Again the redundant disclaimer.

Fitcher sagged with relief. "There, see? That's him, the man who defeated the Highland Army."

Ridley ignored him, focusing on me. "What proof do you have that you are who you claim to be?"

I stepped forward, extending my right hand. "This is the Bright Shield Rune, one of the twenty-seven True Runes. This is the rune borne by my adoptive father Genkaku thirty years ago."

The Kobold inspected my hand. "This is indeed the Bright Shield Rune," he said at last. "Why did you not come directly to city hall?"

I grimaced. "Because some demented Winger stole my wallet, which has all my money, plus a letter of introduction Fitcher prepared." I waved at my companions. "This is my sister, Nanami, and our friend Jowy Atreides. We're here to seek an alliance with Two River."

Ridley nodded understanding. "The Wingers have become very troublesome of late. Don't worry about the letter; I will take you to Lord Makai."

Lord Makai was younger than I expected, twenty-five at most. The impression was fleeting, though; his eyes had the look of a much older man. I knew how he felt; I saw the same thing whenever I looked in a mirror. I guess it's true that war makes you grow up fast, or die.

He smiled. "Lord Julian, I thought I was young for this job, but you're even younger."

I chuckled. "I'm seventeen. Blame this one on Shu; he thinks I'm the best man for the job, largely thanks to my rune." I explained the reasons for my presence in Two River. "That's why we're here," I finished. "We need more troops."

Makai nodded. "I understand. We will help in any way we can. Why don't you stay at the inn for now? We will pay for it."

"Thanks."

"So far, so good," Jowy commented as we headed for the inn.

I sighed. "Now, if only we can get my wallet back."

At the inn, we found rooms already prepared. Relieved, we went upstairs, only to encounter the Winger pickpocket we had met at the town entrance. I head to force myself not to kill him then and there. Jowy just stood there, stony-faced.

Nanami didn't. "What do you think you're doing!?"

The Winger ignored her, addressing me instead. "I read that letter of introduction. Are you really Lord Julian?"

"I don't have to answer to a thief," I said coldly. "If you want to know, then tell me your name."

"I'm Chaco."

I nodded. "Then I will answer. Yes, I am Lord Julian. Satisfied?"

Chaco snorted. "I don't believe you. See ya!" He flew out the window.

I shook my head in disgust. "What nerve. First he asks who I am, then he doesn't believe me when I tell him. What was the point of asking?"

"Why don't we check out the Winger section again?" Jowy suggested. "Surely not all of them are thieves."

I yawned. "Tomorrow. I'm too tired for any more chasing."

Fitcher burst in early the next morning. "Lord Julian, come quickly!"

I sat up. "What's going on?"

"Lord Ridley just had an argument with Lord Makai. Ridley accused Makai of secretly talking with Highland." Fitcher shuddered. "Ridley thinks they signed a truce."

Jowy swore. "He promised to help us!"

"Let's talk to Makai." I stood. "If he really did talk to Highland, we're in trouble."

Makai was polite as ever, but I had the distinct impression that he was hiding something. I decided to try Lord Ridley next. Unfortunately, the Kobold section was blocked off.

"But we have to talk to Lord Ridley!" Fitcher shouted. "This is important!"

The guard was unimpressed. "That's your ---Bark!--- problem."

There was no time to say anything more; Chaco the Winger showed up again, this time taking Fitcher's wallet. "Got you again, ha ha!"

Fitcher exploded. "He took my wallet! Now we have to chase him down! I can't afford to lose it!"

We returned to the Winger section of town, spotting Chaco at once. He ran off, this time leading us to the sewers beneath Two River. In stark contrast to the city above, the sewers were anything but safe. There were monsters everywhere, the likes of which I'd only read about, and some that I hadn't. This won't be easy.

Nanami pointed up ahead. "Julian, look out! Sharks!"

She was right. It was the first time I'd seen sharks out of water, but I wasn't stupid enough to think we were safe. I charged, breaking one cleanly in half. Jowy and Nanami followed through, the former swinging his staff, the latter using a Dancing Flames spell. That took care of the rest. Another hour of walking, and we came to a small, enclosed area. The only source of light was a very bad sign: three glowing red eyes.

"Uh-oh. We are in trouble," Jowy muttered.

"Trouble" was a severe understatement. The glow brightened, revealing what looked like a giant, three-eyed rat. Not a friendly one, either; as soon as we got close enough, it attacked, spraying us with some sort of gas, definitely poisonous.

I coughed. "Just what we need. Great Blessing!" The poison removed, I barked, "Jowy! We could use some defense here!"

"No problem!" Jowy transformed. "Rose Storm!"

