Chapter 14

Alliance

"That's the worst of it then?"

Eiku nodded and scowled, "As I tell you he's trying to alter the entire balance of power in this region."

Ian asked contemptuously, "And you haven't crushed this group of malcontents or at the very least have recaptured them?"

Eiku hissed, "We'd have him by now, but he knows this territory the way a man knows his wife's body."

Ian nodded and then added, "And that I suppose was the reason for attacking innocent bystanders?" He lifted a brow.

Eiku shrugged and replied, "We can't be too careful."

The many conversations that the two had shared had been quite the same. Ian disdainful, Eiku wrathful. Ian questioning, Eiku answering. The commander always seemed very content to dwell on this soldier, Max, and his various crimes.

He also treated Ian with enormous respect and courtesy. It amused the sardonic mercenary that the soldiers who had wounded him now did everything they possibly could to help heal it. Quite a few priests had chanted and cast healing magic, and he was allowed light exercise.

Eiku's deferential courtesy was quite ironic, and it kept Ian from getting bored.

He had spent most of his time cooped up with Eiku gathering as much information as he could. After all, the arrow wound was quite debilitating, even for a swordmaster. That didn't stop him from taking advantage of the light exercise he had been allowed so as to find out just how incapacitated he was. He was given a small courtyard for his purposes upon request.

Closing his eyes, Ian drilled. Every attack pattern he knew for the single-sword, every parry, every riposte, every counter-attack. As his eyes opened he couldn't resist a slight smile. As he had hoped the wound was painful and made some maneuvers a little awkward, but it wouldn't detract too badly from his abilities. And that was when he finally noticed all of Eiku's soldiers who had been about, gaping at him in stunned silence.

Eiku, standing on a balcony overlooking the courtyard, shouted good-naturedly, "We don't get many swordmasters in this part of the world."

Ian almost laughed. Even the commander seemed to half think that Max was invincible.

At long last he was ready and he with Eiku and quite a few guards were riding out of the fortress. Eiku did however, and had from the first, keep a firm hold on Ian's sword. Quite wise of the commander to have not trusted him with it.

Eiku leaned across his horse and handed Ian the sword as he explained, "This is as far as we're going. You should be able to get on now. I must of course apologize for holding on to your sword, not that I don't trust you, but it's wise to never take a man or what he says at face value."

Ian blinked and then conceded affably, "Why yes I suppose that's true."

Eiku added, "Good fortune go with you swordmaster… who knows after this there may be future contracts, you're a useful man."

Ian said dryly, "You'll find that I usually ask for more than the return of my own gold."

Eiku cut in jubilantly, "Here, not only will I return your gold; I'll double it, fair enough?"

Ian nodded slowly.

Eiku laughed, "It's worth even more to me than that, but I've got a budget to consider."

Ian replied blandly, "Yes, don't we all?"

Eiku and his men turned their mounts and the commander shouted back, "Death to Max."

Ian nodded, then grinned pleased at the impression he had obviously made. He kicked his heels into his mount and set off.

---

Mishalea studied her new allies with interest. It still amazed her that Zeon had agreed to this alliance, but then from what she knew of him he was reputedly hotheaded.

He also looked much as she had expected. His body was lean, and full of thick, corded muscle. His face was horribly marred, and loose skin hung down from it. His skin was a sort of dead pale green color and his eyes were filmy white, although he wasn't blind. His hair was a delicate shade of purple, but quite brittle, and the voice that issued from that cavernous throat was croaking, deep, resonating, and hoarse.

Even now she could feel the awesome power emanating from him warning her and all the others in the shrine that they were allies, not friends. Her cool gaze revealed nothing but interest, and nor did it need to. Everyone in the room knew of the ancient animosity, between the two opposing powers of darkness. The Shining Force had necessitated this distasteful alliance, and it would therefore be done.

Mishalea's eyes traveled to the rest of the officers that Zeon had surrounded himself with.

She knew his second by reputation alone. Sir Odd-eye stood proudly, boldly alone from the others. His hair was a deeper shade of purple than his master's, and he resembled a human. Mishalea was certain he wasn't one, but the dark elf couldn't tell what he was at all for that matter. He was clad entirely in some armor of devil workmanship, and wielded a vicious looking sword, although she had never heard of any special qualities it possessed. She had also heard of the legendary beams of energy his blind eyes could create, thus giving him his name. Overall she was not disappointed; he would be a force to be reckoned with.

