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A Soldier's Life - Book 5 Castile's Epilogue (1 of 2)
🕑 Added 2024-09-25 23:58:02 +0000 UTCChapter: Book 5 Epilogue (1 of 2)
Castile looked over the young mage on the bed. She was probably attractive under the gag and all the grime. She sighed as she pulled the short knife hidden on her hip and cut the cordage and leather straps binding her ankles but leaving the hands tied. Eryk had really gone overboard with securing her and didn’t want to waste time on unraveling the knots.
She wondered what he meant when he said he was rough with her but doubted he had abused the woman. It wasn’t in his nature, but then again, she had been wrong about many men in her lifetime. He also couldn’t escape fast enough from the room after depositing her—so maybe there was some guilt there. It was still unfathomable to her that he could store people with his dimensional spell form. She guessed she was even now underestimating his size.
Next, she checked the bandage wrapped on her thigh. The bandage was still wet with blood and hadn’t clotted completely. The mage poison must be something new for the Hounds as she had never heard of it, or perhaps it was a secret. She cleaned and put on a fresh dressing. Eryk said healing potions would be less effective until the poison cleared her body so maybe after she awakened.
She left the gag on for now and moved to the writing desk with Selena’s pack. She started emptying it and laying out its contents. The woman had certainly taken a small fortune: stacks of gold and silver and two modest piles of jewelry. She searched the jewelry but didn’t find anything that excited her aetheric probes.
Returning to the bed, she pulled away the gag. Eryk could have used something a little less soiled. As she cleaned the woman’s face from the water pitcher in the room, some familiarity struck her. Maybe she had seen a younger version of Selene as a mage commander. Then again, the First Citizens were all related in one way or another, so she could be confusing her with someone else.
A knock came at the door, and she found Lirkin standing there. On seeing the bound woman, he looked over at the bed questionly. Distracted, he asked, “I wanted to see if you wanted something to eat. I will need to go to the market.” By his expression, he clearly wanted to know who the woman was, and his eyes bulged at the fortune on the writing desk.
“Yes. Prepare something for the three of us.” Castile ignored giving him details as she didn’t have them all herself. “How has the hiring been going?”
Lirkin snapped his attention back to Castile. The two servers who had worked the inn and cleaned the rooms had left when the establishment had been sold so he was seeking replacements. He was seeking probably four servers/maids and one barkeep. Lirkin planned to do all the cooking himself. Lirkin found his voice, “I interviewed a dozen this morning. I'm glad Mateo and Benito had already left; some were quite comely, and they would have scared them off. I talked to the wood carver as well for the new sign.”
“Oh, have you decided on a name then?” Castile said, still ignoring the identity of the bound woman.
“Yes, Adrian’s Rest.” Lirkin said.
“Fitting,” Castile replied, smiling, her throat getting tight. Castile finally indicated the woman. “She should be up in a few hours. Perhaps while you are out you can get some simple clothes for our guest. You can use some of her coin. And draw her a bath when you have time, I need to keep an eye on her.”
Lirkin nodded obediently, took two golds from the desk, and left. His mentality was still stuck in not questioning his mage commander. That would change with time if she stayed with him. He was a good man, and maybe they might become intimate in time. She still wanted a family, and maybe when she truly felt safe, she would seek his bed if she didn’t find another.
Selene had light auburn hair and a soft, oval face. Castile checked her eyes to make sure she was not faking being asleep, a lovely soft green. She wished she had been blessed with such looks. Castile closed her eyes and sent out her all seeing eye, a habit she had in the legion. The aether burn had not lessened with the lessons from Elaro but she could see their effectiveness would come with practice.
She searched the building and the stables, finding nothing but the old innkeepers packing a wagon in the small courtyard out back. Another three days, and they should have all their things moved. Castile searched Selene with her hands for weapons but guessed Eryk already had. She did find a thin knife strapped to her inner thigh and smirked, imagining if Eryk had found it. It at least proved he had not abused her in that way. She also found another secreted pouch with twenty more gold coins and added them to the desk.
