VANADIEL TRAGEDY
Chapter Seven: A Traitor with Blue Eyes

The great bane will devour the fair land of Vana'diel.

The ancient seal will be broken, awakening nightmares of the ages past.

The blood of the innocents will soak the earth, and the world will fall into fear and despair.

But as one bright star shines through the clouds at night…

And as one song rings clear above the roar of the beasts…

We hold one in these darkest of times.

That they will come, with the wisdom of ages and the strength of thousands, to deliver us from our plight.

We await the awakening of the Warriors of the Crystal.

-Prayer with unknown, ancient origins.

Auricant laid his sword down on his maple wood desk. He calmly walked to an iron hook on his wall and attached his plain steel shield to it. His armor was off, currently being sold at the North Auction house in Port San d'Oria. He was in commoner's clothing: short shirt and black pants. He sloped downward tiredly in his one-room mog house. He was a bit too poor to afford a moogle servant.

'Today was rough' he thought rubbing his back wound. 'These Orcs get tougher by the moment, I swear!' he complained thinking about his encounter with two Orcs while delivering the Mithran leather crafter Hanaa Punaa a triplet of sheepskins. His apartment was lighted by a small amount of scattered candles and a fireplace. The wallpaper was a cheap lime green with red bordering. It was a plain room, with two dressers and a table with a chair. His shoddy bed was at the corner next to the fireplace. A warm glow filled the plain location.

He began to think a random thought about the Crystal War. 'It is year 883 of the Crystal Era… yet an event from 863 still pains me. Why did my father have to die when I needed him most?' he rolled to his other side and put out a green wax candle on a stand near his bed with two fingers. Now, only the fireplace gave faint radiance.

Before he could shut his eyes to sleep he jolted at loud knocking at his door. "Auricant! I have to tell you something!" it was the voice of an Elvaan in a loud tone. Auricant rolled his eyes and got up from his rest. He opened the door to reveal a man also in commoner's clothing, much the same as his own. His hair was short and black, his eyes a hazy brown shade.

"Baramunk? What brings you to my door… at this outrageous hour?" Auricant yawned midway into the question.

"My cousin wanted me to tell you that you are invited to go to a training session with the Temple Knights" Baramunk nodded. Baramunk was younger cousin of Baramore, by four years. He was a Dark Knight… but not like Shinato. A Dark Knight of a newer order, not a Galkan swordsman.

"Ah, that's great! Where is this? When as well?" Auricant filled the air with more questions.

"I believe at the Ordelle's Caves. By time, I am not sure. Go ask Baramore himself about that" Baramore answered them all.

"Okay, I will be there. See you tomorrow, adventurer" Auricant began to close the oak door.

"Likewise, adventurer" Baramunk nodded and left his sight.

Auricant jumped back to his bed and pulled the sheets over himself. "I hate visitors".

The sun was out and born once again. San d'Oria was her cheery self. Today, South San d'Oria hosted a group of traveling performers, under a small, olive tent. Auricant with his armor ready, looked about for the missing Baramore. It was a set of heavy chain mail with iron chains connecting plates of coated in fuzzy blue leather. His blue visor was off, too warm of a day to wear it now. He gently pushed back his silver hair that hung from his face and looked at two brothers bicker at each other. It was something about who had the most candy, some childish nonsense. Both had cute, small green hats hiding their silver hair.

'Haha, how they remind me of the current princes' Auricant smiled at the boys. They looked at him impressed and ran to their mother to tell them about the great hero they saw, giggling along the way.

"Hello Auricant! Sorry for being late" Baramore said apologetically jogging up from behind, "Sister Khristin needed help finding a minor book of faith that was lost thanks to an idiot adventurer".

"She does okay?" Auricant asked as their eyes met, both cerulean. Khristin was a Hume female with beautiful golden locks. She was the only Hume priest or priestess under the San d'Orian church of Vana'diel. Auricant, Baramunk, and her grew up together on the streets of the city.

"Yes, and we found the book. You here to fi-" Baramore stopped for a moment and waved to his cousin, who walked towards them. "Speak of the devil".

