A Forbidden Bond
Chapter II: Evann's Past and Trial
Everyone gazed unbelievingly at the figure standing next to Diene, as he entered with his night blue hair, brown eyes, and devious expression.
"Krotiz! What are doing here, you're supposed to be in jail!" Brandol said.
"I was late out early for good behavior, and because the High Generals made a deal with me," Krotiz said.
"What kind of deal? Are you the one who accused Evann of being a spy?" Lutina said angrily.
"Calm yourself, I did no such thing. The deal I made was that if I told everything I knew about Evann they'd drop all the charges on me," Krotiz said.
"So what information did you give them?" Ulk asked trying to restrain himself.
"I told them what they want to hear," Krotiz said, "Evann, as some of you may know can see the spirits. His father and mother could do the same thing, as while create some of the most powerful Mana Eggs history. The Chaos Egg, The Holy Egg, and The Ether Egg, you guys have at least two of these if I'm not mistaken,"
"We have the Chaos and Holy Egg, what does that have to do with anything?" Carmyne (Carman for those who read the first chapter before I corrected it) asked coldly and harshly.
"I thought so, and I take it Evann made all three of them as while as the seven and above Mana Eggs you have with you," Krotiz stated.
"Yes, he did, but what does that have to do with anything?" Myam asked.
"You guys should all know without evening asking!" Diene said, "Neither Nortis or Arcadia has neither the knowledge, nor the technology to produce those kinds of Mana Eggs. Not even the most skilled spell casters of our age including the best Rangers can forge a Mana above level of that of a soul egg!"
"Evann, is the only one who can forge Mana Eggs of that kind of power and what you have all seen the Chaos, the Holy eggs, is still nothing but a small fragment of what those Mana Eggs are truly cable of,"
"What do you mean?" Titto asked, "Are you saying those Mana Eggs are stronger then they look.
"Give the kid a prize," Krotiz said, "Evann put limiters on the two Ultimate Mana Eggs he created to ensure that their true powers would never be used by you or anyone else! If Evann had allowed their true power to used, when you guys fought Quanlee, you would have won the battle in less then five minutes,"
"There's no way those mana eggs can be that strong!" Jaid said.
"Believe it or not, but they are," Krotiz said.
"Ok, that's all well and good, but what does that have to do with Evann being accused of being an Arcadian spy?" Brandol asked.
"One step at time, as I said when I came in you have to understand his past. His father's past anyway," Krotiz said.
"What does his late father have to do with anything?" Ulk asked respectfully.
"His father was a General in the Nortis army, until he was discharged for conducting secret peace negations with Arcadian Council members. Others were also involved, but when it was discovered by the High Generals, Evann's father took the blame for it all and left the army willing. He went back to being a ranger and for a few years until six years ago twelve, Things were pretty peaceful for him and his family," Krotiz explained.
"That still doesn't answer Ulk's question," Carmyne said.
Krotiz suddenly turned to Lutina, "Tell me did Evann ever tell you why he hates the military?"
Lutina who had been silently hanging her head raised it up with shock, "What makes you think I'd know?" she replied nervously.
"Ha ha, alright I'll play along. Evann's hates the military because they're the ones who killed his parents. First it was his mother. She died in the village fire of Coren. My own parents died in that fire as while, and then it was his father a few months later. They ambushed him while he was hunting. Evann was with him, but he managed to get away. He pretty much raised himself from there," Krotiz explained, "Now as for your question; the High Generals will use everything I've told you against Evann,"
"To put it simply, Evann will accused of siding with Arcadia to get revenge for his father, they will also pretend to know nothing about the orders given to kill his father. They will say that his father died at the hands of bandits disguised as military soldiers. Then they'll say that Evann had created the ultimate Mana Eggs and was planning to hand then all over to Arcadia so they'd have a great advantage in the war," Diene explained, "But all of that we'll be pretty much a waste of time, since the Supreme General is ill, the High Generals are both judges and jury,"
"So what you're saying is, there's no way to prove Evann innocent. They'll just a fake trail," Carmyne said.
"And the only part of that trail, which will be real, is Evann execution!" Myam said worryingly!
"I really don't think they will kill. They'll want to use him to create more power mana eggs," Jaid said, "But of course knowing Evann, he'll die first,"
"That's why they order you guys to stay in Locca they plan to use you to get Evann to do whatever they want him to do," Krotiz said, "On our way in we saw that this entire village is swarming with soldiers. They're making sure you can't escape,"
"And without Evann we can't use the Geostreams," Titto said.
"So what do we do?" Brandol asked.
"We have to save Evann; they want need to keep him alive to get the Chaos Egg. Even having just one could easily win the war and they'll most surely kill all of us to find the other one we have!" Lutina said.
