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Ishgard was a nation of peace.
Its blooded history would have you believe otherwise, but the Kingdom at the peak of the frigid wastelands of Coerthas now radiated a warmth of serenity. Its transformation from an isolationist monarchy to a symbol of hope from Eorzea was much thanks to the efforts of, of course, the Warrior of Light.
But the one who was able to maintain order, instil democracy, who was able to rebuild, to steer Ishgard towards its new future, was Ser Aymeric de Borel.
He had communed with dragons 10 times his size and not faltered. He had led Ishgard’s temple knights in reclaiming Ala Mhigo. He had sat through more meetings in a single month than any person should ever have to sit through in a lifetime.
Aymeric was respected, adored by the Temple Knights and by the residents of Ishgard, as their commander before and as the acting figurehead of the company now.
Which is why every threat to him was taken seriously.
“Ser,”
The Knight entered the convocation carrying something, giving a salute with his free hand, before Aymeric gestured for him to come forward.
“We’ve found another.”
Aymeric furrowed his brow and sighed quietly, as the Knight opened his palm to reveal a single flower, and a small scrap of parchment.
The flower was a pure white clover, a blossom that of course grew nowhere near Coerthas, but it was also not native to Dravania or Abalathia’s Spine.
The note read, with penmanship closer to a scribble than handwriting:
“Seventh bell hath beautiful dusk”.
“The exact same as last time, I presume?” enquired Aymeric.
“Yes sir.”
There was silence, and then the Knight spoke once more.
“Lord Aymeric, if I may…”
“Please.”
“This is the third of these…messages we have retrieved. They appear in the same place, at the same time, the first sun of every moon.”
The Knight paused, but he appeared to have more to say. Aymeric motioned for him to continue.
“The men are becoming on edge. They believe them to be a ploy on your life, or the work of a group of usurpers communicating with each other in code. By your permission, Ser, a full investigation would be—”
“Thank you, soldier.”
Aymeric smiled gently, for of course, he understood the Temple Knight’s concerns.
“The cabinet have been informed of the situation, and we are monitoring it closely. Please continue to be vigilant, and bring any further items directly to me.”
The response seemed to peace the Knight a little.
“Yes Ser. Thank you Ser.” He nodded, gave another salute, and left the Convocation.
As much as it may have been what the Knight wanted to hear, Aymeric’s response was somewhat of a lie.
For he knew exactly what, why, and who came the messages.
(to be continued)