Chapter 57 – Formalities

Much to Flik's surprise, the staff of the McDohl mansion didn't complain in the least that they'd have to prepare several guest bedrooms for service on short notice. In fact, when he attempted to set the sheets for his own bed, Cleo politely shooed him away and took over the duty herself. Furthermore, Nanami and Oulan shot him dirty looks when he tried to stick around and help, then promptly set about aiding Cleo. Flik shrugged his shoulders in helpless resignation.

Pahn had been watching this display from the door, chuckling. "Women are strange that way. Cleo will go to all that trouble just to set your room up, but doesn't even care to keep mine clean while I'm away."

Cleo looked up from tucking in the sheets. "Your room is a sty, Pahn. Besides, you're away for months on end. I'm not going to clean up for someone who doesn't appreciate it."

"I like my room the way it is," Pahn countered. "I know where everything is."

Flik abandoned the conversation, making his way back downstairs to find the sitting room where Tir and the others were. As he entered, Simone was speaking.

"I regret that we have not had the chance to meet before. My father was on such bad terms with yours, but I do hope that you'll put all that behind us. Consider the house of Verdricci at your service."

Talk about his father appeared to make Tir uncomfortable. He waved his hand dismissively, sitting forward in an armchair. "It's no problem, Lord Verdricci. What happened in the past should stay there. Anyway, I'm not about to reenter politics in the Republic, so you don't need to swear service to me."

Riou, Freed, Viktor, and Stallion were also in the room, seated at various chairs. Flik noted that Viktor looked bored with the conversation. Simone had paused to think of a response and now spoke as Flik crossed the room to an empty chair. "Well, I guess I've already made a commitment to Lord Riou, so I must honor that first. Nevertheless, the house of Verdricci stands in alliance with you, Lord McDohl."

That title discomforted Tir noticeably, but he recovered and turned to Riou. "How about it? How did your meeting with Lepant go?"

"I think it went well," Riou answered. "He says we'll talk about specifics tomorrow."

Tir nodded. "I see. Then let's not talk about wars tonight. Instead, let me show you around the house. All of you, in fact. I don't think any of you have been inside here."

Viktor got up from his chair. "I'm game."

Tir led them from room to room, explaining a little of the history of the McDohl family as he did so. To Flik, the atmosphere of the interior was at once similar and strikingly different from the Silverberg manor. There was the same feeling of antiquity, but it wasn't nearly as oppressive. Then again, this house had nothing like the hall of Silverberg portraits. Flik had never felt entirely comfortable with generations of strategists staring down at him.

They were passing the bedrooms on the second floor when Nanami interrupted Tir's commentary. "Wait! Did you say that someone died in that room?"

"Yes. It was my great-grandmother."

Nanami peered dubiously into the room. "Doesn't that creep you out? Did anyone die in my room?"

Tir looked thoughtful as he considered the question. "Well, people have been living in this house for more than two hundred years, so it wouldn't surprise me if there was a death for every room."

Flik was tempted to bring up Nanami's last encounter with a ghost, but kept his mouth shut. Nanami paled and grabbed Riou's arm fiercely. "Well, if there are any ghosts, my brother will beat them off." Riou frowned.

Eventually they came to the last door of the hall. Tir hesitated and finally said, "This was my room. I guess that's the end of the tour."

"Just a minute," Viktor declared. "Let's see the inside."

"No way," Tir replied. "I haven't been in there since I fled during the war. Who knows how much dust is covering everything?"

"All the more reason to find out," Viktor answered. "Come on, I want to see where the leader of the Liberation Army grew up."

"I shouldn't have said anything." He grabbed the doorknob. "Well, here you go."

The room was smaller than Flik thought it would be. He knew that Tir didn't act like a pampered noble, but some part of Flik expected that the room would reflect Tir's wealth. Instead, beyond the door was a modest room with a few dressers, a desk, mirror, window, and bed. A small book lay on the desk, open, and covered in dust.

Flik took one step in the book's direction before Tir began shooing them out of the room. "Okay, you've seen enough. Let's go check on Gremio, see how dinner's coming along."

Despite Tir's pestering, Gremio had dinner served before too long. The dining room was on the second floor. When Flik walked in, he could smell Gremio's savory stew along with freshly baked rolls. Flik took one of the chairs at the center of the table, closest to the food. It was no surprise when Pahn and Viktor sat down on either side of him.

Tir, on the other hand, seemed to waver over which place to take, until Gremio said, "Young master, you should sit there." He pointed to a large chair almost directly across from Flik.

Tir shook his head. "That's my father's," he said quietly.

"It is yours now, young master. You are the head of the family."

