Chapter 29 – An Old Acquaintance

Flik was being followed. He knew it, though he could only catch glimpses over his shoulder of the person stalking him. It was a man with black hair, wearing a long black trench coat. Flik thought about confronting his pursuer, but the figure darted away each time Flik turned around. Moreover, the corridors that Flik was walking down were rarely empty, so he didn't want to draw his sword and run wildly after the man.

The chase continued, Flik tried to shake the shadow by quickly ducking down side hallways and picking up the pace to a jog. His stalker kept with him, apparently untroubled by Flik's efforts. Finally, Flik got the bright idea to lead this man outside, somewhere open where he could be seen clearly. He made his way along the eastern part of Dunan Castle, past the square where many of the children liked to hang out, and down a set of stairs to get to the room with the cisterns.

Here was an exit to the castle, out of which Flik practically ran. Unfortunately, he'd been concentrating on looking back at his pursuer and charged headlong into something large and unyielding. Moments later, he was trying to pick himself off the ground to the sound of somebody's laughter.

"There you are," Viktor said, unaffected by Flik crashing into him. "I've been looking all over the castle for you."

Flik got up, dusted himself off, and looked back for the stalker. "Did you see anyone behind me?" he asked Viktor.

Viktor scratched his chin quizzically. "Not anybody in particular. Of course, there are lots of people in Dunan Castle now. Was it anyone I know?"

"He's wearing a black trench coat and…brown pants, I think. He's been after me since this morning."

Viktor peered back into the castle. "Well, why didn't you call out to him? Or maybe pull your sword and run him down?"

Flik looked aghast. "I couldn't do that. I can't just run up to people and start accusing them of things. What if he's somebody Riou's recruited?"

Viktor smiled. "Would somebody Riou's recruited be following you around for no good reason? Would he stalk you just to menace you?"

Flik thought about that for a moment. "I suppose not."

"Good. Then he's probably got a perfectly good reason for doing that. Just ignore him."

Flik goggled. "Wait, you believe me?"

Viktor shrugged. "Why shouldn't I? You've never been the type to lie before, so if you say that some strange men in black coats are chasing you all over the castle, who am I to doubt it?"

"You don't have to put it like that," Flik groused. "And it was only one man."

"Right, right," Viktor nodded sagely. "By the way, you and I are scheduled for checkups with Doctor Huan. Let's go."

"Are you reading my parts off the duty roster?" Flik inquired.

"Why not?" Viktor laughed. "One of us should know what's going on, and if it's not you, it's got to be me. One of us has to be responsible."

"Well, if you're the responsible one, you should know where Huan's set up his office," Flik said.

"Not a clue," Viktor affirmed. "We'll stumble across it eventually."

They walked back into the castle. Flik scrutinized every shadowy corner, but found no evidence of the man in the black coat. After a while, Viktor and Flik found Doctor Huan's "office." It was actually in an unused part of the storeroom, with a few courtesy screens set up to provide limited privacy.

Huan was speaking to Tsai when Viktor and Flik arrived. "You have a most excellent bill of health. Just keep doing the things that got you there." He noticed the two new patients. "Ah, Flik, you're just in time for your appointment."

A wave of nervousness rushed over Flik. "Are you sure? Maybe you should check again."

Huan motioned him forward. "Now, now, there's nothing to worry about."

Viktor waved cheerfully as Flik ducked around behind the privacy screens. Tuta was over in one corner dunking various pieces of equipment into boiling water. Another corner contained a large cabinet, already stuffed with folders. Finally, there was a smaller writing desk with a stool in front of it.

Huan guided Flik over to the stool. "Sit down and take off your shirt, please."

Goosebumps broke out all over his arms as he unbuckled his cape and pulled his armor and shirt off. The room felt distinctly colder. Huan asked Tuta to bring several pieces of equipment over, but Flik was too busy fretting to make out any of the names. Then the examination began.

Huan came back with a strange device hanging from his ears. It seemed to come together on a small, metal medallion that the doctor placed on Flik's chest. Flik wanted to ask questions, but Huan ordered him to breathe in and out slowly. Huan moved the medallion around on Flik's chest, and later to the back. The medallion was uncomfortably warm from the boiling water and tickled wherever it touched him. Finally the doctor placed the thing over Flik's heart.

