Chapter 21 – In Your Service

Flik found the walk through the city to be unsettling. Unlike Muse, which bustled even during the threat of war, South Window was very subdued. The offices and warehouses of the great factors in the middle of the city were entirely deserted. The people that were out on the street seemed to be just wandering around. Flik watched one old man who did nothing but talk to and water his bonsai for five straight minutes. He was certain all the man had accomplished was to drown his plant.

Farther to the north and east was the old town, the first part of South Window to be inhabited. None of the original buildings still stood, this quarter of the city having been built over several times. Now it was the domain of the wealthy, with large houses and tree-lined lanes predominating. The mayoral palace, built on a series of terraces, loomed over the neighborhood.

In the midst of the old town was a large standing stone carved with the names of the legendary founders of the city. As Flik approached he could see that a modest crowd of children had gathered around the stone. However, it was not the stone that interested them, but the gigantic, bald man who stood beside it.

He was huge, bigger than Viktor, Rikimaru, or even Bolgan. He was dressed in the purple robes of a monk, though those robes were far too short for his height. A set of massive green beads encircled his neck, and there seemed to be some sort of growth just above his eyes.

He had been laughing, bantering casually with the kids, but he suddenly turned towards Flik and the others. "Strength alone will not save you," he gravely declared.

Viktor took a few steps towards the giant monk. "What do you mean by that?" he asked.

The giant monk smiled. "I mean what I mean. Those who live by strength will fall before greater strength. There is always a greater strength. Will you pit your strength against mine, so that you might learn?"

Viktor rolled up his sleeves. "I'll take you on right now."

Flik put his hand on Viktor's shoulder. "We don't have time for this. We've got an appointment to keep, remember?"

Now the monk met Flik's gaze. It was hard not to back away. "Strength will not bring you peace," he said. "Strength will not save those that you care for."

Those words hit Flik as hard as any blows. He found himself gasping for breath. The monk, meanwhile, fixed his eyes on Nanami and Riou. Nanami jumped forward to protect her brother. The monk chuckled at this display. "Your strength is just a veneer hiding your weakness. One piercing strike will lay you bare. True strength comes from embracing your weaknesses. Be careful, or your blindness will lead to someone's demise."

Nanami turned away, sinking down to her knees. Riou got down on his to check his sister. Viktor growled, "That's enough of that, monk."

"Silence!" the giant monk commanded, voice loud enough to send nearby birds into flight. Incredibly, Viktor obeyed. The monk continued. "I am not quite done here. You," he spoke to Riou in a much gentler tone. "Your strength will shatter nations, but it will also shatter those closest to your heart. Even your strength will not give you all that you desire. Some things must be done from weakness. Remember that."

"You there!" A couple of soldiers were running down the street, from the direction of the mayoral palace. "You, monk, stop bothering the residents."

The monk did not even look at the soldiers. Instead, he bent down and retrieved a walking staff the width of Flik's palm. The monk smiled at Riou. "We shall speak more on this subject later. Gather your strength, for the trial approaches." Then he set off down the street at an easy walk. He disappeared around the first corner he came to.

The soldiers halted by the standing stone. "That monk bothering you folks?" the commander of the patrol asked.

"Damn right," Viktor replied. "He just started lecturing us in the middle of the street. Telling us about how our strength wasn't enough. Made me so angry that I wanted to punch him right on his nose."

The commander laughed. "Yeah, he's been doing that a lot; spreading doom and gloom. He says he's a monk from Qlon, the local monks tell us he's been excommunicated. They say his name's Gantetsu, but nobody has been able to catch him yet. He always seems to vanish into thin air when we try a chase him down."

Flik looked at Nanami as Riou helped her back to her feet. "Well, he's gone now," Flik declared. He continued to study the worried expressions on the siblings' faces. "They're just words," he said, trying to comfort them. "Don't worry about what he said."

"Let's just go," Viktor groused, rolling his sleeves back down.

After a quarter hour of walking, they arrived at the stairs leading up to the mayoral palace. The building was a long, low structure with a gracefully sloped golden roof and a columned front. It sat atop a terraced slope with two levels of walls protecting it.

An official at the first gate looked at their papers and ushered them in. In between the walls were manicured gardens. However, the gardens seemed to be overrun with squatters. When Flik asked about this, the official answered, "Lord Granmeyer has graciously permitted refugees from Ryube, Toto, and Muse City to stay on the palace grounds until more permanent residences can be found for them." Flik looked again, noting the officials moving through the crowds, handing out food.

