Chapter Eleven:

The Parting of the Road

As the outline of the Fortified City came into view, against the backdrop of a setting sky, different thoughts occupied the travelers' minds. Longings for a short night, a late morning, and a soft bed took its place. Disappointment was what met them at the gate, however.

The greeter at the gates, upon spotting Prince Alex and Sir Dekar, called out, "We have been waiting for your return, Your Highness. I have terrible news," he kept talking officially to Prince Alex, but he knew Dekar was the one who needed this information. "The one called Gades came here while you were in the Labyrinth, Your Highness. He only spoke with the King, who has been awaiting Sir Dekar's and your presence."

As the group was ushered in the greeter spoke with Sir Dekar quietly, informing him of the speculation and fear that was running rampant in the city. Dekar reassured him, charged him with finding suitable arrangements for their guests, and then accompanied Prince Alex to his father's throne room.

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Some time later Maxim and the two girls were ushered into the throne room themselves. Bowing before the King, they then stood waiting to be addressed. The King was the one to do it.

"You three have been called in here at the request of Sir Dekar, a man I highly trust. He believed that you would want to hear this news. I know you have heard about Gades' appearance, and I hope this news will do you some good, as I deem you to be trustworthy and honorable from your deeds recounted to me.

Gades would speak to me alone, but do not be fooled into thinking it was anything like a conversation. It was one-way. A fearful time is beginning. And I'll cut to the meat of the matter. He said that he would begin this new time of fear and destruction by sinking Seim Island, where the kingdom of Parcelyte sits."

Here Selan gasped slightly, but the King continued, "It seems beyond reason that any human could do such a thing, but I'm not so sure that Gades is bound by humanity's rules. He also said that he would destroy Bound. The day he gave was the first day of the fourth month—ten days from today."

"What was asked of Your Majesty in return?" Maxim wondered aloud.

"That's just it, Maxim, Gades asked for nothing. He didn't ask for anything in return. In other words, this was not a threat given, it's a warning," the King responded. "Sir Dekar wanted to call for you because he thought you might want to confront Gades. He has been given my permission to leave on this quest as well.

"I know you will be going as well, Maxim. We might as well keep each other company along the journey. Perhaps even practicing our skills against each other in preparation," Dekar said, showing his typical desire for battle both friendly and real.

"It would seem the most reasonable course of action, given what many would call our unreasonable desire to meet Gades again."

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Little else was said before the King. He trusted Sir Dekar to take care of his own preparations in the matter and had other affairs to attend to. The discussions between Maxim, Dekar, Tia, and Selan were continued in the guest quarters.

"We have no time to waste, we must pursue him now. Reports have spoken of strange activity going on around Taur, the most ancient of towers within Bound's domain. Dark magic has always made its abode within Taur's walls of stone. A dark figure of immense size was also spotted traveling in its direction. I do not trust that we will have the full ten days."

"Surprisingly, Gades appeared acquainted with gentlemanly character, but I would not trust him either, Sir Dekar," Maxim responded.

"What I don't understand is the reasoning behind Gades' terror. He seems to have no end in mind, except destruction," Tia chimed in. "Evil for the sake of evil just baffles me."

"So then what is the plan, guys," Selan asked bringing the discussion back to its original intent. No one spoke up presently.

"I think we must trust Bound's intelligence and seek Gades out. I have the feeling that he wants to be found. Perhaps it is a trap; perhaps he simply likes challenges. The ten days that we have will also give you and Tia enough time as well," Maxim said, which obviously peaked the girls' attention.

"Enough time for what, Max?" Tia asked her childhood friend.

Selan forcefully added, "You are not going to send me off to some place to wait for the outcome. I have little respect for this twisted idea of chivalry that seems rampant among you men--that women cannot do anything for themselves. Parcelyte is in danger, my Parcelyte. I will fight with you and you need my help in this battle. You cannot deny me this! I'm not some sort of decoration. I'm not afraid. I knew danger would cross my path when I joined up with you. That was part of the purpose in traveling together."

