By: TK Takaishi
** May 19th, A.S. 522. Two days later**
Even with his stand-enhanced night vision, Davis Motomiya could only barely see his entire camp nestled in the middle of the small valley from where he sat. The deep velvet cloak of the dark night obscured everything. He nodded with satisfaction. He had ordered all the cook-fires and watch-fires be extinguished when night came. It was a small enough company that the one hundred Taelidani warriors he had brought with him were enough to guard the entire camp. If he concentrated, Davis's trained eye could just make out the dim shapes of his Taelidani guards hidden in the bamboo trees at strategic points around the camp. There are very few things that can get past a Taelidani on guard, even on a dark night like this one, and even Khaydarin stealth-cloaks would have a hard time getting past the perimeter he had set up. Besides, if he had trouble seeing the camp when he was right in the middle of it, he was fairly sure that nobody else had a hope of finding it in the dark, hidden as it was in the middle of a thick bamboo stand. They were as safe as can be, for the time being.
Which was good. Davis raised his gaze to look at the two large tents pitched right in the middle of his camp. King San of Fan-Tzu and Queen Ida of Jakt were in them right now, sleeping peacefully. It was probably a good thing that they had no idea of the danger they were braving by crossing these bamboo forests in northern Jakt on their way to Ardinberg. They might have refused to come otherwise. On a sudden impulse, he squinted even harder at the two dark tents. Try as he might, however, he could not see the slim form of Yolei that he knew must be around the two tents. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised. Yolei was possibly the only person on Gaea who could stalk her prey better than he could. She didn't let anyone see her unless she let them. Since they had set out nearly three days ago, there hadn't been a single second when both of them had been asleep at the same time. Every second of every day, there had been at least one of them beside the two monarchs. So far, there had been no attack, but they were weeks away from their destination yet.
Now, poised on the edge of the Jakt border, Yolei had finally convinced Davis to halt the column, while the Taelidani systematically scouted out the land before them. The only maps and information that the monarchs had been able to offer was several years out of date. Ever since the Khaydarin barricade had fallen, Jakt and Fan-Tzu had been effectively locked into their corner of Gaea, unable to reach out even for news of the other parts of the continent. Preoccupied with fighting one another, and fending off the periodic Khaydarin raid, neither nation had been able to spare the troops necessary to break through the barricade.
Now that the barricade had to be broken, Davis had been forced to rely on his scouts as his eyes and ears across the land. For three days now, they had stayed in the thick bamboo forests as they awaited the return of the scouts. Impatiently, Davis tapped his foot lightly against the ground as he looked up at the sky to check the position of the moon. It was past midnight. The scouts that he had sent out yesterday night should be back soon with their reports. Sighing as he looked back down, Davis blew out a breath and watched the cloud of mist float away on the light evening breeze. For the tenth time that night, he checked his weapons, then leaned against a particularly stout bamboo tree and slumped to the ground. Wrapping his cloak about himself, he did his best to become a small boulder in the forest. And he waited.
Presently, there was a barely perceptible rustle in the bamboo forest. Davis's ears pricked up as he heard the impossibly light footsteps approach him from the north, the faint rustling so faint that he would have missed them if he hadn't been expecting them. Standing up quietly, he unsheathed his kodachis. Raising his head, he strained his ears even more to hear the signal from his sentries.
Soon, there was a soft hoot of a brown owl that emerged from his own camp. That would be one of his own sentries, challenging the newcomer. A moment later, a faint answering hoot came floating back through the midnight air, and Davis released the breath he had been holding in relief. Shoving his kodachis back into their sheaths under his Taelidani cloak, Davis crossed his arms and leaned back against the bamboo tree. The footsteps were definitely coming towards him now. Ahead, there was a faint murmur as the incoming scouts conversed briefly with the hidden guards. Then two gray outlines could be seen in the shadows beneath the bamboo stands, striding quickly and silently towards him.
Davis smiled in the darkness. "Razul, Lafaye, is that you?"
One of the figures drew closer, and peered carefully at Davis' face. "T'rakul," the taller scout, Razul, said. "Yes, it is us. We're back."
"So I see," Davis said as he checked the two of them over. Neither of them seemed to be hurt in any way. "What about the others?"
"We split up to cover more ground, as per your orders. They should be coming back within the next night or so in groups of two or three like us."
"Good," Davis said as he rubbed his hands and breathed on them, trying to warm them up in the cold night air. "Did you find anything on the path?"
Razul and Lafaye exchanged glances. "It was as you feared, T'rakul," Lafaye said grimly. "There are Khaydarin patrols everywhere in the forest. They are all over the land, so it was impossible to get an exact count, but we estimate perhaps in excess of a thousand warriors are stationed somewhere ahead of us. We can forget about traveling on the North road. They have sentries posted around every bend. I doubt an ant can get through that road without Khaydarin knowing about it."
"Even the forest is covered pretty carefully," Razul continued. "They've worn out paths among the bamboo stands with their patrols. It was hard not to miss their presence. Apparently, mounted soldiers cannot cloak. Probably because the animals won't stand to have one of those cloying things covering their faces. We lay by one of the paths and counted three parties of mounted men in one day. We tried to follow and find out where they were stationed, but we lost them once they left the path."
"Have you a map of these paths?"
Razul nodded, and pulled a scrap of parchment out of his pocket. "This is the area we covered," he said as he pointed at it. "You may not see much in the dark, but we've marked down every single patrol we've seen in the past week."
Davis stared at the map. Even in the darkness, he could see that almost the entire scrap of parchment was covered in dark lines of ink indicating the paths of the patrols. Then he raised his eyes again. "Were you seen?" he demanded.
Lafaye hesitated. "We were careful, and we moved only in the night. By day, we climbed trees and hid in the foliage. As far as we know, we were not seen, but we cannot be certain."
"How far away are these patrols?"
"We will not reach the thick of them for another two days."
Davis paused, and rubbed the stubble on his chin. He had never seen the point of shaving in the wilderness. It was not as if his appearance truly mattered when your life was on the line. "Two days," he muttered. "So they haven't dared to come this deep into Jakt territory yet. Good thing I checked out the lay of the land before I blundered in."
Razul shook his head. "This way is impassable, T'rakul. Perhaps it might be better to detour west onto the plains. The Khaydarin presence might be thinner there."
"I've already looked into that," Davis said. "Roban and his scouts returned yesterday to report that the plains were crawling with Khaydarin soldiers as well. I'm not going to risk going across such open ground. Here at least, we have to cover to hide within."
"The east then," Razul suggested. "Surely, the patrols must thin somewhere along the line…"
"It would take us too far out of our way," Davis replied glumly. "And I don't want to skim too close to the Ichijoujan border anyway. There's a war going on there. The farther away we are, the less likely we'll become involved."
"Then how are we going to pass?" Lafaye said in frustration. "Taelidani can pass without difficulty. A child can hide in this cover. But the King and Queen are a problem."
