In honor of the end of the semester, another chapter of Converging Paths.
A brilliant sun shone down upon a picturesque landscape, with vast fields of green, gently rippling in a slight breeze, birds singing from the trees of a nearby wood, squirrels and rabbits foraging for food, deer grazing peacefully, and all of Nature seeming blissfully content. For a troop of mounted soldiers, however, such things were of little concern. The creatures were not spared a second glance and the entire countryside seemed to mock them with its quiet tranquility. The mood over the company was a stark contrast to their setting, a cloud of despair hovering over them.
Sir Geoffrey sighed as he led the procession further south, reflecting on how quickly the tables of fortune had turned. It seemed ages that he had awoken to this beautiful spring day, only to have that peace shattered by a sudden and violent invasion by the Kingdom of Deain. In a matter of hours the capital's defenses had been breached, and the king and queen slaughtered.
Geoffrey had just rounded up his division of the Royal Knights when Prince Renning approached with a sobbing Princess Elincia in tow.
"Geoffrey!" he called.
"Milord!"
"I have a task for you. I need you to escort the princess to Gallia. King Caineghis will look after her there." Geoffrey's heart seemed to stop for a moment. While removing the princess to a place of safety was never in question, it would usually be the royal villa or one of the forts in the outer provinces of Crimea. To send her to another kingdom could only mean he had deemed the tactical situation irreparable and that the fall of their country was imminent. "Can I entrust this to you?" he asked.
"Yes, milord. I will accept this whole-heartedly."
The Crown Prince seemed satisfied and turned to leave when he was stopped by a grip on his arm.
"No, Uncle!" came a desperate plea.
At his niece's voice, the Prince adopted a consoling tone.
"Please, Elincia. Right now my priorities are the defense of the capital and ensuring your safety."
"Then come with us!"
"Elincia."
"Please, Lord Uncle…you…" she gulped, "you are the last of my family. I do not wish to lose you as well."
"And you will not. No matter what happens, I will always be there with you, as will you father and mother. Now be brave. When things are settled here I will send for you."
Even as the words were said, everyone who heard them knew it was a lie, and that he did not expect to see her, or anyone else, again. Seeming to put on a brave face for his benefit, the princess gave a small smile, and drew her uncle into an embrace. They stood like that for several minutes before he finally drew back and walked swiftly away.
Hours later, Geoffrey, Princess Elincia, and a group of Crimea's most elite knights were nearing the outskirts of the capital region. They had thus far been able to escape notice but patrolling wyvern riders could be seen in the distance. Unless they kept moving, it would only be a matter of time before they were spotted.
Elincia had not made a sound since leaving. Her sobs seemed to have been exhausted but tears continued to run down her cheeks and her gaze was continually down. It pained him to see her in such anguish, but he could not think of a thing to say that could alleviate it. Perhaps Lucia would have been able to if she were here; Bastian most certainly would. Neither of them were here, though, it was only him, and his voice was more suited to barking commands than offering comfort.
But still...
"Princess..." She looked up at him, her amber-colored eyes now tinged with red. "I...I want you to know..."
"AMBUSH! WE"RE UNDER ATTACK!"
Geoffrey whirled toward the sound of the call. He did not see anything yet, but he heard a faint, sharp whistling coming from the side. Reacting in an instant, he threw himself at the princess, pulling her down to the ground as a volley of arrows passed through the space they had occupied moments earlier.
Rising to his feet once again, he now saw countless black-clad soldiers storming out of the trees and bushes where they had been hiding and engaging his knights directly. Geoffrey tightened his grip on his lance.
"Princess...move to the rear." She seemed hesitant to do so. "Now! Find a place to hide!"
Elincia finally nodded and ran back, allowing him to turn his attention to the enemy.
A moments glance told him all he needed to know...they were outnumbered nearly three to one, two of his knights lay dead, with another wounded...three dead, now, he thought as one of the Daeins cut down the wounded knight, and they were steadily losing ground.
He stood in his place, ready to deal with any that made it through the others.
I am the last line of defense. If they would have the princess, they must go through me!
The enemy line charged, foot soldiers were batted aside by his lance, more agile swordsmen presented a problem but he was able to deal with them as well, and the slower warriors and armored knights met similar fates. But they kept coming, one after the other, without end. Before long it seemed his strength would be exhausted before the enemies' numbers were. It mattered not. He would defend the Princess to his final breath if need be.
