Chapter Eighteen
The Lhusu Mines at Bhujerba
Year 706 of the Old Valendian Calendar
Inside the Lhusu Mines, the only light came from the occasional lamp high up on the cavern's roof, leaving the Lhusu Mines swathed mostly in shadow. Every now and then, a vein of magicite could be seen, a glowing streak of blue or orange over the wall of dark stone. Abandoned miner's tools lay here and there, an old shovel or rusting pickax leaning against the wall. The faint sound of dripping water came from far away, echoing out of the mines' depths. Ahead, the massive cavern narrowed, splitting into two winding tunnels.
"Which path do we take?" Basch asked.
"Well, Lamont said most of the mining work take place down in the west wing," Balthier said, "so we'll want the other path. It makes sense Ba'Gamnan would be where there're the least people watching."
"Then let's get going," Vaan said. "We need to find Penelo, and fast."
"And Penelo is your…?" Lamont asked.
"She's a friend," Vaan replied. "Some bounty hunters kidnapped her and told us to come here."
"Bounty hunters? Ah." Lamont glanced over the group with renewed interest. "So the three of you are… sky pirates?"
Balthier let out a sigh. "Vaan, try not to spill every secret in the book, will you?"
"That was a secret?" Vaan asked.
Balthier sighed again. "Maybe it would be better if you just didn't talk at all." Vaan's shoulders slumped, but there wasn't time for that now. Balthier nodded towards righthand passageway. "Come on, everyone. Let's be off."
The Lhusu Mines were very different from the Barheim Passageway. The Passage had earthen walls, with paths and lights made by ancient machinery, and the Lhusu Mines had a similar man-made structure to them, up to a point. But as the party progressed deeper underground, the mines became simple tunnels carved from solid rock, lit only by the sparse glow of magicite veins crisscrossing the ceiling and walls. They went so far down Balthier began to wonder if Ba'Gamnan was there at all. The deeper down they went, the narrower the tunnels got. The ceiling was never so low they had to stoop, but there were places where it got dangerously close. Rounding a corner, Balthier, at the front of the group, was the first to see the miraculous sight.
The tunnel suddenly opening into a massive cavern, the roof soaring high overhead. Flecks of glowing blue magicite covered the walls like glitter, but their glow was dim in the sunlight.
Yes, sunlight! Over the floor and walls were massive holes, craters through which showed bright blue sky. It was a startling reminder that Bhujerba was a sky continent; in reality, they were not deep underground but high in the sky. The sudden sight of the sky after such a long time underground was so shocking Balthier stopped short as soon as he entered the cavern. The others, in turn, filed out and stopped, taking in the incredible sight.
"Wow…" Vaan breathed. He was the only one that spoke for several moments.
As spectacular as it was, they were there for a reason, and Balthier wasn't going to sit around and enjoy the view, as much as he would have liked to.
"This looks like the end of the road," he said. "What do you think? Do we head back and try the west wing?"
"That seems to be our only option," Basch replied.
"What?" Disappointment flickered in Vaan's eyes. "We came all the way down here for nothing?"
"Ba'Gamnan isn't here," Fran said. "We have no choice but to return."
"Wait," Lamont cut into the conversation.
"Listen," Balthier said before he could continue. "You're only along for the ride, Lamont. This is our business. I suggest you stay out of it."
"Look over there," Lamont said, pointing across the voluminous cavern. "There's another passage at the end. See it?"
Balthier could see it. Passed a cliff that dropped away into open sky was another tunnel, leading out of the massive cavern.
"It seems Lamont is right," Balthier said, though it was very hard to admit. "We have one more place to explore. If Ba'Gamnan isn't there, we head back."
The others murmured their agreement, and the group set off towards the last passageway. Time for one more try.
The tunnel opened into another cavern. This one wasn't nearly as large as the previous one and lacked the pieces of sky showing through. However, it was a massively rich magicite deposit. There was more magicite over the walls, floor and ceiling than there was stone, and their azure glow filled the cavern.
Magicite usually had no effect on Balthier, but here there was so much he could feel it, the thrum of the stone rippling through the air. It was like the nethicite, but not nearly so conspicuous or painful. Then that familiar, awful throbbing of nethicite erupted again, drowning out the pleasant hum of magicite. Balthier remembered experiments at Draklor, where the nethicite there had responded powerfully to the presence of magicite, and Vaan had the Dusk Shard with him, to his knowledge; could the stone be reacting in the same way?