"We'll have to," Davis said firmly. "Think carefully. Is it possible to navigate around the patrols?"
Razul and Lafaye exchanged wary glances. "Theoretically, yes," Razul said slowly. "If we pick our way between the hours that the patrols passes, and are very, very careful not to leave any tracks. Of course, that's provided your King and Queen don't mind getting a little dirty."
"Dirty?"
"We'll have to forge across some bloody great rivers, and maybe even some swamps as well."
"If that's all, then you let me worry about convincing them to take the scenic route," Davis said curtly. "Do you think we can do it?"
"Yes," Lafaye said after a moment's hesitation. "If we follow the course of the Eastern river, we may be able to hide our tracks. If need be, we can hide in the deep cover on either side of the bank. If we travel carefully and swiftly, we may be able to make it through. But…"
"But?" Davis prompted.
Lafaye looked reluctant. "It would be impossible to keep a lookout for these patrols. Indeed, it's all but impossible to pinpoint where these patrols are. The mounted ones are no problem, but they may be fielding footsoldiers as well. And stavik¸ they're invisible! We may walk right past one, and not notice them. But they would definitely notice us."
"So we may be trusting to blind luck after all," Davis summarized.
Lafaye nodded. "I'm sorry sir, but that's the best I can offer you."
"Luck is a skill," Davis said as he grinned suddenly. "If we can't bring the King and Queen across, then I very much doubt there is anyone else on Gaea that can."
"We wouldn't know if we can until we try it now, would we?" Razul said as a slow grin spread across his own face. "We stand a chance. If we can make it into Shienar territory before we're discovered, we'll be fine. They wouldn't dare pursue us past the border."
"Don't be too optimistic yet," Lafaye said sensibly. "We'll think about that when and if we cross the border. As for now, we'd need more time to study the land before we can attempt such a crossing. Perhaps three or four days. We shouldn't move until we're sure that we've caught every single patrol that combs these forests."
"Two days, perhaps," Davis said reluctantly. "Three or four, no. I don't want to risk staying in one place for so long, even if this place is so secure."
Razul sighed. "Then I guess we'd better get started right now, shouldn't we sen-sister?"
Davis nodded. "Yes, that would be best." He shook his head apologetically at the two scouts. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to send you two back out again immediately. We need to keep moving. Every minute we spend waiting here is a minute wasted."
"We will find a safe path for you, T'rakul," Lafaye promised as she nodded. "We shall only stop for a few hours rest, and to pick up supplies, and we shall be gone before the sun rises."
"Go then," Davis said as he clapped her shoulder. "Be careful. We will be following slowly behind you in the morning. Report back every night, if you can. Don't get caught."
"We'll be careful, T'rakul," Razul said as he nodded. Then, he and Lafaye faded away into the darkness to gather fresh supplies for their next trip.
Davis watched them leave for a moment, then turned and started striding back to his own tent. He sighed wearily as he rolled up the scrap of parchment that Razul had handed him. Usually, he merely walked in and carved out his escape path for himself as he went. And when the only thing he had been responsible for was himself, that had been fine. But now, with two monarchs in his care, things had changed quite a bit. Still…this planning and scouting was not his style. Looked like it would be another sleepless night. He had a lot to discuss with Yolei…
**********
The late afternoon sunlight gleamed off the sparkling waters of Maitzin's many waterways and canals. Centuries ago, the delta of the Western river had expanded in the wake of a large storm, and had flooded the nearby lowlands. As a result, since the coastal capital of Yagami was so low in altitude, its builders had literally had to build parts of it on the water to save it when the delta had flooded its banks. Seen from afar, the result was as if half the city floated on the water itself – a broad finger of land had extended from the rocky cliffs and pierced the sparkling blue bulk of the ocean. Lower Maitzin was built on stone blocks connected by arching bridges of salt-encrusted rock, and each side was surrounded by canals wide and tall enough to accommodate the largest and proudest trading vessels of Gaea. Numerous waterfalls dotted the endlessly winding series of waterways, which shone a brilliant, translucent green in the bright sunlight, as if the canals had been lined with polished emeralds. To the south-west, the long gleaming line of the sandy sea coast gleamed turquoise, broken only by the long docks supported by stone pillars which extended into the white surf like steadfast bridges to far-off lands. Moored along one of the docks was a large, Shienar longboat with its sails furled.
Upper Maitzin was built on solid ground, and was served by more traditional stone-paved roads and paths. Concentric dikes and watergates surrounded Upper Maitzin like the layers of a clam's shell, guarding it from the sea in times of storm or flood, lest the city be consumed by the hungry white waves. Mighty citadels and towering, delicate spires speared towards the sky, built with an organic, peaceful grace that was reminiscent of soaring mountains and centuries-old trees. Further inland, built on the firmer bedrock of the seaside cliffs, the White Tower of the Yagami palace soared high into the deep blue heavens, its flanks glimmering as if it were plated with pearls, and its pinnacle glittering as if it had been made of crystal. Here, the buildings were larger, and colourful pennants waved gaily in the wind, lining the broad wide streets with the white and gold of Yagami. Some of the streets were so wide and the buildings so tall, that travelers from centuries past had likened walking through Upper Maitzin to hiking through grand, man-made canyons. But perhaps the most striking feature of the city was how the curiously domed roofs and the broad streets were all lined with a blue-tinged slate mined from Yagami's quarries in the northeast. The distinctive blue-tinged streets curved and flowed with the landscape, following a graceful arcing pattern that eluded the eye and pleased the mind.
On this warm summer's day, the normally busy streets of Upper Maitzin were positively flooded with people. A company of white-cloaked Yagami soldiers covered the front and the back of the procession, and kept the crowd back, but a huge surge of Yagami citizens crowded the alleyways and choked the streets as they all strained to get a look at the company of Shienar soldiers marching alongside a curtain-covered wagon. The more inventive and agile children climbed on top of the houses, and leaped from roof to roof as they struggled to get as close a look as possible at the unlikely caravan. Rumours and stories raged like wildfire all around the city, but whatever else people said, they all agreed on one thing. Some whispered it furtively, and some shouted it joyously. "Dai'san Yagami!" they cried with one voice. "Dai'san Yagami!"
Kari drew back the curtains of her chariot, and looked out wide-eyed at Maitzin. Yes, the legends were certainly correct. Maitzin, "Jewel of Gaea", had been aptly named. A smaller and weaker city than Halidan perhaps, but far far more beautiful. This was a city that had never known war, a city whose streets were as yet innocent of blood and fire. She had seen many things in her young life, some strange, some breath-taking, but this still managed to awe her. Some people believed that Maitzin's fantastic design and incredible buildings had not been conceived by human minds, but inspired by God himself. Seeing it for the first time, Kari could see why. Yet, as the cry of the people reached her ears, she winced and shook her head. No, she mouthed silently. Don't say that…. Not yet…
What are they saying? Cody's thoughts came to Kari, as she sat in the curtained chariot. You understand Meiha Tzin better than I do.
