Chapter Four: The Tale of the Discarded Tool
Disclaimer: Tenkuu no Escaflowne, and Dilandau, when will you be mine? Fate answers…. Never. Oh well, cut to the chase.
"The night is young and so are we," Dryden said good-humoredly while the others in the room cringed at the lame line, "so begin your interrogation, Sir Allen and let's see what Miss Eiren can do with that apparatus on her arm." Here they were again, in the same room where they had merely talked about Dilandau and Rhonas Eiren, and already here was one of their subjects. The girl with the short serpentine silk tresses stood by the wide window looking at a host of anxious and expectant faces. Her own face held no real expression, as she stared at them with her blazing scarlet eyes. Although she was attired in a common barmaid's clothing, her air was that of nobility. Folken stood next to her while she faced the two princesses of Asturia, the noble Knight Caeli and the intellectual merchant. Most of them seemed too mesmerized by her to speak.
She's more intriguing than I expected, thought Millerna, I thought that I was somehow beyond being surprised after I saw the wig with her beautiful hair but this is something I could never have expected. The girl was her age and yet seemed years older. Her features were lovely but her air was one of melancholy and mature gravity. She has seen too many hardships in her young life that have robbed her of her youth, Eries pondered, what a waste. This creature is very sad, indeed. Folken was still reeling from the revelation of Rhonas' talent. He had never imagined she could sing and so well. He had never heard her do so on the Vione but perhaps she merely hid her ability and performed only in secret. After all, he was the Strategos of Zaibach, her superior, and sadly, not her particular friend. Dilandau must have known this, of course. What Folken didn't know was that it was Dilandau who caused such a skill to be honed by Rhonas. There were still many things this former Fanelian prince had yet to learn about these two products of the sorcerers' experimentation. They were utterly unpredictable was merely one of those discoveries.
"Though you had made an introduction to the conversation," Rhonas said monotonously, breaking the silence of fascination, "it seems that no one intends to further it so may I then take the liberty of asking you what it is you want from me?" Folken, as usual, was the first to regain his consciousness from the daze and he asked her, "First and foremost, introduce yourself formally to these people and explain how you had survived the destruction of the Vione." She nodded.
"Introduce formally?" Allen inquired surprised, "but we already know who she is, don't we?" The others looked at Folken as well, their faces asking the same question.
"Not entirely," Rhonas replied for Folken, "you still don't know what a human archive can do and that," her searing gaze pierced into the darkness, "is what I intend to show you."
They waited with bated breath as she prepared to use her apparatus. She shed the cloak that covered her right arm and revealed something quite horrid. Across what was supposed to be her arm were series of snakelike wires and connections that were linked all the way to the back of her head. Her nerves seemed elevated and the throbbing of her veins was visible. All the wires twisted and meandered across her arm like thousands of tiny serpents wrapping themselves around it. Her fingers were connected by the same wires. Carefully, she placed her hand on the surface of the large window in the room that faced them all. Her fingers spread unnaturally wide, attaching themselves to the surfaces with a suction effect and radiating a large blank white image on the window. The outside of the city was no longer visible, just a large screen of some sort, generated by the power of her device. At once, her face took on a blank, soulless expression and a voice, seeming not like her own, and really, not like a voice at all, spoke, "Commencing exposition, what is it you wish to know?"
While the others watched open-mouthed at what was occurring, Folken spoke, knowing how to operate and command. "Identify yourself and narrate how you survived the fall of the floating fortress Vione." The archive's face turned to him without really seeing him and replied automatically, "As you wish." Images began appearing on the screen. The first was of a younger Rhonas Eiren, standing in what seemed like a dark Zaibach lab facility. Dark hooded figures surrounded her and the child looked blankly into the screen. The voice began, "I am human archive model number 35734, the only successfully implanted human archive created by the advanced unit of Zaibach scientists. I have been functioning for 13 years. My main purpose is to collect, absorb and store valuable information about the Zaibach Empire and all its major and minor operations. I have been designed to do so although I am still a human being. My mind has been modified to an extent that I can store and give out information with ease, undeterred by the flaws of human emotions. However, I still suffer from recurrent malfunctions therefore I was reduced to collecting information exclusively about the now defunct Dragonslayers unit and their commander Dilandau Albatou whose current status is unknown. Most of the significant information that was stored in my brain has already been successfully transferred to the larger and more efficient Zaibach extensive archives.