"Ah-ha!" Lamont said, gazing over the cavern before them. "This is what I came to see." He walked over to the wall, kneeling down near a broad stripe of magicite in the floor. Lamont pulled a small blue stone from his shirt. The clean-cut crystal pulsed with a brilliant ultramarine glow as he held it to the magicite. It also emitted a familiar, horrible feeling…
"It's true…" Lamont said to himself. Balthier got a sickening feeling inside.
"What is that thing?" Vaan asked, staring at Lamont's little crystal.
"Manufactured nethicite," Lamont replied. "I wasn't entirely certain, but now I have the proof I need."
Those two words made Balthier's blood run cold. Manufactured nethicite? That did not sound good in the slightest. And where did a kid like Lamont get such a thing?
"Nethicite?" Vaan's face furrowed with confusion. "What's that?"
"Unlike regular magicite, nethicite absorbs magical energy," Lamont explained. "At least, so I've been told. This stone is the fruit of years' research into the manufacture of nethicite. All carried out in the capable hands of Draklor Laboratories."
That was it. Lamont knew something, something big, and Balthier wasn't waiting a moment to hear it.
"Errand all attended to, then?" he asked, approaching Lamont's place by the wall.
"Yes," Lamont replied, standing. "I'll repay you shortly."
"No, you'll repay me now." Balthier came up close, practically pinning Lamont against the wall. "I want answers. Where did you hear about nethicite? Where did you get that sample you carry? What do you know about Draklor Laboratories?" Lamont tried to dart away, but Balthier planted one hand against the wall, blocking his escape route with his arm. "Tell me, Lamont: who are you?"
"Balthier, stop!" That was Fran's voice. The deep concern there caught Balthier's attention, as well as alerted him that he was being far too rough with the kid. But before he could do or say anything, a new voice broke through the air.
"Balthier! You've come at last!"
Balthier spun around. There, bathed by magicite's glow, stood a large green-scaled Bangaa holding a long, saw-edged sword. The crude blade glinted in the stones' light.
"Ah." Balthier narrowed his eyes. "I was wondering where you'd gotten to, Ba'Gamnan."
"Where's Penelo?" Vaan asked. "We're taking her back."
Ba'Gamnan let out a dark chuckle. "The girl? Why keep the bait when you've already caught the fish? We cut her loose on the way here, and off she ran! Who knows where-"
Ba'Gamnan cut off sharply as a shape flew past him. Lamont bolted for the cavern entrance, fast as a racing chocobo. Taking advantage of Ba'Gamnan's surprise, Fran started after Lamont, Vaan on her heels. Balthier dislike the idea of running from the bounty hunter, but it didn't seem there was much choice in the matter. He dashed off following the others, Basch just behind him.
Somehow, Balthier found himself racing back up the dark tunnels he'd walked down just a few minutes earlier. Lithe little Lamont was far out in front, streaking ahead like he had a whole army after him. Fran was next in line, her Viera agility carrying her at a quick pace with little effort. Vaan was just behind her, displaying that same speed he'd used to outrun Balthier back in the palace all those nights ago. Balthier ran several yards behind Vaan, and he found himself feeling slow when compared to all his companions. At least Basch displayed no great dexterity; the captain trailed behind, occasionally having to swing his sword at Ba'Gamnan or some other Bangaa when they got too close.
Eventually, the Bangaa bounty hunters ran out of stamina, stopping one by one, until no pursuers were left in sight. The party kept on running, nonetheless, lest Ba'Gamnan and his henchmen got back up and resumed the chase. Besides, Lamont looked like nothing in the world would stop his sprint. Eventually, they made it back into the entrance cavern, Lamont still far in the lead. When Balthier, Fran, Vaan, and Basch made it out through the entrance, Balthier immediately ducked behind one of the pillars, motioning for the others to join him. He didn't like what he saw.
Four Archadian knights and Judge Balthier didn't recognize stood just near the mines' entrance. With them was a grey-haired man, wearing ornate orange and white robes. Balthier, like many others, knew that man's face: Marquis Halim Ondore. What was he doing there? Bhujerba's ruler and an Archadian Judge: that looked important indeed. Lamont, dashing down the steps up to the mines' entrance, slowed his pace and approached the party of important persons.
"There you are," said the Judge, turning to Lamont. "I see you have been out without the company of your cortege, Lord Larsa."
Lord Larsa? That was a name Balthier knew. Larsa Soldier was the fifth son of Archadia's Emperor Gramis. Balthier had expect 'Lamont' was someone important, but this was beyond his suspicions.