"Lutina what makes you sure of what you say?" Jaid asked.
"Evann told me about on our way back from Koto," She replied, "He told me everything Krotiz told us now, but he made me promise not to tell you," she held out hand and from and a bright ball of white light appeared.
"The Holy Mana Egg," Diene said surprisingly.
"The ultimate mana eggs aren't like normal mana eggs. In order for on to use them they must become one with it, Evann holds the Chaos Egg within his body and I hold the Holy Egg. Once merged the Mana Egg and the holder become one forever and the holder is granted overwhelming power. The only way to take the egg from its owner is for the owner to give it up themselves, or for them to be killed and the egg ripped from their bodies. If they kill Evann and take his Chaos egg, then they'll also have destroyed the limiters he placed on the ultimate mana eggs. Their true power would useable to anyone who held them," Lutina said.
"That's bad!" Brandol said, "But hold on. What about the Ether Egg?"
"Did he create one?" Diene asked.
"No, but..." Lutina began. She shook her head, "No I shouldn't tell you anymore someone might be listening. Right now we have to figure out away to get out of here and rescue Evann!"
"She's right, she should break through the guards and go rescue our friend!" Myam said boldly.
"Not a bad plan, but there's a few problems," Brandol said, "First is how do we get out, second is where did they take Evann, third how do we break him out and lastly what do we after we break out? I mean I really don't think we'll be welcomed in Nortis territory after that,"
"Brandol's right...we'll have no choice...but to flee to Arcadia, they'll without a doubt grant us protection," Lutina said.
"What makes you so sure?" Carmyne asked.
"Because, in Arcadia, Evann's father, Evrai is a hero," Lutina said.
"Evrai! You mean the Nortis who captured Lord Farta and then later helped him escape back into Arcadia. The Nortis General who defeated each of Arcadia's the five Lords of Magic, but refused to kill them and let them and their men go. The Nortis who sacrificed victory for justice in the dual for Mt. Sperin! He's Evann father!" Titto said surprisingly.
"I've heard of Evrai, he was one of the Nortis army's best generals, but he was reported to have died in an Arcadian ambush," Carmyne said.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Jaid said harshly, "We never kill a man like Evrai in such in a manner! If we really wanted him to die it would have been with the most honorable of deaths possible; in battle with a sword in his hand fighting with every last of his strength!"
"Sir Evrai was an honorable man, he once told the Five Lords Magic, that he fought only because his people asked him to fight. After releasing High Council Farta from his Nortis cell. He continued to see on the battle. It was once said that Evrai and Farta would drink and joke with one another right between their encampments. It was believed the two of them were good friends. Their friendship was the first made between a Nortis and an Arcadian,"
"Ok then, so after we get, if, we break Evann out we'll head to Arcadia's borders," Krotiz said.
"Does anyone know where they're taking him?" Titto asked.
"I think they may take, him the Blackous Woods. There's a base there. They'll hold him until his trail and then they'll execute in the center of the wood. It's the main base of the Nortis army and getting in won't be easy. The High Generals most likely know you guys have the Holy Egg. Guard will tight, especially around Evann cells. They won't take any chances with him and his Chaos Egg," Diene explained.
"They probably think that Evann has all three ultimate mana eggs. If that's the case then we have a somewhat of an advantage," Ulk said.
"Lutina's Holy Egg!" Jaid said, "We can also use the other mana eggs Evann created like Crown, Calamity, and Fenrir eggs during our escape,"
"A direct attack would be suicide with just seven of us," Brandol said.
"You mean the nine of us," Krotiz said, "Diene and me are going to help you. We'll pretend to take some of you prisoner as more spies. We'll take to Blackous base, there we'll release you to go and find Evann. The rest of you will do a faint attack at the front gate. The guards will go to investigate; all you have to do is take them out. They'll most likely keep sending soldiers into the woods to find you. All you have to do to deal with them. Once Evann's free, we'll meet with him and the others inside we'll head for the gate break through, pick you guys up and then leave for Arcadia. If all goes well we want be discovered,"
"Understand that once Evann's free that base will end up on full alert and our cover will be blown. We'll have to fight our way out the rest of way or until we'll loss pursuers," Diene said.
"How do we know we can trust you Krotiz, you did try to kill us?" Carmyne asked.
