The weather was fair and warm outside the gates of the castle. There was a
light southern breeze that added a strange serenity to the scene. Hardly a
cloud hung in the sky, and the ones that did were large and puffy, much
like the wool of a sheep. The crowds in the market scurried here and
there, purchasing this, selling that, making deals, breaking deals,
enjoying a meal; so much life and vitality flowing in the town.
A pair of pale emerald eyes watched all of this in awe. This was the first time she had ever seen so many people in one place, so many people moving and interacting at once. It was a culture shock to be sure. The blonde haired Jupiter Adept rested her hands on the stone balcony adjacent to the room she shared with Mia. The view of the city was incredible, and the slight breeze made the position even more desirable. Vale was far more beautiful than she had anticipated, and the long trip that had to be made here was now worth it; all for just standing on this balcony.
However, Sheba was more than aware of the perils occurring within the palace; she had heard all sorts of rumors of an attack approaching quickly. This always pressed in the back of her mind, and though she did not wish to completely ignore it, the balcony provided a sort of respite that no other place, no other person, could provide. She let her eyes drift closed and let the wind gently brush through her hair. This was almost a paradise. Almost.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Mia asked as she walked out to join her friend.
"Yes, very." Sheba replied.
"It's a lot different than home. I already miss Imil so much."
"It's strange. While you're there, you want nothing more than to leave, but when you finally do get out, you never feel in place."
"Yeah, it's part of it." Mia sighed. "I will admit. . . I'm very worried for the safety of this city, Sheba."
"I know. There's no telling when Saturos will strike; it may be in only hours or days. The prospect is rather frightening." There was a very long pause between the two of them, until a gust of wind blew across the balcony, causing their hair to flutter further in the wind. "This. . . this is no different than Imil."
"No different than waiting for the Cerberus hounds."
"It is like waiting for the spirit of death to just claim you. It is like the eye of the hurricane; passive, serene. It feels so real and that it could go on forever, but. . ."
"It shatters like a pane of glass struck with a stone." Mia sighed. "What are we to do, Sheba?"
"I don't know, Mia. I suppose all we can do is offer our healing services to the Knights and Paladins. We're not much in direct combat."
"Sure we are." Mia replied. "We can hold our own. You especially, you know." She said, looking down at Sheba. "You're very powerful for a Jupiter Adept. You're far more powerful than I am."
"Not at healing." She replied. The Jupiter Adept turned back to walk back into the room, with Mia soon following. "It's too bad Isaac couldn't show us around the city."
"Yes. I'm guessing that he's probably on high alert and he has to be in his barracks at all times. I'm sure the palace knows far more than their willing to tell a couple of healers from a small town in the middle of nowhere."
"Mia, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"I've noticed something. You've changed recently; it's not obvious, but a rather subtle one. It's a strange feeling I get from you now, and it has only been around since just after we defeated the summoner."
"What do you mean, Sheba?"
"Mia, I want you to answer me truthfully. Since the defeat of the summoner, have you fallen in love with Isaac?" Mia nearly jumped as Sheba asked the question. "You've looked at him much differently than you have any other male, a sort of awe and fascination. Are you in love with him?" Mia paused for a few moments before answering in no more than a whisper.
"Yes."
"I thought so. " Sheba replied, noticing the color flush to Mia's face. "You know, I was only kidding back in Imil about that. I didn't actually think you were or would fall in love with him. I'm not sure what to think about it, Mia."
"Does it make me a bad person?" The healer asked, mixed emotions apparent through each syllable.
"No, it makes you human." Sheba replied. "Sometimes things like that happen. But, I must also ask . . . does he love you in return?" Mia's face turned a deeper shade of crimson, and then Sheba sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "Do you have any idea how much trouble this could cause, Mia?"
"Yes." She replied. "Isaac. . . he said he was going to withdraw his commission as soon as he could." Sheba's eyes widened slightly, and she had to stifle back a whistle.
"That's quite a move from him, Mia. Is he really prepared to give up so much for you in such a short period of time?"
"I've tried to talk him out of it, several times in fact." Mia shook her head. "But he wouldn't have it."
"He loves you that much?" Sheba asked. "Wow."
"Yeah."
"What are we going to do once he resigns? Go back to Imil?"
