Suikoden IV: The Island Nations Chronicles

Suikoden IV: The Island Nations Chronicles

Chapter III: Breaking Storm

The ocean rested tranquilly as it stretched in its infinite journey, burning like golden fire in the reflection of the setting sun. Lazlo enjoyed such calm in the oceans. It was often a sign of a good journey, and as tomorrow would be the start of his travels to Illuya, the tranquility of the water calmed his tightened nerves.

He could not quite place the feeling, but something was not at all right with the journey that lay ahead of him. Whether it was the strained presence of calm the commander and vice-commander feigned, the mysterious guests he would be escorting or the unknown cargo they were transporting the simple reality remained that there were simply too many unknown variables to believe there was anything even remotely routine about this voyage.

As a cadet, the first lesson drummed into him was 'take nothing for granted'. Assessing the situation would prepare for the inevitable, unexpected enemy that lay in hiding. Knowing how an enemy would strike, better prepares for the counterstrike. But regardless, that knowledge would be of no help to him now, as again his mind was driven back to the unexpected and unavoidable conditions of this mission.

His mind had been so preoccupied by the plague of doubt, that he had not noticed the gentle pulling on his sleeve until the tiny finger began poking his arm. Shaken out of his musings, Lazlo turned to see the tiny face of the young girl trying desperately to get his attention.

"Um…sorry to bother you mister but, I wanted to say thanks again." Lazlo's eyes fell upon the young girl, the memory flooding back to him of the night that he and Snowe had saved her from a pair of brigands who had snuck ashore and taken her from her father. The fight was brutal, and with the fortunes of the Sea Mother, she had not been harmed save a few bruises and the shock of what had happened.

Lazlo smiled softly at the young girl as he waved off her gratitude. "And as I have already told you, I was more than happy to be of service to you, young lady." Lazlo replied, playfully tapping the end of her nose with his finger.

"Yuh, I know," the child giggled. "But still…uh, papa told me…about how a lady should give a knight a tribute when he's saved her. Well, I don't have a tribute, but I made this for you. I know it's not much but I hope you'll like it."

With that, the young girl pulled a wreath of Water Lilies from her satchel and handed it to Lazlo. It was rather simple in its design, but Lazlo could only imagine the time it would take the child to weave the beautiful little ornament. "It's for luck." She said shyly, handing it to the knight.

Lazlo took the fragile little creation, his smile growing broadly as he held it in his hands. "Do you know Sasha, I think you've given me the finest gift in the history of tributes. Thank you."

The joy the child felt was evident as she smiled happily before darting off to her home. Lazlo watched her leave for a moment before looking at the gift.

"Looks like you have a fan," the jeering voice of Kenneth stated, breaking through Lazlo's thoughts.

"Seems like," Lazlo stated, his eyes shrewdly looking to his fellow knight. "And imagine, she even knows my favorite color." He replied, indicating the ribbon tied to the wreath.

"Ha ha, don't look accusingly at me for that one," Kenneth stated, his thumb jerking over his shoulder. Lazlo followed the directions Kenneth indicated, seeing a staring Paula who turned quickly at the notice of the two men to engage Jewel in whatever animate conversation the hyper swords mistress engaged upon. "She likes you know."

Lazlo rolled his eyes at the same line of thought Kenneth always followed when it came to the elf. "Right, and you're basing your observations on what?"

"Just observations," the knight smiled as he took a seat beside Lazlo. "I just really think she likes you, that's all."

"You've been trying to fix us up since you met us. By the Sea Mother, you're as bad as Jewel." Lazlo fell silent for a moment, trying to argue his point more effectively. "Besides, she's an elf, I'm a human. Look at how that relationship does on Na-Nal."

"Ahh, so you do like her." Kenneth needled as he chuckled a bit at the indignant look on Lazlo's face. "Look, you really shouldn't worry about things like that. Just tell her."

"Oh, you're one to talk oh wise sage."

"What's that mean?" Kenneth asked, his eyebrow raised.

"Like I haven't seen the way you look at the Vice-Commander."

Kenneth's face grew flaming red, though not from anger at the comment as he fell silent. Lazlo almost regretted calling his friend out on his feelings for the older woman, but only that he hadn't saved his observations for a better time. Regardless, this would be enough to keep Kenneth from working any further attempts of managing Lazlo's love life, or lack thereof. However, as the two sat silently watching the ocean lull itself into the evening tide, Lazlo's mind was occupied with the words Kenneth told him, and he couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth in them.

