Author's notes: Whew! This chapter turned out to be a lot longer than I expected. Of course a lot happens in this chapter. Yes, after a prologue, and a first chapter that was basically set up, finally stuff starts happening. The plot thickens!
On another note, I believe that every story should have a theme. I've decide that my story's theme will be "Blackheart" By" Two Steps From Hell." If haven't heard it, then you should go on YouTube and look it up. It is an absolutely wonderful piece. Whenever I listen to it, scenes that I have planned for this arc and subsequent ones just play out so well in my mind. It also really captures the emotions that I want to convey in this story as well.
Well that's it for now. Enjoy the new chapter and as always read and review!
**Begin Story**
A few days earlier….
In the dawn mists off the northern coast of Tristain, a small vessel with large billowing sails floated along a course parallel to the coastline about two leagues from shore. For three days the sailors of this ship had been floating up and down the coastal waters with no sight of their objective. The ship's "captain" was starting to lose patience. If he was a smuggler trying not to draw the attention of the Tristainian Sky Navy, then his efforts could be counted a resounding success. Unfortunately the truth of the matter was that he was trying to get their attention, but so far their plan of "sailing the coastal waters in a suspicious manner and getting caught", were not bearing fruit.
"I swear by the Founder if we don't run into one of those Tristainian sky buckets soon, I'm just going right into a yard harbor and open fire on one."
"I'm afraid I can't join you on that mission Beckett." His second in command replied. "As far as I am aware, suicide is still a sin."
"It's been three days Howell, and not so much as a sail have we spotted."
"Perhaps they've been dispatched to maintain watch closer to Albion, after all our brothers and sisters in arms have been stirring up quite the fuss lately." Howell said with a chuckle.
Beckett nodded slowly. The rebellion in Albion was going well. Robert de Sable has accomplished great things in the name of the common man. Beckett had come to respect both Robert's cause for justice for the commoners, as well as his utter contempt for the nobles of Halkeginia. That was one of the reasons Beckett had joined Robert's ranks, Howell too. In fact Beckett suspected that was the reason many of the men surrounding them had joined the cause. Robert was strong and charismatic. He spoke of freedom and liberty as something not just reserved for the privileged few, but something that was inherently promised to all people.
"Well anyway." Beckett replied. "I suppose that makes us a victim of our own succe-."
"Captain!" A voice from the lookout tower screamed. "Tristainian warship approaches!"
Finally
**Scene Break**
"Captain!" the deck officer of the Tristainian battleship Highlander Sky called out." Suspicious vessel sighted at 10 o'clock sir on the water's surface."
The captain pulled out his spyglass and looked in the direction the young officer indicated. It was a small vessel, crew of about fifty he'd wager. He put his spyglass away and gave the order to descend to the water and to have the other ship stop for inspection. The deck officer saluted and went to carry out his captain's orders.
**Scene Break**
"Maintain course and speed!" Beckett yelled to his men. "We do not want to seem as though we gave up too easily!"
The small ship plowed forward through the waves, cruising at full speed. A magically amplified voice called out from the warship as she lowered herself into the water.
Unknown ship. Stop immediately and prepare to be boarded!
"Not yet! Keep sailing!" Beckett called out.
After the chase dragged on for another minute the voice from the warship spoke again.
This is your last warning! Stop or we will commence firing!
"Just a little more!"
The captain of the Highlander Sky had apparently had enough. The Sploosh….Sploosh of warning shots hitting the water in front of the rebel vessel came shortly after the boom of cannon fire.
Beckett cried out, "Full stop! Full stop! I think we have their attention!"
As the small vessel slowed down, the Tristainian warship pulled along their starboard side, cannons trained on them. A small dingy was lowered into the waves and men began rowing over to them.
"Well they're coming sir." Howell said quietly. "Are you sure this will work?"
"If I wasn't would it make a difference at this point?"
"S'pose not sir." Howell replied with a chuckle.
"By the way. You did remind everyone to put on their accessories right?"
"Oh yes sir. And let me tell you, the men were quite confused about that." Howell began mimicking the responses of the men. "What do you mean I got to wear this stupid necklace? Do I look like some sort of bar wench?" Howell then continued, "But when I told them that these little trinkets that they would be wearing would keep their arses alive in front of those mage officers, they shut up real quick." Howell said with some satisfaction.
Beckett had his own small white pendent around his neck just like all the other men. He quickly tucked it under his shirt, Howell and the rest of the crew did the same.
The launch from the Tristainian warship had reached the rebels and pulled up alongside. Mage officers climbed aboard and demanded to speak to the captain.
Beckett stepped forward and said, "That would be I sir."
The boarding party officer approached Beckett and looked closely at him, sizing him up.
"What are you doing out here?"
"Begging your pardon your Lordship", said Beckett, trying to sound as humble as possible. "We are but simple fishermen trying to eke out our meager living."
The officer looked around the deck of the suspect vessel. "Tell me why there are no trawling nets, no poles, nor fishing implements of any kind in sight."
"Well sir," Beckett replied. "It seems that my men consumed a very liberal amount of drink and, well I'm embarrassed to say but we lost the whole lot overboard."
The Tristainian officer approached Beckett very closely, examining him with all of his senses.
"You smell like neither fish nor drink."
