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rose_in_winterPairings/Characters: Kain Highwind, plus cast
Rating: R (overall), PG (this chapter)
Warnings: Spoilers. Violence and language. Occasional sexual content.
Notes: This fic belongs to the Lucis Ante Terminum arc. Chapter list is here.
Summary: Though it is possible to return home, it is rarely possible to return affairs to their previous state. Sometimes the only course of action is to move forward.
Wordcount: 3660 this chapter.
Beta:celeloriel
Kain stood atop the western tower of Baron Castle, watching the Dragon Knights drilling in the courtyard below. He could name the patterns they moved through without thinking, patterns that were imprinted in him as in them. Their spears and dragon helms flashed in the sunlight, presenting a bright glittering show.
He had been in Baron for a week, and boredom was threatening to drive him mad.
At least on Mt. Ordeals he had had to go through all the motions of hunting, tending to his own living space, gathering food against the colder months (not that it ever got terribly cold in Mysidia), and generally ensuring his own survival. Here, most of those tasks were taken care of for him. He had spent most of the week confining himself to his own chambers, trying to meditate, or occasionally practicing with his weapon on the top of the tower, where he would not disturb anyone.
And he was unbearably bored.
Kain gazed down at the structure of Baron Castle, eyeing the prison roof from his tower. When they were younger, he had often bragged to Cecil that a Dragoon could make that jump without difficulty. Cecil had declined to test his word then. He was sorely tempted to put it to the test himself now.
Boot heels scraped on stone behind him, and Kain turned swiftly, reaching once again for the spear that wasn't there. He had to keep reminding himself that one did not carry weapons in the castle without cause; he had carried his spear as an extension of himself since the day he and Cecil left to deliver the package to Mist, and it felt strange not to have the length of wood and metal immediately to hand.
Cecil emerged from the trapdoor that led down into the tower, squinting in the bright sunlight. Kain stepped back and greeted Cecil with a bow. "Your Majesty."
Cecil scowled. "I wish you wouldn't do that when we're alone."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Kain held the bow and didn't meet Cecil's eyes.
Cecil sighed and moved forward to lean on the crenellations of the tower, watching the Dragoons in the courtyard. "You've not yet been to see Rosa and Jalen," he said quietly.
"I did not wish to intrude." Kain joined him, looking downward without seeing.
"Intrude? Kain, we grew up together. You're my best friend."
"And you are the King now, and I cannot run in and out of your chambers at will as I did when we were younger." Kain prodded a small indentation in the stone, doubtless a legacy of a long-ago battle, and carefully kept his face turned away.
Cecil was silent for a long moment, and when he finally spoke, Kain could hear the undercurrent of hurt in his tone. "Since when do you care about propriety? I thought you were Kain Highwind, the great rebel, who defied King Odin's command and joined the Dragon Knights, who would stand up for a friend though it meant angering the King, who chose his honour over blind loyalty?"
Kain told himself that the stinging in his eyes was the burn of the wind, and not regret for what he could have been. "Are we having the same conversation here?" Kain muttered. "I care less about propriety than I care about not giving your oh-so-loyal nobles reasons to disrespect you further. They would never have dared to nag King Odin the way Lord Vyran was preaching at you last night."
Cecil blinked and raised an eyebrow. "They had a legitimate cause for concern. The captaincy of the Dragon Knights has been vacant for two years."
"Then you tell them that it will remain vacant until you say otherwise, and until then the Dragoons are under the direct command of the King." Kain shrugged. "The Captain always answers directly to the King anyway, they know that. They just want to wear you down until you name one of their simpering sons as Captain."
Cecil snorted. "That's true enough." He fell silent, watching the Dragon Knights execute the maneuver they called Bahamut's Teeth, a formation designed to crush a pack of enemies between its prongs like a sheep in a dragon's mouth.
Kain watched the flash of metal in the sunlight, recalling similar countless hours drilling in the courtyard. The Dragon Knights were Baron's elite warriors, and as such, watching them was always a show, even if one already knew all the formations.
"I asked them who they would have me name as their Captain," Cecil said after a moment.
Kain turned to face him. He already disliked the direction of this discussion, and it had barely started. "And?"
Cecil smiled faintly. "Matthew, who spoke for the rest, informed me that as far as they were concerned, and unless I 'in my wisdom' should choose to decree differently, the Dragoons have a Captain, and they see no need for that to change."
He definitely disliked the direction of the discussion. Matthew Darmin had been his lieutenant when he commanded the Dragon Knights. While the Dragoons were keen, to put it mildly, on personal loyalty and personal honour, this was taking it a bit far. "I see."
