Merry Christmas guys !
This time I give you a double chapter, enjoy !
Asturia, the knight
"Lord" Allen Schezar, son of Leon Schezar and his wife Encia Schezar, youngest Kaeli knight of the Asturian kingdom, trained by the swordmaster Balgus of Fanelia himself. A legend in the making.
The young man was a prodigy with a sword, leaving all of his opponents in the dust, and was graced with a beauty and gallantry which left women swooning all over Gaea.
He was also the shame of the crown of Asturia.
His life would be perfect for an epic tale who would go through history. A tale of passion, bravery, love, and misery. Of honor and betrayal, of duty and heredity.
It started with his family, more precisely with his father Lord Leon Schezar. The second son of an Asturian Lord with a small but prosperous territory in the south of the capital. Leon was always a scholar at heart, more interested to learn more about the world around him than following his duties to his land and family. He was secure in his role as his older brother would inherit the title and all the duties that would come with it, giving him the freedom to pursue his passion in research. He had little interest in settling down and starting a family of his own, preferring to spend his time and money on traveling wherever he could.
His family was not thrilled with his choices, but let it pass, as such eccentricity was far from the worst and Leon was managing to earn both knowledge and money from his adventures. He was starting to get a name of his own in the research community of scholars when things changed. The Schezar family was a family of knights, having provided more than its fair share of warriors and swordsmen through the generations. Leon's elder brother was a good enough swordsman himself, not enough to become a knight, but enough to participate in competitions and win. He was a good man, a good heir, a good brother and would have been a good husband, unfortunately he met his death too soon.
It was an accident, the rainy season had damaged some roads in their territory, he was coming back from inspecting the repairs meant to be done, he was not even alone, one of his retainers was with him with at least two more persons. His mount hoof slipped in the mud, He tried to keep the animal steady, and fell, his horse weight crushing him in the soaked up ground. His injuries were too severe to recover, and it was with urgency that Leon had to come back to his family estate to see his dear brother one last time. He died surrounded by his parents and brother.
The death of the heir was a tragedy of its own, but for Leon it was not just losing his brother that pained him, it was the shackles of becoming the Lord and what came with it. His brother had a fiancee whom he should have married the next season, a family of merchants with enough influence to have sent their daughters to serve as maids to the royal palace. Not proceeding with the marriage was not an option, as it was common for a marriage in Asturia to be a deal between family with gold changing hands and contracts signed with both ink and blood. The shame and repercussion of a broken deal would have hurt both families extensively.
But marrying his brother's betrothed was both something Leon refused, repulsed by the very notion, it would also would have been seen as bad taste and an ill omen. Thus it was decided Leon would marry the younger sister of the almost bride. Lady Encia Di Flos, a beautiful and kind woman who had served in the royal palace as a maid. Not high ranking enough to be directly under the queen or princess, but close enough to have left a good impression in high society. He had never met her before, and was not really interested in her whatsoever.
He would not be cruel to her, she had little choice in this, just like him, but love would not bloom between them until they properly had time to talk, almost a year into their married life.
Encia Di Flos was a caring woman, she was a devoted woman who did her best in every situation she had to face. She was a lady, and her passion was flowers, a passion inspired by her family's renowned reputation as perfumers. When her sister's fiance died unexpectedly, she was the one who had to walk down the aisle in her sister's place to marry the younger brother of the deceased groom. She had never met him before that day, the decision was taken by their parents, without either of their input. Not that hers would have been listened to.
Their situation was not the best one, but it was far from the worst that could have happened to her. Leon was distant, but kind, he had to step up in his brother's place and was thus terribly busy filling the duties that were now his. As his wife and now Lady Schezar, Encia fulfilled her own duties to the best of her abilities. She supported her husband anyway she could, taking care of the household and working hard to reduce the amount of things Leon would have to deal with. She took care of the invitations from various relatives and other houses, socializing at tea parties, managing the servants of the house, taking care of the budget for repair and upholding of the property and so on…
Leon was grateful for her efforts, but was still longing for his research. While Encia was glad her husband recognised her work, yet she was still sad that not only was their relationship was just a cordial one, but also that she had no more time for her flowers. They were not resenting the other for their shared situation, but they were not in any hurry to go forth with the next step of their shared duty; producing an heir.
They were not strangers anymore, but they were hardly close. Leon was not the kind of man to bed a woman who was not willing or interested, even if the woman was his wife. Having children was something he had never thought of. Encia was not against the idea of becoming a mother, she had always wanted her own family, but sharing her bed with Leon was intimidating, and her whole education taught her that women were not meant to seek this kind of attention even from their husbands. They slept in the same room, in the same bed, but aside from their first night they were never partaking in the act.
Time passed and after moons, they were a bit closer but it was not enough. Not for either of their families, or for their servants. They still used the excuse, since they were newlyweds, of Leon's grieving. That was not an excuse they could continue use for long, nor was Leon taking up the work of his late brother in a hurry.
Thus after some rather pressuring comments from their parents, the two had to make an effort with the other to at least become a tad closer. Encia took the habit of arranging flowers she picked personally in the garden, in a vase in Leon's study. It was near the window and not too close to his books, not wanting an accident that could damage them to happen. It was a touch of color in the otherwise eclectic looking room filled with books, documents and artifacts brought back by Leon during his travels. It was also as unobstructive as she could, she always chose flowers with either calming a scent, or known to help focus or relax, knowing how Leon could get absorbed by whatever he was working on in his study. She didn't understand his interests, but she still supported him.
Leon had noticed the change and welcomed it with good grace. He was always researching ancient, forgotten history and memorable deceased figures. The flowers were a refreshing note of life in his somewhat tomb of a study. It was a sweet gesture, even if he had no eye for flower compositions or their meaning.
Just as Encia made an effort to get closer to him, Leon also made a gesture to be somewhat closer to his wife.
He had never bought anything for a woman before, jewelry or dress; he had no idea what could be offered to a woman who suddenly became his wife. He knew she had an interest in flowers, but didn't even know which flowers were her favorite. He felt a sense of shame, he should at the very least make this kind of effort. He tried to find an idea, but kept going in circles until his eyes landed on the flowers she had left in his study, and a book he had left next to the vase.
The next day at dinner, Leon kept Encia and led her to the winter garden, a room she had made her own since her arrival. He led her to the small table set in it, and at her reserved expression, awkwardly gifted her a wrapped package.
It was an encyclopedia of foreign flowers. He was blushing slightly while he explained he couldn't choose flowers for her and had been pondering if maybe she would be interested in learning about more flowers than just the one in their garden. She felt touched, and blushed at the gesture. It was more romantic than just buying her flowers, he was making an effort for her, while still doing his research, a link between them and their respective interests.