"Ahh well you see your Lordship about that-"
But the officer had heard enough. "In the name of her Majesty the Queen I am placing you all under arrest!"
**Scene Break**
While the crew of the suspect vessel was being rowed back to the Highlander Sky, the captain observed everything from his spyglass.
Once the prisoners were brought onboard, the captain confronted them on the ship's deck.
Beckett stood out in front of the crew, his head hung low and unassuming.
"What were you doing out here in Her Majesty's waters?" The captain asked Beckett.
Beckett lifted his head and smiled at the captain. Gone was the humble and submissive posture that he displayed to the boarding party. He looked at the warship captain with a wicked grin.
"We intend to commandeer this vessel to be used in the service of Robert de Sable and his glorious cause for justice and freedom of commoners everywhere."
The captain stood stunned at the bold response from the man in front of him. He said that with such confidence. This commoner is an even bigger fool than I thought. He then threw his head back and laughed.
"You commoner scum." The captain said while drawing his wand cane. "How do you plan on taking this vessel?"
"By force." Beckett calmly replied, and pulled a dagger from a concealed pocket. The scraping of metal on sheath could be heard as the rest of his men did the same.
The captain's expression went from smug amusement to pure rage as he raised his wand cane and chanted a spell. "Windi!"
Upon completion of the spell…..Nothing Happened.
The captain looked puzzled for moment and chanted again: Windi!"
Same outcome as before…..Nothing.
Beckett grabbed the end of the wand cane, pulled himself in close to the captain and gave him a solid punch to the jaw. The captain staggered and went down, and Beckett was left holding the wand cane.
"I can't tell you how long I've wanted to do that to one of you mages." Beckett laughed out.
The rest of the officers of the Highlander Sky began franticly chanting their own spells only to be met with the same results. Their spells were not working.
Beckett's men came around and confiscated all the wands from the ship's officers and while Beckett himself confronted the captain who was still flat on his back.
"You arrogant mages. You really are pathetic and helpless without your magic." And with that Beckett struck the now former captain of the Highlander Sky across the face with his own wand cane.
The officers were rounded up and placed in the same launch that was used to row Beckett and his men to the ship. Since the enlisted sailors were commoners, Beckett gave them a choice. Stay on board and join the rebellion, or join their defenseless officers in launch. Many sailors did in fact stay on board, but for others the fear of being hanged for treason was just too great and they stepped into the smaller boat with their superiors.
Beckett now began to order his men. "Make ready for sail and get us in the air!"
They had done it. The commoner's rebellion had captured a Tristainian warship.
As the Highlander Sky rose up and out of the water, Beckett turned to Howell as if recalling something important. "Did you remember to light the fuse before we left?"
"Ahhh. Well Sir I uh—"
KaBoom!
Both men turned and looked over the railing and watched the burning hulk of their former vessel flaming in the water. The now marooned officers and crew shouting and cursing in the small launch below.
Howell turned to Beckett and replied:
"Yes sir, I believe I did."
"Good."
The Highlander Sky continued rising and sailed off.
**Scene Break**
On the day that Tristania will celebrate Queen Henrietta's two years on the throne, Robert de Sable stepped out of the Charming Fairies Inn and took in the morning.
He thought of the night's rest he just had and deemed it satisfactory. Except for the room smelling of stale beer and piss, he thought.
Robert was dressed in a plain white tunic with a brown vest; leather grieves, and light brown boots. Covering his dark brown hair was a wide brimmed hat with a white feather. His appearance was such that he almost resembled one of the nobles he despised so much.
The townspeople of Tristania were also just starting their day. Merchants were opening their shops, mothers and daughters were collecting water from the wells, and town criers were delivering the latest news from around Halkeginia.
It was in this morning chaos that a small girl tugged on Robert's sleeve.
"Good morning sir. Could you please spare a coin? My family and I've got nothing to eat."
Robert crouched down so that he could be eye level with the little girl. He spoke in a gentle voice.
"What is your name child?"
"Isabella"
"And how old are you?"
"Seven years sir, this past spring."
"Where are your parents?"
"My father is trying to find work further in the city. My mum is over there."
The girl pointed over to a corner a short distance away. A plain woman in an equally plain, but dirty dress stood there begging for coins. Her weathered and haggard face clearly wore the hardships of a commoner's existence. Robert took the small girl by the hand and let her lead him over.
As Robert approached the peasant woman, while holding her daughter's hand, she took in his appearance, averted her eyes and cast her gaze downward. Robert spoke reassuringly to the woman.
"Fear not milady, I am not a noble."
"Sorry kind sir, I mistook you for one because, you have the air of someone noble."
"Tell me ma'am, what has happened to find you in such a state?"
The woman looked at Robert and could see the honesty and sincerity in his eyes. She decided that she could trust him.
"My husband worked for Count Mott at his estate. The wages that his Lordship paid were not enough to put food in my child's belly, so he also took a job with another noble, who just happened to be Lord Mott's rival. When the Count found out about my husband working for him he was furious. In his rage he had my husband's thumbs removed."
Robert understood immediately. There was little work a man could perform without his opposable thumbs.
"If my husband cannot find work, we will starve."
Robert took a pouch from the folds of his vest and handed it over to the woman. The pouch was quite heavy.
