I released two chapters again today. Make sure you didn't miss the new chapter before this one!
Chapter Seventeen
The Royal City of Rabanastre
Year 706 of the Old Valendian Calendar
The next morning, Balthier rose early with a plan in mind. He'd thought long and hard on it the night before and was now quite sure about his next course of action. Now he just had to tell Fran, and that would involve telling her a lot more than just his plan. He wasn't looking forward to that.
Balthier left his room at the inn early that morning, hoping for a moment to get his thoughts together before he talked to Fran. He'd done a lot of the same last night, but one can never have too much preparation, right? Unfortunately, Balthier found Fran already awake, sitting at a small table on the upper floor balcony. She was sipping something steaming from a small cup, a similar cup sitting at the empty seat across from her. Knowing Fran's taste in beverages, Balthier made a mental note to leave his drink untouched. Sucking in a deep breath, Balthier moved over towards Fran's table. It was time to get this over with.
"Is this seat taken?" Balthier asked, coming up to Fran's table.
"I was thinking you would take it," Fran replied, barely looking up from her tea. She didn't seem like she expected any groundbreaking news that morning. Balthier sat down in the seat across from her, running through one more time what he was going to say. He really wasn't looking forward to this.
"Do you know where we're going next?" Fran asked. There went Balthier's plan. He should have expected her to ask that. He also should have known that mapped-out speeches often have a way of falling apart.
"Yes," Balthier replied hesitantly. "But first, there's something I need to tell you." No more waiting. Balthier stared down into the dark liquid in his cup, the pungent aroma of strong herbal tea filling his senses. It was time to get this over with…
"Back, before I met you, before the war…" Balthier began, forcing the words out, "I was… an Archadian Judge. My father was the director of Archadia's most infamous laboratory. When I left, things were… happening. Conspiracies, secrets, trouble in the higher-ups… I didn't understand most of it, but I knew something was wrong. I knew there was more going on that meets the eye. And what Basch said, about the Empire, about Vayne and Bhujerba… I think there's a connection. I think, whatever was happening then, it's still going on today. And I… I don't want to sit back and do nothing about it." Again.
"You want to finish what you started?" Fran asked. Balthier finally looked up to meet her gaze.
"Yes, I suppose I do," Balthier replied.
Fran nodded. "Where are we headed?"
Yes! No shock, no probing, no further questioning, just sweet, simple acceptance of facts. That was what Balthier loved about Fran. It made the whole process a lot less painful.
"We'll start in Bhujerba," Balthier replied. "For now, that seems to be the center of Vayne's plans. Once we know a little more, we'll know what to do next."
Fran nodded again. "When do we leave?"
"As soon as possible," Balthier replied. "I hope-"
"You there!" A loud, accented voice cut Balthier off. He looked up to see a blue-skinned Bangaa marching across the balcony, headed straight for Balthier and Fran's table.
"Are you talking to me?" Balthier asked, eyeing the Bangaa suspiciously. He didn't look like one of Ba'Gamnan's troop; this was an old shop keeper, traces of a beard adorning his scaly chin.
"Yes, you!" The Bangaa stopped at their table, fixing Balthier with a most unfriendly glare. "You're that sky pirate, right? Balthier?"
"Yes, that would be me," Balthier replied warily. "What do you want?"
The Bangaa's lizard-like nostrils flared in anger. "What do I want? I suppose you don't know?"
"Calm down," Balthier said. This was beyond suspicious now. "Why don't you start at the beginning?"
"My name is Migelo," the Bangaa said. "I run the shop downtown. I employ several of the local orphans. One of them, a girl named Penelo, she's gone missing!"
Balthier let out a sigh. "And what on Ivalice does this have to do with me?" That name did sound familiar, though. Penelo… Where had he heard that before?
"She was kidnapped, by some group of rough Bangaa!" Migelo said. "They left this note." Migelo held out an envelope of brown paper. "And it says it's for you!"
Balthier frowned. Now that didn't make any sense. A group of rough Bangaa? That could be Ba'Gamnan and his crew, but what did they want with some street orphan? And what was the link to him?
"Can I see that?" Balthier nodded to the note. After a few moments, Migelo handed it over. There wasn't much written there, just 'if you want to see the girl again, come to the Lhusu Mines.'
The Lhusu Mines… that was the magicite mine in Bhujerba. Conveniently, right where Balthier and Fran were headed.
