Authors' notes: Super big apology to all our readers. Real life really tore into us with 40 hour workweeks and a master thesis to research and write. On top of that, other projects such as a Salamanders army for Warhammer 40k just made things worse. So yeah, back in action here in Tristain. Hope you guys and gals enjoy this chapter.
The Great Leap
There were four nations and nearly 20 people on this video call. At Clément-sur-Mer, the density was the greatest. Henrietta, her mother, Marshal du Poitier, and Admiral de Boeck sat or stood at the head of the table. The Queen had arrived to her troops and subjects prepared to meet her magnificently, festivities that were quickly brushed aside. Rumors were running rampant in her ranks commoner and noble, but she'd address that later.
Also in the room was Colonel Hamilton, Colonel Roberts, Agent Turner, leader of the MI6 detachment, and Agent Harper. Devers was somewhere downstairs making sure everything was clean and secure, including their new prisoner.
In the Prime Minister's office in Ottawa, Trudeau sat with Ministers Sajjan and Goodale flanking him while in the Oval Office, Trump was with SecDef Mattis and CIA Director Haspel.
Tension and stress filled the air as they discussed about the latest events and their possibly huge ramifications. Devers had let Halkegenia HQ know about the full scale of the problem before getting a ride back, and they'd sent word back home as well as put all the men and women in the region on alert. Before the agent had even got back to the coast, people were converging to discuss the matter. Quick greetings had already been exchanged and now all parties were waiting for the briefing to start.
This just had to happen right before the great leap into Albion.
Agent Harper was handing out files to those present in the conference room while aides did the same thing in Ottawa and Washington DC.
As he finished, Devers returned into the room.
"I've secured the only Gallian to have survived the attack. We took the bodies of the rest in case they can be used as evidence against Gallia." he reported.
"Excellent work Agent Devers," Trump said over the call, "So what happened?"
Devers and Harper nodded.
"Two near simultaneous attacks here in Tristain. One on a Void Mage at Des Ornières, and the other on her Majesty at the capital. We've also received reports that Lutèce, the Gallian capital had been attacked yesterday," Harper briefed, "However, the reports are incomplete as our agents there are still trying to make sense of what happened. King Joseph has issued a bounty for an alleged perpetrator."
"How do the events in Gallia relate to this?" Henrietta asked.
"The same person who robbed Gallia was the one at Des Ornières," Devers answered, "We detained her even though the other attackers fought us to the death. She is currently locked up here and we are waiting for Captain de Milan to arrive to assist in the interrogation. That might not be till tonight. She's the same girl that got caught spying a few months ago. The one who's dad was murdered by his brother for the throne."
Glances and slight eye movements by the people back on Earth. Henrietta's eyes flickered to the table. Of course Trump and Trudeau had heard that story. Did they sympathize with the girl? Of course. But politics was politics, and a crime was a crime. They'd agreed with Henrietta's decision, and the Queen maintained she did what was right for her people.
"We honestly have no idea what's going on yet. She might've been trying to defect." Devers admitted. "But the fact is, she showed up in country at the same time as these attacks and she's being pinned as the attacker in Gallia. I don't believe in coincidences. Her and Gallia had something to do with it. This could damn well be a false flag, and we're going to find out."
"We understand," Henrietta answered, "My Musketeers will assist in this endeavour however they can. There is simply too much at stake for half-willed efforts."
"You have no idea, your Majesty." Devers agreed. "Here's the thing, and Ms. Valliere will back this up." Henrietta blinked in surprise; she hadn't seen Louise yet. Business over pleasure. After having everyone captivated with anticipation, Devers dropped the bomb. "The assassins were after Ms. Valliere's Void Magic artifacts. The ring and the book. This isn't confirmed, but I think this alleged attack in Gallia was to steal their artifacts too."
"Void? That same thing that blew up Albion's ship?"
"Yes, Mr. President. An ancient form of powerful magic that hardly anyone knows about. A subject of great political, religious, military, and societal importance. And these bastards tried to steal items related to it."
"But why?" Henrietta asked, standing up. "Void Magic can only be used by those gifted with it, and even then only by using artifacts belonging to that Kingdom. Tristain's Founder Objects would be of no use to anyone but a Tristainian Void Mage." She looked down at her finger. Albion's Air Ring. Was that why she'd been attacked? It made even less sense.
"Would it possible to override this limitation?" Trudeau asked, "Perhaps the attackers found a way to be able to use these items without being a Void Mage?"
"Or," The American Director of the CIA suggested, "What if they did it to undermine the authority of the kingdoms? Take away their legitimacy?"
"Void is still a mystery. Maybe it would be possible," Devers said, "And we don't have enough evidence to validate that theory, Director."
"The Founder's relics are all sacred and held with great reverence by his descendants. We are entrusted to guard them with our lives," Henrietta added, "It would be a terrible blow to any of His heirs to lose them, almost on the same level as being unable to cast magic. I can see why she'd steal Gallia's-to undermine her uncle." She said thoughtfully. "But why steal ours?"
"Revenge, most likely," du Poitier said. "I imagine word about our Void Mage is widespread by now. Ms. d'Orléans has no reason to love us after we denied her aid. I can't think of a better way to humble Tristain at this moment in time."
"So this was all a rogue agent?" Trump asked. "A single attack?"
"Maybe, but I don't buy it." Devers contested. "There were attackers in the Capital. There were additional assassins in the woods at the Void Mage's location. A rogue element doesn't have support like that. And there's no dissident groups in Gallia, we've been looking. Her family name isn't worth much anymore. There's more to this than we can figure out right now, and we won't know until we question that girl."
"If it's just her, that's good. But if there's a chance Gallia as a whole is really behind this, we got to be ready. We got to plan." Harper stated.
"I agree." Henrietta nodded. "I'll reach out to our lords on the Gallian border immediately. Our borders must be properly guarded. All the other lords in the realm will have to be notified as well."
"Good call your Highness," Trump replied, "I'll make sure my people are ready too."
"The Canadian Forces stand by as vigilant as ever." Trudeau affirmed.
"Thank you, M. Trump, M. Trudeau," Henrietta said, "But while I have full faith in your support, I will have to notify the Church of this as well. They may understand why they sought the Void items." After a moment, Trudeau responded.
"That is understandable. I'm sure all sides can agree to work together when it comes to sensitive matter like this." He was clearing the air when it was obvious that no one from Earth was very fond of the idea. The enemy of your enemy wasn't your friend when they were your competitors too.
"We should meet again this time tomorrow, to discuss what our intelligence services gather." Mattis proposed. "And if this is as big an issue as we believe, we need to start preparing immediately."
"You're right. In fact, go start right now." Trump ordered. "If they want to invade, I want the same response we got last time."
"Sajjan." Trudeau said, a shorthand for 'Make sure nothing too crazy happens'. The Defense Minister nodded and left at the same time Mattis exited the call.
"M. Devers, the rest is up to you for now. Keep making your country proud."
"Of course sir. I guarantee whatever the hell is going on in this world, I'll find it." The agent assured. The meeting started to come to an end, everyone going back to their jobs and to deal with the immediate situation. Henrietta stayed though, requesting a word with the American and Canadian leaders and then waiting for everyone else to leave.
"I desire to ask you both a question." She explained. "I understand your ways of securing peace, even if I do not agree with them." Obviously, she'd hold the whole debacle with Saito and Louise over their heads forever. "I've never felt a reason yet to question them." Frightening as they may be, they were undoubtedly effective. "I understand your reasoning." America and Canada wanted peace and stability, and all this was how they intended to get it. It wasn't exactly profitable on the whole, and there were losses to balance gains. But it was a set up they were pleased with.
"Yes?"
"Are you sure that these methods won't antagonize Gallia? Or any other nation for that matter?" The amount of things America and Canada had gotten away with doing, the mobility and leeway they had here in Tristain-it was extremely unusual. Henrietta had allowed it, and her nation had begrudgingly followed suit until the recent events made it more acceptable.
"We are confident that anyone reasonable will understand our goals, your Majesty," Trudeau replied, "We are merely seeking a winning solution for everyone that is willing to work and cooperate with us." There was a special emphasis on those last words.
"It's not our fault if some people are crazy and can't understand good will when they see it." Trump added dryly.
"Your world is marvelous. I really do think there is a lot Tristain can learn from it. But not every other ruler in Halkegenia shares my belief in mutual prosperity between our worlds. I've started to realize in these last few months just how different my people and myself have become. But the world that affects my kingdom lies beyond just your three, and it hasn't changed.
Both Earth leaders nodded, understanding where she was coming from.
"Your armies, spies, and citizens have had a lot of freedom in my Kingdom recently." At the start, it had been only guarding their people. Then it had been helping watch the border. Their spies had worked only in conjunction with Tristain's authorities, not independently. Since the invasion, a lot of that had changed. Arguably, it had changed the moment they went after Saito and Louise.
Now their spies worked with much more impunity, often on their own even. Their troops had been the sole defenders and helpers of part of her kingdom, able to go where they pleased. Even now, the lords on the border were dependent on their armies for help in case of an invasion. With that horrible event and its aftermath getting further and further in the past, there was more reflecting on aspects like that. She wasn't ungrateful, but she was rightfully concerned.
And she knew her allies had to have spies in Gallia. And there was only one place they could practically be operating from: within her borders. She had to wonder how long they'd been there? At a time like this, she wouldn't hurry to demand they cease doing so. She was in a precarious position where she was being subverted, but still in a way that benefitted her.
It must've been a common occurrence on Earth.
"I just want to be sure the boundaries we established regarding sovereignty in Ottawa and beyond are still being respected."
"We have no intentions of violating them," Trudeau reassured while Trump nodded in agreement. "I understand that standards may have slipped with the unfortunate events of last year. I'll have my people review things and make sure everything is in compliance."
