Rigged from the Start

Chapter 75

A Rough Start

Well… at least I wasn't wandering through the sewers of some city this time. A damp, dark, musty cave was an improvement in that regard. Certainly better living conditions than the Gra city cistern. Although I can't say sitting on black, slate rock felt good for my behind.

But, there wasn't anywhere else to sit as Severa, Virion, Cordelia, Tharja, Henry, and I awaited General Mustafa in the caves. When I was pulled from the raging waters beside Gra's cliffs, Mustafa had been the one to greet me, but he couldn't stay to speak with me long. He had to make sure the rebels' hiding spot was still secure. While he did that, a pair of old friends led me to where the others were placed after they were also yanked from the foaming, raging sea.

"And so," Morteza continued, snapping me from my inner thoughts as he continued telling a tale I hadn't been paying attention to. "That is how Nader and I came to Gra with General Mustafa."

Oh damn, it was an important story too.

"General Mustafa never returned to Doluna after the Longfort Siege then?" Cordelia said, her brow furrowed as she brushed a lock of soaking wet hair from her face. Beside her, Severa fumed as she wrung her twintails out.

Morteza shook his head. Right as he opened his mouth to reply, the teapot over the small fire he and Nader built hissed. He held up a finger, grabbed the pot with a small rag, and tipped its contents into several small cups for us. While he happily handed us our tea, he was more cautious about Henry and Tharja. Henry smiled as he took his cup. Tharja remained sullen.

"The General," Morteza continued, as he poured himself and Nader some tea as well, "made his intentions of going against the Grimleal known to his main officers and most loyal soldiers. He wanted us to see how many soldiers he could peel off from the main ranks. Turns out, when you are a well-respected man, a good many other men are willing to follow you."

"How many soldiers are under General Mustafa's command right now?" Virion asked as I sipped my tea, choosing to remain quiet and allow the actual trained diplomats to work.

Morteza grimaced. "Not enough, still. Right now, we count two thousand in open rebellion against the crown. Of which-"

"Of which, five hundred are in these caves," A deep voice rumbled. I swiveled my gaze to the entrance to the cavern we sat in and spotted Mustafa lumber in, towering in the low sitting cave like a giant. A gentle smile creased his lips beneath his beard as he looked at me and Severa. "It warms my heart to see you both well. Although, I wish we were meeting again under much better circumstances."

Henry snickered. "Preferably with peaches and a nice bonfire, hm?"

Mustafa snorted as he took a seat beside Morteza and Nader. Nader handed him a cup of tea as he sat. "Yes, preferably. But, life has not afforded us such luxury." He sipped his tea then set his cup down to the side. His dark eyes darted to Virion and Cordelia. "I assume you two are representing the Halidom?"

Cordelia nodded. "We are."

"Care to explain to me why the Exalt abandoned our original treaty?"

Cordelia blanched. "Um… I… uh…"

"Good General," Virion cut in, "I am sure you are well aware of how politics work?"

"I am aware, and that awareness is why I despise both politics and politicians. That's why I did not address you."

Virion gaped. "H-how- I am not a-"

"With that many frills, forgive me for mistaking you for a soft noble," Mustafa grunted, less than impressed with Virion. "I chose to address the obvious knight. If she cannot provide a coherent answer, I'll turn to the pair I know best."

I gulped. I didn't have an answer for him either beyond 'Emmeryn wanted peace'. I doubted that would be a satisfactory response. There was clearly no peace for Mustafa or his followers right now.

Cordelia drew in a deep breath before speaking. "Apologies, General. I wasn't expecting such a direct line of questioning."

"You should have," Mustafa grunted. He leaned back in his seat, one hand resting on his knee as he eyed Cordelia. "Right now, my opinion of the Exalt is only slightly higher than that of Plegia's new monarch. The only reason it is higher is that I'm willing to give Exalt Emmeryn some benefit of the doubt; if my doubts can be dispelled by a good word, that is."

