Chapter II: The emissary of doom.
".Magic. One of the greater mysteries that ever existed in the history of the world. What is it? Where it came from? A lot of scientist, among time, had tried to answer this questions, but they never agreed in their observations and investigations. They just formulate theories that tried to explain magic. One theory says that magic is a force that lies underneath humans and the ones that got to contact their inner self are capable to use magic. Other theory says that magic is a gift of the gods gave to the people to made their lives more comfortable. Another theory says that magic is exclusive of the espers and that fact cause the War of Magi, because humans tried to steal the power of the espers. The fourth theory tell us that the real cause of the War of Magi was that there were humans capable of use magic and those who weren't, attacked them, causing the disappearance of magic. ." - read Edgar in one of the books of the library in Figaro's Castle. Since they returned from the cave of South Figaro, Edgar went to the library to search for more information of what he just saw in the cave. At first, he wasn't sure if it was wise to go to the cave, considering that Shadow just recovered a part of his memory and he was still weak, but something inside told him that something important was on that cave. As soon as Clyde was ready, they abandoned the castle from the same door Edgar used to help Clyde a couple of weeks ago. Edgar took two chocobos form the stable and they rode all the way to the cave of Figaro accompanied by Interceptor and Thiago, that caught them when they were about to leave, and he insisted to go with them. As soon as they arrived to the cave, Clyde and Interceptor jumped trough a hole in the ground.
-That's weird - said Thiago to Edgar - That hole wasn't there the last time I came here, about a month ago.
Edgar didn't say anything and followed them down. Thiago went after him. Everything was in total darkness. Thiago that was always prepared for any eventuality, took out a torch and lighted it on. That was a part of that Edgar and Thiago have never seen. Clyde and Interceptor guide them trough six different levels until they reached a strange place that looked like a shrine.
-What the hell's this place? - said Edgar looking around while he walked towards an altar in the center of the room. But Clyde stopped him putting a hand in his shoulder.
-Wait - he said and he took the golden object out of his pants. He put the object in the altar an intense blue light came from the altar making them to close the eyes. Clyde removed the object from the altar and the intense light disappeared.
-What just happened here? - asked Edgar squinting.
-I'm not quite sure - said Clyde - but when I came here a couple of weeks ago this object began to glow and guided me to this place, and when I was going to put it in the altar I heard some voices from the upper levels, I went to see who were the owners of the voices and I saw a group of men with purple cloaks that attacked me as soon as they saw me. I managed to escape and you know the rest.
Edgar was going to say something but the sound of voices that came from the level above them interrupted him.
-Are you sure is this way? - said one of the voices.
-Yes - said another voice - I'm sure is this way.
-If you say so - said the first voice.
Then the voices faded and the sound of footsteps became louder.
-Let's hide - said Thiago nervously.
-I don't think that's a good idea - said Clyde - I think is not convenient for us if they discover this place.
-You're right - agreed Edgar - It's not a good idea let them reach here. Maybe they're the same guys that attacked Clyde.
-Then what are we going to do - asked Thiago.
-Stop them - said Edgar smiling to Clyde that nodded. Thiago looked first at Edgar and then to Clyde and sighed with resignation. They abandoned the room and followed the sound of the voices of the men that started to talk again.
-I think we're lost - said one of them.
-I think that too - said a third voice.
-Of course not -said the second voice.
The men keep arguing, giving them time to find their location. And few minutes later they reached them and they hid behind a rock to see the men. They were 3 men dressed with purple cloaks and red armors. Clyde eyes widened when he saw them and whispered to Edgar's ear:
-They were the ones that attacked me.
Edgar nodded and said in a low voice:
-Then it's pay back time. I've got an idea. I'll go out to ask them what they want in here, and if they act violent you come out. Okay?
They nodded. Edgar abandoned their hideout. The men stopped arguing when they saw him. Edgar walked towards them.
-What do you want? - asked a tall man coldly.
- That's my question - said Edgar - What do you want?
A man with a huge scar in his forehead smiled and said:
-Not of your business.
Edgar smiled too.