Frowning, Tir took his place at the table, but his sour mood didn't last long at the sight of Gremio's cooking. "This looks great!" He began to reach for the stew ladle.

Gremio cleared his throat. "Young master, how about a grace?"

Again Tir frowned. "Oh. My father usually said- no, I understand." He closed his eyes and bowed his head, searching for the proper words. Flik followed suit. Eventually Tir said, "In the name of the Twenty-Seven True Runes, let us give thanks for the blessings of this table, and the blessings of good company." There was a pause before he added. "Strange, praying to something that's attached to my hand. I wonder what it thinks of that. Never mind, let's eat."

Viktor laughed as Flik opened his eyes. "I've got one of the more talkative ones on my sword. How about it, Star Dragon Sword, what do you think about your god-hood?" The sword, to Flik's relief, remained silent.

Though the stew was a simple mixture of beef, potatoes, and carrots, it was one of the best that Flik had ever had. Much of the conversation during the meal revolved around praising Gremio's cooking skills, until he finally blushed and asked that they stop. Afterwards, the discussion remained on safe grounds. Tir asked Cleo and Pahn what they had been up to in his absence. Simone spoke about the gossip that passed among the nobles, though he admitted that his stay in Radat had rendered him out-of-date.

Because dinner had started late, Flik retired to his room when the meal was done. As he closed the door, he could almost imagine that he was in a different mansion, in a different time. He shook the feeling from his head, prepared for bed, and finally blew out his candle. His rest that night was troubled, interrupted several times as he woke up and tried to figure out where he was. At one point, he leapt out of bed to check on the guard, only to remember that he wasn't in the Silverberg mansion and there was no guard.

He was still tired when the sun's rays began to pour in from the east-facing window. Groaning, Flik turned over and tried to get some more rest. He could hear the other inhabitants of the house getting up and walking about. Before long, one set of footsteps approached his door, followed by thunderous knocking.

"Yo, Flik, time to get going!" Viktor shouted. "They're serving breakfast, and I'm planning to eat your portion if you're not there when it's served." Knowing the threat was real, Flik sat up as Viktor opened the door and walked in. "You don't look very awake," Viktor opined. "Maybe you'd better sit today out and rest up. I can help Riou by myself."

"I'm up, I'm up," Flik replied. "Just give me a moment to dress and get my hair in order." He ran one hand over his head, feeling his hair sticking out in various directions. "And don't you dare touch my breakfast!"

Breakfast was a less formal affair than dinner. Flik trooped down to the kitchen to find Gremio cooking up skillets full of omelets stuffed with cheese, mushrooms, and bacon. As he searched for a chair, he heard Simone speaking with Riou. "Never fear, dear friend. While you are up at the castle negotiating with the President, I shall be out canvassing my friends in Gregminster. Between us, there'll be so much pressure on the Senate that they'll have to go along with the alliance."

Nanami's looked completely bored by the talk of politics. When Simone finished speaking, she said, "I hope there'll be time to walk around the city. I want to see what they're selling in those shops."

Cleo laughed. "I'll come with you. I'm sure your brother can make time for a little shopping expedition at some point."

"After a few days of mindless blather, even I'll be able to enjoy shopping," Viktor commented. Then he set to work eating his fourth omelet.

When the meal was finished- not before both Pahn and Viktor had consumed several more omelets- everyone gathered by the front doors to the McDohl mansion. There were several rounds of handshakes and hugs. Gremio suggested that they come back again when they had the chance, to which Viktor replied that they should expect them every night.

Finally, Tir stepped forward to speak with Riou. "I don't envy you," he said gravely. "I know what you're going through, and yet can't offer you any concrete advice. I wish I could tell you exactly what steps to take to win the war, to end the killing. Still, let me say this to you. With your Rune, you control a piece of destiny. However, there are things that are more important than great battles and the fates of nations. Things that are much more valuable. If you lift your eyes to some distant horizon but forget to see the friends around you who need you, then you will fail, even if you win."

"I understand," Riou answered.

"All right. Good luck, then. I'll be praying for your success."

They departed, retracing their steps along the streets towards the palace. Flik took the chance to really look at Gregminster. The morning was clear and mild, and he could feel the distant sea breeze in the air. Every road seemed to be bustling with people out running midweek errands or enjoying the fine weather. The Plaza of the Golden Goddess was crowded. Flik could hear dozens of different vendors at once, not to mention several minstrels.

