Aura of the Moon - Chapter 1-3 (Patreon)

Chapter 1

“Monsters: Cunning Demons. Powerful and primal Werewolves. Numerous Goblins and Orcs. Vampires, cunning and powerful. These things have always encroached on and lived among Humanity. As Goblins and Orcs occupied dark forests and mountains to keep villages isolated, and cursed Werewolves and Vampires hid among common folk only to kill at night, there was seemingly no hope for a Humanity that was constantly waging a war of survival against the night. Then, within a small chapel in a small country beset by monsters on all sides a Hero rose with power from God. Such a thing before that point had been unheard of. God was prayed before for guidance but never interfered directly according to scripture. The Hero created methods to expose cursed individuals by exposing them to artifacts that were once common, but had from that point on been given the power of light even in the dark and the power of silver, even on a piece of lifeless wood. The County expanded and connected lands that had been long isolated by Goblin and Orc raids. An army was created under god's light that could resist the corruption of Demons and fight the power of both Werewolves and Vampires. Gradually Humanity carved out the very first Empire with the Hero as the first Emperor. Roads wove like a web across the landscape of the continent, protected by Holy Knights who were trained by the Hero Emperor himself. An order that began Defending the Empire at it's inception has once again defended the Empire in the past ten years. Monsters have been banished from these lands.”

The crowd surrounding the Cathedral steps cheered. Near the back however there were people that hung their heads. Ayla stepped away from the sermon, even if the priest was about to cover the accomplishments of her and her companions in more detail. Those companions, the Crown Princes of the Empire were waiting for her.
“They were just getting to the good part. Sorry to interrupt.” Caelin teased. He was the first prince. The Imperial Knight-Commander that she had trained, studied and bled with in the Knight Academy. They had constantly traded first and second position back and forth before graduation. He acknowledged Ayla despite her being of common origin. She had long since shed that stigma. She became a Marchioness of land taken from the lands of the last enemy they defeated together. She had even gotten her own last name to accompany the land she was given; otherwise, for the past ten years Ayla had simply been Ayla, even when she was the Holy Knight-Commander. She only wished her father and brother were still with her to share the title and the honor. She bowed her head and crossed her right arm over her chest in salute.
“I greet the Crown Prince.”

Caelin was uncomfortable with the greeting. “Still so formal, Ayla?” The Crown Prince was the first Prince of the Empire. He carried the Emperor's appearance and manner and only looked more like the man as time passed. Ayla could see a reflection of the Emperor in the First Prince with his short, cherry blonde hair and blue eyes. He had a powerful build that dwarfed most men, and was even a head taller than her.

“How could I not be? I am still a servant of the Empire.” She knew that Caelin was disappointed that she began to treat him differently after she left the Academy as a graduated Knight, however she could not ignore his status compared to her outside the Academy walls.

His smile nearly cracked. “Have you considered what we talked about?”

She nodded solemnly and explained. “I have no interest in political power. I know it is an honor for Commoner-turned-noble to become a concubine but that's not a position I am after.  I accomplished my goal of avenging my family. I am going to live quietly. Probably take on a few students into my old age and hunt on the borders of the March.”

“It's a position to you?” He asked, a sudden coldness washing over him.
“I see. You know, here within the inner walls of the capital where the nobles stay people are cheering, and if they protest they protest meekly. However, outside these walls they refer to a butcher. A monster wearing a veil of light.”

“Your Highness?”

He wore his smile once more. “The reward ceremony is tonight. You will get everything that's coming to you there. It's hard to believe ten years ago we were both just graduates. Then the incident with your family happened and-”

“Say no more. I still think about it. It was the reason behind everything I have done so far.” He seemed to get an unusual enjoyment out of that sentence. She gave a curt bow. As soon as she left the Second Prince appeared before her. He was a skilled Aurar and the leader of the Aura-Knight Division. Aura-Knight was a class of person that was allowed to utilize Aura, despite the closeness it placed one to Demons. Only those with strong and intelligent minds were allowed to purely utilize Aura freely, even in service of the Empire. Those who showed potential, but a lack of quality would be silenced by the Church; meaning their Aura would be cut off by an insidious kind of poison that was known only to high ranking members of the Church.  The second Prince was a man of pale complexion with fiery orange hair to match his mother's. He was conscious of his freckled face and was therefore known as a man who wore makeup, though no one would ever be brave enough to point it out within earshot. He blocked Ayla's path with his lithe build. Robes draped over his form to make him look bigger than he actually was.

“Oh dear! Is it my lucky day?”

“I assume you were spying on our conversation?”

The Second Prince winked slyly. “I just guessed based on the fact that he is walking off in another direction sulking that you refused him. Can I take it to mean-”

Ayla raised her hands in a stopping motion. The attention was making her flush. “Your Highness, I am not planning to 'join' with anyone.”

The Second Prince, Nealin frowned. “Are you sure?” Something felt foreboding about those simple words, but Ayla trusted the Caelin and Nealin implicitly. They were by her side throughout the entire mission. They had shed blood together countless times. The three of them together with their three Orders had completely rid the Empire of Monsters for the second time in history. It was her life's purpose after her Father and Brother died.
“Ayla, you... Understand that wheels are turning in the Palace due to efforts outside of it?”

Ayla sighed. “When we fought the last Vampire, Duke Castezin... There were so many people in that household that pleaded their innocence to the end. But everyone claims their innocence. Is it because some people don't understand the lengths we had to go to to clear the Empire completely?”

“I agree with you. They were serving a Vampire so there was no helping it. Many of them would not even know that they had been corrupted and brainwashed. However... It is troubling. Those who are protesting outside seem to be looking for someone to blame.”

She nodded. “I will leave that to you both as I always have. I am sure Caelin will make the right decision.”

“Hah... Some decisions are made easier than others. I will see you at the award ceremony with the Emperor, I hope?”

“I will. I need to be there, at the very least. It will also be my first event as a Noble.”

“Any regrets, looking back?” Nealin asked curiously.

Ayla thought deeply. The only answer she could arrive at was. “I don't know.”

Nealin laughed and gave a curt bow. “Never change, my dear 'Noble' comrade.”

- Later That Night -

Ayla wore her uniform as the Holy Knight-Commander to the banquet; she had worn dresses before, but found no reason to go in anything other than the uniform she used to carry out her mission. The ceremony, hosted by the Emperor himself, was to reward all of the figures that were pivotal in cleaning the Empire of Monsters for the first time since the Founding Emperor. As soon as she entered the palace the third prince rushed to her with a bundled up sword. She recognized the white and gold cloak it was wrapped in and smiled gently.
“Your Highness.” She bowed.

