Was going to try to get all the way to Hraesvelgr in one go but decided to split it in half to reduce my (completely irrational) word-count anxiety. Which turned out to be an excellent plan.
Hey, if Ysayle knows that Hraesvelgr ate Shiva so their souls would be “entwined forever”, how come she thinks she’s Shiva reborn??? (Still, having a primal inside you and the Echo at the same time must really mess with your head. I feel bad for her. And then they fridged her. Not as fast as Moenbryda, but still! Ugh.)
I actually used Footsteps in the Snow to write the boss fight, because I like it better than Ravana’s themes.
Chapter 23: Loneliness
Chapter 24: Primal Alliance
Achiyo hurried through the streets back to the manor with Tataru’s anxious voice ringing in her horns through her linkpearl. All about her the streets were buzzing with urgency, which she feared stemmed from the same source – but she would know soon enough.
She met Artoirel on the doorstep with a nod, and found Tataru waiting just inside the door. “Ah, there you are! Aentfryn is coming as well, and maybe Tam. I couldn’t get a hold of any of the others.”
She was interrupted by Haurchefant coming out of the drawing room and waving them all in urgently. “Oh, come, come- Tam! Thank the Fury you’re here. And thank you both for your alacrity. There is much to discuss.”
Within the drawing room were Alphinaud, Emmanellain with Honoroit by his side as ever, and Count Edmont. Emmanellain made a wry face. “There you are, old girl! Tell me, do you want the good news or the bad news first? Actually, don’t bother. There isn’t any good news.”
“Is it the dragons?” she asked. “Are they attacking?”
“Not quite yet, but the hour is coming,” Artoirel said grimly.
“In case you haven’t heard, a band of trappers returning from the west claim they saw a cloud of dragons big enough to dim the midday sky!” Emmanellain exclaimed.
“More to the point, the Observatorium’s bells have tolled, a warning that cannot be ignored,” Artoirel said. “The Holy See must have ordered that we make ready for battle. Is it not so, Father?”
“It is so,” Count Edmont said. “Is Master Aentfryn near?”
“I’m here,” Aentfryn said, striding in. “What’s the plan?”
Count Edmont raised his head gravely. “Nidhogg’s minions gather once more for war… But I would not have you take up arms in another of our conflicts. When first you came to Ishgard, I offered you my protection. If I cannot ensure your safety here, I cannot well accept your aid, much less ask for it. Scions of the Seventh Dawn, you are faced with a choice: to remain in a besieged Ishgard, or to seek sanctuary elsewhere. I would not presume to influence your decision, but I must ask that you make it swiftly, lest our enemies force your hand.” He paused. “I confess, I know not where else you might seek sanctuary, but few places are like to be more perilous than a city under siege.”
“The coming of the Horde spells ruin for Ishgard… but her knights shall fight to the last to shield her citizens from harm!” Haurchefant said.
“You’re such a romantic boy,” Tam said, which made Haurchefant smile, even in this tension.
“What do you plan to do, Tam?” he asked.
“I haven’t decided yet.”
Achiyo looked at Aentfryn, who looked back stoically, then looked back at Count Edmont. “I can only speak for myself, but I will remain to fight with you.”
Tam hummed to himself. “I’d like to see what Alphinaud thinks… though I would recommend doing something clever.”
Alphinaud’s eyes widened at the attention. “Something clever…? I was going to say I grow tired of running. If we are to shine the light of dawn, we must do so in the sight of our fellow folk, not hunkered in a hole. Yet… mayhap there is another choice… Scions, may I speak with you alone?”
“Certainly,” Tam drawled, and Achiyo bowed to the Fortemps and Haurchefant as they headed – not to her room, this time, but outside into the cold air. “Well: your thoughts, Alphinaud?”
Alphinaud pursed his lips. “Ishgard cannot well endure another assault. Even should her knights and we succeed in turning back the Horde, the casualties will be catastrophic.”
“But what other choice do we have?” exclaimed Tataru, waving her arms in the air. “It’s not like we can talk it over with them. Dragons and people aren’t exactly on speaking terms.”
Alphinaud gave them a cocky grin. “…With certain notable exceptions.”
“Ah, so we’re to be branded heretics, then,” Aentfryn grumbled. Achiyo glanced around. It was well that the street was empty.
“Oh, good!” Tam said. “I’ve been waiting for that. When can we start?”
Achiyo frowned. “You mean to speak to Iceheart?”
Alphinaud nodded. “If we can persuade Iceheart to act as our intermediary, we may yet be able to convince Nidhogg to abandon his bloody course.”
“Now that I’m doubtful of,” Tam said. “Dragons don’t change their minds easily, at least the ones I know. But I think it would be amusing to try.”
“Your friend and his city are probably going to die if we fail, and you’re thinking of your amusement?” Aentfryn said.
Tam shrugged. “We’re highly likely to die in the attempt, and you’re thinking about my coping mechanisms?”
“If there is to be such a meeting, I would accompany you,” said a deep, gravelly voice, and a slim, spiky figure dropped from the roof of the Fortemps manor to land behind them.
“Estinien!?” Alphinaud exclaimed.
“Maybe we should have met indoors as usual…” Tataru murmured.
Tam laughed. “Isn’t it splendid how no one ever looks up, despite your mortal enemies having wings?”
The Azure Dragoon shrugged at him. “I am in agreement with Tam. Even with your intermediary, Nidhogg’s bloodrage may render him deaf to reason – and if certain of the nobles have their way and launch a pre-emptive assault, your cause will be instantly lost. However, the mere attempt may afford our forces precious time to prepare. Of course… you might also consider a more direct approach to ending this conflict. With the power of the Eye at my disposal, and the vaunted strength of the Warriors of Light, we could conceivably slay the beast outright.”
