Chapter 69 – No Going Back
After the incident with the Star Dragon Sword, Viktor and Flik hurried on to the barracks. They ran in silence broken only by their breathing and echoing footfalls. Flik's mind was reeling. The sword had said that to carry out Shu's plan would ultimately end up hurting Riou, but Flik couldn't see any alternative. If they didn't follow Shu's orders, Riou would end up imprisoned or dead, the war lost. Flik couldn't even conceive of altering the plan, there were too many things that might go awry.
As they neared the compound, Flik had made his decision. His soldier's instincts told him that it was better to follow through on a plan that was already in place, regardless of the consequences, rather than attempt to come up with a new one on the fly. The two men slowed to a walk, letting the Highland guards pass them through into the barracks. Once inside, Viktor turned to Flik and muttered, "What now? What do we do with what we heard?"
"I'm going to brief Rossgard," Flik answered confidently. Viktor frowned, and he continued, "What will happen to Riou if Shu's strategy fails because we hesitate? If all of our options are bad, I'd still go with what was planned."
Viktor nodded, but his voice sounded unsure. "Yeah. If the sword had given us some alternative plan, maybe things would be different, but we have to go with what we've been given."
Flik had chosen Rossgard to accompany him because of the older man's calm nature. That nature was on display again as the senior sergeant listened to the plan. When Flik was finished, Rossgard only nodded and said, "Well, that explains why you've been so troubled, sir."
"What about the plan?" Flik asked. "Is there anything you think we're overlooking?"
Rossgard shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows? I see no reason to doubt the strategist. All the pieces should be in place when we need them to be. If something goes wrong, we'll just have to survive." The balding sergeant looked up at Flik. "I know that you two can. You've been through more than most of us mercenaries ever will see. If the plan goes bad, you two will still be able to get Lord Riou out, I have no doubt."
Viktor smiled. "You've got that much confidence in us?"
"It's a big country, sir. Full of places where a couple of rogues could live off the land while dodging Highland patrols. As long as you got Lord Riou to the lake, there'd be someone to pick you up and get you back to friendly lines."
"Whatever else happens, we make sure that Riou gets safely out," Flik said, glancing from man to man.
"Whatever happens," Viktor replied.
Rossgard bowed his head. "That is our duty."
In the morning, they gathered by the north gate of Coronet. The day was clear and warm, turning hot as the sun rose higher in the sky. Riou set a leisurely pace out of Coronet, intending to reach the outskirts of Muse City by evening. As soon as they were underway, Flik took a half-company's worth of men and trotted out in front of the main group.
It was a risk, but one that Viktor and Flik had discussed. They needed to establish that the men of Riou's honor guard would also run long patrols, so that no one would comment if a large group of them disappeared for hours on end. Culgan didn't say anything when Flik rode off. Of course the Highlanders might have forces of their own positioned to deal with interlopers.
Flik tried not to think about that as his men crested a hill and the remainder of the diplomatic party was obscured from view. Instead, he focused on the ride. At first there was little to see, but hours passed, and they began to enter the built-up areas closer to Muse. He remembered retreating down the road months ago, fighting through the fleeing civilians as much as fighting the Highlanders. There were buildings that showed evidence of that battle. Some had extensive fire damage. Some were nothing more than burnt husks.
"It's quiet," one of the mercenaries muttered.
It was quiet. Flik scanned the houses and stores more closely, but saw nothing more than a few crows and a rat that poked up from behind a barrel and just as quickly ducked back out of sight. A bead of sweat rolled down from between his eyes.
"Damn," another soldier commented.
"Where the hell are the people?"
"Enough chatter!" Flik snapped. "It doesn't matter where the people are. We've got a job to do: keeping Riou safe. Focus on that. Save the worrying for the people who are paid to do so!" He spurred his horse up to a canter, hoping that concentrating on riding would distract his men. It didn't.
"Captain's jumpier than normal."
