Chapter 5: Fort Rigwald     Chapter 7: Phantom Ship

    Chapter 6: Turning Traitor

    We rode south the next two days, passing through the hills of the Grado Highlands. On the third day we approached the port town of Bethroen, which, if we could charter a ship, would take the army directly to the main highway out of Tai’zel on the southern coast to Grado Keep. On the second day, the earthquakes started. Grado was usually rocked by earthquakes every once in a while.

    Vanessa, scouting the third morning, brought us the layout of the terrain and confirmed that it was the same as our maps.

    “Bethroen Port is a pair of small islands connected by bridges to the mainland,” she reported. “The main road we’re on runs straight there. On the western island are the town and the docks. On the eastern island is a fortress, I think to protect against pirates.”

    “And probably us, too,” I commented a little drily.

    “To the north of the town is another village only a mile away.”

    “That probably won’t figure into our plans,” Syrene said contemplatively. “Did you see any enemy units?”

    “No, ma’am! There either are no opposing forces, or they’re still in the fortress.”

    “Better suppose they’re in the fortress,” I said. “It’s highly unlikely they’ve not figured out where we’re going; Rigwald pointed our direction clearly enough. We’ll move in quickly, but cautiously.”

    “Right away, sir,” Syrene said, saluting, and went off to make preparations to move out.

    I rubbed a hand over my face and clapped my hands together, stretching as I got up. “Good work, Vanessa.”

    “Thank you, milord!” Continue reading →

Chapter 4: A New Journey     Chapter 6: Turning Traitor

    Chapter 5: Fort Rigwald

    It was dawn over the hill country just south of Frelia. Commander Syrene and I were standing on a small cliff overlooking the back of a small and interestingly-looking castle.

    “Fort Rigwald, huh?” I mused. “Who built it, do you know?”

    “I am afraid not, Lord Ephraim. I can see why you asked, though. The gate on the south leads directly into a long covered passage filled with arrow-slits. Any enemy who breaches the gates is instantly in a killing ground. The back walls are impervious, and there is no back gate, so the front gate is pretty much the only way to get in and capture the place. It has stood unconquered for generations.”

    “And to capture the place, we’ll need to take out its commander, who will probably be in the throne room of the keep. If we don’t, then they’ll fall on our rear as we try to assault the capital.” I looked lopsidedly at her. “Do you think we can do it?”

    “It’s a daunting task,” she admitted. “The enemy not only has those formidable defences, but the advantage of numbers as well.”

    “But what about morale?” I asked.

    “You think they may not want to fight?”

    “This is the emperor’s war. Renais and Grado have always been close allies and friends. The hearts of the people cannot be so swift to change. I know that General Duessel, my old lance teacher, is loyal as an old dog can be to the crown… but he also opposes this war. I’m sure he opposes it with every fibre of his being. I wonder if he’s in there. I could ask him what’s going on with the emperor.”

    “Optimism here may be deadly,” Syrene said sternly. Then her face lightened. “Still, it’s a much better idea than attacking Grado’s main army face to face.”

    I smiled at her and thought. “I think it would be a really bad idea to ask our pegasus knights to create a diversion… they’re sure to have thought of that. Let me see… here’s what we’ll do.”

    I marshalled my troops. “All right, listen up! We’re going to bust down those gates and head inside, as quick as we can! Rush the throne room and kill their commander. That may force the other side to surrender. I’ll give more specific orders as we get into battle. Understood?”

    “Yes, sir!” responded my army. Continue reading →

Chapter 3: It’s a Trap!     Chapter 5: Fort Rigwald

Chapter 4: A New Journey

   After we left the castle of Renvall, I went ahead slightly with Seth. “Please, tell me all that has happened, Seth. All I know is that Renais Castle has fallen. Tell me, has my father escaped?”

   Seth bowed his head and I knew the news before he spoke it. “He has not. My deepest sympathies, Prince Ephraim. Princess Eirika and I heard the news when we arrived at Castle Frelia. But I am beginning my tale in the middle.”

   “Go ahead, Seth.”

   It was a long story. I shook my head when he had finished. “That’s… near incredible. But Forde and Kyle and I – and Orson, until four or five days ago – we’ve been fighting Grado soldiers every day for weeks, until Valter came to capture us and Orson showed his true colours. And it fits exactly with what you say. Each battle they were a bit more interested in my wrist, in my bracelet. And for what? To destroy the Sacred Stone of Renais? To release abominable monsters across the lands… How could they seriously plot such a thing?”

   “We… do not know. The cleric Natasha has told us all she knows, but I feel there is much more that she does not, could not know. If we could only speak to your friend Prince Lyon, it might solve much, but that is not possible with current standings and strengths.”

   I thought for a minute, and then nodded, agreeing with him. “Do you know how these bracelets unlock our Sacred Stone?”

   Seth met my gaze for a moment, then looked away at the horizon. “I… cannot tell you how yet. King Fado instructed me to keep it secret, even from you, until it was needed. Please believe me, I shall tell you everything when it is time.”

   “I understand, Seth. But don’t you go dying on us! I need the answer to this riddle sooner or later, and we might find it in the Sacred Stone.”

   The older man smiled slightly. “Die? And fail in my duty? Never, my lord.” Continue reading →