Cordelia pursed her lips. I wondered how she was going to approach this. Was she going to try to placate Mustafa? That wouldn't work. Mustafa would not accept pointless platitudes or flattery. Would she try to barge past the subject? That also would not work. Mustafa was a relentless person, and that made him very skilled at politics too. I've witnessed his prowess firsthand whenever he interacted with Validar or Aversa.

"Truthfully, General, Exalt Emmeryn did not send us."

Severa's mouth fell open and my jaw hung on its hinges. Apparently saying the blunt truth was the approach Cordelia was going to take. Risky.

Mustafa's heavy brow furrowed. Before he could say anything, Cordelia continued.

"Exalt Emmeryn likely does not know we are here. If she does, then she will not be pleased by our mission."

"Then why are you here?" Mustafa asked, his voice quiet as he tried to put the puzzle together. His eyes lit up. "Prince Chrom sent you."

Cordelia nodded. "He sides with you, General. But, he cannot brazenly go against the Exalt. She is his sister, and he has to abide by her words."

"That doesn't mean he can't bend them though," Mustafa leaned forward, interested and intrigued. "The Prince took a grave risk doing what he did."

"He did," Cordelia nodded. "The risk involved is why he only sent us," she nodded at herself and Virion, "As well as members of his Shepherds who are the most familiar with Plegia."

General Mustafa's gaze flicked to me and Severa again. Then his eyes fell on Henry and Tharja. His gaze lingered on Tharja for a long moment. She did not cower beneath his stern glare, but she also didn't raise her head to challenge it. The Deadlord in her home, and her mother's condition, rattled her. She did a decent job of not showing it, but Tharja was even quieter than normal.

"I was not aware that the Prince took Plegian Mages into his ranks. It seems he is either an incredible judge of character, or he's quite foolhardy."

Henry snickered. "Oh, don't worry so much, Mustafa. I've already given him plenty of reason to worry, and he still trusts me."

"He's foolhardy then," Mustafa grunted. "While you are a… good young man, Henry. You are still Grimleal. Trusting one of your ranks is a dangerous option."

"Fair," Henry nodded with a grin.

"If our presence is what is preventing you from being more amicable, then we will head for a different cavern," Tharja muttered, her dark gaze lingering on Mustafa. "But, we have more important things to worry about than who is trustworthy and who is not. I doubt you and your followers are safe down here."

Mustafa frowned. "I wish you were incorrect. But, sadly, you are not. This is merely a temporary hiding spot. One that has worked well so far, but after what happened in the Raad estate, one we will have to vacate soon."

"Wonderful racket you all caused, by the way," Nader droned.

"Splendid, indeed," Morteza nodded with a smile. "How's the old crone doing in her palatial prison, by the way?"

The amount of hate Tharja shot Morteza's way made me shiver. The only reason she did not hex him where he sat was probably because she was exhausted from our escape a few hours ago. That, and our situation with Mustafa was still delicate. While he was friendly with us, and I liked to think Severa and I were his friends, that did not mean he had to help us. It also did not mean he had to accept our assistance. Whatever ire Tharja had needed to be repressed for the mission to succeed. So, she bit her tongue and allowed Morteza to have his little jab.

"Let's just say she's seen a lot," Henry cackled.

Tharja gave Henry an incredulous look while Virion sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Henry's cackling only intensified.

Mustafa nodded. "That creature has her imprisoned up there, yes?"

"You mean the deadlord?" I chimed in for the first time. "Yeah, that's Vykrik. Terrifying bastard."

"You could say that again," Severa grumbled as she wiped water from her brow. "Gawds, I'm soaked to the bone."

Mustafa blinked. "Yes, I had forgotten that. Where are my manners?" He sighed and shook his head. "Everything's been quite the whirlwind as of late. Morteza, Nader, could you show our friends where they will be staying for the night. We can continue this conversation at a later time when you all are recovered and rested."

With that, he rose to his feet, leaving his half-finished teacup on the ground. He nodded to me and Severa once before turning and exiting the cavern. Once he was gone, Morteza and Nader picked up their tea and stood.