Kari leaned back in her chariot. Dai'san Yagami, she replied. "True blood of Yagami."
That's good then. Cody's thought-shape seemed pleased. The people are already behind you. This must be a good sign.
Perhaps, Kari thought doubtfully. I'm not sure though…. Merde, I'm beginning to get nervous….
Relax, Kari. You'll do fine….
Easy for you to say. You're the one who's going to stand aside, and let me do all the talking.
It won't be you talking in there, Kari, Cody reminded her. You'll only be serving as a vessel, providing a mouth through which God will speak. Relax, and let Him do His work. All you have to do is deliver the message.
I have the message, Kari thought wryly. I'm just worried about how Aidan's going to receive it.
He'll receive it how he will, Cody thought firmly. You can't change his reaction by worrying about it. That's God's business.
Then Kari was aware of a low rumbling sound in front of her. The very timbers of her chariot began to shake and rattle; the sound penetrated her to her bones. She didn't have to ask Cody to know that they had arrived. The great gates of the Yagami Palace were being swung apart to admit them. Before long, she was being borne into the palace itself. Behind her, the sounds of the crowd began to fade away as the stone walls of the palace, each twelve paces thick, muffled the shouts.
We're passing the gates now, Cody thought. We're there, Kari. Do what you feel God is guiding you to do. I'd wish you luck, but there's no such thing as luck.
"Milady," someone from outside her chariot said. "We have arrived."
Kari closed her eyes for a moment, trying to compose herself before she stepped out. Wish me luck anyway. For tradition's sake.
Cody's replying thought-shape was tinged with amusement. In that case. Good luck, Kari
"Milady?"
Kari's eyes flew open as her thoughts slipped back into her own body. Strictly speaking, closing her eyes were not necessary, but it helped her concentrate. As she blinked, her vision focused in on the man's face in front of him, chiseled and planed, with sharp brown eyes and brown hair. Isaac was peering down at her with a concerned expression on his face as he held the curtained entrance to the carriage aside. Vaguely, Kari realized the mild rocking of the carriage had stopped. "Milady?" the man said. "Are you well?"
Isaac was the Lord-Captain of King Bjorn's knights. Bjorn had personally recommended the man for the stand-masters' aide, and indeed, Kari was grateful for his presence. He and his diplomatic escort of one-score had accompanied Kari and Cody on this journey, acting as the honour guard for the two stand-masters. They all knew the importance of this mission. If it was successful, it would change the balance of power in the war. If it was not...
Kari ruthlessly pushed the thought from her head. She smiled reassuringly at the man. "I am fine," she said. "Lead on."
Isaac withdrew from the carriage, and Kari stepped out after him into the Yagami palace's courtyard. Straightening her cramped back, she resisted the urge to stretch. In her private conversations with other stand-masters, it was all very well for her to confess her uncertainty and her fears. Here, where others were watching, she was Lady Hikari Kamiya, holder of the Yagami stand and crest. God's servants were never uncertain. And they were never uncomfortable.
Kari was no longer the simple fourteen-year-old farm girl from Kurtal. Not even the dusty fifteen-year-old wanderer she had been during her pilgrimage. Now, she was twenty-one, a slender, beautiful young woman robed in the unshakeable confidence and calm aura of a born lady. Her formerly short brown hair now hung below her shoulders all the way to the middle of her back in a gleaming cascade of chestnut brown, held by a simple ribbon of white silk tied loosely at the nape of her neck. The dazzling white cloak clasped about her shoulders was embroidered with subtle weavings of silver veins that glistened in the mid-afternoon sunlight when she moved.
At first glance, her soft, smooth face and large, crimson eyes gave her a childishly innocent appearance. Indeed, Kari did nothing to correct the illusion. It could only work to her advantage if others underestimated her. Her graceful, gentle movements were deceiving, and it was easy to pretend that she was nothing more than an unusually beautiful young woman. It was only on second glance that her wakizashi, half-hidden beneath her white cloak, could be seen. And only a seasoned soldier would be able to recognize the dangerous steel beneath the velvet, the razor blade sheathed in the scabbard, visible only through the practiced ease with which she carried her weapon, and the strangely intense light in her penetrating gaze.
In front of her, Cody dismounted from his dark gray horse. The Taelidani boy had grown as well. Now, he was a nineteen-year-old young man, his dark gray bangs waving gently in the wind. The light gray and silver cloak that he wore around his shoulders stirred briefly as he swung his other leg down. Unlike Kari, there was nothing about him that suggested nobility or softness. His gait manifested the dangerous grace of a skilled fighter, and he seemed at once relaxed and at ease, yet ready to explode into a dozen different directions at once, staff-point whirling. There was no velvet covering this steel blade. And although he was small in stature he made up for it with his piercing green eyes which lent him an air of sage wisdom. Those eyes locked with Kari's for an instant as the stand-master reached up to take his staff, which had been strapped to the side of his mount. Look around, Kari, Cody said soundlessly as he pretended to unfasten his staff. What do you think?
Kari's crimson eyes narrowed as she took in the double row of Yagami guards on either side of her, all armed with spears. She didn't let her gaze linger on any of them for more than a second, but even that gaze was enough to set some of them fidgeting uneasily. As she continued to scan the courtyard, she realized another thing. King Aidan himself was not present, as courtesy and protocol dictated that he should. The message was none too subtle. Try anything, and neither she, nor any of the men under her command, would leave the palace courtyard alive.
An officer approached the entourage. Beside Kari, Isaac shifted slightly, but the man did not appear to be armed. Cody stepped back respectfully, obviously deferring to Kari.
"Milady Hikari Kamiya," the officer said, turning to Kari and sweeping into a bow. "Ambassador of Sheid." Turning to Cody, the man continued in what was obviously a pre-planned speech. "Ambassador Cody Hida, bearer of the stand and crest of Sheid. My name is Intendant Domas. Welcome. We are honoured by your presence, and illumined by your wisdom. May the Lord God light your path always."
"We are gratified. May the Lord be with you and your kin forevermore." Kari returned formally, albeit shortly. It was all nonsense that every diplomat had to go through, a meaningless spiel. But she held her mild disgust, and said it anyway, her words filled with a simple, practiced grace. There was no reason to be rude. "Tell me, Intendant, is King Aidan ready for an audience? I must speak with him immediately."
"In due time," Domas said. "King Aidan and his councillors will meet you in due time. I have been sent to escort you and your party to your rooms so you may wash and prepare yourselves after the long journey."
"Why is he not here? Is he well?"
"King Aidan is in perfect health, milady. But he is an extremely busy man. I am here in his absence to welcome you into Yagami. As I have said, his Highness will meet you in due time."
