Blue Lightning and the Bear

by Blue Paladin

Two shadows from the past rise up to confront the New State Army. First they must dispatch the vampire who seeks to make life dance to his whims. But who will aid them against the Dark Knight of Chaos?

51. Chapter 51 An Ominous Portent

Chapter 51 – An Ominous Portent

The army didn't move for the remainder of that day, except to see to the wounded and gather up the prisoners. There was no strength left in the soldiers to do anything else. That night, the crippling heat suddenly broke in a line of thunderstorms and hail, which ripped tents from their moorings and added to the misery of the wounded and prisoners. When the storm passed, Flik and his men worked to get their part of the encampment back in order. There was little sleep that night.

The following morning Flik went to visit some of his men who'd been moved to Huan's field hospital. The tents that comprised the medical section were overflowing with casualties, many of them Highlanders. Flik found that he wasn't the only person making a morning visit to the wounded. Riou and Nanami were there as well, and a very flustered Doctor Huan was speaking to them.

"You needn't do this, Lord Riou. I have more help than I can organize among those who bear Water Runes and the mages from Luc's unit. Furthermore, you are exhausted from your efforts yesterday. I can't allow you to continue using the Rune to try and heal people."

Riou was slumped heavily against Nanami. "I must do something for them," he said. "Do you understand how I feel? Yesterday, I watched men that I had rescued from terrible wounds get up, rejoin the fight, and die, right in front of my eyes. No one should have to die twice for me."

The men around Riou began to murmur, to reach out and try to touch him. These men were mostly amputees who had lost legs or arms. Those whose injuries were less serious had already been healed and returned to duty. These men, even when done with their convalescence, would be crippled for life. No rune, whether a normal Water Rune or the Bright Shield itself, could restore a lost limb.

There were others in this ward too, Highland soldiers whose bodies were wrapped in bandages covering terrible burns. Flik knew what had caused those burns, who had commanded the consuming flame. Riou glanced at Flik. Was there reproach in those eyes or simply resignation?

"I do understand," Huan answered. Riou's crushing gaze turned away before Flik could decide the answer to his question. "Yet you must save your strength for where it is needed. There are many nurses in this ward who can tend to the wounded, but only one man who can lead the army."

Riou looked down to the floor, shaking his head slightly. If he had been preparing a response, it was interrupted by a messenger pulling aside one of the flaps of the pavilion. "Lord Riou, I'm glad I've found you. Lord Shu requests that you sit in on a council of victory. He's gathering all the senior generals." The messenger noted Flik's presence. "Ah, yes, Lord Flik, he orders you to bring out Kiba and Klaus, that they might hear judgement."

Flik ducked out of the tent and walked back to his own men. With a few orders, the two captives were led out. Kiba's head wound had been healed and the bandages removed. He walked proudly. Klaus was subdued, still a little pale from the result of the battle. Neither man was restrained in any way, but both were escorted by soldiers. Flik led the procession towards Riou's pavilion.

The generals were seated in a rough semi-circle with Riou in the center. Shu was seated at his left hand, and Ridley had the place of honor at his right. The conversation in the tent was stilled as Flik and the escort brought Kiba and Klaus inside.

"Enemy generals," Flik announced. "Here to witness judgement."

Viktor got up and stepped over to Kiba, presenting his hand. "You're pretty good. You had me concerned right up to the end."

Kiba's face remained like flint. "You've earned no right to be familiar with me, boy. Kill me and be quick about it."

"Stuck up bastard," Viktor growled. "Doesn't know when he's lost."

"Enough, Viktor," Shu admonished, getting to his feet. "Lord Riou, if I may offer my opinion on the matter, I would tell you that General Kiba is a great leader of men and his son is a military genius. I suggest you free them and offer them positions within our army."

Flik heard several sharp breaths of surprise from the generals, though no outright protests. He had trouble covering his own reaction. Kiba frowned, while Klaus looked thoughtful. Riou regarded the two prisoners and said, "I agree with Shu. General Kiba, I would be honored if you would lend your strength to the cause of defeating Luca Blight."

"I refuse," Kiba stated. "My allegiance has been and always will be with the King of Highland, Agares Blight. My honor means more to me than life."

"I stand with my father," Klaus added. "I couldn't think of devising strategy for the enemies of my homeland."

Riou stood, walking until he was before the two prisoners. "I will not compel you to serve me, not by threats, and not by bribes. I promise that you and your men will be treated well." He paused, looking up at Kiba's face. "Tell me -you have seen Luca Blight's exploits- do you believe that his actions are correct, that his war is justified?"

