Chapter 77: Ostia
By SodiumChlouride12, derived from Fire Emblem, owned by Nintendo.
A/N: I'm back. A lot of stuff happened in my life, most good. I'm going to try to swing myself into the circle of things, though I think it's going to take some time until I'm back at writing the volume I did before. I will try to upload the next chapter by this Friday, but no promises.
Ostia. It's a canton nestled in a far northwestern portion of Lycia, noted for being the seat of the entire Alliance. Its capital is a mountainous settlement located on an underlying valley, the natural defenses of rock and rough terrain making the territory particularly strong against external attacks. This allows its people to prosper away from the squabbles of the cities in the Wheat Crescent, all of whom deal with the aggression of one another in addition to their own problems.
Compounding its strategic position is its nobility, whose members possess the strongest, direct descendance to Roland, one of the Eight Legends and founder of Lycia. Unsurprisingly, this explains the blue hair atop their heads, an impartial and dominant inheritance from the hero himself. They all share the man's sense of chivalry, honor, and militarism.
The Ostian military. The strongest in the land, it reflects the kingdom's commitment to its own security. Its grounded knights wear armor made from the toughest steel, and its cavaliers train under the most disciplined of teachers. As for the common rank soldiers, they source many of their ranks from the underground fight clubs in the city, known for possessing a grit unmatched by the common man.
What lies in wait for Eliwood and his army in this militaristic society? Perhaps, they'll find what they're looking for, a direction to go after reeling from the travesty in the isle. Or maybe something else is in store...
The following is an excerpt from Erk's diary.
September 8th, 982.
This morning, we entered the Fortress Gracia, a battlement separating the cantons of Ostia and Thria. We did so in the middle of the night, eager for our leadership to speak to the Marquess as soon as possible. From what I've heard, the Marquess is the older brother to Lord Hector, though, the death of their parents had made him serve a father-figure role towards his junior. Surprisingly, despite the chaos and uncertainty often posed in militaristic noble lineages, the two share a happy, if embarrassing, relationship. I've an interest in observing this for myself.
...Sometimes, I dream of Lord Pent and Lady Louise. I wonder what they're doing right now? Pent's no doubt continuing his research with Louise at his side. The two of them are kind souls. I hope they're doing well.
I...must admit, Serra has been less cumbersome to speak to as of late. Has something changed about her? Or...have I become accustomed to her antics? Even now, I find myself thinking about her more. My stomach flips to its side at times when we share a moment alone. I wonder what purpose such emotions have? I cannot hope t—
"ERRRKYYYY! What are you writing?"
Erk slams his diary shut, wary of Serra's looming eyes over his shoulder. An annoyed vein bulges out from his forehead, and his red face glares at her with contempt.
"Do you mind, Serra? Doesn't the Elimine Church teach you to respect others' privacy?"
The two are in Erk's room, a place loaned out to the young mage upon their arrival. It's a quaint little thing with a writing desk, a comfy chair, a single bed, and a drawer to put one's things in. It has an uncanny resemblance to his own room at Castle Reglay, and the young man had taken to liking to it for that very fact. He was midway through writing his daily diary entry when Serra had interrupted his silent labor.
The pink cleric leans over, basically resting her head atop the sitting mage. The mischievous smile on her face alludes desire to commit some misdeed, whatever that may be. Her religious dress, holy oath, and perception of fragility do nothing to stop her.
"Hmm...I think I read some of it." She shifts her voice to a lower tone, mocking Erk's own formal mannerisms. "I must admit. Serra's been less cumbersome as of late. Has something changed about her? Or...I've forgotten the rest..."
Erk rolls his eyes. "Woman, have you no decency?"
"Decency? Don't you think I am the most decent lady in all of Elibe? Surely, many have told of my beauty and grace."
"If I wanted someone to tell me what to think, I'd have gone to church. Begone, servant of Elimine. I've much to do."
Serra takes a step back, playfully resting her hand over her heart. Swaying like a ballerina, she makes her way to Erk's bed and falls onto it, twirling her fingers around the fabric of the blankets. Erk glances over in her direction with some annoyance, but says nothing, as otherwise the cleric might feel encouraged by his attention.