-Of course is my business, because this is my territory - he said.
The third man that was wearing a helmet grabbed Edgar from his clothes and said with irony:
-Really? This is your territory? - and laughing he said sarcastically - Don't tell me you're the king of Figaro?
Edgar removed the man's hands from his clothes and fixing his clothes he answered:
-How smart. My name is Edgar Roni Figaro, nice to meet you.
The three men look at each other.
-Oh! I'm sorry Your Highness, you should've told us that since the beginning - said the tall man with a fake tone of respect - Of course we're telling you what we're doing here. Right guys?
-Yes - said the one with the scar in the same tone - We're here because. - and taking out a knife - we're going to kill you - and he dashed toward Edgar that unsheathed his sword and dodge the attack. Clyde, Thiago and Interceptor came out from the rock. The other two men also unsheathed their swords. Clyde attacked the one with the helmet avoiding the sword and hitting him in his face. Thiago defeated the tall man with his bow and arrows while Edgar managed to dodge the attacks from the other man, and hitting him in the neck he finally beat him. The other two men grab his fallen companion and ran away swearing for revenge. They watch the men leave. Edgar told them that they better return to the castle, when a golden light coming from the ceiling caught their attention. Edgar, hit it with his sword and a golden object just like Clyde fell in the floor. Edgar took it. Clyde stood next to him and his eyes widened, but he didn't say anything. Edgar understood what Clyde's expression meant. He put the object in his pants and he said once again that they better return to the castle.
-You shouldn't have told them who you were - said Clyde to Edgar while they returned to the castle.
-What's done is done. - said Edgar But that's not what worries me. What's that room? and, what's that object your carrying and the object I just found?... As soon as we arrived at the castle I'm going to the library to investigate. - and that happened 5 hours ago. Edgar sat in a chair and kept reading:
".The last theory says that magic was given to the espers, but humans were able to use it through special rocks that drained the magic from the espers. But there's a theory that is different from the others. This theory was formulated by an archaeologist named Braguin Rugaon. In a book he wrote by the title "The secrets of Magic", he explains that magic is a force within people and espers, but that true magic lies in the underground of the world, but it's sealed in stones that look like tablets, and when the War of Magi was over, magic really never disappeared, it just returned to the underground where it belongs." - Edgar eyes widened. He has the suspect that whatever was that he saw in the cave was related somehow with magic. But the information he just read was something he didn't expect to found. Edgar read the paragraph again.
-Braguin Rugaon - he said whispering. He started to look for information about Braguin. And after 30 minutes of intense search he found something in a nameless book.
".Braguin Rugaon is one of the most important archaeologists from our time. He was born in the distant village of Thamasa about 69 years ago. His discoveries had marked a new era in the matters of research and investigation." - and that was all. Edgar read it again and again, when the door from the library opened. It was the chancellor.
-Your Majesty, there's someone waiting for you in the hall. He said that Your Majesty is expecting him.
-Oh! Yes, yes. Bring him here, please.
The chancellor left with a little reverence. Edgar put the book in one of the tables and few minutes later, Clyde appeared in the room with his inseparable dog. Edgar smiled like Clyde. They made a little plan in which Clyde was going to sneak out of the castle and pretend to be a visitor that Edgar was expecting.
-Did you find something? - asked Clyde eagerly.
Edgar took the books from the table and gave them to Clyde, that read the pages that Edgar marked.
-As you can see, is vital for us to find that Braguin guy - said Edgar after Clyde ended reading - Had you ever heard of him?
Clyde shook his head.
-No. Never - and taking the golden object from his pants he said - I can't believe this little thing can hold such a power.
-Well - said Edgar - we aren't sure of that. By the way, the guys from the cave weren't the same that tried to kill you 15 years ago?
-Those were just ordinary burglars, vulgar thieves. The ones from last night looked like members of an army or something like that.
Edgar frowned because he hadn't thought of that before.
-Anyway - he said - What we need to do is to find Braguin Rugaon and show him that object of yours so he can tell us if that's the object he talk about in the book. So I've been thinking that maybe someone go to Thamasa to investigate where Braguin is - and he stared significantly at Clyde.
