Ch. 10 Daein
Elincia, her most loyal servants, and Link sat in a meeting room, discussing how to deal with Ludveck.
"Excellent work, Lucia." Elincia congratulated her spy. "Because of you and Link, we have the evidence we need to prosecute Ludveck for treason. We also now know his battle strategy."
"Yes, but the only problem is he knows we know. Therefore, he will change his plans as easily as the wind changes direction." Bastian slammed his fist on the table. "We need to capture him now before he can strike."
"What do you propose we do, Bastian?" The queen asked the clever nobleman.
"I've already formed a battle plan." Soren pulled a map from the wall and spread it across the table. "Ludveck will either try to attack the capitol as soon as possible or he'll flee. Either way, we can counter both. Geoffrey, Bastian, and a group of soldiers will march on Ludveck's mansion and attempt to arrest him. If he tries to flee, he'll have to take this course."
Soren circled an area on the map and then drew an arrow indicating the path Ludveck would most likely take. "We mercenaries will cut him off. Meanwhile, if he and his army somehow manage to evade us, you will be hidden in Fort Alphea. Fort Alphea already has men stationed and therefore should be protected in the rare case of attack.
"Very well." Elincia agreed. "Geoffrey, prepare your men."
"Yes, Your Highness." Geoffrey bowed as he left.
"It would be wise to move like a jackrabbit and reach the fort as soon as possible." Bastian suggested. "Marcia has already readied your Pegasus, Your Highness."
"A wise suggestion, thank you Bastian." Elincia commented. "Link, what will you do now?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot help you in this fight, Your Highness." Link apologized. "I was commanded by my princess to not interfere directly. I've also been ordered to go to Daein. My princess senses a dark energy from that kingdom. I'm terribly sorry I will not be of more use."
"I understand and you have my blessing for safe travels." Elincia assured with a kind smile. "You have done so much for us, Link. Thank you."
Link bowed to the queen and left. He had to pack for his trip so that he could arrive on schedule.
"No surprise there." Soren snorted as soon as Link left the room.
"Be nice." Ike prompted his friend. "If it hadn't been for Link, we wouldn't have the evidence against Ludveck and Lucia would have been captured and used as a bargaining chip."
"Please. Like I would ever let that lowly man take me prisoner." Lucia snorted.
Elincia glanced at Ike, who seemed worried. "Lord Ike, you look disturbed. May I be of assistance?"
"No, it's nothing, Your Highness." Ike quickly sat up and brushed aside his fears. "I'm worried what will happen if Ludveck learns of our plan and attacks you at the fort while we are absent. I would rather protect you than capture Ludveck."
"Your concern for me is very touching." Elincia smiled at the mercenary. "However, you need not worry. Bastian and Soren have worked hard on this plan and I will be perfectly safe. Please concentrate on the mission and your own well being."
Link had his gear packed and was leaving the castle when he heard Mist's voice call to him. "Link, where are you going?"
He turned to the girl and smiled. "Oh, I'm off to Daein. I wish you well, Mist."
"What? But a battle for the kingdom is about to occur. You can't leave now."
"Unfortunately, this was a direct order from my princess. I can't disobey. Besides, I don't think Elincia will need my help any longer. She has your brother, which is more than enough."
"I suppose you're right." Mist sighed. "Still, it would have been nice to visit with you a little longer."
"Well, once I've completed my missions with the other countries, I may show myself again." Link teased. Seeing Mist's hopeful expression, he quickly became serious. "Mist? Will you promise me something?"
"What?" The girl asked.
Link's voice lowered to nothing more than a whisper. He leaned down to the girl's ear and she leaned into him. "Don't do anything reckless. If you are about to run into trouble, turn the other way and run. I don't want you risking your life, got it?"
Mist straightened up in annoyance and huffed. "For goodness sake, Link! You sound like my brother."
"Well, your brother is right in this kind of situation. Please, promise me you won't do anything dangerous."
"O.K., I promise." The girl sighed.