For a moment, Kari debated whether to press the issue about the lack of courtesy extended from King Aidan by sending a mere officer instead of being there himself. Strictly speaking, she was the true ruler of Yagami, not him. The least he could do would be to welcome her personally.
"An extremely busy man," Isaac repeated. Kari gave him a sharp glance, but the undercurrent of malicious sarcasm in his voice was so subtle that Kari doubted anyone else had noticed.
At least, until he said, "He must be busy indeed not to welcome the Dai'sa-"
"Very well then," Kari interjected swiftly, before Isaac could get any further. "Lead on." She put a warning hand on Isaac's shoulder, and squeezed angrily. "Please remind the King however, that my errand is of the utmost importance. I must see him as soon as possible."
But Domas did not budge. "Forgive me, but you may not enter the palace until your men have surrendered their weapons."
Isaac stared back. "You do not trust us? You believe we mean harm to King Aidan?"
"I have my orders, Lord-Captain."
Isaac folded his arms and did nothing. Instead, he rather obviously turned to Kari. A muscle quirked in the Yagami officer's jaw, but he too, said nothing.
Kari sighed. "Do as he says, Isaac," she said softly. "Have the men lay down their weapons."
Isaac glared at the officer for a moment longer. Then he unfastened his sheathed sword from his belt and lay it on the ground, the hilt facing the officer. The rest of the group reluctantly surrendered their weapons to the guards surrounding them. Cody impassively let go of his staff, and allowed it to drop onto the paved floor with a clatter.
Domas still did not move. "You too, milady."
Beside Kari, even Cody shifted as he frowned disapprovingly. "The Lady Hikari's wakizashi is a symbol of honour, not merely a weapon," Cody said softly. "It is as much her scepter as her blade. King Aidan himself has carried his Royal sword into our previous meetings, and we have not said a word about it. You doubt our honour?"
The Yagami officer turned to look at Cody impassively. "You doubt ours? Do you believe that we will harm you, protected as you are by diplomatic immunity?"
"I would not bet a dull copper on your honour," Isaac said coldly. "I have lost two legions to underhanded Yagami ambushes. Tell me, was that honourable?"
Domas stiffened, his eyes beginning to blaze. Just as he was about to open his mouth to heatedly deny the accusation, Kari cut in sharply.
"Enough! I will not have baseless accusations and insults thrown around like so much dirt." Her glare was directed at both Isaac and Domas. Her hand dipped beneath her cloak, and there was a small click as the sheath was detached from her belt. Withdrawing her hand, she carefully set the wakizashi down on the ground.
Stepping back, she raised her hands and swept back her cloak, letting the officer see that she had no other weapons. "We come in peace, to discuss peace. And for that, we need no weapons."
The Yagami officer nodded stiffly. "Milady is wise beyond her years. This way," he said as he extended a hand towards the entrance of the palace. "I will show you to your dwellings first so that you and your entourage may rest and wash. Then the discussions will begin."
Kari followed the man, her face outwardly calm, but inwardly seething. She locked gazes with Cody for a moment, and the younger stand-master lifted his eyebrows slightly in encouragement. It did nothing to calm her frustration. Two minutes in, and there had already been an argument. I will make King Aidan listen to me, she thought determinedly. Even if I have to shake it into him...
Then she hesitated, her eyes shifting from the left to the right. What was that she had sensed? A flicker of movement at the edge of her vision, someone running away. Turning to her right, she saw nothing but tall, arched entrances to various rooms within the castle, or perhaps to outdoor gardens. In the courtyard, shut out from the crowds outside by the thick stone walls and the steel gates, it was blessedly quiet and peaceful. There wasn't a soul in sight through the arches. Must have been a trick of the light, she thought uneasily. Lengthening afternoon shadows look like strange things. Still vaguely unsettled, she settled back to walking, following Isaac, Cody and the Yagami officer deeper into the palace.
**********
The Yagami Captain strode quickly along the gardens and the paved courtyards, his hand hidden beneath his white cloak. Several servants gave him curious looks as he strode past, but nobody commented. The golden epaulettes on his shoulders, and the Yagami crest on his left breast denoted him to be of high rank. The man was grateful. He had to put as much distance as possible between him and…those two. For the time being, anyway. He could not afford being discovered, yet.
What had that accursed witch done to him? For the first time in his life, the man felt the slight stirrings of fear. Lady Hikari had only glanced at him for a fleeting moment, yet her piercing gaze had seemed to freeze the marrow in his bones, to strip away his flesh until his soul lay trembling and naked before her. Even now, his hands still shook from the memory. He didn't know how, but she seemed to know. She seemed to know everything. For a wild moment, he had even debated running away, leaving the mission unfinished. He shook his head fiercely, and fingered the silver talisman clutched in his right hand. He couldn't leave yet. Not yet. Whatever that witch could do to him, it would be nothing compared to his punishment if he failed.
Finally, he found himself among the stables and the barracks, which were all but deserted at this present hour. The two main stables, one for the nobility, and a much larger one for the common soldiers, stood before him. He looked around quickly. Lady Hikari and Lord Cody were attracting most of the attention at the front, so there wasn't a soul to be seen. Quickly, he stripped off his white cloak. Where he was going, it would be more of a hindrance, and absolutely useless as a disguise. The Captain's uniform was useful for getting in. But once inside, it would most likely cause some awkward questions to be asked. He had to hide.
Now, clad only in his white Yagami officer's uniform, he looked up, his hand nervously fingering the hilt of his sword. There was a narrow gap between the two stables about a pace wide, the walls on either side didn't offer so much as a finger-hold. Quickly, he strode between the two walls as he thrust his pendant back into his breast pocket. Bracing his hands and feet against the opposite sides, he shimmied up swiftly, his boots making barely a scuffle as they slid against the rough stone wall. Within moments, he was on the roof.
Quickly and silently, conscious that his white uniform made him painfully conspicuous on the blue-tiled roof, he scurried across the top of the buildings. Leaping across the stables, he clambered up a low wall onto the ceiling of the apartments, where the dwellings were situated. There he lay low as a patrol of soldiers passed down beneath him, oblivious to his presence. It was not until last of the patrol had disappeared around the corner that he moved on. His feet made no noise on the tiled surface, despite the fact that he was running. Finally, he found the hollow. It was a small serviceman's exit onto the roofs, unused in years. Stashed into it was the bundle he had carefully prepared and wrapped in black cloth. Not until the man was safely nestled in the entrance, unseen by prying eyes, did he allow himself a relieved smile.
Silently, he produced the talisman from his pocket again, and gazed at it. The metal shone with a dark, sickly light, and shimmered balefully in his palm. Despite the warm afternoon sun, it was freezing cold to the touch. The man smiled as he rubbed it with his thumb, and the first stirrings of power coursed through his veins. Shoving the metal symbol back into his pocket, he settled down for a long wait.
