Longest chapter yet nearly 10,000 words!
To summarize: A lot of shit happens.
Chapter Thirty Eight
South Pozem Route
In the midst of a massive rainstorm in Myillheim a heavily robed Shinon stands on a roof at the ready with Gore Eye and Uhnie next to him.
The group consisting of the pair, Leah, Zihark and Orkra arrived a few days ago and all questions in regards to events happening here were met with negative or frightened responses.
The Myillheim Guard even dispatched and searched for them at one point, the only thing known was that the new Archduke was killed by a Sarharan terrorist; he was dealt with before he could leave Myillheim and the city was now run by a militant force until a new Archduke or duchess could be found.
The people were deathly afraid of the revelation and in spite of everything…Shinon sneezed.
"Sitting out in the rain makes you look unbelievably handsome and irresistible…but also kind of an idiot."
Shinon rubbed his nose and turned to Uhnie with a grin "I couldn't hear that last part."
The assassin laughed as Shinon turned again; he continued to stare at the mansion that belongs to the Archduke or duchess. Something told him that…and he sneezed again.
"I told you there was something strange going on…"
Shinon rolled his eyes as he rubbed his nose again "I know that Gore Eye, I'm not trying to take credit away from you…damn it…how are we going to get in there."
"Just kill everyone who-"
"I wasn't asking you." Uhnie tapped Shinon's shoulder as the marksman rubbed his nose again "Come on, let's rejoin the others, we'll think of something."
Beneath the mansion, Re'Zin sat, exhausted and starving, he was amazed at how long Kolkem survived but recalled the old man told him he had a cellmate that died before him. Putting two and two together, Re'Zin couldn't help but feel sick; luckily it took the place of his desire for food.
"Is…is Eminse…" the man finally asked, Re'Zin shook his head "I don't know…I visibly saw Krayvon get struck down and Retuu was reported dead of an illness…an obvious lie."
Kolkem sighed "I can't believe it…what I know of Jikahn doesn't matter anymore…we'll never escape."
"Just tell me…I'd like to know what I stumbled into." Re'Zin asked to which Kolkem argued with himself internally before sitting against the wall with Re'Zin on the other side.
"Jikahn works with a man from Pozem…I learned of this while in Numengate when Pozem royalty paid the nation a visit. Jikahn was there speaking with a high ranking member of the government. The man's name has long since escaped me but I sent a boy past them and told him to come back to me and tell me if he heard anything. Apparently one of them was referring to the other as Hierarch. It makes more sense if this 'Hierarch' is the man from Pozem. Regardless…I continued to dig into whom he was and who Jikahn was…I came across another name: Peltzm'Jakq and another designation, Mistress while I was at a party for esteemed guests at Fort Pozem. The information didn't compile into much but it meant that Sarhara was involved with Jikahn of Anondye and Hierarch of Pozem…half of Ymarkteg involved in something dark…I decided to go to Regalshin to see if I could learn more. The Kings and Queens of Regalshin and Sarhara have been extremely close for a few generations which meant that at any of their gatherings could I learn of who talks to who in secret…my luck ran out there."
Re'Zin cursed "What happened?"
"I enlisted a man I believed I could trust…he would do anything for the crown…Wyvern commander Gorm. The man is renowned for his loyalty and his family has served for generations, his great grandfather was a Regalshin war hero. I learned that out of Regalshin operates a man named Duke…but that information cost me my freedom."
"How did you learn of Duke?" Re'Zin asked.
"After not finding anything for days I decided to leave…I noticed the Pozem man walk in as I left and I trailed him…I heard a short part of the conversation when Gorm found me and turned me over to them…deciding on neutral ground I was sent and imprisoned here in Numengate…the only place that doesn't seem to be involved with this hideous conspiracy…"
Re'Zin shook his head unable to believe what he just heard as Kolkem began coughing again.
This information needed to get into the hands of someone who could do better with it than he. For that to happen, the nomad needed to find a way out no matter the cost.
Falling to her knees, Janie continued to cry, the other members of the troop surrounded her and Ilan over Freen's body. The man showed incredible tenacity, still breathing but barely after the massive attack.
"Is there anything we can do?" Wyre asked. Ilan shook his head "Goetia takes everything out of the one that uses it…the only man who could control the tome was the Fell Lord's Necromancer student: Drake…"
Keeping quiet, Janie got closer to Freen as his mouth moved, her eyes widened and she moved away from her teacher.
"…please…" he barely managed to choke out. Ilan looked at the rest of the troop and gestured, they all turned away as Janie stood.
"I'll…I'll never match up to you Freen…"
The sage whispered "…maybe not to…my sacrifice…but I…want you to…surpass me…by living…Janie…"
She raised one hand with tears continuing to stream down her face. Freen closed his eyes as she brought her arm down.
Mia sat across from the sleeping Janie in Lune's cart, she tossed and turned still having nightmares. Mia couldn't bring herself to wake her up; the last time they did that Janie couldn't get back to sleep and she ran herself ragged for three days.
The troop managed to regroup after the battle and returned to Helm together, the next day, for lack of a better word, was absolute shit.
"We could trust them? You vouched for them!" Soren screamed as he punched Lyle in the face again, Mia tried to hold him back as he reopened his wounds "If not for Freen we would have all died there!" Soren cried out as he punched Lyle again, the swordmaster fell to the floor, badly bruised with two black eyes.
Mia flipped Soren around and slapped him; the rest of the troop stood around not sure what to say.
Orgoth was absent, Lyle's mistake nearly got Eminse killed she was only saved by the selfless sacrifice of fellow knight, Telm.
"I'm sorry…they were my closest friends…" Lyle stated quietly, tears filling his eyes "Before them and Ushnae I had no one…no matter what unfortunate circumstance arose…I didn't want to lose them…I didn't want to be alone…they were the only people that truly cared for me…now I have no one…"
Soren calmed down as Lyle turned and stood up slowly, using the wall behind him for support.
"None of you ever fully trusted me…and now you never will…what do I have here? A room full of enemies…"
Mia shook her head "We aren't your enemies Lyle. At least I'm not; you know that I've always had faith in you. It was my call to bring you along in the first place. Remember?"