"Hey Auricant. Hey Baramore" he greeted as he joined the circle. He was wearing a set of plated chain-mail armor just like Auricant. A large zaghnal with a wooden handle and bronze blade was attached to his back. Such a weapon could easily sweep grass from sight as it did Orcs. "I'm sorry Baramore" he rolled his eyes after apologizing.

"Hello Baramunk. Anyway, continue Baramore" Auricant nodded.

"Oh yeah, to find out the time of the training session?" Baramore asked.

"Yeah that its" Auricant confirmed with a smile.

"It will be on noon, Firesday" Baramore simply told him.

"Okay, I'll remember that… bye Baramore" Auricant said as he and Baramunk waved goodbye to the traveling Temple Knight. He was to return to his post at Ranperre's Gate.

"So, did you hear?" Baramunk began conversing, suddenly, as they stroll further west into South San d'Oria. The Tarutaru's song became faint as they brought distance from Victory Square, where he performed near the Auction House.

"About?" Auricant questioned while he looked down at his Elvaan legs as he walked.

"Sedal-Godja, the genius Tarutaru Royal Knight, has returned to town" Baramunk answered quickly.

"Hmmm… yes his grandfather was a great inventor" Auricant nodded, "the creation of the Linkshell is all thanks to that little man's family".

"Well I am going to head out for some adventuring in Bastok… I heard some great request flying around there. I came to say goodbye" Baramunk told him.

"Bastok? Bah, that place smells like crap" Auricant exclaimed humorously.

"Even so, I can make a large amount of wealth and boost my rep. Good days to be ahead" Baramunk smiled as the words left his pink lips.

"I don't know…" Auricant looked lost at his right palm while his left hand still held on tight to his helm. 'I wonder… if I should include Baramunk in my quest to find my father's killer'.

"I should be heading o-" Baramunk began to head to the East Gate of San d'Oria.

"Wait… I have something to tell you and a favor to ask" Auricant took a big breath and began to tell Baramunk about his father's fall during the Crystal War at the Battle of Xarcabard. Baramunk only nodded, but never agreed to help in words.

Auricant was now alone in Pikeman's Way, a street in San d'Oria. 'Hmm, I think I will pay that old bat a visit' Auricant beamed as he gazed at the upper story houses.

He went up a series of stairs and paths. Sometimes it seemed the upper floor of South San d'Oria was like a maze of stairs, paths, and bridges. One house stood out though. A tower-like house stood from the ground, which could only be accessed after these minor obstacles by a small bridge. As young Elvaan reached his destination, he saw an old man writing in a small book. He was on a tan-strawed chair that leaned against his house, beside the door.

"Balasiel! Think you could squeeze in sometime for a talk with an old pupil?" Auricant walked on to the miniature bridge, with a grin.

Balasiel picked his aged head with thin white hair up away from his book. "Haha! Auricant, finally you pay me a visit, you owe me quite a lot of time" he smirked. He placed the book down, with bookmark in place to his left.

"Well old man, what have you been up to?" he smiled warmly.

"Not much… well I am always quite busy. So many people want to become knights these days. Can get quite busy actually" he chuckled with his old, wise voice.

"Happy to see you are not one of those boring, old Elvaan who play chess all day" he grinned.

"Hey! I could play a fine game of chess. And beat your sorry self for sure" the old man defended comically and both of them laughed.

"I never got a chance to thank you…" Auricant grew serious.

"For?" Balasiel asked slightly confounded.

"Well… after my father died. You supported my mother through her tough times. Then when I had no job, you began to teach me… well you know, paladin stuff" he looked away, slightly embarrassed.

"It was nothing. You deserved a better life and so did your mother. Not crying over the lost and dealing with cut throat taxes alone" he nodded. Auricant could only smile back.

"I'll find him… you know" Auricant looked down. A group of common women gossiped and laughed as they passed by the small, higher house.

"Who now? You keep on confusing me" Balasiel said somewhat confused and laughed.

"The person who killed my father" Auricant said bitterly, "At the Battle of Xarcabard"

"Don't let revenge run you, Auricant" the old man directed as he grimaced.

The pupil ignored his words and gave his own: "I can't live a happy day until the person who put me and my mother through all that is gone. Or at least I got to find out if he is gone or not. I know I will be able to kill him, or it. With this emotion I am unstoppable".

