AN: I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters. Another note: thank you for those of you who have pointed out that I missed some grammatical errors in the previous chapters. When I finish the story, I plan to go through each chapter and edit all my mistakes, then post the revised chapters. But, for the time being, bear with my poor editing skills as the story continues. LOL! Thanks!
King Darlian's body had been taken to be prepared for burial. The news of his death spread like wildfire: people were fearful, Lord Treize would overtake them for sure now. Martin ordered that several troupes of men be sent out around the city to maintain order. The Wizard now sat in Relena's chamber, with the Princess, the Five Warriors, and Sally Po (whom Relena trusted dearly) around the fireplace.
Relena was quiet. Her heart was troubled and she desperately needed answers. Martin was the only person who could give them to her. He was her father's most trusted advisor. Relena knew Martin would know any secrets which Darlian may have kept.
The old wizard was know clearing his throat to begin,
"Eighteen years ago, Lord Treize used to be allied with King Peacecraft. Mythica was a tranquil place; there was no threat of war, and the world adopted Peacecraft's ideals of pacifism. Treize was the most powerful War Lord in all of Mythica, as well as a trusted advisor to the High King. However, one day, all of that changed. You see, Lord Treize came upon an oracle. Her name was Lady Anne. She was once a kind soul, but after some nasty encounters with black magic, her heart turned to stone. Well, the Oracle, now evil, foresaw Treize's future. She spoke to him of ascending to the throne and becoming crowned the High King. With hope in his greedy heart, Lord Treize began to make plans to overtake King Peacecraft.
"Now, the High King was no fool, and he began to suspect Treize's infidelity. He sent a spy to discover the War Lord's plans. Sure enough, the spy reported back that Treize was about to commit the ultimate act of treason. King Peacecraft banished the War Lord from his lands forever. Yet, just before he left the Cinq Kingdom, Lord Treize shouted an oath which would not be forgotten: he vowed to destroy the entire Peacecraft line, one day, no matter how long it took. Fearful of the threat, the High King sent his newborn daughter into hiding. She would remain there until she came of age to rule a kingdom and to lead the people. That way, should Treize hold true to his word, the Peacecraft line would not be diminished."
Martin breathed heavily and sat back in his chair. All eyes were upon him. Relena stood and walked over to the window. She looked outside to the stars, to the heavens above. It was a while before she was able to speak,
"I was sent into hiding for my own safety, but what of theirs? They sacrificed their lives to keep me safe; the daughter they did not even know. Why was I not told of this sooner? Why must it be now, when it is nearly too late?"
"It is not too late," said Heero as he stood up. He walked over to stand beside her. "You must now take up your namesake and lead the people of Mythica."
"I cannot," she said quietly. "I am only a girl. I cannot possibly lead a country."
"You can," said Heero sharply, "and you will."
"Princess Relena," spoke Quatre, "we all have difficult decisions to make in life. I know at this point, it feels as if you have no choice, but you do have the power to do this…it is in your blood."
Relena nodded quietly, sighed, and then looked out the window once more. Martin cleared his throat,
"I think it is best if we leave the Princess to ponder this decision on her own for a while."
The others nodded in approval and left the room. Heero looked at Relena before he left. She watched his eyes, fixed upon her own. Then, he simply walked out of the room.
Sighing, Relena knelt down on the window seat. Why had father kept this secret from her for so long? Why must the choice be thrown upon her right now? So many emotions were running through her head. She did not even know where to begin. Could she, a young woman of eighteen, lead the people of Mythica against the most powerful War Lord in the land? Did she have the strength?
She searched her heart. For all her life, she had longed for an adventure to set her free of her captive cage. All the lady lessons and schooling, the riding lessons, dances, and sewing, had kept her occupied just as any other young noble woman. How many hours had she spent reading books in his father's library about noble knights, magic, adventures, and love? She longed to be one of the characters in those stories and now, here she was, in a story of her own.