"What choice do you have, Diene and I are the only ones who can leave this village with out being hassled," Krotiz said, "Besides I owe Evann a favor giving me a second chance. He had two chances to kill me, it wasn't that he didn't have it in him; it was because he's not the kind of person who gives into anger and hate. His father was killed by the army and I owe him for not giving into his hatred for the military,"
Everyone was silent then Lutina spoke up, "Krotiz I'll trust you for this, but if you betray us again, I kill you personally! Right now I don't care who I have to rely on I just...I just want Evann back that's all even if I have to do it myself. I'll be one of the two people who will sneak into the base to find Evann. Right now we don't have time to argue who we can or cannot trust,"
"Lutina..." Myam said, "Alright Krotiz I'll trust but you batter double cross us!"
The others agree and then Krotiz and Diene left. They returned with soldiers who once served under Evann's father. They escorted them from the tavern and loaded them up onto a truck. They drove away from Locca with only a bit of argument with one of the high ranking officer in charge of Locca. During the trip to the Blackous base, Lutina spent most of her time looking outside her window in the back.
Everyone looked at her strangely, with confusion.
"What's wrong with her, she's acting completely different then usually does," Titto asked confusingly.
"Do think she could be sick?" Jaid suggested.
Carmyne, looked at Lutina smiled and shook her head, "You men, can recognized feelings of the heart when you see it,"
"Feelings of the heart what are you talking about?" Brandol asked.
"I'm not telling you, figure out on your own," Carmyne said. Myam just gigged at the men's stupidity; as did Diene from her seat next to Krotiz in the front of the truck.
"What are giggling about?" Krotiz asked.
"Oh, nothing," Diene replied smiling smartly.
Six hours pass and they finally arrive at the woods. There was but a single man-made path to fallow. The rest of the woods were black and dark; the trees were so tall that that they blocked out most light. They drove through the woods until the base came into view; it was an odd site, for the branches of the trees stretched over it like a sky of leaves! It was as if the woods despised light so much that it would mutant it self so that not even the smallest drop could enter.
"It is just me our is this place creeping any else out?" Myam asked a frightened.
"I think it might be wise for us to make a change of planes, we should all go inside the base. I shatter to think what kinds of creatures are living in those woods," Ulk said wisely.
"I agree, with Ulk we could easily get lost in here we should attack from the inside after we've rescued Evann. Two of us will get of the truck and begin searching the rest will wait inside as prisoners waiting to be taken to a cell," Jaid suggested.
They all agreed and Krotiz and Diene got them passed the gate. The inside of the base was nothing compared to the woods, but it was close. The buildings were gray and with Nortis Army insignia impaled upon them. Some of the soldiers looked like heartless fiends in their black and red uniforms, at their sides with razor sharp swords, their eyes held no emotion or freedom. They looked like soulless Zombies. Everyone looked with disbelief and surprise as they approached a large black building in the canter of the base. They stopped and Lutina and Carmyne got out and sneaked into the building. Everyone waited into the care with their hands behind their back to make them look like they were tied up.
Meanwhile Lutina and Carmyne sneaked their way passed the guards in the building. They worked their way through the building avoiding detection.
"I thought there'd be more in guards then this?" Carmyne said. Lutina gave a silent reply, "But I guess considering the forces at the front gate and the way these woods are placed who'd really be able to get to here with more to ten soldiers," Lutina continued to be silent and Carmyne looked at her with worry and then suddenly pulled her into a large room with tapestries bearing the Nortis army emblem hang on every wall.
"Carmyne! What are you doing no one's coming we have to find Evann?" Lutina said angrily.
"We'll get back to that don't worry, but I want know do you even realize what you're feeling right now?" Carmyne asked.
"What do mean?"
"You and Evann, the two of you have been closer then usual ever since we left Koto after the Festival," Carmyne said, "Why is that?"
"I...I don't know, It just started happening and If...if anything were to happen to him...I...I don't why I feel this way, I mean the two us are from completely different races and yet..."
"And yet you're beginning to care for him more then you imagined," Carmyne said. She smiled for a while and then her smile vanished as she shook her head, "A Nortis and an Arcadian could such a thing even work out?"
"Huh," Lutina replied.
"Lutina, myself and the others will be more then happy to support such a bond, but would you're people accept it?" Carmyne asked.
"What do mean?" Lutina asked.
"Would the people of Arcadia support the idea of a Nortis and an Arcadian being in..." she sighed and gazed at Lutina, "Even I can't say after all that happened between us, but I guess it would all depend on how committed you and Evann will be to it,"
"Carmyne..." Lutina said.
"Come on we have to get back to the search,"
Lutina nodded in agreement. She and Camryne walked towards the door and then stopped. They heard foots from outside. They ran and hid behind a tapestry as five men in black and red robes entered the room, and took there seats in the five thrones behind a table a top a platform in the front of the room. Four of them had eyes full of deception and deceit, while the one who set in the middle looked to be kind hearted and fair. Then finally ten others entered nine of them were soldiers of the Nortis Army and the last was someone Carmyne and Lutina knew very, very well.
