Chapter 9-The Masked Swordsman, Niro
When Orin awoke, he could hardly see anything around him. His eyes took a moment to adjust to the darkness of the room, but he still did not know where he was. There were chains and cuffs on the walls of the room, and the walls and floor were damp and covered in moss and weeds. The smell of stagnant water and dust filled the air, and Orin tried to focus his eyes on something across from him. There, standing upright, was a short person, who Orin could not identify in the darkness, but whomever it was twitched and let out a moan of pain. Then Orin tried to walk to the person, but felt the cold thick cuffs around his wrist, and realized he was chained tightly to the wall. He struggled little because he felt very weak and fatigued, so he stood panting, still trying to see who it was there in front of him. Then, something moved in the corner of Orin's eye, and he turned to look. Another person stood chained to the wall there, and they were hanging limply from the cuffs and chains that held them, as if to be dead weight.
Suddenly, a ray of light appeared, and blinded Orin from the dark room, and he winced and looked away from the light. He heard footsteps approaching him, and as his eyes began to adjust, he saw the person across from him. It was Duran, and his face was covered in dry blood, his forehead had been sliced and so had his left arm, which was covered in blood and some still dripped from his elbow. The Orin looked to the person approaching him. He could not see this person because of the light the surrounded him from the doorway behind, and Orin looked by him to see who was there. Vahn hung there, his knees barely touching the ground and his wrist bled down his arms from the cuffs that had been digging into his wrist from his hanging there.
"Ah, one of you is awake I see." said a voice, as the figure approached Orin. "Can you see me?"
"And I can't because of the light in which you've walked from." said Orin, his voice neutral because of his tired state. "Might you be able to tell me who you are?"
"You are polite to one that has confined you to this dungeon?" the voice said very curiously.
"I do because I am in no state to fight back." Orin replied as he panted.
"I see. I am called Shale, and I am the army general. I am also an elite knight of New Granseal." said Shale, his voice sounding calm and trusting.
"And I know of you, Shale, I have seen you many times, but I could not see you." said Orin, as you recognized Shale's strong and calm voice.
Orin knew Shale well from the castle, and though he had never talked to him, Orin was to understand Shale as one of the guardians of his family. Now Orin felt less trustful of his own bodyguard.
"Well then Shale, why are you my enemy? You are supposed to be protecting the royal family, are you not?" said Orin, as he felt some of his strength coming back to him.
"It is my duty, and that is why I am here." said Shale, as he drew a long sword from its scabbard. "You shall not suffer this pain any longer."
Orin eyes widened at the sight of the sword, for he knew what was about to happen. Shale would kill Orin for his own relief, and he would be rid of the guilt he held for his betrayal toward the royal family. Shale quickly slashed his sword into the wall above Orin's head, and he felt the strain from the chains and cuffs that held him, disappear. Orin open his eyes and looked down at his hands. The cuffs still held him, but the chain that held them together had been broken, and Orin had been freed.
"Why…?" said Orin, looking toward Shale.
"Because it is my duty, and because I have not betrayed this family." said Shale, a smile spreading across his face. "Now, let us free your friends."
"Thank you for your loyalty, but I do not understand your true position." said Orin, looking puzzled. "Have you not pledged loyalty to the new lord of this castle?"
"No, I have remained quiet of my position in Granseal's army." answered Shale as they walked toward Duran, who seemed to be growing tired of struggling for freedom. "I had been assigned as an ordinary soldier to guard the dungeons, and I planned to escape from the kingdom and assemble a mercenary squad to take back the castle. That is, until I saw the soldiers carry you and your friends in."
"Oh, I understand." said Orin. "You saw us and planned a rescue?"
"Of course, but now I need your help." said Shale, a look of seriousness returning to his face. "Your mother is in a prison cell in the depths of this dungeon. She is the true leader of this kingdom, and this lord has taken that from her."
Shale drew forth his sword again, and smashed the cuffs and chains that held Duran to the wall. He gasped at the sudden feeling of freedom, and dropped to his knees. Duran looked up at Shale and Orin, and his smiled with relief.
"Thank you very much." he said, his voice scratchy and horse. "We need to get out of here quickly, Orin."
Orin nodded and they began toward Vahn, who still hung from his chains, his wrists now bleeding profusely. Orin introduced Shale to Duran, as quickly as introductions could be met, and they began to resume their conversation.
"Who is this lord that has stolen my home away!?" asked Orin, his face red with anger. "He will never be forgiven for such a threat to my family."
"They call him Lord Niro, he is the son of King Galam's advisor." said Shale, as he cut through Vahn's chains without even looking.
Orin caught Vahn before he hit the ground, and lifted him. Shale pulled an herb from inside his armor and handed it to Orin, who gently fed it to him.
"Galam?" said Duran, as he tried to recall the name.
"Yes. Galam ruins are to the north of here." said Shale.
"Oh, we were heading there before we had some problems and had to go revisit the High Priestess, Sarah." said Orin. "We only came here because we were slightly sidetracked, and I return to find my home is being held under tyranny."
"I suppose that this lord heard of your leave and your father's disappearance, and decided it was his time to pounce upon our kingdom." said Shale.