“If we are to risk a face-to-face meeting with the dread wyrm, I for one would feel safer in the company of the Azure Dragoon,” Alphinaud said. “However, I should only turn to your lance if my words failed to find their mark. Is that clear?”
Tam grinned and Achiyo stared at Alphinaud’s presumptuousness, but Estinien’s visible expression did not change. “Perfectly. I shall assume that Iceheart enjoys similar diplomatic protection until instructed otherwise. A word of advice: think carefully before divulging the particulars of this plan to Ser Aymeric. ‘Twould not do to have the Lord Commander accused of consorting with heretics.”
“Indeed,” Alphinaud said. “I thank you for your counsel, Estinien. We shall be honoured to have you with us.”
“I am glad to be of service,” Estinien said, rather flatly. “I will say this for your plan… it makes keeping secrets from the Holy See seem almost entertaining.” Tam snorted.
“Are we waiting for the others?” Aentfryn said. “Or are we setting out with the five of us?”
Achiyo wanted to thank him at least for coming, but he would not like that, would he? “I do not think we can afford to wait. Is that not so, Alphinaud?” And she herself would grow dreadfully impatient.
“Indeed, and towards that end, I intend to seek an audience with Ser Aymeric this very day,” he said. “Tataru, will you be remaining in Ishgard!”
“I most certainly will,” Tataru said. “I shall inform the count of your decision, if you’d like to go down to the Congregation at once.”
“Thank you,” Alphinaud said. “Tell him that the Scions of the Seventh Dawn mean to do all in their power to ensure that Ishgard and her people survive.”
“Yes, sir!” Tataru said brightly. “Off with you, then! Don’t worry about the count!”
Achiyo had not yet been to the Seat of the Lord Commander; she had not known what she expected, but what she saw was both fitting and strange. Strange, for the cold austerity of Aymeric’s office did not suit the man she had been getting to know, and fitting, for of all nobles, who would more wish to share in the privations of those he commanded than Aymeric? He led them, but he did not consider himself better than them, and it made her strangely happy, for it reminded her dimly of her father.
He had been frowning ferociously at the parchments on his desk when they entered, Lucia calmly at his side, but as he saw who it was, he smiled, holding their eyes each in turn. “Ah, ‘twould seem I have visitors – and unlike those massing beyond our walls, these ones are welcome.”
“Pray forgive us for interrupting you in the midst of your preparations, Aymeric-sama,” she said. “We would speak with you of the impending assault.”
“To speak plain,” Alphinaud said, “we believe there is a chance the invasion might be halted ere it even begins.” Aymeric folded his arms and nodded for Alphinaud to continue. “I can divulge little more at this time, but I must nevertheless request that you advise the Holy See to refrain from launching any pre-emptive sorties whilst we seek to put our plans in motion.”
Aymeric’s eyes narrowed. “I will gladly lend my support to any endeavour that could spare the blood of my countrymen – but I would know more of the cause you would have me champion. Will you not share aught of this mysterious undertaking?” He glanced at her, at them all, though most of his attention was yet on Alphinaud. It was not censure, yet she felt her heart speed. To be sure, despite everything the Scions had done, and their developing personal friendship, it was surely not enough to grant unconditional trust, and she did not blame Aymeric for his reticence.
Estinien stirred. “Know that I have offered my lance to aid in this endeavour. I cannot claim that its success is assured, but our actions should serve to delay Nidhogg’s advance at the very least. Which is more than can be said for the ill-conceived counterattack advocated by the See’s more vocal crusaders. They offer glorious death, but little hope of victory.”
“Aye,” Aymeric said. “Their proposal does not inspire confidence. Our resources should rightly be spent shoring up the city’s defenses.” He glanced them over again, and she could fair see him thinking. “The Azure Dragoon and the Warriors of Light, sallying forth together to face the dread wyrm, Nidhogg…” He closed his eyes for several moments. “I must admit, the mere thought of it does much to dispel my misgivings. Go, then – carry out your plan. I shall do what I can for you within the Holy See.”
“We thank you greatly, Aymeric-sama,” Achiyo said, bowing. “We shall do everything we can to protect Ishgard.”
That drew a smile from him. “The Scions of the Seventh Dawn are most altruistic, Lady Achiyo. Please return safely.”
The wastes of Western Coerthas were dreary as they walked them, the sky clouded, searching for the means to contact Iceheart. Alphinaud was withdrawn, and Achiyo took it upon herself to walk next to him. The two dragoons were out in front, and Aentfryn brought up the rear.
“Are you well?” she asked him softly.
“I’m fine,” he said, a little shortly. “I’m very much appreciating Tataru’s gift to me right now…” His new clothes were very fine, if a bit fanciful. It was a very Eorzean style, a very modern style, but it was also much warmer than his previous outfit. Why he had not gone shopping with them in Ishgard previously, she would never know, but at least he’d gotten the better of his pride through appreciation of Tataru’s skillful labours.
“It looks very good on you,” she said. “But you still seem unsettled… Is it from the farm?”
Alphinaud grimaced and looked away. “How can I be of help to you if I am frightened out of my wits by every surprise?”
“Your courage will be tempered by battle,” she said. “You are no coward: you proved that when we fought Bahamut all together.”
He growled. “And yet my hands still shake when I think about that beast leaping upon me.” He held them out in front of him, but she could not tell if they shook now in the wind.
“Be patient with yourself,” she said. “No one becomes a hardened warrior simply because they will it. And you do not need to become a hardened warrior.” She had said something similar to Rinala, hadn’t she?
