rosalyn laurence
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midwifex|xhumanx|xhealer
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midwifex|xhumanx|xhealer
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aramis devereux
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captainx|xhumanx|xswashbuckler
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captainx|xhumanx|xswashbuckler
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bayard volström
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king's guardx|xhumanx|xknight
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king's guardx|xhumanx|xknight
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When the doors first opened, out of habit, Rosalyn quickly moved to her feet and prepared to curtsy. But the person who entered was not the King, nor a noble of any kind that she could recall. Something about the man made her uneasy. Perhaps it was the way his gaze lingered on her with a strange curiosity as he tried to piece together her presence. He held it there for much longer than she would have liked as she remained frozen where she stood. She had no idea what to do or how to act.
Rosalyn would have remained standing there for as long as the man stared at her. She didn't dare move or sit until it seemed proper. Being a Lady in waiting, she quickly learned that she did not sit until told to, or until the men in the room sat before her. She didn't know what she did to be here, but she'd do her damn best not to put anything else out of order. So, she waited until the mysterious man took a seat at the table. As he looked away, she gently smoothed her skirts beneath her before lowering herself back into the chair.
There was silence, for a time, before the man's gaze found his way back to her. "Are you a court lady?"
"Yes, sir," Rose responded sheepishly, trying not to appear as anxious as she felt. "I am a Lady in waiting to the Queen, and a court mage."
Aramis and Renrik took their sweet time finding their way to the war room. Somehow, the pair could always find something to talk about. There was rarely a quiet moment in their presence, but it passed the time and made long voyages far more tolerable. Neither one of them was a stranger to the war room and had been called there on several occasions before. So, to him, it seemed nothing out of sorts.
They were laughing about something or other when Aramis opened the door for Ren and followed in after him. "Evening Laou," he said with a nod of his head.
Aramis might not have noticed the woman at all if it wasn't for Rendrik. It too, took him by surprise. He nearly bumped into the back of his friend when his eyes fell upon the fiery headed woman. She was stunning, there was no doubt about that, fair skin with hair so red it could rival the sun. He had never seen her before, Gods know if he did, he might not have been able to get the image of her out of his mind. It wasn't that women on Luna Isle weren't comely, but it was rare for them to hold such striking beauty. To be honest, it was breath taking and left him silent searching for words.
Luckily, Rendrik wasn't naive like Aramis. He spent years of his life beside a beautiful woman, so this was nothing new to him. "Don't worry, lass. I know Aramis' ugly mug is shocking, but he's a really good guy."
Rose nearly got to her feet a second time, but the two men came in with loud laughter that it couldn't be the King. She was surprised one of them actually smiled at her and waved, rather that staring at her like some albatross that didn't belong. She chuckled softly at his comment, while the younger of the two seemed to be staring. Although it wasn't as piercing as the man who already sat at the table.
Good 'ole Ren, can count on him to knock anyone back to reality. Aramis rolled his eyes and shoved his friend playfully. "Forgive my friend here. He's practically senile. He has forgotten how to act in the presence of a Lady." Aramis then did his best to bow. It wasn't something that was foreign to him. He had to do it for the King all the time. But that didn't mean he had mastered it either. "I am Aramis Devereux and the walking corpse is Rendrik Hezenkrald." He then extended his right hand toward the young woman in a polite greeting.
Rosalyn stared at the offered hand for a moment, before placing her own delicate hand in his. Aramis then lifted it to his mouth, placing a gentle kiss upon her knuckles. It was a common greeting among the nobles, but he lingered. Just a fraction of a moment longer. Nothing that anyone else would have noticed, but she did. Rose managed a soft smile as she responded. "I'm Rosalyn Laurence."
There was a loud bang on the opposite side of the room as the doors flung open and the King entered. He walked into the war room with purpose and a pensive look on his face. Bayard and another guard followed, closing the doors behind him. He motioned his hand toward the war table, seeming not to be in the mood for the pomp and circumstance of bows and curtsies. "Sit. We have much to discuss." The King took his seat at the head of the table before looking over at Rose who sat on the far edge of the room. "You too, Rose," he said, motioning his index and middle finger for her to come join them.
