Hello, again. New story equals more for me to write. And more for y'all to read.
Square made FF. I did not. Any new people and places are mine.
Trials and Tribulations
1
They were arranged in a circle in the main hall of Burmecia Castle. All of the political leaders of Mist Continent were gathered together to discuss trade. There had been problems as of late.
"I hereby call this council to order." Regent Cid, leader of Lindblum, stood. "Our first order of business: the Lindblum/Cleyra route.
"As you know, only a few days ago, Gizamaluke mysteriously caved in. Now, it will take years for us to dig out the rubble, so until that time, we need an alternate route."
The king of New Cleyra now took the floor. "I've said this before, and I'll say it again: in this age of rapidly advancing technology, we need to seize hold of the opportunities presented to us. We must use airships."
"And as we have told you before, the steam-powered airship is still new technology. All that exists are prototypes."
"No. There is yours."
Immediately, Cid's face flushed. "If you think I will let my pride and joy become a merchant ship-"
"So now, the survival of a country means less than one hunk of metal. You know how fully we rely on you for supplies. If this trade dies, we die."
"Oh, so it's the guilt game now. Fine. What happened to Cleyra's vow against anything technological?"
"These are rapidly becoming desperate times, Regent. If our survival is at stake, we must be lenient."
"Yes, but what about-" and the two's argument increased in fervor, until they had started a shouting match.
"You have no right to-"
"No right! No right? You-"
"Stop!"
Their heads turned. The queen of Alexandria was now standing, her hands shaking. "King Rall! Regent Cid! I expected more maturity from both of you. Uncle, is your vanity enough to annihilate an entire race?" Cid looked busily down at the papers on his desk. He took a document, and signed it. "By permission of Regent Cid…I hereby grant the city of New Cleyra the use of Hilda Garde to accomplish its goals." He handed the king the document, and they shook hands. Cid sat back down resignedly. "Take care of it." The king glanced up and nodded.
"Now," Garnet continued, relieved that that little exchange was over with, "is there anything else to discuss?" Silence. "No. Then I hereby-"
"Forgive me, Queen, for not speaking out, but there is something else." The king of Burmecia held up a small slip of paper. "Earlier today, we received this from a person or persons unknown. It describes the plan of someone whose identity has not been revealed. He or she says that they will become the new ruler of Gaia." The king folded the paper and placed it down on his desk. "Now, we have all received threats similar to this, but all it has come to is no more than petty thievery. Even so, I believe we should investigate this."
"I appreciate you concern, King Fratley, but, how do we know this isn't another empty threat?"
"Well, isn't it a strange coincidence that Gizamaluke fell and this letter arrived in the span of a few days?"
"Admittedly, Fratley. But think: why would a terrorist make his attack before he makes his statement?"
"Even so, Queen, I think we should investigate this further. I have a feeling about this one."
"Very well. I will assist you in the investigation of this matter. If there is nothing else, we will adjourn this meeting." They all collected their papers and filed out into the rainy streets.
XXXXX
Zidane was staying at the inn. She entered the hotel, and a jet of hot air hit her. She stood still, and let the jet dry her. She then entered the inn from the antechamber.
"I need to visit Zidane Tribal-Alexandros," she said at the front desk. The clerk gave her his best professional smile. "Of course. He's been waiting for you." He stepped out from behind the desk and showed her to his room.
She knew something was wrong when she opened the door. The room was completely normal, yet there was an aura of general badness about it. Her fears were confirmed when she saw the blood, small drops at first, then becoming small puddles as the trail neared its source. She turned the corner and saw him lying half-on, half-off the bed, covered in blood, a knife in his right side. "Gods…" she whispered.
XXXXX
"Is he dead?"
"No."
"Good. It is time to begin the next phase."
READ BELOW!
In case you're confused as to why Fratley is king, don't worry: it's an important plot point later. And if you're wondering why Burmecia can't trade with Cleyra to replace Lindblum: they do. Both countries trade with Cleyra. See, one country can't provide everything another needs, because they need part for themselves and to trade with another. So, two trade. Also, one more thing. For some reason, my stories will not space far enough apart to connote scene changes. As a result, I have written scene change...to prevent any confusion. Okay, just thought we should clear that up.
