Thanks to everyone who's been waiting patiently for this next chapter. Hope it continues to interest you and everyone offers me their reviews. Again, thank you and enjoy.


The next morning, Sabin allowed Locke to take the lead as they approached their destination of Mt. Kolts, the secret hideout for the Returners. Terra kept her eyes roaming the surrounding area, trying to spot the scouts.

"Forty feet to the left," whispered Sabin. She was startled, but Terra swept her eyes in that direction, and just barely caught a glimpse of the camouflaged figure.

"Greetings, you look lost," said a cheery voice, but Terra couldn't find the speaker, "Where are the lot of you from?"

"Vector," replied Locke quickly, "Finest city in the world, if you like yellow skies."

"Well, it could be worse. Go on ahead."

As the four of them trudged up the mountainside, Terra moved up next to Locke.

"What was that password all about?" she asked, "Don't they know you?"

The rogue gave her a wide grin. "Yeah, they know me for certain. But that password is a safety measure. Had you guys been Imperial agents forcing me to show you the way to the base, a similar password would have alerted them to that fact, and the whole mountain would have been evacuated before we got halfway there."

"But how would you find each other again?" she wanted to know.

"Everyone is assigned to a specific rendezvous point," explained Locke, "and once there the orders are to lay low until you receive orders to regroup. I know that Banon has another backup hideout, but he's rather loathe to give this one up."

Three hours later, they could see the cave entrance to the hideout. Waiting for them was a man about Locke's age, with dirty blond hair, dressed in sewn leather armor with tinted goggles resting on his forehead.

"Locke!" greeted the young man.

"Dace, good to see you," replied the young rogue, "check out this ragtag group I brought along with me."

The young man, Dace, gaped as he saw Edgar. "King Edgar! Burn you Locke, why didn't you tell me you had a king with you? My apologies, your majesty. This way, please."

Sabin and Edgar shared a quiet chuckle as they followed Dace into the cave. Locke and Dace chatted like two old friends as they waved or nodded to other men throughout the place. Terra quickly realized this wasn't just a cave, but a complex system of caverns that probably ran through the entire mountain. Crates of equipment from weapons and armor to food and bandages lined most of the walls, as if the Returners had been stocking up on supplies for years. The halls and rooms were brightly lit with plenty of oil lamps, making the whole complex seem full of warmth.

Finally Dace led them to one of the rooms. Edgar gestured grandly to Terra. "Ladies first."

Shaking her head, Terra walked in and took a long look at the man sitting at the desk. He was definitely an older gentleman, his full white hair and beard still had a few wisps of its original dark brown in it, and he wore comfortable robes. His face was lined with age and worry, but his eyes shone with fierce determination. The man rose to his feet as they came in.

"Locke my boy, it's good to see that you're safe again," he said, resting a hand on the rogue's shoulder, "King Edgar, it's an honor to finally meet you. Your aid has been indispensable to our survival. I knew your parents very well. I never had the chance to give you my condolences. I miss them."

He gave a slight nod of his head to Sabin, who returned the silent greeting as Edgar came up next to Terra.

"Banon, we brought the girl with us," he said enthusiastically, "This is Terra. Terra, allow me to introduce Banon Teshar, the leader of the Returners."

The old man looked at her carefully, as though appraising her. "So, this is the young lady we've been hearing so much about? The girl who can talk to Espers?"

"What, what about the Espers?" asked Terra trembling.

"Banon," said Edgar forcefully, pulling something out of his bag, "it seems as though the Empire had complete control over her. Look, this was brought from Narshe by Locke. It's a Slave Crown. Whatever they had Terra doing, she was nothing but a puppet to them."

"A puppet?" echoed Banon as he took the Slave Crown, "A puppet who was able to kill more than fifty rebellious Magitek armor pilots in only a few minutes?"

Terra gasped. Fifty soldiers in those armor suits? It wasn't possible. She couldn't possibly do anything like that, could she?

"That's a lie," she whispered, "It's a lie. It has to be."

Tears sprang unbidden to her eyes. She wanted to run away, she wanted to hide in some dark corner where no one would ever find her. A powerful hand gently fell onto her shoulder from behind, and Terra's hands came up over her tear-filled eyes as she turned into Sabin's chest to cry.

"Terra," said Locke sympathetically, "don't cry. We know who you are, we know you were controlled and ordered to do those things."

"Banon, you have to understand," said Edgar forcefully, "she's suffering from complete amnesia. She doesn't remember anything before waking up in Arvis' home in Narshe! Let us…"

"Stop," said Banon quietly, but there was force behind it, a demand for obedience, "You did well in bringing her here."

He walked closer to Sabin and Terra, who had pulled her hands away from her red eyes. She looked at Banon, who seemed much more caring and compassionate than just a few moments ago.

"Let me tell you a little story, my dear," he said gently, "Once, a very long time ago, in the days of the Ancients, the people were pure and innocent. They lived their lives free of strife and conflict. It was an era of peace. Yet among them was placed the seeds of doubt. For in their possession was a box that they knew must never be opened. But one of them wondered what was so important about the box that he went and opened it anyway. Thus the evils of the world were released to inflict chaos upon the common people. The evils of envy, greed, pride, violence, control… All that was left in the box after it was closed was one single ray of light: Hope."