"So," Kenneth said at last, again interrupting Lazlo's thoughts. "You ready for tomorrow?"

"No," Lazlo said after another moment of silence. "No I don't like this at all."

After falling silent once more, Kenneth nodded his head. "I know the feeling. There's too much we don't know. But don't worry too much. We'll be escorting you, Paula and myself in the Fury and Tal and Jewel in the Invisible. The three of our ships should have no problem dealing with any threats."

"Do you really believe that?"

"No," Kenneth said, giving a great sigh of resignation.

XxX

The council had been organized in haste, with the unexpected arrival of Captain Troy and his entourage. He was not expected for another three days, and preparations were not complete for his arrival. The planned banquet, to say the least, was certainly ruined with his early landing, but then, the Captain was never one to appreciate ceremony when more important deeds were yet to be done.

To be frank, Troy was nothing less than amazed at the parties convening at the meeting the governor had convened. Iskas himself, head of the Patriarchal faction was present, along with Ornela, who was no doubt representing the Imperials. At the head of the table was Silvan Haars, newly appointed governor of El-Eel, whom many said was endorsed by Prince Busk himself, and directly to the governor's right sat a man who needed no introduction. Renowned by some, notorious by others, was no less the head of the Cray Trading Company, Graham Cray.

'Yes,' Troy thought as he settled himself into his seat, Colton taking his place at his right. 'Quite an impressive collection of powers indeed.'

"Since Captain Troy has chosen to grace us with his presence earlier than expected," Governor Haars began, nodding in a manner that was not wholly respectful towards the decorated hero; "I feel it best to now begin evaluating our final plans for the southern expansion."

"That is considerate of you governor, but I am at a loss as to what further planning must be formulated before the operation begins." Ornela stated, her legendary impatience was nearly as recognizable as her swordsmanship. "Have not nearly six months of planning and execution already been placed in the works of this campaign? What more can we discuss this evening that has not already been expunged upon?"

"Come lady Ornela, there can never be enough precautions when we are preparing to start a war, now can there?"

"I thank you for your sagely advice, but know that in matters of warfare, I will trust in my own council before those of the Death Merchant." Ornela stated, staring hard at Cray.

"That is enough," Iskas remarked mildly, his charismatic smile affixed upon his highborn features. "We are allies here, are we not? It will do us no good to bicker amongst ourselves. For clarification my dear Ornela, it was I who requested the assistance of Lord Cray, him and his council, and he generously offered to aid us in our upcoming campaign."

"Forgive me, Lord Iskas, but at what cost is this aid being paid?"

"A mutual benefit I believe," Cray said smiling, his artificial gauntlet tugging at the black glove that covered his right hand. "The pirates who infest the waters south of Kooluk have long since hindered the peaceful operations of my franchise. I mean only to see that they are excised from the earth. For that service alone, I will grant you the full aid of Cray Trading Company, including the 27 War Ships I use to safeguard my shipping lanes. Believe me, whatever aid Gaien is providing is modest in comparison."

After several moments of silence in which Ornela desperately sought to find a suitable counter-argument, Troy began. "What then is the first course for the invasion? Assuming we can make it into the southern island's territory unnoticed, securing Iluya as a base of operations without alerting the surrounding lands must take the priority."

"You needn't concern yourself so, Commander Troy," Cray stated, snapping his finger as a figure from the shadows none of the seasoned warriors had noticed before melted into the room. The young, lightly garbed woman stood in a posture of relaxed readiness, as though she trusted none of those in this assembly, particularly the one who summoned her. "Kate here, has already acclimated herself to the island's culture. In fact, she has been in place for nearly three months, keeping me apprised on the activity of the area. She's due to return in two days.

"Meanwhile, each of my merchant fleets is doubly operating in a scouting capacity, and the moment they learn that the expansion is in jeopardy, they will alert me. This is, of course, not counting the assistance of Gaien that I have secured through their council, and by extension, the maritime knights stationed at Razril. Would you care to discuss my dealings with Middleport as well? " Cray said, again that sure, almost arrogant smile parting his lips. "Trust me, Commander, that when I give my assistance, I do not renege on my responsibilities. Of that you may be certain."

"Indeed, and we are much appreciative," Iskas smiled, offering a slight bow at the table. "Meanwhile, we have convinced Gaien to sign a partisan, non aggression treaty while we are securing the southern islands. For their willingness to forego any hostilities, they will regain full control of Middleport."

