Chapter Text
Before the dawn, that's the darkest moment. But don't close your eyes. Those who avert their eyes from the dark can't see the light of a new day. So don’t close your eyes, no matter how deep the darkness of the night ahead may be.
-Gintoki Sakata (Hideaki Sorachi’s Gintama)
The clouded night sky and cold air within the path in the gray rocky mountains, bathed in the early snow of the dawn does not help into improving the emotional states of those poor children, men and women, captured by the fraction of The Baron leaded by Anthony the Weasel. Their destination being the slavery market at the outskirts of a place that no one dares to set foot in.
The slaves caravan pulled by two horses, guided by the Weasel’s men and himself, were about to reach the checkpoint for those lowlifes who would dare to sell people; in this business there was no need for decent people slipping in and try to be heroes, the checkpoint was used for that very purpose and let The Baron men control the market. Those who dared to enter this illegal market were the ones to make deals, buy the merchandise and make it look like nothing happened in that hidden lake within the mountains of a forsaken kingdom; or those fool enough who think can be braver than their luck.
Sobs of the prisoners could be heard in the depths of the rocky roads of the mountains; the ruffians would often kick the metal bars containing the women and children, urging them to shut up. The checkpoint was in sight, a steel gate with no gaps was covering the path entirely. The Weasel hurried his horse to talk at the guards of the so called ‘Silver path’.
“Brought new merchandise from the Baron. Few men, women and brats from Koto and Bayangor, I’m sure our special guest will be delighted with these.” Said the Weasel to one of the masked guards.
“How many men you got there?” The guard asked.
“Shouldn’t you be asking for the prisoners instead?”
“Our explorers reported unusual activity around here, we have to make sure the quantity of people corresponds to your party.” The guard replied with a grasp voice.
The Weasel rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Counting me, eight people. Now let us pass before I cut that tongue of yours.”
But the gate did not open, instead the two guards exchanged looks and with a whistle, four persons dressed in long black cloaks with fur on top of the shoulders rappelled down the mountains that kept the path hidden; surrounding the Weasel while other ten surrounded the caravan and the remaining seven men.
The Weasel did not have time to react when a tall white haired woman with half of her face covered in red paint, kicked him down from his horse as the two men who acted as guards got him and quickly immobilized him against the road but of course, he would not put it easy as he grabbed one of them from the ankle while kicking the other off and managed to knock one of them, ready to reach his knife at his belt just to discover that it was gone. That single second was enough for the remaining guard to punch him in the stomach and with a quick slice of his own sword, cut right below the Weasel’s knee, forcing him to kneel and receive a kick in his face from the guard knocking him for good.
Meanwhile, the other ten mysterious figures were busy fighting the rest of the ruffians as the tall woman joined the fight, forcing every single one down to their knees. The sound of the swords clashing against each other and the battle cries of the ruffians were listened beyond the path but the reinforcements they were expecting for this kind of situations did not come.
One of the figures, who was slightly smaller than the rest, reached the horses holding the caravan and with a quick slice, cut the rope holding them and freeing the majestic animals into the wild. Another man stood beside his partner with what seemed a very long needle, with it he started to try and pick the lock of the caravan holding the prisoners.
“Do not worry people, we are not here to hurt you any more.” Said the man who picked the lock while his partner joined the tall woman to check that indeed, all the ruffians were taken care off and are now being handcuffed. The fight was over.
“This is the third one in less than two weeks, the Baron thinks he can do whatever he wants within our kingdom.”
“At least, we now know where every caravan is headed.” Replied the tall woman. “We’ll be able to stop the slavery market in five days at least.”
The small figure removed the hood of the cloak with her gloved hands, revealing a pale-skinned young woman of hazel eyes with black-grayish layered hair tied in a small ponytail.
“Take every single one of them to the dungeons. As for the Weasel, he will need some encouragement to sent a message to the Baron.” The young woman ordered to the tall white haired woman as she went back to check on the prisoners they just rescued when the scream of her partner was audible in the whole place.
“No no no no! My comb, it’s gone!” He said while checking every single pocket he had available on him, revealing his face in the process. A young man of short brown hair with a very characteristic goatee and brown eyes.
“What the heck Eugene, what’s all this stupid drama?” She asked while looking at him skeptical, not minding how loud he was.
“Oh Cass! Thank goddess. Please tell me you’ve seen my comb around here!” Eugene said with the desperation in his eyes being the most notorious thing in his whole face, his cloak being a little bit of a mess.
