Loosing 5 teeth = not cool. I'M STARVING!
Enough about me, 39!
Chapter Thirty Nine
Castle Town, Amaryllis
"Kanahana…" the vampire bowed before his master "I know of the rats scurrying through Numengate…don't worry yourself my master, I'll do away with them soon."
"More important than that…I see Amaryllis…burning…"
The vampire looked up at his master who slowly turned to face him; Kanahana quickly brought his head down again.
"The upcoming conflict…will set the stage…"
With that, the master began laughing, the entire chamber rumbled and Kanahana clenched his teeth as he felt blood pour out his ears.
"What proof do you have of any of this?" A senator cried out as more voices rang out in protest.
Wilt and Jikahn stood in the hearing chamber, the Great Knight gave his account of the military collision at the border of Anondye and Pozem which claimed the lives of all the Pozem elite and nearly all of Anondye's personnel including Ottenz of Treige.
As the senators argued about what to do and whether or not to bring the Queen in on this, Vassaan sat still not saying anything as he kept his eyes on Wilt and Jikahn.
A fellow senator turned to him "What should we do about this Vassaan?"
As he stood the rest of the chamber fell silent "Do you have proof, Senator Jikahn and Great Knight Wilt of Euto?"
"I'm afraid we didn't consider bringing anything to prove our case when the Pozem soldiers WERE CUTTING US DOWN!" the senator screamed at Vassaan prompting the others in the chamber to join in again and Vassaan to sit down.
"There it is! The Castle Town!" Mia called out as the Troop came to a stop at the top of a steep hill. The trueblade recalled sitting on Crown Overwatch near Malsean with Shay and Lora many months ago and thinking about visiting the Castle Town.
Soren turned to the rest of the troop who nodded towards him, they were all ready and together they descended towards the massive and bustling town.
"Peltzm'Jakq…how do you plan on bringing us back on track?" The trueblade turned as Mistress approached.
"I won't need to do anything…that rat of a Senator is doing it for us…he truly believes he is worthy of the Royal Ring."
Mistress smiled "All that is needed is Duke, Hierarch and I…what use do we have for another?"
Peltzm'Jakq nodded "None Mistress…but what of Jikahn's superior? He watches yet never acts."
Mistress thought about the other man who they were given information about from Kino. She wasn't sure if he played for The Midnight or The Altar, however as long as he stood out of the way it didn't concern her.
Echoing her thoughts to Peltzm'Jakq she took her leave with the Trueblade following close behind.
"Fistivus…Lune…remain in the city, we'll meet with Vassaan and Shaelin, also be wary Wilt might be here." The merchants nodded to Soren as he moved aside allowing the carts to pass.
He turned to To'Eltz "We're going with the Senator first…where were you supposed to meet Vassaan with the Orichalcum?"
The trickster sighed "It's been months."
"Vassaan doesn't sound like the type of man to give up hope…I imagine he is visiting the location regularly just in case. Besides if he is truly aware of The Altar and their dealings around the entirety of Ymarkteg, I'm sure he figured something went wrong." To'Eltz nodded to Orgoth's statement before eyeing the rest of the Troop.
"The meeting was between Vassaan, Jyim'Son and I…he'll be wary enough if it's just me but he'll never show if there are a dozen armed individuals there…I'm sure you understand."
Wyre nodded "We do…how far should we be? I trust he won't just walk in cause no one's around."
To'Eltz signaled them to follow "There is an old building near the spot…it's one of the several throughout Amaryllis being torn down, if it is still there you can wait there…a roc overhead or a mighty steed like yours will be too noticeable."
The last part was directed to Kay'Shera and Tyazaer. They both nodded "We'll wait elsewhere and we'll keep Eminse and Dent with us, be careful."
Orgoth nodded to them as they broke off, Rhogam and Zey'Yu followed them with the rest remaining close behind To'Eltz who Mia noticed was watching every single detail around him. His gaze seemed to identify everything about the random civilians they walked by, he was even more cautious then in his most aware state.
"Will this aid us Jikahn?" The Euto Senator turned to Wilt as the pair left the hearing chamber.
"Certainly! Those terrorists can't hide in Anondye with the Royal Army after them…I trust the Queen and her Generals will make the right call."
As the pair walked through the town, Jikahn began talking to himself about a celebratory dinner. Swearing he heard something odd, Wilt turned to see a bunch of carts and people minding their own business. He stared at a few carts and horses for a while before shaking his head and looking away.
"What of Kino? Wasn't he supposed to be here?"
"He dropped me off…Gods I sound like a child. With you here he saw it fit to return to Treige, we know those guards back there can't accomplish anything on their own. With Iltar'Elm in custody and Ottenz dead the only thing missing is Re'Zin. Before he left Kino told me the man escaped Myillheim but our scouts said no sign of him was seen in Sarhara."
Wilt nodded "Will we begin a search for him after the Queen's decision is handed down?"
Jikahn smiled "Of course…we'll also do the Numengatians a huge favor and kill the murderer wherever we find him."
As they continued on their way, a woman who was watching them moved away to rejoin with her comrades.
"He's here!" Rhogam turned followed by Tyazaer and Kay'Shera "Who?"
Zey'Yu turned but the Senator and Great Knight disappeared into the crowd, "I saw Wilt and Jikahn!"
"Welcome to the Ebony Median, Golsaehr!" Zihark's group bowed as they passed the guards at the gate of Numengate's capital city. During their travel they asked everyone they passed on the road if they knew a man or anyone else related to a man by the name of Einseek. Just as they expected, no one knew anything.
The only thing Kolkem stated in between his fits of rage was the name Golsaehr, which led the group here. However the Researcher was still incapable of divulging any further information which left the group at a loss, searching for one man or anyone who knew him in the city with the largest population of all Numengate was not going to be easy.
"Ottenz…" Orkra turned to Rey Oshwa, during the journey Re'Zin told her about how Ottenz was involved with a misguided attack resulting in the destruction of the Euto Research Center and the deaths of everyone within including the security commanders Retuu and Krayvon.
"How did they…manipulate him like that?"
Leah shrugged "Whatever they did was just as convincing as what was told to Gorm and Yushez."