The King's arrival was abrupt and made Rose just about jump out of her skin. She quickly withdrew her hand and looked straight ahead. She felt like an outsider. Not only was she a woman, but she was in a room with warriors. Men who were scarred and sweaty, smelling like salt and sea water with swords at their hips. Maybe it was all a mistake... It felt like it. But when the King asked for her to also join the table, she was quickly proven wrong.
Going into all of this, Aramis thought this was nothing more than orders for another voyage. But nothing about this was routine. As the King bade, he made his way to the war table and pulled out a chair in between Ren and Laou. Rather than taking the seat for himself, he offered it to Rose and helped her scoot it in before moving to take the chair on the opposite side of Ren. None of them said anything, they just sat there in an awkward silence waiting for the King's words, whatever they may be.
"Bayard, I'd like you to also take a seat as well," the King said, motioning one of the guards forward and pointed to one of the empty chairs.
Bayard, although always at the King's side, was rarely offered a seat at his table. He didn't argue or refuse the offer, but he hesitated for a moment. "Your Grace," he nodded his head and took up the offered chair. He couldn't help but look around at the current company. Every one of them he had passed or encountered at some point in time, although he didn't know their names. There was no need. He didn't send messages for the King or run errands. His job was to protect and watch the King at all costs. Perhaps he was in danger from the people in the room? He didn't know. But the whole situation left him incapable of relaxing in his seat or removing his hand from the hilt of his sword.
"Edmund, leave us. Guard the door and do not let a soul enter." The second guard nodded his head, before exiting the room and closing the doors behind him.
The King sat in silence looking around the table at each person, one by one before he sighed. "By now, I'm sure you all are wondering why I have brought you here. Recently... there was an attack made on my life." He paused a moment to allow whispers or whatever else they might have to say. "If it wasn't for Laou, they most certainly would have succeeded." He knocked his knuckles on the table before he stood up and started pacing around the room. "There are only two people who would benefit from my death, the elf King of Avalon and the dwarf King of Xalterra."
"An assassination attempt is an act of war. But the people of Ilyos have suffered enough battles. I do not wish to bring war upon their heads. Yet I cannot let this offense go without retribution." With his final word he slammed his fist down on the table. "I'm not left with many choices. So, in turn, I plan to launch my own attack... One they will not see coming."
Aramis brought his fist to his mouth and cleared his throat, while his other hand raised to catch the King's attention. "Your Grace," he interjected. "Do you know which of the Kings it was that arranged the attack?"
The King sighed. "No. The assassin has been mum as to her employer. All we know is that a fence, some middleman from Xalterra, gave her the contract."
"So then, who is this attack against? Avalon or Xalterra?"
"Both." The King didn't hesitate.
Aramis nodded his head in acknowledgement before giving Rendrik a brief sideways glance. He didn't say anything. He wouldn't dare speak ill of the King or his plans in his presence, that was suicide. But it seemed rash to go after both kingdoms rather than seek out the one who tried to kill him. Ilyos couldn't handle a war on two fronts.
"I know what you all must be thinking. But Avalon and Xalterra have had their greedy eyes on Ilyos for centuries. There have been dozens of wars, only for old Kings to die and new Kings to rehash the same fights over and over. I seek to end these wars... for good." The King slowly made one lap around the table before returning to his seat. He leaned forward and pointed to a spot on one of the Xalterran mountains. "The bridge to Avalon rests over this location once a year during the summer solstice. I intend to send a team of dwarves, elves, and humans alike into the wilds of Xalterra... to kill the dwarf and elven Kings."
The room grew silent as the grave. The only sounds were of rustling fabrics and creaking of chairs as people shifted in their seats uncomfortably. Gazes flitted about the room, making contact with others, but no words were shared. Rose had to fight to find her voice, there were words she wished to say but her mouth was silent when she tried to speak. She took a deep breath before trying once again. "I beg your pardon, Your Grace." Her face quickly reddened when all eyes shifted to her. "But why am I here? This meeting seems far too fragile for me to be present."