In response to your second question, when the Zaibach floating fortress Vione was destroyed recently by the Hispano guymelef Escaflowne piloted by the Fanelian king Van Slanzar de Fanel otherwise referred to in Zaibach communications as the Dragon, I had managed to float on a piece of debris that I acquired from the fortress. In the middle of the sea, death seemed certain but by some chance, I was able to hitch a ride on the back of a large sea serpent. It seems that I have an unfathomable magnetism for serpents and snakes and therefore I was able to coax the great beast to bring me to the nearest shores, which were those of Palas, the capital of Asturia. I had sung gently to the serpent as she carried me across the sea and promised to somehow repay my debt to her. When I arrived at Palas, in the middle of the night, I immediately got a sharp piece of rubble from the shore and slashed my arm, allowing the serpent to feed off some of my blood."
The two princesses were horrified by this revelation while Allen and Dryden looked pitifully at Rhonas. Folken felt a great sadness at learning this as well. But none of their feelings reached her at this moment. She continued without pause.
"I then proceeded to hide in the dark alleys of Palas. I nursed my wound and the next day, I sold my hair to a merchant at the bazaar in order to earn something with which I could purchase some food and water. I also purchased a set of small vials with which I was to give the serpent nightly deposits of blood. I applied for a job as a barmaid in one of the taverns along Tartarus Alley. I happened to sing a little during my work, an action which was immediately noticed by the proprietor of the tavern, Madame Morella. She hired me to sing behind her as her voice for a nightly show which quickly became a hit. Working in the alley also allowed me to collect blood for the serpent as there were nightly brawls. Stealthily and quickly I would collect the drops of blood falling from a hoodlum's nose or cheek and keep them in the vials. At night, I would go out and hand the vials to my serpentine benefactor. I intended to work for only a short while, only until I devised a proper plan of action to return to Dilandau Albatou. An event a few days ago delayed my departure. I was walking near the graveyard at Palas and suddenly, I was overcome by the feeling that Dilandau was nearby. I looked around me and saw no sign of him but I decided to stay a few nights more until I was absolutely certain. And tonight, Strategos Folken Fanel, Sir Allen Schezar, Knight Caeli, and Dryden Fassa of Asturia had come to take me here for an interrogation. That is all there is to say. Terminating procedure." And as fast as she had started, the wires disconnected themselves from the window and Rhonas Eiren faced them once again, albeit a bit out of breath. Her eyes reverted to normal expressions and her face was grave.
Her audience stared at her, astounded, least of all was Folken. "I apologize for the flawed report," she said curtly, "I believe certain malfunctions occurred and it was at one point too subjective." "What do you mean?" asked Millerna with a concerned voice. "I think that I should explain," Folken began. Rhonas merely nodded.
"You must understand that all the devices and mechanisms programmed into Rhonas' brain and memory enable and compel her to function as automatically as a machine. Her reports and giving out of information must be as straight to the point as possible, without any subjective comments or biases which are usually caused by normal human emotions. The mechanisms, however, were flawed and from time to time, her personal memories and feelings might be injected in a presentation or report. This is exactly what happened in the second half of her speech."
"We have no problem whatsoever if such a 'malfunction', as you say occurs again," said Allen who felt strongly on the matter, "I would like to clarify that we are reasonable and compassionate human beings who do not require her to act like some machine." He smiled gently at the girl whose sole response was a perplexed gaze at the Knight Caeli. "That's right," added Millerna, "we're your friends now, you don't have to be afraid or intimidated by us. We also want to help you." Scarlet eyes faced her and a short nod of acknowledgement followed. "Lord Folken," Rhonas asked, looking earnestly at the former Strategos. "It is all true, Rhonas," he replied calmly, "you have no reason to fear or harbor any hostility for them. They may be enemies of Zaibach but I believe your loyalties were not to the empire in the first place, were they?"
"What?" Dryden exclaimed, "I'm a little lost here. You're Zaibach's only official human archive and yet your allegiance is not to Zaibach?"
