The sun was already bright in the early morning sky as Lord Braska arrived at the end of the dock where the S.S. Litanis, a mid-sized catamaran used for light cargo and passengers, was tied. The brightly painted ship rocked gently in the water, a light breeze blowing off the bay fluttering any loose cloth, the twin paddle wheels and tall central mast casting a welcome shadow onto the dock. Several sailors were already untying sail covers and coiling ropes on the upper deck, and one was aloft, checking the rigging. Large white seabirds roosted on the masts of several smaller ships tied near theirs, and on the barrels and crates set in neat stacks on the sturdy dock, awaiting delivery to warehouses and businesses around the city.
Auron was already there waiting, the sun reflecting with blue glints off his short black hair as he sat on a small trunk and watched the activity around him. "I see you are up early," Braska said, maneuvering his larger wheeled trunk around a row of barrels and setting it down beside his guardian's, gratefully laying the stack of books and the diplomatic case he was carrying on the top. He brushed his dark bangs back out of his eyes and reached to pull his hair back again with a sigh, wishing it was long enough to stay securely tied and almost regretting his decision to grow it out of the short buzzed cut that matched Auron's style.
Braska's hands automatically dusted the robes he wore, the heavy fabric making him quite hot, and he turned his blue eyes towards his best friend as the other man spoke. "I did not sleep well- something is gnawing at me to be noticed, so I figured I would come down early to the dock," Auron said as he stood to greet Braska and helped steady the books as they tried to slide off the trunk. "Something about the sudden change in the assignment bothers me and I wanted to take a look around." Auron shrugged at Braska's curious look and sat back down.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" Braska asked, watching as a small trimaran untied and raised brightly striped sails, sliding slowly away from the dock. This type of ship was a common sight in the harbor and mostly carried cargo and passengers to local villages.
Giving a shake of his head, Auron glanced over to see what had caught Braska's attention. "Not yet, but I have noticed that a few other early birds have shown up– the two over there loading the cargo sling, and the operator," the warrior answered, pointing out where several men worked near a cargo crane at the end of the dock.
The one near the crane controls walked over to speak to a sailor leaning on the rail of the S.S. Litanis, nodding as he gestured towards the open cargo door in the lower deck. The sailor glanced over at Braska and Auron, took off his cap and wiped his face with a kerchief, then walked back towards the hold. Braska turned to watch as the sun browned dock workers moved crates and barrels into the webbing, and attached the lift rope onto the large crane hook. "Well, maybe they are here because of our early departure?" he suggested.
"Maybe. But this cargo should have been loaded last night." Auron said with a frown. "All out-bound cargo is supposed to be loaded in the evening, to clear the way for off-loading in the mornings. When my father was Harbor Master these things didn't happen." They watched as the heavily loaded cargo sling lifted slowly off the dock and started to swing towards the deck of the ship.
"Greetings! Are you Lord Braska?" They both turned as a slender blond haired man in his early twenty's called down to them from the passenger deck of the ship. He smiled, then hurried down the ship's gang plank and bowed to them, green swirled eyes bright. "I am Rin, your Cultural Attaché." The man's smile brightened as he spotted the stack of books. "Oh good! I see you have received the Primers I sent."
Braska nodded politely, then gave a formal bow and recited the Al Bhed greeting he had worked out. "Kuut tyo, Cen Rin."
Pausing, Rin laughed as he realized he was gaping. "Ah, my friend, your Al Bhed needs some work; although I know you are wishing me to have a pleasant day, the greeting given thus is a dismissal– impolite, on the edge of an insult!"
Taking a breath, Braska started to apologize but the Al Bhed continued, holding up one hand to stop him, "No need, I have been among the Bevelle people for some time and I take no offense." Rin smiled, "Not to worry though, I will teach you the history, culture, and language of my people." Looking past Braska to Auron, he asked politely, "Will you also be traveling with us?"
"Oh, forgive me!" Braska said quickly, indicating his friend, "This is my Guardian, Sir Auron."
Auron nodded briefly with a distracted, "Pleased to meet you," then continued watching the activity of the crane crew as the net full of cargo moved over their heads, on its route to the ship.
"Let us board the ship. The last of the cargo is loading now and we can depart as soon as the Harbor Master releases us," Rin said, gesturing at the gang plank. "May I be of help with your luggage?"
