With all the problems the Garlean survivors had to deal with, having yet another unexpected and a rather notorious visitor was hardly something that anyone wanted. When Jullus saw Nerva's face, he felt a surge of fury in his veins. This was a man who started a war that destroyed Garlemald, a war that took many comrades of Jullus's and brought flames of destruction upon their city. So many died because of him, yet Nerva lived on even after all those tragedies. Once again, fate proved that there was no justice in its guidance or choices, no retribution to be found.
And yet Jullus wouldn't fight back, for this decision wasn't his to make. Lord Quintus had to know who it was that trod on their ground to look into the eyes of his former enemy. After all, now they knew that this war was designed by a third party, the one that didn't care for either side in the heart of the Empire. Now that both of their armies were all but demolished and with the shadow of the Final Days looming over them to continue fighting would be suicidal. He sent one of his soldiers to bring Quintus here while remaining to watch over Nerva. Before the fall, Jullus would be hesitant to display his hatred for Nerva in a blatant manner; after all, he was a member of the royal family, even if the Civil War and Titus's demise left him disgraced. Now, however, there were few barriers, and the society that separated them by status was gone. Jullus felt no shame nor fear when talking to him.
"You'd better have a damn good explanation for showing up here…"- The soldier spoke with spite and distrust.
"Why so bitter?" - Nerva wondered as if he didn't know the answer already. "And here I hoped you would be above such petty hatred's considering all that happened to our Empire…"
"Petty hatred? You tore our society apart with your desire for the throne! Were we united, we could've been prepared for what is to come!" - Jullus retorted, barely holding himself from shouting.
"Under whose banner? The one of your psychopath Prince who didn't care for the Empire, or perhaps the ascian's?"
"You know?"
"The news are quick to spread all around Garlemald." - Nerva smiled. "You didn't think your assault on the tower would remain unnoticed, did you? As well as my grandfather's return…Though I admit, I struggled to believe that tale when I first heard it."
"As did we…"
Their talk didn't last long, for a familiar voice rang out from behind as a familiar Legatus emerged from Tertium.
"What is going on here?" - Jullus heard the annoyance in Quintus's words as he looked over their guest. Quintus's eyes quickly changed from his tired glance to that of disbelief and anger. "So it is you…" - Quintus let out a sigh of disappointment.
"Is that displeasure I hear? You should be glad to have more allies during those chaotic times if anything."
"Don't presume to be our ally." - Quintus scoffed before walking forward, carefully eyeing Nerva and his soldiers. "Or should I perhaps remind you who it was that began this bloodbath?"
"And what of it? Are you going to claim that I was wrong? That your foolish decision to support Zenos's claim was a correct one to make?" - Nerva let out a condescending laugh. "Not just the Empire, but the whole world…Is that there where your Prince brought us?"
"I can admit the errors in my judgment…" - Quintus said reluctantly. "And yet I stood by Emperor, I fulfilled the oath of loyalty to Garlemald, the one I gave to Solus himself…Can you say the same?"
"Do you truly believe your words? I know you are not a fool, Quintus; you know how grave of a mistake it was…" - Nerva suggested, but Jullus's Legatus would not show any weakness. His pride and stubbornness have always driven him forward, a quality Jullus respected, even if it wasn't ideal in all situations.
"There is no point in this. Tell me why you are here, Nerva."
"Gladly, but how about we do it in a warmer setting? I doubt any of us enjoy staying outside for too long." - Nerva spoke almost in demand, but his request was immediately undercut by Quintus.
"No, you will explain everything here, so I can make my decision of whether to even attempt to indulge you."
"Fine, if that's what you wish…" - Nerva sighed. "I came here to end our strife. There is no point in holding on to our grudges when so much has been lost…Admittedly, my remaining forces within the region are scarce, but hopefully, they'd still be of some help. There is little we can do with Final Days except for trying and minimizing our people's suffering, as…Complicated as this goal might be during those days."