She says, "Oh, you're so boring, Erky. Won't you give this young lady what's due?"
"I do not understand what you mean. I hope you're okay with tidying my bed once you're done. I prefer my bedding nice and neat."
"Oh, I think you know what I mean."
Erk sighs and finally turns around. "Look, Serra, you really shouldn't be—" His eyes bulge as he sees something that intrigues him. "Oh..."
His eyes dilate as he observes the large glass of Chardonnay on Serra's lap, apparently hidden within her cloak. It's his favorite beverage, in his terms, "in the history of ever". For a moment, Erk's lips salivate, and he forgets about his journal as his pen lands onto the table with a thump.
Erk's eyes glisten like a child observing candy. "Chardonnay...my favorite...how...did you know?"
Serra smiles, and digs into her cloak to reveal two wine glasses. They possess decent size, being of enough volume to intoxicate an adult after several iterations. "I know much about you from our conversations together, Erk. I couldn't allow such a significant detail like your favorite wine, or more importantly, your birthday go to waste."
!
Erk's eyes widen in shock. He finds this incredibly surprising, if not outright sweet for Serra. Amidst his studies and work on the field, he'd forgotten his own birthday.
He says, "I...I don't know what to say..."
In the past, Erk usually spent his special day in the comfort of Castle Reglay. He'd be bombarded with compliments and well wishes from his loved ones, often taking the day off from his studies as working in those conditions proved untenable. Last year, Lady Louise presented him with a three-layer chocolate, Black Forest cake while Lord Pent granted him his birthday Chardonnay. It was an experience that still gives the young mage the occasional smile.
Serra knocks out the cork of the bottle with her thumb, and winks at the young man. "You're turning nineteen this day, correct? Fortunately, I turned eighteen several months ago. I believe that puts us above the drinking laws of Lycia?"
"...The drinking age in Lycia is fifteen."
Serra chuckles and pours out the lightly colored drink into one glass. She moves its stem invitingly, allowing the liquid to dance within its container. "Bah! Enough talk! Let's drink away the stresses of our life and indulge in the fruits of this earth! Come, Erk de Reglay! Let's have a night neither of us will ever forget!"
...
Unfortunately, the sheer volume of drink they consumed that night meant the gift of memory went dark on them both. Perhaps the memories would have served them well, for the consequences of what occurred would stay with them for the rest of their lives. For better, or for worse.
The moon hangs high over Fortress Gracia. Its light streams through to the throne room of the fortress, revealing an ornate situation. A red rug covers the ground, eerie runes decorate the walls, and large, luminous torches on pikes provide supplement light to the moon. Three dark silhouettes of people congregate in a hallway a scant distance away from the throne room, which sits empty.
Eliwood, Hector, and Lyn stand idle, waiting. Their clothes are stained from multiple days on the road, though no one seems exhausted. Rather, the contrary. The anxiety with their bodies erases any such feelings, replacing it with a jolt of energy and will.
Hector brushes the bottom of his stubbled chin. He looks towards the empty throne overlooking them all. "My brother will be here soon." He says. "It'll take some time, however. I'm sure you're aware of the countless foreign spies that riddle my city. Some of them even reside within Castle Ostia."
Eliwood leans against the hilt of his sword and sheath, allowing the protruding end to contact stony ground. "So, he's coming here himself? I suppose speaking here isn't a bad idea. There's hardly a soul out here, save for the small guard."
All three shift their gaze to the two men guarding the front passageway. They're newly knighted soldiers with shiny armor covering their entire bodies, absent of the wear regularly seen on veterans.
One of them breaks into a salute. "Ahem! Hail to Ostia! Is there anything that you require, milord?"
Hector shakes his head. "That won't be necessary, soldier. At ease."
"Affirmative! We will defend this position, and you three with our lives!"
The two knights slam their lances in unison, causing Hector to raise his brow, and the other two to lightly chuckle. This choreographed gesture was not one taught at the knight's academy, but learned at their own discretion, and on their own time. It's obvious that they've wanted to do this for some time, but the overall seclusion of the outpost made that impossible.