With a certain amount of relief, Flik realized that they didn't stand out at all. How could they? They had to compete with a delegation of elves from the Great Forest, several dwarven blacksmiths engaged in a shouting match, and a merchant who was transporting cages with giant owls in them. The latter man was arguing with an inspector at the edge of the reflecting pool. Ahead of them, a knight in green and orange was manfully shouting for recruits above the din of noise. This brought a chuckle to Flik. He'd seen the Knights of Kamaro only once before in his life, and this man was a long way from home.

As they approached the palace, Flik noticed a long line of petitioners and sightseers waiting to enter. However, Varkas was there to guide them past the crowd and through the gates. They were led to a different room in the palace, not the audience hall, but a conference room where they could negotiate away from prying eyes. Lepant and Tesla were there, as were Sheena, Alen, and Grenseal. There were also two women that hadn't been present before. Flik recognized General Valeria immediately, but it took him a moment for him to place the other as the Rokkaku ninja Kasumi. Just like several other members of the Liberation Army, Kasumi had matured in the intervening two years. As an afterthought, Flik saw that there was another man in the room, one that he didn't recognize.

Lepant stood up to greet the delegation from Jowston. "Welcome. Let us dispense with the formalities and get right to the meat of the discussion." He gestured towards the unfamiliar man. "This is Gordon. He's a wealthy factor here in Gregminster who's agreed to be the financial agent for our side of the alliance. He'll be in charge of transporting the army up the Dunan River. After that, he'll join you in Dunan Castle to coordinate our expenses."

Flik studied Gordon more closely. His face, knuckles, and the red cap he wore suggested that he'd had a rough beginning. On the other hand, the fabric of his gray cape and blue shirt looked expensive. Flik stood up, signaling his desire to speak. "If I may ask, why are you sending him? Shouldn't someone from the government be in charge your finances?"

"That would require that we wait while the Senate debates giving us the money. Personally, I hate sitting around waiting for others to take action. Instead, Gordon will bear the immediate monetary costs and receive certain compensations for his services."

"It'll cost a lot of potch to move an army," Flik responded. "You must be offering something valuable in return."

Lepant's smile was almost devious. "I'm offering a guarantee. Or rather, you're the ones who'll be offering it. The condition for this alliance is that Jowston, or whatever political structure you build in its place, repeal all tariffs, taxes, and excises placed on merchants from the Toran Republic."

"Very sneaky," Viktor observed.

"It's robbery!" Freed sputtered. "How can you speak of trust and try to pull a trick like this? South Window needs that potch to maintain roads and irrigation canals. My people would run me out of the province if I returned with conditions like that."

"On the contrary, your people would think you the model of wisdom," Gordon argued. "I've been observing the war up north. Consider all of the fields that have gone unplanted or untended because of the fighting. Jowston will need food before long. Eliminating the tariffs will bring down the costs for me to transport food and, ultimately, the costs to you and your people." His smile matched Lepant's. "Now, do you want to go home and tell your people that food will cost more because of your stubbornness?"

Freed glanced at Riou. "My lord, what do you think?"

"Do the same for us," Riou answered. "You eliminate your taxes on merchants from Jowston."

Gordon laughed. "The kid's no fool."

Lepant's response was less mirthful. "I'll have to argue with the Senate for months to get that passed."

"So what?" Gordon replied. "Making our two countries trading partners is a great idea. Not only is it more potch for both of us, but it'll also make our goods cheaper than Harmonia's. The Senate wouldn't want our merchants to lose revenue to Harmonia, would they?"

"Fine, I'll agree to the terms." Lepant scowled as if he'd bitten into something sour. "But I can't promise the Senate will ratify a free-trade agreement."

"That's fine," Riou said. "If they don't, we'll simply cancel our end of the deal after the war's over."

Lepant's eyes goggled and then he started laughing great big belly laughs. "Such honesty!" the president wheezed finally. "You'll be the end of all politicking once you win the war." He turned to Gordon. "How about it? Are you ready to accept that he'll cut you out if I don't deliver what he wants?"

Gordon shrugged. "If you can't get a simple agreement like that through the Senate, I could always apply for citizenship in Jowston. Lord Riou looks to have some potential as a leader."

"Mercenary," Lepant bantered. He looked at Riou. "When you win the war, don't establish a republic. It brings out the worst natures in all of your associates. Now, do you accept the terms that we've negotiated?"

"They are acceptable," Riou said.

"Good. Let us move on to the matter of soldiers. I have dispatched orders to Kwaba Fortress and the Border Guards. Five thousand men will march north to aid you in the fight against Luca Blight. Their leader will be one of our Six Great Generals, Valeria."