“Perhaps not, and yet…”
“You are our friend, Alphinaud.” The more so now that he’d been humbled. “You are very skilled in many ways, and you need not stand beside us in body when already you stand beside us in spirit.” Though she felt much more kindly towards him now that he was willing to try, rather than directing others. The fact that he was willing was more important than whether he was able to, really.
“You speak true, yet I believe – I know I can aid you with my magic as well as with my words. I will become stronger, and do everything I can to support you and the others.”
“Very well then.” She nodded. “In the next fight, you will not be taken by surprise. You faced the Heaven’s Ward knights and held your own; stay by my side and you will have little to fear.”
“That’s true,” Alphinaud said. “I did do that. Yes. In the next battle, you shall see what I can truly do!” He clenched his hands.
Four days and several battles later, and they were still in Western Coerthas; sometimes it felt like they were going in circles, at least as far as it came to finding Iceheart again. The Convictors had turned out to be friendly enough, at least with Tam, who seemed to know every one of them on a first-name basis, but now they had struck out yet farther west to build a signal fire. Alphinaud had gone with Estinien and Aentfryn to gather wood for the fire, and Estinien had muttered something mildly sardonic about privileged upbringings with a pointed glance at Alphinaud upon their return, but the fire was built, and the first yak hide placed upon it to burn purple smoke.
The five of them retreated a short ways from the hideous stench to build another fire to warm themselves by. “I left Ishgard on a mission of noble purpose, and now here I am scrabbling for sticks in the snow,” Alphinaud said to Achiyo. “How can my hands be at once so numb yet so sore…?” He scrubbed his gloved hands together next to the fire.
She gave him a sympathetic look. “I was half your age when I learned those lessons.”
He ducked his head with embarrassment. “Forgive me. I ought not to complain, not at my age. I am certainly learning very strongly that for everything I know, there is much more I do not.”
“That is the wisest kind of learning,” she said, then noticed that Estinien was staring at her through his impenetrable helmet. “Yes?”
“Nothing,” he said, and looked away.
“I find myself wishing Alisaie were here,” Alphinaud said wistfully. “She would love this sort of life, discomforts and all. She always was, and still is, the more active of the two of us – more forthright, more… practical, I suppose you could say.”
“Does she know how to build a fire?” Estinien asked dryly.
“I-I am not sure. I would not put it past her…”
Aentfryn had been rummaging in his pack and pulled out a small jar of salve, handing it to Alphinaud. “You’ll find there’s naught better for teaching than doing, Master Alphinaud. But the doing must be done carefully. Use that on your hands today and tomorrow at least.”
“I thank you, Master Aentfryn,” Alphinaud said. “Much obliged.”
“Though I think you’d best hold off on doing that for a bit,” Tam said, peering off over the snow. “She’s coming. Alone, too.”
Achiyo and Alphinaud scrambled up; Aentfryn stood with much less urgency. Estinien was already standing, and followed Tam swiftly over to the purple fire.
Ysayle appeared out of the wilderness a ways off, clad in her usual thin blue garments, her silvery-white hair blowing in the wind, and with no surprise in her silver eyes at seeing them. “I should have known it would be you… Word reached me of a struggle with a small but well-armed band of trespassers. Forgive my comrades their hostility – few come here uninvited, and fewer still with good intent.”
Tam shrugged. “I’m sorry we had to kill some of them. I don’t blame them for their suspicion.”
“Why are you here?” Ysayle asked, crossing her arms, her voice tired.
Tam turned to look at Achiyo and Alphinaud, and she stepped forward. “We wish to speak with you. To stop Nidhogg’s attack upon Ishgard, if we can.” She tried to keep her voice strong. Many she cared about were depending on her. She could not falter simply because she did not yet believe it was possible.
Ysayle did not seem angry or surprised at her bold intent. “So, you seek to stem the Dravanian tide with talk? A romantic notion. If you but knew the truth – the spark which lit the flames of this animosity – you would understand the futility of your quest.”
“A shame the Echo only works when it wants to,” Aentfryn said.
“Shall I relate it to you?” Ysayle asked. “The sordid history my gift has shown me? That which the Holy See has taken such pains to suppress?”
Tam gestured over to their other fire. “I would be very glad to. I can tell things don’t line up, but it’s all obfuscated under generations of tradition. Please, ignore Estinien’s scowling.”
“I’m not scowling,” Estinien said. Tam raised an eyebrow at him and he stared back without visible change.
The lands northwest of Coerthas were abruptly lovely, green and forested in exuberant colours. Were these trees yellow and lilac all the year, or was it because it was late spring? The air was still rather bracing, perhaps from the latitude, but the woods were alive with all manner of birdsong. Achiyo had even seen a flock of wild chocobos in the distance.
The hunters in those lands were rough but friendly, and known to both Ysayle and Tam… she was beginning not to be surprised that anyone in the entire world should know Tam, despite his confession of being new on this star. After staying the night in the village, they set off further to the northwest. There was a faint road, an ancient road, well-laid pavement buried beneath years of drifted leaves and earth.
And the passive hostility between Estinien and Ysayle radiated off them like cold off a yuki onna; when they spoke their words were short and to the point. Alphinaud walked between them, perhaps to buffer them against each other. Achiyo, walking beside Ysayle in the front, did not envy him his spot.
At least he was well protected, when strange figures burst from the undergrowth on both sides of the road, skittering towards them on strange, tottering legs. There was a sharp report, and bullets whizzed past them to strike the ground and the trees behind them. Estinien was among their attackers in an instant, lance whirling. Alphinaud had wisely ducked behind Achiyo, and scrambled to draw his grimoire.
The battle did not last long, despite their being ambushed; the insect-men were not hardened warriors. Achiyo bent to look over the bodies curiously, after the last couple had fled.