The people needed guidance; they needed a symbol for hope and peace. "Peacecraft" was a symbol of hope. The people had faith in the name and if she used it wisely, they would follow her. Thoughts of failure plagued her for a moment. If she should fail, then the lives of the innocent would be lost. Shaking her head, she shrugged those dark thoughts aside. She at least had to try…
{-}
Martin and the others waited patiently in the Great Hall. It was now into the early hours of the morning. No one had slept or even begun to get a little bit of rest. Sally Po had returned to the infirmary to take care of her patients. Wufei stood near the giant stone fireplace, staring into the red-orange blaze. Quatre played a silent game of chess with the ever-quiet Trowa. Duo, for once in his life, silent, was working on a wood carving. Martin watched Duo's "artwork" curiously, while Heero distanced himself from the others to be alone in silence.
All turned when they heard small footsteps approaching them from behind.
Relena emerged into the Great Hall with a small smile on her face. She felt her confidence building up inside of her. All she did was simply nod at Martin. The wizard bowed in deep respect.
"You have chosen wisely Princess," he said.
Relena nodded, "I have to try. I do not know what it is to be a Peacecraft, but I will do all I can to honor the former High King and his family. Besides, I know that I will have the wisdom of a great wizard to guide me and friends to advise me every step of the way." The young woman smiled.
Quatre approached her and bowed. "I am at you service. I once vowed to fight under King Darlian, now I vow to fight under the reign of his daughter, Queen Relena Peacecraft."
Relena caught her breath in throat. Quatre was right, she was Queen now. She also carried the Peacecraft name. Did it mean that…? No, she wished to the gods that it did not.
"Martin," she began, "now that I have accepted my namesake, do I automatically inherit the powers entrusted upon my family?"
Martin smiled warmly, "No, your Highness, you will not automatically become the High Queen of Mythica. As a matter of fact, there is a certain matter which may be discussed with you now."
Relena nodded. Martin continued,
"King Darlian was already aware of this, but you are not. The five young men, whom you see standing here before you, are not ordinary warriors. There were given mystical armor, a gift from the gods, in order to defeat the evil Lord Treize. They were also sent on another mission: to find the new High King of Mythica and place him upon the throne. The High King does not yet know his own identity. But, we will know who he is by his power. You see, he is said to be a great healer, one who may not only heal the sick and wounded, but take away all the pain from the world."
Relena nodded. "I will do all that I can to help you find him, Martin. This I vow to the five of you. After all you have done for me so far, it is the least that I can do."
The Five warriors nodded. Heero watched Relena carefully. Something had changed inside the young girl. Why was she so willing to give up all that she had once known? She had accepted her family lineage without complaint and was now willing to lead an onslaught against the most powerful war lord Mythica had ever seen. Could it be possible for a woman to possess such strength?
Once again, something stirred deep within Heero Yuy's heart. He was beginning to…feel? Of course he was human, but never had he ever experienced true humane feelings. Was it possible that this girl was doing something to him? Why did her actions, her every move, stir him so suddenly? Relena was now walking out of the Great Hall. He had to find out what was wrong with him. Just the thought of her leaving the room did something to him. Who could ever understand what he was feeling?
Suddenly, Heero looked up to see the Wizard staring at him intently.
"Come with me, Heero," said Martin.
Heero nodded and reluctantly followed the Wizard. They were now walking through the massive stone hallways of the castle.
"You wish to speak with me Heero?" asked Martin.
"How did you know?" replied Heero, rather startled.
"I am a wizard, my boy, and a true feeler of emotions. You do have them, just like anyone else."
"How could I, after what I have become?"
"Because you are human, you are a mortal man, just as I am part human. I need air to breath, food to eat, and rest. I also need the support of the friendships I have made over the past centuries. You will find that you need the same. You are not a monster, Heero Yuy. In time, you will come to see that."
"They do not know who I am…" began Heero.
"They do not know who you once were. You have changed and grown very much. Your heart was never truly cold, and your destiny is not dark. You walk a path full of light. In time, you will learn to open up to them. They can only help you Heero, just as you can only help them. You see, the five of you all share a common characteristic. Just as the Lady of the Spring said, once you find out what that is, your power will be far greater than Lord Treize's."
