Worth the Wager

Disclaimer: None of the characters of Escaflowne belong to me. No profit is made from this other than reviews and some sense of personal gratification.

Note: I apologize for the atrocious delay! I haven't forgotten about this story, not by a long shot, but I've been busy with other things and even when I had some free time, I've been in a bit of a writing funk. Excuses, excuses.

But I'm pushing myself to write more and the rest of the story is more or less outlined in my head. Having a clearer vision of how everything plays out, I'm going to push myself to update more frequently, to make up for lost time.

That said, thank you for your patience, if you're still reading this and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story. You won't have to wait months for the next update, I assure you.

So I've altered this part of the story slightly to fit with what I've laid down in the past two installments. Dryden isn't here for this discussion as he was in the series but he will be appearing in another chapter with a more significant role, so don't worry about him. Hopefully, this adjustment of the events still gels properly with the rest of the story.

Enjoy.

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Celena Schezar.

The name seemed to hang heavy in the air as the knight and the two princesses contemplated the fate of this lost girl. They were in Eries' private study, a room that had become the venue for significant discussions since it afforded them more privacy and comfort than many of the other chambers of the palace. It felt safe there to discuss matters of the most delicate nature, as if somehow the walls protected them from the prying ears of those who would bring them harm.

After ten years, Allen's estranged younger sister had mysteriously reappeared at their family home days ago only to disappear once more under the most unusual of circumstances. Her sudden and inexplicable transformation during a visit to her mother's grave had more than alarmed Allen and Princess Eries, who had been present as well and with whom he had intended to entrust Celena. While the young girl claimed to remember nothing about where she had been for the past decade, something had triggered her transformation into one of the most fearsome fighters of the Zaibach Empire, Dilandau Albatou. But before any of them could get any answers about this extraordinary event, Dilandau had been whisked away by a stealth cloaked guymelef that seemed to have been waiting for him.

Allen and Princess Eries returned to the palace immediately to consult the only person who might be able to shed light on the matter. However, their own duties as well as the numerous tasks the council demanded of Lord Folken had delayed this crucial discussion for some time. But it could no longer be postponed and though they were all exhausted by their duties, the two princesses and the knight finally found an opportunity to tackle this matter. Lord Folken had been sent for while the three of them waited in thoughtful silence.

Eries' meeting with Allen and Celena had occurred only a few days after the princess had last spoken to the former Zaibach Strategos and with much already weighing on her mind, she fervently hoped that he would be able to help them resolve this as satisfactorily as possible. But there was no doubt in her mind that whatever course of action they would need to take on Celena and Dilandau's fate, it would be a complicated and most likely painful endeavor. All this considered, her heart went out to the confused and grief-stricken knight who, despite all their recent disagreements, was still a dear friend whom she had known for many years.

"He does not deserve to lose her again," Eries thought, "That would be too cruel."

As they waited, Eries could not help but watch her younger sister carefully. It had been a while since they had alone together and considering recent events, the older sister could not help but be wary. Millerna had assured her that in the light of all that had happened, she no longer harbored any foolish designs on Allen Schezar and Eries had grown to trust her younger sister enough to believe this. But she also knew that as determined as Millerna was to act sensibly, she could not help but be affected by any residual feelings she still harbored for Allen. Therefore, there would still be some element of discomfort and awkwardness between them though, much to Eries' admiration and relief, both were conducting themselves with the utmost propriety.

Naturally, Celena's fate was their main priority and though Millerna expressed genuine concern about Allen's predicament, she did not do so in any excess. She was worried about him and his family and intrigued by this new mystery from Zaibach but she also wanted to prove, to herself as well as her sister, that she was in better control of her emotions than she had been and that she was endeavoring to act on her better judgment. She exchanged a glance with Eries and reassured the latter that she would have no cause to worry. The older sister understood this at once and gave Millerna a slight nod of appreciation. They were both beginning to reap the benefits of better communication with one another.

Allen Schezar, to his credit, did not betray how forlorn he felt about all that was happening. While he no longer looked as carefree and radiant as he used to, he concealed much of his torment with the skill that came from years of practice. He did not let his guard down very often, knowing the dangers of doing so only too well, but in the current company, he felt at ease. He trusted both princesses unequivocally and knew that he would have no greater allies. And despite the great disparity in rank and circumstance, he somehow dared to consider them his family. That neither of them sustained any ill-feelings towards him considering their complicated history was something he would always be grateful for.

"Forgive me for disturbing you with this matter," he had said, "I am well aware that you already have too much on your minds. But I do not know who else I can turn to."

They had immediately reassured him that they would be only to happy to help in any way that they could. Such generosity touched him and though he repeatedly expressed how much he was indebted to them, they told him not to dwell on it excessively.

"The only way we shall be able to get through all of this," Eries had declared, "is by working together. There is no room for old grudges and petty disagreements."

"We all need to move forward as best as we can," Millerna had added, proving how much she had grown up recently, "so we must not be dragged down by the past."

Allen smiled at them both and felt a surge of loyalty and gratitude. If he could have sworn his oath to protect with his life all over again, he would have. There were few rulers in Gaea who were truly worthy of such devotion.

There was a soft knock on the door. "Enter," Eries replied and Folken Fanel stepped into the room that had become quite familiar to him. He looked with some alarm at the three anxious faces before him and hoped that he would be able to give them some answers.

