Chapter Six

Gilgamesh looked down from his window over the city. Galba had stood here in the middle of the ocean since for thousands of years, built during Hyne's long sleep. Named after the lone fisherman who had found it, it had prospered due to the richness of the waters around it in fish and pearls, and the amount of minerals in the rock it stood on. It had always been a haven, but had become even more so in the war against Hyne. In the streets thronged refugees from all over the world. Dark skinned tribes from the deserts of Centra rubbed shoulders with the strange Shumi people of the Trabian wilderness. If anything, actual Galbadians were in a minority. He turned as he sensed Natoli's presence behind him. "Any news?" She asked anxiously.
Gilgamesh sighed "Nothing good. The priests say Bahamut's left the temple. It's the first time he's done it for twenty years, and the last time…"
"Hyne attacked soon after. But we're safe here Gilgamesh."
Gilgamesh turned back to the window. "I wish I shared your confidence Natoli. The last news came in a couple of hours ago. The weapons tried to take Balamb last night."
He could hear Natoli gasp behind him, and he quickly reassured her "They didn't manage it. Ifrit and Shiva actually worked together to drive them back, along with Quezocoatl. But the residents completely used up their supply of powerful spells, and there were many wounded." A grim smile played over Gilgamesh's striped features. "They'll be coming here of course. Seoman sent some Esthar soldiers there, and Odin's rumoured to be leading an army of Centrans up there himself to help defend Balamb."
"It's the kind of thing Odin would do. Can we spare any soldiers to help them?"
"No. Odin and I discussed that. Galba's a safe haven, and it's invaluable as such. We're also very close to both Centra and Esthar, so should the Weapons attack there, we can launch a counterattack faster than anyone else."
He turned back to Natoli, who looked troubled. He sighed. "I know you don't like not being able to help them love, but you know that it makes sense."
Natoli nodded sadly and walked out the door.

***

Odin stood at the bow of the Centra flagship Ruby Dragon, Scanning the horizon for a sign of Balamb or Weapon.
"Odin sir?"
The knight turned to see a tall, dark skinned figure. Rean was from one of the peoples who lived in the eastern reaches of Centra. They tended to be as good with ships as they were with the quaterstaves they chose as weapons. They were bought up to be sailors and warriors. "Yes Rean?"
"One of the sailors said they saw a huge dragon go over sir, twice as big as any he'd ever seen…"
Odin stared at him blankly. "Why are you telling me this Rean?"
The taller man cringed away from Odin "You did say you wanted to be told of anything out of the ordinary sir."
Odin sighed. Even to someone who had been in as many battles as Rean had, his appearance still provoked fear and revulsion, where once it had inspired respect and admiration. Odin smiled briefly. The admiration had been particularly enjoyable. Fortunately, this news didn't seem anything to worry about. The weapons could not fly, thank the gods. "Thank you Rean. Tell that sailor to keep his eyes on his work and not on the sky. We need to get to Balamb as soon as possible."
Rean saluted and walked down to the prow, and Odin went back to his silent watch.

***

The insects were still cowering in fear from the last attack. Omega Weapon saw one of them trip over a corpse lying in the street, and then weep as it saw its face. Probably a relative or friend. All to the good, if the insects suffered before they died.
Omega turned at a crashing in the bushes behind him, then relaxed as he saw his brother. He was glad he had come, for Omega had decided that there was no need for them both here. Omega sent a message pulsing along the bond between them, and was gratified when his brother nodded. He knew where he had to go.