"You weren't there when we fought our way south. Damn place is full of ghosts now. Who knows what the Highlanders did to them, but they're all dead."
"Quiet!" Flik shouted, without looking back to see who the offenders were. They shut up.
They moved on to the next cluster of buildings, which was similarly empty. They passed through several more deserted villages as they rode north and then west. Only once did Flik find evidence of anyone living, and that only a hunched over woman who fled before he could get close. No one else was in the villages. No one else moved in the fields around them.
There also wasn't any evidence of Highlanders waiting in ambush, but Flik was savvy enough to know that his men could only cover a little ground. Any Highlanders might just as easily have slipped away. Then, with the sun angling into the west, he caught sight of the cliffs of Muse. This was where everything would come to a head.
He called a halt about a mile short of the city gates. There was no traffic in any direction, no sign of anything human stirring. The city walls weren't even manned. Flik set his camp on the intersection, not wanting to approach any nearer. He sent a pair of riders back to inform Riou.
As he watched his men work, Flik realized that the sun was already close to the western horizon. The hours of summer were growing short. Soon fall would arrive, and with it, changing weather. If the war continued, campaigning would grow increasingly difficult.
Riou came up before the sun had set. Culgan, smiling as always, nodded to Flik as they approached. "No doubt you've found nothing untoward during your little excursion. Allow me to reiterate; Highland wants peace and so we shall have peace, tomorrow."
"You're quite right," Flik retorted. "I couldn't find any Highland soldiers out there. In fact, I didn't see much of anyone at all. Just a bunch of empty fields."
Culgan's smile didn't reach his eyes as he brought his hand up to wipe the sweat off his forehead. "You know how it is. Peasants everywhere are afraid of soldiers. They'll run at the first sight of them."
Flik couldn't help but throw the barb. "In South Window, no one runs from the New State Army. Perhaps you did…something to make them disappear." He turned to look Culgan straight in the eyes.
Culgan couldn't meet the gaze, his smile evaporating under the scrutiny. "There is always unavoidable collateral damage during military operations. No doubt some civilians were killed." His eyes came back, challenging Flik's. "No doubt you've killed civilians too."
Flik was confronted with the image of a boy and his sister on the road, Highland cavalry behind them, and fire rushing down before them. He couldn't argue Culgan's point. Riou suddenly rode forward, turning his horse so that he stood next to Flik. "I was present in Matilda while Highland was conducting operations along the border. I was with Miklotov, near this very spot, at the rising of the Beast Rune. I know what happened." He glared at Culgan. "The fact that civilians fall during battle is terrible, but sometimes forgivable. Rounding people up and slaughtering them in cold blood is not."
Culgan frowned, but found an answer. "But what about civilians who think too much of themselves and choose to fight when they shouldn't? A partisan without a uniform is not subject to the rules of war."
He started to smile again, but the emotion died on his face when Riou narrowed his eyes. Riou's answer came out tight and angry, angry enough to shock Flik. "I saw women and children being rounded up. I saw men who were forced to fight only because you rode them down. That is the truth. Tell me differently if you dare, Culgan. Highland will answer for those deaths." Riou's body was practically shaking at this point and Flik put out a steadying hand on Riou's shoulder.
Now Culgan appeared genuinely worried. "Are you going to jeopardize the peace over a few-"
He paused, unable to continue the thought while looking at Riou's terrible demeanor. Still, Culgan had one more argument to muster. "Lord Riou, the one who had to answer is already dead, slain by your hand. We should put this unpleasantness behind us and work together for peace, not bicker because of the sins of one madman." His horse began to back away from Riou and only stopped with an effort on Culgan's part.
"It took more than one man to round them up. It took more than one man to kill them all." Riou shook his head and the anger that he was holding slipped away. He slumped down in his saddle. "But you are not the one that I have to speak to. Jowy will understand; he always does. Thank you for escorting us this far, Lord Culgan. I will speak with Jowy tomorrow."