"Judge Ghis." Larsa made a bow to the Judge. "I apologize. And Marquis." Larsa turned and gave the Marquis a similar bow. "You needn't all have come looking for me. If I have distributed the council at all, I must extend my deepest apologies." Larsa bowed again.
"No, no, do not trouble yourself, Lord Larsa," Marquis Ondore said. His Bhujerban accent was very thick. "We all needed a break, at any length. As long as you are unharmed, everything is in order."
Larsa nodded, then glanced over at one of the knights accompanying Judge Ghis and Marquis Ondore. Balthier noticed for the first time that knight held a girl with blond pigtails, who looked quite out of place among the citizens of Bhujerba. Larsa's eyes widened.
"Judge Ghis, who is this?" he asked, taking a step towards the girl. Balthier felt like he recognized her, too. Wasn't that…?
His suspicions were confirmed when Vaan tried to dash out from behind their pillar. Balthier grabbed his arm and yanked the kid back.
"Not now," he whispered.
"But that's Penelo!" Vaan said, at least trying to keep his voice down. Balthier just shook his head. Now was not the time.
"We found this girl coming out of the mines, Lord Larsa," Judge Ghis said. "You must take care with such undesirables about."
"No!" Penelo spoke up. "I told you, I was kidnapped-"
"Silence!" Ghis cut off Penelo's plea.
"No, stop," Larsa said. "If it is a crime to wander on one's own, then I, too, and guilty." He turned to Ondore. "Marquis, I trust your estate can accommodate one more guest?"
Ondore glanced between Larsa and Penelo, then shrugged. "Why not? I've no quarrel with the girl. If that is your request, Lord Larsa, I will gladly grant it."
A smile crossed the young prince's lips. "Ghis, I shall heed your council. I shall travel unaccompanied no longer." Much the surprise of everyone watching, Larsa reached out and took Penelo's hand, dragging the shocked girl away from the knight that held her, up the stairway to the terrace, and out of sight.
Ghis and Ondore stared after them for a few moments in silence.
"That was unexpected," Ghis said finally. Ondore let out a chuckled, shaking his head. His humor faded quickly, however.
"Come now, Ghis," Ondore said. "Our discussions have been delayed long enough."
"Indeed," Ghis answered. "It is time we returned to the council."
With that, they followed Larsa and Penelo up the stairs, leaving only the hidden spectators at the mines' entrance. Vaan did not look very happy.
"What does that Lamont think he's doing?" Vaan fumed.
"That's no Lamont," Balthier said. "Didn't you hear that Judge? Lord Larsa Solidor, son of Emperor Gramis and brother to Vayne."
"What?" Vaan stared at the place Larsa had disappeared. "That kid? And he's got Penelo?"
"Don't worry," Fran said. A tiny smile of amusement crossed her lips. "I believe he will treat her well."
Vaan sighed, then turned to Balthier. "So, how do we get Penelo back now?"
"It would seem all our errands meet in the same place," Basch said. "We only need to meet with the Marquis."
"Easier said than done," Balthier said. "We'll never get near his estate on our own, so we need him to take notice of us. How to go about that…"
"If news of my survival were to spread, Ondore would surely find his position compromised," Basch started.
"So if we were to raise clamor to that effect," Balthier picked up, "we just might find ourselves on his to-do list. A bit of a bother, but I don't see any other way."
"So, we just parade Basch around town," Vaan said. "How hard can that be?"
"We don't actually want to overthrow anyone here," Balthier said. "Ideally, we want the Marquis to hear that Basch is around town, but not actually have anyone believe it. That will be a bit tougher."
"Well, what if I go around saying I'm Basch?" Vaan said. "No one would believe it, but the guards just might tell the Marquis."
"Claiming to be Basch is hardly a safe task," Balthier said. "You understand who you'll be dealing with? If Marquis Ondore really is working with the resistance like everyone says, it'll be his secret, underhanded police force he sends to bring in Basch, perhaps even the anti-imperial movement itself. I can't guarantee that'll be a pleasant experience."
"I don't care," Vaan replied. "I've gotta save Penelo!"
"If you are willing," Basch said, "then I would be most grateful." Vaan nodded.
"Sounds like a plan," Balthier said. "Vaan, you go about spreading the word, and we'll follow you from a safe distance. When Ondore's operatives apprehend you, we'll tag along and hopefully get ourselves a ticket to the Marquis's estate. And don't worry, if things get hairy, we'll jump in and lend a hand."
"Alright!" Vaan nodded. "Let's go!"