It didn't seem to be much, but to them it was enough. Others would not have behaved that way, preferring to either ignore their spouse or get on with the act of producing an heir, not caring for their feelings. After that they became closer, discussing both the estate, and their own interest, relaxing in the other presence and support. Eventually their son Allen was born, a healthy baby boy, beautiful and promising. Then six years later they had a daughter, Celena, she was more frail, her health easily compromised, but still an adored jewel to their household.
Of course their marriage was not perfect, far from it, Leon being too free spirited and wanting to give in to his wanderlust, while she was perfectly happy to stay in their estate raising their children with a more traditional mindset. They feared that one day they would resent each other for their sense of an unfulfilled life.
Leon had never wanted to assume the position of Lord, and had always been obsessed with his research about the lost civilisation of Atlantis, sometimes forgetting his growing family. Encia was taking great care of her children, trying her best to ensure their happiness, and education but it was hard as social pressure and mockery was always lurking and breathing down her neck.
Celena was often sick, suffering from fever that left her bedridden for weeks at a time, impairing her learning and socialization with other children of lower nobles and lords of their lands. Encia was constantly worried about her youngest, and the comments that would reach her ears about her child, and herself. Meanwhile Allen was a growing boy dreaming of becoming a knight like his ancestors, seeing in his father researches stories of glory and battles instead of sources of knowledge. He took to his sword lesson like a fish to water, easily progressing beyond his peers. He adored his baby sister, taking her out in the garden with him whenever her health was good enough, and relieving his mother's anxiety by spending time with her and her flowers, asking his father to tell him more about this or that ancient story or legend.
Things were not perfect but they were good enough for them. Of course it didn't last.
One day, Leon left.
He went back to his research and travels, leaving his wife and children behind, leaving for moons at a time, barely leaving an hastily written letter explaining he would be gone for a while. Only coming back for a few weeks to gather some funds or material, crosscheckings things with books and notes in his study, and leaving once again.
His endless search for the remains of Atlantis and its civilization taking over his duty as a lord, and his family, he said he loved them, but still left them behind. His foolishness in his field of research, once seen as interesting, became a subject of ridicule in good society bringing another shadow to Encia's everyday life. She was the one who had to explain to their children their father was away, and other nobles and merchants that the lord was not available.
Allen for some reason told his sister their father was on a journey to find a cure for her health, so she could grow strong and beautiful like their mother's flower. It was a sweet lie, one the boy probably believed in partly, if only to not resent his father for leaving them without a word. Encia appreciated his effort for his sister's well being, but was afraid it would hurt her precious son in the long run.
Encia was always worried about her husband's expeditions, scared that one day he would not come back at all. But she couldn't stop him, not when managing their estate fell back on her in Leon's absence. She tried her best, but things were hard for a seemingly abandoned wife. With Celena's health worsening, and Allen starting to resent his father with fierce intensity more and more with each week of him being on the other side of Gaea instead of near them in their time of need. All of it adding to her own bouts of depression and loneliness. She was no longer invited to tea parties unless to be shown off as the subject of the ladies' spiteful words and desire for cruelty. Still her children were her joy and sanctum, but it only lasted until Celena was five.
She had been feeling good for a few months, and Encia let her go play in the flower field behind the main house with Allen. They were both so happy to go out together, running and picking flowers to make wreaths for the three of them. Encia was coming back from asking one of the maids to bring a snack for the children when her world crumbled.
Allen came back running toward her, his sister's small body in his arms, she barely breathing. It happened so suddenly, one moment she had been running for her brother playing tag, the next her small frame was spasming, suffering from a major seizure. She was rushed inside, and the physician called urgently. Unfortunately he couldn't explain what caused this episode, but the seizure had become life threatening for the young girl, and there was little to be done to alleviate the suffering of the five year old.
Encia was left with little options at the time, until she tried something, her last hope at the time. Her older sister had married a foreign doctor after her failed betrothal with Leon's brother. She had followed her husband back to his country. Encia knew her sister gave birth to a boy around Celena's age but never met him, seeing as her sister rarely traveled after her wedding, as is customary for a wedded woman. She missed her sister even if their separation was expected the day they were born as girls. Meant to marry for the benefices of their family, and becoming a part of their husbands houses.
In all the years they spent apart, the sister's kept a steady correspondence, keeping their sisterly bond, and sharing their own worries about their married life and children. She had confided in her sister her worries about her daughter failing health, and as kind as Encia was, her sister had always been her model in this regard. Thus it was a deep relief when she received a letter from her, asking her to be allowed to visit her home with her husband to see their niece and see if they could find a way to heal the child.
She accepted without a care, her daughter's life was at stake and maybe she was praying for a miracle to happen. Leon was Jesha knew where, unreachable, Allen was losing himself to ill placed guilt, and she herself was starting to break apart. Maybe her brother-in-law would be able to save Celena, as she was not ready to lose her only daughter. It took terribly long weeks for them to arrive, weeks during which Encia had not once left her daughter's side, fearing the worst.
When they arrived, they didn't lose time in greetings, and immediately went to Celena's nursery. Her brother-in-law spent an hour bent over the still form of his niece. Then he injected her with an unknown drug, while Encia was being held in the embrace of her sister, keeping her from crumbling to the floor. Encia was lost, she had sent Allen to his lesson, afraid he would not take well to a stranger approaching his ill sister, since he had never met his aunt or uncle on his mother's side. Yet she wanted nothing more than to hold him in her arms at that moment, but it would be selfish to burden her son with this, he was already assuming the part of the man of the house since his father was absent, losing part of his childhood to the whim of an adult.
She needed to be strong for her children if not for the Schezar family. She was a noblewoman, yes, but she was a mother first.
After a moment, her brother-in-law rose from his position and walked up to the women, a content smile on his face. It was her first time meeting him, seeing him, and understanding why she may have made a mistake asking for his help. He was a tall, thin man with silver hair and reddish, almost coppery, eyes. His clothes made him look like a dark ghost, a long cape-like coat covering him from the neck to the feet. His appearance was not exactly engaging, but what made Encia really uneasy was the mirth in his eyes, and his content smile. The smile didn't reach his eyes like a physician about to announce good news about a patient, the joy in his eyes was not from saving the life of a child. it was more like a cat who found a new prey, it was more vicious, hiding its cruelty behind some form of softness. Is this the man her sister was married to? Was this the man who may have saved her little girl's life?
He told her he knew what was hailing Celena, knew how to treat her so she would make a full recovery. She almost cried in relief, but it only lasted until his explanation that he needed to take Celena with him, back to his country. Of course she wanted to refuse, she was too young, too sick, too fragile to go on such a long journey which would last, Jesha knows how long. But her sickness couldn't be treated in Asturia. They didn't have the treatment, or skilled physicians trained to help cure this illness. Even if Asturia had such miracle man, he would be at the capital, if not within the palace itself, and would cost far more than what a lone lord wife from the countryside could ever hope to afford.