**********
The building was huge, built on a grand scale. Staircase after staircase, laid with rich velvet carpets spiraled ever higher into the towers and battlements of the Yagami castle. From high arching windows, Kari caught glimpses of beautiful gardens, laid out neatly along the edges of the wall of the palace, yet behind the outer defensive walls. The old corridors were decorated with huge paintings, faded with age, that depicted ancient heroes and bygone deeds. Wall-scones, currently empty, were stapled into the walls every few meters to hold torches that would light the corridors at night.
Despite the reassurances of the Yagami officers, Isaac refused to leave the two stand-masters alone. The Lord-Captain and his guards formed a tight circle around the two stand-masters, as if they meant to defend their charge with their bare hands if necessary. The people they passed by through the corridors gaped openly at them. Liveried servants stopping dead in their duties to stare. Even soldiers and lords passing by gave them peeked at them in a sideways manner, as if trying not to appear interested. Whispers and furtive conversation buzzed around them. Kari ignored them. She was too preoccupied to try to listen.
Her room was richly carpeted with a thick, white rug, decorated with patterns and swirls of gold. A large marble-framed mirror hung on the wall, and the four-poster bed was large enough for three, with silk curtains hanging from the sides. A solid wood mantel, wardrobe and desk set, all made of rich dark oak imported from Jakt was arranged around the chamber. Servants had already unloaded her carriage and left what little luggage she traveled with by the side of the room. It was easily one of the grandest chambers Kari had ever seen in her life.
She barely noticed it.
The same servants who had unloaded her luggage had also left a basin of hot water on the mantelpiece. Sighing wearily, she undid her white cloak, letting it drape loosely on the edge of her bed as she went over to it. Dipping her hands in the hot water, she splashed some on her face, trying to rub out the tiredness from the journey. Looking in the mirror, she smoothed down her hair and tucked a few stray wisps back in place.
There was a knock on the door. Kari frowned and reached out with her mind. Cody, is that you?
"It is," came the spoken reply.
"Come in. The door's unlocked."
Cody put his head in. His eyes lingered briefly on the lavish fittings of the room before he came in all the way. The gray cloak he wore had been brushed clean, and shaken free of dust, but otherwise the stand-master had not done anything else to prepare for the audience with King Aidan. Kari turned away, taking the soft white towel folded neatly next to the basin, and quickly dried her face and hands.
Cody's face was disgusted. "They are not even trying to disguise it. It's-"
If you must speak of this, Kari said sharply at him, do it silently. The walls may have ears.
Cody stopped dead, then nodded grimly. Very well. But you must admit. King Aidan has been less-than-subtle with his welcome.
The weapons were a reasonable requirement… Kari replied slowly. Perhaps my wakizashi was a little excessive…but…
Cody shook his head. You think that is all? His green eyes were troubled. Do you realize how many guards surround us as we speak? Do you realize that the doors to our rooms have locks only on the outside? Isaac may derive a measure of comfort from keeping his guards close to us, but they are all but useless. Not without their weapons.
If King Aidan wanted to kill us, Kari said mentally, he would have done it the moment we stepped in through his gates.
Unless he plans to make it look like an accident, and claim innocence… Cody retorted darkly. He still has to keep up a façade of innocence to the other nations, even if he is at war.
Kari said nothing.
King Aidan is making it so blatant, it's obviously a veiled insult to our intentions, Cody went on. Back in the courtyard. Perhaps you didn't notice, engaged as you were in playing the diplomat. But I was looking around. There were archers, Kari. Each armed with a crossbow, each with an arrow notched on it, arranged around the roofs of the square. One wrong move, and we would've been cut down where we stood. There were enough archers to put at least two arrows in each of us. No doubt they rehearsed it, he finished scornfully.
Kari looked at the window from where she sat on her bed. Locks only on the outside of our doors, she mused. And our windows... She got up and unfastened the sash. Throwing open the window, she peered out. The sun was just beginning to touch the horizon in the west, and late afternoon was fading into early dusk. …are at least fifty feet above the ground. Perhaps they do not mean to truly imprison us, but they do intend to keep us under control.
She snorted. A fifty-foot drop would not stop me if they truly wished to keep me here. But then...perhaps they do not know that.
They know. Cody said grimly. In fact, I'm pretty sure they know that there's almost nothing they can do to imprison us if we really wanted to leave. But a fifty-foot drop would definitely stop Isaac and the others. And they know we would not leave them here to die.
But Cody, why?
Is the answer not obvious?
Kari scowled. I refuse to think that King Aidan could be so incredibly shortsighted...
Kari, you can make a claim for his throne! With you on the scene, the people must be beginning to talk! In fact, you heard the people outside! They're already talking! The kingdoms do not follow the blood, they follow the stand. He fears you! He fears both of us! Why all these thinly-veiled insults, this contemptuous treatment? He wishes to debase us, so we can't gather a following!
I make no claim for his throne. I do not want his office. Why will no-one understand that I do not want the power?!
He may not know that, my friend. Cody cautioned. And if you tell him, he most likely won't believe you. Be careful, Kari. Fear makes people do strange things…
At that moment, there was another knock at the door. Both stand-masters looked sharply at it. Then Kari cleared her throat and called out, "You may enter. The door is not locked."
A liveried servant opened the door, standing stiffly at attention. "King Aidan awaits your presence," he said simply. "If the Lord and Lady be ready…"
Kari nodded, and stood up. Fastening her cloak around her shoulders again, she followed Cody out the doorway. Outside, Isaac and his Shienar guards made a tight circle around the two, glaring at any who approached. The two servants who had been sent to summon them were clearly nervous. "Th…This way," one of them gulped nervously. "Good Lady, good Master. The King awaits your presence."
This time, as they walked, Kari subtly drew on her stand to enhance her hearing. Pretending to be doing nothing but staring ahead, she listened in on the furtive whispers of the servants around her. "Dai'san Yagami." she heard. "Dai'san Sheid."
Her lips thinned. True blood of Yagami. True blood of Sheid. Cody was right. Their very presence was threatening Aidan's reign. The people were beginning to talk. As they walked, Kari reached out with her mind and brushed Cody's, all the while pretending to be absorbed in the lavishly furnished corridors.
Speak of this to no-one, she said silently. Not even Isaac. Keep these suspicions between ourselves, and discourage talk among the men. Her crimson eyes softened.
All such initiatives must begin with a measure of trust. We may as well be the ones to start spreading it. Talk like this is worse than useless, my friend. It can kill.
Cody's brow furrowed a little, but he nodded almost imperceptibly. He would follow Kari's lead. For now.
Then they arrived at a high arched door, and all talk ceased. An attendant holding a staff gilded with silver motioned for the doors to be opened, and servants hurried to push the heavy oak panels apart. Rapping the butt end of the staff against the ground, the attendant called out in a loud voice.