Vahn began to regain consiousness, and he looked about the dark room.
"Uhh…" he moaned, his eyes trying to focus to his dim surroundings.
"Are you alright, Vahn?" asked Duran as he leaned toward him.
"He'll be fine once the herbs take affect, but until then, I'll carry him." said Shale, lifting Vahn and heaving his weak and battered body over his shoulder.
"My--my sister, where is she?" asked Vahn, his voice flat and raspy.
"Who?" asked Shale, looking quite puzzled.
"Oh no!" cried Orin, who regretted his loud yells when they were in enemy territory. "The guards were after Vahn's sister. They must have captured her and taken her somewhere else!"
"Orin!" whispered Shale commandingly. "Still your tongue! We don't want to be found!"
With that, Orin stopped talking altogether.
"We'll find her, but we have to keep quite so we can move about unseen." said Shale. "If we are found, our hopes for escape will disappear."
Shale opened the dungeon door, and light spilled fourth into the room, blinding them all. Shale proceeded through it, looking cautiously outside for signs of soldiers on guard.
"Lets go while we can." said Shale, as he motioned them out. "We must be quick."
"What will we do first?" asked Duran.
"We have to drive this lord from the castle." replied Shale, still looking behind him as the walked. "I have an army of spies throughout the castle, and they will attack when I command them so."
"Then they are loyal to my family as well?" Orin asked, his eyes widening slightly at the though of so many loyal soldiers.
"Of course." said Shale. "You father treated us as if we were equals to him. We could never abandon the wonderful life that your father made for us."
Orin smiled, and for a split second, he remembered his father and what a fine man he was. Then he remembered that this is why he was searching for him. Because he was a savior of sorts, and lives where changed for the better because of himself and his comrades. Suddenly, Shale ducked into a small room, to dim to see in. They walked through the room, and Orin stumbled upon several things the poked and prodded at him as he walked. Shale turned to Orin, and a torch seemed to appear in his hand, lighting the dark path ahead.
"Where are we?" asked Orin, looking widely around himself in the dark. "I've never been into this room."
"And you shouldn't have." answered Shale, who bumped into Duran in the dark as they walked ahead. "This is the military supply room. All infantry weapons and armor are stored in here, and the nobility and villagers are not permitted here."
"Then why have we come here?" asked Duran, who clung to the back of Orin's cape as they walked.
"For weapons, of course. You haven't noticed that the soldiers took them from you?" said Shale as he motioned toward Orin empty scabbard.
"Well my sword was broken before we were captured." said Orin.
"Then you're in need of a better one." said Shale, as he crouched to look through a shelf filled with an assortment of weapons.
Shale grabbed a middle sword from the shelf, along with a scabbard, and handed it to Orin with a smile. Orin tossed aside his old scabbard, which was worn from its nine years of use, but as he did so, he looked at the torn leather strap and the tarnished steel emblem that represented his families name. He began to recall memories of his first days of training and of school, and how they interested him so much, that he was inspired to strengthen himself to become his father's elite soldier.
Even at the young age of five, he watched as his father trained himself with a sword, but even he was smart enough to know that nobility hardly endured battle because they were well protected by soldiers. Besides, he knew father was growing older, and he wondered why he trained himself so hard. It was completely clear to him now, that his father had been training because of his interaction with the Shining Force, and the idea that the world would never be safe from devils gave his father incentive to train for a day that may have required his strength. That motivation disappeared though, as his father-in-law passed on, and his very good friend, and teacher, died as well, and Bowie last the will to keep up his training. People that were good friends of the Bowie, childhood friends even, went on their way, seeing as they had lives to continue and devil attacks had become rare across Arc Valley, and even all of Grans Island, making the Shining Force virtually useless. The day that Orin had his eighth birthday was the day that two of Bowie's closest friends left him, people Orin did not remember in name, but knew only of their faces, and this was also the day that Bowie stopped his training for good.
Orin's eyes widened suddenly, as he shook out of his recollection of times past, and he awoke to the reality of the dark, dank supply chamber of Granseal castle. Shale was still shuffling through a pile of dusty equipment, his torch fluttering of his bodies thrusting and heavy movement. Orin picked up the old scabbard, and grabbed the family emblem. He jerked it off the scabbard, and placed it carefully inside his pocket. Vahn had been sitting against a large shelf, his body still weak, and he was trying to stand now. Orin rushed over, and lifted Vahn.
"Shale," said Orin, "would the soldiers who took everyone's weapons have put them in here?"
"Most likely, but the weapons here are probably better, considering they were the best I could find." said Shale, as he handed Duran an axe, much sharper and heavier looking than the one he had before.
"Wow!" said Duran, as he marveled at the size and weight of the axe. "I'll have to get used to the weight."
Duran heaved the axe over his shoulder, and they began to leave the dark chamber.
"Wait." said Vahn, as he dragged his weak legs and feet, "What of my staff?"
"Ah, yes." said Shale, "Such a weapon is very unique, and they would not have put it here. The lord must have taken it as an memento."