His voice was velvety as he explained how Celena needed the treatment to have any hope of surviving into adulthood. They would only travel back to his country once she was wealthy enough, which would take a few weeks. Although she would be with familyshe had never met, she wouldn't be alone. Their son, who was around her age, would be there as her companion. This was her best chance.
Encia would have to stay in Asturia. Leon's absence meant she had to stay at the estate to take care of it until Allen was old enough to inherit, in the event the worst were to happen to Leon in his travels. She would have to send her baby off with literal strangers to a strange land, not knowing or understanding what was happening and why. Her sole ray of solace was her trust in her sister, knowing she would take care of her niece as if she was her own daughter.
It was terrifying nonetheless.
She accepted when she saw her child still unconscious in her bed, her small body looking like a doll in the bed, her breath shallow, but steady, her face pale. She closed her eyes not wanting to see the smirk on this man's face, only holding on to her sister's arms to stop herself from doing something foolish. How her sister could stand this man was beyond her, but her admiration for her was renewed for it, and a part of worry for her added itself to her already long list of sorrowful matters to mull over when she was alone in her bedroom at night.
In the following weeks, Celena's health made steady progress with her uncle's drugs taking effect. She met said uncle and her aunt. She cried a lot when she was told she would need to go with them without her mother or brother accompanying her. She begged to not go, that she would be a good girl and not cause trouble anymore, that she would be a good girl from now on. She had never been a bad child from a single day of her life. It was heartbreaking for her brother and mother to see her like this, but to ensure her full recovery they had no choice.
Allen took the news as badly as his sister, not wanting to part with her. His uncle didn't leave him a good impression even if he was their only hope to treat Celena, meeting him like that was not ideal, and his personality was not really compatible with an eleven years old boy. He was a bit more lenient with his aunt, but barely, understanding that she would be the main caretaker for his sister during her stay with these strangers. Because that is what they were to him. Strangers who were going to take his sick baby sister away.
It was almost a kidnapping.
Celena had to leave to get better, without anyone familiar with her, it was as cruel as expected when the day came for them to go back. Tears were abundant for the Shezar, while the aunt was more understanding and compassionate, meanwhile her husband was sporting that annoying smile all along, calm and collected.
Promises of frequent letters were made of course, and eventual visits were supposed to be planned. The letters would dwindle as time passed, and no visits were ever made.
Too late Encia remembered how her brother-in-law never told her when Celena would be healthy and come back home, or what her treatment would entail. She was too desperate about her youngest's health to think properly, to fully grasp the implications and consequences. She would not see her daughter for many years after that, and it took just as long for her to see her husband again.
After their departure, Allen became bitter and angry, becoming rebellious toward his beloved mother and the world in general. He started to leave the estate to seek sword fights with whomever crossed his path, leaving his mother with a broken heart and an empty house. Allen's attitude continued until one fateful meeting with Balgus Ganesha, the swordmaster who was traveling through Asturia at the time.
He tried to pick a fight with the older man, and was promptly defeated. Allen in a fit of rage and despair asked for the man to put an end to his life and misery, but Balgus told him he had potential, but his weak will was his undoing and would be so in the future if he didn't pull his act together. After that Balgus became Allen's mentor and teacher, giving Encia some peace of mind, knowing her son was taken care of, and that the reputation of Sir Ganesha was enough to deter anyone who would slander the young boy for his poor decisions in a fit of juvenile frustration. Allen stayed and followed Balgus teaching for four years, until he turned fifteen and entered a tournament which led him to become the youngest Knight Calei in history.
Becoming part of the twelve at such a young age was unheard of, Allen was truly a prodigy, and was showing promises to become even better with time. He was given the guymelef Sheherazade to join the Knight Caeli.
Yet things took an unexpected turn when during another tournament, Allen met the first princess of Asturia, her highness Marlene Ericha Aston. The princess fell for the charm of the young knight, and Allen fell in love with the princess. Such romance was pretty and romantic in novels and ballads, but when such things happen in real life things are a lot more bitter, dangerous, and unacceptable.
Marlene was soon to be wed to the Duke of Freid, and neither lover at the time could stand to such separation, leading their innocent romance to turn into something more desperate. Their short time together became their everything, and a few moons before Marlene's wedding, they end up consuming their love, leading to princess Marlene becoming pregnant. Too late to change things, and with a lot of negotiations, the Duke still married the princess, opening his arms and dukedom to her, while Allen escaped suffering an "accident" by being sent to the outskirts of the kingdom.
The situation may sound tragic for the lovers, but an outside eye would have seen how things went exceptionally well all things considered. The Duke could have refused the wedding as the bride was no longer able to fulfill her part, he could have demanded reparations, either by declaring a war, or demanding high monetary compensation for the humiliation, he could even have demanded the head of the knight on a platter. The last one was even suggested by the king to the Duke.
But in the end the Duke, for the love of his new bride and to spare her fragile heart, and considering her delicate situation, simply took her with him, and asked that the knight be sent somewhere he wouldn't cause more problems. Of course every communication between the two was prohibited from that day on, and Allen's only way to have news of Marlene was through official papers sharing information of what was going on in the world, like when he learned of the birth of the heir of the Duke, their child, his son. A son he could never recognise, nor even meet properly. He was heartbroken once more by the loss of a woman he had sworn to protect.
Allen was banished to Fort Castelo near the Fenalian frontier, ordered to keep the peace there and to not show himself to the capital unless summoned. He went with as much dignity he could muster, and took with him his most trusted men and his guymelef.
His men were the crew of the leviship the Crusade, they were a ragtag group of ruffian looking men who went through life like a tavern. With a smile, a cup and a brawl ready to start. He met them between his period as a fight seeking teen after his sister disappearance, and his appointment as a knight. They may not be the greatest men Gaea has ever seen, but they were good people, and loyal to the man they chose as their captain. They followed him in his exile, nit once questioning the reason for it, preferring to close their eyes to what was their boss' private life, and what could only be trouble for anyone involved as it started in the palace, and no one wanted to get caught in the court intrigues.
All the while Leon, who was still considered missing as no definite proof of his death had been provided, remained unaware of the hardship his family was going through.
Years passed and Allen and his men were never completely at peace. Fort Castelo was not in a particularly dangerous region, but it didn't meant there was no dangers lurking, occasional sighting of dragons, bandits and poachers, were their usual activities, but even far from the world of the capital, they still received news of what was going on, and had observed for themselves the coming and going of whomever was passing near their territory.
One day a letter arrived at the fort through Natal, Allen pet owl, the sender was unknown. The bird was unarmed, which was a good thing in itself, but concerning as only Allen was able to approach the bird of prey without risking losing an eye or a finger when it was in a good mood. Natal was never meant to be a messenger either, but someone managed to make it deliver a letter, and seeing as there was not even a trace of blood on the talons, the bird willingly carried the missive.
