This post features Draiton, Felix's player, as a guest writer, telling Felix's part of the tale.
This is likely to be the first in a series of posts about Lunetta and Felix's...unusual...journeys.]
His last embrace of Lunetta before following Galbraith into the rain had been all too brief for the terrified cambion. How many words he had wished to tell her, what little time they had. It’d all been a whirlwind of experiences that Felix was not quite ready for and had plunged into the deep end. But as always, sink or swim, he would survive.
He didn’t know when he would see Lunetta again, and it passed his mind that the next time he did see her, she wouldn’t recognise him. He had no idea how to prepare her for that, whether she would- if she could- love him in a new form? How to communicate with her, what identifying symbol would she appreciate that his family wouldn’t?
His mind then turned to the task at hand, as Galbraith marched him to the Urizen camp and paid the naga twins to perform the ritual on him. How thankful he was, five mana was not a cheap price and he wasn’t paying for it… yet Galbraith had nothing but his safety in his mind. The man paid, no problem, just to keep him safe. That was true friendship, a truly decent act which both shocked and relieved Felix.
Galbraith stood by as the ritual was cast, Felix’s hand over his faint heart, feeling the rhythm somewhere in his chest. Prepared, the question was asked. “State your full name and that you are willing for this ritual to take place.”
Felix grit his teeth. In a single act of (further) defiance to his family and telling a half truth he announced, fully, and for the first time correctly, “I am the former Master Felix Niescheteri Rezia Von Temeschwar, I agree that this is of my choosing.” And so the shroud was placed over him, he felt his horns thrust into his head, disappear somewhere under his skin, his skull warp and change shape. He felt his metallic skin crust and crackle, become almost like a shell.
The shroud was removed and Felix spent no time checking out his new skin. Instead he turned his cloak inside out so the black inner layer hid the red leaguish pattern and wrapped it over him, trying to hide his recognisable clothing. With a nod to Galbraith he turned and fled Anvil, never once looking back. He had to get out of there! His thoughts turned to the children, to the journey. Feet pounding the mud he escaped as fast as he could, never wanting any family to spot him in his clothes under the new flesh guise.
Back to the campsite he swapped out his Anvil clothing for his travelling prints, swapped his shoulder bag for the raw essentials and fled on foot away from the festival grounds. Running for miles he regained his breath by slowing to a walk until his breathing returned to normal then running again. The magic of the roads made his journey ever more swift as he moved.
Miles down the road and closer to the night falling he paid journey on a south bound cart, sleeping at long last for the next leg of the journey.
As he laid, curled in a ball in the rocking pit of the cart, cloak over him and hiding his face he thought how awful it was to nest alone. How he needed the arms of another to keep him sane. He cuddled around his travelling bag, sheltering it until sleep came. There were no dreams, the night before had been long enough. Once awake it was not long before the salty air slapped him and the roaring shores of where the land became sea.
Jumping from the cart to the floor with a crash he raced to the docks, boarded ship and sailed to his island home. Through the city, and up the chapel.
He was exhausted now, but there was no time.
He rapped his knuckles on the door hurriedly, even though he knew his family would still be at the festival since his early departure, he wanted out of there as soon as possible.
Wedding ring on his finger and shoulderbag with his essentials as well as some information helped to convince Nencia of his identity as the husband of the house, despite his very different appearance.
Going through he commanded that the children pack their things and be ready to leave. He went through to the kitchen to refresh himself, pull over a map and plot his next course. There would be no way he could run with the children, it would be a cart all the way to Upwold. He explained, in brief, what had occurred at Anvil, why he was alone and disguised, why they had to go.
“The secrets of the Gilded Horn Carta are being blown open, and it won’t take much for the family to work out where the information has leaked. To prevent further breaches or as punishment, it’s likely they may come after us. They’ve made Tattiana disappear, they can do it to us… I have no idea if they will but I’m not giving them the opportunity.”
He knew he was the kicking boy of the family, how the bravos were rough with him. Could they turn much nastier? Could his own kin slay him? They were loyal to the carta, they would do whatever it took… would they? Would they be ordered to? He had no idea and right now he didn’t want to think about it. He had to recover and move again.