Smiling, Rin reached for a trunk as Braska picked up his books and folders once again. A flicker of light, seen from the corner of his eye, and Auron dove forward, shoving both his companions back. They tumbled to the ground as the cargo sling broke away from the crane's hook and the contents crashed to the dock where they had just been standing. Grabbing Braska as he started to get up, Auron shoved bot him and Rin behind a large barrel. "Stay hidden here until I return," he said abruptly as he sprinted towards the crane.
"It is a good thing you brought him along!" Rin said shakily, picking himself up off the rough cement of the dock. "I didn't even see the cargo was above us! He just saved our lives!"
"Well, these accidents happen from time to time," Braska said reassuringly, dusting off his robe as best he could while sitting where he'd been told. "Auron and his brother used to work on these docks. You learn to watch what is happening around you; those who don't usually don't live long enough to retire," Braska added.
Swallowing, the blonde glanced around, "I can see what you mean…" Rin continued, "Are you all right, Sir? I am without injury."
"Just skinned up a little," Braska said after a quick check of his hands. He watched as Auron questioned the crane crew, their heads shaking as they answered, arms waving as they pointed out various stacks of cargo.
Auron returned and squatted down beside them as the dockworkers and ship's crewmen rushed to clean up the spilled cargo. "I believe it is safe to board now. I am going to check a few things out before we leave." Auron looked warningly at Braska as he started to ask what the problem was, gestured that they should discuss the matter later, hesitated, then added a hand sign they had used in their childhood when they played 'Crusaders': one meaning danger- beware of ambush. "Please stay off the deck until I return?" Auron asked quietly. Braska nodded, his eyes widening in understanding.
Lord Braska opened the cabin door at Auron's soft knock, shortly after the ship untied from the dock and began its run out of the harbor. Auron entered, then closed the door and leaned back against it for a moment to look around the small stateroom, noting two high beds with cupboards underneath them for storing small luggage, on either side of a porthole on the left bulkhead. Their trunks were secured to the bulkhead at the ship's stern, beneath four large portholes providing a view of Bevelle harbor. A small table with padded benches on each side was secured in an alcove against the right bulkhead, another porthole showing a glimpse of the receding dock.
Auron stepped over to open the narrow door in the wall beside the table to reveal a compact bathroom. Satisfied with his survey of their room, Auron looked at his friend and considered his words carefully. "Apparently someone isn't happy about your mission to the Al Bhed." Auron said somberly, handing Braska a piece of rope from the cargo sling, the end clearly cut, and the shell casing of a rifle round. "If it had not been for the sunlight reflecting off the scope of the rifle, we'd have both been dead."
Braska took a seat on one bed and examined the rope, then looked at his friend with surprise. "If someone wanted to kill us, why didn't they just shoot us?" he queried.
"Because dock accidents can be explained away, but a murder would be investigated, especially the murder of a Temple ambassador- no matter how new he was to the position." Auron said, dropping onto one bench with a sigh. "We're going to have to be careful from now on."
The priest asked as he rose and crossed the brightly patterned floor rug to stare pensively out a porthole at the receding city, "Any idea who might be behind this?" He braced himself with one hand on the back of the bench when the ship hit rougher water leaving the port. He turned his attention to the rifle shell; it was a new, large caliber round with distinctive markings on the end.
"The casing is from the type of shell used by the Temple guards," Auron said. "I found it on top of the warehouse at the end of the dock. There was an unlocked access ladder in the alley beside it, so it would have been easy to climb up. The crane operator didn't know anything; he said that his crew was offered overtime to come in early and load those crates– they arrived too late to be loaded last night and are needed at the Baaj Temple." He sighed and rubbed his eyes, "The routing documents seemed to be in order, so there's no way to tell if the delivery delay was intentional."
"We should have seen this coming I guess." Braska said, turning to look at Auron. "This mission was controversial and many of the Maesters disagreed with establishing relations with the Al Bhed." He went to his document case and pulled out a folder, laying it on the table and flipping it open. "Let's take a look at the briefing package and see if it offers any clues as to why someone didn't want me to get to Baaj."
"So, the Al Bhed have found some sort of massive weapon…" Auron said as he considered the implications. "It might be a way to destroy Sin if the Al Bhed can restore it." Auron paused as another thought came to him. "If that is their intention… it could also be used on other targets."
