Azure Scion Legend

Chapter II

The Captain

“For years,” Maxime told a now awake Stanford, “my wife and I trusted you with our children.” Looking around, the butler saw himself and the mysterious female attacker tied up.

“Me and my siblings had nice memories with you,” said Berenice, “but it turns out you were just hoodwinking us in the name of an evil…wannabe god dragon.”

“You dare not speak that way of Lady Finstrid you cow,” the bound housekeeper declared, earning himself a slap from Maxime. That was enough for something to fall out of Stanford’s ear.

“Is that…a little dragon?” Solena asked as the creature went limp, before it crumbled to dust.

“Talk that way to my daughter again,” Maxime said to his housekeeper, “and this interrogation will get more hostile.”

“S-sorry!” Stanford remarked, confusing his lieges.

“Sorry?” Bastien repeated. “You better explain what the hell is going on.”

“I’m starting to remember now. A few days ago, I was ambushed. These men…they forced what looked like a small dragon into my ear, whispered about that sorceress from centuries ago, Finstrid. After the deed was done, they vanished, and I was left confused.”

“Well you certainly sounded like a follower of hers,” said Eri, “the moment you tried to drive a knife into Dad’s heart.”

“What? The only way that would happen is if I wasn’t myself!”

“Why should we believe that?” Bastien asked.

“Your beloved butler is a loyal man,” the bound axe woman said after coming to, “but he lacked vision. Still, he was the perfect candidate to kill the king. All he needed was a little persuasion.”

“All in the name of a false idol who couldn’t control her lust for power?” Tiphaine asked rhetorically.

“Of course a foolish follower of the light would speak such nonsense.”

“I’m the daughter of a dark mage, and he knows there’s a limit to tapping into black magic before you lose yourself to it.”

“I can assure you Lady Finstrid never ‘lost herself.’ She merely discovered what she could truly be.” Turning her attention to Maxime, she continued, “our numbers are growing, King. The destruction of your house is part of my mistress’s goals, but if you submit now, your children will be spared as her retainers.”

“I’d rather die fighting for my kingdom,” Berenice stated.

“Me too,” Solena added.

“My sisters and I will never join your cause,” said Bastien, “and our house will not go down without a fight. Now tell us where we can find your holy brothers, or else…”

“Hail Finstrid,” the axe woman uttered. Biting her tongue, the cultist’s body crumbled to dust like the dragon once inside Stanford’s head, surprising her interrogators.

“Damn,” said Maxime. “She might’ve been our only lead.”

“My King,” said Stanford, “thank you for bringing me back to my senses.”

“You’re welcome. I’m sorry it came at the expense of getting violent.”

“It’s okay. I’ll take a slap over sharing that woman’s fate.”

“D’Azurs!” Donnamarie exclaimed as the family and Stanford walked back into the hall.

“At ease,” Maxime said, noticing that Donna looked ready to unsheathe her axe. “Stanford was brainwashed, but I fixed that.”

“And the other attacker?”

“She bit her tongue,” Berenice said, “and, uh, turned into ash.”

“What?”

“We received a letter guarding your room,” Arnaud said, handing it to Maxime. “It seems Finstrid has more loyal soldiers.”

“Hundreds more, unfortunately.”

“So our mystery guest wasn’t bluffing?” Berenice asked.

“Who was that letter from?” Maxime asked.

“Simon Byrne,” Arnaud responded, “King of Meyn. Criminals from that kingdom have been pledging their loyalties to the dark queen, and as such, engaged in attacking the kingdom. Meyn’s military has subdued these attacks, but it appears some of these troopers are going rogue.”

“Do they have a base of operations?”

“It appears to be the kingdom’s own colosseum. Dark magic has restricted the main entrance, but we could possibly gain access through the dungeon under the capital city. In light of your condition, however…”

“I can lead in my father’s stead,” Bastien interjected.

“You need to stay home until you’re fully recovered,” said Tiphaine.

