Late update, my bad, totally forgot till just now!

Chapter Forty Eight

Beginning of the End

"I see…"

Reclam scratched his chin and nodded slowly, impressed as Eminse turned to face him.

Upon regaining her resolve and hearing of the barriers around the Towers, she convinced the group to allow her to work alongside Reclam. Soren was sure that this was just what she needed and gladly allowed her to aid them with her peerless intellect.

Eminse sighed and wiped her forehead as Reclam took a few more notes.

The woman couldn't help but realize the irony upon hearing what happened in Belea. She still mourned for Orgoth but couldn't imagine what was going through Soren, Mia and their old friend Ike's heads.

"Ashnard!" Ike brought Dyeshein up and immediately Soren could see the pain in his face as he fell to one knee.

Ashnard merely stood still watching the group as Mertre rushed to the fallen hero's side.

Soren took this chance to walk forward, sheathing his blade as Ashnard grinned "You seem much more levelheaded in my presence than I thought you'd be."

"I know you won't harm us…regardless of why, there is nothing in it for you, you said so yourself multiple times."

Ashnard nodded slowly at Soren's statement before glancing at Balmung again. Gesturing towards it he took a step back as Soren picked up the blade and returned to Mia's side.

"Why?" Ike asked, still gripping his black forearm.

Ashnard shrugged "The boy is mostly correct in his assertion of my intentions…I am not entirely Ashnard. I am…a manifestation of Soren's memories of Ashnard. I suppose to put it more simply I could just say I'm alive again. Either way, unlike Einseek I have other things to do before I engage in any pointless fight in which I might die…again."

The man turned away as Eien called out to him "Where are you going?"

Without turning the Mad King answered "To get back something that belongs to me."

Despite his protests, Soren convinced Ike to allow Ashnard to depart. "We have bigger things to worry about Ike."

The hero knew Soren spoke the truth but there was still anger in his eyes as the Mad King vanished from their sight.

Soren sat on his bed staring at an object in his open hand. Mia came by and sighed "I wish we knew what the significance of this was."

The Archsage nodded as he gripped the object tightly.

Upon leaving Ike's room, Soren was still wrestling with the idea of Ike wielding Dyeshein in battle. As Mia began to speak, Fistivus and Lune came running up to them.

"I'm so sorry Soren; we completely forgot to give this to you!"

Soren looked up and before he could ask, Fistivus revealed that he was holding the old key that Lyle had found in Ushnae's Keep.

Mia looked at Fistivus and Lune "How did you get this?"

As Fistivus still fought to catch his breath from the running, Lune spoke "You all saw Lyle as he entered the chamber where you fought the Midnight but we were left with moving his corpse. We joined the Numengate forces as the retreat was planned out and we saw Lyle walk out of the merchant cart. We didn't know what to do or what to say. He turned slightly towards us and through what looked like massive effort he unclenched one of his fists and the key fell to the ground. After that he shot off and we had no idea where he went."

"I'm…certain…that Lyle…wanted to…give this to us…or at least…"

Fistivus took a deep breath before continuing "At the very least, he wanted to keep this…from the Fell Lord…"

Soren examined the key in his hand and once again thought of Lyle.

"How goes the final team rosters?" Mia asked, Soren shook his head quickly and turned to the Trueblade "I'm still working on it…"

"Even you are having trouble with this…"

Soren nodded "These are the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, not only do I have to balance out the teams, make sure they have healers, magic users and the proper arrangement of weapon specializations but I have to determine which Tower and by that extent which of our enemies they'll face. I'm not completely certain as to who of the Midnight is stationed at which Tower."

Mia scratched her head "I wish I could help."

Soren smiled "I'd be happy to have any input from you Mia, care to look over the rosters with me?"

Mia sat next to him and took the parchments, as she read them over Soren's mind once again wandered elsewhere. Upon realizing this Mia snapped her fingers in front of his face.

"Thinking about Ashnard?"

Soren nodded slowly "Yeah…I'm not sure what he intends to do. He told me that he has no stock in Ymarkteg, there would be no reason for him to side with the Midnight or the Altar…and I don't believe he'd consider siding with us either."

Mia shook her head "So much for any hope at redemption as a father, then again that was always unlikely."

Soren gestured for her to follow and the pair began walking through Castle Anondye, Talia and Vassaan had a meeting lined up with them but not a lot of time outside of it, the Queen and Senator were hard at work with forming the alliance between all the nations.

Soren came to a stop upon seeing Wilt walking with a regiment of guards. The Great Knight spotted Soren and Mia and walked over bowing as he neared them.

"No need Wilt…I have to say it is good to see you doing your part."

Wilt nodded to Soren "I have a lot to atone for. I asked to be placed with the Queen's top security as she prepares for any travelling to any other nations…the commanders of Numengate have also joined Anondye's High Command, we have the leadership but we still need the soldiers to pose a unified threat."