-NO WAY! - shouted Clyde when he saw the way Edgar stared at him - I'm not ready.I'm not ready. Why don't you send Thiago? He's perfect for the job.
-I've already assigned him another job.
-But I'm not ready - repeated Clyde almost with fear.
Edgar put a hand on his shoulder.
-You'll have to do it sooner or later, and I think is better doing it sooner than later. Besides you can kill two birds with one shot - he said smiling. Interceptor barked agreeing.
-Even your dog agrees with me - continued Edgar - Look, try first to figure out what Strago have told Relm about you, and talk to him first, because, although he is quite old, I'm sure he will recognize you as soon as he sees you. Explain him what happened. I can't assure you he will understand, but at least give it a try.
Clyde smiled.
-When do you want me to depart to Thamasa? - he asked coolly, but determinate.
-Tomorrow - answered Edgar - I'll send a letter to the dock in South Figaro so they prepare a ship.
*****
Clyde left the next day early in the morning. Edgar would've loved to go with him to Thamasa, but he had tons of work to do (and papers to sign). He worked until late that night, hoping for less job the next day. But it seemed he wished the opposite. His desk was covered with papers, and he had even more meetings than the day before. Around 8 o'clock that night, Edgar was still working on a speech he was supposed to give when he inaugurate the power source plant in South Figaro, when a knock in the door made him lost the concentration.
-Come in - he said angrily without taking his eyes from the paper.
-Sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty - said the chancellor gasping, entering the room.
-What is it? - asked Edgar raising his eyes to look at him, that seemed a little agitated.
-There's someone that requests and audience with Your Majesty - said the chancellor still gasping.
Edgar frowned. He fill a glass with wine and drink it slowly.
-He said that it was really urgent - keep saying the chancellor - Something about the Cave of Figaro.
Edgar almost choked, he did a great effort to not spit the wine.
-Bring him in - he said after he swallow the wine.
The chancellor made a little reverence and left the room almost running. Edgar cleaned his desk a little and drank more wine. The door from the room opened and a young man entered the room. He was quite strange from head to toes. He's hair was blue and his eyes had a strange green tone, his face had a gesture of superiority and disdain that made Edgar felt uncomfortable and distrustful. The man made bowed his head and said:
-I'm Gaston Ballach. Nice to meet you, Your Highness - he said with a cold voice with a tone that tried to show respect, offering his hand to Edgar that took it. The king of Figaro offered him a chair.
-What can I do for you? - asked Edgar when both of them sat.
-There's something I need to ask you. To give me the golden object you found in the cave - said Gaston abruptly.
Edgar frowned surprised.
-Don't try to deny it - continued Gaston - I know that you had so if you know was best for you, you'll give to me - and there was a slight tone of menace in his voice.
-And why shall I give it you? In case I had the object, I don't have to give it to you, because is part of my territory, so it belongs to Figaro - said Edgar with calm.
Gaston smiled. Edgar eyes widened slightly. His smile was strangely. familiar. It looked just like Gestahl's.
-As I said, if you now what is convenient or best for you or for your kingdom, you will handle it over to me - he said still smiling.
-Give me a good reason for me to give it to you? - said Edgar still calmed. Gaston didn't answer so Edgar said - By the way, you hadn't told me who sent you? Or you came here by your own?
-I'm. how can I say it? .. An emissary. And I have no time to lose. You'll give it to me, yes or no?
-Of course not! - said Edgar making an effort to control his temper - The object belongs to Figaro and I'm not going to give it to someone that comes threatening and giving no valid reason for me to handle over the object.
Gaston stood up and before he left the room he said angrily:
-Don't think this is it. You'll hear from us sooner than you think - and he left.
Edgar sighed heavily. He closed his eyes trying to figure out why Gaston would want the object. The only reason that came to his mind was that it had something to do with what he read in the book. Magic. He kept thinking for a while but Thiago appeared in the room quite agitated.
-What is it, Thiago? - asked Edgar.
Thiago put a paper in Edgar's desk.