Shinon shook his head "No…we know thanks to the insane man over there that someone high up in Regalshin is involved with all these attempts to silence people…clearly whoever that is in Regalshin passed the false information down to the pair. Gorm is a soldier, is he really going to question his superior?"
"Safe to say this Wilt is the same." Uhnie muttered.
As they continued down the road the Core Archive rose through the other buildings, much like Sarhara's Western Archive, this building cataloged unbelievable amounts of information but much of the 'good stuff' was closed to the public.
"Shinon." The marksman turned his head to see his bow slung across his back "What?"
The eye on Gore Eye began to glow and Shinon felt the sudden urge to turn his head and look up, surely enough he saw Unotch on a roof staring at the group. The demon archer wasn't moving and didn't even have his Gore Eye at the ready. Uhnie followed Shinon's line of sight "What are you looking at?"
The marksman turned to her then back and Unotch was gone. Cursing silently he shook his head "Nothing."
Soren glanced at Mia, her eyes had shifted and she was keeping watch on To'Eltz. The troop found the building and went just high enough to watch over To'Eltz, Mia gave constant updates but all they stated was that the Trickster was still on his own.
"Soren." He turned to Leena who was sitting next to Mikel and looked very bored "Where exactly do you think we'll go from here?"
"I'm not sure…after meeting with Vassaan and hopefully finding out what happened to Shaelin…a trip to Myillheim would be impossibly long and who knows what could change before we get there."
"We may be too late to help anyone." Wayu stated to which Soren nodded slowly "We'll do what we can but we can't do it all."
He turned to Mia again who still remained silent and intensely focused before he regarded the rest of the troop again and told them "Soon."
"You say he went this way?" Tyazaer whispered to Zey'Yu who nodded as she led the group through the crowded streets "Is this really safe?" Dent asked to which Zey'Yu nodded "We'll be fine…more importantly all I could hear from what they were talking about was something about food and the name Iltar'Elm…"
"Iltar'Elm…isn't that Ottenz partner back at Treige?" Kay'Shera asked to which Rhogam affirmed "I wonder what he thinks about all that has happened…if he even knows about it."
"Excuse me…"
A random man was pulled aside "Hey! What-" he came face to face with Zey'Yu and smiled "Well, well…what can I do for you?"
"Do you know where the most lavish eateries are around here? Perhaps fit for a senator?"
The man nodded slowly as his eyes began to travel, Kay'Shera began to take a step but was held back with Rhogam's hand on one shoulder and Tyazaer's on the other.
"Of course…there is a really…fancy place called the South Haven…"
Pushing the man away Zey'Yu turned to the others and nodded "Let's go."
"Hey! Wait! Is that-" the man sighed as the group vanished into the crowd.
"To'Eltz." The Trickster turned, blade coming up quickly only to be grabbed and thrown aside before a hand gripped his neck and slammed him into the ground.
In the building Mia gasped "He's a…a senator?" The troop turned to her questioningly as she continued watching.
"Vassaan…not the…greeting…I expected…"
The senator looked around then back at the man below him "Where the fuck have you been?" He whispered sharply before continued "Where is Jyim'Son?"
"Let me…go…I came here…to tell you…everything…"
The senator released To'Eltz and stood, the Trickster breathed in before standing "Thanks…damn…you see-"quickly To'Eltz whipped around and punched Vassaan in the jaw, flooring him.
Soren got close to Mia "What is going on down there?" Mia shook her head "The most bizarre greeting ever…"
Standing Vassaan couldn't help but smile "To'Eltz…you haven't lost your touch…"
To'Eltz: Neither have you.
Vassaan: Alright…tell me…quickly…
To'Eltz: Always. Jyim'Son is dead.
Vassaan: What?
To'Eltz: En rout with the Orichalcum from Sarhara we were attacked.
Vassaan: The Altar?
To'Eltz: And the Dune Guard…long story…regardless, all of the Dune Guard including Meloi who stole the Item are dead and we've reclaimed it.
Vassaan: We?
To'Eltz: I was found by a traveling group of warriors and have been with them across Sarhara, Regalshin and Pozem where we got the Item back from Meloi.
Vassaan: Insanity…I can't believe this unless…
To'Eltz took off his hat and pulled the Orichalcum out before showing it to Vassaan.
Vassaan: Incredible…wait…
To'Eltz: Yes, there is a soul inside already. Meloi recited the incantation in the Pozem Catacombs trying to draw in a vile criminal from days gone by…we have no idea who is in here but he can't be stronger than The Vanguard.
Vassaan: Very well…we must get on with our plan quickly, a report came in from Governor Jikahn of Euto that there was a battle at the border that cost many Pozem and Anondye soldiers' lives. We may very well be going to war soon.
To'Eltz: It's all a lie…Jikahn is responsible for an attack on the Euto Research Center, the deaths of its guards, scientists and commanders.
Vassaan: Do you have proof?
To'Eltz: The group I've been traveling with is safeguarding a pair of survivors…you have everything you need…now we need your help.
Vassaan: Is your group here?
To'Eltz: Yes…and with Jikahn here we can wrap this whole situation up before turning our attention to The Altar…though we've made a much more shocking discovery in our travels…if you allow the leaders of the group that I've been with to speak with you, we'll tell you everything and what I meant by the Dune Guard and Meloi.
Vassaan looked up at the sky, late afternoon, the Queen and her Generals should be finishing before sunset "Make it as quick as possible."
"There." Rhogam stated with a smile, the group was staring at Jikahn and Wilt at a window seat. The governor was eating a lot and very sloppy while Wilt seemed much more reserved, not at all like the man that attacked them and the Research Center.
"We don't need to kill Wilt." Tyazaer stated, reading Rhogam's mind, Dent turned to her "What? But he-"
"He's a soldier." Tyazaer continued "I'm sure he has some doubts but he'd never cross his commander…"
"So there they are…what do we do now?" Kay'Shera asked to which Zey'Yu smiled "Easy, two of us keep an eye on them while the others go tell Soren and Mia."
"You're the sneaky one here…I imagine you want Kay'Shera to hang back with you?" Rhogam stated.