“Then how about I lead?” Berenice asked without hesitation. “I mean, I might not be heir, but I’m still a D’Azur, and I have been training to be a captain.”

“Well if you’re going to lead,” said Solena, feeling a boost of courage, “then I want to serve as your tactician. I’ve been training too.”

Arnaud chuckled. “I’ve seen for myself that you two have become brave, talented young women, but I’m afraid the decision is not in my hands.”

“Well,” said Maxime, “the last thing I want for any of my children is to go to war, but Arnaud’s faith in you is not without merit.”

“You girls have my approval,” said Tiphaine, “under the condition I go with you.”

“Are you serious?” Berenice remarked.

“Mother,” said Solena, “we can afford a squadron of clerics to go with us.”

“Sol is right,” Maxime said to his wife. “Look, TIff, we know your heart is a lot stronger than mine, but…”

“Well then our girls will have an extra cleric,” Tiphaine stated, “free of charge.”

“Mom,” said Berenice. “I guess neither of us are going to yield, huh?”

“Eri, I know danger isn’t going to stop you and your little sister from doing the right thing, but as long as I’m able bodied, I want to protect you both.”

“…Thank you.”

“Then we’re going to protect you too, Mother,” said Solena.

Hugging her girls, Tiphaine said, “I know we’ll make it through together. Now Maxime, will you stay and help Bastien while he’s still recovering?”

“…I will,” her husband answered.

“Maxime,” said Stanford, “you saved me in my greatest moment of weakness, and if you and Tiphaine will allow it, I wish to redeem myself by helping you with Bastien.”

“You weren’t yourself earlier, Stanford. I’ll gladly accept your help. Just keep in mind I’ll have to cut your salary for the next few weeks.”

“Very well, sir.”

“I’m kidding,” Max said with a light smile as he put a hand on his butler’s shoulder. Smiling back, Stanford knew that when his king made light about something like this, a transgression was water under the bridge.

“I know that Max will appreciate the help with Bastien,” Tiphaine said to Stanford.

“Mother,” said Bastien, “are you sure you want to do this?”

“Your mother is where you and your sisters got all that bravery from,” Maxime said with a chuckle. “When she wants to do something, you can’t stop her.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Max,” Tiphaine replied. “And don’t worry, Bastien, because your sisters and I will keep each other safe!”

“Such beautiful bonds,” said a sniffling Donnamarie. “As a retainer to the D’Azur children, I’ll fight alongside you three.”

“Aww, thanks Donna,” Sol responded.

“Of course. Not only is it my duty, but you and your siblings have treated me like a sister ever since I came into your lives.”

“Captain,” said Arnaud to Berenice, “we should wait until tomorrow to depart. That way, we’ll have time to gather our party and ready our inventory.”

“Agreed, Commander,” Berenice stated.

“Eri, are you puffing your chest out?” Solena asked.

“Well, uh,” her older sister responded with a blush, “I got a little excited.”

The following morning, it was time to leave, with the D’Azur women being seen off by their male counterparts. “Remember,” Maxime told Berenice, “as captain, you’ll need to set a good example. But I have faith you’ll make us proud.”

“Of course,” she replied.

“And don’t forget your special talent,” said Bastien.

“Brother…”

“I say that without any annoyance. If there’s anyone I’m glad is an Azure Scion, it’s you.”

“Thanks, Bastien. You guys can count on me.”

“And I take it you’ll help keep your big sister away from too much trouble?” Maxime asked Solena playfully.

“You got it,” Sol answered after chuckling.

Looking at his wife, Max said, “I’m glad you kept that bravery with you, from the day we met.”

“Same to you, my love,” Tiff replied.

“One more big hug for the road?” Solena asked, tearing up slightly.

“Of course,” her father replied, as the five relatives gave each other a group hug and exchanged “love yous.” With that, the army of Euanthe set off for their bold quest.

“How are you feeling, Captain?” Arnaud asked Berenice.

“I’m feeling ready,” she answered.

This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to persons living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.