?” He questioned.
"I did."
The Queen was unabashed and clearly confident in her sexuality as she remained sprawled out on her pile, arms stretched, body loose as she stared at the member of the wolves. The Queen of Morya had a few years on Abel and Cricket, but she was clearly still in her prime--and was clearly well aware of it.
"Our darling Cricket never seems to be within the castle walls when I summon her, but then I realized I've been neglecting you."
Has she been summoning Cricket?
Abel’s awkward expression melted into a stoic one. Without a doubt, Cricket had been actively trying to avoid seeing her. Perhaps something happened between them.
Perhaps she felt the same way as he did now.
She drank deep from her own cup, green eyes never once losing focus on Abel. "It's rather rare, you know, for a queen to have an opportunity to interact with a bond that's not her own. Rather historical in a way."
She examined him carefully, from his toes to the tip of his head. "Normally you'd be trying to lob my head off." She laughed. "But we are rather fortunate, aren't we? That our relationship isn't nearly as...strained as most others in our situations."
“...Yeah.” Abel agreed, looking down at his glass and sipping some of its contents. Wine?
“Though...Shouldn’t we just see each other as people?” He questioned, watching her carefully. He just wasn't sure what the point was here.
She smiled widely before taking a long drink of her wine, carefully careless as she seemed to consider a reply.
"You are so....right." She agreed, shimmying a bit closer to where Abel sat. "We are all just people. We should all try to get along." She placed a hand on his knee.
"Think of the potential if we did?"
He lowered the glass a little, eyes narrowing at the surface of the liquid.
“I apologize on Cricket’s behalf. She has been working very hard on improving herself.” He froze a little as he watched his glass, how should he react to this?
“She’s come a long way in a very short time. I’m glad.”
Her eyes seemed to glow. "I've seen you on the training yard, Cricket's not the only one who has come a long way. You seem committed to gaining as much power as possible in preparation for the battlefield."
He always believed that Morya was only seeking independence against the ever-encroaching Nadia. But this talk of the potential. The possibilities. It was like she wanted to cut The Great Queen’s head off and take her place. Not the words of someone content with being left at peace.
“I've been fighting with a sword for as long as I can remember. And when I hold it, it's like it tells me that it has been long even before that.” Abel looked at the surface of his wine, still in thought.
“I don't want The Great Queen to get her way when Cricket has fought so long to be left alone. And my time with her tells me that there will be others who will restrain her from what she deserves.” Slowly his eyes went to the queen again, very carefully choosing his words. “Others who are more powerful than I could ever be. So I want to at least stand a chance. I want to fight for her.”
She tilted her head as she examined the warrior carefully, considering her reply. "You know," She began, rising to her feet, body loose and limber, moving to one of the wide open windows with a perfect view of the city.
When I was discovered to have Queen's blood, there was a celebration that went on for a month throughout the capital. The last queen born in my land died fifty years ago. No one knows why, Nadia has a suspicious knack for hogging magic I suppose."
She swirled her cup of wine in her hand. "But don't be fooled, the celebration wasn't for me, the celebration was for my people. Thanks to my powers, our country had a fighting chance. We could stop Nadia from taking over the whole continent. We could finally fight back."
She downed her wine.
"And we did. Every year since, Morya has continued to live to fight another day. If I had tried to be selfish, if I had thought to run---do you know what Morya would be right now? Ash. Dust. An oversized gravesite. Another anecdote in a history book filled with Nadia's military victories." The queen looked old then, ancient, as she stared into an alternate world where she had tried to refuse the mantle.
Abel listened carefully as her words somewhat resonated with him. In many ways, he was the same. Fighting against those who left him without a choice. Abel leaned back a little, his guard letting loose just barely. Her choice to stand up to Nadia was the reason Morya was still around, that much was true. He was a little convinced that she wasn't like Nadia’s queen. She did want what was best for her kingdom at the very least.
"Queens and their bonds---we have a responsibility, Abel. We fight, or we and everyone who matters die. There is no middle ground." She finished her wine. "You want to fight for our Darling Cricket? What if I told you there was a way to do that beyond your wildest dreams?"
