Chapter 54 – Treading Destiny's Course

Walking through the dusty streets of the town, Flik got the impression that Banner had seen nothing of the war. Fishermen, traders, women, and children all mingled outside, going about their daily activities. There were no signs of soldiers or even of a militia watch, though the latter existed, without a doubt. The peaceful scene didn't comfort Flik. His eyes kept darting from person to person, his mind assessing each potential threat and how best to deal with it. When he became consciously aware of this, he tried to suppress the instinct. It was a disturbing sign that he'd become comfortable with violence.

A child suddenly darted in front of the group, nearly causing Flik to go for his sword. He caught himself, turning the motion into massaging the back of his left hand. The child pointed to Riou and exclaimed, "Hey mister, you're dressed just like me!"

It was true, Flik saw. Riou was being confronted by an eight-year-old version of himself, except that the little boy lacked his circlet. Riou, in an amused manner, answered, "We seem to be twins. Or at least brothers."

Nanami laughed. "I could always use another little brother. My current one doesn't know his place."

"It is quite the likeness," Freed commented. "Especially considering that he's never seen you."

"Are you a fan of Lord Riou too?" the boy asked Riou. "My name's Ko, and my mother made this for me!"

"You think the mother's a tad obsessed?" Flik whispered to Viktor. "I mean, what normal person has the time to create a replica outfit of someone they've only heard about?"

"Maybe you're jealous?" Viktor retorted. "I bet you'd be flattered if he was running around in a little Blue Thunder getup?"

"Blue Lightning," Flik corrected. "You know as well as I do that it's Blue Lightning."

"There's another cool person at the inn by the stream," Ko remarked. "I wanted to talk with him, except the mean old blond guy keeps shooing me away."

Riou gave Ko a string of potch. "Thank you very much. If you see a noble with a rose brooch, tell him we're staying at that inn."

There was a young redheaded woman sweeping the front of the inn. Her eyes widened in surprise as Riou's party walked up. She hastily bowed over her broom. "Good evening, sirs and lady, are all of you planning to stay with us?"

Nanami eyed the building critically. "Seems a little small for all of us." Flik smiled. The inn was small, consisting of only a single story, but he'd spent the night in places smaller than this.

"If you are concerned about your privacy, I'm sure we can make arrangements," the redhead answered. "You gentlemen don't mind sharing rooms, do you?"

Sheena frowned. Viktor slapped him on the back and said, "No problem. As long as you've got plenty of food, I'm happy."

"I'm not fond of cramped quarters," Stallion remarked. "But food would be welcome."

Riou nodded. "I agree. We'll stay here for the night."

The redhead started. She'd obviously not noticed Riou. Now that she saw him, she studied him carefully, so much so that Nanami frowned and Riou began to blush. Viktor nudged Flik, whispering, "See, he's got all the luck with the ladies. Give Riou five minutes and she'll be off to Dunan Castle on the next boat."

Maybe Nanami heard the comment and maybe she didn't, but she stepped between Riou and redhead, glowering. "There's nothing on my brother's face. I wiped it down this morning. Why don't you go back to sweeping, if you've got so much free time?"

"I'm sorry. It simply that your brother reminds me of one of our other guests. Not that they look the same, but they act similarly. I don't know how to explain it."

Nanami grabbed her brother and marched him towards the doors. "Come on, Riou, I want to get my stuff into my room." They disappeared into the inn.

Sheena sidled up next to the girl. "You know, you remind me of someone too. How about we go to your room and talk about this a little." She jabbed him in the ribs with the handle of the broom, sniffing disdainfully, then darted back through the doors before Sheena recovered. Flik couldn't help but start laughing and Viktor joined him immediately. Even Stallion was smirking appreciatively.

"Stop laughing," Sheena protested. "She got quite a swing with that thing. I think I'm going to bruise." When this only drew more laughter, he put on his best haughty face and sashayed proudly through the doors. Flik recovered enough from chuckling to follow him in a few moments later.