"I'm still not sure what this has to do with me," Balthier said, handing the note back to Migelo. "I've never met this Penelo of yours."
"Yes, you did," Migelo flared. "In Lowtown, two days ago! The whole town was there, practically. Penelo made a dash for Vaan, your fellow prisoner. You talked to her then!"
Balthier let out a small gasp. "Ah. Vaan's girl? I know who talking about now. But I still don't see why Ba'Gamnan would kidnap her, or what you want me to do about it."
"Isn't it obvious?" Migelo barked. "This headhunter of yours thought you two were connected, and that's why he's taken poor little Penelo! So you're going to go straight to Bhujerba and bring her back! That's what you sky pirates do, isn't it?"
Balthier let out a sigh. "Look-"
Migelo cut him off. "I'm not taking no for an answer! It's your fault they took Penelo, and you're going to put things right!"
"Penelo?" A new familiar voice entered the conversation. Vaan stood beside the table, with Basch. Balthier wasn't surprised to see Vaan chasing him down, but Basch?
"What are you two doing here?" Balthier asked, frowning.
"Wait, what happened to Penelo?" Vaan turned from Balthier to Migelo with fear in his eyes.
"Some group of bounty hunters took her!" Migelo replied. "They thought she was connected to this Balthier! But he's going to go and rescue her."
Balthier let out a sigh. "I don't believe I said that."
"You're going to and that's that!" Migelo's voice took on a worried tone. "If anything were to happen to that sweet child… Why, I've her parent's memory to consider! I'd go myself if I could, but-"
"I'll go!" Vaan suddenly announced. "Penelo… I got to get her back!" He turned to Balthier. "Just bring me to Bhujerba, and… and… this is yours!" Vaan pulled out the Dusk Shard and held it out. That horrific feeling filled the air again, setting Balthier's head pounding. Really? Balthier had just decided he didn't need the nethicite, and now Vaan offered it? Understanding what exactly nethicite could be very useful when it came to unearthing the Empire's conspiracies, but wasn't a desire to understand that stone what drove his father mad? Balthier did not like the thought of that.
"Well?" Migelo said impatiently. "Are you going, or aren't you?"
Balthier let out a long sigh. In that moment, he saw himself as quite the goody-two-shoes. He didn't leave Vaan in the sewers just because he pitied the inexperienced little Thief, he helped Amalia even though he didn't trust her an ounce because he couldn't stand the thought of abandoning her to the Imperials, and he helped rescue Basch even though he was beyond suspicious. And now Balthier was about to say he'd go rescue this Penelo because, even if it hadn't been all his fault, if this Bangaa merchant had come crawling over saying some little girl had been kidnapped by bounty hunters, Balthier wouldn't have sat back and looked the other way. No matter how annoying or terribly inconvenient it was to himself, he just couldn't say no. Balthier couldn't decide if this was a bad thing or not, and he didn't care to at the moment. Vaan, Migelo, and even Basch were all staring at him, waiting for his answer. No matter how much he hemmed and hawed about it, Balthier knew what he'd say in the end. Whether good or bad, he classified it at the moment as terribly annoying.
"Fine," Balthier said, throwing up his hands. "Vaan, if you want to come, you'd better hurry up. We're leaving now."
"Wait," Basch said. Balthier had wondered why he was here. "Take me with you, as well. I've business in Bhujerba. That was why Vaan brought me to you."
"Well, doesn't that seem to be where all roads lead?" Balthier said. "You want an audience with the Marquis, I assume?" Basch let out a humph. Balthier smirked at his response. It was obvious that Basch would want to speak with the man. Bhujerba's Marquis Ondore was said to be supporting the Dalmascan resistance, as well as the man who announced Basch's false execution. Ondore was also a friend of the late King Raminas, whom Basch guarded, so it was reasonable to assume the captain had a personal acquaintance with him. Ondore was also the one Vayne was bribing to get magicite. It'd help Balthier's plans to have a word with the Marquis, as well. Perhaps he'd get a chance to listen in on Basch's conversation with the man. That would get him as much information as a direct chat, maybe more.
"Migelo!" Vaan turned to the Bangaa shopkeeper. "I'll be back with Penelo soon. If you see Kytes at the shop, tell him to tell the others not worry, will you?"
"Of course, Vaan," Migelo replied. "You watch yourself out there, alright? I don't want you or Penelo hurt!"