"Freezing Ring!" That was Nanami, trying out her new powers.

"Okay, freak, it's show time," I growled. "Thunder God Attack!" The Thunder spell brought our enemy to the brink of death, but it still had some fight left in it.

"Empty World!!!"

"Whoa!" I just barely dodged the beam, still managing to singe my hair. Its effect on the rat was far more devastating; no more rat. I turned, knowing whom I would see: Leknaat's apprentice, Luc, wearing his perpetual expression of aloof superiority, his rod held loosely in one hand. "How in blazes did you get here!?"

"Flew." He held up a glowing gem: the Dragoon Spirit of the Divine Dragon. "I found this in the castle graveyard, of all places. It's very useful." Luc surveyed the carnage. "I'm surprised the backwash didn't hurt you. That was a nasty spell."

I shrugged. "You can thank Jowy's Rose Storm for that. It saved us when the roof fell in. Anyone else find a Spirit?"

The mage smiled. "All present and accounted for, O great leader."

"Cut it out and tell me who got which one!"

Luc laughed. "Okay. Viktor got the Golden Dragoon Spirit; apparently the Star Dragon Sword likes the physical pounding it can deliver. Flik's the new Fire Dragoon, Eilie got the Dark Dragoon Spirit, and Rina is the Dragoon of Light. Kinnison's giving her archery lessons."

I nodded. "Makes sense. He's the best archer I've ever seen. How about the old Dragoons?"

Here Luc actually looked chagrined. "The only one who can stand me is the first Divine Dragoon, a Wingly named Lloyd." He shrugged. "The others got along fairly well. Shu and Albert were talking military history when I left, which could make for some interesting battle plans."

I forced myself back to the matter at hand. "We've got more immediate problems. We're chasing a thief, and there are rumors that Makai secretly signed a truce with Highland. Let's get out of here."

We climbed out of the sewers, and found ourselves in the Kobold section of town. For the first time, I marveled at the different styles of Two River. The human population lived in houses you'd find anywhere, while the Wingers preferred wooden shack-like buildings, and the Kobolds lived in tents.

My musings were cut short when Ridley approached. "What are you doing here?" he demanded.

"We were chasing a thief through the sewers, and wound up here," I responded. "But since we are here, let me tell you this: Whatever Makai's up to, we had nothing to do with it." Seeing his suspicious look, I added, "Don't worry about Luc. He's an ego case, but he's our ego case." Luc bristled.

Ridley nodded. "Very well. We believe that Lord Makai is preparing to sign a peace treaty with Highland. He is doing this without consulting either the Wingers or the Kobolds, so we are naturally angry."

So that's what this is all about. "Alright. I'll deal with Lord Makai."

"I got us another recruit," Luc said as we made for the human section. "A guy named Hans agreed to open an armor shop at the castle."

I nodded absently. "Great. We're almost there." What I saw confirmed Ridley's fears: Lord Makai, talking calmly with two Highland officers: General Kiba and his son Klaus. "So they are talking peace." As soon as the Highlanders left, I approached Makai. "Just what do you think you're doing?" I demanded without preamble.

Makai shrugged. "Highland wants peace. I see no reason to refuse them."

"You believe them!?" I asked in disbelief. "Don't be an idiot! Luca Blight massacred the Unicorn Brigade, and then framed Jowy and me for the crime! It almost got us hanged; if Viktor and Flik hadn't shown up, we'd be dead."

"We have only your word for that." Makai shook his head. "You will be granted safe passage out of Two River tomorrow. I am sorry we could not help."

I'm sorry, too. "Come on, guys. Let's get some sleep."

We were delayed, however, by Chaco. "Hey, Lord Julian! My grandmother wants to see you! There, I told you!" He vanished.

"We might as well check it out," I said. "Maybe she'll get our stuff back."

It didn't take long to find the right Winger. "Greetings, Lord Julian. I am Susu, Great Wing of the Winged Horde. A matriarch, if you will." She paused. "May I see your right hand?"

"Certainly." I pealed off my glove and held out my hand."

Susu gazed at it for several minutes. "Yes. This is the Bright Shield Rune. I saw it from afar thirty years ago, shining on Genkaku's hand."

"Genkaku was my father. Adoptive father, actually."

"Indeed." She looked up. "You are destined for great things. I can tell. Your money will be returned."

Chaco met us outside. "Grandma thinks you're great, but I don't! And I'm not returning the money, either!"

I shook my head. "Let's just get back to the inn."

So much for safe passage. We left the inn the next morning, only to find Kiba and Klaus back, with a much larger force than before. Makai stood there, thunderstruck.