Lyle looked to the rest of the troop, regardless of what emotion was on their faces he knew what they really thought of him below.
"I'm not going to atone for this by apologizing so I'm not going to apologize…I'm going to go with you…keep fighting with you…and kill everyone involved with The Midnight…that will be my proof to you…"
Leena laid her head against Mikel. After Lyle's statement, the bad news didn't stop there. Eminse and Dent spoke up later about why they were in Pozem in the first place.
"The governor of Euto ordered an army led by Wilt of Euto and Ottenz of Treige to destroy the Research Center…with the exception of Orgoth, Eminse and I…everyone is dead…"
The troop remained silent, unable to believe it.
All Orgoth could manage to choke out was "Why?" as Eminse took over for Dent.
"A dying man came to us, Krayvon spoke to him briefly before he passed on…he was part of a royal inquisition from Regalshin sent to learn of the events in Anondye, the Korgan attack on Euto and the Korgans and Dune Guard that swarmed Treige specifically. When they brought this up to Governor Jikahn, they were hunted down and killed. Guessing we would learn what he did, he took extreme measures to ensure no one knew of the murders."
Tyazaer stood quickly followed by Rhogam "That would explain why the Regalshin military turned on us, one of their inquisitions didn't return!"
To'Eltz nodded "Though that doesn't explain why the Sarharan and Numengatian inquisitions didn't report back correctly."
Dent cleared his throat "The cover up story fed to the people was that the criminals behind the destruction of the Western Archive and murder of Archive Master Qi'No were responsible for the Research Center, they were found and imprisoned by the Euto forces…in their eyes, and everything is as it should be."
Soren shook his head "A façade…unbelievable…the Midnight is absolutely correct…"
To'Eltz looked over at Zey'Yu "The Altar…their connections are everywhere…surely you know something more?"
Zey'Yu sighed "I told you all everything I know…as valuable as I was to the Altar, I wasn't told everything…"
As the troop grew silent, Zey'Yu snapped her fingers "I'm sorry…I forgot one more thing!"
Soren glanced over at Lyle; he sat near the swordmaster in Fistivus cart. Lyle had a hand on his stomach where Pesh's blade cut through him. Soren and Wyre worked hard to keep Lyle alive, though ironically the sage would proceed to beat Lyle within an inch of his life. Looking down at his bruised knuckles Soren ultimately decided it was not a good move on his part. He made Mia very angry and she hasn't spoken to him much. The sage closed his eyes continuing the last day they were in Helm.
"I'm sorry I haven't told you this yet…I'm not used to the whole 'I'm on a different side now, no secrets thing'. Anyway, we were sent into Myillheim to replace Rey Oshwa with a puppet Archduke by the name of Kraener. That guy is a mess but he follows orders…we left an attendant with him to guide his schedule but we haven't heard from them in a while. We don't know what would stop them from reporting back but last I checked, he was still in charge over there."
Mikel whistled "Corrupt governor in Euto…false Archduke in Myillheim…where are we supposed to go first?"
Soren shook his head "I'm honestly not sure…we aren't splitting up again, I know that much…Ilan…"
The troop turned to the Elder Sage who inhaled deeply "I must meet with the Numengatian Elder Sage…but after that encounter with the Midnight I know that should I meet them again on my own, I won't survive…besides, Shaelin is still unaccounted for."
Wyre nodded "That is true…so…Anondye first?"
Soren glanced over at Mia who still seemed very angry with him, looking back at the troop he nodded "Anondye."
"Mistress!" the woman approached the shorter man who bowed "It has been far too long!"
"Indeed Hierarch. Unfortunately, I've received word that things have gone extremely sour down here…"
Hierarch: You're assassins are annoying rats…but they are correct. A huge conflict arose recently and when it ended the Item changed hands…
Mistress: To whom?
Hierarch: A member of the Altar that later defected. The Midnight made their move but failed as well…the Item is now headed for another nation, be it Anondye or Pozem I can't say.
Mistress: You fool…they have the item!
Hierarch: Right…so their target is…
Mistress: Anondye.
"Ranulf…" The Laguz looked up at Wyre "…"
The cat laughed "You called me. Aren't you going to say anything?"
"I thought you had something to tell the troop as well…"
"In light of all that you were talking about, I didn't think what I had to say was vital enough, after we reach Amaryllis I'll let you all know, I promise."
As great as it was for Ranulf to be back, Soren and Mia weren't in the mood to speak with him about old times. The pair did thank him for his timely arrival but they haven't said much. The Laguz understands perfectly that things have become increasingly complex and the coming battles will test Soren, Mia and their troop in unimaginable ways. The only thing the Laguz could do was ensure that the pair survives the oncoming conflict and is prepared for the truth.
Norad Jyuugo wandered into Dalton and Asai's hideout, he sighed as no one was home even the Midnights were gone. "The report was right…you two shouldn't have let yourselves get killed that easily and not leave me with anything valuable…Midnight 4 has been completed! Do you guys want it?"
He searched the entire complex until he came to a heavily bolted door, with a smile he kicked it in and walked inside. He saw a Midnight creation chamber before him with a powerful armed creature at 90% completion. Norad Jyuugo couldn't help but smile "I take that back…this is extremely valuable…"
Soren and Mia's troop continued down the road towards the Dual Keep Fortress, on one end was the Pozem Keep and on the other was the Holtair Keep which connected to Anondye's border city: Holtair. The Holtair Keep was also where Dent and Telm spent a long time talking to the border guards to get into Pozem in the first place, Dent sighed as he thought of Telm and his knight brothers that all gave their lives to get this far.
He looked up into Lune's cart and saw Orgoth and Eminse, eyes closed and resting. Regardless of how he came to be here, he succeeded in his mission and carried out Krayvon's will. Now he was involved in something much bigger and wasn't sure if he could play any sort of a vital role.
Lyle decided to exit the merchant cart and began walking with the troop. He chose to stare at the ground, not wanting to see anyone's faces. As hard as they might be judging him, the swordmaster was much harder on himself since he was friends with Pesh and Versha for such a long time.