Vaan nodded. "Sure thing."
"Enough chatter," Balthier said. "We're headed to the aerodrome. Are you coming, Vaan?"
"Of course!" Vaan said, nearly jumping with enthusiasm. Balthier could see the kid was worried about his friend, but he could also see excitement in his eyes. Balthier didn't blame him; Vaan had probably never been that far outside Rabanastre before. Balthier knew he'd have been just as excited at his age.
"Then let's go." Balthier started off towards the stairs, Fran, Vaan, and Basch following close behind.
As the foursome walked out of the inn into the streets of Rabanastre The sun was still low in the sky, but the air was warm already, holding the promise of another hot, arid day in the deserts of Dalmasca. There wasn't a lot of talking as they made their way to the aerodrome. When they arrived, the place was already busy, people from all over waiting to board ferries. One such transport was just arriving, spilling a flood of tourists and foreigners into the Rabanastran aerodrome. Balthier wordlessly made a beeline for the personal docking bays, and the others followed. It was then that Vaan finally spoke up.
"So, uh…" Vaan jogged up to walked beside Balthier. "We're taking your airship, right? I mean, you really have your own?"
Balthier let out a chuckle at Vaan's wide, wonder-filled eyes. "Yes."
"I've never actually seen an airship before," Vaan said, nervous excitement filling his voice. "Up close, I mean."
"Well, you're about to," Balthier replied. Vaan didn't say anything else, but it was clear he was still very excited.
The party continued towards the hanger bay. As they approached the hanger door, Strahl's voice sounded in Balthier's mind.
"Hey, you're here! We're leaving? Where're we headed?" Yes, Strahl was her usual bright-and-breezy self. That never changed.
"There's been a little… change of plans," Balthier replied. "I'll fill you in on the way."
"Okeydokey," Strahl replied. "I look forward to it!"
Balthier pushed through the door, leading the party of four into the hanger bay. Strahl sat in just the same spot she had last night, a massive, spectacularly built, beautiful machine. Of course, she was a lot more than that, but no one other than Balthier knew that.
"Here we are," he said to the others without turning to face them. "This is the Strahl."
Vaan broke into a trot, rushing past Balthier and stopping open-mouthed to gape at the great airship docked in the hanger. The look of star-struck wonder on his face was priceless.
Strahl's giggle, bubbling into a full-blown laugh, found its way to Balthier's mind.
"Have a new fan now, do I?" she asked through her mirth.
"It would seem that way," Balthier replied, concealing his own smile at Vaan's awe.
"Wow…" Vaan said at last. "Balthier, you really are a sky pirate!"
Balthier let out a chuckle at that. "The headhunters seem to think so."
Vaan turned back to Strahl. He took a few paces closer, always with his head craned back to gaze over her massive form.
"How fast is she?" Vaan broke into a rhapsody of questions. "Is she armed? Where'd you get her? How-"
"Slow down," Balthier said, walking past Vaan towards Strahl. "Why don't you come aboard and find out?"
Balthier quickly typed in the entry code, and Strahl's door slide open. He marched up the stairs to the cockpit, the others following close behind.
"So, that kid's the Vaan you were talking about, right?" Strahl asked as Balthier took his place in her captain's chair. "And is that Basch? What are they doing here?"
"As I said, I'll fill you in on the way," Balthier replied. Fran sat down in the copilot's seat, and Vaan and Basch took two of the four long-uninhabited passenger seats. Fran was already doing her part to get Strahl's engines moving, and Balthier proceeded to push and flip his necessary buttons and levers. The dome covering the hanger peeled back, letting the brilliant desert sun flood in.
Vaan's excitement had dimmed a little, replaced with an air of determination. He was just a teenager, sure, but it was his adoptive sister that had been kidnapped. It was clear the seriousness of the situation was not lost on Vaan, despite his excitement about leaving Rabanastre. Balthier gave him credit for that.
"Are we ready yet?" Strahl asked, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. Every time they took off, without fail, Strahl was as eager as if it were her first time ever flying. This was no exception.
"That depends," Balthier replied. "Are you ready?"
"Yes!" Strahl replied. Balthier felt a tangible increase in the thrum of her engines beneath the floor with that word.
"Then we are," Balthier said. He turned back to his passengers. "Everyone ready?" Balthier asked. He was met with an affirmative murmur.