Zey'Yu faced him "Have I become that predictable?"
"You alright with that?" Tyazaer asked, to which Kay'Shera nodded "If worse comes to worst I can call Michalis and we'll be out of here before Jikahn or Wilt could do anything."
"What about us?" Eminse asked.
"Go with Rhogam and Tyazaer, best to keep you with the bigger portion of our group." Zey'Yu answered.
Nodding the group shook hands before breaking apart, when Rhogam, Tyazaer, Dent and Eminse vanished into the crowd Zey'Yu turned to Kay'Shera.
"No one to hold you back this time…I really want to see angry Kay'Shera." The roc knight blushed as Zey'Yu laughed before turning to keep her eyes on the Governor.
"What do you want?" Kino smiled as he approached a strange man. "I haven't been able to figure out what you're up to…which means neither has my master. I have to say, I'm impressed."
The two stood on top of a tall building in Amaryllis, invisible to the rest of the populace below going about their business.
"What use is this Jikahn to you?" Kino asked.
"I think his usefulness has run out…" The figure pulled out a golden watch and smirked "No…it will in a few hours…right in sync with a certain other player waking up."
Kino nodded "Everything is coming to a boil."
The mysterious man smiled "Indeed…we'll have to make it flashy…Pesh and Versha in Pozem, Jyuugo in Regalshin, Kanahana in Numengate have done their parts…a little sloppy in my opinion. We of Anondye won't make the same mistake."
Kino nodded "I've been accomplishing my mission flawlessly since the beginning…with everything I know of Soren and Mia…everything that I have shared with you. This night will be a prelude to the end of Ymarkteg's lies."
The mysterious man raised one hand summoning forth Midnight 2 who landed and bowed before him.
"You being here…means the time is even closer…Midnight…to be exact."
"Astounding." Vassaan stated simply as he walked quickly back to Castle Anondye with the troop close behind him.
"The Midnight is the anti-Altar but they are still wrong…"
"But they believe they're right." Soren stated.
"No ones ideals are entirely wrong because it's a matter of perspective." Mia commented "We who have Ymarkteg's best interest at heart however know the continent can't move forward with The Midnight or The Altar infecting it."
Vassaan smiled "I like the way you two think…I'm still not certain about laying my plans bare to you all…but I'll aid you in bringing down Jikahn no doubt, bring the witnesses here as soon as you can and we'll have his head on a stick…metaphorically speaking of course."
Nodding to the Senator, the troop remained still as he walked through the massive arch leading to the Castle.
Tyazaer and Rhogam arrived with Eminse and Dent as Mikel spoke up "Perfect timing! We were just about to get you!"
Tyazaer looked at Soren "Really? What's going on?"
"Vassaan will help us." Soren answered "But we'll need Eminse and Dent's testimony to undermine Jikahn's lies."
Rhogam tilted his head "So you already know Jikahn and Wilt are here?" The group nodded as Dent spoke up "We've been hiding this whole time…will we really be safe?"
"We're all here, nothing will happen to you." Mia stated her eyes on Dent and Eminse.
Orgoth smiled "I trust these people, no harm will befall you. Though with this settled are we going to search for Shaelin now?"
Soren and Mia turned to Ilan and Janie, the Elder Sage nodded "Follow me."
"Seino…Seino...Seino…Numengate…" Orkra turned to Zihark as Kolkem fell unconscious again "Seino is the black general of the Numengate Army during the Dark Days of War, at his peak he held off the other four and cemented Numengate in Ymarkteg's core."
"The other four…you mean Gashuuka, Meltraitis, Drake and Telray?"
"Yes, Seino was peerless with the blade; his perfection enabled him to strike down any enemy in one blow. His blade Balmung is also known as the Silent Edge, the men he killed had no chance to scream or cry out before their life was over and the sword cut through the air so quickly…it made no sound."
"You are very knowledgeable about another nation's lord." Leah commented.
"Everyone in any military worth their title knows about Seino, of the five he was the darkest, even darker than the Necromancer that wields Goetia."
Shinon spat "As amazing as this is, it tells us nothing of Einseek."
"Actually…I think Seino and Einseek are related in some way…the Archive may have information about Seino but it is undoubtedly locked off…we'll need-"
"Elaborate heist!?" Uhnie yelled, jumping and cutting off Zihark.
Shinon sighed "Not yet, Uhnie."
She groaned and sat down as the marksman continued "We just need to look through the books not steal them."
"You don't…need to…do either…" the group turned to Rey Oshwa as she stood slowly.
"I'm…allowed to…the…master…is…my sister…"
Ilan and Janie nodded to each other, the troop stood in a home somewhere in the middle of Amaryllis. Together the two Elder mages pulled the floor apart with their earth magic revealing a staircase descending further down.
"Shaelin!" Janie called before going down the stairs followed by Ilan and the rest of the troop.
At the bottom of the staircase it opened into a chamber much like Freen's first hideaway in the Negative Wastes. The home in the center was nearly identical albeit much bigger.
"Shaelin!" As Janie prepared to call again a man opened the door and sighed "I heard you the first-"
He looked over the large group of people behind Janie and Ilan "Um, what is going on?"
"Rey!" The group held their fingers to their lips and moved aside as the Archive Master excused herself from her employees.
The woman quickly came to her sister's side "Rey…I heard that you…that you died of an injury."
Rey smiled and shook her head "I'm fine…mostly…listen, Teel."
The woman turned to the group "What's wrong with her? Take her to a healer!"
Shinon and Leah made motions for her to be quiet as Orkra spoke "From what we understand she was struck from behind and gravely injured…she was taken from the healers before her back could be fully healed."
"I think…I'll be…stuck this way…" Rey finished to which Teel shook her head and let a few tears fall "Rey…who did this to you?"
"We…need to know…Seino Numengate…"
Zihark cut in "We'll tell you the exact details but in short the people who did this to Rey are most likely still after us, we need to know all about Seino to lead us to a man named Einseek."
Teel looked at Rey then at the group then back at Rey who smiled and nodded.
"Very well…bring her along…oh, Rey…it's…it does my heart good to see you alive…" Teel led the group through the Archive with Uhnie glancing to her side; she swore that the hulking barbarian, Barbyos was in her peripheral vision.