"Carmyne it's!" Lutina said Evann seems Carmyne covered her mouth.
"I know, but we can't do anything with all those guards around, we'll just have to watch and wait,"
They watched carefully as Evann was pushed to his knees by the guards and the five men in Robes gazed at him seriously one of them, smiling gladly with an evil glare in his eye. Finally the on in the middle spoke.
"Let us begin this trail! The Nortis Government vs. Evann the Ranger, I am Yosera Assent Supreme General and leader of the High Generals of Nortis. Colonel Rinehart will be the prosecutor. The accused will answer all questions when asked or be found guilty and all proof of innocence will be discarded. Colonel Rinehart you may begin with you're opening statement,"
A blond man, with lies in his voice and deceit in his eyes stepped forward.
"You're honors, Evann was chosen to be the Commander of the strike team put together by Nortis and Arcadia to solve the elemental disorder, however, is it not a fact that he avoided our calls to him. Was it not a fact that Lieutenant Diene had to go and forcefully bring him into the service of the military? It is also a fact that, Evann who continues to believe that we the proud and honorable Nortis Army are responsible for his father's death. He hates the Nortis Army and what better why to get revenge then to join Arcadia's forces and spy on our military. Like his father before him Evann, was surely planning to overthrow the Nortis Government with Arcadian aid,"
"That's ridiculous! The only part of the Government I dislike is you High Generals! You guys think just because the Supreme General is ill you can do whatever you want! The only reason people haven't rebelled against you is because Tovu, they like him and pretty everyone in the middle and lower class hates you!" Evann said harshly.
"You're words are harsh Evann, but keep in mind that you are the one on trail not us," Yosera said, "We will now begin the questioning from the High Generals, will start with Lord Rynos.
A with red haired, cunning and cold deceptive expression rose from his seat among the High Generals, "Evann is it not true that you created the Mana Eggs for you're team?"
"What's that have to do with anything?" Evann asked smartly.
"Just answer the question Ranger Evann," Yosera ordered with kindness.
"Fine, yes I did," Evann replied.
"Now then, did you are did you not create the three Ultimate Mana Eggs?" Rynos asked.
"What's it to you?" Evann replied coldly.
"I don't think we need any farther questions of this Lord Rynos," Rinehart explained, "Evann, connected Arcadia after the defeat of this Quanlee. He offered to give the Three Ultimate Mana Eggs in return for accepting him into their society!"
"That's crazy! Those Mana Eggs are for too powerful to be any the hands of anyone who'd use them for warfare! I only created them for the purpose of fighting Quanlee. Now that he's been defeated I was planning to hide them in different locations where no one would be able to find them," Evann said.
"And just where were planning to hide them?" Rynos asked coldly.
"Like I'm really going to tell a power hungry tyrant like you!" Evann insulted harshly.
"You impendent little..." Rynos started.
"Calm yourself Rynos!" Yosera said, "Evann, I can understand why you wont tell us where you planning to hide them, but the evidence is pointed against you so far. Also I'm seeing that you hold a great hatred for the military. Farther more you have no proof of you're innocence. Unless to have something mature to say that will prove your innocence I'm afraid I'll have to find you guilty for treason,"
"He's already proven the charges against him to be true, let's just announce his execution," a High general said with cold look of hate in his eye.
Evann closed his eyes for a time and then, "It's true I hate the military because I know for a fact it's responsible for both my mother and father's death. I was there when I saw them both killed by the hands of Nortis soldiers. When I started receiving letters from the military I didn't even want to read them. The only reason I helped stop the elemental disorder was because I couldn't stand to see so many people suffer because of it. Despite my hatred for the military I endured it and followed the orders I was given. When it was all over I was preparing to leave the military after solving the problems with Quanlee, but then I was asked to keep the team together as a war preventing force. That was something I was able accept. The war was over and I for one wasn't about to let happen again because a few people didn't agree with treaty. I would never want to start up that long meaningless war again by acting as an Arcadian spy! If anyone would want to restart that I would have to say it would have to be you're fellow High Generals Lord Yosera! So make your judgment already and get it over with it,"
From their hiding place Lutina and Carmyne looked at Evann. It was a side of him they had never seen before. He wasn't the smart mouth Ranger they been working with, but a young man with strong heart and sense of justice that could never be broken. Lutina was impressed more then any of them in the room as she gaze at the Nortis she was beginning to care for. Yosera also looked at him, he looked into Evann eyes and he saw compassion and kindness within them as while as a heroic gaze of honesty and courage, and Deep down he felt a burning pain and the beginning of an everlasting regret for the decision he was about to make...
