It was high noon in a small city a few miles of east of Reajh. Normally the citizens would be busy with their daily routines but today is a special exception. Recently the mayor of this settlement, Lord Albert Riddell had been found slain in his main office three days ago. While shocking Riddell's death wasn't exactly mourned by his subjects. Beside being one of the Grand Duke's biggest cronies, Lord Ridnell had been known to wield his authority as a means to benefit himself over others.
He had taxed the people beyond the normal quota to line up his pocket while they grew desperate. During much of the civil war, he had quite a number of citizens deported north to the mage camps under the charges of being mage sympathizers. Some were but most deportees however had been just people who opposed his corruption or just offended him somehow. In fact Riddell had began taking advantage of the Grand Duke's new conscription measures for his own ends shortly before his death. Despite the extreme unpopularity of the late Lord, he had ruled the city in the Grand Duke's name and so his murder couldn't be ignored, an example had to be made.
Riddnell's seneschal Ian Hacket, quickly sezied the initiative, having a registered mage named Eric Longshanks arrested for the crime. The young brown haired man in shackles was escorted by twenty guards including one Mordecai through a street to the city square, shadowed by a large church in the center. In front of it, a wooden stepped platform had been erected with a hangman's noose in full display. Hacket in a richly dressed fur-coat was already at the stepped platform, awaiting impatiently.
Most of the crowd watching were still in a state of shock considering what Eric is being accused of. For a mage he was actually well respected in the community despite having to deal with obvious caution that comes from his status. The fact is Eric had openly rejected his magical blood since as a boy and dedicated himself, to live without it as much as possible. He made quite a reputation as a dependable blacksmith and keep himself out of trouble for the most part. Though he had been heard at times, criticizing Lord Riddnell's policies but many of the citizens had done the same.
However when the noble had some friends of the mage crippled for defying him, Eric in anger swore that he would make the man pay for this. Then the next day Riddell turn up dead and that statement along with supposedly evidence of magic used on the corpse sealed the fate of Eric Longshanks. The possablity that Eric may had used magic to kill someone was greatly disturbing for the people. The fear of magic still held a strong hold over their hearts, so they only watched their neighbor about to face death in conflicted and fearful silence.
Death chasing her seemed to be a recent occurrence since she returned to the capital. But when word began to spread that Katahnia Harmond, or more popularly known as the 'Lady of the Revolution' was very well alive and had returned, it seemed her following had awoken and the guards were more determined than ever to silence her tongue. But even before she had been captured so long ago and hauled north to die in an abandoned castle in Hyoite, her voice had already made an impact.
It seemed others had got the idea, for a lot of unknowns had risen from the shadows to make a mark against the crown, urging him silently, and sometimes not so silently, to stop this war as it has already gotten out of hand. But it might have been too late, as corruption seemed to reign in just about every corner of the country, and the little city she found herself stumbling into and out of breath, was no exception. But no one seemed to notice the strawberry blonde woman's arrival, or if they did, paid little attention to it as she stumbled to a halt in the streets to catch her breath, clutching a wound at her side as her eyes raised to the crowd.
The people had their backs to her, and she raised her brows curiously before peering behind her. She hadn't seen the guards that pursued her for miles, but it didn't mean they wouldn't come back to look for her this way, and she wished she had a horse, but she'd have to make due with her own pair of legs. But it seemed she wasn't the worst off one here, for as she turned to follow the crowds' gaze, she saw a man standing before the crowd. And fear clutched at her heart, for she knew far too well what this was-
A public execution, and of course she stumbled into this town just in time for it. ANd from what she could gather, it was definitely inflamed by the war and corrupt politics of Grand Duke Allarrick's rein.
Eric Longshanks faced the crowd of people he called neighbors and friends. He refused to look away, even though he was tired, bruised, and greiving. Inwardly, he was sadden by how the trust he worked so hard to earn for his town over the years was crushed by a few accusations. Eric wore white prisoner shirt and pants and his face showed signs of a beating by the guards during his arrest. There hadn't even been a trial for this crime he supposedly had committed, he thought brittlely.