"Then…" He turned back to the controls. "Let's fly!"
…
Penelo's only wish in life had been to be a dancer. Really. She loved it, and practiced so often her mother had to tell her to keep it to once a day. Just before the war, she'd talked to a local theater owner, and things had fallen into place so perfectly. She was just about to make her big debut when disaster struck.
The war. Everything went wrong. Penelo's father had been drafted into the army and called to the defensive force at Nalbina. In the days of waiting after Nalbina's fortification, her mother grew ill, and died shortly after the news of their father's death and Dalmasca's defeat arrived.
Then it was just Penelo and her two adopted brothers, Vaan and Reks. They were both older than her, Vaan by one year and Reks by three. With their parents dead, Reks had joined with the Order of Knights to protect the king. Anyone could tell he wanted revenge against the Empire. Reks died during the mission. Then it was just Vaan and Penelo. With the pain of all that death, Penelo hadn't even had time to mourn the loss of her dream.
It had been just Vaan and Penelo for two years. The two of them headed Rabanastre's community of homeless orphans, working as hard as they could to raise enough money to keep all of them alive. They all had dreams- Penelo wanted to be a dancer, and Vaan a sky pirate of all things- but all they could do was just stay alive. And it worked.
Then Vaan broke into the palace. Now he was gone. Gone! Vaan was the only thing Penelo had clung to. Sure, there was Kytes and Sable and all the other orphans, but Vaan was her brother! Without him, Penelo didn't know what to do.
And then things really went wrong. Now this terrifying bunch of Bangaa had kidnapped her. When the four of them first pounced on her in the alleyway, Penelo had no idea what was happening. They kept saying things about someone called Balthier, apparently the man who had stopped her from reaching Vaan. But the bounty hunters didn't believe Penelo when she said she barely knew him. Now, she was locked in some dark room in a place called Bhujerba, her hands bound together, all hope lost. Her parents were gone, Reks was gone, now Vaan was gone, too. Of course this sky pirate guy wasn't going to come and rescue her like Ba'Gamnan thought. Penelo usually tried to keep an optimistic outlook, but there in that dark cell, she had wholly abandoned the idea of ever seeing daylight again.
A door at the opposite end of the room swung open, and the leader of the group of Bangaa headhunters stepped in. Behind Ba'Gamnan were his three Bangaa henchmen, each just as ruthless as he.
"Up, girl," Ba'Gamnan sneered. "It's time we were off. Balthier will be here soon."
"I keep trying to tell you!" Penelo cried, hoping she could finally get the words out. "I barely even know who Balthier is!"
"Barely know him, do you?" A scowl crossed Ba'Gamnan's reptilian lips. "But the Strahl's set sail from Rabanastre. You say you barely know him, yet in a trice he comes bounding off after you! How is that?"
"That's what I'd like to know!" Penelo shouted back. "I told you, I only met him that once! I-"
"Does that tongue never stop?" Ba'Gamnan hissed. "What is we plucked it from your head?"
Penelo fell silent after that. She had no idea if these cruel creatures would make good on that threat, and she had no desire to find out. Her terror grew with every moment she spent in that place, and she struggled not to let it spill over. Freaking out wouldn't help.
"Get up," Ba'Gamnan said, making a sharp gesture with his hand. "With Balthier on the way, it's time we got down into the mines."
Wordlessly, Penelo struggle to stand with her hands bound. She was shaking all over, and that only made finding her feet harder. As soon as she was on her feet, Ba'Gamnan signaled for one of his henchmen. The large Bangaa attached a chain to Penelo's hand cuff and dragged her after them.
"We'll have our prize soon," Ba'Gamnan said to his entourage, grim excitement in his voice. "But be careful! You know, Balthier's corpse fetches only half the bounty!"
The three other Bangaa set off laughing at that. It was that rough, scratchy laugh that all Bangaa had. Penelo closed her eyes and ignored the cruel edge to that laugh, imagining it was Migelo's, the kind shopkeeper who employed her and the other orphans. If only it were…
…
Clouds broke over Strahl's windshield, blowing back to reveal clear blue sky. The blue sky fell away into blue ocean, broken by the large shape hovering just above the horizon, growing larger with every moment.