"I don't know, Sheba. I really don't. I've not had the time to ask him since we arrived. Come to think of it, I've only seen him around once since we all split apart on the first day we arrived. It's probably the high call of alert; it's not likely he could resign at a time like this."
"That's a reasonable guess." Sheba replied.
"Sheba, you have to promise to keep this quiet. If anyone finds out. . ."
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." She said, resting a hand on the Mercury Adept's shoulder. "I understand completely, Mia."
"Thank you, Sheba." The healer smiled, her face still slightly flushed. "I knew I could count on you." The Jupiter Adept returned the smile and removed her hand.
"It's not a problem; you've done a lot more for me. Now, I'm going to see if I can get some us from food from the kitchen. I'll be back shortly, okay?"
"Yeah, thanks Sheba." The Jupiter Adept nodded in reply, and then she left the room in search of food. She quietly shut the door behind her and sighed quietly. Trying to push the thoughts of complications out of her head, she walked quickly down the hallway toward the kitchens. She passed through several crowds of people in the corridors, each yammering on about the possible attack by Saturos. When she was finally about to enter the kitchen, she stopped short as a quick pain shot through the back of her head. No one was behind her, in fact, no one was remotely close by.
The pain returned just seconds later, but more severe and for a longer period of time. Sheba clutched her head and leaned against the stone corridor wall next to her. The pain didn't subside, and Sheba could feel her vision dulling. She stood upright once more, trying to stay balanced on her feet. When she finally finished balancing, her eyes lost their shine and it became clear that she was in a deep trance.
She remained perfectly motionless for several moments; completely undisturbed by anyone.
It was then that the mage Ivan wandered into the hallway, visibly pondering. For the life of him, he could not figure out how to approach Mia about the current issue. Every angle of approach felt wrong. Sighing in half-exasperation, Ivan looked up to see Mia's assistant standing completely still like a stone. Puzzled, the mage walked closer and tried to get a better examination of the situation. Sheba's normally bright emerald eyes were now flat and dark. Ivan instantly knew what was going on after this sight. She was in a trance; having a premonition like he had. This was a strange sign indeed. He decided to wait for her to come out of it; after all, every Jupiter Adept reacted to premonitions differently.
The moments ticked away at a seemingly slow speed. Ivan watched intently for a change in Sheba's disposition. Although time seemed to have decelerated to a snail's pace, it really wasn't long before the female Adept stirred. Her head suddenly jerked, and the color returned to her eyes; and with this sudden shake, she lost her balance and began to fall over backward.
Enter Ivan; quick as a flash, he reacted and lunged to halt her fall. He stopped her decent with a single arm. Sheba, who still hadn't regained her bearings, was naturally surprised to find herself in the arm of another person.
"Are you okay, Miss Sheba?" Ivan asked.
"Ivan?" She questioned. "What are you doing here?"
"I was in the area." He replied, in a serious tone. "You had premonition, didn't you?" The color drained away from Sheba's face as though bleach ran through her veins.
"Ivan...it was horrible. Everything was destroyed, everyone dead...everything ablaze." Fear flowed through her voice like a river. "And then... I saw..."
"Catastrophe?" Ivan asked.
"I saw... Judgment."
"Judgment?" Ivan asked, startled.
"Yes, it could have only been Judgment... and then... everything, the fire, the death, destruction... all became nothing." Ivan was now the one feeling his face paling. Sheba noticed this and instantly understood. "You saw it then, too?"
"Yes." Ivan whispered, raising Sheba back to her feet. "Everything you saw..."
"Except you saw Catastrophe in yours?" Ivan nodded in reply. "What does it all mean, Ivan?"
"I don't know, Sheba; not for sure anyway. I'd venture to guess that vision is what will happen if Saturos succeeds in claiming the final Elemental Star." Sheba nodded pensively, regarding the mage before her.
"Ivan, I need to talk to you about something; I feel for some reason I can trust you with it." Sheba pulled Ivan to a more secluded area of the castle, namely a corner in the library. The moments it took to get to the room were tense and quiet, but as soon as the coast was clear, Sheba began. "Ivan, you must promise not to tell anyone what I'm about to tell you."
"Wait, Sheba." Ivan started. "Why do you feel the urge to trust me of all people?"