The letter itself was an enigma, it was a cryptic letter mentioning a young dragon and an old sword, asking that Allen be ready to help the both of them seek a certain merchant in Palas in order to carry on his promise. There was also a warning about a machine and the danger carried by a red eyed hunter, and to come seek the author in the land of gold. It made absolutely no sense. But the urgency of the letter and the mysterious way it arrived at the fort set them on edge. Something was happening and it was probably more dangerous than a stray old dragon looking for a quick meal.
Even isolated from the capital as they were, they all have heard and noticed how things were turning bad all over Gaea. How the Empire of Zaibach was lurking and acting in an ominous way. Resources had to be sent to certain providers, both in foods and raw materials to the empire, how some people were leaving or were straight out disappearing in certain locations.
No one at Fort Castelo was very fond of the Zaibach Empire for different reasons. Some had bad encounters with them, others were just cautious of foreigners, and some just have history.
Allen himself was harboring some resentment toward the empire who grew so strong in such a short time. After all they were the one who took his sister from him, and were still detaining her with a mere letter perhaps twice a year. He also did not trust one of the young officers from Zaibach, someone whom he knew for being cruel and bloodthirsty.
Now that he was thinking about said man, the letter description of a red eyed hunter was making a bit more sense if he was the one referred to in it.
The mysterious informant letter was not dismissed, but was not discussed outside the tight circle of the Crusade crew, as not everyone in Fort Castelo could be fully trusted with certain information.
A few weeks later, an unexpected arrival put the letter back on the forefront of Allen's mind. Draped in dusty travel capes, a duo came seeking shelter to the fort, and what a surprise it was when the tallest of them revealed itself to be Balgus Ganesha himself. Of course the knight was joyful to see his old master once again, but at the same time he was worried. The old warrior rarely left the court of Fanelia, as he swore his loyalty and sword to the king, the fact he was here without an official reason was strange. He traveled by foot, with a young man, a new student maybe? But why were they here at the frontier? Something was amiss.
Nonetheless, he welcomed his master with open arms, him and his seemingly sulking companion.
While they were talking as pleasantly as possible, waiting for the right time to discuss the real reason for their presence, they were in the dining hall with the other soldiers, not a place to exchange sensible information. Suddenly an owl barged in the room through one of the windows and dived for the young man still wearing his travel cape. The bird of prey was too fast to be stopped by his master or the swordmaster, but its target managed to avoid the impact by jumping from his seat. The bird landed on the table, sending the tableware to the ground, feathers ruffled and hooting in outrage.
"Natal! Stop that! I'm sorry, I don't know why he is acting like this, he had never attacked anyone before." Allen didn't mention how his owl had never done such a thing without reason, but that was implied.
Balgus was not happy with this, but he was not here to pick a fight with a pet, his charge's safety, and his mission, were more important. He gestured for the blonde man to leave it as his young king was unharmed. In fact he was currently looking at the bird with curiosity, and without a grudge stretched his arm, presenting his leather gloved hand to the bird, who jumped on it and promptly started to pinch the tumb with his beak.
"Looks like your feathery friend wanted to join the festivity and resented us for not extending an invitation to him." Joked the young man, letting the bird ruffle its feathers and hoot in approval. with a glance he reassure the older men, and while the soldiers went back to drinking, laughing at the incident, the three of them decided to leave the room to have a more private, and sorely needed discussion.
Once they reached Allen's study, Natal left the glove of the young man who carried him, and went straight to the desk, pecking at the documents on it, and messing with the handle of a drawer. The men left him at it, they had more pressing things to deal with.
"So master Balgus, what is the real reason for your presence in my humble fort?" Started Allen. "Does it have something to do with your young companion, who has yet to present himself?"
With a sigh the old warrior passed a hand over his face, the years have not blunt his student tongue, his Asturian blood sure was strong, it would cost him someday. "We are only passing through Allen, we are on our way to Palas for a private matter."
"Without a ship or mount? Nor escort for your noble charge? Has Fanelia been going through such a crisis recently that their prince can't even afford to travel in a way befitting his rank?"
At his words, the younger man jolted, taken aback from the assumption of the knight, his blood boiling at the snide comment. Balgus should have seen this coming, between his two students, neither had a personality that would go well with the other without their temper getting in the way. He suddenly felt the weight of the years on his shoulders.
Van couldn't let the insult pass and in a move removed his cape, and was ready to unsheathe his sword with his hands already on the handle. "Silence! You know nothing and don't deserve any explanations! Keep your tongue to yourself unless you want my sword to remove it."
For his part, Allen was also gripping his sword, ready to answer to the boy's provocation. "Hands off the handle boy, if you unsheathe your sword, you won't leave me the choice but to hurt you." As they were both ready to start a fight Balgus had to intervene, knowing them and their respective level, Van would not win, and having him get hurt because of their pride would hinder their progress. Balgus wanted to recruit the help of his old student, not start a competition between petty children.
"ENOUGH !" Behold Balgus as the first glints of metal were getting released from their sheath. "You're both past the age to act like toddlers, I didn't teach you the swords to act like this."
Being put in their place like they were a decade less at least than their real age, and the disappointment in their teacher voice cooled down their attitude. Still unhappy, but finally acting as their respective station commanded, they restart the conversation from the start.
"I'm Van Slanzar Fanel, new king of Fanelia by the trial of the dragon, and Sir Ganesha and I are traveling through to join Palas." King, not prince, so the rumors have been true, something was going on in the land of dragons, and there was no news of the death of king Gaou.
"Welcome your Highness to Fort Castelo, Master Ganesha. I don't suppose your visit is without reason?" Afterall why would they both travel by foot to go to Palas, and make a stop where he was stationed. Judging by how the young king was squeezing his fist shut, it was spot on.
"I'm glad to see you again Allen, even if I would have preferred it if it were under better circumstances." It was very strange to have Balgus call Allen, a grown man, "my boy". He doesn't remember the last time he had been called that, and by the incredulous expression on the teenager with them, it was a first for him too.
"I'm always happy to see you master, but I'm afraid your visit indeed came at a rather sensitive moment for us. Our hospitality is yours of course, but I'm afraid I won't be able to help you with what you're seeking. We are expecting a visit from a rather important… guest." The last word being said with enough distaste that his audience frowned at it.
Secrets upon secrets, the situation was not going to budge, and for Van it was unacceptable. He has a mission to fulfill, he has no time to waste on flowery words and tiptoeing around for the sake of a knight feeling, even a former student of his swordmaster.
"We don't need your help, we merely stopped here before crossing the Chatal mountains, we have things to do in Palas that don't involve the likes of you." Van's anger was brewing the more time he spent in the blonde presence.
Annoyed at the tone used by Van, Allen decided to cut down the chase, but his master sure knew how to choose his students, young, impetuous and with disrespect aplenty. "I don't suppose this business of yours involves finding a certain merchant right?" Snark the knight.