"What was that for?" Flik asked as Huan handed the device over to Tuta. Ignoring Flik, the doctor scribbled some notes on a sheet of paper.

He returned with a small, pointed mallet in one hand. "Just relax," he ordered.

Flik didn't have any time to think about it, for the doctor suddenly struck him on the knee. He kicked out violently and toppled off the stool. Looking up at the ceiling, Flik inquired, "Is that everything?" He very much hoped it was.

Huan was chuckling. "Impressive reflexes. No, we've still got some more things to cover. If you would please get back up onto the stool."

Like a good soldier, Flik complied. More tests followed. Huan came back with a lit candle and held it close to Flik's eyes. After that, he felt around in Flik's mouth with a thin, pointy, metallic object. Then Flik stood on a scale he hadn't noted earlier, while the doctor slid little markers back and forth on a metal beam. Finally, the doctor just seemed to start pinching Flik's skin at seemingly random locations.

When that had ended, and Flik found himself still sitting, without his shirt, he asked, "Is it over yet?"

Huan looked up from writing his notes. "I've got a few questions and that'll be it." He nodded to himself. "Let's get to the first: how are your bowels?"

Flik nearly fell off his seat. Recovering, he replied, "Why do you need to know that?"

"Standard question," Huan answered. "Irregular bowel movements can be a sign of digestive problems. We may need to adjust your diet. Have you ever passed blood?"

Flik blanched, his stomach trying to crawl up into his throat. "I…everything's normal down there, I assure you."

Huan chuckled again. "Why is it that warriors always get squeamish whenever I mention things like that? Never mind. Have you ever been hit in the head?"

Flik shrugged. "Sure."

Now Huan frowned. "How many times?"

Flik thought it over, but curiously he couldn't come up with a number. "Don't know. I guess I don't keep track. I'm a warrior, you kind of expect that sort of thing."

Huan clicked his tongue behind his teeth. "You shouldn't be so careless. Even if you think you're protecting your head well, the brain can still be injured if you're hit hard enough. Advanced cases often have difficulty walking and can hardly stand normal light."

Flik suppressed a shudder. Huan continued. "How about this: do you ever have fits of anger for no apparent reason? Do you have repeated nightmares about what happens on the battlefield?"

The second question hit very close to home, and Flik thought long and hard about lying. Huan, however, was looking at him very intently, and he didn't think he'd be able to fool the doctor. Evasively, Flik tried, "Why do you ask?"

Huan's face took on a considering look. "It's something Master Liukan spoke to me about when I was his apprentice. He had the chance to study many soldiers during his days as an army doctor. He found that many veterans experienced those kinds of trouble. It was never too much of a problem as long as they could keep fighting, but once their time in the army was done…"

Huan suddenly sighed deeply. "Nobody ever thinks about what a soldier's supposed to do when the fighting is finished, especially not the soldiers themselves. We were never able to do any studies, but some of those men were never able to adjust to a peaceful life. They'd hurt those around them, or they'd hurt themselves. Usually soldiers like that end up thrown in prison or even executed. Master Liukan thinks that it might be some sort of disease of the brain, and I tend to agree with him."

Flik opened his mouth to speak, but did not. As afraid as he might be of having some disease of the brain, he just couldn't bring himself to talk about things that were intimately personal with a man who was still mostly a stranger.

Huan's serene smile reappeared. "Well, don't give it too much thought. I suppose the only way to eliminate it would be if nobody ever became a soldier. If that happened, who would protect us against enemies?" He checked his notes on his clipboard. "Everything seems fine. I think you're good to go. Just make sure you keep eating right, especially try to eat fruits and vegetables instead of a lot of meat. It'll do you good."

Flik pulled on his shirt and cape and walked out from behind the screen. Viktor was lounging against the wall. "So, looks like you got through that without any major scarring," he said, standing up straight.

Huan followed Flik out. "It's your turn next." He pointed at Viktor, who slouched and followed the doctor behind the screens.