"Long live Ostia! Long live Pharae! Long live Caelin! May this trifecta of well-meaning nations work to bring down any axis of evil! Solidarity forever!"
Their bombastic voices represented the most loyal and fiercely zealous souls that Ostia had to offer. Hector turns his head away, the feeling of embarrassment becoming too much to bear. The display is beginning to attract the attention of other allied army soldiers and guardsmen; the latter accustomed to this duo's antics.
Oblivious to their liege's discomfort, they continue by twirling around their lances like a pair of color guardsmen. Smiles appear on the bottom of their helmet, their happiness too much to be contained within two people.
"May our enemies bow to our might! The knights of Fortress Gracia know no equal! We wi—"
!
"Sir Henry! Sir Charles! Attention!"
The fortresses' commander emerges from an unseen corner, his heavy boots cracking the stone floor as he stomped towards them. The two knights immediately drop their act and return to their previous positions. Sweat appears on the skin exposed in the small gap of their helmets.
Lyn whispers, "Who...is that man?
Hector replies, "That's Commander Galeforce, one of the lower lieutenants in the Ostian Army. He's the man in charge of this fortress. He's a rather...forceful man. He has a storied history in several skirmishes with the Thrians, hence his assignment here."
Commander Galeforce glares at the two men, his eyes glowing a bright red through his thicker, more impressive helmet. He approaches the two, making his height advantage very obvious, as with his intimidating aura. He's very intimidating, and has a coat of arms on his shield and thick armor suggesting a deep, familial history in Ostia. He says, "You two. You have some nerve to be acting up with the lords here! What were you thinking?"
Lyn, having taken pity on the two men, raises her hand in their defense. "It was no issue, really. I personally found it quite comical—"
Charles interjects with a line that sounds just as rehearsed as their earlier routine. "I swear I had a plan, Commander. It was a very good plan."
That was the wrong answer to say in front of the commander. The lords wipe their eyes as they observe steam rise from the soldier's helmet. His anger is indescribable, though he stops short of losing control. Instead, he snaps his fingers at them and speaks with an abrasive tone. "Get out of my sight. We will discuss your punishment in the morning."
The two knights nod their heads silently and then vacate the premises as quickly as possible. Uncannily, two more men with similar armor styles appear to take their place soon after, resembling steel statues as they partake in none of the shenanigans their predecessors imposed. Eliwood and Lyn can only observe in awe, while Hector covers his face in shame.
Galeforce approaches them to give his condolences. "I'm sorry, milords. Those recruits were...very creative in their insubordination. They have a month of toilet duty to look forward to now."
Eliwood opens his mouth to speak, but Hector, eager to end this torture on his pride, intrudes. "Please, just leave our presence. I'd rather that we speak to my brother alone."
"...As you wish."
Galeforce leaves, and Hector breathes a sigh of relief. The lurking observers disperse back to their earlier activities, all except one. Lyn winces her eyes as she sees the form of Canas approach, his monocle tilted like he was looking for someone. He greets them all with a formal bow. "Good afternoon, you all. I thought I'd find Erk here, but I suppose not."
Lyn asks, "You're looking for Erk? What for?"
Canas motions towards a thick book in his possession. It's written in a language neither of the lords can understand. "I was hoping to have an intellectual discussion about the validation of mana recuperations in differing climates. I figured he would've come out after those knight's showing, but he didn't. I wonder where he is?"
Eliwood says, "I think I saw Serra muttering something about a "special day" today. Not sure if that applies to him, but you know. She spends a lot of time talking about him. I think she fancies him."
Canas sighs and lowers his shoulders. "Ah, well...hopefully he turns up soon. I really wanted to—"
!
"Nils! Wake up! Wake up!"
Suddenly, Ninian's scream radiates through the whole castle. The four immediately drop what they're doing and spring into action. They scurry through the halls towards Nils and Ninian's position, a larger area near the center of the building. It's a simple place fitting for these people of immaculate means, though, the sight beholden to the four heroines stands in stark contrast to that.
Nils is still on the vibrant red rug. He's unconscious, with hardly any sign of life on his pale skin. Ninian raises her head as tears stream from her face.
"...He...passed out."
