Author's Note: A belated thank-you to reviewers Ovo, anonymous, Wildfire Dreams, Hawk of Navarre, and Sinnatious for their encouragement and in-depth analyses ;)

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Tremors of Fate

Chapter 4

Memories of a Princess

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They walked in silence, the Amazon princess and the thief. Lise anxiously scanned the foliage around them, but the thief from Navarre acted as if they were just out for a stroll. Lise made him carry the lantern—if only to leave both hands free to wield her lance—which he dangled casually by one finger. Lise did not know which irritated her more, his complete lack of concern for their surroundings or his complete lack of concern for her lance.

She studied her companion, making sure he was always in her sight. Their situation suddenly struck her as very odd. What was she, the princess of the Amazons, doing wandering the woods with a low-born thief? And what was this desert thief doing so far from his home? Desert people rarely left their part of Eztia, and he would stick out like a sore thumb wherever he went. She couldn't imagine why he would leave his guild. Weren't there repercussions for just abandoning them like that? Yet his reason for leaving was so bizarre, it just might be true.

Nevertheless, he was a thief, and he was from Navarre. She still couldn't be sure he wasn't sent here to kill her as well. The desert thieves' guild was not known for their mercy. Or for being terribly upstanding.

After a long time, he spoke again. "So, princess, do you have a name?"

She bristled at his directness. "…Lise," she said after a moment. "Lise del Vanadis." He already knew who she was, so what difference would it make if he knew her name? Besides, he had helped her out, she grudgingly admitted. If it had not been for him, she wouldn't have been able to escape Jad. Not from lack of skill, certainly, no. He happened to know about the guards, that was all.

Lise was tempted to ignore him after that, but unfortunately her royal upbringing had instilled in her better manners than that. "And what is yours?"

"Hawkeye of Navarre at your service," he said with a bow. "But you can call me Hawk."

The princess raised an eyebrow. "What kind of a name is that? Code for something, perhaps? Like thieving?"

The so-called Hawk attempted to look hurt. "You wound me, Your Highness. My adopted father gave me that name."

"Adopted father? What happened to your real family?"

He shrugged. "I never knew them. My earliest memory is begging for coppers in the streets."

Oh. Perhaps she shouldn't pry so far.

Lise gave herself a shake. How had she gone from giving the thief the barest of responses to asking about his life to feeling sorry for him? He may still want to kill her, despite his claims to the contrary. And he was a thief.

She casually switched her lance from one hand to the other, the point slanting in Hawk's direction. He did not notice, or if he did, he gave no sign of it.

They passed the weathered signpost that pointed to Jad in the north, Astoria to the south. They should reach Astoria soon, Lise hoped. There, Hawk would either want to stay the night or keep going. If he wanted to spend a night at the inn, Lise would pretend agree, then leave for Wendel after he was asleep. If he wanted to continue on, she would stay in Astoria. In either case, she would be free of his company. Yes, it was a good plan.

Suddenly, Hawk stopped in his tracks. Lise gave a small yelp as she almost bumped into him for the second time that day.

"What—" she started to say.

Hawk motioned her to stay quiet. Lise crouched, ready for anything. Were they about to be attacked? Were there wolves lurking the forest? Bandits, perhaps?

Soon, though, the reason for Hawk's caution made itself apparent. Voices drifted from somewhere off to the right, where the road appeared to fork, and were coming nearer.

"So, what's class changing?" said a distinctly female voice.

"It's supposed to make you stronger," said another, this one deeper and somehow familiar.

"Yes, but how? What does it do?"

"I don't know," the male voice admitted.

"You should ask...you know. Her."

There was a pause. "I think she's asleep. Or something."

"Try to wake her up, then!" said the female voice, getting a little petulant now.

"I don't know if that's a good idea right—" her companion replied, then broke off as he suddenly realized that they were not alone. The woman with him gave a little gasp when she realized the same thing a split second later.

The two pairs of travelers carefully observed each other in the glow of their lantern light. Lise recognized the man from the weapons store, but she had never seen the girl before. The girl did not seem to be native to this part of Eztia, however, since no self-respecting citizen of Jad or Astoria—and certainly not Wendel—would be caught dead in a dress with such a generous display of skin. Unless, of course, she was…a lady of the evening. But what was someone like her doing out here in the middle of the woods, in the dead of night?