"Lord Cody Hida of the Taelidani, Ambassador of Sheid!
"Lady Hikari Kamiya of Kurtal, Novinha, Ambassador of Sheid!"
**********
The royal audience chamber of King Aidan of Sheid was large, with high arching domes that stretched to as much as thirty feet overhead. The whole room was arranged like a narrow amphitheatre, with people sitting on both sides of the central corridor on raised, oak seats, each painstakingly carved with a different pattern. There were no windows along the sides, but heavy shutters, open at the moment, allowed a measure of sunlight to seep through. The torch-brackets attached to the high marble columns were empty. It was still mid-afternoon, and lighting torches would be far too hot. White banners, embroidered with the morning star of Yagami hung on the walls, and a white carpet trimmed with silver led the way to the throne itself. Two identical sashes of pure white silk hung from the ceiling on either side of the throne, embroidered with flowing, ancient script in golden thread. And on the large throne sat King Aidan of Yagami.
King Aidan himself was a tall man, with startlingly clear hazel eyes set deep into his thin face. The appearance of a hawk was made all the more pronounced with a large, beak-like nose. The royal garments he wore were trimmed in gold and white, the crown on his head sparkling with silver. Underneath it, his brown hair was slightly streaked with white, the only signs of aging on his otherwise ageless appearance. On either side, arranged in a rough semi-circle sat his attendants and councillors, all on thrones slightly smaller and lower than King Aidan's own.
Kari, Cody, Isaac and their entourage strode into the chamber in a double-filed line, with the two stand-masters at the front. Kari allowed her gaze to fall to either side surreptitiously. And as she did, her mouth tightened slightly. There were at least fifty guards in the room, all ostentatiously armed with spears and swords, and all bearing the white morning star of Yagami. They stood defiantly between her and the sides of the audience chamber, where the Lords and Ladies of Yagami sat. Her own men walked uncertainly, obviously feeling naked without their weapons. Beside her, Cody said nothing. The absence of the words "stand-master" in the attendant's announcement had been painfully obvious. It seemed that Aidan simply refused to acknowledge it.
When they reached the center of the audience chamber, Isaac and his men knelt down on their right knees, putting the knuckles of their right hand against the ground and lowering their heads in respect. Cody and Kari however, stayed standing. Cody bowed deeply, and Kari curtsied, but both stayed on their feet.
The councillor on King Aidan's right frowned. "You will kneel," the man said sharply, "before the presence of King Aidan of Yagami, until you are bidden to rise."
Cody said nothing as he leaned back slightly. The talking was up to Kari now. Looking up, she straightened out of her curtsy and looked the councillor in the eye. Aidan refused to acknowledge her? She would make him. "This meeting will be conducted as between mutually-respecting equals, or it will not be conducted at all."
The councillor looked outraged, but King Aidan made a sharp gesture with his hand. There was a moment of silence while he regarded the two stand-masters standing before him. "Agreed," he said. His voice was surprisingly deep. "Your men may rise."
Isaac and his men rose to their feet without a word. But Aidan did not seem to notice them. His gaze had shifted to Cody. "So," he said, his eyes narrowing, "Sheid appears to have turned a new leaf. My generals tell me that you have withdrawn all of your troops from the front lines. And now, diplomatic envoys? Offering peace? Perhaps fifteen years too late, don't you think? Tell me, Ambassador, has there been a coup?"
Isaac stiffened at the thinly-veiled insult directed at Bjorn, but Cody met the stare levelly. "There has been no coup. King Bjorn is in perfect health. The change was brought about by His Majesty himself."
"And what prompted Bjorn?" Aidan's hazel eyes settled back on Kari. "There must have been some reason for this abrupt change."
"The story is long. If I may, I would ask for your patience in hearing me out before putting forth your questions," Kari answered levelly.
Aidan settled back and rubbed his chin. "Speak, and be done with it."
Kari took a deep breath. She spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully.
"One month ago, there were a series of raids along the eastern border of Sheid. Since most of King Bjorn's troops were stationed down south trying to reinforce the front, the invasion managed to lay waste to no less than five villages before it could be repulsed.
"News of this was slow to reach King Bjorn, for almost all witnesses were silenced. Even then, it was only second-hand accounts from people who had seen the damage caused, and not those that had seen the invaders themselves. When a legion finally arrived, what confronted them was frightening. Each town was the same. The buildings and fields were burned to the ground without exception, and nobody had been spared. And when they finally confronted the enemy, they found they were fighting soldiers with white cloaks, flying the Yagami banner."
At this, King Aidan frowned and sat up. "Hikari Kamiya of Novinha," he said angrily. "Did you come all this way to level false accusations at me? I have already denied this charge…"
Kari raised her hand to forestall the protest. "Again, I ask for your patience. There is more."
King Aidan leaned back again with a cross grunt. "Continue."
"The invaders broke when they encountered organized military resistance, and they fled before the Shienar soldiers. No invader could be captured alive to be interrogated. When it became obvious that they would be overwhelmed, the invaders killed themselves rather than let themselves be caught. And thus," and here Kari paused, "King Bjorn asks for your forgiveness if, at the time, he thought that it had been you that had perpetrated this massacre of the eastern provinces."
"You ask for forgiveness?" Aidan said gruffly. "How was he convinced otherwise?"
"It is King Bjorn who asks for forgiveness," Kari answered coolly. "Not I. To your second question:
"Ten days ago, a sole survivor was picked up by Sheid's tenth legion. This had been a hardy farmer who had barely escaped with his life when his town was put under siege. He had been out in the countryside gathering wood when his village was abruptly surrounded and destroyed. Wisely, he hid himself some way off, and observed the intruders as they went about their business. He was the only eyewitness of these attacks, and his story proved astonishing.
"The intruders which plundered the eastern provinces, were, to his eyes, wearing white…when they were visible. He was adamant that he did indeed see the Yagami banner and Yagami uniforms. What he insisted upon, however, was that these intruders could somehow disappear into thin air, before his very eyes. After his village had been razed, he saw the entire army shimmer like a haze on a hot summer's day, and disappear without a trace. All this, he swore under blood oath."
Kind Aidan had leaned forward again, his elbows on his knees as he listened intently with a frown upon his face. "The army disappeared…," he murmured. "What is this sorcery…"
"With this incident," Kari continued, "King Bjorn was finally convinced of what he had been suspecting for some time now, what we," she gestured towards herself and Cody, "have been counseling him. The intruders were not Yagami soldiers. They were Khaydarin, wearing Yagami uniforms, and using their invisible cloaks to travel unseen around the countryside."
There was a long pause. Then Kari cleared her throat. "Needless to say," she added as a final note, "King Bjorn is now prepared to believe that you were not lying when you denied his charges."