Braska looked up with surprise at that suggestion, then spoke thoughtfully as he considered the implications, "I can see where the division in the Temple started… it could be used against Sin, or…" He sighed, "There are too many factions in the Temple, and some believe Spira should be united under Temple control– no matter what means are used." They shared a troubled look, then turned as a noise came from outside in the passageway.
There was a knock on the door, and after cracking it for a careful look, Auron opened it to admit Rin with a large covered tray and several carafes on a small rolling cart. Braska quickly gathered the briefing documents from the table and returned them to the diplomatic case.
"I took the liberty of bringing your lunches, since I knew you would want to review the information Maester Chuham provided," Rin said cheerfully, holding the heavily loaded tray out to Auron. Delicious smells arose from several large platters as Auron set the tray on the table and lifted the covers. "It is best we eat while we are still in the calmer waters of the bay," Rin said, bowing to them with a smile as he unloaded plates, silverware and glasses from a basket on the bottom of the cart. "I hope you enjoy today's offering."
"Have you eaten?" Braska asked as he looked over the heaping platters of food. "There is more than enough here– will you join us?"
Rin smiled and accepted eagerly. "I was hoping you would ask!" he said, sliding into place on the bench, Auron sitting beside him. "I can answer any questions you may have concerning your briefing documents."
Braska and Auron looked at each other in surprise, then back at Rin. "You provided the information?" Auron asked skeptically as they settled themselves. Rin nodded in answer, reaching to fill his plate with roast fish and noodles.
"I have a question," Braska asked the green eyed man. "Why would you compromise your people's security with the divulgence of such sensitive information?"
"My motives are purely selfish," Rin said with a small smile. "If we are successful with the eradication of Sin, this will allow the people of Spira to move about the world freely," he waved one hand to indicate back and forth travel and continued. "It is my ultimate goal to establish a travel agency with inns in exotic locations throughout Spira, to promote tourism; with these will be supply outlets and gift shops. I have already made several arrangements that should prove to be very lucrative."
Eyes flicking towards the Al Bhed, "A regular entrepreneur," mumbled Auron, hastily wiping fish sauce from his mouth.
Rin grinned widely at the comment and nodded, "I can see it now; you take a trip to the Thunder Plain's, and take the kiddies back a shirt that says "MY PARENTS WENT TO THE THUNDER PLAINS AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY SHIRT." The possibilities are unlimited," he said as his eyes glazed over, imagining the profits he would reap.
It was Braska who brought him back to reality. "You are putting yourself in a risky position- not only with the Al Bhed, but there are those in the church who do not have the same vision as you." He stopped to consider, "Do you have any more information on the capabilities of the cannon?"
"The information provided is all I had when I left for Bevelle. I should be able to obtain more when we reach Baaj." Rin paused, and then asked curiously, "Did your investigation of the accident on the dock prove fruitful Sir Auron?"
Auron repeated what he had told Braska, and then asked what the political situation in Bikanel would be.
"I believe it is quite similar to the sentiment in Yevon's temple," Rin said, shaking his head sadly. "There are those who want a lasting calm, by whatever means, and many more who want the calm, but do not trust the Maesters of Yevon and will not work with them to achieve it." He shrugged. "It was the army of Bevelle that scattered the Al Bhed a little more than a thousand years ago," Rin stated as they finished their meal. "The governing council of Py'Nahdec was secretly supplying arms to Zanarkand, so Bevelle destroyed our city, and scattered those who survived to the winds. The war between Zanarkand and Bevelle had many causalities." He paused when Braska and Auron both looked questioningly at him.
"Py'Nahdec?" Braska and Auron asked in unison. Rin nodded and then continued, "The Al Bhed were an arrogant people in those times. We had constructed a wondrous city over the Moonflow; Py'Nahdec was an engineering marvel, a triumph for the Al Bhed, but the Temple of Yevon has made sure it is forgotten." He paused and added sadly, "Its ruins can be seen at the bottom of the Moonflow, but the name is forever lost… except to us."
"So, the stories about the Al Bhed being nomads are untrue?" Auron prompted, reaching to stack the now empty dishes onto the tray.
"True enough now, I think," Rin stated as he added his dishes to the stack. "The Al Bhed once had a homeland and we led lives much like those of the people of Bevelle or Zanarkand of old, but since the war we have been scattered across Spira. It has only been recently, through the efforts of Cid and his sister Leyona, that the Al Bhed have been reunited at Bikanel. You will meet them when we reach Baaj."