She thought about stripping the mage as she had pissed her undergarments but decided to let her wake on her own first. Many hours later, the Selene Greko stirred. Castile waited until she opened her eyes groggily and started to panic. “Calm yourself, Selene,” Castile soothed. “You are safe and in the company of friends. I will free your wrists once you are fully awake.”
Selene’s mouth was dry and hoarse as she tried to speak, so Castile gave her water so she could speak. Her voice was uncertain as she recalled events. “Where am I?”
“Gramney in the Grand Duchy of Manch. It is the capital.” Castile said levelly and gave her more water.
“How did I get here?” Selene asked as she regained more alertness.
Castile couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “A mutual friend smuggled you out of the Empire. Don’t worry, according to him, they are certain you are dead.” Selene tried to sit up, and Castile helped her. Her eyes focused on her wealth on the table. Castile put her at ease, “It is all yours. Lirkin took some coins to get you some fresh clothes and food. But I have not touched a thing. If anything is missing, it is because he gave it to your legionnaires.”
Confusion and realization played across her face, “Helena and Sylvia live? Are they here as well?” Hope was in her voice.
“I don’t know if they still live. Your abductor left them alive, though.” Castile replied. “I am Mage Castile Duval, ex-mage commander of the Empire.”
Selene eyes focused on Castile. She was still fighting the oblivion pills effect, it looked like. “Ex-mage commander?”
Castile didn’t know how to break the news softly, so they just said it. “The Emperor is dead. Rumor is Duke Octavian is maneuvering for the throne and is close to seizing it.”
“Good! He killed my parents!” Selene said angrily, and the veins in her neck bulged.
Castile observed her flaring anger for a moment before talking, “The Emperor was too addled to order the death of your parents. According to the man who rescued you, it was Centurion Sergius of the Western Hounds and Duke Octavian who plotted to gain your family's mines.”
Castile studied her reaction for a long time as she processed the news. Confusion, disbelief, and then anger passed through the woman’s face. “I knew Duke Octavian was involved but I thought it was at the direction of the Emperor. He was angry with my father after rejecting his son’s marriage proposal.”
Seeing she had gained an understanding of the situation, Castile cut the bonds on her wrists. “What do you plan to do now? You are far from the Empire, and Empire is being squeezed from all sides.”
In a deep, serious voice, Selene responded, “Whatever I can to make Octavian suffer the fate of my parents.”
“We are of the same mind then. It is best if we bide our time in secret and listen for news from the Empire. Acting prematurely will reveal our presence to Octavian. The Empire may collapse on its own; from what little I have heard, there is a goblin army in the south, Caliphate orcs in the west, and the Esenhem elves in the east.” Castile said, smiling.
Castile didn’t know why she couldn’t let it be. She could live in peaceful obscurity in the Grand Duchy, but she had too many debts to repay. Most of her legionnaires had died needlessly for the whims of the First Citizens. She needed time to recover herself, but it felt good to be one on the offensive instead of constantly on the defensive.
Lirkin’s foot steps sounded and he knocked, “A bath is poured, and food will be ready in an hour. Clean, used clothes are in the bath.”
