Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Escaflowne: All you need is Love, Isn't it?
Chapter 74
The Palace of Asturia in Palos
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As the carriage pulled up in front of the steps of the Palace, Allen Schezar, Knight of Heaven, approached to greet its occupant. Coming to a stop, the coachman's assistant quickly climbed down and opened the carriage door, from which emerged a tall, burly man with a salt and pepper beard and hair.
"Sir Baschan I presume," Allen bowed. "It is an honor to have Fanelia's Minister of the Interior here at Palos."
Returning the bow, the minister replied. "The honor is all mine Sir Allen Schezar."
The young knight's eyes widened slightly. "I'm sorry Minister, but I don't recall meeting you before. How is it you know who I am?"
The older man gave a hardy laugh. "I was told by both Lord Van and Lady Hitomi that when I met the most dashing knight in Asturia, I will be in the presence of Allen Schezar. And though I have not met all of the Knights of Heaven, I cannot imagine another human, being any more dashing than you, Sir Knight."
Allen gave a short laugh. "You flatter me Minister."
"Please, call me Baschan." The taller man smiled.
Grinning cheerfully, the knight gestured to the minister to accompany him into the palace. "Very well Baschan but only if you call me Allen."
The two men laughed as they entered the palace and made their way toward the Queen's study chambers.
"So I've heard that you are quite the swordsman. That's quite unusual for someone who is not a soldier." Allen inquired casually.
"It was not out of a lack of desire or a sense of duty that I did not end up a soldier. I trained extensively for many years in preparation for the day I could enlist in the King's guard. But my father had other plans. An architect by profession he insisted I follow after him and continue the family tradition. He sent me off to study in Freid, a land noted for its piety and scholarship but not necessarily its military prowess." The minister explained.
"But their military is far from inept." Allen countered.
"True, and the thought of joining the military in Freid did cross my mind but I could not see myself serving any other king other than the one who bore the Crest of Fanelia. So I waited, in hopes of having an opportunity once my studies were complete but again my father intervened and had me commissioned to work under the Stonewell Group during the construction of the Grand Canals in Daedalus." The minister added.
"You worked on that? That was a massive undertaking. Didn't that project take over twelve years to complete?" The knight asked with shock and admiration.
"Over fifteen years actually. And during that entire time I continued to train as a swordsman. It was coming to a completion when the Zaibach Empire attacked Fanelia. Needless to say I left immediately to see if I could be of any aid to my family and my country. I arrived in Fanelia to find my family dead and my country destroyed. And with Lord Van on the run, there was no way I could offer my assistance to him in his battle against the Zaibach army. When Zaibach was defeated and Lord Van returned home, I offered my services as a swordsman but my King is both prudent and wise. He felt I could better serve Fanelia as its Minister of the Interior and put my many years of experience in construction and development to good use." He smiled.
"And a wise decision it was. From what I am told, you are largely responsible for the swift reconstruction of Fanelia. Lord Van is truly fortunate to have someone of your knowledge and experience as one of his ministers." Allen complemented.
"You are too kind Allen. In reality, it is the heart of my King that made the rebuilding of Fanelia Castle possible. Never in all my travels have I ever met anyone so deeply passionate. Whether it be of his homeland or the woman he loves." The minister smiled.
"Indeed." Allen gave a knowing laugh. "I felt that passion first hand in our last battle during the tournament. My hand still aches when I wield my sword for more then an hour at a time." The young knight looked down at his hand as he flexed it several times before turning his attention back toward the minister. "So do you still train?" Allen inquired pointing to the minister's sword.
"Everyday." The burly man smiled. "In fact, I would be honored if you would allow me to test my steel against a master swordsman such as yourself, Allen."
"The honor would be all mine, Baschan. Perhaps the day after next, when you've had an opportunity to address the issues that bring you to Asturia at this time." Offered the young knight.
"I shall be looking forward to it." Smiled the older man.