The girl looked gravely at him. She stated matter-of-factly, "My loyalty is to Dilandau Albatou and no one else. You may ask what you please of me. Political affiliations have no meaning for me." "Just as I thought," Folken muttered with a smile, "The only reason important information about the empire hadn't leaked out to the Allies was because you were loyal to Dilandau. I believe that Emperor Dornkirk has Dilandau to thank, therefore, for your secrecy."
A curt nod. "One thing that bothers me though is this," Dryden interrupted, "how could you possibly have performed with such emotional depth at the tavern if your emotions were, as you say, disabled?" "I agree," Allen added, "the voice we heard tonight was different from what we are hearing now. If you truly could sing like that, how could you not have any feelings?" "I am not capable of expressing my," Rhonas paused, trying to find the appropriate term, "my emotions, if you will, in a conventional manner. Singing seems to be my sole outlet, though I have only been utilizing it recently."
"It certainly is a very artistic outlet," Allen complimented, "and you excel in it." Blank garnet eyes stared back at him. "I suppose I should thank you, Sir Allen, for acknowledging my abilities," Rhonas replied. Allen smiled back warmly at the girl.
"Strange that you failed to mention this to us, Lord Folken," remarked Dryden, stealing a sideward glance at the other man. "I myself was surprised to discover this," Folken replied unaffectedly, and turned to face Rhonas, "I never had the pleasure of hearing a performance in the Vione all these years." "You never requested one," was the bland response. Smiles began forming on everyone's faces. "Well, it seems that despite your emotional incapability, you haven't lost your sense of humor, though you don't show it, Rhonas," Folken declared. Rhonas' eyes glimmered briefly at this, as if some being inside her had responded.
Rays of moonlight filtered through the glass windows, setting the room aglow in a pale blue radiance. The two princesses sat silently, observing the girl's solitary stance. Allen and Dryden stood close by and Folken faced Rhonas. There was a slight chill in the atmosphere. Millerna looked at Rhonas in concern, noticing the girl's pale features and seemingly fragile demeanor. She had been standing at the window for quite a while and had panted right after presenting. "You must be quite tired by now," Millerna addressed Rhonas, "Perhaps we may postpone our interrogation for a more convenient time if no one objects." She looked around at her companions and they all seemed to consent to her proposition. However, it was Rhonas herself who persisted. She fixed her crimson gaze upon the princess and said, "Meaning no offense, your Highness, but I would request you not to underestimate my abilities. I was trained in an elite unit of the Zaibach army and presenting information such as this is a mere trifle. Appearances may be deceiving. I am in no way exhausted at this moment and insist on getting your interrogation over as soon as possible, if it may be."
A look of shock came on Millerna's face. She was quite taken aback by such a response and was at a loss for words. Allen and Dryden wore equally incredulous expressions while Folken simply remained silent. Eries was the first to break the silence. She rose from her seat in the fluid graceful movement that is expected of an Asturian princess and walked towards where Rhonas stood erect. "Very well," Eries began, "it seems you are in quite a hurry to conclude this affair and to be honest, we are all equally as eager to acquire the information you might have. We will delay the investigation no longer. Please tell us all you know about Dilandau Albatou."
A gust of wind blew into the room causing the curtains to blow. The fated words had been uttered. At last, they would find the truth. "As you wish," Rhonas replied with a laconic nod. Eries returned to her seat as the archive placed the palm of her right hand on the window's glass surface. Once again, the wires jumped from her arm and tiny suction cups held onto the exterior. The view of Palas disappeared in a flash and images were beginning to form. Rhonas' eyes went blank once more as she fell into another sort of trance and began to speak.
"Captain Dilandau Albatou. Born: Red, 8th Moon, Origin: unknown. Height 175 cm, weighing 57 kg. Male. Leader of the special elite force, the Dragonslayers Unit, under Zaibach's Copper Army headed by General Adelphos. A skillful warrior, he pilots the red guymelef Alseides." At this point, the image shown on the surface was that of a tall youth sporting Zaibach army in red, glaring fiercely at a group of young men who were bowing before him. This was truly Dilandau, Folken thought as he gazed at the image.
"Well, he certainly is quite good-looking," thought Millerna at first sight of the image, "if it wasn't for his infamous reputation, perhaps I'd be very interested in knowing more of him." She shook her head at such thoughts, reprimanding herself for being such a giddy girl and during such serious circumstances too. This isn't the kind of attitude to be exhibited by the future queen of Asturia. She sighed as she contemplated over these things. Why are we deprived of our childhood and bound to such dreary fates?
