Throne of Glass
Part two: To Wage a War
Chapter 22: The Puzzle
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Lined up along the Indian border were well over a hundred Gun-Ru frames, the main body of the imperial strike force Dragon Cavalry that belonged to Li Xingke. The man himself stood atop the open hatch of his own command variant, cool winter air breezing past him. There was no snow, that was good. Knightmares performed poorly in adverse weather conditions. Compared to older weapons of war they were a bit more finicky, but their performance still spoke for itself.
Examining the land in front of him, Xingke held a deep frown. Nothing opposed him, nor was he met on any channels. In the distance were several watch towers that were likely erected several years ago. No hastily constructed defenses stood in was way, nothing at all. And yet…
"Once again, I am Li Xingke; commander in service to her Majesty Tianze. It has come to our attention that insurgents have plotted against the empress and the Federation. Respond immediately or we will respond with force." He delivered the message one last time over both loudspeakers and open channels across the military radio comms. Between all that Xingke doubted he went unheard. And so, when silence was all he received once more; he bowed his head, breathing deeply. Any suspicions he had of this rebellion's legitimacy could no longer be held.
"Very well then." With an outstretched arm, he gave his order. "Advance the Dragon Cavalry."
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In the stead of his princess, Guilford led the initial charge on the western beachfront of Indian territory. After only a moment it was becoming clear to the seasoned soldier that something was considerably wrong with the situation. The most obvious method of defense was to prevent the enemy from establishing a beachhead in which to press their assault. Knowing her highness was recently deployed in the middle east should have made it clear where they were going to strike. Yet, no defenses had shown to impede their advance. Given the situation it should have been a hail of artillery fire and dug in gun placements before them, not empty craters from their own amphibious strike that seemed to have accomplished nothing in it's wake. With an order to remain vigilant in their advance, Guilford continued through the drab terrain without so much as a single bullet to stop him. Perhaps they were limiting their defenses to key areas? They had to know they would be defending two separate fronts.
"General Dalton, have you encountered any resistance in that port city?" He asked his ally, who was leading another group several miles south.
"Nothing, the place seems to be evacuated as well, not even civilians remain here." The man reported. So it was apparent they prepared in advance, they were certainly expecting an invasion. So then where was the opposition?
"Lord Guilford, we're detecting signals in a line just up ahead. It must be enemy fortifications." He was told from one of his communications officers.
"This far inland?" He queried aloud. They were already pressing several miles in, perhaps they were trying to avoid artillery fire? "No matter, prepare to engage them. We'll smash through and continue on."
Met with a masse affirmative, the knight readied his own lance as ther battle fast approached. This would be the first in history where knightmares were to face each other in combat of this scale. Sure the MEF had their knockoffs, but the fundamental design lacked the advantages of mobility and lethality the knightmare was built for. In this war the technological superiority previously held by the Britannian Empire was brought to an equal status with their foe. The moments that followed would be determined by the ingenuity of the commander and the determination of the individual soldier.
Or so he thought.
"Stationary weapons spotted just over that ridge my lord, we're coming into their range shortly."
"Spread out, and watch for enemy interceptors. They'll likely try to distract us before rushing in with the knightmares." Guilford ordered. "Long range frames focus fire on the weapon placements while the vanguard closes in on their position."
It was in those few moments as they crested the small hill and came into view of the opposition's defenses that Guilford truly came to understand how horribly wrong his belief was. Weapons finally in view, the gunfire that met Britannia's advance was much more effective than he could ever have expected.
All around him, the advancing frames fell, simply crashing forward as their own momentum threw them into a heap. Baffled by the sheer number of affected frames, Guilford could only raise his lance to defend against the green tinted blurs that barraged his knightmares, unable to dodge the rapid fire small caliber rounds. Under normal circumstances, it took much greater firepower to fell one of the formidable machines, the kind of anti-armor rounds that were easily evaded by a knightmare. But this? Such paltry fire might have cut down a wave of infantry, but the armor of even a Glasgow was enough to shrug this off. And yet, the heaviest set Marianne vanguard variants collapsed under their own weight as though they were crippled from the inside.