The blacksmith/mage sighed as the Mordecai handler placed the rope around his neck then tighten it. Meanwhile the rest of the guards, surrounded the platform with spears and swords at the ready. The people moved back a little away in respond, knowing that any act of defiance could earn retribution for themselves. Hacket the seneschal, grinned a little bit, this was his chance to show the regime he can succeed Riddell as lord of this city, after all he was of noblebrith and had the talent to manage local affairs. The true killer had not been caught and couldn't be located but Hacket made sure to make look like this pest did do it.
Pulling out a scroll and reading it Ian Hacket began his speech that he prepared for this occasion.
"For the murder of Lord Albert Riddell, the mage known as Eric Longshanks is sentenced to death. Killing an acting official, is high treason against the Grand Duke himself thus the punishment must equal the crime."
Hacket smiled cruelly to Eric before adding.
"Does the prisoner have any last words?"
"Only to say that I did not kill that son of ***** nor have I ever used magic. You and him done more harm to our home than any magic user ever did to us!"
Eric replied defiantly and then spit at Hacket's expensive shoes. The seneschal sneered in disgust and signal the Mordecai to commence the execution. The armored man went for the lever on the left side to open the trap door below Eric's feet that will end him. Just as he done, however an arrow came flying from above the church in the background and it cut through the rope. Stunned by the sudden interruption everyone turned to the direction of the shot and saw a strange looking figure standing on the edge of a high balcony.
This stranger, a man wore a sliver mask that looked similar to a knight's helmet and wore a combination of peasant clothing and leather armor over his body. On one hip was a sheathed rapier and he held a crossbow with both hands. A once regal cape colored emerald now torn draped over the back to finish the image. Gathering himself, Hacket pointed an accusing finger upward at the masked man and yelled.
"Who are you and what is the meaning of this?!"
With a loud and clear voice for all in the square to hear, the mysterious stranger answered.
"I am Nemesis and I prevented the death of a man you made as a scapegoat. He is innocent of what you claim he done."
"Oh how would you know this filthy mage is not guilty?"
"I know this because I am the one who killed Riddell!" Nemesis proclaimed
The whole crowd gasped upon hearing this revelation wondering if its truth.
It seemed so surreal. For almost a week she had been running all alone, away from the guards who sought to kill her- and now she stumbled into this situation that made her swoon, and unwillingly so. She dropped to the ground hard, just seconds after the masked man revealed who he was and what was happening. And it happened at just the right moment that all was quiet and eyes turned to her. A gasp rouse from the crowd at the sight of a woman, and one who was injured.
That was all the men needed, another scapegoat as swords were raised and commands bellowed, "The murderer attacks again! See? How villainous is he that he dares attack a woman! Seize him men and make sure you bring him in alive! Justice will see him hang!"
Nemesis took note of the people turning their attention toward a woman that collapsed. How quickly the authorities place the blame on him for it. Such actions were the marks of corrupted and desperate men. It enraged Nemesis and as the guards went rushing over to the church to get inside, they found it locked! The church had been closed eariler days ago due to recent events, now it temporarily barred the soldiers from getting in. The masked figure used that borrowed time to speak his mind.
"How quickly seneschal you cast blame for actions on those who not do so. Many I believe and they all suffer for it, you and Riddell were quite a pair in committing such deeds. You are a true hypocrite Hacket through and through. I did not harm that woman for I'm after only you and your kind, the ones abuse the innocent and mock justice. This city knows what Riddell and you done to them all these years, hiding behind your lies and soldiers won't change that.
I will be waiting inside, come and get me if you can!"
Nemesis challenged and then walked away into the building. Meanwhile the guards using brute force to smash down the door and surge inside, not knowing that the man with the mask had prepared some "surprises" for them.
Thankful when the moment was taken from her, Katahnia got to her feet and tried to think of a quick escape. As much as it seemed this town needed help, she knew she was in no condition to do anything about it, and when an elderly couple asked if they could help her, she simply shook her head.
"No, please. It seems this town is suffering enough. I can do well on my own."
"But your injury.." the older woman pressed.
Katahnia shook her head and tried to smile it off. "I've had worse." But that didn't make it hurt any less. Looking towards the building, she watched as the guards and soldiers attempted to knock the door clean in to get at the man. She watched with a baited breath, wondering why the man was being so foolish, but in the same right, she could completely understand.
