Chapter 9

Alvin leaned against the wall in the War Room, fidgeting uncomfortably in his military uniform. Why did they make me wear this hideous thing..? He missed his usual rugged outfit and characteristic scarf.Sure saving the world was a noble thing to do, but he couldn't help feeling that he was getting too old for this sort of thing. After all, saving it just once was tiring enough. Well, they say third times the charm right? Besides, if Rowen is still fighting I guess I have no excuse.

Gaius was briefing the rest of his generals on the battle strategy that he and Rowen had devised. "And we will set up three camps here, along this ridge." He said, gesturing to the map. "We will rest there overnight and prepare our strike the next day. It's a lengthy walk from our destination, but we can't risk alerting our foes to our presence. The element of surprise is our greatest ally."

Alvin had heard this all before, but it couldn't hurt to hear it again. He was a general after all. A general… He couldn't believe that Gaius had not only recruited him on the spot, but had promoted him to a general as well. They must be short on soldiers for this battle; either that or he figures I'll cause less trouble if I'm the one giving orders.

He chuckled to himself. He had never been good at taking orders, which is probably why he chose to be a mercenary all those years ago.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door bursting open. "Gaius! Gaius! We have a problem!" Muzét said as she flew into the room.

Gaius looked up in alarm. "What is it Muzét? What happened?" He clearly didn't enjoy the idea of having any more problems on his plate.

"Come! Come! You should hear it from Sylph." She said, gliding out of the room as swiftly as she had entered.

Gaius seemed puzzled; he didn't expect the Great Spirit of Wind to pay him a visit today. As he strode from the room, he gestured for Alvin to join him. Guess I'm his right hand man now. He thought to himself.

When they entered the main audience chamber, they noticed Sylph floating back and forth in the middle of the room, anxiously waiting for them.

"Sylph! What's wrong? Why aren't you with Milla and Jude?" Gaius asked in a rather demanding tone.

Sylph glared at Gaius for a long moment, clearly not pleased with his aggressive tone. "Milla sent me to inform you that the train was attacked" he said. "The passengers will require your assistance."

Gaius lowered his head. "Who… would dare attack my people!?" He looked back at Sylph. "What else do you know?"

"The attack appears to have been caused by the local monsters" Sylph answered. "Milla and Efreet were searching the wreckage for survivors when I left."

Gaius turned his back to Sylph, pondering the situation. "So Milla and Jude are alright, then." He said. "I will send a squadron of my best soldiers to escort the passengers back to Fenmont."

Gaius looked to Alvin. Here we go… he thought to himself with a sigh. "Let me guess. You want me to lead the search party?"

Gaius nodded. "Correct. With Sylph's guidance, you should be able to reach the train within a days' time. Your squadron can rejoin our forces at the camp site after you have completed your task."

Alvin hesitantly nodded an affirmative. "I'll need some time to get ready then." He said as he turned to Sylph. "How far did you say the train made it before the attack?"

Sylph crossed his arms. "I didn't. The wreck occurred just outside the boarder of Rieze Maxia." He said.

"Great…" Alvin said with a grimace. "So they managed to make it into the mountains. That's going to be quite the hike."

"And we're totally ready for it!"

Startled, Alvin turned to see Leia burst into the chamber. Figures… he thought with a smile. "Leia, I wasn't planning on taking you with me this time."

"Oh really?" she said, crossing her arms. "Well, last time I checked, you were drafted into the military." She looked past Alvin to Gaius. "And military personnel have to follow orders! Gaius! Tell Alvin I'm coming along!"

Gaius chuckled. "Alvin, take Leia with you. Besides, she is one of the best healers we have."

Alvin sighed in defeat. "Fine, fine, you can come. But you better not embarrass me in front of my men! I am a General now after all."

Leia laughed. "Fine, whatever you say General."

As they strode from the room, Alvin heard Muzét ask Gaius; "How did you know that Jude was alright? Sylph only mentioned Milla."

"Come now Muzét, we both know that Milla would never let any harm come to Jude, not while she still had strength left."