Next she appraised Geshp. She had also heard of this particular lackey. He was delicately plump and had on heavy robes of blue, red, and purple. His eyes were yellow and at an odd angle, almost crossed. He was a powerful magician, but his intelligence was absolutely legendary. His skin was a deep green, and he was slimy, oily, and conniving. He always had his fingers in everything, and had at least two or three plots going at any given time, an ally that was somewhat less trustworthy than a venomous snake.

Now as her eyes lingered on the Greater Devil, Red Baron, a slight smile appeared on her lips. Red Baron was reputedly a human general of some kingdom or other on Grans Island. He was said to have been tough, honorable, and courageous. Zeon however, feeling the need for another minion had a being of his possess… Lemon, yes that was it, Red Baron's original name had been Lemon. Once possessed he had lost his free will and Zeon had replaced it with an unquenchable blood lust, even going so far as to give him an evil sword. Well, all great powers needed some measure of unthinking brute force, it wasn't unreasonable.

Next in line was Cameela. The woman's physical appearance was much similar to Mishalea's own, although her eyes were darker, and her evil beauty wasn't as flawless. Mishalea knew little of Cameela, other than the fact that she was ambitious and direct, two reasons why she absolutely hated Geshp. Geshp was cryptic, and he was higher up in Zeon's hierarchy than Cameela was. Cameela reputedly fought with a mace, and was supposed to be extremely powerful. It was mostly her impulsiveness that had held her back.

At the very bottom of the ladder was Zalbard. His skin was an aqua green and he kept himself rapped up and a robe of deep blue. His eyes were shining and yellow, and his mouth was in a constant sneer. He actually had short horns protruding out of his hood, and a small moustache. As for the devil himself, Mishalea had heard that he was something of a petty wizard, and got by with brains alone pretty much. He was rumored to be an excellent battle strategist, and to have some way of rendering himself invulnerable to the attacks of others. He was also supposed to be a decent fighter with claw-like hands, although he preferred his petty bolt spells.

She glanced around her, noting her own officers, and was pleased that Zeon had been struck with the full effect of all of them. Her power was undeniable, her minions' abilities certain, the strength of an ally like Rilix far outstripping Zeon's options.

Even Warderer and his lackeys, were solemn on this occasion. This was the most concerted alliance of dark power in history. Mishalea could finally taste the death of the Shining Force. No more, would Max threaten her power, no more would Kane interfere with her plans, no more would Prince Nick wield the Sword of Hajya. She would then finally be able to end the threat of Iom forever, to break Zeon's strength, make sure that undead could not choose their destiny as Death Wodol had, and finally exterminate all of the Vandals. She saw the glorious vision of the entire world united under dark power, and the rule of her master Darksol swim before her very eyes. It was intoxicating.

This was better than love, better than hate, better than whatever Max felt when he wielded the Chaos Breaker. All she had to do was kill a bunch of peasants first, and then when this was over no power of darkness would exist to stop her, and no power of light could stop her. First though… first she must finish this business.

She mouthed the ritual greeting that was customary between two different leaders of darkness, not bothering to try to sound sincere.

She inquired innocently, though with a slightly malicious undercurrent to her tone, "I trust that you completed your journey here unmolested? I have to say that I'm a little concerned, surely your officers didn't run into trouble?"

Zeon snapped bitterly, "You're well-informed, as always."

"My lord, I… I don't understand."

She almost started smirking, not only was her childish game infuriating, the slight emphasis on the words "my lord" spoke volumes of sarcasm. Zeon's face was already darkening with rage when one of his disciples quickly broke in.

"Ah, it is so rare is it not that one should be blessed to meet quite so many legends in one's life as most of the major powers in the world of darkness."

The voice was rich, smooth, cultured, and smug. Even if Mishalea hadn't been looking at the speaker she would have known that it was Geshp.

The advisor continued, "My dear Lady of Darkness, I trust that you referring to King Galam? The king is currently holding our lands on Grans Island, or did you think that we would leave it unguarded?"

Mishalea laughed, "I'm just a simple elven girl, I'm sure you'll have to forgive me." She knew that acting so girlish absolutely drove Zeon and probably Warderer insane and she enjoyed it.

She was also well pleased with Geshp's answer, particularly because she'd already gotten what she wanted. Zeon had responded to her admittedly obvious bait, proving that he was as much a hothead as she had ever heard. She stored this information away, knowing that someday that serious flaw would allow her to destroy Zeon, her principle rival.