"What of the Scarlet Moon?" Troy asked, his eyes narrowing in concentration. I do not believe they will quietly allow our actions to go unchallenged, when they will certainly know our purpose is to secure resources for a strike against their kingdom. I am not comfortable with knowing that my men could be of better use in securing the northern border than wasting their lives so far from home for a campaign several years in the uncertain future."

"I fail to see your concerns, Sir Troy," Governor Haars said. "Naval soldiers are best when deployed in a naval war, not on land."

"You underestimate my men Governor," Troy began, but Colton's steady hand upon Troy's arm silenced any further retort.

"That is all inconsequential," Iskas replied, again his smile shining in the gleam of confidence that did not encourage those with doubting minds. "The Patriarchal Faction, along with Ornela's Royal Guardsmen will secure the border."

"And then who will protect the king?" Troy asked, as the governor waved him off.

"The king will be in very capable hands…you needn't concern yourself."

"But still, I would like to keep my first fleet anchored, here at Fort El-Eel as a precaution. My other three fleets, along with Sir Cray's warships and the governor's fleet will be sufficient."

"You forget yourself Sir Troy," Governor Haars stated. "These orders are not ours, but directly from the king himself, and these orders specify the complete resources of your vast fleet. As you, yourself are a member of the Imperial faction, it is your sworn duty to uphold any and all decrees by your sovereign lord."

Turning his eyes to see Ornela had cast her face from him, he nodded his head in accordance to his duty. "Very well governor, I submit myself to this campaign."

"Excellent, you will leave in four days," Governor Haars said, standing from his seat and sliding a dossier towards Troy.

"Sixteen days from your departure, twenty days henceforth," Cray continued, "You will rendezvous with my merchant ship, the Intrepid, for further instructions. Given that all goes well, the taking of Iluya should occur shortly thereafter. Once we have secured the necessary resources from the island, our second phase of the operation will commence."

"Then I believe we are finished here," Iskas stated, standing from his place. "I beg your forgiveness gentlemen, Lady Ornela, but I must prepare for the long journey home, and as I fear I am not as spry as I was in my youth, a night of undisturbed sleep awaits me. Good evening to you all, and I joyously await news of your success." And with that, Iskas swept himself from the room.

"Hmph," Colton remarked for the first time during the meeting. "He said entirely too much for a simple good night."

"Politicians old friend," Troy smiled, not caring that the governor heard his intentional jab. "Colton, I'll get with you in the morning about fleet assignments. I wish to have a word with Lady Ornela," the commander said in an undertone that left Colton with no illusions regarding the intent.

"Very well," Colton stated, standing sharply as he always did and moving from the room. The governor had already left, and only Cray seemed to linger, but as Troy's eyes told the older man the admiral wished for a quiet talk with the woman, he too left.

As the pair lingered a moment, taking in the silence that so often defined their relationship, that quiet peace of unspoken words and thoughts they seemed to read within one another, Troy took a step forward. "Tell me, candidly Ornela…what is the purpose of this war?"

The garrison commander smiled shrewdly as she shook her head. "When have I never been candid with you?" The moment of levity fell quickly however as she turned her face towards the closed door. "In truth, I myself do not understand it. I have been in protest of this action since before it became a believable concept in some scholars mind. We are the Imperial faction. We should not be declaring war openly with other nations, but actively seeking to bolster our place in the world, securing the lives our people first and foremost."

"Indeed," Troy stated simply before continuing. "This seems like an act of the militant Patriarch, and if not for the king's direct decree, I would believe it so."

"Do not doubt it," Ornela continued. "I am not yet convinced Iskas' silver tongue has not persuaded by father to pursue this action. The only doubt I may have is I do not wish to believe my father to be so weak-willed."

"I do not believe that, nor do you," Troy stated, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Your father is a king. All kings must look to secure the future of their people. Kooluk's future is bleak; there is no denying that. Scarlet Moon hungers for our land while our people simply go hungry. Trades with the islands impossible, they neither want our currency nor our products, Scarlet Moon has placed trade embargos against us in the hope of weakening us for an invasion. We have no hope but to fight."

"I doubt you truly believe the world is so simple."

"It doesn't matter what I believe, this is what the fates have dealt us, and we must thrive, if we are to survive."

XxX

Lazlo sat comfortably in the main cabin, his attention pouring over the many maps and navigational charts as he ensured his own calculations were correct. The wind was blowing nicely, and though it was a bit wishful to hope the breeze would continue the entire journey, at his current measurements, they had shaved nearly seven hours off their voyage already. If the breeze would last for just one more day, that could take as much as two days off the remaining weeklong trip.