“Your... comb...” She crossed her arms. “Did you freaking brought a comb to this mission? A COMB?!”
“Well of course! It’s my lucky comb. You know, the one bathed in gold with the ‘Flynn Rider’ inscription. Dad even gave us matching ones, remember?!”
“Ah, yeah.” Said Cassandra with a very disinterested tone. “Why do you even need it in a place like this?”
“To keep this hair perfectly of course! The hood of the damn cloak ruins my hair, gotta keep it in shape to look this awesome.” He said, trying to comb his ‘not really’ messy hair with his hand.
“You’ll never change, don’t you? It’s time you shave that ugly goatee or you prefer for me to do it for you?” Said Cassandra in a mocking tone just as she noticed a couple of tiny silhouettes behind Eugene, who were holding a shiny object in their tiny hands.
“Isn’t that the one?” She said, pointing at the children with a movement of her head as Eugene desperately turned around to see a red haired girl who was barely hiding behind a short black haired girl with red fangs-like painted in her face..
“Aaaah! Why do you have it kid?!” He screamed while aggressively approaching the girls. He recognized them as some of the prisoners he just helped to get out.
“I don’t know, it was around.” The black haired girl replied, making fun of the man but not letting go the comb.
“What do you mean it was around?! It was in my pocket!” Eugene protested.
“Chill Eugene, they are just kids. You don’t have to be that harsh, I’m sure there is an explication.” Said Cassandra, approaching them with her arms crossed.
“Are your parents around?” She asked, assuming that they were captured with them as well. It happened something alike the last time they stopped a slaves caravan.
“Sorry lady, that’s an unknown word for us.”
Orphans then, with just how rash she was at replying, Cassandra knew they’ve been through a lot in order to survive, and now the Baron’s men captured them as slaves. For sure these kids might be cursing life itself, bet a little bit of gold could save them thus took Eugene’s comb.
“What’s going on here, your highness?” The tall woman wondered what was taking them so long.
“Adira!” Said an exalted Eugene. “Could you tell Cass how to scold children? They straight up stole from my persona and she thinks that sweet-talking will solve the problem.”
“These girls stole from you, and you didn’t noticed it?” Said Adira while putting herself in eye-level with the girls.
“YES! Can you believe it?”
“That’s actually very impressive. Good job girls.” Adira smiled at the girls. “They have potential.”
“Wait, are you... Praising them?!” Eugene was very offended. Cassandra let out a small laugh, mocking her brother.
“They are children, your highness. They are still in time to walk in the righteous path with the correct teachings.”
“And, will you take care of them?” Asked Cassandra, not believing in Adira’s motherly skills.
“Who, me? Of course not your highness!” Said Adira while standing up and cleaning the dust that got caught in the fur of her shirt. “I am just suggesting to give them a chance of a better life within our ranks.”
“No thank you. No one ever wants us around so if you excuse us...” Said the black haired girl while holding the hand of the other one and walking away.
“Hey hey! Where do you think you are going kid?!” Eugene stopped them. “Give my comb back!”
“It’s not ‘kid’, old man”
“Old ma...! How dare you! Now, tell me your names so I can properly scold you.”
“Eugene, let them be.” Cassandra protested.
“Why?! I want my comb back!”
Cassandra put her hand in Eugene’s shoulder to later address the girls. “Hey, I can imagine you’ve had it hard until now, but having that useless piece of metal won’t help you. Look, we can give you a temporarily shelter and food. You just need to give back that and you’ll be forgiven.”
Eugene was speechless. His sister was never this gentle to those who do wrong, she even hates kids but after a moment, he realized why she was doing it and it hit him hard. “How inconsiderate from me.. I’m an idiot..” was what crossed his mind at the moment.
The red haired girl pulled gently the other from the arm, in sign that maybe it wasn’t a bad idea to listen.
“How can we trust you? You dress like bad guys if you ask me.” Said the girl after looking at her little sister.
“Bad guys? I prefer the term of ‘Dark side Moon warriors of justice’, it’s better.” Said Adira, taking pride in her words while showing her right back palm which had an strange symbol; a circle pierced by three little spears. “Do you know where you are?”
“No, but we’ve heard that people around here are bad, that we shouldn’t be here or we could get our souls sucked out of our buddies.” For a little girl, she used pretty strong words without trembling.
“I assure you, those rumors are very VERY fake young girl.” Said Adira. “We don’t do anything like that and you will see it for yourself when we arrive at the refugee camp.”