-I made a map of the place we went last night - said Thiago - and I discovered that - and pointing the map he finished - That place is right under the castle.
-WHAT! - shouted Edgar looking at the map and retracing the route to the mysterious shrine mentally - Oh my dear., you're right. That place is under the castle. But why we have never seen it before?
Thiago shook his head and shrugged.
-Can I ask you something Your Majesty? - said Thiago shyly.
-Of course.
-When I was on my way I saw a strange man coming out from here. He had blue hair and he was wearing a red cloak.
-That was someone that came to demand the object I found last night in the cave.
-What! But why?
-That, my dear Thiago is a good question, he didn't give me any reason for his. strange request.
-Who's he anyway - said Thiago a little angry.
-He told me he was an emissary, but he didn't told from where nor of whom.
-I don't like this.
-Neither do I, Thiago. That's why we must be careful - said Edgar standing from his chair. Thiago nodded - It's been a long day. We better go to sleep.
-Where's Mr. Clyde - asked Thiago after they abandoned the room.
-He's on his way to Thamasa - and he told him about Braguin and what he read on the book.
-This is more complex and dangerous that I thought - mumbled Thiago.
Edgar didn't say anything. But he knew that he was right.
*****
Four days passed, and there where no sings of Gaston. He returned from South Figaro where he went to inaugurate the power source plant. It only took three weeks to be completed, something that satisfied him. Edgar, though, wasn't tranquil. Something inside told him that he must be prepared for everything. He arrived at the castle around 6 in the evening. He had a short meal and immediately returned to work. It was around midnight, and Edgar was still working, when one of the guards enter and said almost shouting:
-Your Majesty, you've got to come to see this.
-Edgar stood from his chair almost jumping and followed the guard all over the way until they reached the roof of the highest tower of the castle.
-Over there, Your Majesty - said another guard pointing the desert.
Edgar couldn't believe his eyes. Around 10,000 men where marching toward Figaro's castle. They looked like a huge bat, with their purple cloaks and red armors. In the front row, Edgar was able to distinguish Gaston Ballach. Edgar looked at the guards and said:
-You know what to do.
The guards nodded and left. Few seconds later the whole army of Figaro was in their attack positions. Edgar abandoned the roof and went to the throne room. The chancellor was there waiting for him.
-What's going on? - said the chancellor. Edgar didn't answer. He just sat in the chair closing his eyes. The chancellor stared at him frowning. Several minutes later, a guard enter the room and said that an emissary of the enemy army wanted to talk to Edgar. Edgar opened his eyes slowly and told the guard to bring in the emissary, that was no other but Gaston. The chancellor was going to protest but Edgar ordered him to leave him alone with the emissary. Gaston was wearing a purple armor and a red cloak. Edgar assumed that he was a high officer in his army.
-I came to give you a chance to change your mind, and give me the object - said Gaston removing his helmet- So, you'll give it to me?
Edgar stood from the throne and after a minute of silence he answered:
-My mind wont change unless you give me a good reason for me to give it to you.
-Then you wont give it to me - and putting his helmet back on he said- Then prepare for the worst - he abandoned the room. Edgar stared at the ceiling for a while hoping he took the right decision. The chancellor entered the room demanding an explanation. Edgar just say that they wont attack that night so he went to sleep, after informing the guards and soldiers to do the same. The chancellor obeyed his orders not without complaining. Edgar spent all the night sitting in the throne staring at the ceiling. He knew that Gaston wont order the attack until his troops were rested and after he planed a strategy. Edgar was going to the same. He spent the next two days preparing his troops for an attack. They outnumbered them 3 to 1, so he had to be more careful on where he set each men. The night of the third day, he was in the room next to the throne room when he hard a distant cornet. The chancellor and Thiago stormed in saying that the enemy started to march through the castle. Edgar gave him orders to prepare the men for the battle. They left the room. Edgar put on the blue armor of the King of Figaro. He stared at a painting in the wall that portrayed Edgar parents.
-Wish me luck - whispered Edgar to the painting.
The sound of an explosion made Edgar sighed. He put his helmet and said:
-It has begun - and he left the room .
