The North (Closed)

[heartofcourage]

Ashleigh stared at the document that was before her, knowing that the fate of England was in her hands. Scotland was a different matter for a different day, one that she was sure her family had well in hand.

“So, you wish for me to sign away my rights and titles for the paltry sum of a few possessions?” Ashleigh asked, looking up at the man with the fiercest look anyone had ever seen her have before. “And then what? I’m to live in exile for the rest of my life? I’m to fear that one day his “highness” might wish to take back my rightful land?”

She reached for the parchment and tore it cleanly, tossing the two pieces back at the negotiator. “I have no use for documents such as these any longer. For the good of England, I will name the price. I suggest you get a parchment and pen and start writing.”

She glared at him with smoldering dark eyes, watching as he slowly turned his head towards his underlings gathered as if to seek advice on what to do.

“Trust me, I’m easier to deal with than my husband. I’d suggest you hurry. He’s sailing from Calais.” Ashleigh murmured.

 

[KieranSoares]

The ambassador took in a deep breath, well aware of the incredibly dangerous situation he was in. If he bowed to the North, his king would surely dispose of him. If he remained on Hess's side, he would be directly in the line of fire when they swept through London if he didn't make some sort of ceasefire pact. At Ashleigh's warning of Edward's approach, he glanced around and straightened up, trying to save face. "I will... take your demands to His Majesty for the sake of reaching a more peaceful conclusion. But I cannot guarantee that he will even consider it, much less accept."

An aide brought forth another roll of parchment and pen, laying it before the ambassador. Taking up the pen and dipping it into a provided inkwell, he met Ashleigh's gaze with a mix of frustration and worry. "Please, begin."

Soma looked up at Ashleigh with a nod, silently offering his support and letting her know that he was ready to advise if needed. Much like he'd done with the former Holy Roman Council, he'd made sure to carefully learn Hess's laws and established diplomatic habits. Sam gave Ashleigh a nod as well. "By yer leave, milady," he spoke formally. "You have th'full support of the Triad an' the Empire behind you." It was as much encouragement to her as it was warning to their enemies. The tables had turned for the North, finally able to bear down on their enemies the way Barbarossa once had upon them.

 

[heartofcourage]

"The House of Beauclerc knows that in the past twenty years certain relationships have been established on English soil. We are ready to honor those that wish to stay, but under no circumstances will we allow enemy usurpers to remain on our lands. If there are those that wish to follow Hess out of the country, they will be given one year to do such. Of course, Hess will be required to leave immediately. If he does not leave immediately, then he will be declared an enemy of the people and dealt with accordingly." Ashleigh said, her voice never once wavering. "I believe in all fairness that he should be dealt with in the same manner that my loyal lords and ladies were dealt with. If, when we enter London, he is still in the city, he will be captured and tried. Edward shall decide his fate. Perhaps he might find kindness in Spain and France as myself and my husband were forced to."

 

[KieranSoares]

The ambassador's pen moved quickly, taking down her words as Sam and Soma looked on with hard stares. Soma then added, knowing Ashleigh and Edward's plans and demands as well as the old king Henry's wishes, "All traitors to House Beauclerc and their families are to leave as well, and will not be permitted to settle within Imperial or Northern holds. I can provide a list of names if needed. Any who remain will be tried for high treason, per the former King's orders."

"A list would be appreciated, young master," the ambassador murmured.

"We'll send one over today after consulting our records," Soma confirmed with a nod. "A messenger will bring it to the edge of the city for you, but no further."

"I will arrange a runner to meet them," the ambassador said with a nod before returning his attention to Ashleigh. "Is there anything else I should bring before His Majesty?"

 

[heartofcourage]

Ashleigh sat for a moment, her eyes only briefly straying to look at Burke and then back at the ambassador. "It shall be known from this day forth that in this country and all countries friendly to ours, that Hess is a traitor. Any and all assets that are rightfully mine, my husband's, my husband's family, or my family's will be reclaimed. He shall leave what he came here with: nothing."