The two princesses greeted him warmly but Allen merely nodded, being more wary and uncertain if Van's brother was to be trusted. He was skeptical but he also knew that Folken was the best authority they had on Zaibach at the moment and he needed to know the truth about his sister. Nevertheless, the knight was determined to keep a sharp eye on the other man's every move. It was only through such a watchful gaze that he noticed that as Folken had entered the room his eyes had turned immediately to Princess Eries. For the briefest moment, his whole body seemed to shift in her direction and he was on the verge of walking towards her when he suddenly restrained himself and instead walked to one side of the room and stood where he would be facing all of them. Allen narrowed his eyes at this but then concluded that nothing about it seemed untoward so he let it go.

"Thank you for coming, Lord Folken," Eries said formally but not without warmth, "We know that you have been grilled more than enough by the council and we appreciate this."

"It is no trouble at all, princess," Folken replied humbly, "I would be happy to be of service in any way I can."

"This concerns my sister," Allen began, "and somehow, her connection with Dilandau Albatou."

Folken listened intently and with a grave expression as the entire situation was explained to him. His frown deepened as he heard about Celena's inexplicable transformation into Dilandau. Allen finished his account and for a few moment,s Folken was lost in thought. Eries noted that Folken looked even more serious than usual, confirming her suspicions that the truth about Celena Schezar was truly something to be worried about. But she said nothing and concealed her dread, waiting patiently for Folken to give them some answers.

He turned to their expectant faces and sighed. "Forgive me," he began, "but I know very little about Dilandau. We have worked together many times, that much is true, but I know nothing about his past and he certainly never spoke of it to me. In fact, we did not always get along even during our missions and I am sure he was loathe to speak of anything personal to me."

Folken saw the disappointment in their eyes and felt somehow guilty for not being able to tell them more. But there was still something about Dilandau that he needed to relate to them, in spite of all the unpleasantness it dredged up from his memory.

"There is one other thing," Folken added carefully, "I feel certain that Dilandau is under the control of the Sorcerers."

"Sorcerers?" Allen asked suspiciously.

"Zaibach scientists who report directly to Emperor Dornkirk," Folken explained, "They have performed numerous experiments to test the Emperor's theories and to validate his findings on Fate Alteration, the existence of fate particles, and other such subjects." A vision of tall, menacing figures in dark cloaks not unlike his own, but with such cruel faces and evil intentions. He shuddered at the memory. Seeing the disdain with which Folken spoke of these figures, the others grew concerned.

"So you think that these 'sorcerers' were responsible for what happened to my sister and Dilandau?" Allen asked.

Folken nodded before adding, in almost a whisper, "It is said that for some of their experiments, they used kidnapped children."

The two princesses gasped and Allen turned pale. They stood in stunned silence for several minutes. Folken said nothing during these tense moments, pained by the revelation he had had to make and now even more ashamed of his association with Zaibach. He had heard about these foul experiments and had been disgusted by them. But he had never truly done anything to stop them and this only added to his shame and guilt.

"I was never involved in any of these experiments myself because they were kept as secret as possible though there were always whispers," Folken added, feeling awkward since it sounded like he was making excuses for himself, but needing them to know nevertheless that whatever else he was, he was not that kind of monster. To his relief, there were no accusatory glances thrown his way, even by Allen.

"So you think that," Allen asked hesitantly, a tortured expression on his face, "my sister…Celena…and Dilandau…are the results of some kind of sick experiment?"

"I am truly sorry to have to say this," Folken replied somberly, "but I believe that this is the case."

Millerna raised her hands to her mouth in shock and Eries put an arm around her sister sympathetically though she bore a similar expression. Allen was simply at a loss for words.

"There were times that Dilandau would be very…unstable," Folken elaborated, trying to find the right words to describe the volatile nature of the fiery young captain, "and the Sorcerers would be summoned and he would be taken into their custody for certain periods of time. It was clear that he hated them but they seemed very keen on monitoring any particular shifts in his mood. I cannot be certain but now that you've told me about your sister, I think that there might be some connection."

Allen nodded while Princess Millerna looked slightly more optimistic. Eries looked at everyone in the room with concern. This was another burden they would have to bear together.

"No matter what happens, I need to find her," Allen declared resolutely, "I failed to protect her ten years ago. I will not fail her now."

"Don't blame yourself, Allen," Millerna said sympathetically, "there was nothing you could have done then. But now you have a chance of bringing your family back together."

"I wish I had more to tell you," Folken said apologetically, "but you have my word that I will do whatever I can to help you. Whatever damage the Sorcerers may have done, I do not believe it is irreversible. We will find a way to get your sister back safely."

And he meant every word. With each new revelation of the Zaibach's depravity, he grew more and more determined to make amends. The empire had caused so much pain and suffering and he would not allow them to continue doing so. They had to be stopped and their crimes in the past needed to be addressed as best as they still could.

And though he had never been particularly fond of Dilandau Albatou, he knew that no one deserved such a despicable fate, especially if it was linked to the life of an innocent young woman. This was another injustice caused by Zaibach that Folken was intent on rectifying.

"So you see, there is still hope," Eries told Allen, gently placing a hand on his, "you will not have to face this trial alone. Whatever you may need, you may rely on us."

"Thank you, thank you," Allen said earnestly, facing the princesses and then turning to Folken as well, "all of you. You have been most kind."

"We are your friends, Allen," Millerna told him with an encouraging smile, "never forget that."

Allen was moved by the sentiment and bowed gratefully to them. Folken was slightly surprised at his seemingly being included in Millerna's declaration but he did not doubt her sincerity. He saw how Eries supported her sister's words by the genuine kindness in her gaze towards the knight, a look he had grown quite familiar with.

Fortunate beyond measure, Folken mused, were those deemed worthy of the Aston sisters' friendship.