How All Occasions...- Part 5 of the Nightingale Series

The magic around the two of you dissipates. Vivienne's face falls and you ask Gee what's wrong.

"You're gonna wanna ask Markus that..." Vivienne says quietly, "and I'm so so sorry."

Gee nods and the three of you head back into the main building.

~

You walk into Markus' room and see him sitting at his desk, his shoulders slumped. He turns to you after Vivienne shuts the door.

"I know we've only known each other for a short time, but, um, things have taken a turn for the worse..." Markus says

You hesitantly ask what he means.

"The Great Mage was tending to the King when a masked Mage appeared in the room. The Great Mage protect the King, but during the confrontation he manages to get close enough to plunge a poisoned dagger into her heart. By the time people tried to help it was too late. Her last words were, reportedly, that everyone should put their trust in you now. Her funeral is planned for a week from now," Markus responds.

You stare at Markus in disbelief and feel tears well up in your eyes. You feel Vivienne put a comforting hand on your shoulder. You ask Markus if there's any way he can provide you safe passage to return to the castle. He nods.

"Gee will escort you back tomorrow. It's getting late. Go rest up," Markus says.

You nod numbly and leave the room, Vivienne on your heels.

~

The next day you and Gee are using some of the Order's horses to return to the castle. The both of you have remained quiet through the portion of the journey you've taken, but something seems to have Gee on edge. You ask her what the problem is.

Gee sighs, "Everything feels too quiet."

You ask her what she means by that, but she just continues on it silence. You reach the gates of the castle city where you are stopped by the guards.

"What brings you...oh you've returned. We heard about your body guard's betrayal and then they death of the Great Mage. The Queen would like to see you. Go on, your mercenary can follow up until the castle," one of the guards says.

The gates open the gates and you and Gee enter the somber city. The usually bustling city is devoid of everything. Shops are closed and people have stayed in their homes to mourn the Great Mage. The ride up to the castle is a short one and Gee says her goodbye. You get off the horse and watch Gee leave. The guards at the castle entrance show you up to the queen's room. You see the queen staring out a window. Her greying hair is pulled into a simple braid and she wears all black. She turns to you as soon as you enter the room. She stands up and walks over to you. She embraces you.

"I am so sorry we couldn't save her," she whispers in your ear.

You feel tears fall from your face and embrace the queen back. You ask her what the both of you are going to do. She breaks off the embrace and holds your shoulders.

"We are going to hold her funeral and then find who killed her and bring her soul justice," the queen says.

You nod. You say you will do everything in your power to help.

"Now, you must go to your study and learn how to help the king, his illness has yet to go away."

You nod and leave her chambers.