"Thank you, M. Trudeau." She had said her part and she believed they would consider it. "That will be all for today. I must go attend to my friends and subjects now." The call ended. Free of any scrutiny, Henrietta sighed, rose from the chair, and headed out to go find Louise and Saito.
Somehow, they'd made her fall asleep not long after getting her on their helicopter. She'd awoken in a cell different from the one beneath the Royal Palace, but no less dreary, without any idea what time of day it was. She hadn't been there long though before the door was opened and men with their faces hidden dragged her out.
Charlotte found herself once more bound to a chair and table, this time in the outworlders' bastion. She had seen very little of it, her glasses having been confiscated as she was led to the interrogation room. Once there, her guards returned her glasses, revealing they'd put her in a strange room with one of the walls being a mirror. She had little time to contemplate it, as a very irate Agnes soon entered the room, a menacing aura surrounding her.
The Musketeer Captain's cold eyes froze the Gallian mage in place.
"We meet again Gallian spy," Agnes snarled, "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I do not have anything to do with this," she replied, "My uncle forced me to return to Tristain but I chose to warn Viscount Hiraga, not kill him."
"I find it hard to believe when you've returned with a group of assassins behind you. Were they just your bodyguards?" the Tristainian asked sarcastically, approaching the table.
"No, I did not know that my uncle would send other people as well," Tabitha replied weakly, "I never intended to harm anyone. I still just want to protect and heal my mother."
"Enough of your lies!" Agnes' hand shot out and made contact with Tabitha's face. Her glasses broke and flew off her face, but her shackled hands kept her from falling out of her chair. Her head did twist to the side though. "The Queen's life was put in danger! My own soldiers are dead by your countrymen!"
"I don't understand." Tabitha was off put by the soldier's aggression. Agnes seized the front of her shirt and pulled her face to face.
"Assassins entered the Royal Palace and struck down the Queen's guards in an attempt to kill her. I killed them, just like I will kill you when this talk is over." She shoved Charlotte back into her chair. Assassins at the Royal Palace. Her uncle had actually tried to kill another ruler?
"I didn't know! This was all my uncle and his associate's fault! They are conspiring! I never meant for this to happen! I tried to stop it!" Charlotte could feel the more raw anger coming off her interrogator. This was not like the last time. People had died. Her life was certainly forfeit. She didn't think she was afraid of the idea of death, but now, she couldn't be sure.
"Save your breath, Charlotte." Devers entered the room. "We had this conversation before. You had a chance. The Church gave you a chance. And you blew it. You don't get any pity points there." Charlotte cast her eyes down at the table. "It's over. You're done. If the Queen doesn't decide to hang you, you're going to be in prison for the rest of your life. And make no mistake; we mean it this time. If the Inquisitor wants to come around here again-" Devers pulled his pistol from his holster and pulled back the slide, ejecting a round to catch and hold up to the light. "Well, his faith isn't going to cut it."
In a strange way, this man reminded Charlotte of her uncle. His determination discarded all threats before him. She just hoped that he wasn't as ruthless as her uncle.
"But a life in prison doesn't have to be all that bad." The agent went on at the broken girl, "Help us… and we might be nice with you."
"What's the point if I'll never get out?"
"We can make things more comfortable for you," Devers said, "Convince the Queen not to kill you." He leaned across the table. "And let's not forget your friends. M. Hiraga nearly died because of your little stunt. It'd be tragic if Gallia got it right next time, wouldn't it?" Charlotte let out a shuddering breath, wondering if the agent knew what truth he was picking at.
"What do you want?" She asked.
"Answers." The American stood back up. "There is a lot here we don't understand, and we don't like it. If you really are innocent, then you have no reason to refuse. You're going to help us fill out all the blanks we have. If we like what you give us, we might be nice. But if you lie, you aren't going to stay alive for long, do you understand?"
"Yes."
"So do we have a deal?"
"Yes." What else could she really do? Even if she didn't have another chance, maybe she could still do some good. Maybe she could keep Saito safe. For whatever reason, her Uncle seemed determined to strike him down, possibly just to spite her.
"Alright, let's start with something simple then." The agent clasped his hands. "Did your uncle order you to do this?"
"He did."
"And you didn't act alone?"
"No." Charlotte answered.
"I'm not sure whether or not to believe that." Devers shook his head. "See, we got something at the border earlier today, before our little interaction." He put a piece of paper before her. The picture was blurry without her glasses, but she thought she could make it out: herself. "According to the King, you stole several artefacts from Lutèce and killed some guards before coming here. Is that true?" He asked. Had her uncle really done that? There wasn't a better way to keep her out of Gallia forever. This really had been his final move.
"No. I came straight here."
"Who were the people that came into the mansion after you?" He changed the subject.
"I do not know. My uncle has many people under his orders that I do not know about. There are whole orders in Gallia for such work. I have nothing to do with them and I have no reason to steal relics from his palace."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Why would I?" Charlotte argued, "I have no need for money and I cannot stake a claim to the throne with stolen relics."
"Why would you? Well, here's what I think. You don't have any reason to like your uncle. You probably despise him. And what better revenge than to embarrass him? Steal valuables and make him look like a fool. And then come here to Tristain. I did some fact checking. You were here for both the battle and the hostage crisis at the Academy. You know how powerful we are. So you must think: '"If I make these people angry enough, they might kill my uncle."'. And what better way to accomplish that than a false flag attack? '"The world is burning, but at least I got my revenge.'"" Devers finished.
Charlotte was left numb and speechless. But a little intrigued too. That sounded like a plausible idea. How had he conjured it so easily in his mind? What type of cunning adversaries had he dealt with before now?
"I never thought of that." She finally said. "I only wanted to protect my mother from my uncle. She's all I have left and I wanted to find a way to heal her. That's why I abandoned the mission my uncle gave me."
"And you thought some teenager would be able to do that?"
"Saito is an extraordinary man who has done the impossible many times!" Charlotte argued, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Maybe for you but for me and my people? He's just a kid who gets himself into shit way above his head." The agent's eyes narrowed. "You seem awfully fond of him. Tell me something else: Why didn't you go to Germania? You have friends there too."
"I went there to warn him. If I went to Kirche then…"
Tears appeared in her eyes.
"Then what?" Devers pressed on. "You just said you didn't have anyone following you, so you had no reason to think he was in danger." He leaned back in his chair. "I think I see it. He's not just a friend, is he?" Charlotte shook her head. She knew he was with Louise, but she couldn't have stopped that sense of admiration was building until it became impossible to ignore. She didn't dare act, but she never stopped feeling it. "Well then," Devers leaned forward again. "Even more reason to tell us what we want to know. Who knows? Maybe we'll be able to save his life again."
Charlotte sighed and nodded.
"So, I take it we'll have your complete cooperation now?"
"Yes," she muttered.
"Smart choice miss." The Agent was completely without empathy. "So, do you have any idea at all what your uncle is planning?"
"No. I never question what he asks. I just do it." Charlotte stated.
"Right. Even if it's a jump from just killing troublesome wildlife to spying and political assassination? Is that still the line you're going for?" Devers asked. "Think carefully now."
Charlotte shook her head. "I did not lie last time. He sent me to kill dangerous creatures in the hope it would be the end of me. That is the only thing he had me do before I was sent to the Academy."
"So if I'm getting my years right, you enrolled about the same time Henrietta started taking a more active role in managing her kingdom. Do I got that right, Captain?" He asked the Musketeer captain. Agnes put a threatening hand on her sword sheath.
"Exactly."
"What a coincidence." Devers faked amazement.
"Just a coincidence." Charlotte insisted to the American.
"'Coincidence'". Agnes sneered. "Such a convenient excuse for a spy."
"I am telling the truth. My uncle sent me to Tristain simply to keep me away from his court and my mother."
"Even if it had nothing to do with the Princess, being at the Academy gives you an easy place to spy on Tristain as well as Germania. There are young nobles from both countries who gossip and brag about their families. All it takes is a quiet personality to blend in and listen from the sidelines. " Devers pointed out, "A description that fits you perfectly Miss D'Orléans."
Charlotte shook her head.
"No, I was never sent to Tristain to spy," she argued, "My uncle wanted me away from Lutèce."
"Then what about those letters? When did you start writing them?" The American demanded. Charlotte said nothing at first until the man slammed his hands on the table, startling her.
"My uncle heard from one of his associates about you being at the Academy. He wanted to know what I saw." She'd never expected a message from him to arrive. But when it did, she'd started to respond, fearful of what would happen if she didn't.
"Another spy. Who?" Agnes demanded.
"I do not know. An associate told him."
"Who are his associates, Ms. d'Orléans?" Devers demanded. "Gives us names. Give us something or you're not getting anything." Charlotte thought for a moment. There was really only one she could clearly think of: Sheffield.
"A woman called Sheffield. Maybe. She gives me his orders sometimes."
Devers and Agnes' eyes narrowed.
"What does she look like?" Agnes asked coldly.
"What does she do?" Devers hurriedly readied a pencil.
"She has purple hair." Tabitha started describing the woman and her cruelty in great detail. They were memories that stuck with her. "I'm not sure where she came from." Sheffield had always been at her Uncle's side as far as she remembered, doing his bidding even if it meant leaving for days at a time. Tabitha never understood how or why she did it. It could only be her Uncle's will, but then what was that? As she talked, describing every interaction she could think of, the American's eyes started to narrow even more, and when Charlotte finished, she found herself in a tense stare down with the older man. Why was he looking at her like that? Did he believe she was lying again?
"Captain, can I speak to you in the hallway?" When he finally broke eye contact, he addressed Agnes instead. The captain nodded.
"We'll be back later." Devers said as they exited the interrogation room, leaving Charlotte sitting there wondering what had happened now.
"Her descriptions…" Agnes said. "Don't they describe that woman who associated with Cromwell?"