At his words, surprise bloomed on their faces, And as Van was reaching for his sword once again, and while Balgus was starting his question of how he knew that, they were interrupted by the owl on the desk victorious screech. Natal had managed to open a drawer of the desk and had gone through its contents until the bird found what it had been looking for. A letter Allen has not destroyed yet, the mysterious one who tipped him off about the duo's arrival. Natal took the letter and flew toward the old warrior, dropping the piece of parchment on him before perching himself on his owner's shoulder, unconcerned about their quarrel, or the tension he had just added to the room.
Allen was choked at the bird action, Natal having never behaved like this before, but stayed put as his master was now reading the letter. Does the swordmaster know who the mysterious sender was?
As the sole eye of the old man was going through the content of the letter, his mouth formed a grimace both of his students had seen during their respective training sessions. He was not pleased, not with them, but at something else, maybe the sender of the letter or its content.
"Balgus… is that letter from…?" Asked Van, realizing this situation may have gone further than what he had first thought.
"Yes." The short answer did not reassure them. He gave the letter to Van so he could read it himself. The young king frowned more and more as he read the piece of parchment. This was concerning, this spy or whatever, knew Balgus and he would go to Fort Castelo before going to Palas, had planned it maybe. How did they know? Why send a letter to the knight? And the mention of a hunter was even more concerning, someone else, probably from Zaibach, was after them. Had they followed him since he left Fanelia? Did they figure out the fake white melefs?
So many unknown things were making his blood boil. In his frustration he crumpled the letter in his fist before he turned his furious gaze to the blonde once again. "Who sent you this!"
Allen for his part was not in a better mood than the foreign sovereign, this letter was making him nervous too. the cryptic information in it, the fact Natal let anyone make him into a messenger, the content of the letter itself… And it seems like neither his old master nor the young man in front of him were any wiser on who was behind the missive. He chose to be honest. "I do not know who sent this. It arrived last week carried by Natal, who has never let anyone but me near him. We tried to find out more about it, but nothing came out of our research."
As he passed a hand in his long hair, Balgus crossed his arms. "Did you show that letter to anyone?" Even in Fanelia the mysterious letters were not common knowledge, sharing these informations with more people could lead to security breaches and more dangers than they were already in. "Only my second and we made sure our searches were done under the cover of hunting some wild game for the fort stocks. I trust my men, but few of them are trustworthy, and with what's written on this, it is better to not spread unnecessary information. Fort Castello is already riled with tension for various reasons, no need to add more to it."
At least the man was reasonably smart, but Van was not trusting him yet. The knight continued. "I don't think I'm taking a risk in assuming you received something similar yourself, your Highness. What's going on? Who sent this, and why?"
The reluctance of the king was evident, but before he could rebuff the knight, Balgus thwarted his intended reply with his own. "We do not know the sender, but we are looking for him. They have already sent significant information that was more than helpful in the past. But their motivations are unclear, just like why you were contacted too. As for what's going on… I suppose you too have observed some things going on recently. Concerning things. And you probably made the connection with…"
"The Zaibach Empire." Finished Allen with a sigh. Of course he noticed, he was not blind, even as far as he was from the capital he still heard what was going on, even if it was afterward. Things were looking more grim than expected. "The sender seems wary of the empire, is it one of your spies?"
"No, we do not know where his allegiance lay, but he kept warning us about the empire. Plus why would one of our spies contact you?" Retorted Van, sarcasm was easier for him in this situation.
"Indeed, why…" Pondered Allen, not taking the bait of the king, he was just a child there was no need to entertain his attempts at provocation. "It is clear we are headed toward a conflict, if not an outright war, unfortunately, I'm not sure Asturia will side with Fanelia if the worst were to happen."
"And why is that?" Van was surprised, not at the prospect of the war, nor the fact Fanelia may have to fend for itself in it, but by the trace of bitterness in his interlocutor's voice. How could a knight, one whose reputation was even known in Fanelia, could talk with such a disabused tone of his own nation and leaders?
"Because they have already entered the palace and made deals with the kingdom. You should know the importance of a deal in Asturia, your majesty. I'm being honest here, this situation does not bode well for anyone involved. I do not trust the empire, and before you ask I have my own reasons, but even without them it's hard to not notice the greed in their eyes. I don't know what their goal is, but if I can help you hinder them anyway I can, I will. You have my words as a knight." Allen swore, bowing to Van slightly, enough to convey the sincerity of his words. Van was still not ready to trust the man, but having another ally, one who knew his way into the capital, was a plus. He was lucky to be one of Balgus' old students, at least he will know how to fight when the time comes.
While Balgus and Allen started making plans for them to go to the capital from the fort as safely as possible, Van took the letter to the fireplace in the corner of the room, and used one of the matches on its mantle to destroy the letter. he felt the gaze of the two other on his back at his action, but it was too dangerous to keep such incriminating proof any longer. It served its purpose, and if it was the one they received at the palace, then there was nothing more it could offer. Weirdly enough it was the owl gaze on him that made him wary of his own action, his gold colored eyes were gleaming with intelligence and for some reason, judgment.
Said bird then sharply turned its head toward the door, making it turn 180 before screeching at the top of its lungs, startling the three men. As Allen calmed down the bird on his shoulder, a knock was heard from the door.
"Commander." Gaddes, Allen's second, was heard from the other side.
"What is it, Gaddes?" At his voice the man opened the door, his face contorted in a grimace, both at interrupting his boss meeting, but mostly due to the news he was going to deliver.
"We have a problem commander, and a big one at that." he shook his head toward the window, motioning for them to take a look. Outside, looming in the sky, coming straight toward the small fort was the ominous form of a flying fortress, and from its outward look there was no need to wonder whose nation it belonged to.
"Ah, I see." Allen was not happy with this, but he did not have many options but to play his role. "Did they send a message?"
"Yeah. Apparently they want some supplies and ask questions. We also got orders from above to accommodate them." The distaste was clear in the man's voice. Balgus and Van were exchanging looks, planning their next move, the situation was now far more dangerous, they could not afford to get spotted by the enemy, especially now, even less while the Escaflowne was still hidden.
"Wonderful. Anything else Gaddes?" Asked the knight, getting frustrated by it all. Gaddes rubbed the back of his neck nervously, a gesture his superior saw immediately. "What is it Gaddes, you're not usually one to hold back."
With an almost desperate sigh Gaddes spilled the last bit of bad news he was carrying. "Not what boss. Who. The one they are sending for the negotiation and questions, it is their captain… the young one." At his words they all could have sworn they heard the renowned gallant knight say "dammit" under his breath. "Boss? What do we do?"
Allen took the time to take a deep breath, Natal giving him a light headbut in support, before giving his orders. "Very well, ready the supplies they are asking for in the courtyard, I will go greet them myself. And while you're at it, make sure the Sheherazade is ready." Gaddes gave a quick salute before leaving. "As for you two, I don't suppose either of you wish to be seen by them, so I would recommend to stay put either in this room or at the very least to lay low until they leave. I know it's useless to order you or your student master." Allen gave a small smirk with his parting words, he left the room while Natal flew from his shoulder to perch himself on Van's.