The Skycity of Bhujerba was located on one of the many floating islands scattered over the face of Ivalice. This one hovered over the open ocean, just to the east of Ivalice's one great continent. Bhujerba was currently an independent city-state, and not one without influence. Despite their small size, Bhujerba had a decent miliary. However, they could never hope to win a full-on war with Archadia. That was why their ruler, Marquis Halim Ondore, had signed treaties with the Empire. Bhujerba paid Archadia homage and lived freely… for the time being.
By airship, the trip to Bhujerba took about two hours. During the flight, Vaan and Basch struck up a conversation… sort of. It was more Vaan talking and Basch saying an occasional 'yes,' or just nodding. Vaan even tried to pull Fran into it, but he failed. She said something about focusing on driving, and Balthier had to hide a smirk at that. Out it the open like this, there was little driving to be done other keeping straight, and that was his job. It was obvious Fran just didn't want to chat.
Balthier excused himself from the conversation also. He spent that time explaining to Strahl what had happened in Rabanastre, and each of their reasons for going to Bhujerba. Strahl informed him of a rumor from around the aerodrome that some important persons from Archadia's political world were gathered at Bhujerba for a long conference with the Marquis. That meant there would be more imperials present in the city than usual. Just one more problem for them to face.
"We're almost there!" Strahl announced jubilantly. "We'll be arriving in about fifteen minutes, I'd say."
"We're still out in the open for now," Balthier said. "I think this seems like the perfect time to practice."
"Practice… what?" Strahl asked, though Balthier knew she already knew.
"You know what I mean, Strahl," Balthier said with a sigh. Over the years, Strahl had shown that, with a lot of effort, she could exert some semblance of control over her shell. It was one more impossible thing about the little airship, but Balthier was used to that by now. It wasn't very much, and it rarely made a difference, but it was Balthier's theory that if she learned how to use that control, if she practiced, that one day it could be very useful indeed.
Unfortunately, Strahl didn't seem to think that it would work and was very rarely happy about practicing.
"But… But what if I can't do it?" Strahl feebly searched for an excuse. "What if I crash?"
"There's nothing around you but clouds," Balthier replied. "I'm right here, anyways. I'll be able to take back control before we hit the water."
"But… Oh…" Strahl broke off before her voice could take on a wine. She let out a sigh. "Fine. It's not my fault if you all drown, though."
Balthier felt Strahl tense as he took his hands off the steering wheel. He kept them right over the wheel, partly so he'd be ready to catch it if Strahl lost control and partly so that his fellow passengers wouldn't notice. The wheel turned a little, but Strahl's course didn't change.
"You're doing good so far," Balthier said.
"I… I don't think I can hold it anymore!" Strahl's voice filled with panic. Balthier calmly rested his hands back on the steering wheel just as Strahl veered the slightest bit. He quickly pulled them back on course. Vaan and Basch were oblivious, but Balthier could feel Fran's eyes on him. She didn't say anything, though, so Balthier ignored her.
"I told you I couldn't do it," Strahl said, practically pouting.
"You did better than last time," Balthier replied. "That means you're improving. And if you keep practicing, you'll get even better."
Strahl let out a long sigh bordering on a groan but said nothing.
"You keep saying you wish you could do something to help us, right?" Balthier said. "If you get good at this, then you just might be able to."
"I guess you're right…" Strahl said with a sigh.
"Are we there yet?" Vaan's question broke through Balthier and Strahl's conversation.
"Almost," Balthier replied. Yes, in just a few minutes they'd be in Bhujerba, then the real adventure would begin.
…
The aerodrome at Bhujerba was buzzing with people. Humans, Bangaa, and Moogles were scattered all over, and there were even a few Seeq here and there. Balthier and his new patchwork crew left Strahl in the hanger, and after Balthier gave the attendants strict instructions that his vessel was to be left alone, they emerged into the streets of Bhujerba.
It was a magnificent feeling, standing on a sky continent. The city itself looked like nothing special, with streets and houses, and plants sprouting up here and there. The difference came from around the city. The clouds were so close, the rich blue sky wreathed all around, and cool breezes cut through the already crisp air, thrumming with a strange sort of life. On the road from the aerodrome, guard rails stood between the street's edge and open skies. Balthier had been to Bhujerba once before, with Fran, but the sight was no less grand than the first time.
"Remember," Balthier said. "We don't want to be conspicuous. Basch here is a long-dead king slayer, and we certainly don't want news of his presence getting out. So no names, understood?" Balthier made sure to look right at Vaan when he said that. The warning was for everyone, but he suspected Vaan would be the one to slip up and land them in hot water if it were to happen.