"You are very conflicted…" He turned to see Ilan next to him; he had to admit the Elder Sage threw him for a loop. He was bald and scarred, seemed like he was angry at everything but in reality was as levelheaded as Freen and extremely insightful.
"Of course I am…what happened was all my fault…"
"It is true that we lost Freen and Telm…but we still hold the Orichalcum and Goetia. The objects can't replace their lives but they can assure that the Midnight won't be able to take many more as long as we keep them safe. Something I'm sure you can do with no problem on your own."
Lyle nodded, he was skilled and he'd die before he allowed the Midnight to take anything more from the troop.
In the sky above, Michalis soared as Kay'Shera and Zey'Yu kept watch. "Just a whole lotta nothing…" the whisper muttered, the earthy plains surrounding the road they traversed seemed to go on forever.
Kay'Shera turned to her "I wouldn't say that…I've never been to Pozem so just looking at it is wonderful."
Zey'Yu rolled her eyes "You always were so feely."
Kay'Shera laughed before turning to Zey'Yu and pointing at her "Nope…it was always you."
"That depends…what kind of feely are we talking about?"
To'Eltz moved to sit closer to Soren and asked to see the Orichalcum. Once it was in his hands he let out a sigh of relief "Jyim'Son…we're back on track…"
"To'Eltz…I know the troop has been uncomfortable with you for a long time…but we've long since put our faith in you."
To'Eltz nodded "Yes. What is it you want to ask?"
"Who is the man in Amaryllis you have to take that to? Why and can we absolutely trust him?"
To'Eltz turned to look outside where Lyle and Ilan marched next to each other before facing Soren again "You're caution is completely called for…very well…bring Mia in here and I'll fill you both in."
"Ranulf…I don't know what to do…" The cat sighed as Mia played with her hair "Mia, you and Soren have been together for years. You'll get over this little bump."
"I know why he did what he did but…we were all fooled…especially Lyle. To him it'd be like us getting double crossed by Wyre…it'd shake us to our core and make us doubt everything."
Ranulf nodded "You have every right to be angry with Soren…as long as it doesn't interfere with you two on the battlefield…but at the same time, I see it as Pesh and Versha could've freely killed any of us. They went for Lyle and Eminse and nearly killed both of them if not for our skilled healers and Telm…I believe he was very upset because he thought of what would happen if they decided to go after you."
Mia sighed before facing Ranulf "Have I mentioned that I'm so glad you're back?"
Ranulf grinned "No…but I appreciate the sentiment."
"Mia." The pair turned to see Soren "To'Eltz needs to talk to us."
He walked away as Mia stood and hopped off the cart, turning she waved at Ranulf before moving on.
The sun began to set around them as they continued marching towards Anondye.
As night rolled into Myillheim the rainstorm seemed to die down but was also threatening to pick up again. A guard responded to a knock on the front door and opening it quickly. "Yes. Who are you?"
"My name is Orkra, one of the commanders of Regalshin's Royal Army."
The man bowed his head "Yes! General Orkra, what brings you here?"
"I knew the previous Archduchess and hearing of the last Archduke's loss I came to offer a replacement."
"Hmm…we are a long way off from a proper ceremony to induct a new Archduke…but seeing as how the militant forces can't readily run a lot of Myillheim's resources, we'd take a replacement Duke any day."
Orkra nodded and turned to one side as Zihark walked in and smiled to the guard "Hello. My name is Zihark."
Outside, Shinon, Leah and Uhnie watched closely as Zihark spoke with the guard and gave him the whole political spiel he had been rehearsing with Orkra.
"They'll be taken to meet the commander of Myillheim's military, with the guards distracted we'll slip in and see what we can find." Leah commented as the guard left the mansion for the soldier barracks and called Orkra and Zihark to follow him.
Sure enough as they turned away, Zihark dropped a small stone and kicked it back, propping the door open. Shinon turned to Uhnie "Your go babe."
She smiled before taking her mask and bringing it over her nose. Leaping off the roof she approached the door and quickly opened it and disappeared inside. Leah stood "We've got to find the window we told her to open and get inside…let's go."
Leah leapt away followed shortly by Shinon
Setting up camp, the troop sat around as To'Eltz prepared to tell everyone what he told Soren and Mia prior "I was hired by Senator Vassaan of the Anondye Royal Court…he is the head of that court the 'arch senator' if you will and used his power and connections with the Archbishop and Archive Master of Sarhara to learn of the Orichalcum."
Leena tilted her head "The same Archbishop and Archive Master killed by The Midnight and replaced with a mind controlled puppet and Qi'No?"
To'Eltz nodded "The Midnight was onto him and was cutting off his supports and implanting their own as we now know they have in every nation of Ymarkteg. However they could not determine where the head was…that is why they were so intent on capturing me. If they kill Vassaan, they secure their hold on everything."
Wyre scratched his chin "So…the Orichalcum was in Sarhara?"
To'Eltz nodded "There was a book safeguarded by the Archive Master that told of the last known Orichalcum deposit in the Territory Oasis at the north border between Sarhara and Regalshin. Jyim'Son and I retrieved it and took a job escorting people between the capital and Sendusk, we were on our way back when we were attacked and you know the rest…"
Soren turned "I meant to ask this before…the book…"
"The book was a log of the rarest materials on Ymarkteg and when they went extinct, the last Orichalcum deposit was safeguarded by the Archive Master and the King and Queen of Sarhara for generations. When the Archive Master revealed its location he was killed and replaced by Qi'No…"
"And the King and Queen were abducted by the Midnight." Mia quickly added.
To'Eltz continued "Not only that…but we found a copy of that same book in Ushnae's cave. I long thought the book I used to be one of a kind."
Soren nodded "That explains the book…but the key…"
The sage shook his head before gesturing for To'Eltz to continue.
"Vassaan requires the Orichalcum to resurrect Ymarkteg's greatest hero…he was simply known as the Vanguard though others saw fit to brand him as the eternal hero so they simply call him, Eien."
Orgoth narrowed his eyes "The Vanguard? There is hardly any proof of his existence…and if he did live, how would we know where he died?"
