Chapter Summary: Airyglyph VIII readies for war.
Chapter Rating[K+ (talk of homosexuality)


Chapter 2: March for Glory

"Woltar, is there any news of the Aquarian spies?" the King turned to the old man.

"Beyond the two we've already caught, no my Liege. We've searched the castle and the outlying stockade, but there has been no evidence of the remaining three." Vox attempted to take a sip from his goblet around the mounds of parchment documents and maps, and knocked a scroll case on to the floor. Woltar paused as Vox scrambled to right the case. "The two we have are still in questioning. So far they haven't confirmed anything beyond our earlier suspicions."

"What do we know for certain?" the King asked. He noted silently that Albel seemed to be paying more attention to the tapestry on the wall than to the meeting.

"They're a group of spies sent from Aquaria. There was a Secret Legion assassin among them. Their orders came directly from Magistrate Lasselle. It is unknown whether or not the Queen herself was involved." Silence fell for a few moments while the room digested the information.

"My Lord," Duke Vox spoke, "I believe it to be an unwise decision to discount the Queen's role in this."

Woltar broke in. "We have never had reason to suspect the Lady Romeria of aggression against us. If any party is responsible, it is likely to either a high ranking official or perhaps the Crimson Blade."

"Likely both."

"Zelpher, perhaps, would orchestrate a move like this, but Lasbard seems to want peace with us just as much as Consulate Marbidrean." Woltar's shoulders slumped. "After that last skirmish, I just can't believe Aquaria would take the aggressive against us."

The council chamber fell silent for a time as they each felt the weight of an approaching war. Albel broke the silence.

"You'd better believe it, old man." He chuckled darkly. "War will come whether we prepare to meet it or not. We had best rally our men. If it's a war Aquaria's after, it's a war they'll get."

"Release the news of the capture of these Aquarians. This will both gather the citizenry under our banner and warn Romeria of what is to come if she cannot keep her subjects under control." Vox smiled. "Whether this is just a misunderstanding, or a small group moving without any higher authority, we can still take advantage of the Church of Apris'… hospitality."

"Score some food for the winter, you mean?" Arzei asked.

"We must be prepared for the eventuality of an all-out war with Aquaria," Woltar added. "What they lack in soldiers they make up for with their runology."

Albel downed the last of his wine and sneered. "Aquaria's army is weak. They've grown soft in their lush plains--they're like cattle."

Arzei spoke. "If we are to fight we must begin it now, before the winter fully sets in. We will have to eliminate a good number of people before the fields freeze; otherwise the brunt of their forces could attack us when we are short on supplies. If that happens I have no doubt we could hold them until warmer weather, but I don't want another eight-year war on our hands. I just hope that this isn't a plot from Sanmite. It would be incredibly simple; hire a few Aquarian mercenaries, send them out with orders to make it look like Aquaria, wait till we go to war. . ."

"And reap the spoils," Vox finished. "Yes, I can see your point. But Marbidrean doesn't seem the type to go against another country like that."

"Yes, I quite agree. I was merely demonstrating that there might be more to this than we think. Rushing in head first is the surest way to get a concussion, and all that." Arzei lifted his goblet and took a sip. "In any case, we should give this some thought tonight and meet again tomorrow. We have other matters to discuss."

Albel was staring rather intently at him, and Arzei fidgeted a bit at the strength of his gaze. He addressed Woltar.

"How are the winter rationings going?"

"Very well, my Lord. Kirlsa has a slight surplus, which will be shipped to Airyglyph tomorrow. It should arrive within the month. Darcheim is sending its extra food to Mendelv. They have had an especially bad farming year, and even with the surplus on its way, I doubt the town will make it through the winter without casualties."

"Good that you're on top of things, but I fear it won't be enough… and the people?"

"You mean the unrest in the church?" Woltar asked. "It seems to be getting worse. It could be just another facet to this Aquarian plot."

"Indeed. I worry. With our nations going to war, people will make comparisons with the fall of the Kingdom of Aqour. Apris is supposed to be peaceful, and Aquaria's citizenry most likely attributes their large military to 'defending the peace.' Perhaps this will win us more support. Airyglyph has never been dishonest when dealing with the use of our military."

"It won't be long before they connect two and two together and realize that Apris and everything it stands for is falling apart from the inside." The King of Airyglyph looked down at his cup for a minute. The council was silent.

"People know that there are rats in everyone's pantry, things that they want to keep hidden. It's the same with any institution. Apris is split in two, and it is likely that some dirty secrets will be revealed. Even more than that, the people will realize the true nature of the Sacred Kingdom. Yes, Woltar?" The King allowed Woltar to speak.

