It was a few days later when the people of Eda got the news of the Eldian win. For the most part, everyone was relieved at the news. In fact, those that heard of it rejoiced in besting the Tokens. As far as details went, none had been released to their town, but news of the success was enough for now... at least for some...
Elliot and Renna sat quietly in their living room, with a broadsheet lying face up on the table. As for what to say, neither of them had a clue. It took a long time for either of them to say a word.
"The war was won, Elliot. It's over," she said, heaving a deep breath. Gods, she was getting older. This whole ordeal made her feel like she'd aged a decade... and lost a century's worth of sleep.
"It shouldn't be long now, sister," he whispered, "In a week... we will know. Gods, Renna, let's pray that my daughter comes home."
She hung her head, knowing that they'd most likely never see Iris again. In the air, both could feel a hopeless aura lingering. She was too kind -too fragile- to live through war. With another sigh, Renna looked up at her brother. He looked as frightened as she'd ever seen him. Even when the war was going on, he hadn't looked like this. She supposed it was because nothing was scarier than the truth.
After all they'd been through, they'd finally know. In a week's time, Iris would either return or she would not... and that would be the end of it. The chance of death was too astounding to even hope for the different outcome.
But gods, did she hope.
"You know," Renna spoke through a lump in her throat, "if she doesn't come back... she'll be with her mother. She'll be with..." Renna took a breath. "She'll be with... she'll be with you know who else. She'll finally be happy. She was always so worried... so sad. She won't be anymore."
"Shh, don't say if, please. Please," he instructed, holding on to a desperate thread, "She's going to come back. She has to."
And then, silence again. Neither of them noticed it, however. They'd spent the past few months sitting in the same eerie quiet. Candles flickered in the room, casting shadows all over the walls. Usually, Elliot would take a nap in such circumstances... but he couldn't sleep. He was too stressed.
They sat for the next hour... and then, there was a noise. A loud rap at the door. Both jumped, startled by the sound. And then, they were both filled with dread.
"It's far too soon for Iris to be home," she spoke quietly, assuming that she was about to receive the news she'd been fearing for far too long.
Slowly, she opened the door. Who she saw standing on the other side, however, was not who she expecting.
"Kayde?" she asked, staring at the man she'd sent to save her niece.
"Hello, Ms. Gwenneth," he greeted, ducking in a little bow, "are you busy or do you have time to speak? I'm afraid it's quite urgent."
She felt her heart drop in her stomach, and then start racing.
"Of course. Come in, come in... please," she said quickly, and ushered him as fast as possible to the room with Elliot. Kayde nodded his head at the man. Iris's father was surprised to see him so soon. He would have greeted the guardian more... but for now, he wanted to her what Kayde had to say.
"Hello, to the both of you," Kayde said after taking a seat, "I have some good news and some bad news for you both. I ask, which news do you wish to hear first?"
Renna didn't even take a second to answer.
"Let's hear the bad first... get it over with."
Kayde nodded.
"Iris was discovered as a woman the day Erodyne was defeated, by the emperor himself," he said it quickly.
That was it. Tears exploded down Renna's face. This is what she'd feared. Discovery meant that Iris would die. Elliot, for the first time in a long time, stood from his chair just to fall to his knees. His daughter had given her life for his, and she was too young to die. Gods, she was too young.
"Hey now, shh..." Kayde tried to soothe them, "I need you to listen to me. We don't have a lot of time."
Renna was still crying when she spoke again.
"There was good news?"
"Yes, Ms. Gwenneth, there is good news. The good news is that Iris is still very much alive in Oraborn. And furthermore, she's completely intact. Right now, Iris awaits a trial that she had been given. From what I've heard, all the right voices might give her the chance to continue living. Usually, this chance isn't even considered... but it is for her. In a few days' time, a celebration will be held in Oraborn for the victory at Krenshai Caverns. In the middle of the celebration, they will bring her out in front of everyone. From there, everyone that knows her is encouraged to speak on her behalf.
