I don't own nothing about escaflowne, only the idea of this fic.
Well, my first fiction in English!
1. The North
Nobody knows what happened hundreds of years ago, why the world called Gaea were divided in two parts: North and South. Borderlines separated both regions: Desolate, barren mountains with snow-capped peaks at the ends which were the impassable borderlines, and a big forest called "Ilictus", with a lot of different species of trees, animals and other strange creatures which only exists in.
Many people from the north in their desire for adventure and knowledge tried to pass the forest time and time again, but they failed. They got lost and died in it. Many others died in accidents trying to reach the only possible way to the south. Yet some were lucky and found their way to the North again. So as the years went by, the people from the North lost interest in the South, and nowadays the kingdoms from the North know very little about the South. Nobody from the North has intended to pass the borderlines between the two regions in a long time.
Ancient legends tell that the only ones who know the right way to the South are the sorcerers who are a nation of their own, a nation that exists in all of Gaea. No one exactly knows if these legends are true because the sorcerers are a very reserved clan. They are a nation without borders, country without land.
Sorcerers live by their own rules in their citadels that spread through every country of the North. They are respected because they helped the North regain peace after a great war some years ago, sowing, the seeds of a new peaceful alliance between all the Northern countries, an alliance which allowed their scientific development and their improvement of social and political laws. They have a reputation for having great knowledge and being a trustworthy people. Their advice is sometimes required by governments to make decisions in different matters.
Master! Master! A young boy around ten with short blonde hair and blue eyes yelled as he was nearing at the main library of the sorcerer's temple.
An old man who was standing at a huge library with thousands of books looking for special one turned around. "What is it Frederick? Why are you yelling? You know this is a temple, and you must respect the rules of silence here!" His master answered quite angrily because of his apprentice's behavior.
"Oh! I'm sorry, Master, but I come to bring you some news, and they are very important". Frederick replied with worry.
Seeing Frederick's worried face, his master said, "Please take a seat, Frederick, and calm down." When the child sat in a chair near the library table, the master took a seat across from him. Then he continued in a very calm voice, "So tell me, what happened?!"
"Strange creatures have attacked different villages like Freid, Zaibach, Fanelia and Asturia. They have done a lot of damage at the villages, and many people have died." The apprentice explained more relaxed because of his master's calm.
"What kind of creatures? Have the governments of those kingdoms done something about the attacks?" Ivan, master of sorcerers, asked with the same calm he always seems to have, or at least that is what his apprentice thinks.
"The governments sent their borderline armies behind these creatures." Frederick started to answer. "But they couldn't defeat them." He finished his sentence and then continued speaking very slowly like as if he were thinking that each and every word was the most important to give a good idea of the whole situation. "The survivors said that these creatures are different than any other creature they have ever seen. It seems that their blood is black, they smell like death, also they have many fighting skills, and they can talk our languages. In three words they are intelligent, skilful and powerful. The villagers and the soldiers said that when these creatures were near, they could feel a great fear, as if these creatures were the pure evil themselves."
"When did the attacks begin?" questioned Ivan replacing his calm face to a worried one.
"If the rumors are true, it began two weeks ago. The attacks weren't at the same time, so they are only one group," replied the apprentice.
"So they are on moving," confirmed Ivan.
"Yes," answered Frederick.
"And tell me, is the number of creatures always the same or has the number increased day by day?" He asked again in deep thought.
"Ah!! I don't know Master." The boy answered.
"What can it be Master? I've never heard of something like this before!" He exclaimed with concerned in his voice.
"Of course you haven't, Frederick." He whispered, and then he started to ask again,
"Can you tell me which country was first attacked?"
"Yes, the first one was Freid."
"Oh... I see!" He whispered in deep thought. "Can you tell me which country received the most damage from the attacks?"
It was also Freid. Four villages were attacked while in other countries only one or two were attacked.
"I don't understand." Ivan said frowning, with a distant look, thinking of something else.
"Why Master?" asked Frederick shyly.
"Because Freid is not the nearest country to the Ilictus forest! That ´s why!" answered almost loosing his calm tone of voice. "What are the kingdoms planning to do about these problems now that they were defeat?" asked Ivan with a puzzled look.
"They have called an Alliance meeting." He answered. "They are going to meet in two weeks from now in the capital of Fanelia." He went forward before his master would ask again.