"Follow us, yes?" Morteza chirped.

"They better, or they'll get lost down here."

"Oh yeah, that wouldn't do. Horrible way to die, lost in a cave system and all."

I traded a nervous look with Severa. We were the first to our feet, following the two Plegian soldiers. Tharja and Henry trailed right behind us. Finally, Cordelia and Virion followed, with Virion sipping his tea as he strode at the very rear.

As we moved through the various tunnels and caves, we passed by some of Mustafa's followers. They looked tired, with dark rings around their eyes and heavy bags beneath them. Sleep was a rarity for these men and women. They were always fearing for their lives. Always looking over their shoulder waiting for the Grimleal to find them. I knew that feeling all too well, and I pitied them.

Hopefully, I wouldn't have to feel that way again. That would depend on how well negotiations with Mustafa went though. We'll find out soon enough.

It's amazing how loud a single drop of water can be. That faint, dripping sound that is normally so pleasant on a rainy night is usually muffled by other noises; whether that is the ting of a tin roof, the patter of rain smacking the hard ground, or the gentle breeze rustling branches on the trees. However, water in a cave is unbearably loud. Every small drop that fell from a hanging stalactite echoed through the small cavern designated as mine and Severa's living quarters. So, that made trying to get any sleep difficult.

Then, there was the actual sleeping situation. Living in a cave is far from ideal, and it appears I have grown too comfortable with having a mattress once again. The mats we had were back with Aurora, somewhere above ground. While Mustafa's troop provided some bedrolls for us, they weren't the most comfortable. The cold rocky floor didn't help matters either.

But, it's just something I'll have to get used to again. That shouldn't take long. So long as we were safe, dry, and not hungry, I'd be fine. Severa, on the other hand…

"Ugh!" She sat up from her bedroll, a wince passing over her face as she rolled her shoulders. "Not a single smooth surface in this damn cave."

A chuckle slipped from my lips as I sat on a large stone beside my bedroll. "Used to the good life already?"

"No." Severa folded her arms. I gave her a skeptical look, which caused her to roll her eyes. "Alright, maybe."

I laughed again before rising from my seat and moving to her side. Then, I sat down beside her, not caring that I wasn't on a bedroll at the moment.

"Just like the old days," I remarked.

Severa scoffed. "The old days aren't exactly ones I want to relive. Too much terror. and looking over my shoulder, and wondering what the hell you're thinking."

"You still do the latter of those three."

"Yeah, yeah, except I'm used to that kind of worrying anymore," Severa replied with a wave of her hand.

A long breath puffed from her lips. I noticed the bags under her eyes and the slight slouch in her posture. She was exhausted.

"Hey," I put my hand against her cheek, pulling some red hair behind her ear in the process. It was a gesture that made her eyes close and a relaxed breath slip from her lips. "Get some rest, alright?"

Severa snorted. "Easy for you to say. You don't look tired."

"Well, I am, but I can keep an eye on things for a little bit if that's what you're worried about."

"I'm not-" Severa bit her lip and shook her head. "Gawds, Plegia does not put me in a good mood, I swear." She uttered a sputtering breath then glanced at me. "Suppose I could use some rest. What are you going to do? Other than sit there?"

I shrugged as I got to my feet. "I'll probably check up on the others. I think Mustafa might've rattled Cordelia and Virion a little bit. That and… as much as I don't want to, Tharja might need someone to vent to."

Severa arched an eyebrow. "That's a dangerous move."

"But likely a necessary one." Severa frowned and I shrugged. "Look, it's either Tharja talks about what happened to her mom, or she lets it boil over and we all suffer as a result."

"Some people don't like to talk about their problems, Sam. Tharja is definitely one of those people, I think."

I started moving to the small cavern entry. Torchlight flickered in the tunnel it opened into.

"You never know, Sev," I replied. "Besides, I got you to talk about your problems."

