The North (Closed)

[KieranSoares]

"Got somethin' in mind?" Sam asked with a slight raise of an eyebrow. He knew Fiona wasn't afraid to play dirty, and they'd done so in the past together several times from interrogating the former Imperial spymaster about Riley's attackers, to having Joachim and his mother taken into Northern custody to get at Barbarossa when Joachim was only an infant. Despite his injured state, Sam's focus told her he was ready for anything.

 

[heartofcourage]

“Agents and spies are fine, but who else knows the seedy underside of Royer’s dealing than the thieves and crooks?” Fiona asked, looking at Sam. “My people.”

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam nodded slightly, sitting forward and carefully rising from his chair. "Even after twenty years, you still think you can tap into that resource? You haven't been part of that world for so long. I don't doubt you, love, but I wonder if a famous queen would command any sway in that world."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Is that a challenge, Sam?” Fiona asked him, a bit of a smile on her lips. “I can stir up a rebellion with the best of them.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"Not a challenge, because I think I'll lose in the end." Sam offered a smile in return. "Either way... We both need sleep, love. Leave rebellion til morning, aye?" He reached out to take her hand again. "Come on. You've been goin' past exhaustion lately."

 

[heartofcourage]

"If I hadn't been trying to rebuild London while everyone else was protected, I wouldn't be exhausted." She murmured as Sam took her hand and she helped them both to stand, stealing a deep kiss from him once they were both on their feet. "We will get everyone else sorted in the morning. It sounds as if I'll have to kick Jani into shape before Dola gets here."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Hopefully it'll be so simple. But we'll worry about that in the morning." Sam pressed his forehead to hers briefly before following her back to bed.

Dawn came and went with relative peace as those who hadn't seen battle the day before all seemed to allow the fighters a few extra hours of sleep. By Soma's order, they weren't all going to race off to Hadrian's Wall immediately like previously planned. The battle for London had been far more vicious than any of them had estimated, and with most of London's west wall ruined and the western edge of the city damaged, Edward had asked Soma for the hale and healthy soldiers to aid the civilians in cleaning things up. Soma had agreed on some extra time, especially to allow some key people and soldiers to recover. The collective march north was postponed for a few weeks, but Soma still sent battalions off to problem areas, defensive positions, and to keep from draining London's resources too much.

Around noon, Soma called several key leaders to his planning room in Darkwood. They'd all been fielding reports of the damage to London all morning. Thankfully most of it was repairable and there was minimal loss to civilian life and most people seemed happy to welcome the Beauclercs and Ghis back. Perhaps most merciful for the regained kingdom was the fact that despite the palace burning, Hess's paranoia had led to the treasury being fireproofed. That morning, soldiers searching the wreckage had broken open the vault to find that Hess had hoarded away quite a fortune. It wouldn't save England from a long economic recovery, but it would help rebuild, provide aid to those most in need, and allow Edward to start off with far less debt than expected.

As Edward and Ashleigh arrived last, Soma and his aides- those left after any under suspicion were taken away for questioning- were looking over a map of all England and Wales. Soma was reviewing some drafts for letters and declarations that would go across the land announcing Edward as the new and rightful king. Glancing up from his work, pushed his chosen draft toward the new royal couple and copies for anyone else to read. He glanced over them all- his mother and father, Kell and Kate and Brogan, Edward and Ashleigh. Tanya Ashcroft, Ezra, the Ghis brothers minus Boar, and several officers.

"All the important information is there. Feel free to add some personal touches if you like," he offered, dismissing his aides so he could speak with those gathered. "I'm sure you've seen the majority of the reports this morning, but the final collective review just came in. The entire west wall needs to be replaced and buildings around it as well. The fire thankfully didn't spread, but buildings that houses anti-dragon weapons will need some help. People-wise... We're looking at about four-hundred lost among the soldiers, and twice that wounded. Much higher than I predicted... But then again, considering we faced explosives, not nearly as high as it would've been if not for Shani's warning."

Soma picked up another page. "As for your people, Your Majesties... We've confirmed about fifty wounded, twenty dead. Most of those were due to the explosions, but some unfortunately occured due to being caught up in battle zones. Overall... Much lower than we predicted, but still not dismissible. I'm sorry we couldn't keep the civilians out of this entirely." Soma bowed his head briefly to them, but knew he couldn't dwell on that regret.

