The Master of Lionel: Chapter Three – Zalmo, the Heretic Examiner

By Leitbur

Wow, it's hard to believe I've been gone away this long. A year and a half, disgraceful! Still, with my computer dying on me and not being able to afford a new one until recently, I suppose it couldn't be helped. Oh well, I just hope some of you are still out there. If not, I guess I can't blame you. Well, here's the new chapter.

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Ramza took a step back as his shocked face went white. "A… a Heresy Examiner? Are you sure Rad, I mean…"

"Quite sure Ramza sir. He arrived at dusk yesterday. I've been riding non-stop as fast as I could to…" His voice trailed off as the sound of mounted chocobos arose from behind him down the road. "Drat, I didn't lose them after all."

Regaining his composure at the seemingly new threat, Ramza glanced down the road. "Who didn't you lose?"

Sighing, Rad replied, "The bandits that I ran into on the way."

Reaching for the hilt of his sword out of instinct, Ramza suddenly realized that he was not fully dressed, and thus not in battle armor. Running back towards the camp and his armor as Rad drew his own sword, Ramza shouted, "Bandits incoming! To arms!" Carmine and Fredrick had it much easier as neither wore heavy armor in combat. They or course were now up and heading out to join Rad on the road as the rumbling of charging chocobos grew louder.

Ramza had barely tied his belt and flung on his plate armor in a clumsily record time when the bandits arrived, coming to a stop a fair distance off at the sight of Rad, Carmine, and Fredrick standing there waiting to oppose them. There were eight in all, including a pair of chemists who appeared to be carrying the same Romanda guns that Mustadio used. Not surprising he supposed since they were so close to Goug. Tightening his grip on his sword, Ramza waited at the campground to see what the bandits chose to do before committing himself to the battle.

Suddenly swords and daggers were drawn and the bandits charged in at full speed on their mounts, planning to either scatter or trample the trio. As they neared, Ramza drew his sword and began to move in at a leisurely pace, seeing Carmine square himself, then take a stance that he had seen many times before. A Wave Fist. Before the attack could be released though, a female voice broke the air. "Life is short… Bury! Steady Sword!"

Blasts of light and icy energy collided into the crowd of charging chocobos and their riders, scattering some, two remaining frozen solid by the Stasis Sword's power. Suddenly out of nowhere Agrias leapt out and struck in hard, catching one of the bandits by surprise and stabbing her Mythril Sword through the man's gut. The blade was out and onto the next target before Ramza could even blink, but by then one of the scattering bandits was nearly upon him and focusing on his opponent he yelled out and charged with surprising speed. Diving low at the last minute and with a swing of his sword Ramza took the chocobo's legs out from underneath it. A screeching 'wark' filled the air, followed by a similar scream from the bird's rider as he was sent flying from the saddle, slamming hard head first into a nearby tree. Not even bothering to look back at the bandit, Ramza charged ahead at the next bandit, only to see a glowing sword strike up from the ground to engulf and fillet his intended opponent. Glancing off to his right, he spotted Agrias, who having finished her Split Punch, had spun and swung hard with two hands at the next bandit, cleaving him in two, blood splattering her armor.

One of the two bandits that had frozen from the initial Stasis Sword had freed himself by now, but even as he did so he felt his chest nearly implode as an invisible force slammed into it. The chocobo mount, having lost its master, took off down the road, leaving the man lying on his back in a small, muddy puddle coughing up blood. Slowly lifting his hand up towards the Heavens, the bandit's eyes went wide open as his bracelet disappeared. "Nice bracelet, thanks." The bandit had no time to react before a grinning Carmine slammed his fist down hard at the bandit's head, sending his bloody, pummeled face smashing back into the muddy ground.

The second frozen bandit was long dead before his freeze had worn off, and before they knew it only one terrified bandit remained, who dropping his sword turned and began to run away. Before he had gone twelve steps though he heard a woman's voice call out, "The death of a planet… Crush Punch!" It was the last thing he ever heard. As the crimson blade shot back down from whence it came, the bandit stood there for a moment, glazed, dead eyes staring out into nowhere, and then his lifeless body collapsed face first into the dirt.