For a moment, Kiba's confidence slipped. "I don't need to answer the accusations of a traitor."

"I did not betray my country," Riou declared coldly. "Perhaps you should ask Prince Luca whether the blood of the Unicorn Brigade doesn't stain his sword."

Before Kiba could reply, there was a commotion at the front of the tent. Shu's expression was icy as a shamefaced messenger rushed in. With a wave of his hand, the strategist motioned for the news.

"Yes, lord strategist. An envoy from the Highland Army has arrived under a flag of truce. He wishes to speak with Lord Riou."

Shu considered for a moment before saying, "Bring him here." He glanced over at Flik. "Let Kiba and Klaus listen as well."

The messenger arrived, a functionary whose blond hair was well oiled and whose nails were manicured. He sniffed distastefully at the air and gave his speech in a perfectly modulated tone of neutrality. "His august and terrible majesty, Lord of Highland, Kyaro, and protector of the City-States of Jowston, by the grace and authority of the Twenty-Seven True Runes, King Luca Blight offers one Riou a message of congratulation. Jowy Blight, formerly Atreides, has married Princess Jillia Blight and has become brother-in-law to the King. As such, his Highness offers the lives of Kiba and Klaus Windamier as a wedding gift to the friend of Jowy Blight." Riou accepted the startling news with a blink. Flik found it hard to believe that Jowy had risen so far so rapidly. Regardless, all of Jowy's achievements had been built on betrayal.

The functionary stopped and acknowledged the two prisoners with a smirk. Kiba growled, but the messenger continued on. "His majesty looks forward to your next meeting, where he shall crush your collection of bandits and bring true peace to the City-States. That is his message to Riou."

Shu nodded. "We have heard all that is important. You may return to your lines."

Turning to glance at Shu, the messenger spoke once more. "I have a personal message for you, Shu."

Shu's eyes narrowed. "Who is it from?"

"It was delivered to me by Lord Leon Silverberg, chief strategist of the Highland Fourth Army."

The room grew silent. Flik knew the name from the Liberation War and even before then. Leon was the uncle of Odessa, and a great strategist in his own right. During the war two years ago, he had agreed to aid Mathiu and Tir McDohl. However, his past was very dark. He had engineered the Kalekka Incident, a slaughter designed to enflame the citizens of the Scarlet Moon Empire for war with Jowston.

"I will hear it," Shu responded tersely.

The functionary cleared his throat. "Greetings, student of Mathiu Silverberg. I must admit, when last I saw you, you were little more than a child, clutching at the legs of your teacher. That you have come into your maturity is a reminder of time's passing. Take heed of my lesson: time's great circle closes around every man. He who rides the apex in the morning may be crushed beneath the wheel ere the sun sets. It is the way of the universe, ever desiring equilibrium. Every action requires a commensurate reaction. The only question is, which one of us understands this better?" Finished, he waited for Shu to respond.

"You may leave. We have no further use for you." Shu motioned the guards to escort the messenger from the tent. When the man was gone, Shu looked at Klaus. "Tell me, how would you analyze King Luca Blight's message?"

Klaus gagged. "King Agares has been…murdered…by his own son."

"Klaus, don't fall for their ploy," Kiba snapped.

"Father, it rings true," Klaus argued. "Luca practically flaunts his regicide by taking the crown without a period of mourning. Besides, there's also the marriage of Princess Jillia and the actions of the Fourth Army. It's the logical conclusion."

When Kiba didn't answer, Shu asked, "What now? What does King Luca Blight represent for your vision of Highland? Do you believe, even for a moment, that he can lead the people of Highland to anything other than complete ruin? Join us, if not for our sake, then for the sake of saving your people from Luca's madness."

"Father, I'm inclined to work with them," Klaus said.

Kiba's face broke into a small smile. "I understand. Lord Riou, though it is a warrior's shame to change masters, I'll accept any shame if it means I can save my people from Luca Blight. Permit me to fight alongside you."

"My humble skills were not enough to defeat you," Klaus added. "However, if you can find some place for me within your army, I will do my best to aid you."

Shu turned to Flik. "Your men may stand down. Kiba and Klaus are no longer prisoners, but generals in our army."

Laughing heartily, Kiba added, "It seems that you were a little presumptuous, Flik. I have many more battles ahead of me in this war."

"We'll have to see how many of your men want to follow you," Shu commented.

"I believe, once I explain the situation, that most of them will continue to work with me," Kiba replied. "They'll prefer action to sitting around in prisoner of war camps any day."