"Good. I'll see you later." Link played a song on his ocarina. Once again, a cocoon of feathers formed around his body and the Hylian vanished. Mist sighed again and went to find Ike.
Link teleported to the capitol city of Daein and looked around the city. Even though Daein was populated by only Beorc, just like Crimea, it was much different. Link tried to recall what Princess Zelda had told him about the Daeins. Three years ago, Daein had been run by a man known as the Mad King; a person whose wickedness rivaled even the King of Evil's. Ike defeated the Mad King and became a hero. However, since Daein had been such a hostile country during the Mad King's rule, it was taken over by its neighboring country, Begnion. Begnion soldiers treated the people of Daein like trash, and eventually a resistance drove the soldiers out. Now, Daein was an independent country run by the Mad King's son and had suffered through rough times. Many people lived in poverty; it would take a large effort on the government's behalf to get the country back on its feet.
'I just hope this new king is nicer than his father was.' Link thought as he looked around town. He noticed several workers rebuilding houses. If the new king took the time to send construction workers, he must not be too bad, but Link decided to meet the man before he judged him.
As Link walked through town, a girl bumped him into him and almost collapsed. Link caught the girl before she fell to the ground. The small girl only stood to Link's neck, but seemed to be around his age. She had long purple hair and purple eyes. Her outfit comprised of a purple skirt, green shirt, and purple cape.
"Oh my, I'm so sorry." The girl spoke weakly. Her face seemed pale.
"Its O.K." Link assured her, still supporting her. "You look fatigued. Are you sick?"
"No its just that I'm…I'm…I'm hungry!" The girl cried.
"Well, how about I help find you something to eat?" Link offered kindly.
"You would do that? But you barely know me." The girl suddenly became full of energy.
"Of course." Link brought the girl to a restaurant and let her order whatever she wanted. He was shocked by the amount of food she ate. The piles of plates stacked as high as she was tall and she was still devouring her food as if she had never eaten before.
"How does such a little girl eat so much food without exploding?" Link asked in amazement.
"Wow! I'm actually full!" The girl announced happily.
"Here's your bill." The waiter informed Link. He handed Link a sheet of paper.
Link almost fell over when he saw how much he had to pay. "Great. All the money I brought on my trip was spent on a single meal." Link sighed as he paid the waiter. As Link rose from the table and began to leave, the girl jumped up and quickly followed him.
"Wait for me, Sir. What's your name? Mine is Ilyana." The girl announced.
Link smiled in spite of himself at her bubbly energy. "Hello, Ilyana. I'm Link."
"Link, thank you so much for the food." Ilyana almost cried as she wrapped her arms around Link's stomach and squeezed him into a tight hug. "I swear I'll never forget your name."
"That's very nice." Link wheezed. "But can you stop squishing me?"
"Ilyana, what are you doing?" A young man approached the girl. He looked to be in his mid-twenties and had short green hair. His appearance was roguish, which was only enhanced by his brown, baggy pants and long green vest. Link noticed a set of knives and picks secured on a belt around his waist.
Standing next to the man was a woman who appeared the same age as the man. She seemed very odd for a human/Beorc with long, silver hair and yellow eyes. She wore a short red dress, black pants, and a blue cape.
"Please, don't tell me your eating again?" The silver-haired maiden asked.
"I was hungry." The Ilyana protested.
"You just ate." The young man reminded her. "How could you have been hungry again?"
"I don't know. I just was." Ilyana shrugged nonchalantly. "He was kind and fed me." She pointed to Link. The others turned their attention to the Hylian.
"Umm, excuse me?" Link suddenly felt very uncomfortable under their gaze and wanted to leave the restaurant. "How can I reach the palace? I have a meeting with the King."
"Tell me, are you the diplomat from Hyrule?" The silver-haired maiden asked.
"You could say that." Link nodded.