Her life depends on the responses she gets. If she can win the heart of Eldia, she will live on. So I ask: will you come with me, and speak on her behalf?" he asked.
Time froze.
And then, Elliot stood up... and the first trace of faith was apparent in his face.
"She's got a chance?"
"She does."
----
It wasn't until the day of the celebration that they arrived. It was still early morn, and Renna, Elliot, and Kayde were all tired from the journey. It had been a hard one with Elliot's knee, but he managed himself mostly on horseback. There were some setbacks, however. Even though they were all exhausted, none of them wished to sleep. Not until they saw Iris once more. The entire journey was spent preparing speeches.
As for the details, Kayde had given them no more than he had the first night. After all she'd been through, he figured Iris deserved to be the one to tell them of her accomplishments. However, that isn't to say that they didn't pry.
He was amused at them. By the way they spoke on the way here, he knew that they still expected her to be the same as the woman who left Eda. He listened for hours as they went on about how the emperor knew she was harmless and fragile... and that's why he was doing this. They spoke of how the emperor couldn't kill such a kind woman.
He held his tongue as they spoke... for he would simply wait until they met again.
They were quick to arrive at the inn at Oraborn. For Kayde, it was quick to figure out which one she was staying in. All he had to do was ask around while Renna and Elliot took a minute to relax.
When they walked in the door, Kayde was able to find General Zayn very quickly. He was sitting at a table alone, drinking coffee and thumbing through a book. Elliot and Renna followed close behind him, doing their best to look composed. Iris's father recognized him immediately.
"That's General Rothstead," he said quietly to his sister, "Be polite."
Zayn looked up once they reached his table.
"Hello again, friend," Kayde greeted.
"Kayde," the general said with a nod, "I wasn't sure if I'd ever see you again after you left us at Wallfront. What brings you to Oraborn? I ask even though I'm already fairly sure of why you're here."
"You are probably correct. Behind me I have Renna and Elliot Gwenneth," he spoke slowly, "Do you happen to know where Iris went off to? I figured she'd be here."
General Rothstead stood at this, and looked towards Iris's family in wonder.
"I do know where she is, yes," he said, "I can show you, if you like."
Renna peeked from behind Kayde to observe the general. He set his mug down on the table, and beckoned to the three of them. Usually, he would have formally introduced himself, but he figured that they'd rather see her. They were quiet as they followed suit behind him. He could feel the tension in the air.
"Are you the general?" Renna finally asked.
"Aye," he said as he walked forward, "I am General Rothstead."
And then, things were quiet again. Neither Renna nor Elliot could tell whether or not he was on good terms with Iris, so they said nothing to him. He led them across town to a mid-sized building. Once they stopped, and Kayde got a good look at the sign, he couldn't help but to roll his eyes.
"A training arena? Why is Iris here?"
"Ask her. I can't tell you why she does what she does."
After that, they all stepped in. The walls of the room were covered with assorted weapons. Men were dueling everyone. The room was filled with the sound of heavy breathing and clanging swords.
"What is my child doing in a place like this?" Elliot spoke up, looking around for his daughter.
The general let out a laugh.
"I'll let you try and tell her that. She's over there," he stepped out of the way and pointed in her direction.
Renna and Elliot stepped forward, looking in the direction of his finger. At first, they didn't see anything. They were looking for the wrong thing. Her aunt was about to voice that Iris wasn't there... until someone caught her eye. She'd looked right over the woman in the search for her niece... but soon realized that Iris was bound to be the only girl here.
Iris was turned the other direction, slinging her knives in the scabbards. Afterwards, she raised her arms and stretched. Renna could only watch as the muscles in Iris's back rolled as she brought her arms up.
"Hey, Iris," Zayn called over to her, catching her attention.