“Should we chance to meet Marcechamp again, remind me to thank him,” Alphinaud said, peering at the same body beside her. “Had he not warned us to expect the Gnath, I doubt I would be standing here.” He looked up. “…Amid ruins that I would tentatively describe as Ishgardian…? The style, if not quite identical, betrays a definite resemblance…”
“You have a scholar’s eye, Master Alphinaud,” Ysayle said to him, her voice friendly and approving. “This structure is, in fact, over a thousand years old. It is a remnant of the age when our ancestors and dragonkind lived together in peace.”
Estinien grunted inelegantly. “You claim this as evidence of our harmonious past? I was taught that these buildings were constructed by heretics, in honour of your Dravanian masters. This rubble inspires no such awe in me…”
“Stubborn fool,” Ysayle shot back. “How desperately you cling to the false teachings of your believed Holy See!”
“Blind fool, trusting the word of dragons…”
“They’re more trustworthy than your lying Archbishop!”
“You can both shut up right now,” Aentfryn said, snapping his tome shut with more force than strictly necessary. “Can you not refrain from your incessant childish squabbling for half a bell!? By the gods, you are worse than Urselmert and Tam.”
“Please,” Alphinaud chimed in. “We have a common goal, lest you forget: to prevent a war which will claim countless lives on both sides. If we are to accomplish this, you must learn to tolerate each other’s presence. Trust in our friends’ gift – in time, the secrets of history will be brought to light. Let that be enough, Estinien.”
Estinien folded his arms. “You would have me keep my counsel until their visions confirm the truth? Very well. But bait me not.”
“You need not take the bait, nor offer your own in kind,” Alphinaud retorted.
“Stop talking,” Aentfryn growled, and everyone stopped talking.
They pressed on further west, as a great tower began to appear over the shoulder of the mountain, grey and solid. Ysayle pointed it out as their destination, named Anyx Trine.
“Really?” Tam asked. “I didn’t know dragons lived there. I thought they lived further up the mountain.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t try to contact them yourself,” Alphinaud said.
Tam shrugged. “If they’d been unicorns, perhaps I would have risked it, but… I’d fought dragons enough with Haurchefant that I thought any of them would not take kindly to me, and I saw no need to waste blood that I had no particular interest in shedding before they’d listen. I was more interested in the lands further west, anyway.”
“How far west, might I ask? Did you visit Sharlayan?” Alphinaud asked curiously.
“Sure. Not much there but the goblins, though, and either faction is a little too friendly or unfriendly for my taste.”
“Goblins in Sharlayan…?” Whatever else Alphinaud might have said was forgotten as yet another firearm exploded from the undergrowth beside the road, and a musketball rattled off the stones in front of Alphinaud’s feet.
“Ware!” barked Estinien, and they flung themselves again into battle.
“Not again!” Alphinaud said in exasperation.
“Stay behind me,” Achiyo said to him, silently lamenting the dents pockmarking her shield. Enchanted as it was or no, bullets had enough force to make an impact. Far better than a body taking the impact, but the shield could bear some attention at their next rest. “On your left, Aentfryn.”
This battle was longer than the previous, and this time, when the Gnath fled, Estinien and Tam went to chase down the stragglers. Their enemies would not lead others back to them.
“The Gnath are fast becoming a nuisance,” Alphinaud said when they returned. “They seem to plague our every step.”
“They seem even busier than when I last came through here,” Tam said. “Still think they should man the walls of Ishgard, Estinien?”
“Hmph.” Estinien smirked faintly. “‘Twould seem the enemy of mine enemy is also mine enemy.”
Ysayle frowned. “I take no pleasure in killing the Gnath. ‘Twas to avoid bloodshed that I agreed to join you on this journey. …Well, it cannot be helped.”
“It will not be long before we reach the tower,” Achiyo said to Ysayle. “Should we wait behind while you speak with them?”
Ysayle shook her head. “We may proceed into the courtyard together – but leave the task of hailing its occupants to me. And keep your lance on your back, dragoon.” Her gaze sharpened into a silver glare directed at Estinien.
Who shrugged. “On my word to Warriors of Light, I shall start no fight… only finish it.”
Ysayle sighed and turned away. “You truly are beyond salvation. Come, then…”
“Forgive me,” Alphinaud said, “but let us be clear about what it is that you propose. Did I rightly hear you say that you would deliberately provoke the Gnath, surrender yourself to what might generously be termed their ‘custody’, and then wait until their god arrives to claim your soul?”
“‘Tis no worse than your volunteering the Warriors of Light to fight their god to begin with,” Estinien put in, and Alphinaud coloured in embarrassment.
Ysayle’s expression was calm, if amused. “Aye, that fairly well describes my plan. You will join me in this endeavour, will you not, Warriors of Light?”
“We must summon the rest of our group,” Achiyo said. “We can discuss our plan further when Kekeniro arrives, but we cannot fight a primal without all of us – or at least most of us. I wonder if they can come quickly enough…”
“I’ll go get them,” Tam said.
“Do you know where they are right now?” Aentfryn asked.
Tam smiled cheerfully. “Not the foggiest! I’m going to hop from aetheryte to aetheryte until my linkpearl connects! Ta.”
Before anyone could suggest a better, less-wearying plan, Tam had initiated a Teleport and vanished from their sight.
Achiyo turned to the others, standing as they all were in a corner of the Vath village, whence they had retreated after their audience with white Vidofnir. “We should prepare ourselves. Someone should remain here, for surely Tam will send them here, but I am minded to scout the hive.” Ysayle nodded and came to stand beside her.
“Aye, a good plan,” Aentfryn said. “I shall come with you… further back, as I am not skilled at scouting. But you might need healing if things go south.”