Just then a scream was heard. The princess! The Deain soldiers paused for a moment before turning and moving in the direction it had come from. No! As they turned away from him, he launched a new attack hoping to draw their attention back to him and allow her some time to escape if possible. A few engaged him but a group continued to move away.
He glanced around to take in the situation. His knights were scattered about as the enemy slowly drove them apart, attempting to finish them individually, and the Princess was nowhere to be seen. He continued fighting, slowly moving toward what he thought was the Princess' position, hoping to reach her before Deain did.
After what seemed like hours had passed, the last of the Deain soldiers was down, and Geoffrey took stock of the situation. More than half of his best knights lay dead or wounded on the battlefield. Worse yet, none of them knew where Princess Elincia was. In the chaos that had erupted, they had traveled at least half a mile from where they had started. A search immediately began, but calls to the princess went unanswered and they began to fear the worst.
They had not been at it for more than half an hour when another division of Deain soldiers was spotted heading in their direction. Geoffrey's heart sank. There was no way they could remain. His men were in no condition to take on fresh troops.
"Knights! To me! Gather up the wounded and prepare to move out." There was little else said as they carried out his orders, each of them weighed down by their failure. They mounted and began to ride toward a small fort where Crimean forces had taken refuge.
Lucia sank into a chair as Geoffrey reported on the ambush. It was an additional blow to the news that the battle at Melior was over, and the capital was firmly in enemy hands. "So, that's it then. The last of the Crimean line…is gone." Her voice held steady, but he knew his sister well enough see the pain she felt. She and Elincia had been raised together as milk sisters. It was now as though she was missing a part of herself.
"Dark times befall our dear Crimea." Bastian observed. "To whom can she turn to light the way through blackest night to a new dawn?"
Geoffrey continued to stand straight and rigid. "I was the leader of the knights, the failure is mine. I will take full responsibility for it."
"I'm sure you would, Brother, but I think we have more important issues to deal with right now." Lucia got up and began pacing. "We need to regroup, organize ourselves, and form some sort of resistance. They may have won the battle, but I, for one, do not intend to simply let them have my homeland."
"Ah, indeed. The ruffians may trample the very heart of our beloved kingdom, but they may not lay hold upon her untouchable spirit." Bastian concurred. Geoffrey simply nodded.
"Also, we need to find as many of the nobles who have not been captured or killed. We'll need them to re-establish a working government."
"Are you sure about that?" her brother asked. "The first thing they'll want to do is determine which of them will get the crown. With no clearly defined line of passage, they will all be eager to lay claim to it."
Lucia sighed. "I know. But we are going to need their support for anything we might need to do."
"Rest easy, dear Lucia, for I know well the petty desires of those who sit atop Crimea's whited towers." Bastian declared. "Each of these highborn would delight to be called 'Your Majesty' were fate to grace them with such bounteous fortune, and will employ many clever machinations to secure unto themselves that most coveted of prizes. But fear not, for the Count of Fayre is quite capable of vanquishing them upon the field of wit."
Lucia grinned. "That is true. Bastian is more than capable of keeping them honest."
Seeing his companions had made up their minds, Geoffrey nodded his head in agreement. "Very well. Where should we begin?"
"Relax, Geoffrey. You are not in a formation about to be inspected." He and Lucia were near a wagon which had been their means of transport for the past few weeks as they moved about the country seeking out nobles and other leaders who had managed to go into hiding. They had adopted the cover of merchants, as that would enable them the greatest ease of travel, though to the Deains, they as well might not have existed, which was a great relief. She had worried that one might recognize Geoffrey's ramrod straight stance but after weeks of simply being passed by it had since turned to a point of amusement. The more she pestered him about it, the stiffer his spine became.
She shook her head and glanced around the square where they had set up shop. A decent sized crowd marked the spot where Bastian was putting on his own show. He was juggling, performing magic and otherwise delighting the gathered townsfolk. "It seemed counterintuitive, but he had declared, "Our dastardly foes will likely expect that we will scurry as frightened field mice before the hawk, skulking about in the all-concealing shadows to avoid their vigilant gaze. The town fool making a spectacle of delighting the downtrodden citizens chafing beneath their iron boots would seem as unlikely as snowfall at the height of summer."