“Ayla! Why'd you leave your sword with my butler?” He asked in a concerned tone. The third prince was about as old as her brother would have been if he had lived. With her closeness to the First and Second Princes she wound up becoming something of a mentor to the Third without intending to be. He never accompanied them, he only heard stories second hand, so his eyes were always filled with admiration when he saw her. Out of all the brothers, even if Prince Salem was the youngest and she had not fought alongside him, she was able to feel a closeness with him that she could not with the other two. It was why she left her sword with him. It was a Sword that killed the last monster so she figured it was a shame to let it leave the Capital. All she needed was a strong sword of any kind and she guessed that her sword specifically would mean more to him than it did to her. She smiled.

'May motivate him to practice more.' She relayed as much to him.
“I am leaving it to you. You will use it as soon as you become a graduated Knight like your older brothers. I hope you'll make it yours and keep me in mind down the road.”

“Does this mean-”

“I am not retiring. I am just moving to a new hunting ground. The March bordering Orcitanaea was given to me.”

“You're leaving? Why didn't you tell me?” The Prince was saddened by the News, but unlike the other Princes who seemed to show perturbation at her choice, the Third Prince just smiled softly and let out a slight sigh.
“I understand, though. You deserve a rest, Ayla. Don't just keep doing the same thing. Try some rest and relaxation.” He looked at her with big eyes. He did not say it, but she could read his thoughts through his expression.

“If you want to visit my land at the march I would be honored to give you some more pointers.” She resisted the urge to rustle his short curly blonde hair, since it would technically be a Sin to touch him without permission.

He smirked. “What if I ordered Father to have you return and teach me?”

“I would refuse.” Ayla beamed. If her little brother was alive, she hoped he would be like Prince Salem. A dovish boy just shy of his coming of age ceremony. He did not lack skill due to his light demeanor; on the contrary, he showed potential. He had light blonde hair and shared the green eyes of his mother.

“May I see you inside, Marchioness?” He held out his arm.

“Of course, your Highness.” She bowed and took it, entering as a lady.

The hall where the banquet was taking place was one of the many palaces inside the Imperial residence. People were already dancing and there was  atmospheric string instrument music wafting through the hall and out into the night. A servant came to retrieve Salem with a whisper into his ear. “Ah, I should find mother. Meet me after the ceremony, Ayla.”

Ayla watched him go with a contented smile, then bowed and saluted as the First and Second Prince met her by the door. “I greet the Imperial Princes.”

“Lighten up, Ayla.” The first prince said, handing her a flute of bubbling white liquid.

“But-” She abstained from alcohol as a Holy Knight throughout most of her life. She had only tasted it once or twice before she took her vows and it was with Caelin.

The Second Prince laughed and pointed at her in a teasing manner. “You're about to quit the Holy Knights. How about I gift you a bottle, as well? All there will be to do day-by-day is drink and get fat on your property.” He said jovially.

“I suppose you're right.” She looked down at the bubbling drink before bringing it to her lips.
“Ah! It bites my tongue.” She covered her mouth. After the carbonation the taste hit her.
“And it's sweet. I feel like you have introduced me to something dangerous.” She joked.

The Crown Prince grinned, stuffing his hands into the jacket pockets of his white and gold suit. “You have no idea how right you are. Care to join us to talk about a private matter away from the guests?”

“Of course.” She followed the two men, taking the glass with her and sipping from it along the way. They lead her into a dark hallway adjacent to the Palace garden. Moonlight was the only thing that lit their meeting space. She stared up at it, able to see the halo of light lining the bright, spotted disk in the sky. That Halo around the moon was her namesake.
“What did you need to talk to me about?”

“Ah. It's actually about the death of your Father and Brother.” Caelin offered casually.

Ayla's hand shook. She nearly dropped her glass. “Why would you bring that up now?”

“I watched them both burn myself, along with the Monster that took them hostage.” He sounded like he was gloating.

“Hostage? No... No that can't be right.”

“Honestly... Dame, I am so shocked it never occurred to you. Throughout our work have we ever spared civilians that have come into close contact with Monsters? Haha... I thought you were definitely deluding yourself but to think you never even considered the possibility for your own family.”

“How could I have known!? If I had known that-”

“I ordered the fire be lit as a split second call. My first act of real Authority as a Prince and a Knight. I killed them. Then I put on the waterworks after you showed up to make it seem like I cared. I was still interested in you, even back then. You were so vulnerable I thought I'd be able to sleep with you finally, but you pushed me away. Oh and it only got worse after that. Imagine how humiliated I felt as the Crown Prince to be denied by a commoner? I waited for you... At least a month before I started courting other girls. I still held out hope for you, of course. The thought of you on my arm, not by my side as a Knight... It's still vivid in my mind.” He laughed and shook his head.
“Ah... Anyway. Back to the topic at hand. It must have been easy to believe a Monster killed your family.”

The Second Prince chimed in. “It's technically true. If the Monster never showed up they would probably still be alive. Brother was just following procedure.”

“It was not wrong... An individual that is in proximity with a monster is considered cursed. I killed cursed individuals.” She said that, and as she made the justification out loud that she had reinforced over and over again in her mind her chest began to ache just above her stomach. She clutched near her heart as her face heated up and sweat formed on her brow.  

“Only cursed individuals?” The Second Prince clicked his tongue.
“Ayla... Even after your family burned to death at the hands of Brother Caelin, how does it feel to know that you burned countless families without hesitation.”

She held her head in her hands and admitted to it easily. “I- I did... We all-”

Caelin shook his head. “On your order you killed a family like yours every night for ten years. Maybe more. That's how many bodies piled up on your inquisition. All we could do was watch as the Holy Knight Order committed such atrocities on their own.” He rubbed his eyes. It was not correct. Both of the other orders participated, but if blame were place, the Holy Order was incredibly visible and vocal about the mission and the methods were carried out proudly. It was because she had formed the Order into what it was over ten long years.
“Honestly... It would have been better if you were a monster. You show remorse as if you are only just realizing now what you have done to this Empire after understanding it in the context of your own brother and father. A real human would have understood that naturally. You Ayla, simple Ayla, were able to do vile things just because you were told you were allowed to by law.”

“I don't understand.” Her mind felt overloaded. He was speaking a reality that never happened into existence so easily, as if he were breathing.

“That's the problem. If you understood earlier... If you understood at all I could have prepared a different scapegoat years ago. Instead you just cluelessly carried on like a machine. I knew you would deny me, since nothing has ever changed. You never thought like an accomplice, you always just heartlessly carried out your mission. It scared even us, who knew what we were doing from the start. We could try to come to terms with what we were doing on our own but the fact that you did not even consider it until just now is monstrous.” As he taunted her, his eyes lit up like they were on fire. He was enjoying it.