"What the hell is this?!" He growled, closing in enough to realize that now a literal moat stood between him and the enemy's defensive line. Recently dug, and filled with muddy water impossible to determine its depth. He had no doubt that attempting to cross it would completely immobilize any frame, a guaranteed death sentence. A simple yet frustratingly effective tactic. With nothing to anchor a slash harken on the other side, there were no options available for a knightmare to cross it. While a few ideas for dealing with the problem at hand presented themselves, they all took precious time to enact, and would cost an inexorable number of knightmares being utterly cut down.
"Guilford, I'm deploying armor now to deal with those turrets!" Princess Cornelia called to him. "Ashford believes they may be interfering with the sakuradite cores somehow, tanks won't be easily affected."
"Understood, your highness. What about air support? Shall I attempt to remove any anti air defenses they have?" He answered, rounding around to keep himself moving. Though they were effectively stalled, stopping here would be the end of it.
"Only if you can without exposing yourself, they likely positioned them further behind. As loathe as I am to admit it's clear they thought this out quite thoroughly."
"Princess, the port town is secure." Dalton reported. "I can attempt to flank their position from the west."
"Do it, but proceed with extreme caution. There's no telling what else they have under their-" She stopped mid sentence, and for a moment Guilford feared the worst. "The armored unit was wiped out?!"
"An ambush from behind?" Guilford wondered.
"No, they were destroyed by landmines, buried under the tide to avoid the knightmares. Dammit they knew exactly what we were going to do!" Cornelia cursed. "Alright I'm sending VTOL dropships in to deploy knightmares behind their line. Make sure they get through Guilford. Double time to his position Dalton, keep boths eyes out for any surprises. We are not to be made fools here."
"Yes, your highness!" They replied together.
"Lord Guilford, knightmares approaching from behind the turrets, they're closing in on us!"
"Well, at least this is something I can deal with!" He answered with vigor.
Once more however, he was wrong.
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Ashford Tower, Area Eleven; 2017 ATB
"This is your room, Lady Strauss; please, do not hesitate to call upon me if there is anything you require." The eleven maid bowed. "I will be back at five to bring you to the mansion for dinner. Please feel free to relax until then."
Nodding in response, Emilia set her bags upon the much too soft bed, a luxury far greater than her family's own modest amenities. "Thank you, I'll be fine."
"Then I shall take my leave." In the same unnerving way she first arrived, the Shinozaki was gone before Emilia even realized it.
Now alone, the snowy haired knight let out a heavy sigh, sinking into the bed beside her things. Really, what was Bismark thinking sending her on a job like this? She was far from the dignified noble with a respectable background, like the rest of them. Even that obnoxious brat Gino would at least be capable of worming his way in here with that overbearing charm of his. She had a hard enough time keeping appearances with a seventeen year old girl for god's sake.
She closed her eyes, running a hand through her hair. "Calm down Emilia, you're okay." She muttered to herself.
Emilia held the position of a knight of the round for two years now, as a result of her unexpected affinity as a devicer. It came as a divine blessing for her wilted house, the appointment alone promising them a prosperous future. Despite how she felt about it she never really had a choice in the matter. And so the timid and withdrawn daughter of the Strauss family became the prized treasure of a house full of sons serving distinguished careers of moderate repute. It was the Strauss legacy for generations, falling behind as their bloodline produced officers and soldiers that only amounted to 'average'. However, no matter what prestige, titles or praise was sent her way; nothing could change the girl she was.
Trying her best to shake the thoughts, the knight took a look out of the admitted remarkable view. The tower itself was incredibly tall, giving her an unrestricted vantage from it's remote position on the edge of the settlement. Below her, she could make out several dozen knightmares leaving the lower levels of the tower. Emerging to patrol the streets in an effort to ease the paranoia that no doubt plagued the citizens. There was without a doubt something going on here that did not add up. The attack on the OSI was monumental. Not only the target and the damage it caused, but the mere fact that it happened here in the Tokyo Settlement: the heart of Britannia's rule in Area Eleven. If Zero was capable of such a feat, there was no telling the full extent of the man's power. Then it was followed up by the complete and utter defeat of the viceroy in the Shinjuku ghettos. Britannia's line was broken, placed in a perilous check that could spell absolute destruction. And yet the final move had yet to be declared. Zero had to know time was not on his side, every day he waited Area Elevens's strength was bolstered. Something was missing, something she didn't know. What was he waiting for? Why attack the OSI headquarters deep in enemy territory? What did he gain that was worth such a risk, and still not follow up on it nor the victory in Shinjuku? As things escalated there should have been an army storming the settlement not total silence.
