Chapter 53: Waylaid Plans

The Lionsguard Captain barked her order, "Lavian prepare the chocobo, we move to pursuit."

"Milady I advise a wait," said Lionsguard said back.

"Advise me wait?" Agrias almost throttled her. "Any moment we tarry their lead grows longer."

"I agree with Lavian," Ramza added on.

All the fury directed towards Zalbaag now turned full upon him. "We are only in this damnable position because of your actions ser. Whatever act you put forth to hide yourself from his remembrance shall not be forgotten whence I've returned."

"My lady," said Alicia, "we do not even know where he takes Her Highness."

"Eagrose, of course."

Alicia shook her head. "By what path? His chocobo was not fitted to ferry two people a week's ride. He shall need a settlement to stop at, 'fore he continues west."

This calmed Agrias's temper somewhat. The Lionsguard Captain took a deep breath before answering herself. "Yes, of course. Thank you Lavian, Alicia. What are his options?"

"From our current position, and taking into account Her Highness's needs, there would be three options. The Mining Town of Gollund remains the closest major location, roughly a day's ride west. But as it remains winter, the area would be beset by heavier snowfall."

"I would think he knows well how heavy the snowfall is, on consideration of his departure from Lesalia."

"The Royal City is the next most destination, day-and-half northwest. He'd have the full force of the Northern Order to assist him."

"And the Lionsguard." Agrias bite her lip at the thought.

"Lastly, would be the Free City of Bervenia to the northeast. It's no stronghold of the Northern Order, but the Church Knights garrisoning the city would welcome a Knight Devout with open arms."

Grim prospects all.

"What of smaller settlements?" asked Annabelle.

"I would think it unlikely," replied Alicia. "He's no guarantee they'd respect Northern Order or the Crown's authority. He's like absent any gil pouches to barter for goods."

"He took other Northern Knights with him," cautioned Agrias. "He's like had them patrolling the riverbanks trying to catch that imposter."

This was dangerous new information. "You knew he was active in this area?" Ramza sputtered out.

"He arrived at Orbonne Monastery mere moments after your kidnapping," she shot. "For whatever purpose he did not say and I did not inquire. He was as exacerbated as we at the situation."

Zalbaag moving south was well outside the plans of anyone. What had compelled him so?

"We parted ways in Dorter, he northwards with the Northern Order to chase after an imitation of Her Highness and Lionsguard. I sped eastwards."

This may yet narrow the search. "In light of recent events I would find it unlike he heads for Lesalia. Lionsguard false and true arrayed against him and how many others?"

"Point fair made."

One destination crossed out whilst a thousand more came to mind. "However, there are a number of Northern Order forts in the region."

"How are you aware of such?" asked Alicia. "Most forts are kept clear from maps of other organizations to prevent their locations from falling into enemy hands."

From his time in the Northern Order, but such a claim would not work here. "'Twas on the maps I was presented with by the Church.."

"Of course," she bitterly answered. "Golland, Bervenia or an untold number of unknown forts. And if by chance it remains the foremost options, fact remains he can simply procure escort from a fort."

Gods this could not be more miserable. Save perhaps if Alma somehow wandered into the situation. "Zalbaag might consider the forts too… beneath, Her Highness. Or her sensibilities. For any case, we cannot touch them behind such walls." The bitter point was answered with nods. "I would say, Bervenia."

"How so?" said Agrias.

"The auracite," said Ramza. "In light of his near-loss of the artefact, coupled with Her Highness's own time spent as the Church's ward, would placate both them as best the situation allows."

"And best for you as well," said a newly conscious Annabelle, "should your assertion of your loyalties prove true."

No path forward would be met with ease.

"Lady Oaks, I differ to your judgement." Ramza made clear his intent. The Lionsguard, the same.

The Holy Knight passed look with each member of their gathering. Captain ruminating not only on the path to tread, but stock of what she had at their disposal. They'd barely two sets of armor amongst the five of them, a nearly useless mythril sword and their best remaining shield was in three pieces. Boco was not-well rested and neither was any human. Supplies would have to be divided to any divergence. 'Twas a mess no matter how one looked at it.

A few minutes passed. Enough for some meager scraps of magicks to recover and Ramza to lend aid to Boco's choco cures.

With a deep sigh prefacing her words, Agrias spoke, "We make for Bervenia." Grim nods of acceptance met her order. "You," she pointed finger at his chest, "shall be the one to accompany me."

He was almost more taken aback than the Lionsguard. Though they remained the far more vocal.

When their well-reasoned points were laid bare and the words stopped, Lady Agrias took words of her own. "I trust him least among us but he's Her Highness's favor and remains in the best of health. If his former allegiances remain, and by chance Lord Zalbaag sits at Bervenia, then it comes as the most practical option."

