Chapter Three: "The Angel with a Sword"

Barius Hill, Lionel Province

Feb. 15 1199

"We'll be easily seen in the sunlight, Ramza, let's keep moving." Mustadio said.

"Yeah you're right, everyone hurry up and grab your things, we have to reach Lionel Castle before nightfall." Ramza replied.

Just earlier, being ambushed by amateur bounty hunters, was all apart of their daily lives, they were used to being awakened while asleep and alert at all times even when it seemed safe. It was tough being on the run not only from the law but by other criminals and greedy head hunters, but as wanted outlaws it was what they had to do.

"We're ready to go, Ramza, let's get going." Timur said as he passed me.

"Yeah, let's go." He replied.

The Illuminati traveled under the bright, beautiful morning sun towards the east, unknown to them that the holy knights were catching up quickly. Suddenly, they heard the sounds of thundering hooves.

"It's the Holy Knights!" Larissa shrieked as she began to start running.

They sprinted towards a river that ran from under the hill. It was a risky escape route but they had no other way to escape. The river was in sight and there were rocks that we're stable enough to cross but too small for chocobo feet. Before they reached the rocks, the Holy Knights had spotted them and they were charging straight for them.

Agrias exclaimed, "You won't escape demons!"

With their shimmering swords held to up for attack, they were ready to take them down. They reached the river and Francis (ex-Nanten Knight), Sebastian (ex-Hokuten Knight), Lena, Leon, Rona, Remus, Larissa and Mustadio managed to cross the other side. However, Timur, before he could jump across the ledge, he was struck by a holy knight on his left arm. Ramza was already halfway across the river, but he was headed back for his fallen comrade.

"Ramza! It's too late hurry and cross the river!" Mustadio yelled in shock.

"No! You guys make a run for the castle. I have to save Timur." Ramza yelled in reply.

"Ramza!" Larissa screamed.

"Damn it! Hurry everyone you heard him, we have to make it to the castle." Mustadio said with tears in his eyes.

"We can't just leave him! We have to go back and help him." Larissa said in agony.

"I'm sorry Larissa, we have no choice, we can't let their sacrifice go in vain. We have to go, now." Mustadio told Larissa in an uplifting, but remorseful tone.

She nodded and followed Mustadio along with the rest of the faction into the forest.

Back at the river, Ramza is forced to face the wrath of the Holy Knights by himself to save his friend Timur.

"Back away from him!" Ramza roared as he drew his sword and jumped back on to firm land.

He ran towards Timur and stood above him to guard him from the offenders.

"Heretic Ramza Beoulve, lay down your weapon and we will not harm you nor your ally." Said the strong, feminine voice of Agrias.

"That's a lie! What good can come from mere servants of the government?" I replied to the female voice hidden behind the white cloths of the knights.

Then appeared a beautiful, blonde, brown eyed angel, dressed in a white robe and cape with a golden cross symbolizing the emblem of the Holy Knights; she got off her chocobo and calmly walked towards me with a serious look on her face.

She then said, "I told you to lay down your weapon fool or I will force them off along with your arms."

With fear and admiration for her strength and beauty, Ramza replied, "Who are you? What do you want with me and my comrades?"

She raised her arm and snapped her fingers and there came two dismounted holy knights charging from behind Ramza. He was unprepared and didn't have enough time to counter so he was knocked down and held down by the knights. He was then restrained by them and held up in front of the beautiful knight.

She then said, "I am Agrias Oaks, one of the captains of the Order of the Holy Knights and Guardians of the Queen. I was ordered by the High Priest Marge Funeral to capture you to resume your long-awaited trial."

Ramza smiled reluctantly and said, "I'd rather die in battle, then be trialed by corrupted so called Mediators of God."

"Silence!" Agrias yelled as she slapped him in the face. "You're not allowed to speak for the remainder of your time with us or you may suffer the same fate as your friend."

He was perhaps, feeling angry and entranced at the same time for he couldn't find another word to say.

"Put him to sleep and bandage the wizard's wounds, we're going back to Lesalia Imperial Capitol as the conquerors of the infamous Ramza Beoulve!" She said cheerfully to her comrades.

He was about to smile but was hit in the head by something hard and lost consciousness… not knowing what was going to happen to him or Timur…

Royal Palace, Lesalia Imperial Capital

Feb. 18, 1199

A messenger arrived into King Delita's throne room and gives him a scroll. King Delita grabs the scroll and reads it.

It is a report that there has been a bombardment of the governor's palace at Zarghidas Trade City.

"How in the world did this happen?" Delita yelled furiously.

"There have been rumors suggesting that it was the Ordalia Kingdom that are responsible for the attack." The messenger replied.

He growled, "Messenger call forth the Circle of Eight, tell them we have a meeting to discuss."

The messenger left and then entered a knight with a purple mantle and a golden sword emblazoned on his back. He approached the King, concerned about his frustrated look.

"Beowulf, there was a bombing at Zarghidas, they say it was the act of Ordalia." Delita slumped as the knight approached him.

"My King, I think it's now or never to go to war" Beowul said, "the people of Zeltennia are worried of an invasion and long for your protection."

King Delita looked outside his window and gazed at the crescent moon and the North Star. The last thing he wanted was war, reminding him of the horrors he faced at the sight of losing his mother and father during the Fifty years war.

High Priest's Room, Orbonne Monastery

Feb. 19, 1199

A dark skinned man in dark clothing appeared in the doors of Simon Pen Rakshu's room. He was greeted by Simon expecting good news from his arrival.

"Elidibis has succeeded in upstarting this war and word has already gone out to the King. He wishes to summon you soon Simon." said the tanned man.

"That is good news to hear Malak, the King we'll be more than willing to start the war now." Simon replied to his message.

"Also, Timur has been apprehended by the Holy Knights and awaits trial at the capital."

"Oh really now? Let us give him a gift from the 'Hashishim" Simon smiled as he head the news.