“Nayuta, Leon.” Cassandra called for two of their men, who quickly attended the call. “Take these girls with the rest of the people. Check for your pockets when you do.”
“Yes your highness!”
“And you two.” Said Cassandra, addressing the girls. “Give back that comb, I can’t stand the idiot of my brother crying for that any longer.”
“Actually...” Eugene interrupted. “You can keep it. I have more combs back at home. Don’t sell it, okay?”
Cassandra and Adira exchanged looks, not believing the sudden change in his behavior, instead the expression of the girl soften at the gesture.
“Are you sure beard-guy? I don’t want take backs.”
“Yeah, just take it. Sorry I was pushy with you. Just promise me you will take good care of it. It brings good luck.” He said while winking at them.
“Fine. Don’t come crying for it.”
“I won’t, just go with these guys and don’t steal anything from now on.” He said while crossing his arms and arching an eyebrow.
With that settled, five of the men escorted the captured people to the refugee camp while Cassandra, Eugene, Adira and the rest of the men took the slavers and the Weasel to the place criminals like them are to be held but in the meantime, the single path ahead was the only way out.
××××××
The Sun was rising, the cold breeze kept it’s presence not knowing that the morning was coming. The soldiers successfully took the rescued people to the camp, providing them with warm food and blankets. There were more refugees, rescued the same way as the people from today.
Cassandra told Adira to stay with the refugees to explain their current situation while she and Eugene took their prisoners to the castle dungeons.
“I know you did not choose to step a foot in our territory.” Started Adira while standing above a boulder. “Unfortunately, we can’t escort you home. As you are aware, we are not a kingdom that is welcomed in the whole world, but we can offer you supplies for your travel or a place in here, within the black rock walls of our kingdom. In the meantime, you are free to stay in this camp until we are able to stop the slaves market. After that, I hope you have come to a decision. Fear not, we are not ‘monsters’ as how the world sees us, you will be safe here.”
Adira’s voice became less audible the farthest Eugene and Cassandra rode, the horseshoes against the rocky road being louder than everything else, of course the occasional whimper of their prisoners was another noise to be heard in this travel.
“Why you end up giving up your comb? I thought it was precious for you, being a gift from dad and all.” Asked Cassandra, looking at Eugene while the movement of the horses make them slightly bounce in their saddles.
“I don’t know.” He lied. “I just thought that maybe they wanted something nice after all the trauma and stuff.”
She knew he was lying, but decided to not push any further.
“Then, how about you stop coming with us in this ‘secret missions’? Don’t you have other issues to attend?”
“Yeah? But it’s far more entertaining to sneak out and punch bad guys in the face than burying my handsome face in books and maps.”
Cassandra sighed. “You know, you have to start taking your studies seriously.”
“And you take your job way too seriously, Cass. You gotta relax from time to time.”
“We don’t have time for that. Eugene, you are gonna be the Dark King one day, sooner than later. You better become someone worth of that title.”
“Way to ruin the mood. We finally know the location of the market! Don’t think I’m leaving you alone on this.”
“You should. It’s my job to see this through. If I can succeed, I’ll finally make Hector to step down as captain and prove dad that I’m capable to support you when you become king.”
“See? That’s exactly why I gotta go with you Cass! Our teamwork is the future of this forsaken kingdom and the slaves market is putting our pride on the line.”
Cassandra hated it when Eugene was right. They both are the future of the kingdom and until now, the black market in general is the kind of market that can keep the economy of the kingdom afloat but even they have honor; slaves was a big no in the list of things that can be sold and bought in the kingdom. Ending the slaves market is a turning point in their future and maybe, capturing the most wanted criminals in the Seven Kingdoms can bring them a little bit of respect.
“Okay, fine. Suit yourself.” Said Cassandra annoyed.
“Ahaha, yes! I knew you couldn’t resist to show off how an awesome duo of hot people we are in combat.”
“But don’t come crying when you get scars in that dumb face of yours and you better inform dad this time.”
“I know, I know. You are all ‘correct procedures’ and ‘zero rebelliousness’. I promise. Also, we better bring Lance to this party.”
“Oh right, isn’t he getting promoted to be part of the Brotherhood?”
“He did work hard to impress Adira, it would be funny if he falls flat in his face.” Said Eugene while laughing.
“Guess it wouldn’t be bad to give him a hand then.” Said Cassandra, joining her brother in the mockery for their friend. “It will be just in time for the full moon. Guess we can do that for him.”
In a blink of an eye, they were at the door steep of the castle, where two guards were expecting them and opened the giant iron gates. The men who kept the prisoners at bay, took them straight to the dungeons while Eugene and Cassandra dismounted their horses and guided them to the stables.