At that moment, she turned around, and faced her family for the first time in a long time. Both Renna and Elliot were nearly brought to the floor at her appearance. They had expected a polite, proper woman... even after all this time. But Iris was not. Her hair was half-pulled back, the rest falling a little below her collarbones, she no longer had long curls. She, instead of looking down at the floor, was looking proudly into the eyes of the general. As for the rest of her... her legs were clad in leather, her boots reaching to mid-thigh. She wore a tight tunic, cutoff to show her muscular abdomen.
Lastly, she wore two wicked-sharp daggers on a belt at her waist.
She noticed Kayde first, and her father and aunt immediately after... and Zayn saw her expression falter for a second. Nevertheless, Iris took a deep breath and began walking towards them. Her chin was still held high as she approached.
Renna nor Elliot could either do or say anything. Both were frozen, floored by the change they already saw in her.
As she stepped up, she gave them all a nod... her eyes a bit tearful. Zayn could see that she was doing her best to cover up her dismay at the situation. He was doing his best as well.
"It's been a damned long time, has it not?"
Her words were as bold as any other soldier's would have been. She would not cover up who she was. Her aunt snapped back almost immediately.
"Iris Evanna!" she scolded, "I did not just hear that word come out your mouth!"
Iris smiled easily at this. And for a moment, her father was awestruck at it. He had not seen her smile like this in years. Her aunt immediately forgot what she was saying and stared too. The general noticed their reactions, and did his best to lighten the mood.
"Evanna?" he asked.
Her eyes snapped to him.
"What?" she asked, "What's wrong with Evanna? It fits."
Now it was his turn to smile at her.
"I never said there was anything wrong with it. I was just pointing it out," he commented, "And it does fit. It's a nice name."
She shook her head and turned back to her father.
"But truly, it has been a long time. Since we last spoke, a lot has happened, father," she told him, "I would tell you it all in detail, but I think we both know that I... I don't have a lot of time left. I would have you know this, though... if nothing else, was that I'll never regret what I did for you. Not only do you get to live... I got to experience so much more than I ever thought possible. I have found my courage... my purpose. I am grateful for it."
"No matter what they say," Zayn spoke up, "You should be honored by your daughter. She is one of the best -the bravest- soldiers that I've come to know. She is the reason I, and the emperor himself, yet live. She is the reason Eldia stands today. I hope you know that. For it was she that bested Tokenmaster Erodyne. She won against their general... saved my life, which I would have lost, and forced a retreat on their forces. And she did it alone. And if it were up to me... she would be seen as the hero that she is. Not as the criminal."
"She did what?" Renna asked.
"You heard him right. Figured I'd let you see for yourself. Iris killed Erodyne herself," Kayde finally spoke up, stepping from behind them. After a moment, Iris's eyes went wide.
"Kayde?" her voice was soft.
"I am here, dear girl. It is good to see you yet again," he said with a gentle smile, and then looked over at Zayn, "I assume you have already prepared your speech, general?"
"What speech?" he asked.
"So you've been kept in the dark. As expected," Kayde said, "I figure I might as well enlighten you. I owe more allegiance to the both of you than I do to the emperor. Tonight, you are going to be brought out in the celebration, Iris. From there on: your father, aunt, soldiers you've befriended, and Zayn have a chance to speak on your behalf. Beyond that, I and the Remorda Guardians will speak for you... as will Emperor Geh'lien Rus himself."
Iris and the general stood there, looking dumbfounded.
"But why?" Iris asked.
"We will all speak to the men and women of Eldia of you, Iris. If tonight, we can win their hearts, your life will be spared... and you will be honored," he told her, "And as for Zayn, his life is not even in question. He will still stand as general... so he better prepare a good speech for you, because he will be listened to."
Both Iris and Zayn simply stared.
"Wait," her voice broke a little, "I might live? The emperor is speaking for me?"
"You have friends in high places, dear girl," he said with a smile, "you should get ready to talk as well. You'll probably have to."