Yet the Black Knights were not the only enigmatic presence here. Bismarck had specifically ordered her to 'keep an eye on Ashford.' She had to admit there were a great many alarming things about the family that had risen from the ashes in less than a decade. Though it was a right often exercised by nobility to possess a standing army, none could compare to the overwhelming might the military enterprise had sitting underneath their tower. It was contradictory of the boy who reportedly touted a 'peaceful' approach to problems, going so far as to pour a fortune into revitalizing the native populace. A far cry from the business he conducted to obtain that fortune after all. The young Ashford was ambitious, if nothing else could be said about him. To what end however, was anyone's guess. Her conversation with Lady Stadtfeld was enlightening to a degree, but was taken with a grain of salt. Anyone could preach the good qualities of a madman, just as much as they could lie about them. And as she previously concluded many of his accomplishments felt conflicting with one another. What he was working toward and why were unknown, and she was quite certain she wasn't going to easily find out snooping around. Anything Ashford was trying to hide was well and truly sequestered away, with both Camelot and other competitors breathing down their necks and up until recently the OSI themselves watching their every move. It was no secret they were not well liked, and as such did not have the societal levity enjoyed by others of their same status. Thusly, from the outside they appeared perfect; aside from the obvious international dealings that were technically wrong from a patriotic standpoint. Personally, shy couldn't fault the family for their overseas business ventures given their past history with Britannia. Do what you have to in order to survive. She was quite certain the emperor held whatever sort of praise he was capable of for them in that regard. Enough to ignore whatever dealings they were involved with, until now at least.
Now though, she was here on order of His Majesty to investigate them in secret. What he expected to find she was not sure; and if it was there to find, it would be quite the arduous task ahead of her.
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It wasn't long after the warning that he could see them over the horizon. Black, humanoid shapes rushing toward him at terrifying speed. For a brief moment, Guilford wondered if they would stop at their own defenses and merely play the role of a deterrent, but decided to ready himself to receive them anyway.
Then in a feat of impossibility, the knight watched no less than a dozen black machines leap over the trench, clearing it with ease and landing on their side. Noting that one of the machines seemed to be focusing on him, Guilford attempted to gun it down with rifle fire. Shockingly, his enemy made no attempt to dodge; instead a green light appeared in front of the knightmare, protecting it from all harm. Next he fired his slash harkens ahead of his charge, preparing to impale the mysterious slender frame upon his lance. In response, the unknown model maneuvered itself in a far too human manner, completely dodging Guilford's attack without slowing a moment. A fraction of a second later it was upon him, raking wicked looking claws straight upon his own Gloucester. Narrowly avoiding the blow, he traded his own attack, once again negated by the knightmare's fluid movement even in such close quarters. Without missing a beat, Guilford followed up on his assault with a stun tonfa, quickly realizing in horror that the melee weapon was no match for the glowing claws that adorned both the machine's arms. His own left arm was reduced to a twisted pile of metal, half of it torn clean off. He came to the grim conclusion that this trade was not going to end in his favor. And as a last ditch effort ejected the hunk of scrap that was his arm directly into the opposing knightmare, rapidly backing away at the same time.
The respite earned was short however, his foe resumed the offensive seconds later with a swing of it's deadly claw. Guilford raised his weapon in defense, embedding his opponent's claw in the thick metal. Yanking back on it, he brought the knightmare toward him, bringing it off balance. But without another arm, his only option to follow up was a point blank slash harken. The knight earned nothing more than a glancing blow before the enemy tore itself free, backing away from him at incredible speed.
It was only now that he was able to properly assess what kind of knightmare stood before him. He could have easily determined it was nothing like any he had previously seen before. It's lightweight design was clearly built with mobility in mind, far more so than any previous iteration. Coupled with his brief bout with the monstrosity made it's purpose quite clear: it was a knightmare designed to utterly destroy other knightmares in duels. A quick glance at the state of the battle around him made that even more obvious. The small number of these frames had quickly overpowered the vanguard of his forces, despite the enemy battery ceasing it's assault. In conclusion, he'd say they were quite thoroughly outplayed here
"Nevertheless, I will not allow myself to fall to you here so easily!" With a rallying cry the man made his own offensive charge, spear poised to crush his foe. Just as he was about to strike, Guilford feinted the blow, blocking his opponent's counterattack. Still his only option, he fired his slash harkens into the knightmare's head, where it's factsphere was likely located. To his complete shock however, the weapon was snatched out of the air before it impacted. "He read my attack?!"