Approaching one of the two guards that stood watch in front of the queen's study chambers, Allen informed him. "Please notify her Majesty that Sir Baschan, Minister of the Interior from Kingdom of Fanelia is here and requests an audience."
The guard nodded his understanding and proceeded to enter the queen's study. A moment later he came back out and gestured toward the open door. "The Queen will see you now Sir Baschan."
The minister nodded then turned toward the dashing young knight. "I look forward to our next meeting Allen."
"As do I Baschan." He shook the older man's hand then returned to his duties as the gentleman entered the queen's chambers.
"Your Majesty." The minister approached the Queen of Asturia and bowed down on one knee accepting the queen's hand as she extended it toward him. "It is a great honor to meet the monarch whom my King holds in such high regard." Receiving her hand, he kissed the ring on her index finger, which served as the symbol of her position as Ruler of all of Asturia.
"Thank you Minister Baschan. I too am greatly pleased to finally have the opportunity to meet the man that made the Grand Canals of Daedalus a reality." Millerna countered.
Rising to his feet, the gentleman smiled. "I was but one of many who worked on that project your Majesty, but I thank you none the less."
Walking over to her large, ornate, hardwood desk, the queen gestured for the minister to take a seat across from her. Sitting she asked. "So what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Rising from his seat, Baschan pulled out a sealed envelope from his breast pocket and reached over the desk to hand it to the queen. "Before I commence my story, I was instructed by Lord Van to present this personal message."
The queen accepted the letter and carefully broke the seal, pulling out the letter from within. Unfolding it, she turned slightly so that the light from the windows behind her could illuminate the parchment.
My Dearest Millerna,
It is my fondest hope that this letter finds you well and that you have adjusted easily to your new roll as Queen. I wish the things I am about to inform you were of a more pleasant nature but unfortunately, the fates have not been so kind. As you know, we have begun a rather ambitious undertaking, to build an aqueduct from the Vinsorii River through the city of Fanelia Castle and on to the Sorvonii River. As our excavations brought us to the Vinsorii Forest, we encountered a most difficult obstacle. As it turns out, the entire Forest sits upon a gigantic iron ore deposit that rests but five cubits below the surface of the ground and continues for at least another ten cubits, possibly more.
"Oh my." The Queen gasped.
In addition to this, we found that the Fanela trees that form the majority of the forest are well rooted in the ore. It does appear that it is the ore that gives these trees their unusual strength and durability. Without it, I suspect that they would be just like any other tree.
"Oh my." The Queen repeated.
I extend my deepest apologies Millerna. I was so very proud of myself for coming up with such a gift but now, it turns out I gave you nothing special at all. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me of my vanity. Perhaps someday, I will be able to provide you with an appropriate gift.
"Oh Van." She smiled as she shook her head.
I have sent my ministers and chief captains to the kingdoms of Gaea in a quest to find technologies that may help us overcome this obstacle and complete our project. To this end I have sent Sir Baschan, upon his request to you. I ask that you allow him to present our dilemma to your chief engineers in hopes of coming up with a viable solution.
I wish I could have come myself but a very special guest required my attention and my assistance. Hitomi sends her love as does Merle and of course I send you all my love. I thank you Millerna and I promise I will make amends someday.
Your Humble Servant,
Van
"Oh Van. Don't you know you have nothing to apologize for." She smiled as she folded the letter, placed it back in its envelope and carefully placed it in the top drawer of her desk.
"Lord Van instructed my to inform you that we shall pay any cost for the use of your engineers, your Majesty. Price is no object." The minister bowed his head.
The queen gave a soft chuckle. "The only payment I require is an invitation to the opening ceremony for the completed aqueduct." Millerna smiled. "I shall arrange for you to meet with our chief engineers promptly tomorrow morning, but for now, I am sure you must be tired after your long journey Sir Baschan." She rang a bell and one of the guards entered the room. "Please, escort the Minister to his quarters so he may freshen up and rest." Turning back toward the minister, she continued. "Would you be so kind as to company me at dinner tonight Minister."