"So with that in mind, I would like to restore you to the captaincy of the Dragon Knights." Cecil's smile grew broader.
Kain scowled. "Need I point out the myriad ways in which this is a terrible decision, politically speaking?" There was Lord Nerthic’s advice to consider, but he had a creeping sense of unease that Cecil was offering this without thinking through those implications.
"I don't see why it matters. You took a leave of absence. You have returned. Obviously as a loyal soldier of Baron, you wish to resume your duties." Cecil's tone was unusually mocking.
"It would cement your ties to the nobility far more if you were to name one of their spawn Captain," Kain remarked.
"It would damage the Dragon Knights' loyalty to the throne."
"I served the false king."
"So did I."
"I gave Golbez the Crystals."
"You helped us defeat Zeromus."
"Damn it, Cecil! I'm a traitor to Baron and--"
"You're practically my brother," Cecil interrupted, "and I trust you. I think you'll do a damn good job of commanding the Dragoons, just like you did before. And I need someone I can trust. Especially with the nobles scheming as they are."
Kain sighed. "Cecil, this is a very poor idea."
"You used to say that to me when we were children and I proposed sneaking into the armoury to train with real swords." Cecil had a knowing grin on his face. "I gather this means you are returning to your post."
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Kain prayed he didn’t give Cecil cause to regret this.
"Good. Well, let's go inform your troops." Cecil started down the stairs. "I was thinking of expanding the Dragon Knights."
"Have you a particular reason for this?" Kain followed Cecil down the stairs. "If you would wait a moment, I think it would give a better impression if I arrive armed and armoured. They are training, after all."
Cecil paused outside the door to Kain's quarters and then followed Kain inside. He lent a helping hand to the myriad buckles and straps that held the armour in place. Kain gave his armour a cursory check for damage or weakened spots, but everything was in perfect condition. The castle armourer had done a splendid job restoring it after his return. He took his spear, covered with a leather guard, and nodded. "Lead on, Your Majesty."
Cecil groaned. "Not in private, Kain. Can't we still be ourselves?"
"Every wall in a castle has ears. Remember when we used to spy on King Odin's court sessions just to see if anything interesting would happen?"
Cecil laughed and started down the stairs. "I remember the time we tried to fit into that little servant's nook behind the throne and you nearly screamed when the mouse ran across your foot."
"I beg your pardon." Kain sniffed. "It was you who attempted to suppress a scream when the mouse ran across your foot. I wanted to catch it and keep it as a pet."
"By pet, of course, you mean taking it to feed to the barn cats."
"It was intended to be a short-lived ownership."
Cecil groaned at the pun. "You were a vicious child."
"I certainly was not." Kain had to blink several times to adjust his eyes to the sunlight again as they emerged from the tower. "Who was it that thought it would be funny to leave three-day-old tadpoles on the fresh laundry the maids were going to take up to the guest rooms that time the King of Fabul visited?"
"You were the one that put the grass snakes in Lady Cornelia's chamber," Cecil retorted.
"A grass snake never hurt anyone."
"Neither did tadpoles, I'll have you know. And Lady Cornelia screaming the castle down hurt my ears."
"You should have had the good sense to cover them like I did." Kain paused at the edge of the courtyard to watch the Dragoons. They had ended the mounted maneuvers and were practicing single combat.
Cecil halted as well. They stood watching the Dragoons fight, armour and weaponry gleaming in the sun. The ring of metal on metal was something Kain had desperately missed; he had always loved the challenge of real battle against a foe worthy of him. The pitiful shambling hulks upon Mt. Ordeals were a minor annoyance at worst, and the wet sucking sound when his spear pierced them was not nearly as satisfying as the screech of metal.
He wondered, briefly, if even the Dragoons could pose a challenge to him, now. He was far stronger now than he had been, and even a full elite unit was likely less of a challenge than Bahamut himself.
One Dragoon who stood apart from the rest caught sight of them, and shouted an order. Immediately the sparring warriors broke apart and fell into neat ranks, spears held upright at their sides. Their commander saluted Cecil.
"Good afternoon, Lieutenant Darmin." Cecil surveyed the Dragoons. "How do your Dragoons fare this afternoon?"
"Well, thank you, Your Majesty."
Kain couldn't see Matthew's face behind the visor of his helmet, but he had the distinct feeling that the lieutenant was studying him intently.
"As many of you know, there has been some question of who will be named as the Captain of the Dragon Knights," Cecil began. The Dragoons neither moved nor spoke, but Kain could well imagine that their eyes were narrowing behind their visors. Baron's elite forces were a proud lot, and they would not react well to a commander named without their input, though they would serve him with honour because they were the Dragoons. Cecil began to smile slowly. "I am pleased to inform you that Captain Kain Highwind will be resuming command of the Dragoons."