To'Eltz shrugged "Not in my job description, I merely needed to deliver the Orichalcum."
Mikel sighed "So…can we do that? I thought there was already something in the Orichalcum."
The group turned to the stone in Soren's hand, Ilan nodded "You are correct…unless the soul we desire is stronger than whatever is in there…regardless, Orgoth is right, the resting place of The Vanguard is unknown."
"What we do know is that we will reach Anondye tomorrow, so get some rest…we have to be ready for anything." At Soren's statement the troop returned to their tents. Lyle walked past Soren "I'll take first watch."
"Lyle, you've been up all day, you never stood in a cart for more than five minutes and you marched the rest away…I'd rather you rest."
Lyle slowly turned to Soren but the sage was looking a different way "Soren…I appreciate it…"
Soren then turned to face Lyle, the men remained still before Lyle nodded and walked away.
"Get in here." Leah and Shinon slipped into the room as Uhnie shut the window; the three continued to the Archduke's room, the guards at the door were asleep courtesy of Uhnie.
"It'd be much easier to kill them…hard to fight that temptation." Shinon shook his head at Uhnie "Have you been talking to Gore Eye?"
The room was a complete mess, papers strewn about and bookshelves destroyed. Whoever came for the Archduke was anything but stealthy. "Hopefully Orkra and Zihark are good on their end…we could be here a while." Leah stated as they split up and began to search every inch of the room as the night dragged on.
"Mistress." The woman turned to see Peltzm'Jakq walk out of the shadows followed by several of his assassins.
"I see you've heard of our move tomorrow…what do you have to say on the matter?"
"It is not wise to reveal yourself at this moment…there has been an issue."
Mistress smiled and told her personal guard to go on without her, Peltzm'Jakq also dismissed his assassins "I trust this is about the woman that left you for another woman." Mistress began laughing as Peltzm'Jakq turned away.
"What matters is what she told them…most likely everything that we've done…we need to secure all of our holdings before we march into battle…if we can't make it in time I'll divert more of my men to strike for you."
Mistress sighed before tapping Peltzm'Jakq's shoulder "Very well. However I'll decide whether or not we move in regardless of the status of the Altar's other venture. Also we have two targets now, To'Eltz and Zey'Yu."
Mistress turned and began walking away as another man approached Peltzm'Jakq "You shouldn't be here…"
"The men at the border know better than to ask…"
Peltzm'Jakq turned to Kino who smiled and bowed as the trueblade shook his head "You are my perfect student…you accomplish all your jobs flawlessly…"
"I'm your only student…the incursion has been set. Wilt and Ottenz have been dispatched and Jikahn is relocating. I'd keep an eye on him but the border does need at least one Side Commander."
Peltzm'Jakq scratched his chin "You are correct…I'll work something out, I'm sure they'll overlook your departure and seeing what you did with them, they shouldn't be driven to ask."
The men stood watching each other as the Trueblade sighed "You deceive everyone so brilliantly Kino…it worries me from time to time."
Kino laughed "I'd never cross you..."
Peltzm'Jakq nodded before turning away "Then let's get these men killing each other."
Kino bowed and left as Peltzm'Jakq called back his assassins to plan for the next day.
"You aren't here to die like a dog…" Opening his eyes, Kanahana noticed he was in the master's chamber.
"Your performance in Pozem was pitiful…I decided to keep you that way to remind you…"
Kanahana stood and was about to ask what as his hand went to his face. He noticed that the half torn off by Soren's punch was still gone, the vampire screeched as the master of The Midnight turned to him.
"You'll survive Kanahana…Norad Jyuugo is maintaining the Regalshin, Pozem and Numengate operations…since we lost our grip on the Numengate Archduke after he was killed and the Altar has moved in, I require more of your focus on that nation."
"What of Dalton Pesh and Asai Versha?" Kanahana muttered as he turned to leave.
"That meddlesome troop is moving to Anondye…Dalton and Asai will now focus on their task as well…the hour is near."
Kanahana nodded, refusing to show any of his amazement that Dalton and Asai survived Goetia. The vampire sighed before flying off and muttering to himself "This won't happen again…ever."
As the master turned to Helswath and Gungnir, he spoke lowly.
"Goetia…Yewfelle…Balmung…you will be mine…"
"The guards outside are waking and I see the one that escorted Orkra and Zihark returning!" Leah stated as he turned away from the window. Uhnie sighed "Then let's get ready to go! We'' meet with Zihark and Orkra just outside the city and think of another way to come at this."
As Leah moved towards her and Shinon he tripped, quickly catching himself on the wall, he hit something and a door opened up.
Shinon pointed to it and grinned before charging in with Uhnie and Leah close behind.
"Kolkem…who was your cellmate…if you don't mind me asking." Re'Zin stated, the nomad continued to sit, exhausted as Kolkem sighed "My cellmate? I don't know who he was…"
Re'Zin turned to face the cell wall "Are you sure? It could've been someone important."
"I'll try to…remember…" Kolkem muttered as he closed his eyes.
"Impressive…most impressive…" Soren opened his eyes and turned his fierce expression once again on the Mad King.
"What do you want?"
"To congratulate you of course! Did you not see how easily you dispatched Kanahana when you gave in?"
Soren shook his head as Ashnard stood and walked over to him "Don't come near me!"
"You finally unleashed your true power! It was short lived but the magnificence was all the same…you did what Ty said any Branded could master…"
Soren looked at his arm then back at Ashnard before whispering "The Branded Shift…"
"Exactly…once you master it…no one will be able to stop you…not Kanahana, not this Norad Jyuugo and not even their master whoever he may be…"
"Why do you sound so…I figured you'd want me to fail?"
Ashnard laughed "What stake do I have in this? I'm merely observing and so far, I thoroughly enjoy what I see…keep it up."
With the dawn coming, the troop awoke and after a ten minute preparation were on the road again. Soren got next to Mia; she noticed he seemed extremely concerned and even a little tired. She recalled during the night he was tossing and turning as well as muttering. The Ashnard visits seem to have become frequent after dying down for some time.