She couldn't really argue with him, so he was allowed to continue with his little game. He truly seemed to enjoy it, unsurprisingly.
During their travels they had already made contact with Dukes Delbray and Felirae. Delbray was supportive of their actions and offered his castle as a base if needed. The Duke of Felirae, Lord Ludveck, on the other hand, while not openly opposing them, was not willing to back them fully either. He was ambitious, and no doubt seeking a way to maneuver himself for a run at the throne. And the way he watched her made Lucia feel distinctly uncomfortable.
Others had not been so fortunate. Nados, Gritnea, and Canteus had all fallen, with their lords either killed or driven into exile. Deain was systematically moving through the country. They resolved to head west, feeling there was a higher chance they would be able to find nobles whose lands had yet to fall.
Geoffrey, Lucia, and Bastian were gathered around a map of the region deciding where to go next when a knock came at the door. Geoffrey readied a weapon as Lucia went to answer it. "Who is it?"
One of their people who had been standing watch stood there. "There is a gentleman who wishes to speak with you."
Lucia glanced back at the other two before nodding and opening the door further. A figure in a hooded robe walked in. "Lady Lucia, I presume?"
The three of them tensed, ready for action if need be. "And if I am?"
The figure lifted his hands and lowered his hood to reveal a set of blue cat ears. A Gallian! "I am Ranulf, a warrior of Gallia, and acting envoy for King Caineghis."
"Oh, uh, sit down, please." Lucia was surprised, but felt there was no danger here, after all the animosity between Deain and all Laguz was well known. There was no chance their visitor was working for them.
"I tracked you down, because I have news that will interest you. Four days ago a mercenary company traveled from Gallia to Port Toha and boarded a ship bound for Begnion." He looked intently at them. "Their orders are to present Princess Elincia to the Apostle in an effort to gain the Empire's support."
The three of them sat silently for several moments then they all began talking at the same time. Ranulf raised his hands for silence. "Please, one at a time."
"The princess is alive?" Geoffrey asked.
Ranulf grinned widely. "Yes she most assuredly is."
"Who are these mercenaries? How did they find her?" Lucia asked.
"They call themselves the Greil Mercenaries, after their founder, who, unfortunately, was slain recently."
"And you just left the princess with them. Why could you not some of your own warriors escort her?" Geoffrey demanded.
"Two of them are traveling with her, but we will soon be in need of the bulk of our forces. I don't think I need to tell you that Deain appears to now be moving against Gallia." Ranulf stated. "Besides, traveling with a group of Laguz would not be beneficial to her case in Begnion. And she is in good hands; I got to know the leader of the mercenaries, and he is a man of sound character. Trust me, he will not let any harm come to your princess."
"The Greil Mercenaries." Lucia seemed to remember something. "I believe we have employed them a number of time in the past. They were quite highly sought after."
Geoffrey still did not look happy, but he said nothing further. Lucia supposed his pride had taken a bit of a blow hearing that a band of sell-swords had finished the task he had been unable to complete.
"Our fortunes begin to turn in a new direction, shining upon the glorious promise of our dear princess returning to claim her rightful place as the ruler of our fair Crimea. Methinks the Goddess doth smile brightly upon us from on high, once again." Bastian gathered up his cape and threw it around himself. "We must make haste and proclaim the good news. The Lords and Ladies must know of this joyous turn of events."
"Yes, though some of them are not going to be happy about it." Lucia said somberly.
"You cannot be serious!" Lord Ludveck declared. "You mean to install this girl on the throne. She who has done naught but sit in the royal villa playing with her toys for her entire life?"
Lucia stood up abruptly. "I was at that villa as well, Lord Ludveck, and I can tell you she did far more than 'play with her toys.'"
"Perhaps the Duke of Felirae would put the betterment of his station above that of Crimea?" Bastian remarked with a twirl of his goatee. Ludveck turned and glared at him and Bastian matched his gaze evenly until the Duke looked away.
"Duke Felirae does have a point," the Count of Melior spoke up. "She has not been trained in the art of politics nor has she been taught to govern. The assumption was that her uncle would be next in line for the throne."