"Oh! I only hope this won't be what I am thinking it is my boy." The old man whispered to himself. "This is not a good thing!" affirmed with a serious voice the Master of the sorcerers. "Send a message to King Van of Fanelia and tell him that I will be at the meeting too. I just hope I can find the answers about all this in time for that meeting." whispered to no one in particular the sorcerer. "Well... what are you waiting for? Go!!
"Yes master!!!" Frederick stood up and ran to the door to deliver the message.
Two weeks later in Fanelia.
The King of Fanelia was standing at the main terrace of the castle watching with a lost look to the South. Every week when the light of the mystic moon shined over the South, the forest seemed to have its own light, and it was beautiful. He had always loved this view, since he was a little boy.
"I wonder what kind of thing in the South can shine with such intensity." The king whispered to no one in particular.
"It is Platea," answered someone from behind.
The king turned around to see who had spoken.
"Excuse me, old man, but do I know you?" He asked surprised to see a short and thin man with white long hair, gray eyes and mustache.
"Excuse me, my name is Ivan I am here for the meeting, and I am representing the sorcerer's clan." The sorcerer answered with a tender smile on his face. "You are King Van? Aren't you?"
"Oh! Yes, I am. Nice to meet you Ivan" he said in response as he shook the old man's hand. "What were you telling me?" questioned Van after the greeting.
The old man was taken by surprised at first but then he replied, "It is an honor for me to meet you at last my lord." The old man continued with the greeting, and then answered: "It is Platea a city from the south, you know!"
"Platea? A city?" He asked confused.
"Well," the sorcerer started his explanation." "Platea is what you were wondering about, when you were watching the brightness of the forest. When the light of the mystic moon shines on the south, the city itself reflects the light of the moon into the forest. That is why you can see the forest with a strange slender light," finished explaining the sorcerer.
"But how it can happen? How can the city itself reflect the light of the moon into the forest?" questioned Van with increase curiosity.
"Because, my young king, every single place in the city was made using white diamond stones. White diamond is a strange stone, and it can only be found in some parts of the South. Platea is also called "The City of Silver" because these stones shine like silver," explained again Ivan.
"Wow! I would like to see this place called Platea," said the king with amazement.
"Well you only need to cross the forest, and you will be in Platea, my lord," affirmed the sorcerer smiling.
"Fanelia is the nearest country from the south. Isn't it?" questioned Van.
"Yes, it is, my king. Don't you think it is time to go to sleep? Tomorrow will be a hard day for you." He stopped the conversation with a tender tone of voice, as a father telling his son what he should do.
"Yes!" He answered, a bit surprised. "I will be very tired if I don't get to bed now."
"So, my lord, I will see you tomorrow in the meeting then," said the old man, starting to leave the terrace. "It was a pleasure to talk with you. Good night, my king. Sleep well!" He said as he was heading directly to his quarters.
"Good night!" was the only thing Van could say, watching as this strange old man left him.
"Well, I'd better go to bed too!!! I am very tired by now!!" Van muttered to himself.
The King of Fanelia woke up with the firsts rays of sunlight in his room. The night before was the first one in many nights in which he could rest well without nightmares and worries in his mind. He was calm now because all the kingdoms had agreed to come to the Alliance meeting to discuss this new enemy that they had in common. He knew that working together as an alliance; they would find a way to defeat these strange creatures. This certainty calmed him. Also he knew he had to set aside all his disagreements with the other members of the Alliance. It would be costly to his pride, but his people were first and then his pride, even if he had to agree with Dilandau, the King of Zaibach, with whom he had many disagreements specially in the violent and disgusting ways that this king liked to solve some problems in his country.
The meeting would take place today after breakfast. All the kings were already in the castle: Dryden Fassa from Asturia, Dilandau Albatou from Zaibach, Chid from Freid, Queen Yukari Uchida from Bashraam, King Allen Schezar from Aulis, and the Master of sorcerers Ivan.
Then he changed to his usual king clothes and went to the dining room to eat breakfast. It was very early, so he didn't expect to see anyone at breakfast, and this relaxed him, especially because he wouldn't see Dilandau until the meeting. It was enough seeing him at the reception when Dilandau arrived at Fanelia, and that wasn't pleasing.