".Magic. One of the greater mysteries that ever existed in the history of the world. What is it? Where it came from? A lot of scientist, among time, had tried to answer this questions, but they never agreed in their observations and investigations. They just formulate theories that tried to explain magic. One theory says that magic is a force that lies underneath humans and the ones that got to contact their inner self are capable to use magic. Other theory says that magic is a gift of the gods gave to the people to made their lives more comfortable. Another theory says that magic is exclusive of the espers and that fact cause the War of Magi, because humans tried to steal the power of the espers. The fourth theory tell us that the real cause of the War of Magi was that there were humans capable of use magic and those who weren't, attacked them, causing the disappearance of magic. ." - read Edgar in one of the books of the library in Figaro's Castle. Since they returned from the cave of South Figaro, Edgar went to the library to search for more information of what he just saw in the cave. At first, he wasn't sure if it was wise to go to the cave, considering that Shadow just recovered a part of his memory and he was still weak, but something inside told him that something important was on that cave. As soon as Clyde was ready, they abandoned the castle from the same door Edgar used to help Clyde a couple of weeks ago. Edgar took two chocobos form the stable and they rode all the way to the cave of Figaro accompanied by Interceptor and Thiago, that caught them when they were about to leave, and he insisted to go with them. As soon as they arrived to the cave, Clyde and Interceptor jumped trough a hole in the ground.
-That's weird - said Thiago to Edgar - That hole wasn't there the last time I came here, about a month ago.
Edgar didn't say anything and followed them down. Thiago went after him. Everything was in total darkness. Thiago that was always prepared for any eventuality, took out a torch and lighted it on. That was a part of that Edgar and Thiago have never seen. Clyde and Interceptor guide them trough six different levels until they reached a strange place that looked like a shrine.
-What the hell's this place? - said Edgar looking around while he walked towards an altar in the center of the room. But Clyde stopped him putting a hand in his shoulder.
-Wait - he said and he took the golden object out of his pants. He put the object in the altar an intense blue light came from the altar making them to close the eyes. Clyde removed the object from the altar and the intense light disappeared.
-What just happened here? - asked Edgar squinting.
-I'm not quite sure - said Clyde - but when I came here a couple of weeks ago this object began to glow and guided me to this place, and when I was going to put it in the altar I heard some voices from the upper levels, I went to see who were the owners of the voices and I saw a group of men with purple cloaks that attacked me as soon as they saw me. I managed to escape and you know the rest.
Edgar was going to say something but the sound of voices that came from the level above them interrupted him.
-Are you sure is this way? - said one of the voices.
-Yes - said another voice - I'm sure is this way.
-If you say so - said the first voice.
Then the voices faded and the sound of footsteps became louder.
-Let's hide - said Thiago nervously.
-I don't think that's a good idea - said Clyde - I think is not convenient for us if they discover this place.
-You're right - agreed Edgar - It's not a good idea let them reach here. Maybe they're the same guys that attacked Clyde.
-Then what are we going to do - asked Thiago.
-Stop them - said Edgar smiling to Clyde that nodded. Thiago looked first at Edgar and then to Clyde and sighed with resignation. They abandoned the room and followed the sound of the voices of the men that started to talk again.
-I think we're lost - said one of them.
-I think that too - said a third voice.
-Of course not -said the second voice.
The men keep arguing, giving them time to find their location. And few minutes later they reached them and they hid behind a rock to see the men. They were 3 men dressed with purple cloaks and red armors. Clyde eyes widened when he saw them and whispered to Edgar's ear:
-They were the ones that attacked me.
Edgar nodded and said in a low voice:
-Then it's pay back time. I've got an idea. I'll go out to ask them what they want in here, and if they act violent you come out. Okay?
They nodded. Edgar abandoned their hideout. The men stopped arguing when they saw him. Edgar walked towards them.
-What do you want? - asked a tall man coldly.
- That's my question - said Edgar - What do you want?
A man with a huge scar in his forehead smiled and said:
-Not of your business.
Edgar smiled too.
-Of course is my business, because this is my territory - he said.