Everyone else outside stayed were they were, wondering what will happen next? Many of them were still trying to process all that had been revealed. This Nemesis character saves Eric Longshanks from execution, reveal himself to be behind the Riddnell killing, then a woman collapses and her condition is blamed on him in which he denies it followed by challenging the authorities to arrest him. Silently many were glad that their friend Eric was cleared of the charges against him and even felt gratitude to the masked figure for taking down Lord Riddell.
Of course some in the crowd didn't approve the killing itself even though they hated the tyrant like the others. Near Katerina's side a heavyweight woman that happen to be merchant passing through, commented.
"Yep it's definably him alright."
The elderly couple on the opposite side turn toward her.
"You know of this fellow?" The husband asked in astonishment.
"Only heard a few stories about him among some refugees I did business with, they came from Ahjfeld, the duchy that gone to hell. This Nemesis character first appeared in their lands. Mostly he did some killings and rescue a few people from trouble."
"You think this vigilante is a mage lover, he did just save Eric."
"Well apparently he prevented a mob in one village from attacking some orphans that had magic in their blood. The thing is though during another time he slew two mages, but they're were wanted murderers."
The merchant answered before looking back at the church.
"Judging by what he just confessed now, this bloke fancy himself as some kind of a punisher and protector."
The couple and others that surrounded the merchant became more confused and...curious.
It was truly insanity at its finest. The town was alive, cheering for whatever cause this was, and were soon growing louder the moment the guards were able to knock the door down and were rushing inside. Katahnia's own heart was pounding, mind swirling over the mumurs of the town folks and what she had grasped before...
But as things were beginning to piece together, she couldn't help herself but grow curious, as she began to inch closer to the church door.
The guards who stormed inside the church found the interior covered mostly in darkness. The light they found so far was from the stain glass mirrors in the sanctuary. After lighting up some torches many of them spread out into small teams to search the building throughly. One group of five men going up a flight of stairs leading to the bell tower however when just about the upper levels they slipped due to a water substance on the steps and violently fell back a long way down to where they started. The entire squad suffered broken bones and serious injuries that they couldn't assist the manhunt anymore.
Soon after another squad going through a library in the left wing ran into trouble. The torch that the leader was carrying suddenly blew out, covering them in complete darkness and catching them off guard. Then a heavy book shelf with a ton of books on their right collapsed on top of them with large thud, rending them unconscious and crippled. Several minutes later in the sanctuary the remaining ten men lead by their caption gathered together to avoid being ambushed after figuring out what's happening, walking cautiously in the middle. Little did they realize though that the wanted man was above them, hanging onto a wooden plank in the shadows like a stone gargoyle, looking down on them.
He pulled out a strange looking round object and tossed into their midst. A gray smoke buret forth once the metal sphere broke upon impact and covered the guards in its small cloud. Its effects temporarily blinded the armed men who coughed and choke repeatedly in reaction and drove some to their knees. Just as the smoke was disappearing seconds later Nemesis jump toward them and attacked. Due to the smoke bomb's effects, they were helpless as he stabbed at their legs and arms out until none remain standing.
Afterward Nemesis stroll out the front door, surprising the crowd once again. Hacket the official sweating nervously screamed for reinforcements. Yet they were being delayed from entering the square due to the massive number of people gathered. Underneath the mask he wore Nemesis grinned, his plan to lure in and eliminate the seneschal's immediate protection had succeed. Now it was time for the next phase.
The mordecai beside Hacket jump off the platform and drew a sword. Pointing his rapier at the mage hunter, Nemesis spoke.
"There will be an execution today. Citizens standing befor you is a man, a Mordecai named Sir Edmund Banner who under command of General Krah took part in the Thaedus massacre. Many innocents were slaughtered by his hands that day all because he follow the whims of an egoistical monster he called a commander. How do you plead Sir Banner?"
Edmund the Mordecai huff at the charge and repiled.
"Fool you are not my judge, Thaedus needed to been purged to set an example. I answer only to Ansgar and the Grand Duke!"
Soon the two men circle one another in front of the church with blades at the ready.
The spectacle was a sight to be seen, and his emergence from the church only aided in his victorious stance, which she could not contain her smile. And as the men circled one another like wolves, she dated to shove her way to get closer and at their words, she held her breath.
Thaedes was a nasty disaster that shouldn't have been. And though she didn't necessarily approve of the methods, even she wanted to witness justice being served.