"I think it's because you're another Jupiter Adept, Ivan. And, well, my instincts say to trust you." Ivan nodded in understanding, and then Sheba continued. "It's about Isaac. You very well know how powerful of a warrior he is and the fact that he's a Paladin. However, there has been... a recent event threatens to split him and Felix apart as comrades."
"Mia." Ivan stated. "I've already talked to Isaac about it."
"Why am I not surprised?" She asked, rhetorically.
"Actually, there is something you could help me with."
"Let me guess. You need to find out Mia's perspective on the whole relationship?"
"You are a true Jupiter Adept, Sheba." Ivan smiled. "You would've made a fine member of our mage guild."
******************
"Mia?" Sheba asked, pushing open the door slightly. The Mercury Adept rose from her chair to open the door for he friend. Her hands were full, carrying a tray filled with a few cuts of meat and some fresh vegetables. The Jupiter Adept was having no trouble carrying the tray about, however. She quickly entered the room and set the tray down on a nearby table, where she and Mia quickly pulled up chairs.
"I hope we weren't overstepping our privileges as guests by asking for a meal right now." Mia said.
"No, it's fine. The cook seemed pleased that there were some eager to eat his food. However, he made it perfectly clear that we have to save room for the dinner he is preparing." Sheba replied, with a forced smile. The two of them ate their lunch wordlessly and methodically. When they finished, Mia sat back and spoke.
"Now that we've finished, should we look for Isaac?"
"Mia, there's something I want to talk to you about."
"What?" Mia replied, curious.
"Could you tell me why you fell in love with Isaac?" She asked quietly.
"I . . . just did, Sheba. It's very difficult to explain."
"I understand that, Mia. But I must know."
"Since when does my love life play such an integral role in your life?" Mia asked, trying not to sound indignant. "What is so important that you need to know every aspect of my relationship?" Mia paused. "You don't approve, do you?"
"Mia, please calm down. It's not that I don't approve; it's just that something else has reared its head."
"What is it, Sheba?" The Jupiter Adept sighed and calmly explained the vision she had experienced on the way to get lunch.
"By Mercury, you can't be serious, my friend!" Mia gasped, looking into Sheba's emerald hue eyes. "You are, aren't you?"
"Mia, that's why I want to know about you and Isaac. I can't be sure there is a correlation, but I must try to see from every angle. Please, let me read your mind and see what has happened."
Mia's cerulean eyes wavered slightly, but she turned them back to Sheba within a moment. "All right, Sheba." She sighed. The Jupiter Adept rose and rested a hand on her friend's shoulder.
*******************
Ivan removed his hand from Sheba's shoulder and stared at her in a strange sort of stupor. They were in the same secluded corner of the library as earlier, and they remained just as quiet and stealthy. The female Adept looked back into Ivan's eyes with a look of amazement.
"Did I just see what I thought I did? Mia as an angel in Isaac's dreams?" Sheba asked.
"And Isaac as an angel in Mia's dreams? This is getting too weird. Both of these dreams started well before they even knew the other existed. Are they premonitions?" Ivan pondered.
"They can't be. They're not Jupiter Adepts; it's impossible, right?" Sheba returned.
"I don't know, Sheba. Something definitely isn't right here." He replied, putting a hand to his chin. "I just don't get it." Ivan's mind raced through dozens of possible solutions, none of them fitting the scenario correctly. Normally Ivan was brilliant at solving puzzles with intricate solutions, but this one left him completely stumped. "I don't suppose you have the answer?" He asked.
"Not a clue." Sheba earnestly replied.
"Perhaps we should consult Alex's council. Through him, Tret may be able to decipher everything we've learned."
"Is that a good idea? I don't really trust Alex." Sheba replied.
"I agree that he seems shifty at first, but he really is on the level with us. It may be the only way to find out what it all means. Our premonitions, their dreams, and everything else in between; the answers could lie in the tree of Mogall." Ivan said, trailing off.
"But remember, Ivan. If one truly seeks answers, one must look within thyself first." Sheba mused.
"Of course." Ivan replied with as close to a smile as he could manage.
"What should we do now?"
"Dinner should be ready soon, right?" Ivan asked. "Let us go there and we will ponder our next move after we eat." Sheba nodded, and the two Wind Adepts headed off in the direction of Picard's grand dining hall.