He explained that Lunetta would be back to the chapel to tie up her affairs, that they could ask her further questions. He requested they describe his appearance to her, but that he would write her also. He would be close to Robert in Upwold, he could be found by her.
Children packed, reassured, he took them to the coast and reboarded the ferry on its last sail of the day. Mainland, wagons, move.
He held the children close to him, sheltering them under his arms, trying with all his might not to show them just how scared he was. He ought not be scared now, he was hidden. He was hidden…
He cradled Florianne in his arms, held her close to him, wrapped his cloak around her, let her cry against his chest in her distress at the sudden move. He soothed her, stroked her hair, and as he eased her he felt in a way that he was soothing his own fears. Once she slept, he told Valencio exactly what had happened… that was hard.
“No; Lunetta was not trying to die, not trying to leave you. She was trying to protect someone who needed her- she was the only one who could. She loves you both very much, do not fear. She has many, many friends who aid her. They will keep her safe until we see her again… I will tell you when that will be when I write her, right now, we have to get out of here. We are getting out of the way, getting somewhere my family can’t find us. No, not Sabrina or Nanny so much… they are good people who mean us no harm. But any information they have may travel to the other arms of my family which… which… may lead to consequences. Lunetta and I have broken contract with the Gilded Horn, we have exposed some secrets of theirs which will cause them a lot of problems with the militia and magistrate courts. They may seek to silence us and so, we have to get away and into hiding before they realise what has happened.”
"What secrets?"
Felix shook his head slowly, not sure he wanted to repeat in the open what it was. “I think they’ve murdered one of my friends, some time back now.” He said, “For voting for the non-carta approved senator. For going against their will, which is exactly what we have done. Lunetta attempted to give her soul to the heralds, the Gilded Horn hold souls very sacred, they have plans for Lunetta’s future which did not involve being a herald. They didn’t want the bad reputation associating to them. To cover their hides… they had to punish us. They brandished her soul with the title Oathbreaker for punishment to going against them and stripped me of my title. Life in the Gilded Horn would soon become insufferable. They shun people, shunning is… its more than a cold shoulder. It’s existing in a group who refuse to acknowledge you, will not speak or look at you, who will grant you no favours and push heavy taxation on you: increased monetary contributions to them for Nothing… for nothing… I mean, they grant us no boons, they’ll never fuel our economies or forgive this. We’d be living in disgrace and… and we’re worth more than that. The cruelty too, snubs, jibes. Oberon would lord this over Lunetta’s head and make every interaction a reminder of this disgrace.”
He felt the wetness grow in his eyes as his mouth dried, Serrusto would never… ever… He gulped and felt the sickness return. So he took a deep breath and laid the trouble to rest. “That is why we will be away, never have to worry about that any more… we’re free.” And yet, as Robert had so aptly said an abusive relationship and Galbraith had accused them of Stockholm syndrome, so he began to think about the Gilded Horn and himself. That he felt guilty, that he owed them, that he ought grovel. Even though he knew going back would destroy him, somehow he still wanted to protect them. They would slay him, he deserved it. He closed his eyes and tried to settle the worry. It would not last long, he would get over this when the skies cleared. When he lived away from them.
“You’re shaking-” Valencio said helpfully.
Felix smiled, wearily, “This outcome has made me ill,” He said, never one to lie to Valencio. “I am fearful of the unknown, but I will do what’s right. I know the path ahead for us, but I do not know what my family will do… how much they know, what they think. I feel very guilty, I hope they do not think me utterly unvirtuous. I do love them, I would do anything for them, I dread to have them think I made this decision lightly.” He shook his head, “I know, I know they’re corrupt. I think I do, anyway. I know that our actions are worthy, supported by many. But it is still a big move.”
“I will help you.” Valencio said- of course he did. Valencio thought he was bigger than he was. He had a courage and spirit that Felix lacked, which drew Felix to conclude that there was so doubt Valencio would take up arms one day to fight for his rights.
Felix gave a slow nod. He wasn’t going to make the child feel useless, and he wasn’t going to disregard what Valencio could do. “When we get to Upwold, write a letter to Lunetta for me. Let her know you’re safe, she’d be worried. Do not write where we are, if our letter gets intercepted there could be trouble. She knows how to find us.” He kissed the top of Valencio’s head, arm wrapped around him, the other supporting Florianne’s back, he cuddled the boy closer.
