The dim lighting of the waiting room of the Tribunal in which he had been placed gave Reinhold little to focus on as he awaited what was most likely the last moments of his life. It seemed almost perfect for one about to have their fate decided by a single trial by combat. Not one to give into pacing, he moved over to a bench that rested against the wall across from the door and carefully sat, adjusting his blade slightly so as not to get caught on anything. Was this truly how he was going to let it all end? Well why not, he thought to himself as he sat there, Surely I deserve it more than most. The things I have done cannot be forgiven. A sigh escaped him as he tried to remember when things first started him down this path. Was it really only two years ago? Fury take me, it seems so much longer, Reinhold pondered as he was vividly reminded of the bite of the frozen wind of the Coerthas Highlands. In retrospect he could now easily say that nothing that ever could be found is worth the price he and his were forced to pay.
Yet the nightmare was not complete just yet at that moment, he was only compelled to go along. The true horror is what came next. Memories of a lance being placed into his hands flooded his mind as he distinctly remembered how it first felt to have that intrusion in his mind. How if felt to sit there and be forced to watch as your body commits atrocity after atrocity. It made him sick to know that he had given in after a time, gave up the idea of his body ever fully being his again. For so long he had just made the most of what he could do in those rare moments when he was finally able to wrench control of his body back. Trips home to Ishgard to check on his family, setting up the account so they would not have to want for food or coin. The true turmoil did not come until the company he was forced to create attempted to remove the Pathfinders from ever being a problem.
At the time it seemed simple enough, it was a process they had already done several times. The plan was to absorb as many smaller free companies as they could before turning their eyes to the larger ones and then finally the Grand Companies themselves. No one could have guessed how much trouble this single company could create. Things seemed to have been going so well when they abducted that Limsan from the company, and he had proved quite useful. It was sort of ironic, but he was glad that Eddard was able to fight against the power they had created. He was even more so when the collected Pathfinders forced him to retreat. From then on moons passed by with more moments of control than ever before.
It had been too good to last. I should of know it would want to eventually retaliate. Especially after the break in, he remembered as his thoughts turned to the events that finally led to him being free. When he heard someone had been inquiring after him in the Temple Knight’s headquarters he expected to come face to face with an armed enemy seeking to bring him down. Instead he was greeted with a nervous young woman he remembered from the Pathfinders. It honestly shouldn’t surprise me it took a fellow Ishgardian to break through that control. The Fury was on Madison’s side that night. Had I been like other Knights that trick wouldn’t have worked. He fondly remembered the point where he at once was able to finally able to begin to have hope, something he was more than grateful for.
I almost lost that too, his thought was regretful as he recalled not having been as careful as he should of been. It was the only way Austriox, Coventina, Osment, and Gilbraux could have found him. A shudder passed through him as he could almost still feel how it felt to lose control once more and have hope destroyed with it. Those four had figured the Pathfinders would try something, and they could not have been more right. They made the same mistake I did though and underestimated them. It was the truth, he not once could ever think of a moment he had been more glad that someone was able to hold their own against him. I honestly wanted that dragoon they had with them to end it. Every fiber of my mind that was my own wanted her lance to pierce me through the head and just end it, but no, instead she went for my wrist. It had seemed so odd to him at the time when all he could do was sit back and watch as his body was used to assault the Pathfinders relentlessly. I can still remember their faces as each attack was unleashed on them. Those two miqo’te took quite the beating, and that lalafell was quite determined. I still remember that feeling of regret once more when her spell didn’t just remove my hand. Even that one that kept using those odd spells… I just wanted them to end it, but they still persisted on trying to save me. Why?
He shook his head in the as he could start to hear the crowd outside the door now indicating that his time was nearing. I wish I could grasp onto some of that hope again. All I can feel is the horror I felt when I came to again. It was a trying moment for him as his emotions had spun in his head like a twister when Madison’s spell managed to crack the crystal on his lance. Hope had then flowed through him. It felt like feeling the first rays of the sun after a terrible storm, only to be replaced by the guilt and horror of what he had done, and was very nearly about to do. It was almost like a nightmare as he remembered his first moments of control greeting him with a vision of a battered Madison, and then only to see the condition of all her comrades. It was almost more than he could take. Yet it was enough to regain full control again. Fury take me the darkness fought hard to keep me from breaking that damned weapon. Yet when he finally managed to do so and was truly, truly free again he just couldn’t live with the guilt.