Culgan's face brightened now that the pressure was off. "Yes, Lord Riou. That you will, and tomorrow we shall all have peace. It has been my pleasure to travel with you. I bid you a good night." With that, he kicked his horse up into a trot and rode north into the evening gloom, heading for the city gates.
"So, who wants to eat?" Viktor asked, rubbing his stomach. "I don't know about you, but I'm starved."
Food was served up and the meal eaten in silence. Riou's expression was set, his eyes drifting back and forth between the cooking fires and the distant city. Nanami gazed at her brother, concern evident on her face. Viktor appeared calm, but Flik, through long practice, could see the tension in his face. The others – Teresa, Shin, even Chaco – were silent and unreadable. Flik felt an urgent need to shout out, to tell Riou everything. Instead, he spooned more soup into his mouth and swallowed both it and his anxiety down. Only Pilika, whom he noted last, seemed truly at ease. She finished her food and snuggled up next to Nanami.
"I am going to bed," Riou announced when he finished his meal. "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, so I suggest that you all get a lot of rest." He stood up and started to walk away. Nanami quickly hopped to her feet and started after, calling for Pilika to follow.
Flik rose and stretched, yawning as he did so. He and Viktor shared a look. They both might be tired, but there was still so much that they had to do. The two of them excused themselves and walked away. They'd just gotten out of the light when Flik heard footsteps coming up behind them. Both men turned warily to see Shin approaching.
He glowered at them, then, without preamble, said, "Whatever it is that you two must do, don't botch it. If Lady Teresa were killed or captured because of your mistakes, know that I would hunt you down personally."
"That's a cheery thought. Why don't you take care of your own responsibilities?" Viktor snapped.
Shin's frown deepened, so Flik added, "Just stay near Lady Teresa and Riou tomorrow." Shin glared at them for a moment longer, finally turning away and returning to the light.
When they returned to Flik's men, Rossgard was waiting. "Prepare the horses and men for silent riding," Flik ordered. The senior sergeant saluted and jogged off. Flik glanced back towards the fire, only to find that it had been dowsed. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he could see that his men were preparing. He still hadn't told them what this was about, but they were following orders without any obvious complaining. The Blue Moon, a tiny sliver, was following the sun over the western horizon. The Scarlet Moon was not up yet, though it would be half-full when it did so. The first part of the mission would have to be done with only the stars for light.
Before half an hour had passed, Rossgard returned and whispered, "We are ready, sir."
Flik nodded, then looked to Viktor. Now was the moment he dreaded. He opened his mouth, said hesitantly, "Do you want to go get her or should I?"
Viktor shrugged, but that nonchalance wasn't on his voice. "Damn. What if she doesn't want to come with us?"
Flik shook his head. "I don't know."
"Sir?" Rossgard interrupted. He was pointing out into the distance, back towards where they'd eaten. "Someone is approaching us."
"Damn," Viktor whispered, his voice almost reverent.
Pilika silently emerged out of the darkness, carrying an overstuffed teddy bear in her arms. She stopped and stared up expectantly at the three men. Flik addressed her, trying to keep his voice calm. "Did…did Shu speak to you, too?"
She said nothing, but nodded distinctly.
"You know the plan, then?"
Another nod.
Flik knew the answer to the next question – her presence was answer enough – but he asked it anyway. "And, you're all right with it? You don't mind that we're taking you away from Riou and Nanami?"
In the months since Riou and Jowy had brought her back from Toto, Pilika had never once spoken to Flik. Indeed, since the attack on the fort, she'd been completely silent, rarely leaving the side of Nanami or Leona. Now, even though she didn't speak, Flik could feel her conviction as she stood before him and nodded one last time. There was no going back.
"We ride at once," Flik ordered. "Pilika, you will go with Viktor. He will keep you safe until we arrive."