"I've brought you all here, because each of you is the best at what you do." The King proceeded to address each one of them around the table. "Laou, you are my best assassin. Rendrik, my most skilled ranger. Aramis, my most loyal captain... And Rosalyn, you are the most powerful healer in Ilyos."
Rosalyn sank back into her chair as the gravity of the whole situation came into the light. The King was enlisting her to aid in the assassination of two other Kings. That was no easy task. And beyond that, Rose had never harmed a soul a day in her life, let alone killed someone. She didn't like the sound of it, any of it. Her mind quickly tried to find some excuse, anything that might get her out of it. "Your Grace," she leaned forward abruptly. "I am the Queen's midwife. I'm needed here... For her."
"The Queen is not currently with child. And if by some miracle she were to turn up pregnant tomorrow, then you best make sure you return within nine months time." Rose swallowed hard as she slowly sunk back into her seat, without another word to say.
"Sir," Bayard chimed in. "I do not see how this involves me. I am not your best soldier or bowman, nor do I have vital information about either of the Kingdoms. I'm just a King's guard. My place is here, protecting you."
"That is correct. But I've heard you are the only guard who is capable of getting anywhere near Melarue Syllar without losing a finger."
"Melarue Sy—" When the realization struck Bayard, he couldn't remain calm. He shot up to his feet, knocking his chair over behind him. "You're sending prisoners to do your dirty work!?"
While his King's Guard acted out of line, the King kept his calm. It was as if he expected this sort of reaction and it didn't phase him. "I intend to offer the prisoners currently being held in the dungeons a full pardon for their compliance. They're—"
"They are enemies of the realm! You just said that one of them tried to kill you!"
"And if a group of humans is seen wondering around Xalterra or Avalon alone, people will start asking questions. They know their lands and their people. If they go in there alone, they will die... This is there best chance." He concluded, pointing his index finger at the table.
"And what's in it for us?" Aramis adjusted in his seat, leaning forward to rest his forearms on the table. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but this all looks like certain death wrapped in plausible deniability. If we all get caught, we'll look like a band of thieves or bandits. No one will come for us because that would only prove your involvement."
"That is correct," the King agreed. "I know it is a lot to ask... And that the chances of your survival are slim. But the only other option is war." He laid it out as plainly as he could, cupping his hands together before him. "I won't force any of you to go against your will."
"And if we say no?" Rosalyn leaned forward, looking past all the men toward the King. While no one said it, it felt like the question that was on everyone's mind.
"Then you remain here, in Ilyos, under close observation until the deed is done. Word of this can never leave this room... So certain insurances will be put in place to make sure you comply."
"In... insurances?" Rose's voice quivered as she spoke. Part of her didn't want to know. But her choice held the future of her life so heavily in a balance. There was no room not to know every possibility.
"Yes." The King nodded his head. "I will have no choice but to make sure you remained mum on the subject. For you, that would mean keeping your sister Gwendolynn here in the dungeons until the task was finished. I'm sure you have an active enough imagination to deduce what would happen if you let word slip."
Rose felt the blood slowly drain from her face as the numerous thoughts flooded her mind. She had to remind herself to breathe. Breathe, stupid girl. She took a shaky breath as she moved to her feet, no longer able to remain seated. Her arms crossed over her chest as she paced back and forth. She didn't dare look up or meet the gaze of the others in the room. No doubt she was being an emotional woman. But good women weren't asked to do such things. Never in her life did she think being in the King's court would result in her having to be an accessory to murder.
The King stood up and pulled a large scroll from his jacket. He moved to the center of the table and unrolled it before them. "While I cannot guarantee your safety or survival, I can promise you this. Upon your return you all will have enough wealth that your families, for at least five generations, will want for nothing. You shall become Lords... and a Lady. You will retire to your own private islands and castles far from Luna Isle. And the crown will never have need of your services for the remainder of your lives." He then went to fetch a quill and ink well, placing them beside the scroll. "And if you were to die... all of those promises would pass to your next of kin or a beneficiary of your choosing." The King laid the feather down upon the scroll and returned to his seat. "The choice is yours."