He stopped and drank the last of his fruit juice, then looked at a small clock on the cabin wall. "Oh my, look at the time! I can ramble on forever! I will excuse myself so you may rest." He rose and bowed gracefully to Braska and Auron. "I know you have many questions, but we will have the remainder of the journey to continue these conversations." Rin put the now much lighter tray on the cart and headed to the door. "Will you come to the galley for dinner or shall I have it brought here for you?" Rin asked as Auron held the door open. The ship was leaving the sheltered waters of Bevelle Bay and it was beginning to roll and pitch as it met the larger swells of the Gulf of Salam.
"Here I think," Braska said with a gulp as the ship slid down the slope of a large ocean swell. He quickly caught a glass as it slid towards the edge of the table. "Maybe something light?" He suggested, suddenly regretting the large lunch he had just finished. Rin cheerfully agreed to the request and left with the remains of lunch. "What do you think Auron? Can we trust what he says?" Braska asked his friend as he sat back on his bench and sipped gingerly at a glass of water, trying to settle his suddenly queasy stomach. "My reason says no, but in my heart I think he is sincere."
Auron answered from the doorway, as he watched Rynn's staggering progress down the passage towards the galley. "I think we should reserve judgment for now." He closed the door and returned to sit on the edge of one bed. "Did you know about the Al Bhed city?"
"Not exactly, but I had seen hints that one had existed in some of the old Temple histories. I had wondered…" Braska mused. "It explains a lot of the hostility, on both sides."
The language lessons with Rin were held every morning in a sheltered spot on the upper deck of the catamaran, shaded from the bright sun by the shadow of the huge sails; conducted entirely in the Al Bhed language as Braska and Auron's vocabulary improved. They made a habit of meeting on deck in the evening when it was cool, quietly talking or studying their primers. The days passed quietly, until the evening of the twenty eighth day at sea…
It was Auron who discovered that the railing had been loosened at the bow where Braska usually stood in the evening to watch the sunset; expertly weakened to look like a natural failure of the wooden pins holding it in place. Anyone who leaned on it would have tumbled overboard, and would surely have drowned before the ship could have been stopped and turned back… it was unlikely the body would ever be found. Auron began to carry his sword with him when he went on deck, with the excuse that he needed to practice to keep in shape.
"Three more days to Baaj," Braska said, gazing out across the endless rolling swells of the deep sea. "I think I've enjoyed this trip more than any other we've been on." He laid his book aside and stretched lazily in the comfortable deck chair, allowing his eyes to drift nearly shut.
"Better than the trip to Luca?" Auron asked curiously as he finished a sword kata and took a long drink of water, wiping sweat off his face with a small towel. His bare chest was bronzed after days in the tropical sun. Braska squinted up at the sky, watching as fast moving clouds gathered, puffy white to the east, shading to darker gray on the western horizon. The breeze was starting to strengthen, moment by moment, and sailors came onto the deck to check the ties on topside cargo. One came towards them and bowed.
"Mi'Lord Braska, Sir Auron," he said with respect. "The Captain says we are in for some weather, and asks that you return to your cabin and ensure all your baggage is secure. We sometimes get tossed around a bit when the ocean gets its temper up," he added with a smile.
"Sounds like good advice," Auron said as a sudden gust of wind whipped the ship's flags, and sent Braska scrambling as it flipped the pages of his books, scattering his notes across the deck. Sailors were already lowering all but one of the sails and stringing extra guide ropes along the railings as they went below.
The S.S. Litanis struggled valiantly, the paddlewheels clawing their way up the front sides of the huge waves, then surfing down the back, loose cargo sliding as water crashed across the deck of the ship, the waves fury felt even below in the passenger section. Flashes of lightning lit the cabin, breaking the darkness and revealing the occupants braced in the bench seats. "I take it back, what I said about enjoying the trip," Braska said with a groan as he attempted to hold down his last meal. "I never knew the sea got this violent," he added, grabbing a new hold on the table as the ship lurched violently. "Do you think we are safe down here?" Hard on that question, they heard a crash as something broke loose below in the cargo section and slammed into the side of the hold. Muffled yells came up to them, and a throbbing sound as a bilge pump began to operate.
A banging came on the cabin door, followed by a yell of "All passengers to the lounge, Captains orders!"
Braska and Auron looked grimly at each other as another stroke of lightning flared. "Sounds bad," Auron observed. "Better take your robe off, it will be too heavy if it gets wet, and bring your diplomatic pouch, just in case."