The Second Prince smiled warmly. “We cleared the Empire of monsters but these years have been the most terrifying in history for a normal citizen and it was all- Well... It was all you, Ayla. That is how it will be sold soon. The Holy Knights will be disbanded completely. It is actually a win-win, because now we get to remove an element that shared loyalty between us and the Church, and we get to shed all the blame from ourselves and live good lives after this.”

“The Duke...” She trailed off, barely even able to phrase it as a question.

“A rival. He shared some royal blood from the formation.” Caelin shrugged as he spoke. There was no shame.
“To be honest, I was surprised that Castezin was a Vampire at all. It was like a Divine Comedy. We spread rumors of him we thought were false, we fabricated the justification and imagine my surprise when we get there and the man is actually a monster!” He stifled a laugh by covering his mouth with his gloved hand.

The Second Prince looked up in thought. “Can not imagine he had been one for long. Must have been turned recently. His territory was in a state that could not defend itself from us after the werewolf plague years earlier, and the Orcitanaea incursion after that. I estimate there were only about 4 servants that were directly involved with the Duke and knew his secret. Four thralls. Imagine that. In Castezin proper there were basically no cursed individuals, even though we burnt that place to the ground to make it appear as such. The Duchy was split up between all of my supporters. When I come to power it will be smooth.” Caelin bragged.

Caelin rested a hand on her shoulder. “The only way we were able to clear the Empire was by taking the measures we did. If we had even an ounce of mercy for those who may have been affected by monsters then it could have left a seed that would eventually grow. You knew that. You endorsed the methods that killed your family with every decision you made and every action you took.”

She shuddered. After gulping back air she looked up with a weak smile. “I... Yeah. I think that I agreed with the methods because I thought that they were just. If more people were killed earlier that could have become monsters, maybe my family would have been saved? I just had to hope that more people could be saved by my actions than were killed. I know that...” She kept her hand over her chest, wobbling a bit.
“It hurts... Now that I know for sure it hurts a lot and I guess all the people I hurt feel the same.”

Nealin clicked his tongue. “Would you have wanted anything to be done differently at this point? The Empire is going to live in peace soon, so you succeeded. But... You feel bad?” The Second Prince looked perplexed.

“I am a miserable and selfish person. I got satisfaction out of killing others for excuses I thought were justified, only to feel pain knowing that my family was killed the same way. If I could do anything I would try to understand the way other people feel more.”

The two Princes exchanged an amused look. Caelin was the first to speak. He bowed deeply. “Ayla, without beating around the bush for too long, we humbly ask that you suffer in our place and secure the prosperity of the Empire from this point on. There is no place for you anymore.”

She just nodded. “Okay.”

Caelin was a bit shocked by the candid answer, and somewhat disappointed. Since she offered no protest he waved his hand. “Nealin, do it. The alcohol we fed had a special ingredient.”

Nealin held up his hand and injected her with some of his Aura. Slowly her vision began to fade as she lost consciousness. She tried to speak but the sound was trapped in her throat. She felt herself pushed to the wall, the last thing she saw was Caelin's grin.

'I am being silenced? I see.'

When she opened her eyes she was still at the banquet, but she was being lead down the carpet towards the throne. All around her she could hear gasps and the clacking of hard soled shoes and heels. She saw many Nobles from all across the Empire watching like it was a spectacle. They were stunned, but also amused by the sight of her being dragged out. She could hear them whispering among themselves.
“Is that her? The butcher?”

“Father.” Caelin began.
“Dame Ayla, The Holy Knight-Commander confided in us that she has committed grave sins against the citizens of the Empire for her own pleasure, in excess of her duty.”

She nodded her head. 'It is true.'

Nealin picked up where his brother left off. “However, since these Sins were admitted in confession and not found through investigation she vowed to undergo silencing and accepted the sealing of her Soma points.”

The Emperor rested his head on his palm, barely lifting himself from the lazy position he was seated in. “Typically the remedy to grave Sins against citizens of this Empire is death.” His voice boomed. There was a knowing glimmer in the Emperor's eyes. The man was the spitting image of Caelin, only with matted skin and graying hair and beard.

Caelin interjected. “That's why she requests permission to isolated within a convent for the rest of her life. Dame Ayla has decided to seek enlightenment and forgiveness through prayer for all that she has done.”

She could not speak to refute any word that was being said and she was being held up, so she could not even move. She was not even sure if she wanted to.
“The devotion of making the vow and sealing ones power as a Holy Knight shows the resolve of Dame Ayla. However... I will also have to acknowledge the Empire's laws and strip her of her land and title.”

“Father, this mercy was the most Dame Ayla said that she could expect. If she could speak she would thank you for your generosity.” Nealin explained smugly.

“Bullshit!” Ayla heard a voice. It was Salem's. He burst in through a side door and brushed past numerous nobles before he was caught by the Imperial Knights.
“Dame Ayla is a good person! If she is going to be punished then-”

“Enough!” The Emperor boomed.

“You disrespect this woman's confession, Salem. You are too young to understand the resolve of a Knight.”

Caelin smiled maliciously. “You should listen to Father's wise words, Brother.”

“Have him get some air.” The Emperor waved his hand coldly. The Third Prince was dragged out with a hand over his mouth as he tried to shout and curse.

Ayla lowered her head and sighed. 'Not that I have a choice, but... I will absorb the weight of their sins. Because mine are heavy, anyway. There are times when I killed and fought for fun. I ignored all but the parts of scripture that helped me and I did everything I was told, no matter how cruel.' She conceded.

'I do need time to ask for forgiveness.'

- One Year -

Ayla laid in bed staring at the ceiling. Her body had basically withered away. She dreaded the sound of the door opening. Each time someone came to visit it was one of the guardian Knights sharing her body and mocking her as if they were not also formerly of the Holy Order. It happened at least once a week and sometimes more, if she could even count the time. It could barely be called isolation. She was fed minimally. She was not allowed to exercise and there was no point in it regardless. Every day she prayed for forgiveness and contemplated what she had done.

'Now that I know how Hal and Father died... Do I consider it wrong or unjust?' It took months of reflection to come to a conclusion.

'I always thought it had to do with monsters. Cursed people. A cursed person touched my family and killed them, even if Caelin was the torch. But... If it were my family I would want to check them. Keep them in a place that was safe for everyone until we could be sure one way or another. I never considered such a thing for other people. I simply decided that they were a risk and that they were cursed by coming into contact. Because I did not care? Why...' She gulped.