They entered the palace, walking down a long hallway. Pausing by a pair of sliding wooden doors at the far end, the official said, "You are expected, please enter. Remember to be respectful to his lordship." Then the official pulled the doors open.

Viktor went in first, followed by Flik. Riou and Nanami hung back a couple of paces, taking the room in. The office was sparse, with two lit braziers in the back, and a small tea stand against that same wall. The floor was tiled in red stone with a geometric pattern that led to a serpentine dragon at the very center.

"You are to be commended in surviving such a disaster, Viktor," Granmeyer said. He was standing by the tea set, arms folded behind his back. He was wearing his khaki coat and pants, but not his blue half-cape. Even so, he did not look very comfortable in the spring heat. Behind him and to the right, was another man, Granmeyer's aide. This man had black hair and glasses. He was wearing brown boots, white pants, and a blue and white coat. A sword was strapped over his right shoulder and back.

Viktor smiled. "I'm glad to see you're well, Lord Granmeyer."

Granmeyer motioned for them to sit down on some futons. Servants appeared from one of the doors in the back, carefully setting down a low table. The aide came around and poured tea for everyone. Flik noted that the aide seemed to have a very self-effacing manner. He didn't even pour tea for himself until Granmeyer asked him to.

Despite the casual setting, Granmeyer did not linger over pleasantries at all. Instead, he declared, "Muse has fallen to Luca Blight and Highland. I fear that this peril is marching for South Window even as we speak. Viktor, your reputation as a defender of the Jowston Alliance is well known, especially in this city. I would be honored to have your services in the defense of the province."

Viktor bowed slightly in his seated position. The formality seemed a bit odd to Flik, but then he remembered that this was Viktor's home province. He would take things seriously here. "My lord," Viktor said. "I'd be proud to help. However, my forces are scattered at the moment, and we sorely lack money. Still, I will do all that is in my power to help you."

"South Window will offer you all the aid you need in rebuilding your mercenaries. I'm counting on you, Viktor." Granmeyer paused to sip at his tea. Setting down the cup, he asked, "By the way, if I remember correctly your hometown is North Window, isn't it?"

Viktor suddenly looked very uncomfortable, his teacup poised at the edge of his mouth. "Yes…it is," he answered. He seemed to be ready to say more but held his tongue.

Granmeyer motioned his assistant forward. "Freed, would you explain the North Window situation?" Viktor frowned even more deeply at those words.

Freed stood up, bowed stiffly, and said, "Yes. Recently there has been a string of kidnappings involving young girls. They've all occurred in the vicinity of North Window. Troops were dispatched to investigate, and they report some sort of monster is living there. That's all the information we have."

Granmeyer held up a hand. "The rumors have been spreading throughout the province. Even though the incidents are very localized, every town wants soldiers stationed to protect their women from the menace. I cannot mobilize the army against Highland until someone goes in and removes the monster." Granmeyer paused to sip again. Flik looked over at Viktor, who appeared to know what the mayor was going to ask. "Viktor," Granmeyer spoke, "you know North Window better than anyone living today. I understand the pain you must feel, but I need you to go there and rid us of this threat. Only then will I be able to gather the army and stop Luca Blight."

Viktor did not answer immediately. He looked over at Flik, awaiting some reaction. Flik shrugged his shoulders. He couldn't speak for his friend on this one. Viktor turned back to speak to Granmeyer. "Well…yeah, I guess we can do that."

Granmeyer wiped his brow. "Good. My assistant Freed will be joining you. He knows the details of the situation and he's a capable fighter if the need arises. Please find out what's happening up there."

Freed bowed again. "Yes. I am Freed Yamamoto. I want to thank you for agreeing to help us in this matter. It is an honor to be in your service."

Viktor still didn't look too happy about the situation. "Yeah…ahh…okay," he said noncommittally. Freed didn't appear to take any umbrage at Viktor's lack of enthusiasm.

"I will send one of the clerks over with your first payment," Granmeyer said. "I wish you luck in this investigation." He bowed slightly in his seat.

Viktor and Flik bowed in response and got up. Riou and Nanami were also on their feet. Freed followed as they all walked out of Granmeyer's office.

Just outside the door, Nanami turned to Viktor and said, "I don't understand. Why is returning to your hometown so difficult?"

Viktor shook his head. "You'd have to see it to understand. I don't really want to talk about it now, let's just head back." Nanami looked disappointed not to have a more detailed explanation but didn't say anything else.

The walk back to the inn was mostly silent. Viktor seemed to be brooding. Riou and Nanami were also silent, catching the general mood. Freed nervously rubbed his palms together and tried to point out landmarks and street names along the way, but Flik only listened halfheartedly.