Severa snorted as she fell to her side and let her head rest against the scratchy pillows given to us. "Yeah well… you were an exception for me."

She didn't say anything after that, preferring to try to fall asleep instead. I was glad for that. This entire journey did little to make Severa comfortable. Plegia had not been kind to her, and coming back here brought back some bad memories for her. True, our bond had been forged and strengthened in this land, but that didn't mean it had been the most pleasant experience. Really, the only pleasant moments I can recall involved Severa. The rest was a myriad of fear, Grimleal, and sand. Lots and lots of sand.

I'll take this cave over the desert any day.

I ran a hand over my eyes, yawning before I made my way down the tunnel towards the other two caverns Mustafa allowed our group to stay in. The largest and most comfortable cavern belonged to Cordelia and Virion. They were also the closest to me and Severa. So, I chose to stop by there first.

When I reached their room, I was surprised to see Virion outside, leaning against the stone wall with his arms folded. He looked weary as well, but he hid it much better than me or Severa could, still standing tall and remaining alert. He spotted me before I could make a sound.

"Ah, Samwise, making the rounds I see?"

I nodded. "Just checking in on everyone. It's been an interesting day, to say the least."

Virion sniffed. "Interesting is putting it lightly, but I'll let you describe it however you wish." Slowly, he craned his head, his gaze just barely fitting into the doorway. I gave him a puzzled look until I realized the one reason he would be out here instead of resting.

"I doubt Cordelia would appreciate a peeping tom."

Virion scoffed. "P-peeping!? I am- you wound me, sir, with your baseless assertions."

"Is she changing in there?"

Virion's lips thinned. "Well, yes, but-"

"And she's a good-looking lady."

"Of course."

"You're a peeping tom."

Virion's shoulders sagged. "Apparently so. Forgive a fellow being a little, how should I put it? Frustrated? I've had a bit of a dry spell with the ladies of late and well-"

I raised my hands. "I don't want to know. I'll just give you a warning. Cordelia is a kind person, but there are boundaries she does not want crossed. And I doubt she'll hesitate in asserting those boundaries." She was Severa's mother, after all. Severa had to get her short temper from somewhere, and I doubt she got it from Robin. My few interactions with the man told me he was rather level-headed.

Virion hummed. "True, but she's not as violent as Tharja."

"You say this about a woman who could filet you with her spear."

Virion paled. "A-A fair point there."

I patted Virion's shoulder. "Just reminding you."

"Reminder noted."

"Oh! Samwise."

Both Virion and I turned to see Cordelia now standing in the doorway. She had shed her armor and now wore the simple riding wear she wore beneath it. Most of it still looked soaked, but Henry had done a decent job helping everyone dry off. The small, wing ornaments all Pegasus Knights wore remained in her hair, even as she chose to be a bit more casual.

"Is everything alright?" She asked, completely oblivious to the conversation Virion and I were having.

"Yes," I answered before Virion could say anything. "Just checking up on you two. Mustafa was rougher than I remember him being."

Cordelia's face became downcast. "Yes, he was quite stern."

"Rude, I would say," Virion huffed.

"We were rude first, don't forget that." I shook my head. "Emmeryn did us no favors here."

Cordelia blinked. "A-Are you disparaging the Exalt?"

"No, I'm making a factual observation," I replied, earning a nod from Virion. "The Exalt is a good ruler, but when it comes to this mission, we were not given a very good position to start from. Mustafa is right to be cross and wary with us right now. Ylisse does have a treaty with the current Plegian king, after all."

"Speaking of which, do we know who that is?" Virion asked. "I've heard much hearsay about this King, but no name or description. He appears to be quite the reclusive man."

I grimaced. I already knew who the new king was. Only one person was capable of crushing any power grabs so swiftly in the wake of Gangrel's death. Grima sat on the Plegian Thorne in Doluna. Although, I was surprised by his decision to lay low. He always struck me as a braggadocious bastard.