"You said we'd be left alone!" he yelled. I didn't catch Kiba's reply, but I knew we were in trouble. Four of us against a force that size were very bad odds.

"Lord Julian, we must find Lord Ridley. I'm sure he will help," Fitcher murmured.

"You're right."

We left for the Kobold section at a dead run, ignoring everything else. Fortunately, Ridley was persuaded to help, after I pointed out that Makai wasn't the only one in danger. Rushing back, we nearly ran into a Winger unit that appeared out of nowhere.

I gaped at the Winger leader. "Chaco!?"

He grinned. "Why so surprised? This is our town, too! Humans, Kobolds, Wingers, it doesn't matter. We all have a stake in protecting this town!"

That swung Makai and Ridley, so I was free to concentrate on some incoming soldiers. The first took Jowy's staff in the gut, followed by a snap kick to the head. Nanami and I double-teamed an officer, knocking him senseless. Luc's Divine Dragoon magic handled a whole platoon at once.

Klaus rushed to his father. "Father, we must withdraw. The Dragon Army has appeared on our flanks." He looked at me. "Lord Julian has the gift of inspiring people. I can't hate him."

Kiba nodded. "I agree. A pity we have to be enemies. Alright, fall back."

The Highlanders obeyed, heading north, presumably returning to Muse. I turned to our new allies. "Ridley, Chaco, thanks. If it weren't for the Kobolds and the Winged Horde, we'd be toast."

The Winger smiled. "Hey, any enemy of Highland is a friend of mine. By the way, here's your wallet back."

I took it gratefully. "Thanks." A new idea struck me. "Chaco, what do you say to joining the Dragon Army? We've had our differences, but you're good in a fight. That's the important thing here."

"I agree." Shu walked up, Viktor and Flik on his heels. "With the Winged Horde and Ridley's Kobolds, our ranks will be swelled considerably."

Chaco grinned. "Great! Glad you'll have me along!" His expression changed abruptly; Gengen arrived with two more recruits: a young Kobold named Gabocha, and an older Winger. "Sid!!"

Sid leered. "Good to see you, Chaco," he said in a slow voice.

Chaco shivered. "Oh no, now I'm gonna have nightmares."

I gritted my teeth. "You're welcome to join us, Sid, but remember this: Chaco and I have had our problems, but he's one of us, now, and I will not, repeat not, tolerate the sort of torment his reaction implies," I said sternly. "Clear?" Sid nodded.

Makai sighed. "With today's events, it is clear that peace with Highland is impossible. My original promise to you stands."

I hid a sigh of relief. "Thanks."

"Oh, and Fitcher. You're fired."

Fitcher jumped. "What!?"

Makai smiled. "Don't worry, you have done well. So well, in fact, that Shu has requested your services. I believe you will be of great help to the Dragon Army."

"I'll do my best." Fitcher trembled.

Shu turned to me, a mysterious smile on his face. "There is also something for you and Jowy when you get back, Lord Julian."

My eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Do I want to know?"

He laughed. "Don't worry, it isn't bad. You might want to watch out for the Water Dragoons, though. They both love practical jokes."

I winced. "I'll consider myself warned."

Our return was delayed somewhat by a side trip to Kobold Village. Three recruits: A pair of warrior types named Tengaar and Hix, who gave us a major runaround, and a shepherdess named Yuzu. Then to Lakewest, picking up a gambler named Shilo.

Shu was right to warn me of practical jokes. The first thing I encountered at the castle dock was a water balloon in the face. I couldn't see, courtesy of jet-black hair plastered to my face. I could still hear, though, so I was able to growl at my sister, who was convulsed with laughter. "Be quiet, Nanami."

"You're Lord Julian, right?" My vision cleared, allowing me to see my assailant. Judging by the platinum hair, this was the younger of the Blue Sea Dragoons, Meru the Wingly.

I swept one hand through my hair. "That's right. Welcome to Dragon Castle." I waved at my companions. "You've already met Luc. These are my sister, Nanami, and my friend Jowy Atreides. You would be Meru?" At her nod, I turned to Nanami. "Sis, why don't you show your older counterpart around. Jowy and I have to go see Shu."

"Okay."

Shu was right about the surprise, too. There was one extra person in the meeting room, a tall, bearded man with a sword at his side. As I entered, he came over and held out his hand. "You must be Lord Julian, Genkaku's son."

My jaw hit the floor. "Han Cunningham!?" He nodded, and I shook his hand. "Yes, I'm Lord Julian, but please, drop the 'Lord'. I may be army commander, but you were my father's best friend."

Han smiled. "As you wish." He glanced at Jowy. "And you are the bearer of the Black Sword Rune?"