"I…can't believe that all that has happened…" Ilan slammed his foot into the ground causing everyone to jump.
"Helswath is in the enemy's hands! What the hell where you doing here? How could you not know this?"
Shaelin struggled with an explanation as Janie sighed "Shaelin, I know you aren't as lax as Freen and Ilan say you are…just…tell us."
The Elder Sage sighed "Helswath was buried in the ruins of Opal in the Grand Grove…that skeleton of a city has been abandoned for so long no one would've thought to go there…someone must've dug it up and opened the case, though I have no idea how they did it."
"How could you not notice? You're linked to that case, that case, the weapon and its history, protecting that is your life!"
Shaelin scratched his head "I know Ilan, I know…look I'll help you guys for all I'm worth. I can't match up to Ilan and will never match up to Freen but whatever aid I can give you in your quest I'll gladly hand it to you."
Mia smiled "We're glad for that. After we finish here in Amaryllis we're off to Numengate to meet with that Elder Sage and look into some other problems going on."
"I still can't believe you know nothing of the Altar or The Midnight." Mikel stated amazed.
"I'm guessing you know nothing of a man that goes by the name Einseek right?" Lyle asked to which Shaelin looked at him very seriously, a sudden change from how he'd been since they met the man.
"Did you say Einseek…as in one of the second generation of Fell Lord Disciples Einseek?"
Soren recalled the talk the Troop had with Freen and Ilan in regards to the second line, though all they were given were statements in the place of names.
"Maybe." Ilan stated "The man that goes by Einseek lives in a tower on Anondye's coast…but could he truly be…"
The Troop remained silent as Shaelin thought this over.
"Wow…that was fast…" Zihark signaled the group over to him, they were in a dark room that they reached by following Teel through six locked doors that only she could open. The book chronicled the history of Balmung and its wielders.
Teel turned "Do we really need to bring those two guys along?"
Zihark noticed she was referring to Kolkem and the Froghul; he nodded "We can't just leave them outside."
Nodding Teel held up the book and read a passage from it.
"The Fell Lord had five students who were also the five warlords of the Dark Days of War. Gashuuka of Anondye, Meltraitis of Regalshin, Telray of Sarhara, Drake of Pozem and Seino of Numengate…towards the end of the Dark Days the five passed on their weapons and legacies to the Second Generation. Seino gave Balmung to 'he who seeks eternally' also known as Einseek."
Shinon shook his head "Wait…you mean to tell me…the student of the feared student of the feared devil lord…was thrown in jail and eaten by…him?" the group followed Shinon's finger to Kolkem who remained still in the corner, not reacting to anything.
Re'Zin who had been silent for a lot of this shook his head as he approached Shinon "I'm sorry…even if I was the one who Kolkem told this…it makes absolutely no logical sense!"
Orkra nodded "It is possible Kolkem just recalled a name of someone else and brought it to-"
"No."
The group turned as Kolkem stood, his arm that was in a sling came out and bent as if it was never broken. Kolkem stared at them, his eyes changing to a deep blue and despite his back he stood up straight and spun his cane, no longer needing it.
"Kolkem did not eat me…I think it fit to say…I ate him…"
"Einseek." Zihark whispered.
The man tossed his cane in the air and upon grabbing it, the old piece of wood transformed into a mystic blade, undoubtedly Balmung.
"So Shaelin, you know anything else you'd like to tell us?" Ilan asked.
"Well…last I heard from Opstun he was translating the phrases of the second students…trying to figure out who they are."
"They're all still alive?" Soren asked "If the original five were killed during the Warring Ages how did they pass down their weapons?"
Shaelin shrugged "Safe to say they did it posthumously. I mean hell they were students of The Fell Lord, people are coming back from the dead and wreaking havoc! I wouldn't be too surprised if their souls lived on as pure darkness or something."
Ilan sighed "You and your wild theories…"
Shaelin lay down on his couch and scratched his head "Hey, unrelated but have you heard from Teyron?"
Mia turned "Teyron is the Sarharan Elder Sage right?"
Ilan nodded "Yes…and no Shaelin, though I trust he isn't staying off the radar just to laze about."
Shaelin shrugged as Orgoth cleared his throat "The court is about to reconvene, we should head over there now."
As the Troop began moving Ilan turned "We have a few more things to work out, we'll be back soon Shaelin."
The Elder Sage nodded as he watched the last of the strangers leave his keep.
"Wind Ripper!" Zihark's group leapt aside as Einseek/Kolkem spun around quickly slicing the room in half horizontally causing all the shelves to collapse.
Leah shot towards his adversary and their blades clashed "Who are you really? Kolkem? Einseek?"
"I am both…the pathetic scientist wondered too close to the Midnight hour and the truth…he had to be dealt with…but…why kill him when I can use his body?"
Einseek broke away and kicked Leah aside as arrows from Gore Eye hit the ground around Shinon. Einseek laughed until he noticed the group dive away and the arrows around him explode.
Orkra brought out her blade followed by Zihark "Get Teel, Rey and the Froghul out of here!" The hero called "We'll test this man's mettle."
"This monster…" Zihark added as Einseek emerged from the smoke and charged the pair. As the three blades clashed, Leah picked up Rey and Uhnie helped Teel up, getting an affirmation that the Archive Master was alright, the assassin picked up the Froghul. As they escaped the chamber Shinon stood afar and aided Orkra and Zihark with his arrows.
"Jikahn…" The Governor looked up as Vassaan stood to announce the Queen's decision.
"I would like to tell you…that there have been conflicting reports brought against your claim and charges against you."
The other senators whispered among each other as Jikahn laughed "Charges? What charges?"
"Conspiracy…murder…you have been charged with the spread of disinformation and the use of manipulative lies on your commanders Wilt and Ottenz in order to bring down the Euto Research Center."
One senator called out "The terrorists who destroyed the Western Archive were responsible for that!"
"Obviously that is not true."
Jikahn shook his head and spat "Lies! What proof have you Senator Vassaan?"
"He has me!"
The Senators and Governor turned as the door opened and the Research Center's last head Eminse walked in followed by Dent and Orgoth.
