Sever All Ties
Chapter Thirteen: A New Assignment
Disclaimer: I don't own Radiata Stories or any of the characters in the game; they are the property of the brilliant minds at Square Enix.
Author's Note(s): Words in '…' indicate a thought. Words in "…" indicate spoken words. This story will proceed based on the assumption that Jack has joined Ridley on the path of the non-human. This path would inevitably lead him to face his former friends and allies in combat. It is these fights I will illustrate in this story. Some creative liberties will be taken regarding who they face (i.e. Jack will face opponents in this fic that you don't get to face in the game). I hope you enjoy.
Arriving back at Fort Helencia, Jack and Ridley saw the same sights they were accustomed to seeing. Clarence and Serva were outside practicing, as well as Grigory. Gil was sitting under the tree, resting and writing. Walking toward the Fort, they waved to their friends. Gil informed them that Lord Zane wished to speak with them. Walking through the Fort, Dyvad asked to speak to Jack. When the young swordsman told him they were going to speak to the Light Elf Leader, Dyvad said it could wait. Upon walking into the meeting room, they found both Zane and Gawain were present.
"Jack, Ridley, please join us," Gawain said, motioning them forward. Both were staring at a map showing the movements of Radiata's forces, as well as where their own troops were stationed.
"Where did you two go," Zane asked.
"We were at the goblin haven in the Sediche Region," Ridley began. "And then went to the Dorse Region. We recovered the 'History of Goblins' for the black goblin Marco."
"Very well," said Zane. "In the future, keep us informed of your ventures outside the Fort. Now, we need to speak to you about the strength of Radiata. We find our forces engaged by both knights and guild members; we need to know how many there are and what they're capable of."
Over the next half hour, Ridley told Gawain and Zane the things she knew about Radiata's knights. She spoke of the knights' numbers, deployment, and tactics. She seemed certain that careful maneuvering would give them the advantage. However, Ridley's biggest concern was in the strength that the knight captains gave. These brigade leaders were the warriors to watch out for. Fortunately, she knew who they were, and how they could be beaten. Ridley concluded by saying that their best bet was to avoid large confrontations, and focus on winning smaller battles. Throughout this discussion, Jack had spoken up when he thought it appropriate. He offered the small amount of knowledge he possessed in regard to the knights. Finally, the two leaders of the non-humans turned to him to discuss the guild warriors.
"Theater Vancoor has the bulk of the strength," Jack began. "The strategy will be set by Vareth, and Olacion will take care of healing. If Void does anything, it'll be scouting, recon, or maybe assassination."
"I see," Zane said, nodding. "Tell me more about the strength of this warrior guild."
"Well, it's less than it was a few days ago," Jack said. "We defeated two of their squads on the way to Algandars Castle, and I doubt my squad is still functioning. So, they're down three already. That puts them at four squads. On top of that, we've already beaten one of their others. Unfortunately, the squads and warriors we've defeated are the weaker ones. The true test is still to come. Sergeant Caesar has never been beaten, and Deputy Gerald is merciless. Not to mention Chief Elwen, she may as well be her own squad."
"Elwen you say," Zane said slowly. "Interesting. Go on. Tell me of…Vareth was it?"
"Yeah," said Jack. "The Magic Institute. They're the scholars and mages. They'll be searching their library for all kinds of things. Attack spells and weapons, books on deployment and military strategy, texts on non-human fighting styles, everything. The trick to winning is to get in their faces. They aren't big on standing and fighting. Of course, they probably won't be on the front lines either."
"Your elemental magics are comparable to the spells they will invoke," Gawain said to Zane. The light elf nodded. He then motioned for Jack to continue.
"The Olacion Order," Jack said slowly. "The priest guild. They're an interesting blend of fighting and healing strength. Their spells and magic are all centered around healing the sick and wounded, and they do that well. The monks are also a force to be reckoned with. They are well trained, and they're fearless. Olacion's members will be evenly dispersed, so that everyone can make use of their magic."
"Is Enjela still high priestess," asked Gawain.
"No, she disappeared," Jack replied.
"I see," Gawain said.
"Void is the bandit guild," Jack continued. "They probably won't be doing much. But, if the castle decides to use them, we could all be in trouble. Their upper echelon is made up of some of the most skilled warriors in the city. They're also the most specialized warriors. They have masters of assassination, torture, stealth, and combat. They won't be out in groups, either. We'll encounter one here, one there. It'll be important to watch out for them."
"So, are they the biggest threat from the guilds," Zane asked.
"Hard to say," said Jack. "Each guild brings something different to the table. Based on what I know about the guilds' strength right now, Void is probably the biggest threat."
"Very well," Zane said. "We're going to have to be prepared for anything. What we need is information on their actual movements. Where are they sending their forces?"
"Well, both Vancoor and Olacion are patrolling the paths from Lupus Gate to the Septem Region for sure. Plus, Radiata has knights and guardsmen along this path as well."
"They control very little territory," Gawain added. "The places Jack has just described are mostly wilderness anyway. Patrols will be small and few, if they have any at all. Besides Radiata itself, the only other territories they have are in the Tria Region, and Earth Valley in the Dova Region. Because of this, we find ourselves in excellent position to observe their movements. The goblins and orcs can watch from the south, and we from the north."
"Assuming the orcs agree to aid our cause," Zane said in a cynical tone. "The point is, we need to know where their men are. You, girl. You were with the knights when they massacred the dwarves. How many men do they have in Earth Valley?"
"Nearly every brigade was sent to Earth Valley," Ridley said slowly. She had visibly recoiled at the elf's cutting words. It was several long moments before she spoke again. "I doubt they're all still there, though. After securing the territory, they wouldn't need all of them to remain."
"Do you have any idea how many this would be," asked Zane.