And, I wasn't sure what to do with this knowledge. Once again, I found myself caught in a difficult spot. If I said that the new Plegian king was Grima, I would either be laughed at, frowned at, or dismissed. While Chrom and Emmeryn knew Grima was stalking Doluna once again, the other Shepherds were, for the most part, unaware. The royals had kept this under wraps in order to avoid inciting a panic among a fragile populace.

Besides, Chrom wanted to support Mustafa's rebellion. To do that, we needed to prop it up as much as possible. If the rebellion and people of Plegia learned that a literal death dragon fought against them, they would lose heart. After all, what could mere humans do against such an overwhelming monster?

However… I did not feel good about keeping this information close to the chest. Perhaps it'd be a good idea to talk to Severa about it? After all, it is her father on the Plegian throne now.

"Apparently, yeah," I muttered, rubbing my chin. "He definitely delegates more than Gangrel did."

"Delegates to the demonic. That monster in the Raad mansion was not a welcome sight," Cordelia gulped. "You called that thing a deadlord right? Vykrik? You encountered him in the future?"

I nodded. "If you run into him again, don't fight him. Run. That's a beast we cannot defeat by strength of arms right now."

Cordelia gawked at me. "And if he attempts to harm innocents or allies?"

"You're no good to either dead," I replied flatly. "First lesson of espionage work, which is what this is Cordelia: stay alive at all costs. No unnecessary heroics. Those rarely end well in this line of work." I drew in a deep breath then nodded. "Speaking of not ending well, our first talk with Mustafa did not. If I run into him, I'll try to smooth things over before we start negotiating again."

A relieved look passed over both Cordelia and Virion's features.

"That would be appreciated," Virion nodded.

"Yes. Oh!" Cordelia reached into her pocket and withdrew a folded-up piece of paper. "Inquire about sending letters, please? This note is to inform Robin of our situation."

I nodded as I took the note. "I wouldn't get my hopes up, but I'll ask."

"Thank you." Cordelia uttered a long yawn. "I suppose it is time to sleep. Virion?"

"Yes, my lady?"

"Peep again and I will drown you."

Virion's jaw fell open as Cordelia spun around and sauntered back into the cavern. I snickered as a look of fear shot over Virion's face.

"I warned you," I said, patting his shoulder.

"And she gave an even clearer one." Virion cleared his throat then nodded to himself. "Perhaps I'll sleep across the cavern from her. That comment reminded me all too much of someone else I know and well…" He shivered and I had to snicker again.

"Get some rest, Ruffles."

With that, I moved on. Tharja and Henry's quarters weren't much further down the hall from here. I passed by a couple of guards as I quietly walked that way. They gave me wary looks but otherwise were cordial enough. Some of them must have remembered me from the start of the Plegian War, when Severa and I were regular occupants in Doluna Fortress's training yard. That familiarity might be the only reason none of them scowled at me.

Tharja and Henry were given a smaller cavern far removed from the other living spaces. It was a dingy space, damp and dark. When I reached it, I realized only a single candle burned inside. I paused in front of the entrance, my eyes flicking from shadow to shadow as I debated entering or not.

I hope it's not hexed.

With a deep breath, I stepped into the room. A loud caw nearly sent me out of my boots. I clenched my jaw and whipped my head to the right, where Bill sat perched on a rock beside the door.

"I'll cook you," I warned.

Quiet snickers made me freeze. "Please don't do that, Samwise, my friend. Bill is a fun little soul. Wouldn't want him haunting you, now would we?"

I closed my eyes, sighed, and turned to face Henry. He was sitting against the wall, his tome open in his lap and the candle burning by his side, illuminating his text as he read. Somehow, the guy made something as innocuous as reading seem intimidating. Then again, that's what a dark mage can do when they have their tome in hand. While I knew I might have offended him, I also knew something he would appreciate.

"Oh don't tell me you haven't wondered what a crow tastes like," I said, putting my hands on my hips.

Henry turned a page in his book then raised his smiling gaze to meet mine. "They're a bit chewy."