Alphinaud hesitated, looked around at everyone, and then said: “I shall stay. I should like to hear more about the Vath, and I cannot fight the primal…”
“Thank you,” she said to him. “You can explain to them anything that Tam does not.”
He nodded. “And knowing Tam, he probably won’t. Be safe!”
When Achiyo returned with Aentfryn, Ysayle, and Estinien, already Kekeniro was waiting with Alphinaud. Even as she greeted him, Vivienne, R’nyath, and Rinala arrived, riding on Vivienne’s magitech walker. Rinala was looking much better than she had in days past; whatever she had been up to had been good for her.
Tam and Chuchupa arrived a little bit later, while they were deep in discussion on their infiltration plan. “I mean, it’s pretty much how you got in to fight Ifrit, isn’t it?” R’nyath said. “Except now we’re doing it on purpose.”
“I’m still concerned about the certainty that they would offer us to their god,” Kekeniro mused. “You haven’t met any who seemed Tempered before this, have you?”
“No,” Aentfryn said. “Though since we did not know there was a primal, we didn’t ask, and any sleeper agents we might have met would surely not go out of their way to break their cover.”
“The Vath here seem quite certain that we – you would be offered as sacrifices,” Alphinaud said. “Though every question is met with cryptic utterances…”
“By the Fury,” Estinien said. “I would swear these beastmen know less about their god than I do.”
“Well, we doin’ it or not?” Chuchupa demanded. “Hey, everybody. We’re fightin’ a primal alongside another primal? Is that true?”
“It’s true,” Achiyo said. “Lady Ysayle has graciously agreed to stand with us.”
Chuchupa slammed her fists together. “What the Seven Hells we waitin’ for? This is gonna be the most exciting fight we’ve been in yet!”
Rinala’s eyes widened. “More than the… the thing we did with Alisaie?”
“I do not think so,” Aentfryn said. “This primal is surely not powerful enough to threaten the realm yet.”
“Well, e’en so,” Chuchupa said. “It’s cool to fight a primal with another primal. Better than that time we almost got a threeway between Garuda, Ifrit, and Titan. Hey, Iceheart! How come Shiva wears such trampy clothes?”
“Excuse me?” Ysayle said.
“Chuchupa, please,” Achiyo begged her. She did think Shiva’s appearance on their last meeting had been… but it was not for her to judge. Perhaps folk had dressed differently here a thousand years ago. Achiyo herself would never dress that way, that was all, save at Costa del Sol under the correct circumstances. And she was sure Ysayle had not picked the outfit.
“Well, she’s in ye, right?” Chuchupa said. “Can’t ye just ask her? Surely her arse is frozen solid!”
“I mean, I’m not complaining,” R’nyath said with a grin.
Achiyo clapped her hands and raised her voice. “Enough! We have a job to do, and this topic is irrelevant. Are we ready to depart?”
“I think so,” Kekeniro said. “Quick recap? This talk of ‘blades’ I’ve been hearing suggests that this primal uses primarily melee combat, not magical combat, so Achiyo, Vivienne, it’s up to you to keep it away from the rest of us. Ysayle, it will probably consider you the biggest threat, so keep a shield up at all times and don’t worry too much about attacking it, leave that to us. Chuchupa, Tam, be very careful until we see what it can do. R’nyath, go all-in on whichever weapon you like, and so will I. In the meantime, we’ll go in groups of three to get captured, so the Gnath don’t feel too threatened.”
“I wish we could practice,” Rinala said nervously. “I’m a little worried by the idea of healing a primal. What if it’s different from healing a person?”
“No doubt it will be, but I suspect it will be easier,” Aentfryn told her. “But aside from the fact that we have few crystals on us, it’s not good for the land to summon even a weak primal casually.”
“I know,” Rinala said. “I’ll do my best, Ysayle!”
Ysayle nodded. “I must say, it is quite a different prospect to fight beside you than against you. My respect for you has only grown as I see how close you all are.”
“And what about them?” Chuchupa said, pointing at Estinien and Alphinaud. “They ain’t coming too, are they?”
Estinien sketched a sardonic bow. “Would that I could fight at your side, my lady. I would be curious to test my lance against a beast tribe’s god. But the power of the dragon is no protection against primal influence. Forgive me, but I must remain here with Master Alphinaud. Tell me of the battle upon your return.”
“I’ll gladly do that,” Chuchupa said. “Set yer lanky arse down and have a lie back – if ye can in that silly spiky armour ye got.”
“My lady is quite cocky,” Estinien rejoined. “For someone wearing very little armour at all.”
Chuchupa flushed pink to match her hair. “You wanna spar again? I’ve been training!”
“Perhaps when you return,” Estinien said. “I wish you well.”
“Be safe!” Alphinaud cried, and Tam saluted him casually as they moved to depart.
“Heya,” Kekeniro said, as he was pushed unceremoniously into the Gnath cave beside R’nyath and Vivienne.
“You’re okay?” Rinala said. “Everyone’s okay?”
“We’re fine,” Vivienne said shortly. “I didn’t even kill any of the little blighters, though I almost bit my tongue saying that we surrendered.”
Ysayle nodded. “Though I dismissed Master Alphinaud’s concerns, I confess that I did wonder how the Gnath might treat their prisoners. Happily, it would seem they are not wont to harm sacrifices – nor even to disarm them. Plainly, they imagine their god invulnerable. The plan goes better than expected…”
Achiyo nodded and spoke to the newcomers. “Rest. They are already preparing to grant us an audience.”
“That’s one way to put it,” R’nyath said cheekily, and Achiyo allowed herself a little smile.