They opened the door to the outside hall and were again blinded by the light outside. Shale shook the fire from the torch and tossed it into a pile of scrap iron, and then peeked out of the room. There were no soldiers around, and Shale waved them ahead. They walked slowly and quietly through the halls, and Orin began to think of why this Lord would feel the urge to take his father's castle, and questions began to fill his brain.
"Shale?" Orin asked slowly and quietly, his voice barely above whisper, "About this Niro of Galam. How old is he??"
"Very young. He must be at least two years younger than yourself." said Shale, still looking cautiously in all directions.
"And where is he from?" asked Orin, his voice rising higher now.
"From Galam, like I said." said Shale as he look suspiciously at Orin.
"But isn't Galam just a pile of ruble?" asked Orin again.
"That is true, but I don't know the true history of Galam. I had only arrived here from Polca six years ago, and Galam was already in ruins." said Shale, looking suddenly perplexed about Orin's questions. "This lord must have come from a city nearby. I guess we'll find out when we find him…"
Orin nodded, and kept walking. He was very surprised that no soldiers had found them out yet, but was relieved at the same time. They walk through a long corridor, and finally, they arrived in the main Hall. It was different than before, because the glorious decorations had been removed and replaced by much less attractive ones, and the hall seemed gloomy and dim, like an abandoned manor. Soldiers stood on guard everywhere here, and looked very awake and aware of any movement at all. Orin looked to Shale, who was looking puzzled as what should be done, and then to Duran, who looked ready to strike down all the soldiers in one swipe of his axe. Vahn, on the other hand, looked very tired, but he had regained strength in his legs and now walked on his own, but there was a certain silence and sadness in his eyes and face that made Orin feel great remorse for him.
"I don't think we can get through here. This area is too heavily guarded, but I don't know of any other way we can move into the throne room…." said Shale, his voice almost unheard.
"I do." said Orin, his face red with a certain worry about his idea. "We can sneak into the throne room through the kitchen. If the people of this castle are so loyal to my family, they should not say anything if we pass through there."
Shale's eyes lit up at the idea, and he smiled and nodded a Orin. They all turned and walked back down the corridor.
"Can't we just charge through?" said Duran, his face red with anger, as he gritted his teeth and clenched tightly to his axe. "Even if we go through the kitchen to get to this 'lord', the soldiers will be called in to defend him…."
"No, I think he'll be to surprised to see us to do anything." said Shale, as a sly smile grew on his face. "By the time we get to the throne room, I'll have alerted my soldiers to fight off the enemy, so even if he does call in his own soldiers, they'll be too preoccupied with fighting."
Duran gave a sudden snort, but let go of his idea. Orin knew Duran well, and he was not likely to act too hostile, but in their current situation, Sir Gyan had taught Duran be serious and ready for a fight. Duran had listened well, and for the time being, his childish personality was gone, and replaced by a tough and hardened warrior.
They entered the kitchen, which was full of the smell of fresh fish and meats. Rare spices lye in rows upon rows on a nearby rack, and there were at least a dozen stoves that lined the wall. A large group of people stood at a long table, tenderizing meats and riddling them with spices and juices. The aroma of cooking chicken and ham filled the air, and once again Orin felt as if this was his home, and that he'd never left. That feeling ended, though, as he walked through the large kitchen. The cooks and other workers in the kitchen looked tired and fatigued, and they had looks of sadness and anger on their faces. When one spotted Orin, he smiled, and whispered to others near him. They began to murmur amongst themselves, and smiled at the sight of him.
"See, they are loyal to the family. They don't wish to put as up against any harm." said Orin, as he smiled back at a few of the cooks.
"Right. Well, I guess it's about time to signal the rest of my troop." said Shale, as he waved over a worker.
"Yes General Shale?" said the worker, his face covered in soot and a bit of blood.
"I want you to take a message to Sir Gyan. Tell him to send his troops to the castle." said Shale, as he smiled to the worker. "Prepare yourself, my friend. Your life will be as good as ever when we drive this lout from our kingdom."
The worker smiled, and bounded from the kitchen happily. Shale turned and walked toward a small doorway ahead of him that led to the throne room. Orin and the rest followed, and anticipating a battle, Shale and Orin drew forth their swords. Shale stood outside the throne room, looking at the closed door, his face slightly red with nervousness. He clenched his sword tightly, then, as the loud noise of swords clashing and men yelling, Shale raised his sword and made three quick movements at the door. It fell apart seconds after, and there, in the throne room, stood a young man, a long red cloak draped to his feet, and a crown atop his head. He wore a small chest armor, and a scabbard hung from his belt.
"Damnit! Who are you idiots!?" said the young man, his face growing red. "What do you want of me!?"
"Get out of here now. This castle does not belong to you!" yelled Shale, his sword gleaming from the light of sun shining though the stained glass windows of the throne room. "Take your belongings and leave here now, or you'll be killed!"
"HA!" chuckled the young man, his expression a menacing look of pure satisfaction. "You don't seem to understand who you are up against. You fools think you can drive me from my own castle!?"
The young man grabbed a large staff from next to his throne and clenched it tightly. He lifted it high in the air, looked at them all, his eyes wide and manic.