Upon inspecting the pouch's contents, the woman had to quickly suppress her suddenly unrestrained joy for fear drawing too much attention.
"Sir I could not take this, I mean this must be a hundred ecus!"
"One hundred twenty six actually." Robert said. He bowed to the lady and said, "Now I must be off."
He turned to leave.
"Maggie!" Said the woman.
Robert turned around again and faced her.
"You gave so much and never asked my name! It's Maggie!"
"Well Maggie, you may call me Robert."
"Robert." The peasant woman breathed his name out like praise to the Founder.
"Thank you sir, and may the Founder bless you always."
Robert held up his hand and simply spoke, "You may honor me by taking care of this beautiful child, and take heart milady. A day of reckoning is coming. Soon these so called nobles will pay for their crimes."
Robert bowed again and walked off, continuing to take in the streets of Tristania.
**Scene Break**
"What in the name of Brimir is all this?"
The Junior Lieutenant of the Tristain Griffon Knight Corps asked the strange man in front of him.
"Wine sir, for the Queens party tonight."
"Well what is it doing here?"
"Beggin' your pardon Your Lordship, but I really don't know. I was just sent to deliver twenty five barrels of wine to the Noble Knights of the Griffon Corps."
"Well commoner, if you plan on storing this lot in our basement, you better be able to show a delivery order."
"Y-y-yessir."
"You do know what we keep in here don't you lad?"
The young page boy was slightly nervous at the imposing Knight Corps officer in front of him. He answered weakly, "Griffons sir."
"That's right Griffons." The barrel chested knight said. "And I wouldn't hesitate for a second to have you dragged into their stables and fed to 'em if you're lying to me."
The pageboy handed his orders over to the Lieutenant and stood quietly as he looked at them.
The Knight carefully inspected the orders and asked the pageboy: "These orders say that you'll be delivering twenty barrels, why the extra five?"
The pageboy licked his lips, and quickly answered, "Well, and again beggin' your pardon, but we thought that since the brave Griffon Knight Corps would not be in attendance this evening, that a few barrels for you and your men's personal enjoyment might make your evening go by a little smoother."
The Griffon Knight seemed to consider this, and the pageboy continued, "We'll even set the five barrels up in the barracks for you."
The Griffon Knight Lieutenant laughed out loud at this and clapped the pageboy on the shoulder so hard that his teeth rattled.
"You know lad if you weren't a filthy commoner, I'd wager you'd make a fine politician. Well played boy, well played."
He signaled two of his men.
"You there, come help these lads load this wine into the basement!"
Turning to the pageboy the knight said, "Those five barrels had better be in the barracks before you leave."
The pageboy bowed deeply before the Griffin Knight and concealed a smile.
"Absolutely Your Lordship. I guarantee it."
**Scene Break**
The trappings and ambiance for a royal celebration never were much of a draw for him, but tonight even Robert had to admit, this was a spectacular sight.
The Royal Palace of Tristain was lit up with an otherworldly glow. Fireworks painted a portrait of swirling multicolored streaks against a canvass of white clouds hovering in the obsidian sky. The streets were crowded with revelers and had a circus like atmosphere. The scene was complete with performers of all types drawing crowds at various street corners all over town. There were fire eaters, sword swallowers, men on stilts, and tumblers, while merchants called out to customers claiming special discounted prices for their wares, all in honor of the Queen's second anniversary of ascending to the throne.
Robert painstakingly made his way through the frivolous crowds to a carefully concealed barrel located just off the palace grounds. There he found a change of clothes, his white pendant, and a special package containing an object that he strapped to his wrist.
After changing into his servant's uniform, Robert de Sable made his way into the palace through the servant's entrance. In the kitchen he grabbed tray of glasses filled with wine and entered the main ball room.
**Scene Break**
Hovering protectively over the Royal Palace of Tristain, the warship Highlander Sky kept watch over the party. Or at least it seemed to. The rebels who had taken over the vessel several days earlier were out on the ship's deck, watching in awe at the pyrotechnic display before them.
Captain Beckett stood at the ship's railing, observing the revelry below. Howell, standing next to him, leaned in close to Beckett to get his attention.
"So when's the boom?"
"Robert's signal should go off in a half hour or so."
"Right! Then it's time to dish out a little payback to those stuck up nobles."
"Do not let your enthusiasm cloud your judgment Howell. We're here to do our jobs, nothing more. "
"I know that sir, but while we're here…"
"No!" Beckett turned and gave Howell a serious expression. "Any deviation from the plan could cause us to leave with nothing. At worst it could earn us all a trip to the gallows. Now go and make sure the cannons are prepared. We'll need to act the moment Robert begins."
Beckett turned back to the rail and continued to stare at the party below. Soon the real fireworks would begin.
**Scene Break**
The ballroom of the Tristainian Royal Palace was truly breathtaking. Decorated with sashes of purple and silver, and lit up with a very large hundred candle chandelier at the top, giving the room a soft glow about it. That glow was even further enhanced by the twin moons shining through stained glass behind the elevated dais at the end of the room. On that dais were seated Queens Henrietta, and Charlotte of Gallia.
Queen Charlotte, also called Tabitha by her friends, was short and very thin, looking more like a child, than someone occupying the throne of a nation. She had light blue hair, which as one of the identifying characteristics of Gallia's Royal Family, made her instantly recognizable as such.
