© January 2002

DISCLAIMER: I don't own escaflowne. Too bad, so sad. But , hey, life goes on. All I own are the original characters. Read on.

All I need

By Youjibaracuda

~*~Nine~*~

Van rode out towards the meeting place about an hour or so before midnight. He had just seen Merle off with his children and his steward (who was posing as Van for the trip since no one was supposed to know what Van was really up to) and he was now heading for the city gates. He had made sure to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, donning a simple dark red shirt, a pair of brown breeches, and a dark cloak to cover his features. The only thing that could possibly identify him as a royal was his sword, the one thing he could not leave behind. He even rode on a horse with an ordinary saddle.

The amazing amount of freedom he felt then was elating. True, the circumstances surrounding this new liberty weren't pleasant, but for the first time in years he was free to do what he wanted without his title weighing him down. Here, there were no advisors, no pesky meetings, no servants hanging all over him, no nobles looking him up and down making sure he was always the proper royal he was supposed to be. No, here there was none of that. Here, he was just Van.

He reached the gates of the city, but not finding a living soul, decided to slowly trot his horse around the area, so as not go too far and also not look too conspicuous. His eyes peered out into the still night from beneath his cloak, looking for any sign of the woman who was supposed to help him, praying to the gods that this had not all been some sort of trap.

Then there she was, trotting beside him, having approached without his noticing.

He was about to question her when she spoke.

"Do not direct your attention towards me until we are far enough away from the main gates," she said in a hush voice. She sped up her spotted mare, and moved in front of him a distance as the trotted out into the forest along the main road.

When the road bent and turned away from the city's view, the woman slowed her pace to fall in time with his own horse.

"Where are we going?" Van asked, wondering at their slow pace since she had mentioned earlier how important time was.

"We are going to meet a few of my men a little ways off the road just ahead. From there we will travel to Ezgardia by way of the Asturian Sea. I will tell you further details as they are needed to be known."

Irishiko turned to look at him, though he could not see her face through the cloak that covered her face additionally to the mask that she wore. He doubted he could have read her expression anyway, so he simply nodded and they continued silently along.

Just then she stopped and held her hand up for him to be quiet. She seemed to be listening for something.

Van moved his hand over his sword, ready for anything.

Irishiko, on the other hand simply gave a low short whistle and waited.

A similar whistle was heard about off to their right, and Irishiko motioned for Van to follow her as she led her horse into the now thick woods.

She stopped as soon as they were out of sight of the road and quickly dismounted.

"We're not late I hope," she said out loud.

Van looked around, but found no one to whom she could possibly be speaking to. He was about to ask if she had gone mad, when a rustling sound was heard above them, and a young man jumped out from a tree just ahead of them.

"Not at all. We only just got here ourselves," a tall man with red hair addressed Irishiko. Van saw three other men appear from the shadows, and Irishiko appeared to know them all. Van supposed that this would be their traveling group.

"Good evening, Your Highness," the red head addressed Van with a slight bow. "My name is Ero. These are Ivan, Pye, and Byron, and I know you've already become acquainted with our leader. We are at your service."

"Thank you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it," was all Van could say in response.

"I see he brought a horse too," the platinum blonde man spoke to Irishiko.

"You can handle it Byron," the woman responded flatly. "Now let's go. The sooner we leave the sooner we can get back."

She climbed back on her horse, and Ero quickly got on behind her.

Van noticed that the two other men were also on a single horse and they got ready to depart.

"As Ero told you, my name is Byron, and for the next couple of hours, I'm your riding buddy," the man said with a smile.

"It is best that we ride single file with as little horses as possible to hide our numbers in case we are tracked," Irishiko explained to him in a flat tone. "And since Byron knows where we're going I suggest you let him take the reins."

Van frowned at the idea, but found logic behind their methods, so he did not pose an argument. These people were going to help him and he didn't want them to change their minds.

He offered his hand to Byron to help him onto the horse.

After Irishiko made sure that everyone was ready, she clicked her mare into a fast gallop and they were on their way.

The rode at a quick pace, single file, Irishiko and Ero in the lead, Byron and Van following, Ivan and Pye bringing up the rear.