"Good to hear…we know you still blame yourself but start thinking positive; we'll need your skills on our side." Mia added as Wilt bowed again before leaving.

Istequil, Vargas and Helena were granted commanding positions at the head of several Anondye divisions. The surviving Numengate soldiers also mixed in with the divisions alongside some of The Altar that defected following the retreat from Numengate.

Eyre retained her high position as lead of the Pegasus Knights and even the three guards who first spotted the Midnight marching on Golsaehr: Dawson, Krey and Gill were commended and granted positions in the mid-level command.

As Soren and Mia continued they passed by Re'Zin and Iltar'Elm, the sniper regretted he couldn't join the fray with his one arm but was insistent on making any kind of contribution.

Re'Zin nodded to the pair "Soren, Mia…are you preparing to leave the Castle?"

Soren nodded "We have to, the longer we wait the stronger the Fell Lord's forces will grow."

Mia turned to the sniper "Iltar'Elm, how is the Senator's Aid position working out?"

The sniper chuckled "It's going…though I'd take several arrows to the shoulder instead of all the paperwork I'm sifting through."

"Without it, the chain of command-"

"-will fall apart." Iltar'Elm nodded as he cut Soren off "I know, doesn't make it any less frustrating, we're all doing what we can though none of it matches up to you lot."

After a short pause Iltar'Elm sighed "I have yet to express my regrets in the loss of Orgoth...things will not get any easier from here on out…I trust you all know that?"

Mia nodded "We are going to do everything we can to prevent any more loss of life…but…"

"We can only do what we can…though I have no intention of losing anyone after Orgoth even I can't guarantee everyone's safety."

Re'Zin nodded towards Soren as the sage turned away and clenched his fist.

"All conflict takes lives from both sides…but for our ultimate goal, true peace…I'd gladly give my life."

"Orichalcum."

Reclam sighed, shaking his head and looking over the notes he and Eminse have taken, it all came back to the source. According to Soren and Mia's Troop as well as Ike's Mercenaries, The Apothecary used four Orichalcum replicas to summon the towers and create the shield around Numengate.

However, Orichalcum was long thought to be extinct, he wasn't sure what kind of weapon or spell was required to break through the barriers around the towers and destroy the Orichalcum powering the respective energy beams. In fact, aside from some samples from the area around the Grove Tower all they had were some remains of old Orichalcum retrieved from Anondye's South Archive. The stones lacked any true power but with any luck there was still some semblance of anything useful.

"I think I may have something."

Reclam turned to Eminse as she approached "According to Eien's story, the weapons Dyeshein, Gore Eye, Ijhalma and Singularity were created as counters to the Fell Arms…the power they truly possess is sealed beneath the hate that consumed the weapons while in use by Zijo Oit and the Demon Triad…"

Reclam stood "So the weapons may possess the inner power to break through the barriers…"

She nodded "Maybe…but from what we know about Ike and Dyeshein…"

Reclam sat back down "Shinon can't be in four places at once. He has mastered Gore Eye…is it…is it possible that we can turn the Fell Lord's weapons against him?"

Eminse turned towards him "Yewfelle, Goetia and Balmung are in our hands…that is just enough."

Reclam held up one finger "And…with the exception of Balmung, the other two do not have their Shadow Half…they should pose no problems to the wielder."

The pair nodded to each other and took down a few more notes before moving to find Soren and Mia.

Outside of the castle, Wyre stood looking out over the city. He sighed before turning to see Teiaya Ute approaching him. The man took off his hat as he asked "You fought alongside them as well eh?"

Wyre nodded "Before and now…much like you."

As Wyre turned to look away, Teiaya tilted his head and narrowed his eyes "I was told a little about you during the off times…you know when we weren't fighting for our lives. I don't recall them saying you carried such black secrets."

Wyre shook his head "What makes you think-"

"Your eyes…I see…something dark…I imagine you've not told anyone about…whatever this is?"

Wyre sighed "I can't, at least…not yet." Teiaya noticed Wyre touch his ring finger and recalled that the Thunder Sage was married.

Nodding he looked out over the city as well and couldn't help but smile "The Greil Mercenaries are unbelievably selfless…"

Wyre nodded as Wayu joined them "Being a recent ally of theirs, hearing all about what they've done…it's almost unfathomable." Teiaya nodded to Wayu and sighed.

"I've thought of just stopping after Zatuo was freed of Wetka and Zijo Oit's Benkanan…but seeing their might drove me to continue training…now is the time to prove, mostly to myself that I can keep up."

"No need to be so dark!" Janie commented as she joined them as well. When no one laughed she sighed "He uses dark…never mind."

"Janie, you aren't what I imagine when I hear the words 'Elder Mage' no offense."