"Am I to believe that we are to let bygones be bygones and work for the restoration of Garlemald together?" - Quintus shook his head. "I wouldn't be so sure about that."
"How disappointing it is that your trust had to be wounded in such a grievous manner…" - Nerva sighed. "I have nothing but the best interests of Garlean people in my mind, but…I also want that which is mine by right." - Nerva's voice changed to a tone much grimmer. "I am the last surviving member of the Galvus bloodline, save for my grandfather, who is in no way interested in returning here from what I gather. The Garlean throne might be no more, but I want the position of leadership I was robbed of. Bend the knee, Quintus, show that you are truly loyal to the royal family as you claim you are." - Nerva spoke, his arrogance knowing no bounds. Jullus was in no mood to afford him such pleasure, but he stood aside and let Quintus talk.
"Royal family…" - Quintus spoke with pain. "Our guiding stars, the men I served for years, the ones I held a deep respect for…The founder turned to be an ascian who used us as pawns, his grandson knowing the truth and keeping it from me and others until his death, and a madman who betrayed his own people and doomed them all to a painful death in flames!" - He raised his voice. "I do not…I don't regret my decisions and the oath I kept, but now, what value is there to the name 'Galvus'?" - Denouncing the royal family, Jullus never imagined seeing Quintus do so without shame and regret. How scarred he was by the revelation, how scarred all of them were…
"Whether you like it or not, this family was the foundation of the Garlean Empire as we all know it, to denounce their name completely to denounce Garlemald. Your bitterness and distaste are irrelevant, Quintus. I am your rightful Emperor and leader; there is no point in denying that."
"Perhaps…" - Quintus spoke quietly before suddenly drawing his sword. Jullus noticed how weak and tired his hands were after the wounds he received, yet the old Legatus would not hold back. "Or perhaps it would be for the best for Garlean people to rid ourselves of an ascian spawn!" - This gesture forced the soldiers on both sides to draw their weapons, although some, like Jullus, were reluctant to do it. Surprisingly, Nerva did not seem to draw his own sword either. Instead, the man chuckled continuously.
"I see how weakened you are, Quintus. You would have no chance against me. Go on, if you'd like. We could settle this in a simple, straightforward…But I would rather not. Haven't too many lives been lost already? What would your people say after knowing that you died such a pointless, disgraceful death?" - Nerva spoke in a tone of mockery, yet he tried to appeal to reason. After a few moments of anticipation, Quintus finally withdrew his weapon.
"I am not…I am not going to bend the knee to you, not after what you have done. I had to learn that sometimes, peaceful cooperation is a necessity, and it's time for you to learn it too."
"I see…" - Nerva spoke slowly and looked towards the nearby snow before once again raising his eyes at Quintus. "Perhaps if I prove that my intentions are pure, you will change your opinion? I have a connection with the legions, the IInd, the IVth, and the XIIIth, the potential allies I tried to gather even since the capital fell."
"And where are those allies? Surely if you had enough force to simply force the Ist and me to submit, we would not be having this conversation."
"It went…Sour." - Nerva said with a faint shame. "Truth be told, I made a mistake for which I paid dearly, a mistake that I am eager to undo, but not alone…"
"And why would we care for fixing your mess?" - Quintus crossed his arms with disappointment.
"It's something that threatens us all; you have no other choice. I assume your people have noticed that in the last few days, the activity of the tempered increased…I know why that is. After your combined forces pushed Zenos and the forces of Telophoroi out of the tower, I decided to take upon this opportunity. My men and I occupied the tower, attempting to discern the working of the eikon that the conspirators created, Anima."
"And why would you ever do that? Do you not understand the risks?" - Quintus interrupted him with disdain.
"I do, and I was ready to take them! My best scientists worked on restoring a part of Anima's consciousness, the part that I would be able to control. See, it was Anima that controlled countless hordes of tempered before it was no more while being controlled by Zenos and his ascian in turn through the tower. It would only make sense that was some type of consciousness that the tempered would respond to."
"You wanted to control the tempered Hordes?!"