---------------
Lunetta walked slowly into the Chapel of the Unbroken Chain, noting how cold and unfriendly it suddenly felt to her. The candles were snuffed and an imposing shadow was cast by the open door. She gulped, and instantly regretted it, as the stitches in her throat tugged on her flesh as it moved more vigorously than usual. She ran her hand over her bloodied stole that covered the impressive wound.
As she closed the door behind her, she saw a light flicker from behind the door that lead up to the rooms above the Chapel. “Felix?!” She asked, eagerly, as the door opened, her heart in her mouth, praying she was right.
Giorgio stepped forwards. “You’ve missed him.” He replied, hollowly. “He was here an hour or two ago. He didn’t say much, collected the children and left. He told me to tell you that he looked like he was Naga lineaged, rather than Cambion.”
Lunetta frowned, and nodded. At least she knew now that she would need to look for feathers and scales rather than bronze and horns. She knew he was taking the children to someplace safe, but she wished she knew for certain where. She gathered he was likely to take the Marchers offer of sanctuary, but it still made her heart ache to know she could not join them. It would be unsafe for the three of them for Lunetta in her current dress and appearance to join them...she was a liability to their safety. That word made her heart pang.
‘Liability’.
Looking over the past few days, could she really argue it? She had been willing to leave Felix, Valencio and Florianne, Robert, Beatrix, Nora, Garravaine, Giorgio, Nencia, her Assembly...everyone who ever loved or cared for her, behind for a child she had never met of a family she had no links to aside from Felix’s trade. She deflated. Due to her, Felix had had to change his appearance; the children had been uprooted once again, she had caused Felix to leave his family and run away, her Cardinal had been tried for attempted murder…
‘Liability’.
She sighed. “Bishop…” Giorgio began. Lunetta blinked, his hand rested on her shoulder, the other pulling a blanket around his shoulders. He looked at her with concern. “...What is going on? Felix looking so different, in such a hurry…” He frowned. “Bishop,” he pleaded, “tell me what is going on.”
Lunetta looked at him, and took a deep breath. She pulled him tight, holding him in an embrace so tight it could break bones. “I made a terrible mistake.” She whispered softly, willing the tears not to fall. “I cost Felix everything...I almost cost my Cardinal his life…” She took a deep breath. “This Chapel...it isn’t safe. The Carta...The Carta will come here, I have no doubt. We are no longer among their numbers.” She tried to explain. “...Giorgio…Felix and I...we are not welcome in the League any more.”
“What?!” Giorgio exclaimed, “Nonsense!” But Lunetta shook her head. “Anywhere we go in the League, the Carta will follow. No Carta we join will be left in peace. Giorgio…” Lunetta let go of him, her hands resting on his shoulders. “...We are a risk to any Carta we join. I cannot do that to my friends. I cannot put them at the mercy of the Gilded Horn’s wrath.” She took a deep breath. “Our Cardinal, of Highguard...he…” she blinked as a tear rolled down her cheek. “He saved me from myself; he...was able to wake me from whatever reverie I had found myself in. He…” she gulped again, feeling the twinge in her throat as the thread pulled against her slashed skin. “...he was willing to sacrifice his life so that my soul might pass into the Labyrinth; he took the greatest risk someone could...to make sure my soul was safe…”
As Giorgio looked on in bewildered shock, Lunetta pulled herself away. Her eyes downcast, she began to unwrap her stole, feeling the dried and drying blood beneath her fingertips. The long, thin scar spanning the width of her throat was surrounded by dried blood, her neck stained red. The stitches were rough and clearly done by a less experienced hand than that which had sewn her face back together after her injury in Holberg. She held the stole in her hands and refused to look back at Giorgio.
Her caretaker looked on at her wound, aghast. Words failed him. “Lunetta…” He whispered. “Oh, Lunetta… what were you doing?” He breathed. He reached out for her hand and slowly sat her down on one of the pews. He disappeared for a few moments, before returning with some water and cotton. He knelt in front of her and washed the dried blood away. “Lunetta…” He asked, softly. “What will you do?”