“I’ll go inform dad about today’s mission. After I’m done, you better go and apologize yourself.” Said Cassandra while removing the saddle from Fidella, her horse.
“How about, you avoid the part in which I was there?” Replied Eugene, peaking at Cassandra from the other side of Fidella.
“Don’t you think Quirin might have noticed by now that you were gone?”
“Ugh... well...” Eugene was fidgeting a little bit too much as he covered his face with one hand. “Then, tell dad that I was very indispensable in the mission and that you needed me there! That should do it, right?”
“Don’t put your problems onto me, you know how is dad when it comes to ‘dangerous’ situations. Adira will eventually talk anyway, he better hear it from you.”
Eugene hated it when Cassandra was right, but having her by his side was reassuring in her very own way. He knew she would stop him when needed and punch him back into his senses every now and then, but it was also an overwhelming pressure to have his little sister to put him in place.
“Will you... be there with me?”
“Sure, as long and you don’t start opening you mouth to speak more than it was. Limit yourself to say what you did, nothing more. Alright?”
“Yeah, okay but, can we avoid the ‘comb’ incident?”
“Why? You don’t want dad to know you were crying like a baby over it?” Said Cassandra with a mischievous smile.
“NO! Wait... no! Is just that, you remember how happy he was when he gave those to us?”
“I remember that you were screaming over it being just like how it was described in the book.”
“Oh c’mon Cass, you know you love Flynn Rider as well. I remember a little girl who kept staring at the comb for a good amount of time to later use it as you hid behind dad’s chair.”
Cassandra was embarrassed and angry. Eugene was right, she loved it when dad would often read for them the “Adventures of Flynnigan Rider” when they were younger. The both of them would dream with having adventures alike, imagining how the world would be if they weren’t prisoners of their own kingdom and the stereotypes the other kingdoms put on them. When their dad got them matching Flynn Rider combs, they were very happy but unlike Eugene, Cassandra kept it safe within her room, as a sweet memory.
“Alright, fine! We’ll avoid that one.”
“I knew you’d agree Cass.” Eugene said, elbowing her in a playful manner. “You got plans after the report?”
“Going to play a bit with a Weasel, maybe break a couple of fingers. You know, usual stuff.”
“Working as always, I see. But okay, I guess I can give this ‘studying’ a little bit of my time today.”
“Apologize to Quirin while you are at it.”
“Okay, yeah, I get it. But you better include me in the next mission.” Eugene said while putting a hand on Cassandra’s shoulder.
“I’ll do what I can, if dad allows it.”
“Yes! Can’t wait to stop these guys for good.”
The both abandoned the stables, Eugene walking towards his room where hopefully, Quirin will be there waiting while Cassandra decided to change her stealth clothes for a formal attire before meeting her father.
The siblings way to their rooms was in the same hall of the tallest tower, so they walked together into the castle, omnipotent pillars holding the big halls that were accompanied with shiny sinister armors, the marble floor where an occasional cluster of pointy black rocks would stand by, was loud against the footsteps of the siblings as the sunlight was making it’s way through the stained glass of the windows, a glass that was decorated with illustrations telling the story of their kingdom, an story they’ve heard more than they wanted; the story of the cursed kingdom of the moon decorated the dark walls.
Guards stood at each door of the castle to open it for them, every single time the guards would salute the royal siblings. In some turns, they would run into the maidens of the castle who would curtsy at the presence of the prince and the princess.
Eugene and Cassandra were talking the whole way, not about something in specific, also replying to the gestures of their servants, maybe even the topic of the plan for their mission was something to be discussed. When they reached the staircase to the tower, the sun was making it’s way to warm the cold brick of the walls. Two guards made a reverence when they reached the door that would lead to the hall of their rooms.
Eugene walked into his room, at the right side of the hall while Cassandra walked a little bit further towards the door of the left, where her room was waiting for her, not minding the paintings that were hanging in the hall, those have been there here whole life so there is no need to keep seeing them.
Eugene found himself alone in his room, realizing that his strategy, cartography and economics lesson of today might have been ignored for the day, by himself of course. He figured that his teacher, the royal adviser Quirin would have given up today so, might as well take off that filthy cloak covered in dirt and a few drops of blood, proof that he injured a couple of slavers back then.
He unfasten his belt which was holding his sword and carefully placed it where it belongs, right in his weapons closet, a closet that was made of wood and reinforced with steel. He might not have enough weapons as his sister but he was pretty proud of them.