"Why such shock? They cannot be saved, but there are better uses for them than to be discarded. I wanted to claim a new army, the one that would listen to me without question, and yes…I planned to announce my ascension to Garlemald's throne, after which I would expunge the Alliance scum from our lands and welcome all remaining Garleans to the fold."
"And what went wrong with this…Idea?"
"My scientists. We had to take some tempered for study, and they had to experiment on their own countrymen, and needless to say, those weren't the gentlest of experiments. I admit that I should've seen this coming and taken the necessary precautions, but alas…I didn't. A number of them broke and turned into blasphemies…One blasphemy, to be precise. Their souls were unified by their rot, and they became a single creature that was unfortunately absorbed into the tower with the connection we established… It's what controls the tempered now. A blasphemy whose only goal is mindless destruction."
"You certainly have the gall…" - Quintus shook his head. "To endanger us all with your self-centered experiments and then come to us and ask for help with this? Why would you not fight the beast yourself like a true warrior would?"
"Because I'm not a fool. I tried to resist, but it proved too powerful to contain. Most of my men were slaughtered back then. We are the last remnant of our group."
"Then go find a place to hide elsewhere…"
"You do not understand. If we are to stand aside and do nothing, the tempered will come here; there will be more and more of them, like bloody vultures. Eventually, it will be too much for any of us to bear in separation. Eventually, someone would have to go and venture into the tower to stop this onslaught, and we have better chances if we do it together, especially with that much of yours, wherever you got it from…" - Quintus threw a glance at the nearby N-Warrior. "Or are you content with letting your people die as the hordes of those thralls come to tear them apart?"
"You…" - Quintus looked away for a moment before taking a deep breath; Jullus immediately noticed his lord's distress. "I see your point, Nerva, but I need time to ponder on it."
"Time isn't the luxury we can afford."
"You've come to my Legion, and you will have to accept my terms. This is not a decision to be made recklessly when one is at the height of…Emotions."
"Fair enough…As long as you don't take too much time." - Nerva conceded. "And what of my men and me? Are we allowed to stay at your station for the time being?"
"I…Suppose that is in order."
"Wonderful!" - Nerva said with glee. "I'm glad that there was something we could agree on."
"Are you sure, my lord?" - Jullus looked at Quintus with doubt.
"If the threat is as large as Nerva claims, then we cannot simply ignore it." - Quintus had to admit. "Follow me, Nerva… I'll show you our base. But be warned, if you dare to double-cross us, there will be no second chance."
"Of course." - Nerva replied with confidence. "Now, how about we finally take a break from this overbearing cold?"
It was time to return.
…
Jullus understood why Quintus was conflicted about letting Nerva stay. He was too. There was little shame in his voice when he made his demands as if all the destruction he had sown did not matter, as if all the people his armies killed were nothing but obstacles in his path to the throne. Yet Nerva brought news and knowledge of what exactly was behind the increased tempered activity. His mistake to which Nerva admitted, as reluctant as it was. Together they had a better chance of defeating the blasphemy, but what would come after?
Would Nerva try to take control of his own creation? Would he attempt to subdue the sundered and force everyone else into submission? Would Quintus be willing to bend the knee and accept Nerva's rule, even after all he has done? Jullus didn't know the answer, but whatever was to happen, he would stand by his Legatus's side.
With those thoughts did, Jullus continue to wander around Tertium, leaving Quintus to ponder on his decision. At first, he watched Nerva. His presence immediately made the people whisper, though few would dare to speak out outright. Most of those who gathered at Tertium were the supporters of the Ist and saw Nerva as a usurper, though, of course, they had much more pressing problems now.
Speaking of the man himself, he was far from shy. Despite the fact that most people kept away, unwilling to talk and question his presence here, Nerva was eager to learn more and find out the details about those people's misfortunes and the journey they had to undertake to find themselves here. Jullus had to watch him closely and, at times, even interject. The most notable example of this is when he noticed Nerva towering above a drained, one-legged man in the corner of the station. One of their soldiers valiantly defended Quintus, but it came at the cost of a deep wound that no one at Tertium could heal. Amputation was the only solution. For his brave service, life awarded him with wounds for life, both physical and those his unrelenting shame of never being able to fight for his people left. Having Nerva inquire was the last thing he needed.