When he arrived at the dining room, Dryden, king of Asturias, was already seated at the breakfast table waiting for his breakfast to arrive.
"Good morning Van!!! You woke up early today! Are you nervous about the meeting?" asked Dryden with a grin on his face.
"No! I am not nervous. I would be more nervous if the meeting had been with my council. You know!" answered Van happily. "And Dryden! I am sure that in some way or another we will find a solution to this whole mess about these creatures!" He said with confident in his voice.
"Yes, Van, I am pretty sure of that too," replied King Dryden. "Well, are you going to tell me more about your last discussion with your councilors?" He asked with a smile.
When he finished with his question, a maid just arrived and asked the Fanelia King, "Good morning, my lord! What would you like for breakfast?
"Good morning Nam! I would like the same as I always eat for breakfast!" answered the king.
"All right my lord, in a minute I will bring both breakfasts!" She said and walked away to the kitchen.
When the maid was gone, Dryden continued with the matter that was left unfinished before. "Well, are you going to tell me what happened with your councilors?" He asked for the second time.
"What do you mean?" asked Van with innocence in his voice, attempting to elude the matter.
"You know Van, Merle told me!" stroked back Dryden with a triumphant grin.
"I should have guessed it! Merle is always talking," replied Van in disappointment.
"Your little sister is worried about you, that's all."
"Yes, I know!" He replied half-heartedly. These days my councilors are always asking the same thing "When are you going to chose a wife my lord? You know, you are twenty-five now. You are old enough to be a father!" He explained mocking some of his councilor voices. "Tell me, Dryden, I want to marry for love, no because it is my duty as a king to produce an heir. Is that so bad? Really I don't know why anybody can't understand me!" He exclaimed with passion in his voice.
I understand you Van and also Merle does, but you also need to understand that we all want to see you happy being with someone, than seeing you all alone like you are now. "You need someone by your side, someone who can understand you, love you and take care of you, and you can do and feel the same for her. Dryden explained seriously."
"Yes, Dryden, but it seems that I can't find the girl of my dreams; a woman who can make me fall in love with her! You were lucky to find Milerna but I don't have the same luck!" The king answered feeling miserable.
"Yes Van, but why don't you try to go out there and look for this wonderful girl you are telling me about who you want to meet?" said Dryden. "She won't come all-alone by herself to you. I don't think you have that kind of luck friend!" added smiling.
"If you say so!" said Van without interest.
"Well friend, I think you will need to think about it," replied Dryden. How about eating breakfast?"
"Oh. Yes I am starving, and these delights are getting cold already!"
A few hours later all the leaders were in time at the meeting room. They were waiting for the sorcerer leader to start the meeting. In fact it was said that Master Ivan would start the meeting talking about his news discoveries about these creatures.
They were seated in circle watching each other's faces. Two minutes later the old master arrived, and he stood in the middle of the circle. Then the discussion started:
"Well Mr. Ivan, we are here to hear what you have to say to us." Dilandau said in a sarcastic voice.
Ivan started to talk with a serious face and tone of voice, "Since I was informed of these attacks, I have contacted my others brothers in all of Gaea gathering information about this matter. Especially I have contacted my brothers from the South."
A lot of whisperers filled the room when he finished his sentence
"What do you mean Master Ivan?" asked Chid, the duke of Freid, shyly. "How can you contact them when we haven't got any connection with the South in hundreds of years?
Ivan turned around to see and talk face to face with the Duke. "Well, I'm very sorry I forgot that King Dryden is the only one here who knows the whole story of the sorcerer's clan," said the Master embarrassed because of his forgetfulness.
"We are listening to you," said in unison Dilandau and Van, with curiosity in their faces.
"Our duty is to guard all the knowledge of Gaea and guide the governments to find the right ways to reach the steady growth that their countries need." He started his explanation watching the faces of all who were present, except for Dryden who already knew what the master sorcerer would say. "Our clan exists in all of Gaea, and we usually are in contact with all our brothers in the planet. It doesn't matter if it is the South or the North where they are living," explained Ivan.
"Master have you ever been in the South?" asked king Van, with an increased curiosity.
"No, I have never been in the South, but I keep contact with many brothers from the South." Ivan replied.
"But you do have information about the south. Don't you?" asked Van again.