It was late in the afternoon when they finally got back to the inn. In one corner of the dinning room, Bolgan was balancing a tower of plates and glasses on one foot. Pilika, sitting on the top of a table, was watching him with interest. Rina and Eilie were still at the table by the window, in the midst of an intense conversation.

"Why are you always telling me to be careful?" Eilie hissed. "You're the one practically throwing yourself at the feet of every man we meet."

Rina averted her eyes from her sister's glare, looking out the window. "I'm only trying to protect you, sis," she answered softly. "Someday, when you understand, you'll thank me."

"Protect me?" Eilie retorted. "From what? Nobody even notices me, the way you go on all the time."

Rina suddenly turned back to look at Eilie, causing her to shrink back a little. "You're absolutely wrong," she said sternly. "You may be one year younger, but you don't have half my experience with men."

"As if I'd want half your experience with men," Eilie interrupted.

Rina banged her hand down on the table. "Just listen to me for once! You're just the sort of naïve waif that most men would use up and throw away without a second thought."

"I am not naïve," Eilie shouted.

Viktor walked towards the table. "What's up, ladies?"

The two sisters suddenly noted the presence of the others and shot Viktor a look that made him back up a pace. "We'll continue this discussion later," Rina whispered harshly. Then she looked back at Viktor and pleasantly asked, "So, how'd things go?"

It only took Viktor a moment to recover. "Well, he's going to pay for our upkeep, but," Viktor sat down in his spot at the end of the table, "he's given us a little chore to do."

Flik sat down in the middle spot, just as before. Nanami and Riou sat down on either side of him. The two sisters were sitting together, on the side against the window. Freed sat down in the empty chair on that side, next to Rina.

She smiled at Freed in an interested manner. "You're new, who are you?" Eilie frowned behind her sister's back.

Freed hesitated a moment and bowed his head. "Yes, of course, I'm sorry. I am Lord Granmeyer's personal aide, Freed Yamamoto. He has ordered me to accompany your party to North Window. I hope I may be of service."

Rina chuckled and turned away, looking slightly down at the table. "You're a polite one, aren't you. Men should be polite; it's an attractive quality."

Flik blinked; she seemed to have been trying to catch his eyes during that last remark. Freed turned red like a beet. "I…ah…I'm certain my wife thinks so, as well."

Viktor cleared his throat. "Yeah, I'm sure that's true. Anyway, I've got to go to North Window. Who wants to come with me? What about you, Riou?"

Riou nodded somberly. Nanami practically bounced in her seat. "I'm coming! I want to see what North Window's like."

Eilie smiled over at Riou, caught herself, and looked aside. "I'm interested too."

Rina's eyebrows knitted in frustration. Then she relaxed and waved her hand in a dismissive way. "Of course, dear. Do what you think is best. I think I'll stay here. I don't fancy all that walking when we've just managed to settle down. Besides, somebody's got to watch the kid."

Pilika and Bolgan, at the other side of the room, turned towards the conversation. In Bolgan's case, he did this while still managing to balance his tower of plates and glasses. "That's fine," he declared calmly. "I'll teach Pilika how to balance stuff."

Viktor stood up. "Let's get this started."

"Right now?" Freed asked. He looked at the evening light filtering in through the window.

Viktor frowned. "I don't wish to delay this one second more than I have to. I want this over and done with as soon as possible."

That was enough to squelch all opposing arguments. Nanami, Riou, Eilie, and Freed got up and joined Viktor. Flik also stood. "Well, we'll be back soon," he said, nodding towards Rina.

She smiled back, more broadly than she had for Freed. "Why don't you stay here?" she suggested. "It isn't very polite for a man to leave a lady all alone. Besides, I'd get bored without somebody to speak with. We could have some tea and talk about…things." Somehow she simultaneously managed to look down at the table and up through her batted eyelashes at him.

Flik could think of several good reasons why he didn't want to stay. It was just that his mouth wouldn't say them. "Uh…me? I really don't think I…I mean…I've…got…someone…important." His voice gave up.

Viktor slapped him on the back. "We need somebody here to coordinate with Granmeyer anyway. I think you'd be just the right man for the situation here."

"There are plenty of other good men," Flik stammered. "I don't see why I have to stay behind."

Rina's lower lip trembled. "You don't…want to talk with me? You're such a cold man." Flik heard someone sigh long-sufferingly. He was certain it was Eilie.

"No," Flik shook his head. "I mean-"

He couldn't bring himself to say, "Yes, I don't want to talk with you." Instead, he blathered, "That's not it at all."