…
Penelo had no idea what just happened. One moment, imperial knights held her captive, and the next, this kid grabbed her hand and dragged her away. By the way even the marquis of Bhujerba treated him, this Larsa was obviously someone important, though Penelo hadn't a clue who.
Once they reached the top of the stairway, Larsa let go of Penelo's hand.
"You're Penelo, correct?" he asked. Penelo let out a gasp.
"How do you know who I am?" she asked.
Larsa made a motion for them to keep walking, then spoke. "I met friends of yours in the mine, the sky pirate Balthier and his crew. They were looking for you."
"Wait." Penelo frowned in confusion. "That guy came after me?"
"Of course," Larsa replied. "Isn't he a friend of yours?"
Penelo shook her head. "No, I barely know him. Wait…" Hope sparked inside her for the first time since the night of the fete. "Was Vaan with him?"
Larsa nodded. "Yes, there was a boy named Vaan there."
Penelo let out a sigh of relief. "Then I've got to go back!"
"No, not with Judge Ghis and the Marquis watching," Larsa said. "But don't worry. You'll be safe at the Marquis's estate until I can make arrangements for you to be sent home. Where are you from, Penelo?"
"Rabanastre," Penelo replied.
"Perfect," Larsa said with a smile. "I will be departing for Rabanastre this evening. Would you be so kind as to accompany me until then?"
"Uh, sure," Penelo replied. This Larsa seemed nice enough, and it wasn't like she had anywhere else to go.
But soon she'd be back in Rabanastre, with Vaan. She clung to that hope.
Ondore's estate was very impressive. Chandeliers, balconies, grand hallways; Penelo had only ever dreamed of such things.
Larsa brought Penelo to an ornate drawing room up on the second floor. One side opened up into a large balcony, providing a splendid view of Bhujerba and the ocean below. Penelo, exhausted from her long day of capture and rescue, plopped down on a long sofa, while Larsa sat at a desk and worked on a letter of some sort. The room was silent save for the scritch of Larsa's pen and the bubbling of a fountain on the street far below. At first, the quiet was comfortable. It gave Penelo time to think over what had just happened. This Larsa was a prince, she had learned on the way there. He was the son of Emperor Gramis Solidor, the ruler of the Empire Penelo so despised. However, Larsa had been nothing but kind to her since they met. Their walk to Ondore's estate was almost enjoyable. Penelo had told Larsa her story, about Vaan's arrest and her capture. Larsa explained that he was in Bhujerba to represent House Solidor at some sort of convention, but that he couldn't tell her any more. Penelo was amazed by Larsa's maturity; he was obviously younger than she was, but seemed far wiser. She supposed that, as the Emperor's son, Larsa had seen a lot more than most kids his age.
After a while, the silence became awkward. When Penelo could stand it no longer, she spoke up.
"So, Vaan's really alright?" she asked. She'd asked it before, but she couldn't think of any other way to start a conversation.
"Yes," Larsa said with a nod, folding up the letter he was working on. "You'll rejoin him shortly. Until then, I promise you will be kept safe."
"Thank you," Penelo said, still feeling awkward. Her conversation hadn't gotten very far.
"I am troubled by your story, however," Larsa continued. "It appears the imperial guard at Rabanastre have overstepped their bounds. I will have to speak with my brother on this matter."
"What?" Penelo asked, confused.
"Rabanastre's new consul, Vayne, is my brother," Larsa replied. Penelo let out a gasp. It made perfect sense; Vayne was also Emperor Gramis's son. But it had never occurred to her that Larsa could be the brother of that dark, sinister man.
"The first duty of a consul is to maintain order," Larsa continued. He stood from his chair and walked over to the balcony. "My brother is not one given to failure. Perhaps things aren't going as well as they could be…" Larsa's face fell momentarily, then he turned to Penelo with a smile. "Give him time, and he will put things to rights. Don't worry; my brother is a remarkable man."
"He scares me," Penelo said, without really thinking about it. Larsa's young face fell in confusion.
"Why?" he asked.
"I'm sorry. He is your brother," Penelo said, shaking her head. "But… you don't understand how much we all lost in the war. Family, friends, homes." Penelo sat back in the couch with a sigh. "I know it's not your fault, but…"
"You mean… You fear the Empire?" Larsa's brow furrowed in a muted mixture of confusion and worry.
"Well… Yeah." Penelo didn't want to hurt Larsa's feelings, but she wasn't going to lie to him either. "They've taken everything away from us, and even now we aren't free. You never know what'll happen. Everyone's scared of the Empire."