"I'm not to be fooled with, I am Niro of Galam, and you will be the first ones to shed blood upon the soil of New Galam!!" he said, and as he walked forward into the light of the windows.
His face was almost totally concealed in a mask. The mask looked to be one that represent a crest of a dragon, and it was actually very frightening, as if it were alive. Niro's eyes and mouth were all that showed from under the mask, and they made it look even more frightening, almost evil and insane. His teeth shown brightly under a wretched smile, and his eyes were still wide in a frenzy.
"What in Hell…!?" said Duran, a look of both fear and anger crossing his face. "He looks like a rabid animal! Your look of insanity matches your personality, because you MUST have been crazy to try and take Granseal without knowing these people would not stand for it!"
Niro ignored Duran, and looked from him to a still weak Vahn, then to Shale.
"You thought you could hide from me, Shale of Polca! Volcanon made a wise decision in letting you leave! You're so useless! Ah ha ha HA HA!" yelled Niro, as his laugh of violent insanity whisked its way throughout the castle.
'He's a maniac' thought Orin, as he looked at Niro.
Suddenly, Niro slammed the staff he had stolen from Vahn into Shale's face, and in an instant, Shale cried out in agony and anger. Blood dripped out from a large gash in his cheek, and he turned back toward Niro, his body trembling with anger. The stave's crucifix was also dripping from the blood of Shale's wound.
"You crazy bastard…you've just struck a man of honor. You should have killed me with that blow, because now I'm not going to let you get away with it!!" yelled Shale, as he raised his sword, and brought it down on Niro faster than the eye could see.
The sword clashed against Niro staff, and it held strong to the sword's powerful blow. Sparks flew from the clashing of weapons, and Shale stood, his face now even redder with anger, but his eyes were wide in disbelief at the strength of the rod. Niro smiled wider than ever, and his eyes widened even more as he forced back Shale's sword, and forced him backward. Shale tried again, but this time, he yelled in frustration and anger as he brought down his sword to Niro's rod. Niro blocked again, and this time, he quickly drew his sword, and twirled it in his hand as the sparks flew once more from the clash of weapons.
"Volcanon might put in a good word in for you in heaven, pathetic Polcan bastard!!!" said Niro, as he looked directly into Shale's angry, frustrated eyes.
Niro stabbed his sword into Shale's stomach, and pierced the thick steel armor that was made to protect him. Blood gushed through the broken armor, and spilled down to the ground. Shale stopped his attack, and let his sword slight down to his side, and he stood limply in place, as he looked down at the gleaming sword in his stomach. Niro still smiled as he watch Shale fall to the ground, a single tear fell with him, and it cam from Orin. Orin's face was that of anger as he looked down at a fallen Shale, but his eyes were filled with tears.
"Damn you. Why have you done this to me…?" said Orin, his teeth gritting as he tried to hold back his anger and malice toward Niro. "Why didn't I help you Shale…? I won't let my fear hold me back anymore. Father, I need your help now."
Orin clenched his sword as the tears fell from his reddened eyes, and he looked from Shale's body, to Niro.
"I'm taking my father's castle back." said Orin, a tiny smile growing in his head at the thought of his father, and he charged Niro.
Niro was taken aback be the sudden rush from Orin, but his face remained the same, and he held up his sword to block the attack. Orin's sword clashed with Niro's, and Niro smiled and looked at Orin as he had done Shale.
"Dieing like your friend, pig? That is not honorable, it's foolish." said Niro, as he began to force back Orin's sword.
"No, I'm living like my father did so many times against those who fought against the evil in the Shining Force's path!" yelled Orin, as he too pushed back hard against his enemies weapon.
Niro's expression disappeared, and he looked at Orin now with a looked of surprise and fear. He still pushed hard against Orin, but he looked totally normal now.
"B-Bowie. Bowie of the Shining Force, and you are his son?" asked Niro, looking perplexed as he held his ground against Orin. "Perfect, I'll kill the son of my king's enemy!"
Niro's face grew into its state of evil and violent desperation, and he looked insanely evil once more. Orin loathed him now, even though they had met for less than ten minutes, he felt a burning hatred toward him. Orin jumped back from his attack and charged Niro again, quicker than before, and he caught Niro off guard. Orin's sword sliced through Niro's arm as he tried to move away from the attack, and blood began to ooze from the cut.
"You are fast, my friend, but you still need work. It is too damn bad I'm going to slaughter you before you get to train yourself, and in front of your friends, too!" said Niro, and he charged at Orin while his back was still turned.
His sword was a moment away from piercing his chest as he turned, when Duran flew from behind at slammed his shoulder into Niro.
"GAH! You insolent Dwarf…" groaned Niro, and he stood up.
"Your outnumbered Niro, you should have noticed this while you were trying to massacre us! You are such a fool…" said Duran, his axe raised, as he stood in an attack stance.
"Hmm. Maybe this is true. Well then, I'll have to kill you all one by one then. Take this gloomy old castle. It disgusts me." said Niro, and without another word or movement, he jumped in the air, and disappeared, leaving only a white staff behind.