Everyone's eyes had been fixed on the bandit, and now they shifted to Agrias, who was taking a deep breath under her blood-stained armor before taking out a small rag to wipe the blood from her blade, then sheathing her sword. As she sheathed it, she turned towards Ramza and with a quaint smile said, "So, now shall we decide what to do about Rad's news Ramza?"

Caught off guard by her calmness, Ramza just stood there for a moment, then regaining his bearings nodded. Still, even as he turned to face Rad again he couldn't help being a little in awe of his fellow Holy Knight, and he was certainly glad she was on their side. Five of the eight bandits by herself, and so quickly. And then to just smile at me like that afterwards. Agrias sure can turn from zephyr to hurricane and back in the blink of an eye.

The group had come together, regrouping around Rad now, who cowered slightly amongst such a powerful assortment of eyes all focused on him. "So," Carmine spoke up, "what do we do now? Turn back and return to Lionel, or continue on to Goug?"

Fredrick replied, "Well that's obvious. We can't just leave Mustadio to be branded a heretic and die like that."

"However," Agrias interjected, "our orders were to head to Goug. If we turn back, we would be disobeying the Cardinal's orders, and could be punished ourselves. You're not a mercenary anymore Ramza, you're a Lionel Holy Knight. Ignoring orders isn't as simple as it used to be, not unless you want to be hunted down yourself."

"Screw the Cardinal!" Fredrick shot back. "Are you saying we should just abandon Mustadio because of some silly order to go to Goug? Surely you can't value that old man's orders over Mustadio's life?"

Agrias turned towards Fredrick, giving him a glare that could turn boiling water to ice, and replied, "Of course I don't Fredrick, but you have to remember that a knight, especially one of the status that Ramza and I hold, must put duty and honor above personal feelings. You will not be the one to take the brunt of the consequences for either action. It is Ramza who will, and that's why only he can decide for us."

All eyes now focused on Ramza, who turned his back on them all, taking a few steps away and staring out into the tree-line, his mind farther away. Finally he muttered, "It's just like Algus said."

"What was that Sir Ramza?" Carmine asked.

Turning to face them, his face taut and full of sadness and grief with a hint of anger, Ramza answered, "It's just as Algus said. Back at Fort Zeakden. He said that it was more important for one life to die than for the knights to be shamed. Everyone using each other until it's no longer convenient. No, I swore back then that I wouldn't be a party to that. Teta died then because I was too afraid to stand up to my brothers, and I won't let another person die due to my inaction." Pausing for a moment, he swept the crowd with his eyes, then his expression changed conveying far more bold confidence and awe. "We ride for Lionel."

Fredrick and Carmine let out cheers of joy, while Agrias simply lowered her head. With a much quieter voice than she had used to address Fredrick, Agrias said, "Very well Ramza, but if I may ask, what do you plan to tell the Cardinal once you get there and he asks why you didn't go to Goug? As you said before, we don't want everyone as our enemy before we figure out what to do."

Ramza nodded, but remained silent for a moment, eyes closed in deep thought. After a minute or so of thinking, he opened his eyes and said, "Burn the bridge."

Rad frowned. "Excuse me sir, what was that again?"

Turning to look at them again, Ramza replied, "We burn the bridge to Goug." The rest of the group just stood there in complete shock, not understanding at all what Ramza was thinking, or even if he was thinking rationally anymore. He simply continued on though, "We have just been informed by a passing traveler that the bridge to Goug has been burnt down somehow in a freak accident. Fredrick, ride on to Goug with Carmine, and when the bridge is clear, set it ablaze. Rad, switch chocobos with Carmine since yours has been running all night already. You, Agrias, Alicia, and I will ride back to Lionel as fast as we can. With the bridge down, the only way to Goug is by boat at Warjilis Trade City, and the only road that leads there is through Lionel. We'll just have to rest when we get there is all. It couldn't be helped. Now, let's get going."