"Yes, your majesty; the sorcerers must know everything about the secrets of Gaea. Of course, not all sorcerers know everything because only the eldest have the knowledge and maturity to understand the secrets, but the youngest also know things that even a king doesn't know," said Ivan.
"We now know that the sorcerers are in contact with the South, so what did your brothers from the South tell you about these creatures?" asked King Dilandau, with the same kind of curiosity King Van had.
"Well, these creatures actually are from the South," explained the old man.
"What?" asked all who were present in unison.
"So the South wants to conquer us?" asked Van somewhat alarmed.
"Don't worry, my lord, if they had wanted to conquer the North, they would have already done it a long time ago." He replied in a serious tone. "Besides Fanelia is the nearest kingdom to the Ilictus forest, and it is also the nearest kingdom to the entire south, so it would have been the first one attacked." He explained.
"What do you exactly mean by that?" asked King Dryden very seriously.
The sorcerer turned to see King Dryden and with an inquisitive tone retorted. "What do you exactly want to know, my lord?"
"Does the South have more power than us? Could they conquer us as easily as you have said?" Asked again the King, with his always-serious tone.
"Yes they are more powerful," answered shortly the old man. But they are not interested in conquering anything other than their own peace." He explained. "The kingdoms from the South are peaceful; they don't want wars, massacres and all of those things."
"So? How is it that these creatures are from the South then?" asked Queen Yukari.
"These creatures are a problem in the South also," replied the old man. "But they've had this problem since some hundred years ago; they were able to contain these creatures in their own limits." He explained.
"And what is happening now?" asked King Allen, the first time he spoke in the entire meeting.
"Well, my lords, the only possible ways to the south are in the Ilictus forest." He started to pace around the circle formed by the seats staring at each face as he walked and explained the situation. "But those borderlines were not the ways that these creatures took to get to the North, because the southern armies protect those borderlines, and they told me that they weren't defeated in any way by these creatures. Also they are very worried about this matter because they didn't have any clue about it all until I sent messages to my brothers asking what was happening."
"Well, Mr. Ivan, you know we trust the sorcerers' clan." King Dryden said. "We trust that you are telling us the truth, but what are we going to do from now on?" He finished with worry.
All those presents started to talk to each other, leaving the old master all alone with his thoughts. "Well I only hope they agree with me about what I'm going to tell them. I don't know if these people are ready to meet the South!"
The old man saw the worried faces of all those present in the meeting, and then he started talking again hoping these men and women could understand the meaning of what he was about to say.
"Umm!" Ivan interrupted to get the attention. "Well, King Dryden, answering your last question, I also talked with the head of the sorcerer's clan in the south. Knowing these creatures are a menace both to the North and South, it is understandable that both sides are interested in solving this problem."
"Yes, Mr. Ivan, but if I am not mistaken the South has had this problem for a lot time, so this problem is not new for them," said Queen Yukari.
"Yes, my Queen, you are right but they want to find out how these creatures managed to get to the North and when they can find this information stop them in the South," replied the sorcerer.
"Are you telling us that the South is worried about the North?" questioned Dilandau sarcastically.
Suddenly everyone present stared in disbelief with eyes wide open because the old man was laughing.
"Are you all right, Master Ivan?" questioned King Allen.
After finishing his laugh, Ivan started, "Yes, Allen, I am all right, thank you. Answering your question, King Dilandau, the explanation about why the South is worried about this matter is a very long one, but if you want to know something I will tell you." He spoke with sarcasm in his voice. "Hundreds of years ago, in Gaea three different clans existed: the sorcerers, the magicians, and the warlocks. All these clans used knowledge and hidden sciences. We, the sorcerers have always existed in all of Gaea, but the other two clans only existed in the South. Also the warlocks used the dark powers for their own benefit, so they weren't the most acceptable people in the South. In those times, the South was the most developed, powerful and peaceful part, nowadays they still are. In the other part, the North, there were always wars. The knowledge that we have in many sciences nowadays is here thanks to the South because in times before the separation they always gave us knowledge and advice, but the Northern kings never paid attention to their advice, they even tried to conquer the south. On the other side the Southern kingdoms were under a lot of pressure by the magicians because they wanted the destruction of the North. They said that the north was responsible for the low development the South was having. The Southern kingdoms didn't agree with the magicians about this matter, but when the North intended to conquer the South, that was the last drop, which made the glass overflow. The South stopped the Northern kingdoms, but they couldn't stop the constitution of a new alliance between the magicians and the warlocks. So the war between these two clans and the Southern kingdoms started. With the help of dark powers, they created a powerful army: these creatures that are frightening our people now. Afterwards, the South used its power and closed the frontiers between North and south using, most of all, the ignorance of the Northern people to do it.