Lucia sighed. That was a bit of an oversight. "Regardless, she is still the sole survivor of the Royal Family, and the crown is hers by right. Unless anyone here actually intends to challenge her for it?"
She was met with silence. There were some who would, she had no doubt, but they would not do so at this time. Ranulf had regularly given her updates on Elincia's campaign to retake Crimea and she in turn had leaked to the populace news of the princess' existence and that she was now leading an army to retake their kingdom. Now they were eagerly awaiting her return, and to challenge her right to the throne would not be prudent. She had also gained the support of the Apostle of Begnion, who had granted her a sizable military force which was now marching on the Deain capital.
"Reports are that she is now moving through Deain, apparently with the intent to take the capital of Nevassa. If she succeeds, the war will be over, and we can begin preparations to welcome her back."
Though her challenge had gone unanswered in the chambers, she knew there would be many under the table attempts to secure power by whatever means. She was expecting them to happen, though being on the receiving end of one such bid was surprising.
She returned to her chambers one day to find the Duke of Felirae waiting for her. Already a sinking feeling formed in her stomach. "Lord Ludveck."
He smiled in a disarming way. "Lady Lucia." He was trying to be charming, but, while he was handsome, he was far too much of a snake in the grass for her to be taken in. "I thought I might take the opportunity to speak with you in private."
She crossed her arms. "Oh really?"
He drew closer to her. "You must realize that regardless of her lineage, placing her on the throne would not be in the best interest of Crimea. I realize my words before the council were exaggerated and I apologize for that, but the fact that she has no experience in ruling a kingdom at all."
"And I suppose that you would?" she asked bitingly.
"I only wish to call attention to the fact that there are a number in the gentry who are quite accomplished leaders, beside myself, any one of whom could effectively rule Crimea." he responded. "Dukes Garimon and Theline would make excellent choices as well." True, they might, if Ludveck were not one of their peers. He had too much influence over both of them.
"I'm sorry Lord Ludveck, but my mind remains unchanged." She turned to enter her chambers, but Ludveck leaned against the door.
"I would only ask that you consider all options." He replied silkily. "And…if a king were to be installed, he would need a queen by his side." He lifted his hand and reached out as if to caress her face.
She grabbed it and forcibly shoved it away. "I think you should leave, My Lord." Her hand dropped to the hilt of her ever-present sword.
He backed off and she quickly ducked through the door. "So be it, my dear Lucia. But someday you will see that I was right."
As it turned out, the war would not end so quickly. They received word that Elincia's army had indeed taken Nevassa, but days before that, her scouts had reported that King Ashnard, along with the bulk of the Daein army, had moved to Melior. Why he would do that was anyone's guess, but it was now clear that the Princess would have to fight through Crimea itself to achieve victory. But momentum was on her side now, as she and her general continued to push the Daeins back.
And so, one day as the winter's chill began to give way to the life bearing warmth of spring, Lucia and Bastian journeyed to the border. They found two armies locked in combat on Riven Bridge.
They found a ledge which gave them a vantage point to survey the entire scene, and Bastian peered through a spyglass.
"Is that the Crimean army?" Lucia asked.
"What ho!" He declared. "It is the army come again! I see the Crimean flag in the rear..." he adjusted the glass. "But lo! Who do I spy in the distance? Green hair...orange dress...and eyes bewitching fair..." he lowered the spyglass and looked at Lucia. "Elincia comes! Let us to her aid ride!" he cried.
Lucia's eyes lit with excitement. "The Princess has returned! Count Bastian, return to the castle and inform Geoffrey at once. I will move ahead and inform the princess that her retainers are here to meet her."
Bastian put his spyglass away, before gesturing to the ensuing battle. "Lady Lucia keep your wits about you. That we are excited it fair to say…but show the enemy no weakness, lest he cut us down as autumns wheat."
She nodded. "Good advice. And you watch that you aren't waylaid back to the castle."
The Count let out a hearty laugh. "Even if Deain unleashes on myself the full force of their army's wrath, they are no match for clever Bastian. I'll meet you at the castle gates anon."
Lucia could not help but grin. "Right!"