Realizing his position, he swung his weapon at the hand that held down his harken. Instead he was pulled toward the knightmare suffering a massive hit in passing. "Just what kind of monster is this thing?" He growled. "Even the pilot is…"
Then in but a few seconds passing, Guilford realized he had already lost. He could see it playing out slowly before him: the deadly claws coming down upon his exposed back. They would rake straight through it now doubt, likely killing him in the process. There would be no escaping that, it was too late to dodge it or eject.
He had failed.
But before the killing blow was struck, nothing short of divine intervention intercepted his demise. Diving between him and his victorious foe, was an elegant frame of white and gold. Slashing through the extended arm of his enemy, the appendage was cut clean off.
"That knightmare.. the Lancelot?" Guilford remarked dumbfounded. "You're Ashford's eleven pilot."
After it's prey was pried from it's grasp, the machine before them rapidly made a retreat, assessing the new situation. It was then that Guilford was able to properly survey what had just taken place. The rest of these new knightmares had cut swathes out of his vanguard line leaving behind a carnage reminiscent of the first battle the machines had ever taken part of. As more of his own forces were finally arriving to aid them however, it seemed they were no longer interested in continuing the fight. And so Guilford watched helplessly as they retreated in the same manner they arrived, fleeing the battlefield as all became quiet.
In a fit of futile rage, the proud knight slammed his fist, cursing his own failure.
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Ashford Mansion, Area Eleven; 2017 ATB
At this point she was beyond setting expectations as it was easy to assume what she'd find to break them. And yet, upon setting foot in the Ashford home, Amelia was once again baffled by what she saw. It wasn't the oppulance of the mansion, no in fact it was the opposite. While her own family's decline forced them to live what other nobles would call a life of frugality, the halls she walked could only be described as spartan. In the many grand mansions and villas she had visited in the past the one rule they abode by was the absolute need to look better than anyone else. The houses they lived in reflected their wealth, status and prestige. More importantly, it reflected how others viewed those traits. The Ashford's had defied every one of Britannia's customs, so she supposed this shouldn't have really come as a surprise. However, what was most intriguing came as she passed a window that offered her a view of the inner courtyard, and the incomparable garden that filled it. Twice before, she had been given the opportunity to visit the magnificent Exelica Garden inside the imperial palace, yet the sight before it was far more beautiful.
"Breathtaking isn't it?" The young woman Amelia had met earlier that day announced herself as she stopped to look upon the gardens as well.
"Indeed it is. I was just thinking it is more than a match for the gardens at the imperial palace." Amelia replied.
"The Exelica Garden? This was built as a tribute to the Aries Villa. From what I've heard, there is none other to rival it." Kallen told her.
It took her a moment to recall the name, but once she did it make perfect sense. Like all else she had come to understand it always came back to her.
"There's actually an exact replica built by Prince Clovis atop the viceroy's palace. Allen calls it a pale imitation, lacking the soul of the original." The younger woman explained. "I've never seen it though, so I can't really say."
Taking that comment in, Emilia frowned. "He never met Lady Marianne himself did he? I don't see how he could have."
Kallen shook her head. "No, she was killed before the second Pacific war. Allen lost his own parents in that war, he never had the opportunity to see her. At least, not in person."
It made perfect sense that the old Ruben would memorialize the empress given their previous relationship. Yet numerous times now it appeared as though Allen himself shared that same sentiment to a nearly fanatical degree. Though she couldn't be certain without actually speaking with him, Emilia still found it strange the level of influence the long dead woman had over him. Though it felt like there was a mystery here to be solved, every clue she gathered seemed to be without a clear answer
A piece that didn't connect with any of the others. Of course she wasn't even sure if they were meant to connect at all.
"I've heard many stories about Lady Marianne before. Lord Waldstein spoke highly of her, though many of the knights of the round have never met her either." Emilia began. "I myself never paid her much thought until recently. I recall hearing the news as a girl, though it meant little to me. My family all served in the military at some point, and I believe my father once worked under her."