Sir Banner made the first move. Holding the sword two handed the Mordecai swung it horizontally, aiming for Nemesis' neck. The vigilante ducked, dodging the blow and rolled to the warrior's left flank and thrust his blade toward the head area. Banner parry the move and attempted to punch the masked man but once again Nemesis rolled out of the way. Incensed, the Mordecai charge at him, but Nemesis continue to make evasive maneuvers for the next two minutes, enraging his opponent further.
When Edmund Banner slashed downward for his torso, Nemesis spinned over him. Just as they were turning around he stabbed through the Mordecai's chest and heart. Gasping his final breaths of life Edmund dropped the weapon he held and fell face first as Nemesis pull his blade out of the body. Wiping off the blood from the rapier unto the pavement with one swing, the vigilante sheathed it and looked around the crowd in silence. Meanwhile Hacket the official was shaking all over in complete and utter fright, fearing he will die next, but Nemesis didn't spare even a glance at his direction as if he didn't matter anymore.
No the masked crusader took noticed of Katahnia, the woman who fainted eariler amongst the people.
Wait that's the Lady of the Revolution! Nemesis thought to himself upon further examination. He never expected her to be here, but he wasn't going to pass up this opportunity to talk with her. Yet Nemesis didn't had much time to ponder about it as a dozens of more guards were breaking through the crowd, coming for him.
"Citizens today you have witnessed the beginning of a crusade. Its against the unjust and the corrupted in our beloved homeland. It matters not from where they come nor what class they claim, peasant and noble alike will face justice, whether by my hand or others!" Nemesis proclaimed for all to hear
From his belt Nemesis brought forth two hand-size spheres and threw them to the ground. White clouds of smoke burst like before inside the church, but only this time it was greater in size, covering much of the square and the crowd in a matter of seconds. As the people were rendered confused and even panicked Nemesis rush toward Katahnia and took her gently by the hand and whispered.
"I know who you are milady. Come with me, if you want to avoid capture."
He will understand if the famed Lady of the Revolution didn't want to escape with the likes of him, but he hoped she will make up her mind whether to or not.
Despite seeing her share of brutality, she flinched at the death, but couldn't find herself looking away. Connlaoth, it seemed, might have been too far gone. The years have taken too much of a toll, and it seemed the angrier warriors only grew more angry.
It was only when the man took his smoking leave that Katahnia found herself face to face with him. And she couldn't hardly think when she nodded her head. Perhaps she should have avoided any contact with him- but they were both on the same side... technically. Though she'd rather lose her voice in a speech of peace than stain her own sword with blood- a sword she had lost unwillingly and hoped she wouldn't need to use again.
Even still, she was in no condition to fight or really continue to run. Her wounds needed addressed, and she simply needed a rest.
It was clear a second later to Nemesis that Katahnia was wounded and in her state didn't resist his offer for escort. Putting a hood over his masked face he proceeded to walk through the chaotic crowd placing her left arm over his shoulder. Many in the mob assembled were in a state of bewilderment and several were trying to escape out of the smoke but only to collide with other bystanders. The intend behind this was to distract the guards long enough to get away. Despite the smokescreen clouding the view, Nemesis navigate a pathway in its midst while avoiding collusion with the panicky citizens.
Within a few minutes, they were out of the smoke and into a street behind the town square, Nemesis whistled. Suddenly a brown horse with a saddle rush froward to their side. The vigilante helped the former noble woman up onto his mount sorta like a knight would do and then got on himself. Once that was done, he had the horse gallop away just as the smoke among the people was slowly fading away. Soon Nemesis and Katahnia in the back were out of the town the masked crusader diverted out of the road south and head into a field straight for the forest.
Nemesis lessen the speed of his horse so not to tire him out and after traveling a couple of miles, they came upon a ruined hut. Sighing with relief, Nemesis got off the mount and assisted his fellow fugitive too.
She didn't argue nor say much as they ventured south. Southeast, anyway. Had he gone south west, she would have told him to pick another way. But even as her eyes scouted the roads and forests for signs of spies, or any other malicious men- after a long time of riding in silent, peace; she was still at unease. Though seeing his place of obvious sanctuary made her sigh with some relief. It looked like she might finally get a chance to sit or lay down. She was exhausted, and feeling feint from loss of blood.