There sat the parchment, the details of their contract laid out before them, all they had to do was sign. While all the others remained frozen, staring at it in contemplation, Aramis got to his feet. He wasted no time moving to the center of the table and picked up the quill. While others had much to debate, for him, the answer was simple. No matter the outcome, this meant his sister's family would have more money than they would ever know what to do with. He knew it meant his nieces and nephews would never go hungry like he did, and they could have a happy, full life. His life was worth that... No matter the outcome. Aramis Devereux he signed.
He grabbed another piece of parchment and scrawled down his sister's name. Aramis then slid it in front of the King. "My sister, Lysandra, and her family get all of it, every coin... Wether or not I survive. And I want her paid before I leave." He stood there unchanging and demanding. If the King could make demands, then he could make one of his own. He was signing over his life, this one thing he could do.
"Done," the King agreed, offering him an outstretched hand. Aramis took the King's hand and gave it a firm shake with a nod, before returning to his seat.
Some weren't as quick to sign their lives away as Aramis, but he had more to think about than himself. As for Bayard, he had the opposite problem. He had no family left and no particular friends of note. If he were to die, he'd be forgotten quickly. No stories would be told of him and no one would visit his grave. But what he did have was loyalty, an unwavering loyalty to the King. For him that was enough. It was his job to do whatever was asked of him by his leader and that he did.
Bayard stood up and walked over to the parchment, signing his name. "I do not have any next of kin. Give my earnings to the orphanage. They need it more than I do." He wasn't trying to make a show out of being charitable. He simply had no desire for such money. Truth was, he had a strong feeling he would never set foot on Ilyos again. At least he could die knowing he did something right in his short life. He didn't likes this, not any of it. It sounded like recipe for disaster to trust a bunch of prisoners. If they turned their back for just a second it would most likely be stabbed. He knew that if there was any chance for this to succeed he'd have to go, if anything to be a voice of reason when none other had one.
The rest made their decisions, leaving Rosalyn standing a few feet behind the seated men. It was down to her. This wasn't an easy decision to make. She didn't like what could happen if she said no. And call her naive, but she had no desire to die either. In the end it came down to her sister, as it always did. Rose sighed before slowly closing the distance to the table. She took up the quill in a shaky hand and signed her name. She had to fight the urge to cry. Gods, she refused to let these men see her as weak.
Following what Aramis did, she grabbed another piece of parchment and scribbled a message. With the paper in hand, Rose walked over to the King and held it out to him. "I'm sure you already know that I wish for my sister to have my share. But this is an additional request."
The King's brows furrowed as he reached out and took the paper. He unfolded it and read the note. 'You will not lay another hand upon the Queen'. The Queen never said it, but Rose knew that the King beat her. And while she might never see her friend again, she had to do something for her, even if she died. Rosalyn held his gaze and did not back down. She could tell he was angered. His nostrils flared and jaw clenched as his hands crumpled the note. He sat there, silent for a long moment or two, before he let out a disgruntled, "So be it." He then reluctantly held out his hand to her.
Rosalyn took his hand as firmly as she could muster, trying to show a strength most men over looked in a woman. "And I promise you, Your Grace, if you go back on your word... The truth shall spread like wildfire." She gave him a tight smile with a curtsy.
"Very well then," the King grumbled, quickly changing subject. He pushed off the table and moving to his feet. With a scoop of the scroll, he rolled it up and tucked it back into his jacket as he made his way to the door. "With no other business to attend to, we shall make our way to the dungeons." Just before Bayard could open the door for the King, he pivoted on his heels to face the group. "And if it wasn't abundantly clear... You shall be leaving promptly. I will not risk allowing you to bid farewell to your families. So I suggest you persevere if you wish to see them again."