"Eminse?" Jikahn took a step aside as she walked next to him followed by Dent and Orgoth.
"I am Eminse of Euto, I was there along with several guards, Dent is the only survivor after we were hounded during our escape from Anondye…we saw the Euto and Treige military, rallied by Jikahn destroy the Research Center and kill Retuu and Krayvon."
Dent continued "We were targeted because an inquisition from Regalshin came searching for answers, Jikahn ordered those men to be killed and all but one were. The last man barely managed to tell us the horrifying truth."
Jikahn smiled "What proof do you have of that? If the last man is dead as well, no one can corroborate your statement."
"Except…me…"
The group turned, everyone was shocked including the troop that stood aside as a gravely wounded man entered the chamber, clutching what was left of his right arm.
Jikahn shook his head slowly "Iltar'Elm."
"Soren…Mia…" the pair turned to him and he pointed to the sack he left outside of the chamber, they opened it and began to cough from the scent before throwing an old corpse before the senate.
"This man…is undoubtedly…a Regalshin soldier…I found where Jikahn…tossed them…all of them are there…"
A medical team ran in along with a few Senators, guards surrounded Jikahn and Vassaan couldn't help but smile.
"Iltar'Elm…are you-"
The sniper raised his only arm and faced Mia "My condition doesn't matter…all that matters…is the truth…your own philosophy…right Jikahn?"
"Regalshin badges, the Sarharan is telling the truth."
Jikahn swallowed "How did you escape…how!?"
Vassaan looked to the Senate "Seems we were nearly deceived…nothing the man named Jikahn has told us can be trusted, including the battle at the border which means the Queen's decision is null and Jikahn is to be tried and jailed!"
Jikahn screamed as the guards at his side grabbed him, Soren couldn't help but smile until he noticed Iltar'Elm fall to one knee. The medical team quickly grabbed him and took him away for care. Soren turned to his troop who were all smiling and relieved, even To'Eltz.
The Great Knight Wilt on the other hand, watched as the men began taking the Senator away in silence "Is this…all true?"
Another pair of guards surrounded Wilt, the man hung his head and complied, following them.
On top of the castle there was a small ring. Taking out his golden watch the man smiled "Wake up."
Zihark tore through a wall and slammed into a book case scaring several people who ran in various directions as Orkra leapt out after him. She turned in time to stop Balmung before using all her might to push Einseek away. An arrow from Re'Zin flew right by the side of her face and into Einseek who stumbled but pulled it out and struck her, knocking her to the ground before clashing with Zihark as the Trueblade stood again.
Orkra got up slowly "I can't fight someone like him without my complete eyesight…" she cursed as she tore off the bandana and turned to face Einseek.
Zihark glanced at her; the heavily scarred white eye got his attention again. In that moment he was knocked aside by Einseek as another arrow cut into the deranged man. Orkra yelled and charged back in with a renewed fury as the blades continued to clash, showering sparks all over the discarded books strewn about.
Zihark spun his blade as Leah shot past him with both of his blades out and joined Orkra in pushing Einseek back.
Re'Zin stood next to Uhnie firing his own arrows into the fray as the assassin turned to Teel and Rey, the Archive Master glanced at her "I'll watch my sister, help them!"
"Are you sure?" Teel nodded followed by Rey prompting Uhnie to pull the red cloth over her nose and charge into the fray with her knives at the ready.
"Let's do this Shinon!" he fired several shots at Uhnie who neared Einseek as Orkra and Leah disengaged. Uhnie came really close and swung her blades at him, at the last second she leapt away and the arrows hidden behind her sunk into Einseek followed by cuts from Leah and Orkra's blades. Zihark leapt from behind and added his for good measure as Uhnie shot down from above and cut through Einseek as well.
Teel turned to cover Rey as splinters of wood fell all over them. As Teel got up she noticed the Froghul open one eye and stand.
Before Teel could say anything a black aura surrounded him and he shot off into the distance.
"Only time I'll tell you…look out."
Soren's eyes widened and he turned just as a black flash whizzed by, standing in the middle of the hearing chamber was a Froghul. His cloak whipped around as a massive black gale filled the chamber. Soren could see the Froghul only had one arm, before he could say anything Lyle stepped forward "Ushnae!"
The man held his palm towards Jikahn; the Governor fell silent before starting to spasm and scream. "Get down!" Mia screamed, the senators and troop fell to their knees as Jikahn exploded taking the guards holding him with him.
"Is that all?" The group remained silent as an arrow from Re'Zin struck Einseek in the forehead. They moved away as he fell to the ground "Nice shot." Zihark stated. Shinon shook his head "He isn't dead!"
Zihark, Orkra, Leah and Uhnie jumped away as Einseek shot to his feet and destroyed Shinon and Re'Zin's arrows headed for him. "Not enough! It'll never be enough!" Einseek began laughing as he charged after the sword wielders. Orkra once again clashed with him, the force behind her strike caused the insane man to come to a halt and even loose some ground. "I've got all my focus on you, Einseek…good luck sneaking anything by me!"
Einseek looked at her scarred eye and smirked "All seeing eh? Show me what you can do!"
As Leah and Uhnie shot in, Orkra broke away. Quickly, Einseek shot into the air, avoiding Leah and Uhnie's attacks but not Shinon and Re'Zin's arrows.
The Hero landed near Zihark and sighed. She turned to him as he looked at her eye "I never did tell you about this, did I?"
He shook his head "We're not…I don't…you…would you mind doing so when we get out of here?" Zihark finally managed to ask to which Orkra nodded before shooting into the air after Leah and Uhnie. Zihark grinned and followed them up, blades flashing and metal clashing.
"Ushnae…yes…that is…my name…" The Froghul smiled as the troop stood up slowly and took a few steps back.
"Why did you kill Jikahn? Who are you with?" Lyle asked.
"Who am I with? Oh! You mean the Altar or the Midnight…or the Royal Ring."