Kain stepped forward at Cecil's gesture. "I am honoured to serve once more as the Captain of the Dragon Knights of Baron," he said quietly.
"Captain, sir! Welcome back, sir." Matthew saluted, as did the other Dragoons.
"Thank you, Lieutenant."
"I will leave you to your training. Captain Highwind, please join us for dinner this evening," Cecil said.
Kain saluted. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will."
Cecil walked away, and Kain turned to survey his troops. "At ease, men." They relaxed slightly.
Kain gestured to his lieutenant. "Please continue the exercises. I wish to speak with you afterward."
"Yes, sir." Matthew saluted him, then turned to the Dragoons and started to shout orders. Kain stood back and observed, making mental notes on the skills and readiness of the men. He did not anticipate that the Dragoons would have to take any action, but that was no excuse for them to be unprepared if Edge should lose his mind and launch an attack against the kingdom or some other, similarly unlikely event. Then again, if Edge should ever be so foolish, Rydia would likely solve the problem with a Flare spell long before a Dragon Knight could arrive to handle the issue.
Still, the Dragoons gave him options in that unlikely event. For standard foot soldiers, a Dragoon’s ability to dive out of the sky, strike, and leap back out of range instantly was a valuable asset. Cavalry fared even worse against them. Forces like Eblan’s ninja could pose a problem, however, as they might not be seen. He would have to consult his lieutenant for ways to alleviate that risk.
The lieutenant called a halt when the sun stood high overhead. The Dragoons separated to get their midday meal. Kain waited until Matthew approached him and saluted, conspicuously formal—likely to show the Dragon Knights that he yielded the captaincy with good grace. "Sir, you indicated you wished to speak with me.”
"Yes. Let's go get some lunch. I want you to fill me in on the relevant information I have missed these past two years, and give me your assessment of the Dragoons' current state of readiness. I know there is much.“ Kain led the way over to the small barracks that housed the Dragoons. Matthew followed close behind.
They collected their lunch in the mess hall and chose a corner table, which the other Dragoons gave a wide berth. Matthew was silent, eating quickly and neatly while Kain surveyed the room. Little had changed in the past two years.
"If Baron should be attacked, or if His Majesty should choose to attack another country, are the Dragoons ready?" Kain asked bluntly.
"Yes, sir." Matthew set down his utensils and met Kain's gaze directly. "They are as ready as I could make them. In conventional warfare, they are the best.” Kain heard what he did not say: Golbez had been an unconventional opponent.
"Good. What of their numbers? They seem fewer than they were two years past."
"Five men have retired from active duty with the Dragoons after ten years of service. We have not sought new recruits because any such recruit must be approved by yourself and His Majesty."
"I see. I would like to expand the Dragoons somewhat. Have you received any applications?"
"We had expressly stated the Dragoons were not taking new applicants, but we can open them up again." Matthew shrugged.
"Very well." Kain ate the last of his lunch and stood. "We shall direct all applications through you; you will give them a preliminary review and give me your assessment. I shall speak to the King about opening up applications to the Dragon Knights."
Matthew rose as well. "I have the records on injuries, supplies, and training for the past two years in my office, sir."
"Excellent. Let us go and review them."
"Yes, sir."
~*~
Kain shielded his eyes against the glare of the setting sun and walked toward the doors leading into Cecil's tower. Cecil had made it known about the castle that Kain was a welcomed guest, free to come and go as he pleased. While Kain appreciated the freedom, he cringed to think of the havoc he could wreak, were he so inclined.
The guards outside saluted him as he approached, though the one on the right seemed reluctant. The one on the left opened the door for him. "Good evening, sir," the other said tightly as he passed by. Kain nodded politely. Cecil had made himself clear, but trust would be a long time in coming.
A page led him to the sitting room on the second floor, where Cecil and Rosa were sitting. Next to Rosa was a bassinet draped in red and gold, the colours of Baron. Kain paused in the doorway to bow to them. "Good evening, Your Majesties."
"Kain, come in and sit down." Cecil brushed back errant strands of his pale hair. Kain took a seat in the same overstuffed armchair he had occupied a week ago. Rosa greeted him with a sweet smile, one that made his heart ache.
"You haven't met our son yet," she said with quiet reproach.
"I did not wish to intrude." Kain shrugged a bit.
"A good friend is never an intrusion." Rosa gestured at the bassinet. "Well?"