Everyone had fallen into silence, and Banon turned, looking at each of them in turn. "Today, in our lifetime, we now confront those evils yet again. We have been searching for a ray of light, and now have found it. You, Terra. You are the last ray of light, our final hope."

Terra gasped as the full weight of what Banon was saying dawned on her. The fate of all the Returners had been laid on her shoulders. Banon wanted her to become a symbol and a leader in their struggle. Sabin's hand was still on her shoulder, and he gently gave it a comforting squeeze.

"Banon," said Edgar warningly, "that's enough. That's too much to lay on her now. We've been traveling for the past few weeks and spent the morning climbing this mountain. It's too much to put on her shoulders now."

The older man nodded and sighed wearily. "I too, am very tired. I can't remember the last time I slept. Let us all rest for a while, and regroup later. Locke, please show Terra and King Edgar where they may rest. Sabin, might I have a few words with you in private?"

Sabin nodded and Locke led the other two out of the room, closing the door behind him. The two men stood in an uncomfortable silence for several moments. Finally, Banon sighed.

"Have you seen Myra recently?" he asked.

Sabin nodded. "Just over a week ago. I went in to South Figaro to give her the news."

"How is she taking Duncan's death?" asked Banon, his voice thick with grief.

"Her husband was betrayed by their son!" rasped Sabin, "How do you think she feels! I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that. She's handling his murder better than I thought she would. Burn me, she's handling it better than I am."

Banon nodded with a sad smile on his face as he sat down. "Everyone always underestimated my little sister. But she's tough. She was able to handle Duncan, even though when he and I were younger I never thought he'd settle down."

Sabin sniffed in memory. "Yeah. Myra's one tough lady. In some ways, I think she was just as strong as Duncan."

The two men were silent again for several moments, until Sabin's anger got the better of him. With a roar of rage he spun and threw his fist several inches deep into the rock face.

"Burn Vargas!" he shouted, "Burn me too! I should have known Vargas would try something. I should have been there for Master Duncan. I knew that Vargas had been expecting to be made the Master of the Ironhand style. He'd been anticipating it his entire life. He felt it was his birthright. How could Master Duncan have thought to make me his heir? I'm not even an Ironhand!"

"Stop!" demanded Banon, "Stop right there! You were the right choice, Sabin. I'd also seen what Vargas' ambitions were doing. His morals were falling apart faster and faster. You are as much Duncan's son as he was. You may not bear the Ironhand name, but you are the one worthy of being the heir to a thousand years of tradition. My brother-in-law would be very proud of you right now Sabin. You'll bring honor to Duncan's memory, but first you must learn to grieve for his loss."

Sabin's eyes snapped up from where they were staring holes into the floor. For a brief moment, that gaze became so cold and furious that Banon shivered in fear. Those were not the eyes of a man. Those eyes belonged to Death. Cold. Calculating. Disciplined. But Death lived in the eyes of this man.

"Vargas betrayed his own father to the Empire," Sabin explained coldly, "and Kefka was the one to do the deed. I've seen Vargas die for his crime, but I will not grieve until Kefka is punished for his part. When I see Kefka's corpse, then I will be able to mourn."


Terra awoke from her nap a few hours later. Since leaving South Figaro they'd all had to sleep on the hard ground, sometimes with mountain rocks as their pillows. The hard cots the Returners had here inside Mt. Kolts were a welcome relief, even if they didn't compare to a real mattress or feather pillow.

Some light snoring brought her more fully out of her sleep. Locke had agreed to stay with her until she fell asleep. It looked like he'd fallen asleep on the other cot, however, while sitting up against the wall. Terra couldn't help herself and laughed quietly, causing Locke to stir.

"Hey there," he yawned, "sleep well?"

She nodded, smiling. "Yeah. Better than the past few nights, anyway. How about you? That wall didn't look too comfortable."

Locke chuckled. "It's not, but hey, that's why I've got that special talent for sleeping just about anywhere. On the other hand, the absolute best place to sleep is in a treasure horde. To have gems and gold coins as your mattress and pillow, with crowns and jewelry to make the light sparkle. That's the best ever. For sleeping, of course."

Terra laughed again and Locke grinned. He had to help clear something up, though. "Smiles really suit you. Look, Terra, about earlier with Banon. Don't take him too literally, he won't try pressuring you into anything. Anyone who wants to join the Returners does so for their own reasons, not because Banon encourages it. Every single person here volunteered, knowing the dangers."

She nodded thoughtfully. "Locke, why did you become a Returner?"

"Someone… someone very important to me was imprisoned by the Empire," he explained, sighing deeply, "Ever since that happened, I've hated everything about Gestahl and his Empire. For a long time, I did what I could to be a nuisance, but I knew I couldn't be anything more than that on my own. When I decided that I wanted to make a real difference and hurt the Empire, that's when I finally found the Returners. They gave me a real reason to fight, along with the means and the will to see it through."

Terra felt a lump in her throat. Would anyone feel that much loyalty towards her? Would anyone fight so hard to exact justice if she was the one imprisoned? Was that enough of a reason to fight?

"But that doesn't really help me," she moaned, "I have no one significant in my life who would feel that way."