He'd take it.

"What of us, then?" asked Alicia.

"A rendezvous, someplace close to Bervenia. Find a place for us, Alicia."

"Yes, my lady."

The Lionsguard quickly pointed out a possible spot. The meeting point between Lesalia, Zeltennia and Limberries borders. A river delta with only small chances of running into Order patrols. Attempts to settle the area were never realized during the war and the poor solidity of the soil in the region.

A secondary point was marked as well, a fair ways more south, still in Lesalia proper. There'd been too many dangers to not consider such measures anymore. A lesson Ramza really should have realized with the chocobos, and every other mistake in his life.

Well wishes went Agrias's way as Lionsguard and knight errant mounted and rode north.


Her Highness's kicking and screaming and behavior so unlike a lady lasted near half the ride north. Only the setting sun and a voice ran hoarse and pained finally bought her silence. His own attempts to reason with her proved continuously fruitless. Whatever lies that kidnapper had filled her head with had taken deep hold. Even enough to disregard the dangers of falling free from moving chocobo.

Mayhap their destination of Bervenia would better change her countenance.

'Twas not a decision to be made lightly, but in deference to her reluctances 'twould be best to not antagonize her any further. A safe and familiar-enough locale like one of the Church's holdings would set her well at ease.

His mind sat well troubles its own. "Herial's Revenge" had but one meaning clear. Man aflame with revenge was dangerous a foe, even lessened by commons' blood and aim, as Wiegraf Folles demonstrated well. Moreso with the Black Lion lurking in the shadow of this.

But it provided opportunity true, for a lead on his journey's aim south had finally come to light.

Dawn's early light greeted him but seconds before the sentinels of Bervenia did. The guards recognized him instantly, sending runners to inform Ser Able of his arrival, handmaids for Her Highness and stableboys for his beleaguered mount. All with due discretion of course.

Her Highness had to suffer sleep atop saddle shortly after her struggles ceased prior night. Zalbaag was more-than used to such discomforts. It pained him more to force such upon Her Highness.

Some glimmer of hope remained within that she'd due more than shout at the sight before her whence she woke.

The Princess stirred; Zalbaag steeled himself ready to keep any outbursts in check.

"Where are we?" Her first words a groggy-half-pained question.

"The outskirts of the Free City of Bervenia." Some luck that this gate was free and manned only by a few.

"Bervenia?" she gasped.

The considerable lack of raised voice drew him to conclusion this was the right place. "You are safe here, Your Highness. The Church of Glabados will provide you sanctuary once more."

She turned to face him with her eyes weary and tired beyond those given by uncomfortable sleep. A look Zalbaag was all-too familiar with: The resignation towards death. Men facing the gallows, frontline infantry and those souls chosen to lead a forlorn hope.

"So these are the shackles I'm clasped with?" she said with too-dark resolution.

"Your Highness?" What had overcome her? Had those lines taken root so deeply so soon?

She faced away, back towards the gates of Bervenia. Her shoulders slumped, her posture huddled forward. "Take me to my newest cell. I would much like to cut short my enjoyment of a clear sky before it becomes too pleasant to part with."

Zalbaag fought back a sigh at her impudence. Even Princesses could take for granted what they were given. Too many urchins would take her place in a heart's beat.

"So be it," he claimed as firm as his own encroaching exhaustion let him.

Guided by able hands, Zalbaag breathed relief when he was finally free of the saddle. Even if it was far from his first ride it still sored his hindquarters something fearsome.

Her Highness did not resist, did not give way of any further discontent even in evidence of a slight misstep indicating saddle-soreness. She met the gaze of no man and responded to words with a turn of her head. A defiance of a different nature. One welcome for now.

Her Highness and he were shown before the local Templar Master: Linnet Able. The usual introductions were made and the Divine Knight put on a wide smile before he spoke. "Ser Zalbaag, Gods bless you this day."

"May they do the same to you as well, Ser Able."

The Templar Master stood upright in the presence of Her Highness. Best he did to show calm authority in so limited a room. The office of one of the most sacred locations in Ivalice lacked a great deal of splendor available even to common forts. A refreshing change from some of the gaudiness ingrained in Northern Sky procedures.

"Please, please, we've known each other for years, Ser Zalbaag, Linnet is the least I offer."

He nodded at the courtesy. The Templarate's rules were far more casual than the Northern Order. Reason, one among many, Zalbaag stayed true to his Lord Father's devotion.

"Now," Ser Able continued, "we should more than reserve all pleasantries for Her Ladyship, I would say."

The Princess merely tipped her head to the stonework at their feet.

"My, I would have world with Elder Simon on his lessons…"

"Please be understanding with Her Highness," Zalbaag interjected. "The harshness of the journey has fatigued her considerably."