Kain stood up and walked over to the bassinet. Beneath a soft white wool blanket, the heir to Baron slept, one tiny wrinkled fist pressed to his mouth. His head was covered in downy bits of blond hair sticking up every which way. Kain stared down at him, feeling a little as though he'd been kicked in the stomach. Somehow, this tiny scrap of a person cemented the fact that he had truly lost Rosa to Cecil in a way that neither their wedding nor seeing Rosa pregnant had done. He almost wanted to scoop the child up and claim him as his own, his and Rosa's, the child they could have had.
"We named him Jalen," Rosa said quietly.
"It's a good name." Kain frowned, trying to place where he'd heard the name before. "That was the name of a King of Damcyan, wasn't it?"
"The last king," Cecil confirmed.
Kain hoped that the baby had rather more luck of his name than his namesake, given the way the Red Wings had devastated that nation. "He's a beautiful child," he said instead. Not that Jalen had much choice in the matter, given his parents.
A maid appeared to announce that dinner was ready. Cecil led the way into the adjoining dining room, where they dined on roasted capon, mashed sweet potatoes, and the pick of the castle's extensive gardens. Kain kept his attention on his plate and tried not to watch Rosa's face, gracefully illumined by the gentle candlelight, forcing himself to listen instead to what Cecil was saying.
"The nobles are gathering for Parliament tomorrow," Cecil said, "so I can announce then that you've resumed command of the Dragon Knights."
"It would be better if you phrase it as an appointment from your hand," Kain replied, "and use the royal 'we.'"
Cecil frowned. "I don’t like that you’re right about that.” He prodded a stray bit of potato with his fork.
No, he wouldn’t. Even as a dark knight, Cecil had never liked the need to maintain distance between himself and those he would rule, though he understood its utility.
Rosa changed the subject smoothly. ”Did the Elder tell you that Edge will be marrying Rydia in the spring?"
Kain shook his head. "His assistant, Livius, mentioned something of the sort, but was being dismissive of the idea. He really got her to agree to marry him? Did he hit her over the head first?"
"Kain!" Rosa frowned. He couldn't help laughing. "I don't imagine he had to resort to such tactics."
"If he did, she'd fry him once she regained her senses anyway." Kain picked up his glass and drank, appreciating the crisp tang of a good white wine. He had missed such odd things during his self-imposed exile: the wines of his homeland, the sight of the northern mountain ranges from his tower window, the quiet camaraderie of their campfire when they rested as they journeyed through some godforsaken wilderness.
Cecil looked as though he might object to Kain's statement, but then his expression turned thoughtful. "You're probably right."
"So. Edge and Rydia will marry in the spring." Kain thought about it. "Is everyone going, as it were?"
"Edge invited us, and you provided you had returned by then. Yang, the Elder of Mysidia, Edward…everyone." Cecil shrugged. "Why not?"
Kain grimaced. "Because it's a nightmare trying to keep all the royals safe when they're concentrated in one place."
"You're paranoid," Cecil muttered.
Kain shrugged. “I prefer you on the throne, not Rosa as regent to your infant son; forgive me my care for your safety.” At Cecil’s sharply indrawn breath, he shook his head. “I was too harsh,” he said.
Cecil nudged his wineglass a finger’s width to the left. “I am not blind, Kain. I have paid close heed to our intelligence, here and abroad. Yes, there are those who blame me—us—for everything Golbez did, but we’ve made significant contributions to rebuild Eblan and Fabul, and their leaders are friendly. It isn’t everything, but it’s enough.”
Kain wanted to believe that.
Jalen began to cry, and Rosa went to him. Kain’s own dinner was finished, so he bid them good night and left the royal chambers.
Too restless to sleep, he prowled the battlements for a while. When that failed to soothe him, he left the castle by the main gate. The soldiers outside saluted him as he passed.
He paced along the sturdy stone walls of the castle, keeping to the shadows. Every now and again he stopped and tested the mortar that held the stones in place, a habit from similar walks with King Odin when they would check the castle walls to ensure that they would hold strong in case of a battle. He continued to move along the wall, walking aimlessly. It seemed strange to be in the midst of politics once again, and to pick up the threads as though he'd never left. It wasn't that he distrusted those they'd fought with on their way to defeat Zemus. It was more that he didn't trust what their subjects would do.
He wondered if Cid had noticed anything amiss. After all, Cid had been the first to notice that King Odin was acting oddly, and the first to rebel so spectacularly that Cagnazzo had had him imprisoned. Cid had a good sense for things that weren't on the level. He'd have to check with him.
Kain reached the sally port and rapped firmly. The guard slid open the view slot, then slid it shut again and unbarred the gate. Kain thanked him and returned to his tower. There was a great deal to be done, and he would need to get an early start.