"Yeah, I was thinking that too." Devers admitted. She was still fresh in the minds of the US and Canada, being so far the only person to out smart them. And now they were being told someone that sounded just like her was associated with Gallia, a nation that had started making problems with them. More than that, Charlotte's physical descriptions were dead ringers for the same amount of details that Mathilda, something who they were sure was honest, told them. "If they are the same person, then things just got a lot worse."
What better position than a spy than an assistant to the leader of a revolutionary movement? Their own intelligence gathering had pegged her as meek and just a functional extension of Cromwell. Mathilda and even the rest of the Albion Reconquista had thought the same. And it made a hell of a lot of sense if she was a spy: Albion heard they were in Tristain, the spy there sent word back to Gallia, so the king gets his niece in Tristain to start spying.
If that was true, it rewrote the entire book on what had happened over the last two years. It'd be all hands on deck. Because, if that was the case, it meant Gallia had already invaded Tristain once through indirect means. It also meant Reconquista wasn't actually dead yet.
Maybe it even meant Charlotte really WAS innocent.
"We'd have to mix things up." The CIA agent knew that if it was the case, Earth wouldn't take it sitting down. "Things are going to get really bad."
"You think she is being honest?"
"She's spilling everything she knows to us. And she was a reason too. I think she's actually into that Japanese boy." He made a lot of friends here. It wasn't hard to see why. Why not a disposed princess too, one who really had nothing else?
"I don't really care for romantic pursuits." Agnes sniffed. "If it helps us extract information from her, then that is well."
"Indeed. We'll have to get as much as we can from her. It's not every day such a fountain of information falls into your hands. But for today, I think we have enough."
"I understand Agent Devers." Agnes said seriously. " But if what the spy says is true, please let me be the one to tell the Queen. I-" She composed herself. "I'm certain your aware of the Queen's connection to the former Albion rulership?"
"Her cousin." Devers nodded solemnly but he remembered the secret relationship that they had. Agnes nodded gravely.
"For her to find out all this tragedy goes back to that bastard king would be very hard. So please, for her sake, let her have privacy if that must be the case."
"Of course." Devers nodded. "But let's actually get confirmation first. Could still be a fluke. Stranger things have happened." They both looked through the glass at Charlotte.
"If this is true… if all that spy said is true" Agnes shook her head. "That man's cruelty is legendary. I have never heard of such foulness."
The American shook his head.
"Pretty common back in my world."
Agnes' eyes widened slightly.
"But back to the topic at hand. We need to confirm this Sheffield's identity," Devers said as he pulled out a phone, "Devers here, I want a picture of Cromwell's assistant brought to me. And bring an extra pair of glasses for the spy."
Minutes later, Devers and Agnes had returned inside the interrogation room. The American was carrying a file with him as he sat down in front of Charlotte.
"Miss, I would like you to tell me if you recognize this woman?" he said as he opened the file, revealing a familiar face for the Gallian mage once she put on the new glasses. It was still blurry but the Gallian could see somewhat better.
"That is my uncle's associate." Charlotte said after only seconds, unaware her body language was being scrutinized.
Devers cleared his throat.
"Her name is Sheffield?"
"Yes." Charlotte squinted her eyes at Cromwell beside her. "Is that-"
"Thank you Miss d'Orléans," Devers interrupted as he looked at Agnes and nodded, "This will be all for today."
"That's all?" Charlotte was surprised. She'd expected these questions to go on for hours.
"That's all." Devers affirmed, standing up. They had bigger fish to fry right now. And a lot of bad news to deliver.
Agnes walked somberly through Clément-sur-Mer's installations. She could see troops from Tristain and Earth moving around her to their posts or training for the battles to come as the sun was slowly setting. She finally arrived at the ViP quarters. It was a large, grey building that was well guarded by Musketeers and Griffin Knights.
After entering, Agnes made her way to the Archduchess' quarters; the woman was staying here now too, after the incident at the Palace. The Queen would need all the support she could get from her loved ones with what truth the captain had to drop.
Agnes gently knocked on the door.
"Your Highness, it's Captain de Milan. May I enter?"
"Yes, you may."
The door opened, revealing the archduchess. She looked at Agnes curiously.
"Why are you here?" Archduchess Marianne asked.
"I have returned from an interrogation with Agent Devers. We've interrogated the Gallian spy again."
"Have you spoken to her Majesty yet about this?"
Agnes shook her head.
"No and that is why I am here," she explained, "I bear ill news."
"Very well," the Archduchess guided Agnes to a table. Both sat down.
"What news do you bring?" She was already expecting news that now Gallia's dark hand hovered over their lands.
"The spy has revealed to us many troubling information," the Musketeer captain answered, "Gallia was indeed behind the attack, but it is even worse than that." The archduchess looked alarmed. "From what she has told us, Joseph is linked to the Reconquista. One of his spies helped Cromwell carry out his monstrous deeds. They may have done even more than that. We cannot be entirely sure, but we are certain Gallia was involved now."
The archduchess' face fell.
"Than that monster is… is behind the murder of the House of Tudor…" Tristain's old allies. Her husband's own family.
"Yes, your Highness," Agnes said sadly, "Even if he did not order it, he most certainly had a hand in it. And probably the invasion of our homeland as well. Maybe even those bastards at the Academy…" She growled, forgetting her manners for a second. She recomposed herself. "I wished to speak with you first so that you may be present to support her Majesty when I will… announce this sad news."
"Thank you captain for your thoughtfulness. I shall accompany you to meet with her Majesty."
Both women stood up and exited the Archduchess' quarters. There was not a single word spoken between them as they walked towards the Queen's quarters.
The Archduchess gently knocked on the door.
"Yes?" Henrietta asked.
"It's your mother," she said softly, "I am with Captain de Milan. May we enter?"
The door opened, revealing a perplexed Henrietta.
"Greetings Captain. I did not expect you to be here with Mother."
"Your Majesty, I requested that her Highness be here with me," Agnes replied gravely.
"But what is happening?"
"May we enter?" the archduchess asked. Henrietta wordlessly gestured for her mother and most trusted guard to come into her quarters.
"Please sit down your Majesty. I'm afraid that I am the bearer of distressing news," the captain said as Henrietta's face fell seriously. "I've interrogated the Gallian spy. She has revealed to us many things. Many of them unpleasant."
"I see...So is it true?" Henrietta demanded. "Does King Joseph of Gallia seek to kill me?"
But Agnes shook her head.
"While that may be true, it is not the worst thing we uncovered. What the spy revealed is far more nefarious and tragic. King Joseph is a fouler man than we thought imaginable. He may have sponsored Reconquista and the death of the House of Tudor."
Shock appeared on Henrietta's face as her eyes began to tear up slowly.
"How is this possible?" she asked, "How could he do this?"
"He has an accomplice by the name of Sheffield, who does his bidding and orders his spies and agents around. She posed as Cromwell's assistant and helped him carry out his terrible acts."
Henrietta's eyes widened as she remembered one of the briefings she had had with Earth.
"The woman who escaped from our allies?"
"It would seem so."
Henrietta was silent as her mind processed the information. She had expected the news that Gallia had set its sights on her Kingdom this time. She had mentally prepared herself for getting a full confirmation. She had started to plan how she would respond to such a large threat.
But she hadn't expected this: Something even deeper. Something that went beyond endangering her kingdom and wounded her personally.
That meant that King Joseph was behind the death of Wales and the tragedy that had befallen his beloved Albion. She felt her mother's comforting hand on her back.
"That is all that I have to tell you, your Majesty," Agnes said as she stood up, "I understand you will want privacy to consider this revelation. And I am sorry."
With that, she left her Queen and Archduchess with each other.
"But why?" Henrietta said softly as tears streaked down her cheeks, "Why did that monster stoop so low? What does he have to win from this?"
"I do not know my dear," her mother said reassuringly, "King Joseph has always been a cruel enigma."
"How can such cruelty be allowed? Does the Founder not punish the sinful?"
"The Founder works in mysterious ways but I believe that he will eventually punish those who do wrong through his faithful."
The archduchess gently cupped her daughter's chin.
"And that is why I am proud that you are my daughter. You are a strong woman who is able to rule without needless cruelty. No doubt that Brimir has chosen you to lead our people in these confusing times. Be strong. You are not alone. You have me. You have subjects that love and respect you."
She was right. Henrietta did have all of that going for her. But there were some things that just couldn't be compensated for, like a first love.
A series of phones rang in various offices in Washington DC, Langley, London and Ottawa for the rest of the night and into the morning. Soon, all nation's wider intelligence and military leadership knew the situation. Not only one of their allies had been attacked twice within a short time span but it was all part of one great, inscrutable scheme: Halkegenia was embroiled in a massive conspiracy caused by one of its rulers.
The Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and the Oval Office's occupants were already discussing with their intelligence agencies and each other. It made no sense as to why the Gallian king had backed a religious uprising that wanted to topple all monarchies in the region or why he was still trying to assassinate other leaders.
There were so many questions unanswered as they tried to make sense of Joseph's decisions. Some intelligence experts believed that he was trying to soften up the other kingdoms for an eventual invasion but that theory was soon shot down. Things didn't add up. Germania and Romalia had not been attacked as far as they knew in the past few years. Gallia had gained virtually nothing from Albion's fall. If anything, they had wasted resources in a failed uprising.
Not only that… but the intervention to save Tristain from Reconquista should have shown that Earth did not mess around when their allies were threatened. The disproportionate losses to the Albion forces were well known across the courts of Halkegenia by now.
The evidence pointed to Joseph, but it was hard to be sure he wasn't the only actor. Was the mysterious Sheffield truly his assistant or another puppet master? Were there more people in the shadows they hadn't noticed yet? Modern intelligence was thorough, but this was still a world with different rules.
And if the situation couldn't get any more convoluted, only another day later Earth heard about the attack in Romalia and the near storming of their Embassies by angry locals. These 'Holy Artifacts' were assumed to be Void Magic items by the CIA, CSIS and MI-6. Someone in the shadows was clearly trying to play games with Halkegenia. Seeking some terrifying power no one could understand.