**************************
The sun had already set and the shroud of darkness had already taken the land. The only thing that illuminated the warrior's line of sight was the torch he carried in his massive left hand. Alongside him on his right marched a woman of considerably less height, and on his right, row upon row of undead horrors; skeletons of nearly all varieties, both human and animal. Behind him walked much of the same. This was truly an army of darkness.
Agatio was already tense with anticipation of the invasion of the castle. He had long awaited to test Picard in battle, and he was about to get his wish. Within moments, the city of Vale would be within their grasp and the attack would begin. This is what he had been waiting months for, what he had been longing for: The chance to fight the very best in Angara; the best Knights, the best Paladins, and of course, the king himself. The massive Mars Adept smirked slightly and continued to march in step.
Karst, on the other hand, was more in thought of what this invasion would net for Saturos. All of her research in the library yielded no results she didn't already know, and even with Agatio's help, there was still nothing as to what the Elemental Stars did when brought together by an Adept of his power. She figured that Saturos had already guessed that she might've tried the library, and as such had any incriminating evidence removed. She had been constantly swearing at herself inwardly for not trying to figure out his plans earlier on. Something smelled funny about this whole thing, but her better judgment told her to stifle her complaints for the moment. After all, should they succeed, this would be their crowning moment. The female Adept looked to the sky, seeing one large black mass soaring above them.
In the inky black night, flew the remains of a great wyrm. A hollow reminder of the once proud creature was all that was left; and on its back sat its new master. Saturos himself sat on the spinal cord of the dragon's skeleton, holding the reins idly, watching as the creature flapped its leather-like wings to keep itself in the sky. The dragon was a huge creature in life, and with its flesh, it was certainly an intimidating sight. Without skin, however, it was downright terrifying; this made it the perfect mount from which Saturos would launch his attack. Of course, he was not alone on the back of the creature. Behind him, Menardi sat, her arms wrapped around his waist.
"This will be easy, won't it, Saturos?" Menardi whispered into his ear.
"Of course." He answered. "This will not only be easy, but it will prove most entertaining. They will have no idea what hit them."
"Quite devilish, my dear." She said. "I'm assuming you're still dealing with the pests appropriately?"
"Why wouldn't I?" He laughed. "They'll be useless after this fight." Menardi's grip around his waist tightened some; a sign of her pleasure with his plans. "Ah, there's the city; it is time that we end this." Saturos said, pulling back on the reins to force the wyrm to descend. When he was within a short distance of Karst and Agatio, he called down in a relatively soft yell. "Put out the torches, Vale is in sight."
"Brother, how will we breach the outer wall?" Agatio asked while snuffing the torch in his hand.
"Leave that to me and Menardi. Be ready to rush the drawbridge once it opens and do not hesitate." Saturos let loose the pressure on the wyrm, whom gladly returned to its higher altitude. The torches that lit the walls all around Vale as well as everything within the town was now in plain view of the troops on foot, and all of them stopped just outside of clear vision range of the sentries.
"Shall we, Saturos?" Menardi smirked.
"Let the fun begin." He replied, sending his undead dragon soaring high above the town. Suddenly, he jerked the reins back and caused the wyrm to dive at a steady rate just inside the town walls. As he closed to the ground, he let loose some pressure to allow his pet to land safely, which it did right inside the wall where the drawbridge was. All of this happened so fast that the sentries had no idea what was happening until they heard the thump and crack of the landing of the steed.
As soon as they touched down, Saturos and Menardi flung themselves off the dragon, weapons drawn. Nearby sentries, completely shocked by the sudden arrival of opponents, were the first of their unfortunate victims. Saturos quickly slew two near him with a few simple swings of his massive long sword, while Menardi dispatched three more in a single powerful scythe swing. Even the wyrm seemed to be having its share of the mayhem; as quickly as it had landed, it had snatched up an unfortunate sentry in its jaws and shook its head viciously.
"Saturos, go for the gate. I'll deal with the scum here, okay?" Menardi smirked, her hands pulsing with a bright red-orange glow.
"Gladly." The Mars Adept replied, sheathing his sword. Pumping his legs and arms as fast as he could, he dashed for the gate controls. The few guards that managed to get in his way were quickly thrown aside by Menardi's Cataclysm barrage. Once the threat was dealt with, Saturos quickly threw the lever that would lower the drawbridge. After the wooden barricade had lowered itself, Saturos launched a single fireball into the sky as a flare.