"Thank you," she murmured, keeping a hold on his hand after he dismounted to ensure she was stable enough to walk by herself. She turned to the small hut- appearing so quaint and tucked away from everything.
"So is this place yours?"
Somehow it seemed a fitting place for a masked vigilante.
Nemesis simply nodded when the crystal duchess thank him. When she asked him whether he owned this house Nemesis replied.
"Sorta, I found this place abandoned and so claimed it for the time being."
Pulling out a bandage wrapping from one of his belt's compartments, he handed it to Kathania so she can cover her wound. Then he whistle to the horse again, this time it went trope away behind the hut so not to stand out and rest. Once that was done, Nemesis guided Kathania into the hut. It was moslty dark except for one small window. Its interior was filled with a small wooden table with a map of Connlaoth, a half empty bottle of ale and package of bread and fruit on it and a chair. A few feet away was one straw bed with a set of tools, supplies, and weapons stacked to the wall.
After setting the ex-noble lady to the bed and lighting a candle for a clearer view Nemesis silently began to treat the wound to her side with some medical supplies he had on hand. Kathania would note that the way this vigilante was conducting this treatment wasn't like a regular doctor but more of a battlefield medic.
The wound on her side was not exactly an easy task to treat. And she wasn't about to go taking off her clothing, even around a man who seemed to be on her side- she did, after all, still have her principles. So loosening her laces was a bit of a maneuver, as she tugged at them just enough so as to allow the fabric to open so she could lift up her side. She should have worn a more modest dress- But something about this dress meant something to her- it had a significance and presence behind it- reminding those who she was- and what she stood for. After all, did not a lot of other Connlaothians share similar traits she had? She knew this a bit too well when she ran into another woman and 'friend' named Jinai..
But she'd rather not think about that woman now- not that she had the chance to linger on the thought as she winced at the man's ministrations to her wounds.
"You seem to be familiar with wound treatment. I take it you deal with this often?" Though she just presumed he had to maintain his own self and wounds- after all, the sort of life style she presumed he lived couldn't be all that easy- and without a few cuts and bruises along the way.
"Yes you can say I do." Nemesis said in a matter of fact tone without any hint of malice. Most of his life had been quite violent even before he became what he is today. So he learn more than a few ways to survive. This situation was actually a little awkward for himself, Nemesis hadn't really interacted with anyone in a normal-like conversation hardy at all in his current persona. Nemesis kept working, while he asked.
"I take it that you gotten this wound, being chased by some of the Grand Duke's bootlickers."
It was pretty obvious, due to her public opposition to the the regime no matter how peaceful her methods are. Such efforts against the Grand Duke would earn his ire and that of his goons.
At his presumptions she raised a brow and sighed.
"You could say that. But I've had worse."
A lot worse.
"Even still- it seems I've got a fan," she teased. After all, not everyone knew about her everywhere, so even in a place like this it was nice to be at least noted. She was never one to sit still on the side lines while things were happening. She wouldn't have become the legendary crystal duchess, or the more peaceful face of the revolution against the Grand Duke. She just hated that in the end, she did have to shed blood herself. If only people would listen... see everyone as humans in equal light- and respect the differences as the gods intended the people to be.
Very curious, Nemesis thought to himself. Beneath the fabled image of the Lady of the Revolution, Kathania was only human. Yet he didn't think of her any less for it. No mortal person could claim perfection, he knew all too well. Yet being human despite it's flaws was worth living in his opinion. Judging by her hurt expression and reply she done something she clearly regretted but had no choice but to do it.
Something we have in common. He pondered in the back of his mind. It was for the best that he dosen't ask what she done.
"For what's it's worth I am truly sorry for all your sorrows milady. I imagine some of my actions today have added to them."
Nemesis paused before adding.
"If you have questions, feel free to ask them. Though I can't promise to answer them all."
She looked at him curiously.
"No, I can't say you've added to them. I think I bring my own bad luck anyway." She smiled at him.
"But questions..?" she laughed. "Who knows where to begin." And she paused, chewing on her lip before leaning forward. "Perhaps a thank you is in order." She inspected his handy work on her wound. "Your efforts should at least stop me from bleeding everywhere." She smiled again.
"But what about you? Any injuries I can help tend to in exchange for your help on mine?" she asked, playfully.