Everyone nodded, though a few cautiously as the plan was now laid out before them, and the time for words was over. Only time could tell if Ramza had made the right decision. As they mounted their chocobos, Agrias found herself watching Ramza with a touch of both respect and worry for him. He was beginning to learn, and to think instead of rashly charging in on impulsive decisions. Still, he was letting his heart guide him instead of his duty, and for that Agrias worried for Ramza's fate. Or was it jealousy, at his courage to follow his heart and beliefs no matter the consequences? Well, she thought as they took off down the road at a quick pace, hopefully he and I will live long enough for me to find out which it is.

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"So Zalmo old friend," Cardinal Draclau said as he poured a glass of wine into Zalmo's cup, "how have you been as of late? We barely had a chance to talk last night given how late you arrived."

Taking the glass from Draclau and nodding in appreciation, Zalmo took a sip then replied, "Well enough. Hunting down heretics is, after all, a necessary job, even if it does require more violence than would be desired. Sadly, it seems the numbers that had begun to dwindle after the 50-Year's War are beginning to go up again. Terrible business."

"Ah yes, " Draclau responded, "terrible business indeed. Still, those that would threaten the Church must be dealt with; or else the souls of the righteous will be endangered. At your age though Zalmo, I would have thought you'd look for a less dangerous position within the Church."

Taking another sip from his glass, Zalmo replied, "Old am I? You're no spring pig yourself old friend."

"Touché" Draclau chuckled as he took a sip of his own drink. "Still, I would think that Funeral would allow someone of your distinguished service a position of regard at Murond with little convincing needed."

"Perhaps" Zalmo replied, "but one must do what one is called upon to do. Despite the dangers, I find my job quite satisfying, and the danger only reinforces my devotion to St. Ajora." Taking another sip of his drink, Zalmo continued, "I must say though, I was surprised to hear that you couldn't make it to breakfast with me this morning. Affairs of state?"

Draclau nodded. "There are always affairs of state to deal with in Lionel. Even more so now that the two lions are beginning to circle one another."

Zalmo nodded in understanding. "Yes, Larg and Goltana, those two could certainly tear this country apart. I understand the princess is on her way to Zeltennia now?"

"Yes," Draclau confirmed, "Young Delita is escorting her there himself along with a group of Temple Knights. After the attempted assassination by Hokuten, it seemed only prudent."

"Yes, I have heard of Delita. He seems to be a most reliable young man. Speaking of young men, I hear that you have found a young man to take over the vacant position as head of your knights, the youngest Beoulve no less."

Draclau chuckled. "Yes, Ramza Beoulve. He was given the title of Holy Knight a few nights ago. He's quite resourceful from what I've seen. Seems quite interested in besting his brothers, and proving himself."

Zalmo chuckled. "Yes, I heard he was the one who stopped the break-in here recently. He must truly be a worthy successor to Balbanes."

Smiling slightly, Draclau gave a slight head nod. "Yes, it's truly unfortunate that he is currently on a mission to Goug, or else you could have met him yourself."

"Yes," Zalmo replied, "it is most unfortunate."

Just then there was a knock on the door. Turning to look at the door, Draclau said, "Come in."

The door opened and a young fencer entered. Pausing for a moment, he then said, "Your Holiness, Sir Ramza has returned. He just entered the castle gates with Lady Agrias and several of their companions. He-"

The fencer stopped mid sentence as Ramza had appeared outside the door to the Cardinal's private office. Entering the room while trying to hide that he was out of breath from running here from the main courtyard, Ramza gave a slight bow to the Cardinal, who appeared to be quite shocked at his arrival. "Ramza," Draclau finally said, "what are you doing back here? Surely you could not have gotten to Goug and back already, let alone completed your mission."

Ramza lowered his head, then replied, "I am sorry your Holiness, but we received word en route to Goug that the bridge had been destroyed in some sort of accident. Thus, after dispatching several of my men to continue on and help with repairs and investigation, I returned with the rest of my unit with plans to head for Warjilas Trade City so that we might get there by ship."

Relaxing slightly now, Draclau nodded and replied, "And, I assume, to inform me of this occurrence?"

"Of course your Holiness, that is why I am here now." Ramza had been practicing this explanation to the Cardinal the entire ride back.