The invasion had begun.
A pair of pale emerald eyes watched all of this in awe. This was the first time she had ever seen so many people in one place, so many people moving and interacting at once. It was a culture shock to be sure. The blonde haired Jupiter Adept rested her hands on the stone balcony adjacent to the room she shared with Mia. The view of the city was incredible, and the slight breeze made the position even more desirable. Vale was far more beautiful than she had anticipated, and the long trip that had to be made here was now worth it; all for just standing on this balcony.
However, Sheba was more than aware of the perils occurring within the palace; she had heard all sorts of rumors of an attack approaching quickly. This always pressed in the back of her mind, and though she did not wish to completely ignore it, the balcony provided a sort of respite that no other place, no other person, could provide. She let her eyes drift closed and let the wind gently brush through her hair. This was almost a paradise. Almost.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Mia asked as she walked out to join her friend.
"Yes, very." Sheba replied.
"It's a lot different than home. I already miss Imil so much."
"It's strange. While you're there, you want nothing more than to leave, but when you finally do get out, you never feel in place."
"Yeah, it's part of it." Mia sighed. "I will admit. . . I'm very worried for the safety of this city, Sheba."
"I know. There's no telling when Saturos will strike; it may be in only hours or days. The prospect is rather frightening." There was a very long pause between the two of them, until a gust of wind blew across the balcony, causing their hair to flutter further in the wind. "This. . . this is no different than Imil."
"No different than waiting for the Cerberus hounds."
"It is like waiting for the spirit of death to just claim you. It is like the eye of the hurricane; passive, serene. It feels so real and that it could go on forever, but. . ."
"It shatters like a pane of glass struck with a stone." Mia sighed. "What are we to do, Sheba?"
"I don't know, Mia. I suppose all we can do is offer our healing services to the Knights and Paladins. We're not much in direct combat."
"Sure we are." Mia replied. "We can hold our own. You especially, you know." She said, looking down at Sheba. "You're very powerful for a Jupiter Adept. You're far more powerful than I am."
"Not at healing." She replied. The Jupiter Adept turned back to walk back into the room, with Mia soon following. "It's too bad Isaac couldn't show us around the city."
"Yes. I'm guessing that he's probably on high alert and he has to be in his barracks at all times. I'm sure the palace knows far more than their willing to tell a couple of healers from a small town in the middle of nowhere."
"Mia, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"I've noticed something. You've changed recently; it's not obvious, but a rather subtle one. It's a strange feeling I get from you now, and it has only been around since just after we defeated the summoner."
"What do you mean, Sheba?"
"Mia, I want you to answer me truthfully. Since the defeat of the summoner, have you fallen in love with Isaac?" Mia nearly jumped as Sheba asked the question. "You've looked at him much differently than you have any other male, a sort of awe and fascination. Are you in love with him?" Mia paused for a few moments before answering in no more than a whisper.
"Yes."
"I thought so. " Sheba replied, noticing the color flush to Mia's face. "You know, I was only kidding back in Imil about that. I didn't actually think you were or would fall in love with him. I'm not sure what to think about it, Mia."
"Does it make me a bad person?" The healer asked, mixed emotions apparent through each syllable.
"No, it makes you human." Sheba replied. "Sometimes things like that happen. But, I must also ask . . . does he love you in return?" Mia's face turned a deeper shade of crimson, and then Sheba sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "Do you have any idea how much trouble this could cause, Mia?"
"Yes." She replied. "Isaac. . . he said he was going to withdraw his commission as soon as he could." Sheba's eyes widened slightly, and she had to stifle back a whistle.
"That's quite a move from him, Mia. Is he really prepared to give up so much for you in such a short period of time?"
"I've tried to talk him out of it, several times in fact." Mia shook her head. "But he wouldn't have it."
"He loves you that much?" Sheba asked. "Wow."
"Yeah."
"What are we going to do once he resigns? Go back to Imil?"
"I don't know, Sheba. I really don't. I've not had the time to ask him since we arrived. Come to think of it, I've only seen him around once since we all split apart on the first day we arrived. It's probably the high call of alert; it's not likely he could resign at a time like this."