Rating: R (overall), PG (this chapter)
Warnings: Spoilers. Violence and language. Occasional sexual content.
Notes: This fic belongs to the Lucis Ante Terminum arc. Chapter list is here.
Summary: Though it is possible to return home, it is rarely possible to return affairs to their previous state. Sometimes the only course of action is to move forward.
Wordcount: 3660 this chapter.
Beta:
celelorielKain stood atop the western tower of Baron Castle, watching the Dragon Knights drilling in the courtyard below. He could name the patterns they moved through without thinking, patterns that were imprinted in him as in them. Their spears and dragon helms flashed in the sunlight, presenting a bright glittering show.
He had been in Baron for a week, and boredom was threatening to drive him mad.
At least on Mt. Ordeals he had had to go through all the motions of hunting, tending to his own living space, gathering food against the colder months (not that it ever got terribly cold in Mysidia), and generally ensuring his own survival. Here, most of those tasks were taken care of for him. He had spent most of the week confining himself to his own chambers, trying to meditate, or occasionally practicing with his weapon on the top of the tower, where he would not disturb anyone.
And he was unbearably bored.
Kain gazed down at the structure of Baron Castle, eyeing the prison roof from his tower. When they were younger, he had often bragged to Cecil that a Dragoon could make that jump without difficulty. Cecil had declined to test his word then. He was sorely tempted to put it to the test himself now.
Boot heels scraped on stone behind him, and Kain turned swiftly, reaching once again for the spear that wasn't there. He had to keep reminding himself that one did not carry weapons in the castle without cause; he had carried his spear as an extension of himself since the day he and Cecil left to deliver the package to Mist, and it felt strange not to have the length of wood and metal immediately to hand.
Cecil emerged from the trapdoor that led down into the tower, squinting in the bright sunlight. Kain stepped back and greeted Cecil with a bow. "Your Majesty."
Cecil scowled. "I wish you wouldn't do that when we're alone."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Kain held the bow and didn't meet Cecil's eyes.
Cecil sighed and moved forward to lean on the crenellations of the tower, watching the Dragoons in the courtyard. "You've not yet been to see Rosa and Jalen," he said quietly.
"I did not wish to intrude." Kain joined him, looking downward without seeing.
"Intrude? Kain, we grew up together. You're my best friend."
"And you are the King now, and I cannot run in and out of your chambers at will as I did when we were younger." Kain prodded a small indentation in the stone, doubtless a legacy of a long-ago battle, and carefully kept his face turned away.
Cecil was silent for a long moment, and when he finally spoke, Kain could hear the undercurrent of hurt in his tone. "Since when do you care about propriety? I thought you were Kain Highwind, the great rebel, who defied King Odin's command and joined the Dragon Knights, who would stand up for a friend though it meant angering the King, who chose his honour over blind loyalty?"
Kain told himself that the stinging in his eyes was the burn of the wind, and not regret for what he could have been. "Are we having the same conversation here?" Kain muttered. "I care less about propriety than I care about not giving your oh-so-loyal nobles reasons to disrespect you further. They would never have dared to nag King Odin the way Lord Vyran was preaching at you last night."
Cecil blinked and raised an eyebrow. "They had a legitimate cause for concern. The captaincy of the Dragon Knights has been vacant for two years."
"Then you tell them that it will remain vacant until you say otherwise, and until then the Dragoons are under the direct command of the King." Kain shrugged. "The Captain always answers directly to the King anyway, they know that. They just want to wear you down until you name one of their simpering sons as Captain."
Cecil snorted. "That's true enough." He fell silent, watching the Dragon Knights execute the maneuver they called Bahamut's Teeth, a formation designed to crush a pack of enemies between its prongs like a sheep in a dragon's mouth.
Kain watched the flash of metal in the sunlight, recalling similar countless hours drilling in the courtyard. The Dragon Knights were Baron's elite warriors, and as such, watching them was always a show, even if one already knew all the formations.
"I asked them who they would have me name as their Captain," Cecil said after a moment.
Kain turned to face him. He already disliked the direction of this discussion, and it had barely started. "And?"
Cecil smiled faintly. "Matthew, who spoke for the rest, informed me that as far as they were concerned, and unless I 'in my wisdom' should choose to decree differently, the Dragoons have a Captain, and they see no need for that to change."
He definitely disliked the direction of the discussion. Matthew Darmin had been his lieutenant when he commanded the Dragon Knights. While the Dragoons were keen, to put it mildly, on personal loyalty and personal honour, this was taking it a bit far. "I see."