"Nay, I should ask for her forgiveness overstepping myself like that." The Princess gave a small enough huff. "That will be the best I presume? Well, no matter. Your Highness, Ser Zalbaag, so long as you seek protection within these walls I will do all in my power, meager as it is, to provide you with such. The full extent of the church's accommodations will be made available."

A welcome relief in these dire moments. "Thank you, Ser Linnet."

The Templar beamed at the words.

"May I take a chocobo then to mine own destination?" Her Highness spoke up.

Zalbaag shook his head as a look of confusion took hold of Ser Able. "Your Highness I know not the depths by which the fiend ensnared you but Eagrose is for your safety."

"I am quite confused at this…" Ser Able confessed.

"Let us clear that." Zalbaag worked quickly with the words he'd prepared on the silent ride beforehand. He kept absent his true intent for departing Lesalia, concentrating solely on his worrisome thought on the under strength guard. Worry well-founded when he arrived to see Her Highness absent. His travel to Dortor with Lady Oaks, and his pursuit of the misdirection that bore no fruit. But left him cautious enough to patrol river's edge and finally find Her Highness. Accompanied by traitorous Lionsguard and spy.

The implications behind it all laid bare: Duke Druksmald Goltanna.

"Such treachery!" Ser Able gasped. "I'll notify the High Confessor of this plot at once. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Ser Zalbaag." He gave nod to the herald who left the room with all due haste. But the three of them remained.

Zalbaag let slip no breath of relief. But the burden of this weighed less at those words. His own accounting would be but smeared as white-colored propaganda by the black. But the Church as a neutral arbiter would find the truth behind this without delay. Duke Goltanna's ambitions would be cut down like peasant levy. No man would flock to a banner decried by the Church.

"If there is anything we can do?"

"I would like a chocobo prepared immediately, and rations enough to last us until Eagrose."

He Templar took step back. "You mean to continue on without even a good night's rest?"

"Any second of delay is gives time to any number of unforeseen plots form and nets tighten. The safest course of action is bringing Her Highness to security within Eagrose as swiftly as able."

"I must interject my good ser," he shook his head, "while the option presents itself as most assured on its surface I offer my opinion that it is far more prudent to hold fast at least one day."

"How so?"

"To make no light of your prowess Lord Beoulve, but the story's telling relates how out-of-able your sword arm now rests."

He'd fought harsher conditions, tougher foemen and worse longer. But he nodded the Templar continue.

"You may yet best another hundred foes on way to Lesalia but can you guard Her Highness for true as such?"

Said Highness scoffed at the statement already.

"My mind considered well your words beforehand, Ser Linnett." He was of mind to consider this on the ride before. Even a night's rest would not reinvigorate himself enough to ward away whatever else lurked between the cities. If anything. "But my resolve remains. On swiftest mount we'd outrun any pursuers who'd spent stamina their own on watch."

"The direct-most route would be two days even kicking the beast to its limits," Ser Able warned. "With such limits fully tested by twos' weight and days' supplies."

A slow nod answered that. Even with mind fogged the burden of travels was a beacon above. His stomach could ache 'til safe walls but Her Highness had needed comforts one chocobo was ill-equipped to carry. No trusting her with a beast her own, as her resistance stood stiff. "I shall manage."

The Templar Master shook his head. "You would not ask us for escort?"

"I would not impose any further on your generosity. Or put you at outs with Mullonde itself. This is task of mine to bear, and alone."

"Presume I then, no missive to other Northern Order Knights?"

Chance of interception proved too high and who knew how many North faced South? He could call a dozen trustworthy knights but two dozen others may come instead. "You presume correct," he reluctantly admitted.

"Then no other stratagems come to my mind. I only implore you rest, for Her Highness's sake."

The Princess looked more downcast than ever. He misliked any delay, but the road ahead was fraught with more uncertainty than ever.

The benefits were plain. A strong arm to ward enemies and ensure no mishaps occurred in the saddle. Too common a Knight's life ended by a simple fall from a saddle. Three days without sleep and a fussy partner was too dangerous for Her Highness.

"Ser Linnet, I believe we shall take your offer." He looked at the Princess for any indication of other thought.

Nothing.

"Splendid!" the man clapped his hands together, "ah, forgive my outburst. To serve the Royal House Atkascha does us an honor." He showed them out, and after a nudge towards Her Highness, they followed him out.

Ser Able said to one of the door guards, "Fetch Lady Meliadoul. We'll be at the guest rooms." The knight nodded and left to carry out his order.

Small talk broke any attempts at silence between the two men. Of sermons, knights and plans for the future. Poor excuse for a small talk, true.