No one spoke at all as they cut their way through the dense forest and Van couldn't help but admire the way that they were covering a lot of ground very quickly. He took note of the fact that if they had taken the road, it might have taken a lot longer.

As they rode along, Van looked at the people he was with. They all seemed fairly young, the oldest probably being himself and Irishiko. From what he could tell, that Ero guy was most likely a second in command to Irishiko or something like that. There were only six of them there, including himself, and he knew that the Akan was composed of ten members, so he assumed that whatever it is that they were going to do involved only part of the band. Then he let his mind wander as they continued along, only stopping once or twice to let the horses rest (during which time not much was said).

Finally, they came out of the forest and neared the road that led towards the docks of Asturia just as the sun was rising above the Eastern waters. The continued toward the docks, but did not take the road. When the first ships came into view, the party stopped and all dismounted.

Irishiko swung over her shoulder a bag of supplies that they had brought with them and looked to Byron, who nodded to her and mounted her spotted mare after tying together the two other horses.

"I'm very sorry, but Byron will have to take your horse," Irishiko explained curtly to Van. "We can't risk a Fanelian breed to be found here. But don't worry, we'll have it returned to you when all this is over."

Van told her he didn't mind, but stroked his steed's head before letting him go.

"This is where we part, Your Highness," Byron said to Van quietly.

"Please, just call me Van," the king answered. "But aren't you coming with us?"

Byron shook his head. "Got duties elsewhere. But I'm sure we'll meet someday again. Have a safe journey."

"Don't get lost," Ero whispered in a playful tone.

"Only you would do that," the blonde responded before making his way off.

Irishiko watched that he had safely re-disappeared into the forest they had come from.

"Ivan, Pye. Secure transport," she ordered, "Don't forget to take off your masks. We don't want anyone to even suspect about this."

The two young men quickly obeyed, and Van finally got a good look at all of them in daylight. Ivan and Pye had removed their black masks, and as Van watched them stroll casually towards the harbor, he couldn't shake the feeling that they looked very familiar. But where were they going? If they were looking for the CeJalii, they would have to head to Ezgardia and the best way to travel to Ezagardia, especially if they wanted to go undetected, would be to cross through Asturia and head into Ezgardia from the North. That road was on the other side from where they were, near Allen's place. So what were they dong at the harbor? He decided that it was time for some more details before things went any further.

"We shouldn't be here if we're trying to get to Ezagardia," Van commented to Irishiko in a low voice while crossing his arms. "We should be taking the Northern road that goes from Fanelia through Asturia and into Ezagardia. I even know someone who could help---"

"No," Irishiko cut him off suddenly. But composing herself when she saw Van's face darken, she amended, "I didn't even want you involved in all this. The more people know, the easier it'll be for Korin to find out what we're up to. So, though I…appreciate your suggestion, Your Majesty, I know our plan will work."

Ero looked uncomfortably between Irishiko and Van. He knew that she despised dealing with any nobility partially because of their bothersome habit of believing they were always right. The king of Fanelia apparently was no exception. So Ero decided to cut in and smooth things over before one of them lost their temper.

"Korin would expect us to take the route you mention because it would provide the best cover for us who are outlaws. But that route would take about three days going and another three coming back, days which we don't have. We could do it, but it would be cutting it too close. However, it's a little known fact that the fastest way to Ezgardia is cutting across the ocean. We could be there and back in about two days. Besides, Korin would never expect us to risk the open ocean where we could be caught easily. This way we gain the advantage."

Van looked to the masked red head as he processed the information. It made sense to him, and added to that, he didn't feel like he was being pushed around either. Van decided that he liked this Ero, the young man possessed a simple, straight forward but friendly manner that Van found pleasing. He was sure they would have no trouble getting along, nor did Van sense any trouble would come from the other two men. The only possible problem he saw was with the only female of the group. Hopefully things wouldn't get ugly.

Irishiko clenched her jaw and fought the urge to roll her eyes in exasperation. She really hated royalty, but she decided she should concentrate at the task at hand. Her eyes were focused on the ships in the distance, waiting for a signal.

But then she saw Pye make his way back in their direction and stopped to casually lean against a building.

That was the signal that they had a problem.