Eugene changed into more comfortable clothes that end up being his royal attire; a light shirt beneath a black epaulette jacket, a blue sash with the symbol of their kingdom decorated his left side, a couple of dark pants that outlined his strong but slim legs and long black boots. Of course, washed his face and fixed his hair. For today, he might wear his prince crown as an accent to his outfit, made of a black metal with purple and blue jewels encrusted. Time to look for Quirin then.
While Eugene was changing clothes, Cassandra did the same. When she entered her room, a feathery companion greeted her with a ‘hoot’, she pet Owl’s head in response. In fact, he was with them this morning, but after filling his duty of keeping an eye to the upcoming caravan, Cassandra let him go back to the castle and thus, he was already there before everyone else.
She took off the cloak and tossed it near her bed, it was quite dirty filled with blood and dirt from her opponents. The belt holding her sword and knives was also taken off and put in the closet containing all her weapons. She loved how she had more weapons than Eugene and she did knew how to use every single one of them.
Cassandra quickly took off the rest of her battle attire, fixed the wrapped bandages from her chest back in place, washed her face and put on her formal clothes, one that exactly matched Eugene’s, being the little dark cape at her back and neck of the jacket the only difference, being a bit more open and straight.
Ready to leave, her right hand reached for the door, revealing the same symbol of their kingdom craved in the back of her palm, the symbol Adira wore as well; a symbol Eugene also had but in his left hand. She stared at it for a moment, feeling proud of the progress she has made and how she can carry the name of the elite force of her kingdom, Mondkrone with pride, she was part of ‘The Brotherhood’ and all her hard work so far finally make her feel like she was worthy of the title.
××××××
Cassandra hurried to the throne room, where her father and Hector waited for the mission report. At the door, one of the guards opened it for her. With a respectful bow, she made her way in and walked towards the throne were her father, the Dark King Edmund Fitzherbert sat. With a slight glace, she could see Hector’s inexpressive face but she always knew how much he despised her, or at least that’s how she saw his brutality towards a 13 years old girl as she failed her training.
To her surprise, Quirin was also there but decided to not comment about it.
“Dad, we’ve successfully taken control once again of the Silver path. I put men disguised as slavers to guard the checkpoint and stopped a new caravan from reaching the market. We have the exact location of the market, within 5 days at least, we will be able to stop the slave market for good.” The tone of her voice was firm, with no flaws but her lighten up face showed how much she was proud of the progress made.
“We even captured Anthony the Weasel, the Baron’s right hand and he’s being held in our dungeons as we speak along with his men.”
King Edmund stood up and laughed joyfully. “These are wonderful news Cassandra! I couldn’t be more proud of you.” He said as he put his only left arm around the young woman, pulling her into a hug.
“Sure...hey dad, can’t... breathe...” She said, not being able to move at all.
“Oppsss, sorry.” Edmund said as he abruptly let go which caused for his cape to expose the absence of his right arm. His daughter wasn’t one for affection but she always welcomed the arm of her dear father.
Clearing his throat, Edmund spoke once again. “So, are you alright? Nothing happened?”
“As you can see dad, I’m fine. You worry way too much, seriously.”
“Well then...” He turned to meet Hector’s gaze. “As you can see, my daughter is pretty capable to do so much, We don’t have complains, right?”
Finally, her a ‘little bit overprotective’ dad was giving her the ‘okay’ to put herself in the front of their force. She was enjoying every single second of this, Hector won’t be able to tell her off ever again.
“With all due respect, your majesty, she still answers for the whims of the prince, allowing him to join her in top priority missions like today. She forgets that the heir to the throne should not be put in such a danger, she should be able to keep their relationship at bay.”
“Hector, I don’t think you...” Said Quirin, but the tall beard slim man did not listen.
“You are forgetting that she’s still young, she does not know better than any of us. Besides, wasn’t Adira sent with her for that very reason?”
There is it, Cassandra knew exactly that her age wasn’t an issue here but Hector couldn’t just address the real issue. It made her blood boil and Edmund noticed, he felt how a knife pierced his heart, putting more weight in the guilt he felt when it comes to Cassandra.
“That’s enough, Hector!” The king raised his voice angrily, echoing in the whole room.
“You are just afraid that someone like me is better than you.” Cassandra finally spoke at Hector, her eyes not showing weakness and she was so ready to fight the man but with her father there, there was nothing to do.
“You too Cassandra, stop.” Edmund said, calmly this time but the melancholy in his voice was evident.