"You all already know we have some key people down but not out yet, and thankfully some are strong enough to join us here. Our commander, the spymaster, the Lord Protector of Scotland, Jani Halfborn and Avfairn of Iceland, Shani McClure, and we just learned this morning that my fool great-uncle Boar hid that he was wounded yesterday too, though not badly. At the moment, the only people on death's doorstep are Shani, Avfairn, and Jani. Alex and Luna have updated me on their conditions and it appears Shani stabilized well and Jani seems to be doing the same, but Avfairn is still teetering. But on top of all of that, our Lord Protector has informed me that the late Queen Sarah Monaghan's protector, Myr, was lost after being held by Hess and tortured. We've sent word off to Ireland, and I expect there will be a ferocious answer when Sarah's successor finds out."

After all that, Soma took a deep breath and paused to look at them all again. "As I communicated earlier this morning, we're staying here for a while to recover while our soldiers fan out to solidify Edward's control. We will also be transferring a portion of our armies to Edward once we leave London. It will be voluntary among the soldiers, and any who stay will be promised work and homes. It's a means of allowing our English friends to return home gainfully employed. Some will come north with us if Edward can spare them, but we need to make sure he has enough to keep England secure from rebel barons."

Soma then turned his attention toward his parents. "Da, you can't be out there with the soldiers so you'll be here planning with me til you're recovered. Ma, you're my key to scouting the border quickly. I know some of Kell's Riders have already gone up north to take a look, but I need yours to bring me news of some of our old allies who have been cut off from us. Glasgow, Aberdeen, Wick, Inverlochly, Skye, Mull, and so on. We haven't heard anything from them since the fight began and it worries me. Royer knows our connections and might've made a move to attack our old friends and distant family. I'm especially worried for the McTavish and Dunland clans."

"As for the rest of you... The goal right now is to keep things running smoothly til we're ready to leave. Riders under my Ma and Rangers under Ciaran will be the main forces active while the rest of us clean up England and get Edward and Ashleigh started. We should also be expecting some arrivals from back in Trondheim and Normandy before the three weeks is up, including most of Clan Ghis's non-military members. I will be moving my war room to Windsor and clearing out Darkwood to allow Dylandra and her family to settle in peace. The wounded will also be moved into London with better access to supplies for the doctors, and the soldiers will move to the forests to allow the civilians to recover and plant their spring crops in peace."

Facing them all with a nod, Soma completed his report. "Is there anything any of you have to report to the group?"

"Not much, but a communication from Vienna," Tanya spoke up first and looked over those gathered. "With southern England secured, Joachim is on his way with loads of supplies to keep our armies from draining England. He'll be joining us personally before we hit Scotland."

"We've also received word rather unexpectedly from some more distant allies," Kell added. "Palmyra, as a show of friendship and good faith, is sending a caravan containing a gift of gold and supplies that are hard to come by in the North. As I understand it, Lord Haroun has been keeping up to date with us via his niece, Yasmine, and insisted on repaying some kindnesses the North has done to Palmyra in the past after she married into the Ghis Clan."

 

[heartofcourage]

Ashleigh took in all of the information that was offered to them with little emotion. That morning, she had dressed herself for work in a serviceable gown and traded Fiona's crown for one brought to her from the treasury. It was a simple silver circlet that had been braided into her hair, making her as Queen, but not flaunting her position at all. She needed to get out and about instead of being hidden away. That was her promise to the people of England...and her father. Darkwood would be pristine by the time her mother arrived and she would move to Windsor, the place where she would set up her court and a life for her children.

Holding Edward's arm for comfort, she listened to the reports and silently calculated in her head the cost of is all. "Edward and I have put our entire life's savings into this, including what we have borrowed from those that wished to contribute. I think the first thing to do is to set up a treasury to see that our debts are paid in a timely manner and the needs of our people are met before our own. We don't wish to be seen as greedy with all of these riches suddenly upon us."

 

[KieranSoares]

Soma nodded to Ashleigh with clear respect for her decision. "I think that's a wise way to start things off. I will connect you with the lieutenant overseeing the transfer of your treasury to Windsor."

"An' I have it on Kayla's authority to dismiss any debts to herself an' Norway," Sam spoke up, earning a shocked glance from Edward. "Same goes for the rest of the Ghis Clan, we've agreed. We've done well for ourselves despite everything, and we support family. So all we ask is support in return later on."

"Sam... that's... so much money," Edward murmured. "Especially on Kayla's end, but from the entire Clan?"