"You say you had to clash with the IIIrd?" - Nerva spoke to the wounded soldier.
"I can remember that much…"
"Have you seen their Legatus, by any chance? A woman in white armor?"
"I…Don't remember…"
"You wouldn't have missed such a distinct warrior; try to remember…"
He was pushing the soldier, something Jullus couldn't approve of. He was their guest, a guest who Quintus was very reluctant to even allow in. And it was clear that, at times, this guest would have to be reminded that he is not the supreme authority here.
"That's quite enough." - Jullus interjected. "If you have any questions, you can ask me."
"Hm…" - Nerva pondered before sighing once again and moving away from the wounded soldier and taking his place beside Jullus. "Very well. I assume Quintus sent you to keep an eye out?"
"Huh…" - Jullus closed his eyes for a moment, pondering on what to say. There was little point in lying. "You didn't think we would leave you unsupervised, right?"
"Cautious, you lot. I suppose I can understand it, considering our history…" - Nerva shrugged. "Anyway, I was wondering about my second-in-command during the war, the Legatus of the IIIrd, Vergilia Corculum. She was not with me when the tempering happened. I haven't seen her since." - Jullus remembered her, as per their discussion with Solus. She was there when the Alliance forces intruded and stood against them, unsuccessfully, and was eventually killed.
"She was among the tempered that resisted the Eorzean Alliance in Magna Glacies; I believe they killed her." - Jullus recounted, immediately noticing a change of disposition on Nerva's face. The man looked away in silence, taking a deep breath as he stared into the wall. Any intrigue on his face has immediately dissipated, replaced with something else which Jullus couldn't quite decipher yet. Regret? Shame? Disappointment?
"I see…" - Nerva sighed and looked back at the soldier. "She was my best warrior and loyal to the end. This cataclysm truly took the best of us." - He spoke grimly and, as far as Jullus could see, genuinely. The pain in his voice showed that they were true, good friends and loyal compatriots. "At least she died in battle, like a warrior…And we'll do good by her and all the other dead garleans if we unite under a single banner." - Nerva spoke of his goals once again.
"And why should it be yours?" - Jullus was still unconvinced.
"Apart from the fact that it's mine by right? Perhaps the fact that I was able to create a mechanism to keep the tempered hordes under our control? Well, almost…It got sabotaged, but the results were there, working wonders on the few test subjects we had." - His voice gleamed with pride as he said those words.
"I find it hard to believe that you would create something that would have the same function as that nightmarish eikon."
"I had…Methods." - A sly smile appeared on Nerva's face as he spoke those words. There was something he didn't want to reveal yet. For a moment, Jullus mused if there was any point in asking him questions about it, but it did not take long for Nerva to continue. "Quintus still doubts me, but I believe he will see the truth in due time; I only hope that we won't get overtaken by the tempered or blasphemies at that point."
"Don't expect him to crumble easily."
"I don't…And what do you think?"
"Me?" - Jullus responded with a surprised face.
"Yes, you. After all, if we do not come to an agreement, it will be left up to individuals to decide who they will follow. What would be your choice?"
"Are you questioning my loyalty?"
"Sometimes, loyalty is hardly the most important factor. When I restore communication with the other Legions, I will have an army at my side, an army that will retake Garlemald from the tempered once and for all. Would you join us, or would you stay here in your squad that is barely surviving?"
"Don't you…" - Jullus clenched his fist. "I served under lord Quintus for years now. I will NOT betray him, no matter how much you will do to make your cause appealing."
"So it's a personal matter, then?" - Nerva wondered. "You might be a unique case, but assume there is no such history for you. What if you were just another soldier who managed to find a safe haven here. A citizen, even? Would you stay loyal to your master when there is so much…So much more that I can give you."