"So, where is the… what was it called? The Lhusu Mine?" Vaan asked.
"It's on the other side of town, if my memory serves me correctly," Balthier replied.
"You're headed to the mine?" A new voice thrust itself into the conversation. The one who spoke was a boy, leaning against the railing and gazing off over the endless sky and sea. The kid was younger than Vaan, not possibly older then thirteen. He had jet-black hair and was dressed in cloths that reminded Balthier too much of an Archadian noble. The boy's accent, too, hinted at an Archadian origin.
"What's it to you?" Balthier replied.
"I've an errand to attend there, as well," the boy said. Though he had to look up to do it, the boy met Balthier's gaze unwaveringly, as if he were an equal. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I'd like to accompany you. I promise to repay you for your service."
"Exactly what errand it this?" Balthier asked.
"I could say the same to you," the boy replied with the same confident air.
Balthier let out a scoff. His first instinct was to say no, but, then again, what did this kid want in the Lhusu Mines? From his speech and clothing, he was obviously an Archadian of some standing, and the way he spoke, he had some definite mission in mind. That he wouldn't tell Balthier made it all the more suspicious. Besides, the kid seemed brave enough, and he might even know his way around the city. He could be an asset on their rescue mission.
"Alright, fine," Balthier said at last. "You can come along. But behave yourself, won't you?"
"You have my deepest gratitude," the boy said, giving a courtly bow. He was definitely a noble.
"I'm Vaan," Vaan said. "And this is Balthier, Basch, and Fran."
It took all Balthier's self-control not to shout at Vaan right there and then. What had he said about names? Had Vaan really forgotten already? Luckily, the boy showed no recognition of the name Basch.
"What's your name?" Vaan continued.
"Oh, I-I'm Lamont," the boy said, not sounding very confident about it. So, a false name, too. This Lamont certainly had some secrets.
"If we're all settled, let's be off," Balthier said. "The mines are waiting."
Lamont was relatively friendly, but never revealed anything about his past through his words except that he had a refined upbringing. Either he was a lot older than he looked, or he was a lot more mature than his age. Lamont addressed Balthier, Basch, and Fran not without respect, but as a responsible adult, even though he barely looked like a teenager. This annoyed Balthier to no end, but he held his tongue and focused on probing some information out of Lamont. Unfortunately, every indirect route Balthier took with his questions, Lamont shrugged off and weaved his way out of with ease, another thing that annoyed Balthier. The kid was a born politician.
"The mines are just up ahead," Lamont said as the party rounded a street corner. Buildings made of sand-colored stone flanked the road on either side.
"There will likely be imperial guards there," Basch said, his face grave as usual. "We will need a plan to sneak past them."
"Actually," Lamont said, "there are no guards at the mine. With only a few exceptions, the Imperial army is not permitted in Bhujerba."
"Really?" Balthier asked. "That's intriguing. And how do you know that? Spend a lot of time here, Lamont?"
"Wait, don't you live here?" Vaan asked.
Balthier let out a short chuckle. "It's obvious he's a born and bred Archadian, isn't it?"
"What?" Vaan's eyes widened, and he turned back to Lamont. "You're from the Empire?"
"Is that a crime?" Lamont asked. He looked a little offended, just the slightest bit confused. Seeing the kid not completely sure of himself was almost satisfying. Vaan said nothing more, so Balthier continued his line of questioning.
"So, Lamont, how is it that you know about the Empire's policies in Bhujerba?"
"Does it matter?" Lamont said. He turned and pointed across the terrace ahead. "Look. We're here."
Across the open terrace, past large, leafy bushes and bubbling fountains, sat the gapping black mouth of a deep cave. Pillars held up its entrance, carved of some blueish rock that stood in stark contrast to the sandy-colored stone of the terrace.
"Whoa," Vaan said. "That's where we're headed?"
"That's the place," Balthier replied.
"Won't there be people inside, though?" Vaan asked. "Like, miners and stuff?"
"Mining operations have been slow recently," Lamont said. "And when they are going, it's only deep in the west wing. We should be safe."
"Then, let's head in, shall we?" Balthier said, starting off without waiting for a reply. He wanted to find this Penelo and get on with his own business at Bhujerba. The others followed him, and they all disappeared into the shadowy recesses of the Lhusu Mines.