You shall be overwhelmed by the arrogance that disfigures you.

"Your choice I guess, but you will regret it once it is all done with. You will leave behind your friends so you can fulfill some silly duty your father would never want you to do" he tried to change his mind.

"It isn't silly…" Auricant responded quickly. An awkward silence was established with those words. In that peace all the tension spilled away. Both of the men avoided eye contact, looking below where the commoners lived their lives. "Well teacher, I should be off!" he smiled and walked off.

"Dumb little kid, just like his father" Balesiel slurred with a roll of his eyes. He adjusted his seating on the chair and lifted his purple book once again. It was hardcover novel of riddles.

Auricant quickly got ready for his training with The Temple Knights. Firesday came soon enough. He dressed himself in heavy armor and strapped his sword to his side. He made his way to South San d'Oria's chocobo stable behind the Auction House. Within minutes he was traveling through the woods of Ronfaure on the yellow chicken-like bird. He reached the end of the woods and was stood at the foot of the Plateau of La Theine.

"Ah, beautiful. I have to get out of the rabbit hole sometimes" Auricant said quietly to himself browsing his new surroundings. He was referring to Ronfaure, which was 'rabbit hole' in the ancient Elvaan tongue. La Theine was a series of hills and valleys. It had only a few trees standing, with yellow and orange leaves, and a lot of grass. Many dead trees stood up without leaves or branches with many cut marks on them. These were used for sword training. Outside the mountains and valleys, the biggest thing that stood out was the 'Crag of Holla'. The crag was a huge cerment structure of the ancients that had many tower-like points… another structure of the ancients just as the Crag of Dem. The sun's light ran over the land, even into the deep crevices.

He broke from his gaze and reached for a map in his possession. "Uh… okay I got to the valley to my left… where 'the Body Caves' lie" he turned to so. A deep scar had laid into the ground. He quickly rode his bird to a path down into the valley. He passed a couple herds of sheep on his way there.

He jumped off the bird and let it run free, back to its Beast Master owner. "Kweh!" he last heard from it.

He sucked in his gut and began to walk down the steep, yet grassing route. Small fuzzy, purple weeds stuck from the ground. One could pick them out and blow the seeds away. It granted a wish from Altana they said. He saw a Temple Knight observing the area with his back to Auricant. His armor was of white plates, iron chain, and gold lining. A fresh helm shielded his head.

"Hello?" Auricant tried loudly to get the knight's attention.

The young man jumped a bit and turned back quickly. "Uh, hi. I don't think you can be here…" he notified Auricant, looking like he was about to say something but didn't get to.

"Baramore invited me here… to work out" Auricant assured.

"Auricant is it?" the knight questioned.

"Yes, could I see the man leading this?" Auricant asked calmly.

"Of course. Sir Maxamillious has been expecting you" he bowed and guided his friend to the elite Temple Knight. Passing through some living mushrooms that had short legs and beady eyes. The top of the mushroom-like beast was orange with white spots and their slimy body was also white. The planetoids avoided Auricant knowing he was much too strong to be prey. On the short, damp grass they walked.

Sir Maxamillious introduced himself with a composed expression. He also wore a white-plated armor with gold lining and iron chains. The plates emitted shining reflection of light. He was a man with large arms and dark eyes. His hair brunette, reached his broad shoulders, but couldn't be described much thanks to his large helm. He handled the sword like a master and annoyed at stupid moves made by his trainees, like it was a personal offense. Auricant some did basic sword combat training for two hours with fellow students. Auricant learned a lot from the training, but his overall skill didn't improve much it seemed. His father already taught him to be strong with a saber.

"You're not bad…" Maxamillious's sharp eyes pierced Auricant's silence. Auricant was a little ahead the other people in the training party in sword combat. Most of the others were beginners at combat in general.

"Thank you" Auricant smiled gently, bowing his head in grace.

"You… want to become a Temple Knight soon?" Maxamillious began to question him. He smiled with anticipation for Auricant to say yes.

"No sir, not that I have anything against the order. It is just not the kind of knight I want to be" Auricant answered quickly.