She turned away from the window to face him once again.
Her statement about responsibilities didn't connect with him. She had a responsibility to Morya while he and Cricket did not. Fighting for those you care for is the responsibility of anyone who took arms to do so.
His eyes looked down however, unsettled by the idea that there wasn't a middle ground for people like him and Cricket.
There had to have been. Right?
“Without any disrespect, I’d say that I wouldn't believe you.” He watched her, eventually showing doubt in his gaze. “...What way is there?” His mind was open regardless of his mistrust. Was this something she had already discussed with Cricket? His eyes watched her for an answer.
And pieces moved across the chessboard. Carefully, carefully. But the board moved and positions were made clear.
The Queen laughed again at Abel’s honesty. She didn't look surprised, if anything she looked amused.
She moved closer then, back to stand before him in all her glory.
"You could bond with me."
She said it as though she was recommending he take a left turn down the main road.
Normally queens were far more interested in murdering each other or trying to stay alive than forging alliances. Dual bonds were completely unheard of, even with Nadia’s peculiar access to multiple queens. Either it was impossible or…
Abel peered up to her with a mildly surprised expression.
Did she figure out how to do it somehow?
She reached out to him then, tempting, inviting. "We could end the war in an instant, and you could keep Cricket safe. She would never have to be anywhere near the front lines. Never see bloodshed. You could do that for her. We could do that for her."
Abel’s eyes went up to the Moryian Queen as she drew near, eyes quickly escaping her suggestive frame. It was so hard to be respectful with his eyes when the woman was so sensual. The line of thought was erased at her suggestion to bond with her.
He froze, even his breathing slowed while he carefully thought to himself. He didn't know anything regarding Innate abilities or the intricacies around what worked and what didn't.
If he did have a second ability, just how would he fare against anyone who stood in his way?
His eyes fell to the hand that was offered to him, actually considering taking it. Cricket would be safe, and he would be strong enough to take on any enemy that would try against her.
His eyes went up to look at the glow within her emerald gaze, shaking his head before his answer.
“I made a promise to her.” Abel didn't elaborate, obviously for Cricket’s and his protection. He didn't want her to know they were traveling east, far away from Morya or Nadia, and didn't want either of them to pursue as a result.
“And there could be severe consequences for having so much power if it were even possible.”
Abel’s eyes were kept on her, knowing that it was an answer she didn't want to hear.
“Even I don't know what Cricket truly wants. But I cannot force any decision I make onto her. I’d be no better than anyone else who has.”
"Promises, bonds, oaths, vows. The pretty words that make up fairy tales and myths of old. You are a warrior Abel, you should be able to see beyond the material nature of such things."
She reached for him and cradled a hand behind his neck while the other stretched across his jawline. "Stop thinking about all the things you are supposed to think about, worry about--all the shoulds and musts. Why don't you consider for a moment what you truly want?"
Glittering green eyes peered into his. "It's all yours for the taking. You just have to reach...out...and...."
She pulled back.
"What do you want, Abel?"
Abel listened, freezing up much like Cricket had when she was taking hold of her. Her scent took him and his thoughts scattered between not knowing what to say and the awkwardness he felt for being in such proximity to someone whose skin was on display for him.
Her hands were gentle, cradling his head like a soft cloud. But just like the tome he had taken in the ruined cathedral, some memories began to blend, the pain sharp enough to show on his face as two voices said the same words. A voice that was all too familiar.
A small ring was in his ear when she pulled back, and his headache and newfound memories faded alongside his wide-eyed look.
‘What do you want, Abel?’
A hand went up to gently take the queen’s, softly setting it down while he tried to catch up with his shattered thoughts.
“What I want...” He repeated, watching her as he searched himself.
“My passion and purpose are intertwined with hers. I won't break my promise.” He responded honestly.
“Promises, bonds, oaths, and vows. Warriors may see them as hindrances or trivial but I don't. They are important. It's what makes us, doesn't it?”
Abel stood up, taking a few steps away. It seemed like he was finally able to breathe, despite his head pounding.
