Chapter 2: Death of a Fellow Mercenary
Ike returned to the place where the fate of the war between Daein and Crimea shifted. Tor Garen. The three day trip was long, and he did not stop until he reached his destination. He was concerned for all of the people who lost their lives, but more concerned with Jill, his fellow mercenary.
Although she was originally from Daein, Jill joined the mercenaries out of hatred of the Daein government. Jill had been a strong ally since the time the mercenaries went to Port Toha to sail to Begnion. She and Ike became good friends since that time, and helped the mercenaries gain another valued ally, Haar.
Ike couldn't believe that such an attack occurred. There were mountains in the east; nobody could have possibly been able to train and grow stronger in such harsh conditions as those. Lord Ike felt uneasy that another war could start, even though, deep down, war was inevitable.
The Griel Mercenaries leader entered the fortress walls. Decapitated bodies were all over the place. Heads of pikes, missing limbs, and horse carcass's were the most visible. But there was no sign of Jill.
Ike went deeper into the fortress. He was stunned at all the bloodshed, dreading that this massacre would happen again elsewhere. Who could have done this? he thought. Who could possibly lead an army after five years?
He continued to search the grounds, still finding no sign of Jill. He was right outside the kitchen area when he heard footsteps. Lord Ike drew his sword and prepared his self for battle.
Titania entered on horseback, looking panicky, an expression Ike rarely saw in her. "Lord Ike. I am glad to see you again."
"And the same to you, Titania. Have you seen Jill?"
She looked down and replied slowly, "Come with me."
Titania led Lord Ike to the weapons room of the fortress. More bodies were outside the entrance. He entered the room, and his expression changed to much greater shock. On the wall, Jill's wyvern was placed upon, like a trophy of the army's victory. The wyvern was still gushing dark red blood, pikes and spears sticking out of the beast in random locations of its body.
Lord Ike looked across the room. There laid Jill, eyes closes. He ran to where Jill was, but there was nothing left but her decapitated head.
Titania looked away. Lord Ike stood his ground, rage filling him. Five years ago, he had lost his father to the Black Knight, the only casualty to the Griel Mercenaries. Now, Lord Ike had lost his first companion, a companion who was strong willed and courageous to the very end.
Finally, Lord Ike looked up at Titania, a tear falling from his face. "Who else is with you, Titania?" he asked.
"I encountered Sothe while on patrol. He informed me of the disaster at Tor Garen, so I left with him. Everyone else is back in Daein, awaiting for my return."
"Sothe...I thought he had left for good, like Volke did."
"I thought the same thing. Apparently, they've been traveling the continent, seeking information just in case war was upon us."
Ike looked down, another tear dropping to the blood-stained floor. "Well, it looks like we are in another war. Titania, would you and Sothe find Jill's body and take her back to Daein. Give her a ceremonial burial for her dedication to the Griel Mercenaries, as I did with my father. Also, tell Haar of this incident. He will show sorrow in this."
Titania looked up finally, tears streaming from her face. "I shall. What will you do now, Lord Ike?"
"The only thing I can do right now. Call everyone from Crimea back to Melior. Give them instructions of where to go, who to contact, and bring everyone to Daein and Begnion. There is no threat to Crimea or Gallia at this time," replied the general of the mercenaries.
"Understood, Lord Ike," she wailed.
Ike left Titania immediately after on his way back to Melior.
Roy and Marth were on their way to Crimea's capital for the first time, with the guidance of Zihark and the rest of people assigned at Port Toha. It appeared they had arrived just in time, for war was beginning to the east. Roy was excited when he learned that he going to be able to use his sword again; Marth, on the other hand, was as calm as ever.
Zihark looked at the two men accompanying him, surveying them. From what they had told him, they were looking for Lord Ike, but refused to specify why. Somehow, Zihark trusted them, believing they wouldn't do anything irrational. The others had their doubts about them, especially Largo.
Largo believed they were assassins, like Sothe and Volke, and he couldn't explain why they would come to Tellius to speak with Ike. He eyed them suspiciously all they way down.
Stefan remained silent the entire time as they walked to the Crimean capital. He was side by side with Zihark, concentrating on what they had just heard. The others were also like the swordsmaster. Silence. Continuous silence.