The inn was actually the house of a well-to-do family where the older children had already moved out and the parents were letting the rooms for extra potch. Flik learned that the redheaded girl was named Ellie and was the middle child among nine. The other children were also red haired to varying degrees. They were busy setting a large table for supper.

The mother/innkeeper was speaking to Riou when Flik and Viktor came up. "If you would be so kind, sir, as to go around back and down to the stream to fetch our other guests. The younger one said he wanted to catch us some fish to go with dinner, but it's almost time to eat right now." She looked away to glance crossly at one of her children. "Aaron! You know better than to run with your hands full of plates. You stop that right now."

"I'll get them," Riou said.

"Oh thank you. Oliver! Those knives are not to be thrown at your sisters."

Riou headed for the back door. On a lark, Viktor and Flik decided to accompany him. Flik decided that meeting this stranger was probably safer than remaining inside the battlefield of a house. The door opened onto a plank walkway over marshy ground. The light was starting to fail, and Flik could hear the droning of the night insects.

Riou led the way, carefully avoiding the planks that were rotten or mossy. Flik began to wonder how far back the path led when he heard the sound of flowing water. In the murk ahead, he could make out two figures, one standing and one sitting with a fishing pole extended out into the water. The standing one was wearing a long green robe and had blond hair done up in a long ponytail.

"Who's there?" the blond challenged. He began to turn, his broad axe suddenly becoming visible.

"We're from the inn," Riou replied.

Flik might've added more, but he found himself unable to speak, shock overwhelming his brain. The figure continued turning, revealing a blue shirt and pants, and crossed scars on his cheek.

"From the inn?" the sitting one asked. "Is it dinnertime already? I guess you were right, Gremio, we weren't going to catch any fish today." He stood up, collecting a bucket of bait in one hand and his weapon of choice, a long staff, in the other. The ends of his red tunic flopped down over tan pants. As usual, his green bandanna was tied back amidst his black hair. He turned around and, with a bit of a smile on his face, said, "Hello Viktor. Hello Flik. And you must be the leader of the New State Army, Riou. It's my pleasure to greet you all." His deep brown eyes sparkled, reflecting the setting sun. He nudged Gremio. "See, didn't I tell you we'd meet them again?"

"As always, young master, your perceptions are spot on," Gremio replied.

Flik's feet involuntarily pushed him ahead, straight past Riou. He was peripherally aware that Viktor's emotions were carrying him forward too. Gremio and Tir McDohl had only a moment to flinch before Viktor and Flik caught them up in a giant group hug.

Flik alternated between laughing and crying, but managed to get out, "Where have you two been all this time? Everybody was worried sick when you disappeared from the palace. There were even rumors that you'd been kidnapped."

"From one who faked his own death, that's very shameless," Gremio quipped.

"I didn't have much choice in the matter," Flik said.

"Off of me, you great oafs," Tir protested. "I'd forgotten how strong the two of you are. Not that your little disappearing act fooled me. Had either of you two died, I'm certain my Rune would've let me know. It's rather cruel that way."

More than anything else, mentioning the Soul Eater sobered the scene up. When Viktor and Flik finally disengaged, Viktor asked, "You've still got it, then?"

Tir shrugged. "Of course I've got it. It's not like I'm going to pry it off and leave it by the side of the road for anyone to pick up. There are far too many unscrupulous types out there who wouldn't hesitate at the chance to get that kind of power. Besides, I wouldn't wish the Soul Eater's curse on anyone, not even my worst enemy."

"Young master, I really wish you wouldn't be so casual about that. It makes me worry for you."

Tir patted Gremio on the shoulder. "I suppose you're right. After all, the Rune did bring you back to me. Never mind, it's time for dinner and I'm hungry." He walked past Viktor and Flik, heading towards Riou. "All of this has probably got you confused, but I don't want to talk about it over dinner. I'd rather that my identity not get out, thank you very much." He paused for a moment and looked back towards Viktor and Flik. "Are there any other people who know me here?"

"Sheena and Stallion," Flik answered.