The third man that was wearing a helmet grabbed Edgar from his clothes and said with irony:
-Really? This is your territory? - and laughing he said sarcastically - Don't tell me you're the king of Figaro?
Edgar removed the man's hands from his clothes and fixing his clothes he answered:
-How smart. My name is Edgar Roni Figaro, nice to meet you.
The three men look at each other.
-Oh! I'm sorry Your Highness, you should've told us that since the beginning - said the tall man with a fake tone of respect - Of course we're telling you what we're doing here. Right guys?
-Yes - said the one with the scar in the same tone - We're here because. - and taking out a knife - we're going to kill you - and he dashed toward Edgar that unsheathed his sword and dodge the attack. Clyde, Thiago and Interceptor came out from the rock. The other two men also unsheathed their swords. Clyde attacked the one with the helmet avoiding the sword and hitting him in his face. Thiago defeated the tall man with his bow and arrows while Edgar managed to dodge the attacks from the other man, and hitting him in the neck he finally beat him. The other two men grab his fallen companion and ran away swearing for revenge. They watch the men leave. Edgar told them that they better return to the castle, when a golden light coming from the ceiling caught their attention. Edgar, hit it with his sword and a golden object just like Clyde fell in the floor. Edgar took it. Clyde stood next to him and his eyes widened, but he didn't say anything. Edgar understood what Clyde's expression meant. He put the object in his pants and he said once again that they better return to the castle.
-You shouldn't have told them who you were - said Clyde to Edgar while they returned to the castle.
-What's done is done. - said Edgar But that's not what worries me. What's that room? and, what's that object your carrying and the object I just found?... As soon as we arrived at the castle I'm going to the library to investigate. - and that happened 5 hours ago. Edgar sat in a chair and kept reading:
".The last theory says that magic was given to the espers, but humans were able to use it through special rocks that drained the magic from the espers. But there's a theory that is different from the others. This theory was formulated by an archaeologist named Braguin Rugaon. In a book he wrote by the title "The secrets of Magic", he explains that magic is a force within people and espers, but that true magic lies in the underground of the world, but it's sealed in stones that look like tablets, and when the War of Magi was over, magic really never disappeared, it just returned to the underground where it belongs." - Edgar eyes widened. He has the suspect that whatever was that he saw in the cave was related somehow with magic. But the information he just read was something he didn't expect to found. Edgar read the paragraph again.
-Braguin Rugaon - he said whispering. He started to look for information about Braguin. And after 30 minutes of intense search he found something in a nameless book.
".Braguin Rugaon is one of the most important archaeologists from our time. He was born in the distant village of Thamasa about 69 years ago. His discoveries had marked a new era in the matters of research and investigation." - and that was all. Edgar read it again and again, when the door from the library opened. It was the chancellor.
-Your Majesty, there's someone waiting for you in the hall. He said that Your Majesty is expecting him.
-Oh! Yes, yes. Bring him here, please.
The chancellor left with a little reverence. Edgar put the book in one of the tables and few minutes later, Clyde appeared in the room with his inseparable dog. Edgar smiled like Clyde. They made a little plan in which Clyde was going to sneak out of the castle and pretend to be a visitor that Edgar was expecting.
-Did you find something? - asked Clyde eagerly.
Edgar took the books from the table and gave them to Clyde, that read the pages that Edgar marked.
-As you can see, is vital for us to find that Braguin guy - said Edgar after Clyde ended reading - Had you ever heard of him?
Clyde shook his head.
-No. Never - and taking the golden object from his pants he said - I can't believe this little thing can hold such a power.
-Well - said Edgar - we aren't sure of that. By the way, the guys from the cave weren't the same that tried to kill you 15 years ago?
-Those were just ordinary burglars, vulgar thieves. The ones from last night looked like members of an army or something like that.
Edgar frowned because he hadn't thought of that before.
-Anyway - he said - What we need to do is to find Braguin Rugaon and show him that object of yours so he can tell us if that's the object he talk about in the book. So I've been thinking that maybe someone go to Thamasa to investigate where Braguin is - and he stared significantly at Clyde.