A curious look crossed the Queen's face as she watched him show signs of pain in response to her offering, but she hardly looked surprised.
"Your loyalty is impressive, Abel. But for the record, I was never interested in stealing you from Cricket. I'm quite good at sharing."
Something seemed to amuse her about the statement as she smiled more to herself than to him.
Abel’s eyes snapped to her, unsure if he heard her correctly. Good at..sharing? Abel became so flustered that he frowned at his adrenaline.
"Don't think about it too hard. There is no expiration date on this offer, though I fear the Wolves will be setting off sooner rather than later. Try not to die, and keep our darling Cricket alive, won't you?"
“Of course.” Abel acknowledged as she abandoned her place at his side, moving back to return to her pile of pillows to lounge upon.
"My General has a rather interesting innate, I don't know if you've heard. He can glimpse into the future....it might be worth your while to ask for a peek of your own before you venture onwards to heroism and great deeds."
And then, apparently, Abel was dismissed.
See the future. Abel thought.
“General Liam. I'll keep that in mind…Thanks.”
He bowed his head slightly before he turned around, brows furrowed with uncertainty. The ability to see the future. Someone who could see ahead and manipulate things in their favor was incredibly invaluable.
Abel exited through the open door only to see two guards stationed at his sides. His head looked to the left, pausing as he started down the castle’s hall, leading a bit deeper into the castle.
Should I see him? Would it be a good idea?
His curiosity was besting him, folding his arms while the guards beside him waited silently. Impatiently.
Maybe it would be best to go with Cricket.
He looked in the other direction, heavy in thought.
What if the future is grim? I wouldn't want her to worry about something like that. She already has enough to worry about.
Abel’s mind was made up, turning and heading deeper into the castle to see Liam.
He wasn't a hard man to find. The man was six feet five with a blonde mane like a lion, hair as golden as the sun itself. It was the first time he had seen the general without the silver armor, the casual dark blue clothes not hiding his large, battle-ready build enough.
“Abel, come. Can't say I expected a visit from one of Thorne’s sharpest fangs.” He gestured for Abel to enter, simultaneously dismissing two of the captains who were with him.
Abel immediately recognized one of them. And the smug blonde shot a look back to the Mercenary, envious and spiteful.
What does General Liam want with this lowborn?
The squire that he and Cricket met just a month ago had halted in place, the two staring each other down with sharp gazes.
“Silas.” Liam looked at the Squire and the faint glow of their emerald eyes locked with calm irritation. Without any other words, Silas gritted his teeth and lightly stormed out, leaving the two to discuss with one another.
“I’ve heard that you could see into the future.” Abel went straight to the point, folding his arms.
“I’d like for you to peer into mine.”
The General may have looked like a hero straight from a storybook, but his eyes told another story. The man was agitated, exhausted, and strained. The war had been going on for years, and it took a toll on everyone. Budgetary restraints, food expectations, army reserves---There were documents littered on the man's desk that addressed all of this and more.
On the wall maps with a multitude of alternate strategies and routes were pinned up to be referenced and cross-referenced a thousand times over. The man could peek into the future, but the future was not set in stone. And here was another young soldier come to plead to know his fate, as though there weren't a thousand more important matters at hand. He had almost smiled at Abel's presence until the young soldier made his desires known.
"Do I look like the fortune teller at your local fair to you?" He asked, examining a summary of the state of the frontlines.
Abel’s nose had scrunched slightly at General Liam’s backhanded question. An Abel before the wolves would have said something sharp. Would have done something to destroy whatever friendship or impression that they would have had of one another and possibly destroy The Wolves' relationship with Morya as well.
But Abel was silent, calmly watching the lion like a cautious wolf knowing all too well that the two animals had no reason to attack one another.
"We are at war, Abel. The future can turn in an instant with one clever shot of an arrow." He laid some documents down and examined the man more closely.
Abel took Liam’s statement and quickly tried to deconstruct it to see what the General’s innate ability was capable of.
So whatever future he sees can be changed through certain events. I wonder…how big or small would that event have to be to change it?