Standing next to Tabitha was a woman with slightly darker blue hair. She was taller and much more physically developed than Tabitha. This was Irukkuku. Publicly, she was the Queen's attendant, and unofficial sister. Secretly, she was a Rhyme Dragon in disguise, as well as Tabitha's familiar.
At least a hundred nobles packed the room and danced with their respective partners. A veritable Who's Who of noble society filled the floor. Dukes and Duchesses, more than one crown prince, earls, barons, and lords, all wanting a glimpse of Her Majesty's grace, as well as perhaps secure a favor or two.
Near the front of the room not far from the Queen's dais, a commoner turned noble from another world was dancing with his wife.
"You look beautiful Louise." Saito said.
And true to Saito's word Louise did in fact look rather stunning. She wore a light pink ballroom dress that conformed tightly to the torso, and flowed loosely at the bottom. Ruby earrings and a ring completed the picture.
Louise blushed slightly and simply said "T-t-thank you,"
The looking up at her husband with equally endearing eyes, Louise said quietly, "You look very handsome too Saito."
Louise said this although she does not like to say it out loud, lest that wandering familiar of hers get a swell head and start flirting with other girls. But Saito was in fact looking quite dashing in his noble finery. A black silk outer shirt worn over a linen undershirt, black pants a black outer noble's jacket with gold embroidered trim. Louise chose this outfit for Saito, who had no experience in what noble classes should wear. Saito on the other hand thought he looked ridiculous.
Tied to his hip in its sheath was Derflinger, now inhabiting a katana with an ivory hilt. The sword was worn tucked in his belt with the cutting blade facing up in its sheath, the traditional Japanese way to wear it. This was so that in the event the sword must be drawn the cutting edge would face out away from the wielder, ready to bisect an enemy.
"Hey, Louise. Are you alright?" Saito asked.
"Uh, yeah, I'm fine." Louise replied while shaking her herself out of her daydream and putting on a smile. The truth was that Louise was not alright. She was having the same dream about Saito being killed and resurrected by that elf over and over again. It always ended the same way: with Louise's decapitation. The fact that she kept having the dream really unnerved her, for it could mean that a tragedy was just on the horizon.
Saito tried to find a more cheerful topic to discuss.
"Louise, I was thinking about our next vacation to Earth. "
Louise looked up at her husband with an inquisitive expression.
"Huh?"
Saito continued, "Did I ever tell you about Okinawa?" Louise merely shook her head.
"They have beautiful white beaches and hotels that make these places the nobles stay in look like Scarron's attic."
Louise gave a small shudder when reminded of that attic in the Charming Fairies Inn. Louise and Saito had to sleep in that place for a while during an undercover mission for the Queen.
Saito went on, "We can sit on the beach, stare at the ocean, drink margaritas, and watch the ladies play beach volleyball."
Crunch! Louise pulled her husband close and drove her knee into his sensitive male spot, and held him while she ground her knee deep in his crotch.
"What was that Saito?" Louise asked malevolently, "You want to take your wife on vacation and stare at other girls?"
Saito managed a stifled, "No dear," while grimacing in pain.
Louise ground in harder, being careful to smile and appear affectionate with Saito in front of others while she punished him. "Yes you do. As soon as we get there you'll leave me behind and run to the beach and stare at bouncing breasts.
"No Louise that's not it I swear. Please. It hurts."
Louise released him and Saito took a few moments to bend over and compose himself.
"If you keep hitting me there, we'll never be able to have children."
"Huh? What are you talking about?'
Saito face palmed and stared at his wife. He had to remind himself of Halkegenians and their lack of medical knowledge.
Saito decided to go ahead and tell her. "For a male that part is, how should I say, where a man makes his contribution to the child. So if you break it, no contribution, means no child."
Louise gave Saito a dubious expression, "I think you're just afraid of being punished by your master."
"No, if that were the case I would just have Monmon whip up another love potion. I think she owes me a favor or two." Saito replied while wearing a mischievous smile.
Louise and Saito instinctively looked over in the direction of Montmorency and Guiche dancing a short distance away. For once Guiche was behaving himself and not flirting with every female in sight.
Louise then shot Saito a cold look, "You wouldn't dare."
"I'd slip it in your evening wine." Saito said, his smile now even wider.
Louise was about to give her reply, something about how the best search parties in the world would have never been able to find Saito after the potion would have worn off, but Louise never got the chance. For once she opened her mouth to speak; the world around them shook violently.
**Scene Break**
In the barracks of the Tristain Griffon Knight Corps, over twenty knights lay dead, courtesy of the poisoned wine delivered by men in the employ of Robert de Sable. Five barrels of poisoned wine were more than enough to kill every member of the Knight Corps on duty. But what would be even more surprising to these men, if they were alive to comprehend it, was that those five barrels were the only real wine delivered that day. For stored in the basement in vessels labeled wine, were twenty barrels of gunpowder. Gunpowder which was stolen from a weapons cache in Albion.
While stepping carefully over the corpses of the nobles, Alec quietly poured more gunpowder from a pouch on the floor, creating a trail that lead to the barrels in the basement. He hoped that the trail he made would be long enough for him to light it with his flintlock pistol and make his escape.