'Knowing that definitely wont secure me a place in heaven, but at least now I know why I am going to hell. I hope Father and Brother are in Heaven. I do not think I would want to meet them after everything I did.' Many more months passed. Would she do anything different was a question she spent much of the time thinking about. It was an interesting fantasy to her who had nothing to entertain herself.
'Protecting people instead of harming them. Fixing problems instead of removing them. Curbing my... Darker tendencies.' She sighed wistfully.

'I am actually becoming content imagining a world where I try to do the right things. But how likely is that? If someone like me could change I would have done so in this life... I am a person that did not hold empathy until recently.' She felt tired.

'I do not even know if what I am feeling is empathy, or just regret... If I continued on as I was I would not feel anything at all, but most people feel regret as soon as they do something bad. So it is a good thing I was forced into this position. I- I wish they would stop hurting me, though.' As a full year passed and she had thought through almost everything she had to sort out in her mind she began to think about the end, and how much she wanted to meet it finally.

'Punishment in this life is just the beginning. When I do die my regret and remorse will truly be tested. So I just want to die already.'

The door eventually opened for the last time. It was neither the First nor the Second Prince but a hooded figure, small in stature with a familiar sword at his waist and wisps of curly blonde hair poking from the hood. It was drenched in blood. He looked at her and choked. He swayed in place for a moment, then curled his arms under her wasted away from, carrying her out of the Convent. She could see bodies of Knights and Sisters lining the halls.
“I know you can't speak so just listen-” Ayla teared up to hear Salem's voice, and to see what he had done for her,

'Salem... No. Not you.' She could not speak so she mouthed the words: You do not deserve punishment.

“I- I thought I would be able to come and end things for you, but I have to save you, instead.” Ayla shook her head adamantly and tried to tell him to leave.

'He can not escape with me... He does not have the strength. If he leaves he stands a chance of getting away. Dying by him would be a mercy, but I do not want him to bloody his hands. Dammit Salem, please understand.' She tried to mouth the words: I am fine.

“You're begging me, but I... Always had trouble listening.” He smiled brightly. Tears filled her eyes, nearly blinding her.
“I'll take you to a small house in a place outside the Empire. You wont get all your strength back but you'll be able to move around and live for yourself. Sorry... You wont be able to take on any students and I doubt I'll be able to show up and ask for pointers.”

'Salem... This is regret. I can feel it. It hurts.'

As they were almost out Ayla felt something warm splatter into her eye. She looked to see a sharp bolt poking through Salem's chest from the back.
“Get him! Kill him!” The sounds of soldiers getting closer.

“S-sorry...” Salem grunted, dropping Ayla and falling on top of her as a few more bolts flew through his chest. He bled over top of her as Ayla looked up helplessly. Her eyes stared into his as he drew her old sword.
“I guess this is all I can do.” He coughed, losing consciousness. He brought the blade to her neck, but before he could swipe it he fell over her, his weight binding her.

'So heavy... Or I am just weak.' She could hear the sound of the men approaching. They would bring her back to the room. She would live for years, not months. They could see to that. In her last moments she sorted through her most important thoughts.

'Salem I am so sorry. If I could do this all over again... I would try to help the people I hurt most. I will force myself to care for people. I will try to understand what they are feeling. I would never get involved with the Royal Family. That includes you... Look what being close to me has done to you... Poor Salem.' She gripped the handle with all her strength and pulled it. As she did the sharpness of the sword did all the work in cutting her thin neck. As the soldiers surrounded them Ayla and Salem bled out together.

'Most importantly; Holy Knight? Never again... Forgive me.'


Chapter 2

Ayla opened her eyes, rather, they had been open and she only just now gained consciousness again from what she thought would be death. It worried her because immediately she worried that she survived. If she had lived and Salem had died she would have many more days of suffering ahead of her with that guilt swirling around in her mind. She was bent over at the foot of a familiar altar in prayer. It was the Chapel in the Knight training grounds. She assessed her surroundings, then her own body. She still had both her Aura Heart and Soma Pathways.
“I recovered?” She blinked.
“I can speak?” Ayla blushed, glancing around to see if anyone was around to hear her talking to herself. There was no one. It felt familiar. The light was shining through the stained glass in a particular way and the altar was laid out with...She began to cry uncontrollably. The first thing she saw were the surviving effects from her Brother and Father. A brown stuffed bear and a pendant of her mother. She knew immediately where she was. When she was. Since she had died, she assumed she had somehow become lost in a memory on her way to hell.

'I went back. The night my Brother and Father died I stayed up all night crying at this altar and praying for their safe passage to the afterlife.' She felt incredibly regretful as she stared up into the light.

'Why now!? Why not a day earlier...' She cursed internally, wiping her tears.

'I know why... This was the day I decided I would devote myself to subjugation. It was the beginning of that inquisition that lasted ten years. Is it God trying to remind me where I let myself go astray?'

“Ayla!” She gripped the altar. It was the last voice she wanted to hear after her revival. Caelin was behind her but she did not want to turn around. She knew that if she turned and looked into the smiling face of the man that killed her father and brother the previous night she would not be able to restrain herself. She closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. It would have been comfortable to blame him for everything that happened, everything she resolved to do this day, but the seed was already growing. She was already capable of doing the things she did, even without the death of her Family. It was her responsibility. She felt the light on her skin, warm even when her eyes were shut to it.
“Ayla? Sorry to interrupt your mourning.” He waited for an answer that did not come. When she did not speak he continued anyway.
“I'm wondering if you meant what you said last night. About killing all of the Monsters in the Empire. I think it's a great goal! I'm willing to support you as Crown Prince if you're serious. It will take a lot of work.”

“I was not serious.” She said calmly.

“What?” Caelin uttered in complete shock. He had seen her in a rage the previous knight.

'In my first life I was a mess at this point.' She reflected.
“After today I plan to enlist as a personal Knight. I will not join the Holy Knights.” A personal Knight was a commissioned Knight that made a vow to a Lord, or the Emperor himself. Unlike a Holy Knight, the personal Knight was only beholden to their Lord's orders. Caelin would become an Imperial Knight, a personal Knight beholden only to the Empire and of course, he would rapidly rise to lead that order while she worked hard to gain leadership of the Holy Knight Order.

Caelin sounded excited. “Really! I would be honored to recommend you for-”

“Thank you, but I will apply and be accepted on my own merits.” Ayla knew that the Prince had assumed she would apply to be a personal Knight belonging to the Emperor. If that was the case she would feasibly be assigned to guard Caelin if he so much as requested it. She did not want to outwardly refuse. Instead she spoke vaguely to allow the possibility in his mind. The Prince chuckled.
“Oh, of course. I should've known. I'll tell Father's aid to be looking for your application so that your merits can be seen sooner.”