Then something else takes them in surprise. A massive explosion rocks some unseen corner of the castle, the force knocking them all from their feet. Lyn tries to gather what's going on, but she can only look at Ninian with the same look she has towards her.
A look of complete and utter shock.
Shortly before...
"La la...la la...A little fairy prances around at night."
At a different corner of the castle, Lani jovially skips through the rugged hallways of Fortress Gracia. Her footsteps echoes as her shoes impact the stone floor, her red eye gleefully scanning the surrounding objects. She sees worn swords leaning on the wall, multiple banners depicting the family crests of Ostia and subordinate minor families, some portraits of former commanders, and other things not worthy of note. Her singing echoes off the sides of the walls as she indulges herself in the innocence of childhood.
"Hm...I wonder if I should wander through here alone?" Lani mutters. She shrugs her shoulders. "Ah, well...I'm a free person! I should be able to walk anywhere I want. It's not like I'm in any danger..."
Lani's freedom is something she holds deep in her heart. Perhaps...too deeply. Her earlier slavery still hangs prominently in her mind, influencing her to act in ways she'd never done before. In truth, she'd never been able to have fun in the previous fourteen years of her life. She has much to catch up on.
"I suppose...yes!" Lani stretches her arms out, visualizing the wings of a bird. She proceeds to run across with all the speed she can muster...
'Weeeeeeeeee! Woohoo!"
She feels...so alive. The wind in her face, her white hair breezing behind the uncaring atmosphere regarding her activities. The sense gives her a rare sense of happiness, and for a moment, all of her worries vanish like the dust being absorbed into the atmosphere. Her smile radiates through the darkness like a star in the void of space.
Several moments pass, and eventually, the young girl tires. She sits on a broken-off piece of stone, sourced from the deterioration from the nearby wall. Wiping sweat from her brow, she closes her eyes and takes in the peaceful air. She hears the light moving of earth, the rustle of trees outside, and the distant voices of people in rooms far away. She's truly at ease with herself...had it not been for a familiar scent.
Hm? What's that? Is that...Uncle Erk?
Because of her subpar vision, Lani's learned to rely on her senses of hearing, touch, and especially smell. She'd effectively memorized the scents of several close figures like Lyn, Canas, Serra, and Erk. She and the young mage shared an amicable relationship that's not as pronounced as hers with Lyn, but the two are friends, at least through their association with her late guardian.
Lani focuses on her nose and sniffs. It confirms his presence...but that's not all. She also catches a whiff of Serra's perfume, along with a substance she hasn't borne witness to since that party Samuel's friends threw for him on his birthday. It's indescribable but strong, and it pierces through her sinuses with ease.
Wha...What? What are Erk and Serra doing?
Lani walks, crossing from the upper eastern side of the fortress to the west. The noises of the two grow louder as well, eventually resulting in sounds that she...does not understand. They're nothing like the festivities she heard in Hoger. Instead, all she catches is the impression that someone is in pain...Serra more specifically.
I wonder if she stubbed her toe? Oh, Erk is probably helping her! But I've never heard someone groan like that when they hurt themselves...
Pain is something Lani's familiar with, unfortunately. Whether it be from past physical abuse from her masters, or simple clumsiness, Lani understands the sounds that leaves a person's mouth when they go through it. But...these sounds. They're too foreign for her innocent ears, and unlike anything she produces.
Curious, she nears the room that presumably contains the two. She rests her hand on the doorknob and is about to open the door when...
!
Huh? Is that...Kent's voice again?
Faraway further south, Lani picks up the sound of the red knight again. He's speaking to the same crowd, and upon realizing this, Lani immediately drops her original inquiry to continue her investigation on the "Cell of Dissent". It's likely a good thing that she does too, as what is behind that door...
Well...there's just some things child eyes are not meant to see.
Kent rubs his chin as Florina stands in front of the group. Everyone is in attendance, eager to hear the young lady's testimony of what happened with the magic seal, and Samuel on that fateful day. The light barely illuminates their faces, though Lani takes a similar position to the one she had at the inn. The sole exception is that this time, there's no hole to peep through, so she settles for pressing her ear against the solid door. Her perceptive hearing will tell her everything she needs.