Larsa stared silently out the balcony, over the streets of Bhujerba. After a few moments, he turned back to Penelo.
"Things were not meant to be that way." In one swift motion, Larsa knelt down in front to the sofa, looking up at Penelo with imploring eyes. "Listen to me. The men of my family, we are taught to put the needs of others before our own. However things have been in the past, you needn't fear as long as my brother rules. He will protect Rabanastre, just as I will protect you until you are safely home. That is the duty of House Solidor.
"But…" The memory surfaced in Penelo's mind of Vayne, on the day of the speech. He spoke so convincingly, and yet there was that look behind his eyes, something sly and deceitful. He had worn that same look the night he arrested Vaan. "How can I trust you?"
"Because I give you my word," Larsa said, no doubt in his voice. "My brother would do no less."
The look in his eyes… Penelo felt she could trust Larsa. But Vayne? Well, if Larsa thought he was trustworthy, then perhaps he was right.
…
"I'm the Captain Basch von Rosenburg of Dalmasca!"
Vaan stood on top of a fountain in the terrace beyond the mine, shouting out to everyone within earshot. The poor kid looked ridiculous, proclaiming to the masses that he was a long-dead killer of kings. Everyone who heard stared at him like he was a lunatic, and rightly so. Balthier was very glad it was Vaan throwing away his dignity for their cause and not him.
As Vaan progressed farther into town, Balthier, Fran, and Basch shadowed him from a safe distance.
"He's doing a good job," Balthier said to Fran. Basch walked a few feet ahead of them.
Fran nodded. "If your theories are correct, we'll be caught soon."
Then there was silence. Conversations with Fran usually went that way. Balthier had gotten used to it over the years. Only now, Fran fixed Balthier with that stare of hers, the searching, penetrating stare he so despised. He managed to ignore it.
"Wait, look." Balthier stopped Fran and Basch and nodded ahead. Two rough-looking individuals, a burly man and a grey-scaled Bangaa, closed in on Vaan.
"Boy," the burly man addressed Vaan. "You will come with us." Vaan cast a helpless glance back at Balthier, who nodded. This was their plan; as long as Vaan could play along, then things would go just fine.
"Alright," Vaan said, a little shakily. The grey-scaled Bangaa grabbed one of Vaan's arms, then started dragging him towards a nearby tavern.
"That's our cue," Balthier said, signaling to Fran and Basch. "Don't let Vaan out of your sights."
The Bangaa hauled Vaan into the tavern, the burly man following behind. Balthier, Fran, and Basch entered the tavern warily, keeping at a safe distance. The burly man sat down at one of the many round tables scattered about, while the Bangaa dragged Vaan towards a doorway in the back. Balthier tried to follow, but the burly man stood up and blocked their path.
"And where do you think you're going?" the man asked.
"Is that back room off-limits?" Balthier asked, holding eye contact with the man.
"Yes," the man replied.
"We have reason to enter," Basch said, coming up to face the man. The man's eyes widened.
"You're…?" he broke off with a chuckle, his astonishment melting away. "The word is true. Won't Havharo be shocked? Fine." The man gestured to the back room. "Go on in. But I'll be watching, hear?"
"Don't worry, we'll behave ourselves," Balthier said, then turned back to his two companions. "Come on, then, let's not leave Vaan to his fate."
Balthier pushed the back door open slowly; its hinges made no creaking. Inside, the room was dimly lit, with a single long table set on its smooth tiled floor. A lone man sat at the table, dressed in usual Bhujerban attire. The grey-scaled Bangaa stood over Vaan, who sat in an undignified heap on the floor.
"This is him, Havharo!" the Bangaa said. "Says he's Captain Basch, he does!"
"Really?" the man at the table, Havharo, arched an eyebrow. "He would sooner pass for the king."
"Argh!" the Bangaa hissed. "I knew he weren't the captain! What do we do with him now, Havharo?"
"Wait." Havharo held up a hand to stop the Bangaa. "It seems we have visitors."
"I was wondering when you'd notice," Balthier said, stepping out of the doorway into the torchlight. Behind him came Fran, then Basch.
"Ah," Havharo said as he spotted the last of their group. "So Basch von Rosenburg does yet live."
"We have business with the Marquis," Basch said.
"I have no doubt," Havharo replied. "But first, I've quite a few questions for you."