Heero nodded solemnly and the two men continued to walk in silence for some time. Just as he was about to speak, Martin interrupted Heero once more,
"Let me guess: Princess Relena am I correct?"
Heero nodded, "She makes me feel strangely."
Martin laughed, "All I can say Heero, is that only time will tell how you truly feel about her."
"What do you mean?"
Martin laughed again, "Becoming more human has many challenges. One of them is the mystery of women. Relena, believe it or not, is much like you. Learn to trust her, Heero, above everyone else."
Heero replied with a simple, "Hn."
{-}
Treize paced up and down in his chamber, once the chamber of the former High King. He was anxiously awaiting the return of General Merquis' war party. Suddenly, commotion outside, in the courtyard, caused Treize to run towards the window. Below, his soldiers were cheering as General Merquis rode in next to the Lady Une.
Walking briskly, Treize made his way through the halls and outside. He looked at Zechs with a stone cold face. Zechs dismounted, bowed then cleared his throat,
"Victory, my Lord."
The soldiers cheered and Treize smirked. "You have done well, Merquis. Are you and the Lady Une the only survivors of your crusade?"
Zechs hung his head, "Yes, sir."
Treize raised an eyebrow, "What of Captain Noin?"
Zechs bowed his head in silence.
"I see…" said Treize with little sympathy. "Lady Une, accompany me to my chamber at this instant. General you are dismissed."
Zechs nodded his head and made his way towards his encampment tent. Watching him go, Treize stood next to Lady Une. He spun on his heel and made his way back into the castle. Lady Une followed him silently, but diligently. Treize spoke first when they entered his quarters,
"I do not like the manor upon his return. Had Captain Noin truly been lost in battle he would surely have died also."
"His heart may seek a new conquest," replied Lady Une.
"Perhaps," thought Treize as he contemplated the matter. He continued, "Anyhow, I am glad to see you have succeeded in your mission. I suspected as much."
"Thank you my Lord," said Lady Une as she bowed her head.
"Are you weary from your journey?" asked Treize as he walked over and pulled upon his servants cord.
"Somewhat," she replied.
Seconds later, a knock was heard on the door. At Treize's command, a servant girl entered the room. She bowed in reverence to the commander of the castle.
"Yes, sir?" she asked meekly.
"Fetch us some wine and some food. Be quick about it!"
The servant girl nodded and briskly walked out of the room. She made her way through the hallway, down the staircase, and into the kitchens. The smell of fresh stew, roasted lamb, potatoes, and bread filled her nostrils. Bowing to the head cook, the young girl made her request,
"Lord Treize wishes for a meal for two for him and the Lady Une in his chamber."
The cook nodded and began to prepare a tray full of food. On it he placed, fresh bread, two goblets of wine, roast pheasant, potatoes, and a variety of greens. The servant girl grunted under the weight of the tray as she lifted it onto her right shoulder. In her left hand, she carried napkin, eating ware, and a goblet of wine to refill their glasses. As she was about to exit the kitchen, the cook shouted a warning at her,
"Be careful not to spill or spoil a drop of anything on that tray, Hilde. Lord Treize will have my head for it."
Hilde, the servant girl, nodded in understanding before turning away from the cook to roll her eyes. The tray may be heavy, but it wasn't that heavy. Once again she made the trip back up to the chamber. Politely, she knocked on the large oak door with her foot, waited for permission, then entered. Treize and Lady Une were both seated at the table talking. Pretending to be ignorant of their conversation, Hilde set the table with the food. She then stood off to the side with the napkins and goblet of wine in her hands to serve her betters.
Treize was speaking,
"So tell me of this crusade. Was there anything important that I need to know about?"
"Nothing that can be told, my Lord, however, there are other matters which I wish to discuss with you."
"Go on," said Treize as he leaned back in his chair and sipped his wine.