 

[KieranSoares]

The ambassador's brows furrowed as he took down her command, and when he finished, he handed the parchment off to an aide. "I will... present these demands to him, and I hope I can do so in a way which prevents further bloodshed. But I must say, Lady Ashleigh... he will take this as a grave insult and surely call upon King Royer." Standing from his seat, he sighed deeply. "Commander. Master Soma. I will take my leave, and I pray that you all keep to the North's apparent mercy. For the current kings of these isles are not so gentle."

As the ambassador and his men began to gather and leave, Sam rose from his seat and offered Ashleigh a hand as well. As her longtime confidant and friend since they were young, he found himself looking upon her with a renewed sense of pride. "Well done, love," he murmured. "Ashien'd be so proud o' how you handled that, an' Edward will be too."

 

[heartofcourage]

Ashleigh stood as she took Sam's hand, staring after the ambassador as he and his counterparts prepared to leave. Having married Edward, she had never been crowned. Though she was a Princess of England now, soon to be crowned Queen, she had never used the title, though Edward was still referred to by his titles when introduced around friendly areas. They had never had a throne but hearing him refer to her as Lady Beauclerc struck something deeply within her.

Quietly, she pushed past Sam and Soma, Kell following at her back as she approached them yet again. "My lord." She called, stopping a few feet away as they paused. "A word of warning for the future: I would be very careful how you address myself and my husband should we meet again. I am not a simple lady of this realm. I assure you that while we have shown you mercy thus far, my husband's temper is legendary."

 

[KieranSoares]

The ambassador stopped and turned to face her, giving a bow as she leveled her warning. "I apologize, milady. But I have been expressly forbidden from acknowledging your claim to the throne. I'm afraid that as long as House Hess holds the throne, I must bow to His Majesty's will." Straightening, she saw a concerned, but honest gaze as he spoke, picking his words carefully in front of Hess's men, "But should the throne change hands, I would respect the victor as rightful monarch." He couldn't say more for fear of being accused of treason, but it was clear he wasn't pleased with his current situation. "If you will excuse me, milady... I am expected back at the palace. I hope next we meet, it may be on friendlier terms." He climbed into his horse's saddle and the group headed off.

 

[heartofcourage]

Ashleigh watched as they went, a long sigh issuing from her lips. She needed Edward to be there as quickly as he could and she hoped that his journey from Calais was uneventful, especially in light of what Hess was now threatening. The entire group was startled when Schaller landed a few moments later and Jani pursued the retreating group with her dragon, flying low and giving them reason to run just a little faster. Fiona glanced down at those gathered and noticed that it seemed tense, but not completely hopeless.

"You could make it to the coast quickly, right?" Ashleigh asked as she turned towards Fiona and Schaller.

"Faster than a horse or drake, yes." Fiona answered back. "Are you worried for Edward's safety?"

"No. I know he is under the best guard possible, but I selfishly want him here with me." Ashleigh answered back.

 

[KieranSoares]

"We can bring along a few of the other dragons to make sure his bodyguards can come with him. The rest of his entourage should make it within a few days, but we can have him here by..." Schaller glanced up at the sky. "Probably nightfall. We can pick him up in Dover."

"I think tha's a good idea," Sam offered his support to Ashleigh's idea. "Even if he's under the best protection we can manage, it'll still be safer t'have him here an' not out in the open. No doubt Hess is gonna get angry 'r paranoid as soon as he hears Ashleigh's demands."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona picked up her whistle and blew it, calling Jani back and signaling for Riley and Andre to join her. When all were gathered, the plans were laid out.

"Sorry to ruin your fun." Fiona said as she glanced over at Jani. "Duty calls. We are flying for Dover."

 

[KieranSoares]

Jani gave a dramatic sigh, making a show of rolling her eyes and leaning back in her saddle. "Aw, come on. I wanted to chase them all the way to London."