My heart plummeted and my throat tightened. That was not the answer I was expecting. Quickly, I cleared my throat.

"Uh-huh, interesting. Anyways, you seem fine. So," I glanced around the room. Tharja wasn't here. "Tharja is?"

"Not here. Didn't mention where she was going." Henry turned another page. "If you want, I can send Bill to find her. Shouldn't be too difficult. Not many places someone can hide in these caves. I'd bear that in mind."

And that was my cue to leave. Henry wasn't cracking any jokes. He was being deadpan, and he took offense to me threatening Bill. Yeah… he's in a foul mood. I thought about asking why but decided to not tempt fate. At least he offered to help me. So that meant his frustration was not directed at me, at the moment.

"Thanks for the warning," I replied, earning a quiet nod.

Carefully, I exited the room and returned to wandering the tunnels connecting the various caves. Tharja was missing. Great, that's exactly what I wanted to hear right now. The most volatile and least-trustworthy member of our group was not in her designated room. If Mustafa was not aware of this then he'll likely be quite upset.

I can already feel the headache coming.

Eventually, the tunnel opened up to the main cavern, a massive space with many stalactites and stalagmites dangling from the ceiling and sprouting from the floor. Several small pools of water littered the rocky space, providing at least some fresh water. Whether it was rainwater leaking in from somewhere, or a natural spring, I wasn't sure.

More of Mustafa's rebels lingered in this cave. Some had set up makeshift tents near the small pools while the rest lounged around what little furniture the rag-tag group managed to gather. I spotted several rebels playing cards, and I was half-tempted to join them. But, they gave me wary looks which made me stay the course. I had to find Tharja first, then I could do whatever for the rest of the night.

Before I could continue my search, though, I spotted someone that made me grin ear to ear.

"Well, I'll be damned. Is that Kushi?"

Sure enough, the oldest of my old Bad Batch turned around from the card table he sat at. A broad smile formed on his weathered face.

"Haha! Grima's bones, if it ain't Mr. Baggins!" He rose from his seat, moved to me, and grasped my arm before pulling me in for a brief embrace. "Good to see you survived this long."

"Same, my friend." I patted his back, and the embrace ended. "How'd you wind up here? I figured you would go back to Doluna and start picking pockets again."

Kushi cringed. "Thought about that, yeah. But… things ain't sounding too good in Doluna. Lots of Grimleal crap going on there. You want my opinion, the further away from those creeps I am the better. Can't get much further in Plegia than Gra."

"Makes sense," I nodded. "But a rebel fighter?"

Kushi shrugged. "Mustafa's a good guy. Besides, he ain't got the stomach for the more underhanded stuff that needs to be done to win a war, y'know. Stuff that you and I know. Figured I'd lend my services for a decent price."

"Ah, so instead of conning citizens you're conning the kingdom's most wanted rebels?"

"Exactly!" Kushi grinned. "Of course, your weird morals rubbed off a little bit. I gotta hope these guys win or I'm gonna lose the one head I've got."

I cringed. "Yeah, that wouldn't do. Can't make Doluna's walls any uglier, right?"

"Heh, I guess not." Kushi chuckled. He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. "Care to join our game?"

I raised a hand. "Tempting, but I have to pass this time. I'm looking for one of those creepy ex-Grimleal right now."

"Oh…" Kushi nodded. "The Raad lady, eh? She passed through here a few moments ago. Steered clear of everyone. Probably best she did too. There's several people in here who would happily gut her for what the Grimleal and the Raads have done to their homes and families. I'd keep a close eye on her."

"That's what I'm trying to do," I sighed. I should have anticipated some bad blood between the Raads and the rebels. Robin insisted that Tharja accompanying us on this mission was a good idea, but I was starting to have some serious doubts. "Which way did she go?"

"The overlook. Small gap in the rocks that looks out to the sea. Nice view, if you don't have a dark mage sharing it with ya."