Bastian mounted a horse and rode off as Lucia returned to the small force they had as an escort. "Let's go." The soldiers formed up and began a quick march toward the bridge. By the time they arrived there, the Crimean army was nearing victory, the Deain forces having been whittled down to their leader, General Petrine, if her reports were correct, and a number of her troops, all of whom were concentrating on the approaching battle line, and did not appear to have noticed her yet. Excellent.
She turned back to the soldiers. "Are you ready to fight?" she called. "Are you ready to die? We must give our all to protect Princess Elincia!" With that she turned and led them onto the battlefield.
The Deain forces fell quickly at first, until they realized they were being set upon from the rear. Now trapped between two advancing forces, they fought desperately and ferociously, none more so than Petrine herself. She was felled when a blue-haired man who could only have been Elincia's new general tackled her out of her saddle, and after a brief struggle, drove his sword through her breast. The Deain general gasped weakly, suddenly looking quite frightened and almost pitiable. Then she closed her eyes and was still. The remaining Deain forces promptly surrendered.
With the battle over, Lucia could see to the task she had come for. She approached the general. "You are general Ike?"
He turned to look at her. "Yes. Who are you?"
"I am Lucia, a vassal of Princess Elincia. I would like to see her, if you please."
Ike looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. I'll take you to her."
He lead her to the far side of the bridge where Elincia was apparently looking after some of the wounded with a younger girl.
"Princess Elincia!" she called out. The princess paused and looked up, her eyes widening and her hand coming up to her mouth. "Welcome home! It's so good to see you safe."
Elincia got up and slowly approached her. "Lucia? Lucia! Is it really you?"
Lucia smiled and held her arms out. "I am no spirit." She gasped as the princess wrapped her in a tight embrace. "See? Flesh and bone through and through." She patted her friend's back.
"Ah, Lucia!" Elincia's voice was choked with emotion. "You have no idea how much I've longed to see you."
"And I you, Princess Elincia. When Geoffrey told me you had been lost, my world went dark. When I learned you were still alive…I..was…so…" she reached up to wipe away gathering tears.
"Then Geoffrey is safe as well? Oh, happy day!" Elincia was smiling brightly. "Are there others? How many Crimean retainers have survived?" she asked eagerly.
And so Lucia told her. The princess was delighted to learn Bastian was also well, and listened intently as Lucia told her of their experiences during the occupation. She was astonished to hear that the people of Crimea not only knew of her existence, but were eagerly awaiting her return, a thought that moved her to tears.
Geoffrey looked out the castle window toward the distant border. "Can it be?" he asked softly.
Bastian moved to his side. "There is no mistake in my words. The princess has returned to Crimea! Lady Lucia serves as her guide. They should be on their way here as we speak."
"How long it's been since we've seen the princess..." Geoffrey's voice was wistful. "We have been living for the day where we steal the eyes from Daein's army and bring her home. And now it has come."
"Indeed." Bastian agreed in a serious voice. "For His Majesty, for the Queen, and...for Crown Prince Renning as well... We must act as one and support our beloved Princess Elincia."
"Yes. If all goes well...our dearest wish will soon come to fulfillment."
"There's no time to wait." Bastian said, slapping Geoffrey on the shoulder. "If we wish to properly greet the princess and her retinue, there is much to be done."
"Right! Let's let everyone know! We must divide the tasks and begin preparations for a feast at once!"
"And flowers must be prepared for the princess's chamber! Oh, we mustn't forget music and entertainment, either." Bastian began counting items off on his fingers.
"I suppose I shall have to polish the silver tableware I was hiding, too." Geoffrey stated.
"You? You possess such refined things?" Bastian's eyes glittered with mirth. "I figured a rustic boor like you would have sold them for a lamb shank."
"I received the silver from His Majesty when I was awarded my knighthood... I have been saving it for just such an occasion."
"Well done! Get ready! We are going to be very, very busy!" Bastian turned and hurried off. "Ha ha! What a fantastic day this will be!"
Preparations began and the mood upon the castle began to lighten, dispelling the cloud that had hung over them for the past year. The days marched on, and as the princess was due to arrive, dark clouds gathered and the first of the springtime showers graced the land.
Inside the castle, Geoffrey was restless, pacing up and down the halls, stopping to stare out the window, then resuming his pacing. "Today's the happy day the princess returns, and yet the Goddess sees fit to bring rain…"
"Calm rain is like a kiss upon the face. A scent and feel unparalleled in kind. Reunions in the rain are most heartfelt." Bastian observed as he approached, watching as his friend wore a rut in the floor.