"It would be my pleasure, your Majesty." The tall man rose to his feet and bowed low. "Till this evening then."
"Yes, this evening." The queen smiled and nodded her head.
With that the minister walked out of the room, escorted by the queen's guard to his quarters.
A few moments later, the queen rang the bell again and the other guard entered the room. "Yes your Majesty?"
"Summon Sir Allen and Sir Guy to my study. I have a task for them." She instructed.
"Yes, your Majesty." The guard bowed low then turned and exited the room, closing the door behind him.
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As Sir Beckett was escorted through the Prime Minister's estate of the Republic of Basram, a sense of anger and frustration began to grab hold of the former Cesarean Colonel. The strong military presents within the estate simply served to remind Beckett of the treachery of the Basram Army and the General that lead the attack. Entering the executive chambers of the Prime Minister, he immediately spotted the one person he hated above all others, standing off to the right along with several other generals and aids.
Approaching the large desk where the Prime Minister sat, Beckett bowed and said. "Prime Minister, I thank you for receiving me so quickly. It is an honor to be in your presence."
"Minister Beckett, I must say it is a bit of a surprise that you of all of Fanelia's ministers would be the one to come to our country. May I ask, why did the young King send you?" The tall, lean man behind the desk asked.
"It was my request that I be dispatched to your country, Prime Minister. His Majesty, Lord Van was kind enough to honor my request." The Minister of Defense for Fanelia bowed.
"I see. And what purpose have you come for? My agents tell me the young King has sent his ministers and captains to all parts of Gaea. What is it he seeks?" The head of Basram's government asked.
"As the Prime Minister may already know. His Majesty, King Van has taken on an ambitious undertaking, to build an aqueduct from the Vinsorii River, through the capital of Fanelia, to the Sorvonii River. Unfortunately, we have run into an obstacle." The Minister explained.
"Obstacle? What sort of obstacle?" The older man asked.
"It appears that the entire Vinsorii Forest rests upon a large iron ore deposit. To try and dig out the path for the aqueduct through this ore deposit would require years of work and countless man-hours. I have come to humbly request the aid of Basram's engineers in trying to resolve this dilemma." Beckett bowed.
"And to what end?" The large, round general spouted. "What advantage is there to us in assisting a backwards country such as Fanelia?"
Gritting his teeth, the minister continued. "We would provide adequate payment for services rendered, of course."
Looking from the minister to his general then back to the minister, the Prime Minister narrowed his lips and leaned forward on his desk. "Minister Beckett, we will consider your request and inform you of our decision within the fortnight, but I cannot help but sense you have another reason for being here. A more… personal reason?"
Letting out a deep breath, the minister straightened his posture and spoke. "Prime Minister, it is my understanding that Basram still allows the custom of dueling, is this correct?"
"Yes Minister, why do you ask?" The older man narrowed his eyes even more.
Turning toward the general, he walked over to him. Removing his glove, Beckett struck the portly man across the face with it. "I challenge you General to a duel with swords."
Shocked by the minister's actions the general's eye grew wide and his nostrils flared in anger. "How dare you strike me so? I shall have you executed at once. Guards, seize him!"
Before the guards could take a step, the Prime Minister stood and yelled. "Halt!" Then turning toward his Chief Military Officer, he continued. "General, the Minister was well within his rights to challenge you. Now the choice is yours. Do you except his challenge … or not?"
Sweat began to drip down the round man's forehead. "What reason do you have to challenge me Sir? What have I ever done to you?"
"It is not what you did just to me but what you did to all of the alliance against the Zaibach Empire. During the war, I was a colonel in the Cesarean Army. We suffered grievously because of your impatience. Then you turned your soldiers against us in the midst of the battle. Long have I waited for this day General, long have I prayed that I would someday be given the opportunity to avenge my fallen comrades. Those who died by your hand." Beckett glared at the portly officer.