Viktor bent down to pick up Pilika. "Up you go, now. I've got you." With Pilika secure, the three men jogged over to where Flik's men were assembled. They mounted and, without any explanation, Flik led them off, heading down the road to the east. He felt a moment's regret for Riou, who would wake up tomorrow morning to find that his escort had vanished. Hopefully Chaco or Shin would have an excuse prepared. The plan had to hold up now, that was all that mattered.
They rode on at a walk for about an hour before Flik called out a halt. At Rossgard's urging, the men arranged themselves in a circle around Flik to hear what he had to say. Flik put on his bravest voice and slowly explained the situation. He couldn't really see his men's faces. It was probably better that way. He wasn't able to see if they were afraid or if they doubted. After explaining the plan, he had one further admonition. "Once we begin, I won't stop except for a few breaks. No one is to slow down for any other reason. If your horse pulls up lame or you get injured and can't keep up, pull out of the column and try to hide. Make your way back to South Window as you are able. That is all. Now, back in formation, men! We begin!"
He set off at a trot, continuing east. He'd selected the strongest horses for this mission, but it would still be a test for both man and beast. He shook his head and tried not to think about how tired he'd be at the end of this. The night was cool and they covered ground swiftly on the paved road. Three hours saw them to Bernand's Crossing, where Flik had the men rest for fifteen minutes before moving on, this time heading north. He remembered this ground, remembered retreating down the road when Muse fell.
The road sloped gently as they went north, rising to meet the level of the cliffs to the west. Even this slight incline began to tell after a while, and the formation became ragged, a few of the men lagging behind. No one had gone down, though, which Flik thought was a minor miracle. One misplaced foot in this darkness would mean a horse with a broken leg.
Time flowed by. The Scarlet Moon came up in the east and had ascended over Flik's right shoulder by the time he turned off the road, heading back to the west. He could distantly make out the walls of the Dawn Fort, easternmost of the Ring Forts guarding the city and cliffs of Muse. Traversing the fields was slower than riding the road. For all his care, one horse did go down, whinnying sharply as it hit the ground. Flik didn't turn to see which mount it was. Instead, he ordered, "Ride on!" This command was quickly passed down the line. He whispered a quiet prayer for the man they'd left behind.
The eastern sky was beginning to grow pale when they reached the Dawn Fort. Once again, Flik let his men rest momentarily while he sent a pair of scouts forward to see what they could. One reported back, saying the fort was empty, while the other scaled the walls to open the doors from the inside. So far all of Shu's predictions had come true. The Highland Army was too depleted to man the Ring Forts.
Flik chivied his men through the fort. The sun was rising red in the east, coming up through a layer of distant clouds. They no longer had the cloak of night to conceal their movements, and the negotiations were set to begin one hour before noon. There was much ground to cover in the four and a half hours remaining to them.
They followed the road west out of the dawn fort. The day was rapidly warming up, making the going rougher. A headache was building behind Flik's eyes. He tried to shake it off, but the pain persisted. His stomach gurgled, portending another pain that he wouldn't be able to take care of for a while.
The sun rose higher, and Flik's shadow to the west shrank back to meet him. Finally, shimmering in the distance, he caught sight of the conference hall. Warily, he scanned the horizon, starting from dead ahead and working his way around to the north. Every direction was clear, there were no Highland soldiers in evidence. At the hall itself, he thought he could see a few officials standing around. Clearly, the negotiations hadn't yet started.
Flik ordered his men back behind the shelter of some trees to rest, then called Rossgard and Viktor up. "As soon as Riou and the rest of them arrive, we move, quickly and decisively. Rossgard, take half the men and secure the causeway down to the street level of Muse. I will take the rest of the men and secure the perimeter of the conference hall. Viktor, you get Riou out of there. Got it?"
"Sir!" Rossgard answered.
"Looks like they're here," Viktor replied. "Let's do it."