Lunetta wiped away the tears. “Felix and I have sought refuge with the Suns of Couros, our Cardinal’s Chapter.” She explained. “But it is dangerous for the children and I to be together right now...the Carta may be searching for me. Tonight, Felix is...I know not where. I will be making the journey to Highguard this evening. I have promised Cardinal Jared I will return to the Chapterhouse as soon as possible.”
Giorgio began wrapping the clean cotton around his Bishop’s throat, and he frowned. “What...what will happen to us?” he asked. “What will happen to the Chapel?” Lunetta felt an awful pang in her stomach, but then had a thought.
“Giorgio…” She clenched her eyes tightly shut, and as she opened them, she smiled for the first time in what seemed an age. “...Oh Giorgio. You have been a pilgrim on the path of Loyalty since I first opened this Chapel; since I first took those tentative steps on this...most winding...of paths.” She looked at him and her eyes seemed to sparkle. “You have shown such loyalty to me, to our cause...and…” she looked around at the place that was once home. “...and to this Chapel.” Lunetta reached her hands out to him and pulled him to his feet. “If there is anyone who could lead this Chapel; who could bring it to ever greater heights and lead the citizens of Sarvos to aspire to greater loyalty....it would be you.” She explained. “If you wish to take over the role of Bishop...I would be honoured to leave my Chapel in your more-than-capable hands.”
Giorgio looked at her with disbelief etched upon his face. “Bishop...I...I couldn’t possibly…”
“Yes, you could.” Lunetta insisted. “And you can. I know you, Giorgio Silviestri di Sarvos. I have known you since we were children. I know you will do this Chapel proud. And you have already more than proven yourself to me. The members of this Chapel will be lucky to call you their Bishop.” Giorgio swallowed. “Bishop...if…” He took a gulp of air and then set his jaw. “If you believe it is best for this Chapel, then I will make it happen.” He nodded.
Lunetta grinned, and threw her arms around her friend. “Then, let it be known, that today I, Lunetta - formerly - Sanguineo, formerly of the City of Sarvos, put my faith and my trust in you, Giorgio Silviestri di Sarvos, to guide this congregation until such a time as you place it in another’s hands. May Loyalty guide you in all you do. And…” She closed her eyes and exhaled. “...And I am so proud of you, my friend.”
They stood together, in an embrace of mixed sadness and positivity for the future, for several minutes. Eventually, Lunetta stepped back, and nodded. “I...I must pack, and leave.” She explained. “Cardinal Jared will no doubt grow concerned if I arrive too late.” Giorgio nodded in sad understanding. “You will be here still when I leave?” Lunetta asked, uncertainly.
“Of course I will. You will not leave this Chapel empty.” Giorgio confirmed. With relief, Lunetta nodded once more, and turned to go up to the room she and Felix had once called home.
Over the next several minutes she emptied the rooms, packing her belongings into cases and bags. Each item was a memory; a person, a place, a time. She had to force herself to stop her reminiscences so as to leave promptly, but it was difficult. As she went to leave the room, she spotted a letter folded small in a crevice on her desk. Opening it up, she recognised it as the letter her parents had written her on her wedding day; the one recognising her as a Bishop. She sat for a second wondering what to do about her parents, but she knew time was running out. With heavy heart, she placed the letter in her pocket and resolved to write to them.
She stood by the door, and Giorgio gave her a final embrace. “Goodbye, Bishop Lunetta.” He said as they held each other for what might have been the last time. “Go with Virtue...and go safely.” He said to her.
“Goodbye, Bishop Giorgio.” She replied, with a warm smile, trying her best to mask her uncertainty and sadness. “Take care of this place and these people. Guide them. Lead them. Protect them.” She asked of him. “I can’t wait to hear of the work you are doing here.”
Picking her bags up, she loaded them into a northbound cart. Steeling what little Courage she still held, she climbed up. As they set off, she forced herself to look back at Giorgio, stood in the doorway of her...of his Chapel. Tears clouding her vision, she waved hastily to him, and then turned away. As they left the city, she buried her face in her cloak, sobbing as she left what she knew behind her, with little knowledge of what was to come.
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