-NO WAY! - shouted Clyde when he saw the way Edgar stared at him - I'm not ready.I'm not ready. Why don't you send Thiago? He's perfect for the job.
-I've already assigned him another job.
-But I'm not ready - repeated Clyde almost with fear.
Edgar put a hand on his shoulder.
-You'll have to do it sooner or later, and I think is better doing it sooner than later. Besides you can kill two birds with one shot - he said smiling. Interceptor barked agreeing.
-Even your dog agrees with me - continued Edgar - Look, try first to figure out what Strago have told Relm about you, and talk to him first, because, although he is quite old, I'm sure he will recognize you as soon as he sees you. Explain him what happened. I can't assure you he will understand, but at least give it a try.
Clyde smiled.
-When do you want me to depart to Thamasa? - he asked coolly, but determinate.
-Tomorrow - answered Edgar - I'll send a letter to the dock in South Figaro so they prepare a ship.
*****
Clyde left the next day early in the morning. Edgar would've loved to go with him to Thamasa, but he had tons of work to do (and papers to sign). He worked until late that night, hoping for less job the next day. But it seemed he wished the opposite. His desk was covered with papers, and he had even more meetings than the day before. Around 8 o'clock that night, Edgar was still working on a speech he was supposed to give when he inaugurate the power source plant in South Figaro, when a knock in the door made him lost the concentration.
-Come in - he said angrily without taking his eyes from the paper.
-Sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty - said the chancellor gasping, entering the room.
-What is it? - asked Edgar raising his eyes to look at him, that seemed a little agitated.
-There's someone that requests and audience with Your Majesty - said the chancellor still gasping.
Edgar frowned. He fill a glass with wine and drink it slowly.
-He said that it was really urgent - keep saying the chancellor - Something about the Cave of Figaro.
Edgar almost choked, he did a great effort to not spit the wine.
-Bring him in - he said after he swallow the wine.
The chancellor made a little reverence and left the room almost running. Edgar cleaned his desk a little and drank more wine. The door from the room opened and a young man entered the room. He was quite strange from head to toes. He's hair was blue and his eyes had a strange green tone, his face had a gesture of superiority and disdain that made Edgar felt uncomfortable and distrustful. The man made bowed his head and said:
-I'm Gaston Ballach. Nice to meet you, Your Highness - he said with a cold voice with a tone that tried to show respect, offering his hand to Edgar that took it. The king of Figaro offered him a chair.
-What can I do for you? - asked Edgar when both of them sat.
-There's something I need to ask you. To give me the golden object you found in the cave - said Gaston abruptly.
Edgar frowned surprised.
-Don't try to deny it - continued Gaston - I know that you had so if you know was best for you, you'll give to me - and there was a slight tone of menace in his voice.
-And why shall I give it you? In case I had the object, I don't have to give it to you, because is part of my territory, so it belongs to Figaro - said Edgar with calm.
Gaston smiled. Edgar eyes widened slightly. His smile was strangely. familiar. It looked just like Gestahl's.
-As I said, if you now what is convenient or best for you or for your kingdom, you will handle it over to me - he said still smiling.
-Give me a good reason for me to give it to you? - said Edgar still calmed. Gaston didn't answer so Edgar said - By the way, you hadn't told me who sent you? Or you came here by your own?
-I'm. how can I say it? .. An emissary. And I have no time to lose. You'll give it to me, yes or no?
-Of course not! - said Edgar making an effort to control his temper - The object belongs to Figaro and I'm not going to give it to someone that comes threatening and giving no valid reason for me to handle over the object.
Gaston stood up and before he left the room he said angrily:
-Don't think this is it. You'll hear from us sooner than you think - and he left.
Edgar sighed heavily. He closed his eyes trying to figure out why Gaston would want the object. The only reason that came to his mind was that it had something to do with what he read in the book. Magic. He kept thinking for a while but Thiago appeared in the room quite agitated.
-What is it, Thiago? - asked Edgar.
Thiago put a paper in Edgar's desk.