Flik didn't wait up, but wandered off for the tavern to try and settle his stomach with a little food. The tavern was crowded with workers and soldiers. A frazzled looking Leona handed him a ham sandwich and a mug of beer. "If I was able to request anything of our great leader, I'd request that he recruit us a chef next," she declared before rushing off to pull out another loaf of bread. Flik wisely chose not to inquire about how thoroughly she'd cleaned the mug.

Though it seemed to be standing room only, some of Flik's men recognized him and cleared a spot at a table for him to sit. He relaxed over his lunch, eating the sandwich slowly and listening to the men talking. Morale seemed to be good, and many of them were excitedly speaking about Riou's exploits. Never mind that half of those exploits were exaggerated. Out of the corner of his eye, Flik noticed Tuta dart in amongst the crowd and hand a note to Leona.

Minutes later, during a lull in the conversation, Viktor entered the tavern. He looked exceedingly annoyed and people literally dove out of his way as he stomped over to the counter. Leona smiled and handed him a salad and a cup of something that probably wasn't beer.

"Come on, Leona, give me some meat," Viktor pleaded.

She shook her head. "Sorry, Tuta got here ahead of you. Apparently you could stand to lose a little weight."

Viktor looked down at the plate. "Can I at least have some dressing?"

"No," Leona replied emphatically.

Viktor scowled and carried his food over to Flik's table. This time no one needed to clear a space, for the other soldiers at the table simply jumped up out of their chairs. He sat down and looked appreciatively at what was left of Flik's drink. "Mind giving me a swig of that?"

"Don't!" Leona commanded from the bar. "Huan's orders were very specific. You're not to let Viktor mooch off of you."

Flik looked at Viktor and smiled. "Sorry, I fear getting on the bad side of Leona far more than I fear your wrath." He chugged the rest of his drink. Viktor stabbed at a piece of lettuce and managed to crack his plate in half. He picked up the offending piece of greenery and shot it a reproachful look. The lettuce was unmoved.

Looking up, Flik noticed Millie skipping into the tavern with Bonaparte hanging off her shoulder. "Mister Flik, Sir Viktor!" she called, apparently not able to see them. When Flik stood up, she continued. "The strategist Shu wants you two to come up to the great hall right now."

"Did he say anything about why?" Flik asked.

"He said that it had to do with a diplomatic opportunity that he'd been expecting," Millie replied. Bonaparte, possibly spooked by the number of people in the room, jumped off Millie's shoulder and started scampering around.

Viktor stuffed half his salad in his mouth, chewed a couple of times, swallowed, and said, "Let's go see what's up." He grimaced and added, "I hate this stuff. It's so watery…and bland."

He got up and together he and Flik walked towards the exit. Bonaparte had dashed under another table, and the soldiers were enthusiastically trying to collect Millie's pet. "Careful," Millie admonished, holding her white beret in her hands. "You don't want to upset him."

Viktor and Flik were halfway down the hall when they heard a muffled boom and the sound of a table splintering. The soldiers' cheering suddenly turned to startled shouts of panic. Flik looked over at Viktor. Viktor looked back. They continued walking.

Upstairs, they found Gilbert depositing a slip of paper into the recently set up suggestion box. "What's up Gilbert?" Viktor said cheerfully. "Found something to complain about already?"

Gilbert frowned. "Complain about? No, I'm just trying to send a letter to my family up in Zexen. This is the post box, isn't it?"

"No," Flik answered. "It's the suggestion box. You know, people come along and place their ideas in it, and Riou reads them."

"Drat," Gilbert replied and shook the box. "Now what do I do?"

"You could always ask Riou to fish your letter out," Viktor suggested.

Gilbert shook his head, crossing his arms over his blue coat. "That won't do at all. I wouldn't want to waste our leader's time like that. I know; I'll write an explanation and put that in the box."

"Wouldn't that been an even bigger waste of Riou's time?" Flik asked, but Gilbert was already ducking down the stairs.

They entered the great hall. Shu and Apple were there, along with another man who looked up as Viktor and Flik walked towards the dais. It took Flik a moment to recognize the man, an old acquaintance.