Eries looked at the image gravely and thought about how such a sorrowful and tragic life this captain had led. He's still very much a boy, though he's considered an adult by our standards, she pondered, why do the social norms here deprive people of their youth and happiness? This war has torn so many lives apart and I, though a princess of Asturia, am powerless to do anything to stop it.
Allen remembered the time he met Dilandau when the latter had arrived in Castelo to ask for provisions for his unit. He was confident and cool, very much aware of his rank and status. The boy was oozing with charisma, much for one so young as well as the poise of an elite captain. He really was an impressive sight, Allen thought, and if the circumstances had not been that way, I do think I would have wanted to know more of this Zaibach captain. However, Dilandau had spoken harshly and condescendingly about the carnage at Fanelia and it was this that had made Allen's respect for him decrease significantly. This had also fueled his suspicions of Zaibach's true intentions. All this however seemed so long ago and with the situation they were all faced with now, such memories seemed absurd and almost utterly out of place. They were here to find the truth about Dilandau's identity and that was that. But then, things are never as simple as they seem.
The image of Dilandau spoke, "I won't say this again. I will not tolerate incompetence in my Dragonslayers Unit, do I make myself clear?" "Yes, sir!" responded two of the men facing him.
The report continued. "Dilandau Albatou is a highly-skilled warrior who has been trained by the very best authorities in the Zaibach Empire. His combat skills are impressive by most standards and he holds the record in both Zaibach and Asturia of the quickest slaying of a dragon. Seven miets from the moment it enters the arena until he holds up the drag energist from its heart." Allen and Dryden looked at each other, impressed by this part of the record. Allen looked at Folken to confirm the truth of this allegation and the latter nodded in assent. "If Dilandau was a Fanelian prince," Folken commented, "he would have been crowned king several times already for all the dragons he had slain." In that, he thought, he was truly superior to me.
Rhonas spoke: Dilandau Albatou was made head of the elite Dragonslayers Unit, whose main objective was to destroy the Ispano white guymelef Escaflowne, known as Fanelia' God of Protection, and its pilot who has been confirmed as Fanelia's reigning monarch Van Slanzar de Fanel. The reason the Dragon has to be destroyed is because it is a hindrance to the fulfillment of Emperor Dornkirk's ideal future. Several attempts had been made to achieve the aforementioned goal. First, was the attack on Fanelia during the coronation of Van Fanel. The results were a total devastation of that small country. However, the dragon was able to escape by some incomprehensible circumstance through a pillar of light that had appeared before some of the Dragonslayers were able to subdue it."
At this, Folken gazed outside at the moonlit sky, his eyes wearing a look of despair and remorse. He was the cause of that carnage; he had ordered his homeland to be destroyed for the sake of ideals that he used to believe in but now, unfortunately, as he came to realize, were all empty lies. The ideal future that he had wished for so fervently was not to be attained through such violent and bloodthirsty means. Hopefully, he would be able to atone for all his sins someday by adapting a peaceful means. Hopefully.
"A second attempt was made at the Asturian outpost of Castelo which was under the command of Knight Caeli Allen Schezar. Scouts had informed the Zaibach Empire that indeed the dragon guymelef Escaflowne was being kept hidden at Castelo and so the Dragon Slayers unit was dispatched to capture the dragon. In doing so, the entire settlement was burned to the ground by Dilandau and his men. Escaflowne was seen to have morphed into a dragon form and flew in the opposite direction of a Levi ship that contained Allen Schezar and the remaining survivors. The dragon was hotly pursued and duly captured after that."
Now, images of Folken in his ebony cloak and Dilandau were being shown. The two seemed to be in deep conversation about what to do with the dragon. Dilandau was smiling sinisterly as he talked while Folken held an expressionless face. Dilandau was continually being flashed in such images while Rhonas droned on monotonously. Then, a new image was shown with another important character. It was Van Fanel.
