It was none other than Sasha the Mercenary who, in a most unexpected twist, ascended to the role of regent for the Crystal Blood, adopting the esteemed name of Lady Sonya. Once a soldier of considerable renown and an exceptional swordmaster, albeit not quite in the exalted leagues of Hero Marteen Madrigal or Colonel Pallus Parn, she was known among her former employers for her unwavering loyalty, though her disposition was often described as rather reticent. Who could have foreseen that this formidable warrior, devoid of any maternal inkling, would step into the role of guardian for an orphaned princess? Who could have imagined that she would navigate the treacherous labyrinth of elven politics with such finesse? Whispers abounded regarding a possible maternal bond between Lady Sonya and the enigmatic Hero Acciaio, but alas, no confirmations were forthcoming from any of the Heroes. Despite a few initial missteps, Lady Sonya has deftly mastered the art of maneuvering through the murky waters of the Diet, ensuring the protection of the Crystal Blood’s interests. In her role as a parental figure, she has done admirably well, given her circumstances. Yet, one cannot ignore the unfortunate burdens she bears—a steadfast loyalty to a capricious Crystal Blood and an affection for a lover of questionable manners. One can only speculate how much more formidable she might have been, had she not been so encumbered by these demanding influences. – Irjin Tindi, society matron, excerpt from an interview for “The Lisandra Times”
SASHA
Sasha looked down at Marteen as Selene and another cleric desperately worked to keep the swordmaster from bleeding out. From the grim expressions on their faces, they were losing the battle. Sasha had seen enough battle wounds in her life. It was a minor miracle Selene managed to bring Marteen inside the Aponte Wall alive, much less keep him alive this long. It didn’t lessen her frustration.
The Goddess damn the man, Sasha thought. Why did he have to go and nearly get himself killed? Doesn’t he know how much we need him? How much I need him? Sasha’s head snapped up at the last thought. Sasha was so damned sure she put that damned man in her past. So, where was all of this coming from? Sasha felt a warm, soft hand in hers. She looked down to see Princess Illana standing next to her. The princess was wearing a dark hooded cloak to blend in with the mass of people at the Gold Gate. Princess Illana looked up and gave Sasha a comforting smile.
“What are you doing here?” Sasha whispered, barely keeping herself from adding the “your highness” honorific. Her Crystal Guard weren’t anywhere around, and Sasha didn’t have her own weapons to protect the princess from a Purist sympathizer or a disaffected volunteer.
“Being selfish,” Princess Illana answered, with an unusual meekness. “I was hoping to see Rin when he came back.”
“The cleric told you to stay in bed,” Sasha said.
“I’m feeling better.” The princess squeezed Sasha’s hand as she looked down at Marteen. “It hurts to see him like this, doesn’t it?”
“Yes,” Sasha managed, “It will be a devastating blow to everyone if he dies. They all look up to him.” The princess looked at Sasha with knowing eyes.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret,” the princess said, in a far too preceptive tone.
“I should go. There’s things that need to be done to help with tomorrow’s push,” Sasha said. The princess’s grip became crystal-hard.
“I’m sure Pallus and Dalan can manage right now. You need to be here with him.”
“But I can’t do anything!” Sasha snarled. “I’m just standing here helpless as he–” Sasha refused to say the last part of the sentence.
“You can stay with him,” Princess Illana said. She looked across the street as a half-dozen rangers walked through the Gold Gate. With a desperate look of her own, the princess crossed the street. She pulled one of the rangers off to the side and talked with him for a few terse moments.
Sasha mentally kicked herself. At least Sasha knew where the man she loved was. She shook her head. Damn it all, where did that come from? How many times did she tell herself that she was finally over Marteen? Her feelings about Pallus were confusing enough without throwing this into the fire.
She watched as Selene tended to Marteen. After a tense few minutes, Selene leaned back and almost fell over onto the street. Breathing hard, Selene wiped the sweat off her forehead. Sasha knelt next to Selene and cautiously put her hand on the other woman’s shoulder. Selene looked up and gave Sasha a tired smile. Sasha felt a heavy weight lift off her shoulders.
“He’ll survive,” Selene said, “Beyond that, I don’t know.” She motioned to the other cleric. “Take him to the Crystal Palace. Not the hospital. They have enough on their hands right now.” The man nodded and ordered over a stretcher team. The three carefully lifted Marteen onto the stretcher before sprinting down the street.
“I’m guessing you’re not as over him as you thought you were,” Selene said, watching her friend. Sasha managed a slight nod, not trusting herself with much more. Selene let out a tired sigh. “He does have the nasty habit of getting back in your blood.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Sasha said. Selene gently embraced her friend.
Princess Illana walked back to join them. Her steps were stilted and her face even paler than normal. Small streaks ran down her cheeks. Sasha’s relief at Marteen’s survival vanished as she saw the princess’s expression. Selene reached out and pulled the princess into a tight hug. There was an instant of resistance, and then the princess melted into Selene. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs. After a moment, Princess Illana pulled away from Selene.
“Rin?” Sasha asked, quietly. She was terrified of the answer.
“They don’t know,” Princess Illana answered, almost biting off each word. “No one has seen him or Morelli since this morning.” She took a few deep breaths, and the scared girl was replaced by the calm look of the elven empress-to-be.
“The gates are closing for the night so the Sacellum can raise the Barrier. The Goddess or Protector willing, Rin is alive out there somewhere.”
“He’s alive,” Selene answered. “We would have felt it in the medallions if he wasn’t.”
“Princess, you should go back to bed. The cleric recommended as much rest as possible. There’s nothing we can do tonight.”
“We should meet with General Lopanes and decide how to take back my city,” Princess Illana said.
“As you told me just a bit ago, Pallus can do that,” Sasha countered. “Why don’t we walk back together?”
“That would be good,” Princess Illana, sounding just a bit like her old self. Sasha was willing to let that slide. They started walking back to the Crystal Palace. Princess Illana barely made it a dozen steps before she stopped and turned back to the Aponte Wall. The princess’s calm mask slipped, and Sasha could see all the princess’s fear and anxiety. It was just the briefest of moments, but her expression broke Sasha’s heart. The moment passed, the calm facade came back up, and the to women walked back to the Crystal Palace.