It had been nearly a week since they departed Razril, and it was no exaggeration to say that the crew was feeling slightly closed in. A trip this long would usually warrant a stopover in Middleport and perhaps another in Nay before heading north. But due to time restrictions, and the insistence of the Gaien Council, instructions were explicit that they should make the journey in a single voyage, much to the dismay of the knights on board.

As he began finishing his final computations for tracking the building storm reported near Obel from the eastern fleet when the door suddenly opened and a shrill voice called to him. "Follow me, now." Lazlo hadn't even looked up before the door closed again, and a swell of confusion overtook him as he vaguely recognized Snowe's voice cutting through his haze of concentration.

Looking to the knight who was following up with the calculations he provided while plotting a course around the known reefs, Lazlo expected he looked rather comical with the puzzled, glazed look over his eyes as the navigator pointed towards the door.

Puzzlement gave way to curiosity as Lazlo stood up and made his way to the door. Snowe stood impatiently outside, and when he at last emerged from the cabin, the appointed captain hadn't offered so much as an explanation before walking hurriedly away. Lazlo had to jog to keep up with the hastened pace of his best friend as he led the pair below deck to the hold.

"There's something down here I have to show you," Snowe stated, his voice a forced whisper as they moved quietly towards the back of the hold, well hidden by a large number of crates that shielded them from anyone who might venture down into the hold.

Lazlo furrowed his brow in confusion before his eyes fell upon the orders stapled to the crates the pair navigated their way through. "Snowe, what are you doing?"

"I had to have a look," Snowe said, his voice slightly frantic as if the secret of his discovery threatened to overwhelm him. "I didn't feel right, with all the secrecy and extra security around these crates. I had to see for myself what was inside."

"How could you?" Lazlo asked, as though he was struck. "Section eight-Article four explicitly prohibits the tampering of sealed, voyage-worthy containers intended to be transported by the Gaien Knights. They could bounce you out of the knighthood for this."

"Would you shut up about that and come here, this is serious." Snowe barked as Lazlo, as always, faithfully complied. "Look at this," Snowe replied, lifting the lid on the crate he had pried open. Lazlo looked skeptically at the contents for a moment, until he slowly began working out what it was he was seeing. A large globe, enormous really, filled the entire crate, as if it was built around the orb. Lazlo couldn't quite understand what it was he was seeing or why Snowe would be so agitated about a simple ball until his eyes focused on the swirling energy that danced within the sealed orb. It was mystical to look at, almost hypnotic, the swaying waves of compressed energy that glowed and churned within the sphere. He had seen the similar swirl before, the energy contained within a much smaller orb, and though the facts were slow in coming to his mind, he soon made the connection.

"By the Sea Mother," Lazlo said, his eyes gazing at what could only be described as the largest Rune Cannon Shell he had ever witnessed. It was then that he tore his eyes away from the contents of the crate, his attention now drawn to nearly fifty similar containers within the hold. "A rune cannon big enough to fire these shells…"

"I know. Something that big can't be mobile, but I've seen the reports we've received from our informants about the other islands." Snowe continued. "There's no mention of a rune cannon capable of firing a shell this big."

"Which means we're transporting ammunition for a potential enemy weapon." Lazlo said, his voice fading to a mere whisper. "This shell…it's got to take four men to lift it. How big is the cannon?"

"More importantly," Snowe said, closing the case once more. "Who else knows we're transporting it?"

XxX

Commander Glen scanned the report he received from the Nasal Bird, the communiqué arriving via the second fleet stationed near the deserted island. It was a simple letter that held world-shaking news.

Six masts. Heading south.

Attempting to intercept, but being outdistanced.

He didn't need to know more than that. Everyone knew the six-mast Frigate that sailed within the interior of the inner sea. The pirate Brandeau was a man who's brutal reputation preceded him…and now it seemed, he was targeting the convoy he left Snowe in charge of.

"Vice-Commander Katrina," Glen barked simply, the message crumpling in his hand as he stood. "Ready the Interceptor. I'm going after them."

"Sir?"

"It's the fastest ship in our fleet, and word has reached me that the pirate Brandeau is making his move towards our convoy."

"Yes sir," Katrina said, snapping a salute before rushing to fulfill her duties.

Glen took a moment to survey the waves and the flow of the tide from his window before sighing. He wasn't quite sure if it was the wind or simply his own anxieties trying to tell him of the dangers that were coming, but he had a foregone conclusion that the storm was about to break.