They traveled for 10 hours on foot before reaching the Mercenary Fort, where the others were located. There were the brothers, Boyd, Oscar, and Rolf, awaiting their arrival. They greeted each member before facing Roy and Marth. Boyd, the most arrogant of the trio, was grim faced when he met them, like the rest. Oscar, however, did not share the same view as Boyd and greeted them like any other new invitee.
"Welcome to the Griel Mercenaries. These are my brothers, Boyd and Rolf." Rolf shook their hands, while Boyd remained firm, refusing their outstretched hands. "I have been informed that you are seeking General Ike through our messenger. We won't be leaving till tomorrow. So, in the meantime, please feel free to take whatever accommodations you might need during your stay here."
"I thank you for the hospitality, Oscar," replied Marth. "We have traveled a long way, and a break can be a good thing every now and again."
"Sasha!" called Rolf. A young archer, only 14 years of age, emerged from the archer's arena a short way off. She had short dirty blonde hair, green eyes, and very skinny. When she joined the group, she smiled at Rolf gleefully.
"What can I do for you, Rolfie boy?" she inquired in a silly fashion.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" cried Rolf as everyone laughed, except for Marth and Oscar. "Listen, I need you to prepare rooms for our guests here. There are a lot, so make sure that the maidens hurry up with the cleaning. We'll need more food as well."
Sasha grinned at the enormous amount of people here, eyes widening as she noticed Zihark. "Yes, at once, Rolf." She took off as quickly as she arrived.
The group settled down for the afternoon, and had a quiet supper soon afterward. Oscar introduced Marth and Roy to the other members who were at the fort, as well as the new members in training after supper. Marth and Roy went to their separate rooms as night drew closer, hoping to get an early night for the first time since they felt their countries.
Meanwhile, the original members of the Griel Mercenaries were discussing the situation that had just occurred in a secret meeting. They sat along a long table, every one of them looking very serious.
Oscar stood up and the meeting began. "So, I have been informed that war has started to the east from Volke two days ago. I was instructed to wait for everyone in Toha to meet here before heading out."
Everyone seemed stunned by this information. Rolf piped up first, saying softly, "What…what happened?"
"There was an invasion on Tor Garen five days ago. According to him, everyone is dead and Jill has been pronounced missing in action. This is an act of war, and it has to be dealt with immediately. We are to head to Melior as quickly as we can and wait for Ike to return for further instructions," responded Oscar to his younger brother.
"Devdan don't understand. Why not leave now?" questioned Devdan.
Shinon looked at his companion, his eyes squared to Devdan's. "Still haven't been able to speak first person, I see. We aren't ready to leave because we have new recruits who don't know that the invasion has commenced. They will probably get scared out of their minds and leave immediately."
Lucia and Bastian were talking in whispers, unable for anyone else to hear. Largo and Calill gave weary looks at each other. Stefan stood up and raised the question that many had been thinking. "What about the two companions we brought along. Will they be accompanying us to Melior? They did want to meet with General Ike, but refused to answer any of Zihark's questions when asked about their business to Crimea."
Zihark looked at his friend and stated blandly, "I believe they are trustworthy."
"How can you be certain? They could be assassins. We could be leading them directly to Ike and murder him on the spot. What makes you think, Zihark, that these men are willing to help us defeat Daein, if they aren't already with Daein?" shouted Largo.
"I believe this because of their attitudes and swords craft, Largo. Their swords are just like Ike's Ragnell blade. Besides, Roy, I believe, is carefree and really wants to help us with our cause."
Lucia spoke this time. "That clears Roy, but what about his companion, Marth. He seems to think of us as inferior except for Lord Ike. Ike is a superior leader, I certainly agree, but what is so important that only he is to know?"
A mass of communication swarmed the meeting room, shouts about the untrustworthy characters and puzzling personalities. Oscar put a hand up in the air, hoping for a cease of communication, but nobody was looking. He moved to Giffca and asked, "Giffca, would you do the honors?"
Giffca transformed into a lion and roared loudly, ending communication immediately. He growled angrily at the members, and then looked at Oscar.
"Thanks. It seems to me that everyone has a different view of our guests. However, I will give my sentiments." He looked at Zihark, and sighed before continuing. "I agree with Zihark, for the time being. Besides, we don't have to the time to quarrel this right now. We will soon find out whether they are trustworthy or not. In the meantime, get some rest, pack your things, and we will leave at noon tomorrow. This meeting is over."