“Your majesty.” Said Hector while bowing, ready to exit the room as Edmund sat down in his throne once again.
“Don’t think you can comfortably take away my position, half princess.” Hector whispered to Cassandra as he passed by her. She could just clench her fists harder, she was used to this so, it shouldn’t have effect on her anymore and yet, every single time the desire to cut Hector’s throat was always there but, murdering a member of the Brotherhood was considered as treason so unfortunately for Cassandra, the law of her own kingdom protected the man she despised the most.
“Cassandra, I understand your frustration but I assure you that Hector is a good man and can aid you whenever you are in trouble, otherwise the Opal would have never accepted his blood.” Said Edmund at his daughter while grabbing his chin.
“That’s because you’ve never seen the other side of his personality, dad.” Replied the princess annoyed at the fact that her own father sided with Hector.
“But I’m afraid he’s right at some extent, daughter. Eugene will be king one day, you can’t let him do as he pleases anymore, he needs to have his head on the studies of the kingdom rather than in the battle field.”
“After all this time, you have yet to realize how a good team we are?!” Snapped Cassandra which wasn’t on purpose and that threw her off and immediately made a reverence. “I’m sorry, I didn’t meant to...”
“With all due respect your Majesty...” Quirin interrupted. “I think that the battle field experience the prince gets beside the princess is also a good factor. As an equal member of the Brotherhood, fighting skills are our proud so I don’t believe is all bad when it comes to the amazing job the both of them are capable of doing but of course, that does not excuse to ignore the ‘theoretical’ part of being the heir. I suggest adjusting prince Eugene’s schedule to balance the guard duty and the studies. Might this be of your liking, king Edmund?”
Cassandra was glad Quirin was there. She promised Eugene to convince their dad for the next mission but her alone in her current altered state thanks to Hector, might have been difficult if it weren’t for the most calm and rational member of the Brotherhood who wasn’t part of the royal family.
Edmund put his knuckles on his check, giving a thought to what Quirin argued while the other two awaited for his decision, Cassandra silently thanking Quirin who as a reply, did a small reverence at her.
“Very well, is not like Eugene will listen anyway.” Edmund finally spoke. “Cassandra, you are allowed to take Eugene from time to time but I want him more time with eyes on the books so, as long as Quirin can arrange his schedule, I don’t see a problem although...”
“I know, I know. I can’t let him go alone and do stupid things like he always do, got it dad.”
“If we all agree, now everything depends on Eugene who, I wonder where is right now...”
××××××
“My husband? He is in the throne room of course. When you failed to be at your room, he went to report your absence to your father so, most likely they are all still there and by all, I mean that Hector is there as well.” Replied the head of the household servants and Quirin’s wife, Ulla.
“HE’S WHERE?!” Said Eugene while grabbing his ‘perfectly combed’ hair with both of his hands, almost letting his prince crown fall.
“Well, what did you expect? Poor Quirin waited for an hour. It was my son who watched you rappelling down the tower into the stables and thanks that he told me I could go to pick him up.” Ulla said almost laughing at the distress of the prince and remembering the face of her husband.
Eugene went to search for Quirin as he promised he’ll do but when he failed, decided to ask Ulla for help who at the time was in the kitchen. The sounds of the cutlery and utensils where quite loud but not enough because the moment Eugene screamed, the whole staff directed their attention to them.
“So dad knows...” Said the young prince with a worried frown. “You think I should wait for their reunion to end? I mean, I’m sure Cass is there already as well but...”
“How many times this week already?”
“...three times...”
“Exactly, three times this week you’ve been ditching your studies with my husband. The first day you went with Strongbow to make pranks at the Dagomo street to people who went to miss Mai’s laundry. The second day you spent the day with my son doing experiments and got your sister’s hair dyed in orange with blue dots when everything went wrong and now, what did you do today and in the very early morning?”
“Okay, if you say everything like that, actually sounds bad... but this time was different, you of all people should be glad!” Said Eugene with an excited tone at the last statement.
“What did you do today?” Ulla asked again with her crossed arms.
“I went with Cass and Adira to stop the Weasel at the Silver path’s checkpoint. Ulla, we finally know where the slaves market is! Today’s mission was crucial and I just wanted to be part of it you know. Support Cass in her most important moments so in my defense, today is very justified to not have my face stuffed with books and scrolls.”
Ulla softened a bit at the news and took a moment to process. It is very well known the slavery market in the whole kingdom and how badly everyone wants for it to stop, overall Ulla herself and knowing that the royal guard is about to abolish it, indeed are good news.