However before lighting the fuse, he turned and looked at the body of the Knight Lieutenant that had confronted him during the delivery earlier that day. Alec smiled a triumphant smile, and spoke to his dead foe.
"If I weren't a filthy commoner I'd make a fine politician eh? Well my Lordship," Alec said mockingly, "Since you are nothing more than a dead piece of shit noble, I believe you'll make a fine sack of fertilizer."
With that, Alec took a dagger from his belt and tossed it to the dead man in front of him.
"For you my Lord, I reckon magic won't do you much good in hell." Alec then tossed his head back and spit on the corpse.
Alec turned and began to walk away when the dead mage suddenly got up and stabbed him in the back with his own dagger. Alec's face twisted in both surprise and pain as the now not quite dead mage thrust the dagger into his flesh again and again and again. The blade withdrew one last time and was then buried in Alec's neck. The mage then collapsed and died, finally succumbing to the poison.
Alec fell to the ground and began crawling slowly toward the trail of gunpowder. As blood poured from the wound in his neck, he knew he only had moments to complete his mission before death took him as well. He reached the gunpowder fuse, pulled out his flintlock and pulled the trigger. As the burning sparks blazed toward the barrels in the basement Alec closed his eyes and thought: Mother, Father. Tonight I die a free man.
While the Knight barracks was merely adjacent to the griffon stables, the basement led directly beneath them. Consequently when the twenty barrels of gunpowder ignited and blew sky high, the stables themselves were destroyed in a massive fireball that also incinerated every single griffon of the Knight Corps.
** Scene Break**
"That's it! That's the signal!" Beckett called out from the deck of the Highlander Sky. He then yelled down to the men aiming the already armed cannons. "Remember, take out the watch towers and guard posts! Then pick off guard formations on the ground!"
The Highlander Sky commenced firing.
**Scene Break**
"Your Majesty!"
Musketeer Commander Agnes came bursting into the ballroom with a frantic message.
"The Griffon Knight Corps Headquarters has just been completely destroyed!"
So that's what the violent shaking was about, thought Saito.
Henrietta stood up, shocked and clearly shaken by what just happened. However she hardened her expression quickly. A Queen must never show fear.
Now composed Henrietta began to issue orders: "Agnes, assemble the guards, and go assess the situation. Provide security and help out any way you can."
"What about you Your Majesty? What about your security."
"Too many mages here," this was from Queen Charlotte of Gallia.
"Charlotte is right Agnes; there are too many mages in here for anyone to attack us. Just go."
Agnes bowed quickly and ordered the ballroom guards to follow her.
After Agnes left the ball, guests began franticly whispering to themselves. Rumors ranging from an attack from Albion, to involvement of the elves stirred fear and uncertainty amongst the nobles in the room.
The Queen of Tristain was about to address the crowd of nobles, when a distant roar was suddenly heard. The roar came first from outside the palace then moved inside. What's more, the roar brought the sounds of clashing swords with it. It would seem that followers of Robert de Sable had made a direct assault on the palace, and with nearly all the guards rushing towards the catastrophe at the Griffon Knight's Headquarters, de Sable's men met with minimal resistance.
The peasant army rushed inside the ballroom and quickly placed barricades in the slots on the doors. The nobles were yelling and shouting curses at the commoners in front of them, readying their wands for attack. The noise in the room was nearly deafening.
Henrietta looked at the crowd of Peasants in front of her and asked, "What is the meaning of all of this?" However, with all the commotion, no one paid the Queen any heed.
Blam!
The sound of a gunshot silenced all the voices in the room. A hundred noble heads turned in the direction of the sound and saw a waiter with a pistol in his right hand, pointed at the ceiling.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" The waiter called out. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Robert de Sable, and I will be your host for the remainder of the evening."
"You!" Henrietta shouted. "You are the one responsible for the slaughter of my Griffon Corps?"
Robert looked at Henrietta with a piercing gaze. "Yes! Though I do regret the act, it was necessary to draw the guards away from Your Majesty's ballroom."
Tabitha pointed her staff at Robert, and chanted her spell. "Windy Icicle."
Nothing…., not even a slight breeze.
Even her attendant, Irukkuku, could sense that there was something amiss, and it was emanating from the man in front of them.
Sis." Irukkuku whispered to Tabitha. "I cannot change."
It seemed that whatever was preventing the mages from casting their spells had also trapped Irukkuku in her human form.
The other mages in the room quickly pointed their wands at Robert.
"Go on, point them at me if helps you relax!" Robert yelled nonchalantly. "Unfortunately your magic will not work here this evening."
Robert stepped onto the dais and in voice like that of a demon, he addressed the gathered crowd.
"You nobles, have feasted on the souls of the commoners long enough! You sleep in houses, mansions, and castles built on the backs of those less fortunate than you! You, who have been blessed with the ability to perform magic! Miracles of energy and matter! Yet do you use that power for the betterment of others? Do you strive to serve the needs of those who have not been blessed by such gifts? No! You merely squander your abilities on petty wars and play parlor games with the lives others for you own amusement! You take what you want without any regard to those who rightfully earned it!"
Robert spoke these words, thundered them at the nobles before him, as if holding up a mirror for them to see how truly wretched they were.