Everyone left, talking quietly, except for Giffca, Shinon, and Oscar. The paladin turned to face his companions who remained. "I want you two to go to Gallia and inform everyone of the renewed attack by Daein."
"At once," replied Giffca, and left the meeting room. Shinon stayed, however, replying, "Why should I go? You are inferior to me, anyway."
"Listen, I know you have your beliefs, but Lord Ike needs us to get back together and ready ourselves for war. I am sure you would like to get back out there and take on Daein."
A smug smile crossed Shinon's face. "I missed the bloodshed. Very well, I will do this, but you better give me some fine mead when I return, Oscar."
Volke entered the Begnion capital, which was still intacted. He slipped past the guards to the Apostle's castle, sneaking his way around every obstacle like an assassin would. However, right before entering the doors to the Apostle's throne room, his cape was snagged. He turned to face Tanith, one of the Apostle's fellow Falcon Knights.
"Volke, you better explain yourself for sneaking into the castle," she barked.
"I have been sent by Lord Ike."
"Why don't I believe you, assassin."
"You must trust me. I am not here to steal anything. My employer has instructed me to inform the Apostle a message. He wishes that everyone know," remarked Volke, a vein throbbing from his temple.
Tanith eyed him before allowing him to pass. "Make this quick, assassin. The Apostle is very busy."
The giant pewter doors opened to allow the two to pass. There, on her throne, sat the great apostle, Sanaki, who had changed greatly since they last met. Everyone else was there, eating vegetables, grapes, and assorted meats. Their goblets were filled with Goldean mead and Crimean spices. Volke, however, went straight to the Apostle.
He removed his mask, bowed before her, and addressed her. "Great Aposlte of Begnion. I have been sent here by Lord Ike of Crimea with information that may threaten this empire."
"Explain."
"Five days ago, an attack on the former Daein fort of Tor Garen was struck by an army of rebels. It is believed that they are planning an attack on Daein and Crimea. He asks that you lend aid to wipe out this enemy."
"Volke, inform Ike that his offer is accepted. Marcia and Tanith shall be more than glad to lend aid to Crimea," the Apostle responded, a smile forming as she had done when he first entered the Begnion Empire with Princess Elincia five years ago.
Another knock was heard from the doors and were swung open. A soldier entered, panicky. "Madam Apostle, we are being attacked!"
The smile vanished from Sanaki immediately, and everyone else ceased conversing. "Explain yourself."
"There is an army, over 15,000 men, outside the gates. There are magicians, berserkers, swordsmasters, archers, and laguz, all of whom are set to attack the capital. We must prepare now, madam."
Sanaki looked at everyone. She looked anxious now. Volke sensed fear within her. She probably wasn't expecting a war to occur in Begnion. She has no idea what to do. This is an interesting strategic plan this person is committing.
The Apostle stood up and pronounced, "Listen up. As you've heard, war has just arisen. Volke here was informing me information about an army wiping the people Tor Garen and requested help to protect Crimea and Daein. However, this no longer is the case. We are the ones seeking help now, but we will have to withstand this attack upon the Begnion Empire now. Prepare for battle!" She turned to face Volke. "Inform Lord Ike that no aid can be given. You know what to do."
"Pay me."
"JUST GO DAMMIT! THERE IS NO TIME!"
Volke looked displeased. "You owe me big, Apostle."
While everyone else was preparing for battle, Volke left, running all the way back to Crimea with Sanaki's request for reinforcements.
A scout returned to hills where General Ulysses was overseeing the battle. He saluted his leader. "General, we have the results of our battle at Tor Garen. There were minor casualties on our commanding troops. The Crimean soldiers were completely eliminated, including one of the mercenaries from Griel."
Ulysses looked quite impressed with this report. "One of the Griel Mercenaries has fallen? This is most intriguing news. Have you identified the warrior?"
"We have. It was a wyvern lord by the name of Jill. She used to be a---"
"I know who she was. Inform the Black Knight of this decisive victory and our advancement on Begnion. He should be very pleased."
"At once, General!" shouted the scout, and left the hills back to the mountains in the east.
Excellent! This victory has proven that we are a threat that is not to be contained, he thought. That bitch betrayed the Daein government, along with Haar. They will be the first to fall to our army! Then, out of nowhere, he laughed menacingly, a laugh that compared to that of the former Daein king himself, Ashnard.
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