When Orin awoke, he could hardly see anything around him. His eyes took a moment to adjust to the darkness of the room, but he still did not know where he was. There were chains and cuffs on the walls of the room, and the walls and floor were damp and covered in moss and weeds. The smell of stagnant water and dust filled the air, and Orin tried to focus his eyes on something across from him. There, standing upright, was a short person, who Orin could not identify in the darkness, but whomever it was twitched and let out a moan of pain. Then Orin tried to walk to the person, but felt the cold thick cuffs around his wrist, and realized he was chained tightly to the wall. He struggled little because he felt very weak and fatigued, so he stood panting, still trying to see who it was there in front of him. Then, something moved in the corner of Orin's eye, and he turned to look. Another person stood chained to the wall there, and they were hanging limply from the cuffs and chains that held them, as if to be dead weight.
Suddenly, a ray of light appeared, and blinded Orin from the dark room, and he winced and looked away from the light. He heard footsteps approaching him, and as his eyes began to adjust, he saw the person across from him. It was Duran, and his face was covered in dry blood, his forehead had been sliced and so had his left arm, which was covered in blood and some still dripped from his elbow. The Orin looked to the person approaching him. He could not see this person because of the light the surrounded him from the doorway behind, and Orin looked by him to see who was there. Vahn hung there, his knees barely touching the ground and his wrist bled down his arms from the cuffs that had been digging into his wrist from his hanging there.
"Ah, one of you is awake I see." said a voice, as the figure approached Orin. "Can you see me?"
"And I can't because of the light in which you've walked from." said Orin, his voice neutral because of his tired state. "Might you be able to tell me who you are?"
"You are polite to one that has confined you to this dungeon?" the voice said very curiously.
"I do because I am in no state to fight back." Orin replied as he panted.
"I see. I am called Shale, and I am the army general. I am also an elite knight of New Granseal." said Shale, his voice sounding calm and trusting.
"And I know of you, Shale, I have seen you many times, but I could not see you." said Orin, as you recognized Shale's strong and calm voice.
Orin knew Shale well from the castle, and though he had never talked to him, Orin was to understand Shale as one of the guardians of his family. Now Orin felt less trustful of his own bodyguard.
"Well then Shale, why are you my enemy? You are supposed to be protecting the royal family, are you not?" said Orin, as he felt some of his strength coming back to him.
"It is my duty, and that is why I am here." said Shale, as he drew a long sword from its scabbard. "You shall not suffer this pain any longer."
Orin eyes widened at the sight of the sword, for he knew what was about to happen. Shale would kill Orin for his own relief, and he would be rid of the guilt he held for his betrayal toward the royal family. Shale quickly slashed his sword into the wall above Orin's head, and he felt the strain from the chains and cuffs that held him, disappear. Orin open his eyes and looked down at his hands. The cuffs still held him, but the chain that held them together had been broken, and Orin had been freed.
"Why…?" said Orin, looking toward Shale.
"Because it is my duty, and because I have not betrayed this family." said Shale, a smile spreading across his face. "Now, let us free your friends."
"Thank you for your loyalty, but I do not understand your true position." said Orin, looking puzzled. "Have you not pledged loyalty to the new lord of this castle?"
"No, I have remained quiet of my position in Granseal's army." answered Shale as they walked toward Duran, who seemed to be growing tired of struggling for freedom. "I had been assigned as an ordinary soldier to guard the dungeons, and I planned to escape from the kingdom and assemble a mercenary squad to take back the castle. That is, until I saw the soldiers carry you and your friends in."
"Oh, I understand." said Orin. "You saw us and planned a rescue?"
"Of course, but now I need your help." said Shale, a look of seriousness returning to his face. "Your mother is in a prison cell in the depths of this dungeon. She is the true leader of this kingdom, and this lord has taken that from her."
Shale drew forth his sword again, and smashed the cuffs and chains that held Duran to the wall. He gasped at the sudden feeling of freedom, and dropped to his knees. Duran looked up at Shale and Orin, and his smiled with relief.
"Thank you very much." he said, his voice scratchy and horse. "We need to get out of here quickly, Orin."
Orin nodded and they began toward Vahn, who still hung from his chains, his wrists now bleeding profusely. Orin introduced Shale to Duran, as quickly as introductions could be met, and they began to resume their conversation.
"Who is this lord that has stolen my home away!?" asked Orin, his face red with anger. "He will never be forgiven for such a threat to my family."
"They call him Lord Niro, he is the son of King Galam's advisor." said Shale, as he cut through Vahn's chains without even looking.
Orin caught Vahn before he hit the ground, and lifted him. Shale pulled an herb from inside his armor and handed it to Orin, who gently fed it to him.
"Galam?" said Duran, as he tried to recall the name.
"Yes. Galam ruins are to the north of here." said Shale.
"Oh, we were heading there before we had some problems and had to go revisit the High Priestess, Sarah." said Orin. "We only came here because we were slightly sidetracked, and I return to find my home is being held under tyranny."
"I suppose that this lord heard of your leave and your father's disappearance, and decided it was his time to pounce upon our kingdom." said Shale.