Janie tilted her head towards Teiaya "Why? Because I'm female? Young?"

Teiaya smirked "You figure it out…either way, I'm anxious for my team assignment, where do you all think you're going?"

Wayu shrugged "I wish I knew…Soren will pick the best place for us but I can't imagine how hard it is organizing all of us into four groups."

"Yeah, there are 34 of us all together." Janie added.

Teiaya shook his head "Make that 32. Opstun and Teyron aren't coming."

Janie turned "Wait…what?"

As Janie, Teiaya, Wyre and Wayu continued talking, nearby Shinon sat down next to Gatrie "It's been too long since we've had a decent chat."

Gatrie turned away from the person he was watching and grinned "With what lies over the horizon, I don't think we'll have another chance…how have you been Shinon?"

"Good."

"Anxious?"

"What?"

Gatrie smacked Shinon's back "You were getting married before all of this went down…knowing the end is nigh, you must anxious to marry that fine woman you landed, right?"

Shinon turned from Gatrie to see Uhnie speaking with Heather, Nephenee, Zey'Yu and Kay'Shera. The assassin spotted him and blew a kiss before returning to the conversation at hand.

"Maybe a little…"

As Gatrie opened his mouth, Shinon turned "No one is to know I said that…understand?"

The Marshall zipped his lips and nodded as Shinon smirked "By the way…who were you watching? Please tell me it wasn't Wayu, she and-"

Gatrie shook his head "No! Come on, I'm not THAT blind."

Shinon just laughed "Janie? Seriously? Not what I expected from you."

"What? She likes me!" The memories of many conversations gone by much like this one caused the two to laugh and truly enjoy the companionship of the moment.

"Regalshin…"

Orkra continued to think about her country, not noticing Rhogam and Tyazaer approach her.

"Orkra, you alright?"

The woman looked up and nodded before sighing "Somewhat…I'm just thinking…"

"About Regalshin?"

Orkra nodded to Rhogam as Tyazaer sat next to her "I do that a lot…I always wonder what happened over there after we left and you all escaped…it hurts to know Joltam was lost…"

"A lot happened…but I know I have to go back."

Rhogam nodded "You won't be alone Orkra, after we deal with the Frost Tower we'll see to it that everything is wrapped up with Gorm and whoever the corrupted heads are!"

Tyazaer shook her head "We can't…we need to ally ourselves with them, it'll have to wait until after the Midnight are buried."

Rhogam grinned "Oh, yeah…right."

Orkra looked past Tyazaer and Rhogam to see Zihark speaking with Leah, Boyd and Mist.

Titania turned upon seeing Ike and Mertre enter the room alongside Reclam and Eminse. "Did you figure it out?"

Eminse looked up to Titania and nodded "We believe so…hopefully it'll work in tandem with the troop assignments that Soren set up, we'd hate to get in his way."

Ike laughed "Soren is the best strategist I've ever known, possibly the best out there, if there is any problem with the troop assignments he'll rework it within ten minutes."

"Maybe less." Mertre added.

Titania then saw Soren and Mia enter the room and waved them over.

"Opstun! Teyron!" The two turned as Janie approached "Why aren't you two coming with us?"

Teyron sighed "Janie…you may not know this but I'm certain Freen did…you have more latent potential than any of us."

Janie tilted her head as Opstun began to speak "The power that you can muster greatly surpasses all of us, even together. By comparison we really wouldn't add much…you may not believe it now but I…we firmly believe you'll learn what we mean on this final road."

Janie shook her head "You know who we are going to face! We need all the-"

"Janie. You and your friends will handle this…Opstun and I are to join the Anondye army and face down the Midnight's armies when the time comes…we'll be doing our part as you are doing yours."

Janie knew she could never convince them and did not want to turn on Freen's trust. She nodded slowly and looked up in time to see Opstun and Teyron bow to her "You are the Elder Sage's future."

Outside of Castle Anondye, Vassaan stood on a high balcony overlooking a sea of mixed soldiers and civilians. Taking a deep breath he called out as loud as he could.

"Attention!"

The people and soldiers of Anondye turned and looked up to face Queen Talia.

She cleared her throat and began "It has been long since war came to Ymarkteg in any way shape or form…the past few days have revealed that I have not been privy to death and destruction in my own nation…and I apologize though I know it will not do anything for those who have lost loved ones. We move forward to make dangerous deals with people who are almost certainly untrustworthy. However, we have no choice…it is either shake hands with the devils of Ymarkteg or kneel before the vile soul residing within Numengate. I ask that you all put your faith in me one last time…for the freedom of not just Anondye but your entire continent…your homes…your lives and for the safety of your family and loved ones."

Talia bowed to her people who began cheering as she turned to Vassaan. Standing off to the side was her personal escort including Great Knight Wilt.