"Now that your special gifts have been taken from you, do you feel powerful? Huh? Do you feel entitled to the spoils of the peasant's hard labors?" Without magic, you are helpless, sniveling little insects, who deserve nothing less than the heel of my boot!"
Robert than turned to the two Queens next to him.
"But the most pathetic insects in this Godforsaken place are the Royal Families, who lord over all of us, with their so called sanctimonious wisdom, and promises of protection."
"How dare you." Henrietta seethed. Pure hatred was rising in her eyes.
"How dare I? How dare I?" Robert replied. His voice filled with contempt.
"How dare you, Your Majesty," Robert sarcastically snapped back.
"Yes. How dare you stand there and claim to be the leader of the people of Tristain! Did they ask you to serve? Did they choose you? Did they even have a choice? And what if tomorrow they decided they wanted to follow someone else? Would you let them? Would they be allowed the freedom to choose another to lead them? Or would they be branded traitors and handed over to the courts for trial and summary execution?"
Robert drew in close to the Queen and continued to berate her.
"As long as YOU continue to stand there and deny the people the right to choose their own destiny, to determine how, and in what manner they will live their own lives, their minds will never be their own, and they will never be free."
He then turned and once more faced the crowd.
"What I say now, I say to the commoners, the men and women of Tristain who are yearning for freedom, and the chance at a better life. Rise up! Rise today! Resist! Stand up and cry out in one voice, no more! No more will we be servants to an archaic royalty, and their noble lapdogs! No more will you live in luxury. A luxury built off the backs of our labor, our sweat, our blood! You will not hold banquets with our food! Murder our sons, rape our wives and daughters! Tell the nobles of Halkeginia they will answer to us, or we will see that they answer to God! The MOMENT you do this brothers and sisters, you will feel free soil beneath your feet, and free air in your lungs!"
Robert knew that words can indeed be a powerful weapon, capable of inflicting injuries to the soul or soothing it. The right words can spark action, and change the world. The right words can even start a war. The words Robert chose to say next, had already started a war once before. In a far away world, they had sparked a tide of freedom, a tide that eventually spelled the end of monarchies and changed that world forever. It was these words that now rang out in the Tristain Royal Palace.
Robert spoke in the most powerful voice he could muster:
"WE…. hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain UNALIEANABLE RIGHTS! And that among these are LIFE, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of HAPPINESS!"
Saito narrowed his eyes. He'd heard these words before, but not here. No one had. These words were not meant for this world.
"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the RIGHT of the PEOPLE to alter or abolish it and institute a new government!"
Saito was stunned to his very core. He could not believe what his ears were telling him. He stared at Robert with fierce unblinking eyes. Who are you?
Robert finished speaking and motioned to his men, who then approached the two Queens and began to tie them up.
Saito, realizing Robert's intentions, drew Derflinger. The runes on his left hand shown and he could feel his strength and speed increase dramatically. With a cry he charged straight at Robert. Before Saito could reach him, Robert touched an object that he had strapped to his wrist.
Skreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeee!
An ear piercing sound filled the ballroom. Commoner and noble alike collapsed to the ground holding their ears in pain. The stained glass window shattered. Irukkuku screamed and passed out from the pain. The only ones who did not seem to be affected were Robert and his men. Saito pitched forward screaming in pain. His forward momentum carried him and he slid to Robert's feet. Derflinger slid past and clattered uselessly against the wall.
Robert leaned over Saito and recognized him.
"Hiraga Saito. The commoner turned noble. Rumor has it that you stood alone against 70,000 of Albion's finest and lived to tell about it." He then looked at Tiffania who was at the rear of the ballroom, still collapsed from the sound that Robert used to attack them.
"Well almost. But in any case I am not foolish enough to cross swords with you…..Gandalfr."
Robert then turned his gaze toward Louise, who was giving him a look of cold fury. He smiled and looked back down at Saito. "And that pink haired lady must be your wife, the void mage."
Saito, still recovering from Robert's sonic attack looked up weakly and asked, "How…How do you…know…..all this?"
Robert leaned in close and whispered to Saito. "I know more than you can possibly imagine. There is more going on here, Saito. This is bigger than you, me, and even all of Halkegenia."
Robert stepped back onto the dais with his men and his royal prisoners. "For now Mr. Hiraga, let's just say I'll be in touch."
Suddenly the wall behind Robert disappeared in a shower of broken brick and mortar. When the dust cleared the Highlander Sky filled the view behind him. The vessel flew in close, and Robert's men ran a gang plank over to the castle from the ship.
The men quickly hustled the two Queens, now with their hands bound behind them, onboard. Robert took two wads of cotton out his ears and dropped them to the ground, bowed elegantly to those still in the room and ran aboard the ship.
Saito got up and ran to the collapsed wall just in time to see the Highlander Sky sailing off.
**Scene Break**
Beckett ran up to Robert and hugged him like a brother.
"We did it! Now these fools in Albion and elsewhere will know that we a force to reckoned with." Beckett said joyfully.
Robert looked to the side of Beckett at the women he had just taken prisoner. They were standing nearly perfectly in between the twin staircases that led to the ship's bridge on the upper deck. He approached them and looked at them carefully. Robert then turned to his men and gave orders. "I want a firing detail of six men right here, pointing behind the women.
Howell, who was standing next to Beckett, was confused.