Kent clears his throat, having finished a long-winded briefing for the group. He shifts his attention over to Florina, who shivers lightly from social anxiety. "Now, Florina. Can you tell us what happened?"
Florina nods her head and begins. Her voice sounds faint yet polite, though this means Lani can hardly hear her through the thick, mahogany door. "Yes, I...I was transported to a new world alongside the tactician, S-Samuel. It was an eerie place, cold, yet emotionless. It felt like I was trapped..."
Marcus interjects, eager to clear up a potential conflicting detail. "Yet, your body was still present on the battlefield when we found you. I've been thinking about this for some time, but, is it possible both of your consciousness' were somehow transported? Does anyone know how that could be...?"
!
"If I may?"
A feminine, yet masculine voice rises above the others. Lani notes its divine, polite inflection, and realizes that it belongs to Lucius. He's a man Lani doesn't have much of a relationship with, though he had given her an orange as a gift several days ago.
Kent bows respectfully. "Of course. A holy man like yourself is always welcome to weigh in on our discussion."
Lucius matches the red knight's gesture, his golden hair nearly touching the floor. "...I must first apologize for my absence in the last meeting. Some of our soldiers required some spiritual guidance, and I had to be there. Please don't feel that I've turned my back on the cell. My duties must come first."
"No offense taken. The needs of our troops are important. Besides, that doesn't detract from your purpose with us. We're aware of the church's interest in investigating people who may have demonic or other qualities detrimental to humankind. You are fine."
Demonic or other qualities detrimental to mankind? Lani thought. That type of language is far too advanced to make much sense inside of her mind, though she gets the hunch it can't be good. The inflection in Kent's voice suggests as much.
Lucius clears his throat and continues. "The holy church of Elimine teaches that the soul and consciousness are one and the same. This can be seen in the Book of Being, in chapter seven of our Holy Text."
Lucius reveals a small book from his robes, though Lani only hears the movement of hardbound leather amid a sea of cloth. He opens it and flips over to a page. His eyes scan over it with robotic precision, discerning the alien encryptions with mastery." Elimine said to thee, one's mind is a reflection of one's soul. You cannot taint the mind without also tainting the soul. Remind yourself of this when you partake in sinful thoughts."
Lucius closes the book, allowing his words to sink in among those around him. His brief sermon causes those around him to gradually nod in agreement. He politely bows his head, effectively passing on the speaker's role.
Kent says, "I... see. So we've confirmed that not only was Florina's and the tactician's consciousness was transported to this world, but also their souls. What did this magic seal intend to accomplish? More importantly, what is the significance of the "void" in it all?"
Lucius replies, "The "void" is something unknown in the eyes of the Church. Although, I hear rumblings about it among some far-flung black magic practitioners. Perhaps Canas would know something about it?"
Guys rolls his eyes. "Like he'll talk to us."
Lucius says, "I can raise the question to him. He and I are not friends but...when you get that man interested in talking about something, you'll find that he'll say more than he really should. All scholarly types are like that."
Kent nods his head. "All right, then. We'll entrust you with the duty. Now, back to Florina. Tell me, this Magic Seal, what did he do to you two?"
Florina shifts uncomfortably in her standing position, mentally reimagining the binds that once affected her movement and speech. It all causes her heart to skip a beat.
"H-He...he had us tied up on two chairs with our back facing each other. We weren't b-blinded or g-gagged...well...he was gagged. A-Anyway, the seal...he called himself K-Kishuna."
Marcus frowns. "Kishuna? I've never heard of that name before."
"N-Neither had I...or S-Samuel. But...he acted like...h-he knew him. K-Kishuna spoke to S-Samuel like he was an old enemy...or f-friend."
Guy asks, "So you're unsure of his standing with the tactician?"
"Y-Yes. He spoke l-like he knew much about him. But...he also spoke like he knew m-much about me. He knew my name...even bits about my...personality..."
It's not in your nature to fight against what's comfortable for you...is it?
Those words spoken from Kishuna haunt her from time to time, reminding her of her innate weakness. Every repeated iteration is like the twisting of a knife in her self-esteem, and the young lady feels like she's helpless to do anything about it. She can hardly speak with much confidence, much less exist without support from her friends.