"In an unexpected duel on the Floating Fortress Vione, Dilandau received a slash on the right cheek delivered by the king of Fanelia, Van Fanel in an attempt to defend himself from the captain. Van was shown slashing Dilandau's cheek and the latter kneeling down clutching his bleeding face in shock. This event significantly affected Dilandau and filled him with an intense hatred of the one who had marred his beautiful face."
A fuming Dilandau was shown, still grasping his bloody cheek glaring furiously up at something and muttering, "You will pay for what you've done today! You will pay dearly for destroying my face!"
"This event had significantly affected Dilandau and after that, he was consumed with an obsession to kill Van Fanel, his hatred growing stronger as he stroked his ever-throbbing wound. Dilandau thinks very highly of his appearance and the existence of any sort of blemish had incensed him greatly. He became more irritable and short-tempered since that time and found joy only in attempting to exact his revenge on Van Fanels."
So that's what got that psychopath so upset, Allen snorted scornfully, I never realized that he was so shallow. It only goes to show what kind of a person he truly is. Nothing but an egocentric, narcissistic, arrogant brat who also happens to be proficient in battle. Amazing. But still, I must know the truth about him.
Folken closed his eyes briefly and hid a small smile. He had always known that Dilandau was obsessed with his face but he had never realized that he could get this sensitive about it. This must explain his constant desire to kill Van. He's truly very different, thought Folken, but there are still some sides to him that we don't know of.
"After the conquest of Freid, Dilandau led his Dragonslayers unit in hot pursuit of the Levi ship Crusade where Van Fanel, Allen Schezar and their comrades were located. Van Fanel met them in the battlefield with the guymelef Escaflowne. What ensued was a ruthless confrontation wherein the Fanelian king emerged as the victor, mercilessly slaughtering all the Dragonslayers with the exception of Dilandau himself. This was prevented by an unexplainable occurrence that had rendered the white Ispano guymelef motionless allowing for Dilandau to escape to the Floating Fortress."
Images of the battle were flashed. Scenes of the Dragonslayers screaming as they died pierced the stillness of the night and Dilandau was shown for the first time looking scared and worried. He was obviously taken by surprise with Van's new prowess and was very affected by watching his men perish. The expression on his face was not merely of utter horror, it was also that of a grim realization that he was all alone with the people he cared about leaving in front of him. It was a superbly tragic scene.
Allen, Dryden and Millerna were lost in thought. After all, they had been there too; and they had witnessed how in a mad rage Van had taken down all the guymelefs of Dilandau's group. And although they all knew that Dilandau was an enemy captain who was vicious and psychopathic, they felt a certain amount of sympathy for him. He had lost all his comrades, the people closest to family and friends for him and was left alone. Undoubtedly, the scarlet-eyed captain had felt the loss keenly and it was but natural.
"He arrived at the Vione where I met him and acquired all these details. He was extremely distraught by the death of his entire unit and brooded constantly on what had happened. A view of Dilandau holding a red rose and muttering irritably. "Where's the honor in dying in a fight like that?" he had cried out in annoyance, while tossing the rose into the sky. But then the event had triggered something in Dilandau that had rendered him psychologically unstable. From time to time, he would sink into a hallucinatory phase, muttering about not leaving him alone and screaming incessantly for no apparent reason."
Dilandau was shown, both hands grasping a seemingly painful head, eyes wide and with an inexplicable expression. Rhonas stood at his side, attempting to comfort him by singing softly. They were both kneeling down in a dark hallway. The song seemed to calm him, though the effect was gradual. He panted and gasped with difficulty and she simply knelt beside him without saying a word. He then looked at her with an expression of extreme gratitude and said, "Promise me, that you won't leave me alone. The pain I feel inside is too great. I don't know what it is. Don't leave me alone." He gripped her good arm and she looked back, surprised. "I'll always be here at your side, I promise," she replied softly, "I won't leave you alone."
For a moment there was a peaceful silence. It was broken by Dilandau throwing another fit. "NOOOOOOOOOO!" he cried desperately. "Dilandau!" Rhonas shouted, "what's wrong? What's wrong?" "Don't take me," he continued to say, paying her no heed, "no, no." With a crazed look he shook her and said sobbingly, "They're coming for me, don't let them take me, don't let them take me." Her eyes widened in comprehension. "What? They're coming here?" she cried incredulously. "Don't let them take me!" Rhonas, unable to react remained motionless and wide-eyed. And then shadows came. Figures in ebony strode into the hall, making the place even more menacing than it already was. Rhonas gazed at them in mingled fear and hatred but was unable to move. Dilandau screamed as strong hands took hold of him and led him away. "No! Let me go!" he screamed, "Rhonas! Don't let them take me! Don't leave me alone!" And the image was gone.