Chapter II: Evann's Past and Trial
Everyone gazed unbelievingly at the figure standing next to Diene, as he entered with his night blue hair, brown eyes, and devious expression.
"Krotiz! What are doing here, you're supposed to be in jail!" Brandol said.
"I was late out early for good behavior, and because the High Generals made a deal with me," Krotiz said.
"What kind of deal? Are you the one who accused Evann of being a spy?" Lutina said angrily.
"Calm yourself, I did no such thing. The deal I made was that if I told everything I knew about Evann they'd drop all the charges on me," Krotiz said.
"So what information did you give them?" Ulk asked trying to restrain himself.
"I told them what they want to hear," Krotiz said, "Evann, as some of you may know can see the spirits. His father and mother could do the same thing, as while create some of the most powerful Mana Eggs history. The Chaos Egg, The Holy Egg, and The Ether Egg, you guys have at least two of these if I'm not mistaken,"
"We have the Chaos and Holy Egg, what does that have to do with anything?" Carmyne (Carman for those who read the first chapter before I corrected it) asked coldly and harshly.
"I thought so, and I take it Evann made all three of them as while as the seven and above Mana Eggs you have with you," Krotiz stated.
"Yes, he did, but what does that have to do with anything?" Myam asked.
"You guys should all know without evening asking!" Diene said, "Neither Nortis or Arcadia has neither the knowledge, nor the technology to produce those kinds of Mana Eggs. Not even the most skilled spell casters of our age including the best Rangers can forge a Mana above level of that of a soul egg!"
"Evann, is the only one who can forge Mana Eggs of that kind of power and what you have all seen the Chaos, the Holy eggs, is still nothing but a small fragment of what those Mana Eggs are truly cable of,"
"What do you mean?" Titto asked, "Are you saying those Mana Eggs are stronger then they look.
"Give the kid a prize," Krotiz said, "Evann put limiters on the two Ultimate Mana Eggs he created to ensure that their true powers would never be used by you or anyone else! If Evann had allowed their true power to used, when you guys fought Quanlee, you would have won the battle in less then five minutes,"
"There's no way those mana eggs can be that strong!" Jaid said.
"Believe it or not, but they are," Krotiz said.
"Ok, that's all well and good, but what does that have to do with Evann being accused of being an Arcadian spy?" Brandol asked.
"One step at time, as I said when I came in you have to understand his past. His father's past anyway," Krotiz said.
"What does his late father have to do with anything?" Ulk asked respectfully.
"His father was a General in the Nortis army, until he was discharged for conducting secret peace negations with Arcadian Council members. Others were also involved, but when it was discovered by the High Generals, Evann's father took the blame for it all and left the army willing. He went back to being a ranger and for a few years until six years ago twelve, Things were pretty peaceful for him and his family," Krotiz explained.
"That still doesn't answer Ulk's question," Carmyne said.
Krotiz suddenly turned to Lutina, "Tell me did Evann ever tell you why he hates the military?"
Lutina who had been silently hanging her head raised it up with shock, "What makes you think I'd know?" she replied nervously.
"Ha ha, alright I'll play along. Evann's hates the military because they're the ones who killed his parents. First it was his mother. She died in the village fire of Coren. My own parents died in that fire as while, and then it was his father a few months later. They ambushed him while he was hunting. Evann was with him, but he managed to get away. He pretty much raised himself from there," Krotiz explained, "Now as for your question; the High Generals will use everything I've told you against Evann,"
"To put it simply, Evann will accused of siding with Arcadia to get revenge for his father, they will also pretend to know nothing about the orders given to kill his father. They will say that his father died at the hands of bandits disguised as military soldiers. Then they'll say that Evann had created the ultimate Mana Eggs and was planning to hand then all over to Arcadia so they'd have a great advantage in the war," Diene explained, "But all of that we'll be pretty much a waste of time, since the Supreme General is ill, the High Generals are both judges and jury,"
"So what you're saying is, there's no way to prove Evann innocent. They'll just a fake trail," Carmyne said.
"And the only part of that trail, which will be real, is Evann execution!" Myam said worryingly!
"I really don't think they will kill. They'll want to use him to create more power mana eggs," Jaid said, "But of course knowing Evann, he'll die first,"
"That's why they order you guys to stay in Locca they plan to use you to get Evann to do whatever they want him to do," Krotiz said, "On our way in we saw that this entire village is swarming with soldiers. They're making sure you can't escape,"
"And without Evann we can't use the Geostreams," Titto said.
"So what do we do?" Brandol asked.
"We have to save Evann; they want need to keep him alive to get the Chaos Egg. Even having just one could easily win the war and they'll most surely kill all of us to find the other one we have!" Lutina said.