"How dare you? It was war. Many tragedies happen during war." The General countered.
"I do not hold the same rage against Zaibach because we came to fight them. But you were supposed to be our ally. And you used your own weapon against us. You sir are a coward and before the day is done you shall taste the bitterness of my steel." Beckett glared.
"Why you!" The General reached for his sword but the Prime Minister called out.
"Restrain him!"
And the other generals around him grabbed hold of him.
"General Dowfin, can I assume you accept the Minister's challenge?" He asked.
"Yes! I shall drive him through." The angry general boasted.
"Very well, the duel shall take place in the courtyard, tonight at seven." Turning his attention to the minister from Fanelia, he continued, "Minister Beckett, I suggest you retire to your chambers to rest before the duel. I shall speak with you later."
"Very well, Prime Minister." Beckett bowed. "I thank you for allowing me to stay at your estate and I apologize for my outburst." Then he turned and exited the Prime Minister's chambers.
A few moments later the General approached the Prime Minister. "You planned this. You planned this all along, didn't you?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I have but just met the minister myself. I had no idea something like this might happen. Besides, it was your choice to accept his challenge. You could have turned him down if you so desired." The ruler of Basram countered.
"And accept the humiliation of such an act? Never!" The General countered.
"Well then General Dowfin, might I suggest you go and brush up on your swordsmanship before tonight." The Prime Minister said with a measure of mirth in his tone.
"RRRRAAAHHH!!" The general blustered as he stormed out of the Executive Chambers followed by several other generals and lower ranking officers.
The Prime Minister's chief advisor walked over to him and whispered. "Do you think the King of Fanelia actually planned this?"
The tall, lean man pondered the question for a moment before replying. "I don't know. But either way, my opinion of him has gone up considerably. I just hope Sir Beckett is up to the challenge."
"You don't think the Minister of Defense would actually have any difficulty dispatching that fat cow, do you?" The advisor inquired.
"In a fair fight, no but I don't expect the General to fight fair." The Prime Minister smiled. "Cancel my 3 o'clock. I wish to speak with Sir Beckett at that time."
"Very well Prime Minister." The advisor bowed then exited the room along with the rest of the staff.
Sitting back down in his oversized chair, he leaned back and placed his feet up on his desk. "Thank you Van Fanel. You may have unwittingly saved my country." He smiled to himself.
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"My goodness, I've never seen so many monks in my life." Captain Cid observed as he and Captain Leopold were escorted to the palace of the Prince of Freid.
"Silence you fool." Leopold scolded him quietly. "This isn't Fanelia. Not all kingdoms are as lax about palace protocol as Lord Van is. Saying a wrong word could land us both in the dungeon."
"Right." The slightly older captain nodded, making sure to stay in step with his companion.
Entering the Lord's Main Hall, they drew near and kneeled down, bowing to the floor in respect of the ruler of Freid.
"Prince Chid, thank you for receiving us, your humble servants. We come from Fanelia with a message and request for your assistance from our King, Lord Van." Leopold said clearly and distinctly as he pulled out the sealed message from his breast pocket and handed it to the steward who had approached him.
The steward took the letter and presented it to the young prince.
Chid took the letter and inspected the seal. Recognizing it to be the Royal Seal of Fanelia, the prince smiled and opened the letter carefully so as not to damage the seal too much. Pulling out he letter, he read it all the way through. After a few minutes he placed the letter back in the envelope and addressed his guests.
"Captain Cid, Captain Leopold, it is an honor to have two distinguished guests from Fanelia here in Freid. I will see to it that the chief engineers and architects from our Institution are made available at your disposal. All I ask in return is a demonstration of your swordsmanship. I witnessed a most amazing spectacle at my aunt's coronation almost two months ago and I would be so grateful if you would demonstrate your prowess with the blade for me." The prince smiled.