Her eyes rolled. 'That is the same as telling me you are going to let me in regardless.'
Ayla shook it off smiled. She was able to because that was not her plan. “Actually... If I were to have a referral from Your Highness the Crown Prince I would likely be expedited even more.” She expected it, but he was overjoyed when she looked at him.

'He would always love when I accepted his special treatment.'

Caelin rubbed his chin. “Sure, Ayla. I'll have my servant hand you a letter by the end of the day. I'm glad you decided to go through proper channels, but I'm even more happy that you accepted my help.” He rested a hand on her shoulder. She looked away. Despite the fact that he killed her Father and Brother, he simply lit the flame. The Empire's procedures and paranoia surrounding Monsters killed them long before that, and killed many more after. She could not allow herself to feel rage over such a thing. Instead, she felt annoyance as she remembered.

'This was the point in which Caelin first tried to take advantage of me. The same thing will work a second time. Even if I use the excuse a bit more intentionally. He had no clue I would become more cold and official towards him after this.'

“Your Highness... I am still in mourning.” She stated before he could even speak the offer.

He lifted his hand. “Ah! My apologies, 'Dame' Ayla. I will let you be alone and get that referral to you by the end of the day.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“You can call me Caelin. We are also fellow graduated Knights. Status is also something that can change.”

“I... Will consider it once my heart has healed.”

Caelin finally left her with that but not before he left a trinket on the altar. Her eyes widened as she saw it. Ayla tried to control herself until he was gone. As soon as she heard the door close she took the item in her hand.
'A fire stone... He was mocking the fact that he killed them even now? To my face without me realizing it.' In anger she tossed the stone across the room. It burst into flames against the wall. She gathered up the locket and the bear and almost left the Chapel but stopped at the door.

'I leave the Holy Order but not the Light. It was not a pledge, but it may as well have been. I said what I would do differently before I died.'

- A Month Later -

As soon as Ayla received the Crown Prince's referral a month ago she sent it with a request for employment to Duke Castezin. In her previous life the Duke was the last Monster she killed. A Vampire. The Castezin Duchy was also the location of the largest massacre of innocents that she had committed in her previous life. She was relieved to receive a response almost immediately accepting her request. If she had lingered in unemployment she would have had to explain to Caelin why she was not accepting his own offers. Instead, she would have to see his face when she told him that she had accepted employment as a Knight under Duke Castezin and was about to travel to the Northern Duchy. It took weeks to travel with all of her things to Castezin. The day she arrived at the border she heard a commotion just as night was about to fall. It was a dangerous and unpredictable time, the twilight hour.

'Should I ignore it?' It was shouting. The sounds of a battle. A feeling in her stomach, like a weight dropping to the bottom of the bile, began to wash over her. She could not ignore it in good faith to her promise.

'No!' She dropped her things on the road by releasing them from the saddle, allowing her horse to move faster towards the sound. It was only a few hundred yards through the woods when she found a small grouping of houses. She rode right through since it seemed as if everyone had locked up.

'Logging settlement?' Castezin's primary export to the rest of the empire was the strong wood that grew  and thrived even in winter. The logs would stay drive even if rained on, so the wood was sought after for all purposes in high-end construction. She found the source of the battle. A group of Knights and soldiers were keeping a pair of dark-furred werewolves at bay within a formation. It looked like a trap had been sprung.

'They caught them as the sun was setting! A perfect ambush. She got close enough and dismounted her horse. One of the Knights, decorated as a Captain, turned only to acknowledge her and shout.

“Get away!” She could understand their worry. Out of all the Monsters, Werewolves were the most virulent and required careful, steady procedures to not sustain casualties; such as a trap sprung at a time where they are both have to reveal themselves and are weak. Any scratch or bite would have the chance of passing on Lycanthropy. An inexperienced or out of formation body in a fight may well just be a corpse. Ayla was not inexperienced, however. More importantly, as prepared as they were she could tell that they were hesitating to close the noose.

'The inquisition moved through Castezin twice in my life. Lycanthropy had become a near epidemic in the territory. I suppose this was just the start of it. If possible I would like to remove any reason for the Holy Knights to visit here even once.'

“I said get-!” The Knight had his warning cut short. He was forced to defend against a lunge from one of the Werewolves.

'They have their hands full... They are not experienced at fighting these.' She made her way into the circle of Knights. They reluctantly moved away to let her into the formation cautiously since none of them could turn their backs without creating an opening. Especially not the common soldiers.

“First, bind their movement!” Ayla shouted, lighting a firestone torch. It lit with the smallest application of Aura. She threw it to the side of one of the Werewolves, then lit two more and tossed them at either side. The space that the Wolves were standing in shrunk within the triangle of torches. They had been put on the defensive.
“Move in and look for an opportunity now that they are rattled!” She shouted. The Knights and accompanying soldiers reluctantly followed her advice and closed in with spears and halberds.

'Good weapons for keeping them at bay, but someone needs to be able to confidently go in for the kill with an imbued weapon.' She had one at her side. Ayla inched forward cautiously. She made eye-contact through the visor belonging to a Knight in black armor. They were golden eyes. She did not consider that color in the moment; just how familiar they were to her. He nodded to her and inched forward as well.
'He knows... Alright, with one more person this should work.' She gripped her sword tightly and waited. It only took a few seconds for one of the Wolves to swipe at a Halberd as it got too close.
“Now!” She rushed into the opening.

The Wolf was tensed and it's muscles coiled to act but she had waited for the right moment. It had expended momentum in one direction which meant that she could slip into the gap and... One slash up. It's arm was removed cleanly. She jumped back as it roared and swiped at her with it's remaining arm. She looked over to see that the Black Knight had already taken the head of the other Wolf, something she could not do so easily in one swing.
'He is insanely good... You typically need to wound them to go in for the kill but he just took the head like that?'
With it being two against one the Knight took away the Wolf's attention, allowing Ayla to slip into the second gap and take the creatures head with a heavy swing. She breathed heavily, adrenaline coursing through her.

'I did not need to use Aura... These Early Werewolves are still weak. It may not be wise to show off, anyway.' She sheathed her sword and felt herself being shoved back. The Knight that shouted at her before, a man in silver armor grabbed her by her tunic. She lifted her hands, suggesting that she would not fight.

“You could have gotten some of these men killed!” He screamed.

Ayla looked at him apologetically. “I am sorry.”

“That's all you got to say?” He began to work up a wad in his mouth in order to spit at her.

The Black Knight removed his helmet and approached. The sun had already dipped below the trees and the torches were beginning to dim and retreat into a low orange light that created eerie dancing shadows.
“Rast.” The Black Knight said softly.

'Rast?' She thought the voice sounded familiar. Rast was the head of the Duke's Knights. He was a difficult man to deal with in her time because he had received the gift of Duke Castezin and become a thrall. The second time around, at least. Rast released Aylin and stepped back reluctantly, swallowing hard.