"Well, in that case, my name is Lady Micaiah." The silver-haired maiden announced. "This here is my friend, Sothe, and I believe you've already met Ilyana. If you please follow me, I will gladly lead you to the palace." Micaiah lead Link to the castle, where the guards standing at the gate saluted her and allowed the group entrance.
"You are some sort of commanding officer?" Link guessed.
"Micaiah was Daein's tactician during our revolution against Begnion. She was also one of the leaders of the resistance." Sothe exclaimed.
"Sothe, please." Micaiah hushed, slightly bashfully.
"Right, you don't like take any credit and you let the King have it instead." Sothe snorted, hinting at his dislike towards the country's new ruler.
"Sothe, hush." Micaiah ordered, silencing her friend as they approached two solid wood doors.
"I guess we know the boss in this relationship." Ilyana giggled.
"I told you, Ilyana, Micaiah is not my girlfriend!" Sothe yelled at the girl, causing her to giggle more.
"This is the King's chamber. You may enter." Micaiah opened the large doors.
The King's chamber wasn't much different than the usual. It had a long carpet leading to the throne and several pictures hung on the wall. The King was actually a young man who didn't look older than fifteen. He had short blue hair and wore blue and black robes with a white cape. To the King's right was a young woman who was covered in a dark navy blue dress and veil. The only part of her that Link could see was the bottom of her face and tresses of long green hair. Standing to the King's left was a old and decrepit looking man with blue hair and purple robes.
Link couldn't explain it, but as soon as he stepped into the room, he felt an uneasiness come about him. Zelda was right, there was something dark lurking in this country, but Link had yet to put his finger on what it was.
"Micaiah, who is this boy?" The woman standing next to the King asked.
"He is an ambassador from Hyrule, my Lady." Micaiah informed with a graceful bow.
"Mother, this must be the person have been expecting." The King spoke to the woman.
"Yes, it is." She stated. "Tell me, ambassador, what business to you have in Daein? Hyrule has stayed away, isolated from foreign countries for the longest time now. Why would you be interested in foreign affairs now?"
"The Princess Zelda had a vision about a great war, causing much destruction and awakening a darkness this world hasn't seen for centuries. She wishes to stop this. She also senses a darkness looming over this country and is worried it may affect Hyrule."
"I see." The King's mother spoke rudely. "Never fear. Our country has no desire to participate in a war that concerns Begnion. We are busy trying to rebuild the way it is. As for this darkness in our country, Izuka and I do not sense a thing, therefore, I doubt there is need to worry. Even if these concerns were real, they would be our country's business and not your princess's. Is there anything else you wish to speak to us about?"
"Only the regular political agenda." Link informed. "My princess gave me paperwork to complete with you."
"We don't have time for that now." The queen spoke. "We will set up a time to speak with you about international relations later."
"Your Highness." The old man spoke, as he bent over and whispered into the young king's ear.
"If you have something to say to my son, say it out loud, Izuka." The queen ordered.
"Forgive me, my Lady." Izuka apologized. "I was merely suggesting that we greet our guests with a warmer welcome. We wouldn't want to appear rude."
"I suppose that is true." The King agreed, speaking for the first time. "Your name is Link, correct."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Link answered.
"I welcome you to Daein, Link." The young king spoke.
Link bowed. Though they had been rude, he didn't have to be. "Thank you, Your Highness. It's a pleasure to be in such a lovely country."
The queen seemed to soften at Link's display of manners. "Micaiah, show the ambassador to his quarters."
"Yes, my Lady." Micaiah responded, bowing to the woman and leading Link out of the room.
"You can probably tell from that meeting who really runs the country." Sothe grimly told Link.
"Sothe, we already had this talk." Micaiah reminded her friend.
"Yeah, yeah, I know." The young man sighed. "I was only preparing him for what lies ahead. He's not stupid. He saw who gave the orders, though I think he's starting to win her over."
"I must admit, I was quite surprised." Link told his new friends. "This country's monarchy is much different than Crimea's."
"Wait! Did you just say Crimea?" Sothe asked. "You've met Queen Elincia?"