“Ulla, are you okay?” Eugene asked when a single tear was visible in her eyes.
“Congratulations your highness. You’ve really accomplished so much in these last few years and I’m so proud of you and your sister.” The motherly woman said while offering a hug to the prince who was taller than her. “I will forgive you for today but promise me that you will do your best on your studies once you are done with the Baron and his dirty business.”
“I will, don’t worry. I also kinda promised that to Cass so...” He replied while reciprocating the warm hug.
“Well then young man, you better go and report yourself with your father with the good news like, right now!” She said while giving a loving little punch on his right shoulder.
“Thanks Ulla!” Eugene replied while exiting the kitchen.
“Hey Ulla, is everything okay with the prince?” One of the maids approached her resting her hand on Ulla’s shoulder.
“Yeah, just the usual stuff and some good news I guess.” She replied, quietly wiping the tears in her eyes. “And I might finally get my revenge.”
This was going to be a long day for everyone in the castle and it was just beginning, soon the news Ulla just received were in mouth of the staff who quickly spread it in the kingdom. Guards, maids and servants all rejoiced at the good news and the expectations towards who the leader of the mission will be were quite high which also brought a little bit of badmouthing towards the one they never trusted.
××××××
At the end, Eugene did got scolded by her father but thanks to Quirin and Cassandra, he agreed to stick to the schedule Quirin will arrange for him once they are done with the market. The only issue left was about who will lead the final assault and the smaller teams but that talk was to be discussed tomorrow once Adira is back from the refugee camp because, this kind of issues must be talk with the whole Brotherhood members, all six of them and in front of the Dark Kingdom ancestors, that is the tradition.
Cassandra and Eugene were released from the throne room once the reunion was off, not without Quirin warning Eugene that he will be waiting for him in his room in 20 minutes. Before the siblings walked any further, they were assaulted by their common friend and soldier, Lance Strongbow who hugged the both of them with his big and muscular arms.
“I HEARD WHAT YOU DID GUYS!” Lance screamed, leaving the Fitzherberts deaf.
“Ugh, Lance!” Cassandra snapped, almost losing her balance.
“Chill Lance, we are not dead yet!” Eugene was able to break Lance’s grip on him.
“Sorry but, it’s such a big deal for the folks like me you know? The slavery market in Mondkrone will disappear for good and we might get to hang a few little bunch of bad guys.”
“Hate to break your bubble Lance but, no matter how much we end slavery in Mondkrone, we can’t do the same for the rest of the world so the most we can aspire to is respect instead of fear from the other kingdoms.” Cassandra said in a reserved tone.
“Don’t be like that Cass! You accomplished this, you should be proud!” Lance replied, not being able to tone down his excitement.
“And who says I’m not? Is just that I’m being realistic. Our laws ends with the kingdom’s border and we can’t do anything but that is not stopping me from protecting our people inside.”
“Which bring me to ask this.” Eugene interrupted. “How would the future member of the Brotherhood like to join us in the final assault in a few days?”
Lance screamed in excitement at the question, not even doubting for a moment” Yes, YES YES!! I WILL JOIN, WHERE DO I SIGN FOR THE WAR?!”
“The big boy can’t wait, huh?” Cassandra said mocking Lance’s outburst of joy. “I will make sure to include you in my regiment, just be sure to not mess it up or Adira will never accept you as one of us.”
When Cassandra said ‘regiment’, Lance was thrown off. “What do you mean by ‘your regiment’? I just came across Hector a few minutes ago and he said he will lead the attack alone.”
Cassandra’s blood boiled again. “Oh, he did? How convenient, isn’t it?” She said while walking away. “I will catch up with you guys later.”
The loud stomps of the angry princess were the only sound that could be heard, Lance feeling a chill in his back and Eugene was actually scared.
“Di... did I said something b-bad?” Lance asked while his shoulders were shivering.
“I suppose it has to do with Hector plus, dad just told us that we have yet to decide the leader of the assault so in some way, Hector is committing treason. Do you know if he told anyone else?”
“I don’t know Eugene, maybe he did?”
“I should have known that he would never accept Cass as a leader.” Eugene said while crossing his arms.
“You know, we’ve been friends for a while but, I feel like I have yet to know your sister a bit more. Why she is in such bad terms with Hector?”
“It’s... complicated...” The prince replied, not really knowing if this is a story to be told by him. “But you are our best friend so, I suppose you have the right to know but...” He moved his head, checking if they were the only ones in the hall which was impossible, the guards at the gates were there and the maids would casually pass by. “Not here.”