"Sir, if I may? The Kingdom of Aquaria has long been at peace with Airyglyph. Even with this latest attack, might it not be possible to obtain food from them? The Aquarians are nothing if not just, and their religion decrees that they help the needy." Woltar paused for effect. "They would not let our citizens starve."

"The old fool has a point," Albel spoke. "The followers of that false god are very charitable. We could easily manipulate them--use them to our advantage."

"Now you're thinking." The King smiled deviously.

(.s.c.e.n.e.b.r.e.a.k.)

"Albel, would you stay behind, please." Albel paused at the door. The meeting had gone on for more than four hours. He had no wish to prolong it. "I wish to speak with you, alone," the King shot a pointed look at Woltar, who was gathering up the scattered regional maps.

"Good day, m'Lord," Woltar left the maps on the table and left.

"Have a seat, Albel." The King gestured to the seat to his right, a place normally reserved for the highest ranking officer, Vox. Albel took a step toward the King, and then hesitated. It would be against protocol to sit there, yet he doubted Arzei would care either way. Still, there was always the chance that this was a test.

Arzei might be kind, but he was an intelligent man and capable ruler. If Albel sat in that chair, Arzei might see it as a sign that Albel was unhappy with his rank. Or it might be seen as disobedience toward the royal line. Of course, it could always be seen as a show of trust, and wasn't the offer just that? A show of trust?

After some consideration Albel walked over to the King and sat down. "Good," the King smiled. Albel suddenly felt very unsettled. 'Damn that cunning bastard,' whispered through his mind.

"I suppose you're wondering what I wanted to talk to you about. Well, it's the same thing I'm always badgering you about." Albel started to push himself out of the chair. "Don't leave yet, this is an important topic. And anyways, you haven't been dismissed yet." Albel sat back down and settled for glaring at the King. Arzei didn't pay him any mind.

"Albel, you're a military captain, you're twenty-four, and you're attractive. People throw themselves at your feet. There are probably hundreds of girls in Airyglyph who would settle down with you no matter how horribly you treated them. Why won't you just pick one and…produce an heir…?" Arzei trailed off at the dark look Albel was sending his way.

"Produce an heir? And contaminate this desolate rock with more of the rabble? Don't be a fool. We don't need children, we need food."

"I know that, but a little more compassion might be nice sometimes." The King leaned forward. "Why is it you've never been with a girl? Are you afraid?" Albel shifted uncomfortably. The King, sensing he was on the right track, continued. "You don't even like girls, do you? It would certainly explain a lot."

"Don't be--" Arzei cut off the protest.

"Albel, I don't care. In fact, I would prefer that you look at women as the enemy. We are fighting against Aquaria, after all. It is a country run by women."

"Fighting against them? I thought we were 'considering' fighting against them."

"Don't play that game with me, Albel. You know as well as I that an assassination attempt was made, and we have to retaliate! And quite changing the subject!" Albel decided it would be more tactful not to point out the fact that it was Arzei who had changed the subject to begin with.

"Fine."

"Good. Back to the original subject. Was I right? Do you really…go for the other side?" Arzei leaned forward like a woman sharing gossip at a banquet, as if he would somehow not hear the answer in the deathly quiet room.

"Yes," was the whispered response. Albel seemed to diminish with this pronouncement. Arzei suddenly felt very guilty about prying. It was clearly a subject that Albel wasn't comfortable with.

"Really," the King said softly. He hadn't expected Albel to actually answer the question, much less so passively. "I thought so. If it makes you feel any better…me, too." At Albel's questioning look, he clarified, "I mean I go the other way, too."

"I…see," was the incredulous response. The King, sensing the awkward mood, swiftly changed the subject.

"Will you be staying in Airyglyph this winter?"

"It is unlikely. I have an army to train in Kirlsa, and a war to win, and the frigid winters of this city don't suit my lifestyle." Albel spoke rather tersely, and Arzei suspected that it was out of annoyance for the quick change in subject.

"As cold as it is here, it is beautiful. I've been hoping you might eventually be persuaded to stay with us for a little…umm…visit." The King grew hopeful. "Would you perhaps come down for a while? We have plenty of spare rooms in the castle, and we always have space ready for Captains such as yourself."

"I think not."

"I see. Well, do write us this year."

"You know I won't. You know…" Albel lifted his claw vaguely.

Yes, King Arzei did know. He knew how self-conscious Albel was about his claw, how he could no longer write very well. He also knew that there was an arm beneath the cool metal; a scarred and burned arm, but an arm. Everywhere Albel went, the rumors flew. Albel had been training since he was two years old. Albel had decapitated his mother when he was a boy. Albel the Wicked had never spoken to anybody--he was mute.

