Chapter 6: A Reply
Rydia's reply arrived at the inn the next morning. The party was sitting at breakfast arguing over how to lure Edge to Kaipo when the innkeeper hand-delivered the note to the table. He couldn't help his smirk as he handed it to Asura for he knew all about what this crazy bunch of travelers was up to. What a bunch of loons, he thought. But then again, if they succeed, I won't mind the extra weight in my money pouch when I host two more guests!
Asura broke Rydia's seal on the envelope, removed a rather feminine looking piece of stationery, and read aloud:
Dear Anonymous,
My instincts tell me that it is not rational or safe for me to traipse across the world in search of a stranger. If I were in my normal frame of mind I would have laughed this off. Yet, you seem sincere, and as things are right now (rather lonely), I cannot think of anything I would rather do than make a new friend or reacquaint myself with an old one. I will meet you at the Kaipo Inn tomorrow evening.
"Signed 'Rydia,'" finished Asura.
"Oh dear, we only have one day to get Edge out here! How are we ever going to manage that? We don't have time to write another letter." The chamberlain was noticeably frazzled. He had already lost so much hair during recent months, and now, running his hands nervously through his thinning locks, he succeeded in pulling out several more precious strands.
Cecil reached out to the man, grabbed gently at his arms, and forced his hands down to his sides. "Relax, sir. Relax. If we remain rational, we will think of something."
"But, you just don't get it. Cecil, to get him to go to your unbachelor party I had to lock him out of the castle. I threw him out and the sentries locked the gate. He is damn impossible! There is no one home now to throw him out of the castle. I am very concerned about getting him to leave."
Gruffly, Cid spoke to the group. "Oh come off it old man! We'll get him out, and you know how? We'll lie of course, just like we did to Rydia. And if our lies are good enough, we will fool him too." He looked carefully at each party member. Once he had made eye contact with each person, reassured by their commitment to the cause, he moved to the chamberlain and put a reassuring hand on the man's shoulder. In an uncharacteristically compassionate tone, Cid continued, "We have made it this far Chamberlain. If those two kids aren't going to take care of this problem themselves, then we as their closest friends had best take care of it for them!"
Now much calmer, the chamberlain nodded his acceptance of the situation. What I wouldn't do for a cup of Anya's tea right now, he thought longingly. When I return to Eblan, I am going to head straight for the kitchens, find that girl, and…His reverie was interrupted by a commanding, stern voice. It was Cecil…Man, he makes one great king, mentally commended the chamberlain. I have got to send Edge to Baron for kingly etiquette lessons more often…
"Settle please, everyone. This is out of control!" Cecil's voice was certainly not loud, but all party members silenced. "Please, one at a time."
Whoops. Guess I spaced out for awhile, thought the chamberlain. He tuned back into the conversation hoping he hadn't missed much.
"I still think we should stage an attack on the city," insisted Yang. "Edge, as an ally of Edward's, would have to respond to a plea for defense assistance."
"I do not think that would be the most prudent course of action. It is much too dangerous. Besides, we are trying to mend two hearts, not literally break others." Cecil rubbed his chin, thinking about Yang's suggestion. "This is really a quiet city in the middle of nowhere. Imagine a gang of ninjas busting in, disturbing the peace. When Rydia gets here, things need to be quiet. She cannot be alerted to any possible activity."
"What if we had some kind of ninja contest? Would Edge's ego really resist something like that?" Although a tempting offer, all agreed Rosa's suggestion would be impractical. Besides, in his current state of mind, the chamberlain assured everyone that Edge wasn't in the mood for athletic competition. Lately he had even stopped visiting to dojo to work out with his fellow ninjas.
Finally Edward said, "Why can't we just be honest with Edge? Well, somewhat honest anyway!" He quickly recounted the conversation they had at the unbachelor party. "I know he wants to be with Rydia. He is afraid that she will no longer accept him because of his poor behavior, namely his behavior at the wedding."
"How do you propose this honesty thing?" questioned the chamberlain. "I am not kidding when I tell you he won't leave the castle unless it is by force."
"I understand that Chamberlain. But I think this could work. Queen Asura, I need you to summon Edge's parents. They're monsters now. You could find them couldn't you?" She nodded and he continued, "Explain to them the situation and tell them that Rydia is awaiting a visit from her secret admirer in Kaipo. They will visit Edge, tell him of this dreadful news and he will come running right into our trap."
"But why would he bother running if…oh wait, I get it! If they say 'secret admirer' Edge will feel that he has reached a deadline—love her or lose her. Of course he will come." Cecil thought this was a great idea. Not only did this appeal to Edge's competitive spirit, but it would also require bringing his parents in on the deal. If Edge wouldn't listen to his parents, then who else would he pay attention to!
"Edward, that is brilliant!" praised Rosa.
"Yes, it is," agreed Asura. "Chamberlain, you know Edge better than I do. Do you think that this will work?"
"Actually, yes I do!" His voice conveyed his shock. The plan, though deceitful and full of potential to damage the already emotionally frail king some more, would probably work. "The only people he loves and respects as much as Rydia are his parents. This will get his attention."