Vahn began to regain consiousness, and he looked about the dark room.
"Uhh…" he moaned, his eyes trying to focus to his dim surroundings.
"Are you alright, Vahn?" asked Duran as he leaned toward him.
"He'll be fine once the herbs take affect, but until then, I'll carry him." said Shale, lifting Vahn and heaving his weak and battered body over his shoulder.
"My--my sister, where is she?" asked Vahn, his voice flat and raspy.
"Who?" asked Shale, looking quite puzzled.
"Oh no!" cried Orin, who regretted his loud yells when they were in enemy territory. "The guards were after Vahn's sister. They must have captured her and taken her somewhere else!"
"Orin!" whispered Shale commandingly. "Still your tongue! We don't want to be found!"
With that, Orin stopped talking altogether.
"We'll find her, but we have to keep quite so we can move about unseen." said Shale. "If we are found, our hopes for escape will disappear."
Shale opened the dungeon door, and light spilled fourth into the room, blinding them all. Shale proceeded through it, looking cautiously outside for signs of soldiers on guard.
"Lets go while we can." said Shale, as he motioned them out. "We must be quick."
"What will we do first?" asked Duran.
"We have to drive this lord from the castle." replied Shale, still looking behind him as the walked. "I have an army of spies throughout the castle, and they will attack when I command them so."
"Then they are loyal to my family as well?" Orin asked, his eyes widening slightly at the though of so many loyal soldiers.
"Of course." said Shale. "You father treated us as if we were equals to him. We could never abandon the wonderful life that your father made for us."
Orin smiled, and for a split second, he remembered his father and what a fine man he was. Then he remembered that this is why he was searching for him. Because he was a savior of sorts, and lives where changed for the better because of himself and his comrades. Suddenly, Shale ducked into a small room, to dim to see in. They walked through the room, and Orin stumbled upon several things the poked and prodded at him as he walked. Shale turned to Orin, and a torch seemed to appear in his hand, lighting the dark path ahead.
"Where are we?" asked Orin, looking widely around himself in the dark. "I've never been into this room."
"And you shouldn't have." answered Shale, who bumped into Duran in the dark as they walked ahead. "This is the military supply room. All infantry weapons and armor are stored in here, and the nobility and villagers are not permitted here."
"Then why have we come here?" asked Duran, who clung to the back of Orin's cape as they walked.
"For weapons, of course. You haven't noticed that the soldiers took them from you?" said Shale as he motioned toward Orin empty scabbard.
"Well my sword was broken before we were captured." said Orin.
"Then you're in need of a better one." said Shale, as he crouched to look through a shelf filled with an assortment of weapons.
Shale grabbed a middle sword from the shelf, along with a scabbard, and handed it to Orin with a smile. Orin tossed aside his old scabbard, which was worn from its nine years of use, but as he did so, he looked at the torn leather strap and the tarnished steel emblem that represented his families name. He began to recall memories of his first days of training and of school, and how they interested him so much, that he was inspired to strengthen himself to become his father's elite soldier.
Even at the young age of five, he watched as his father trained himself with a sword, but even he was smart enough to know that nobility hardly endured battle because they were well protected by soldiers. Besides, he knew father was growing older, and he wondered why he trained himself so hard. It was completely clear to him now, that his father had been training because of his interaction with the Shining Force, and the idea that the world would never be safe from devils gave his father incentive to train for a day that may have required his strength. That motivation disappeared though, as his father-in-law passed on, and his very good friend, and teacher, died as well, and Bowie last the will to keep up his training. People that were good friends of the Bowie, childhood friends even, went on their way, seeing as they had lives to continue and devil attacks had become rare across Arc Valley, and even all of Grans Island, making the Shining Force virtually useless. The day that Orin had his eighth birthday was the day that two of Bowie's closest friends left him, people Orin did not remember in name, but knew only of their faces, and this was also the day that Bowie stopped his training for good.
Orin's eyes widened suddenly, as he shook out of his recollection of times past, and he awoke to the reality of the dark, dank supply chamber of Granseal castle. Shale was still shuffling through a pile of dusty equipment, his torch fluttering of his bodies thrusting and heavy movement. Orin picked up the old scabbard, and grabbed the family emblem. He jerked it off the scabbard, and placed it carefully inside his pocket. Vahn had been sitting against a large shelf, his body still weak, and he was trying to stand now. Orin rushed over, and lifted Vahn.
"Shale," said Orin, "would the soldiers who took everyone's weapons have put them in here?"
"Most likely, but the weapons here are probably better, considering they were the best I could find." said Shale, as he handed Duran an axe, much sharper and heavier looking than the one he had before.
"Wow!" said Duran, as he marveled at the size and weight of the axe. "I'll have to get used to the weight."
Duran heaved the axe over his shoulder, and they began to leave the dark chamber.
"Wait." said Vahn, as he dragged his weak legs and feet, "What of my staff?"
"Ah, yes." said Shale, "Such a weapon is very unique, and they would not have put it here. The lord must have taken it as an memento."