Albel the Wicked had killed his father.

Arzei knew all of the rumors, but he also knew the facts. Albel was left-handed, but his left arm had been badly burnt by a magical fire. Magical wounds rarely healed without the aid of runology, and the runologists had all fled Airyglyph after the last war. The claw was a shield. It protected the swordsman from further injury.

"All right," The King said, breaking the awkward silence that had fallen. "Well, I suppose tomorrow is our last meeting before both you and Woltar leave for Kirlsa. Perhaps I'll see you off."

"That is not necessary."

"But it is polite, as well as customary." Arzei was relieved when Albel did not outright object. "You may go. I shall see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Sire." With those departing words and a slight bow, Albel stood up and headed for the door.

(.s.c.e.n.e.b.r.e.a.k.)

Frost covered the granite stairs of the northwest tower of Airyglyph castle, making the ascent slick and treacherous To complicate matters, one had to cling to the rough-hewn walls lest they hit an icy step and fall. The castle had been carved out of the mountain long before Airyglyph had arrived in the land, perhaps even before the rise of Aquor. It had always been a source of amusement for Albel that the three oldest structures on the continent of Gait were all composed primarily of colossal underground labyrinths; the Ruins of Mosel, the Shrine of Kaddan, and the Catacombs of Airyglyph. Only a small portion of the castle's ruin had been converted into the aqueducts and dungeon. The rest of the cold, twisting tunnels had been abandoned and blocked off. Still, children looking for thrills and fortune-seekers often ventured into the many tunnel entrances that criss-crossed the kingdom like a hollow skeleton. Few returned alive from the depths, and fewer still returned sane. It was said that horrors lurked in the ruins.

The steep climb up slippery steps was nerve-wracking at the best of times, and nearly suicidal at worst. Albel cursed himself for attempting the climb in steel boots. He would be lucky if he made it to the top without incident. His instincts screamed at him to turn around and go back down to the warmth of the castle, but he was so far already. He would not turn back now. Clinging to the granite wall of the tower and placing his feet carefully in front of him he went step by step up the tower. Several times he lost his footing on the ice and wavered on the edge of nonexistence. He would undoubtedly be killed if he fell down the lengthy staircase.

This tower was at least twice the height of the eastern turrets. It could be reached only through the King's dragon cave, and much of the tunnel leading upward was a cave itself, with earthen and stone steps and a ceiling supported by heavy beams. That section of the tower was maintained by a small group of soldiers. They kept the torches burning year round and repaired any structural problems they came across. It was also much more easily climbed if you were careful of your footing. It wasn't until the upper portion of the tower, when the walls changed from granite and earth to huge granite blocks with the wind and snow howling through the embrasures that the climb got dangerous. The bitter gusts quickly crystallized the snow into a sheath of ice which covered every inch of the tower.

Albel cursed himself again.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of relentless climbing, he reached the wooden trapdoor at the top of the tower. He gripped the cold wall with his good hand and, balancing carefully so as not to disturb his footing, pushed the heavy door upwards with both his claw and his head. When the door was pushed far enough out of the way to allow access he scrambled through the opening and onto the roof.

The force of the wind took his breath away. Or it might have been the view. (Not that he hadn't seen it before, he made this pilgrimage once a year.) Stretched out beneath him was the Kingdom of Airyglyph, and here he was standing on the highest point of it. The tower rose higher than the tallest mountains in the kingdom. Of course, that was why the castle had been built. The seat of the empire surrounded this tower and protected its base from harm for longer than anyone knew.

And it was no wonder why the ancient kings had decided it was worth protecting. From this dizzying vantage point it would have been easy for Airyglyph I to build his capital. Airyglyph III had used it to watch the Sanmite army as they approached his city gates. It was amazing how far you could see from the top of the tower. Of course the view was interrupted on all sides by the mountains, but it was still enough to bring Count Woltar to tears the first time he had made the ascent and opened that old trap-door.

Although Albel maintained that the old man had been crying in relief for not having to climb up any more stairs.

Albel breathed in deeply. It swelled his heart with pride to be up here, looking out over the country he called home, letting the crisp air of his homeland fill his lungs. This tower represented everything he fought to defend in this country, and everything that Aquaria could never hope to gain.

This was Airyglyph, and all of its people. All of the weather-beaten, gnarled tenacity, and the unrelenting vitality. Everything that Aquaria would never be. Even when the food stores were gone and the people were dying of starvation in the streets, Airyglyph would still be there. Even when the 'Sacred Kingdom' came with their runologists and burned the fields and toppled the city, Airyglyph would still be there. And this tower would be there till the end of the kingdom and after, a venerable sentinel over the land.