I had forsaken every oath I had taken as a Knight of the Holy See. I did not deserve the resolve they showed in trying to save me, nor to even remain in their presence once I was free. He still did not regret his decision to flee in the condition he had been in, nor to continue on to Dravania once those wounds had been tended to as best as he could manage. I needed to disappear. Yet when I heard Coventina was able to push on further than I could have thought possible, I knew it was time for me to return and pay for my crimes.
A rap on the door he had entered through brought him out of his reflection and made him realize it was almost time. Slowly he came to his feet and stepped closer to the door leading into the Tribunal room. I do not deserve the kindness that has been shown to me. Not by House Haillenarte, not by my own family, and most certainly not by one such as Lady Madison. I have caused them all too much grief and it is time for that to end. I just need to at least try and protect them from the damage I have done. Sighing once more he let the calm acceptance wash over as he readied for the door to be open. I truly hope Madison is able to use what I have told her, even if the healing of my wrist shall now go to waste.
_________
Reinhold’s eyes came off the ground and stared forward as the wooden door before him was swung open. Everything seemed so distant, the podiums before him, the crowd, the Adjudicator’s, and the Dragoon who stood on the opposite side of the Tribunal from him. It didn’t take too much from him to guess who it was, there were just some things a teacher learns of his students. So it was Ser Dreofoix who would be challenging him this day. That did little of anything for him as he knew Dreofoix was superb with a lance and not going to give him an easy time of it. His own footsteps seemed loud as he moved into the hushed room, the metal clanking loudly against the stone, yet he imagined most just heard the sound of Dreofoix’s spurs.
He came to stop in front of his designated podium and turned to face the Adjudicators as he waited for the proceedings to continue. It didn’t take long as the High Adjudicator stood and stepped forward with a hand raised to ensure the room remained silent. "We are gathered here today, under the watchful gaze of the Fury, to ascertain the guilt of this individual in a trial by combat. Petitioner step forward!†the elezen cried out and Dreofoix answered by stepping to the podium in front of him, “Ser Dreofoix, for the benefit of those present, I would ask that you repeat the charges which you have leveled against this man.â€
With a loud and booming voice Ser Dreofoix responded with a slight tinge of anger to his tone, “I, Ser Dreofoix de Hecont, of the Order of the Dragoon, did bear witness to Ser Reinhold’s admission of guilt of treason against the Holy See!â€
A slight murmur swept through the crowd at the declarations of the charges as all eyes fell upon Reinhold while the High Adjudicator spoke, “Ser Reinhold Allemand, you have heard the charge leveled against you. Will you take up arms to refute Ser Dreofoix's claim and thereby prove your innocence in the eyes of the gods and men?â€
His blue eyes focused on the Adjudicator as he sighed heavily before striding forward with a false sense of purpose. He knew he was most likely going to die on that floor as he was only doing this to try and remove the stain against his family and that of House Haillenarte. There was no doubt in his own mind that he was guilty, and he had come to accept that. "I, Ser Reinhold Allemand of House Haillenarte, am innocent of this charge and claim my right to trial by combat,†he declared loud enough for all to hear. The response to his own statement seemed more favorable than that of Dreofoix’s. Damn it why are people so forgiving? he thought angrily.
The High Adjudicator looked to those next to him who all nodded in agreement before he gave the signal to raise the arena. The ground shook as the mechanisms hidden under the floor went to work moving the sides apart so as to make room for the platform on which the two were to fight. The sound of the stone stopping in place echoed in the chamber as the walkway followed and the gate lowered allowing Reinhold and Dreofoix to enter the arena. Once more all that was heard were the clicks of spurs and the clanking of metal boots as the two moved solemnly to the center.
Reinhold felt this strange urge to look over his shoulder, he wasn’t sure what caused it but it felt like there was someone watching him intently. His head turned to give a quick look back and he immediately spotted Ebraux accompanied by the woman he was getting used to showing up at times like this. Yet the sight of Madison and his manservant served to remind him of why he did this and so he gave them a determined nod before resuming his walk to face Dreofoix. Once he stood in the center for all to see he finally faced Dreofoix with a calculating look.