Balthier, Fran, Vaan, and Basch spent the next long hour telling Havharo and his resistance allies their story. Basch did most of the talking, retelling his tale of King Raminas's assassination, and of his rescue. Havharo asked many questions on his own, prying all the information he could out of Basch, who held little back. Balthier was glad Havharo didn't seem interested in anyone other than Basch.
"That is quite the story," Havharo said when it was finished. "The Marquis will be overjoyed to hear of your escape."
"We'd like to tell him ourselves," Balthier said. "How about that audience you promised us?"
"Yes, yes, the Marquis will want to see Basch," Havharo said, nodding. "And I'm certain he'll allow you others to pick up your friend as well."
"How soon can this audience be arranged?" Basch asked.
"As soon as my agents reach Ondore," Havharo replied. "I'll let you know as soon as that is. Until then, you're free to stay here. It shouldn't be long."
And it wasn't. After only half an hour more, a few agents arrived to escort Basch and his companions through a secret passage to Ondore's estate. Everyone was focused on Basch and his great need to see the Marquis, but Balthier was just as eager for his own reasons. He couldn't wait to find out exactly what Vayne was using all that magicite for.
…
After their arrival at the estate, two Bhujerban guards led Balthier, Fran, Vaan, and Basch to a pair of double doors. The guards said that the Marquis was waiting inside, then left them.
"This is it," Balthier said, half to himself. "What we've all been waiting for."
"Why are we still waiting?" Vaan said. Balthier chuckled at Vaan's impatience, and Basch threw open the doors. Inside, Marquis Ondore stood alone, staring out a large picture window, his back to the newcomers. The grand sight of Bhujerba spread out before them, a city that cut through the clouds, surrounded on all sides by endless sky, tinged red in the beginnings of sunset.
"You're here." Ondore turned to face the party. "Basch. It has been some years since I saw your face."
"And I yours," Basch replied.
"To see you alive and free is a relief, I must say," Ondore said. "With you out of imperial hands, I have much less to worry about."
"Uh, I have a friend who's here," Vaan cut in. "With Larsa? Can we see her?"
"I'm afraid you're too late," Ondore said, turning to Vaan. "Lord Larsa has already rejoined the imperial fleet; he took the girl with him. They'll be departing shortly."
"What? No!" Vaan's face fell in disappointment. Balthier felt frustration coiled up inside; even after all that, they couldn't catch that girl?
"Marquis," Basch said. "I've a favor to ask of you. The Empire, they have captured very important member of the resistance in Rabanastre: a woman named Amalia." That perked Balthier's interest. It wasn't anything about Vayne's plans, but he had been wondering just who Amalia was.
"I see." Ondore nodded slowly. "And you think she is…?"
"I have no doubt," Basch replied, being annoyingly ambiguous. "I met with resistance members at the capital. Captain Azelas confirmed it."
"Mm." Unease flickered in the Marquis's eyes.
"His information says she is here, with this fleet," Basch said. "I ask your assistance in retrieving her."
"That is a tall order," Ondore replied. "I do have my position to think of. If I am caught, your resistance will lose a valuable ally." Ondore turned back to the window, stroking his chin in thought. "Although," he said after a moment, "you might go yourselves. That is, if you think the enemy's chains an easy enough burden to bear."
Basch frowned in confusion, then realization dawned on his face.
"Chains?" Vaan hadn't caught on yet. "What does he mean?"
"If Amalia is on Ghis's ship, then you may easily go and rescue her," Ondore said, turning back to the group. "If you go as prisoners yourselves."
Basch nodded, then reached for his sword.
"Wait!" Balthier called out. He didn't mind if Basch wanted to be captured by imperials and go on some suicide escape-and-rescue mission, but he wanted no part in it. To stop the Empire, yes, to uncover Vayne's plot, yes, but Balthier had no desire to go charging in to rescue some mysterious resistance leader. And if imperial guards came it to lug them off to Judge Ghis, Balthier doubted they'd leave anyone in that room save Ondore.
"Sorry," Basch said. "Can't be helped." He whipped out his sword, holding it threateningly before the Marquis. Ondore shouted for guards, and the double doors flung open as five imperial knights rushed in. Basch lowered his sword.
"They're to be taken to Ghis," Ondore said, stepping back from Basch. Balthier fought the urge to fight back as the guards gathered around and secured handcuffs on everyone in the room. It would probably be a losing fight, anyway. So, not only had he failed at learning about Vayne's plans and rescuing Penelo, Balthier was now being dragged off as an unwilling participant in a reckless rescue plan. What else could go wrong?
End Part Two, Act One: Spark