"Yes. She was rather hospitable to me. I enjoyed Crimea and may return there after my missions are complete.
"Did you happen to meet a large, muscular man with blue hair?" Sothe asked. "He carries a large sword and goes by the name of Ike?"
"Yes. I've actually met Ike more than once." Link answered. "Why do you ask?"
"You've met Ike! That's fantastic!" Sothe shouted with glee. "Tell me, how's he doing? He and I were comrades during the Mad King's War. He actually served as my commander."
"He's doing well. Right now, he's helping the Queen stop some rebels in her country." Link felt the slightest twinge of guilt that he wasn't able to help, but he pushed that to the back of his mind.
"That sounds like him." Sothe commented. "You'll have to tell him I say hello if you see him again. It's been awhile."
"Honestly, there you go again on about Ike." Micaiah rolled her eyes. "The way you act, it's as if he's the mother of your child. Anyway, this will be your room." Micaiah unlocked a door and led Link into a nice room.
"There should be a servant around if you need anything." Micaiah offered. "I have to return to overseeing the reconstruction. I hope to see you later." The young woman then rushed off, eager to help her country rebuild. Sothe quickly followed her.
Once Micaiah left, Link removed his pendant from his blade and contacted Zelda.
"Link, good to hear from you. What do you have to report?" The princess asked.
"You're definitely right, Your Highness. There is something very dark looming over this country."
"I count on you to discover what." Zelda informed. "Have you any new information on Rauru's successor?"
"I do have a relative idea of who it is, but that is all I can give you."
"Don't say a word." Zelda quickly ordered. "If I remember correctly, someone was listening to you during our last conversation. I would rather not know than risk even the slightest chance of the information falling into the wrong hands."
"Very well." Link agreed.
"I suppose you have an analysis on Daein? I've been eager to hear what you've observed" Zelda relaxed as she waited for Link's response.
Link didn't disappoint her. "It appears the King is only a figurehead. The country is run by his mother, and the country's sorcerer, Izuka."
"Izuka." Zelda spoke, as if trying the name out for herself.
Link recognized the change in her demeanor. "Is something wrong, Your Highness?" He questioned.
"No, nothing, at least, not yet. However, I suggest keeping an eye on this Izuka. Something doesn't feel right about that name."
"Very well. I have learned to trust your intuition."
Micaiah walked to her chambers and closed the door. A large wolf was lying on the rug, eyeing her as she entered.
"Hi there, Volug. Sorry you've been kept inside all day while I've been in town." Micaiah bent down and scratched the wolf behind the ears.
The wolf turned and spoke to her in the ancient language. "I was there. I've just learned to stay hidden to not gain attention."
"It cheers me up to know that you are still watching over me." After that short conversation, the wolf put his head back down and continued to watch Micaiah. Volug was never a talkative one. If someone managed to exchange a few sentences with him, it was considered a lengthy conversation.
As Micaiah began to change, the wolf got up, turned its back to Micaiah, and closed its eyes. "Volug, why is that most Laguz walk around in their human form when not in battle or traveling, but you're always in your beast form?"
"It's more comfortable." Volug responded simply.
"Oh, I see." Once Micaiah was in her nightgown, she went outside to her balcony. "I'll be awake a little while longer. You can got to bed if you want." The young woman looked down on the kingdom that she worked so hard to rebuild. She worked from dawn to dusk and was exhausted, yet, it seemed to her that nothing had been accomplished. Micaiah leaned against a pillar and released a huge sigh when she sensed a warm and familiar presence. She heard the flapping of wings and a swan the size of her perched on her balcony.
The large swan transformed into a middle-aged male heron with long blond hair and dressed in white robes.
"Rafiel, its you." Micaiah spoke.
"Yes, I have come to see how you are doing, my child." The heron asked. "How are things going for you?"
"Fine, but please lets step inside before Izuka sees you." Micaiah ushered her friend towards her chambers.