Viktor greeted the man. "Hello, Fitcher. It's been a while. I didn't know you'd made it out of Muse."

Fitcher was still wearing his green tunic, beige pants, and wide red headband. He looked a little disheveled with a growth of unshaven stubble around his chin. Still, he sketched out a bow to Viktor and Flik. "I was actually not in the city when it fell, but those were harrowing times nevertheless. Seeing you two here makes me feel much better about the rumors."

"Rumors?" Flik asked.

Fitcher put up his hands defensively. "Well…I'd very much like to know more about this 'Riou' who leads your army. He must be pretty impressive to get renowned warriors like you two to follow."

Viktor cocked his head to the side. "He is inspiring. He went up against Solon Jhee's unit with only three hundred men."

Fitcher nodded, smiling broadly. "So those rumors are true, are they? I would think he's a majestic specimen, very imposing. Could you describe him?"

Viktor laughed. "The thing is, you'd never know it just by looking at him. He's always modest, but in battle he becomes a real tiger. Come to think of it, you probably saw him when he was with us in Muse. He's about this tall-" Viktor placed his hand at neck level, "-has short brown hair, wears red, and has this circlet around his forehead."

Fitcher scoffed and started laughing, slapping his knee with his hand. "You guys, you're all putting on a wonderful joke, aren't you? I've already met with that 'Riou.' He can't be your leader. Please, stop this charade and bring out the real Lord Riou."

Shu glanced over towards the doors leading in, which swung open to admit two figures, and announced, "Excellent timing. Fitcher, permit me to introduce Lord Riou, leader of our Unification Army."

Riou and Nanami were walking in through the door. Riou calmly nodded to Viktor and Flik and extended his hand to Fitcher.

Fitcher's mouth flapped a couple of times. "What? This kid is…this is a joke, right?" He glanced from face to face, reading expressions, and practically toppled over attempting to bow. "Forgive me, Lord Riou. It appears my judgement was off this time." He laughed nervously. "If you remember, I worked for Lady Anabelle, but I was off on a diplomatic mission when the city fell. I'm currently in the employ of Lord Makai, plenipotentiary of Two River City."

Shu nodded in a bored manner. "Let us get to the point: why have you come to visit us, Fitcher?"

"There were rumors of an army that was gathering to fight against Highland, so I wanted to get some information on it." Fitcher paused and deliberated on his next words. "It was very unexpected to hear that you had repulsed the force led by General Solon Jhee." He looked cautiously at Viktor and Flik.

Viktor chuckled. "It was our good fortune."

"Well, that's what I mean when I say 'unexpected,'" Fitcher added. "You might even call it something of a miracle."

"You might," Viktor mused. He paused, thought it out, and suddenly barked, "Wait! Shut up!"

Fitcher nervously backed a few steps away from Viktor and turned to speak with Riou. "That good fortune is why I wanted to meet with your leader." He cleared his throat. "Lord Riou. I wish to invite you to Two River City. Let us negotiate an alliance and work together to crush the Highland menace."

Flik was floored by the audacity of that statement, though he worked hard to keep his surprise off his face. He'd only seen Lord Makai once, at the Hilltop Conference, but hadn't been very impressed by that showing. This was certainly a bold, decisive move. Perhaps it would even be bold enough to get the rest of the alliance working together again.

Shu's expression was very thoughtful. "Is this a formal request from the government of Two River City?"

Fitcher's smile shrank and his eyes darted around the room. "Permit me to speak truthfully, so that we don't get ahead of ourselves. To this point, everything I'm doing is on my own initiative."

Flik was floored by the audacity of that statement and he could feel his face slipping into a surprised expression. "Just a second," he declared. "You're asking for an alliance on your own initiative? Has Lord Makai given you that kind of authority?"

Everybody looked at Fitcher, who blushed. "My official orders were simply to scout the province, but even I can see that it's in our best interests to work together to stand up to Highland."

Flik looked sidelong at Riou. Fitcher's disclosures didn't help matters. It would be good to have Two River's aid, but if Fitcher were too far ahead of his government, any trip there would certainly be wasted. "What do you think, Riou?" Flik asked. "You want to trust this guy?"