"Sir, I'm afraid I don't understand what you're doing. We have the Queens of two countries, we made a clean getaway. You're just going to shoot them?"
"I'm afraid I have to agree with him." Beckett added. "We've destroyed the Griffon Knights, they have no air power to pursue us, and it'll take too long to send word to the nearest ship. We have plenty of time to figure out a use for our prisoners."
Robert looked at both men and spoke. "No we don't. We only have until the void mage casts the World Door." He then looked up at his six volunteers. "Go to the armory and with Beckett and get the weapons."
"Beckett," Robert then said. "Make sure the weapons are loaded with the proper ammunition."
Beckett nodded with understanding, realizing Robert's plan.
"Yes Sir!"
**Scene Break**
Back at the ballroom Saito and Louise stood looking out the gaping hole in the wall. They had sent Guiche, Tiffania, Kirche and the others at the ball to carry out Irukkuku, who was still unconscious from the loud noise that Robert had unleashed, and go and help in the palace grounds while they ponder what to do next. Now alone in the room with Louise, Saito kicked the dusty floor in frustration.
Saito's mind raced furiously with questions. Who was that guy? How does he know so much about me, about Louise? I swear when I get my hands on him I'll wring his neck until he tells me.
"That's it. There is nothing else we can do. They got away." Saito said mournfully.
Louise, with an expression she most likely learned from her husband, pulled out her wand.
"The hell they have."
She pointed her wand and began chanting.
**Scene Break**
"According to my research, since these two will be her objective, the World Door should open up directly in front of them no matter where they are." Robert said to Beckett while looking at the two now very frightened Queens.
Robert had his firing squad stand directly behind Henrietta and Tabitha, and waited.
After a few moments a small point of light appeared in front of them.
"Here they come!" Robert shouted.
"Ready."
The men cocked their rifles.
"Aim"
They pointed them at the light.
Just then the point of light expanded and opened up, and there stood Louise and Saito on the other side of the portal, still in the ballroom.
"Fire"
**Scene Break**
The World Door opened up and Saito and Louise could see Henrietta and Tabitha on the ship. They were also staring down the barrels of a half-dozen muskets.
"Louise!" Saito shouted as he reached to push his wife aside. He was too late. The rifles went off with a loud Crack! And the projectiles impacted with Louise and Saito's bodies. The World Door closed, and they lay on the ballroom floor silent and still.
**Scene Break**
"Noooo!" Henrietta screamed in her grief and rage. "They were my friends! I cared for them! I loved them! I swear on the Founder I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!"
Tabitha lay next to Henrietta, tears streaming from her eyes. Her eyes were conveying more than just sadness, however. There was no mistaking the look she gave Robert. A look that said: the moment the opportunity presents itself, I….will….kill….you.
"Take the weeping women and put them in the cargo hold." Robert ordered. The riflemen picked up the two women and dragged them away.
Beckett moved next to Robert. "Were approaching the city of La Rochelle sir."
"Any sign of pursuit from the Tristainian forces stationed there?"
"None"
"Excellent"
Robert thought for a second and turned to Beckett. "What is the name of this ship?"
"Uh I believe this is the Highlander Sky sir."
"I see. It's a fine name for a fine ship."
Robert stared out into the open for a few moments before continuing.
"However, due to the state of things I think a rechristening is in order."
"What would you christen it sir."
"I would think Grace of Liberty should suit this vessel well."
"It's a fine choice sir."
"Thank you Beckett."
Robert took a drink from a flask he pulled from his hip. After putting it away he swallowed with an "Ahhhhhhhh."
He then looked at Beckett and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Alright then, time to blow it up!"
**Scene Break**
Henrietta and Tabitha were brought back on deck. They could see that Robert's men were engaged in a flurry of activity. Henrietta still fought back the rage that threatened to consume her heart. She had once fought a war with Albion to satisfy her desire for revenge. For her need to avenge Prince Wales' death, she had sent thousands of soldiers to their own deaths. Though she had regretted her actions afterward, Henrietta knew in her heart that now she cared not how many lives it would cost, for killing her best friend and the man she loved, she would see this man's head on a pike.
A short distance away, Beckett and Robert planned their strategy.
"Sir, were about five leagues of shore. Just at the edge of where forces at the shore will still be able to see us. Though, it being the middle of the night, it might be difficult."
"Trust me after this thing blows they'll see it." Robert replied. "Is our vessel waiting for us?"
"Yes sir. They'll come in and pick us up as soon as we hit the water."
"Very well then. I'll take Her Majesty Henrietta. You take the Queen from Gallia."
As Henrietta and Tabitha were being brought over to Robert and Beckett, Henrietta noticed that the men were all wearing strange looking rucksacks on their backs. What are we doing? She thought.
Henrietta fought back the urge to struggle when she was brought face to face with Robert. In fact, she was brought very close to him. His men pressed the two together, and began tying them both at the waist with rope. Her arms were tied so that they were around his chest. They almost looked like dance partners. Their faces just inches apart, Henrietta stared deep into Robert's eyes. She could not resist the urge to say, "I am going to kill you. You know that right?"
"I believe you." Robert replied. "I would like to tell you the truth about these events, but I doubt you would believe me."
Henrietta smiled with killing intent. "You're right." She said. "The only thing I want to hear from you is a death rattle."