...The whole scene felt creepy. It had to be one of the most uncomfortable experiences in her life. If not one of the most humiliating.
Regardless, she continues. "He...He said that m-my presence there was a m-mistake. He said he had mistaken me for S-Samuel's c-confidant...and that the role had unexpectedly gone towards s-someone else."
"Confidant?" Fiora asks. "That word...it means someone that another person confides information with. Why would he think that person would be you?"
Florina shrugs meekly. "I...I don't know...but...he said that role went t-towards Lady Lyn, instead. I...Is Lyn in danger? What information d-did S-Samuel tell her?"
There's a moment of silence, and Lani slowly fidgets in her position by the door. Her adolescent mind goes down a very different path than that shared among the cell. Lyn...what did Sammy tell her? She thought. That he loved her?
Although Lyn never directly told Lani of her and Samuel's relationship, she had begun to pick up the pieces of the truth from bits of dialogue she picked up from the army. The hours stolen away at night, the discrete flirtations, the way they acted around one another. She was very close to concluding that the two were lovers.
Kent says, "I...don't know. If I could speak about it to her...I would. I must admit. Lately, our relationship has taken a turn for the worst. We haven't shared a conversation since we left the Isle. I...think she holds no favor for me after what I did to her fiancé..."
Fiancé?! Lani's heart skips a beat. She presses her ear closer to the door. She stops short of applying enough pressure to cause the wood to creak.
Marcus says, "Let's...shift away from that. We must allow Florina to finish."
"...My apologies."
Florina gulps, "Before we were transported back...I saw a g-glimpse of Kishuna's body. I hadn't been able to d-do so before, since his form was outside of our v-vision. What I saw...oh..."
Florina rolls her eyes back, and her weight shifts onto her heels. She nearly faints. The cell manages to prevent this by throwing a pail of cold water onto her face, specifically prepared for this purpose. Lani raises her brow as she hears the frantic noises of people along with the splashing of water, but doesn't question anything.
Several moments pass, and Florina gathers her bearings again. She finally reveals what she'd been holding up in her mind for so long. "I...saw him. He was...heavily d-disfigured. But I caught t-three features that I can't mistake for seeing on anyone else. F-First, I saw a big scar on his eye, not unlike the one delivered by Rath towards S-Samuel during their fight last year..."
Gasps fill the air, and Kent raises his hand to calm them. "Calm yourselves, that's likely only a coincidence."
"But...I also saw the man's right arm. It was metallic...just like the late tactician's."
The gasps return this time with more ferocity. It takes more effort from Kent to calm them, though, not without a hint of doubt in his voice. "I'm sure others can create prosthetics like that...as unlikely as it may be."
Florina's final piece of testimony confirms what they were all fearing. "But...I s-saw his eyes, too. He had a left eye that reflected a shade of green, and the right a shade of brown. I'm...certain. That person...has to be—"
!
"Impossible!"
Kent slams his hand onto the table, creating a break in the atmosphere. Everyone stares at him in silent shock, unsure of what to do. The red knight immediately realizes the improper nature of his actions and composes himself as soon as he stepped out of line.
"No...that's impossible. Florina, forgive me, but do you know what you're suggesting?"
Florina says nothing, paralyzed by his earlier forcefulness. Kent only sighs.
"You're suggesting that the tactician still lives, in someway, shape, or form. When I killed the tactician, I did so thinking that we had finally ridded ourselves of that scourge. But...if what you're saying is true...then that cannot be the case. Samuel still roams Elibe, ever waiting for a chance to strike again."
Kent turns his back towards his peers, the weight of his actions feeling heavy on his shoulders. He stands there, thinking of what to do. The anxiety in his body is clear for all to see. It spreads around like a disease, touching every last man and woman around him.
Guy says, "I...find it all so unbelievable. Samuel, or at least another form of him, is still alive? It sounds more likely that the Magic seal induced her in some dream state, and what she's recalling is that. That explains a lot of things, actually, now that I think about it..."
Fiora shakes her head. "That doesn't explain all the new information Florina received."