"Lutina what makes you sure of what you say?" Jaid asked.
"Evann told me about on our way back from Koto," She replied, "He told me everything Krotiz told us now, but he made me promise not to tell you," she held out hand and from and a bright ball of white light appeared.
"The Holy Mana Egg," Diene said surprisingly.
"The ultimate mana eggs aren't like normal mana eggs. In order for on to use them they must become one with it, Evann holds the Chaos Egg within his body and I hold the Holy Egg. Once merged the Mana Egg and the holder become one forever and the holder is granted overwhelming power. The only way to take the egg from its owner is for the owner to give it up themselves, or for them to be killed and the egg ripped from their bodies. If they kill Evann and take his Chaos egg, then they'll also have destroyed the limiters he placed on the ultimate mana eggs. Their true power would useable to anyone who held them," Lutina said.
"That's bad!" Brandol said, "But hold on. What about the Ether Egg?"
"Did he create one?" Diene asked.
"No, but..." Lutina began. She shook her head, "No I shouldn't tell you anymore someone might be listening. Right now we have to figure out away to get out of here and rescue Evann!"
"She's right, she should break through the guards and go rescue our friend!" Myam said boldly.
"Not a bad plan, but there's a few problems," Brandol said, "First is how do we get out, second is where did they take Evann, third how do we break him out and lastly what do we after we break out? I mean I really don't think we'll be welcomed in Nortis territory after that,"
"Brandol's right...we'll have no choice...but to flee to Arcadia, they'll without a doubt grant us protection," Lutina said.
"What makes you so sure?" Carmyne asked.
"Because, in Arcadia, Evann's father, Evrai is a hero," Lutina said.
"Evrai! You mean the Nortis who captured Lord Farta and then later helped him escape back into Arcadia. The Nortis General who defeated each of Arcadia's the five Lords of Magic, but refused to kill them and let them and their men go. The Nortis who sacrificed victory for justice in the dual for Mt. Sperin! He's Evann father!" Titto said surprisingly.
"I've heard of Evrai, he was one of the Nortis army's best generals, but he was reported to have died in an Arcadian ambush," Carmyne said.
"Don't be ridiculous!" Jaid said harshly, "We never kill a man like Evrai in such in a manner! If we really wanted him to die it would have been with the most honorable of deaths possible; in battle with a sword in his hand fighting with every last of his strength!"
"Sir Evrai was an honorable man, he once told the Five Lords Magic, that he fought only because his people asked him to fight. After releasing High Council Farta from his Nortis cell. He continued to see on the battle. It was once said that Evrai and Farta would drink and joke with one another right between their encampments. It was believed the two of them were good friends. Their friendship was the first made between a Nortis and an Arcadian,"
"Ok then, so after we get, if, we break Evann out we'll head to Arcadia's borders," Krotiz said.
"Does anyone know where they're taking him?" Titto asked.
"I think they may take, him the Blackous Woods. There's a base there. They'll hold him until his trail and then they'll execute in the center of the wood. It's the main base of the Nortis army and getting in won't be easy. The High Generals most likely know you guys have the Holy Egg. Guard will tight, especially around Evann cells. They won't take any chances with him and his Chaos Egg," Diene explained.
"They probably think that Evann has all three ultimate mana eggs. If that's the case then we have a somewhat of an advantage," Ulk said.
"Lutina's Holy Egg!" Jaid said, "We can also use the other mana eggs Evann created like Crown, Calamity, and Fenrir eggs during our escape,"
"A direct attack would be suicide with just seven of us," Brandol said.
"You mean the nine of us," Krotiz said, "Diene and me are going to help you. We'll pretend to take some of you prisoner as more spies. We'll take to Blackous base, there we'll release you to go and find Evann. The rest of you will do a faint attack at the front gate. The guards will go to investigate; all you have to do is take them out. They'll most likely keep sending soldiers into the woods to find you. All you have to do to deal with them. Once Evann's free, we'll meet with him and the others inside we'll head for the gate break through, pick you guys up and then leave for Arcadia. If all goes well we want be discovered,"
"Understand that once Evann's free that base will end up on full alert and our cover will be blown. We'll have to fight our way out the rest of way or until we'll loss pursuers," Diene said.
"How do we know we can trust you Krotiz, you did try to kill us?" Carmyne asked.