How did it all connect? What was the end goal?
But the Gallian King, or whoever they were, was stepping on more than just the Blessed Realms and the Papacy's toes. There were two giants just a day away, and they'd crossed them without realizing it. Earth was obsessed with maintaining security in the other world, and their most dangerous workers were obsessed with finding out more about Void before this had even happened. Now, they were even more determined. All efforts were shifting. Void wasn't just a curiosity they were pursuing in their spare time. Now, it was objective #1.
Whoever it was, they could try with their games. Earth could play them better.
And in the days that followed, Henrietta tried to pen what might have been the most difficult letter of her life to the Church, explaining everything and asking for their wisdom and support on the matter. Earth knew what she was doing, and in light of everything, they didn't begret her. They trusted the Church no more than they did when Julio tried to perform a kidnapping under their noses, but Gallia and Joseph's madness were a bigger threat to them. Their unlikely cooperation with the Holy See might just evolve into something greater to meet this new challenge. Hopefully.
Tomorrow, the invasion began. The anticipation and excitement had given way to quiet and tense contemplation among the men and officers. But others refused to stay still. Be it physical or weapons training, the men waiting to embark for the invasion of Albion did what they could to prepare themselves for the battles that lay ahead.
"Watch your step Saito!" Guiche shouted as he swung his training sword at his friend, "You almost tripped on your foot there!"
"Oh, thanks man!" Saito replied as he caught his breath.
"Do you need to rest?" Guiche asked, still seemingly ready for another spar.
"Yeah, I think I could use some water." Saito didn't have the same level of endurance.
The two teenagers headed to a nearby spot where they had left the rest of their belongings.
"You seem to be improving Saito." Guiche said as they both sat down, "Still have a long way to catch up to me, but we shall make you an Undine Knight yet!"
Saito chuckled lightly, wiping sweat off his brow. First his training with Louise's father and now Guiche. Maybe one day he wouldn't need the runes at all.
"Yeah, I'm not the one getting training from Army instructors. So how was it?"
Guiche leaned and let out a sigh.
"It was demanding. I can understand why our allies have such excellent soldiers."
"Did they have you run early in the morning?" Saito asked as he remembered the various war movies he watched. "Do a lot of pushups?"
"That's only the start of it," Guiche answered, "There was a lot of physical efforts before we had classes. We had very little to eat and rest between them."
"Malicorne must not have liked that," Saito reminisced as Guiche laughed.
"He's learnt to eat very quickly though he was always very fast at eating. At least the food is filling!"
"What about those classes you've had with the rest of the Knights? What were they about?"
Guiche raised a hand and began listing them.
"We've had basic logistics, leadership, tactics but also proper conduit in times of war and hearts and minds. The last two were not subjects we expected to learn, I must admit. Our instructors were very demanding during all these classes."
"Oh?"
"Yes, they drilled into us the importance of properly treating our defeated adversaries and how befriending a defeated people will help us win faster," Guiche explained, "Many of us were skeptical at first but we can understand why your world holds these ideas so highly."
"Were the instructors harsh?"
"Their harshness was their kindness," Guiche answered as he drank another sip of water, "Many of us did not like how demanding they were until we were confronted with our first combat exercise against a determined OPFOR."
"OPFOR?"
"Our instructors had set up a small scenario for us where we had to secure a village and hold it for 24 hours until reinforcements could arrive. The OPFOR was our simulated enemy from whom we had to seize the village from. Our instructors." Guiche explained, "We had to draft a plan based off our scouts' intelligence before assaulting it. Without help."
"That must have awesome." Saito whistled but his sparring partner shook his head.
"The plan went wrong almost as soon as we started the assault. Our scouts were wrong and we fell into a trap." Guiche reminisced, "It was an absolute clusterfuck. Pardon my language."
Saito blinked as he heard the slang word.
"But why did they do that?"
"To teach-drill into our heads that no plan survives first contact with the enemy and that we must be able to think quickly in order to win or at least survive."
"What exactly happened?"
"As soon as we neared the village, we fell into an ambush as the enemy was already waiting for us. They eliminated our leaders first so we had to rely on ourselves to survive the training. It was chaotic as the scouts were utterly duped when they scouted the area. The enemy was a lot stronger than we thought and had cannons waiting for us. For men who don't fight with swords, they certainly know how to play the part."
Saito looked at him with an incredulous look.
"So what did you do?"
"We improvised a plan. We somehow managed to coordinate a retreat and assess the situation."
"How bad was it?"
"Very bad. They had us largely outnumbered and had thoroughly fortified the village with multiple lines of defense. A lot of our number was 'injured or captured' during the initial assault."
"How did you win?"
"We sent a call for reinforcements first and began probing the enemy's defenses over the next few hours for any weaknesses-"
"Ahem."
The sudden sound caught both young men's attention.
"Excuse me, Chevalier de Gramont, Viscount Hiraga, for my interruption," Julio said as he introduced himself, "I was looking for you and Lady Vallière, Viscount. May I privately speak with him immediately?"
"Of course, emissary Chésaré!" Guiche replied, "A servant of the Church like you doesn't have much time to waste."
Saito looked at the Romalian with uncertainty.
"Come viscount, let us walk together. I have already found Lady Vallière and she is awaiting for us at her quarters. She insisted on waiting for you before hearing me out."
Saito stood up, wiping sweat off his brow. The walk to Louise's quarters was uneventful with Julio trying to make small talk with a reasonably weary Saito. Something in his mind told him to keep the conversation to a strict minimum of single worded answers and head movements. He'd given the Romalian a wide berth since he noticed him at the base. Only reasonable, when their last exchange had been fists.
He felt a little better when they got to the building where him and Louise was staying. It was the same building they'd set aside for the Queen to stay in, so it was well guarded. Inside, through some dull looking hallways, Louise was waiting for them outside her and Saito's room. She looked visibly relieved to see her boyfriend as she opened the door and led them both inside.
"Emissary Chésaré," Louise greeted with a very guarded tone, "To what do we owe the honor of your presence?"
"Lady Vallière," he said as he kissed the back of her hand, "I am here on behalf of his Holiness."
"What does his Holiness want?" she asked, barely hiding a scowl. She still hadn't forgiven him for attempting to break into her quarters during the victory celebrations.
"He wishes to convene with you and Viscount Hiraga and ordered me to deliver his summons to you and the viscount," Julio answered smoothly, "He has been very insistent and wishes to inform that it is an urgent meeting."
"May we see his summon?" Louise asked nervously. She watched as Julio produced a letter bearing the Papal seal and handed it to her. Her hands trembled as she read it. Saito read it over her shoulder.
"You understand the urgency, Lady Vallière?"
Louise nodded glumly.
"Of course." She nodded. "We just need to grab our things."
"But of course, milady," he said as he exited the room, "I shall be await you both outside."
"Can we talk?" Saito whispered as soon as he was gone. Louise nodded before they sat down on her bed.
"Are you really to accept his request?!"
Louise glared at her boyfriend half-heartedly.
"Of course! He-he's the Pope! I-I can't refuse that! T-that would be blasphemy! Besides, it's my destiny as a Void Mage. It always was. I-I think I'm finally ready to face it." It'd been months, and her insecurities had started to ebb. She knew it was true. She'd been practicing. She thought she had a grasp on her power now.
There was a brief moment of silence.
"I don't like this at all Louise," Saito said clearly, "They're up to something and this is way too dangerous for me."
Louise sighed.
"I can't refuse Saito. It's the Church. This is why I have this magic."
"But I can refuse..." Saito said. It was a weak threat, but he wasn't sure what to do. She vigorously shook her head.
"You can't! They'll force you to come or worst…" Louise argued.
"But I'm not Tristainian!"
"The Queen gave you a title, remember?"
Saito groaned.
"They'll use that to force you. They might even force her Majesty to strip you of your title! They'll do anything they can to force you to come to Romalia."
Saito started pacing. He was stuck. He didn't want to go to Romalia to meet that Pope. He certainly didn't trust that emissary not to do anything weird.
He wouldn't be surprised if the Romalian had a plan to simply kidnap him and Louise if they didn't follow him. They'd probably take Louise alive but his survival was mostly likely optional. That pretty boy probably didn't appreciate getting humiliated by Saito at the Palace.
But what the hell was he supposed to do? The Pope was telling them to come. Louise wanted to go. Julio was right out the door to probably make both of them come.
An idea ran through his head when he looked out the window.
"Yeah...you're right." Saito said slowly, trying to act out his new idea even when it hadn't finished forming in his head. "We should. But won't your mom and the Queen wonder where you went?"
"Mother and her Majesty would never go against a summons from the Pope." Louise argued, guessing Saito's excuse, "It's one of the worst forms of blasphemy."
The Japanese teen cursed under his breath
"We should probably at least go tell them we're leaving. Your parents might get mad if you just disappear like that." And those words got through; there was only one thing Louise might've feared more than the Church.
"You're right," she said as she stood up, "I should at least tell them. I hope the Emissary will allow it."
"I'm sure." Saito really wasn't. "But I'll stay and get our things ready and make sure the rest is safe." With his house ruined, Saito and Louise had just ended up bunking in the same building with Henrietta and her officials, bringing whatever they could salvage. Obviously they weren't going to be able to take it with them.
"You want me to go with the Emissary alone?!" Louise asked, and Saito blanched. Of course he didn't. Then what…
A knock sounded at the door.
"Who is it?"
"Your mother, Louise."
"Enter mother," the mage said. The door opened slowly, revealing Karin de La Vallière, dressed in her ornate uniform. The woman cleared her throat.
"Good day Viscount Hiraga," she greeted.
"Good day Duchess Vallière."
"Why are you here mother?" Louise asked curiously. The duchess glanced outside. Julio was still standing there, looking-or trying to look-inconspicuous.