“O Halone, render unto us your judgement! Raise up the righteous and cast down the wicked!†cried the High Adjudicator signalling the start of the trial.
As Reinhold drew his blade and readied his rose emblazoned shield he watched as the dragoon before him readied his lance. A smile tugged at his lips as the same fault he had worked so hard with the man to erase was still evident. "I see you still keep your guard too low Dreofoix, and here I thought you would have finally learned better by now," he stated with a disapproving tone, though his words were just talk as he wondered how he was going to block anything with his wrist the way it was.
“I will not listen to such talk coming from one who will not respect our order enough to at least use a lance in a matter as important as this,†Dreofoix sneered in contempt as he quickly moved to spring forward at Reinhold with a massive lunge of his lance aimed at the man’s chest.
The move was obvious to Reinhold as he dug in his heels and brought his shield to the ready, the head of lance glancing off the shield with a ring as he moved to step in closer to the dragoon. His sword arced over heard and glinted in the light as he moved to swing at the man’s unguarded shoulder, but the blade met air as Dreofoix took several steps back. He could feel the tension in the air as he began to circle the arena at the same time as his opponent, neither say a word or making a move. It was a stalemate for a few moments until he saw a flash and the dragoon vanished from his vision. Too many years of training told him exactly what had happened and his gaze immediately shot upwards to see Dreofoix plummeting to the ground right above him.
Thousands of thoughts flew through his head as he did the only thing he could in that situation and that was fall to a knee with shield raised to brace himself. The weapon was stopped by his readied shield, but the force of the blow was enough to send him flying to the side in a roll. Once more his experience was paying off as he quickly came to his feet and charged forward. He swung his whole body this time as his shield came in first to catch the dragoon off guard while his blade came around in a hidden uppercut. The move paid off as while Dreofoix avoided the shield he could feel his blade sink into the man’s armor and skin, even if just a bit. Yet this slight victory was short lived as an answering attack quickly followed, and one he couldn’t block in time.
The pain that shot through him as the lance impaled itself into his thigh was more than enough to throw him way off balance. The rageful flurry of attacks that followed meant to take advantage of the fact, the first of which slammed into his shield forcing him to give ground and then drop to a knee because of his injury. The rest came in so fast all he could do was attempt to parry and deflect which further rewards him with several more cuts and gashes as the lance wore him down. I should be more worried than I am. I should feel fear and know that my end must be on the horizon.. Yet that does not come... he thought to himself as he watched like a hawk for an opening.
There. A high aimed thrust came in with more emotion than discipline and Reinhold monopolized on it. As he moved every fiber of his body seemed to ring out as if someone was calling to him, the feeling of it only drove him further. Aether flowed through his veins as he resurrected every ounce of training and knowledge he had obtained as a dragoon, reinforcing his movements as his shield came in under the lance and knocked it away wide. There was no rage, no wrath, or vengeance in his movements; just cold calculated training as he continued forward. The onslaught was brutal as his sword came up at the dragoon slicing through the armor again with each, but it did not end there. Each step forward came a new swing of the sword and even those that did not manage to bite into the man’s flesh still rang out with a concussive force that kept him reeling. This went on only for a few more moments before Dreofoix finally gave and fell to the floor, his face showing signs that his consciousness was rapidly fading away.
The room was silent for several moments as the High Adjudicator finally stood once more and raised his voice, “The Fury has spoken! Ser Reinhold Allemand, you are hereby acquitted of all charges! Blessed are we who receive of Her Wisdom and see justice wrought by Her divine hand! Petitioner, Accused- Go forth in peace!â€
A sense of relief and shock washed over Reinhold at once as the words finally began to register and the adrenaline faded from his system. Each of his wounds was painfully felt as he stood there breathing heavily, only to once more be forced to take a knee due to the worrisome wound in his thigh. It’s over… Halone knows I may be guilty, but somehow those around me are spared my disgrace, he thought to himself as he was aware of someone calling out once more to him. He shook his head with a silent chuckle as it came to him perhaps there was more he was still mean to do. Slowly he forced himself to his feet, struggling every bit of the way as he planted the tip of his sword into the ground for support and looked to the gate with a renewed sense of self. Well I guess it’s time for me to make amends.