"Hey, this calls for a celebration," Viktor announced. "Bring on the beer."

"Viktor, we didn't bring any," Apple chided. "You'll have to wait until we return to Dunan Castle."

The noise in the room grew as several of the generals came forward to congratulate Kiba. However, Flik noticed Shu hanging back, pondering something. When Apple came over, he distinctly heard Shu mutter, "Leon Silverberg. I suppose it is my fault that he has joined the Highland side."

Apple shook her head. "Don't worry about it, Shu. No one ever understood Leon's thinking anyway."

"But I do," Shu responded. "And I think it's an ominous portent." He looked up and met Flik's gaze, then quickly left the tent.

Even without any beer, they celebrated on into the night. Flik wasn't present to hear Kiba's speech to his men, but judging by the number of Highland soldiers who got their weapons back, it must've gone well. Even so, there were more than a few uneasy glances among the Jowston soldiers. It was going to take some time for them to accept their former enemies as comrades.

The following morning, the army decamped and set off for home. Arnhem and his garrison were sent to reclaim South Window, which had been abandoned by the retreating enemy. Scouting by the Winghordes revealed that Radat was likewise free from occupation. The Highland army had fallen all the way back into East Muse.

Cheering crowds lined the road leading into Dunan Castle. Unlike the soldiers, they didn't immediately recognize the Highland men for what they were. Thus, the former prisoners ended up getting a warm reception from the civilians. Riou, of course, garnered the biggest cheers, as he and Nanami rode in on the back of the unicorn.

There was also plenty of alcohol. Soon enough, Flik and Viktor were back in Leona's tavern, drinking to the triumph.

"What a victory!" Viktor shouted, banging his mug down on the table. "It was great. We crushed them!"

The image of Shu thinking about Leon flashed through Flik's mind. "It was a good victory, but we've still got a way to go."

"Man, don't ruin the mood," Viktor chided. "Are you drinking enough? You sound as sober as our strategist."

Flik shrugged his shoulders. "Weren't you the one who told me to watch how much I drank?"

"Yeah, but that was when you're alone. Don't worry, I'll stop you long before you do anything too stupid." He signaled Leona for his sixth mug.

One Flik's men came over and said, "Captain, there's a cute girl at the door who wants to chat with you."

"Ah, well, we know who that'll be," Viktor took a swig from his mug. "I would wager she'll be a blond schoolgirl type."

Flik abruptly got up. "Tell her I'm in the bathroom." The soldier nodded and walked away.

Viktor smirked. "You're not going to the bathroom. You're not drunk enough to throw up…or piss, I suppose."

"I'll duck out by the back exit."

"What, and leave her to pine away?" Viktor shrugged. "You do that too much and you'll get a reputation."

"And if I welcome her advances, I'll get another reputation. You think I want either?"

Viktor suddenly looked thoughtful. "Well, the best way to avoid either reputation is to get a lady friend. That'll throw Nina off the trail, right? You know what, I bet I could get Leona to set you up with someone."

"Don't you dare," Flik snapped, feeling a surge of panic. He could see Nina walking into the bar, looking for him. "I've got to go," he said to Viktor. "See you later."

"You're only making this more difficult for yourself," Viktor called to him.

Flik stepped out through the back door and into the darkened hallways. He could hear revelry from other parts of the castle, but decided against searching for another party to join. Instead, he made his way to his room and collapsed into bed.

His dream placed him back in the realm of memory. As was often the case, he was running, albeit unsteadily, down a path in a forest, sunlight streaming through the trees.

"Flik, come back here," a man's voice ordered.

He glanced back in the direction of the speaker. A powerfully built man with red hair and a full beard stood back up the path, by an intersection. At his side was a slender young woman who had brown hair like Flik's and blue eyes. They were Flik's father and mother.

Four year old Flik laughed and turned away, his little legs carrying him along the path, towards the sound of a nearby stream.

"I command you to return," Flik's father shouted.

Flik did not heed him. He was unable to articulate the reasons, except that he liked the feel of the wind on his face and his feet on the ground. He wanted to take a new path, not the same ones he'd walked every day before. He wanted to see what was around the corner.

Around the corner was the babbling creek, its banks high and steep in Flik's eyes. He stared at his rippling reflection in the current, leaning out over the edge to get a closer view. The bushes on the far bank suddenly rustled, arresting Flik's movement. He looked up to see a golden wolf, larger than any normal one, stalk into view across the water.