"I'm not positive," Ridley answered. "I doubt they'd leave more than three brigades."
"They'll have more than that," Gawain said quickly. "They'll be expecting us to attack and take Earth Valley back. Further, I would be the least bit surprised to see some of the guild members Jack spoke of there as well."
"I think we need to scout out Earth Valley," Zane said, flatly. "A team should be sent to assess the strength and number of the humans who are there."
"We'll do it," Ridley said quickly. "Jack and I."
"Will you now," asked Zane. "Trying to redeem yourself, human?"
"I…" Ridley stuttered.
"I thought so," Zane said with a smirk.
"Enough Zane," Gawain said hotly. "They're volunteering for your mission, and your ridicule accomplishes nothing. Let them go, they're the best ones for the job. Since they're the most familiar with the humans, they'll be able to tell us the most based on what they observe."
"All right," Zane said coldly. "But I'm sending some elves as well. I won't send them by themselves."
"You're wrong," Jack said. "Smaller numbers are the best way to go."
"A few more won't hurt," said Zane.
"Oh, I think they will," Jack replied. "If we're spotted from a distance, a guard might simply see human silhouettes and not think anything of it. Elves, however, won't get the same reaction. You don't want the attack to happen yet, you want a scouting report."
"Very well," Zane said, sighing. "You two may go. I want to know approximately how many brigades of knights and guardsmen, as well as any guild members they have."
Jack nodded his head, and motioned for Ridley to precede him leaving the room. As they walked through the courtyard, Jack looked around at the non-humans who were present. When he looked to Dyvad, the weapon smith motioned for them to come speak with him.
"What did Lord Zane ask of you," he asked.
"We're to go to Earth Valley and determine Radiata's strength," Ridley said.
"So you're going to the Valley," Dyvad asked, excitedly.
"Yes, we are," Jack said. "Zane wants to know how many knights and guild members they have there."
"I see," said Dyvad. "May ask a favor of you?"
"What do you need," asked Jack.
"Some of the others reported seeing something very interesting on their way out of the mines," Dyvad began. "A very rare and special ore."
"Does the ore itself make that much difference," Ridley asked.
"Oh yes," Dyvad answered. "We dwarves use only the best ore to begin with, but this ore is special. It is extremely high quality, and I could make an incredible with it. This is the ore I've been waiting for all my life. I would happily bequeath the weapon to you, Jack."
"Don't worry," Jack said. "We'll get it for you."
"Jack," Ridley exclaimed. "This is supposed to be a scouting mission!"
"Hey, it's no big deal," Jack said coolly. "We can slip in, get the ore, and slip out."
"I don't want you two to do anything risky," Dyvad said.
"We'll be fine," said Jack.
"The tunnels in the mine will work to your advantage," Dyvad said. "We utilized two tunnels to escape. One comes out in the Ocho Region, while the other will put you in the Tria Region just behind Solieu Village."
"Thank you Dyvad," Jack said. "So we can get out without going back through Earth Valley?"
"That's right," Dyvad said.
"We'll get that ore for you no problem," Jack said confidently. "Let's go Ridley."
Walking out of the fort, Jack was silent. His thoughts centered on their upcoming task. Ridley, looking at him, shook her head in a dumbfounded manner. Jack noticed this, and turned his attention to her.
"What is it," Jack asked.
"You," Ridley said with a smile. "You just can't say no to anyone, can you? Even when helping them means making your own task even harder, even when you don't have a plan, and even when it goes against your orders."
"Harder tasks just make you stronger when you finish them," Jack began. "Plans aren't always necessary, and I don't take orders from Zane. The only people who can tell me what to do are my sister Adele, Sir Gawain, and you. I'll go along with what Zane says as long as you do, but don't believe for a second that that means I take orders from him. Now, what do you say we head for Earth Valley, huh?
"That sounds good to me," Ridley said. "Where are we going, though?"
"What do you mean," asked Jack.
"Surely you're not planning on just taking the Journey Pig to the front of Earth Valley and barging in," Ridley replied.
"I don't see any other way," Jack said. "Wherever we go, we'll have to face knights. At least at Earth Valley, it'll be just the ones there. And besides, the Pig is far enough away that we can get off the path before we're seen."
"Maybe," said Ridley. "I still think it's risky. I don't want to be seen immediately."
"I know," Jack responded. "But it's better than traveling to Radiata and having to fight our way to the Valley."
"You're right," Ridley said with a sigh. "I guess we'll just have to find cover quick. Let's go."
Jack stepped forward to touch the Journey Pig. Before he did, as he began forming the image of the grass and trees around the entrance to Earth Valley, he reached out and clasped Ridley's hand in his. Then, he touched the statue in front of him and winked out of sight.
Vegeta26: One more finished. Sorry it took me so long to update. For some reason, this one was a little tough to write. Oh well, more to come. Hope to hear from you all. Later.
SilentWind: Thanks for the review. Good to hear you like the story. Hope to hear from you again.
Blue Persuasion: I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. I thought that was something Jack might try. As for the action scenes, there's some more on the way.
: Thanks again for reviewing, and I hope you liked this chapter as well. The Jack/Ridley pairing will develop more as the story progresses.
Aphelion6: When Ridley says, "I see" she is saying that she understands what Jack means when he is talking about Gobblehope's ghost. She understands that his ghost is in the cemetery and that they may have to face it. As for Jack and the rainbow crystal, if he'd gotten it the first time through, I wouldn't have been able to write about him getting it. So, for the sake of conversation (and the story), let's say he missed it the first time through.
Mega Edgar: I appreciate the review. Killing Miranda wasn't any more fun for me than it was for anyone to read, but the point is to show how Jack is changing as the story goes on. He must be willing to face his friends without hesitating, and the progression to that point has to be shown. Thanks again.