"Royal Ring?" Soren asked to which Ushnae nodded "Mistress, Duke, Hierarch, the ones truly behind Peltzm'Jakq's Altar refer to themselves as the Royal Ring. Anyway, I don't really like any of them…but if I had to choose, I'd say Midnight…though it is more on a provisional basis…they don't consider Anondye or Sarhara areas of operation…they don't want to conquer these two nations…just obliterate them."
"Why?" Wyre demanded from behind Soren, Mia and Lyle.
Ushnae raised one finger and pointed at the troop "Here we have Lyle, Mikel, Wayu, Orgoth, Leena, Eminse and Dent…Anondye. Over there is To'Eltz, Kay'Shera and Zey'Yu…Sarhara. Then we have Rhogam, Tyazaer and Janie…Regalshin…Ilan of Pozem…and of course I can't leave out Mia and Soren from one foreign nation and Wyre from another, truly a stunningly diverse group."
"You know all about us…" Mikel stated.
"Care to tell us about you?" Leena finished.
Ushnae looked around, the senators fled and he was alone with the troop "See…'provisional' may allow me to despise the Midnight but I'm not gonna rat out all their plans. The Master kind of likes me but he'd rather rely on Asai Versha, Dalton Pesh, Norad Jyuugo and that Kanahana fellow to do his deeds…I have a partner but he doesn't want to show himself yet. So I'll rely on the second-hand help he got me for my big reveal. If anything I think this man can finish you all and bury Amaryllis beneath the surface…"
Waving his hand a stone coffin tore out of the ground and exploded the rubble and smoke cleared to reveal the head of the Dune Guard, Meloi.
As Teel and Rey watched the battle against Einseek from a secluded corner of the Archive, Teel noticed something break through a window.
It looked like a man with massive wings but half of his face was missing.
Teel got in front of Rey as his eyes fell on them "No need to worry. I'm not interested in you…there are much bigger things going on here."
As Teel prepared to say something, Kanahana turned to them "Actually! There is something I'd like to tell the two of you. That monk, Ottenz...he's dead."
"Long time no see!" Meloi called out as he brought his arms up, shooting two massive pillars from the ground which caused the Troop to dive in all directions. The pillars continued up and tore through the ceiling until Ilan and Janie stopped them, Meloi turned to them as they caused the pillars to collapse "Earth eh?"
Ushnae smiled "Looking again…there are far too many of you…" with a wave of his hand black balls appeared all around him and transformed into heavily scarred warriors, no doubt more reborn men killed by the Troop.
As they engaged with the revived warriors, Janie broke through and summoned forth a large stone that she then hurled into Meloi knocking him away. Lyle leapt over the combat and landed in front of Ushnae "You…"
"Lyle…did you find my key?"
"Key?" Lyle absentmindedly looked down to his side, the pocket where he carried the item he found in Pozem. Ushnae grinned before leaping and kicking the swordmaster in the chest.
"You are picking the wrong fight, girl!" Meloi yelled as he caused the ground below Janie to explode, flying into the air she whipped her arm around creating a black slash that cut across Meloi before a ball of Flux struck him and caused him to skid back.
As Janie landed Mia came to her side "Meloi! You were removed from the Midnight alongside Murawk! Why fight for them?"
Meloi sighed "My true target…she has evaded me much too long. After losing the Dune Guard and the Orichalcum…I've got nothing left so it matters not who I fight for…"
Raising his arms, jagged rocks tore out from the ground around him, Mia shot past Janie and cut through them as the Elder Mage leapt into the air and fired constant black waves of Verrine, several struck Meloi but he didn't react to any of them.
All around them the troop continued to battle the revived warriors, Zey'Yu rode on Michalis with Kay'Shera, as the roc knight struck down some of the revived aerial forces, Zey'Yu leapt off the mount onto another and killed the knights again.
Rhogam and Mikel aided the pair by firing on the soldiers above them while Wyre Reh, Wayu and Leena protected the two from enemy troops trying to take advantage of the distracted warriors.
As To'Eltz finished another soldier he turned and noticed someone just standing off to the side "Is that…Wilt?"
The Great Knight stood alone, the guards escorting him ran away as the fighting broke out. Without a moment's hesitation the trickster leapt over to him "Wilt…what are you-"
"Jikahn was lying the whole time…I don't know what to think…"
"Yeah, yeah you were used, I need you to get over it and help us!"
Wilt looked at To'Eltz then at the battle behind the Sarharan "What will that accomplish?"
"For you? First step to redemption." To'Eltz turned and shot back into the fray, slicing a soldier's throat as Dent buried his axe into the man as well.
Soren used his wind to bind a man as Orgoth finished him off; Tyazaer rode by Soren, killing an approaching foe. The sage saluted her as she rode off before noticing Mia and Janie dealing with Meloi and Lyle attacking Ushnae. The Froghul avoided all his strikes and dealt back punches and kicks.
The archsage leapt over to them, his blade cutting through Ushnae's robe as the Froghul noticed him coming and leapt aside. "Need help?" Soren asked to which Lyle smirked before the pair faced Ushnae. "I had no intention of remaining here to fight but this is too interesting an opportunity to pass up!"
"Die!" Leah screamed as his blade struck Balmung with intense force, pushing Einseek away slightly. The man spun and rammed his hilt into Leah, using that moment Orkra shot in and cut Einseek across the back as Zihark dove in from above and slashed him from shoulder to side. The two broke away as Leah fell to his knees and made room for Shinon and Re'Zin's arrows as well as Uhnie's knives but nothing happened.
Zihark turned and saw Kanahana holding Shinon in the air by the throat with Re'Zin and Uhnie on the floor struggling to get up "Long time no see."
"Fuck off!" Shinon kicked Kanahana in the face and then kicked off the vampire, landing several feet away he quickly fired Gore Eye causing the beast to scream as the arrows pierced him. He shot into the air and smiled lifting one finger which caused black smoke to appear around Shinon and Uhnie "I knew setting that trap around Rey Oshwa would help me…"
"Shinon!" The marksman turned at Gore Eye's call as an arrow cut across his cheek. Unotch stood behind him with his Gore Eye at the ready. "I see…that black smoke when we entered Rey's prison cell…"
"Barbyos!" Uhnie called as she stood up slowly followed by Re'Zin. The barbarian spun his axe and smiled before charging towards her.