'So this man is Rast. But then that must mean the one he is answering to is-' She immediately recognized the man's gold eyes and pale demeanor. She knelt down, lowering her head as well.
“Your Grace, Knight Ayla is reporting for duty to Castezin,” She thought things through. Duke Castezin in her past life had rumors surrounding him that pegged him as a Vampire but she knew that those were spread by Caelin and Nealin once they decided the Duke was too much trouble. The man truly was a Vampire when they showed up, she could tell. At this time it truly seemed as though he was not. For one, the party had cornered the duo just as the sun was going down which meant the Duke had been out for hours in the sunlight. Even in heavy armor it would weaken a Vampire far too much for him to be able to kill the Werewolf in the way he did. She felt a wave of relief wash over her, as if this Castezin was not yet a Vampire she could stop that from happening in the future just by being at his side. Though she was a butcher, she was also extremely experienced in slaying actual monsters.

The Duke stared down at her. “Dame Ayla.”

She shivered. His presence was unimaginable, especially considering the current state of her body's strength. In her past life she, Caelin and Nealin needed to work together to defeat him. He was likely already a skilled swordsman at this point in his life. He would only improve over time, then become superhuman once he was made undead.

'It is a mistake to show that I am warry of him... I need to calm down.' She closed her eyes as her head remained lowered.

“I see. There was someone by that name scheduled to arrive. Do you understand why Rast was upset?”

“Yes Your Grace.”

He waited, then smiled as he realized why she was not speaking. “You may explain what you know.”

“Rast was correct. An intruder into the formation could have provided an opening and lead to many unnecessary casualties among the soldiers and Knights.”

“If you know, why did you come into the formation?”

“Because I also knew that I would not be a hindrance.”

The Duke let out a short hum, tapping his chin with an amused smirk crossing his lips. “It seems to be the case. You applied to Castezin...” He trailed off. A simple question that hid a unique pitfall. Why she, who had a referral from the Crown Prince and top marks at the Academy, came to join Castezin of all places. She had practiced an answer, but her face was turning white from the pressure.

“I seek to join the Duchy of Castezin that has proudly guarded the Empire's frontier since it's inception.”

“Hoh... You may lift your head.” She looked up, seeming satisfied. Not just that, he was smiling. It did not feel light or happy. It was like a child's smile after being gifted a new toy. That look surprised her.
“You will be serving under Rast, Dame. He will show you where you will sleep and train. You will be given your assignments by him as soon as you are settled in. Rast...” He looks.
“When do you think Dame Ayla will be settled in?”

The old Knight Rast crossed his arms over his silver hauberk. “Seems like a restless one so she'll probably be ready for this coming early morning patrol.”

The Duke looked back, scanning her expression. To his surprise Ayla seemed relieved. 'I can handle work. I can handle hazing. This is fine.' She was content.
“Thank you for understanding. I would like to begin working under Knight-Captain Rast as soon as possible. I have much to learn as I am simply a graduated Knight.”

The Duke adopted a pleased little smile as he turned. Two soldiers brought a black horse with red eyes. He mounted it and left without another word. Rast remained staring at her, dumbfounded. He glanced at her horse. It was without any luggage or supplies.
“Traveled light from the capital, Dame Ayla?”

She wondered what he was talking about, then looked over. Her shoulders slumped. “Oh... I dropped all my luggage so I could get to the fight faster.”

Rast's lip quivered. The Surrounding soldiers stared at her. Rast was the first to break the tension by laughing loudly and patting her hard on the shoulder.
“She dropped her luggage to get here faster! Sir Miller!” He pointed to a lightly armored Knight with short brown hair and black eyes.

He saluted by placing his right forearm horizontally over his stomach with his fist up, with the other flat at his side. The northern salute was different from the one she learned. Ayla made note of it.

“Yessir!”

“Help Knight Ayla collect her things off the road, then lead her to the Manor.”

Miller held the salute and tried to hide his weariness. “Yessir!”

He followed Ayla back to the road and helped her load her horse back up with her things. “So you really applied to work here?” He asked after a long silence.

“I did.” Ayla said curtly.

“I know you said you wanna serve the house that protects the frontier... But why?”

“How about you?” Ayla mounted her horse and began riding, keeping pace with Miller on his.

“I was born here. The Town Castezin's Duchy is named for sits before the Manor. My parents and friends still live there so of course I wanna protect this place.”

An image flashed across Ayla's mind. It was Miller's face among a pile of bodies ready to be burnt in the courtyard of the manor. Ghostly white. Behind them the whole town of Castezin is set ablaze. Since a Vampire was a manner of Monster that could create thralls out of humans, the Holy Knights under her command would not take any chances. She felt a panicky sensation. His face entering her mind as he described why he was defending this land was too much for her soul to stand.
“I- I am sorry... I am so sorry...”

“Huh?” Miller looked at her strangely.

“Nothing.” Ayla shook away the bad thoughts and wiped away sweat. She took in a deep breath to calm herself and observed the surroundings. Green leaves that would never change color, resting on thick, ancient black oak trees reaching far into the sky. The forest floor was woven with lush green undergrowth and as she let go of her thoughts the sounds of animals could be heard. It was a relaxing sound in every location because the sound of animals meant that there were likely no Monsters nearby. Once she had a clear mind she began to think more, against her better judgment.

'If I can stop Castezin's Werewolf plague and prevent the Duke from being corrupted I can save this place. All those faces from my past life. They can still live. At that point if Caelin and Nealin still want to frame the Duke I will make it so they have to go through me first.'

“We're here.” Miller announced. Ayla recognized the Castezin manor. It was an enormous three story structure and the grounds themselves were a walled complex complete with a place for training, stables, barracks, servants quarters and even a chapel.
“Let's put our horses away and head to the Barracks.” He sounded like a zombie when he said that but looked fine. No sign of decay. Ayla chuckled and decided that he must be exhausted from his day.
“Not sure why you're laughing. You practically volunteered for early morning patrol when you arrived here and fought with us as the sun was going down...” Miller remarked sympathetically.

Ayla smiled. “Thank you, Miller, but I am actually happy about being sent on patrol first thing. I would rather be busy right away than be left in limbo wondering if there is anything around here for me to do.”

“That's quite a mindset. I'm exhausted just talking to you.” He joked.

'Miller is... Not a bad guy.' She held out her hand.
“You may call me casually if you like. I have no problem since we're both Knights.” She also decided that she should ease her tone. In her past life she had learned to speak like a Commander. Here she was just a graduate and a Personal Knight.