Eventually he paused and looked at the count. "Say, Bastian... How far do you suppose the princess and her escort have come? Why aren't they here yet?"
Bastian let out a deep sigh. "Listen, friend. You have asked me that same question fifty-eight times. And I have responded fifty-seven times. But now, fifty-eight comes anon... You. Need. To. Calm. Yourself."
Geoffrey looked sheepish. "I know, but…"
"It's only a little while longer. Make no mistake, our princess will arrive today. I understand your impatience, I really do. But you're the general of our little army. If you act so, then men will react in kind." Indeed his pacing and fussing had already set a number of them on edge, fearing some twist of fortune would steal the princess away at the very moment of her return.
"You…you're right..." Geoffrey stopped and looked at Bastian.
"A true knight is the essence of composure. Take a deep breath." Bastian instructed. "Breathe in...and out..."
Geoffrey did as he was told, taking deep breaths, holding them, then letting them out.
Bastian watched him as he stood still for a moment, then, "Ah, blast! It's no good!" he declared. "I'm going to go…uh…check on…stuff!" With that he turned and fled the scene.
Bastian watched him go. "What am I supposed to do with him?"
Several hours later found them atop the ramparts of the castle scanning the horizon for any movement. Bastian had grown weary of Geoffrey's restlessness and suggested they personally keep watch. Now as Geoffrey peered into the distance it seemed their vigil had finally paid off as a large group came into view.
"They're here, I see them!" he called. Bastian came over and readied his spyglass. Geoffrey was using all his discipline not to bounce on his toes like a schoolboy. "That's them, isn't it? The princess' army?"
"Where? Show me where you're looking." Geoffrey indicated the direction and Bastian aimed his glass. What he saw was not the Crimean army. "Geoffrey, that's not the princess…those are…" he focused the scope a little, and then his face fell. "Deain troops!"
Geoffrey whipped around to stare at him, dismay on his face. "What? No! Please tell me you're joking!" He grabbed the telescope from Bastian and surveyed the countryside. There was no mistaking it, black armor was taking up strategic positions around the castle. There was no way the princess could come here now.
Geoffrey turned to the count, his face grave. "Bastian, I want you to ride out. Get around the Deains and intercept the Crimean army. Get word to Lucia. She'll know what to do."
"And what of you, my friend?" Bastian asked, though he already knew what the knight's response would be.
"I will hold this castle. This seems to be their objective. Someone must have tipped them off that the princess would be coming here, so either they believe she is already here, or soon will be. Either way, I will hold their attention long enough for Lucia to get Elincia to safety."
"It is likely a fool's errand you embark upon. If you stay in this place, they enemy will overwhelm you before the day's end." Bastian observed.
"My life is not important. All our hopes rest on Princess Elincia. She must be protected at all costs." Geoffrey began to descend from the ramparts. "We must provide the opportunity for her to escape, hopefully before the Deains realize she's nearby."
Bastian nodded soberly. "Very well. I will ride out and bring word to Lady Lucia."
The pair exchanged a firm handshake, then parted ways, each to his appointed task.
Minutes later, Geoffrey had rallied the few knights he had at the castle, and taken up a defensive position around the front gates. Outnumbered nearly ten-to-one, he had no illusions about being able to actually defend the castle, he only hoped they would not overrun his forces so quickly that they were able to pursue his princess.
He sighed. Elincia…I would have asked for nothing more than to see your face once again. But if in giving my life I may see that you live, then I offer it freely. He readied his lance and prepared for the first enemy charge.
They came in waves, most of the early ones weaker or less experienced troops who were easily cut down or batted aside. Then came ranged attacks from mages and snipers trying to force them to ride out and deal with them or risk being picked off from afar. He had already lost three knights to this, two to spell and arrow, and a third who attempted to drive them off and was cut down by nearby ground forces.
Now as the mounted and armored knights assembled, he knew they were preparing to make a decisive advance on his position, one that would likely mean the end of him. He glared down at them and gripped his lance. So be it. I do this for Crimea and for Elincia.