"Soren." He looked at her, blinking a few times to get the tired look out of his eyes "Yes, Mia?"
"Are you alright?" the tactician blinked again and shook his head trying to wake himself up "Yeah…yeah…just…thinking…"
Near the pair, Leena and Mikel joined Lyle who glanced at them nervously "What do you guys want?"
Mikel grinned "Nothing! Just here to see how you were doing."
"And to apologize…it wasn't fair how we turned on you." Leena added quickly. Lyle was shocked by her statement "Are you sure? I don't completely blame you for…"
Mikel smacked him on the back "Lyle, your one of us and one of the best of us…we need you alright? So buck up!"
The swordmaster couldn't help but grin before looking to Leena who nodded towards him.
Ranulf approached Orgoth, Eminse and Dent "So…not to pry but…have you…you know?"
The three turned to him quickly; the Laguz scratched one of his ears, giving them a hint.
Orgoth sighed "No…it's still a long way off…"
Ranulf smiled "Why haven't you told anyone?"
The knight from Euto shrugged "There never seemed to be a proper time to bring something like this up. I didn't want anyone concerning themselves with my safety just because of what I had to get back to…especially now when we march to the unknown."
Ranulf nodded "You're a very wise and selfless person, Orgoth. It seems Soren and Mia definitely know how to pick the right allies."
Kay'Shera and Zey'Yu chose to walk for a bit near Tyazaer and Rhogam. The Reaver was a few steps ahead, Tyazaer approached him with her horse close behind "Any reason you can't seem to look at them or talk to them?"
Rhogam laughed nervously "I feel…bad about it…"
Tyazaer rolled her eyes "Why? Is your mind wandering away into some less than savory places?"
Rhogam just grinned before getting serious again "I'm not that kind of guy, you know it…"
"Then come on…Kay'Shera, Zey'Yu what were you saying again?"
The whisper just looked away "Not much…it's just that the Altar was so…secretive. Relationships were impossible; we barely knew each other as friends, just fellow assassins."
"So you aren't used to having so many people around talking to you?" Tyazaer added to which Zey'Yu nodded.
"She wasn't always like that, but she has been part of The Altar for a few years so…" Kay'Shera trailed off as Rhogam cleared his throat.
"This may be a downer…but I'm genuinely interested…Kay'Shera said she wasn't too happy with her early life because of her…romantic preferences and the general opinion. Was it like that for you Zey'Yu?"
The whisper looked up to the sky and started recalling earlier memories "Good question…I think so little of it I really can't remember much. But if I was like I am now then I probably didn't care."
Wyre, Wayu, To'Eltz and Ilan stood off to another side, as the sage and halberd struck up a friendly conversation To'Eltz continued to survey the area around them.
"It doesn't always have to be business with you…I can just as easily track the area around us…" Ilan stated quietly.
"I'm not one for interactions…I'll admit I'm fond of these people but I won't go out of my way to converse with them regularly."
Ilan shook his head "That won't do at all. They are your comrades and they trust in you greatly. Stretch out your hand, they'll gladly accept it."
Janie sat in Fistivus' cart staring at the wall. She wasn't getting any sort of proper rest since the last battle with the Midnight.
"Freen…I still need you…"
"Janie."
She turned to see Mia enter the cart, the woman wasn't sure what to ask. Janie obviously wasn't okay in any sense of the word.
"Are you hungry?"
The Elder Mage shook her head slightly as Mia sat next to her "You haven't eaten at all…you need to keep your strength up Janie."
"Mia…have you…lost comrades before?"
The Trueblade turned and thought back to her time in Tellius, the Greil Mercenaries and by a larger extent all the people that joined the army during the Mad King's War survived, even through the wars against Begnion and the Goddess.
"It wasn't until I left Tellius that I lost allies…Neteau on Thyrmog, Lyger and Klein Kruse on Hitenticul…many more on Zatuo but I never lost someone as important to me as Freen was to you…"
Janie remained silent as Mia sighed "Except maybe…my parents."
The Elder Mage turned to Mia, the woman was wearing a very sad expression. Janie thought of her own parents that she lost before meeting Freen who essentially became her father.
"Do you ever think about them?"
Mia turned to Janie "Yes…while I didn't know them for long, what I do remember is part of the reason why I became the person I am. I'll always be grateful for that."
Wyre looked over to Fistivus and Lune "I know we've brought this up countless times but you two have been through way more than I ever thought could befall a pair of merchants…and it's even more amazing that that pair of merchants is still alive."
Fistivus grinned "We told you, we have the stamina…though there are definitely some things I can live without."
"Like half of your memory…" Lune muttered to which Wyre and Wayu chuckled.
"I'd like to offer you guys some sort of relaxation in Anondye but once we wrap there it is straight on to Numengate…" Wayu stated to which Fistivus and Lune laughed.
"We'll be fine dear…but thanks for your concern. After all we survived with all of your help, we can hold together as long as need be." Lune stated.
As Wyre opened his mouth, Ilan leapt high into the air and landed in front of them "A force is approaching."
Soren turned to Kay'Shera who nodded, blasting Arcwind at her feet he launched her into the sky and Michalis caught her. She peered out to the early morning horizon and saw a large group headed there way and bearing the flags of Anondye and more specifically Euto.
"It's a military force from Euto!"
Orgoth took several steps forward and brought out his lance "Murderers."
Soren stepped in front of Fistivus and Lune with the rest of the troop joining them.
Noticing the sudden stop, Mia got out and turned to Janie. The Elder Mage still didn't seem too sure of herself, Mia smiled "If you can't…don't force yourself. We'll protect you."
With that Mia vanished as Janie turned and looked outside as a large detachment of soldiers neared.
As the Troop watched, the soldiers from Euto came to a stop a few feet from them. The two commanders however continued walking. Ottenz the war monk and Anondye Side Commander of Treige and the other matched the description of Wilt the head of Euto's military forces.
"Crossing into Pozem…are you insane?" Orgoth screamed at them.
Wilt shook his head "We are doing a great service to Anondye and Pozem…once you have been stopped both nations will be safe. I'm giving you a chance to surrender…take it."