"That's not entirely true," protested Locke, "we're here with you. Edgar, Sabin, me, we're all with you on this. Besides, there are a lot more people out there who don't know how important you are to them. They're all counting on you."

Although Locke was trying his best to be helpful, he didn't realize that he was pushing Terra towards more despair. She couldn't imagine how great a weight it was to be considered the last ray of hope. How could people tell her she was important when she knew she wasn't? How could they have faith in her when she barely even knew her own name?

With a smile she didn't feel, Terra left the small sleeping quarters and walked into one of the main sitting rooms for the men. Four men were out there arm wrestling against Sabin. Despite all four of the Returners working together, Sabin still beat them.

"All right, all right," said one of the men, "what do we owe you? Ten gold?"

"That's ten each," answered Sabin, grinning widely, "don't think you're going to get out of it that easy."

The men paid up and left the room grumbling good-naturedly. He turned and smiled at Terra, somehow knowing she was there.

"Hey Terra," he greeted smiling.

Terra returned his smile with genuine warmth. There was something so easy about Sabin, like when you saw his smile he knew that nothing in the world was as bad as it seemed, and everything would be fine.

"I didn't have the opportunity to beat Banon over the head for being a bloody idiot earlier," he apologized, "but not to worry. I'll get him before the day is out."

Terra sat down at the table and gazed into his sea-blue eyes. "Why do you fight, Sabin?" she asked, "Why do you feel that this is a battle you need to be in? I know you said how you felt about losing Duncan, but there's more to it. I know there is."

Sabin nodded gently. "Many years ago, the Empire committed a terrible crime against Figaro. Gestahl betrayed his friend and ally. I intend to see justice done for it. But that's not the real reason. Duncan would deck me for seeking vengeance. He'd tell me that a man cannot enforce justice on a wrong done unto him, he can only take his revenge. No, I fight… because… people need help. They need to be able to wake up in the morning and know that someone stands between them and whatever threat there is. Gestahl's Empire will force people to live their lives not as they choose to do, but as Gestahl chooses. Everyone must have the freedom to make their own choices, even, maybe especially if it's the wrong choice."

"Wow," breathed Terra, "every time I look at you, all I can see is someone who's dedicated his life to smashing things with his fist. All I can see with my eyes is a brute. I'd be able to understand a brute. A philosopher is beyond me."

Sabin let out a roar of laughter. "Well, it's like Duncan always said, philosophy is 10 percent what you believe and 90 percent dragon spit. You're trying to decide whether or not to fight, but you can't ask us our reasons, Terra. You can only follow your own heart. Forget about anyone else; me, Locke, Edgar, Banon, the Returners, everyone. Just ask yourself, if you were alone, right now, would you fight? That's your answer. And it will be your answer, not mine, not Locke's, not Edgar's, no one but your's."

"There are just so many people who are after me for one reason or another, Sabin," she said meekly, "who can I listen to? I feel comfortable talking to you about anything. Something about you tells me that you won't judge me, on anything. But who else can I trust?"

"Well, I can tell you that despite his playboy manner, you can trust my brother implicitly," replied Sabin with a smile, "He's always been fair to me, sometimes more than I've deserved. He'll stand by you through whatever you need. However…"

Sabin paused and looked deadly serious, and Terra swallowed, ready for whatever might come next. But Sabin's face quickly split into a grin and he laughed.

"However, don't you dare tell him I ever said that!" he said through his laughter, "I can't be responsible for my actions if you do!"

Terra gave Sabin another beaming smile as she left. Burn that man! How could he always get a smile on her face, especially when she didn't want it there? As she was wandering the hideout, Terra came across Edgar sitting at a table, working on one of his tools. As soon as he saw her, Edgar stood and gave her a grand bow.

"My beautiful Terra, I hope you're feeling better?" he asked with a smile. It was eerie how similar his and Sabin's smiles were.

"Yes, thanks Edgar."

The young king nodded, his sky-blue eyes seeming to pierce her defenses. "As much as we want you fighting alongside us, it's going to be difficult to convince you. After all, if we push you too hard, and make you do something that you don't want to do, then we've made ourselves no different than the Empire. You just have to decide if this is a fight you think is worthy enough to join."

Terra stood there with her mouth ajar. Just when she thought she had Edgar figured out he went and did something unexpected. Like say something serious without turning into his usual flirtatious self.

"How… how did you know I was going ask that?" she wondered.

Edgar smiled and spun around, his cape flapping through the air behind him.

Oh no, thought Terra, back to the flirt. Burn him, he was just starting to impress me.

"Well gorgeous, this may seem like I'm boasting," he said over his shoulder, "but the truth remains I have been gifted with many natural talents. My handsome face, the ability to charm ladies out of their clothes, charming nobles and politicians to support me… but I must say my greatest talent is that I can always read a lady's mind!"

He spun back around with his "lady-killer" smile on, only to realize that she was gone. Edgar sighed. "Burn me. Keep your eyes on the target next time, old boy. Keep you eyes on the target."


Thank the Ancients, thought Terra, I never thought I'd actually manage to escape that.

thought Terra,

She had wandered about the mountain base for a while after that, meeting many of the others who had joined the Returners. One room had been a storage area for many of their more powerful items. The captain who had been taking inventory had invited her to take what she needed. One item in particular had called to Terra, a beautiful cape of the purest white. She could feel something different about it, hidden flows of magical power suffused it.