Now Tir frowned. "The elf's okay, but you can't trust Sheena not to blab, especially not with a pretty face nearby. Viktor, Flik, you're going to have to break this to them. I'm not going to waltz in and have them start singing my praises all over town."

"You're taking this hiding thing seriously," Viktor stated.

"It began the moment I accepted the Soul Eater from Ted," Tir replied. "I've been treading destiny's course ever since then."

"But it was your choice to take the Rune?" Riou asked.

"Maybe," Tir allowed. "Is Luc with you? No, stupid question. Of course he's there. He'd probably say that my destiny was set at birth, as immutable as his Tablet of Stars. I'm not sure I believe that, but…" He shrugged again. "Never forget that you're dealing with a will and intelligence greater than your own. I'm sure that the Soul Eater understands me better than I understand it, and that gives it an advantage when it wants to guide me. I bet you the Bright Shield is the same way."

"Now, now, young master. It's not fair of you to challenge him like that. You've had your Rune much longer than he's had his."

Riou looked as though he wanted to ask more questions, but Tir forestalled him. "Later. Now, if Viktor and Flik would kindly precede me in and make sure Stallion and Sheena understand the situation. I'm actually quite hungry for once."

Sudden screaming from the direction of the village halted the conversation. Flik's sword gave a harsh whisper as he drew it from its sheath. Viktor drew the Star Dragon Sword off his back, while Tir dropped the pail of bait to take a firmer grip on his staff. Gremio shifted his axe to both hands, and Riou had his tonfa out.

"Bandits," Gremio warned.

"With apologies to the ones we worked with during the war, I don't really like that sort," Tir said. "I suppose dinner can wait." He sprinted down the planks and into the marsh heading directly towards the fighting.

Flik started after him. He heard Viktor laugh. "Just like old times! It's great."

"Is that really Tir McDohl?" Riou asked.

"The young master is being incredibly impetuous today," Gremio remarked. "More so than normal."

They broke out of the line of trees at the north end of Banner, where the skirmish was raging. In the evening shadows, it was hard to determine the bandits' exact number, but it was clearly a raid in force. As Flik suspected, the town had civilian militia, but they appeared to have been caught off guard by the raid.

Of course, the bandits weren't ready for a flank attack either. Tir was still in the lead as he cracked his staff onto the head of one of the bandits, then swung it around and pulled another off his feet. Flik locked his sword with one of the bandits and drove him to his knees by main force. He heard one of Riou's tonfa cracking bone.

As quickly as it began, the melee ebbed. The bandits were in flight, though the creaking of wagon wheels suggested that they were escaping with loot. The bandit in front of Flik wisely dropped his weapon when Flik put his blade to the bandit's neck. He was the only opponent still conscious at this end of the battle.

The leaders of the village militia approached to find out who had come along and forced the enemy to retreat. They were quite surprised at how few warriors were at Tir's end of the battle. It also turned out that the others from the inn hadn't hung back either. Nanami burst out of the crowd, her rod in hand, and hugged Riou fiercely, chiding him for slipping away from her watchful sight. Simone, a rose brooch pinned prominently on his collar, walked forward to congratulate Riou on a "most masterful military maneuver." When Sheena and Stallion appeared, Viktor intercepted them before they could see Tir and had some quiet, yet forceful, words with them.

The bandit prisoners were turned over to the leaders of the militia, and Riou's party retired to the inn and had a well-deserved dinner consisting mostly of a fish and potato chowder. Throughout the meal, Flik kept glancing in Tir's direction. He couldn't help himself; there were dozens of questions that he wanted to ask. Unfortunately, as soon as they finished eating, Tir and Gremio retired to one of the rooms. Nanami had appropriated another as her sleeping quarters. Oulan posted herself at the head of the hall leading to the guestrooms. The remainder of the men took up spots in the dining room.

Naturally, it didn't take them long to begin discussing Tir's presence, albeit in hushed tones.

"Why would Lord Tir McDohl be in a backwater town like this, of all places?" Sheena asked.

