Chapter 39: A vow you can't take back

"Okay," Ace replied slowly.

Her eyes had a clarity and sincerity unlike most of the palace. Ace found them strangely reassuring. Though she didn't have the delicate beauty of the rest of the Empire's women, her eyes had strength.

Albaric raised an eyebrow in surprise but assented. Ace followed Rena up to the office. It was in the same state of disrepair as they had left it. Books piled high on every free space and documents sprawled out on the desk. It smelled even mustier than usual since no one had been there for a week.

Rena seemed to recoil at the sight of it. She stepped to the window and opened it. Ace watched as she slowly took a seat behind the desk. She cast one more disdainful look around the room then bade him to sit.

It reminded him of the first time he had met the grand wizard. Only this time, he had no idea what she could want to talk about. Still, he did as instructed and sat across from her. She lightly set her hands on the desk, one over the other.

"Do you know much about the sisters of the order?" she asked in an unassuming manner.

"A little," Ace answered, "They're healers?"

Rena nodded, "That is part of our role. Since, as I understand it, you have mostly been contained the palace, you may not understand how we work in the grand scheme of things. We provide where the courts cannot. The lords and ministers own the land, but we feed the people. We serve on the front lines but we still record keepers in the far off mountain temples - our role is ever-expanding."

Ace nodded along uncertain as to where she was headed.

"For this reason, many see us as a counterpart to the court: the court is the mind and we are the body." she went on, "But this isn't strictly true. In fact, the authority of the temple and the court are clearly divided. This means that we may act in our own capacity if necessary."

"I'm not sure I understand why you are telling me this," Ace hesitated.

"I wanted you to understand this. For a long time, despite the propensity of our role we have been sublimated by the courts. For the first time, this is beginning to change. Since the war, the importance of our order continues to rise. I intend for it to go on this way. Eventually, we will have our own place in the court. However for that to happen, this assignment must be completed flawlessly. I want your help in achieving this,"

"I don't know how..."

"I have read the reports. I know about your background."

Ace expected she would know but still felt uneasy.

"Don't worry. I'm not here to cast judgement." she added apprehending him, "In fact, I want to use this to our advantage,"

Ace began to shake his head, "I don't know what you've read but Lord Clover won't listen to me,"

"All I'm asking is that you try," Rena responded briskly, "It will be in your best interest if they do,"

Ace's brow furrowed,"I know that already.."he started.

"Ace," she interrupted, "I took the time to explain our order for another reason. You see, I have the authority to release you from your service to the Empire,"

"But the Emperor..."

"Not even he can intervene with this decision. That is what I mean about the authority of the order. By setting me this task, all the parts...that is all those involved come under my command. I can release them as I see fit," Rena leant back and observed Ace for a moment.

"Aren't you tired of pushing about? Wouldn't you like to have a real-life?"

"I..."

"Take some time to think about it," she said. She rose from the desk abruptly.

"In the meantime, I would like you to accompany me to the dungeons. It's time to meet this Demon Lord,"

"Actually I don't..." Ace was about to argue when there was a rap at the door.

Rena promptly answered. It was another sister.

"They're ready for us," Rena said, turning to Ace.

Much to Ace's chagrin, they took the stairs out of the tower and back into the palace. Finally, they descended the dark staircase into the dungeons. It felt strange to pass through the grim halls beside the pristine sisters.

When they reached the end of the hallway, sister Rena held up her hand.

"The rest of you wait here," she instructed. They did as she instructed and waited a few feet from the last cell. Unlike her, their faces were strained with disgust. Rena strode up to the cell. It was, as always, impenetrably dark.

Ace followed a pace behind. He was reluctant to face Clover again. He didn't know what to say. To Ace's surprise, sister Rena held up her hand and the roar of fire coiled around her hand. The cell was instantly lit up.

The demon lord was sitting against the wall. They held up their hand against the sudden bright light. Clover's pink eyes blinked rapidly. They kept staring at the flames with an unexpected expression. The usual placid smile was temporarily abated by genuine interest.

Ace glanced at Rena. It was the first time he had ever seen anyone in the human world look upon a demon with pity.

"I believe your name is Clover. Is that right?" Rena asked.

Clover stood up and looked at Rena closely. She remained undeterred.

"I am the Grand wizard's replacement. We will be working together from today,"

"I see," Clover said reticently. Their eyes fell on Ace and a smile crept over their face.

When they arrived back in the tower, the sisters were cleaning out the office. It looked remarkably different even in such a short time. The fire was lit and the desk tidied. Albaric was waiting. His eyes fell on Clover cautiously and then to Ace.

Rena turned to the Clover.

"May I ask where your friend is?"

"I'm sure she's around," Clover sniffed indifferently.

Rena's eyes narrowed, "Please ask her to come to the office as soon as it is convenient."

Clover gave a slight nod. It was unlike them to comply. Ace wondered if Clover had decided against their plans after all. Rena was about to speak again when she was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Sister Leila gave a shallow bow before entering the office without invitation.

"Forgive me head sister," she purred, "I was hoping I might join you,"

Ace cast a wayward glance in her direction. So that was it? His eye hopes for Rena were dashed to the ground. It was just another pawn in Leila's hand. Albaric's expression darkened.

"You didn't go with the grand wizard?" he asked with surprising candour.

Nevertheless, Leila wasn't taken back. She smiled with her demure red lips.

"Why would I do that?" she turned back to Rena, "My brother and I think it might be best if I offer you some guidance. I know you are from the west. The palace and tower operate so differently. I hope you won't think it presumptuous,"

"The Emperor may do as he sees fit," Rena replied, "However, sister Leila, you may not."

For the first time, a crack in Leila's armour showed. She quickly composed herself with another more forced smile.

"I am no longer a sister. I handed in my post some time ago," Leila said flatly, "You may not have known this, but I am..."

"I am aware of who you are." Rena dismissed, " but, sister, you cannot take back a vow made to the temple."

"As I said..." Leila steeled more adamantly.

"We may have released you from your duties" Rena interceded, " However, the vow you took is to the goddess herself - that is something you can never take back," her eyes grew exceedingly cold.

Even Leila seemed to shrink from them, "Well, that may be..."

"Therefore, as it stands," Rena interrupted again, " you are still under my authority and I have not given you permission to set foot in this tower,"

"The Emperor will hear of this," Leila returned bitterly.

"See that he does," Rena said flatly, "I consider this to be a security breach,"

Rena waved her hand. Two sisters stepped into the office with bows. Ace hadn't even noticed they were there until their sudden appearance. They gestured for Leila to depart.

Leila's face turned bright red. She stormed out of the office. Rena watched her depart. Without missing a beat she turned back to the group. She continued to conduct business as if the conversation had never occurred. But Albaric couldn't help but smile. Even Clover seemed impressed. Ace wondered what sort of person she was:

Was she really someone who could free him from this place? Suddenly her words assumed more weight. As his eyes met the clear, fearless light in hers, it became a tangible possibility.

"Well then," Rena went on, "Shall we get started?"