As much as Abel would have liked to ask more about his abilities and their ‘rules’, he realized that even if Liam had told him how it worked, it was way too easy to lie about its conditions.
Not only that but if Abel were to have such an ability, he would always lie to steer the future into his ideal outcome.
Abel was confident that Liam had done so many times already.
Then Liam realized that the queen had sent the boy here.
His irritation dimmed slightly.
"What do you want to know?"
“I want to know about the raid in Fort Allum. Can you see that far ahead?” Abel somewhat frowned thinking about it. It would be the first time Cricket would be directly involved in war.
“Anything at all about me or Cricket?”
"Are you sure you want to know? The future isn't always full of happily ever afters and promises of rosy cottages and happy lives lived. Once you know, you can't know. And knowing alone tends to change the path you are on."
That’s a fair warning. Abel thought.
“I’ve got a promise to keep.”
Liam let out a little sigh. It was as if he knew the outcome was negative. "Okay."
The General's eyes gleamed an inhuman green glow.
“I sense that you are skeptical of me, thinking of how this all works. Well, I can’t fake the future. You’ll be seeing it with me, with your own eyes. My innate, Precognition, can only work with you once. So make it count.”
Abel’s blue eyes watched as his entire vision was sucked away in a vortex that led right into Liam’s pupil. Abel found himself standing amongst a cluster of colorful nebulae, almost invisible lines of thread twisting and turning by fate itself. Thousands of them.
Some threads turned red and snapped. And if he focused hard enough, he could see, from his very own point of view, exactly how and why.
He grew frantic.
“Focus, Abel.” Liam’s voice was barely heard amongst the visions.
Abel would abandon thread after thread, seeing everything from Cricket being decapitated by a violent slash of wind, to himself being impaled in the chest by a large shard of ice. He was possibly going through hundreds of branching paths subconsciously, almost hyperventilating when nearly all of them were leading to dead ends.
“Abel! You need to focus!”
Abel gasped as he ripped himself away from the flashing visions, getting the full view of the tree-like shape of threads. All of them are burning red and withering away in embers. As if it all had been on fire.
“Since Cricket is a queen, none of this should be surprising to you.” Liam tried to force some sense into him.
“But I see one thread. One. If you try to follow it, both of you will stay breathing.”
Abel spotted it, seeing visions of Cricket on a vessel. She was crossing the ocean! But what about Fort Allum?
He winced as his vision became distorted. Were they running out of time?
It was as if a web had been punched through and the few strands that remained ended up taking another path entirely.
Abel took himself out of the vision and decided to focus on the path itself, realizing a single point that guaranteed the way there.
Cricket and Abel were sitting down at a peaceful lake.
That was all he had to go on.
Damn it!
Before he knew it, everything was gone and Abel was left with more answers than he had come into the room.
Liam rubbed his eyes with a thumb and middle finger, blood running down the corner of his mouth and nose. He wiped it with a handkerchief before turning back to his documents as he gave his warning.
“Be the one to make the choice. Who knows how many people a choice can impact? Sometimes a single choice can impact the whole world, sometimes--"
That tense exhausted strain in his eyes seemed to soften for a moment as he thought back to things Abel had nothing to do with.
"A choice can impact just one or two people. Sometimes it still feels the same regardless."
Unsatisfied, Abel folded his arms and looked over to Liam in heavy thought.
“Thanks. I’m sure you’re busy but I'll keep your warning in mind.”
Abel backed up a little and gestured a farewell, turning and exiting the room. His mind immediately fell on Cricket as he walked through the castle, stopping by the armory to grab his belongings before he was yet again escorted by two guards.
He was led out of the large courtyard and eventually through the castle gates, taking a deep breath and sighing as he blended in with the populace, the Queen’s offer beginning to weigh on him more heavily.
For all the entertainment and practice that came with the time spent in Moyra, all the wolves knew that it was temporary.
Winter had finally faded away and with it came any excuse to delay the plan.
It was time to strike at Nadia once and for all.
And Fort Allum was the place to do it.