Flik gazed back to the west. A group of people had just emerged from the causeway. It was too far to make anyone out clearly, but the numbers appeared to be correct. He waited a moment longer, until everyone had disappeared into the hall.
"Up!" Flik shouted. "Forward, at a canter. For Riou!" His men responded with a ragged cheer. The conference hall came into better focus, growing larger in Flik's sight. Now that they were nearer, he could see a couple of sentries patrolling the roof. One was pointing at Flik's men, while another was shielding his eyes against the sun, apparently trying to make them out. Flik waved to them, hoping to confuse them, hoping to buy a few more desperate seconds.
Closer now, the stone building started to loom up. There was a shout from above, and Flik saw one of the guards ready a crossbow, while the other turned to spread the warning. Flik brought up his hand. The range was long, but he had to attempt it. The crossbow clacked as Flik released a blast of lightning. The crossbow bolt clattered harmlessly off the road. Flik's electrical bolt smashed into the other man, the shouter, who tumbled off the roof. As if that were a signal, more archers appeared on the rooftop. A few Highlanders also appeared from the main entrance of the building.
Flik's men raced forward, riding right past the main entrance, heading for the visitor's side entrance. "Go, Viktor!" he shouted. Viktor didn't hesitate, pulling his horse up, he slid off, Pilika still in his hands. She'd fallen asleep during the night ride, but now stirred to wakefulness as Viktor slipped through the door. A crossbow bolt whined dangerously close to Flik, and he looked back to the battle.
Rossgard's men were already beyond to the west, streaming down the causeway. Meanwhile, Flik's men had pulled out their bows and were trading shots with the archers on the roof. Flik sent another blast of lightning up. It crashed against the side of the building, sending up a spray of rock shards and plaster. Another Highlander fell from the roof, an arrow stuck in his stomach. One of Flik's men went down with a bolt stuck in his leg. One more man that Flik couldn't afford to help.
"Sir, we've got enemy cavalry coming!" one of his men shouted. Flik looked over, then flinched aside when an iron bolt streaked right by his shoulder. Another round of lightning kept the archers down for a moment, long enough for Flik to confirm that there was indeed Highland cavalry approaching from the northeast. Lots of Highland cavalry. Flik guessed that he had about five more minutes. What was taking Viktor so long? Another mercenary was screaming, a crossbow bolt stuck in his shoulder.
Shin emerged from the visitor's entrance, regarded the growing battle and pulled back, shielding Lady Teresa as she came out.
"We've got mounts for you!" Flik shouted. "Come on, move! Where's Viktor?"
Shin and Teresa sprinted, ducking as another volley of crossbow bolts was fired. More men went down. One bolt slid between the legs of Flik's horse. "Behind us," the taciturn bodyguard answered.
His words were true. Viktor propelled Riou out the door with a push, carrying Nanami under one arm. Riou looked stunned; he didn't appear to see the battle around him. Nanami was screaming, flailing at Viktor. "Go back and get Pilika!" she shouted. "Go back and get her!"
"That's one order I won't follow!" Viktor yelled back. "Get to the horses! Move, Riou!" He shoved Riou again, grabbing the scruff of his shirt and pushing him onward.
"Rally to me!" Flik commanded. "Rally to me!" His men started falling back. He could hear the Highland cavalry approaching. The ground was beginning to rumble from the sound of their hooves.
"You will get up there, Nanami, or so help me I will tie you to the horse like a sack of potatoes!" Viktor shouted. "Stop hitting me, damn girl!"
Nanami was stunned into silence. Flik risked a look back and saw tears streaming down her face. Sullenly, she climbed into the saddle. "Let's go!" Flik commanded, turning his horse. "Ride with me!"
They'd only been there a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity to Flik. Sweat was running down his face, staining his clothes. His headache was so intense that he felt lightheaded for a few seconds. His men were riding around him, Viktor leading Riou and Nanami at the head of the column. More crossbow bolts zipped by, one hitting an unfortunate man directly in the back. He twitched and fell out of his saddle, dashing his head hard against the pavement. Flik, at the rear of the column, rode past without looking.