It was not long later that two-score Gnath came in and prodded them to their feet with their strange rifles, ushering them into a deeper, larger cave. There were crystals all about, crystals the Vath had suggested would be present – one reason Ysayle was able to come with them. Achiyo did wonder why the Gnath god had not taken all of them in his own summoning, but… that was not her concern.
One of the Gnath stepped forward. “O Lord Ravana! Master of the Sacred Blades! Wrath of the Colony! Conquerer of the World! Hear our Prayer! Pray grant unto Your devoted children the gift of Your divine presence!” He raised his arms, and for a moment nothing happened. Achiyo looked to the crystals, but they did not budge.
With a puff of flame, four razor-sharp scimitars appeared from thin air and fell to the floor point-first. Yet they moved as though some graceful and perfectly coordinated being wielded them, for they began to spin in a circle, faster and faster, until a tornado of fire rose from the cave floor and the blades were drawn into it.
The fire dispersed as the scimitars swept through them, and appearing through the remains of the blaze was an enormous armoured ant, risen on its hind legs, a sword in each of its four forelimbs. It twirled the scimitars again in an intricate pattern and flexed. “All strength to the colony,” it said, in a deep, flanging voice. “Speak and I shall listen!”
“O Glorious General!” rasped the head Gnath. “We have captured intruders, and would make unto You an offering of their life’s blood.” The other guards nodded.
The behemoth’s head tilted. “These feeble fleshlings dared to invade Gnath lands?”
Ysayle stepped forward. “Hear me, Lord Ravana! My companions and I did not come to contest your children’s territory. We wished only to learn the reason you wage war against the dragons.”
“Thou wouldst flirt with death merely to satisfy thy curiosity?” Ravana demanded. “Wherefore should the glorious conquests of the Gnath concern thee so, Elezen? Ahh, mayhap thine own kind’s struggle against the wyrms fareth poorly, and thou art desirous of a pact.”
Achiyo stepped forward beside her. “We do not crave alliance, Lord Ravana – only peace. We would bring an end to mortals’ war with the dragons. Yet so long as they remain embroiled in this conflict with your children, our goal shall remain out of reach.”
“Never before have the Gnath risen up in such numbers, and never yet with you at their head,” Ysayle said. “Why do you lead them to war?”
The antlord shrugged. “Thy question hath no meaning. To live is but to fight.”
“Right on,” Chuchupa said softly. “I could get behind this guy.”
“Long have my children waited, gathering their strength in the shadow of thy ceaseless conflict,” Ravana proclaimed. “The Gnath would see the Dravanians slain, and their territory secured – and by such fervent prayers am I now given form and purpose.”
Achiyo drew herself up straighter – not that her five fulms and two or so ilms could measure up to that twenty-fulm giant. “Then your very existence is an obstacle to our goal. Since you are so fond of fighting, we challenge you, Lord of the Gnath!” This was what they had come here for. This was why they had summoned the team together. Her heart was pounding in her chest all the same. But she was a samurai’s daughter, and her pride carried her, her pride and her memories of Ishgardian defiance.
“All right! Achiyo!” Chuchupa cheered, and R’nyath made a quiet whoop. The Gnath soldiers whirled to stare at Achiyo in shock.
“And should we emerge the victors, I would have you swear to withdraw your soldiers from Dravanian lands,” Achiyo went on. She was not used to negotiating with power – the last time had been with Ramuh, and Ramuh had been far more gentle and patient.
Ravana laughed with a resounding rumble. “Thou art bold indeed to risk thy fleshy hide so readily! Very well. I, Ravana, fourfold master of the blade, do accept thy challenge! But should I emerge the victor, I would have thee swear to serve in mine army til thy last breath is spent! Dost thou accept!?”
Achiyo took a deep breath that he could not see, and raised her chin still higher. “We do.” They had no choice but to win. For though Ravana might not be able to Temper them to his control, her honour would compel her to fulfill her vow.
“Then let us dance! I welcome you to Thok Ast Thok, fleshlings!” He gestured with one of his four arms to a gate farther back, and vanished with a flash of flame.
The Gnath began to herd them towards the gate. “Will you still be able to use these crystals to summon Shiva once we’re through that gate?” Kekeniro asked.
Ysayle looked at them. “If we do not go too far beyond the gate, yes, I think so.”
Vivienne reached for her sword. “If we do go too far, give the word and I’ll get you back here long enough to transform.”
But they did not go very far. The cave opened into a vast expanse under the mountains, strangely hot and humid, illuminated in scarlet. Before them was a large ring, fenced in, where Ravana awaited them. The Gnath prodded them into the ring and shut the flimsy door behind them, then backed away. There were thousands of the insects in the hive about them, Achiyo could sense. Even if they defeated Ravana, they might have to still contend with his army…
“Go for it, Ysayle,” Kekeniro said. “Achiyo, Vivienne, shield her.”
Ysayle took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and reached up with all the grace of a swan. She began to glow, and icy aether swirled around her, a balm in the stiflingly hot cavern. Ice formed about her feet, growing to encase her whole body, and splintered with a musical tinkle as Shiva floated free. She spun lazily through the air above the Warriors of Light, contemptuous of gravity.
Ravana’s ant head tilted. “What is this!? A god clad in flesh!?”
“Is aught amiss, my lord?” Shiva asked, smiling. “Thou wilt not break thy word, I trust.”
Ravana reared back. “Mine oath is unbending as steel, little goddess! Thy ruse will but add to mine enjoyment! Come, dance to the song of ringing steel!” He barked a laugh and brandished his swords, his pale green wings fluttering behind him.
“Shiva, use your shield! Achiyo, Vivienne, back her up! Everyone remember the strategy and stay calm!” Kekeniro called.