"Hmm, Royal Knight?" Maxamillious looked a bit annoyed. He was one of the many Temple Knights that had a rough tension shared with the Royal Knights.

"No sir, not that one either" Auricant confused him. It began to drizzle while the men talked. It rained at least three times in three days, which was why La Thiene was so fertile.

"I don't get you" Maxamillious waited for an explanation.

"I want… to be a Reserve Captain" he told Maxamillious with an intense look in his eyes. Maxamillious was a bit surprised as his eyes met the fire in Auricant's. That was the highest rank an adventurer like Auricant could wish to obtain. "Like my father, Paris Verdun"

"Yes, I heard a bit about him. Saved the Grand Knight of the Realm's life in the Crystal War while losing his own. A great man I would say" Maxamillious padded him on the back and then walked into a cave. Auricant stood quiet for a moment.

'The Grand Knight of the Realm during the time of the Crystal War knows!' Auricant smiled as he finally made progress. He followed the others into the grotto that led to the Ordelle's Caves.

Ordelle's Caves, or the Body Caves as some Elvaan called it, was a series of tunnels made of limestone. The walls of the grotto seemed aged, ranging from a dark purple to a milky white. The map of the cave made it look like a body of man, where it gets its nickname. Auricant had only been in these caves once before, in his time out of Ronfaure. It was to collect something by an underground waterfall here to get his Squire's status a long time ago. 'Ugh that was annoying' he remembered.

"Okay we are doing a lost member drill! This is more often practiced by Royal Knights, but it is downright vital that Temple Knights learn it as well. It could save a life… it has saved mine before" he took a big breath as memories poured into his head. The students became slightly keener with the learning after hearing it saved their teacher's life. "Auricant, why don't you star in this? Run out, not too deep though. We will send someone to find you. People get lost in Body Caves. Be careful, please" Maxamillious ordered with his feet submerged under the sparking water that was at the entrance of the caves. Auricant nodded and began to run.

He laughed at the thought that this was about of grown men playing hide-and-seek. His smile quickly became a horrifying expression of awe. A man was on the ground covered in blood, stabbed and slashed all over… dead.

Most likely dead for at least three days as the body began to emit a disgusting odor. "Maxamillious! Sir! This is no joke! I found a dead body!" his voiced echoed through the halls. He turned back to the body once more. It was knight, Royal Knight to be exact. His throat was slashed, but it seemed the murderer didn't stop there. The body looked like it could fall to pieces at anytime. Just before he heard footsteps coming from behind him, he began to examine it. The murder must have been in total rage, like an Orc, but something looked strange.

'These wounds… could an Orc have done this precision? Could… a person have done this?!' he looked slightly closer, squinting his eyes.

"Oh dear Altana, I am a bit too old for this" Maxamillious sighed at the sight, turning his eyes opposite from the corpse. A student next to him instantly became nauseated and vomited away from the sight.

Five hours past after the discovery and Auricant was in an office within the Chateau d'Oraguille. The chair he parked himself upon was made of comfortable, black leather. In front of him was a male Elvaan in a Temple Knight's armor sitting behind a desk. This man's eyes were sensitive blue, and his orange, messy hair broke free from his helm. On the front of the desk a little tag declared: Challistalle l'Orulive.

"So, this all you can tell me?" he spoke in a soft, yet strict voice. He placed his rest arm down and began to think with his fist covering his lips.

"Uh, yes sir. I am sorry if it is not enough" Auricant looked at the wooden and stonewalls. He had never been to the Chateau d'Oraguille and his eyes never seen the beyond gorgeous garden inside. He always dreamed as a boy to enter the castle that he saw every single day. His nerves were a little off but his usual calm and obedient attitude was in check.

"Please, call me Challistalle" he smiled at the silver-haired adventurer.

"Sure, Challistalle" he smiled back, pushing back his bangs that also pushed back his long ears.

"I am soon to dismiss this case, it is obviously another Orc ambush" he nodded assuredly as he looked down at some paper work.