“Why not?”
“Is not something she wants to admit plus is more about my perception and I don’t have much time on me right now, Quirin is waiting for me so, how about we have lunch later?”
“Oh come on. Now I’m more interested!”
“Sorry buddy but you know, prince duties calls.” Eugene replied while shrugging and walking towards the hall that will lead to the tower where his room is.
××××××
Meanwhile, deep in the forest. Nearby the very frontier of the dark kingdom of Mondkrone, right at the side of the road, a rock wall covered by vines, flowers and leafs was opened by a woman using a long black cloak, covering her head with a hood and carrying an empty basket in her right arm appears between the wall. This woman walked towards the Kingdom while in the distance, from the tunnel she just walked out from, a sweet voice could be heard. The voice of a young woman singing about the wonders the world has to offer and wondering, when will her life begin? But no one can hear her voice aside the birds passing by, a tiny chameleon and she herself. Once again, she’s all alone in her tower.
The woman with the basket keeps walking, carefully avoiding the main road that leads to the market of Mondkrone and instead, she surrounds the deep forest to get in beside the river’s bridge. Once she’s in the bridge, she makes her way into the market.
“Ah! If it isn’t he most beautiful woman of this forsaken kingdom!” Said the owner of the bakery.
“You flatter me sweetie.” Said Mother Gothel in quite a seductive tone.
“Is just that, with your presence only, you make us all have a good day, and overall today!”
“Did something good happened?” Gothel asked, while analyzing her surroundings as she was choosing a couple of buns. “Seems like everyone is in a good mood.”
“Haven’t you heard? The Brotherhood finally located the slavery market! Rumors says that they will destroy it in a couple of days. Isn’t that great?”
“Is that so...” She wasn’t amused by the ‘good news’. News are news whenever you are and for her, those weren’t good but neither bad, just news.
“Don’t be so cold miss! Most of the folks around here are people saved by the Brotherhood from being sold as slaves, myself included so knowing that the Baron will finally pay is something to be delighted!”
Gothel payed the bakery man for the bread while replying. “Then, I’m glad for you. Have to go, enjoy your party.” And she walked away, now looking for some fruits and vegetables but not without noticing that people around are indeed, talking about this very issue of the slavery market.
“Did you heard? The slavery market is coming to an end!”
“Really? My wife was killed by those bastards, I hope they burn in hell!”
“I was caught by them when I was 12. If it weren’t for the Brotherhood, I wouldn’t have a good life.”
“Maybe if the Brotherhood catches the Baron, the other kingdoms will show some respect!”
“Can’t wait to get out of here! The Baron’s men kidnapped me while I was traveling. I just want to see my wife and daughter again.”
“Which member of the Brotherhood found the market?”
“I heard it was master Adira.”
“I heard it was Hector.”
“No way man! Hector was seen this morning at the castle.”
“I thought it was prince Eugene!”
“You fools, it was indeed master Adira! I saw her in the refugee camp when I went to deliver supplies.”
“I heard that the other royal member was the one who lead the troops...”
“Who? King Edmund?”
“No! you know... the one that no one wants to talk about...”
“Then why you bring it up? Hahaha!”
“Ah! The half princess?”
“Sssshhh!!”
“Yes, the half princess Cassandra! I saw her with the prince this morning!”
“But that doesn’t mean that she lead the attack I mean, how could a half princess do something like that?”
Gothel finished buying all she needed, quite tired from all the stupid talk about the ‘news’ but the talk about the half princess did caught her ears.
“Excuse me, what did you say about the half princess?” Gothel asked the nearby man who talked about Cassandra.
“Ah, is just that I know someone from the castle and she said that the princess was the one to lead the attack this morning but I personally think that is just a bad taste joke. Bet that they are just letting her play being soldier after all, how an uncultured peasant could lead troops let alone be a princess?”
“You talking about that one lucky kid who got adopted by the king? Man, wished that were me!” A third man joined the conversation.
“I see... thank you.” Said Gothel as she got away, using the same way from which she came from.
She couldn’t stop thinking that the slavery market news might be ‘good news’ after all.
“Finally, after years of waiting...” Gothel whispered to herself once she was alone in the deeps of the forest. “All good things to those who wait.”
When she reached the wall that hid the tunnel, she confirmed that no one was there and went in, walked to the tower and with a mocking, almost singing loudly voice said...
“Rapunzel, let down your hair!”