“Thank you,” Castile said in a dismissive tone. Lirkin walked away. She turned to Selene, “Now, Selene, it will take time to build some trust, but you must not tell anyone how you arrived in Gramney…” The impressionable young mage could be molded into an asset and ally…
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Comments
HappyNoms
1) "She sighed as she pulled the short knife hidden on her hip and cut the cordage and leather straps binding her ankles but leaving the hands tied." -> cut and leaving are different grammatical tenses. Pretty sure this should either be cutting + leaving, or cut + left, vs mixing tenses, though perhaps it's valid as is. 2) She/her/her is also probably a mild grammar break, as technically they all refer to the last referenced character, though it's fairly obvious the first two reference Castile and the second her is Selene, by context. 3) "Lirkin nodded obediently, took two golds from the desk". Grammar trolling for all I'm worth tonight, apparently... This one is gold, not golds. Long pedantic threads on the internet about this niche topic. The nutshell is that Olympic gold medals can be 3 golds, but for coins it's just 50 gold or 3 gold. It comes up in online games/UIs a lot, and nerds get frisky flinging around phrases like 'grammatical vs etical countness' and 'is it an invariant (10 aurochs) or an inflected form (10 oxen)'. Good times. 4) "Many hours later, the Selene Greko stirred." -> delete 'the'
Andrew Crews
“You are far from the Empire, and Empire (→ the Empire) is being squeezed from all sides.” “You are far from the Empire, and the Empire is being squeezed from all sides.”
daniel dantas
I find it curious how Castile never even considered having anything to do with eryk, interesting
Erick Thiemke
I dont think they ever knew Ginger was there
Magical Mushhh
Weary Spirit
MrGroxy
The king's rest. Or reward. I'd say emperors, but he's not exactly loved in those parts. But it's still a bit of cheeky "I shot the sheriff" to those in the know.
saber
The legionare might cause stigma for being in the name aswell as a target. I say name it after one of the lost legionares or after Eryk since it was his kindness. Maybe something to do with otherworldly things or one of his wacky sayings that they never understood. I'd crack up seeing the "clusterfuck inn" or "Revanets Rest." Paying homage to his nickname.
Aiden Wilker
Inn Name Ideas: 1. Swords and Sandals 2. Legion Bound 3. Triarii (Was the third line in the Roman legion formation. They were often the seasoned veterans and considered the best in their Century) 4. The Mage’s Merry Men 5. Revenant’s Rest (Meaning Eryk and also an oxymoron due to revenants not sleeping but place for Eryk to always return to, to recover) 6. Camp fire 7. Sentry’s Fire 8. Chef’s Choice 9. New Beginnings 10. Fresh Start
inkaral
A Good Knight's Rest Inn & Tavern
Erick Thiemke
hah - yah remembered that
Gravonhaft
Well, as a cautious person, naming the tavern 'Legionnaires Rest' felt like asking Telhian spy to come knocking on their door 😂. Might also need to clarify if it's gonna use Latin, Elven, or other languages too, to promote that the tavern owner or cuisines are Telhian specialty in the Gramney. And cause seems like we are entering multilingual region too.
Erick Thiemke
that kind of works. doesnt cover the tavern, more the inn. Lirkin is a cook remember
Shane Wood
Kraken's Salt
Eriach
Tftc
Eriach
Wine bottles from a famous dungeon that's been closed for 500+yrs? That would surely draw unwanted attention
Eriach
The amount of things he can put in his space....lots of money making
hrs
this works bc it isnt too modern it sounds more like how old pubs were named, usually people couldnt read so the name had to be discernable from the sign art. also its not blatantly stating they are former legionaries, since that might piss off some people.
PatronTurtle
Possible name "Requiem Leo" for "the resting lion". Actually put it in latin to remind that's the language they are speaking, in a land with others
D375
I would distance the name from the legion/assassinating the emperor. If noble's or Octavian found out about them being alive I could see them dispatching the hounds to assassinate them. What about something vaguely military themed like the garrison, catch 22, or luckies.
Chachi
amazing kino once again thank you
Raelik
I think something like Eagles Rest would be best. It's ambiguous enough that it's not directly tied to the empire.
John Donovan
Ehh they are also trying to possibly create a base of operations for others to find them.
Kbzzy
If you have a really long term plan for this novel I think it would be cool if Eryk kept tabs on the descendants of his friends and swings buy every few decades as like a wondering, mysterious uncle to all of their families
Kyle Cunnane
Maybe something like “lions den” for legion of the lion
Silver Beard
Last bit; but Castille, Selene should seriously consider changing their names... at least in public. Selene is supposed to be dead. Didn't Castille already mention the Empire had ears 1000's of miles away. Doubt Octavian has forgotten about Castille. If rumor of her thriving reaches his- could be hound assassins in their future. Doubt Lirkin is in any danger... but Mages?