Riou smiled. "We have to. If we're going to win, we'll need allies. Sometimes the first move has to be made on faith, right? Let's go to Two River."

Fitcher's smile was enthusiastic. "Great! Perfect! Let's get started on the preparations right now." His smile was gone again. "There…uh…there is one more little thing that you need to take care of."

Flik rubbed his temples. Apple frowned. Shu simply clasped his hands behind his back. Viktor sighed audibly and said, "What would that be?"

Fitcher rubbed his palms together. "You see, uh, the bridges over the Granias River were all destroyed by Highland. I got here by boat, but didn't have enough potch to keep them in my employ. I was wondering if you might, um, have a boat to get us to Two River?"

Viktor advanced on the self-proclaimed emissary. "Are you sure this isn't some plot you've cooked up to get you back across the river?"

Fitcher gave ground, again putting up his hands in a defensive gesture. "I'm sure if you get to Two River, Lord Makai will be willing to talk about an alliance. You have to believe me!"

Shu gestured towards Viktor. "That's enough. Riou has made his decision and we must do our best to support him." He ticked off thoughts on his fingers. "Since you can't go overland, you'll have to go by boat to Lakewest, and then you can walk to Two River. The approach to Lakewest is fairly treacherous, full of shoals. We have boats that can make it, but we'll need a captain who can steer through the shallows."

Viktor shook his head. "I don't know of anyone like that. Are we going to have to go out searching for a good captain?"

Flik remembered something Riou had spoken of recently. "What about Tai Ho and Yam Koo? They're in the area; they helped Riou get across the lake."

Shu nodded. "That is a good choice, but I have one of my own." He walked over to the railing of the dais, picked up a bell that Flik had not noticed earlier, and rang it. A messenger briskly walked into the room. Shu spoke to him. "Go down to the docks and see if a man named Amada is there. If he is, have him summoned to this room. Also, if masters Tai Ho and Yam Koo have made port, they should be invited up too." The messenger ran off to find the summoned men.

Riou looked confused. "Isn't Amada still in Radat?"

Smiling, Shu explained, "After I agreed to come here, I went and had a talk with him. He seemed very impressed by your determination and vigor, so I prevailed on him to come here as quickly as he could. Meanwhile, we need to decide who will be going with you to Two River."

"Viktor or I should go," Flik commented. "He may need protection while in Two River."

Shu shook his head. "No. You are both too famous. If either of you went, it might suggest that Riou is simply a figurehead. That's one insinuation that we don't want sticking to him. Moreover, we must be alert to any moves by Highland. I don't want one of my best generals off where I can't use him should the need arise. Now let's consider who is going."

After some conversation, it was decided that Oulan would serve as bodyguard for Riou and Nanami. Eilie, unsurprisingly, rushed into the room and stated that she would be joining Riou on this trip. Somewhat more surprisingly, Millie also came in and declared that she wanted to go.

"I have a rune too," she added, proudly displaying the water rune on her right hand. "Mister Flik said that if I got a rune, I could go out and fight."

"I don't believe I said it exactly like that," Flik muttered.

"This is fine," Shu said. "We're looking for good will, not trying to intimidate them into submission. I think this is enough."

Three more people were ushered into the room. Flik recognized the first two immediately, for they had been in the Toran Liberation Army. Tai Ho was in the lead, sandaled feet echoing on the floor, his beige robe tied closed with a red sash. He also had a bit of hemp rope tied around his forehead as a headband, holding his short brown hair in check. He was smiling and fingered his well-trimmed beard thoughtfully. His sworn brother Yam Koo followed, garbed in a simple blue robe. His blond hair was perpetually unkempt, and his expression often seemed to be a frown. Nothing was different about him this time.

The third man was a large and powerfully built. His musculature was obvious because all he seemed to be wearing was a tattered, very short, multicolored robe. He had it open at the top, showing off his healthy, tanned chest. His black hair was tied off in the back. He smiled, walked over to Riou, and greeted him with, "Glad to see you again. I had you pegged as a winner and it seems I was right."