Warily eyeing Lise's weapon, the man seemed torn between drawing his sword or letting them pass, so Hawk took advantage of the awkward silence.

"Good evening, fair travelers," he said smoothly. "Hawk of Navarre at your service. This is my companion—"

"Lise del Vanadis of Rolante," Lise cut in brusquely, "and I am not his companion. I am the princess of the Amazon nation and general of the Winged Falcon army. This man was sent to kill me. He's a scoundrel and a thief, and his men looted and burned my kingdom to the ground."

Exclamations of shock erupted from the newcomers, and the swordsman drew his blade, advancing menacingly on Hawk. "Is this true?" he demanded.

"Actually, she tried to kill me first," the thief pointed out.

"This is an outrage!" the swordsman declared with righteous anger. "An attempt on the life of the Princess and destroying her home! Prepare to pay for your crimes!"

He swung at the thief's midsection, but Hawk darted out of the way. "Now, wait a second," Hawk said, vainly trying to make himself heard, but the other man seemed more inclined to avenge Lise single-handedly.

"Don't you think we should…oh, turn him in instead?" Lise also said, beginning to feel nervous. Despite Lise's feelings on the subject of Navarre thieves, the swordsman was a little too enthusiastic about shortening Hawk's life for her comfort. Besides, she should be the one exacting vengeance for her people, not a man she barely knew. "Listen...ah..." she protested—rather ineffectively, as the swordsman never told her his name.

"Please stop, Duran," said the other girl, her voice sounding oddly faint. So that was his name. Duran.

A bright light suddenly appeared out of Duran's helmet and hovered fitfully before his face. "Duran! Put your sword away this instant!"

Then Lise realized that it was not Duran's female companion who had spoken, after all. "Did—did that firefly just say something?" Lise stuttered.

Even the unflappable Hawk had his mouth open. "Did that thing come out of your head?"

Fortunately for Hawk, the speck of light commanded enough authority for Duran to halt in his mission. "Sorry, Fairy," he apologized. "But I can't just let a criminal walk free."

The Fairy briefly hovered in front of Hawk, then fluttered over to Lise. The otherworldly creature stood no higher than a sparrow, and her delicate silver tresses flowed over an similarly delicate, shimmering dress. Four ethereal wings arising from her back made Lise think of a luminous butterfly.

"I don't understand," the Fairy murmured before darting back to Duran. "According to the prophecy, there are only supposed to be three Mana heroes. Yet..."

"What's wrong, Fairy?" Duran's companion finally spoke. "What prophecy?"

"The ancient prophecy that tells of an uprising against the Mana Goddess. Three heroes will attain the Mana Sword and save Mana from disappearing from this world. I have already sought out you and Duran. One of these two must be the third hero, but I cannot tell which one. They both appear equal in their potential, but there is no mention of a fourth person."

"Equal in potential?" Lise echoed. She had no idea what this Fairy was going on about, but the idea of being compared to Hawk—as his equal!—rankled Lise to no end. "Me, equal with this desert thief?"

"But there is so much more to being a Mana hero than potential," the Fairy said quickly, noting Lise's stormy expression. "You need to have an honest heart, pure intentions, and strength of will to be a champion of the Goddess. If you lack these qualities, you will surely fail."

Although Lise was somewhat mollified, she still glared at Hawk. How did he have the nerve to—to—just stand there as if being compared to an Amazon warrior was the most normal thing in the world? And honest heart and pure intentions? He was a thief, for Goddess's sake!

By now, everyone else was staring at him, too. "Well, I can always tell when I'm not wanted," he said, shrugging. "It was good knowing you, Lise. Perhaps we will meet again someday."

With a grand flourish, Hawk tossed his lantern high into the air, leaving Lise in momentary darkness. She leaped back as the lantern came down and smashed at her feet, the oil pooling in the grass, bursting into flame before burning itself out.

By the time she recovered from her surprise, Hawk was gone. The scoundrel had distracted them with the lantern to make his getaway! "Hawk!" she yelled furiously, running into the surrounding darkness. "Hawk! Get back here, you dirty thief!"

The forest brightened around her, and there was a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Princess. I won't let that thief lay a hand on you."

"Thank you," she replied evenly, though she bristled slightly. Telling her not to worry. Who was worried? A mere thief was not going to get the better of Lise del Vanadis, leader of the Amazon army.