Maxim had not been completely prepared for this outburst of emotion and passion, but he had expected some of it. After allowing Selan to catch her breath Maxim addressed her concerns, "I know how passionate about this you are, Lady Selan. I've seen that fire within you from the moment we met, but not this time. There are certain things that only you can do."

Selan waited with no words, but simply gave a look that told Maxim "there is no possible good reason." Maxim still offered one. "Parcelyte needs to know about this and they need to be led to safety. You'll arrive faster than any runner will and your report will carry with it the weight of credibility. There is no time to lose and Parcelyte needs you to organize and lead them out." Selan stood there steely-eyed, still saying nothing.

"Please, Lady Selan. This is not chivalric, for I know the disadvantage that will be ours without you fighting alongside us. But if we fail, they must be out of Parcelyte...with someone to lead them against what else may come," Maxim pleaded with her.

After more silence, Selan's demeanor changed and she seemed to grudgingly accept the wisdom in this. Very little could keep her from victory in battle, but Maxim had done so by keeping her from the battle itself. "All right, Maxim, I understand, but this is the first, last, and only time." Maxim was beginning to enjoy her lively spirit when it came to matters like this.

Then Maxim turned to Tia and said, "You can understand, too, can't you Tia?"

With less passion than Selan (perhaps it was more selfish stubbornness with a tint of pouting) Tia answered, "No, I can't! There is no reason for me to go to Parcelyte. There is no one for me to warn or to lead. I want to go with you no matter how dangerous it might be."

"But, T, please..." Maxim began before Tia cut him off again.

Perhaps the name of "T," Maxim's nickname for her caught her attention; she responded with, "No, you're right, Max. I was just being stubborn. But promise me you'll return alive." Although she said nothing of it, doubts were racing through her mind. Doubts about who she really was and what life had given to her. You would only get in the way, for you are useless to Maxim. You and he are too different. He cares not for you. His world is not for you, and other thoughts of that type entered her mind.

"I promise," Maxim foolishly responded, for what he was promising he ultimately had little control over and he surely was not the only factor that would choose whether he would remain alive or not.

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The next morning came too early, but they met it head on, if somewhat groggily. An hour before the sun had rose they had regrouped at the main city gate with Prince Alex there to see them off.

"Sir Dekar, do not think you are released of your word to train me in swordsmanship. To do that you must remain alive. You have always said that you are the strongest soldier in the world. Well, if your words are true, then may victory be yours. We shall spar upon your safe return," said Prince Alex before turning to Maxim and the girls.

"And may your help be timely, Maxim." Perhaps Prince Alex was unsure about Maxim, due to the fact that he was not nobility, nor had any kingdom knighted him. Maxim was, in fact, a commoner to Prince Alex, and while the Prince had little actual contact with 'commoners' he still held certain pictures of them and their abilities in his mind. And so he spoke out of that ignorance.

As the two groups began to part good-byes were spoken. And then a distinct, somewhat gruff voice broke in. "Good-bye? Were are we going," a blonde-haired knight had said. It was none other than Guy, of course, who had returned from his sister's bedside. And of course, enthused greetings were now given in abundance.

"Hey, Maxim, who's this?" Dekar had asked him, looking the blonde knight over, assessing his skills.

"May I present to you a Knight of Alunze, Sir..." Maxim began, but then noticed Guy and Dekar facing each other trying to appear stronger than each other.

"The name's Guy," the flaxen-haired warrior said with half-clenched teeth. And then immediately a short duel ensued. Each knight had unsheathed their swords and were striking back and forth, but no clear winner was apparent when they had finished their encounter.

"Pretty good, Sir Guy. My name's Dekar. It's nice to meet someone who can actually hold his own with the sword," the fiery knight of Bound called out sheathing his sword again.

"That was close, you know. If you hadn't been easy on me, one of us could have been hurt. But, I prefer axes; swords are my secondary weapon," Guy countered back. The two then stared each other down again, perhaps competing to see who would blink or otherwise break their stare first.

"Male bonding, what a touching sight, isn't it Selan," Tia whispered to her during this encounter between the swordsmen.

Pointing to her heart Selan answered back, "It gets me right here, Tia."

"Is everything ok with your sister," Tia asked Guy eagerly.