Jowy shook hands in turn. "Jowy Atreides. Formerly of Highland, now just a soldier."

"Don't read too much into that." I clapped Jowy's shoulder. "We might not be related, but I've always thought of Jowy as a brother."

"I know how you feel." The famous Highlander gestured for us to follow him. "I have a gift for each of you."

The gift turned out to be a pair of horses, one coal black, with jade green trappings, the other brilliant white, with violet trappings. Which went to whom was obvious; the black one had a black sword mark on the saddle, the white one a silver shield.

I finally found my voice. "General, I…I don't know what to say."

Han shrugged. "The fact that you are clearly pleased is enough. The leaders of such a movement should have appropriate mounts."

"Han…thank you," Jowy whispered.

He smiled. "I am also offering my services to your army."

"Yes, of course," I got out.

We got one more recruit that day: Hai Yo the slightly deranged chef. He quickly made himself at home in the kitchen, to the great improvement of our meals. He was sometimes assisted by my immediate predecessor as Thunder Dragoon: Haschel the martial artist.

The only people outside that night were sentries, and even they stayed in the guardhouses. No one blamed them; calling the weather violent was a massive understatement. I had never seen such a storm; if the dock hadn't been enclosed, we would have lost it. As is was, Tai Ho had the time of his life, since the storm drove a large number of fish into the harbor.

"Hey, Lord Julian."

I turned; it was Dart, one of the Fire Dragoons. "What is it?"

"What's your beef with Highland?" He gazed out at the storm. "It's pretty obvious why guys like Viktor and Flik are fighting, but why you? Han tells me you're from Kyaro, deep in Highland territory."

I sighed. "Jowy and I joined the Highland Army's Unicorn Brigade last year, just after my father died. We never actually saw combat during the war, so we were relieved when the peace treaty was signed. Unfortunately, that wasn't the end. The night before we were scheduled to go home, the Unicorn Brigade was attacked. According to our CO, Captain Rowd, it was a surprise attack by the City-State. Jowy and I ran to the east, but came back when we realized it was too easy. It was; Luca Blight, the heir to the throne, had attacked the unit, intending to place blame on the City-State as an excuse to continue the war. Rowd helped out; he later told us he was sick of commanding a bunch of kids. We escaped, but were later captured when we returned to Kyaro. If it wasn't for Viktor and Flik, we would have been hanged. Having nowhere else to go, Jowy, Nanami, and I joined Viktor's mercenary army and started looking for new recruits. Your friend Rose met us after the fort was destroyed. Shu suggested I take command after we beat back a Highland assault here."

Dart raised an eyebrow. "No offense, but what does a seventeen-year-old have that can inspire so many?"

I pealed off my right-hand glove. "Two things. First, I was in command of the unit that defeated Solon Jhee. Second, this." I held out my hand. "The Bright Shield Rune, one of the twenty-seven True Runes, that was borne by my father Genkaku thirty years ago."

He grinned. "An object of immense power, inspiring an entire army. Sounds like the Dragoons."

"It does at that."

Dart wandered off, passing Jowy in the hall. The young Wind Dragoon gazed after him with a quizzical expression. "What a weird bunch."
I laughed. "And we're normal? Come on." I waved at the window. "At least we're safe for now. Even Luca Blight wouldn't dare attack through the mother of all thunderstorms, especially at night. Any news?"

"Highland's Fourth Army has a new commander," Jowy said. "Solon Jhee was executed following his defeat here."

"He failed, so he's dead, eh?" I shook my head. "He was an enemy, but he deserved better than that."

"Maybe if he kills enough generals, Luca's army will revolt."

I shook my head again. "Unlikely. Too many Highland officers are either ambitious sadists, like Prince Luca, or ambitious idiots, like Rowd."

"You're probably right." Jowy joined me at the window. "This is the kind of night that makes you glad we have a castle."

"No kidding. Step out there, and you'll be a human lightning rod. Zap!"

"Yep. By the way, Shu says he's got some news for the meeting tomorrow. It isn't good." Jowy winced. "I am so tired of bad news."

"Join the club. See you in the morning."

Author's note: Thanks for all the reviews. I am pleasantly surprised by the reception this story has gotten. I know Dart is supposed to be the Divine Dragoon, but I've always felt Lloyd was a better choice. Dart's Red-Eye Dragoon armor is better looking anyway. I was just able to rent the game again after five attempts, so the Greenhill and Matilda sections should be more recognizable. Remember, since this is an A.U. story, Jowy isn't the Fourth Army's new commander, so I'll have to think for a while about a new choice. One more thing: Would someone please tell me what spells Jowy's rune has? I can't remember. D.S.