"Who're you?" Viktor asked.

"You should watch who you annoy," the man replied testily. "I'm Amada. I met Riou in Radat and came all the way here just to help you."

Tai Ho, meanwhile, was ogling Oulan. She gave him a fierce glower. Yam Koo stepped beside his brother and pointed to Viktor and Flik. Tai Ho suddenly seemed to recognize the two mercenaries and laughed heartily. "You two are supposed to be dead," he commented.

"We know," Flik answered.

Tai Ho continued to laugh. "I thought I saw you. Remember, that night at Coronet, before the storm?"

Shu cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, we'll have time for reminiscing later. I have jobs for all of you."

This perked the ears of the three boatmen. Tai Ho spoke, "I've already seen that Riou has luck with the dice and now I know he's also blessed in battle, so I'll help him out."

Yam Koo shook his head. "That's just like you, brother. You're always jumping into adventures without a care in the world."

Tai Ho laughed. "Well, I leave all of my worrying to you. I'll gladly trade that for more excitement."

"You'll have your fill of excitement," Shu promised. "First, Amada, I need you to take Riou and his company to Lakewest."

Amada grinned. "Is that all? I'll have them there before tomorrow morning."

"You sure about that," Viktor asked. "That approach can be treacherous."

Amada glared at Viktor. "Listen carefully. Don't ever question the sailing abilities of an Island Nations man. I swear on the name of Admiral Skald Egan that I will get them safely to Lakewest."

"Skald Egan?" Flik asked.

"That name is as good as any," Shu answered. "I believe that you are able."

"What about us?" Tai Ho interrupted. "I didn't come here to stand in the shadow of someone from the south. What do you want us to do?"

"Don't worry," Shu said. "You're job isn't any less dangerous. I need you to sail north and track the progress of the Highland Army. I want to know if they make any sudden moves."

Tai Ho's smile was enthusiastic. "Okay, I can help you there. I assure you that you'll know if a Highland soldiers so much as pisses into Lake Dunan."

"I don't need to know that much," Shu observed dryly.

"We need to shove off," Amada announced. "The tide's good right now and I don't want to miss it."

This set off a flurry of activity as people raced to see that Riou and his band had enough supplies to see them to Two River. Furthermore, everybody wanted to be there when he departed, shaking his hand and offering him good fortune. The crowds persisted down onto the docks, where Amada was readying his ship. The supplies were stowed and they were just about to depart when a newcomer walked down the pier and shouted, "Wait!"

An intimidating figure strode down the planking as the crowd parted. He was dressed in a long, gray cloak with his hood up, revealing only a little of his sharp face and the blond bangs that hung down around his eyes. Olive pant legs flashed as he confidently walked towards Amada's boat. His weapon was slung across his back, a long, thin, cylindrical object of metal and wood.

Viktor and Flik drew their swords and barred his path. He stared at them for a long moment, snorted, and said, "You two were supposedly dead."

"We get that a lot," Flik responded, realizing who this was. The figure pulled back his hood, revealing his pale face to the world. He was Clive, an enigmatic man who'd joined the Toran Liberation Army in the closing stages of the war two years ago.

Clive glanced at Viktor and Flik. "So now you know who I am. Let me past, I have words for your leader, Lord Riou."

Riou had come up to stand on the railing of Amada's boat. "Let him through," he ordered. Reluctantly, Viktor and Flik stood aside.

Clive walked up and studied Riou silently for several minutes. "When we last met, you foiled me," he said tersely. "Inadvertently, otherwise I would've killed you. Still, she got away and it was your fault. Now you have a chance to help me. My target has gone to Lakewest. Since you are going there, I want you to take me along."

Riou looked at Clive. "Join my army, and I'll help you track her down."

"So long as our interests are pointed in the same direction, I'll aid you. If helping you bring peace back to this land will get me to Elza that much quicker, so be it." He jumped over the railing into the boat.

Oulan frowned dubiously at the new passenger. Amada and his crew quickly pulled in the last of the ropes and the oars got them underway. Viktor and Flik watched until they'd rounded the end of the harbor and disappeared from sight.