"You've been part of this family for near twenty years, lad. This is how we operate." Sam looked to Ashleigh as well. "And it's not just out of respect for Ashien. It's because you two have been there for this family all along even at our lowest moments. I can't think of a better choice for King and Queen of England."

 

[heartofcourage]

"What?" Ashleigh said with as just as much surprise as Edward, looking from Sam to her uncles. "Uncle Durban...no..."

Durban has given Ashleigh the most money out of any Ghis, helping to support his niece whenever she asked. Too many times, she had shed tears in private with him as she told him about being unable to make ends meet in France and he had quietly given her whatever he had to spare. Ashleigh wasn't about to let any of them absolve them of their debts without private conversation, even if Sam insisted that this was the way that the family operated.

Fiona stood quietly next to Sam as he informed the new king and queen of the changes that were coming. Her gaze, however, was on Tanya. Catching the Empress's gaze, she silently told her that there would be a meeting after this as promised. As soon as they could, Fiona broke away from the rest, gathering Andre to come to her side as she led Tanya towards the infirmary. Entering a room, she glanced at Boar Ghis and then at Andre.

"Lock the door and stand guard." Fiona told Andre, beckoning Tanya to move further into the room and away from where they might possibly be heard. "Do what you have been trained to do, Andre. No one outside this room hears what is about to be said."

Fiona glanced at Boar and gave him a nod. "Boar will act as our witness, away from the spy network as this doesn't need to pass beyond this room."

Once everything was secured, she turned towards Tanya and placed her hands on her hips, looking the woman up and down. "Before Joachim lands in England, I need the truth from you. Has he been compromised?"

 

[KieranSoares]

Tanya followed Fiona without question at first, but her natural suspicion of the world began to creep in as Fiona set up a secret meeting space and ordered Andre to keep anyone else out. Boar, healing but still very alert, sat forward in the chair he'd taken up instead of the infirmary bed. He didn't ask for elaboration, instead focusing on Tanya as Fiona asked her question and Andre kept at the door.

Tanya's brows furrowed in confusion and slight offense at Fiona's question. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" She asked quietly, crossing her arms over her chest but trying not to be too defensive. "Do you know something I don't? Because if he's in trouble, I need to go fetch my son right now."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Has Joachim, to your knowledge, been compromised?" Fiona asked again as Tanya puffed up at the accusation. "Tanya, I need you to think long and hard about this. Has he been acting strange? Has he had new staff put around him? Has he been keeping secrets? Is there anything that he might have done recently for you to believe that he hasn't been completely honest with you?"

 

[KieranSoares]

Taking a deep breath, Tanya lowered her head to think on the question, giving Fiona's concern the benefit of the doubt. "Obviously we're still building up his new court and vetting people while he adjusts to his role. Even if he was technically Emperor before, he's finally getting to grips with the full breadth of his reach and power. He's stressed and worried, but no more than I would expect. He's kept in close contact and told me just about everything, save what's not safe to send over long distances. I've no reason to suspect him. If anyone, I'd expect suspicion to be on me considering my past."

Tanya lifted her gaze back to Fiona, her expression growing more worried. "Why? If something's going on around him, I need to know so I can hand off the Alstadt Riders to you and run home."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona glanced at Andre and then at Boar, knowing that what she was about to say both would believe. Andre had lived through it himself and Boar had dealt with his own wife being accused of being a witch. She trusted both of them to take her words and keep them close.

"They have a caller that is powerful enough to get to all of us. This might be just a trick, but it could be real. What I saw was Joachim in his father's place, ready to fight against me for Inverness. The same armor, the same place, the same situation. If that's not a warning, I don't know what is. I need to know if he is against us before he sets foot in England."

 

[KieranSoares]

"So you think this Caller would take him over, or plant these ideas to drive the North and the Empire apart?" Tanya asked, clearly disturbed by the idea of Joachim throwing away all his loyalties or being controlled. "If they can make someone like you worry..." Tanya took a step away, looking down at the floor. "And we have no idea who it is yet? No idea who I could target?" As a Caller with an immense ability to harm the minds of others, Tanya immediately turned to becoming a weapon. "Because if they do something to Joachim and endanger my son... I swear God himself will fear my name." Fiona could feel the rage flare and radiate off Tanya, the powerful influence of a self-taught and self-reliant Caller palpable even to Boar.

"Kell's workin' on it," Boar spoke up, his eyes steely as he met Tanya's gaze and they shared a moment of understanding as two ferocious protectors. "But havin' Joachim nearby'll mean we can keep a closer eye, an' if there's any doubts, you'll have Kell an' Qira at hand t'hide your boy away. They kept Bo safe for twenty years. They can protect Arnulf."