It was a complicated question if one tried to answer it honestly. Jullus was loyal to lord Quintus, yet there were many in Tertium who only cared for refuge and protection, and this was not something Quintus's soldiers could afford constantly. Assuming Nerva was right and he would be able to bring three legions into the fold, this would be a considerable army that would be much stronger than anyone Quintus could amass under his wing.
"So? What is your answer, boy?" - Nerva spoke with anticipation.
"I…"
He didn't get to finish; another familiar figure emerged, looking at their new guest.
"Bloody hell, and here I thought they were jesting!" - Cid said the moment he saw Nerva and Jullus. His eyes were focused on the member of the Royal Family.
"What a surprise…" - Nerva said, immediately switching from Jullus. "When I looked through the archives on the Empire's most wanted traitors and defectors, I saw your face quite often. Cid Garlond? "
"I am, yes. From the Alliance's forces, lest you wonder, but stayed here to aid my people."
"That explains the mech."
"You look vaguely familiar, but those people told me you're Nerva yae Galvus. Titus's son."
"And the rightful heir to the Garlean throne." - Nerva was quick to remind him.
"If that still matters to you, I suppose…Nobody was sure if you survived, but judging by how unscathed you are, you got rather lucky."
"I know how to survive, and that is all…" - Nerva's eyes shifted once again. He was overtaken by curiosity and seemed to forget about Jullus's presence. "Better tell me about that new machina of yours? Seems Allagan in design."
"Oh, that one. It was a concept from the Fractal Continuum I looked into, a few repairs here, a few additions there…"
Perhaps it was better for Jullus to leave them to their own devices. The soldier looked away before taking his leave and wandering off into Tertium; he needed a breather.
Perhaps he should've denied Nerva's supposition. Perhaps he should've said that he would remain loyal in any situation without a second thought. Yet Jullus wanted, to be honest, to not play a game of pretense that Nerva would see through. But did this mean that he would spread his influence across Tertium and eventually garner followers here? Was he trying to destroy them from within? Jullus couldn't say, but he couldn't trust Nerva after all he had done.
His musings were interrupted by a rather peculiar sight. A familiar woman hid in the northern corner of Tertium, not far from one of the old carts. It was Licinia, the girl he rescued back at Victor's Spoils, and she was engrossed by her own practice. Jullus heard a faint gunshot as the woman tried to aim with her firearm, looking at the wall before her. There was no permanent damage her shots would leave on, just a few barely visible bumps. She didn't seem like someone to practice aiming in her spare time, and her shots were all over the wall, yet she continued. A faint echo rang in Jullus's ears. She breathed heavily at her every attempt, tirelessly continuing to attack a single, non-existent target.
"Nice mark." - Jullus spoke, immediately distracting Licinia from her endeavor. The woman immediately turned around, unveiling to Jullus her angry eyes and tired, reddened face. The soldier was taken aback by such a reaction slightly, although he quickly realized that this wasn't aimed at him. When Licinia realized who it was that called out to her, she breathed out in relief, changing her disposition to a far more welcoming one.
"Oh, it's you…Jullus, right?" - She greeted him with a slightly reserved voice.
"Yes. Just passing by…"
"I never got to say a word of thanks to you, not when I am sound of mind…But I'm glad I can do this now. I might not have been too receptive back then, but thank you for taking me here, truly."
"Caution is healthy, especially here." - Jullus reassured her. "Had we not maintained some level of distrust, we might as well have been Alliance's pawns…" - The so, died scoffed before looking away for a split moment. "Or perhaps someone else's."
"Nerva?"
"You know he's here? I suppose everyone does now. Yes, he is a…A concern of ours at the moment." - Jullus noticed Licinia's suspicion in her eyes; there was little trust for Nerva there.