Andre leaned forward, his attention fully on Fiona. "Is there something wrong? Did they give something away about Edward being in danger?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"The tides are turning, young man." Fiona said, tugging on Schaller's reigns to turn him in the direction of Dover. "It's time that we get those that need to be here to safety. The best way to do that is by dragon."

"Look sharp, Koah. You're about to meet a king." Riley said with a grin as she did the same to Marth, following her mother's lead.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Oh boy, more royalty and more problems," Andre chuckled with a good-natured grin as Gia followed their lead. Jani and Avfairn shot off southward in the lead, but remained just in sight, scanning the lowlands and forests of England beneath them just in case. They were heading back into friendly and conquered territory, so the flight promised to be peaceful.

They spent the rest of the morning traveling at high speed toward Dover. While it could take days, even weeks to fly across Scandinavia, the isles were so small that it took mere hours. Nearing noon, they swooped in over Dover's harbor to see a number of smaller ships flying Edward's colors just starting to dock. The crimson banner with three golden lions was a familiar sight to Fiona, but hadn't been seen in twenty years in England. Throngs of people were gathered in the harbor gawking at the sight of Prince Edward Beauclerc disembarking with his bodyguards. The English Prince wasn't a youth anymore as he'd been when he was chased out of his homeland. Now, he was a mature man in his prime that walked with great purpose and focus befitting a king. His dark brown hair was kept rather short alongside a full beard and mustache, and he was clad in dark fabrics and light armor with a crimson and gold cloak and a white sash with the medals and marks of his station.

Glancing up as Jani came speeding overhead, Edward paused on the dock and spotted the other dragons as well. Motioning his bodyguards to follow, he made his way toward the edge of the port where there was open space for the dragons to land. Jani was first to touch down with Avfairn, and Edward watched the others come in to land as well.

"Your Majesty," Edward called out to Fiona, having used her proper title most of his life out of respect for how her family still used his. "This is an unexpected visit, but a pleasure regardless. Is everything still going well further north?" He was naturally more formal, having been raised for a throne and kept up his education all through his exile.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Edward." Fiona called in a familiar tone, stepping down from Schaller's saddle with his assistance as the others stayed mounted. "Your Highness. Better than well, but we have a bit of a situation. Your wife has sent me to collect you. Negotiations have been brought by the House of Hess to Darkwood faster than anticipated."

She could hear the murmuring among his guards with that news. "Kell thought it appropriate to meet you and bring you in as quickly as possible."

 

[KieranSoares]

As Fiona stepped down to face him, Edward considered her words for a moment, crossing his arms and stroking his beard. "Hess must be in quite the corner, seeing how fast you all surged in and took southern England." Glancing around himself, Edward took in a deep breath. "I suppose there's no time to bask in being back on English soil. Ashleigh's right to want me at the front with her quickly. It's time I helped win my crown back, rather than letting our family win it for me."

"Well then, grab your gear and hop on. We've got a kingdom to steal back," Jani announced, forgetting all formality with a wry grin.

"Lady Halfborn," Edward greeted with a smile, a bit nervous at the idea of dragon travel. "It's good to see you're as impatient as ever about these things."

"Well, I was chasing Hess's boys a few hours ago and I kinda want to get back to that, no offense," Jani chuckled.

"I suppose... No point delaying." Edward turned and chose three of his finest guardians, and the bare minimum of their luggage was brought forth to be secured to saddles. The rest would catch up in a few days, so Edward only had some of his clothing and important items and documents loaded up. He and his men were clearly nervous about flying, splitting up amongst the four Riders. Edward approached Schaller and took in a deep breath, looking at Fiona. "I don't know how you Riders can stand doing this every day." Looking up at Schaller, he added, "No offense meant, Lord Schaller."

"None taken at all," Schaller assured him, kneeling low and tilting his head down so Fiona could show Edward how to climb on. "You're not the first to be nervous."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Sam was the most nervous of them all." Fiona said as she showed Edward the simplest way to climb Schaller's intimidating form. "Grab the horn and let him do most of the work."