Irishiko silently brought the situation to Ero's attention and he motioned to Van to follow them as they made their way inconspicuously over to where Pye was. They didn't want to attract unnecessary attention.

"An old friend found us," Pye said casually looking to the direction of the local inn.

Irishiko's eyes quickly followed Pye's gaze and landed on a band of coaches that were stationed not too far off. It didn't take her long to recognize who they belonged to.

"Dryden wants to see you."

~*~

Dryden Fassa had made his way through life as best he could since the days of the War of Fate. He began as a commoner, no one really knowing his origins, since he never spoke of them and never used his last name. But in no time at all he succeeded in becoming one of the best tradesmen on the Northern part of Ezgardia and Cezario, and was quickly expanding to Zaibach and Asturia. He somehow managed to get around most of the corruption that existed within most of the countries, lamenting the deplorable conditions of the people of Gaea. Somewhere along the line he met up with the Akan, having known both Irishiko and Mohku Maeo from before. He was one of their greatest supporters, and in turn they helped him. Even after the loss of her family, Irishiko kept Dryden as a trusted friend, and was looking to help him regain the throne to Asturia.

Though Millerna and Dryden's marriage had never legally ended, Dryden did lose all rights to the throne through marriage to the Princess. King Aston eventually died, and Millerna was placed on the throne. Unfortunately, it was the popular opinion that women were not meant to be leaders, and in the absence of her husband, the still young queen was caught within a web of decit, lies and treachery, those of the Asturian court holding her in such a way that the poor girl ended up being nothing more than a puppet. Millerna sought out Dryden, and even though they reconciled their differences, he was not allowed to come and serve his duty as king. Irishiko was working directly with Dryden, (and indirectly with Millerna and Eries) to put Dryden on the throne. Irishiko was of the opinion that if a strong leader that Dryden could be was placed on the Asturian throne, this dark and dismal time on Gaea might diminish and someday bring peace.

Irishiko was reminded of all the times Dryden had helped out the Akan, as well as herself personally as she walked down the still dark street in the direction of the inn Pye had pointed out.

"We don't have time for this," Ero whispered to her.

"I know, but we have to," the masked woman responded. "He's gotten us out of too many tight spots for us to dismiss him."

Van remained silent as he took in this new information. He hadn't seen much of Dryden, but they did often correspond to each other. Van found Dryden's knowledge and advice to be very helpful to him and Van valued him very much as a friend, perhaps even more so than even Allen. Not only that, he might even turn out to be extremely helpful in their situation, so Van decided to overlook that fact that they were doing exactly what Irishiko had said they wouldn't do a couple of minutes ago.

They entered the inn, and the keeper directed them to the private study that was towards the back of the building, into which the entered unceremoniously.

A tall man in his late thirties, turned to them as he heard them enter. His dark spectacles flashed in the dim light in the room, his long wavy hair pulled back, thick and dark with the exception of a few gray hairs near his temples.

He smiled his characteristic playful grin and he gazed at his visitors.

"Irishiko Maeo," his rich voice sang out as a roguish smile pulled on his lips. "When I caught sight of the Pye's blue hair, I knew that you couldn't be too far off."

He gracefully bent down to kiss her gloved hand and nodded a greeting to Ero.

"I would have expected you to be halfway to Zaibach by now, though," Dryden continued.

"Something suddenly came up," Irishiko told him.

Dryden, however was focused on the third cloaked person with them. His eyebrows then raised in recognition, "Van Fanel? You were the last person I would have expected to find with these hooligans."

Van nodded his greeting to the older man, but remained his usual quiet self. He had always preferred to be an observer, though there had often come circumstances that thrust him in the middle of things.

"Yes…" Dryden directed his attention back to Irishiko with a secretive smile. "Fancy that."

He knew very well that the situation was uncomfortable for her, but he would still take the opportunity to tease her, even just a little.

"We're in a hurry, Dryden," Irishiko ignored the man's implications and attempted to glare at him to get him to be serious.

"You must be," he commented, "I've never known you to be an early riser."

Ero stifled a laugh as Irishiko's eyes narrowed.

"So, you've had a sudden change of plans," Dryden observed, "It must be something very important since the king of Fanelia is with you. I also see that not all of the Akan are here with you, so whatever you have to do must be equally secretive."

