Don't Destroy the World

Her mother's eyes blazed as she sneered at Lord Felis. "Lies! Our family aren't thieves."

Ember had to stop herself from cringing at those words. She was very much a thief but she was sure her robbery of Myron wasn't the issue here.

"Please explain yourself, Lord Felis. This family has been under my protection and I have no indication of any crime being committed," Knight Van stated, his hand resting on his mace's pommel.

"Well, I understand your honor must be threaten by the events, Knight Vantosia," Lord Felis said with relish. "But when it comes to my subjects, I have the final authority. It is not your place to interfere."

Ember tensed, wondering if the knight would back down. What Lord Felis said was true. While knights were tied directly to the royal family and had their authority, there were certain lines they weren't allowed to cross. A noble's lands and people were one of those things. Knight s couldn't interfere unless under the King's order or when deemed necessary. If a knight deemed it necessary and was found to have abused their authority they could be stripped of their station and other punishments doled out depending on the damage they caused.

"You are right that usually I would not have the authority to interfere but Mister Zeris and his family have been accepted as part of the returning delegation and by the King's order it is my duty to protect that delegation."

Ember's eyebrow arched but she felt relief. What Knight Van stated was a bit of a stretch, liking using a loophole but she was more than happy he decided to use it. She glanced at Lord Felis and his expression was annoyed but it smoothed out as he faced Knight Van.

"Then I suppose that also makes you responsible if they commit a crime as well," Lord Felis said with a sly smile. "Then I shall indulge you. It had come to my attention that one of my guards has been robbed. It seemed to have happened during the monster attack."

Ember stiffened. Did this really have to do with Myron? Had there been some sort of tracker on the box she wasn't aware of? Still, it shouldn't have led to her family. The only time she opened it was at the temple and there were so many people there it would be impossible to point out her family. Dread swirled in her stomach. Had she made a mistake?

"I decided to do a search of the town and the perfect opportunity presented itself during the Choosing," Lord Felis continued. "To help prevent too many problems, I had the guards search the house when most people were away and that's when we found it. A small pouch of silver hidden within the floorboards of their home."

The noble pointed at each member of her family and there was a look of triumphant on his face.

Her mother's face paled. "That's impossible."

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Rowan looking at her but she ignored him and silently hoped he wouldn't draw attention to them.

"You say you found it there but how do we know it was the stolen money?" Knight Van questioned.

"As a man from a noble family, I can understand why you would ask such a question. The life of a commoner is unknown to you. It would be nearly impossible for a mere logger to have such a large amount of money. On top of that, we found an engagement ring stuffed inside, the very one Myron had obtained as he prepared for his proposal to Maiden Alaria." Lord Felis shook his head, his voice dripping with fake sympathy. "Such a heinous crime. To steal the man's engagement ring. Though, It is fortunate that they did since it helped to prove the crime."

Ember felt a mixture of anger and amusement. What a production Lord Felis had set up but it was time to interrupt this farce. "My family didn't steal anything and I can prove it."

At her words, Lord Felis glared at her before turning away. "Nonsense of a child. We have all the evidence for the arrest. I suggest you not interfere, Knight Vantosia."

"Knight Vantosia," Ember continued persistently. "You're the Knight of truth. You can simply ask us. You'll be able to tell if we are lying."

"Agreed," Knight Van said and looked coldly at the noble. "I'm sure you won't object."

Lord Felis shrugged. "Of course."

Ember blinked. Anxiety curled in her stomach. She didn't expect Lord Felis to give in so easily. Then again, he knew of Lord Van's ability so he had to have known that they would use his ability to prove their innocence. Then why was he so relaxed? What was she missing?

One-by-one Knight Van went to them and asked them if they had stolen the money and of course the each were shown as innocent. That left her. Of course, she had been the one to steal Myron's money but the key was in the technicalities.

"I didn't steal that pouch Lord Felis found or that damn ring," Ember said defiantly.

"True," Lord Van said before turning back to Lord Felis. "They're innocent."

"How strange," Lord Felis said, rubbing his chin. Then he gave a long sigh. "It looks like things will have to be investigated. I will have to insist that at least Mister Zeris stays. While he might be innocent, he did assault a guard. It is possible that there is some mischief going on that only a clear investigation would clear up. I'm sure you agree, Knight Vantosia."

Silence covered the room.

It dawned on Ember about what was really going on. He was taking her father as a hostage and as soon as the delegation left then Knight Van would no longer be in his way to continue with his trumped-up charges. It would be the perfect opportunity for the noble to get rid of her father for good.

On top of that, since Lord Felis was stating it as part of an investigation it would be strange for Knight Van to keep insisting. It would come across as personal interference instead of a necessary requirement.

Ember glanced at Knight Van and saw his lips tightened into a thin line. She could tell he must have come to the same conclusion. He could have questioned the guards but using his abilities on the guards would be crossing a line that would likely get his knighthood stripped. While the nobles were under the royals, they each had their personal guard units. Unless there was a very clear reason, it would cause an uproar to use an ability on a noble's guard.

Anger and desperation washed through Ember. They had fallen into Lord Felis's trap despite everything. She couldn't let him take her father. It would be better if she stayed behind. At least she could fight back.

"I stole it. I should be taken in his place," Ember stated. "I'll stay behind."