He took her hand. “You say 'casual' even though you talk like a drill instructor...” Ayla covered her mouth as she let out a laugh He pointed it out just as she was thinking about it.
“Oh! She actually laughs!” He pointed out gleefully.
“I'll be sleeping in tomorrow since it's my right, as any sane person will do. But... When we're both off later on tomorrow night and there's nothing to do I can show you where in town all the Knights and soldiers go to drink.” He waited for her response.

“I-” She was about to say she did not drink, then she had a pleasing thought that spread warmth all through her body and cause her to smile and her cheeks to flush.

'I am no longer a Holy Knight.' She beamed brightly at Miller, causing him to stare at her like a fool struck by something.

“I'll gladly join you there. Thank you, Miller.”


Chapter 3

Duke Castezin poured over the documents relating to Ayla before tossing them onto his desk. “Contained within that report is everything that I have been able to gather on short notice.” It was the gravelly tone of Pavel, the head butler of the Manor.

“Thank you, Pavel. It is very thorough.”

Pavel smiled widely. “I am honored, Your Grace.”

“When did the application to the Duchy arrive?”

“It was notarized in the capital with the referral just two days after the deaths of her family members at the hands of a monster.”

The Duke leaned back in his chair, letting his head hang over. “Rast, what do you think?”

“No reason for someone like her to be out here and that stuff about guarding the frontier of the Empire is the most basic kind of answer. No family, no friends, no connections. Everything about her implies she should either be with the Holy or the Imperial Knights.” He paused.
“I'm guessing she's a spy sent by the Crown Prince.”

“It seems fairly obvious that she is a spy, but there is something quite funny about the referral that gives me pause.” The Duke explained. Pavel and Rast exchanged a curious look without either one of them hazarding a guess. The Duke flipped through the report and picked up the referral, looking at it with an amused smirk.

“It is a good referral, but it is written from the perspective of someone that believes they will be the beneficiary of Dame Ayla's service. This is a tailor made referral that would typically be perfect for recommending someone to the Imperial Knights. It invokes the quality of Knight Ayla as already being on par with the notable Imperial Knights of various eras in history. Specifically those who had been charged with guarding the Imperial family.”

Pavel furrowed his brow, a gloved hand moving to touch his lip. “I... Did not pick out that aspect of the referral, Your Grace.”

The Duke tossed it back onto his desk. “As I said. It is subtle. Almost not even worth mentioning. Just 'funny.' With a referral from the Imperial Family the possibility that she's sent to spy can not be ignored. Rast. Observe her.”

“Of course.” The Knight-Captain saluted before leaving.

“What is the current state of my image in the Capital that the Imperial Family would send a spy to me, Pavel? I have barely made a peep in the political scene.” He sighed.

“The only thing I could imagine, Your Grace, is that rumor of Your Grace looking quite similar to the previous Duke to an 'uncanny' degree.” The butler waved his hand flippantly as he said it, as if waving away the nasty rumor itself.

“That is so... Annoying.”

-

Ayla made certain to wake up well before the time of the patrol so that she could be prepared. She donned the uniform of Castezin while staring into the small mirror in her room as a guide. Behind her, the room was reflected. It was a quaint single room with a bed a night stand and a dresser with enough space for as many sets of clothes as she should need.

'The accommodations of the Duchy are quite good. I expected to join the barracks but the Knights each get a small room to themselves. I suppose we would not be as plentiful here as in the capital.' She straightened her uniform and adjusted her hair before tying it back into a ponytail.

'This style...' A black uniform with silver accents. Over it the the Knights wore a flexible metal cuirass with gray fur lining and there was even a black cloak with gray fur lining it. It was exceptional equipment, to say the least. She remembered from the other day that even the common soldier had fur-lined equipment.
'The Castezin's army of Knights and Soldiers were difficult to fight when it came time to take the Duke's head. They were well equipped for cold weather and we lost many soldiers and Knights to attrition and sickness. We blamed it on Demonic and Vampiric influence to raise morale, but the truth was they were simply better prepared. Rast in particular was a Knight-Captain on par with a Commander due to the gifts he was given as a thrall. He does not at all look weak now, however. I guess he was a monster before he was a monster.'

She stared at herself for a moment to check for imperfections that would be picked apart by a strict superior. There was nothing. In addition, she noticed the black uniform complimented her jet-black hair and her onyx-black pupils that were circled by a thick halo of speckled silver and gray tones. The appearance of her iris as an eclipse, even as a baby, was the source of her name. The last thing she considered adding was her holy symbol. A common artifact shaped into a thin ring in silver instead of wood given to all graduates. Each common artifact given upon graduation was inscribed with a specialized prayer tailored to the Knight it was given to. She dropped it on top of the nightstand and replaced it with her father's silver locket. It felt satisfying to leave the old Symbol behind as it was required to wear at all times by the Holy Knight order. As she was about to open the door and leave she stopped and sighed.
'I am being foolish for sentimental reasons.' She grabbed the symbol and stuffed it into the pocket of her uniform. She attached her sword to her hip and exited her dorm.

Two Knights and  a party of soldiers greeted her. She lifted her brows, surprised to see one particular Knight. “Sir Miller?” She offered both of them the northern salute she witnessed. The two Knights returned it in a more casual manner that taught her that it was not as strict among those of the same rank.

“I thought you were sleeping in.” She commented.

“I thought about you having to wake up at the crack of dawn after arriving so late and couldn't leave you alone.” Miller explained. She could see a glimmer in his eye that said otherwise.

“Ah.” Ayla nodded. She looked at the other Knight. He was a tired-looking man with light stubble and bronze hair.

“Dame Ayla this is Sir Samson.” Miller exhaled.
“Also, now that introductions are out of the way let's talk a bit more casual with each-other, otherwise it gets tiring.”

She held out her hand. Samson took it and gripped her hand tightly, as if he were testing her he closed his grip down like a vice. She recognized the hazing ritual and utilized just a bit of her Soma to do the same.
“Sssk...” He made a sharp inhaling noise through his clenched teeth and withdrew his hand, ringing it out.
“I guess Miller wasn't lying.”

“Why would I lie?” Miller side-eyed Samson.

“Isn't it obvious?” Samson returned the side-eye. He was pointing loosely at Ayla as he said it.
“I apologize for testing you, Ayla.” He gave her a nod. She returned it humbly and the exchange ended like that. He turned around and walked to his horse.

Miller was blushing at Samson's suggestion. He laughed it off and pointed out. “Ayla I brought your horse out. Thought you would end up sleeping later but it turns out you came out pretty early. I guess they discipline you guys well in the Capital.”

She glanced over, seeing that her horse was saddled. “Thank you. How do these patrols work?”

“As you can see, each patrol has three Knights and a party of five soldiers.”