The two captains looked at each other in mild surprise, then Leopold turned and addressed the prince. "Your Majesty, while it would be our honor to exhibit our swordsmanship for you, I'm afraid we do not come close to the abilities of our King. I'm afraid you may be gravely disappointed." He bowed once again.
"Nonsense." The prince laughed. "King Van assures me in his letter that you two are the finest swordsman in his army. I'm sure the King would not lie about a thing like that. But enough talk of fighting for now. Your journey was great. I'm sure you both must be very tired." Clapping his hands, the young prince summoned two servants. "They will show you to your quarters. Rest and later tonight you will dine with me and tell me of my dear friend, the King of Fanelia and the Lady Hitomi." Chid smile.
"As you wish my Lord." The two captains said in unison. Then they rose and followed the servants to their chambers.
Having walked several minutes in silence, Cid finally turned toward Leopold and said. "What sort of demonstration do you think the Prince wants to see?"
The former noble shrugged, "I'm not sure but if I had to guess, I'd say probably an exhibition under Asturian contest rules. That is how Lord Van and Sir Allen of Asturia fought. I would suspect Prince Chid would want to see us compete using the same rules."
"Which are?" Chid asked.
"Weren't you paying attention when Sir Charson gave an account of Lord Van's match? Oh, of course not. You were too busy to be bothered with such things. What was it you were doing again? Sneaking a look in the maids bath chamber."
"I wasn't sneaking a look. I was asked to deliver a message to Sophia and it just so happened to take me past their bath chamber. How was I supposed to know they would all be coming out at that time?" Cid frowned.
"That's not what I heard. I heard you were caught peering through a small crack in the wall. I heard they found you with your pants down and your… kuuuhmmm … shall we say, sword up." The young captain gave a laugh.
"Now that is an out and out lie!" Cid yelled, red-faced and angry.
"Easy my friend. I didn't say I believed it, especially considering the source." Leopold chuckled.
"So who is the blasphemer who would soil my name?" Cid insisted.
"None other than our commander, Sir Beckett." He laughed.
"That…. He is always saying things about me." Cid fumed.
"He is always saying things about everyone. I think it's his way of relieving stress." The fair-haired captain replied.
"Well, it doesn't work." The stouter man smoldered.
"I didn't say your stress. But it did provide a fair amount of amusement for the other captains and myself." Leopold smiled.
"You know I have to kill you now. You and the other captains." Cid said coldly.
"Oh, lighten up man and let us enjoy the hospitality of the Prince of Freid. I understand that the roasted lamb in this country is to die for." The gallant young captain said as he gave a good-natured slap to his friend's back.
Cid gave him a crooked half-smile as he said to himself. 'I'll show you how to lighten up when I humiliate you during our exhibition.'
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AN: Sorry and Sorry. Sorry it took me so long to update and sorry there is no Hitomi or Van in this one. I had wanted to slip this chapter in the middle of month of Hitomi's summer practices but I ended up covering that all in one chapter. If you're wondering about the timeline and when these events take place in the story. I'd say they each occur around a week after Hitomi had left Fanelia. Each within a few days of each other.
I'd really like to thank everyone for your wonderful comments and reviews of my last chapter. I was so very worried about introducing a character from another anime into this story. I've done it in other stories without any problems but since I hadn't done it here yet, I wasn't sure how it would be received. I'm glad either you liked it or were unfamiliar with the other anime so it didn't really affect your reading of the chapter anyway. Don't expect to see or hear from Akane again. I have to admit, I was just finishing up my first Ranma/Akane fanfic and was really suffering from Akane on the brain when I wrote that. :P
I'm sad to see that some of my regular readers/reviewer haven't left a review in a while. I know some of them have become very busy with school and all. I just miss them is all L But I'm glad to see so many new readers have taken up my story. I'm so glad you enjoy it and I hope not to ever disappoint.
I love you all and I wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season.
A. Amishi
PS: Sorry again for taking so long to post but I also had problems with my computer and my internet connection for almost a whole week. But I'm back up now and I hope to post again much sooner. ^_^