So, my friends, this war between the Southern kingdoms and the dark power alliance still exist, and because of this the South is very worried. They won't allow the dark alliance to gain any more land or more evil men to join their armies. Well, I think I pretty much explained the whole matter. Didn't I?" said the sorcerer with a mock in his face.
After the explanation all those present were in silence. The first one to speak was King Van. "Well, I think we don't want either to allow the creatures to get more power than they already have." He affirmed speaking on behalf of everyone in the room. "What does the South want to do?"
When Van finished his question, now with a serious face Dilandau, he said, "If your story is true, then this enemy wants to destroy the North, doesn't it?"
"Yes, but first of all, we need to gather information. We don't know where they are crossing to the North, and we don't know their plans. The only thing we know up to now is their ultimate plan: to destroy the North, conquer the South and then establish their own government with the guide of the advance of development and science," explained the sorcerer.
Queen Yukari stood up from her seat, and then she questioned, "I don't quite understand. If they are looking for development and improvement, why are they using dark powers to reach their goal? And what happened to the magicians who use white magic?"
"You can say, my lady, that white or dark power depends on the heart of the one who is using those powers. I think when they wanted to destroy the North, their hearts changed and also their powers and magic," replied Ivan.
"What are we going to do then?" asked Allen.
"I think the best thing to do is to join our forces with the South. Right now five of the best people from the South are coming to the North to investigate and analyze the situation. The best course of action is for five of us join them and together find out what is happening and how to stop this enemy," said the sorcerer.
"Why us?" asked Dilandau. "We can also send our best men to investigate."
"Because I think, my lord, you, who are here are the best people in the North." He explained. "You are the most distrustful man I have ever met and the best with the sword besides King Allen and King Van." He said with smiled in his face.
"King Allen also is the man who understands political matters the most." added duke Chid.
"And King Van thinks with his head and heart, and that would be useful too. Besides he is one of the best swordsmen," agreed King Dryden.
"Well, well!!! I think they have already decided for us. Uh?" agreed Allen.
"Yes I think so," answered Van with a satisfied smile in his face.
"Well I think this will be funny," said king Dilandau. "So tell me my friends." He said referring to Allen and Van. "Have you already fought some of these creatures? You know is quite interesting to feel your own fear growing to high levels when you are face to face with these creatures," added with his usually sarcastic voice.
"Oh! No Dilandau... Are you telling me that you were afraid in battle?" King Van asked mocking him.
"Don't you dare say that, Van!!!!!" retorted Dilandau with increased anger. "I am not afraid of death. I only said that, because this mission won't be easy. These creatures are very powerful. Believe me! And I am sure we will have the opportunity to fight them."
"Don't worry Dilandau we will learn how to fight them, and then we will teach to our people," intervened Allen. Then he turned around to talk to the sorcerer, "are you going to come with us?"
"Yes of course," replied the old man. "I will be there with you and my best apprentice will come with us too."
"Are we going to join the Southerners in this mission?" asked Dilandau.
"I would prefer it so," replied Ivan.
"Where are we going to meet them?" questioned Van.
"Three days from now at the intersection between the Ilictus forest and the way to the "Rosalie" convent, in the south of Fanelia."
"The rest of us..." started to say Dryden. "I think the best will be to stay alert in our countries if anyone needs something. We will be in contact."
"Yes king Dryden," agreed Ivan. "Does anyone have anything to say?"
"I think we all are agree with Master Ivan," spoke Queen Yukari.
"Well I think I have time to return to Aulis and arrange some things there so I will be leaving now to get more time," said Allen moving his butt from the seat in a hurry.
"Me too," added King Dilandau. "So I will meet you there in three days."
"Well Master Ivan it seems that you and I will go together to the meeting," said Van.
"I have the same duties in my temple like your other companions king Van so I think you will go all by yourself to the meeting. I'm very sorry, but before this mission I need to arrange things," said also with hurry the old man.
"Don't worry old man. I need to arrange things here too," said the king.