Kallen nodded as she guided the knight toward the dining hall, accompanied by the eleven maid he had once again made her appearance without a sound. "To be honest I was the same way. Before meeting Allen I knew nothing about her or her family. Now though, I think I can understand why Allen admires her so much. She was the woman who rose from nothing to the greatest position she could have ever held. She was living proof that anyone could be anything, and I think Allen believes the same."
Entering the dining hall, Emilia found that the two of them would not be eating alone. Already seated was an old man she recognized.
"I'm sorry, Lord Ruben, we've arrived a little late." Kallen said to the old man, giving a light curtsey.
"Think nothing of it my dear. You must be Lady Strauss then, a pleasure to meet you." He stood offering his hand as they approached.
"Likewise sir." She replied, shaking his hand before taking a seat.
"It's quite reassuring to have you here with us milady. These are tumultuous times, your presence is most reassuring." The old lord told her.
"Thank you. Though it seems this colony is in good hands from what I've seen. I fear I won't be needed at all." She replied.
Ruben gave her a gentle smile. "That I hope certainly to be the case. But your arrival shows the homeland has not forgotten about us. We have no idea just what kind of power this Zero has amassed, nor what he has planned for the future. We've done all we can, but I fear it may not be enough. This fiasco with India doesn't help matters either."
"I heard about that. My colleague was sent to aid Princess Cornelia actually." Emilia said. "From what I understand they attempted to take your son hostage correct? That's quite foolish of them."
"Indeed, when I heard of it I was shocked. We were business partners for a long time. Sure we simply using each other to further our own goals, like any relationship. But I never imagined it would end that way." The irony of course was known only to him and Kallen. But Ruben himself had a well worn mask to wear for just such occasions. "But there is of course the silver lining. We have a great deal to gain from this misfortune. Something my son has decided to seize with his own hands."
"If you don't mind me asking Lord Ruben, why exactly is he currently assisting in the war? Your business practice aside, he seems to favor peaceful approaches here in Area Eleven. He doesn't strike me as the kind of person to actively fight like that." Emilia asked.
The old man frowned, appearing to think hard on it. "Allen has a soft spot for the Eleven populace. He's spent many years here, met many people. I think he believes that the faster the war ends, the less people get hurt. That philosophy is one that carries over to this war as a whole. He's already proven that past grudges can be mended, or at least fervently believes we should try. Call it an idealistic fantasy, but the only way this war will finally end, is when someone wins. But that's just the first step. Allen has simply decided to take the next one."
"I think I understand." She answered, furrowing her brow. Though it was fancifully worded, it was incredibly brazen to say in front of a personal knight to the emperor. She wasn't exactly diehard patriotic, but it was a core belief of Britannia that they were simply superior to other peoples. Discrimination was national policy. She understood that Ashford did things differently, but...did he really believe in such a thing? The next step toward what?
"My apologies, I really need to be going." Ruben continued, standing as a servant handed him a napkin. "It was a pleasure to see you before I had to leave Lady Strauss. I'm afraid I won't be in the colony for some time. We still have a business to run, aside from a small nation now."
"Think nothing of it." The knight shook her head. "Thank you for the hospitality Lord Ruben." She bowed, watching as Kallen, who had remained silent, did the same.
"Have a pleasant night, ladies." He said as he left, followed by more than half the staff who were previously fluttering on the outskirts of the room.
"Sorry I didn't warn you. Just before finding you he told me he wanted to see you before you left." Kallen apologized as they continued their meal.
"It's quite alright." Emilia shrugged it off, her eyes lingering on the door. "It was...very informative."
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Oh what a year it has been. I've been working on this chapter for such a long time. Just want to say that one day I will finish it, I have no intention of abandoning this just yet. Though how long it will take I have no idea. I'd like to say it won't be another year before you hear from me again but I really don't know. Anyone who writes here knows it can be really hard to find time between work, life and simply wanting to do other things in your free time. Not to mention I've been really unmotivated to write for a while now. But that being said I'll strive to revisit this more often in the future. I love this story, and what I have planned really does excite me. Hope you guys still are too. Oh, and I am aware I wrote a scene twice somehow. I'll probably fix that really soon.