"Very well." The Laguz agreed, not offended by the girl's request. He understood well the prejudice against Laguz in Daein.
When Rafiel entered the room, Volug turned to see the heron and nodded as a greeting. "Yes, it is good to see you too, Volug." Rafiel greeted warmly.
Micaiah didn't mince words. She was pleased to see her friend, but knew there was purpose to his visit. "Rafiel, what brings you to these parts? It can't be just to visit us."
"Part of the reason is just that, my dear. However, there is another." Rafiel released a loud sigh before he spoke. "It's my brother and sister."
"What's wrong with them?"
"I feel like I'm truly the last of my kind. My father hasn't fully recovered from his illness, and my two younger siblings are acting like Hawks or Ravens. My brother, Reyson, has gotten quite the temper now and is acting more like a Hawk every day. My sister has become very stubborn and mischievous. I realize she is young, but I am afraid the Raven king may have had some bad influence on her."
"I thought you liked your fellow Laguz?"
"Oh, I do. I greatly enjoy their company, and I can't begin to repay the debt I owe them for taking care of my family when I was away. However, I'm afraid that does not excuse their prejudice towards the Beorc, and of course, your kind, Micaiah."
"Is this about the war?"
"Yes, I'm afraid that's what it all stems down to. I wish the Beorc and Laguz would learn to live in harmony. For example, I met Ike and he…" Rafiel suddenly became silent when he noticed Micaiah bit her lip when he brought up the mercenary. It was well known that Micaiah held some resentment towards Ike and blamed him for what had happened in Daein.
"I mean, look at Sothe and Ilyana. They both see Laguz as human beings. And unfortunately, most Laguz see Beorc as despicable as well. They claim to be prejudiced against the Beorc due to centuries of prejudice from the Beorc. Yet, that won't solve anything. All this hate and war is only going to result in more hate and war. But listen to me, ranting about my worries. I should really be worried about you, Micaiah, being in the middle of everything. How are you faring?"
"If that is what your worried about, you have no fear. The only people here who know about my secret are Sothe, Volug, and yourself. You have nothing to worry about. Anyway, it's time for bed. I'm afraid I won't be able to find you a room tonight. You can use my bed if you want."
"No, that won't be necessary, my child. I can see the bags under your eyes. It would be best if you had a good night's sleep. I will be perfectly fine sleeping on a couch."
"No, I won't allow it…"
"Do not worry. We Laguz are used to sleeping outside and "roughing it" as Beorc call it."
"If you insist." Micaiah yawned, She went to her bed and was practically asleep before she touched her pillow. Suddenly, her eyes opened. "Rafiel…"
"Yes, I know." Rafiel spoke.
Sothe crept quietly through the castle as he followed his target. The young man had been out for an evening walk, unable to fall asleep. It had been that time that he noticed Izuka sneaking around the castle, so Sothe decided to do a little of his own sneaking.
Izuka quickly turned around as Sothe hid from view. The old man checked to make sure no one was around. Once the coast appeared to be clear, Izuka pushed a block on the wall, causing a hidden passage to open.
"I knew he was hiding something." Sothe hissed under his breath as he followed the old man.
The secret passage led down a flight of stairs to an underground facility. What Sothe found brought horror to his eyes. Inside the cages were beast Laguz in their animal forms. The way they were growling and hissing indicated they had become feral. This was no doubt due to the drug Izuka fed them.
"I see you have found my secret liar." Izuka startled Sothe. The old man turned around to face the rogue. "Tell me, when did you suspect me?"
"Since the moment I met you." Sothe admitted with an angry snarl. "You never were one for tactics. I knew you were up to something. I just had to find evidence, and now that I have, I'm going to bring you in."
"Brave words for one so outnumbered." The old man claimed. Izuka held up his hand, causing a black orb to appear. The old sorcerer chanted a spell, causing all of the cages with the feral Laguz inside to open. "Now, my little pets, devour this intruder!" Izuka ordered.
"Great." Sothe grumbled.