As Schaller lifted his head, she quickly transferred to his neck ahead of Edward and showed him how to settle into the saddle. She made quick work of the harness, opting to ride without it for the time being. If there were danger, she would change her tactic. It gave her the opportunity to face Edward and speak with him on all that had happened when they were in flight, distracting him from the height.

"When you're ready, Schaller." She called, taking a seat momentarily as he got situated to take flight. "This is the worst part, I promise."

 

[KieranSoares]

With a nervous new passenger and an unsecured Rider, Schaller made sure his takeoff was smooth and slow, taking his time to gain altitude and level out a bit lower than his usual traveling height. The others treated their passengers similarly, each of the English guardsmen doing their best to focus ahead and not look down.

As Schaller leveled out, Edward was trying his hardest not to grit his teeth in anxiety, but his hands were holding tightly onto the saddle. "This is bad enough," he commented above the rushing wind. "I can't believe you can do this for weeks on end... much less fight like this."

"We train hard to fight motion sickness and blackouts," Schaller assured him. "I won't go into detail, as I'm not sure talking about fall training would soothe your nerves."

"Much appreciated, my lord," Edward chuckled shakily.

 

[heartofcourage]

"If it were easy, every soldier would be up here." Fiona said with a chuckle, moving freely when Schaller leveled out. "Just count your lucky stars I didn't make you ride with Jani. I promised her a good time and had to cut it short when Ashleigh squared off with Hess's negotiators. She's itching for a fight."

Fiona gave Edward a rundown of what had happened so far, from the battles to taking back Darkwood. She let him know what she knew of Hess and his want for them to stop their advances.

 

[KieranSoares]

Edward listened closely as Fiona went over all he'd missed while in Normandy and traveling north. It had been Soma's decision to keep Edward away for as long as he'd been, in order to secure a strong foothold and safety before they brought in the future king. Now that Hess was on the back foot and the Imperial and Northern Armies were gathering in sight of London, it was the perfect time for Edward to step in and take up his mantle. The Prince had wanted to come with the first waves to prove himself, but Soma had insisted he'd have his chance later on.

Hearing of Darkwood's liberation, Edward gave a rare, soft smile. He was normally a serious, hard man outside of his private life, rarely giving away emotions. But hearing his beloved wife had her childhood home back, he couldn't help a feeling of deep relief and gladness on her behalf.

The dragons made good time northward, arriving in the late afternoon a fair bit before sunset. They came in to land just outside Darkwood, the dragons walking up to the ruined gates to deposit their passengers. The gates had been removed, and would soon be replaced and the wall repaired. Inside the manor grounds, the camps were abuzz with activity as soldiers ran through drills, cooked, or tended to their gear. But the main path was cleared as Edward stepped into the grounds alongside the Riders and his men. He glanced about, taking in the many eyes on him, some in awe and some not quite sure who he was. That was to be expected after the past twenty years.

Inside the manor as Ashleigh was reading over reports that Soma had shared, she heard the door to Soma's office open up behind her. "Your Majesty," she heard Kell's voice. "Your husband has arrived ahead of schedule. He's on his way into the lower hall now."

 

[heartofcourage]

Ashleigh glanced up as Kell relayed that her husband had finally made it to Darkwood. She placed her reading down on the desk and was out of the office in an instant, excusing herself as she pushed past Kell to find Edward. She hurried down the great staircase, only pausing long enough to set her gaze upon him entering through the doors of the manor, flanked by their most trusted men. She would thank everyone later for all that they had done, but right then, she wanted to greet him properly.

"Welcome to Darkwood." Ashleigh murmured as she launched herself into him, her arms wrapping around his neck as she held him tightly. "You have no idea how long I've waited to say those words." She whispered, pressing a kiss against his cheek.

She knew that he didn't like to show public affection, but there were moments that called for it. They had lived through hell in France. They had scraped to get by, living off the charity of friends and family, hoping that one day this moment would come. He had supported her through the darkest of times of her life and she had given him three beautiful children in return. Together they had been determined that they wouldn't live a life in shame.