King Aidan however, did not seem particularly pleased or smug that Bjorn had acknowledged him. Instead, he seemed troubled as he sat back. With a sigh, he pinched the bridge of his nose, as if a headache pained him. "Khaydarin," he said in a low voice. "But they have attacked both of us as well. As themselves. We may have an easier time of it than Ichijouji, but we have fended off their like before. But to think they were posing as us…"
Kari waited another moment for the news to sink in. When King Aidan turned his attention back to her, she continued.
"That," she said, "is the reason why the Shienar armies are in full retreat all across the front. And this," she paused as she drew a letter from inside her cloak, folded and bearing the royal seal of Sheid, "is what we have come to discuss."
King Aidan nodded at a servant, and the man sprang forward to receive the paper. Kari surrendered the document, keeping her eyes on Aidan. Bearing the message, the servant hurried up to the throne and gave it to his king. Breaking the seal with a fingernail, Aidan opened the envelope, drew out the letter, and began reading.
"In one month's time," Kari said as he read, "there will be a conference, as initiated by the Lord Marc of Saldea, and to which King Bjorn invites you. Invitations have been extended to all the great leaders of Gaea, and one has been extended to you." She gestured at the paper in Aidan's hand. "There, we will discuss the possibility of an alliance. King Bjorn is willing to forget your looming armies which to this day threaten his southern border. He is even willing to forgive the lives you have cost his nation. In return, he wishes only for your reciprocating hand of friendship.
"Gaea cannot stand apart, and hope to survive. As it is, Ichijouji is losing ground at an alarming rate. When that kingdom breaks, and that is only a matter of time, all of us will be cornered, surrounded, and conquered one by one. We will be islands of strength fighting against an overwhelming sea of evil. Bjorn extended this hand of friendship in hopes of forming an alliance together against Khaydarin. Just like it was done five hundred years ago, when Adun forged the Council."
Aidan fingered the paper thoughtfully, then passed it to one of his counselors to read. "Tell me more, Lady Hikari."
"The details are on the invitation," Kari said. "The meeting will take place on June 21st, 522 A.S. The location, I will not utter here, for fear of spies, but you may question me on this matter another time. I will say that in the interests of maintaining neutrality, Bjorn has decided against hosting it in his palace. A small detachment of two hundred soldiers, no more, may act as your honour guard. It should be enough to protect your grace on your journey there. Each leader may bring only two bodyguards to the meeting itself, and they are to be armed with one sword each. Nothing else."
Her crimson eyes softened once again. "Hopefully, none of those precautions will be necessary. That will be a meeting where all come in peace to discuss peace. And hopefully, there may be much fruit from that discussion, from which a new era of peace and tolerance will be born. But that meeting will be incomplete without your Royal presence."
There was a long silence after Kari stopped speaking. Aidan's face was expressionless as he tapped his chin in thought. The invitation changed hands again, as the councillors around the throne read it in turn. Slowly, the King held up the empty envelope which was still on his hand. The Shienar seal glinted faintly in the afternoon sunlight. It was so still, Kari was certain that everyone in the room could hear her pounding heartbeat. Don't be a fool, just accept it, she pleaded silently over and over again. Oh God, please let him see reason. Please let him see reason…
Carefully and deliberately, the King lifted the envelope…and spat viciously on the broken seal. The sound was like a spear snapping in the still silence. Then, equally deliberately, the King crumpled the envelope into a tiny ball and threw it away. It struck Kari's face and bounced off, leaving a trail of spit on her cheek.
Isaac growled and sprang forwards, bare hands raised like claws ready to throttle the man, King or no. It was only Cody's outstretched arm that halted the man's mad charge. Instantly, every guard in the room had their weapons pointed at Kari and the Lord-Captain. The tension became so thick, nobody dared to breathe.
"That," Aidan gritted, "is what I think of Bjorn's honour, and his 'conference'."
Kari did not appear angry. Only Cody noticed the slight twitch of her jaw muscles that was the only outward sign of her fury. Impassively, she withdrew a handkerchief from her pocket, and carefully wiped the spit away.
"All conquered territory has been returned," she said quietly, "and all troops have been withdrawn from the front lines, with sincere apologies and generous retributions for damages caused. What more do you ask? We cannot bring back the dead."
"This reeks of a plot, Lady Hikari." Aidan's mouth was tight with suspicion. "You are asking me to forget fifteen years of war as if it never happened, to stand as friends again as if the thousands of dead lying in their graves can be forgotten…"
"King Bjorn is asking no more than what he has already done. Sheid has had its share of wounds from this war as well, yet their King is willing to forget and forgive them as if it never happened."
"He is a fool then. I would dishonour the memories of my soldiers if I agreed to this."
"Would your soldiers hope for a peaceful and prosperous Yagami, or a wartorn and exhausted nation? Would they want their loved ones to fight and die in a foolish pursuit of vengeance, or to live a happy life?"
"My good Lady, you speak as if this was the Age of Gods, and a man can be trusted to hold to his word."
"We trusted you, My Lord, far enough to surrender our weapons, and put ourselves at your mercy." Kari said softly. "We laid down our pride enough to turn a blind eye to the fifty soldiers you have in this room, each one of whom has his weapon trained at my heart. All we ask, is for you to do the same."
Aidan however, shook his head. "I am sorry, but Yagami has weathered treacherous attacks by Sheid troops in the past, each more underhanded than the last. I am afraid I no longer trust in the promises of Bjorn."
He gestured at the crumpled envelope on the floor. "Who will police this conference? Bjorn's troops? Do not make me laugh. What is to stop him from sending in his legions to crush all the leaders of this land in one fell swoop? Who will hold him to thirty man rule? And don't tell me I can trust in his word."
Aidan's glare looked like it could burn the envelope as it lay there on the ground. When he looked up again, his hooded eyes were no less vicious. "I have lost almost ten thousand good men in this war, Lady Hikari," he said. "If you have nothing better to offer me than this…I want you and your men out of my palace. You had best not stop running until you are across the border."
Kari stared at the King silently for a long moment. Everyone held their breaths as they waited for her reaction. When she spoke again, her voice was strangely calm. "First of all," she said coolly, "The so-called underhanded attacks perpetrated by Sheid has been orchestrated by Khaydarin. Bjorn denies any involvement with such raids, and has been denying them ever since the beginning."
"Convenient, is it not? I have heard this before, a thousand times. We found Sheid uniforms at all the attack sites. Who else could it be but them?"
"So it is entirely possible that Khaydarin could stage 'Yagami' attacks on Sheid holdings, yet the opposite is out of the question?"
Aidan hesitated.
"For your people's sake, King Aidan of Yagami, be rational. Do you have conclusive proof that Sheid was involved in all those attacks? I have no doubt that they were involved in some of them, not all of which were entirely honourable. But what was Bjorn to do, when you were doing the same to him?"