It was a relic from the days of the Ancients. The secrets of making relics had been lost long before the War of the Magi, but there had been more in those days, she remembered hearing. The war had destroyed much of the world, including many of the relics that some people had thought to be indestructible. With a smile and a thanks to the Returner captain, she left the room.

She smiled wanly as she made her way outside. Edgar had been the worst of her friends to deal with, as always, but on her way through the base she'd encountered at least a dozen Returners, all of whom looked at her like she was their savior, or actually pleaded with her to join their fight.

As Terra made it into the late afternoon sun, she took a deep breath. She sat down on one of the rocks and closed her eyes. She'd seen Sabin meditating several times when she'd woken up on the journey here. He always seemed calm when he came out of it, and Terra figured it was worth a try.

She steadied her breathing, deep breaths in and out. Terra let her hands rest in her lap as she closed her eyes. She tried to calm her thoughts, but they were just going too rapidly. Half-forgotten memories, doubts of her future, thoughts about her three friends, images of Kefka, and more bombarded her mind. She'd never be able to meditate.

Terra opened her eyes, and saw Banon sitting on one of the rocks opposite her. He was watching her, not with that evaluating gaze from earlier, but this time with compassion and kindness. Instantly she saw why Locke and Edgar thought so highly of him. With one look she was ready to trust Banon implicitly.

Just ask yourself, if you were alone, right now, would you fight?

Sabin's words echoed in her mind. Is this a war she should help wage? Would the victory be worth the cost? She knew she no longer had time to put off the decision. It was now or never, play it safe or take a chance?

"I am sorry that I've had to put this weight on your shoulders, my dear," Banon said to her, "but these days, there is so little hope against the Empire's mighty armies. People must have hope. Without it, there will be no victory in war. There will only be casualties. Will you fight alongside us? Will you be our last ray of hope?"

Terra felt tears gather in her eyes, and could see in Banon's eyes that he already knew her answer.

"I… can't," she whispered, "I'm only Terra. Just Terra. I can't be everyone's hope. It's too much. I can't be your hope."

Tears streaming down her face, Terra ran back into the mountain base, not paying attention to where she was going. She slid against one wall, mostly hidden by stacks of crates. She hadn't been able to do it. They wanted her to save the world. It was too big, it was too much.

Distantly, she heard people yelling, and pulled herself out of her grief to hear what was being shouted.

"All Returners begin evacuation! Start getting your assigned supplies out of here and follow evacuation procedures to the rendezvous! Move it!"

Terra dried her eyes and stood up, following soldiers back to the main entrance. Banon, the others, and several of the Returners' captains stood huddled together. Terra squeezed in between Locke and Edgar, and gasped.

A young Returner, no older than her, lay on the ground. His left arm was gone, only a charred stump remained. His clothes were blackened and a deep gouge ran across his chest.

"Bloody Ancients," cursed Locke quietly, "someone really did a number on him."

Sabin knelt next to the young man as one last shudder when through him. He looked up at Banon.

"He lost too much blood, and kept bleeding inside. I can feel it in his belly," explained Sabin as he pushed gently against the man's stomach.

"Bloody Magitek armor," muttered Banon, then turned to address the rest gathered around, "All captains, meet in the main conference room. Everyone else will continue the evacuation. Sabin, Locke, Edgar, Terra, please come with us."

Locke helped keep her steady as Terra walked away from the dead Returner. Her face was contorted in a mixture of despair and pain. Her knees felt like jelly, but she couldn't understand why. She'd already killed more than a few men since leaving Narshe, so why should this one's death bother her so much?

"What happened?" she asked Locke.

The rogue shook his head. "We're not sure. All of a sudden Banon came in from sitting outside yelling for help. He tried to use his healing abilities, but it didn't work. All the kid was able to say was that the Empire was coming."

Terra was immediately grateful that Banon hadn't told anyone what her answer had been.

Banon led them all to a large conference room with a single long table set with a many chairs. He immediately took the seat at the head of the table, while the Returner captains took their own seats in no particular order.

"Jereth is dead," said Banon without preamble, "and it is clear from his wounds that he was killed by a suit of Magitek armor. He was only able to say that the Empire was on its way here, hence the reason for the evacuation. Before we separate, we need to make plans for the future. We know that Gestahl has had Magitek armor for years and has deployed units in countless engagements, which always turns the tide of battle in his favor. But we haven't asked ourselves how he's learned to create these machines."

"While we were back at Figaro Castle, Locke uncovered numerous rumors that the Empire has had their finest scholars and scientists examining every rumor and shred of information that is known about Espers," explained Edgar.

"Now when we take that information, and add it to the fact that the only thing that interested the Empire in Narshe was the unearthed Esper, and the coincidences started getting less and less coincidental," added Locke.

Understanding nods passed around the table, but Terra was still confused.

"You mean, there's some kind of connection between Espers and Magitek armor?" she asked.

Banon nodded thoughtfully. "I can think of only one connection, my dear. The War of the Magi."

"It can't be," whispered Edgar.

Whispers and murmurs of disbelief ran through the gathered captains. Terra just looked at them all.