Orkra cursed before looking back to Einseek who shot at her, Balmung cut into her side and Zihark called out as he dashed towards them. Orkra pulled out a small knife and jammed it into Einseek's arm, stopping him from removing Balmung as Zihark's blade cut across his back "Now Leah!" Orkra screamed as she kicked away from Einseek, pulling Balmung out and crying out in pain as she fell to the ground. Leah thrust his blade through Einseek as Orkra stood and whipped around, burying her axe in his neck. Zihark also decided to thrust his blade through the evil man and Kanahana whistled as they pulled their weapons out and Einseek stumbled away.
A portion of the celling came down on Mia, Janie ran to her side and held her hands up, a pillar shot out and smashed through the section, rubble fell around them as Mia shot towards Meloi and struck his stone encased fist. "Who is your real target Meloi?"
The Earth Archsage grinned "Mistress…she betrayed me…she is the reason I was killed so long ago."
"Impossible…whoever killed you is dead. They couldn't have survived as long as Joltam."
Meloi nodded "Almost correct…unlike Joltam who aged, this woman has remained the same…under different names but the same she-devil through and through…to think I trusted her, maybe even loved her at one point."
"This Mistress has been around as long as you have?" Mia asked to which Meloi smiled "Maybe even longer."
Ein'Tosen burned through the stone and cut across Meloi's arm as the Archsage tried to leap away. Janie beat him to it causing an earth pillar to shoot out of the east wall, extend across the room and crash into Meloi before smashing him against the west wall.
Ushnae grabbed Soren's blade with one hand which began to give off a bright blue glow. With little effort Ushnae snapped Soren's blade in two before swinging around and kicking away Lyle's incoming attacks.
Soren held his hand out, near Ushnae's chest "Thoron!" a bright electrical ball formed in the small crevice between hand and chest before exploding, shooting all three of them in opposite directions. Catching themselves in midair they landed on the ground hard but on their feet.
Ushnae examined his chest, a large burn that still crackled with static branded him. He smiled and looked up to the pair "The group you have formed is truly inspiring in many ways Soren…you yourself are probably the strongest one yet you couldn't kill me when you had the best opportunity."
"I can kill you Ushnae…but you have answers we need." Lyle turned to Soren "What? No! We have to kill him here and now! We'll get our answers from someone else, he can't leave this building!"
"I understand how you feel Lyle."
"No! You don't! He killed everyone that I knew and loved and my memory suffered for it! He dies here!" Lyle cleared the gap at blinding speed and buried his blade up to the hilt in Ushnae.
Shinon and Unotch continued to leap around the chamber, arrows exploding in midair and against the walls on either side as the pair avoided each other's attacks. "You are still the same as you were back then." Unotch said nothing as he prepared another arrow "By comparison, you are no match for me…Gore Eye and I have grown since I struck you down the first time."
Shinon loaded five arrows and shot them off "Astral Dead Eye!" the bolts shot to five different areas around Unotch he turned and fired on one but the arrow was unaffected by the explosion. The five shot at Unotch and pierced him before bursting in flames.
Uhnie leapt aside as Barbyos axe slammed into the ground, Re'Zin filled the barbarian's back with arrows as he turned and threw his weapon at the nomad. Re'Zin moved aside but the axe still clipped his arm as Uhnie moved back in and stuck her knives in Barbyos' shoulders. "I'd honestly love to hear you speak! This silence is not like you at all!"
Barbyos turned and struck Uhnie knocking her aside, she spun in midair and landed on her feet "Wow…I remember you hitting a lot harder than that…no wait…I've been hit by worse since I left Thyremog."
"Kanahana! Come down here you bastard!" Leah screamed at the vampire.
"No…I don't think I will…after all…you haven't cleaned your plate."
Leah turned as Orkra landed near him and raised her axe, stopping Balmung again. Einseek leapt away before Zihark could get a strike in "How is he still alive?" Leah asked.
Kanahana grinned "This is everything I expected and much…much more…"
Ushnae grabbed Lyle's throat and lifted him into the air, Soren spun and fired a powerful stream of black flames into Ushnae. The Froghul roared as he slammed Lyle into the ground, ignoring the black flames covering his body. He pulled Lyle's blade out of his chest and Mia saw him bring it above his head "Lyle!" Janie waved her away and resumed keeping Meloi's attacks at bay as Mia leapt over and added her purple flames to the mix. In the few seconds from being stunned, Lyle rolled away as his stolen weapon crashed into the ground.
Ushnae shot high into the air out of the range of the Branded Fire and noticed most of the troops he summoned were dead "I guess this is all I've got for a first impression…you all fight well."
"Come back down here you bastard!" Lyle roared.
Ushnae tossed the blade in his hand aside "Meloi…I will be completely honest with you. Saving you was not my idea, so you're free to do as you wish…will you continue to fight here?"
The Archsage stumbled away from Janie, blood seeped down his chin. As he wiped it away he chuckled "Hmm, you sound a lot more agreeable than the rest of the Midnight. If it is truly a choice that is up to me then I'd rather not keep fighting…as much as I wouldn't mind dying here…I've got one last chance to see Mistress, and I'm going to take it."
Ushnae nodded "Very well…Soren…Mia…there is much more to be done…"
"What are you talking about?" Mia called to which Ushnae smiled "Numengate Citadel…you will find all of your answers there…I would advise you to come only when you are absolutely prepared…"
With a bow, Ushnae vanished followed by Meloi while the remaining Midnight soldiers stood until the last one was struck down.
Kanahana turned and noticed the rising sun "Time's up…why does it always have to cut in at the best part…we'll be settling this in the Citadel it seems."
Shinon aimed his shot at Kanahana "The Citadel? How are you all going to get in there without attracting attention to yourselves?"
Kanahana laughed "See…the whole point of our show in Myillheim several months back was to attract attention…The Altar and the Royal Ring however are much more prepared than we thought and forcibly silenced nearly everyone who knew of us…we figure the only way to stand above Ymarkteg is to kill the King of Numengate and start a war with the whole damn continent…a war that we will win."
"War? You are starting it in Numengate? They are no longer the aggressors!"