"Ember!" Her mother shouted, her eyes wide.

"I'm telling the truth. Please, let my father go," Ember begged, turning to Lord Felis. She hated begging him but her pride wasn't as important as her father's life.

"No," her father said, his voice cutting through the room. His silent form hung between the two guards, but his eyes steady and strong. "I will stay. Ember you will go with your mother and the delegation."

Ember stared at her father, shaking her head. His face was resigned. She balled up her fist. No, this couldn't happen. She promised to save him. She wouldn't leave him to a possible death sentence.

"About that," Lord Felis said, and she could practically see the glee shining in his eyes. "I'll have to insist that Matron Camila and her daughter stay behind. She has a debt she owes me and I can't allow her to leave without paying it."

"You're a monster," her mother said. "You'll do anything to keep us here."

"How unfair," Lord Felis said, stepping towards her mother but he was blocked by Knight Garrick. "Didn't I provide a healer for your daughter? Didn't you agree to the price?"

Her mother's lips tightened and she said nothing.

"The price? What is it?" Ember asked, her voice trembling.

Lord Felis threw an irritated look at her before sighing. "20 silver flats. It should be a lot more but I was being generous for an old friend's sake."

This was good. Since he said it in front of everyone, he wouldn't be able to change it to something more ridiculous.

Her mother looked away, her hands balling up at her side.

"I am not so bad, Mila," the Lord said, his voice growing gentle. "I will even let your daughter leave with the delegation. Even her brother can go, but you'll have to stay. I'm sure Knight Vantosia would watch over them."

The knight looked over at them and then nodded. "I will."

"You can't!" Rowan burst out. "Mom, don't do it!" His gaze went to his dad and then he turned to Knight Van. "Please help us. Help my Dad and my Mom."

Ember balled up her fist and then she twisted around and ran. Behind her she could her parents shout her name but she ignored them. Her heart was thumping in her chest. She had been a fool. How had she let her father get into that situation? She had been too cocky. She didn't have the power and strength to throw her weight around like before. She even missed the obvious possibility that one of the guards might have planted something in the house.

She wouldn't let it end there. She would make a plan to save her father but right now, she had to save her mother. She reached the temple center and looked frantically around her. Her vision was watery and she had to wipe at her eyes.

Calm down.

She looked around again and then she saw him. Priest Octorin. She rushed over to him and tugged at his arm. "Priest Octorin, please help me."

He looked at Ember in surprise. "Maiden Ember. What's wrong?"

"My teacher said she left a pouch with you?"

He blinked and then nodded. "But I'm not supposed to give it to you until you leave for the delegation."

"We can't leave without it. My mother owes Lord Felis and he won't let us leave if we don't pay our debt."

The priest looked thoughtful. "I suppose it would only make sense to give it to you...or perhaps your mother."

Ember nodded her head quickly. "Give it to my mother. She is in the back rooms with Lord Felis. Please hurry."

"Wait here."

Ember watched as the priest hurried away. It felt like forever but he returned in a matter of minutes. Together they headed to the back rooms. Ember made sure to stay behind the priest. She had to make sure that the money appeared to come from him and her teacher. It would be bad if they became suspicious that she really was the one who stole Myron's box instead of that pouch they planted.

Once they reached the room, Priest Octorin froze and looked at the room in surprise, taking in the guards.

"Priest," Ember said softly.

The priest woke from his shock and then pulled out the pouch, shoving it towards her mother. Her mother distressed face turned to confusion.

"A mage asked me to give this to you. Well to Ember before the delegation left but it seems you might need it now."

Her mother opened the pouch and gasped. Her fingers tightened on the pouch and she hurriedly grabbed a silver bril. She walked passed Knight Garrick and shoved the silver bril toward Lord Felis.

"It's paid," she said in triumphant.

Lord Felis let the coin fall to the ground as he grabbed her mother's arm. "Mila, are you trying to run? Will you abandon your husband?"

Knight Garrick stepped forward. "Let go of her."

Lord Felis ignored him, pulling her mother closer.

Her mother's eyes flashed as she met the noble's gaze. "I would never abandon Zeris."

Lord Felis's lips twisted and his eyes flashed with a mixture of pain and anger. "Good." Then he let her go.

She quickly backed away. Her attention turned to her father and there was anguish and guilt on her face.

Her father smiled at her. "Stay safe."

"I'm sorry, Zeris," her mother said and tears began to spill from her eyes.

Her father shook his head. "Don't apologize, love."

"Take him away," Lord Felis said, disgust dripping from his voice.

Ember took a step forward but a hand clamped on her shoulder, keeping her in place. She looked up and was surprise to see Priest Beslen behind her. She hadn't even noticed him there. She frowned at him and then turned to watch her father being taken away.

Helpless. Why was she always helpless when she got involved with Lord Felis. It didn't matter what life she lived. In her prisoner life she been chained as his Seedling, beaten and used. In her tyrant life, she killed him only to be hunted down as a fugitive until she was strong enough to fight back. Could nothing be changed now? It was like a curse.

She rubbed at her right eye. If she was cursed then it didn't matter what she did next. She promised to save her family and she intended to do just that. She would do whatever it took. She would keep her promise and to hell with anyone who stood in her way.