"What choice do you have, Diene and I are the only ones who can leave this village with out being hassled," Krotiz said, "Besides I owe Evann a favor giving me a second chance. He had two chances to kill me, it wasn't that he didn't have it in him; it was because he's not the kind of person who gives into anger and hate. His father was killed by the army and I owe him for not giving into his hatred for the military,"
Everyone was silent then Lutina spoke up, "Krotiz I'll trust you for this, but if you betray us again, I kill you personally! Right now I don't care who I have to rely on I just...I just want Evann back that's all even if I have to do it myself. I'll be one of the two people who will sneak into the base to find Evann. Right now we don't have time to argue who we can or cannot trust,"
"Lutina..." Myam said, "Alright Krotiz I'll trust but you batter double cross us!"
The others agree and then Krotiz and Diene left. They returned with soldiers who once served under Evann's father. They escorted them from the tavern and loaded them up onto a truck. They drove away from Locca with only a bit of argument with one of the high ranking officer in charge of Locca. During the trip to the Blackous base, Lutina spent most of her time looking outside her window in the back.
Everyone looked at her strangely, with confusion.
"What's wrong with her, she's acting completely different then usually does," Titto asked confusingly.
"Do think she could be sick?" Jaid suggested.
Carmyne, looked at Lutina smiled and shook her head, "You men, can recognized feelings of the heart when you see it,"
"Feelings of the heart what are you talking about?" Brandol asked.
"I'm not telling you, figure out on your own," Carmyne said. Myam just gigged at the men's stupidity; as did Diene from her seat next to Krotiz in the front of the truck.
"What are giggling about?" Krotiz asked.
"Oh, nothing," Diene replied smiling smartly.
Six hours pass and they finally arrive at the woods. There was but a single man-made path to fallow. The rest of the woods were black and dark; the trees were so tall that that they blocked out most light. They drove through the woods until the base came into view; it was an odd site, for the branches of the trees stretched over it like a sky of leaves! It was as if the woods despised light so much that it would mutant it self so that not even the smallest drop could enter.
"It is just me our is this place creeping any else out?" Myam asked a frightened.
"I think it might be wise for us to make a change of planes, we should all go inside the base. I shatter to think what kinds of creatures are living in those woods," Ulk said wisely.
"I agree, with Ulk we could easily get lost in here we should attack from the inside after we've rescued Evann. Two of us will get of the truck and begin searching the rest will wait inside as prisoners waiting to be taken to a cell," Jaid suggested.
They all agreed and Krotiz and Diene got them passed the gate. The inside of the base was nothing compared to the woods, but it was close. The buildings were gray and with Nortis Army insignia impaled upon them. Some of the soldiers looked like heartless fiends in their black and red uniforms, at their sides with razor sharp swords, their eyes held no emotion or freedom. They looked like soulless Zombies. Everyone looked with disbelief and surprise as they approached a large black building in the canter of the base. They stopped and Lutina and Carmyne got out and sneaked into the building. Everyone waited into the care with their hands behind their back to make them look like they were tied up.
Meanwhile Lutina and Carmyne sneaked their way passed the guards in the building. They worked their way through the building avoiding detection.
"I thought there'd be more in guards then this?" Carmyne said. Lutina gave a silent reply, "But I guess considering the forces at the front gate and the way these woods are placed who'd really be able to get to here with more to ten soldiers," Lutina continued to be silent and Carmyne looked at her with worry and then suddenly pulled her into a large room with tapestries bearing the Nortis army emblem hang on every wall.
"Carmyne! What are you doing no one's coming we have to find Evann?" Lutina said angrily.
"We'll get back to that don't worry, but I want know do you even realize what you're feeling right now?" Carmyne asked.
"What do mean?"
"You and Evann, the two of you have been closer then usual ever since we left Koto after the Festival," Carmyne said, "Why is that?"
"I...I don't know, It just started happening and If...if anything were to happen to him...I...I don't why I feel this way, I mean the two us are from completely different races and yet..."
"And yet you're beginning to care for him more then you imagined," Carmyne said. She smiled for a while and then her smile vanished as she shook her head, "A Nortis and an Arcadian could such a thing even work out?"
"Huh," Lutina replied.
"Lutina, myself and the others will be more then happy to support such a bond, but would you're people accept it?" Carmyne asked.
"What do mean?" Lutina asked.
"Would the people of Arcadia support the idea of a Nortis and an Arcadian being in..." she sighed and gazed at Lutina, "Even I can't say after all that happened between us, but I guess it would all depend on how committed you and Evann will be to it,"
"Carmyne..." Lutina said.
"Come on we have to get back to the search,"
Lutina nodded in agreement. She and Camryne walked towards the door and then stopped. They heard foots from outside. They ran and hid behind a tapestry as five men in black and red robes entered the room, and took there seats in the five thrones behind a table a top a platform in the front of the room. Four of them had eyes full of deception and deceit, while the one who set in the middle looked to be kind hearted and fair. Then finally ten others entered nine of them were soldiers of the Nortis Army and the last was someone Carmyne and Lutina knew very, very well.