Ser Able showed first to Her Highness's room. A sizable enclosure, warm, with window. A canopy bed dominated the view, with dressers, a closet and vanity.

"This is our finest suite, Your Highness," Ser Able bowed, "may you find it to your tastes."

The Princess entered the room with the same aloofness she'd resigned herself too. Her eyes lazily took in her quarters. "Leave me."

"Yes, Your Highness."

They left her to her privacy. A noticeable lack of the door lacking behind them.

"Your quarters are just down the hall, Ser Zalbaag."

And he was led to such. Plain and unassuming. Zalbaag thanked him for his time before asking for privacy. No thoughts came to mind as he lodged into his temporary quarters and fell to sleep with blinding haste.


Meliadoul was summoned before Master Able. For what reason she was not informed, which was informative enough. She made her pace as swift as manners allowed as she walked towards the hall reserved for guests of the church.

"Ser Able," Meliadoul said when she arrived, and broke him from his concentration, "with what urgency have you summoned me?"

"There has been a large..." his swift response was dulled by a search for a correct term, "point of contention, regarding some things."

Any number of disasters could stem from such vagueness. Had the Lions gone to war? Had Lord Father's planning gone awry? Did something happen to Mother? "Meaning?"

"Her Highness Princess Ovelia is now located in the building's guest suite."

Her eyes spread wide at the words. "Pardon?"

"Her escort has gone awry, and so long as she enjoys sanctuary under our roof I would assign you to be her guardian."

She well knew what this meant. Both as a Templar, and Divine Knight. "By myself, ser?"

"You've well and utterly surpassed my skill with a blade, my lady, you are the most qualified to be trusted with the utmost important task you can be."

A small swell of pride rose in her chest, but her words kept to her new task. "What threats may yet strike at Her Highness? How did she come to our care?"

Ser Able gave a concise reply of Ser Zalbaag Beoulve rescuing the Princess from the clutches of the Southern Order's spies and traitorous Lionsguard.

"I will be informing Mullonde at once. Until we've a steadfast reply, we will give every courtesy and consideration for our guests. Within reason."

"Within reason."

Ser Able sighed. "Ser Zalbaag shall be departing on the morrow. He aims to enlist the aid of trusted knights in Lesalia before moving Her Highness to Eagrose."

Hardly enough time for a reply from Mullonde. Plans would need changing. "I will learn what I can from Her Highness, then." Mayhap they could recover from this disaster…

"Excellent, I'll leave this in your capable hands then," he said. They separated with pleasantries towards their new tasks.

Meliadoul's mind went to the first question she couldn't ask as she stepped in front of the door. What had become of Ramza and Delita?

She knocked softly. "Your Highness, I introduce myself as Dame Meliadoul of the Knights Templar. I ask your permission to enter."

Silence was her answer.

Enough time passed as pleasant before Meliadoul repeated herself. And after that, she had to change her tone. "I'm afraid I must intrude should you keep silent, for your safety and well-being."

A low noise (a scoff? A laugh?) ran from within.

She was being difficult. What details had not been disclosed between the relevant parties? But for whom the fault lain did little at the moment. She took the noise as permission.

Gently, she opened the door. (Her Highness seen fit to not rebel enough to lock, at least.) And there she lay, her face buried in the pillow of her new bed.

"Forgive my presumptuous entrance, milady," said Meliadoul. "Your health is of paramount concern."

The Princess twisted her head. Just enough to peak her jaw free, but her fuller face remained buried. "Spare us both this misery and leave me be."

If that was her attitude, would that she could… "I will leave you to your privacy then, Highness. But I shall remain nearby for any want you desire."

Whatever response the princess scoffed was lost once more into the pillow.

Meliadoul kept down a frustrated sigh… until she departed and loosed it too loudly. To find Her Highness such a spoiled brat was an upset. Some difficulty in evidence of her struggles was understandable, but the girl seemed to lack the grace one presumed of Royalty.

Good and well then she would be removed from the throne.


Author's Notes: What's to say? It took four months to write this sloppy, not-at-all-interesting mess of a chapter. Maybe the next shall be, sometime in 2017...

Guest: Simply put, I forgot about it. 'Tis not a strategy I ever made use of myself, despite knowing how powerful it was.

Asahar4: Balthier's easy enough for a write-in that I already have the framework. Wouldn't be hard to tie it with Cloud-Aerith too, then. The twins I have a clear enough objective for. Rapha less so, but she'll be showing up somewhere.

Hussain64: Sloppiness and depression. This was trying and boring chapter to write and I really should have just timeskipped to something interesting happened. It is entirely possible if I write the next one I'll just flat-out delete this and cover it all in half a paragraph.

If there were any Favorites or Follows, thanks. Thank you all for reading and have a good 2016.