"That's a reasonable guess." Sheba replied.
"Sheba, you have to promise to keep this quiet. If anyone finds out. . ."
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." She said, resting a hand on the Mercury Adept's shoulder. "I understand completely, Mia."
"Thank you, Sheba." The healer smiled, her face still slightly flushed. "I knew I could count on you." The Jupiter Adept returned the smile and removed her hand.
"It's not a problem; you've done a lot more for me. Now, I'm going to see if I can get some us from food from the kitchen. I'll be back shortly, okay?"
"Yeah, thanks Sheba." The Jupiter Adept nodded in reply, and then she left the room in search of food. She quietly shut the door behind her and sighed quietly. Trying to push the thoughts of complications out of her head, she walked quickly down the hallway toward the kitchens. She passed through several crowds of people in the corridors, each yammering on about the possible attack by Saturos. When she was finally about to enter the kitchen, she stopped short as a quick pain shot through the back of her head. No one was behind her, in fact, no one was remotely close by.
The pain returned just seconds later, but more severe and for a longer period of time. Sheba clutched her head and leaned against the stone corridor wall next to her. The pain didn't subside, and Sheba could feel her vision dulling. She stood upright once more, trying to stay balanced on her feet. When she finally finished balancing, her eyes lost their shine and it became clear that she was in a deep trance.
She remained perfectly motionless for several moments; completely undisturbed by anyone.
It was then that the mage Ivan wandered into the hallway, visibly pondering. For the life of him, he could not figure out how to approach Mia about the current issue. Every angle of approach felt wrong. Sighing in half-exasperation, Ivan looked up to see Mia's assistant standing completely still like a stone. Puzzled, the mage walked closer and tried to get a better examination of the situation. Sheba's normally bright emerald eyes were now flat and dark. Ivan instantly knew what was going on after this sight. She was in a trance; having a premonition like he had. This was a strange sign indeed. He decided to wait for her to come out of it; after all, every Jupiter Adept reacted to premonitions differently.
The moments ticked away at a seemingly slow speed. Ivan watched intently for a change in Sheba's disposition. Although time seemed to have decelerated to a snail's pace, it really wasn't long before the female Adept stirred. Her head suddenly jerked, and the color returned to her eyes; and with this sudden shake, she lost her balance and began to fall over backward.
Enter Ivan; quick as a flash, he reacted and lunged to halt her fall. He stopped her decent with a single arm. Sheba, who still hadn't regained her bearings, was naturally surprised to find herself in the arm of another person.
"Are you okay, Miss Sheba?" Ivan asked.
"Ivan?" She questioned. "What are you doing here?"
"I was in the area." He replied, in a serious tone. "You had premonition, didn't you?" The color drained away from Sheba's face as though bleach ran through her veins.
"Ivan...it was horrible. Everything was destroyed, everyone dead...everything ablaze." Fear flowed through her voice like a river. "And then... I saw..."
"Catastrophe?" Ivan asked.
"I saw... Judgment."
"Judgment?" Ivan asked, startled.
"Yes, it could have only been Judgment... and then... everything, the fire, the death, destruction... all became nothing." Ivan was now the one feeling his face paling. Sheba noticed this and instantly understood. "You saw it then, too?"
"Yes." Ivan whispered, raising Sheba back to her feet. "Everything you saw..."
"Except you saw Catastrophe in yours?" Ivan nodded in reply. "What does it all mean, Ivan?"
"I don't know, Sheba; not for sure anyway. I'd venture to guess that vision is what will happen if Saturos succeeds in claiming the final Elemental Star." Sheba nodded pensively, regarding the mage before her.
"Ivan, I need to talk to you about something; I feel for some reason I can trust you with it." Sheba pulled Ivan to a more secluded area of the castle, namely a corner in the library. The moments it took to get to the room were tense and quiet, but as soon as the coast was clear, Sheba began. "Ivan, you must promise not to tell anyone what I'm about to tell you."
"Wait, Sheba." Ivan started. "Why do you feel the urge to trust me of all people?"
"I think it's because you're another Jupiter Adept, Ivan. And, well, my instincts say to trust you." Ivan nodded in understanding, and then Sheba continued. "It's about Isaac. You very well know how powerful of a warrior he is and the fact that he's a Paladin. However, there has been... a recent event threatens to split him and Felix apart as comrades."