"I don't know much about him, but when I was taught recent Garlean history…I was told he was not to be trusted. A viper, in other words." - Unsurprising, that one. After the war of succession and Varis's triumph, Nerva was on the losing side. A living reminder of Titus's coup and a failed attempt to conquer the throne of the Empire. He was the only threat to Varis's reign and, therefore, must have been stripped of any influence he might have had before. Many in Garlemald did not look fondly upon him. Perhaps it was only natural that Nerva felt vindicated now that he was the last heir to the royal bloodline.
"We have yet to learn his motives and whether he's being earnest…But enough about him." - Jullus decided to switch the topic; the new resurgence of Garlean political strife bored him to no end. "How are you getting along, Licinia?" - After asking this question, Jullus noticed how her eyes began to run around as if she wasn't ready or willing to answer yet.
"It's… It's good." - She responded eventually, though there was little confidence in her voice. "Others have been kind to me and welcomed me to the fold, but…" - Her lips quivered as she clenched her fist. "I can't let them go. My sister, my friends, I still think of them, they could've been here too, they could've lived! If only, if only…It isn't fair!"
"I wish I'd come sooner, I truly do…" - Jullus knew how empty those words would sound, yet he still wished to speak them. A hollow sentiment, perhaps, yet the one that helped so many other people bond.
"I don't blame you…I blame whoever did this to us. Whoever tempered our people, forced them to kill each other and…I hate them!" - Licinia shouted in a fury.
"You have a right to be angry. All of us do. If it makes it any easier, Zenos is no more. It's been a while since his ascian pet was seen, but he shows his face again; there will be no mercy." - Jullus swore.
"I know…Others told me the tale. It's hard to come to terms with it all, isn't it?"
"I still can't."
"Maybe I'm lucky that I didn't get to see Emperor Solus again, with how others speak of him…How did it feel? To see him alive and young and with all the magic…"
"I…" - Jullus took a deep breath. "I believed he was a different person at first, but I couldn't keep that thought for too long. It was him, the Emperor all knew and once loved, revealing his true face to us. I'd rather not think of him too much again."
"I get it…" - Licinia chuckled. "There isn't that much left to believe in for us. All that's left is revenge." - She looked at her machine with a grieving smile. "All that's left is to fight, and I will fight. Fight for my people against the curse the traitor forced upon us…That will be my revenge. My retribution for Flavia." - A tear fell from Licinia's face, and yet the resolve in her voice had not wavered even for a moment. "If it comes to another battle, to the time when you try to reclaim the capital…Would you take me?"
"It's not my decision to make."
"But if it was, would you?" - Once again, uncomfortable questions were enforced upon Jullus, the questions he didn't want to answer yet had to speak in earnest.
"I wouldn't want to risk any more lives than necessary, but such an undertaking would require help from the best of our warriors. So that depends…But I assume you're not a fighter."
"No, I'm not." - Licinia sighed. "But I know how to shoot! Practiced with my…My father, a few months ago, I still remember the basics."
"You'll need more than just the basics to save you out there."
"That's why I'm trying to perfect my aim." - Licinia glanced at the gun in her hand. "It's going…Slowly, but it could be worse. Trying to get my shots as close to each other as possible on this wall."
After taking yet another glance at the wall, Jullus saw how scattered they were. There were many faint marks left by the bullets all around a single point, but the point itself was distinct enough, far more than any other. Many, if not the majority, of her shots, were precise enough to land in a single area.
"What do you think?"
"An impressive start, but you need more practice." - Jullus commented, only igniting Licinia's passion further.
"I'm willing to try!" - In her voice, Jullus saw eagerness that was devoid in most others. The resolve to fight for Garlemald and their homeland, whatever the cost. No matter how much she lost, Licinia would not give in to fate and self-pity, perhaps because the realization did not strike her yet as it did some others. All she wanted was vengeance and justice for her fallen family and Empire. It was not for him to deny her that right.
"I had a lot of practice in the Ist legion myself…How about I show you a thing or two? Maybe your practice can go at a faster pace then."