The senator bowed to her "The Liaisons have been sent…together they make way for Pozem, half will break off near Kror and continue to Regalshin…are you certain about meeting with Yi'Pyre?"

Talia nodded "I know the truth about her…whether or not she knows that I know…it has to be me. We aren't just dealing with Sarhara, Regalshin and Pozem here…we're dealing with The Royal Ring and The Altar."

Soren stood next to Ike who called for the troops' attention. The room grew silent as Soren cleared his throat.

"I first speak to my Troop…Wyre, Mikel, Wayu, Leena, To'Eltz, Kay'Shera, Rhogam, Tyazaer, Janie…we've been through a lot, we've sacrificed a lot…and I am calling on you to prepare for more. What we face now…no matter how hard I try, I can't protect everyone, no matter how long I spend planning, nothing is certain."

"We've known that since the start!" Mikel called out.

"We're ready and willing, Soren, you know that." Leena added.

Soren smiled then continued "Everyone…I've divided us into four groups…we are splitting up to take down the towers that the Midnight's Apothecary set up in all four nations of Ymarkteg. The structures are vital to The Midnight, they are the source of the impregnable barrier around Numengate, we have to bring them down…and invade Numengate to rid this continent of the Midnight. I've said it once but it begs repetition…not all of us are going to make it out alive…I know what we face…who we face…Asai Versha, Kanahana, Norad Jyuugo…The Midnight's Apothecary…The Fell Lord himself. We must steel ourselves for what is to come and I believe in all of us that we can finish this…no matter the cost."

The people before him remained silent.

"These have been the hardest placements I've ever had to make." Soren continued "The team going to the Grove Tower will be led by Mia and I and it will consist of Wyre, Wayu, Leah, Cadeera, Tyse Erent and Boyd. The team going for the Desert Tower will be led by To'Eltz and will include Kay'Shera, Zey'Yu, Teiaya, Nephenee, Heather and Volke. Eien has volunteered to warp one group up to the Frost Tower since it is the farthest. That team will be led by Ike and Mertre with Rhogam, Tyazaer, Zihark, Orkra, Titania and Ranulf. Finally the Stone Tower team will be led by Mikel and Leena with back up from Gatrie, Janie, Shinon, Uhnie, Mist and Rhys."

The group before him was morphing as he spoke and now that his teams were made up he could look out to actually see them. Despite everything Soren was pleased with his decisions, "Soren."

He turned to Eien "What is it?"

"Well…I don't mean to dispute your decisions but…for some reason I feel like I should be part of the Desert Tower Team. I can still warp the Frost Tower Team to where they need to go-"

Soren held up one of his hands "If you feel it necessary there must be a reason, very well."

After Eien moved, Soren proceeded to continue "In order to break through the barriers we're going to need the ancient weapons be it those of the Demon Triad or the Fell Lord's Arms. The Grove Tower Team will have Mia with Balmung; up north in Regalshin Ike will handle that barrier with Dyeshein. The Stone Tower Team has Shinon and Gore Eye while the Desert Tower Team will now have Eien with Goetia."

After a brief pause Soren spoke again "There is one thing I'd like for all of us to do before we depart…"

Several hours later everyone was outside behind Castle Anondye. The atmosphere was grim as the members of the Troop and Mercenaries lined a road. Eminse walked in between them followed by Mikel and Rhogam carrying a large black coffin with the insignia of Anondye.

The group was standing in the Emerald Cemetery where many heroes and rulers of old were buried. Soon their dear comrade would be a part of their ranks.

Once Eminse and the coffin passed the rest of the Troop followed behind them until they reached the burial place for Orgoth.

The coffin was put down and the members of the Troop each took a turn approaching the coffin and speaking parting words to Orgoth. The Mercenaries stood silent in the back as the Troop finished with Soren placing Orgoth's newly repaired lance on his coffin.

"There is one last thing I'd like to tell everyone before we attend Orgoth's funeral."

At the end of the line was Eminse who approached the coffin and placed a beautiful bouquet of flowers on top of it.

"My group has acted as the Troop, Zihark's group acted on their own and Ike's Mercenaries follow him…but we're together now, all of us.

Eminse stood before the coffin, her hands on it, she smiled. "Orgoth."

"We need to address ourselves as a union, a group that trusts each other, supports each other and has eternal, unbreakable bonds."

"You were right…we have a beautiful baby boy…"

"A group that has traversed and brought peace to lands we were never familiar with in the beginning…we transcend being the representatives of any single continent, even our own…"

The group stood still as Orgoth's coffin was lowered into the ground. Soren closed his eyes and whispered as everyone around him bowed to Orgoth.

The room was deathly silent as Soren's trusted friends and allies waited for him to conclude his speech.

"We are…the New Emissaries…"