Authors note: Thanks, again to my reviewers. Here's my next chapter.

Chapter 7: The Truth Revealed

Caellach and Selena had returned to Grado without saying a word to each other. They retuned to meet the emperor Vigarde before Glen and Valter. Duessel and Riev were still defending the city.

Selena was the first to speak, "We have fulfilled your orders, your Majesty. The stone has been destroyed."

"Very well," was the reply, "I will give you your next orders when the Sunstone and Moonstone return."

Caellach said nothing as he and Selena left. Caellach decided to rest while Selena went off somewhere unknown to Caellach. He decided he needed time to think to himself. He couldn't be sure of Vigarde's actions. Destroying the stones, declaring war, reemploying Valter, to him it made no sense. Caellach remembered his mission with Joshua at Port Kiris. Grado had helped then and sent Duessel to defeat Valter, but now…

Caellach couldn't continue thinking about it as he realised that he was no longer alone. Standing behind him was Duessel, Obsidian of the Imperial Three.

"Well, well Caellach," he said, "we meet again, although I'm not sure if you remember me."

"Yeah, I remember you," he replied smiling, "You took part in that battle at Port Kiris. You had to fight Valter. I'm confused as to why he's back." His smile faded as he said the last sentence.

"Indeed," Duessel agreed, "I would gladly lay down my life for an honourable cause. That is why I became a general. Yet I don't feel like obeying the emperor's orders. I still do my duty, but wonder what has happened to him. Selena and Glen feel the same way."

There was a silence, while Caellach thought to himself, 'So, I'm not the only one. The Imperial Three have their concerns as well; I wonder what I should do. As for the other two, well Valter's an insane killer and Riev's defiantly hiding something.'

Duessel suddenly broke the silence. "What happened to Joshua anyway? I haven't seen him since that event."

Caellach replied, "I haven't seen him since I started working at Grado. For some reason, he seems to be content working as a simple mercenary."

Duessel smiled, "Of course, he isn't just a simple mercenary though," he laughed, "I wouldn't be surprised if he returned home. He should, considering what has been happening recently."

Caellach was confused at Duessel's words. What did he mean? 'Isn't just a simple mercenary?' What was that supposed to mean? Was Joshua hiding something? Did Duessel know something he didn't?

"What do you mean Duessel?" he asked, "Joshua didn't tell me anything about being more than a mercenary."

Duessel laughed again, "I'm hardly surprised, I'm guessing that he though if people new then he would be treated differently. After all, he worked as a mercenary to find out about everyday life for people living in Jehhana."

Caellach was getting frustrated but kept calm as he said, "Well, what was he?"

Duessel replied, "He was the prince of Jehhana, Caellach. I found out not long after the battle. I visited Jehanna to deliver an important message to Queen Ismaire. As I entered the castle, I saw a portrait which resembled Joshua, so I asked a guard who told me that it was prince Joshua, who disappeared some time ago. That was over two years ago, he should've returned by now."

Caellach was speechless. He had many questions only Joshua would know the answer to. Before he had time to think further into it, a soldier approached him and Duessel.

"Obsidian, Tiger Eye, his Majesty requires your presence."

Caellach and Duessel both headed to the castle. Sellena and Riev were already there, but Glen and Valter were nowhere to be seen.

Vigarde spoke, "I have word that Glen and Valter are still pursuing their targets, so I'll give you your orders now. Caellach, Riev, destroy the remaining Sacred Stones. Riev, take Rausten, Caellach, take Jehanna."

Riev sneered, "Excellent, I've been preparing for Rausten's downfall already."

Caellach groaned, "Why am I stuck with Jehanna? Accursed ill luck. I became a general in order to escape that place."

That wasn't his true reason, however. He had decided that he wasn't ready to face Joshua. He left without saying anything else.

He had to think of something. A way to hold the army of Renais from getting to Jehhana so he could interfere with Ephraim's army instead. He spent most of his Journey to Jehanna deep in thought, thinking of a solution. He reached Jehanna and decided to pass through it, thinking of someone who could interfere with the army instead. A soldier who once worked with him. A soldier who was considered to be the greatest tactician around. He was, like him, tired of mercenary work and undefeated on the battlefield. His name was Aias. As he reached Hamill Canyon, he was greated by a Wyvern Knight. Valter, the Moonstone.

"Tiger Eye," Valter said, glaring at Caellach, "You better be careful, I remember what you did to me."

"Yeah, well," Caellach snarled, "You murdered innocent people, you're strength isn't enough to beat me, though."

Valter laughed, "You better watch out, they're once six gemstones, now they are four."

"What do you mean?" Caellach asked, then he noticed Valter was carrying a body, "Is that… Glen? What did you do?" he shouted as he finished his last sentence.

"Nothing to do with me," he replied, "I was the witness, I saw Eirika drive her sword through his heart and then flee. I feel that Cormag, his brother, should know about this."

Valter went to fly off, but Caellach asked, "Who else his gone?"

As Valter flew off he shouted, "General Duessel is now, a traitor!"

And Valter left the scene, leaving Caellach to realise the reality that Duessel, the man who assisted him and Joshua, the man who was Vigarde's greatest general, as well as a man of honour, was now an enemy.

End of Chapter

So… two Gemstones down, 4 to go. What will Caellach do? I'm on holiday for a week starting tomorrow so I can't update before then. Anyway, please review!