Aramis's heart sank. Another broken promise to his niece. He hated that it happened every single time. He could only hope that the King was as good as his word and if they succeeded, he'd never have to answer his call again. He knew Rendrik had no family left to speak of, so that blow wouldn't be as hard on him. And Laou... Aramis had no clue if the man had family or not. But Rosalyn did. The woman looked as saddened as he was, but she said nothing. What could she? She signed the contract and that was that. And even if she changed her mind, he doubted the King would let her see her sister before locking her up in the dungeon. There was no winning.
With nothing to say, lost in his own mind, Aramis trailed behind the group as they made their way to the dungeons.
Rosalyn would have remained standing there for as long as the man stared at her. She didn't dare move or sit until it seemed proper. Being a Lady in waiting, she quickly learned that she did not sit until told to, or until the men in the room sat before her. She didn't know what she did to be here, but she'd do her damn best not to put anything else out of order. So, she waited until the mysterious man took a seat at the table. As he looked away, she gently smoothed her skirts beneath her before lowering herself back into the chair.
There was silence, for a time, before the man's gaze found his way back to her. "Are you a court lady?"
"Yes, sir," Rose responded sheepishly, trying not to appear as anxious as she felt. "I am a Lady in waiting to the Queen, and a court mage."
Aramis and Renrik took their sweet time finding their way to the war room. Somehow, the pair could always find something to talk about. There was rarely a quiet moment in their presence, but it passed the time and made long voyages far more tolerable. Neither one of them was a stranger to the war room and had been called there on several occasions before. So, to him, it seemed nothing out of sorts.
They were laughing about something or other when Aramis opened the door for Ren and followed in after him. "Evening Laou," he said with a nod of his head.
Aramis might not have noticed the woman at all if it wasn't for Rendrik. It too, took him by surprise. He nearly bumped into the back of his friend when his eyes fell upon the fiery headed woman. She was stunning, there was no doubt about that, fair skin with hair so red it could rival the sun. He had never seen her before, Gods know if he did, he might not have been able to get the image of her out of his mind. It wasn't that women on Luna Isle weren't comely, but it was rare for them to hold such striking beauty. To be honest, it was breath taking and left him silent searching for words.
Luckily, Rendrik wasn't naive like Aramis. He spent years of his life beside a beautiful woman, so this was nothing new to him. "Don't worry, lass. I know Aramis' ugly mug is shocking, but he's a really good guy."
Rose nearly got to her feet a second time, but the two men came in with loud laughter that it couldn't be the King. She was surprised one of them actually smiled at her and waved, rather that staring at her like some albatross that didn't belong. She chuckled softly at his comment, while the younger of the two seemed to be staring. Although it wasn't as piercing as the man who already sat at the table.
Good 'ole Ren, can count on him to knock anyone back to reality. Aramis rolled his eyes and shoved his friend playfully. "Forgive my friend here. He's practically senile. He has forgotten how to act in the presence of a Lady." Aramis then did his best to bow. It wasn't something that was foreign to him. He had to do it for the King all the time. But that didn't mean he had mastered it either. "I am Aramis Devereux and the walking corpse is Rendrik Hezenkrald." He then extended his right hand toward the young woman in a polite greeting.
Rosalyn stared at the offered hand for a moment, before placing her own delicate hand in his. Aramis then lifted it to his mouth, placing a gentle kiss upon her knuckles. It was a common greeting among the nobles, but he lingered. Just a fraction of a moment longer. Nothing that anyone else would have noticed, but she did. Rose managed a soft smile as she responded. "I'm Rosalyn Laurence."
There was a loud bang on the opposite side of the room as the doors flung open and the King entered. He walked into the war room with purpose and a pensive look on his face. Bayard and another guard followed, closing the doors behind him. He motioned his hand toward the war table, seeming not to be in the mood for the pomp and circumstance of bows and curtsies. "Sit. We have much to discuss." The King took his seat at the head of the table before looking over at Rose who sat on the far edge of the room. "You too, Rose," he said, motioning his index and middle finger for her to come join them.
The King's arrival was abrupt and made Rose just about jump out of her skin. She quickly withdrew her hand and looked straight ahead. She felt like an outsider. Not only was she a woman, but she was in a room with warriors. Men who were scarred and sweaty, smelling like salt and sea water with swords at their hips. Maybe it was all a mistake... It felt like it. But when the King asked for her to also join the table, she was quickly proven wrong.