"Well then," the Cardinal said as he stood up from his seat, "your timing is coincidentally perfect. We were just talking about you after all. Let me introduce you to an old friend of mine, Zalmo Rusnada, Heresy Examiner of Glabados Church. Zalmo, this is Ramza Beoulve."

Ramza's hand, which he had extended at first in greeting, hesitated for a moment at the mention of a heresy examiner. Finally though he took the man's hand and shook it. "A pleasure."

"Likewise young man, likewise" Zalmo replied. "So you are the new Head of the Lionel Holy Knights. I heard you even stopped the attack on the castle by that treacherous Gafgarion and his mercenary thieves. Well, as a Beoulve, I'm not surprised at all, and a most deserving title to be rewarded with. I'm sure you'll do much better than your predecessor."

A confused expression covered Ramza's face. "My predecessor?"

"Oh, you didn't know?" Zalmo replied. "Yes, he turned out to be a heretic, revealed his betrayal to the teachings of Glabados to Priest Buremonda. Went by the name of Beowulf I believe, right Draclau?"

Draclau nodded. "Yes, but Ramza of course has nothing to fear, I'm sure his faith is strong, right Ramza?"

"Of course your Holiness. Though we may serve many masters, we must always serve St. Ajora before anyone else."

"Quite right." Zalmo added in.

Hesitating for a moment, trying to think of the correct way to word it, Ramza finally looked to Zalmo and said, "Sir, forgive me, but might I inquire as to why a Heresy Examiner has come to Lionel?"

"Oh, I was just passing through and thought I'd stop by to visit my old friend here." Chuckling now, Zalmo continued, "Why, you perhaps worried I'd come here to examine you m'boy?"

Inwardly breathing a sigh of relief, Ramza smiled and answered, "No, of course not. I only meant that if there were indeed a heretic loose in Lionel, it would be my duty to help you hunt him down, as head of the Lionel Holy Knights."

Laughing more now, Zalmo replied, "Well, you certainly are eager and generous. Oh to be young again. I thank you for that young Ramza, but I doubt I'll require your services today."

As Ramza nodded, Draclau chimed in, "By the way Ramza, where is Lady Agrias? I'm sure that Zalmo would love to meet her as well."

"I believe your Holiness, that she was helping to attend to her chocobo while I came to report to you. Shall I summon her?" In reality she'd gone with Rad and Alicia to make sure that Mustadio was still safe.

"No, that won't be necessary. I'm sure we can introduce Zalmo to her shortly at dinner. You should go prepare yourself for dinner also Ramza, after all, you've been riding for the last few days."

"Of course your Holiness." With that, Ramza gave a slight bow and exited the room. Well, at least Rad had been wrong, Mustadio was safe, at least for now. He had been worried, given Draclau's betrayal of Ovelia before, but it seemed that for now at least, Draclau was willing to keep Mustadio alive. Now he had to go find Agrias and the others and inform them of what had occurred, and to make sure Agrias attended dinner tonight, as much as he was sure she didn't want to. He could relate.

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Sitting in the dank, dark dungeon of Lionel Castle without even a window to look out from, Mustadio sighed in silence. Agrias, Rad, and Alicia had been down earlier, acting as if they feared his head was about to be removed from his shoulders. Well, he supposed that was possible, after all despite Ramza's assurances that his life was not in danger at the moment, Draclau had betrayed them once before already.

Ramza, he was the last person Mustadio wanted to see these days. Selling his soul like that to the Cardinal after all the Cardinal had done to them. Trying to take the Holy Stone, kidnapping his father and nearly killing him, the princess even. How Agrias could stand by Ramza after the last bit Mustadio had no idea.

Ramza had even asked Mustadio to apologize for his attack on the Cardinal but Mustadio would not have anything of that. Sure, he talked of only trying to discover what the Cardinal planned, but having heard of Ramza's relationship with his brothers before, he rather doubted it. True Ramza had always seemed like a good, trustworthy person, but to join with the Church was just so…

It was true that Mustadio had never thought of himself as an overly religious type. After all, he was an Engineer of Goug, a man of science who unlocked the secrets of the past. If they hadn't stripped him of all his tools, escaping from this cage would be easy. Well, except for the massive number of guards. Well, I guess I'll just have to trust Ramza for now.