"In case of what?" Braska asked nervously, stripping his heavy outer robe off as he staggered across the cabin to dig in his trunk, tucking the small waterproof folder into his tunic. Auron grabbed his arm and together they staggered down the passage to the common area of the ship.
"Ladies, gentlemen, please stay calm!" a harried ship's officer shouted to the small group of passengers, attempting to be heard over the roaring sea outside. "Please, put the flotation vests on! This is only a precaution, we do not anticipate having to abandon ship, but we will all be safer in case an emergency situation does develop." A sailor began passing out vests padded with a buoyant substance and explaining their use. Auron and Braska struggled into their vests, and settled onto a bench against the passageway bulkhead, trying to brace them selves as the ship shook and shuddered under the lashing wind and waves.
A blast of wind suddenly howled and a tremendous crash and the splintering of wood was heard below decks. The ship's officer and the sailor ran to the passageway door, flinging it open just in time to catch a staggering crewman. "The mast's gone, Lieutenant! We need every man on deck to cut the lines before it drags us over!"
Immediately the sailors left, scurrying out and into the storm. The Lieutenant hesitated a moment, then shouted his request to the passengers before following. "Every able bodied man come with me– we need help on deck!" Braska and Auron exchanged a look, then lurched to their feet and followed.
Lightning speared across the sky, the only illumination in the pitch black sky, but the thunder was lost in the roar of the wind. Rain beat down in stinging sheets as sailors chopped frantically at the broken mast that lay partially in the water already, trying to clear the entangling lines before the weight capsized the boat. Auron grabbed an axe from the rack of emergency tools near the exit, and caught a guide rope as the loose end whipped past, he pulled it free and tied himself to Braska. "Keep a hold of me while I cut," he yelled, trying to be heard over the storm. Braska pointed to where several of the crew tried to shove a large section of mast off the remains of the paddlewheel, and they struggled in that direction.
Rain lashing in his face, a sailor yelled, "Cut the lines!" the man was pointing frantically at the tangle of heavy ropes tangling the wheel and holding the broken mast half onto the ship.
Auron swung the axe, severing a line, and then swung at another. "Over here," Braska yelled over his shoulder as a sailor staggered across the deck towards him, Braska reaching out to catch him as a wave swept over them. Suddenly, a flash of silver, and the sailor struck, slashing at Braska with a knife.
Dropping the rope, Braska grabbed the man's wrist as he struck again, wet grip slipping as he tried to twist the knife from his attacker's hand. The man snarled, free hand swinging around in a well aimed punch that snapped Braska's head back and knocked him to his knees. A boat hook lashed past Braska's shoulder and the priest ducked back involuntarily, then looked up to see the implement hit the sailor across the face as he lunged forward to strike.
Over the rain and wind, Braska heard a familiar voice yell, "No!" and Rin swung the boat hook again and buryed the sharp end in the man's side as the ship rolled and a wave washed across the deck. When the water receded, the man was gone and Rin was sprawled on the deck, empty handed.
Auron, fought the pull of water as it washed off the deck, carrying a man away, and managed a final swing cutting the last line before another wave knocked him off his feet. With the final rope holding it cut, the mast slid off the ship, a rope he hadn't realized he was standing in snaking tight around his ankle and yanking Auron off the deck with the mast. Frantically kicking at the rope, Auron clung to the rope he'd tied around his waist, lungs stinging and in need of air as he struggled in the heaving water.
Looking up as the mast slid off the deck and Auron's rope pulled tight around Braska's waist, the priest braced behind one of the cargo racks, grabbed frantically at the rope attached to his friend, trying to drag him back onto the ship. Another set of hands grasped the rope as Rin added his strength to the rescue effort and finally, they were able to cheat the sea and drag Auron to safety. Crawling across the deck to safety, Auron clutched the sturdiest thing he could find, blinded by salty water and rain. "Are you all right?" Braska shouted as he pulled Auron into his arms.
"Ribs," Auron answered as he gasped for breath. "I think I broke one or two." He moaned as they swung his arms across their shoulders and fought their way back below.
The seas calmed as daylight crept up the horizon, the dawn blazing through the last of the squall clouds. It was a miserable bunch of weary passengers and injured crew that sat in the common room, resting and trying to warm up after the terrible night just past.