"My grandmother used to tell me stories about the Age of the Magi," said Locke, "She said the war ravaged the planet, with the Espers using their magic to power machines of destruction. Banon, do you really all those old legends are true?"

The old man shrugged uncomfortably. "It's only speculation, Locke. No one really knows anything about the War of the Magi or anything prior. But there are some stories that have been too frightening for people to pass down. Stories that say not only could machines be imbued with the magical power of the Espers, but people could, as well."

"We can only match the Empire's Magitek advantage with one of our own," said Edgar thoughtfully.

"My feelings precisely," agreed Banon, "my plan is risky, but if Terra is able to somehow communicate with that Esper in Narshe, we might have a solution to winning the war. She might even be able to get it to awaken."

"Banon," said Sabin, "are you certain that's a wise move? Mortals shouldn't toy with powers beyond their comprehension."

"I can't say whether or not it's wise, my friend," answered the older man, "Regardless, we need Terra's help. Maybe we won't be saving the world all at once, but I think this is a good first step."

Terra looked at him sharply, her face slack with astonishment. Banon was once again asking for her help. This time however, it was a much lighter load to bear. She wasn't being asked to save the world. She was being asked to take a step in the right direction. One thing at a time. It was the only way she could get her head around it.

She looked around the table, seeing the pleading faces of the Returner captains. She looked at Sabin's smile, full of confidence that she would make the decision right for her. She saw Edgar's hope that she could help right the wrongs that Kefka and the Empire had done to the world. She saw in Locke's face the desperation of making the Empire pay its crimes.

If I don't fight, she thought, how many more people will suffer? How many more will be sacrificed for the Empire's grab at magical power? These people have done nothing but try to help me, can I refuse? Do they deserve it? Do I have the right after all they've done?

"I'll do it," she said more confidently than she felt.

Locke and Edgar's faces split into wide smiles, and Sabin's smile turned into a knowing look.

Suddenly another Returner rushed into the room. "Lord Banon, sir! Another messenger has arrived!"

Banon was the first one out of the room, with Terra and the others right on his heels. A woman older than Edgar was sitting on a few of the crates. There were burn marks along her left ribs and on the underside of her left arm. Without a word, Banon brought his hands close to her injuries. Green sparks seemed to jump from his palms to the wounds, and in moments they had vanished as if they'd never existed.

"What news do you have?" he asked sternly.

"Sir, South Figaro was invaded by the Empire two nights ago," she explained, "they took control of the city yesterday morning. We learned this while interrogating an Imperial scout when my team was attacked by a pair of Magitek armor suits. They know we're here, and they're on their way."

Banon nodded gruffly. "They found us. I knew they would… eventually. We haven't a moment to lose. Captains! Be certain that your units take the necessary supplies as you evacuate the area. Make for the rendezvous with all haste and wait for me to contact you. I will be using the alternate codes in case the Empire has learned our primary codes. May the Ancients speed you on your way!"

Locke was looking back and forth between Edgar and Banon. "Well, looks like someone has to go and keep the Empire preoccupied for a while. Give everyone as much time as possible and keep the Empire going as slowly as possible. I wonder who has the necessary talents to sneak around Imperial lines?"

Edgar managed a brave smile for his friend. "Why I think that would be right you alley, thief."

"Treasure hunter," insisted Locke, "Terra, I don't know how long I'll be, but you'll be safest in Narshe. I'll be back. Sabin, take care of her."

Sabin gave the treasure hunter a serious nod and Locke moved toward the cave entrance. Then he stopped. "And by the way Terra, don't allow a lecherous young king, who shall remain nameless, anywhere near you!"

Locke was gone before Edgar could get a sputtering reply out of his mouth, his face having gone well past red.

Sabin chuckled softly. "Big brother, aren't you ever going to grow up?"

Edgar did what he could to get himself under control, then turned to face them. "So what about us? Narshe, is it?"

"We can make our escape down the Lete River," explained Banon, "Once the river turns towards the ocean, we can make landfall and make our way to Narshe then. I'm going with you. I want to see this Esper for myself. And Arvis needs to be updated on the situation."

Banon led them back through the mountain complex until they ended up on the other side of the mountain. The Lete River flowed very quickly at this point, making the large raft waiting there sway back and forth violently.

Sabin leapt onto the raft, amazingly keeping his footing even as the raft shook beneath him.

"Come on!" he called.

Banon jumped on next, steadied by Sabin's bulk. Terra went next, and almost stumbled if she hadn't fallen right into Sabin.

"Thanks," she whispered.

"Anytime," he replied.

Edgar was the last to hop aboard, cutting the mooring lines with his sword as he did so. Sabin used the large pole on board to push them away from the sides of the cliffs and into the river's flow. But all wasn't relaxing, because Terra saw rocks directly in the path.

"You didn't say anything about rapids on this river!" she yelled at Banon.

The old man smiled. "Well, I didn't think any of you would agree to take this route if I had! Sorry!"

"Hang on!" yelled Sabin.

The other three held on as tightly as they could while the river roared and crashed all around them. Sabin stood at the rear of the raft, using the pole to guide them as best as he could around the rocks. Watching him as the water sprayed around him while he stood straight, it was surreal, like something out a storybook or an artist's imagination.