Ravana’s blades whirled over Achiyo’s head, too fast to anticipate. Shiva was floating over them, majestic, graceful, sword and shield of ice in her hands; she parried Ravana seemingly effortlessly. The titans both ignored Achiyo and Vivienne, though one unlucky sweep of those scimitars would cleave either of the women in half easily.
“Impenetrable is my defense!” boasted Ravana as he swung, pushing Shiva back towards the edge of the ring; the rickety wooden wall behind her split and collapsed into the depths below from the sheer wind of his strikes. “Furious as a blaze!”
“We have to get his attention,” Achiyo said to Vivienne. “She won’t last long against this.”
Shiva spun about elegantly and floated up for respite, further out of his reach, but Ravana’s wings fluttered, and he took off after her. “Shiva!” Kekeniro called. “Bring him back down, we can’t reach him!”
“Like hells we can’t!” Chuchupa cried, jumping onto the end of Tam’s lance. “Ye lot hanging back there sure can, and we will too! Jump it, goon boy!”
Tam snorted and leapt from the ground, right onto Ravana’s tail, with Chuchupa still clinging to his lance. Achiyo could not see clearly what happened next, but Ravana collided with Shiva, sending her slamming into the centre of the arena. Eos flew to her, Aentfryn gesturing to Rinala to focus on the two lunatics trying to ride the primal.
There was a crunch, and one green wing halted its rapid movement; Ravana wavered in the air before steadying; his swords whipped around, and Achiyo gasped, expecting any moment her friends to come hurtling in pieces to the ground. But Tam had already jumped again, Chuchupa under his arm, landing and skidding upon the earthen ground behind Vivienne. As Ravana dove after them, Vivienne parried, growling, smashing her greatsword into two of his blades. Achiyo darted forward to help, and flung her shield before Vivienne, protecting her from a third sword. Both of them had cast nearly all of their protective spells, and she could feel Aentfryn’s shields upon them as well.
Now Shiva had recovered, and swooped in, her own sword stabbing forwards into Ravana’s guard, distracting him from those who walked upon the earth. She was using her smaller size and nimbleness to her advantage, floating past most of Ravana’s strikes and catching the rest upon her glittering shield, her train streaming behind her like a banner. And those in the back had not been idle this entire time, pelting the colossal antman with arrows and spells, though it was hard to see what damage if any were occurring to that jet black chitinous armour, like to a samurai’s but immensely thicker.
“Take wing, ye souls of war!” Ravana cried, and butterflies floated down from above somewhere. “‘Tis the calm before the slaughter…”
“How pretty!” Rinala said. “Look, there’s a red one!”
“Kill them!” Kekeniro ordered. “They’re gathering aether to him! Shiva, hold on a little longer!”
“What a shame,” R’nyath said. “They are pretty. They’re not going to suck my blood, are they?”
“Achiyo, I’ll take this bunch!” Vivienne called to her, blasting the nearest butterflies with dark magic. “You get those ones.”
She could hear Rinala and R’nyath arguing about the feeding habits of butterflies and tuned it out. Ravana was still clashing blades with Shiva, not at all watching where he was stepping. Flames were spurting from every strike he made, shooting in whirling patterns across the arena. One by one the butterflies fell, torn to shreds by her friends’ strength. Shiva blew a cold stream at him, and ice formed about his entire form, a huge iceberg – that he shattered with a flex within seconds.
There was a crash, and Shiva’s shield of ice shattered, sending her tumbling once again to the earth. Ravana charged after her, blades raised to strike a killing blow… “Prepare thyself!”
Achiyo flung herself in the way, whispered “Hallowed Ground,” and crossed her sword and shield as her very strongest spell manifested about her with a golden shimmer. All four swords slammed against her shield, sending her sliding backwards a few fulms in a wave of fire – and no more. Her spell held, and not even her hair was singed.
She found her feet leaving the ground, her precious stability – they were all floating, she caught a panicked glimpse of the others – and Ravana spun in the centre of the arena, unleashing flames in all directions. She could not protect the others like this, only herself-!
He made one last stroke and flew straight up as they all plummeted back to the ground. Achiyo scrambled to her feet. “Did everyone make it!”
Chuchupa coughed. “I’ll set his damn arse afire like he did mine!”
“We’re okay!” Rinala called out shakily, casting heals for all she was worth.
Ravana laughed as he dove upon them again from above, blasting them back with the force of the wind of his arrival. “Unyielding as the earth!”
“He’s not that unyielding!” Kekeniro called. “Keep it up, everyone! Vivienne, split the defense with Achiyo!”
That gave Achiyo a moment to collect herself, and she had to duck as a huge leg came stomping down almost upon her. Vivienne followed, growling defiance and radiating darkness. Achiyo chose her moment and threw herself forward, blocking one of the strikes from hitting at Vivienne.
Shiva soared past them all and stabbed her sword forward; Ravana’s guard was down, distracted as he was with the Elezen and Au Ra, and her blade bit deep into his chest. He flinched.
“Back up, back up, back up!” Kekeniro called. “He’s losing definition…!”
Ravana took a step back himself. “Thou hast bested me…” He was reeling, his blades uncoordinated, then fell to one knee, supporting himself with one sword. “Thus doth the sacred rite of combat proclaim the victor… I lay my blades at thy feet, children of mortals…” He lurched, then tumbled forward to fall upon his front before them, his swords still clutched in his claws. His body poofed into aether and dissipated.
Achiyo heard anxious chittering and screeching, and the Gnath who were watching them fled. It sounded as if they were retreating deeper into their hive, fearful of further retaliation. But she had no interest in them. It was enough that it was over. “Is everyone all right?”