Renna spoke up again.
"Why did you assume General Rothstead's life was in question in the first place?"
Kayde snorted, and backed off.
"Ah, this is my cue to leave you to it. I'm going to go train over here. After you're done talking, you can join me in a duel, Iris. It'll give me a nice challenge."
And with that, he walked away, not even giving Iris a chance to reply.
Everyone remaining seemed to take a deep breath in relief.
"Give me a minute," Iris told them, rubbing her temples, "I have to process this. I had no idea that there was a chance of survival."
Neither Zayn nor Iris knew how to properly express their relief.
It took a minute to recover from the surprise, but afterwards, everyone went to sit down in a more private location. As soon as they were there, her father took no time to throw his arms around her neck in one of the tightest hugs she'd ever received. With a smile, she returned it. She could truthfully say that this was the happiest she'd been since her mother was alive.
"It's so good to see you, daughter. Gods, I'm so proud of you. I do not know the exact details of all you've done... but you are a hero in my heart. You always have been," he whispered to her.
She pulled away and hugged her aunt as well.
"I am glad to have made you proud."
"Yes," Renna said, and tucked a strand of loose hair behind Iris's ear.
Now, her aunt looked down at her niece.
"Gods," she said, with tear-streaked eyes, "I can't believe you, Iris. You abandon your dresses and jewelry and leave home, letting us think we had to worry about you. I remember how very soft and sad you were the day before you left. I remember your promise to save your father. I never expected this. I never expected you'd come back to us like this. Gods, what happened to you? You're so brave... so confident... so happy. You became so much while you were away... you bested the Tokenmaster. I hate that we sat so long -so upset-- in our house, when you were out taking on the world. You were out making history..."
She stopped to sob a bit... and then began talking again.
"And where the hells did you even get muscles like that?" she kept on, "I didn't know that they even existed."
The general could do nothing but smile as Iris placed a hand on her shoulder. "You should see her fight," he added.
Renna smiled at the general.
"And you," she hiccupped, "I don't know why... but you thought you were going to die because of her. You still supported her. Why would you do that?"
Iris took a deep breath, and cast her eyes at Zayn.
"She holds a place in my own heart," he told them, "As a soldier and as a person. She is one of the best people I have come to know. Know that I would not only die beside your daughter... but I would die for her, and I would do it with pride. I have... feelings for your niece."
Renna let out a sort of squeak.
"Gods, Zayn, don't stop her heart," Iris commented.
Elliot just took a step back, eyes wide.
"Iris," Renna said from where she was, "Is he being serious?"
"Yes, he is," she answered, "Like I previously stated, there have been a lot of things happen to me since we last spoke. I am grateful to say that in this time with the Eldian army... I have found more than just myself. Come on, now. I'll help you up."
True to her word, Iris offered Renna her hand. When her aunt stood, she just smiled at the general through her tears.
"Take my cane, Renna... if you will," her father instructed.
Renna did, without question. Elliot took a moment to stand straight and walk up to Zayn with as much balance as he could muster. Little did he know, that those few steps up to the general meant more to Iris than anything in the world.
"I'm not good without my cane. A war injury has rendered me incapable for years," he told the general, "But Iris has nearly given her life for mine, and I think I owe it to her to walk up to you and shake your hand and say 'welcome'. I do not know you well, but I trust her judgment... so thank you, General Rothstead. For everything. And welcome."
Zayn shook Elliot's hand with a sort of smile.
"I thank you," he replied.
Renna then handed Iris's father back his cane and proceeded to hug the general. It startled him for a second, but he returned it nevertheless.
"I'm no mother to Iris. Hers died a long time ago... but in my heart, she's like my very own, so take care of her. Write a good speech... we have to save her life."
"That I can do, believe me. For now, there's something I would like you all to see," he said with a smile, "Iris, you wanna give Kayde that duel he asked you for? You deserve to show the world what you're capable of."