"So I also assume you know not to ask any more questions about it," Irishiko said, smirking just a little despite her annoyance that Dryden had seen right through her. It was one of the many irritating habits the man possessed that were overlooked because he was an old friend.

Dryden raised a curious brow. "I thought you knew me better than that," he said.

Irishiko's eyes went hard. "We're having a problem with Korin," she had curtly.

Dryden's aloof attitude suddenly turned serious, which somewhat alarmed Van since he had only ever seen Dryden act that way when situations were extremely grave.

Just what are they up against?

"He's up to his old tricks again, then?" Dryden asked dryly.

"The stakes are higher this time and the game is harder to play," Irishiko responded.

Dryden glanced at Van for a second before moving to his desk and grabbing some sheets of blank paper and an ink well.

"You're going to need a ship," he said as he began scribbling away.

"To Ezgardia, right away," Ero spoke up.

"Ah," Dryden answered, still scribbling, "Taking a short cut."

"We also need to be brought back right away," Ero added.

"Travel for five?" Dryden asked, placing a seal at the bottom of one completed letter and beginning another.

"Six on the way back," Irishiko told him.

Dryden smirked as he wrote. "I see."

He sealed the second letter and handed both to Irishiko.

"You need to be undetected," Dryden stated, "So I'm giving you the use of my ships. No one will question their travel, so you should have no problems. Give the first letter to the captain of a ship called Zephyr. They're headed to Ezgardia within the hour. The second letter you keep for the captain of the vessel Malaises that is due to arrive back here in Asturia from Ezgardia in two days."

"That will be perfect," Irishiko said, wordlessly giving her thanks to the merchant.

" 'Out of sight, out of mind' or so the saying goes. You'll be traveling below decks. Not what you're used to Van," Dryden addressed the king, "But it's the best I can do."

"I don't mind," Van said in return. "We appreciate whatever you can do."

Irishiko handed the first letter to Ero.

"Find Ivan and Pye, tell them what to do," she instructed.

She turned back to Dryden. "This time we're going to beat Korin at his own game."

Ero gave his thanks to Dryden and he dragged Van along with him to find the other two men.

"Iri," Dryden called the woman as she was about to make her way out.

 She turned her jade eyes to him questioningly.

"He's smart, Iri," he said gravely, "He's going to figure it out."

Irishiko stared back at him expressionless. "I'll have to be careful then."

Dryden heaved a deep sigh and shook his head.

"You better be," he said as he lifted his brown eyes to look at her masked face. "Because you're going to fall into your own trap."

~*~

"The captain said we could board right away," Pye told Irishiko as they all made their way to the merchant ship Zephyr. It was a fairly large ship, and Irishiko was positive that it would serve their purposes.

"He said we were confined to the second, third and fourth decks and that our sleeping quarters were on the third," Pye continued.

"What are they carrying?" she asked.

"Wood and building materials," Ivan responded.

Irishiko nodded as they boarded the vessel.

Ero and Van followed, the latter staring out in fascination as the morning sun sparkled on the midnight blue sea.

"I take it you don't see the ocean much," Ero commented.

Van shook his head. "I've only seen it a couple of times. This will be my first time traveling by ship."

Ero nodded as they all stood there gazing at the water for a while in silent awe.

"All right, let's go," Irishiko commanded them, breaking the moment, as they made their way below decks.

Ero tapped Van on the shoulder and motioned for him to move. He threw a lopsided grin at the king.

"You don't get sea sick, do you?"

TBC…

Oi, I can just see Van turning green….eww….puke…….;

Hey y'all! Baracuda here. I'm sorry this chapter sucked. But I had to add my favorite Esca character: Dryden! ^_^ I'm also *so* incredibly sorry I haven't updated the way I was supposed to. There's just too much to explain, but needless to say, I'm behind schedule. So we'll se how this goes…please stay with me people because the end is near! (well, not that near, but there is a definite end coming soon)

THANK YOU TO ALL YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE THAT REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're the reason we're all still here.

(at the very end I'll list all of you)

--Youjibaracuda

"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders. The most famous is: never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well known is this: never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line! Aha ha ha--- ::bonk::"

---The Princess Bride