The young king gave a pat to the bird, looking at his mentor expecting him to know which line of actions they should take from here. Balgus for his part knew what was their best option, but his young king needed to come to this conclusion on his own, he could not depend on him forever. Especially in a time of crisis, he was still his mentor, this was another learning experience. Realizing this, Van thought about what to do.
The presence of the fortress was a problem, but it would have been manageable had it just passed the fort. They could have left unnoticed and taken refuge in the forest, but not only was it stopping to get supplies, an officer was coming to search for information, and there was no doubt in his mind that the information was about the whereabouts of the Escaflowne. Any suspect movements could be detected by the fortress lookouts, and two people leaving just as they arrived would attract their attention immediately. They could not trust the soldiers of the fort to help them, Allen maybe, but what of his men? And what could three men without even a melef do against a full fortress and the troops inside?
Van wanted to fight, but he was not foolish enough to not understand the odds were not in his favor.
Staying quietly in this room was technically wise, but that would leave them too vulnerable too. Knowledge was power, and not knowing what was going on outside was unwise. Their best option was as the knight had said, and lay low, but there was no way they were staying in the room. They would go to the meeting room, observing from a distance among the fort troops. Van could easily pass for a new recruit, no one knew his face so it should work. Balgus would be harder, not only by his height alone, but also his reputation was known worldwide. Thankfully the fact Allen used to be a student of his could be used if needed. It would be feeble, but not a lie to say he was here to converse with him.
Satisfied with this plan both men left the room, walking toward the rapid flow of soldiers getting busy for the imminent arrival of the officer of Zaibach.
As they went through a hallway Gaddes, who was probably coming back to see them and make sure they were not getting in trouble, saw them, sigh and motion for them to follow him.
They followed him to the great hall of the fort, as they walked they saw through a window the melefs fly from the fortress, something which was deemed impossible for guymelef other than the Escaflwone for centuries was now possible for the empire army. They watched like many soldiers of the fort as their pilots formed a line in front of the moat and got out of the armors in order. Their leader was easy to spot, his guymelef was red while the others were a grayish blue, but all of them adorned with the same purpleish cape. From afar they saw the officer, a captain march first while two flag bearers were behind him on each side, the rest of his troop followed them in two ordered lines behind the flags. A pure show of obedience to authority, of military strength and order, no doubt another slight to the ragtag appearance of the fort residents who were known to be disorderly, and far from the best of the force of the kingdom of Asturia, even with a Caeli Knight at their head.
As they entered the fort, the trio continued their way to the great hall, they would not run as it would be suspicious, but the tension in their body was badly hidden. When they arrived, they stayed behind the rows of soldiers already present, Gaddes telling them in a hushed tone to keep quiet and to lay low. They observed as the delegation stood still, while their leader was talking with Allen. Their captain was young, maybe around Van's age if not younger, in fact the whole squad was young looking, none of them looking older than 20 for the oldest, if even that. It could only mean two things, either they were a new batch of soldiers, still in formation and sent to be less intimidating than seasoned warriors, meant to be cannon fodders during battles, or the opposite, and were an elite group with only trained warriors. The fact they were all this young was another proof the empire was up to wage a war, for what else a nation would need an elite squad of what could only be called child soldiers.
Seeing their mannerism, subtle signs showing off their experiences in combat, the later theory was more than proved in both fanelians, and the knight who was greeting their captain.
Young, with silver hair and fair skin, with eyes the color of spilled blood, clad in black and red leather armor with spiked shoulder pads. His greeting was brief, and his tone was condescending toward the de facto leader of the fort. He was not so much asking as he was demanding, even his voice was giving Van's a desire to punch him.
"I would like to request weapons, food and water." Why ask for weapons in such an isolated and small fort when they were traveling with a flying fortress was anyone guess, his explanation not making his demand any better. "We're engaged in urgent military maneuvers." No one would believe such an excuse too far from the empire borders, and this close to borders of two allied countries. Even if the alliance between Fanelia and Asturia was more commercial than anything else, they were not enemies, the presence of Zaibach was hardly justifiable with such a show of military strength.
Forced to agree as a knight, and following his orders, Allen had to be polite while dealing with the younger man. But it was clear his smile was fake, and his eyes were showing distaste. He seemed absolutely comfortable showing his distaste of the man before him, did he have personal grief with him? "I'll do everything in my power."
From the corner of his eye Allen spotted the tall stature of his old master, and how he was keeping a hand on the king's shoulder to prevent him from marching into a confrontation with the albino in red. He frowned before his interlocutor spoke again, bringing back his attention to him.
"By the way, Sir Allen…". He turned his head back toward him. "You haven't seen a strange guymelef in the area, have you?"
"No, not that I know of." Allen didn't lie, after all the duo came on foot, without a trace of a melef in sight, and the only "strange" guymelef he saw was the ones outside the fort, who belonged to the empire. Pushing his luck a bit he continued. "It wouldn't have anything to do with maneuvers that require even a flying fortress, would it?"
With a shrug of his shoulders the zaibach didn't even hide his smirk. "Possibly." Allen went further in his questions.
"Would it have anything with the recent movement toward Fanelia to the west we observed
recently?" He needed to at least confirm how much the nuisance before him knew. The mention of their home country picked the two hidden men interest, but also the attention of the albino. He took the bait.
"That run-down little country? They probably asked for help dealing with their dragons. It's normal for such a backwater country to ask for help from more advanced ones don't you think?" His smile was downright cruel as he continued. "At any rate it's a country of cowards, led by a narrow minded king on the decline. Who cares what happens if a few dragons gain some weight from feasting on their populace." He had the audacity to laugh at his declaration, it was too much for Van. He was ready to get involved, insulting the man right back, even demanding a duel if needed, but Balgus pushed him behind him before he could. The movement caught the eyes of the two commanders and Balgus straightened his back, using his full height, and walked to the front row of the soldiers after making sure Van would stay behind, under Gaddes watchful eye.
"I assure you, young man, that Fanelia's dragons are taken care of, your consideration is wasted in that regard." Being under the judging eye of a seasoned warrior was always unnerving, but Balgus was not just a seasoned warrior, he was also old enough to have been through several wars, and have trained many great sword fighters, he was also of a height that was rather uncommon. Under his lone eye anyone looked small, and being scolded by him felt both humbling and humiliating, the fact recognition sparked in the red eyes of the zaibach albino was even more humiliating. Balgus was easy to recognise by his physic, but it was naturally associated with his title and reputation, the only man on Gaea who could fight a guymelef with a sword, one of the oldest advisors to king Gaou of Fanelia, one of the three master swordsmen. He was a legend, even for the empire, the man was a source of admiration for many aspiring soldiers and warriors.
Of course Dilandau recognised him, and hated not only this fact, but also the reaction of his own men, and the patronizing tone in his voice. One of the three master swordsmen was looking at him, and was not impressed.