Yet the nightmare was not complete just yet at that moment, he was only compelled to go along. The true horror is what came next. Memories of a lance being placed into his hands flooded his mind as he distinctly remembered how it first felt to have that intrusion in his mind. How if felt to sit there and be forced to watch as your body commits atrocity after atrocity. It made him sick to know that he had given in after a time, gave up the idea of his body ever fully being his again. For so long he had just made the most of what he could do in those rare moments when he was finally able to wrench control of his body back. Trips home to Ishgard to check on his family, setting up the account so they would not have to want for food or coin. The true turmoil did not come until the company he was forced to create attempted to remove the Pathfinders from ever being a problem.
At the time it seemed simple enough, it was a process they had already done several times. The plan was to absorb as many smaller free companies as they could before turning their eyes to the larger ones and then finally the Grand Companies themselves. No one could have guessed how much trouble this single company could create. Things seemed to have been going so well when they abducted that Limsan from the company, and he had proved quite useful. It was sort of ironic, but he was glad that Eddard was able to fight against the power they had created. He was even more so when the collected Pathfinders forced him to retreat. From then on moons passed by with more moments of control than ever before.
It had been too good to last. I should of know it would want to eventually retaliate. Especially after the break in, he remembered as his thoughts turned to the events that finally led to him being free. When he heard someone had been inquiring after him in the Temple Knight’s headquarters he expected to come face to face with an armed enemy seeking to bring him down. Instead he was greeted with a nervous young woman he remembered from the Pathfinders. It honestly shouldn’t surprise me it took a fellow Ishgardian to break through that control. The Fury was on Madison’s side that night. Had I been like other Knights that trick wouldn’t have worked. He fondly remembered the point where he at once was able to finally able to begin to have hope, something he was more than grateful for.
I almost lost that too, his thought was regretful as he recalled not having been as careful as he should of been. It was the only way Austriox, Coventina, Osment, and Gilbraux could have found him. A shudder passed through him as he could almost still feel how it felt to lose control once more and have hope destroyed with it. Those four had figured the Pathfinders would try something, and they could not have been more right. They made the same mistake I did though and underestimated them. It was the truth, he not once could ever think of a moment he had been more glad that someone was able to hold their own against him. I honestly wanted that dragoon they had with them to end it. Every fiber of my mind that was my own wanted her lance to pierce me through the head and just end it, but no, instead she went for my wrist. It had seemed so odd to him at the time when all he could do was sit back and watch as his body was used to assault the Pathfinders relentlessly. I can still remember their faces as each attack was unleashed on them. Those two miqo’te took quite the beating, and that lalafell was quite determined. I still remember that feeling of regret once more when her spell didn’t just remove my hand. Even that one that kept using those odd spells… I just wanted them to end it, but they still persisted on trying to save me. Why?
He shook his head in the as he could start to hear the crowd outside the door now indicating that his time was nearing. I wish I could grasp onto some of that hope again. All I can feel is the horror I felt when I came to again. It was a trying moment for him as his emotions had spun in his head like a twister when Madison’s spell managed to crack the crystal on his lance. Hope had then flowed through him. It felt like feeling the first rays of the sun after a terrible storm, only to be replaced by the guilt and horror of what he had done, and was very nearly about to do. It was almost like a nightmare as he remembered his first moments of control greeting him with a vision of a battered Madison, and then only to see the condition of all her comrades. It was almost more than he could take. Yet it was enough to regain full control again. Fury take me the darkness fought hard to keep me from breaking that damned weapon. Yet when he finally managed to do so and was truly, truly free again he just couldn’t live with the guilt.
I had forsaken every oath I had taken as a Knight of the Holy See. I did not deserve the resolve they showed in trying to save me, nor to even remain in their presence once I was free. He still did not regret his decision to flee in the condition he had been in, nor to continue on to Dravania once those wounds had been tended to as best as he could manage. I needed to disappear. Yet when I heard Coventina was able to push on further than I could have thought possible, I knew it was time for me to return and pay for my crimes.