But when she saw the concern on Duran's face, she instantly regretted for being so resentful. Clearly, he was only thinking of her welfare and would certainly be a more tolerable traveling companion than Hawk. She wouldn't have to keep such a close eye on him, and she wouldn't feel like his every word was mocking her.

The woman in the generously cut dress spoke up. "Lise, I never expected to run into you here, in the middle of the woods of all places."

In all the excitement, Lise had forgotten about the woman that came with Duran. The woman's casual manner struck the Amazon as unusual. Lise was not such a stickler for tradition that she expected to be called "Princess" by everyone, but most people did not drop the honorific right after being introduced for the first time. Even more interestingly, the woman wore ornaments made of carved ivory and rare gems in her dark violet hair. Who was she, and how had she come by such fine jewelry?

"I don't believe we've met. Who might you be?" Lise said.

The purple-haired woman laughed girlishly. "Oh, of course you don't remember! For crying out loud, I didn't even recognize you when I saw you. Princess Angela of Altena," she said with a curtsy. "It's been a while, Lise."

"It certainly has, Angela," Lise murmured, curtsying in turn. Her only memory of Angela was almost ten years ago and was vague at best, the impression of an imperious young girl in ribbons and frills that showed off her creamy complexion. Now it seemed that Angela had dispensed with the frills to show off the rest of her, too. I shouldn't be so quick to judge, Lise thought in admonishingly. Maybe dresses like that are the trend in Altena these days.

"I'm afraid we haven't been properly introduced," Duran said. "I am Duran Belgara, the best swordsman of Forcena, son of Loki Belgara, the legendary Knight of Gold and retainer to King Richard. Pleased to be at your service, Princess."

"Pleased to meet your acquaintance," Lise replied. She not sure what else to say to such a long string of titles.

The Fairy, who had decided to join in the ritual of introductions, alighted on Duran's helmeted head. "And I am the fairy messenger for the Mana Goddess, who is in grave danger."

"Pleased to meet you," Lise said courteously. She did not think it was possible to top Duran's introduction, but the Fairy did just that. "Why is the Goddess in danger?"

"Are you familiar with the legend of Mana?"

Lise nodded. It was an old story, a tale that every child had grown up on, a legend that was passed down to each generation.

At the beginning of time, the Mana Goddess created Gaia and every living creature that roamed upon it. She permitted Time to take Gaia within its flow in order for the world to change and grow, for humans and fields alike to live, die, and be born anew. Eight Elements ruled the skies, earth and seas with impartial wisdom. However, the peaceful balance of Gaia could not be maintained forever; the humans soon discovered that both love and treachery could bring them their hearts' deepest desires. Once the split between good and evil was formed, it consumed the rest of Gaia and even the Elements themselves, giving birth to the God-beasts. The God-beasts were fearsome monsters, merciless and full of hate, the empty shells of the Elements that had become separated from their souls. Having forgotten what they once were, they rampaged across the land, destroying the life the Goddess had created, leaving deserts and wastelands in their wake.

Thus, using her own Mana essence, the Goddess forged a mighty Sword, battled the God-beasts, and sealed them away in prisons of stone. She gathered the souls of the Elements and commanded them to guard the Mana stones. Then, using the last of her strength, she retreated to her abode in the Mana Holyland, where she transformed herself into a tree, the oldest and wisest of all living creatures. There she would rest until great need came to Gaia again, until the end of Time itself.

"Once again, I am impressed by how faithfully this world has preserved the legend," the Fairy said, giving her wings a satisfied flick. "The effort of sealing the God-beasts was so draining that the Goddess will not have replenished her strength for several millennia to come. However, instead of growing and thriving, the Mana Tree has begun to wither. For a long time, I did not want to believe it. But there is a great disturbance in the land, and the Goddess's strength continues to fade. The Mana Tree is dying."

"The Mana Tree is dying?" Lise repeated. "But isn't the Goddess is supposed to be immortal?"

The Fairy lifted off from Duran's helmet and fluttered in the air with agitated energy. "She is, as long as Mana exists in this world."

"But I thought the Goddess was the source of Mana," Angela protested, not understanding, and Lise was just as confused.

"The essence of the Goddess herself is Mana," the Fairy agreed, who now flitted anxiously back and forth, which Lise presumed was the fairy equivalent of pacing. "Something is draining it away, and we must put a stop to it or Mana will disappear from this world forever."