"I noticed you had...company." She said lowly, glancing back at the hallway. Louise gasped while Saito's teeth clenched.
That damn Emissary had probably heard everything they were saying to each other.
"Was he…"
The duchess shook her head.
"He was nearby," she whispered, "Some of our allies noticed his presence and tipped me off."
Louise blew a sigh of relief.
"Mother," she whispered, "I have been summoned by Pope Vittorio to Romalia."
Her mother's eyes narrowed as Louise handed her the summons.
"It's urgent… just as I feared. I shall accompany you to Romalia," she said, barely hiding her irritation, "What will you do my daughter?"
"I wish to see her Majesty before leaving. She must know of this." Louise said calmly, "Refusing his summons would be blasphemy. But mother."
"Yes?"
"You need not accompany me," Louise answered firmly, "Her Majesty needs you here."
Karin shook her head.
"I do not trust that Emissary and the Viscount is unarmed. I will accompany you."
"This is my destiny, Mother."
"What?" the Duchess asked flatly.
"I am Tristain's Void Mage," Louise argued, "This is how I'll defend Tristain and serve the Founder. This is what I've been preparing for, isn't it?" The Duchess' nostrils flared for a moment. She was conflicted. Her and her husband had been trying to prepare her for such a monumental role in Tristain and Halkegenia. But to see that day coming so soon…
Louise was standing confident, much like the duchess had during her younger days as a chevalier in service to Princess Marianne.
"I see…" She and her husband were holding on a lot longer than some parents did, the last few months especially. Tremulous months that had seen a lot of changes in their family. Éléonore had begun work with Earth's scientists, with results slowly pouring in. Cattelya had gotten significantly healthier, gradually enjoying more and more life. But it was her youngest who's changes were the greatest: Louise's powers finally began to manifest properly. She'd attained a rank and role no one could've imagined she was capable of.
It all seemed to be happening so fast.
"Are you certain of this Louise?" she finally asked, "Romalia is far from Tristain, beyond Gallia. You will truly be alone for the first time. Are you sure you're ready?"
"I do." Louise said resolutely. "But there is one last thing I want to do. I want to say goodbye to the Queen." Louise was asking her mother for one last thing. One last bit of help. Her mother nodded in understanding and turned around.
"Emissary." Duchess Valliere walked back out into the hallway. "My daughter will be saying goodbye to the Queen before she leaves. I'm sure that will not be an issue?"
"Of course not." Julio was placating.
"You should inform her of the Pope's summons personally. I'm sure you understand Tristain's Void Mage departing to Romalia will have repercussions on our mission to pacify Albion ?" the duchess remarked coldly.
"Ah...of course it would. Yes. I must apologize on behalf on his Eminence," Julio replied diplomatically, "But he wished to see her. It is an emergency that threatens the Blessed Realms."
"More than the instability in Albion?" Duchess Vallière asked skeptically.
"This emergency is one beyond measure. One that can bring untold suffering to Halkeginia if left unchecked."
"I see."
"Lady Vallière coming to Romalia would be a very welcome one," Julio insisted, "I can already give her my thanks for accepting."
"Uh, hey." Saito tried to interject. "If it's alright, I need to go make a phone call and tell my brother I'm leaving too."
"Of course." Julio's facade did not drop for a moment. Neither Tristainians were really sure if they were annoying the Emissary, but he wasn't stopping them yet. "But we must hurry." He showed a shred of impatience for the first time. "Viscount, we will wait in front of this building for you. I trust you won't be long."
Saito had his chance.
"Hopefully no one else is using the phone. I'll try and be quick. Louise, please give the Queen my regards. And tell her I said thanks for letting us stay here with her." Saito started inching towards the door, stopping in front of Louise's mother on the way. Her eyes narrowed… almost as if she had an inkling of what he wanted to do. "I'll keep Louise safe while we're down there."
He was answered by a subtle nod. He had his excuse. Now he just had to make the most of it. As soon as he was out of Julio's line of sight, he broke into a run.
Saito didn't know the layout of this base front to back, but he didn't need too. He could see the building he was looking for just by its height and the fixtures on the roof. The building where all the spies worked from. He got a few curious glances as he ran through the streets, but no one stopped him. It took him a few minutes and his chest was burning, but he made it.
Unlike the last time he'd been here, there were masked guards outside the main door. Extra security when the base was overloaded with foreigners. They saw Saito running towards them and obviously took it as suspicious. "Hey! What are you doing?!" One raised his weapon at him. Saito wisely stopped short.
"I need-" He hunched over, heaving. A sprinter, Saito wasn't. "I need to speak to Agent Devers."
The guards looked at him suspiciously.
"Listen kid, Agent Devers doesn't have time for visitors right now ok?"
Saito shook his head frantically.
"Nonono, I have information for him, about the Church," he stammered, "I promised that I'd see him if I got information about them."
The guard narrowed his eyes while he muttered something into his headset.
"Wait a minute kid. I'll talk with the bosses upstairs."
He turned and started talking into his headset, saying stuff Saito couldn't hear. The other guard kept his eyes on him the whole time.
"Alright." The first guard turned around. "Take your coat off." Saito hesitated. "Now!" The guard barked impatiently. Saito hurriedly pulled his coat off, shivering from the cold. The guard took it from his hands, shoved it over his head, and got behind him to start pushing him forward. Saito couldn't see, but he let the man guide him. The temperature changed and Saito thought he was indoors. "Yeah, here he is." Saito heard the man speak again. He let go and someone else took his place, pushing him through a building he couldn't see.
He tried not to listen or speculate what was around him too much. He was too anxious, wondering if he had enough time. The person pushing him stopped to reach around him and open a door before pushing him through.
"-and because...What the fuck is he doing here?!" The coat was pulled off of Saito's head. He was standing in what looked like a conference room, filled with other men dressed in combat gear and carrying guns. And now they were all looking at him. Saito immediately grew nervous, but he knew his time was limited.
"Said he had something you just had to hear about the Church." The woman who'd guided him in explained. Saito seized on that to start talking.
"Agent Devers." Saito spotted the man near the back of the room, looking just as displeased as everyone else. "Listen, it's about Julio." All the eyes boring into him became more intense.
"Go on," Devers said seriously, his tone changing.
"He wants me and Louise to come to Romalia with him," Saito answered quickly. "He says the Pope really wants to see us and we need to leave. Now and without telling anyone. But we convinced him to let Louise tell the Queen goodbye."
"Sneaky fucker." Someone commented to someone else. Everyone else's eyes were narrowing.
"Carry on the briefing." Devers ordered Harper before making his way around the table to where Saito was. "C'mon!" He shoved the coat back over Saito's head and pushed him out of the room. Saito let himself be steered around again.
"Louise's mom is with her, so I'm pretty sure she's safe." Saito talked through the fabric. "I'm supposed to be calling my brother and then meeting them in front of the building we're staying in. I don't know how long they'll be talking to the Queen."
"Hold them up." Devers snapped his finger at someone Saito couldn't see. He kept getting steered till he felt his shoulder bump into what seemed to be a door frame. Devers took his arms off Saito's shoulders and the teen thought he sensed the man walking around and past him, although he still couldn't see.
"Aren't you going to stop them?" Saito asked.
"No." Devers stated. Saito pulled the coat off his head and realized he was in an office. There was a desk with a computer and a file cabinet. Devers was behind the desk, rooting around in one of the drawers.
"But you said you were going to keep me and Louise safe from the Church!" Saito protested, "Can't you just… I dunno… make us disappear or something."
"Did I tell you you could take that coat off?" Devers said dangerously. Saito forgot his courage and put it back over his head.
"For the record, we agreed that if you gave us info we could use, we'd keep you safe. You haven't provided anything yet. Despite that, I'm holding up my end of the deal in good faith, M. Hiraga. You have to understand that protecting you is one thing, but I also have to protect an entire country called the United States while M. Harper has to protect Canada."
"I don't get it."
"Suppose you 'mysteriously' disappear tomorrow? Church's gonna start poking around, wondering what's going on. We're good alright but suppose they get suspicious of us? Think they'll let it go?"
Saito shook his head.
"I don't think so."
"Exactly kid, that Pope'll start stirring up shit against us behind closed doors."
"But the Queen…"
Devers cut Saito off.
"The Queen is also a very devout person in a land that is very pious. Kid, ever read about the history of Christianity?"
Saito shook his head.
"Europe went to war for almost 200 years because of debates on Christianity gone too far. This stuff runs deeper than you know. You can't just expect them to turn on a dime because you happened to be friends with them. If push comes to shove, they will not break with the Church to save you."
Saito was mute. Devers got back to the original subject.
"We're not going to drop everything on your behalf. You are NOT the center of our universe. We'll help you when it benefits us. Here, take this." Saito felt something get put into his hand. "That's a cell phone. We set up a local tower in Romalia. It's pretty patchy, and it doesn't work much outside their capital city, but it's better than nothing. The guy heading things down there is in the contacts. You aren't in any actual danger yet either. Pope just wants to chat with you and your girlfriend. You're not scared of that, are you?" Saito wasn't scared of that as much as he was scared of leaving Tristain, the place that had become his second home.
"And you want me to tell you what he says?" Saito guessed. The reality was sinking in that he might have to go after all.
"Exactly. There's a camera on the phone too. You see anything interesting, you let us know."
"Like weapons, armies?"
"We got that covered," Devers shook his head, "No, you're going to tell us whatever he says about Void."
Devers suddenly pulled the coat off Saito's head again and got right in his face. "Now listen to me." He pointed to his face, only inches away from Saito's. "Listen very, fucking, carefully. You are not a spy. You are not a soldier. You aren't a prophet, messiah, whatever. You're not Billy Bad-Ass, you're just a kid with a lot of dumb luck, you got that?"
"Yes sir." Saito agreed flatly as the CIA agent's narrowed eyes bore into him.