Going into all of this, Aramis thought this was nothing more than orders for another voyage. But nothing about this was routine. As the King bade, he made his way to the war table and pulled out a chair in between Ren and Laou. Rather than taking the seat for himself, he offered it to Rose and helped her scoot it in before moving to take the chair on the opposite side of Ren. None of them said anything, they just sat there in an awkward silence waiting for the King's words, whatever they may be.
"Bayard, I'd like you to also take a seat as well," the King said, motioning one of the guards forward and pointed to one of the empty chairs.
Bayard, although always at the King's side, was rarely offered a seat at his table. He didn't argue or refuse the offer, but he hesitated for a moment. "Your Grace," he nodded his head and took up the offered chair. He couldn't help but look around at the current company. Every one of them he had passed or encountered at some point in time, although he didn't know their names. There was no need. He didn't send messages for the King or run errands. His job was to protect and watch the King at all costs. Perhaps he was in danger from the people in the room? He didn't know. But the whole situation left him incapable of relaxing in his seat or removing his hand from the hilt of his sword.
"Edmund, leave us. Guard the door and do not let a soul enter." The second guard nodded his head, before exiting the room and closing the doors behind him.
The King sat in silence looking around the table at each person, one by one before he sighed. "By now, I'm sure you all are wondering why I have brought you here. Recently... there was an attack made on my life." He paused a moment to allow whispers or whatever else they might have to say. "If it wasn't for Laou, they most certainly would have succeeded." He knocked his knuckles on the table before he stood up and started pacing around the room. "There are only two people who would benefit from my death, the elf King of Avalon and the dwarf King of Xalterra."
"An assassination attempt is an act of war. But the people of Ilyos have suffered enough battles. I do not wish to bring war upon their heads. Yet I cannot let this offense go without retribution." With his final word he slammed his fist down on the table. "I'm not left with many choices. So, in turn, I plan to launch my own attack... One they will not see coming."
Aramis brought his fist to his mouth and cleared his throat, while his other hand raised to catch the King's attention. "Your Grace," he interjected. "Do you know which of the Kings it was that arranged the attack?"
The King sighed. "No. The assassin has been mum as to her employer. All we know is that a fence, some middleman from Xalterra, gave her the contract."
"So then, who is this attack against? Avalon or Xalterra?"
"Both." The King didn't hesitate.
Aramis nodded his head in acknowledgement before giving Rendrik a brief sideways glance. He didn't say anything. He wouldn't dare speak ill of the King or his plans in his presence, that was suicide. But it seemed rash to go after both kingdoms rather than seek out the one who tried to kill him. Ilyos couldn't handle a war on two fronts.
"I know what you all must be thinking. But Avalon and Xalterra have had their greedy eyes on Ilyos for centuries. There have been dozens of wars, only for old Kings to die and new Kings to rehash the same fights over and over. I seek to end these wars... for good." The King slowly made one lap around the table before returning to his seat. He leaned forward and pointed to a spot on one of the Xalterran mountains. "The bridge to Avalon rests over this location once a year during the summer solstice. I intend to send a team of dwarves, elves, and humans alike into the wilds of Xalterra... to kill the dwarf and elven Kings."
The room grew silent as the grave. The only sounds were of rustling fabrics and creaking of chairs as people shifted in their seats uncomfortably. Gazes flitted about the room, making contact with others, but no words were shared. Rose had to fight to find her voice, there were words she wished to say but her mouth was silent when she tried to speak. She took a deep breath before trying once again. "I beg your pardon, Your Grace." Her face quickly reddened when all eyes shifted to her. "But why am I here? This meeting seems far too fragile for me to be present."
"I've brought you all here, because each of you is the best at what you do." The King proceeded to address each one of them around the table. "Laou, you are my best assassin. Rendrik, my most skilled ranger. Aramis, my most loyal captain... And Rosalyn, you are the most powerful healer in Ilyos."