Kushi gestured to a tunnel with no torches. I grimaced. Of course, to find Tharja, I'd have to venture into the darkest part of the cave system.

"Thanks. We'll catch up with some cards another time."

"Just say when, boss," Kushi remarked, before waving and returning to his game with the other rebels.

I waved back then turned to the dark tunnel. With a sigh, I stepped into the shadows.

Back home in Wisconsin, dark places like this actually scared me. I had to laugh at that phobia now. I used to be so afraid of the dark that I would sleep with the television on at the very least. The soft glow of the blue light did so much to ease my anxieties back then. But now, the darkness wasn't something I feared. It was my ally. So much of my work involved skulking in shadows and in places others didn't want to venture. I had grown used to it.

It still amazed me how far I had come since arriving in Archanea.

The dark tunnel was a short one, which was probably why it didn't have any torches lighting it. At the end of the dark tunnel was a cave mouth with a cleft that overlooked the black sea to Plegia's south. A lone silhouette sat in the faint moonlight that managed to pierce the cave.

Tharja sat on a rock at the edge of the cave, her feet dangling off the edge of the cliff. Her spellbook sat beside her, closed. Both her hands rested on the floor beside her as she looked out to the raging sea. Bright flashes of lightning danced in distant thunderclouds over the ocean, causing the waves to be even more violent far below the cave. Other than the waves crashing against the rocks, not a sound could be heard in the cave.

I pursed my lips. Should I bother Tharja now? I thought about slipping back into the shadows, only for Tharja to raise her right hand.

"If you have something to say, Baggins, say it. I'd rather be left alone for now otherwise."

She knows I'm here. Of course, she does. I exhaled and stepped further into the moonlight.

"I'm just checking up on everyone." I folded my hands behind my back as I thinned my lips. "So um… how are you?"

Silence. I should have expected as much. Tharja was already a cold, quiet person. After what happened in her childhood home, I shouldn't have expected her to be so open with me. Severa was probably right. Some people don't want to talk about their problems.

Regardless, we were on a mission. All of us needed to be in the right state of mind to accomplish the task given to us by Chrom and Robin. If I couldn't count on Tharja then I needed to know now before talks began in earnest with Mustafa.

So, instead of retreating into the shadows, I stepped to the edge and sat down beside Tharja. For a few moments, I didn't bother looking at her. Instead, I set my gaze on the storm clouds in the distance, the black cloud billowing in the moonlight sky like smoke. Pulses of lightning danced through the clouds, creating a light show the likes of which I hadn't seen in a long time.

"Kushi was right," I commented. "This is quite the view."

"It's quite the fall too."

In response to Tharja's comment, I looked down. The descent was dizzying. It was a sheer drop alongside onyx cliffs. Below the sea swirled, foaming with fury amongst jagged rocks jutting up above the waterline. My stomach jumped to my throat at the sight.

"Y-yeah, it is." I tore my gaze from the ocean and slowly exhaled. "The ocean's got a nice sound to it."

"Would I feel it if I jumped?"

The question caught me off guard. I froze where I sat, unsure of what to do or say. I turned my head to look at Tharja for the first time.

Tears stained her cheeks, black mascara running in dark rivers down her pale face. Her eyes were red and puffy. The composed, emotionless façade she always presented was gone right now. At that moment, I noticed how badly her hands were shaking at her sides.

"Well…" I folded my arms, my jaw working back and forth. "I don't know. I'd rather not find out."

Tharja snorted and shook her head. "There's only one way, really. I'm not sure if I want to find out either." She bowed her head, her dark bangs shadowing her face as she tucked her chin. "If you're expecting me to open up and talk about my feelings, Baggins, you can forget about it."

I shook my head. "Wasn't expecting that. That would be beneath a dark mage such as yourself."

"Precisely."

I grimaced but did not reply. I just sat there, awkward tension filling me as I folded my hands in my lap. I was acutely aware of the air passing beneath my feet as my legs dangled off the edge of the cliff. It made me shiver. While I wasn't afraid of heights, I was still afraid of falling. Being up this high without any barriers reminded me of that time I scaled the Longfort with Anna and Gaius. I think that's the only other time I had ever dared to dangle from any object like this.