"Mia." Ivan stated. "I've already talked to Isaac about it."
"Why am I not surprised?" She asked, rhetorically.
"Actually, there is something you could help me with."
"Let me guess. You need to find out Mia's perspective on the whole relationship?"
"You are a true Jupiter Adept, Sheba." Ivan smiled. "You would've made a fine member of our mage guild."
******************
"Mia?" Sheba asked, pushing open the door slightly. The Mercury Adept rose from her chair to open the door for he friend. Her hands were full, carrying a tray filled with a few cuts of meat and some fresh vegetables. The Jupiter Adept was having no trouble carrying the tray about, however. She quickly entered the room and set the tray down on a nearby table, where she and Mia quickly pulled up chairs.
"I hope we weren't overstepping our privileges as guests by asking for a meal right now." Mia said.
"No, it's fine. The cook seemed pleased that there were some eager to eat his food. However, he made it perfectly clear that we have to save room for the dinner he is preparing." Sheba replied, with a forced smile. The two of them ate their lunch wordlessly and methodically. When they finished, Mia sat back and spoke.
"Now that we've finished, should we look for Isaac?"
"Mia, there's something I want to talk to you about."
"What?" Mia replied, curious.
"Could you tell me why you fell in love with Isaac?" She asked quietly.
"I . . . just did, Sheba. It's very difficult to explain."
"I understand that, Mia. But I must know."
"Since when does my love life play such an integral role in your life?" Mia asked, trying not to sound indignant. "What is so important that you need to know every aspect of my relationship?" Mia paused. "You don't approve, do you?"
"Mia, please calm down. It's not that I don't approve; it's just that something else has reared its head."
"What is it, Sheba?" The Jupiter Adept sighed and calmly explained the vision she had experienced on the way to get lunch.
"By Mercury, you can't be serious, my friend!" Mia gasped, looking into Sheba's emerald hue eyes. "You are, aren't you?"
"Mia, that's why I want to know about you and Isaac. I can't be sure there is a correlation, but I must try to see from every angle. Please, let me read your mind and see what has happened."
Mia's cerulean eyes wavered slightly, but she turned them back to Sheba within a moment. "All right, Sheba." She sighed. The Jupiter Adept rose and rested a hand on her friend's shoulder.
*******************
Ivan removed his hand from Sheba's shoulder and stared at her in a strange sort of stupor. They were in the same secluded corner of the library as earlier, and they remained just as quiet and stealthy. The female Adept looked back into Ivan's eyes with a look of amazement.
"Did I just see what I thought I did? Mia as an angel in Isaac's dreams?" Sheba asked.
"And Isaac as an angel in Mia's dreams? This is getting too weird. Both of these dreams started well before they even knew the other existed. Are they premonitions?" Ivan pondered.
"They can't be. They're not Jupiter Adepts; it's impossible, right?" Sheba returned.
"I don't know, Sheba. Something definitely isn't right here." He replied, putting a hand to his chin. "I just don't get it." Ivan's mind raced through dozens of possible solutions, none of them fitting the scenario correctly. Normally Ivan was brilliant at solving puzzles with intricate solutions, but this one left him completely stumped. "I don't suppose you have the answer?" He asked.
"Not a clue." Sheba earnestly replied.
"Perhaps we should consult Alex's council. Through him, Tret may be able to decipher everything we've learned."
"Is that a good idea? I don't really trust Alex." Sheba replied.
"I agree that he seems shifty at first, but he really is on the level with us. It may be the only way to find out what it all means. Our premonitions, their dreams, and everything else in between; the answers could lie in the tree of Mogall." Ivan said, trailing off.
"But remember, Ivan. If one truly seeks answers, one must look within thyself first." Sheba mused.
"Of course." Ivan replied with as close to a smile as he could manage.
"What should we do now?"
"Dinner should be ready soon, right?" Ivan asked. "Let us go there and we will ponder our next move after we eat." Sheba nodded, and the two Wind Adepts headed off in the direction of Picard's grand dining hall.
**************************
The sun had already set and the shroud of darkness had already taken the land. The only thing that illuminated the warrior's line of sight was the torch he carried in his massive left hand. Alongside him on his right marched a woman of considerably less height, and on his right, row upon row of undead horrors; skeletons of nearly all varieties, both human and animal. Behind him walked much of the same. This was truly an army of darkness.