Kanahana nodded "No…they aren't…but for the true stillness to arrive we must upset the entire balance of this continent…in a few short days you will see what we truly stand for."
Shinon noticed a mess of black smoke join back together to form Unotch. Barbyos leapt up onto the ledge with Unotch and Kanahana as the vampire snapped his fingers. The three of them vanished in a black flash, before Shinon could say anything he heard more yelling.
Orkra's axe sunk into Einseek as Uhnie slipped past him and slashed his hand that was gripping Balmung off. Zihark and Leah approached from behind and pierced Einseek again. Slowly the man fell to the ground and closed his eyes.
Before any of them could comment the body evaporated into black smoke along with Balmung. Did they kill him? Or did he escape with the others?
The bodies in the Hearing Chamber burned to nothing following the conflict and the troop stood outside as Vassaan approached "Wilt."
The Great Knight bowed "I am ready to accept my punishment in the crimes I've committed under Jikahn's orders."
"You helped us in a dire time…you don't-"
Before Mia could finish Wilt shook his head "I am a traitor to the Crown regardless of whether I realized it or not…please…I must accept punishment."
Vassaan put his hands on his sides and sighed "Wilt…I-"
"Wait." The troop turned as greatly decorated soldiers approached and parted to reveal the Queen of Anondye.
Breathing heavily Zihark shook his head "Was he a…fake?"
"The whole time?" Leah added. The group looked around at the Archive they destroyed fighting a bunch of phantasms.
Re'Zin turned to see Teel and Rey were still safe. "The Numengate military should've been here already…"
Shinon scratched his head "Is he trying to conceal his actions? I thought the Midnight wanted to get noticed…"
Leah turned to the spot where Einseek fell "Maybe this was more about keeping this incident isolated…he was more interested in watching the battle than actually participating."
"Sorry about the damage Teel." Orkra stated, the Archive Master shook her head "We're still alive…it's alright…though the man…"
"Kanahana." Uhnie answered.
"Yes…he told us that Ottenz is dead."
Re'Zin shook his head "What? What happened?"
"We don't know…he just told us that..." Teel continued.
As the group remained silent Teel looked up again "One more thing, while you guys were fighting, that Froghul stood up and left."
Shinon turned to her "The Froghul what?"
Re'Zin shook his head "He…left?"
Teel and Rey nodded as Leah scratched his head "Left…how? Exactly?"
"He just stood up…a creepy black aura surrounded him and he practically flew out of here. I've never seen anyone move that fast."
At Teel's statement Uhnie finished examining the area "He isn't here, that's for sure…which way did he go."
Teel pointed and Shinon sighed "Anondye…well…a lot is going on down there right now. Soren and Mia are probably involved…but even with that Froghul in Anondye, if the Midnight is truly heading to the Numengate Citadel to make a scene…then we have to go as well…"
Re'Zin nodded "Indeed…but I must return to Anondye, if not for my superior Iltar'Elm then to warn Soren and Mia about this Froghul."
Leah smiled "No worries Re'Zin…we've got a lot to deal with and you aren't entirely involved…thank you for all your help though."
Re'Zin turned to Teel and Rey "It seems I was too late to return and tell Ottenz the truth…I've failed…"
Rey closed her eyes "You did…your best…Ottenz is…"
Re'Zin held his hand up and turned to the rest of the group "I thank you all again…be safe."
Zihark watched as the nomad exited the building and vanished before turning to the rest of the group "I guess we should just hang here…the military should be here soon right?"
Orkra nodded "Best we explain ourselves now rather than get blamed for something that wasn't entirely our doing."
Nodding the group sat in the ruined Core Archive as a detachment of Numengate Military began to draw close.
Just out of their sight, Re'Zin stood and nodded once more towards his companions "Best of luck to you all."
"My Queen." Vassaan quickly got down to one knee followed by Wilt, Lyle, Mikel, Wayu, Orgoth, Leena, Dent and Eminse.
"Rise…Great Knight Wilt…I understand the gist of what you've done…but you are a capable knight."
"I deserve no praise my Queen…"
"If you would only ask for forgiveness…"
The Great Knight turned to see Eminse and Orgoth then faced the Queen "Euto will never forgive me for the lies I've been a part of…"
The Queen looked to Orgoth "What do you say, valiant knight?"
"He was responsible for the slaughter of all my comrades in arms…I will never forgive him as a knight…but as a man…"
Wilt turned to Orgoth who nodded towards him followed by Eminse.
"My Queen…" She nodded towards Vassaan "The rest of you have come with very important news haven't you?"
Soren and Mia stepped forward "Yes Queen Talia…we have." Soren stated.
"You must be the foreigners."
"We mean no disrespect." Mia added to which the Queen smiled "Of course not…but this isn't the place to talk…come to the Castle, we've much to discuss and little time I imagine…I would also give you some of the guest chambers to rest for the night."
Soren turned to the rising sun then to the exhausted troop around him "We would greatly appreciate that."
"Ushnae." The Froghul stood next to Kanahana, Norad Jyuugo, Asai Versha and Dalton Pesh.
"Yes Master…"
"Your show in Anondye will force the Queen's hand…"
"Hardly…she believes in the peace as much as the next false royal. She would not dare send her armies into Numengate lest fear their King's retaliation."
"That is a bold assumption on your part…and Kanahana, what was that in Numengate?"
"Just letting Einseek have some fun..." Kanahana stated.
"We must be ready…our next move…is the most vital…we will become the silence in the heart of Ymarkteg and spread to every end of this continent…from where the greatest wars began we will begin the ultimate process of the Midnight's Peace."
"Midnight Regalshin is ready." Norad Jyuugo stated with a bow.
"Midnight Pozem is all set." Asai Versha spoke with a smile as Dalton Pesh nodded next to her.
"Midnight Numengate has been prepared…" Kanahana muttered.
"Then we begin…now…"
That was a pretty hefty chapter, due to some 'mistakes' the old versions of my previous chapters had, a lot had to be rewritten or deleted entirely.
Either way, another OC Sheet is going up with Einseek/Kolkem, Ushnae 2, Meloi 2, Queen Talia and Istequil (to be introduced)