Some of the guards on either side of the entourage shifted ominously. Even Cody gave Kari an alarmed glance. This was not part of what he termed "treading carefully". Aidan's hazel eyes flashed in anger. "Are you accusing me," he growled, "of being a-"
"Secondly," Kari said impassively, her calm voice cutting effortlessly above Aidan's, "I am part of no Sheid plot. I cannot, since my loyalties do not lie with that nation. The conference will not be policed by Shienar troops, but by us," she pointed at herself and Cody. "And if Bjorn decides to break his word, he will be treated no less gently than any of you."
That stopped Aidan's tirade dead. A confused light came into his eyes. "I'm afraid I do not understand."
"I swear fealty to no one nation," Kari said as she swept out her hands expansively. "I only swear to one man. Emperor Takeru of all Ishida. And consequently, to the Creator."
"Ishida is shattered," Aidan said uncertainly. "How can you swear fealty to a nonexistent nation?"
Kari shook her head. "You misunderstand me. I swear fealty to Emperor Takeru not because he is Ishidan, but because he is the bringer of the Seihad, and the Tenken. I have pledged my life to the service of the Lord, thus, I am bound to all of Gaea. I am loyal to all nations, and to none."
The bold words caused a ripple of consternation and a buzz of worried murmuring among the gathered assembly. The attendants and servants shifted uneasily where they stood, while the councillors sat upright, muttering among themselves. The soldiers looked around uncertainly, shifting the grips on their weapons. Even King Aidan looked shaken. "What you are speaking of," he said unsteadily, "the Seihad, the Tenken, they are only fables. Myths in scripture..."
"I have seen the signs with my own eyes, King Aidan," Kari said firmly. "the prophecies in the scriptures, they are coming true, one by one. The Lord Cody and I were two of the six pilgrims prophesied who journeyed to Ishida, and received God's inheritance. I have seen the words of the Lord himself, as recorded through Adun's hand. I have touched Takeru's left shoulder, and felt the mark of battle on it. The Seihad is coming, and Takeru will be the one who will lead us through it. Lead us all through it. Every nation in Gaea, every tongue and every tribe!"
She pointed at the letter which was still being read by the counselors. "That, King Aidan, is my message, not Bjorn's!"
Aidan's eyes widened incredulously. "And you want me to follow him? Takeru Ishida? On your word alone?"
Kari smiled. "Do not take my word for it, King Aidan," she said. "Send out your men. Find out for yourself the wonders that have already occurred, and those that are still being performed. Ask Ichijouji. Emperor Ken, for one, would know."
"I worked for ten years," the King said unsteadily, "to achieve what measure of stability this kingdom enjoys. When Queen Yagami died, I was the one who pulled this kingdom together. And now, you will have me throw it all away?! Do you realize what announcing the Seihad will do to the people?"
"Do you realize what not announcing it will do to the people?!" Kari's voice rang through the hall, reverberating from the stone pillars. It was no longer calm, but filled with fiery passion, and such a forceful will that the soldiers around her stepped back as they would from a blazing fire. "Do the right thing, King Aidan! Withdraw your forces, and accept Sheid's hand of friendship. It will be the first step of a thousand, but it will be a step."
The King stared at Kari. Then he began shaking his head. Slowly at first, then faster and faster. "The Tenken was a myth! It was exposed for what it was when the Age of Gods crumbled!"
Kari drew herself up to her full height. Although she was at least a head shorter than King Aidan, she seemed to tower over the entire audience chamber. "Do this, and you will be remembered as the greatest king to ever sit on the Yagami throne. Ignore it, and you will be named as a coward, so blinded by his own hate and pride that he allowed his people to be conquered and enslaved!"
Aidan said nothing for a long moment, his hands gripping the sides of his throne so hard his knuckles went white. Then he laughed. "Fool girl!" His mirth had a slightly crazed ring to it. "You foolish babbling girl!! You do not know what you are talking about! You are mad! Insane! Yagami will drive Khaydarin back, unaided. We do not need the strength of others. We have done it before, and we will do it again!" His councillors nodded furiously beside him, hanging onto their King's words as if they were drowning men that had suddenly been cast a lifeline to shore.
Kari's eyes blazed furiously. "You may not like me," she said, her voice deathly calm. "You may even hate me.
"But you will respect me!"
With a brilliant flash of white light, her stand flared into existence in a heartbeat. A vicious gust of wind suddenly whipped through the room, sending anything that was not secured flying about like so much sand. Papers, documents, scrolls, and people's caps and cloaks flew around as if they were caught in a tornado. Alarmed shouts permeated the audience chamber as the guards stepped back out of their ranks, raising their weapons to shield their faces in panic. Councillors and Lords shot up onto their feet, shouting incomprehensibly over the gale. The light of the stand brightened still further, so white and pure that the light from the sun seemed like dirty black in comparison. Brighter and brighter, until it seemed everything in the audience chamber would go up in white, blazing flames…
In a moment, the flaring wind was over, and Kari's stand was standing beside her, its lithe feline body tensed as if ready to spring, the great white wings spread out wide. A great peace descended upon the chamber. The silver armour on the stand's chest gleamed in the sunlight, and the single jewel set in its forehead glowed a fiery red. As everyone in the chamber picked him or herself back up, the stand-master lifted her chin and transfixed King Aidan with a piercing glare.
"Do you realize now who you have called a 'fool girl', Aidan?" she said softly. "I do not want your office, and I do not want the power. But I can make a claim for your throne, and the people will follow me. The kingdom of Yagami does not follow the blood, it follows the stand."
"Is that a threat, Hikari Kamiya?" Aidan said. His hands were still gripping the sides of his throne, but his face seemed to be composed again. "Do you presume to fight me and my men with your stand, even as you stand there preaching peace?"
Kari stared at the man for a long moment. "The only thing I presume to fight against," she said, "is Khaydarin. Perceive that how you wish. I only say this. I will rally the people of Yagami, with or without your consent. But if you are wise, if you are God-fearing, you will join me."
Aidan said nothing. For what seemed like an eternity, a tense silence so thick that you could cut it descended upon the room. Then the King looked up again, his hazel eyes narrowed in thought. "Leave me," he said finally. "Give me one day to discuss with my councillors. You will have my final answer by this time tomorrow afternoon."
Kari nodded, and allowed her stand to disappear, fading back into her body. The white glow disappeared from around her torso. "I await your reply, King Aidan. We shall speak again tomorrow." She turned on her heel, and walked out of the stunned audience chamber with Cody, Isaac and the others, her white cloak flowing behind her.
Nobody made a move to stop them.
** Author's notes: Not much to say actually. Had a lot of fun writing this chapter. ^_^ Especially portraying Kari. My editor says that he's fallen in love with Kari (I'm dead serious!). I should do that more often…give Kari a bit of the limelight that is. It's always Takeru. A change would be good…
Sorry about the relatively short length of this chapter, but it was a natural break in the story. The later chapters will be slightly longer. This one was seventeen pages and a bit. The others are around…eighteen to twenty pages long.