Soren shook his head "You've been deceived. We are not the enemy, the very man you serve; Governor Jikahn is the enemy he is using you two to keep his illegal activities hidden from everyone."
Wilt shook his head and pulled out his sword "Don't talk about the Governor that way. We have been told and shown the destruction you all rained down on Shuize. Destroying the Western Archive and abducting the King and Queen…don't hurl outlandish claims with these charges against you."
Mia stepped forward "Ottenz! You met us! You saw us fight to defend Treige from the Korgans being led by Roltz! You and Iltar'Elm aided us!"
"I always wondered what would happen if I let the wrong people cross the border…I sincerely wish I never gave it a second thought because I've lost everything…because of all of you, Rey Oshwa is dead…because of you we struck down the people of the Euto Research Center…corrupted by your nonsense…and because of you many more will die unless you are stopped here."
Zey'Yu spoke up as Ottenz finished "You fool! They are lying to you! Rey Oshwa is alive and well in Myillheim!"
"Lies!" Wilt held Ottenz back "One last chance! Drop your weapons!"
"There! The Anondye troops that illegally cross our border! Kill them all!"
The troop and the soldiers from Euto all turned to see a dispatch of Pozem soldiers drawing there weapons and letting out battle cries.
To'Eltz shook his head "We're surrounded…Soren!"
The sage held up his tome "We must return to Anondye, realize this everyone! They'll give us no quarter! Kill or be killed!"
"Who built this place?" Uhnie asked as she led Shinon and Leah through several tight corridors into a strange chamber below the Arch Mansion.
"Probably the same people who convinced the Regalshin Military that we were all terrorists." Shinon stated lowly.
The troop passed through several rooms that looked like prison cells. Leah peered into one and Shinon turned to see a look of disgust in his face as he turned away.
"Nothing is done to prisoners down here…they are just left to rot." The trueblade commented as he walked next to Shinon and they continued behind Uhnie.
Kolkem snapped his fingers and turned "I remember now…the dead man's name!"
Re'Zin turned "What was it?"
"Einseek."
"Form up!" A Pozem general yelled as the soldiers charged, several engaging the Troop's rear guard while others continued heading towards the Anondye forces that charged towards them in response.
Mia led the rear guard which consisted of her, Lyle, Wayu, To'Eltz, Kay'Shera, Tyazaer, Dent and Ranulf against the soldiers of Pozem. With Lyle and To'Eltz at Mia's side their blades sliced through air and flesh quickly. Clashing against opposing metal weapons and armor, sparks flew and shouts rang out as the soldiers of Euto, Pozem and the Troop fight for their lives.
Tyazaer rode through the enemy foot soldiers, finding cavaliers and paladins. She used her blade to counter their weapons, Alsyia charged quickly giving the rider added momentum. Tyazaer easily managed to knock several weapons out of their owner's hands before doubling back and striking the now open enemies.
Dent raised his axe to block an opposing lance as Ranulf shot past him, shifting in mid charge and slamming into the chest armor of an enemy trooper, knocking the man over before moving onto another target.
Above the troop, Kay'Shera engaged a pair of Griffon Riders "Let's show them who they're messing with Michalis!" Kay'Shera yelled as her lance and her foe's axe clashed. The roc below her screeched as they shot higher into the sky followed by the pair of Pozem soldiers eager to take down the Sarharan.
Several Pozem guards ran past them and ignored the front guard led by Soren in order to attack the trespassing troops from Anondye.
Soren was aided by Wyre, Mikel, Orgoth, Leena, Rhogam, Zey'Yu and Ilan. Pozem's Elder Sage made use of his powerful black magic to cut through the heavily armed generals with little trouble. As two more were knocked aside, Leena and Zey'Yu took the opportunity to shoot into the opening and disrupt a line of snipers. The women did away with the distanced soldiers quickly as Ottenz raised his axe signaling the six warriors at his side to move forward.
Wyre covered Mikel and Orgoth with his magic, striking the warriors to break their ranks and allowing Mikel and Orgoth in to strike past their guard. Orgoth impaled one and throwing his body down set his eyes on Ottenz "You fool! How could you slay your own people in cold blood?"
"How dare you deign yourself fit to talk to me! You are the one who has betrayed his own people!" Ottenz called back as a group of paladins charged past him towards Soren and Rhogam.
Mikel's axe caught a warrior's neck and brought him to the ground "Ottenz! You must know that you are in the wrong! Somewhere!"
The war monk ignored them as Pozem soldiers approached; he threw himself at them, his blue axe running red as it ripped through his enemies.
Soren spun, his powerful gusts knocking the horses off their feet, throwing them over and their riders onto the ground. Leaping over, Soren sank his blade into a fallen man's chest. The other two stood with lance and sword drawn and charged the tactician only to be intercepted by Rhogam. Taking a sword deep into his side he swung his mighty axe ripping a lance to pieces and rending the two paladins.
Dropping his axe he spun and shot an arrow towards a warrior coming up behind Orgoth. The shot sank into the man's eye and allowed Orgoth to spin around and kill him.
Wilt stood back on his horse as the soldiers fought "This will bring about war…Pozem! Withdraw now or both of our nations will suffer!"
A paladin charged the great knight screaming "Never!" Quickly, Wilt pulled out his blade and the horse continued running as its rider fell off, now devoid of a head.
"Help me…" Shinon skidded to a halt as Leah and Uhnie ran on without him. "Did you hear that?"
"No, I just stopped to take a piss." Shinon replied as he rolled his eyes and approached a cell door. Looking inside he noticed a man sitting in the shadows lowly calling for help.
Firing a shot from Gore Eye, Shinon broke the lock and kicked down the door, approaching the man he noticed that he was a Froghul "Well…I didn't see this coming…what could a Froghul be doing in Numengate?"
Helping the man up, Shinon turned to see Leah and Uhnie came back for him with Leah asking "Is this the guy who killed the Archduke?"
Shinon shook his head "He is far too weak and looks like he has been here for a much longer time...also, he only has one arm."
Uhnie sighed; frustrated she turned and screamed "Anyone down here guilty of killing the Archduke!"