Zeon said coldly, "Well, we've responded to this threat, the Shining Force. So why don't you tell us what you know? If you don't you won't have any hope of ending this soon."

And doesn't that prospect appeal to you my lord.

Mishalea replied with an equal coolness, "Naturally. At the moment I have my High Captain keeping an eye on some mercenaries, who could be a bit of a difficulty if they chose to be. Also Sub-Commander Eiku, has a fortress stationed, and has been working on getting local information, as well as working with the troops. Magus here is experimenting, trying to discover what type of traps will be the most effective against the Shining Force. I have busied myself for the most part with things of a slightly more… ah arcane matter, and Rilix has been using her abilities with her crystal to attempt and penetrate the Shining Force's camp. I believe that would conclude current activities Lord."

Zeon smirked and asked, "And what about dear High Commander Lynx? I don't see him, and I would hate to think that he's been misplaced."

Mishalea laughed, "Oops, did I forget to tell you? How clumsy of me. Lynx is currently ambushing the Shining Force."

Zeon looked slightly deflated, but then turned and barked, "What about you Warderer?"

Warderer's tone was a trifle sullen as he replied, "I've been trying revival experiments on Iom." Mishalea smiled slightly. Zeon's less than courteous demand had been intended as a slight, and Warderer had been fool enough to take it as one.

Zeon broke in on her thoughts dryly, "In that case I'll have to strengthen my defenses."

Warderer glared at him, "Do you mind? Anyway, Barbara here has been strengthening the Iom forces, and Solo is attempting to construct a Fortress that he calls Alshar, and to make it impregnable. Hindle is trying to block all possibilities of alliances that the Shining Force could conceivably make. I'd also like to point out that it was I who crushed Cypress although there are still a small group of ah… malcontents at large."

Zeon grinned at him, "I hope that you're better than the last time that we met?"

Warderer flushed angrily and turned his head aside. The seemingly innocent inquiry, was in fact a jab because the last time the two had met, Zeon had been trying to conquer Warderer, and had almost succeeded. Indeed it was only dumb luck that had saved Iom's favored as they both well knew.

Zeon silently demanded an explanation of the undead.

Paezorta, in a short and succinct manner informed the devil king of Death Wodol's efforts to create an army of undead.

Zeon sneered, "Well then I must go off to consult with my officers, so until next time, which I sincerely hope will be when the Shining Force is dead and that I kill you all."

The devils followed their master away and out of the Shrine leaving the others. Mishalea suddenly shook her head in consternation as understanding came to her and snapped, "You can all go about your duties."

The shrine quickly emptied and the dark elf pondered many things. Of two she was certain. Yes it had been the smart move to be sure that Zeon did not yet know of Bangar and Gwaid, and Zeon was definitely the first one… but then who was the second?

---

Arthur slowly patrolled the perimeter of the area his guard duty called for. The other guard was one of the warriors brought into camp with that guy Deanna.

Arthur was a bit sulky about that; he admitted that he had miscalculated but she had become enraged beyond reason. Having seen the fury that Deanna aroused in the mage Natasha, Arthur had stepped in sensing his chance, but when he tried to hit on the mage, she had only just stopped short of spitting in his face. And to add insult to injury Gort had insisted that he be stuck on perimeter guard for the next week.

How he hated Gort. The bigoted old dwarf always sided against him, and seemed intent on making Arthur's life a misery if as much as possible.

He circled back to the tent and growled bad-tempered at the small warrior with a pot on his head, "It's your turn you go do some duty so I can sleep."

The man stuck his head out of the tent and protested blearily, "You've still got five min-"

Arthur then heard, and to his death would continue to hear a sharp twang, and to his horror an arrow suddenly seemed to be growing in-between the small warrior's eyes. With a sudden sort of shock the golden-haired centaur realized that he had never even known the dwarf's name.

He started to shout "Amb- OOF!" and he slumped down an arrow protruding from his chest.

---

Slade looked up weakly and gasped in pain, "Again, already we can… we can… can't take any more."

Graham looked up his expression mournful, "It looks like this is… the… end," he murmured hoarsely.

The cell door opened smoothly, and standing in the doorway was a powerful looking figure. His skin was a healthy light color of purple, his eyes dark, shrewd, assessing. He was wrapped in a shroud of dark robes, part of a purple cloak cascaded down his back. Power emanated from him.

Graham stared blankly at him and then asked, "And who the bloody hell are you?"