Ysayle dropped her transformation, landing heavily on the ground and panting deeply. Rinala raised her staff to heal her. “Are you okay?”
Ysayle raised her head, then climbed to her feet. “I am well… quite well. You do not disappoint, Warriors of Light. Never since we first fought have I seen you draw upon the full extent of your power. And I am glad that it was not once again directed at me.”
“Yah, it’s always like this against primals,” Chuchupa said. “Jus’ don’t listen to the Wandering Minstrel! He exaggerates, and in a weird way!”
“I don’t mind his terrible rhymes,” R’nyath protested. “They’re charming in their own way.”
Ysayle smiled. “…I do begin to see why so many place their faith in you. Master Kekeniro, I have not yet thanked you for your guidance. Though I heard you when we were pitted against each other before, I did not truly appreciate it until now.” Kekeniro rubbed the back of his head in awkward embarrassment.
“Good,” Vivienne said. “Let’s leave. There’s nothing more for us here, is there?”
“I think not,” Ysayle said, and they began to head towards the door. “For all his savagery, I do not think Ravana one to break his word. Provided the dragons do not trespass upon Gnath lands, they should have little to fear of the primal’s biting blades. We have done well, have we not?”
“Perhaps you might have a place with the Scions when we have resolved this war,” Achiyo said. “If you wished it.”
Ysayle gave her an odd smile. “So certain you are still. ‘When we have resolved this war’. As if a thousand years of bloody strife can simply… end.”
“Not to mention the conflict of interest in fighting beside a primal,” Aentfryn said.
“That is true,” Ysayle said. “Alas, I have little to offer in my own form besides the Echo. But… if you are right, and this war can end… I should be glad to support you from afar.”
“We should be honoured to accept your support,” Achiyo said to her. “And… though you were in the form of a primal… you fought with skill and grace. It was an honour to fight beside you this time.”
“Thank you,” Ysayle said awkwardly. “A-and you.”
Achiyo smiled at her, then noticed- “Ah! Vivienne! Do try not to get too far ahead!”
“Then keep up! No one can breathe in this stupid cave!”
The Gnath did not touch them as they walked out wearily, in time to see the golden glow of sunset bathing the land in even more beauty.
Alphinaud met them at the gate to the Vath village with open arms and an exultant smile. “Tam! Lady Ysayle! Everyone! Thank the Twelve. Are you all unharmed?”
“We are well,” Achiyo said to him. “We were successful. I trust you were well here?”
“The antmen’s god is fallen, then?” Estinien was leaning against a tree behind Alphinaud, arms folded, as if he did not care enough to stand up and come talk to them. But he nodded to them respectfully. “Impressive, Warriors of Light.”
“I will tell you of it before Chuchupa attempts to befuddle matters with tales of how she rode upon the primal’s back and punched its wings off,” Aentfryn said.
Alphinaud nodded. “Of course. That’s quite ridiculous.”
“That part… does happen to be true,” Achiyo couldn’t resist saying. “One wing, at least.”
Alphinaud’s eyes widened. “What!? Th-that’s… quite thrilling…”
“Damn straight,” Chuchupa said, grinning her cute face off.
Aentfryn cleared his throat. “The battle, then.”
When he had finished, Alphinaud was thinking deeply. “Lord Ravana, you say? How curious that the Vath never mentioned his name… And you are quite certain he will keep his word?”
Achiyo nodded. “There was honour beneath his ferocity. Should the Gnath summon him again, though I think they will, he will not drive a wedge between the dragons and us.” Though he had only sworn to leave the dragons be. What if he turned his gaze to Coerthas…?
Then they would unite to slay him again. That was all there was to it.
“That we survived the encounter at all was a miracle,” Ysayle said. “A miracle I must attribute to them. Were I alone, I would certainly not have lived. Their teamwork is extraordinary.”
Estinien shrugged. “Never did I doubt you… unlike some. You were gone so long that Master Alphinaud here nigh lost his wits with worry. Fretting like a maid for her sweetheart, he was!” There was a bit of a grin on his lips.
Alphinaud turned red up to his ears and clenched his fists indignantly. “Estinien! Was that truly necessary!?” His voice cracked.
Estinien laughed, and it almost sounded merry. “Not truly necessary – but certainly true.”
He did not smile often, she realized. This was… even if it were in teasing Alphinaud, who did not deserve it, this was not a bad thing.
Alphinaud cleared his throat loudly. “What matters is that the primal is banished, and our promise fulfilled. We should return to Vidofnir without delay.”
“Should we stay?” Rinala asked anxiously. “We should stay with you, shouldn’t we?”
“How pressing were your quests before we interrupted?” Aentfryn asked.
“Well… nothing that can’t be put off to save Ishgard, at least not for too long. And… if we’re making friends with the dragons, that would be really helpful, because I’ve been looking for a sorceress who’s trying to poison the Black Shroud, and we think she’s fled into the mountains here…” Rinala began to ramble.
“We’re not going anywhere else today,” Tam said pragmatically. “That bug was intense, even with Ysayle’s help. Let’s camp with the Vath and continue tomorrow.”
“I suppose you are right, Tam,” Alphinaud said. “You have more than earned a rest, ’tis true.”
“Hear, hear,” R’nyath said. “Break out the drinks!” He began to rummage in his pack.
“D’ye have enough for all of us?” Chuchupa asked him. “Especially me?”
“What sort of bard do you think I am, Chu?”
Ysayle frowned at Estinien as the others moved to set up camp. “You are unkind, Estinien. For all his experience and intellect, Alphinaud is still but a boy.” Estinien shrugged and made no answer.
Achiyo turned to look to the west, towards Anyx Trine. Now they would go where none from Ishgard had gone before. She prayed they would be in time.