They opened the door to the outside hall and were again blinded by the light outside. Shale shook the fire from the torch and tossed it into a pile of scrap iron, and then peeked out of the room. There were no soldiers around, and Shale waved them ahead. They walked slowly and quietly through the halls, and Orin began to think of why this Lord would feel the urge to take his father's castle, and questions began to fill his brain.
"Shale?" Orin asked slowly and quietly, his voice barely above whisper, "About this Niro of Galam. How old is he??"
"Very young. He must be at least two years younger than yourself." said Shale, still looking cautiously in all directions.
"And where is he from?" asked Orin, his voice rising higher now.
"From Galam, like I said." said Shale as he look suspiciously at Orin.
"But isn't Galam just a pile of ruble?" asked Orin again.
"That is true, but I don't know the true history of Galam. I had only arrived here from Polca six years ago, and Galam was already in ruins." said Shale, looking suddenly perplexed about Orin's questions. "This lord must have come from a city nearby. I guess we'll find out when we find him…"
Orin nodded, and kept walking. He was very surprised that no soldiers had found them out yet, but was relieved at the same time. They walk through a long corridor, and finally, they arrived in the main Hall. It was different than before, because the glorious decorations had been removed and replaced by much less attractive ones, and the hall seemed gloomy and dim, like an abandoned manor. Soldiers stood on guard everywhere here, and looked very awake and aware of any movement at all. Orin looked to Shale, who was looking puzzled as what should be done, and then to Duran, who looked ready to strike down all the soldiers in one swipe of his axe. Vahn, on the other hand, looked very tired, but he had regained strength in his legs and now walked on his own, but there was a certain silence and sadness in his eyes and face that made Orin feel great remorse for him.
"I don't think we can get through here. This area is too heavily guarded, but I don't know of any other way we can move into the throne room…." said Shale, his voice almost unheard.
"I do." said Orin, his face red with a certain worry about his idea. "We can sneak into the throne room through the kitchen. If the people of this castle are so loyal to my family, they should not say anything if we pass through there."
Shale's eyes lit up at the idea, and he smiled and nodded a Orin. They all turned and walked back down the corridor.
"Can't we just charge through?" said Duran, his face red with anger, as he gritted his teeth and clenched tightly to his axe. "Even if we go through the kitchen to get to this 'lord', the soldiers will be called in to defend him…."
"No, I think he'll be to surprised to see us to do anything." said Shale, as a sly smile grew on his face. "By the time we get to the throne room, I'll have alerted my soldiers to fight off the enemy, so even if he does call in his own soldiers, they'll be too preoccupied with fighting."
Duran gave a sudden snort, but let go of his idea. Orin knew Duran well, and he was not likely to act too hostile, but in their current situation, Sir Gyan had taught Duran be serious and ready for a fight. Duran had listened well, and for the time being, his childish personality was gone, and replaced by a tough and hardened warrior.
They entered the kitchen, which was full of the smell of fresh fish and meats. Rare spices lye in rows upon rows on a nearby rack, and there were at least a dozen stoves that lined the wall. A large group of people stood at a long table, tenderizing meats and riddling them with spices and juices. The aroma of cooking chicken and ham filled the air, and once again Orin felt as if this was his home, and that he'd never left. That feeling ended, though, as he walked through the large kitchen. The cooks and other workers in the kitchen looked tired and fatigued, and they had looks of sadness and anger on their faces. When one spotted Orin, he smiled, and whispered to others near him. They began to murmur amongst themselves, and smiled at the sight of him.
"See, they are loyal to the family. They don't wish to put as up against any harm." said Orin, as he smiled back at a few of the cooks.
"Right. Well, I guess it's about time to signal the rest of my troop." said Shale, as he waved over a worker.
"Yes General Shale?" said the worker, his face covered in soot and a bit of blood.
"I want you to take a message to Sir Gyan. Tell him to send his troops to the castle." said Shale, as he smiled to the worker. "Prepare yourself, my friend. Your life will be as good as ever when we drive this lout from our kingdom."
The worker smiled, and bounded from the kitchen happily. Shale turned and walked toward a small doorway ahead of him that led to the throne room. Orin and the rest followed, and anticipating a battle, Shale and Orin drew forth their swords. Shale stood outside the throne room, looking at the closed door, his face slightly red with nervousness. He clenched his sword tightly, then, as the loud noise of swords clashing and men yelling, Shale raised his sword and made three quick movements at the door. It fell apart seconds after, and there, in the throne room, stood a young man, a long red cloak draped to his feet, and a crown atop his head. He wore a small chest armor, and a scabbard hung from his belt.
"Damnit! Who are you idiots!?" said the young man, his face growing red. "What do you want of me!?"
"Get out of here now. This castle does not belong to you!" yelled Shale, his sword gleaming from the light of sun shining though the stained glass windows of the throne room. "Take your belongings and leave here now, or you'll be killed!"
"HA!" chuckled the young man, his expression a menacing look of pure satisfaction. "You don't seem to understand who you are up against. You fools think you can drive me from my own castle!?"
The young man grabbed a large staff from next to his throne and clenched it tightly. He lifted it high in the air, looked at them all, his eyes wide and manic.