Nemesis raised his gloved hands and shook them while saying.
"Don't worry, I am well as can be expected. Must confess, I didn't expect to encounter someone like you today during my little public debut. Guess Ansgar either has a crazy sense of timing or at least a sense of humor."
The vigilante grinned upon saying that but his mask conceal that expression. After he finished the treatment he sat down in the chair a few feet away and tossed a chunk of bread to Kathania. Honestly Nemesis felt tired from the events of today while still glad that he achieved his objectives. Even with the candle light, slightly brightening the one room they were in, the shadows covered most of it, including the masked man's upper head area.
Nemesis cast the hood back over the shoulders and finally pulled the mask off as well. He wasn't concerned of his guest seeing his face with the darkness as a shield. The best Kathania could spot at best was the neck, mouth, and nose. Both nose and neck were covered in wrappings while the mouth area itself scarred all over and tan colored skin that hinted severe burns in the past.
She couldn't help herself but stare. Even in the darkness she could make out some features of his face, not that she'd think he was a familiar. And at the bread, she took it graciously.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome" Nemesis said in respond as he picked another piece of bread, for himself this time. He ate it carefully before he continued with another question
"How do you want me to address you? I figure hearing me call you milady all the time can get annoying."
She smirked.
"Katahnia. If you wish to call me anything, you might as well use my name." And she raised her brows at him. "And you? What shall I call you, Mr. Nemisis?" she teased.
This woman sure does like to be funny. The vigilante sliently thought, while he struggle to keep himself from smiling at her word play, failing slightly at that. He repiled back, with amusement in his tone.
"Just Nemesis will do."
Suddenly he heard voices in his head, belonging to brighter days and people he once held dear.
Uncle can you teach to fight with a sword so I can be like a warrior too. Little boy asked eagerly.
Cast your worries to Ansgar. Please remember he cares for you as do I brother. A woman's voice said in gentle reminder.
Stay with me please. Another voice softly whispered, belonging to a lover.
Nemesis shook his head, forcing those memories away from view. In order to avoiding thinking about them further, he looked to Katahnia.
"If you don't mind me asking Katahina why are you alone? Don't you have some allies who can give aid?"
Sighing, she shook her head.
"It's... complicated." Frowning, she thought over the unfortunate events that brought her here.
"I wasn't alone- for a good long while, ever since... well, the Grand Duke's men sent me North to die. The travel was long even.... but since I've returned.."
She found herself sighing again.
"It feels as if I'm doomed to repeat my fate. Though thank you for your help. I returned to the capital to continue on with my preaching, but to also check on my daughter. Seems I have a lot to worry about." She gave a small grin. "She's very much like me, and very stubborn."
"Well, a daughter, congratulations." Nemesis remarked with great sincerity. Hopefully Kathania's child and her generation will live in better days than that of their parents, he considered silently. Likely its part of the reason why her mother is continuing her struggle no matter how bitter the results seem to be. Such dedication for her cause was something to respect and even admire.
Nemesis' next words came swiftly.
"Kathania, assuming the war is ended how would you change things in this country?"
"Yes, she's not even a teenager and she acts like one," she went on with a sigh, though smiling. And at his question, she smiled still.
"So many things. People's freedoms, for one. To treat someone like a criminal without them being guilty is just wrong." She observed him thoughtfully. "What do you think?"
Nemesis wasn't surprise with her first answer, it fit with her ideals that she spoken about over the years. He thought carefully for a minute before replying.
"Sounds like good intentions, but people's view on such things can be quite fickle like the weather. For example nobles like the Grand Duke resent the very idea of surrendering even a little bit of their power and influence. Also some common folk who still fear the notion of mages being allowed to use magic freely. Then there magic users, who have been hunted and treated like animals for so long. Perhaps a number of them can learn to forgive and co-exist with non-mages but not all will accept it and will want revenge even if it means others around them suffer in the process."
Nemesis squeezed his hands into fists, filled with slient rage and continued.
"That is why I believed that before peace can be achieved, the guilty regardless of background need to be shown that there are consequences to their crimes. Like I done to the Modrecai today."
The tone of his voice sent a chill through her blood, and the woman grew silent, a true smile fading. It was replaced by a nervous one.
