The Icarus docked alongside the Vione. Folken, Dilandau and Morgreth were greeted by a group of soldiers.

"Lord Folken," greeted a tall, burly man in armor.

"What is it, Arashi?" inquired Folken. Arashi was Folken's second-in- command on the Vione. Folken aided the captain when he was wrongfully accused of treason. Morgreth instigated the accusation when the captain refused to capture children refugees for Zaibach. Folken argued vehemently that such work was beneath the dignity of Zaibach. The children would already be scared. The last thing they needed to be exposed to was additional force. A gentler hand was needed to prevail in such matters. The case was dismissed, and Morgreth received a stern reprimand from Adelphos.

"Lord Folken, I am sorry to disturb you, but Emperor Dornkirk wishes to speak with you immediately."

Morgreth smirked.

"Very well. Have your men escort Morgreth to the infirmary."

Arashi nodded to his men and they took the sorcerer.

"Have you pinpointed the location of the Crusade?" inquired Folken.

He nodded. "Yes, sir. She is heading toward the location of the Mystic Valley."

"Is that so?" Folken mused. "Shadow them, Arashi."

"Yes, sir," he nodded. "One last thing, Jajuka has arrived per your request."

"Excellent. Direct him to my quarters."

Arashi nodded and left.

"Dilandau, come with me."

"Why is Jajuka here?" asked Dilandau.

Folken smiled. "He's the missing link in the twisted tapestry of your life, Dilandau. I suspect the sorcerers performed a mind wipe on you prior to the fate alteration. That is why you have trouble remembering what happened to you. If anyone can help us, it's Jajuka.

[A few hours later aboard the Crusade]

Dryden was reading from the journal of Leon Schezar when Reeden entered the room. "Boss!"

"What is it, Reeden?" asked Allen.

"We've just received a message from Folken Strategos of Zaibach!"

"What?" asked Van, incredulously.

"He said he wants to see you at once!"

"Now what would he want with a Knight of Caeli?" mused Dryden, as he looked over his spectacles. "I can see why he would want the Dragon, but Allen?"

The knight glared at the merchant.

"I don't trust him!" fumed Van. "I don't care what he has to say!"

"Look, I don't know what he wants, Van. Let's hear what he has to say first," replied Allen, trying to get the hotheaded king to calm down.

Van growled as he grudgingly followed the others out of the room.

* * * * *

"They have Celena? That's not possible!" exclaimed Allen, after he listened to the message.

"I told you it was a trap, Allen. I know Folken too well."

"A lost brother and a lost sister. Sounds like a family reunion," commented Dryden.

"What?" asked Allen.

"Oh come on, Allen. Can't you tell by now? Folken is Van's brother," replied Dryden.

"How do you know that?" asked Gaddes.

Dryden smiled. "I once knew a young prince from Fanelia who had a thirst for knowledge. We exchanged letters from time to time. He was interested in learning more about the Escaflowne, and we piqued each other's curiosity on the matter."

"You were the one he was always writing to?" asked Van.

Dryden nodded. "I was going to Fanelia for his coronation, but..."

"He failed!" Van exploded. "He failed the rite and abandoned his country!"

"And what would you have done, Van, if you were in his shoes?" asked Dryden. "Where could you go? Look, I'm not saying the man is perfect, but try to see it from his side."

"Say that when he razes Asturia to the ground!" bellowed Van.

"Stop it!" yelled Hitomi. "Enough! This isn't getting us anywhere."

"Hitomi's right," replied Allen. "I don't know why he has Celena, or what they've done to her, but I have to see her with my own eyes."

"Then I'm going, too," insisted Van. "I don't trust him, Allen. If this proves to be a trap, you'll need some help."

Dryden removed his glasses and rubbed the lenses with his scarf. "I'm not sure that's wise. They're probably shadowing us already. If something goes wrong, we'll need the Escaflowne with us."

Van glared at Dryden.

Allen nodded. "I'll go in the Scherazade. Van, you escort the Crusade. If I'm not back in twelve cycles, then take the Crusade back to Palas."

To Be Continued