"Andre," Tanya spoke up, looking to her old friend. "You'll talk to him when he arrives too, won't you? No one knows him like you and I do. If I miss something, you'll catch it."

"Yeah," Andre spoke with more confidence than he felt. "If anything's wrong, we'll see it. And if Joachim has noticed anything, he's not the kind of guy to hide it."

 

[heartofcourage]

"We are dealing with something very dangerous." Fiona murmured to Tanya as she seemed truly panicked by the idea that her husband might be compromised. "And I have suspicions that I know who is behind this. I have to confirm it first."

"You know I wouldn't make this accusation idly. I want peace more than anything, for Joachim and for this family. This kind of upheaval is just the kind of thing that Royer wants." Fiona muttered, shaking her head at the bitter taste that spread in her mouth.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Since we're sitting still a while, I'm going to go meet Joachim on his way here," Tanya decided. "That way I have time to really monitor him and catch him early if something happens..." Tanya stepped up to Fiona once more, her stare hard and expectant. "If something does happen with him... No matter what, I need the Ghis family to protect my son. Even if you have to take him from Joachim and hide him where even I can't find him. I'm asking for your word on that. I know we owe the North so much already... But it'll give me the peace of mind I need to go into the rest of this fight without hesitation."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona looked over at Boar as Tanya asked such a task of her.

"Can you do that?" She asked him, knowing that she needed someone that could take up the mantle that wouldn't necessarily be missed. "My days of kidnapping princes are far behind me. They would find me in an instant."

 

[KieranSoares]

"With Kell's help, I can manage tha'," Boar promised. "I'll talk with Emma when she arrives, figure out a plan if it comes to it. No one else will know."

"Then I should head out," Tanya sighed quietly, turning toward the door. "The sooner I can get to Joachim and keep a close eye, the better. The Alstadt Riders are yours for now, Fiona. I'll be leaving in a couple hours so get any letters you need to send rounded up."

 

[heartofcourage]

For the next two days, work began on London, cleaning up in the aftermath of the battle. Focus was on getting Edward safely out into the city for the public to see and rebuilding what had been lost or neglected under Hess. However, all of that was paused on the afternoon of the second day when Fiona got word that Dylandra was approaching with her fastest Riders. Darkwood had been cleared out and cleaned up, made ready for her return by dragon escort. Fiona was going to make sure that Darkwood Manor was one of the most protected spots on Earth.

The first glance of the riding party and Fiona called her Northern Riders and the Alstadt Riders to order. Instead of the horses which had once called Darkwood home, Dylandra would now see fearsome dragons guiding her way. It would only be temporary, there for her protection and the protection of her daughter and son-in-law. As the amethyst dragon she was riding touched down just outside the gates, Dylan paused for a moment to gather herself, knowing that this would be as difficult a moment as anything else she had ever faced.

She took Owen Blackstone's hand to step down, the old fox coming to help escort her personally at the request of his daughter. Dylan hardly needed any help, still youthful and active. She feared more for Kiva who was dismounting behind her, the faithful wolf an emotional wreck since learning that their home was theirs again. She glanced back at him, giving him a small encouraging smile before she turned to look at her late husband's home.

It was the same as she always remembered it, she thought to herself. It was a sturdy home, one that Ashien had always taken such pride in. "The stables look out of sorts, Kiva." She murmured, laughing in spite of the tears that wanted to fall. "I'm sure you can get them going again up to his standards."

There were little bits here and there that would need attention. The stables needed work. The windows needed attention. However, it was all things that would be done in time. Things that they as a family could do together now that it was their home again.

"Mummy." Dylandra turned at the sound of Ashleigh's voice and caught sight of her, Edward, and Burke standing in the wide front doorway.

Though she lived with Burke, it still felt like she hadn't seen any of them for ages. She couldn't help it as she hurried to her children and gathered them in tightly, Edward included whether he was a king or not, hugging them for all she was worth. Since losing Ashien, they were all that she had and she clung to them when she could.

 

[KieranSoares]

Burke, ever his mother's faithful protector, wrapped her up as tightly as he dared along with his sister and brother-in-law. "Ma," he murmured, kissing her cheek, grateful that she was able to return so quickly after Darkwood was liberated. "It still needs a lot of attention... but it's yours again, free and clear." Even though Darkwood would legally be under Burke's name for Dylandra's ease, he fully considered it his mother's home.