The… there weren't any indicators of race, the thing replied, "My name is immaterial, the point is I'm giving you a chance to escape." The voice was deep.

It continued, "For the moment… well drink this; it should restore your lifeblood."

He tossed a flask to the ground, and the inside of it swished with liquid. Graham would've drunk it anyway he was so thirsty, but something in the stranger's manner made him pause. Slade hesitated a moment, and then seized the flask, and uncorked it. He took two deep draughts and then nodded at his companion.

"It's safe."

Graham wordlessly took it and drained it, until it was empty.

He then cautiously probed, "All right… but how do you expect us to get out; this place has a large number of soldiers how do you expect us to get out?"

The creature almost smiled, but his features were a little too stern for the expression, "Over half of them have already been lured away; this is the one chance you're going to get."

The former prisoners stepped out and followed the thing out and to a staircase.

It stopped and informed them, "Up here are the battlements, where the captain of this fortress and his remaining guard are. After they're out of the way if you go all the way to the right side there are some vines you can climb down."

Graham asked skeptically, "Are you sure about that? I'm not built for climbing up and down vines you know."

It replied, "You'll manage it centaur."

The thing turned, as if to leave, and then turned back saying, "Oh, I almost forgot. You don't have any weapons, here take these."

Slade grabbed one and then sneered, "You expect us to fight with joined wooden sticks?"

The thing answered tersely, "It's a striking weapon; you'll get used to it."

The creature then hovered up into the air and vanished.

Slade paused and then finally asked the obvious question.

"Should we risk it?"

Graham replied with a slight lack of confidence, "I think we'll have too, it didn't seem to have the manner of one who was lying, and doing this really wouldn't do anything to us you know."

"I agree. Let's go up old friend."

---

Cellion bad-temperedly scanned the horizon for a sign of his returning men. He was hot, filthy and exhausted, and then he had seen the anomaly. Naturally concerned, he had sent his men out in force. It hadn't done anything to improve his mood, and they weren't back yet. And that was on top of Commander Eiku taking charge of the prisoner and then ordering him to come straight back to the fortress! To be certain, the commander had his reasons, but still…

Cellion was growing impatient, "The gods, where have they gone, surely investigating that… thing shouldn't be this difficult."

Wisely, all held their silence giving Cellion no outlet for his frustration, even Slit the new leader of the lizardmen.

"Where by all the god above and belo-"

Cellion broke off midsentence, and howled, "Stop them, the prisoners, stop them!"

He watched in horror as the two prisoners attacked and started downing the soldiers… and over half of his men gone right now. Having no clear shot he tore his sword out and flung himself to the side to avoid being hit by… a couple of sticks?

It was amusing to realize that these two actually thought they could defend themselves effectively, and even win against armed warriors with sticks.

It became a lot less amusing as he caught a solid blow in the side of the head. By the gods, how much it hurt. He clumsily started to try and block another blow only to be struck full in the face. He heard his nose break before he even felt the pain.

Collapsing to the ground, the last thing he felt before passing out was his skull trying to split open.

---

Slade looked up just in time to see Graham deal a solid blow taking out the lizardman who had tortured them. The centaur looked around for someone else to fight his shining with bloodlust, only to realize that there was no one else.

Quickly the two of them found the vine, and after some minor difficulties came down to the ground. They looked up and saw a human swordman passing by them.

Not recognizing where they were they agreed to follow the swordman in hopes that he might lead them to familiar territory.

---

Hindel sat alone contemplating what he should do. He had been enraged of course naturally he had been enraged, but this, this made his sense of betrayal feel hot again, and so rashly perhaps he had taken a chance. He stood up, knowing what he had to do.

---

Dava finally decided it was time to take action. She was willing to wait while Baron excavated the ancient weapon, but now she needed to decide what to do.

She walked into the room where her minions had gathered and began without preamble, "Chu Rao, you are in charge of our soldiers, and now have the honor or attacking and distracting the Shining Force. Bulldor, let's just say we have a problem of remodeling."

The hefty man's eyes widened and he nodded and quickly turned and left the room. The old woman dismissed Chu Rao with a single glance.

As soon as he shut the door behind him Dava said silkily, "Kisaragi, would you be willing to discuss the possibility of an alliance with Mishalea?"

---

Kari smirked after getting rid of Bangar, who had stopped by to report to her. Now almost all of the factors of her plan were complete. She just had to do one more thing and then she could sit back and watch.