The chase was on. Flik's men gained the causeway, fleeing down it almost at a mad gallop. Flik shouted to slow their pace, to think of the horses, but no one was listening. Highlanders appeared above them at the edge of the cliff, and fired more arrows down. The retreat was rapidly degenerating into a rout, and there was little Flik could do to control it. He plunged onward, hoping that Rossgard had secured the bottom.
He had. The sight of his men standing ready restored a sense of order to the flight. Flik was last off the causeway, entering the city under a large arch that stood at the foot of the cliffs. Rossgard's men were rolling barrels against the sides of the arch as Flik came out into the sunlight.
"What're you doing?" Flik asked.
"Thought I'd try and find a way to slow down the pursuit," Rossgard offered. "One of my men found these barrels full of oil, so I thought I'd try and make things hot for our friends." He gestured back up the causeway, where the Highlanders were flowing down in pursuit. "If you would do the honors, captain."
Flik nodded. The barrels exploded into flame when hit by his lightning, the fire crackling all along the base of the arch. Flik sent another bolt out, this time aiming for the stone of the base. The impact scorched the stone, sending a chunk flying out. It was a pitiful gesture, hardly enough to bring the thing tumbling down. Flik swayed in his saddle, vision blurring.
"That's enough, sir. We can only do so much. It's time to go, captain." Underscoring the point, an arrow sliced over the arch, skittering along the street. Flik turned his horse and, with Rossgard's soldiers around him, started after Viktor.
He had detailed the few men from Muse that he did have to guide them through the city streets. These pathfinders were invaluable now, leading them down twisting alleys and side streets, but always in the right direction, heading southeast. Everywhere they went, there was nothing but empty buildings. At one point, they emerged onto the broad avenue that led from the executive buildings down to the south gate. From end to end, Flik could see that it was completely empty. Only the trees lining the center of the road stood watch now. He shook his head and hurried on.
The mercenaries began to tire from the exertion. It was all Flik could do simply to focus on his riding now. He'd already seen a few men fall completely out of their saddles. Reaching the head of the column, he shook his head, trying to get some sense of their situation. They were riding down another alley, the multi-story dwellings looming overhead to either side. Looking up, he could see a thin strip of the sky, clouding over in the late afternoon heat. The sun was behind him, the east wall of the city before him.
His men, exhausted all, came out of the alley onto a street leading directly to the gate. A line of Highlanders was waiting for them in front of that exit, both archers and infantry with spears. They weren't many, but they were rested. Viktor came up alongside Flik and shook his head, sending sprays of sweat in all directions. "This does not look good, Flik."
"What now?" Nanami snapped. "What now?" Riou was still staring straight ahead, not reacting to anything.
"Shu said the gate would be open," Flik answered wearily. "He did."
"He's obviously wrong," Viktor replied. "Are we strong enough to push them aside?"
It was hard for Flik to concentrate. "If we had the Fire Spears."
"We don't," Viktor said. There'd been no way to take them. It would've alerted the Highlanders that something was up.
"I don't know," Flik responded. "We have to try, right?"
Suddenly a commotion broke out among the waiting Highlanders. To Flik's utter amazement, the gates slowly started to part, opening wide to the countryside beyond. He could distinctly hear shouting from the gatehouse.
"Give that back, you damn Winger!"
Chaco climbed out of the gatehouse onto the parapet of the wall and took to the air, dodging the arrows that were sent up from below. He was holding a black, iron lever in his hand. "Sorry, but Shu told me the gate will close if I give this back to you! Now, let's help Riou get out of here!"
In an instant, the air was filled with Winghorde fighters. They climbed out of the upper stories of houses, flying straight at the Highlanders. Flik gathered his men up and shouted, "Keep riding! Don't stop to fight, let the Wingers do that for us! Our job is to keep Riou safe! Go!"