"I don't believe so…" Auricant's eyes focused on a golden famed picture that was held above Challistalle. It was a young, charming Elvaan man also in Temple Knight armor. His hair was orange, but long and trimmed. He kind of looked like Challistalle, but a bit older. Challistalle's eyes suddenly became full of anguish once he noticed Auricant looking at the picture. Auricant returned his focus to Challistalle, seeing this.

"You think something else?" Challistalle raised an eyebrow.

"I think it is was a murder" Auricant said a bit nervous. Challistalle just stood quiet for a moment, a bit surprised.

"I don't believe so, but I will let the Royal Knights handle this. I am giving up Temple Knight jurisdiction" he shook his head in disagreement. Auricant wanted to debate the idea, but in such a castle he could not do so. He left the room without a goodbye.

Challistalle stood up and locked his door after him. He glanced at the picture by his desk, the picture of the Temple Knight. He looked down with a sudden rush of emotion in his throat. He began to choke up tears, sobbing slightly. He looked at the picture again, bursting into tears. His back, slowly, slid down against the door. "Why…?" being the only word that could escape his crying.

Auricant was outside, in the meeting room of the Temple Knights. A higher floor, where he stood, with a pair of tables on the bigger, lower floor. Both stories had nice carpeting over a strong stone and wood structure. There was a female Temple Knight. Her armor all gold and white plated. She had rebellious orange hair under her helm that flowed down over her right eye, covering it. At her side was shiny sword with a golden edge. She was the leader of the Temple Knights. Her rank was called Grand Temple Knight of the Realm and her first name was Currila. She had her hand on Baramore's shoulder, who she was facing.

"I am sorry for you're lost, Temple Knight Baramore. I'll make sure you get the time you need for you to grieving" she nodded her head. Her voice was strong, unlike most Elvaan women. He nodded with a depressed look. He had no tears, but his face was spilling with a frown, almost a disappointed look. Auricant rushed to his friend.

"Baramore?" he asked, "You knew this man?"

"Yes… he was a close friend of mine" he sighed.

"I am sorry to see him go" Auricant now was a bit gloomed. "And the way he did. If he was a friend of yours, he was not the man to deserve this" Auricant shook his head.

"It must have been horrible for to find the body like that… I am sorry you had to get involve-" Baramore began to apologize.

"Baramore, I think he was murdered" he said looking around to make sure no one would overhear. Baramore was shocked.

"Who would do such a thing!" Baramore's sadness turned to anger as he held his head down, gazing the castle's floor.

"I am going to find out… but for now I want to go to sleep, even if it is early" Auricant felt a sudden rush of sleepiness run through his body. After making the short walk into the residential area, the Elvaan shortly passed out on his bed.

Morning came with horrible news. Auricant walked out of his San d'Orian apartment shortly past noon, he had slept for a long time. He asked a random Temple Knight what happened with the body and the case in general.

"You haven't heard?! Two more killings happened. It was deemed a serial killer did them. Your friend Baramore was arrested for the crime! It is horrible!" he was loud. Auricant knees almost buckled. He was stunned with a lightheaded feeling. When he overcame the spell he quickly ran away from the knight, without answering.

He ran into the Chateau d'Oraguille, proving he was Rank Two and rushing over the drawbridge. He turned right and ran down many stairs. Auricant was stopped for a moment by an iron gate, which he just as quickly opened. Behind it was a shadow filled dungeon. A large hall of jail cells was in sight. A man next to him was in full Darksteel armor, a dark blue set of heavy armor with gold outlines that covered the entire body.

"Guard! You must answer! Where is Baramore the Temple Knight's cell?" Auricant was desperate to see his friend and his voice showed that.

"Baramore… he is… take your first right and you will see him nearly down the hall" the knight was thinking midway of answering. Auricant rushed off to do so. He reached Baramore's cell. Inside was a cheap-clothes wearing Elvaan with his head looking down.

"Baramore!" Auricant jumped back at the sight of him. Was this really happening? Could Baramore really have been charged for multiple murders? Auricant keep on asking those questions in his head.

The Temple Knight head flew up and turned. His eyes spotted Auricant from past the bars. "I did not d-" Baramore tried to explain.

"Of course you didn't. I do not believe that for second! Now why are they charging you?" Auricant begged for an answer.