---

Zeon sat and asked, his voice echoing hollowly, "Tell me Geshp, what do you think of the cursed bitch and what she has told us?"

Geshp replied confidently, "She has told us truthfully of the Shining Force, but she has lied about her plans, hoping that we shall have many losses, by believing her."

"And her intention of bringing us here?"

Now Geshp replied what he believed to be the absolute truth, "She has lured us here to help destroy the Shining Force, but her ultimate goal is our destruction as well."

"Leave me."

The small devil was only too glad to be out of his volatile master's presence anyway.

Odd-eye stepped up and said coldly, "You be careful how many lies you tell Lord Zeon, or someday soon you and I will face each other, but only one of us will live."

"Do go on," Geshp urged blandly.

Odd-eye recognized the insult and finished coolly, "Watch your back Geshp, because your dreams of power haven't gone unnoticed."

Geshp sighed, and tried hard to control the bitter yearning for power, but envy licked his insides consuming him. Once long ago, he had been Zeon's favorite disciple, and he should be for he was the oldest of all of them.

For a long time, the only thing standing in the way of his schemes had been Odd-eye. Tangible, and intelligent, the powerful devil ruthlessly, pursued his task of catching Geshp in the act.

It was difficult, for a crude scheme would be immediately spotted, whereas a more subtle one would merely make Odd-eye certain that the plump little devil was behind it whether or not there was proof.

At long last he had a scheme that just might do it, and he had put it into operation. He finally realized that politics was Odd-eye's only vulnerable spot, and Zalbard lusted for power almost as much as Geshp did.

So Zalbard attacked Odd-eye, determined to win the game and even Cameela, was taking the chance of siding with Zalbard, and Odd-eye was losing favor with Zeon.

Just a bit longer and it will all be mine.

---

Ian settled down, after choosing his camp for the night carefully. He lit a large bonfire, as the signal that would alert the others to his presence, and they would come.

He was completely unaware of the interested gazes it was drawing.

---

Max strained his eyes, there was no doubt. It was a large fire. Only Mishalea's soldiers would be stupid enough to risk one out here.

He rolled back and muttered to the others, "We've got to go on, Mishalea's goons, are up there, and we have a score to settle."

There was no long talking or debating. Their own small fire was doused, everybody armed themselves up, and they ran forward.

---

Ian was half-dozing when he heard the sounds of approaching people, all around him. It was about time that they all got here.

He started to get up only to here the sound of a blade cutting through the air just above him.

He rolled back, but before he could reach his sword, the enemy's blade followed his movement.

This time the blade came down point first. Ian quickly jumped up and backward, then crouched and punched hard to his enemy's gut. His fist smacked into a hard, solid belt of muscle. The warrior was slightly slower though which gave Ian enough time pull out his blade.

He easily blocked the next swing, and then sliced directly at his opponent's head. The man dodged to the side, and Ian swung his blade forward, and then flipped it to his opposite hand completing the attack. He felt the sword eat into the flesh of this man's shoulder, but then the man whipped his sword up and thrust it at Ian's skull.

His blade went up to deflect the other sword, only to realize that the move had been a feint. Speed was the only thing that saved the swordmaster's life. For the first time, Ian realized that he was facing someone who was perhaps a match for him.

The two darted around exchanging, blows, feints, hacking, thrusting, parry, but neither could gain an advantage and hold it. They were both bleeding profusely from a dozen minor wounds.

The mystery man lunged forward, and Ian pulled his sword up in front of him blocking the blow, and again hearing the ring of steel against steel.

The two strained against each other, attempting to push past the other's guard. Ian felt the blade of his enemy slip just a fraction lower, and then faster than Ian managed to follow, he punched forward his hand still around the hilt of his blade.

Ian fell backward, half-stunned, and then he felt something heavy crash into his side and the world went black.

Consciousness was slow returning, but Ian was aware that his wounds were being treated. He heard a voice saying, "He's awake."

Ian opened his eyes and started into the dark ones from a lined face, perhaps fifteen years older than Ian. The man's hair was matted and red.

The man said calmly, "You don't work for Mishalea do you."

It was a statement, not a question.

The man continued, "I'm sorry for this misunderstanding, particularly because it got two of your friends killed. Well one anyway, but the other is dying, beyond the skill of our healers."

Ian breathed, "You're him aren't you?"

"Who?" was the cautious reply.

"Max."

The man paused and then nodded, taking the chance.

Ian sat up straight and said formally, "In that case, my name is Ian, and I'd like to propose an alliance."