"Carmyne it's!" Lutina said Evann seems Carmyne covered her mouth.
"I know, but we can't do anything with all those guards around, we'll just have to watch and wait,"
They watched carefully as Evann was pushed to his knees by the guards and the five men in Robes gazed at him seriously one of them, smiling gladly with an evil glare in his eye. Finally the on in the middle spoke.
"Let us begin this trail! The Nortis Government vs. Evann the Ranger, I am Yosera Assent Supreme General and leader of the High Generals of Nortis. Colonel Rinehart will be the prosecutor. The accused will answer all questions when asked or be found guilty and all proof of innocence will be discarded. Colonel Rinehart you may begin with you're opening statement,"
A blond man, with lies in his voice and deceit in his eyes stepped forward.
"You're honors, Evann was chosen to be the Commander of the strike team put together by Nortis and Arcadia to solve the elemental disorder, however, is it not a fact that he avoided our calls to him. Was it not a fact that Lieutenant Diene had to go and forcefully bring him into the service of the military? It is also a fact that, Evann who continues to believe that we the proud and honorable Nortis Army are responsible for his father's death. He hates the Nortis Army and what better why to get revenge then to join Arcadia's forces and spy on our military. Like his father before him Evann, was surely planning to overthrow the Nortis Government with Arcadian aid,"
"That's ridiculous! The only part of the Government I dislike is you High Generals! You guys think just because the Supreme General is ill you can do whatever you want! The only reason people haven't rebelled against you is because Tovu, they like him and pretty everyone in the middle and lower class hates you!" Evann said harshly.
"You're words are harsh Evann, but keep in mind that you are the one on trail not us," Yosera said, "We will now begin the questioning from the High Generals, will start with Lord Rynos.
A with red haired, cunning and cold deceptive expression rose from his seat among the High Generals, "Evann is it not true that you created the Mana Eggs for you're team?"
"What's that have to do with anything?" Evann asked smartly.
"Just answer the question Ranger Evann," Yosera ordered with kindness.
"Fine, yes I did," Evann replied.
"Now then, did you are did you not create the three Ultimate Mana Eggs?" Rynos asked.
"What's it to you?" Evann replied coldly.
"I don't think we need any farther questions of this Lord Rynos," Rinehart explained, "Evann, connected Arcadia after the defeat of this Quanlee. He offered to give the Three Ultimate Mana Eggs in return for accepting him into their society!"
"That's crazy! Those Mana Eggs are for too powerful to be any the hands of anyone who'd use them for warfare! I only created them for the purpose of fighting Quanlee. Now that he's been defeated I was planning to hide them in different locations where no one would be able to find them," Evann said.
"And just where were planning to hide them?" Rynos asked coldly.
"Like I'm really going to tell a power hungry tyrant like you!" Evann insulted harshly.
"You impendent little..." Rynos started.
"Calm yourself Rynos!" Yosera said, "Evann, I can understand why you wont tell us where you planning to hide them, but the evidence is pointed against you so far. Also I'm seeing that you hold a great hatred for the military. Farther more you have no proof of you're innocence. Unless to have something mature to say that will prove your innocence I'm afraid I'll have to find you guilty for treason,"
"He's already proven the charges against him to be true, let's just announce his execution," a High general said with cold look of hate in his eye.
Evann closed his eyes for a time and then, "It's true I hate the military because I know for a fact it's responsible for both my mother and father's death. I was there when I saw them both killed by the hands of Nortis soldiers. When I started receiving letters from the military I didn't even want to read them. The only reason I helped stop the elemental disorder was because I couldn't stand to see so many people suffer because of it. Despite my hatred for the military I endured it and followed the orders I was given. When it was all over I was preparing to leave the military after solving the problems with Quanlee, but then I was asked to keep the team together as a war preventing force. That was something I was able accept. The war was over and I for one wasn't about to let happen again because a few people didn't agree with treaty. I would never want to start up that long meaningless war again by acting as an Arcadian spy! If anyone would want to restart that I would have to say it would have to be you're fellow High Generals Lord Yosera! So make your judgment already and get it over with it,"
From their hiding place Lutina and Carmyne looked at Evann. It was a side of him they had never seen before. He wasn't the smart mouth Ranger they been working with, but a young man with strong heart and sense of justice that could never be broken. Lutina was impressed more then any of them in the room as she gaze at the Nortis she was beginning to care for. Yosera also looked at him, he looked into Evann eyes and he saw compassion and kindness within them as while as a heroic gaze of honesty and courage, and Deep down he felt a burning pain and the beginning of an everlasting regret for the decision he was about to make...