"So with that in mind, I would like to restore you to the captaincy of the Dragon Knights." Cecil's smile grew broader.
Kain scowled. "Need I point out the myriad ways in which this is a terrible decision, politically speaking?" There was Lord Nerthic’s advice to consider, but he had a creeping sense of unease that Cecil was offering this without thinking through those implications.
"I don't see why it matters. You took a leave of absence. You have returned. Obviously as a loyal soldier of Baron, you wish to resume your duties." Cecil's tone was unusually mocking.
"It would cement your ties to the nobility far more if you were to name one of their spawn Captain," Kain remarked.
"It would damage the Dragon Knights' loyalty to the throne."
"I served the false king."
"So did I."
"I gave Golbez the Crystals."
"You helped us defeat Zeromus."
"Damn it, Cecil! I'm a traitor to Baron and--"
"You're practically my brother," Cecil interrupted, "and I trust you. I think you'll do a damn good job of commanding the Dragoons, just like you did before. And I need someone I can trust. Especially with the nobles scheming as they are."
Kain sighed. "Cecil, this is a very poor idea."
"You used to say that to me when we were children and I proposed sneaking into the armoury to train with real swords." Cecil had a knowing grin on his face. "I gather this means you are returning to your post."
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Kain prayed he didn’t give Cecil cause to regret this.
"Good. Well, let's go inform your troops." Cecil started down the stairs. "I was thinking of expanding the Dragon Knights."
"Have you a particular reason for this?" Kain followed Cecil down the stairs. "If you would wait a moment, I think it would give a better impression if I arrive armed and armoured. They are training, after all."
Cecil paused outside the door to Kain's quarters and then followed Kain inside. He lent a helping hand to the myriad buckles and straps that held the armour in place. Kain gave his armour a cursory check for damage or weakened spots, but everything was in perfect condition. The castle armourer had done a splendid job restoring it after his return. He took his spear, covered with a leather guard, and nodded. "Lead on, Your Majesty."
Cecil groaned. "Not in private, Kain. Can't we still be ourselves?"
"Every wall in a castle has ears. Remember when we used to spy on King Odin's court sessions just to see if anything interesting would happen?"
Cecil laughed and started down the stairs. "I remember the time we tried to fit into that little servant's nook behind the throne and you nearly screamed when the mouse ran across your foot."
"I beg your pardon." Kain sniffed. "It was you who attempted to suppress a scream when the mouse ran across your foot. I wanted to catch it and keep it as a pet."
"By pet, of course, you mean taking it to feed to the barn cats."
"It was intended to be a short-lived ownership."
Cecil groaned at the pun. "You were a vicious child."
"I certainly was not." Kain had to blink several times to adjust his eyes to the sunlight again as they emerged from the tower. "Who was it that thought it would be funny to leave three-day-old tadpoles on the fresh laundry the maids were going to take up to the guest rooms that time the King of Fabul visited?"
"You were the one that put the grass snakes in Lady Cornelia's chamber," Cecil retorted.
"A grass snake never hurt anyone."
"Neither did tadpoles, I'll have you know. And Lady Cornelia screaming the castle down hurt my ears."
"You should have had the good sense to cover them like I did." Kain paused at the edge of the courtyard to watch the Dragoons. They had ended the mounted maneuvers and were practicing single combat.
Cecil halted as well. They stood watching the Dragoons fight, armour and weaponry gleaming in the sun. The ring of metal on metal was something Kain had desperately missed; he had always loved the challenge of real battle against a foe worthy of him. The pitiful shambling hulks upon Mt. Ordeals were a minor annoyance at worst, and the wet sucking sound when his spear pierced them was not nearly as satisfying as the screech of metal.
He wondered, briefly, if even the Dragoons could pose a challenge to him, now. He was far stronger now than he had been, and even a full elite unit was likely less of a challenge than Bahamut himself.
One Dragoon who stood apart from the rest caught sight of them, and shouted an order. Immediately the sparring warriors broke apart and fell into neat ranks, spears held upright at their sides. Their commander saluted Cecil.
"Good afternoon, Lieutenant Darmin." Cecil surveyed the Dragoons. "How do your Dragoons fare this afternoon?"
"Well, thank you, Your Majesty."
Kain couldn't see Matthew's face behind the visor of his helmet, but he had the distinct feeling that the lieutenant was studying him intently.
"As many of you know, there has been some question of who will be named as the Captain of the Dragon Knights," Cecil began. The Dragoons neither moved nor spoke, but Kain could well imagine that their eyes were narrowing behind their visors. Baron's elite forces were a proud lot, and they would not react well to a commander named without their input, though they would serve him with honour because they were the Dragoons. Cecil began to smile slowly. "I am pleased to inform you that Captain Kain Highwind will be resuming command of the Dragoons."