They lunged forward, weary men and weary horses. A Highlander stumbled out of the press, his face a mass of shredded skin. Flik whacked the man aside with his shield and plunged into the confusion. He slashed furiously but always continued forward. A few seconds more and he was on the other side, watching as his men joined him.
"Ride!" Flik yelled. "Ride for the coast! Stay together and follow the plan!" Lady Teresa and Shin went by, followed by Viktor with Riou and Nanami. Nanami's glare was cold and angry. Flik grimaced and looked away. She might be angry, but at least she and her brother were safe. When all of Flik's men were by, the Winghordes took to the air again. Flik saw that Chaco was among them, still holding the lever.
They left the city with the cliffs looming up above them. Flik glanced up, scanning the edge for signs of activity. There was nothing. He urged his mount on, back to the head of the column, leading the escapees down a lane that curved back to the south to meet the King's Road. With the city behind him, he slowed the pace to a trot. There was no time for a formal count, but he estimated that more than a quarter of his men were not with him, left behind by heat, exhaustion, or wounds.
Riou had to be worth the price. Victory had to be worth the price. Flik glanced over at Riou, who still seemed to be numb. There was no time to stop and see to him, however. Flik wanted to cover more distance before nightfall. He looked back to Muse. A thin line of smoke was rising up over the city, barely visible against the clouds building into overcast. A blast of cool air shook his cape, bringing with it refreshing drizzle.
The rain came in fitful bursts as the daylight waned. Flik was grateful, for it also slowed pursuit. Once again at Bernand's Crossing, he finally let his exhausted men and horses get some food and rest. Dismounting, he walked carefully over to where the others were. Nanami was yelling at Viktor again.
"Why did you leave Pilika? Why?"
"It was the only way to save you," Viktor answered softly. "The only way."
Flik put a gentle hand on her shoulder. She responded by snapping her head around, glaring darkly at him. "It was all part of Shu's plan," Flik explained. "He knew that Jowy was going to pull something, and so we needed a counter plan."
Nanami slapped his hand away. "I hate you," she whispered. "I hate you. I hate the war. I hate that damn strategist." She stopped, gathered her breath, and shrieked, "All of you!" Turning, she stalked off into the darkness. Lady Teresa glanced at Shin, who nodded and followed after her, keeping a respectful distance.
Flik collapsed to his knees, his strength gone. "What happened in there?" he gasped. "What happened to Riou?"
Riou twitched at the mention of his name and, in an agonized voice, said, "Jowy…"
"It was a trap," Lady Teresa answered, looking from Viktor to Flik. Like all of them, she looked tired. Flik could see that her cheeks and the tip of her nose were sunburnt. Her hair was a tangled, windblown mess. "One that you two appear to have had foreknowledge of." Her voice had a cold edge to it. "Jowy demanded our unconditional surrender. When Riou wouldn't give it, archers were brought out. Riou still wouldn't give in and Nanami tried to reason with both of them. That's when Viktor arrived with Pilika. In the confusion, we were able to escape. Perhaps Jowy didn't want to commit murder in front of Pilika, but that's only my guess."
Flik slowly inclined his head, his eyes closed, then opened them and looked at Riou's back. "I'm sorry that we had to keep it from you. Shu told us that this was the only way that plan would work. You had to go in not knowing."
"A very hard plan," Lady Teresa declared. "Very hard for both of them."
"I know that Shu thought about that," Flik said. "He agonized over it."
"Yet he is not the one in agony now," Lady Teresa retorted. She looked off in the direction Nanami had stormed away in.
Riou was still facing away from Flik, still staring off into nothing. It seemed that the Night Rune's words had come true. "I am sorry, Riou," Flik whispered.
There was no response. Another gust of wind brought more rain and Flik wearily stood up, looking around at his spent men, at his trembling horses. Surely there had been no better way?