"Oh, I'd be honored." - Licinia responded with a faint smile. Yes, this is something Jullus missed during the dreadful days. To help the young soul who is on their path to serving their homeland and people by fighting for them with heroic vigor. To see someone not shy away from it even now was a glimmer of hope in the ocean of darkness the Garlean people found themselves amidst, and Jullus was eager to keep it bright.
"So, no time to waste, then."
…
It didn't take long for Jullus to be called by his Legatus yet again. Right when the soldier began to think that he might be of use elsewhere, he was reminded of the duty he kept before his lord. Reminded of the undertaking that was laid out before by Nerva and the important choices Quintus had to make. The soldier wondered if his Legatus wanted to discuss the coming course and hear the opinion of his loyal follower, or was the decision already made, and Quintus wished Jullus to be the first one to hear the announcement? He would soon find out.
Jullus found the lone man in his train, musing, as always, on the burden that fate entrusted upon him with no one but a few guards by his side. When Jullus entered the train, one of them whispered something to Quintus, making the Legatus turn his head around and sigh.
"Leave us."
"At once, milord."
The soldiers saluted before leaving the cart, passing beside Jullus. After they were gone, Quintus turned around, sitting on his chair and gazing at Jullus in silence for a few moments. Was it uncertainty that the soldier detected in his eyes? Jullus wasn't sure, but it always pained him to see the Legatus in doubt.
"I take it you've looked after our guest since his arrival…" - Quintus began.
"Yes, milord, I made sure he didn't stir any trouble."
"As well as found spare time to help the girl from Victor's Spoils practice." - Quintus noted, and Jullus felt a faint disappointment in his quiet voice. Immediately, he felt the urge to reassure him.
"I promise this wasn't at the cost of my actual mission; I merely…"
"He-he-he…" - Quintus let out a pained laugh before looking up. "I am not accusing you of anything, Jullus; in fact, it's good that you found time to help her practice." - He was close to smiling as he spoke those words, catching Jullus off-guard.
"Truly?"
"It's a reminder of the old days before death and despair came to our Empire…An urge every single one of us feels. There is no need to feel shame because of it."
"Thank you, milord." - Jullus spoke with gratitude, yet he knew that was certainly not the reason he was brought here. "Why did you want to speak with me?"
"Yes… It's about our future." - Quintus sighed. "I may not have made an announcement yet, but our temporary Alliance with Nerva is absolutely inevitable. The blasphemy that resides in the tower is too much of a danger to simply ignore."
"Then such is your decision…"
"It's what comes after that concerns me."
"Perhaps Nerva could be persuaded not to claim the throne?" - Jullus wondered, swiftly realizing how foolish he sounded.
"No, that is impossible. Nerva has ever been stubborn, and the fact that his claim to the throne was vindicated by Zenos's betrayal only served to embolden him. He will not turn back now; all will kneel to him or face the wrath of his allies. I was wondering if you had any thoughts?"
"I believe this decision is yours to make."
"I know that, but that's not what I am asking." - Quintus pushed, leaving Jullus precious few options.
"Is there any way we can use an alliance with Nerva to our advantage? To raise our influence among the other legions?"
"Perhaps, though I wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be a step ahead of us…" - Quintus shook his head. "Truth be told, I was wondering if it would truly be for the best to simply kneel and accept his reign, but after all, he has done…To do this is akin to admitting my defeat, to bend the knees before a traitor who sparked a war between our people…"
"But what if he can help rebuild Garlemald? I don't like this idea either, but maybe the best course of action would be to help him reclaim the tower and then push for equal terms?" - Jullus suggested. "I don't know if he told you, but Nerva claims he came very close to success while working on his creation. He might want to reclaim control over it; that's why it's better for our forces to see that no harm is done."
"Indeed." - Quintus nodded. "As much as the idea of rebuilding Garlemald together fills me with hope, I cannot forget the Final Days…The blasphemies are uncontrollable and rabid. In Nerva's hands, they would only become more dangerous."
"Milord!" - A loud voice echoed from behind; one of the guards walked into the cart with haste.