"Take it easy for awhile, you have three cracked ribs," the ship's doctor sighed as he wrapped the final layer of tape around Auron's ribs, then turned to Braska. "Take off your shirt," he ordered. Auron turned to look at his friend as Braska reluctantly pulled at his tunic, peeling it back to reveal a bloody slash across his chest.
"How did that happen!" Auron growled. "You didn't say you'd been hurt!"
"You needed the doctor more than I did," Braska gasped, as the doctor wiped the cut with antiseptic and prodded to see how deep it was.
"It's going to need stitches," the doctor decided finally. "Won't heal clean without 'em, M'lord." He dug in his bag and pulled out his surgical kit, prepping a curved needle with fine thread. Braska winced, then nodded his permission.
It was soon done, and Rin squatted down beside them as the doctor repacked his bag and went to his next patient. "Wasn't an accident," the Al Bhed said quietly to Auron, holding out a steaming cup of broth to each of them. "Too bad he crossed to the Farplane before we could question him."
"I owe my life to Rin, maybe both of us do," Braska admitted as he described the attack.
Auron held his hand out to the blond, grasping his arm firmly. "You have my gratitude," he said simply, "I don't know what I'd have done if…" He stopped and turned his head aside, unable to continue.
Rin smiled and clasped his hand on Auron's shoulder. "I consider both of you to be my friends, and you protect your friends," he spoke softly, settling cross legged on the floor, watching as they sipped their hot drinks.
"I don't know where you came from," Braska said gratefully, "I was just glad to see you."
"I am just happy that I came up from the hold when I did. The Captain asked me to help with the pump, since I am more familiar with machina than the crew," Rin explained modestly, then changed the subject. "I spoke to the captain about the man that attacked you. He says this man was new, and only with the ship since Bevelle. He replaced another sailor at the last minute, after the regular crewman was injured on shore." Auron and Braska exchanged a long look, then Braska made the hand sign for danger- beware of ambush.
Auron nodded unhappily, "Looks like we brought our problems with us," he sighed, rubbing his hand over his stubbled chin, wincing as he jarred his ribs. "We'll just have to keep our eyes open when we get to Baaj."
The S.S. Litanis limped into the Baaj port with its battered passengers and crew, more than four days overdue. The onlookers watched from shore with great concern; with one paddlewheel damaged beyond repair, part of the upper deck gone, and the mast missing, it was a wonder she made it in at all. Two smaller ships met the heavily damaged catamaran mid-harbor and helped it into dock, pushing it gently into position so it could be tied.
"Looks pretty bad from this viewpoint," Auron said quietly, looking over the damage from the safety of dockside.
"Looked bad enough from on board, but it is worse from this angle," Braska agreed, running his eyes over the deep gouges the broken mast had made in the ship's outer planking, the missing deck, broken railings, and the stub of the drive shaft sticking out where the port side paddlewheel had been. It had taken a full day for the injured crew to clear the damaged port side wheel, freeing the one on the starboard side and allowing them to make weigh, if only slowly, for Baaj. In addition to having only the one working paddlewheel, they had lost all but one Chocobo in the storm. A hail from further down the floating dock caught their attention.
"Lord Braska?" a voice inquired officiously. "I am Acolyte Saavious, High priest Balamus's secretary. He requests your presence immediately. This way," was the abrupt command as the short, fat man turned and marched towards the temple, a breeze lifting the stringy hair combed over his balding head.
"Does it seem like we are being taken to the principal's office again?" Auron whispered, nearly causing his companion to laugh out loud. Braska tightened his lips so it came out as a choked snort, and patted his diplomatic pouch containing the official appointment letters, including one from Maester Mica, addressed specifically to High priest Balamus. He was glad now that they had taken time to put their formal 'official' clothing on before they had disembarked.
"There will be a fine tip if you make sure our luggage makes it to the temple," Braska said, turning to one of the nearby dock workers with a smile. "Take them to the visiting dignitary quarters," he added, flipping the man a coin as partial payment. Then he and Auron started towards the temple, keeping Acolyte Saavious just within sight.
They caught up with him as he stood, tapping his foot impatiently, just outside the temple entrance. Auron shifted his sword belt as they walked up the wide steps, trying to find a more comfortable position for it across his back. His ribs were still bothering him, but the sword was necessary if he was to present the proper image as Braska's Guardian.