Win Rar
Just read your comment, my suggestion is similar with having the word "respite". I've always liked that in a tavern name
Win Rar
Suggestion for Tavern name: Caelorian Respite with a few bottles of wine to represent their adventure. Respite because it will be rest or relief being a tavern and because you need that rest after delving a dungeon. Caelorian because of the wine and art work on it
Silver Beard
I like it but that's inviting the kind of attention they are looking to avoid.
Steven Savage
Always up to the author but I think in the context of the story that they should want to distance themselves from the Legionnaire name itself--even if they want to have a subtle nod to their soldier background. Riffing off what you wrote something like The Lucky Shot. Their logo would be like a barrel of Ale with an arrow in it or something. Liquid luck shots would be their signature drink.
John Donovan
They left the legion and the inn name should denote that. I feel they should name it after our sweet "Wayward Hound".
InfernalDrake
The Duchy is human ruled, it just has elven ambassador's from other nations.
Silver Beard
If Castille goes into trade...then securing Eryk's help will be invaluable if she can afford to pay for his time.
Ivan Kanewske
Her magic is burnt, she is not going to use it in a frivolous fashion, She may wonder about it at a later date, But nothing indicates that anyone from the company but Maveith knows that Ginger is there
Silver Beard
I find it a little curious when she speaks about his space that she is unaware of what happened to Ginger. She's still clearly using her magic. It's a little out of character for to not be snooping constantly in a new environment. She did make the comment that she still didn't feel completely safe yet.
BubblyGhost
Dunno if they'd want to be associated with the legion in an elvish city lol. I'd throw in Proserpina's Retreat, aka the roman version of Persephone, the god of death's wife. What with Eryk and the surviving company in general escaping the god of the underworld's clutches as the goddess does in the myth.
Silver Beard
Name will be difficult. Not sure how wise it will be to advertise their origins. Also any 'soliders theme might be mistaken for a brothel, especially with so many ladies around. Go with something more general: Wayfarer's Rest? Also depends on what class of clients they are trying to attract?
Enk
how about the 'legate's respite' - legate in the archaic sense of messenger and avoiding 'legionairre' , and respite indicating a rest that is temporary.
Erick Thiemke
the merchant wife, had the two kids - rode in teh MCs space...
Erick Thiemke
i don't know...there would be an ambassador from the Empire. i think legion and legionnaire is unique to the Empire, though
Jordan
Who’s Viridia again?
Da Worst John
So would they want to draw that much attention that they are ex-Legionnaires with these names?
Erick Thiemke
maybe I will get suggestions and put it to a vote
Erick Thiemke
Legionnaire's Last Call...
Jordan
Love the idea. Thanks for the chapter!
Da Worst John
Tavern suggestions: Legionnaire's Lodge, Bacchus Bistro, Sharp Shot Saloon, Steady Aim Inn (Last two references to the assassination)
Andrew
Thank you!
Erick Thiemke
corrected on the master
Erick Thiemke
it still can be. don't see Castile coming back until book 7 and she is going to make allies with Selene and Viridia to frustrate Octavian. Maybe as a powerful trader triumvirate - with wealth comes power
Jordan
“Castile cheeked her eyes to make sure she was not faking being asleep” cheeked -> checked
striderfighter
Nice....good ending
Win Rar
It would have been a good fanfic like you suggested but I'm glad you decided to write it. Enjoy your work and thankful for your engagement with the comments.
Devourerofwords
You the real mvp
Erick Thiemke
1st of 4 for cycle. It is going at the end of Book 5 but people wanted something of Selene/Castile so here it is. Back to World Sphere....should post that tonight too