"You don't think he was waiting for me?" Riou wondered aloud.

"Yeah, maybe he's going to work with you," Viktor suggested. "Of all the help we could ever hope to get from Toran, his would definitely be the greatest."

Flik shook his head, then realized no one would see the motion in the darkness and replied, "No. I don't think he's going to join the New State Army. Think about what he said today- he doesn't want people to know where he is. He's trying to hide himself, that's why he was here."

"Seems an utter waste," Simone said. "He's the hero of our country. He ought to return to Gregminster. We can protect him well enough."

"In the middle of a human city?" Stallion protested. "Never. The best place for Lord McDohl would be among the elves. We understand what it is to have long lives and to live apart from humanity. We could protect him behind our strong enchantments and illusions."

"Gentlemen, let's not argue," Freed chided. He was ignored.

"How strong were those enchantments against the Burning Mirror?" Simone retorted.

"That was the fault of those cursed Dwarves," Stallion argued back, raising his voice. "And you stinking humans. You're always ready to seize upon any new weapon, regardless of the consequences."

Flik heard the noble and the elf rise to their feet. Their discussion was about to degenerate rapidly into a brawl. Knowing what Viktor was likely to do, Flik crept towards Stallion, grabbing him from behind. From the inglorious squawk that Simone emitted, Viktor had similarly restrained the noble.

"Okay, let's calm down now," Flik ordered.

"I am calm," Stallion seethed. "You humans just make me edgy, that's all. If you don't mind, I think I'll sleep outside. Much better for my nerves than being cooped up with a bunch of smelly humans."

Flik released his grip on the elf, who ducked out the front door as quickly as he could. When Stallion was gone, Viktor let Simone go.

"What an ungrateful creature!" the noble complained. "We fought a war to make sure they could keep living on their homeland and that's how they treat us?"

"I think I understand," Riou murmured softly, "why Tir McDohl chooses not to return."

The room was silent. Flik nodded his assent to Riou's rebuke. Viktor probably was doing the same, though Flik couldn't see him. But what of Sheena and Simone, not to mention Stallion? Did they understand Tir McDohl's actions?

Given how hot it was inside the inn, Flik almost envied Stallion, but the droning of the night insects kept him from going outside. He was used to sleeping in cramped, uncomfortable quarters, so he did manage to rest. In the morning, Gremio emerged from Tir's room to make breakfast, but Tir remained out of sight. Nanami joined the men for the meal, complaining about how poorly she had slept. Flik didn't sympathize, though he also didn't tell her how foolish she sounded.

Midway through the meal, there was a knock at the door. Ellie got up to answer it. From his spot at the table, Flik could see her speaking with one of the militiamen. The man's face was stern as he delivered his news, and Ellie started in surprise at one point. When she finally closed the door and turned towards the table, Flik could see how distressed she was.

"It's Ko. He didn't return home last night, and now the bandits have sent a ransom demand."

All of the eating stopped. "That's terrible!" Gremio exclaimed. "What is the town going to do about it?"

Ellie was on the verge of tears. "Nothing. They won't pay the ransom because they don't want to encourage more kidnapping."

"Why don't they rescue him?" Viktor asked.

"Nobody goes up into the mountains where the bandits have their fort," Ellie answered, sniffing. Suddenly she grew angry. "Oh, the cowards, all of them! They're not going to risk themselves for the sake of a child."

The door in the hall banged open. Tir was standing there, tying on his bandanna. "Then we'll have to do it ourselves. Gremio, are you ready to go?"

"Of course, young master."

"I'm joining you," Riou declared.

"Yes," Nanami added. "Kidnappers must be punished. I'll beat them all until they're sorry." Oulan nodded her agreement.

Flik got up from his chair. It wasn't going to be that easy, but he did admire Nanami's willingness to risk herself. "I think we'd all better go," he said.

"To think that this is happening in South Window territory," Freed replied bitterly. "Even if it wasn't my official duty, I'd go with you."