Slowly, and with difficulty, the narrative was continued as the audience stared aghast at the speaker. "Due to his emotional instability at the time, Lord Folken had summoned the Zaibach sorcerers, a group of scientists highly knowledgeable in the art of controlling fate, to take Dilandau for treatment. They had rendered me unconscious with a sedative to prevent my interfering with their actions. And that was the last I saw of Dilandau. Terminating procedure."
The glassy surface once more became what it was and the wires connected to it rapidly re-entered Rhonas' arm. She pulled it down and sank into a chair, eyes losing the glaze and instead looking very sad and exhausted. Folken supported her and Millerna offered a glass of water which she had politely refused. She only sat there calmly, composing herself. After a few moments, she looked up at the group of anxious faces, again regaining her nonchalant countenance. "There is still time for something else," she said, "That is not the full extent of my knowledge of Dilandau Albatou."
Millerna and Eries protested to working the girl further. "You're much too tired and it would be barbaric to ask any more of you tonight," Millerna declared, "I suggest that you rest for now and we postpone our investigation for another time." "It would be unwise to continue if you can no longer do so," Eries added. Allen came up to her and said, in the manner of all noble Knight Caelis, "My lady Rhonas Eiren, I believe you need rest. Although we are eager to know more, we cannot possibly force you to strain yourself considering your current physical state. We will willingly postpone this for a better time."
"He's right, Rhonas," Folken added gently addressing the girl, "you have shown us much already and you need to recover your strength." Her cold reply astounded them all. "If indeed what you're saying is true," Rhonas began, "that you are not in any particular hurry to conclude this interrogation, that may be well and good for you but not for me." They were all too surprised to speak. While the others sported looks of incredulity on their faces, Dryden merely seemed amused. Rhonas continued, "As I have explained earlier, I intend to conclude this affair as soon as possible as I have other matters to settle." "Such as returning to Dilandau?" inquired Dryden, interrupting her. "Precisely," she replied blandly, "people trained in the rigors of the Zaibach army are not easily weakened by almost anything. Besides, I am surprised to note that Lord Folken has become extremely lenient. If I recall properly, you never showed concern whatsoever for your subordinates. On several occasions, I would give reports even more comprehensive than this without you so much as asking me to pause. Therefore, I don't see how I cannot proceed."
Allen looked swiftly and angrily at Folken who closed his eyes and replied gravely. "Rhonas, as you may very well have observed, we are no longer part of Zaibach and it will do you no good to apply Dilandau's sarcasm in this room. I suggest you follow our advice and take a rest." Their eyes locked in a seeming war of stares. Both faces were grave and neither one seemed ready to yield. Allen, Eries and Millerna looked quizzically at the two former Zaibach officials. Army training in Zaibach did seem to bring about the toughest facets in people. The toughest and the hardest.
"I staunchly refuse."
"Do you? You have not been given options, Rhonas."
"My resolve is firm."
"So is ours."
"Don't waste my time. I am no longer your subordinate."
"And yet you still address me as 'Lord'. Come on, Rhonas, stop being stubborn."
"Tempus fugit."
"Indeed, time flies. Time that may have been put to better use."
"Exactly."
"Now, now," interrupted Dryden, who seemed the first to recover from the speechlessness rendered by the Zaibachi word war. "I am certain that we may settle this in a more diplomatic and reasonable manner, can we not, Lord Folken, Lady Rhonas?"
"What is your proposal, Lord Dryden?" Folken asked.
" A compromise," replied the merchant with a clever gleam in his eye.
"I'm listening," said Rhonas who had now focused her scarlet pupils on the merchant.
"Well," Dryden continued, pushing his spectacles into place with his index finger, "let's do it this way, Lady Rhonas here will show us the remaining extent of her knowledge of her precious Dilandau tonight." Rhonas showed no sign of being put off and merely looked down while Allen and the princesses listened intently. "But," the merchant said, "afterwards, whether or not she likes it, Lady Rhonas will have to spend at least one day at the palace, resting and recovering her strength. We can decide on what happens next some other time. Is that fair enough, Lady Rhonas?"