-I made a map of the place we went last night - said Thiago - and I discovered that - and pointing the map he finished - That place is right under the castle.
-WHAT! - shouted Edgar looking at the map and retracing the route to the mysterious shrine mentally - Oh my dear., you're right. That place is under the castle. But why we have never seen it before?
Thiago shook his head and shrugged.
-Can I ask you something Your Majesty? - said Thiago shyly.
-Of course.
-When I was on my way I saw a strange man coming out from here. He had blue hair and he was wearing a red cloak.
-That was someone that came to demand the object I found last night in the cave.
-What! But why?
-That, my dear Thiago is a good question, he didn't give me any reason for his. strange request.
-Who's he anyway - said Thiago a little angry.
-He told me he was an emissary, but he didn't told from where nor of whom.
-I don't like this.
-Neither do I, Thiago. That's why we must be careful - said Edgar standing from his chair. Thiago nodded - It's been a long day. We better go to sleep.
-Where's Mr. Clyde - asked Thiago after they abandoned the room.
-He's on his way to Thamasa - and he told him about Braguin and what he read on the book.
-This is more complex and dangerous that I thought - mumbled Thiago.
Edgar didn't say anything. But he knew that he was right.
*****
Four days passed, and there where no sings of Gaston. He returned from South Figaro where he went to inaugurate the power source plant. It only took three weeks to be completed, something that satisfied him. Edgar, though, wasn't tranquil. Something inside told him that he must be prepared for everything. He arrived at the castle around 6 in the evening. He had a short meal and immediately returned to work. It was around midnight, and Edgar was still working, when one of the guards enter and said almost shouting:
-Your Majesty, you've got to come to see this.
-Edgar stood from his chair almost jumping and followed the guard all over the way until they reached the roof of the highest tower of the castle.
-Over there, Your Majesty - said another guard pointing the desert.
Edgar couldn't believe his eyes. Around 10,000 men where marching toward Figaro's castle. They looked like a huge bat, with their purple cloaks and red armors. In the front row, Edgar was able to distinguish Gaston Ballach. Edgar looked at the guards and said:
-You know what to do.
The guards nodded and left. Few seconds later the whole army of Figaro was in their attack positions. Edgar abandoned the roof and went to the throne room. The chancellor was there waiting for him.
-What's going on? - said the chancellor. Edgar didn't answer. He just sat in the chair closing his eyes. The chancellor stared at him frowning. Several minutes later, a guard enter the room and said that an emissary of the enemy army wanted to talk to Edgar. Edgar opened his eyes slowly and told the guard to bring in the emissary, that was no other but Gaston. The chancellor was going to protest but Edgar ordered him to leave him alone with the emissary. Gaston was wearing a purple armor and a red cloak. Edgar assumed that he was a high officer in his army.
-I came to give you a chance to change your mind, and give me the object - said Gaston removing his helmet- So, you'll give it to me?
Edgar stood from the throne and after a minute of silence he answered:
-My mind wont change unless you give me a good reason for me to give it to you.
-Then you wont give it to me - and putting his helmet back on he said- Then prepare for the worst - he abandoned the room. Edgar stared at the ceiling for a while hoping he took the right decision. The chancellor entered the room demanding an explanation. Edgar just say that they wont attack that night so he went to sleep, after informing the guards and soldiers to do the same. The chancellor obeyed his orders not without complaining. Edgar spent all the night sitting in the throne staring at the ceiling. He knew that Gaston wont order the attack until his troops were rested and after he planed a strategy. Edgar was going to the same. He spent the next two days preparing his troops for an attack. They outnumbered them 3 to 1, so he had to be more careful on where he set each men. The night of the third day, he was in the room next to the throne room when he hard a distant cornet. The chancellor and Thiago stormed in saying that the enemy started to march through the castle. Edgar gave him orders to prepare the men for the battle. They left the room. Edgar put on the blue armor of the King of Figaro. He stared at a painting in the wall that portrayed Edgar parents.
-Wish me luck - whispered Edgar to the painting.
The sound of an explosion made Edgar sighed. He put his helmet and said:
-It has begun - and he left the room .