"If Mana disappears, what will happen then?" Angela asked, although they all had a pretty good idea what the Fairy was implying.

"Magic will disappear as well," the Fairy said gravely. Then she looked at Duran. "And class-changing will become impossible."

Duran only frowned and grunted.

"But more importantly, the world will slowly wither away, just as the Mana Tree is doing."

They pondered the Fairy's words in silence. Proclaimed Mana hero or not, Lise had no obligation to help the Fairy or the Mana Goddess. However, trying to find Elliot was pointless if there was nothing left of Gaia in the end. But if something happened to him while she was wrapped up in the Fairy's quest, she would never be able to forgive herself.

Perhaps the best thing to do would be to accompany them for a while, she thought. They may lead me to Elliot along the way. If it takes too long, though, I can always go off and look for him on my own.

The Fairy returned to Duran's head to rest from her journey from the Holyland, and the trio of humans went on their way to Astoria. It turned out that Angela and Duran were headed for Wendel as well: Angela to discover how to use magic, and Duran to find out how to class change. Lise was surprised at Angela's lack of magical talent—she was the princess of Altena, after all. But it seemed to be a sensitive topic for her, so Lise didn't press the issue. Duran, however, talked incessantly about he was going to beat Koren to a bloody pulp after he class changed, though he still wasn't sure what class changing involved. But once he did it, he was going to show that cowardly bastard how a true warrior fights, and along with Angela's unladylike threats about what she was going to do when she found him, Lise gathered that the Red Wizard Koren was not a popular character.

When the trees began to thin out around them, Angela suddenly said, "What's that smell? It's like something's burning."

The princess of Altena must have a very sensitive nose, because Lise did not notice the faint smokiness in the air until Angela brought it up. "Now that you mention it..."

"We're almost at Astoria," said Duran forebodingly.

Indeed, there were satchels and lantern poles strewn about and even the occasional wheelbarrow. It was as if their owners had left them behind in haste.

Lise was starting to feel uneasy, as well. The acrid scent of smoke grew ever thicker, and as the forest floor gave way to a well-traveled dirt road, their steps quickened. The thin light of daybreak had made lanterns unnecessary by this point, and it was probably the reason why the glow of Astoria's fate was hidden from them earlier.

The three travelers stumbled upon a scene from another world: charred frames of houses stood, half-collapsed, like awkward skeletons awash in a dark, malevolent fog. The ground beneath Lise swayed, and she found herself on her knees, her eyes stinging from the smoke.

When she blinked away the tears, she was in the throne room of Rolante, the stone floor cold beneath her hands. Shouts and sounds of fighting rang through the corridors. Thick smoke filled the air, but she could just make out the outline of the throne at the end of the room. What am I doing just sitting around? I have to reach Father!

Lise staggered to her feet, not understanding why it was suddenly so hard to walk. Her feet felt like they were anchored to the ground by a great weight. But she was moving down the large room, and her father was seated at the throne on the dais. Father…let me reach you, so I can protect you…

But as she drew nearer, she sensed something was amiss. Despite his blindness, her father had always been able to perceive the presence of those around him, especially if their connections with him were strong. But he did not appear to notice that she was in the room, or that she was desperately running toward him. His blind eyes stared blankly and he was slumped at an odd angle on the throne.

"Father!"

His milky white gaze turned at her voice, and Lise saw with horror the deep wound in the side of his neck. Blood flowed freely down his scarlet robe, staining the ivory wings of Rolante's royal crest embroidered on his tunic.

"Father!" she cried again, and cradled his graying head in her hands.

"Lise…I'm so glad…you're safe," he said, every breath harsh and labored. "Elliot has been captured by the Navarre demons…run away from…this place…and…find…him…"

Lise shook her head furiously. "No, Father! I must stay and drive out the intruders! An Amazon does not abandon her people!"

Somewhere behind her, there was the sound of solitary applause. "Spoken like a true princess of Rolante," said a mocking voice.

Lise whirled around. At the foot of the dais stood a rather alluring woman clad in silk skirts and a shawl and little else. "A noble death for a noble king and his daughter!" the seductress crowed. "But unfortunately for you, my dear princess, the drama ends here. By the fury of Xan Bie, I will turn this castle to ash!"

Before Lise could do anything, the woman raised her hand in an imperious gesture. The world exploded into flame, and Lise knew nothing more.

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Don't worry, Hawk won't be gone forever. Please review :)