"I'm not to be fooled with, I am Niro of Galam, and you will be the first ones to shed blood upon the soil of New Galam!!" he said, and as he walked forward into the light of the windows.
His face was almost totally concealed in a mask. The mask looked to be one that represent a crest of a dragon, and it was actually very frightening, as if it were alive. Niro's eyes and mouth were all that showed from under the mask, and they made it look even more frightening, almost evil and insane. His teeth shown brightly under a wretched smile, and his eyes were still wide in a frenzy.
"What in Hell…!?" said Duran, a look of both fear and anger crossing his face. "He looks like a rabid animal! Your look of insanity matches your personality, because you MUST have been crazy to try and take Granseal without knowing these people would not stand for it!"
Niro ignored Duran, and looked from him to a still weak Vahn, then to Shale.
"You thought you could hide from me, Shale of Polca! Volcanon made a wise decision in letting you leave! You're so useless! Ah ha ha HA HA!" yelled Niro, as his laugh of violent insanity whisked its way throughout the castle.
'He's a maniac' thought Orin, as he looked at Niro.
Suddenly, Niro slammed the staff he had stolen from Vahn into Shale's face, and in an instant, Shale cried out in agony and anger. Blood dripped out from a large gash in his cheek, and he turned back toward Niro, his body trembling with anger. The stave's crucifix was also dripping from the blood of Shale's wound.
"You crazy bastard…you've just struck a man of honor. You should have killed me with that blow, because now I'm not going to let you get away with it!!" yelled Shale, as he raised his sword, and brought it down on Niro faster than the eye could see.
The sword clashed against Niro staff, and it held strong to the sword's powerful blow. Sparks flew from the clashing of weapons, and Shale stood, his face now even redder with anger, but his eyes were wide in disbelief at the strength of the rod. Niro smiled wider than ever, and his eyes widened even more as he forced back Shale's sword, and forced him backward. Shale tried again, but this time, he yelled in frustration and anger as he brought down his sword to Niro's rod. Niro blocked again, and this time, he quickly drew his sword, and twirled it in his hand as the sparks flew once more from the clash of weapons.
"Volcanon might put in a good word in for you in heaven, pathetic Polcan bastard!!!" said Niro, as he looked directly into Shale's angry, frustrated eyes.
Niro stabbed his sword into Shale's stomach, and pierced the thick steel armor that was made to protect him. Blood gushed through the broken armor, and spilled down to the ground. Shale stopped his attack, and let his sword slight down to his side, and he stood limply in place, as he looked down at the gleaming sword in his stomach. Niro still smiled as he watch Shale fall to the ground, a single tear fell with him, and it cam from Orin. Orin's face was that of anger as he looked down at a fallen Shale, but his eyes were filled with tears.
"Damn you. Why have you done this to me…?" said Orin, his teeth gritting as he tried to hold back his anger and malice toward Niro. "Why didn't I help you Shale…? I won't let my fear hold me back anymore. Father, I need your help now."
Orin clenched his sword as the tears fell from his reddened eyes, and he looked from Shale's body, to Niro.
"I'm taking my father's castle back." said Orin, a tiny smile growing in his head at the thought of his father, and he charged Niro.
Niro was taken aback be the sudden rush from Orin, but his face remained the same, and he held up his sword to block the attack. Orin's sword clashed with Niro's, and Niro smiled and looked at Orin as he had done Shale.
"Dieing like your friend, pig? That is not honorable, it's foolish." said Niro, as he began to force back Orin's sword.
"No, I'm living like my father did so many times against those who fought against the evil in the Shining Force's path!" yelled Orin, as he too pushed back hard against his enemies weapon.
Niro's expression disappeared, and he looked at Orin now with a looked of surprise and fear. He still pushed hard against Orin, but he looked totally normal now.
"B-Bowie. Bowie of the Shining Force, and you are his son?" asked Niro, looking perplexed as he held his ground against Orin. "Perfect, I'll kill the son of my king's enemy!"
Niro's face grew into its state of evil and violent desperation, and he looked insanely evil once more. Orin loathed him now, even though they had met for less than ten minutes, he felt a burning hatred toward him. Orin jumped back from his attack and charged Niro again, quicker than before, and he caught Niro off guard. Orin's sword sliced through Niro's arm as he tried to move away from the attack, and blood began to ooze from the cut.
"You are fast, my friend, but you still need work. It is too damn bad I'm going to slaughter you before you get to train yourself, and in front of your friends, too!" said Niro, and he charged at Orin while his back was still turned.
His sword was a moment away from piercing his chest as he turned, when Duran flew from behind at slammed his shoulder into Niro.
"GAH! You insolent Dwarf…" groaned Niro, and he stood up.
"Your outnumbered Niro, you should have noticed this while you were trying to massacre us! You are such a fool…" said Duran, his axe raised, as he stood in an attack stance.
"Hmm. Maybe this is true. Well then, I'll have to kill you all one by one then. Take this gloomy old castle. It disgusts me." said Niro, and without another word or movement, he jumped in the air, and disappeared, leaving only a white staff behind.