Dilandau was trapped in this situation, saying he did not recognize the old man would make him pass for an uneducated fool, and insulting him and his country further could be reported back to his higher ups and he would suffer the consequences. In his eyes a new hate started to burn. Drawing his sword was not an option for the moment, but the old man would pay, he would make him regret crossing him, his screams of pain would be music to his ears. He will kill him, but not yet.
Instead he chose to taunt his host. "An interesting company you have here Allen."
Allen for his part got close to his old master graciously making a gesture to introduce him, and to put himself between the two men, glad the young king was still behind under Gaddes watch. "You're right, I have the pleasure to have received the visit of master Balgus Ganesha, the master swordsman, and my teacher. I must admit that he taught me nearly everything I know of the way of the sword. He taught me the value of hard work and training." The fact Allen had been, Balgus student was not as well known as his accomplishment of becoming the youngest knight of Caeli in history. It was not a secret, but it was not what people were focusing on when talking about him.
Dilandau hadn't known about the student fact, he made a grimace at this, but hid it quickly with a rictus. "This explains at least some parts of your reputation, Allen Schezar." He turned around and started to walk toward the exit, his men following him. "I hope you put the same effort into our provisions." And with this he left to go back to his guymelef, and the fortress which was still floating near the fort entrance looming darkly high in the sky.
Once they were out the tension left the men in the room, everyone was joking about their captain's "reputation", glad the albino was out of their hair for the time being. Van dislodged Gaddes hands from his shoulders, marching toward Balgus and Allen, ready to give them a piece of his mind but a glance from Balgus stopped him.
Allen smiled slightly at him. "At any rate we seemed to have it through that in one piece. But I think I worsened your reputation in the empire, master."
As if the warrior ever cared for his reputation among his enemies. "We should act with caution, he will come back, and he will bring nothing but death with him. I've seen men like him before, their only joy is the pain and suffering he can cause to others. You should stay clear of him master Van, there is not an ounce of honor in his kind, fighting him would be dangerous."
Van couldn't believe his mentor would say something like this to him. "I've never turned my back to my enemy Balgus!"
"And you never will, but this man is not as much an enemy as a warmonger, you will cross swords with him soon enough I'm sure, but you need to choose your battles." Placate the swordmaster. He had seen many types of warrior in his long life, the kind of this Albatou boy was the worst. The only thing on their mind was blood. Power hungry, and seeing slight in the smallest of things. "What is his squad named Allen?"
Surprised by the question, Allen stopped trying to persuade Van to calm down, and his men to shut up. "They call themselves the Dragonslayers master." The name put a pensive look in the gray eye of Balgus and Van visibly grind his teeth at it. What they knew about the squad was a mystery for the knight, but he would learn soon enough.
Once the fortress was out of sight, Allen made sure the fort was locked and ready for battle. He had Gaddes run making preparations for something, and while the soldiers were taking post, organizing to face what the zabaich had in store for them, tension was building up rapidly. None of them were fool enough to believe nothing would happen, none of them were the lucky kind. Balgus was generous enough to give some advice to the soldiers, while Van was sparing with them, killing time, and being ready.
As the night was falling, Allen asked for Van and Balgus to follow Gaddes toward a specific location, and once they left Allen ordered his own guymelef, the Sheherazade to be ready, once he gave his instructions his owl, Natal, took flight suddenly, leaving the fort to scout the premises.
It was while he was getting ready to enter the Sheherazade that he heard it. Natal's screech echoed all over the valley, an alarm cry, a warning. They were here, the fort was under attack.
Things went horribly fast, without anyone able to spot their enemies, the walls were breached, and fire started to pour and devour the fort. The night and the smoke made it even more difficult to see where the attackers were hiding, but the catapults launched their munitions in the general direction of them, hoping to at least do some damage. On the ground archers were trying to shoot every time they detect a movement, but were powerless when they end up either crushed under the weight of an invisible melef, or burned by a bout of flame by a flamethrower. Even the few small guymelefs they were using to fight were not enough ro repel them. One of them was thrown back so hard it went flying back, hitting a tower before falling broken, its pilot dead from the damages from both the hit he had taken to his control chamber, and the rubles of the tower falling on the armor finishing to crush it. Everything is a sea of chaos, destruction, death and flames in such a short time. It was madness.
Allen fought as much as he could in his own guymelef, but it was clear the fort was a lost cause. His men were dead or dying, it was too late. The only things left for him to do was to sound the horn that meant for the survivors to leave the battle and go into hiding, and hope for the best for those who could survive this hell. As for him, he retreated toward the waterfall behind the fort. When he arrived at the cliff he was sure he was being followed, by the enemies guymelef he was sure just by the noise of breaking trees, but even now that he was far from the fires and smoke of the fort, they were still invisible. He doesn't know how such a thing was possible, but this was a certain disadvantage for him, and the reason why Fort Castelo was now nothing more than burning rubbles.
He didn't hesitate to jump from the cliff following the waterfall, and as his fall neared the pool at the bottom, the water of the waterfall parted to let pass the Crusade.
It was a secret as to why Fort Castelo was built the way it was and where, the position was not military strategic logically. But the fact it was near a border, even one at peace, didn't mean it was not thought of properly when it was conceived. It's said that some birds build their nest behind waterfalls to avoid being attacked, and to have an easy escape route if needed. It was with that intent that Fort Castelo was built there. A series of caves have been discovered under the cliff, the entrance hidden by the waterfall, with a bit of work the place had been arranged to shelter the leviship of the fort in case of emergencies, and tunnels have been dug to join the cave with the fort to make a secured route. When the screech of Natal had pierced the air earlier to warn him of the attack, he had already given his orders for Van and Balgus to be led to the Crusade through the tunnels.
Only his closest men were part of the crew, there were only seven without Allen, but it was enough to operate the leviship. It could carry two full sized guymelef and troops, but at the moment, only its crew and two guests were aboard. The Crusade was built for speed and agility, a bonus when stored in the narrow space of a hidden cave. When the leviship emerged from the waterfall, the Sheherazade and its pilot landed right on one of the levistone, and Kio had to move quickly to right the leviship so it wouldn't crash at the sudden choc and weight added to it. They were already some distance in the gorge when the now identified Ziabach melefs catched up with them. They were fast, even in flight, and one landed right next to the Sheherazade, the too easily recognisable red Alseide of Dilandau. Immediately a duel started, but another Alseide crashed on the Crusade, changing the duel to a two to one battle. Allen was a great swordsman, and an excellent pilot, but between the reduced space to move, and the two adversaries, even he was faced with difficulties to hold his own in this fight.