The girl gave a short sigh and replied, "As you wish. There is no alternative, I suppose."
"Are you absolutely certain about this, Dryden?" Millerna asked agitatedly, "The girl's positively exhausted and I doubt that we may be able to extract too much information from her at the moment." "Don't let yourself get upset about it, Princess," the merchant answered coolly, "she claims to still be strong enough to continue and by the looks of it, it is impossible to try and persuade her to do otherwise. Let us just see what she has to show. After all, this entire affair is for your benefit, is it not, Sir Allen?" Allen stiffened at the mention of his name and glanced gravely at Dryden. "It is to discover the truth that has been denied you." "So it is," Allen said, "so it is."
As Rhonas was attaching her arm to the window yet again, Eries spoke, to the surprise of all. "I believe I may know to some extent what you wish to show us, Lady Rhonas," she told the ebony-haired girl. "You must be referring to your own personal understanding and relationship with Captain Albatou as you have been working with him for a considerable time, am I not right?"
"An extremely good observation princess," was all the other had to say as her face began to assume its soulless expression once more. The narration began. "I, Rhonas Eiren, human archive of Zaibach, first encountered Captain Dilandau Albatou when both of us were 5 years old. It was just after I had been discarded as an obsolete tool of the Zaibach Empire because of that incident.
A scene was projected. A small girl with dark hair wearing a poorly-made dress was sitting against a wall in a dark corridor. She was gravely staring into space, her bruised face without any real expression. Her right arm was covered untidily with a grimy cloak and she was humming softly. It was a mournful but beautiful melody.
The echo of small footsteps was heard. A shadowy figure emerged from the unlit depths. It was a small boy with silvery hair. He approached the girl slowly. "Who are you?" said he, looking at the figure intently, "I haven't seen you here before." "My name is Rhonas Eiren," she replied solemnly, "and I am an obsolete tool." "What's that?" the boy asked, with a quizzical expression on his face.
The girl shrugged. "I'm not really sure. All I know is I'm useless and I have no place anymore and I must disappear."
"Why?"
"I don't know. That's what they told me."
"Who's they?"
For a moment, a strange look came into her eyes and she shuddered. "The tall men of the shadows."
The boy stiffened. "Oh, them."
A moment of painful silence and then, the boy with silver hair extended a small, pale hand. "Come with me."
"What?"
"Come with me."
"Why?"
"So you won't have to disappear. Just don't leave me alone."
From that moment on, I was his constant companion, at first serving no real purpose except to keep him company. The sorcerers attempted to separate us but Dilandau was obstinate and threw tantrums while I would stand firmly in my place near him. They realized that they could still make use of me after all and assigned me to constantly update them on Dilandau's health and general wellbeing with my apparatus. If I refused to do so, we would have been separated. I also became his subordinate, reporting to him as a member of the Dragonslayers unit. Terminating procedure."
The wires re-entered her arm and she went towards the door. Millerna and Eries stood to show her to the guestroom. Allen and Dryden were in deep thought, the former knitting his brow tightly. "Wait," cried the knight Caeli. The women paused and looked back at him.
"I believe you're leaving something out, Lady Rhonas."
"What are you referring too?" she calmly asked.
"Before you showed us your first meeting with Dilandau you mentioned that the Zaibach sorcerers had discarded you after a particular incident. What was that incident, if I may ask?"
"Allen," Millerna cried, "we all agreed that the girl needed rest. Don't trouble her with too many questions."
"I'm aware of that, Princess," replied Allen, "but even if the detailed explanation is postponed, I'd like to know what event she had left out in her narrative."
Folken stiffened as he seemed to realize something. "There are some things better left unsaid, Sir Allen."
"I know that," Allen said, "but unpleasant as it may be, I still want to know the truth. So what was it, Rhonas? What was the incident you were mentioning?"
The girl who had been silent spoke slowly and softly, as if her life depended on every word. "I'm afraid I cannot tell you anything about this without the proper authorization."
"What are you talking about? What is the meaning of this?" Allen cried exasperatedly.
"The matter is classified."