Rosalyn sank back into her chair as the gravity of the whole situation came into the light. The King was enlisting her to aid in the assassination of two other Kings. That was no easy task. And beyond that, Rose had never harmed a soul a day in her life, let alone killed someone. She didn't like the sound of it, any of it. Her mind quickly tried to find some excuse, anything that might get her out of it. "Your Grace," she leaned forward abruptly. "I am the Queen's midwife. I'm needed here... For her."
"The Queen is not currently with child. And if by some miracle she were to turn up pregnant tomorrow, then you best make sure you return within nine months time." Rose swallowed hard as she slowly sunk back into her seat, without another word to say.
"Sir," Bayard chimed in. "I do not see how this involves me. I am not your best soldier or bowman, nor do I have vital information about either of the Kingdoms. I'm just a King's guard. My place is here, protecting you."
"That is correct. But I've heard you are the only guard who is capable of getting anywhere near Melarue Syllar without losing a finger."
"Melarue Sy—" When the realization struck Bayard, he couldn't remain calm. He shot up to his feet, knocking his chair over behind him. "You're sending prisoners to do your dirty work!?"
While his King's Guard acted out of line, the King kept his calm. It was as if he expected this sort of reaction and it didn't phase him. "I intend to offer the prisoners currently being held in the dungeons a full pardon for their compliance. They're—"
"They are enemies of the realm! You just said that one of them tried to kill you!"
"And if a group of humans is seen wondering around Xalterra or Avalon alone, people will start asking questions. They know their lands and their people. If they go in there alone, they will die... This is there best chance." He concluded, pointing his index finger at the table.
"And what's in it for us?" Aramis adjusted in his seat, leaning forward to rest his forearms on the table. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but this all looks like certain death wrapped in plausible deniability. If we all get caught, we'll look like a band of thieves or bandits. No one will come for us because that would only prove your involvement."
"That is correct," the King agreed. "I know it is a lot to ask... And that the chances of your survival are slim. But the only other option is war." He laid it out as plainly as he could, cupping his hands together before him. "I won't force any of you to go against your will."
"And if we say no?" Rosalyn leaned forward, looking past all the men toward the King. While no one said it, it felt like the question that was on everyone's mind.
"Then you remain here, in Ilyos, under close observation until the deed is done. Word of this can never leave this room... So certain insurances will be put in place to make sure you comply."
"In... insurances?" Rose's voice quivered as she spoke. Part of her didn't want to know. But her choice held the future of her life so heavily in a balance. There was no room not to know every possibility.
"Yes." The King nodded his head. "I will have no choice but to make sure you remained mum on the subject. For you, that would mean keeping your sister Gwendolynn here in the dungeons until the task was finished. I'm sure you have an active enough imagination to deduce what would happen if you let word slip."
Rose felt the blood slowly drain from her face as the numerous thoughts flooded her mind. She had to remind herself to breathe. Breathe, stupid girl. She took a shaky breath as she moved to her feet, no longer able to remain seated. Her arms crossed over her chest as she paced back and forth. She didn't dare look up or meet the gaze of the others in the room. No doubt she was being an emotional woman. But good women weren't asked to do such things. Never in her life did she think being in the King's court would result in her having to be an accessory to murder.
The King stood up and pulled a large scroll from his jacket. He moved to the center of the table and unrolled it before them. "While I cannot guarantee your safety or survival, I can promise you this. Upon your return you all will have enough wealth that your families, for at least five generations, will want for nothing. You shall become Lords... and a Lady. You will retire to your own private islands and castles far from Luna Isle. And the crown will never have need of your services for the remainder of your lives." He then went to fetch a quill and ink well, placing them beside the scroll. "And if you were to die... all of those promises would pass to your next of kin or a beneficiary of your choosing." The King laid the feather down upon the scroll and returned to his seat. "The choice is yours."
There sat the parchment, the details of their contract laid out before them, all they had to do was sign. While all the others remained frozen, staring at it in contemplation, Aramis got to his feet. He wasted no time moving to the center of the table and picked up the quill. While others had much to debate, for him, the answer was simple. No matter the outcome, this meant his sister's family would have more money than they would ever know what to do with. He knew it meant his nieces and nephews would never go hungry like he did, and they could have a happy, full life. His life was worth that... No matter the outcome. Aramis Devereux he signed.