A rap on the door he had entered through brought him out of his reflection and made him realize it was almost time. Slowly he came to his feet and stepped closer to the door leading into the Tribunal room. I do not deserve the kindness that has been shown to me. Not by House Haillenarte, not by my own family, and most certainly not by one such as Lady Madison. I have caused them all too much grief and it is time for that to end. I just need to at least try and protect them from the damage I have done. Sighing once more he let the calm acceptance wash over as he readied for the door to be open. I truly hope Madison is able to use what I have told her, even if the healing of my wrist shall now go to waste.
_________
Reinhold’s eyes came off the ground and stared forward as the wooden door before him was swung open. Everything seemed so distant, the podiums before him, the crowd, the Adjudicator’s, and the Dragoon who stood on the opposite side of the Tribunal from him. It didn’t take too much from him to guess who it was, there were just some things a teacher learns of his students. So it was Ser Dreofoix who would be challenging him this day. That did little of anything for him as he knew Dreofoix was superb with a lance and not going to give him an easy time of it. His own footsteps seemed loud as he moved into the hushed room, the metal clanking loudly against the stone, yet he imagined most just heard the sound of Dreofoix’s spurs.
He came to stop in front of his designated podium and turned to face the Adjudicators as he waited for the proceedings to continue. It didn’t take long as the High Adjudicator stood and stepped forward with a hand raised to ensure the room remained silent. "We are gathered here today, under the watchful gaze of the Fury, to ascertain the guilt of this individual in a trial by combat. Petitioner step forward!†the elezen cried out and Dreofoix answered by stepping to the podium in front of him, “Ser Dreofoix, for the benefit of those present, I would ask that you repeat the charges which you have leveled against this man.â€
With a loud and booming voice Ser Dreofoix responded with a slight tinge of anger to his tone, “I, Ser Dreofoix de Hecont, of the Order of the Dragoon, did bear witness to Ser Reinhold’s admission of guilt of treason against the Holy See!â€
A slight murmur swept through the crowd at the declarations of the charges as all eyes fell upon Reinhold while the High Adjudicator spoke, “Ser Reinhold Allemand, you have heard the charge leveled against you. Will you take up arms to refute Ser Dreofoix's claim and thereby prove your innocence in the eyes of the gods and men?â€
His blue eyes focused on the Adjudicator as he sighed heavily before striding forward with a false sense of purpose. He knew he was most likely going to die on that floor as he was only doing this to try and remove the stain against his family and that of House Haillenarte. There was no doubt in his own mind that he was guilty, and he had come to accept that. "I, Ser Reinhold Allemand of House Haillenarte, am innocent of this charge and claim my right to trial by combat,†he declared loud enough for all to hear. The response to his own statement seemed more favorable than that of Dreofoix’s. Damn it why are people so forgiving? he thought angrily.
The High Adjudicator looked to those next to him who all nodded in agreement before he gave the signal to raise the arena. The ground shook as the mechanisms hidden under the floor went to work moving the sides apart so as to make room for the platform on which the two were to fight. The sound of the stone stopping in place echoed in the chamber as the walkway followed and the gate lowered allowing Reinhold and Dreofoix to enter the arena. Once more all that was heard were the clicks of spurs and the clanking of metal boots as the two moved solemnly to the center.
Reinhold felt this strange urge to look over his shoulder, he wasn’t sure what caused it but it felt like there was someone watching him intently. His head turned to give a quick look back and he immediately spotted Ebraux accompanied by the woman he was getting used to showing up at times like this. Yet the sight of Madison and his manservant served to remind him of why he did this and so he gave them a determined nod before resuming his walk to face Dreofoix. Once he stood in the center for all to see he finally faced Dreofoix with a calculating look.
“O Halone, render unto us your judgement! Raise up the righteous and cast down the wicked!†cried the High Adjudicator signalling the start of the trial.
As Reinhold drew his blade and readied his rose emblazoned shield he watched as the dragoon before him readied his lance. A smile tugged at his lips as the same fault he had worked so hard with the man to erase was still evident. "I see you still keep your guard too low Dreofoix, and here I thought you would have finally learned better by now," he stated with a disapproving tone, though his words were just talk as he wondered how he was going to block anything with his wrist the way it was.
“I will not listen to such talk coming from one who will not respect our order enough to at least use a lance in a matter as important as this,†Dreofoix sneered in contempt as he quickly moved to spring forward at Reinhold with a massive lunge of his lance aimed at the man’s chest.