Valeria got up from her seat and bowed formally, careful not to let her brown hair trail into her eyes. Though Flik had not spent much time speaking with her during the Liberation War, he knew that she was serious and dedicated to her work. Even in the conference room, she was wearing a breastplate over her red tunic. When she spoke, her tone was professional, but not unfriendly. "Greetings, Lord Riou. I shall endeavor to bring this war to a swift and victorious conclusion."

Lepant nodded and gestured towards the other woman. "This is General Kasumi, also vice-chancellor of the ninja of Rokkaku. She will lead them in your aid."

In contrast to Valeria, Kasumi smiled broadly as she got up. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Riou. Is that you, Flik, Viktor? I look forward to working with some familiar faces." Her manner was different from Valeria's, but she was ready for battle too. She was wearing a red battle robe and had her black hair cut short. The only frivolous part of her outfit was the pink scarf she had wound around her neck.

"These two women are pillars of the Republic," Lepant stated. "I trust them with all of my heart. I only wish that my duties didn't prevent me from joining them, and you, in your fight against Luca Blight."

"Damn, you're one lucky dog," Sheena commented from his seat. "Father's entrusted not one, but two hot women to you! Makes me almost want to go back north with you. Almost." He winked knowingly. Valeria's expression didn't change, but her right hand balled into a fist. Kasumi blushed, then frowned.

Lepant's face colored with anger. "Sheena…that's enough out of you. I didn't invite you to this important meeting just so you could make inappropriate remarks. You must learn discipline if you are to have any future working with me."

"Yes, dad." He sighed and leaned back in his chair, which promptly tipped over. Lepant rolled his eyes.

Tesla cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I believe all the important points have been considered. With your permission, President, I shall have the proper documents drawn up for the signing ceremony tonight."

"Yes, good. Lord Riou, there will be a formal reception after the signing, in the Hanging Gardens at the top of this palace. Many of the important Senators will be there. That will be your chance to help me sell the alliance. Viktor and Flik, you two should attend as well. If the Senators can see that two legends from the Liberation War are fighting alongside Lord Riou, it will definitely help to sway some votes."

Sweat broke out on Flik's forehead. "A reception? I'm not sure we're really cut out for that kind of crowd."

"You think I like receptions?" Lepant asked, then he laughed. "I was a merchant before the war. Now I've got to spend all of my time pretending to be polite with people who hate me because of my former social class."

Flik still didn't want to attend. He looked to Viktor, who was ready with the next excuse. "We didn't really bring clothes for a formal engagement. I wouldn't want to offend anyone."

Lepant glared. "That's a lie, Viktor, and you know it. You'd go out of your way to offend them, I'm sure. Besides, I want you to attend dressed as you are. It'll remind most of them that they sat out the Liberation War, maybe stir a few guilty consciences over to our side."

"You know, the more I experience it, the less I like politics," Viktor groused.

They remained in the palace for lunch, which was taken on an upper balcony. Lepant kept the conversation away from the war, instead speaking with Riou and Nanami about the various regions of the Republic, and the people therein. He even invited them to tour the country once peace had returned. Nanami enthusiastically accepted the offer, but Flik noted the Riou appeared distracted, as if he wasn't really listening. Lepant seemed to notice too, and didn't press Riou on the point.

After lunch, they retired back to the McDohl mansion. They briefly discussed the day's events before Cleo, Oulan, and Nanami hustled Riou out the front door to do some quick shopping for the reception. Flik was also feeling energetic, and a sudden fancy struck him.

"I'm going to go up the street and see the Silverberg mansion."

"There's not much to see," Pahn said. "It's still the same as before the war, except that nobody lives there."

"So what? I still want to see it."

"You okay?" Viktor asked. "I wouldn't want you to have a breakdown in the middle of the street."

"I'm fine," Flik said firmly, feeling the first pangs of annoyance. "I can take care of myself."

Viktor walked over towards him. "I think I'll go with you. Never did get many chances to see that place."

"Make sure to be back before too late," Gremio warned. "I'm preparing a light meal for you to eat before the reception."

"I hear you," Flik said. He turned towards the doors.

"Wait." Tir's voice brought Flik up short. He turned back to look at the young man, who was smiling slightly. "I hope you find what you're looking for."

The words brought memories rushing out of the recesses of Flik's mind. He tried to block them off, all the while meeting Tir's eyes. Finally, Flik asked, "What does your Rune say…this time?"

Tir shook his head. "The truth, as always. I don't believe that the True Runes even understand the concept of lying. The words that I spoke to you that time were true, but perhaps lacking in perspective on my part."

"I see," Flik said cautiously.

Tir smiled again. "No, you do not. That's the problem. You must find the answer yourself. I hope you do."

Flik tried to shrug casually. "Well then, we'll be back. Let's go, Viktor."