"All three of them… who were murdered were my friends. Very close friends. They think I am going crazy or something. I am in so much pain… this is seriously horrible" Baramore sighed. Even with such heartbreak he didn't bleed a tear.

"I can't express my sorrow" Auricant got closer with his hands grabbing the bars, "I will find this murderer and free your name. I promise!". Baramore looked up and saw the young man's eyes burning with hope. Auricant couldn't image being wrongly sent to court for the murder of three of his close friends.

"Excuse me…" a shy, raspy voice spilled from out of nowhere. Auricant jumped back at the sight of a hooded Elvaan. He didn't even hear him at all to that point. The jail keeper had a scary aura, as his skin was shady under his dirty, tan tunic. Two silver hairs spilled out as he moved closer to the gate's lock. From his pocket he pulled out a ring of keys.

"You are free to go, Baramore. The Kingdom can't begin to express her forgiveness" he told him. Baramore stood up, quickly. Both of the friends' eyes stared in a cheerful bewilderment. The Temple Knight smiled happily. He walked out of the cage, letting out a big breath.

"Why did they change their mind?" Auricant couldn't help but ask.

"Another murder happened. I believe… he was yet another friend of yours Baramore" the mysterious man explained with sorrow.

"Damn it…" Baramore punched the steel bars with his fist, "Who is doing this to me?!".

"That's not all… it is believed that his murderer is connected to the Orcs. A small party of Orcs of the size of about five was able to get into North San d'Oria's gate. They were quickly killed or chased off, but no one knows how they got in" the dark man went on, "Makes you wonder". Auricant and Baramore listened, dazed.

"That means a Temple Knight must have done this…" Baramore looked to the ground. The San d'Oria he loved was in danger. Something big was going down. A tragedy was about to happen… Baramore could sense it.

"I will find out… you just try to restore your reputation" Auricant tried to comfort his friend, while the mysterious jail-keeper disappeared back into the darkness of the halls.

Baramore, exhausted, went to rest within the hour. Auricant was browsing through the files in the Chateau d'Oraguille, enjoying his newly gained access. It was time to look for clues. The victims were all Royal Knights. They were all involved in a raid of Ronfaure, a little less than year back. 'All captains of that raid!' Auricant suddenly realized. He quickly turned the page to see the casualties. 'Maybe a plot for revenge?' For a split second he wanted to call himself a hypocrite, but his mind dismissed the thought.

Only one. A Temple Knight, Travis l'Orulive: Challistalle's brother. Auricant dropped the report. "No…" he shivered at the fallen set of papers. 'It must have been Challistalle!' he looked angrily to the ground. The yellow and white papers of the report were scattered.

Someone who could know where all the knights were at all times. Someone who could have open the gate for the Orcs. Someone who could have change the way of the investigation to avoid any suspicion. "Fiend…" Auricant frowned. He did his best to shake off the icy chill aura that surrounded his body."Where is Temple Knight Challistalle at this moment?" Auricant quickly turned to a random Royal Knight in the meeting room of Royal Knights, which bore the crest of the knights over the arch doorway. He shrugged. And so did another Knight he asked… and another and another. Challistalle was gone.

Auricant ran out into Ronfaure after hearing from a guard at South San d'Oria's west gate that he saw Challistalle ten minutes ago. Auricant ran deeper into the forest. Passing signpost and even a patrolling sentry on his way. There he was: Challistalle l'Orulive.

"Challistalle…" Auricant said unfinished, but dared not go on. The moment was dead with emotion. A swift wind blew by, tossing some fall's leaves. A true darkness reached into the scene, even though the sun was out. The Temple Knight turned around.

"What would you like Mister Auricant P Verdun?" he asked with a bittersweet beam on his face. It was dark and yet nice. Like a madman's dream finally coming to realization. Blood was dried on his poorly hidden sword: Elvaan blood.

"You did it… you killed them all" Auricant returned with hatred.

"I don't know what you are talki-" Challistalle shrugged, trying to retain his grace.

"Shut up!" Auricant roared with rage in his voice and face, "You hurt my friend. You put him through hell… a hell that I could only imagine from miles. He will never be the same again. For that…".