"And you're going to play dumb. You're going to kiss the ground that Pope walks on. You're going to be his new best friend alright? "
"Yes sir."
"Don't go around snooping at night alright? Just listen and pay attention to every word that Pope says. Be curious and listen whenever he shows you something. And for fucks sake, don't pull out that phone unless you know you're alone." Devers paused for a second. "On second thought, be a stereotypical Japanese tourist who's having the time of his life in a new country ok? They're used to that. Take pictures of all the nice things you see alright? Act amazed. Flatter them."
"Yes sir."
"In fact, act like you hate us too. Shouldn't be too hard. Did you know Charlotte's just a few dozen feet below us?"
"What!?" Saito exclaimed, "She's here!?"
"Yeah, in a very comfortable cell."
"Can I-"
"No." The American cut him off. Saito felt his frustration rising. "Exactly." The agent grinned cruelly. "Go in with that mindset." He took Saito's coat and shoved it over his head. "And remember, our deal was mutual benefit. You give us some good info, we'll do our best to keep you safe." He spun around and started pushing him out of the office. "But if you draw any unwanted attention to yourself, you're on your own. Understand?"
Saito glared at the agent under his coat.
"I understand," he said with clenched teeth.
"Good. Got any questions?"
"No Agent Devers."
Devers nodded.
"Be careful kid, I don't want you burning on a pyre either," he said in a surprisingly warm tone.
"Are we going to be alright?" Saito asked. If anyone here knew how bad the Church really was, it had to be the agents.
"In all honesty kid, you're going to have to watch yourself. They'll know you're from Earth. They'll know you're on good terms with us. "
"So I need to act convincing."
"Exactly. Just tell them that you're mad at us for tossing your friend in jail," Devers said casually, "The best lies are built on a truth. Who knows, maybe they'll actually do something about the poor girl."
"So, wait, you actually feel sorry for her?" Saito was getting mixed signals.
"It's a good sob story kid but we can't save her and her mother without pissing off her shitheaded uncle and starting another war over here. And Queen Henrietta won't stand for it. She's the one friend of yours who can do you worse than us, so you should consider that." Devers pointed out coldly, "But if the Church does it, hey, no harm to us, and a little happy news for Charlotte."
Saito's thoughts and emotions were getting jerked every which way, but he tried to stay focused on the present situation: that him and Louise were about to be more or less kidnapped and taken to Romalia and nothing he could do right now would stop it. "I'll keep all of that in mind when I meet him."
"Good. Don't fuck this up kid. You ain't got a few nation's on your shoulders, but you got family and friends. Even some you don't know about." Saito didn't know what he meant, but he didn't have much time to ask. He had business to attend to. And as he walked back, he tried to steady his nerves. He'd fought a rock golem. Count Mott. Reconquista soldiers and assassins. He was not that weak. He was strong in his own way. It wasn't the first time he'd gone into something unfamiliar scared but determined. He could do it again. He would do it again.
Whatever happened now with the Church, Saito was sure he and Louise would survive it.
Only a few generations ago, Albion had been famous for its archers. An Albion longbow used to be the most fearsome handheld weapon on the continent. Even a Mage would be weary as going into battle if a line of Albion archers stood across from them.
But gunpowder had slowly started to replace the craft. It was far deadlier and easier to levy arquebusiers and, now, musketeers. It was an art that had almost fallen out of use in the White Country, being just that now: an art, practiced by those with the time and money to do so.
'Pish-posh to that!', was Count Lindonvale's opinion on that matter. It was still a valid military skill meant to be passed down to each generation. His father had taught him just as his grandfather had taught him, and the count had taught his sons. Now that they had sadly perished, he fully intended to be the one that taught his grandsons too once they grew older.
His and other family's decision to preserve this skill was proving useful in Albion's darkest hours. The Holy Army and Navy had been destroyed. Cromwell had seemingly perished and the leaderless country had once more plunged into civil strife. But he had not been quick to imitate wolves fighting over the corpse of cattle. Men like himself, men with virtue and love for their island, had gathered in Londinium to organize, and bring peace back to their Holy Republic.
And to fight, they needed a proper army and navy. To have those, they needed weapons. But that was far from a simple task. They had Londinium, and all the weapon forges it possessed. But they lacked the materials. You could not forge steel swords without coal and iron. You could not create gunpowder without sulfur. Ships were useless without Windstones to power them. They possessed the center of Albion, but not the country's mines, and they had little hope of getting them without force. They had swords, pikes, and horses in small numbers, but it wasn't enough.
It was in these dire straits that Albion called upon its heritage. They had trees from which to carve bows and arrow shafts. In the farms directly outside Londinium, they had all manner of cattle: cows, sheep, and chickens. Sinew to complete their bows, feathers to balance their arrows, and bones were filed into arrow tips. All while the rest of the animal fed Albion and Brimir's faithful protectors.
It wasn't much, but the ability to field a thousand archers in these desperate times was still fortunate. Count Lindonvale hoped the 500 he'd brought with him today wouldn't perish. The council had plans to expand, but instead they had to march half their force to the Center-North of the floating island, far out of the territory they safely held.
It was a little village right on the edge, abandoned recently like so many others as people fled violent levies and bandits.
A column of commoner swordsmen marched into the center of the village. Very quickly, they began to set themselves up in the abandoned buildings that still looked safe and began looking for anything that could be used such as clothing, food or water. That was not why they were here, but scavenging everywhere was necessary.
As for the count, he and a small retinue of guards were waiting on the edge of the village. Watching. Waiting to see if any person or thing responded to the troops in the village. But nothing came. This place truly was deserted.
"Bring them, quickly!" He called into the woods behind him. Slowly, and with great effort, levies pulled and pushed out of the treeline two wooden ballistas. Once out of the bramble and rough forest ground, they were slightly easier to move as they were directed towards the edge. A ballista was really an old weapon, far inferior to cannons. But like bows and arrows, it could still kill. Ammo was easier to craft, so right now it was the best artillery they had.
Two ballista, 500 archers, and an assortment of melee soldiers. Hopefully it would be enough for what they needed to do today.
Of the many refugees and selfless volunteers to flood into Londinium, one of the Lord-Protector's spies had been among them. Fouquet, she called herself. The Council had understandably been weary; they couldn't know for sure if she had really been in Cromwell's employ. She'd been quick to prove otherwise though. Besides being intimately familiar with Londinium, it was quickly apparent she'd been in Tristain at the time of the invasion. She knew things that had not leaked out to the commoners yet.
But what really convinced them all was what she'd brought with her: Outworlder artefacts and even orders from their soldiers. A pair of boots, of craftsmanship far above any leather worker they'd ever known, that was standard issue to each of the outworlders' men. She chalked up this feat to drunk guards and inept officers in their ranks. They were fallible like any men.
But that flew over most of their heads once they read the orders. They were clearly meant for a quartermaster, detailing a delivery of ammunition and provisions that needed to be procured for transport to this very Albion village. Supplies that were to be delivered directly after its capture.
It made sense. They were all watching the Eastern ports for Tristain and their barbarian allies. But the outworlders didn't need to concern themselves with ports, if the stories of their airships were anything to go by. They could land wherever they pleased, and then let all the heretics from the mainland come in behind them. It would be a master stroke of genius that would put Albion on the backfoot.
At least, it would've been if this spy hadn't found out about it. Maybe she was a sign the Founder still viewed them favorably.
If they could stop their airships from the ground, they wouldn't be able to. They'd know their plan was foiled and hopefully call it off. They talked with the spy. She said it was possible; the Blessed Army and Fleet had brought down several of their airships during the invasion. They could too.
Lindonvale's men were digging in, waiting for the enemy to come. And when they'd dug in, they waited. The horses whinnied and frost built on their stubble, but they stayed in place. Their patience was rewarded when strange chopping sounds filled the air.
"Lord Lindonvale! The scouts have spotted the enemy's airships! They are below the island still!" one of his aides said excitedly as he ran up to the noble. Below the island? That was good; they wouldn't see the ambush in waiting. The noble tensely stroked his beard and turned to Mathilda.
"They only carry 12 men?" The spy nodded. 12 men seemed like a petty amount, but from what he heard, one of their soldiers could match dozens of Albion soldiers, and those were nearly the exact numbers they had right now. The plan was for them to die when their airships crashed, but if they didn't, he'd brought along swordsmen for a reason.
Hopefully it wouldn't come to that.
They waited. The captains knew the plan. It was up to the men now.
Lindonvale looked into the distance to see small objects flying for the village, nearly level with the ground he stood on. Almost unbelievable something that small could be made to fly. Glimpsing through his telescope, the Albion commander saw two men controlling the strange contraptions through curved glass. They had darkened windows on the sides, no doubt shielding their passengers from harm while allowing them to see. The design was unorthodox, but it must've had some use if it had performed as well as they said.
Inside the two Blackhawks, the pilots and co-pilots looked through the FLIR system at the heat signatures gathered at the village on the edge. The pilots were CIA today, having signed out the Army birds from the 10th Mountain earlier that day. They weren't pleased, but hey.
"Sure looks like half an army." one of them said as they began to approach they approached the edge. The turned intel asset had said she'd convinced them to send half their force.
"I think they bought it alright." The whole point of this plan, besides making Mathilda seem legitimate, was to get the Council looking the other way while the actual invasion occurred. It had taken these guys days to get out here, and it'd take them days to get back. If they got back at all.
"Good. These bastards couldn't adapt if their lives depended on it." Back at Clément, Devers was running things. "Make this act convincing. And for the love of God, don't get hit. I don't want the Army sending us a bill for paint."
"On it." Fly close to the edge, but not too close, let the enemy fire, pretend to panic, and run away as fast as the birds could go. Maybe these guys would get a short term burst of satisfaction, but they'd be the fools at the end of the day.