It only took a few minutes to get through the rapids, but it felt like hours. Once they were past the rocks, the river was still very fast-flowing. Sabin sank to one knee, exhausted. Banon made his way over, green sparks flying from his hands across all of Sabin's body, rejuvenating him.

Edgar crawled over to where Terra was sitting at the edge of the raft. "So gorgeous, when we get to Narshe, how about that dinner I promised you?"

Terra gave him a bemused smile. "Edgar, when we get to Narshe, the only thing I'm going to do is have a hot bath. Alone."

Edgar nodded and moved away, muttering something about her being uncooperative, but he was smiling.

Suddenly the raft slowed almost to a crawl, despite the speed of the water flowing around them.

"I don't like this," commented Banon.

Without warning, massive tentacles leapt out of the water, two of them holding the raft virtually still, and a large purple mass rose in front of them. Some kind of octopus, but the creature had a humanoid face with two large eyes and a wide mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth. The creature laughed.

"Bow to me mortals! Bow before the might of the glorious Ultros!" cried the octopoid.

"Boy, you are ugly," muttered Sabin.

"Don't dare tease the octopus, you delicious morsel!" yelled Ultros, "Just let me get a bib and you'll all soon enjoy the hospitality of my stomach!"

One of its tentacles flew forward, slamming heavily into Banon and knocking the old man down heavily.

"Banon!" cried Terra, but she turned towards the creature, throwing her hands forward and letting flames shoot forth to engulf Ultros, making the monster roar in pain.

"I'll show you the power of Figaro!" yelled Edgar as he pulled out his autocrossbow and fired a volley of heavy spikes into the mass of purple flesh.

Ultros roared again and flung another tentacle forward, hitting Edgar across the face. Terra spun to see if he was okay, and caught a glimpse of Sabin.

His hands were close together at his stomach, a globe of pure white light shining between them. For just a moment, Terra could have sworn that once again Sabin's body was suffused with golden-white light. Then he stepped forward and threw his hands out, a beam of white light hurtling through the air and scorching Ultros.

As the creature pulled away from the raft in pain, green sparks flew from Banon's hands onto all of them, healing the welts from Ultros' tentacles.

"I never lose!" screamed Ultros, "I'll turn you all into seafood soup!"

The octopus-creature sent four of its tentacles hurtling forward, hoping to knock them off the raft and into his territory: the water. But this time they were ready. Sabin and Terra were both able to dodge the blow, while Banon managed to bring his shield up and deflect the tentacle to the side, while Edgar shot the one coming at him full of spikes from his autocrossbow.

Terra and Banon both cut at the creature with their weapons, cutting off the ends of the tentacles, while Sabin again focused his power and fired another beam of spiritual energy through the air.

"I'll get you yet!" screamed Ultros.

The octopoid sank into the water, drenching them with the spray. For the moment, the four heroes thought they were safe.

"You think we thrashed it?" wondered Sabin.

"I wouldn't bet on it, little brother," commented Edgar, "I'm pretty sure that he's down below, hiding and just waiting for another opportunity."

Terra nodded, breathing heavily. She never wanted to see that creature again. Suddenly, something wet and slimy wrapped around her leg. "Eww! Something's on my leg!"

Sabin and Edgar were there a split second later. Sabin grabbed her and pulled her away from the edge of the raft while Edgar cut away the purple tentacle. Then the raft began to shake violently, making it all they could do to remain standing.

"He's right underneath us!" cried Banon.

Edgar grunted as he tried to keep his balance. "He's gonna knock us right off the raft and into the water! We won't stand a chance against him!"

"Stand back, I'll get him with a Blitz!" Sabin assured them. Ignoring his brother's protests, Sabin leapt high into the air and dove straight into the water.

Terra's face had gone white with fear for Sabin as Edgar muttered about his younger brother's overzealousness. After one last violent shake the raft seemed to be free and continued down the river. But there was no sign of Sabin.

"Sabin!" yelled Edgar and Terra together.

"Don't do to this to me, little bro!" Edgar went on, "I've waited ten years so don't make me lose you again!"

"I wouldn't worry about him, he'll be fine," said Banon surely.

"Are you sure?" asked Edgar.

Banon gave them an enigmatic smile. "You should know better than any of us. I'm sure in a moment he'll come flopping back onto the raft."

A second later, Sabin came hurtling out of the water, only to crash into the cliff wall, knocking him unconscious and dropping him in the river behind them.

"Sabin!" cried Terra fearfully, as they watched the river pull him down a different branch than them. His head just barely bobbed above the water.

Edgar was suddenly next to her, holding her shoulders and doing his best to comfort her.

"You take care of yourself, Sabin," whispered Edgar as Sabin disappeared from their view.

Banon reluctantly steered them on towards Narshe, knowing that if Sabin survived, he'd meet them there.

The rest of the afternoon passed by in relative silence. Terra was amazed by her own reaction. She had known Locke for much longer than Sabin, yet it was the latter who occupied most of her thoughts. Certainly Locke had saved her life and she trusted him to stand by her when she needed him, but he didn't have that same aura of compassionate confidence. Terra knew that whenever Sabin was around, things seemed less dire. Maybe it was because she knew he'd been trained by the greatest hero of all time, maybe it was because he could laugh at so much, she didn't know.