While the three were fighting on top of the Crusade, two others were circling the leviship, one rammed into one of the sail, trying to either make the ship crash, or at least derive its course. Van, inside the cockpit was powerless, if only he had the Escaflowne with him, he could have joined the battle, distract the enemies, fight, anything, instead he had listened to his mother and hid it, and now he was left defenseless. Balgus took action in his stead, clapped a hand on his shoulder, before going to the cargo bay, and opening the latch against the crew protests, he had his sword with him and managed to jump with surprising agility from rope to rope toward the fighter in their armors.
People who have met Balgus Ganesha only ever saw him use a long katana, one he used to train his students, or carry around during his officials outings for his king, but his main weapon, the one who earned him his sword master title, the one he used during the wars, was a different story. Balgus's sword was as tall as him, a blade strong enough to even pierce a melef armor. The one thing making it deadlier was the one who wields it. and it was with this sword he took on to fight alongside his old student. With just one powerful strike, the Alseide who was trying to sabotage the Crusade further was cut down, making it crash down below in the water, letting the current sweep it away and one of his fellows went to retrieve it, the leviship leaving them behind, not once slowing down.. Not stopping in his stride Balgus repealed the blue Alseide who was trying to stab Allen in the back while his sword was locked with Dilandau's one. As the melef was damaged enough to fall off the Crusade, Allen used a faint move to make the remaining adversary lose some balance.
"KIO NOW !" Behold Allen from the chamber of the Sheherazade to his pilot at the steering wheel. Balgus plants his sword in the leviship hull and grip it with all his might while the Sheherazade did the same in one of the levistone.
Kio for his part, obeyed his captain and proceeded to scream to the other in the shipt hold on as he made the Crusade do a series of tailspins narrowly avoiding the gorge walls. It was extremely dangerous, especially with a missing sail and in such a narrow space, but the crew of the Crusade was made of reckless men with talents, and this death defying move worked. Dilandau was ejected from the Crusade, hit one of the walls of stone before falling in the water.
They had won and escaped, leaving behind the ruins of Fort Castelo, and the war seeking forces of Zaibach, at least temporarily.
Once it was sure no one else was on their tail, the Sheherazade was brought back inside the cargo bay with Balgus. Luckily neither were wounded aside some bruises, and the Sheherazade only suffered small damages, but wit one of the sail damaged, they would need to take a break to make repairs, they chose to stop in the Chatal mountains in a valley where levi stones gathered to hide from any pursuers. Since they didn't know where the fortress was, considering its size it was better to stay low and in a place where their movements would be restricted. It took them a day to make enough repairs to continue their travel. Tension was high within the ship, not knowing where their enemies could hide, deciding where they should do now, and where to go, which course to take, and dealing with the short temper of their newest additions.
Van was in a constant state of anger, frustrated to once again being told what to do, and being left out of a fight he considered his own. He was also enraged at Allen's attitude toward the loss not only of his men at the fort, but also his lack of reaction in general. How could he stay so calm, doesn't he want to avenge his men? Why was he so amiable with that Albatou scum? He wanted to go and get the Escaflowne, and find the despicable man and put an end to his actions once and for all, but he couldn't, he would like to duel Allen too, but it wasn't possible either, not properly at least. Instead Balbus was making him train in the cargo bay, either with him or a free member of the crew, to "learn and practice the swordstyle of others from different backgrounds and nations", which was his excuse to keep him busy and spent some of his energy. Allen joined the training too of course, and of course the knight was able to disarm Van within minutes not even breaking a sweat. Even if the blonde man praised his skill level, it was still humiliating to get beaten again and again by his former student teacher.
When he was not training, or helping around the leviship, and when he was calm enough he spent time with both Balgus and Allen talking about their plans. What to do and where to go, how to find the merchant mentioned in the letter.
Allen was as suspicious of the sender as the fanelian duo were, but as things were there was little he could do. With the destruction of the Castelo fort, it was only natural for him to go to the capital, not only to report the attack, but also to escort his old mentor. If the young king was not undercover he could have used his travel to move more freely, escorting a foreign noble, but he was incognito, and considering the recent event it was better that way… What the Zaibach empire was plotting was unknown, but obviously violent, probably a war, the question was why and to what end?
The question of finding the right merchant was also something they discussed at length. There were too many to count in the kingdom, barely less in the capital, and "one with a heart" was too nebulous for the three men. It could mean honest, but also one who was new to the way of the business. One of the first things said about a merchant in Asturia is that he had to lose his tender heart to get his first gold coin. They were going nowhere with this puzzle, and were just going in circles, until Gaddes came up with the idea of asking an informant, to the displeasure of everyone. Unfortunately they would have to consult someone once they got there, an informant Allen knew and didn't particularly like, but was good at getting information.
Allen didn't like the sender of the letter for another reason, the promise he mentioned kept bothering him. He made very few promises in his life, he made vows too, only his knight vow was public knowledge, and referred to as such. His promises were made only to a handful of people, none of them would have talked about the promises with anyone. Something was amiss.
There you go ! I'm still here and this story will continue !
Ready for the trivia ? Here it come :
Encia was, like a lot of female characters in the series, a secondary character without much background, yet it seems Elise knew her somehow ? Her family name is the latin word for flower, and if I didn't give a name to her sister and brother-in-law it's because they are not very relevant to the story, but if you've read well you can guess a few things about some things.
No I'm not killing Encia or Leon, and a few more characters, you will have to wait and see.
Concerning Celena's health I went with a similar illness as FIRES : febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. It's a form of epilepsy that appears in young children, can cause sequelles, and tends to disappear during teenage years. The name just adds some more foreshadowing to the story. I told you my level of subtil is low previously.
Is Leon a good husband and father ? No, he is not, but he is far from the worst ever seen both IRL and in fiction.
As you can see a lot happened in this chapter, and we are not closer to having our full cast. But I promise it's worth it!
I have not delved too much into Dilandau's presentation, but that's because I will do so later, all in due time, but I'm sure you can guess where I'm going with him and Allen.
I left alive a part of the original cast, but unfortunately, the soldiers of fort Castelo had to die. As for Natal, the owl, I don't remember seeing the bird later in the series, but the fact it was given a name probably means it was supposed to play a bigger role in one of the scenarios. My theory is that it left the fort to return to the Schezar estate, or return to the wild completely.
In this story Natal went back to the Estate and stayed with Encia, carrying with him a letter letting her know her son would have to leave urgently and that his next correspondence would therefore be delayed. Allen may not be the perfect son, but he refuses to leave his mother without any news like his father did until the end.
Concerning the attack on the fort, and the pursuit of the Crusade, Van was not captured, not only because Van didn't have the Escaflowne with him, and wasn't noticed by Dilandau during the meeting, but also because Balgus is a one man army. And the crew of the Crusade is made of reckless idiots who know how to pilot. I'm pretty sure this is my first attempt to write an action/fight scene, with any luck it's not too bad.
I must admit that the chapter is much much longer, but I had to cut it here. The second part, is right behind and covers more of Asturia.
Once again thank you for reading, and if you have questions or theories don't hesitate to ask !