"There are visions I have been having lately. I have spoken of them to you before. As I have mentioned, there is a girl who remains the heir to the Peacecraft legacy…"
"Yes, what of it?"
"Well, I think we have reason to suspect her to be living in Darlian's realm."
Treize leaned forward to listen carefully, Hilde perked up her ears as well,
"As a matter of fact my Lord, I believe we have reason to suspect Princess Relena Darlian."
"Darlian's daughter, preposterous!"
"Nay, my Lord, in my visions, I have seen the girl. She leads the people of Mythica against you and speaks in the name of peace."
Treize was silent for some time, contemplating on the sorceresses' words. A strange thought crossed his mind.
"When I was banished all those years ago, rumor in the castle said that the Queen was with child. After I threatened Peacecraft, rumor of the child's birth stopped and as I remember, the Queen took holiday away from Cinq for quite some time. Now, think with me, Anne, could it be possible for them to hide the child's birth. No record of celebration in the Cinq Kingdom accounts for the birth of a daughter to the Peacecraft family. Not within this lifetime. Peacecraft must have heeded my warning when I vowed to destroy him."
"He sent the girl into hiding," said Lady Une. "He must have foreseen his death."
"But how? He would need magic…" Treize stopped short. He narrowed his eyes, "Martin. That damn wizard must have helped him. They took the child into hiding; under the protection of Peacecraft's most loyal friend: Darlian."
Lady Une nodded her head. Hilde tried to maintain her ignorant stance. Should her eyes give anything away, her life could be forfeit. Her heart was racing. A Peacecraft was alive and living! A new hope rang throughout her body. She began to rejoice.
"You there, servant girl!" cried Treize.
Hilde jumped, growing fearful. Had she given herself away? Timidly, she looked at him and answered,
"Yes, my Lord?"
He held out his wine goblet, "Fill up my glass then you are dismissed until further notice."
"Yes, sir," bowed Hilde. She did as she was told, then quickly walked out of the room. Gasping in relief, Hilde nearly sprinted down the hallway. She made her way into a chamber, exactly three doors down from Treize's. Hilde entered, and then shut the door quickly behind her. She made her way across the room towards the fireplace. Crawling into the stone structure, she tapped a large stone three times and stood back. A grinding sound was heard and the floor shook slightly as a secret door opened itself.
The passage was dark, lit only by a solitary torch. Grabbing the torch, Hilde made her way through the hallway. A few rats scattered by her feet. Cursing, Hilde continued onward until she reached a rather colorful wall. The wall was, in fact, the back of an old tapestry that had been nailed into the wall of Lord Treize's chamber. It had once been used as an escape for the former High King. Very few people in the palace knew of the passageway, those who did dared not use it for fear of Treize.
Quietly, Hilde gently placed her ear against the thick fabric. She could hear Treize and Lady Une's voices perfectly now.
"We must make ready to leave in three days time," said Treize.
"Yes, sir, that will allow us plenty of time to complete the ritual."
Hilde frowned in confusion. She listened more carefully.
"When I return I will be the most powerful man in all of Mythica! The Guardians will not have the power to stop me. Once I have gained the Powers of Dire, all will grovel at my feet. No one, not even a Peacecraft will be able to stop me!"
"The Powers of Dire will ensure your victory, my Lord. However, there is one more matter: what of the Peacecraft girl? She resides in the city; if word of her heritage leaks out, across the lands, the people will gain a new hope. We must diminish any chances they think they will have," seethed Lady Une.
"Then we will kill her before they have the chance. Send out an assassin to infiltrate the castle and finish her off! The name Peacecraft will be forever lost."
Hilde gasped at these words. Quickly, she made her way back out of the passage. She couldn't let such a thing happen; not when they had the chance of conquering Lord Treize once and for all. Hilde knew what she had to do. She would leave immediately for the Northern Realms to Darlian's Kingdom. She had to find a way to save Relena Peacecraft!
Email: Wildrose1404earthlink.net you didn't think I'd leave Hilde out of this story, did you? She is one of my most favorite characters! Please keep the reviews coming! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next one will be up shortly!