The sight, rather than causing apprehension, filled Flik with curiosity and anticipation. He wanted to cross the stream and find out what this was. Before he could take the first step, though, a hand seized him from behind and roughly pulled him back. Tumbling head over heels, he had to collect himself before he saw his father, his two-handed sword drawn, occupying the spot where Flik had been. The wolf growled once and disappeared back into the underbrush.

Flik's mother came rushing down the path, sweeping him up off the ground and hugging him against her skirts. "Why did you run off like that? Whatever got into your head?"

"Enough of that," his father said, frowning. "You come here boy." Flik looked back to see that his father had sheathed the sword and was standing with crossed arms.

Flik's mother held his hand, holding him back. "Dear, you don't need to be harsh with him."

"He disobeyed me. He needs to learn to heed commands, especially once he begins his training. There's nothing harsh about teaching him to follow rules."

Flik heard his mother sigh. "Let him be a child yet. He has plenty of time to grow into a man."

"A boy only becomes a man when he has learned discipline. A man can only give orders if he first learns how to take them." He uncrossed his arms and looked down at Flik, softening his expression a little. "Now then, Flik, I want to speak with you. Please come over here."

His hand was suddenly free. Though he didn't understand what his parents were talking about, Flik walked over to stand in front of his father, who squatted down to look him in the eyes.

"Listen, my boy. I'm not angry with you, just upset." He put one hand on Flik's shoulder. "When I ask you to do something, I want you to do it, okay?"

"Why?" Flik asked.

"Because I said so."

"Why?"

Flik's obstinacy seemed to perturb his father. "You have to learn to follow the rules. When I tell you to do something, it's because I love you and want to protect you. Even when you don't know why, you should still be obedient, because that's when the danger is greatest."

Flik still didn't know why, but he did know that his father expected an answer. Embracing his father, he said, "Okay, papa."

This had the desired effect, for even his father couldn't help but smile and hug him back, lifting him off the ground. "Very good. Now, let's all get along home before the sun goes down."

Flik, looking back over his father's shoulder, saw the glimmering golden wolf regarding him from across the stream. Then the dream broke, and he was back in the present, sitting up in the darkness of his room in Dunan Castle. There were tears in his eyes, and he reflexively reached up to wipe them away.

He had so few memories of his parents. The following year the crops didn't fare well due to an exceptionally cool summer, causing an upsurge in disease. The plagues that followed claimed both his parents. Worse yet, Flik didn't even know the exact date because he, along with the other five-year-olds, had begun their training and were in barracks. He'd only learned about their deaths later, when an instructor remarked on them while Flik was in earshot.

However, what disturbed him about the dream were not his parents, but the golden wolf. Flik knew that the animal that had faced him across the stream had been a mountain lion. That wolf had intruded in other dreams, but never in one of his memories. Was it a sign of battle stress, or was there a deeper warning involved? He shook his head. Trying to find meaning in dreams was a risky business and not something that he dabbled in. He lay back, letting his head rest on his pillow, and sought sleep once again. Nothing else that night troubled him.

The next morning, Shu sent a message saying that he needed to speak with him. Flik made his way to the strategist's room. Shu and Kiba were sitting at the table covered with papers, deep in discussion. Shu looked up when Flik had to step around the hanging plant in the doorway.

"Ah, good morning, Flik. Join us, if you would. We're going over the best way to fit Lord Kiba's men into the army."

Kiba nodded respectfully. "Yes. The lord strategist has informed me that your unit suffered most grievously in the last series of battles. I believe that some of my men may be willing to join your mounted archers."

Flik glanced at the papers on the table. It appeared that many of Kiba's men would be joining other units to make up for losses and as reinforcements. Shu quirked an eyebrow. "You have no objections with having Highland soldiers in your force?"

"Of course not," Flik answered. "I've worked with people from many lands. As long as they're willing to follow orders, then I'm willing to lead them."

Kiba smiled. "They are. Well, lord strategist, I think that settles everything. I'm off to inform my men." He stood up, bowed, and left the room. Flik remained behind, continuing to study the troop deployments.

Shu cleared his throat. "Something on your mind?"

"You're plotting something." Flik rubbed his chin, pondering. "You've sent detachments of Highland soldiers to every unit in the army, save the kobolds. Even units who had only light casualties are receiving Highland soldiers. I wonder why?"

Leaning back in his chair, Shu smiled inscrutably. "Your insight astounds me." He laughed. "Or maybe it's your rebellious nature that makes you question everything around you."

"You're not going to tell me," Flik replied.

