Harpstring Moon: Pinning Down the Enemy

Dorothea and Ferdinand journeyed outside to pacify Bernadetta. Dorothea smiled. "Bern, it's Ferdie! He proved he really is him! He said something only the real Ferdie would know."

Bernadetta breathed a sigh of relief. "Whew. I thought I was going to die for sure! But then who is the mole?"

Ferdinand repeated his theory, and Bernadetta nodded. "I hope that's it and that rogue priest just said it rattle us. I really don't want to think that someone we've been spending all this time with is a bloodthirsty traitor!"

Sophie raced up to them. "Hey guys! Is it okay if we take a gander at the apparatus to check where the Twilighter bases are?"

Ferdinand nodded. "Of course. Please gather everyone and I will lead you all right there."

In a few minutes, the whole group of heroes entered the palace. Advisor Crebbin was taken aback by the sheer number. "Milord, who are all these guests?"

Dorothea gave him a sarcastic smile. "Why, Advisor Crebbin, these are all the other warriors protecting the worlds from evil. I'm flattered that you think so highly of Bern, Ferdie, Linhardt, and me, but you didn't think we could take this on our own, did you?"

Advisor Crebbin growled but said nothing. Ferdinand led them to the western wing that housed an enormous magical apparatus. Annette's hand glided over the smooth steel. "Ooh, I just tell this is going to be great! I can practically see the magic sizzling off it!"

Owain poked it. "Aye, the hidden depths of wisdom flow through its opulent limbs! The power is swirling . . . Can you feel it?"

Camilla gave him a little smile. "You know, Owain, I love you."

Linhardt turned it on. "Is everyone ready?" When it whirled to life, he tapped into the detection feature. Then he zoomed in on any large quantities of strange magic, hoping any Twilighter bases would be there. Sure enough, a point was located in Faerghus, in Count Rowe's territory.

Dimitri hardened. "I'm not surprised. When Edelgard's troops attacked, they were the first to bend a knee. House Rowe doesn't seem to do well under pressure."

Dedue patted his old friend on the back. "That is their own weakness, not yours, Your Highness."

Ingrid added, "After all your family did for them, and that's how they repay the debt? It's shameful conduct, to be sure. I'm thankful that my family retained our honor when Edelgard's army invaded by carrying on the resistance."

Dorothea argued, "Careful not to be too judgey. The Rowe territory is right near the Empire. They didn't have time to prepare for an invasion. I'm sure they would've put up more of a fight if they were able to."

Dimitri sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry, everyone. Everything that happened . . . It still stings."

Mary squeezed his arm. "I'm here for you."

Dimitri took her hand into his. "Thank you. It means a great deal to me to have such kind allies and friends."

Gustave approved, "It is always wise to rely upon loved ones in times of hardship. If only I learned that lesson before it was too late . . ."

Annette broke in, "No Father! You mustn't think like that! Yes, you abandoned Mother and I, but we're going to be a family now, and with Caspar. We're together again. Now we won't take a second for granted!"

Gustave kissed his daughter's cheek. "What did I do to deserve such a good family?"

Caspar added, "Yeah! I can't wait to be added in! We're gonna be so happy!"

Gustave clapped Caspar's back. "I couldn't think of a better fit for us than you."

After everyone admired the touching moments, Sophie suggested, "So should we set off for this Rowe territory now?"

Soleil gazed at the map the apparatus created. "That's so cool. Now we know that once we get rid of this base, Fódlan is safe. We can focus all of our attention onto other worlds."

Ophelia mused, "If only we were able to have a tool like this in all the worlds. We'll likely have to struggle and toil to perceive the information needed to stop the foul ones!"

Owain consoled, "No need to fear! I have studied the arts of magic during my time in Nohr. If I am allowed to see how this operates, I will be able to fine-tune the same method for that world. And I am most certain the brave sage warrior king Laurent will be able to decipher the hidden meanings to transcribe the results to the land of Ylisse!"

With the confidence boost from Owain, the soldiers prepared to move to Count Rowe's territory. Shiro loudly cleared his throat. "Okay everyone! I'm gonna get supplies. Just give the list and I'll pick them up at the market."

The heroes listed off needs such as maintenance armor oil, new weapons, and food stock up. Ingrid volunteered, "I'll go with you."

Shiro panicked. "No!" When he saw the falcon knight's bewilderment, he amended, "Sorry. I just have something to do alone. Hit two birds with one stone, yeah?"

Ingrid held her hands up. "O-kay. Whatever you want."

With the opportunity to slip away, Shiro mentally kept track of all the items to purchase. Once the necessities were complete, he slunk off to a very different vendor. He browsed through the seller's wares, hoping for just the right one. A silver ring with an amethyst gem surrounded by smaller cuts of jewels caught his eye. "Huh. What's this?"

The merchant bragged, "High quality silver and real mined amethyst! It will be yours for the low, low price of three small bullions!"

Shiro's eyes nearly bugged out of his head. "WHAT?! Three thousand dollars for one ring?! Does it at least have any special powers? Like, being able to crush an entire enemy?"

The seller glowered. "Uh, no."

Shiro crossed his arms against his chest. "Hmph. Do you have anything that could do that?"

"Uh, no."

"Do you know anyone who does?"

The seller pointed him in the right direction, and off Shiro went.