The move was obvious to Reinhold as he dug in his heels and brought his shield to the ready, the head of lance glancing off the shield with a ring as he moved to step in closer to the dragoon. His sword arced over heard and glinted in the light as he moved to swing at the man’s unguarded shoulder, but the blade met air as Dreofoix took several steps back. He could feel the tension in the air as he began to circle the arena at the same time as his opponent, neither say a word or making a move. It was a stalemate for a few moments until he saw a flash and the dragoon vanished from his vision. Too many years of training told him exactly what had happened and his gaze immediately shot upwards to see Dreofoix plummeting to the ground right above him.
Thousands of thoughts flew through his head as he did the only thing he could in that situation and that was fall to a knee with shield raised to brace himself. The weapon was stopped by his readied shield, but the force of the blow was enough to send him flying to the side in a roll. Once more his experience was paying off as he quickly came to his feet and charged forward. He swung his whole body this time as his shield came in first to catch the dragoon off guard while his blade came around in a hidden uppercut. The move paid off as while Dreofoix avoided the shield he could feel his blade sink into the man’s armor and skin, even if just a bit. Yet this slight victory was short lived as an answering attack quickly followed, and one he couldn’t block in time.
The pain that shot through him as the lance impaled itself into his thigh was more than enough to throw him way off balance. The rageful flurry of attacks that followed meant to take advantage of the fact, the first of which slammed into his shield forcing him to give ground and then drop to a knee because of his injury. The rest came in so fast all he could do was attempt to parry and deflect which further rewards him with several more cuts and gashes as the lance wore him down. I should be more worried than I am. I should feel fear and know that my end must be on the horizon.. Yet that does not come... he thought to himself as he watched like a hawk for an opening.
There. A high aimed thrust came in with more emotion than discipline and Reinhold monopolized on it. As he moved every fiber of his body seemed to ring out as if someone was calling to him, the feeling of it only drove him further. Aether flowed through his veins as he resurrected every ounce of training and knowledge he had obtained as a dragoon, reinforcing his movements as his shield came in under the lance and knocked it away wide. There was no rage, no wrath, or vengeance in his movements; just cold calculated training as he continued forward. The onslaught was brutal as his sword came up at the dragoon slicing through the armor again with each, but it did not end there. Each step forward came a new swing of the sword and even those that did not manage to bite into the man’s flesh still rang out with a concussive force that kept him reeling. This went on only for a few more moments before Dreofoix finally gave and fell to the floor, his face showing signs that his consciousness was rapidly fading away.
The room was silent for several moments as the High Adjudicator finally stood once more and raised his voice, “The Fury has spoken! Ser Reinhold Allemand, you are hereby acquitted of all charges! Blessed are we who receive of Her Wisdom and see justice wrought by Her divine hand! Petitioner, Accused- Go forth in peace!â€
A sense of relief and shock washed over Reinhold at once as the words finally began to register and the adrenaline faded from his system. Each of his wounds was painfully felt as he stood there breathing heavily, only to once more be forced to take a knee due to the worrisome wound in his thigh. It’s over… Halone knows I may be guilty, but somehow those around me are spared my disgrace, he thought to himself as he was aware of someone calling out once more to him. He shook his head with a silent chuckle as it came to him perhaps there was more he was still mean to do. Slowly he forced himself to his feet, struggling every bit of the way as he planted the tip of his sword into the ground for support and looked to the gate with a renewed sense of self. Well I guess it’s time for me to make amends.
“...most people need to believe in something. There are a few who don't, but they're a bit unusual.â€Â
-The Redemption of Althalus
“Sparhawk grinned. "If Martel finds out that he's drinking again, he'll reach down his throat and pull his heart out."Â
"Can you actually do that to a man?"Â
"You can if your arm's long enough, and if you know what you're looking for.[...]â€Â
-The Diamond Throne
-The Redemption of Althalus
“Sparhawk grinned. "If Martel finds out that he's drinking again, he'll reach down his throat and pull his heart out."Â
"Can you actually do that to a man?"Â
"You can if your arm's long enough, and if you know what you're looking for.[...]â€Â
-The Diamond Throne