"We have not finished yet." - Quintus responded starkly.
"Forgive me, but this is urgent. We have another small squad at Tertium's gates, non-tempered. Nerva has already gone to meet them."
"Who is it this time?"
"It's the Alliance soldiers from the Ilsabard Contingent, with the temple knight leading them. Lucia Junius, I believe."
As if the situation couldn't get any more complicated, now they had yet another guest, the one they would have to hear out as well. Unlike with Nerva, Quintus had no patience for the Alliance at all; after Solus left, he was very reluctant to maintain any contact at all.
"I suppose that was but a matter of time…" - Quintus sighed before standing up and glancing at his loyal soldier. "Let's go, Jullus, time to see what she wants. I'm getting tired of all the pests at Tertium, but what is there we can do…"
"Of course, I'll stand by your side."
Quintus and Jullus followed the Garlean guard, which eventually led them to the surface. There were some Ist's soldiers gathered around, yet none of them attempted to interfere in what could on,y be described as a rather wanting parody of a negotiation process. Lucia Junius led five Alliance soldiers behind her back, all dressed in either Gridanian or Ishgardian uniforms, led by a proud knight standing in front of the black warrior. Instead of telling Quintus or Jullus about it, Nerva quickly rushed into the fray, hardly surprising.
"Rich words, coming from someone who came to our land and demanded something!" - Nerva spoke with mockery before Lucia.
"At least do not hold partial responsibility for destroying the Empire; you do. So forgive me if that offends you, but I'll continue to remain cautious. Now, I'd like to…" - She didn't finish. The woman looked around and noticed the approaching Legatus; her expression changed to a far more serious and focused one. "Quintus van Cinna."
"Lucia Junius…I believe you wanted to see me." - The Legatus responded with distrust.
"Yes, I would like to discuss something if you'll indulge me."
"That depends on what it is you want."
"I…Cid told me about what happened in the tower and the blasphemy that emerged in there and also mentioned Nerva." - As she spoke those words, Jullus clenched his fist in anger. He wasn't surprised that Garlond would eventually leak some information into the Alliance, yet he hoped that it wouldn't happen so soon.
"And what else did he tell you, I wonder?" - Quintus crossed his hands.
"Only that which concerns the Alliance. Our camp suffered a number of tempered attacks in the recent days, and we vowed to investigate the issue." - Lucia explained.
"And that's not all." - Nerva interjected. "We spoke with her for a while, and she knows that some of us, at least, is planning to retake the tower and end the blasphemy that rests inside."
"Yes, and what of it? I think we should work together to eliminate this threat as we did before."
"Once again, then…" - Quintus chuckled. "Are you intent on making this a habit? To force us into your debt time and time again until we are vulnerable enough for the Alliance to demand what they want."
"Quintus, enough…" - She spoke quietly, with a heated voice. "It's not about the Alliance. They couldn't care less about what is going on in here. Ul'Dah is thrown back and scorched, Limsa is utterly decimated, all the others live in fear of the coming Final Days, and Garlemald is the least of their concerns now. I am here entirely of my own volition as a Garlean."
"You are no Garlean after betraying everything we stood for, not anymore."
"Yet I would still aid you." - Lucia spoke with resolve before throwing a glance at Nerva. "That and see that you're not backstabbed after the deed is done."
"I have never been the one to backstab." - Nerva retorted. "Taking what's mine by right, isn't that."
"Enough." - Quintus was quick to interrupt them. "I see that none of you are inclined to leave until we talk this through…So be it." - The Legatus announced with a heavy heart. "Let us see how pure and genuine your motives and intentions truly are and come to a conclusion to which all shall agree. Follow me."
This was an invitation for what Jullus could only describe as a parley, a parley that, despite his hesitation, he was eager to see. It was past time that they came to a conclusion on the Empire's future, which will no doubt be discussed sooner or later. He could only wonder if them being Garlean was enough to create any sort of bond and understanding between them…
They shall see, they shall see indeed.