A strong wind blasted the cliff, making me stiffen where I sat. My hands pressed flat against the cold stone beneath me, trying to find a handhold so the wind couldn't lift me off my seat and fling me into the sea. I swallowed hard as some sweat beaded on my brow. As the wind howled, Tharja's hands clenched into fists.

"I don't even know where Aziz is." Her voice was barely audible over the wind. The breeze brushed through her black hair, whipping it out of her face and behind her head. She sniffled and raised her gaze to the sea. "My mother is a dead woman walking. A prisoner to that monster in my house. My father is a corpse with his head an ornament on Gra's walls, and my brother is… I don't know where he is." A weak laugh left her lips. "The Raad family, the most powerful noble house after the Daraens. So much for that power. Whoever this new king is did away with it quite quickly."

I remained quiet. In my experience, sometimes people needed to let it all out without interruption. I know Severa was that way many times.

"My family is gone. I am officially a traitor to the kingdom, and to the religious order I grew up in." A shuddering breath left her lips. "What do I have any more?"

My lips thinned. "Well…" She didn't raise her head to acknowledge me, but I decided to keep talking. "You have Henry?"

That earned a dry, sardonic laugh. "Yes, I have a madman with a love of birds and blood. Thank you, Mr. Baggins. Truly something to live for there."

I shifted in my seat. "Tharja-"

"Do not try to console me," She snarled. "I know where I stand right now. I have no home anymore. My old life has long passed, and those parts of my new life have all but rejected me due to my past. Don't think I haven't seen the glares sent my way by the other Shepherds. Even you and Severa view me with wariness. Although, your gazes aren't as cold as the others." She sniffled and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Yes, the only one who wants anything to do with me is a madman. Quite the compliment, Samwise."

I winced and wrung my hands in my lap. "Well, better than no one, right?"

Tharja scoffed. "If you say so." She clenched her jaw. One of her hands brushed over the leather binding of her spellbook. "Samwise, be honest with me now. Is Grima the cause of all this?"

I froze where I sat. My silence must have been all the answer Tharja needed. I saw hatred enter those dark eyes of hers. A snarl twisted her pale face, even as faint tears trickled down her cheeks. She rose to her feet, spellbook clenched tight in her hand. Then, with a feral scream, she threw her spellbook as far as she could into the raging sea.

Ragged breaths shuddered in and out of her frail body. She clenched her fists tight at her sides as a loud thunderclap made the cliff shake. She turned her head to me. I remained frozen beneath her furious glare.

"There's one thing worth living for now, then." She spun on her heel and marched towards the tunnel. "Time to make that madman help me write a new spellbook."

Her footsteps echoed behind me as I remained where I saw, watching the sea roll far below. Eventually, the echoes faded, and all that remained was the fading moonlight being swallowed by thunderclouds. I drew in a deep breath and rose to my feet, casting one last look at the sea where Tharja tossed her spellbook.

"We're off to a great start."

I shook my head and made my way down the tunnel, ready to turn in for the night. Everyone had been shaken by events in their own way. Virion disguised his distress with boyish shenanigans. Cordelia dealt with hers by maintaining her knightly demeanor and writing to Robin. Henry was… Henry. Severa and I relied on each other to get by. And Tharja, she stewed in her rage, allowing it to fuel her now.

I don't think I have to doubt her loyalty now.

When I reached mine and Severa's room, I found Severa fast asleep on her mat. Quietly, I nudged my mat beside hers then laid down. As soon as my head hit my pillow, she spun around and wrapped her arms around me, muttering as she slumbered. I remained still for a moment, then smiled and held her close.

Rest now. Negotiations with Mustafa are tomorrow.

And chapter! A little breather before we get into some more action. I plan on this little arc to be high paced, so it's gonna be fun! Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed it! Have a nice day!

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