Just by looking into Edgar's sky-blue eyes, she could tell that he was also very worried about his younger brother.

Banon finally brought them to a stop when the Lete River began to make a sharp turn towards the east. They made their camp for the night on the riverbank, with Narshe a two day's march away.

They had a quiet dinner of warm rations, for none of them had any real expertise hunting. Terra had seen Locke set a few traps on their trip down to Figaro Castle, but she still had no idea how they worked.

Eventually, as she continued to go over the fight with Ultros, guilt pushed its way to the top of her emotions. Sabin had been protecting her, just like the others had. Why did they always feel like they had to protect her? She could take care of herself! She knew Edgar did it out of his flirtatious nature, to be the perfect gentleman and take the blow for the lady.

Terra stifled a chuckle at that thought.

But Sabin didn't seem to have a reason. On the trip to Mt. Kolts he'd stepped in front of them to take more blows than he had any right to take from the monsters they ran into. It was like it was in his nature to protect. Terra shook her head, wishing it would all make sense.

"Hey Terra," said Edgar.

She returned his greeting with a weak smile.

"Hey, don't give me a lying smile like that," he admonished, "I at least deserve a genuine smile. I know you're worried about Sabin. I am too. But we shouldn't worry all that much. Just because my brother's brains are inversely proportional to the size of his muscles…"

Terra had to giggle at that. That had been her first thought about Sabin; all muscle and no brain. She was glad to have been proven wrong.

"But the fact is," continued Edgar, "that somehow he managed to make it through all these years outside the castle, away from his royal heritage. Sabin's a survivor, he'll make it to Narshe."

"I think you're both worrying about him far too much," commented Banon, already stretched out on his bedroll, "Sabin could not have asked for a better mentor in the world than Master Duncan. A legend in his own time, Duncan was a wise old bird who knew a great deal more than just how to fight. But there never was a greater warrior to walk the earth."

Edgar shook his head and winked at Terra. "You're being too modest, Banon. You fail to mention yourself, for the legends speak of Master Duncan and his equally legendary friend; Banon, the healing general."

Terra noticed that the older man actually blushed crimson and tried to bury himself under the bedroll.

"That was all a long time ago," muttered Banon, but Edgar didn't let up.

"My father told me stories about the two of you as leaders. Duncan, who never failed to lead his soldiers from the front, always there to fight alongside them. Banon, whose strategies and tactics turned the tide of victory more than once based on a single wise decision. He told me how Generals Banon and Duncan stood at the forefront of the Urthmen War and saved thousands upon thousands of lives in Figaro, Doma, and the southern continent."

Banon emerged from under his bedroll and looked rather pensive. "Yes. We saved many lives during that war, as we fought alongside our old friend, the noble Lord Gestahl. And it was our efforts that gave Gestahl the opportunity to create his Empire and set the world on its current path. Remember, both of you remember this. The actions of every individual person have consequences on the entire world, and all too often those consequences are what you could never imagine."


They marched on into the colder mountain valleys, until Terra once again found snow under her footsteps. Edgar seemed almost fascinated by the snow. With his castle in the middle of a desert and the city getting warm ocean breezes all year-round, there weren't many opportunities for him to enjoy the simple pleasure of snow.

After another day or two of walking the three of them could see the walls of Narshe as the sun was just falling behind the mountains.

Banon shivered a little under his cloak. "I can't wait to rest these bones in front of a warm fire at Arvis' home. Maybe he'll have some tea ready…"

Edgar chuckled and even Terra managed a smile.

"Is Arvis the man Locke told me about?" she asked, "The man who helped me escape?"

"That's Arvis," replied Banon, "he's a good man. One of the first people who joined the Returners to fight against the Empire."

The three of them approached the main gate, which was heavily guarded by at least two squads of Narshe's guards. Most of them looked younger than Terra, and they readied their weapons as the trio approached.

"Halt there!" ordered the oldest one, no older than Edgar.

"Hang on a moment, sir," said one of the boys, "isn't this the Imperial witch who busted through town a few weeks ago?"

"Burn me, you're right boy!" he cried, "Get out of here, you flaming witch!"

Surprisingly, it was Banon who stepped up first. "Now wait just a minute, do you know who I am?"

"No," said the guard with a smirk, and then he promptly punched Banon in the stomach.

The older man fell to his knees, and then Edgar was between the two of them and the guards.

"Hold on a minute," he cried, "I'm King Edgar Figaro, we have business here with Elder Kendrik."

"You're a liar!" yelled the young boy, punching Edgar in the face, "No one could be with that bloody witch! She helped kill so many people! She… she…"

The boy couldn't say any more than that, and Terra suddenly realized he must have lost someone very close to him. A father, maybe, or a brother. She shuddered, realizing that it had been because of her he'd lost that person. Who else had she killed? Here and elsewhere? Where had she been in her dream, with Kefka gleefully telling her to burn everything?

"Get out of here," rasped the older guard, "if you come back again, we'll string you up by your neck."

With Edgar rubbing his cheek and Banon holding his side, the three of them backed away from the gate as the guards closed it against them.

"That kind of attitude is going to get us killed," muttered Edgar, "I have no idea how we can get into town, they won't even listen to us now."