Ayla felt strange asking, but she had to to get an idea of the state of Castezin at this time. “What is the Soma level of the average Knight here?”

Miller looked surprised. “Most Knights here have made the connection to all the points on the body and have begun forming outward. Rast has developed a full Soma Body.” Ayla felt quite defferential towards the man. A full Soma Body meant that every inch of skin was considered similar to light armor. The inner workings of the body would be accelerated passively and the muscles and bones were enhanced in every way.

“What about Aura Heart?”

“Nobody except the Duke himself can do that, here.” Miller admitted.

“I see...” She tried to think.
'Around the time of the Werewolf plague it seemed to be true that the Castezin Knights were all lacking in Aura Swordsmanship.' It was a different skill from utilizing magic as an Aurar. Any skilled person could develop an Aura Center in the heart that would be able to manipulate Aura freely as an innate force, but not to cast spells. Aura-Knights and other types of Aurars created their Aura Center in their brain where the calculations to utilize Aura and shape it into spells could be used without any impediment.
“You mentioned the Duke was a capable person?”

“The Duke? Well, yeah, His Grace is extremely skilled. He excelled at swordsmanship from a young age, I hear.”

She perked up. “From a young age? You've seen him when he was young?”

“No. But I've talked to servants who worked he before me and they remember His Grace as a young man spending countless hours in the training grounds.”

Ayla smiled. It was even more confirmation and it was even information the lined up with the information they received through torture of the Duke's servants. At the time Nealin claimed that brainwashing and memory alteration had been used, but Ayla was certain that he was lying at this point.

“What type of Soma have you developed, Ayla?” Samson asked.

“Nerve Aligned. Fully complete.” She stated.
“I'm currently working on reinforcing my muscle.”

Samson held his head in shock. “What? Nerve Aligned... And a full one at that?” She nodded. Ayla understood his shock. The main method of developing Soma was to begin at a start point in the body and develop it outward along pathways related to that part. Most Soma users were Bone or Heart Aligned as those pathways were very simple to follow with just hard work. Nerve alignment began in the brain and developed along the nerve pathways. It took hard work, consciousness of one's body and quite a bit of willpower due to one particular fact about Nerve Alignment.
“You endured a lot of pain, huh?”

“Where do we patrol?” Ayla asked to change the subject while mounting her horse.

Miller mounted his own spotted gray horse and pointed. “We just follow the road into town and then further down until we get close to the border and come back. That should take us until around sundown .” He was surprised to see Ayla becoming relieved.
“H-hey! Usually recruits get upset to hear we have such a long route.”

“I was worried. I actually didn't see the purpose of an early morning route but now that I know that it will be getting dark on our return I can see the point in it.”

“Jeeze... Exhausting. The nightly patrol begins as ours ends and consists instead of a party of Knights.”

“How do I join that one instead?”

“Rast selects those people personally, so it's up to him.”

“I see. His Grace came out himself with Rast last night. Is that normal?”

“He came out because there were two sisters that were reported to have turned. One Werewolf is dangerous so he joined the patrol to make sure nobody got hurt. The Duke seems cold but he cares a lot about his own people. Even the common soldiers. You were probably happy about not being sent to a barracks but even Soldiers get good pay and accommodations here.” It sounded like Miller was bragging.

“I see.” Ayla tightened the grip on her reigns and urged her horse forward by digging her heels into his side. As she rode she lowered her head.

'Samson, Miller... Everywhere I look I see faces I murdered in my past life. It turns out the Duke really cared about his people, as well. I will do my best to make sure all these people are protected, and people of Castezin as well.'

The town beneath the manor was far more lively during the day. Along the main road people from out of town had come in to exchange goods. The popular products from out of town were fur, herbs and game.
“What is the population here?” Ayla asked.

“This town, Castezin, has about 2,300 people. All of the Duchy has roughly 10,000. There are other towns and properties in the Castezin Duchy that are run by Vassals loyal to the Duke. This town, the manor and the surrounding area were all the original territory of Castezin's founding Duke.” Miller informed.

“You know a lot, Miller. As expected of a resident.” He smiled proudly at the compliment. Ayla exhaled wearily and closed her eyes. 'Ten years from now, if things go the way they did in my last life that number will be reduced to about a thousand and those thousand will be refugees.' She opened her eyes slowly and observed children playing along the side of the streets.

'This town of Castezin will also become a burnt out ghost town.' As she was scanning the surroundings she noticed up ahead that an old woman was having difficulty unloading flour from a cart.

“How much leeway do we have to complete the patrol?” Ayla asked pointedly.

Miller chuckled quietly. “Hehe. We got time. If you're suggesting we stop for a drink-” He watched he gallop ahead and stop in front of the cart.

Ayla dismounted. “May I help you?”

The old woman seemed to be fretting over the fact that Ayla, a Knight of the Duke, was offering to unload sacks of flour.
“N-nonsense! You all do en-” The woman sighed as Ayla lifted one onto her shoulder, then another under her arm. She continued at that pace until the cart was cleared completely. With Ayla's strength it only took a minute. The old woman took her hand. Ayla inspected her face.

'I do not remember killing this one... But she would have surely died due to our efforts.'

“Let me get you something!” The old woman said enthusiastically. Miller and Samson stood by.

“Please don't offer me any gifts!” Ayla called out after the old woman.

She heard a resolute repetition of. “Nonsense!” From within the bakery.

Ayla sighed, rolling her shoulder a little to loosen up after the heavy lifting. “Are you tired?” Samson asked.

“No.” She shook her head.

“Are you a workhorse?” Miller wondered out loud. Ayla did not answer.

The old woman came out with a basket of freshly baked bread covered by a cloth. “Please take this. Don't share too much with those men that sat there and watched.” Ayla stuffed a roll into her mouth and gave the old woman a thumbs up. She mounted her horse and waved back as the woman waved.

“Come to think of it, Ayla, I had to skip my normal breakfast to come out this early.” Miller commented, scratching the back of his head.

“I think all this is for me.” She stated flatly.

“Ah...” As Miller gave up a roll was shoved into his hands by. She was not even looking his way while offering it. She tossed one to Samson as well.
“Ayla!” Miller was feeling tearful.

“Help next time.” She grumbled.
“My back's sore from carrying flour on my own.”

“She's not a workhorse!” Samson slapped his forehead in feigned amazement.

“I guess we found out.” Miller joked.

“Ah...” Ayla handed the basket back to the soldiers marching behind them.
“Pass it around and share.” She ordered. The head man that took the basket nodded.

“You trying to win a popularity contest?” Samson asked, looking at her closely.

“I never thought of it like that. I already ate and there was a lot of bread .”

“Pfft.” He smirked.
“Is that right?”

“That's right...” Ayla nodded.