Robert started giving Henrietta instructions. "No matter what happens from here on out you must not let go of me. Hold on tight."
Henrietta looked puzzled and noticed that Tabitha was similarly lashed to Beckett. However due to Tabitha's small stature, the pairing looked rather comical. Like a child being carried in sort of odd restraint.
Then Henrietta noticed something that made her heart stop cold. Men were jumping off the ship!
As they made their way toward the edge of the deck her fury was quickly replaced by fear.
"What are you doing? Are you mad?" She asked.
Robert made no reply. He simply stepped off the ship, followed immediately by Beckett and Tabitha.
Henrietta closed her eyes and screamed.
She felt the air rushing past them as they fell, faster and faster. She wondered how long it would take to hit the water. She had just prepared herself for inevitable death, when suddenly she was jerked hard, and felt herself quickly slowing. Henrietta opened her eyes, and saw that they were floating gently down towards the water. She looked past Robert, and saw the town of La Rochelle in the distance, and the two moons hanging over the ocean. It was beautiful. Then she turned her head upward and her eyes popped. Above Robert was some sort of canvass spread out, catching the air and connected to them by ropes that seemed to come out of his rucksack. She looked around and saw that all the men from the ship were floating down on canvasses that came out of their sacks too. Suddenly something else happened that broke the awe inspiring sight. Henrietta started screaming again.
The Highlander Sky exploded above them in a massive display of flame and smoke. Wood and other debris flew everywhere. The burning hulk pitched down by the stern and with a loud groan plunged into the water. Henrietta, Tabitha, and their captors continued floating away in the distance.
**Scene Break**
Saito's eyes snapped open as he woke up with a sudden intake of air. The ballroom was now dark, the candles blown out. The only light in the room coming from the twin moons in the sky. He suddenly remembered. We had been shot! He looked over to Louise who was lying next to him. He could hear her breathing.
Oh thank God she's alright. Saito thought.
He checked his wife over, No bullet holes of any kind, just several bruises. Saito looked himself over and found similar injuries on him, plenty of bruises, but no holes. But we were shot. He thought. I felt the rounds hit us.
He felt around on the dark floor until he found what he was looking for. It was a small leather pouch, shaped and hand sewn into the shape of a musket ball. With some effort Saito was able to tear open the stitching, and pour the pouch's contents on the floor.
Lentil Beans! Saito realized.
Bean bags?
They shot us with bean bags?
Why? Saito then realized the obvious conclusion.
They didn't want to kill us!
Saito turned to now opened bag over in his hand many times. Saying to himself out loud over and over. "Bean bags. Why Bean bags?"
"I think those beans should be the least of your concerns."
Saito quickly found the source of the sudden intrusion.
Near a now opened side door on the left side of the room, was a hooded man holding a falchion with a clear, almost transparent blade.
He pulled his hood back and revealed his face. He had a very youthful appearance, almost in his early twenties. His eyes however, betrayed an age that seemed to be much older. Much, much older.
"Konichiwa Saito Chevalier de Hiraga Des Orneires. I am Alexander Dufresne.
Saito stared for a moment popeyed, before he spoke. "Wait did you just speak Japanese?"
Just as Saito finished asking the question, Alexander's fist connected with Saito's cheek. "You!" Alexander railed. "You will have destroyed EVERYTHING!" He then picked Saito up and flung him across the room like a toy. Saito slammed up against the wall, and crashed down to the floor. He slowly sat up and spit out blood.
"Who are you? And why are you-"
Saito flew again into another wall.
Alexander continued to accuse Saito each time he tossed him.
"You betrayed who you were!"
"Betrayed your friends!"
"Your family!"
"Even the woman you love!"
"You were so consumed by your grief that you betrayed your own humanity!"
"And now it seems that even the stars themselves, are to suffer your wrath!"
Saito was now lying flat on his back in the center of the room. He looked over at Louise, still lying unconscious. Alexander stood over Saito, pulled out his falchion, and said to him, "but I can end it now, and save everyone."
"P-please"
Saito was now struggling to form his words.
"Please don't-"
Alexander looked at Saito, incredulous.
"Pleading for mercy? You? The one who has selfishly doomed all that ever is or ever was to oblivion?"
"Please don't-"Saito continued. "Don't….Don't hurt…..Louise."
Alexander looked over at the unconscious pink haired girl on the floor, and looked back at Saito. Alexander raised his sword. Saito closed his eyes. He heard an anguished cry and a loud Thunk!
Saito looked over, and buried in to the wood of the opposite wall to a depth of at least four inches, was Alexander's falchion. Alexander picked Saito up and slammed him against that same wall.
"Promise me! Here and now promise me that you will never forget who you are. That no matter what happens; no matter what you lose, you will never lose sight of the hero you are right now. Swear it!"
Saito simply stood stunned against the wall…..silent.
"Swear it!"
"I…..I….swear it."
Alexander let go of Saito and he slowly slid down the wall to the floor. He was losing consciousness. He could feel the darkness closing in.
Alexander had retrieved his blade and was walking away. Saito tried to ask a question, but could not get it out.
"Why…Why…..Why didn't you….."
Just before the darkness overtook him completely, Saito heard the strange hooded man's reply:
"Because you are not the man I've come to kill."
"Not yet."