"This is all my fault," whispered Terra, "I came here and killed so many of them…"

"This was not your fault, Terra," said Banon firmly, "You were controlled by a Slave Crown. Whoever sent you here, it's their fault those people died. All we can do is try to set things right, but first we need to figure out how to get into the town."

Remembering how she and Locke had escaped from Narshe, she led the two men to the west along the mountain, until they could barely make out the lights along the town wall. Terra was pretty certain this is where she and Locke had emerged from the mines.

Try not to forget about this, Locke had said to her.

"When Locke helped me to escape from here," she explained to the others, "he led me out through one of the secret tunnels of Narshe. I think we came out somewhere around here."

Edgar nodded. "Locke's always had a thing for secrets. One of these outcroppings is probably the switch to open the entrance. Did he do anything complicated with the switch?"

"No, he just pushed it up," replied Terra.

For the next twenty minutes they searched around the area, trying to pull down every thrust of rock in front of them. Finally, Terra found one jagged bit that felt like cold metal, not rock. She pulled it down and just to the left, the rock wall pushed in a bit and swung inward.

"And the tools of a thief strike again," muttered a grinning Edgar as they entered.

They followed the pitch-black tunnel until it opened up in one of the lower levels of the mines. But even here, the oil lamps burned brightly. Edgar explained that the people of Narshe had long ago domesticated and trained giant mine rats for exploration and to keep the lamps filled and lit at all hours of the day.

Terra was already looking forward to a chair in front of a warm fire with a cup of hot soup. If she never saw another snowflake again in her life it would be fine with her.

"Hold it!" whispered Banon loudly, "Look ahead."

In front of them, a shining silver ball of light hovered in mid-air.

"It's a guardian light," explained the old man, "it's an ancient defense mechanism that's been long forgotten by man. It must be a security measure left by Moogle magic from when they lived in these levels, before they moved deeper into the mountains. It will lay out a course for us to follow, and we have to follow it exactly. No one knows exactly what happens if you fail. Some legends say the light can simply kill you or do something as amazing as send you to a different reality."

"Well, let's not tempt the Ancients," said Edgar, "we'll be careful and get through this as quickly as we can."

The three of them followed the light as carefully and as fast as they could. Trying to make sure that it never got too far out of sight, so that they could see where it turned around the large columns of rock that were interspersed throughout the room. After more than ten minutes of following the light, they finally emerged on the opposite side of the room.

They climbed the rocky incline and came to a new level of the mines, one that Terra recognized as the one she had fallen from. She took over the lead and took the two men through the mines. Mine rats and the ugly little men with wrenches pestered them, but with Banon and Edgar with her, they were much less of a problem.

Finally they emerged onto the snow-covered ledge over the western edge of the town. Terra wrapped herself in the white cape she'd picked up at Mt. Kolts and led the other two over the bridge that led directly to the back door of Arvis' house. Quietly they opened the back door and slipped inside.

Arvis wasn't in his bedroom, but rather in one of the oversized chairs in front of the fire. He was staring into the flames, completely unaware of them.

"Good evening, Arvis," said Banon quietly.

The other man leapt out of the chair, spilling the glass of wine he'd been sipping at.

"Banon!" he cried, "Terra? King Edgar? Your majesty, pardon me. Burn you, Banon, quit sneaking up behind me!"

The Returners' leader grinned widely. "Sorry about that. We've had to evacuate Mt. Kolts. The Empire turned up there and has also taken South Figaro. Locke is doing what he can to keep the Empire from coming back to Narshe, or at least to slow them down as much as possible. What's been happening here in Narshe?"

Arvis shook his head disgustedly. "The town remains neutral. A lot of the younger boys who joined the guards want to strike out at the Empire, but Elder Kendrik and most of the rest of the Council keeps them in line. All he has to do is remind everyone of his mistake."

Banon nodded in understanding, but Edgar and Terra were left looking at each other. Did everyone they were associating with know each other?

"I've tried to convince people to side with you and the Returners," continued Arvis, "but Elder Kendrik keeps me quiet as much as he can. Anyway, what in Ancients' name made you three come here?"

"How are your people doing?" asked Edgar.

Arvis shrugged. "After Terra and the others came through, Elder Kendrik had no choice but to reveal the fact that an Esper had been found in the mines. Somehow he'd kept it from the town at large. So everyone went… slightly berserk when they found out. It'll get even worse when they learn that the Empire is coming back."

"Well, hopefully this young woman will help communicate with that Esper," said Banon, placing his hands on Terra's shoulders, "We probably have more to learn about it than we can imagine."

"The people are clamoring to see the Esper," explained Arvis, "some of them began swarming into the mines. Elder Kendrik and the Marshal-Captain moved the Esper somewhere into the mountains, no one knows where, and there are guards at every pass. Maybe Terra, you could help restore some order to the town."

She nodded sharply. Her doubts were gone, she knew what she had to do. This was a battle she had to fight. She had to show the people of Narshe that people could make their own decisions when they weren't being controlled. She would show them that she wasn't a danger. Terra knew she would do what she had to do, just like everyone else.

Edgar stood off to one side, watching the other three talking. He shook his head grimly. "That Esper is either going to save us… or dig us an early grave."