Rina beamed again. "So you will stay with me?"

Viktor laughed. "Right, Flik. I'm counting on you to hold down the fort while I'm gone. And don't burn up the inn while we're away, you two."

"We shall depart," Freed announced. The five who were going walked towards the exit of the room. "As I'm sure you are aware, North Window is to the northwest," Freed remarked.

"Yeah," Viktor answered without enthusiasm. "Funny, I don't think you need me on this mission at all." Then they were gone.

Somehow Rina was suddenly by his Flik's side, leading him by the hand back to the table. She guided him into the seat next to her and then poured drinks. "So, are you really Flik of the Blue Lightning?" she asked.

Flik filed through his memories, trying to figure out how to handle this. Okay, this is just like the situation with Kimberly. How did I deal with that? Let's see, I kept pouring her drinks and then she passed out and that was that. Flik looked down at his cup. Drat! This is tea; that's not going to work. Now what?

He knew Rina was expecting some sort of answer. "I guess that's what they call me," he replied. "I didn't really come up with the name myself."

Rina took a sip of tea and smiled warmly. "Don't be shy. I want to hear all about your adventures. Were you really at Gregminster Castle, like the play "Imperial Love" says?

Flik gaped. "Wait, there's a play about that?"

"Yeah, a theater troupe was performing it in Harmonia last year. We traveled with them for a while, so I got to see it nearly every day."

"Oh." Flik reached for his cup of tea. "I didn't know those events had been recorded. Who wrote it?" He started to sip his tea.

"They say it was based on a book by Milich Oppenheimer, the Flower General."

Flik nearly spat his tea back up but managed to swallow. "Oh. Milich. He was in the Liberation Army but he wasn't with us in the Hanging Gardens when we faced Barbarossa."

Rina giggled. "Enough about that; I didn't want to hear about Milich anyway." She looked directly at Flik. "I want to hear about you."

Flik swallowed again. "I…there's not really much to say about that. Barbarossa called the incarnation of the Sovereign Rune -a golden, three-headed hydra- and we vanquished it. Tir McDohl did most of the work with the Soul Eater. All I really managed to do was take an arrow in the leg." Flik laughed weakly. "Viktor had to carry me out through a secret passage in the back."

"Hmm." They both sat in silence for a few minutes. Finally Rina said, "Now it's your turn. Ask me a question."

"What?"

"You're supposed to be making conversation with me," Rina declared. "So, it's not polite to make the lady do all the work."

"Oh." Flik felt the blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Uh…how did you become travelling performers? Do you like it?"

Rina's smile faded, and she looked away, down at the table. Flik was about to broach a different subject, but she answered, "We were born in the Grasslands, north beyond Tinto. I learned my card skills from our mother, and Eilie learned her dagger skills from our father. But they were killed by bandits when we were very young. We became performers out of necessity and eventually we joined a traveling circus. We spent many years there; it's also where we met Bolgan. I suppose we would've continued there, but," she paused and sighed heavily. "Well…the ringmaster began to develop an unhealthy interest in Eilie. I couldn't permit that…I didn't want her to have to suffer that particular indignity. I managed to get her away. Silly girl, she had no idea." Rina sniffed. "She wanted to go back, because we had to leave Bolgan behind." She slowly sipped her tea. "It worked out in the end, though. Bolgan managed to pay off his debts and rejoined us. We've been a happy travelling family since then." She smiled again.

Flik was looking downcast at the table by this time. "I…don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. It's enough that you listened."

They both looked up as someone entered the room. It was the innkeeper. He cast one sharp glance over at Bolgan and his tower, and then made his way over to Flik and Rina. "Excuse me, sir. But you must make accommodations for your party. Will you take one room or two? I needn't remind you that the cost is higher for two."

"Two," Flik answered, holding up two fingers for emphasis. "How much?"

"That will be four hundred potch, sir."

Flik rifled through his pockets. The best he was able to come up with was two fifty-three. Rina pulled the remainder out of a purse that hung around her hip and added it to Flik's pile.

The innkeeper scooped the payment up. "Very good. Please enjoy your stay at 'The Monarch's Crown.'" He tossed a pair of keys onto the table and walked away.

Flik handed one to Rina. "So, if you'll look after Pilika, I'll bunk with Bolgan."

Rina smiled, respectfully this time. "I knew you were a gentleman. Whoever this…someone important is, she's a very lucky woman."

Flik shook his head. "I was a very lucky man," he answered, but Rina had already turned away to collect Pilika.