"High Priest Balamus does not like to be kept waiting," the man declared with a sniff. "Follow me…" They were led down several hallways and finally into the high priests outer office, where Saavious seated himself behind an ornate desk and flipped through a stack of papers, deliberately leaving them standing.
"Your papers, Lord Braska," Saavious finally demanded, holding out one hand impatiently.
"My documents are on a need to know classification, and I will discuss them with High Priest Balamus," Braska said firmly, "In private." He was not going to be bullied by the high priest, much less a mere secretary.
Auron stood beside his friend, looking down his nose at the acolyte as Saavious gasped indignantly, his face reddening. "Well! We'll see about that," he snapped petulantly, and rose from his desk, stomping into the High Priests office and closing the door firmly behind him.
"Ooooooh, you're in trouble now!" Auron teased, laughing softly as he remembered how many times they'd been in a similar position. They had been frequent visitors to the principal's office at the temple school during their younger days, and had similar experiences in the Commander's office during their brief, but memorable, enlistment with the Crusaders. Braska laughed softly as well but motioned for quiet as they heard the secretary returning.
"He'll see you now," the secretary said, pursing his mouth as if he tasted something sour. "This way please."
"Come in gentlemen, come in," High priest Balamus said jovially, his fat face beaming at Braska and Auron like a large pink moon as they entered the office. in eerily precise unison, the two offered the Yevon prayer, to the high priests unease. He levered himself out of his comfortable chair and returned the courtesy stiffly. "I understand you had some difficulties on your trip?" The large, richly dressed fat man said, motioning them towards two straight unpadded chairs, set in front of his large desk.
"A bit of weather," Braska admitted, still standing. "There were a number of injuries, and three deaths."
"Ah, how unfortunate," the priest said with a slight pout, "Please, be seated?" He reached into a gilded box on his desk and withdrew a handful of some sort of candy, munching at it as he settled deeper on his cushions. "Now, why have you come to Baaj? The news package from Bevelle indicated you had traveled with the Litanis but did not tell me why you have come."
Braska frowned slightly as he considered what information might have been included in the 'news package' and who it had come from. "I have been assigned as Ambassador to the Al Bhed, a commission directly from the Council of Maesters, with instructions to assist their underwater excavation effort, using Temple resources as necessary," Braska said, removing the appropriate documents from the diplomatic case and handing them to High Priest Balamus with a slight bow. "I trust you will find these authorizations acceptable," he stated, only then taking his seat. Auron remained standing at ease behind Braska, his sword belted at his back.
"Ah, very interesting," the high priest said, looking over Braska's credentials. "The Temple has appointed you as Ambassador to the Al Bhed? Commendable, I'm sure, but I'm afraid it won't be possible for you to see the excavation site." He looked at Braska over the top of the documents, his expression no longer jovial. "That is a restricted area, and only authorized personnel are allowed to view the work. The Al Bhed are very difficult to deal with," he warned, insinuating that he was the only person capable of performing this duty, "and they take offense easily." He leaned back in his chair and continued smugly, "It's very dangerous and not a place for casual visitors, especially visitors who have such little experience in diplomacy."
Braska bowed his head slightly, acknowledging his point. "I am sure it is. I have however, been assigned as the official liaison, which hardly makes me a casual visitor." He kept his expression calm as he added, "I will be leaving for the excavation site with the next supply ship."
"I'm afraid that just won't be possible," the high priest repeated. "I can hardly allow a complete stranger to come in and disrupt an ongoing operation, especially one as important as this one," he added chidingly, as if he were speaking to a particularly dense child. "I'm sure we can find something to keep you occupied while you are visiting us, after all, Baaj is a very interesting temple, quite unlike any of the others you may have visited. In a few months possibly, I will allow you to assist with the reports to the Council."
Braska nodded slightly, then replied, "I was told you might feel this way High Priest Balamus." He withdrew another document from his case, a formal letter on Council letterhead bearing the personal seal of Maester Mica, and set it carefully on the desk in front of the man. Balamus picked it up and broke the seal to begin reading, a frown drawing down the edges of his mouth as he finished the letter and looked up, his expression cold.
"Maester Mica personally gave me instructions before I left, and indicated that you might…" Braska hesitated a moment, picking his next words carefully as Balamus glared coldly at him, "…regret… being replaced as the official liaison." Balamus scowled, his now hard eyes glinting from the depths of his round face. "But, as you see," Braska said, indicating the letter with a gesture, "it is no longer your responsibility."