"Right on," Viktor spoke. Sheena and Simone were also on their feet, and Stallion was waiting for them by the front door.

The elf shrugged. "Even I can't run when it's a little kid in danger, human or elf."

Tir walked over to Ellie. "Don't worry. Just tell the boy's mother that we'll get him back. I promise we will."

They didn't actually get out the door until the family had given them food for the day. It was a brisk walk to the north of the village, where a burnt wooden gate gave testament to the bandits' attack last night. Beyond the gate was the forested wild of the Banner Mountains.

Stallion sprinted ahead to take point and scout the path. The rest of the party made their way after him. The course they were on was little more than a game trail running through the trees and up the slope. Flik concentrated on listening to the forest as he walked, though he trusted the elf to find any ambushes before they had to fight.

The woods were full of birdsong, and if it weren't for the fact that Flik was grimly expecting to fight at the end of the journey, he could imagine that he was taking a stroll in the forests back in Lorimar. He almost laughed when they startled a family of deer, who bounded away through the trees, white tails up. The day was hot, but not unpleasantly so, at least not yet. Likewise, the sky was clear save for a few puffy clouds.

Eventually Stallion guided them onto the trail of the bandits' wagon. They had turned east from the town, and now the ruts clearly led towards the south. The path began to descend, going down into a little valley between the hills. There was a rocky streambed at the bottom of the valley, but only a trickle of water ran through it in the middle of summer.

Beyond the stream was more climbing. The slope became quite steep, and in places it was clear that the bandits had had to manhandle the wagon to keep going. It was in the middle of the afternoon when Stallion came back again, announcing that he had found their stronghold.

"It's really quite impressive," the elf declared. "Words alone can't describe it. You'll have to see it for yourself." As Stallion led them up a sharp slope, the trees began to thin out, and Flik squinted as the light became brighter. It also became distinctly warmer as the shade receded. The elf put up one hand in warning as they reached the crest of the ridge. "You'd better get down. From here on there's very little cover." He bent over and carefully worked his way forward. They went parallel to the crest for a while, until they came across a jumble of large rocks. In the shadow of the boulders, Stallion pointed towards the bandits' camp.

Flik gaped. The fort sat at the bottom of a depression, with a single winding road as the only feasible approach. A wooden palisade arced around three sides of the structure. The fourth was backed against a sheer cliff wall that rose more than a hundred feet. Moreover, he could see that the cliff was manmade, not natural.

"Did they make that themselves?" Sheena whispered.

It was Freed who had the answer. "No. This is probably the site of an old quarry. During the time of the monarchy, they used the river to transport worked stone for the roads and fortifications."

"Pretty clever of the bandits to use it as a fort," Viktor observed. "Maybe we're not up against the usual scum."

"I don't care," Nanami said. "We're strong enough. Let's go down there and teach them a lesson."

Tir had walked to the very edge of the ridge. "Where are their lookouts, Stallion?"

"There posted on that cliff," Stallion answered. "If you had my eyes, you'd be able to see them…there…there…and there." He pointed to each location.

Tir paused to think for a moment. It was then that Flik realized that everyone, even Riou, was deferring to the bearer of the Soul Eater. He hadn't questioned it before because it was simply so natural. Tir McDohl was meant to lead.

"Stallion, would it be possible for you to loop around and take out those positions?" Tir asked.

"Not without raising an alarm. They're placed so that each is visible from the other two. Even I'm not fast enough to attack them all at once."

"No, I suppose not. But I don't want to charge into the fight when they know we're coming." He contemplated again. "We'll just have to go around and launch simultaneous attacks on those scouts. We've got enough people for it."

A clamor from the camp drew everyone's attention. Though Flik couldn't clearly see what was happening, he could tell that something had upset the bandits, something from within the fort. As he watched, one of the buildings started to flame.

"They're distracted now," Riou said.

Nanami nodded. "Let's attack!"

Tir McDohl smiled. "Sometimes you have to accept what destiny gives you. Let's go!"