When they finally pulled back, Burke met her with both worry for her heart, and pride for what the North had accomplished. "We found some things hidden away, things we thought were lost forever." He welcomed Kiva in as well, embracing the old groundskeeper who was nearly in pieces seeing his old home again. "Paintings. Precious things from Da. Even some things no one found in two decades, in Da's hidden safe."

Pushing the doors open wide for Dylandra, Burke stepped out of the way to let Dylandra enter. The main hall had been cleaned out properly and some basic decor had been replaced. Everything with a hint of Hess's reign and the previous occupying lord was gone. Now, it was somewhat sparse, save for a painting Dylandra hadn't seen since the day before Ashien had cleared the family out to flee. They hadn't been able to take any of the large paintings, only packing small framed paintings that meant the most. Perhaps most painful for Ashien was leaving behind the painting he and Dylandra had slaved over for weeks in their youth, the portrait in which she stood in his arms with her back and long golden hair facing the onlooker. That very same painting awaited Dylandra in the main hall in its proper place by the staircase. A young Ashien and Dylandra were wrapped up in one another's arms, and Ashien's dark eyes looked outward, welcoming his wife home after two decades away and without him.

"The studio is still full of your work and his," Burke murmured softly as he stood beside his mother. "They either never found it after Da put in that hidden door... or they were too superstitious to touch it. But it's all there, right down to the paint stains on the floor."

 

[heartofcourage]

Dylan quietly moved into Darkwood's great hall, staring up at Ashien's face. They had worked so hard on that portrait, their testimony to their love. Finished before Ashleigh was born, he had been so proud to hang it where everyone could see it even if she thought it was too intimate for everyone to see. When she closed her eyes, that was the face she saw. Not the pale face etched in pain that took in his final breath. Not the man who died scared for his daughters. She saw the young man whom she adored and who had taken her soul with him when he died.

"Darkwood is yours, my love." Dylandra said softly, looking at Burke with a sad smile on her lips. "My time here has long passed."

Ashleigh looked at Edward in slight concern as she heard those words, afraid that perhaps they might have made a mistake in bringing her here after so long. All of the Ghis children were protective of Dylandra, but above all, they wanted her to be happy.

"Mummy, if you don't want to stay here..." Ashleigh started, ready to bring her to Windsor if she needed to get away from the memories.

"All of you treat me as if I'll crumble to dust. When have I faltered in twenty years?" Dylandra asked with a laugh. "I'm sure in your father's secrets you'll find the reason why."

 

[KieranSoares]

"We just want you to be happy, Ma," Burke insisted softly. "You kept us all going when we wanted to fall apart. And when Monomakh gave us a home in the Rus, you still held us together as we struggled to adjust and find some happiness there again. You shouldered the load that you and Da used to carry together, and then so much more. You can't blame us for wanting to give you everything in return."

"All of England will be open to you again," Edward added, his own expression concerned. "Ashleigh and I long since agreed that any wish of yours would be our command when we returned."

 

[heartofcourage]

"All of you stop." Dylandra murmured, looking at all three of them as they all promised to give her everything that she ever wanted and needed. "I'm fine. Truly, I'm fine. I'm content. I have my grandchildren, Kiva will bring the horses back to the grounds, and we'll have one another near. That's all that I can truly ask for."

She didn't know if she could ever paint again. That was her life with Ashien. It had been far too painful with him gone to work on a canvas. It was like she was missing her hand, and everything felt wrong when she did pick up a brush.

 

[KieranSoares]

As the younger members of Dylandra's family shared glances amongst themselves, unsure what to do, Kiva stepped up and offered his arm to Dylan. "Let's take a little walk around," he suggested softly with a light smile. "I know you all want the world for her. But listen to her. She knows what she needs." He gently drew Dylan toward the west side of the manor where the kitchen and dining hall lay. They'd often talked about how much they missed Van and spending time in the kitchen or around the table with him. He'd outlived Ashien long enough to see Dylandra's family settled, Ashleigh married, and everyone fairly content with a new normal. Even in his final days, he stood as the caretaker and guardian to Dylandra's family. Kiva had often said Van remained as long as he did out of loyalty to Ashien most of all, and only left them once he was certain they were ready to let him go.

As Kiva and Dylan stepped away, Edward wrapped an arm around Ashleigh and laid a hand on Burke's shoulder. "He's right," Edward muttered. "All she needs is peace... As much as we want to give her everything."