Facing a level 18 spirit, one bound by an oath rather than sorrow, Yanaki knew that her old methods would not work. She couldn't use force, and she wasn't sure she could use compassion to resolve this.
She decided to try a direct approach. She took a step forward and bowed respectfully. "Sir Knight, we have not come with ill intent. We are here to help your Commander, Sir Kaelan, find the peace he deserves."
The Spirit Knight did not waver. The light in the eye slits of his helm remained cold. "The Commander is at rest. His final order was that none shall pass. My oath is to obey. Leave."
Reason wasn't working. The knight's memories and awareness were frozen at the moment he received his last command.
Yanaki signaled to Elara. "Could you try?"
Elara nodded. She began to sing her [Serene Lullaby]. Her clear, sad yet comforting melody echoed between the stone walls. The Spirit Knight faltered. His grip on his spear loosened slightly. The melody seemed to touch upon the memory of the peace he had sworn to protect.
But it was only for a moment.
The knight shook his head sharply, as if to ward off a moment of weakness. "Your melody is beautiful, spirit lady. But it cannot break an oath sealed by honor."
He tightened his grip on the spear, shifting into an offensive stance. "This is your final warning. Trespass, and you will be treated as enemies."
Yanaki realized she had been going about this the wrong way. She couldn't break his oath from the outside. Therefore, she had to find a way to be accepted from the inside. She had to think like a knight. What did they value most? Honor, discipline, and respect for the fallen.
"Elara," she quickly asked through their link. "Do the Knights of Erathos have any special rites? A way to show respect to their fallen comrades?"
Elara thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. A very ancient and sacred rite. They do not bow to their king, but they always bow to their fallen brothers. They call it 'The Shield's Salute'."
"How is it performed?"
"The performer places their right fist over their heart, symbolizing loyalty. Their other hand, if holding a shield, will present it with the face of the shield pointing to the sky. If they have no shield, they will hold their hand open. It is a gesture that says, 'I come in peace, with a respectful heart, to honor those who have fallen, not to defile'."
Yanaki understood. This was the key.
She signaled her companions. She stepped forward, faced the knight, and solemnly placed her right fist over her heart.
She looked at Sylva and sent a thought. Her Protector, with the instincts of a guardian, seemed to understand immediately. It stepped up beside Yanaki, also placed a wooden hand over its heart, and presented its [Tree God's Shield], face-up.
Elara simply bowed deeply, a gesture of pure reverence from a spirit of this very land.
The Knight Sentinel froze.
His offensive stance slowly lowered. The red light in his helm softened. He recognized the ancient rite, a rite that only those who truly understood and respected the knights would know.
The noisy ones who had fought their way through earlier knew nothing of this. They were just barbarians. But these people... were different.
The knight slowly lowered his spear. He, too, placed an iron-gauntleted hand on his chest, returning their salute.
"My duty is to keep this place in peace. My oath is to let no 'enemy' pass."
He looked directly at Yanaki, and this time, there was no threat in his voice. "You... are not enemies. You are pilgrims."
"Enter," he said, stepping aside and planting the butt of his spear firmly on the ground, returning to his post as a sentry, but the path was now wide open. "But be wary. The Commander's sorrow has corrupted many of my brothers. They no longer possess reason and honor as I do."
[You have shown profound respect for the tradition of the Knights of Erathos.]
[You have gained the permission of the [Knight Sentinel].]
[You have received a significant amount of "Reputation": +50]
Yanaki bowed her thanks to the knight one more time, then walked through the gate with her companions.
The atmosphere inside was even heavier than outside. They could hear the clash of metal and the furious growls of corrupted knight spirits echoing from the inner courtyards and corridors.
Borg's party was in here, and they were fighting.
Yanaki stood in the first courtyard, listening to the sounds of battle. Now she had to make a choice: follow the noise and possibly encounter Borg's party, or find another, quieter path to approach Sir Kaelan?
The journey into the heart of a military's sorrow had only just begun.