Agatio was already tense with anticipation of the invasion of the castle. He had long awaited to test Picard in battle, and he was about to get his wish. Within moments, the city of Vale would be within their grasp and the attack would begin. This is what he had been waiting months for, what he had been longing for: The chance to fight the very best in Angara; the best Knights, the best Paladins, and of course, the king himself. The massive Mars Adept smirked slightly and continued to march in step.
Karst, on the other hand, was more in thought of what this invasion would net for Saturos. All of her research in the library yielded no results she didn't already know, and even with Agatio's help, there was still nothing as to what the Elemental Stars did when brought together by an Adept of his power. She figured that Saturos had already guessed that she might've tried the library, and as such had any incriminating evidence removed. She had been constantly swearing at herself inwardly for not trying to figure out his plans earlier on. Something smelled funny about this whole thing, but her better judgment told her to stifle her complaints for the moment. After all, should they succeed, this would be their crowning moment. The female Adept looked to the sky, seeing one large black mass soaring above them.
In the inky black night, flew the remains of a great wyrm. A hollow reminder of the once proud creature was all that was left; and on its back sat its new master. Saturos himself sat on the spinal cord of the dragon's skeleton, holding the reins idly, watching as the creature flapped its leather-like wings to keep itself in the sky. The dragon was a huge creature in life, and with its flesh, it was certainly an intimidating sight. Without skin, however, it was downright terrifying; this made it the perfect mount from which Saturos would launch his attack. Of course, he was not alone on the back of the creature. Behind him, Menardi sat, her arms wrapped around his waist.
"This will be easy, won't it, Saturos?" Menardi whispered into his ear.
"Of course." He answered. "This will not only be easy, but it will prove most entertaining. They will have no idea what hit them."
"Quite devilish, my dear." She said. "I'm assuming you're still dealing with the pests appropriately?"
"Why wouldn't I?" He laughed. "They'll be useless after this fight." Menardi's grip around his waist tightened some; a sign of her pleasure with his plans. "Ah, there's the city; it is time that we end this." Saturos said, pulling back on the reins to force the wyrm to descend. When he was within a short distance of Karst and Agatio, he called down in a relatively soft yell. "Put out the torches, Vale is in sight."
"Brother, how will we breach the outer wall?" Agatio asked while snuffing the torch in his hand.
"Leave that to me and Menardi. Be ready to rush the drawbridge once it opens and do not hesitate." Saturos let loose the pressure on the wyrm, whom gladly returned to its higher altitude. The torches that lit the walls all around Vale as well as everything within the town was now in plain view of the troops on foot, and all of them stopped just outside of clear vision range of the sentries.
"Shall we, Saturos?" Menardi smirked.
"Let the fun begin." He replied, sending his undead dragon soaring high above the town. Suddenly, he jerked the reins back and caused the wyrm to dive at a steady rate just inside the town walls. As he closed to the ground, he let loose some pressure to allow his pet to land safely, which it did right inside the wall where the drawbridge was. All of this happened so fast that the sentries had no idea what was happening until they heard the thump and crack of the landing of the steed.
As soon as they touched down, Saturos and Menardi flung themselves off the dragon, weapons drawn. Nearby sentries, completely shocked by the sudden arrival of opponents, were the first of their unfortunate victims. Saturos quickly slew two near him with a few simple swings of his massive long sword, while Menardi dispatched three more in a single powerful scythe swing. Even the wyrm seemed to be having its share of the mayhem; as quickly as it had landed, it had snatched up an unfortunate sentry in its jaws and shook its head viciously.
"Saturos, go for the gate. I'll deal with the scum here, okay?" Menardi smirked, her hands pulsing with a bright red-orange glow.
"Gladly." The Mars Adept replied, sheathing his sword. Pumping his legs and arms as fast as he could, he dashed for the gate controls. The few guards that managed to get in his way were quickly thrown aside by Menardi's Cataclysm barrage. Once the threat was dealt with, Saturos quickly threw the lever that would lower the drawbridge. After the wooden barricade had lowered itself, Saturos launched a single fireball into the sky as a flare.
The invasion had begun.