"Of course not." Shu started to gather up the papers. "I leave it to you to figure out the meaning behind my moves. I assure you, there is one. Now then, don't forget that I've scheduled a meeting in the great hall for this afternoon. I expect you to be there."

"What, not even a day to rest?"

"Time is precious," Shu declared. "Luca Blight will return to the battlefield as soon as he has stabilized matters in his capital. We will have to face him personally."

With that cheery thought on his mind, Flik left to find some breakfast. The castle was quiet during the morning, many of its residents either too tired or too hung over to care about trivial things like eating or training. Flik decided that if the Highland army had deigned to show up, they'd probably be able to take the castle simply by walking in.

This lethargy continued into the afternoon, when Flik arrived at the great hall for the meeting. To his surprise, he found that he was among the first show up, with only Shu and Apple there before him. Shu called for messengers to search for the others. One by one, Ridley, Teresa, Kiba, Fitcher, Freed, and finally Viktor walked into the great hall.

"Has anyone seen Lord Riou?" Shu asked, betraying a touch of impatience. Flik shrugged his shoulders and looked to the faces around him. Judging from their expressions, no one knew where Riou was. Shu sighed and walked over to the bell he used to call the messengers. With one ring, Oulan strode into the room. Flik found it difficult not to stare as she made her entrance.

"Find Lord Riou," Shu ordered.

Oulan smiled. "I've just seen him. He's on his way here, but needs to clean up first."

For what was possibly the first time, Shu looked puzzled. Flik didn't blame him, for he too wondered what Riou had been doing. Minutes later, the object of all that speculation casually walked into the room, with his sister following.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Riou said. "I lost track of time."

"You do understand my concern at your absence?" Shu asked. "I was about to send Oulan out to look for you."

"I wasn't in any danger," Riou replied. "Yam Koo and Tai Ho were showing me how to fish, that's all." Flik remembered his own adventure with those two. That had been unexpectedly exciting. He cringed a bit at the memory of diving off the boat before it crashed into the cliffs.

Viktor walked over to Riou and faced Shu. "Come on, strategist, you can't get upset if Lord Riou needs a little time to himself now and then. You have to know when to give a young man his space."

Shu's expression didn't change. "Lord Riou, though you are young, you have taken on great responsibilities as the leader of the New State Army. All of our destinies are bound up in yours, so you must be diligent about your safety. Without your leadership, this army would collapse, and the lives of many men would be forfeit." He closed his eyes. "Now, let us put that subject behind us. Apple, you may begin today's briefing."

"In light of our recent victory, Lord Shu has asked me to remind you of our strategic position before we decide on our next course of action. First, with the addition of Lord Kiba's troops, the strength of the New State Army has risen to nearly twenty-five thousand soldiers. By comparison, this is about as many men as one Highland Army. At the outset of the war, Highland had four such armies. Even with the results of the last battle, they still have three remaining armies to deploy against us. In short, we are vastly outnumbered."

"Where do they find all those soldiers?" Viktor muttered.

"You forget that what Highland lacks in size and population, she makes up for in having a centralized military command," Kiba answered. "Two years of military service are compulsory for every man in the kingdom. It gives us a huge pool of trained reserves to draw upon. Besides, the war remains popular with the people, though the recent reverse might change that."

"We've got to increase the size of our own forces," Flik reasoned. "But where are we going to find more allies?"

Fitcher shook his head. "Tinto's army has taken up defensive positions on its border, but other than that has done nothing. They refuse to meet with any of our messengers. I don't think we can expect any help from that direction."

Flik looked around the room. People were frowning at that news. "Greenhill is held against us, Matilda has decided against us, and Tinto won't join us," Viktor said. "Damn, where can we find more allies?"

"This is not good," Ridley growled. "Luca Blight is sure to attack us with everything he has. What can we do?"

If Shu had some sort of plan, he never got to explain it, for as he opened his mouth to speak, there was a commotion from the entrance.

"Ah, hell, I like it rough, but I don't have time to play with you," a petulant man's voice pleaded. "I've got to get in there- ouch! Hey, hands off!"

"I recognize that voice," Apple exclaimed. Flik looked in the direction of the struggle. He recognized the voice too.

Oulan had knocked a young man with short blond hair, a light green jacket, and dark green pants to the floor. Using one knee to pin him there, she grabbed both his arms and pulled them behind him. Helplessly, he lifted his head and scanned the room.

"Apple, is that you? Help an old friend out here, would you?"

Viktor slapped his forehead. "Oh great. He's the last person we need crashing the party."