She grinned. Perhaps she'd have a chance at beating him. "With pleasure."
----
Iris and Zayn were standing with everyone that night, behind the emperor. The rogue's heart pounded in her chest as she awaited her fate. Emperor Rus had finally told her what was going on two minutes before it happened. Needless to say, she was glad to have had time beforehand to think of something to say. With a deep breath, she looked at the general. Before the emperor had called them to come with them, she had said her final goodbyes... just in case. She hoped to the gods that she would be alive in twenty minutes.
Eventually, Geh'lien stepped forward onto the platform, bringing Iris and the people speaking for her with him. She only realized just how many people were here when she looked down at them. Their lanterns almost made the ground look like a night sky.
"Welcome, all of you!" the emperor called out, "And let us celebrate the victory against our Garhemian foes!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd at his words.
"Tonight, however, is a strange night... and this tale of success is a little different than the others I've told. As I'm sure you all have heard, this story involves an interesting character. A woman soldier.... by the name of Iris Gwenneth."
Everyone went silent now.
"Yes... I expected very much to be met with silence at this topic. Because how should we react? This woman committed a crime, I am aware. As you all know, it is illegal for a woman to join the army. The punishment for this crime is death... but that's where it's complicated. You see, how could I execute a person that saved my life? How could I kill someone that ended this war? So, tonight, my friends... this will be a decision of the people.
Iris Gwenneth defeated Erodyne Maug 'Rin before my very eyes. That much I know for sure. She did it when everyone else had been captured. If not for her, I would be dead. If not for her, the Tokens at the Battle of Krenshai caverns would have been lost... for the Token troops did not retreat until the master had been slain. I speak tonight on her behalf... because without her, Eldia itself would have been lost," he claimed.
The people were still silent.
"Tonight, I have a few people speaking on her behalf. If you will, listen. For I deem this woman honorable."
The emperor finished and motioned for the speakers to take over.
Kayde and two other Remorda Guardians stepped forward. Kayde stood there proudly, but he was not the one to speak.
"I am Dyrvais of the Remorda Guardians. In our order, we always honor bravery and selflessness above all other traits. We honor those who risk their lives to save others. Therefore, we will not deny her the same respect. Iris Gwenneth came here thinking that she would give her life for her father, and I stand to say that she should not have to. If she is to die... it should be by combat and not the tying of a noose. She is too talented to sacrifice. That is all," he concluded, stepping backwards. "She was trained to fight in part by one of our very own. I will let him speak for her."
Kayde stepped up and looked in Iris's eyes for a brief moment. He cleared his throat and spoke to the people below. "In all of my life, it's never been so hard to speak in front of crowd." His voice almost broke. "To speak and know that the life of one of the best people I know hangs on the balance of my words. Iris Gwenneth was, in part, my trainee. I'd known her only barely before the war. I was asked to protect her by her father the night she left. I... I've never done something more meaningful. Not ever. Not in my entire life." He paused. "I have never in my life met someone that I have been so amazed by. She's talented... but the heart in her chest is what makes her worth saving. Iris is... a hero. In every aspect of the word." Kayde smiled softly, near worshipfully. "She's gifted and willful and brave. There is no good word strong enough to describe her. Iris is one of those people who you meet... and just like that, your world just changes. It flips everything upside down and you're a better person for having known her. I am changed for having known her. She... she was a soldier. But she's so much more than that." Kayde stepped forward a little. "Iris is proof that anyone can be anything. And I say that she deserves more than to just live... she deserves to thrive. To end her life... would be such a waste. To Eldia. To this world. And I can honestly say that it would be a crime to the very gods to end such an astounding woman. I... could never watch her die. In fact, I would throw myself on that noose if it meant saving her. Iris is one of those people that you meet and all the sudden, you would die for her." Kayde caught his breath, taking control of his wavering voice. "Let her be that person. Don't have her killed. There are no words that will ever be enough to express how grateful I am to have been a part in her journey. I will never forget what it was like to be a mentor to her... to be a friend to her. I care about her more than I can ever say. She is... everything to a lot of people. She is the world to me. And I'd die a thousand deaths and even more before I ever let her die once."