The helicopters kept their course as the pilots pretended not seeing the Albion ambush. As soon as the enemy ballistae and archers unleashed their projectiles, the Blackhawks nimbly moved away, to the satisfaction of the Albion troops.
Well, they had already begun maneuvers when they saw the weapons being raised. But what Albion didn't know wouldn't hurt them yet.
A great cheer could be heard amongst the Albion troops as they saw the strange airships fly away while Count Lindonvale was already scribbling away on a parchment. The noble then handed his message to a courier.
"Make haste to Londinium. The spy was right about our enemies trying to invade the capital from the north! We drove them off. We'll stay a few days to ensure they do not try again."
"Yes milord!" the man said as he hurriedly rode off. The elderly count sighed. Sometimes, it seems as if the end was upon them. But then moments like this happened, and they could truly believe things would get better.
"This isn't the end." The spy warned. "They will not stop."
"No." Lindonvale admitted. "But we will still face them. They know that now."
As the winter sun slowly rose on the Tristainian coast, an armada of ships finalized their preparations, men working hard to load final provisions and doing last minute check ups on their ships. Supplies and weapons were checked one last time by crewmembers and landing troops. Prayers were quietly spoken aboard the ships as a small reassurance before the task that lay before the fighting men.
The fleet slipped out of its moorings, forming up in the skies above Tristain. The crossing began after an hour that the first ship took to the skies. As the Tristainian and Germanian ships flew to Albion, they could hear the roar of jet engines above them. It had been a common occurrence over the past few days, with more flights each day.
The common man and even noble officer had no idea what their allies were actually doing. But they had a secure feeling in their heart that it was something helpful.
It was very common knowledge that the White Country had sunk into complete chaos and disorder. There would be no true army to oppose them once they'd land. A few scattered militias and maybe a few well organized bandits against trained armies. The worst would be a few castles and fortifications that were still standing.
No, their challenge would be ensuring that order and proper authority be returned to Albion.
The armada of Tristainian and Germanian ships sailed through the skies, unopposed. The fleet commanders soon recognized the port city of Newcastle, once the Tudors' last bastion.
Smoke rose gently from the ruined city from chimneys. Though it was badly damaged, from both the Civil War and certainly their allies' hands, it was still inhabited.
The first landing ships sailed into the ruined port. The hulks of burnt-out, ruined ships and destroyed port facilities forbid any normal landing. With careful maneuvering, one Tristainian ship made for the most intact dock they could find. Sailors readed a gangplank while the Tristainian Naval Infantry on board readied themselves.
The board hit the end of the pier with a loud thud. "Disembark!" The lieutenant called. The Tristainian Naval Infantry rushed down onto the debris filled dock, their muskets ready for battle. Very soon, other ships began unloading troops at various points in the harbor.
Musket fire and fighting began echoing throughout the ruined streets of Newcastle as the allied troops began encountering bands of haphazardly assembled militiamen. Some threw themselves at the invaders with ferocity while others melted away after a few moments of fighting.
Unlike the brutal battle of Tristainia, Newcastle was a quickly resolved affair. By the end of the day, the flags of Tristainian and Germanian nobles flew over its ruined walls while resistance had all but disappeared.
They'd taken a port city. They now had a beachhead and a connection back to the mainland. But this was only the start of the invasion. The Allied Forces still had a long way to go before Albion was fully theirs.
The three of them had ridden out of Tristain on Julio's dragon, although he assured them they wouldn't make the full journey like that. The last dragon Saito had ridden on was Sylphid, and that kept his mind darting back to Charlotte. He wasn't forgetting the American's advice, but he felt unsure. How much help could he get from the Church before Earth stopped liking him? What if the Church wanted him to do something he didn't really like in return? There was uncertainty stacked against everything he wanted to do.
Right before they crossed over the border into Gallia, they'd passed a recon helicopter hovering close by. Saito felt certain it was there to see them off. And that reassured him. He may not have been a spy or a soldier to Earth, but he wasn't forgotten. They were keeping him in mind.
They'd stayed the night in a high-class inn in before re-embarking on Julio's dragon the next morning. It was an uneasy stay with the recent events in Louise and Saito's minds. They were convinced hordes of assassins were going to storm the place and kill them. Without a weapon, Saito felt even more concerned. He wanted to try and convince the Romalian otherwise, but Louise had shushed him about saying anything about Gallia.
This morning couldn't fast enough for the two teenagers. Julio was to fly them to a Romalian ship that was waiting for them over Gallia to take them on the rest of the journey.
The flight to the ship was uneventful. Clear skies made everything easier. Finally, the trio could see the white silhouette of a Romalian airship. Julio gracefully landed his steed on the ship's deck.
"Welcome aboard the Aquila!" he said, "She is one of the finest airships in the Romalian Navy, reserved to carry only the most important of guests. It even carried the Ambassadors from Earth." While Julio wow'd them, the crew was already working hard to get them sailing again. No fancy welcome. They were on a deadline.
"Th-thank you Emissary," Louise stammered out, "It is an honour to be here."
"You are welcome Lady Vallière," he said, "Would you like me to show you and the Viscount's quarters?"
"Of course, Emissary," Saito answered as Julio led them past hard working sailors, "I hope that you will find them to your liking."
He led them below decks all the while showing off the Aquila. The hallway was clean, the crew having obviously worked hard to maintain such an important vessel.
"You will that this ship is the fastest one in all Halkeginia," Julio boasted, "The finest naval architects of Romalia worked hard to design her."
"Wow," Saito said. He didn't know much about ships or planes so he took the Romalian's word for it.
"I understand you may be more used to the furnishes of the type procured by America and Canada, but I hope it will suffice." Julio was gently probing him. Saito knew it, and he saw an opportunity.
"No, it's fine. Really." Saito tried to put some edge in his voice. "I don't want to see another place from there anytime soon."
"You sound troubled, Viscount." Julio stopped, curiosity perked. "Is everything alright?"
"Well, kind of." Saito sorta lied. "I'm kind of mad at America and Canada at the moment. I have a friend that they arrested a few days ago."
"Oh?"
Louise glared at him.
"I'm telling you that she was dangerous!"
"No, she's not!"
"What exactly happened?" Julio asked, perplexed at Louise' sudden outburst.
"Our allies arrested a dangerous Gallian spy that tried to assassinate us!"
The Romalian's eyes widened. Was she referring to the attempt on their lives? He had heard nothing of Gallia being involved.
"Tabitha didn't want to kill us! She was just forced by her uncle!"
"Who is this Tabitha?" Julio asked though he had a gut feeling about who this might be.
"She's a friend of mine that's been detained by the Americans and Canadians at the Queen's demand. It's a very long story, Emissary."
Saito explained Tabitha, or Charlotte's entire tale, despite Louise's protests that it was a coverup story. How she got arrested the first time, at which point Julio realized it was indeed the girl the Inquisitor had helped, and how she'd come to Saito for help the second time and how'd it played out. The disgust and pity on Julio's face was genuine.
"This is quite troubling. To think that they would be so cruel to a desperate person. I was under the impression that they were charitable people." Julio said grimly, "I will make sure that his Eminence hears of this… affront."
In truth, Julio was certain that the Pope would have done worse in the Queen's position. He was a benevolent leader… but not a fool that let sentimentality get in the way. They would help who they could, but what needed to be done for the benefit of the Realms would be done.
Still, this was a lead in the attacks across the continent. The Pope had to know.
"Thanks, Julio. Perhaps he can help her?"
"I will see that he hears of this," Julio assured, "He may be able to discuss with the consuls."
Saito smiled and hoped that his little act was convincing enough. He didn't have to act all that much… after all, he truly was angry at Tabitha's treatment.
And Julio had bought it hook, line, and sinker. Saito didn't know it, but Julio was genuinely wondering if they could save Charlotte a second time. Opportunities to have a member of a Royal house in one's debt was never to be squandered. Especially one that had a solid claim to the throne...and had no reason to love the outworlders anymore.
"May I be allowed an indiscretion?" Julio asked the two, changing the conversation to another topic, one that intrigued him.
"Hum yes?"
"I hope this event hasn't dampered your relationship. Ms. Valliere seemed rather upset with Charlotte d'Orléans."
Louise flushed red while Saito's eyes widened in surprise.
"No, we're still really close." Saito insisted quickly, much to Louise's embarrassment, "I-erm- proposed marriage even."
"Marriage?" The Romalian leaned back a little in surprise.
"Yeah." Saito said with some embarrassment. "I was going to ask Louise to marry me after the war ended."
"It's supposed to be a surprise, you idiot!" Louise shouted, even though they were just standing in a cramped hallway.
"Well, congratulations!" Julio offered. "Perhaps the Pope himself will officiate the ceremony."
"I never even agreed to it!" Louise said in angry embarrassment.
"My apologies for my presumptuousness, Lady Vallière. As a servant of our Founder, it always pleases to hear such happiness."
He opened a door, revealing a rather luxurious suite with one large bed inside.
"These shall be your quarters for the rest of the trip."
"Wow…" Louise breathed as she looked around, "Thank you Emissary."
"I believe that sharing a bed would not be something that would bother you," Julio remarked, "Are you satisfied with these quarters, Viscount?"
"Hmm yes, it's very nice," Saito replied with a smile as he looked around the room, "I appreciate your hospitality. It's even better than the stuff I got from Earth."
"Really?" Julio asked, slightly surprised.
"It's different. Are they handmade?"
Julio nodded.
"The Aquila's accommodations were made by the finest artisans in Romalia. No expense was spared for this ship."
Saito smiled a bit.
"I see. This is different from Earth. A lot of things are made identical so anyone can them but nothing really stands out because of that," he explained, "It's quite nice."
"I'm sure the artisans would find that high praise." Julio nodded. That was twice now the Void Mage's familiar had talked dispassionately about Earth. They seemed to have seriously wronged him. It could give the Church quite the opportunity.