Kain stepped forward at Cecil's gesture. "I am honoured to serve once more as the Captain of the Dragon Knights of Baron," he said quietly.
"Captain, sir! Welcome back, sir." Matthew saluted, as did the other Dragoons.
"Thank you, Lieutenant."
"I will leave you to your training. Captain Highwind, please join us for dinner this evening," Cecil said.
Kain saluted. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will."
Cecil walked away, and Kain turned to survey his troops. "At ease, men." They relaxed slightly.
Kain gestured to his lieutenant. "Please continue the exercises. I wish to speak with you afterward."
"Yes, sir." Matthew saluted him, then turned to the Dragoons and started to shout orders. Kain stood back and observed, making mental notes on the skills and readiness of the men. He did not anticipate that the Dragoons would have to take any action, but that was no excuse for them to be unprepared if Edge should lose his mind and launch an attack against the kingdom or some other, similarly unlikely event. Then again, if Edge should ever be so foolish, Rydia would likely solve the problem with a Flare spell long before a Dragon Knight could arrive to handle the issue.
Still, the Dragoons gave him options in that unlikely event. For standard foot soldiers, a Dragoon’s ability to dive out of the sky, strike, and leap back out of range instantly was a valuable asset. Cavalry fared even worse against them. Forces like Eblan’s ninja could pose a problem, however, as they might not be seen. He would have to consult his lieutenant for ways to alleviate that risk.
The lieutenant called a halt when the sun stood high overhead. The Dragoons separated to get their midday meal. Kain waited until Matthew approached him and saluted, conspicuously formal—likely to show the Dragon Knights that he yielded the captaincy with good grace. "Sir, you indicated you wished to speak with me.”
"Yes. Let's go get some lunch. I want you to fill me in on the relevant information I have missed these past two years, and give me your assessment of the Dragoons' current state of readiness. I know there is much.“ Kain led the way over to the small barracks that housed the Dragoons. Matthew followed close behind.
They collected their lunch in the mess hall and chose a corner table, which the other Dragoons gave a wide berth. Matthew was silent, eating quickly and neatly while Kain surveyed the room. Little had changed in the past two years.
"If Baron should be attacked, or if His Majesty should choose to attack another country, are the Dragoons ready?" Kain asked bluntly.
"Yes, sir." Matthew set down his utensils and met Kain's gaze directly. "They are as ready as I could make them. In conventional warfare, they are the best.” Kain heard what he did not say: Golbez had been an unconventional opponent.
"Good. What of their numbers? They seem fewer than they were two years past."
"Five men have retired from active duty with the Dragoons after ten years of service. We have not sought new recruits because any such recruit must be approved by yourself and His Majesty."
"I see. I would like to expand the Dragoons somewhat. Have you received any applications?"
"We had expressly stated the Dragoons were not taking new applicants, but we can open them up again." Matthew shrugged.
"Very well." Kain ate the last of his lunch and stood. "We shall direct all applications through you; you will give them a preliminary review and give me your assessment. I shall speak to the King about opening up applications to the Dragon Knights."
Matthew rose as well. "I have the records on injuries, supplies, and training for the past two years in my office, sir."
"Excellent. Let us go and review them."
"Yes, sir."
~*~
Kain shielded his eyes against the glare of the setting sun and walked toward the doors leading into Cecil's tower. Cecil had made it known about the castle that Kain was a welcomed guest, free to come and go as he pleased. While Kain appreciated the freedom, he cringed to think of the havoc he could wreak, were he so inclined.
The guards outside saluted him as he approached, though the one on the right seemed reluctant. The one on the left opened the door for him. "Good evening, sir," the other said tightly as he passed by. Kain nodded politely. Cecil had made himself clear, but trust would be a long time in coming.
A page led him to the sitting room on the second floor, where Cecil and Rosa were sitting. Next to Rosa was a bassinet draped in red and gold, the colours of Baron. Kain paused in the doorway to bow to them. "Good evening, Your Majesties."
"Kain, come in and sit down." Cecil brushed back errant strands of his pale hair. Kain took a seat in the same overstuffed armchair he had occupied a week ago. Rosa greeted him with a sweet smile, one that made his heart ache.
"You haven't met our son yet," she said with quiet reproach.
"I did not wish to intrude." Kain shrugged a bit.
"A good friend is never an intrusion." Rosa gestured at the bassinet. "Well?"