"Yes, Lady Tia, she is recovering and is almost completely recovered. She still is having problems walking around for long periods of time, but she'll be fine. Her appetite has surpassed what it was before. Jessy said that she's worried Hilda will turn into a blimp.

"She told me the first thing I had to do when I saw you was to give you her greetings and that she misses your company. You must visit her again sometime soon," Guy answered her. This obviously lightened Tia's mood and was a bright spot in what had been some rough times. Loneliness, or the self-imposing of that feeling, even in the midst of friends, was growing in her.

"A full stomach is a good worry to have. But what brought you back this early, Guy?" Maxim asked him.

"I knew you were having all of the fun, but figured you wouldn't be that hard to track down and catch up to. I moved pretty fast to get here as early as I did, but it appears I came just in time. Where are we going?" said Guy.

"You must have been moving fast, we parted ways three weeks ago and it usually takes a week and a half from Tanbel to here," Selan commented.

"Don't you just love surprises, Selan," was all Guy would offer back. Selan didn't like surprises, actually.

Guy was then quickly (as men usually opt for this length in describing events) informed of the past few weeks and what each twosome was now setting out upon. Guy was surprised that the women agreed to their part, but he even more eagerly awaited his own.

Then the second round of good-byes came. "We'll, I guess we're off to Parcelyte," Tia said. "Please be careful," she added, obviously including the whole group in that desire, but focusing solely on Maxim.

"And you two as well," Maxim answered back.

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The sun had not even set the first night since the parting of their ways before indecision crept in. Many miles now separated the two groups as they traveled in opposite directions, but a will is not easily broken by distance when the mind is still in another place.

"I hope Maxim and the others are doing okay, Selan," Tia said. She was obviously emotional but did not cry from her worries. "I mean, they are going to be up against so much," she added. After a short silence she continued, "I think I want to go back." Apparently she had been thinking over the situation throughout the day and had come to that decision.

Her audience seemed just as unsure as she was. "I'm worried, too, Tia. And I feel that I...that we...could offer some much needed help. It isn't fair that they fight, while we get ushered off on this road" Selan commented.

"I feel like I'm leaving him behind, like he's going to lose his life in this and I could have stopped it. I've known Max too long to do that; I can't do that. I can't leave him behind like this," Tia said, beginning to lose control over her emotions.

"I understand Maxim's desire for us to be safe, but I don't like what it ignores, like our skill as fighters. I'm not good at taking orders from other people, Tia," Selan added.

That talk continued down this vein and then, when a consensus was reached that Maxim did not know what he was talking about, Tia started backtracking towards Bound.

"You know what Maxim will say, Tia," Selan offered half-heartedly, slowly following her companion. And then she stopped while Tia continued, enraged with anger and worry. "Let's go to Parcelyte, Tia," Selan softly said with the feeling of wisdom in her voice. It wasn't a completely welcome feeling, however, since it had defeated her selfish will.

Furious with Selan's turning against her wishes, Tia shouted, "How can you say that? So it's ok for Maxim to die as long as your Parcelyte is safe?"

Selan did not take kindly to Tia's attitude, but did not shout in return. "How can you say that? You know that's not how I feel. We can't do anything right now. Don't you realize we would be in his way? And if it were any other city that was targeted, wouldn't they need to be saved, too? Or would you risk the unknown lives of thousands, for the slight chance that you could save one you knew or simply to see that one die before your eyes?" Tia voiced no reaction.

"Heroic deeds are not only done in the midst of shield and sword. I would rather pierce the armor of Gades, but one cannot always choose her role to play, for my pride would often pick a role that would amount to less than what is called upon. Maxim knows what he's doing and I will trust him," Selan continued.

"But what if something happens to him? Would that not change your empty words," Tia said, frustrated at Selan's words and her resolve in issuing them.

"Maxim can handle this and you know it ---," Selan started, but then was interrupted by Tia saying, "Of course I do!" So Selan continued by saying, "I believe the task is as good as completed and were not the lives of others under our responsibility for safety I would wait for Maxim in the center of Parcelyte from this day forth. But my will surrenders and I will lead my people to safety. Will you continue with me, Tia? I need your help and Maxim saw that."