 

[KieranSoares]

When Edward spotted Ashleigh coming down the staircase, he pulled away from his guardians to meet her at the bottom step. She was lifted off her feet briefly as she hurried into his arms, Edward pressing a kiss to her forehead in return before setting her back down. Even though there were other people around, Edward let himself show a bit of his sweeter side, draping his arms around his wife and greeting her with a proper kiss. Much like other nobles in their families, they rarely showed affection in public. But in their personal lives, they were still very much in love. All their hardships had only strengthened their relationship, especially when it came to making sure their children had every opportunity and advantage that had been stolen from Edward and Ashleigh themselves.

Pulling back, Edward's hands cupped her cheeks and he gave her a gentle smile. "You're absolutely glowing, my dear. I've hoped for so long to be able to see you walk these halls." Glancing up and around them, he added softly, "I only ever saw glances of this place as a boy... It's even grander than I remember."

 

[heartofcourage]

"It would be sweeter if the children were here." She said, knowing that her children had to stay behind in France for their safety. "But I can't wait for Mummy to return. Burke is already making plans to bring her, Kiva, and my sisters back. A proper family reunion."

Ashleigh reached up and gripped Edward's hands as he cupped her cheeks, staring into his dark eyes. If there was one thing that she knew about her husband, it was that he had all the plans in the world to reclaim his rightful place in the world. He had started planning before they were even married, and she had never once dissuaded him. Even when they had been down to their last few coins and she was forced to sell some artwork from her father's collection to feed themselves, she still believed in him.

"All of your plans, Sweet One, they're finally here." She smiled up at him, as proud as she had ever been of her husband. "Go and make your introductions and then we'll have supper. Then I'll introduce your properly to Darkwood."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I would never have made it without you," Edward murmured, giving her one last kiss and letting his hands slip from hers. With the help of Kell and Soma, Edward gathered together officers, nobles, and trusted agents to introduce himself and put a face to the name that had been whispered across the armies for weeks, everyone wondering when the Prince would finally arrive. Along the way, Edward also took a moment to visit the infirmary to offer his gratitude to those hurt in the retaking of Darkwood. He made sure to make a special stop at Qira's room in particular, having heard of Shani and Brogan's contributions and Qira's, and knowing that he'd find them all there.

After their first real mission, Brogan and Shani had been given time to recover mentally and physically, and Qira would be out of commission for a couple weeks, then on light duty after that due to the severity of his wounds. Both of the young spies were at Qira's bedside that day as he had regained his senses, and he was walking them through their mistakes and strengths to identify where they needed more instruction and training. A light knock on the door paused Qira in the middle of an explanation, still trying to work and be useful even while bedridden.

"Come in," Qira called. The door swung open partway for Edward to look in. Qira seemed a little surprised, having not expected him to arrive for a few days. "Your Majesty?"

"Master Qira," Edward greeted with a bow of his head. "I was hoping to speak with you and your young agents here regarding Darkwood."

"Come," Qira welcomed him. Edward left his guardians in the hallway, stepping in to halt near the foot of the bed.

"I heard the story from Kell, and I believe thanks are due to you two for dislodging the lord that was holding my wife's childhood home hostage," Edward spoke, looking to Shani and Brogan who sat at Qira's bedside. "I understand this was your first proper operation as fully-fledged agents."

"Shani's the one who really got stuff done," Brogan deferred his praise with a smile toward his dearest partner. "I probably would've frozen up and got caught if not for her."

 

[heartofcourage]

“It was simply my job.” Shani said softly, never one for praise or the spotlight. “I’m sorry for the damage that was caused during the operation.”

“Shani has never been one to simply take praise.” Came a familiar voice as Kate stepped into the room and greeted Edward warmly. “It’s good to see you back on English soil, old man.”

She grinned as she shook his hand and then embraced him tightly, a kinship formed with mutual respect one ruler with another.