"I suggest you both rest." Julio advised them. "We will be traveling to see the Pope immediately after landing, and our meeting may drag on into the night."
Saito could only look in awe as he saw Romalia's capital before him but it was nothing compared to Louise. The mage held her hands together, quietly praying as their ship drew closer to the seat of the Brimiric faith and its most holy buildings in early evening.
Saito's mind was deep in thought, musing over recent events, what he saw right now and Agent Devers' words. He was about to do what they asked of him, and he had to wonder:
Could he trust Louise? She was nervous, but would she really accept him committing espionage.
"Welcome to Romalia, Lady Vallière and Viscount Hiraga," Julio declared as their airship docked in a magnificent port.
Louise was still speechless as she looked around her in pious awe.
"Thank you Emissary Chésaré. I have long wished to come to Romalia," she finally said.
"I hope that you'll enjoy your stay here then," Julio replied. Saito was silently looking at the city.
If it wasn't for his doubts about the Church and Devers' words, he was certain he'd enjoy the sights far more than he did right now.
"Viscount?"
"Hum yes?" Saito interrupted his musings.
"Romalia is a grand sight, is it not?" Julio asked, looking at the Tokyo teen intently.
"It's pretty… big. I've never seen anything like this on Earth," Saito answered, "It's impressive."
Truthfully, Saito thought that New-York and especially Tokyo were far bigger than Romalia.
"It looks bigger than Tristainia. Do you mind if I take a few pictures?" he asked.
"Of course not," Julio replied, "But we do not have much time, the Pope wishes to see you as soon as possible."
Saito nodded and snapped a few pictures with a camera he had bought before leaving. It didn't take long for a carriage to arrive for them. The carriage was surrounded by Romalian knights in full, glistening armour.
"Will it be a long ride to our meeting with his Holiness?" Saito asked. Julio shook his head.
"We have made it so that you will be able to meet his Holiness as early as possible," the Romalian replied.
"Oh good."
After a pleasant but short ride through the streets of Romalia, they arrived at a massive cathedral. Saito was almost blinded at how brilliantly white it was. He pulled out his phone to take a picture of the imposing structure.
"Hey Louise! Can you stand right there?" he asked, pointing at a spot in front of a large doorway with two guards standing on each side, "I want to take a picture of this!"
The mage fidgeted.
"This is a sacred place! Do you think that we can just do whatever frivolities we want?" she exclaimed.
Saito lowered his phone but Julio spoke up.
"Do not fret. The consuls have requested the same thing when they first arrived at the Cathedral and his Eminence has allowed them the privilege of immortalizing such an event. He has declared that any important visitor from Earth may photograph themselves before Brimir's greatest monument so that they may share its splendor with others."
Saito and Louise understood what he meant but the mage was still hesitant to take a picture.
"Thank you Emissary." Louise finally said as she stood in front of the Cathedral. Saito quickly snapped a picture.
"I'm glad you are enjoying yourselves, I must ask you to hasten," Julio warned, "His Eminence wishes to speak with both of you urgently."
Louise glared at Saito who immediately complied. The two armored guards opened the door as Julio led them inside.
"Can you tell us anything now?" Louise asked shyly, dreading his answer.
"I must apologize but his Eminence has sworn me to secrecy and only he can speak of it to you," Julio explained seriously. The cathedral was empty, with each one of their steps echoing in its vast, foreboding hall. Saito looked around. This place was as grand as the Trump Tower. Another series of steps resonated throughout the great building.
Dressed in elaborate purple robe with gold trim and flanked by two imposing guards that dwarfed him, Saito guessed that this was the Pope. Each one of the pontiff's steps was with purpose, his face serene. All Saito could focus on was how young he looked.
Louise and Julio immediately took a knee as the Pope approached them.
"Saito," she hissed quickly. He soon did the same thing.
"Please, you may rise now," Vittorio quietly said before raising a hand. His guards turned and left the room.
"I must apologize for the Viscount's lack of politeness," Louise quickly said but he waved his hand. Saito glared at her.
"There is no need to apologize, Lady Vallière. He is not from our lands and cannot always understand our customs," the Pope replied kindly, "I have already met with delegations from your world and I understand the occasional lapse in protocol." He addressed Saito.
He cleared his throat.
"Now that you are here, we may discuss why I have summoned you here at this hour," Vittorio, his voice far more serious, "Come."
He led the group to his study. Two more guards stood in front. Once more, Vittorio waved the men away before leading the group inside. There were chairs for all of them. After Louise and Saito sat down, Julio leaned over to speak into the Pope's ear.
"Your Eminence. Queen Henrietta entrusted me with a letter before we left. For your eyes only." Julio said quietly as he produced the closed scroll. Henrietta had taken him aside privately after exchanging goodbyes with Louise to give it to him. The pope nodded and took the scroll. Julio kept talking as he read its contacts, quiet enough their guests couldn't hear. He was going to mention what he learned about the daughter of King Joseph and Gallia's involvement in the attack, but quickly realized while reading over the Pope's should the letter already explained it. So he moved on to another subject.
"It may interest you to know the Void Mage and her familiar are engaged. Or intend to be." The Pope took his eyes off the parchment for a moment. He smiled and returned to reading. As Julio read along with him, he noticed a discrepancy. "The Familiar insists the late King's daughter came to warn them of the assassins. He seems hopeful the Church can prove her innocence." A pause, then a curt nod. His expression remained serene as he read the contents even if internally emotions roiled. He finished reading it and closed his eyes for a moment.
"Thank you, Julio." He said once he read them and set them off to the side. Louise was looking at the message curiously, wondering where it had come from. When he opened his eyes again, he still looked untroubled. "That was a message from the Queen. It actually relates to what I brought you here to discuss. First of all, I'd like to express my relief that you were unharmed during the attack in Tristain."
"T-thank you." Louise said, embarrassed at being shown concern by someone so mighty.
"Queen Henrietta has confided in me her concerns Gallia was involved." There was more to the letter than that, but the Pope was keeping things relevant.
"Gallia, your Eminence?" Julio asked. The Pope nodded.
"Their evilness knows no bounds..." Louise forgot herself for a moment while her boyfriend looked uncomfortable.
"Do not rush to judge." The Pope chided, humbling Louise. "Gallia was also attacked, as was here. There is undoubtedly somebody cruel and evil out there, but I would not cast the blame on an entire realm."
"Of course. Forgive me."
"That is why I brought you here. This is a matter of great urgency," he said to Louise and Saito, "One that must not be heard by the wrong people."
"We understand, your Eminence," Louise replied nervously, "Please, tell us."
"You are not the first user of Void to re-emerge." He revealed to Louise. He put a hand to his chest. "I too, am a Void Mage. And Julio is my familiar." At the Pope's words, Julio pulled off one of his uniform's gloves to reveal a set of runes. "Vindalfr." Louise gasped in amazement. Saito was repeating the name Vindalfr in his head as much as he could, trying to commit it to memory. That HAD to be news Devers wanted.
"Yes." The Pope nodded gravely. "Void is reappearing in all of the Blessed Realms, and it is not a coincidence. Something great is about to happen. The Realms and their Void Mages will have to come together to face it."
"Of course!" Louise bowed her head feverently.
"But there are those who do not wish to see this pass. You were not the only ones to be attacked. Gallia, and even the Holy See was struck." He revealed. "And now I fear that it is someone within Gallia who is responsible."
"But why?" Louise dared not badmouth another Blessed ruler in front of the pope.
"I would suspect Elves. They are the only ones who would have any reason to impair such an important time in our history. But now evidence points to Gallia being responsible. Maybe both are involved. We can not be sure now. But this still works for us. It presents an opportunity."
"Yes?"
"Originally, I wanted you to accompany Julio to Gallia under the pretense of envoys. Gallia has been less than forthcoming on the events in their country, and I wanted it investigated. But now, it presents an opportunity to investigate further. To determine whether these claims of their hand in this recent events are true or not."
"Do you mean that there might be elves controlling King Joseph?!" Louise exclaimed in shock, "That could explain why he committed such foul actions!"
"Maybe." The Pope nodded. "I will not discredit any theory right now. I am entrusting you to find out."
Saito fidgeted on the spot. He didn't want to get involved in a mission for the Church, Devers' words still echoing in his mind. Let alone a mission spying on a guy who was supposed to be insane and dangerous. Shouldn't the Church have people to do this for them? Why did he want the two of them specifically for this? Especially when someone already tried to kill them?
He also didn't have a weapon of any kind. But Gallia...Charlotte's mother was there. He hadn't forgotten her begging him to help. If they did go to Gallia, maybe he could do something. But what would the Pope say if he did? Tristain? Earth?
"Does something trouble you, Viscount?" Julio noticed Saito's expressions. Louise and the Pope looked at him expectantly, and Saito was legitimately embarrassed. He remembered Dever's advice and lied by telling the truth.
"I...Don't have a weapon to perform a mission." He admitted sheepishly. "I had a sword-" His face grew sad. "A talking sword. he was my friend. But he broke defending Louise from assassins." Louise's face flushed with slight embarrassment, but she reached out to console her boyfriend.
The Pope and his familiar shared a concerned glance. A legendary object, shattered by merely an assassin's blade? But then Vittorio smiled warmly, and Julio adopted a similar expression.
"Forgive your shame, Viscount. There can surely be none for a warrior whose blade shatters protecting the innocent."
"Right, thank you." Saito tried to get over himself quickly. He still missed Derf, but right now he had an act to play. "If I can borrow something, I swear I'll return it good as new." But the Pope shook his head.
"That won't be necessary. We have been preparing for your arrival for thousands of years, Gandalfr." Saito and Louise stared at him, obviously confused but trying to stay polite. "There was more for us to discuss, but let us see to you first and we will resume afterwards. The night is still young. Accompany me. There is something you must see."
Hope you enjoyed it… please drop us a review and until next time.