Tia's stubbornness was finally falling away and she decided to continue on with Selan. She both disliked and admired Selan for the stance she was taking. Dislike because she viewed her as a competitor for Maxim. Admiration because of the trust Selan showed in Maxim, while Tia exhibited worry and selfishness when thinking about her childhood friend.

The forthcoming journey would have seemed long for the many times of silence between these two women, yet the haste with which they road tried to cover much of that.

Tia enjoyed the long, open runs they pushed their horses with. It gave her plenty of time to think, since the wind would have stolen any words passing between the two female riders anyway.

At times her relationship with Maxim, what seemed to be her whole life, was crumbling before her eyes. She doubted the times that her soul would seem at peace, which was occurring less and less. And then there were also times when she felt as though she would brake free. These were actually brief times when she envisioned herself without Maxim as the center for her life. But this possibility frightened her and she would rush back to the comfort of her memories with Maxim outside all of this business with balls of light, fighting, Sinistrals, and Selan.

She did not know what to think of the woman that rood beside her. At times she wanted Selan to disappear from her and Maxim's life forever, whatever the method. Still, at other times she wanted so hard to have Selan for a sister, for a friend. There was wisdom and compassion and leadership in her. She was at the same time attracted to and repelled from a deeper friendship with this Commander from Parcelyte.

Why had life grown so complicated since she embarked on an unknown journey with her best friend from her very childhood? What started out as an opportunity to 'see the world' with one she thought she loved had turned into a frustrating confusion of life. She set out to show Maxim what they had between them and now she was scared of that truth herself.

She cursed Maxim, Iris, and those balls of light for messing up what she had in Elcid. For rearranging what could have been had everything gone according to her youthful dreams. She thought, then, of going back to Elcid. And for the first time in many weeks memories of that old town and all of those she knew flooded back into her thoughts.

And still there were times when she felt that, for good or bad, this was the right decision to make --- leaving Elcid and even leaving Maxim for the moment. Well, that's what she had to convince herself of, anyway.

Author's Notes

Anonymous reviewer: that is a good nugget of dialogue. I wanted to use it, but I didn't really think the place it was in the game (looking over transcript...thanks again Robert Huse for typing all this out) --- with the kid who stole a key, got scared by a monster, and threw the key away --- I thought that part of the game was useless and a bit stupid. Why do caves have doors, with keys? You'll also notice there aren't random monsters everywhere in this novel. I wanted to try to make this game a more realistic (my version of realistic, of course) story, so I figured a game based on a book always has more monsters and other stupid interchanges to make one point or so.

Anyway, I still liked the idea the game was bringing up here, decided to tuck it away to use in a future scene that would fit my vision of Lufia's world, --- and then just forget to use it and now I just don't want to go back (and don't think it'll fit in a future chapter), because if I do, I'll probably revise more things (which is a writer's delight perhaps, but I doubt an audience's pleasure) and then I'll never get anywhere in the plot. Great idea, though, and thanks for jogging my memory about that.

To the chapter above, however. I feel these scenes could be so much better developed, but I'm kind of looking forward to the next scenes coming up...the battle with Gades, as well as trying my hand at developing/flushing out the love story of the game. I just hope that will all fit with the overall piece.

The scene of Tia and Selan debating whether to go to Maxim or not, I had to change due to the plot of the story and a little thing called realistic time. In the game, the girls come to Maxim after they battle Gades, but before the danger is averted --- and then decide to leave with the other guys. Well, in my story it's a week's journey to Parcelyte --- so if they are going there to evacuate Parcelyte --- they can't wait that long. It just doesn't make sense.

One thing I have completely failed at in this novel is developing Tia successfully and the emotions she is going through and who she could be --- unlike many other writers on this site (C.R. Carter's The Things We Remember heads the list of a wonderful developing of her). Oh well, I'm sorry for that. I don't really like what I did with Tia at the end, but I was getting tired, and wanted to finish the chapter, maybe I'll look back over it and change it somehow. Suggestions?

Enough of the notes already --- have a wonderful day, night, or maybe both for the amount of time it took to read this chapter and I'll be checking in some time in the future, hopefully with chapter 12 in tow.