"What, you plan to kill me? Arrest me? Like I care… it is almost over. All of it" Challistalle hastily swung his sword out of his holster, his fake smile now gone. He let his Temple Knight shield slide off his arm and hit the ground. He grasped his weapon's hilt with both hands.

"Almost over? What do you mean?" Auricant asked worried. Only a charging Challistalle met his question. Auricant pulled out his blade and they dueled. Auricant was able to block a swift deathblow and returned with an elbow strike to Challistalle's face.

"Ugh!" he retreated slowly, "You little bastard". He rubbed his hurting cheek and they began to fight more. Auricant was slightly better than Challistalle in swordplay. The training from Maxamillious must have improved his swordsmanship. They both dare not cast a curing spell, for that could give the opponent a change to give a damaging blow.

Challistalle assaults were blocked by Auricant's shield and sword repeatedly. The fallen knight held Auricant's blade against his and grabbed Auricant's arm that was equipped with a steel shield. Auricant slashed down trying to repel the foe off his body, but Challistalle quickly blocked the shot with his own blade once again. Challistalle quickly pulled back, taking the shield with him. He grinned and tossed it away. "Now we are even… lets end this quick!" Challistalle saw the shield land and turned to Auricant, who now was shield-less.

The sun was setting as their blade clashed in conflict. Challistalle was out of breath. Even with his tactics, Auricant was always ready to block his attacks and give out a stronger fight. Both of their bodies grew tired, but it seemed Auricant was winning. Auricant and Challistalle's swords met and slid down against each other until their hilts were caught together. They both pulled away ruggedly, backing a few feet away from each otherr.

The desperate Challistalle lunged forward, ready to kill. Auricant was able to move his body right, only cutting the side of his chain mail, barely. Auricant's silver tresses flew up as he swung his sword down, ready to cut his opponent's hand off. Challistalle retracted his arm, the blade just missing the hair on his knuckles. Auricant withdrew before Challistalle could take advantage of his uncoordinated stance. Both stood at a stand still, looking at each other.

"Times up… you wasted too much of my patience" Challistalle sighed annoyed and whistled with two fingers. A second came and left. Four Orcs with leather mask and armor came from out of the shadows. Two of them had axes and the other two had swords.

"You traitorous bastard!" Auricant couldn't help but curse as the four Orcs closed in on him. He parried an Orc's sword quickly, leaving the Beastman open to clear attacks. With the Orc unable to defend it's body, Auricant slashed its chest two times. Even with his best efforts, the Orc was not defeated and one of its friends butted him on the head with the handle of an axe. He dashed away, slashing a defense to be reckoned with.

An unhurt Orc rushed the Elvaan with his axe. Auricant cut the Orc's wrist before it was able to leave a mark on him. The Orc dropped his axe and grabbed his wrist. Auricant reached over and hugged the Orc's closer by his back as his blade slid into the Orc's chest. The Orc cried in pain, with its white pug-like eyes showing hurting. He released grip and slashed the Orc's neck. The Orc chocked for a moment then hit the ground, dead. He blocked the assault of another Orc, but was hit by a large, green-skinned fist from a third one. He collapsed as they kicked him while he was down. With grass in his face, he coiled with every kick.

"Don't kill him!" Challistalle pushed his Beastmen companions away. "A lot of Royal Knights were sent out because you and few imaginary adventurers got kidnapped and are being held at Davoi. It would be such a shame if twenty or thirty dozen Orcs took advantage of that. Maybe even kill a few knights" Challistalle began to explain the trap. Auricant just rested on the ground, covered in his and a fallen Orc's blood. "So… are you ready to go home, Auricant P Verdun?" he asked with revulsion and pulled Auricant up by his fair hair violently. The Elvaan coughed out a mouthful of blood, hiding his terrible pain.

"Bastard…" he insulted weakly.

"Wrong answer I am afraid. Good night friend" Challistalle shook his cocky grin. He swung Auricant's head to his rushing his knee, crushing his nose. Blood spat everywhere and Auricant felt a weakening sensation. Challistalle let his body drop to the ground. Multiple rivers of blood spilled from his snout.