Marcus raises his brow, perplexed. "Like what?"
Florina quips, "He...t-told us he rescued Samuel in Ilia. He also c-claimed to know who N-Nergal was as well. And...from his c-conversation w-with S-Samuel...he said a lot of other things..."
Kent inquires, "Other things?"
"K-Kishuna said a bunch of t-things I didn't understand. He asked him if he was a...egalitarian? I...d-don't know what that word means...but he claimed that he betrayed his i-ideals by giving h-his h-heart to a noblewoman. By the sound of his v-voice, it was l-like he was disappointed t-that his c-confidant wasn't me."
Kent grunts and bites his lip. For a moment, his mind ponders about the reality where the tactician had gone for Florina instead of his liege. He wonders if events would've transpired in an entirely different way, or the same. Regardless, the whole thought of the morph telling the Pegasus knight these things riles up some discomfort in his stomach. "That's...very disturbing. I'm sure Florina has no sense of attraction towards the tactician, anyway."
Despite those words leaving his mouth, Kent detects a shift in Florina's form; a glimmer of doubt? It appears like a bolt of lightning, yet disappears soon after. Kent hardly has any time to decipher what just happened when the Cell proceeds to their next point.
Marcus asks, "Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?"
"N-Not really...oh! I remember K-Kishuna expressing a...very resolute hatred t-towards Lady Lyn. He even a-attacked S-Samuel for defending her n-name."
Guy says, "So he hates Lyn, so what?"
"...Samuel...he spoke of wanting to upend t-the w-world order. He wanted to r-replace the m-monarchies of the world with s-something he c-called a d-democracy. I did s-some reading about w-what that was and...well..."
Florina stares down on her hands, unsure of what to say. She takes in a deep breath...
"I-It's a system where t-the p-peasants rule instead of kings. The do this thing c-called a vote where they c-choose a ruler with a p-popularity contest. I...think that's w-what it is."
Lucius' face morphs into a rare expression of disdain, shocking those around him. "That mode of rule violates the divine Mandate of Heaven given to the rulers of this land from the Creator. It's the purest form of heresy in the eyes of the Church."
Kent shakes his head. He's seen what the experiment of democracy can do to a nation in Carazan. He does not want such destruction to be shared in Lycia. "...I suppose that settles it then. This... Kishuna character seems to pose a prolonged, if not immediate threat to my liege, and by that extension, the army itself."
Fiora nods her head. "We must investigate the whereabouts of this mysterious foe. Do we have any leads to begin? What is everything we know?"
A wave of silence takes hold of the group. Individual members shift in their positions, uncomfortable by the lack of information held by them. Realizing this, Kent sighs.
"Ah...so that's the position we find ourselves in. Hmm...I fear we'll need to use some of our contacts. In the meantime, we should listen around and inquire with the locals. Kishuna operates within a veil of mystery. It will be difficult, but we'll have to uncover this being using whatever we have."
He balls his hand into a fist and presses it down on the table below him. He doesn't do it with much force, but is assertive enough to express the resolve within him. Everyone around him nods with understanding, though Florina shakes with anxiety unexplained.
"There's a chance Kishuna may not be who we think he is. There's also a chance we may uncover something we might not be prepared to realize. Regardless, we have our tasks. All we have to do is execute. May the word of Elimine bless us all. I hope we can—"
!
BOOM!
Suddenly, a deafening crack radiates through the air. It shocks everyone in the room, and for a second, no one can gather what's going on. However, this only carries briefly as another sound, that of falling stone, reaches their ears. Frightened, Lani turns around, and finds not only that the sturdy, stone wall behind her had collapsed, but she was now face to face with a group of nasty-looking men. They're led by a gray haired knight who exudes an aura of cold, unfeeling professionalism, much like the assassins that wandered the halls of the Dragon's Gate.
Behind her, Lani hears the drawing of Kent's preferred weapon, his sword. Acting quickly, the group of assailants in front of her whisk her away before Kent can give his order. Lani hears the booming voice of the red knight as a man ties a long cloth to her face before knocking her out cold with a single strike to her neck.
"Everyone! To arms!"