Kain stood up and walked over to the bassinet. Beneath a soft white wool blanket, the heir to Baron slept, one tiny wrinkled fist pressed to his mouth. His head was covered in downy bits of blond hair sticking up every which way. Kain stared down at him, feeling a little as though he'd been kicked in the stomach. Somehow, this tiny scrap of a person cemented the fact that he had truly lost Rosa to Cecil in a way that neither their wedding nor seeing Rosa pregnant had done. He almost wanted to scoop the child up and claim him as his own, his and Rosa's, the child they could have had.
"We named him Jalen," Rosa said quietly.
"It's a good name." Kain frowned, trying to place where he'd heard the name before. "That was the name of a King of Damcyan, wasn't it?"
"The last king," Cecil confirmed.
Kain hoped that the baby had rather more luck of his name than his namesake, given the way the Red Wings had devastated that nation. "He's a beautiful child," he said instead. Not that Jalen had much choice in the matter, given his parents.
A maid appeared to announce that dinner was ready. Cecil led the way into the adjoining dining room, where they dined on roasted capon, mashed sweet potatoes, and the pick of the castle's extensive gardens. Kain kept his attention on his plate and tried not to watch Rosa's face, gracefully illumined by the gentle candlelight, forcing himself to listen instead to what Cecil was saying.
"The nobles are gathering for Parliament tomorrow," Cecil said, "so I can announce then that you've resumed command of the Dragon Knights."
"It would be better if you phrase it as an appointment from your hand," Kain replied, "and use the royal 'we.'"
Cecil frowned. "I don’t like that you’re right about that.” He prodded a stray bit of potato with his fork.
No, he wouldn’t. Even as a dark knight, Cecil had never liked the need to maintain distance between himself and those he would rule, though he understood its utility.
Rosa changed the subject smoothly. ”Did the Elder tell you that Edge will be marrying Rydia in the spring?"
Kain shook his head. "His assistant, Livius, mentioned something of the sort, but was being dismissive of the idea. He really got her to agree to marry him? Did he hit her over the head first?"
"Kain!" Rosa frowned. He couldn't help laughing. "I don't imagine he had to resort to such tactics."
"If he did, she'd fry him once she regained her senses anyway." Kain picked up his glass and drank, appreciating the crisp tang of a good white wine. He had missed such odd things during his self-imposed exile: the wines of his homeland, the sight of the northern mountain ranges from his tower window, the quiet camaraderie of their campfire when they rested as they journeyed through some godforsaken wilderness.
Cecil looked as though he might object to Kain's statement, but then his expression turned thoughtful. "You're probably right."
"So. Edge and Rydia will marry in the spring." Kain thought about it. "Is everyone going, as it were?"
"Edge invited us, and you provided you had returned by then. Yang, the Elder of Mysidia, Edward…everyone." Cecil shrugged. "Why not?"
Kain grimaced. "Because it's a nightmare trying to keep all the royals safe when they're concentrated in one place."
"You're paranoid," Cecil muttered.
Kain shrugged. “I prefer you on the throne, not Rosa as regent to your infant son; forgive me my care for your safety.” At Cecil’s sharply indrawn breath, he shook his head. “I was too harsh,” he said.
Cecil nudged his wineglass a finger’s width to the left. “I am not blind, Kain. I have paid close heed to our intelligence, here and abroad. Yes, there are those who blame me—us—for everything Golbez did, but we’ve made significant contributions to rebuild Eblan and Fabul, and their leaders are friendly. It isn’t everything, but it’s enough.”
Kain wanted to believe that.
Jalen began to cry, and Rosa went to him. Kain’s own dinner was finished, so he bid them good night and left the royal chambers.
Too restless to sleep, he prowled the battlements for a while. When that failed to soothe him, he left the castle by the main gate. The soldiers outside saluted him as he passed.
He paced along the sturdy stone walls of the castle, keeping to the shadows. Every now and again he stopped and tested the mortar that held the stones in place, a habit from similar walks with King Odin when they would check the castle walls to ensure that they would hold strong in case of a battle. He continued to move along the wall, walking aimlessly. It seemed strange to be in the midst of politics once again, and to pick up the threads as though he'd never left. It wasn't that he distrusted those they'd fought with on their way to defeat Zemus. It was more that he didn't trust what their subjects would do.
He wondered if Cid had noticed anything amiss. After all, Cid had been the first to notice that King Odin was acting oddly, and the first to rebel so spectacularly that Cagnazzo had had him imprisoned. Cid had a good sense for things that weren't on the level. He'd have to check with him.
Kain reached the sally port and rapped firmly. The guard slid open the view slot, then slid it shut again and unbarred the gate. Kain thanked him and returned to his tower. There was a great deal to be done, and he would need to get an early start.