By the end of Kayde's speech, Iris was in tears. He whirled and met her eyes for a moment. It was only for a moment. In his eyes... oh, he really loved her, didn't he? Iris didn't have time to digest the speech other than that. He turned away after the glance.
Elliot and Renna stepped forth next, but her father was the one to speak.
"I... I couldn't have said it better myself. There are a lot of things that come with bravery. The will to do what is necessary is one of them. As much as I dislike to mention it, I am disabled, broken from a battle past. I would not been able to serve my role well, courageous as my heart may be. Even though I did not ask her to come for me into this battle, she did it anyways. If not for Iris, I would not be here. And while I would rather die myself, just as Kayde, I am grateful that she would give her life for me. I am grateful that she was there to stop Erodyne Maug 'Rin. I wouldn't have been able to do that. I ask that you see that," he spoke. Tears started rolling down his face. "But more personally, to lose my daughter would break me. I love my daughter more than anything in this world, and she is life-changing. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew... I knew she'd change the world. Please, gods, let her. I have never had a way with words but she's my reason to live. She is my brightest light in this dark world." Elliot took a breath. "And I am so proud of her. Give her a chance to light more lives as she's lit mine. I am not ashamed to beg this of you. She's done Eldia well. We live in part because of her. Let her be saved." His speech ended in tears.
Zayn was the next one to step forward.
"Iris Gwenneth served as a soldier under me. I selected her to come with me upon seeing her train with my other students. And, to this day, I've never seen anyone as determined as she has been this entire time. And furthermore, her father's was not the only life she's ever saved, she's saved mine as well... and not on just one occasion either. I mean it quite literally when I say that she has taken arrows for me. My point is, even as a war general, I see her as my equal. She deserves as much respect as any soldier would.
She has proven to me that anyone can be strong. She may be small, but she has thrown down mountains in her wake. I hope -more than anything- that her flame will continue to burn. Let her be an inspiration to you as she has been to me," he spoke to them, hoping to the gods they would listen.
Iris finally took a breath and stepped up, staring down the crowd.
"All such grand words for a girl who wanted only to save her father's life," she spoke, "I am not here in front of you today to beg for my life. I am not here to tell you why you should save me. I am not here to speak of what I have accomplished. No. I came here tonight to die so my father didn't have to, consequences be damned.
I only learned very recently that I had a chance to live. I am appreciative of that chance, yes. I do hope I still draw breath after this celebration. But I hope to tell you that even if your decision is to kill me for what I've done, I am glad Eldia yet thrives. I ask only this: if I die tonight, remember me not with disdain. I hope to keep my honor, even if I don't keep my life. Thank you."
With a nod, she took a step back.
The emperor moved beside her and placed a hand on her back.
"I ask now, will you grant her a chance? Will you spare her, people of Eldia? She, like all the other Eldians that fought bravely, has spared you."
Things were still quiet.
Iris was losing hope that she would live to see the next morning... until she saw it. Row by row, people began to kneel to her. She realized now, as everyone got down, that she had been given both her life and her honor. Astounded by the reaction, she turned back to see the emperor himself kneeling to her.
Feeling overwhelmed, she simply turned right back to the people and kneeled to them as well. Zayn and the rest finally let a breath out, feeling the biggest weight he'd ever felt lifted from their shoulders. He wore a smile on his face.
"Then, by the power vested in me, I claim you innocent, Iris Evanna Gwenneth. May you live to see the fruits of your courage... and furthermore, may you live on as an Eldian soldier. You have earned your place in our ranks. Be honored, first heroine of Eldia... for you will lead us to more than one victory."
And it was there... that moment, right there... that Iris's life finally fell into place.