He grabbed another piece of parchment and scrawled down his sister's name. Aramis then slid it in front of the King. "My sister, Lysandra, and her family get all of it, every coin... Wether or not I survive. And I want her paid before I leave." He stood there unchanging and demanding. If the King could make demands, then he could make one of his own. He was signing over his life, this one thing he could do.
"Done," the King agreed, offering him an outstretched hand. Aramis took the King's hand and gave it a firm shake with a nod, before returning to his seat.
Some weren't as quick to sign their lives away as Aramis, but he had more to think about than himself. As for Bayard, he had the opposite problem. He had no family left and no particular friends of note. If he were to die, he'd be forgotten quickly. No stories would be told of him and no one would visit his grave. But what he did have was loyalty, an unwavering loyalty to the King. For him that was enough. It was his job to do whatever was asked of him by his leader and that he did.
Bayard stood up and walked over to the parchment, signing his name. "I do not have any next of kin. Give my earnings to the orphanage. They need it more than I do." He wasn't trying to make a show out of being charitable. He simply had no desire for such money. Truth was, he had a strong feeling he would never set foot on Ilyos again. At least he could die knowing he did something right in his short life. He didn't likes this, not any of it. It sounded like recipe for disaster to trust a bunch of prisoners. If they turned their back for just a second it would most likely be stabbed. He knew that if there was any chance for this to succeed he'd have to go, if anything to be a voice of reason when none other had one.
The rest made their decisions, leaving Rosalyn standing a few feet behind the seated men. It was down to her. This wasn't an easy decision to make. She didn't like what could happen if she said no. And call her naive, but she had no desire to die either. In the end it came down to her sister, as it always did. Rose sighed before slowly closing the distance to the table. She took up the quill in a shaky hand and signed her name. She had to fight the urge to cry. Gods, she refused to let these men see her as weak.
Following what Aramis did, she grabbed another piece of parchment and scribbled a message. With the paper in hand, Rose walked over to the King and held it out to him. "I'm sure you already know that I wish for my sister to have my share. But this is an additional request."
The King's brows furrowed as he reached out and took the paper. He unfolded it and read the note. 'You will not lay another hand upon the Queen'. The Queen never said it, but Rose knew that the King beat her. And while she might never see her friend again, she had to do something for her, even if she died. Rosalyn held his gaze and did not back down. She could tell he was angered. His nostrils flared and jaw clenched as his hands crumpled the note. He sat there, silent for a long moment or two, before he let out a disgruntled, "So be it." He then reluctantly held out his hand to her.
Rosalyn took his hand as firmly as she could muster, trying to show a strength most men over looked in a woman. "And I promise you, Your Grace, if you go back on your word... The truth shall spread like wildfire." She gave him a tight smile with a curtsy.
"Very well then," the King grumbled, quickly changing subject. He pushed off the table and moving to his feet. With a scoop of the scroll, he rolled it up and tucked it back into his jacket as he made his way to the door. "With no other business to attend to, we shall make our way to the dungeons." Just before Bayard could open the door for the King, he pivoted on his heels to face the group. "And if it wasn't abundantly clear... You shall be leaving promptly. I will not risk allowing you to bid farewell to your families. So I suggest you persevere if you wish to see them again."
Aramis's heart sank. Another broken promise to his niece. He hated that it happened every single time. He could only hope that the King was as good as his word and if they succeeded, he'd never have to answer his call again. He knew Rendrik had no family left to speak of, so that blow wouldn't be as hard on him. And Laou... Aramis had no clue if the man had family or not. But Rosalyn did. The woman looked as saddened as he was, but she said nothing. What could she? She signed the contract and that was that. And even if she changed her mind, he doubted the King would let her see her sister before locking her up in the dungeon. There was no winning.
With nothing to say, lost in his own mind, Aramis trailed behind the group as they made their way to the dungeons.