The knights in front of him never advanced, though. A horn sounded to the east, and as all eyes turned toward the source another army rode onto the field.
"G-general Geoffrey!" one of his knights called. "I-it's the Crimean army! Princess Elincia's army is heading this way sir!"
Geoffrey cursed. "Fools! What are you thinking Bastian?" He watched as the army began to line up in preparation for an advance on the castle. "Oh, Princess…it's not too late. Please take wing and flee!"
Most of the knights that had been assembling to attack now turned to meet this new threat. A single line remained to keep the castle defenders off their rear, but the line facing him was now more on par with his own. A quick glance showed that the Crimean army had engaged the Deains, though most of the front-line fighting was being done by soldiers other than Crimean regulars. These must be the mercenaries we'd heard about.
Geoffrey shook his head and settled himself. Assuming they all survived this he was going to have severe words for someone, whoever was responsible for this.
The battle lasted most of the day, but as the Crimean army succeeded in driving off the last of the Deain attackers, Geoffrey marched out to the Crimean lines. Now to find out why they had not diverted as he had directed.
After searching for a while, he came across Bastian. "Bastian!"
The Count turned and smiled widely as he saw Geoffrey. "What ho, brave general! Have you come to partake of the revelry that so freely flows among our victorious forces?"
"Geoffrey!" Lucia came up and embraced him. "Good to still have you."
"Never mind that! Why did they come here?" the general demanded. "You were supposed to lead them to safety!"
"We were going to, but General Ike decided that he would follow the princess' wishes and ensure your safety." His sister explained.
"And you went along with this? I don't believe it! This is far too reckless for a military commander to behave. How could he just charge into a battle like that?"
"Because, when I start a fight, I intend to win." came a voice from the side. Geoffrey turned to see a young man with blue hair approaching. The mercenary general. He bore himself with a confident and competent air. Though it was clear he had no formal military training, if the reports were to be believed, he had met and defeated Deain forces on numerous occasions before today.
Geoffrey was about to retort when another voice came. "Geoffrey!"
Any anger he had been feeling evaporated as he looked upon the face of his princess for the first time since that fateful day outside Melior. "Princess…ah," he suddenly felt more emotional than he had at any other point in his life. "To behold your face again…it's…it's…" He broke off as she encircled him in a tight embrace.
"If you had lost your life today, this reunion would not be taking place." She stepped back to look him in the eye. "Geoffrey, do you hear me? Be careful!"
Geoffrey could find no words of argument as she gazed at him. He could only nod in agreement. "Yes, Princess. Lucia…." he glanced at his sister, "…told me of what happened. Our country and princess now exist as one." His head bowed in a chagrined manner. "It was never our intent to sacrifice your feelings for the sake of the nation. Please forgive us."
Elincia lifted his head back up to meet her eyes and smiled brilliantly at him. And as the overcast skies began to clear and allow rosy tinted sunlight through, Geoffrey let out a deep breath as the burdens he had felt since they were separated finally lifted completely.
"But soft!" Bastian declared, "What luck that we do feel fate's kiss? Anon, the clouds do part, the rains do stop. Heaven itself does sing and thus rejoice. At the return of our one true ruler! Oh, Princess... Until world's end, do you we vow to follow! We are planets of your fair blazing sun!"
"No longer will we think of honor and dying in so cavalier a fashion." Lucia added. " No matter the difficulties we face, we will choose the road that allows us to continue living at your side."
Side by side, the three of them dropped to one knee before their princess, their sovereign, and dear friend. "Geoffrey, Bastian, Lucia... Thank you. Thank you." Tears which had been gathering in her eyes now overflowed and ran down her face. "I am...so very happy. With you at my side, I want to retake the kingdom of Crimea. Please, lend me your strength."
"Of course!" Geoffrey declared. Though I still intend to have words with this General Ike later.
"For our fair sun, we would this life foreswear." Bastian agreed.
"To you, Princess Elincia, we three pledge our eternal loyalty." Lucia affirmed.
As they rose from their places, the sun began its final descent into night. When it rose again it would be a new day, one in which the true ruler of Crimea had returned to take her rightful place as its queen.
I hope you enjoyed that, and enjoy your Christmas break. Please leave me a review, and if anyone knows how to get a break without having the dosument manager delete them, I'd love to hear it.