"To each his own. But I'm still not a fan of killing. War is a messy business, and never pleasant. It's always accompanied with scars- which I believe are meant to remind us all the pains of war. And that we should avoid unnecessary evils where we can."
Seeing her nervous expression, made Nemesis remember to control himself. Even so Kathania stood by her beliefs of non-violence, while respecting his right to a free opinion. When she mentioned scars, Nemesis flinched a little considering the he carried wounds on his body and mind. With his voice soften yet still firm, he spoke once more.
"If only more people were willing to listen you. Ansgar forgive us. Anyway, killing is not my sole method. Such as my reason for sparing that seneschal Hacket from execution back at the square. Yes he is a corrupt official who attempted to have an innocent man killed simply to bolster his career but there is a reason why I let him live.
You see Kathania before the execution I took in possession some private records belonging to him and his late boss. It involved their profiteering business and I anonymously sent the files over to the capital for the authorities to find. Let's just say Hacket had not only stole from the citizens, he withheld a huge sum of profits meant for the higher-ups to keep for himself."
Amused, Nemesis chuckled merrily for a second.
"Adding to that betrayal and the disgrace he just suffered with my escape, Hacket is going to prison where he belongs."
Kathania could clearly see and feel the amusement that Nemesis didn't bother to hide about what he feel regrading Hacket's fate. Killing wasn't always the solution, in his opinion, somtimes it's simply more effective to humiliate your enemies and deny them their goals.
She couldn't hide her smile. She gave a nod.
"Yes.." she sighed. "Let's just hope he does get what he deserves, and that he hasn't greased the right palms along the way. Justice is fickle where there is money, and promise of power."
"Indeed that is true. Though from the amount of money he stole from them and for the embarrassment he brought by having the real fugitive who slew his former boss escape with a Mordecai killed too, he's pretty much expendable in their eyes."
Nemesis repiled in reassurance. Then he realized that they got off track from the original subject of their dissuasion. He continued.
"One of the concerns, that need to be addressed is if magic users are allowed in the land what would be the fate of the Mordecai?"
She looked at him curiously.
"Their fate?" She blinked and dropped her gaze. Shaking her head, she looked up at him with sincerity. "The same as anyone- mordecai are not born evil, just like mages are not born evil. It's.. just how the Gods' blessed us." She tilted her head, curiously examining him. "I am not foolish enough to believe this war, even after it is ended, will fix all problems. Corruption can and will occur... it is just an unfortunate side effect of.... humans, I suppose." She sighed, wilting a bit at the prospect. "Even still... one can always hope." She gave him a small smile. "Not all humans, or elves, or sentient creatures are bad. And I believe it's the good we live for."
Mercy even for those who hunt her Nemesis thought in amazement with a mixture of guilt. Then again her past home was invaded and her family murdered, yet she still called for peace to this day. For someone like him, it's hard to trust that people can be good, yet this Lady is still so determined to do so. Yet along with her idealism added with a bit of realism, folded into together with compassion.
Her call of forgiveness, despite everything, touched at the vigilante's heart, reminding of him- No don't go there Nemesis told himself, but slient tears came from his hidden eyes, wetting the wrappings on the cheeks, and can be clearly seen by his guest.
She hadn't meant to make him cry, nor had even considered this a moment proper for man or woman to do so. Blinking, she leaned back some, obviously surprised.
"Did I say something to offend you?"
Though the look in his eyes...
It seemed she hit on something else entirely.
In that moment, Nemesis realized his mistake. He turned his head away, but quickly looked back, there was no point in hiding these tears, Nemesis concluded. It's not like everyone in the whole land saw it too.
"You didn't offend me Kathania." Nemesis said with a reassuring wave of his gloved hand.
"In all honesty, you reminded me of some good people...I knew."
At that, she smiled, albeit the grin was crooked.
"I suppose that's a good thing to be compared to good people."
"It is " Nemesis said in a way that stated the people he cared about were gone. It so strange that he be sharing this with her. They just met, he guessed in someways Nemesis wanted to unburden some of his load after all these years. Perhaps it is time...to explain somewhat.
"They were my family, this bloody war took them away."
The proud vigilante hung his head as guilt and sorrow took ahold of him.
"I failed them when they needed me most all because of my hubris."
Where she had been smiling, it soon began to fade as she studied his face. The moment his gaze dropped, so did her's. But she didn't hesitate to scoot closer to him as she placed a hand upon his shoulder.