Auricant slowly started to black out as the Orcs began to lift his body. He only could only hold his broken nose for a few seconds before his body fell limp. His last sight was Challistalle walking towards San d'Oria. It got darker and darker, until there was nothing.

"Sister Khristin! What are you doing out here?" Baramore, now back at his post, was surprised to see the visitor.

"Oh I came by to see if you were okay" she smiled as a saint. The female Hume wore the uniform of nuns and clerics: a long dark blue tunic with some black trimming. Her eyes were blue like an angel and her yellow locks poured from under her hood. She was truly a beautiful member of the Altana Sisterhood

"It's all been so tough, but I think I will be able to handle it. I think my cousin Baramunk will be a lot more upset when he comes back" he laughed joined in by Khristin, "Is that all you came for sister Khristin?"

"Oh hehe, I don't know maybe I can help you with some guarding. You know my cure spells could heal a dead man and my banish-spell isn't something to be laugh at" she smiled.

The leaves in the small courtyard began to fall off some aged, yet small trees. The stone tiles laid the ground between the large archway and the series of small gates actually within the city. Faint voices of traders and adventurers could be heard from the not so distant Laborman's Way. The sky was black, like it always was this time during the fall season.

"I am sure that's true. It would be an honor for you stay and watch with my fellow Temple Knights and me. Maybe you can talk about your stories of the pilgrimages through Zi'Tah?" he smiled, resting his back against the city wall.

"Oh well where do I be-" she said until a large explosion roared from just above them. It was so loud; all of San d'Oria heard it. A boulder was flung at the walls, penetrating it. A rain of small stones and debris rained on the pair, but Baramore's body covered the nun. Baramore quickly recognized its source: an Orcish militia launcher.

From a bridge above them a young, red haired Elvaan female Royal Archer roared down "Orcs! A lot of them! Only several hundred yards away!".

"How many of them do you think?" Baramore asked and was able to get back to his senses as he protected the nun from any possible danger.

"I see one hundred! And I think that is only the first wave, sir!" her young voice shaking.

"Oh no… They are almost no Royal Knights in the city, thanks to an order issued by Challistalle to save the captured adventurers from Davoi! Alert all of the Temple Knights! Get all people away from the West Gate and Ranperre's Gate! Inform Grand Temple Knight Curilla right now!" he shouted at two Temple Knight squires.

"Are we going to be okay?" Khristin asked with worry.

"Start praying to Altana" he looked seriously at her. Khristin wished that were only a joke. He pulled out his shield and sword. Behind him a rally of Temple Knights appeared. They pushed Khristin back, away from Baramore. San d'Oria was under attack. The walls of this city had never been broken before. Baramore was going to make sure it never did, at least not on his watch. Four of more rocks were flung at the gate. Baramore grinded his teeth and got ready for his challenge.

"I think it is funny" One voice with chuckled.

"What is brother?" Another through out a question into the air. The mood of the scene was relaxed. It was somewhere safe from danger… or eavesdroppers.

"All these souls… they slowly are being drawn together. All these souls with sad past"

"Hmm… I guess it is strange"

"You know, in 'The Vana'diel Tragedy' it predicts many things"

"I do not believe a word of that foolish manuscript, even if it is from our time"

"Haha, that's just like you... younger brother"

"Well, it is impossible to see into the future"

"I have…"

"Hmm… I guess, whatever. Why bring the 'Vana'diel Tragedy' up?"

"It predicts the return of the ancients…"

"…"

"And their down fall"

"Now I really don't believe it. You think these souls with their sad past will stop the rise of the Zilart, older brother?"

"No, I just wonder why he would put something in there… 'A Poet of when such things did not exist'"

"Well, it is lost to history now. We should focus at the task at hand… the Magicite. The Crystal Line shall be restored soon enough. Then we can destroy seeds that the ancients have planted on the beautiful soil that is Vana'diel. Our Vana'diel."

"Hehe… you're silly brother. They are many things you can never understand. 'A Poet of when such things did not exist' still lives! In the flesh, in this era!"

"You can't mean… damn it! He slipped right between my fingers like the Altepa sand. Well I guess I'll send a task force to retrieve the man"

"Hmm, I got a better idea. Time to use that 'sad past' to our advantage"