"Einseek…damn it…the name means nothing to me…" Re'Zin stated as he slumped back against the wall and sighed. After a few minutes of silence a scream rang out, a woman was calling for someone.
Re'Zin stood and called back "Who are you? There are innocent men over here!"
He quickly turned towards the wall "We'll be out of here soon Kolkem!"
Sure enough an arrow shot through his door and it was kicked down; a man in orange ran in. "Who are you?"
"Re'Zin of Sendusk…I killed the Archduke and came down here in search of the previous Archduchess Rey Oshwa."
At the same time, Uhnie picked the lock on Kolkem's door and helped the man up. "Were you calling for help?"
Uhnie shook her head "No…I was calling for-"
The voice that Re'Zin heard rang out again and the group turned as Shinon rounded a corner "That's a different woman!"
"Rey!" Without waiting, Re'Zin charged ahead, followed by Shinon, Leah who carried the unconscious Froghul and Uhnie who carried Kolkem.
"Mia!" The Trueblade looked up to see Kay'Shera who called for her killing a Griffon Rider as another barreled towards her. The trueblade raised her weapon and deflected the axe as the man took to the sky again. "Not so fast!" Mia called out, spinning and releasing a wave of purple flames from Ein'Tosen that burned the Griffon and the saddle, as the bird thrashed it threw its rider off who screamed as he fell to his death.
Wayu rolled across the ground to Mia's side and brought her shield up, stopping an arrow as Lyle cut the archer down. Mia turned and thanked the other woman before they broke apart as a Pozem Great Knight charged them.
A stone shot up, causing the knight to fall over, Mia turned quickly to see Janie. The girl looked around at the enemies surrounding the Troop "I can't let you all down."
Mia smiled "Then let's take it to them!"
Dent struck down a knight as Ranulf leapt over him and landed on another paladin, ripping through the man Dent couldn't help but watch in amazement. He turned as a Pozem soldier brought down his weapon. The blade drew blood but not from Dent, To'Eltz took the blow before regaining his footing and striking the man dead. "Keep your focus where it belongs!" He called at the Euto knight.
Tyazaer's blade tore through a swordmaster, pulling it out the man fell dead and Tyazaer opened the merchant cart he had been trying to get into "Eminse, you alright?"
The researcher nodded before pointing past Tyazaer "Griffon!"
The paladin turned and brought her blade up as a lone griffon with no rider crashed into her and Alsyia throwing them to the ground.
"Stone Fist!" Ilan cried as he leapt into the air and slammed his fist into the ground. A giant fist made of earth shot out from below a general, throwing him high into the sky, screaming before he fell to his death. Janie leapt past him, black balls shooting from the palms of her hands and digging into an enemy before exploding.
Ilan was amazed that she was back in the fight, but even more astounded by her speed and power. Seeing something the sage called out "Janie!"
Hearing Ilan's call she moved aside, a blade cut across her chest and she clenched her teeth before skidding to a halt. Zey'Yu leapt onto the man and raised her arm before sinking her blade into the man's throat "You alright, Janie?" The woman nodded one hand over her wound before turning and summoning another black ball.
"I can't let this keep me down…I can't let anything stop me!"
Orgoth charged Ottenz, their weapons colliding "You call yourself a Knight of Euto! You are a perversion of that very title!" Ottenz screamed.
"Look where you are you stubborn bastard! You have lead a military dispatch of soldiers from Euto into Pozem illegally! This incursion could very well lead to a war between the nations! Your men are killing soldiers of Pozem! Stop this Ottenz!"
"I have the blood of Euto men and women on my hands as well as renowned individuals like Retuu and Krayvon…I can't stop now, not until I know the truth and that all of this was worth it!"
Before Orgoth could speak again an Armorslayer tore through his back and Ottenz kicked him away. Orgoth turned slowly seeing that Wilt was behind him, before the knight could strike again he was intercepted by Rhogam and struck by magic from Wyre.
As the two men held the Great Knight at bay Leena leapt over and brought her blade onto Ottenz axe as he raised it in defense. "Woman…stand aside."
"My name is Leena, and I think I'll take my place standing on your face!" she screamed, pushing his axe aside with all her force before spinning around and cutting him across his chest. She barely managed to step aside as a spearhead shot past her and into Ottenz's exposed stomach.
She turned and was about to call back when one of her hands went to her side. The spear had indeed cut through her "Orgoth!" she called back. The knight in his fury realized what he had done as Ottenz grabbed the spear and tore it out.
"Leena! I'm…I…" Ottenz's axe flew through the air and into Orgoth, throwing him to the ground as the war monk pulled out his staff and raised it above him. His wounds instantly healed and he marched past Leena who was quickly set upon by enemy swordmasters "Mikel!"
Soren saw Orgoth accidentally strike Leena and began to head over when Rhogam was tossed near him by Wilt. The Great Knight shot towards Soren aboard his steed and swung as the man leapt away.
With the Great Knight continuing his assault, Mikel disengaged from the man he was fighting and charged towards Leena as she barely blocked an attack with the shield on her arm before being cut across her other arm. Mikel leapt high into the air and brought his axe into one swordmaster's shoulder.
The other turned in surprise allowing Leena to stab him in the chest. She stood slowly as Mikel turned from her to watch for approaching enemies. She couldn't help but chuckle "Me…calling for help…"
"We all need it from time to time…" Mikel stated back as two Halberds took up arms near him.
Leena kissed his cheek and thanked him, he couldn't help but smile before charging forward as Wyre killed his opponent and headed for Leena and Orgoth.
A woman gasped as her cell door was kicked open. "Wait!"
Shinon's group ran in to see a woman tied up and a robed man next to her. Before Shinon could say anything, the man opened one hand and black fog shot out of his palm.
The group shielded themselves and once the fog died away, they moved toward the tied up woman who Re'Zin instantly recognized "Rey!"
As Re'Zin cut her loose, Shinon turned slowly; Uhnie noticed this "Are you alright?"
He shook his head "I…feel something…extremely familiar."