"You can not blame yourself for what has already happened. So many have been taken by this war.... And if we continue to feel the shame and not learn from it, not to live.... Then all we've been doing has been pointless."
Nemesis just stayed slient even as the former Duchess touched his shoulder in comfort. He appreciated her kindness and words, though it is hard to let go of what happen.
"Kathania...back then I slew and harmed the innocent along with the guilty in some blind notion that I was protecting my kin and my home. In reality I only brought more suffering and those I loved paid for it. I'm trying to atone for those sins. Ansgar or whatever deities out here may forgive but how can I forgive myself?"
"Forgiveness... is never easy. We're just... people. Humans." She moved to sit closer to him, eyes seeking his, but not forcing him to look at her. "It is natural we'd make mistakes. It is natural... at times... we'd act as animals." She wished there was a better way to put it, but she herself, had been through too much to try to sugar coat what war and death could bring. She would not reward it, but she would also not chastise a man who already knew his guilt.
"The Gods made us all different you know, whether you think it's Ansgar or Kia." She gave a smile at that, hoping to lift the mood- but even she could feel the weight was still heavy.
"Atonement.. it's what many people seek.... Revenge.. torment.. torture, those... are like demons that poison our blood, no better than a drunk man drinking from a barrel with a ladel until he's sick... I'm.. not sure any of this is very helpful or comforting," she went on, smiling apologetically. "But.... it's real. I've seen much of it, and hope is only lost when you forget it's there. Just keep your faith... your own faith, in yourself, and in the people- not eveyrone is bad, and surely that includes you."
Atonement, he said wanted it yet many times Nemesis felt he didn't deserve such a thing. When he slept, sometimes the vigilante can still hear the screams of people suffering and dying...his people. In some ways, the urge of vengeance did rule him yet never again to harm the innocent. To temper this urge, he had choosen to fight for a higher cause than that since becoming one with the mask he wore.
He fought so that his fellow Connlaothians can see there can be justice in this world. That true justice does not show favoritism nor tolerate corruption and will be firm in judgment. Hopefully in time most of them will turn toward mercy and compassion instead, following Kathania's example. The cloaked man listen on to Kathania as she spoke in comfort and urge him to keep his faith. At first he tried to resist meeting his guest's gaze, yet slowly he looked up.
There the ex-duchess will see the bangled face of Nemesis, his true face. The tan burned skin was only partially covered in wrapping, revealing a display of visible deep scars over his complexions. The most striking feature of all were his gray piercing eyes. Yet instead of the fierce crusader, Kathania would clearly see the shattered remnant of a man completely scarred by the war. Then Nemesis heard childern's laughter in his head as he looked back Kathania, making him slightly smile and tear up again.
"Thank you"
Suddenly he heard a loud roar of thunder outside with rain flooding down outside. Like coming out of a trance, Nemesis put back on his mask, and gone was that temporary glimpse into that other side of him.
"You should get some rest Kathania. That wound of yours needs some more time to heal."
Nemesis said politely as he turned around back to his table, looking at the map of the country.
She smiled, grateful for the chance to truly see him before nodding.
"You're right," she sighed, and turned away. "The day has been long." She went silent, listening to the rain. "You should rest as well."
"I will but you need it first." Nemesis answered warmly. The masked man continued looking at the map, planning out new possibilities for his crusade against the Regime and others who thrived on terror and oppression.
Once he was sure that Kathania fell asleep an hour later, Nemesis began his preparations for departure. The next morning with the storm finally gone, Kathania will wake up and find the vigilante gone and see small letter clearly visble on the table along with a small basket of bread and a glass bottle containing rain water. The message of the letter was this.
Milady, I wish to express my sincerest gratitude in getting acquainted with you despite the origins of our meeting. I wish countless blessings to you and your daughter. You must remain the voice for peace and healing to our people no matter how britter the road is. One day I believe they will listen. Until that time comes I will continue my own struggle against injustice.
On the back of this paper you will see a description for safe passage out of this forest and toward the capital, your destination.
With great affection and respect yours truly, Nemesis.
She slept longer than predicted. She had no idea how many hours had passed, but as she peered around, she saw the note. She read it carefully and smiled at the instructions. Looks like she'd be heading back to Reajh.