Shinon realized what it was just as an arrow bolt sunk into his shoulder,Leah and Uhnie turned in unison to the source, a marksman. The pair shot at him, but the man leapt into the air and seemed to attach to the ceiling.
Shinon pulled the arrow out and pointed at the man "Unotch!"
Without a word the demon sniper fired from his bow which looked a lot like Gore Eye. The group quickly moved aside as the bolt struck the ground and exploded.
Shinon rolled to his feet and cursed "Gore Eye! What the hell is going on! I killed Unotch!"
"I'm well aware…this is not Unotch…nor is it a real resurrected body like the men Soren and Mia have been fighting."
As Unotch shot towards Shinon, Uhnie got in front and struck at him, her blades went through his body as the demon continued his charge towards Shinon.
Rey Oshwa looked to Re'Zin as he asked "Rey, what the hell happened?"
"Midnight…" she whispered "Re'Zin!" he turned to see Leah land in front of him as another man appeared, his axe clashed with Leah's blade and brought the trueblade to one knee.
Uhnie shook her head at the new enemy "Barbyos!?"
"Leave…now…" Rey whispered as she closed her eyes. Re'Zin picked her up and charged out of the cell. Uhnie picked up Kolkem "Leah! Shinon! We need to go!"
Leah broke away from Barbyos and leapt towards the unconscious Froghul "Shinon!" The marksmen nodded and fired a bolt towards Unotch who shot one of his own. The two arrows struck in midair and exploded. Using the smoke as cover the group escaped now with Uhnie carrying Kolkem, Re'Zin aiding Rey and Leah bringing along the Froghul.
To'Eltz downed another man; helmet rolling off the trickster's eyes widened "Mia! These are Sarharans! Not soldiers of Pozem!"
Mia slashed through a retreating sniper and turned before leaping towards To'Eltz "What do you mean?"
Sure enough the man on the floor was dark skinned, To'Eltz called for Zey'Yu as loud as he could. As the whisper approached Mia stood and caught an approaching axe, Kay'Shera dove down and cut the warrior with Mia finishing him off.
"Hey…that guy is…or was…a member of the Altar." To'Eltz cursed "We've been caught in one of their false wars…both sides are killing each other. Following orders from two different heads of the same hydra…"
Mia and Zey'Yu glanced at each other before returning to the fight with To'Eltz following shortly after.
Tyazaer stood slowly after crawling out from beneath the dead griffon, looking up she saw a knight about to bring down a massive hammer. Wayu slid by and held her shield up; Tyazaer saw immense pain in Wayu's face as the blow broke her arm. The knight raised his weapon as Wayu's shield arm fell to her side and she clenched her teeth.
Lyle shot past them, his blades catching the hammer which forced him down to one knee. "Tyazaer!"
The woman reached up and grabbed Lyle's knife strapped to the side of one of his legs. Using all his force, Lyle brought the blades out, pushing the knight away just as Tyazaer tossed the knife. The knight screamed as the small blade sunk into his exposed face. As the man stumbled back grabbing his face in pain, Lyle spun his two blades and finished him off before turning to Wayu and Tyazaer, helping the latter to her feet before grabbing Wayu's arm causing the woman to scream.
"Sorry…sorry…stupid move…To'Eltz!"
As Mia and Zey'Yu struck down a few soldiers approaching the merchant carts they realized most of the Pozem force was gone with the remaining few still fighting the troops of Anondye.
"I'll check on the other battle, Zey'Yu-"
"I'll make sure everyone is alright." The whisper called, cutting off Mia before taking off.
Orgoth, despite his injuries continued to strike against Ottenz, his lance drew blood but the war monk being much quicker leapt away and healed himself easily before shooting towards the knight and tearing apart more of his armor.
Exhausted Orgoth swung his lance weakly; Ottenz easily knocked it away before shooting his knee deep into Orgoth's gut. A silent scream escaped the knight's mouth along with blood as he fell onto his knees before the war monk.
"You…don't…want to fight…"
"I must…and I will…"
Orgoth spat as Ottenz brought his axe up "You give me no choice. Farewell, knight."
The axe stopped as Eminse appeared "Ottenz!"
The war monk looked at her "You…"
"You want to kill that man because you see him as responsible for the loss of your loved one? Right?"
The man from Treige said nothing but his look confirmed Eminse's statement "Would you force someone to go through that same pain?"
Ottenz thought his actions over as he looked down on Orgoth then back at Eminse "I must…but you are both targets of mine…I'll kill you both, you won't be alone for long."
"Three of us." Ottenz turned his head questioningly, several troop members nearby stopped fighting as Eminse spoke.
"Is the baby I carry guilty of our crimes as well?"
Soren's eyes widened, he turned to Orgoth, Eminse then to Ottenz whose reaction was unreadable, even for the tactician. "Orgoth…you…"
Ottenz stepped away from Orgoth incapable of speaking mostly because he wasn't sure what to say.
The troops from Anondye also stopped, Wilt clenched his teeth and called out to the men, specifically Ottenz "We are soldiers! We do what we are told to prove our loyalty and honor the men who command us…our superiors! Our forefathers have torn apart countless families! This is war!"
Ottenz looked to Wilt, the war monk's face was pale as he looked around he noticed that all of the other remaining troops from Anondye were not sure what to do either.
"Orgoth…Eminse…" The war monk gripped his axe tightly and shook his head "Only by crossing the line…will the truth be revealed. I must know what the truth is that I will see."
Opening his eyes he raised his weapon, everything went silent as he brought it down, Eminse recalled the same moment from when he killed Krayvon and called out he did it for the truth. Unable to look away the axe came to a halt once again as a blade shot out of Ottenz' chest.
Orgoth looked up as blood shot out from the man's chest and mouth the blade rotated before ripping out of the war monk's back. Ottenz stumbled past Orgoth revealing Lyle had gotten behind the war monk.
Falling to his knees, Ottenz closed his eyes and, despite everything, a smile grew on his face. Opening his eyes, he saw it…he saw strangers he couldn't recognize, one strongly resembled an old researcher. They ran through a place unfamiliar to him with Rey Oshwa in tow.
"Truth." He whispered before falling to the ground.