Among the Ashes Chapter 35

Among the Ashes

Chapter 35
Checkpoint



Marth’s search did not take long. He made a straight course for the cliff side, and easily spotted Roy sitting there on the ledge. Marth breathed a sigh of relief, and took a step closer, but then he stopped.

Roy sat, just feet away, looking down at the river. With his shoulders sagging and his chin turned downward, Marth could tell at a glance how much his friend was hurting.

Now that he was here, he felt completely at a loss. Hours of working over the situation in his mind had done nothing to quell his confusion. So he stood at the edge of the forest, staring blankly towards the cliff side, hoping for a sudden burst of inspiration.

Marth shifted his weight, and a branch crunched beneath his boot. Roy turned with a start and stared at him through the darkness.

“Oh.” Roy’s shoulders drooped more severely. “It’s you.”

Roy slowly turned his head, staring back across the canyon without another word.

“Roy,” Marth forced himself to step forward, “I – ” He paused with a sigh. “I don’t know what to say.” He shrugged helplessly.

“Never thought I’d hear that coming from you,” Roy said flatly. “Tonight is full of surprises, isn’t it?”

The complete lack of humor in Roy’s voice broke over Marth’s face like a splash of cold water.

“I… ”

“Look, you don’t have to talk to me,” Roy said. “I know you don’t want to. I’m actually surprised to see you at all. I half-expected you to just pack up and leave without me.”

“We wouldn’t do that.”

“Then what do you call what happened back there?” Roy’s voice rose. “I got it, Marth. Loud and clear. You don’t have to read a proclamation or feel like you have to explain yourself.”

Marth could feel his heart beating faster as Roy got to his feet, still staring out towards the river.

“You don’t even have to kick me out yourself. One less thing on your conscience.”

A chill ran down Marth’s spine.

“So, I guess – goodbye.” Roy shot forward without looking back.

“Roy, wait!” Marth caught him by the shoulder and turned him. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Roy tensed visibly, and avoided looking Marth in the eye.

“You can never let things end the easy way, can you?”

Marth looked down, and saw Roy’s fingers twitch by the hilt of his sword.

“Roy, you can’t – ” Marth let go of him and stepped back. “You can’t possibly think I’d attack you.”

Roy hesitated. “I’m a little surprised you haven’t already.”

“I wouldn’t…” Marth said weakly, though he didn’t look Roy in the eyes.

“Your sister’s been dating a Manakete.” Roy forced out the word, and Marth tried not to let the effect show on his face.

“I figured you wouldn’t be too happy about that – tainting your family’s reputation or something, I don’t know.” Roy twisted away in frustration.

Marth hesitated a moment, staring past Roy.

“I wonder if he knew…” he said quietly.

“Who?”

Marth felt himself tense even as he said it. “My father.”

“Yeah, right,” Roy grunted in an attempt to hide the pain in his voice. “I wouldn’t have lasted five minutes.”

He stared at the ground, digging his heel into the dirt.

Marth winced, and he looked down as well.

“Yeah, didn’t think so,” Roy exhaled sharply and started walking away.

“Wait!” Marth called.

“Why?” Roy shot back. “What’s the point? I can’t stay here now.”

“Roy – ”

“Could you just – ” Roy stood still, swallowed, and took a deep breath. “Could you just do me one favor? Can you tell Elice I’m sorry? I never meant to hurt her – ” His voice cut off, strangled with emotion.

“But, I – ”

“I’m a half-blooded monster,” Roy cut in. “It’s not that hard to figure out where this is headed.”

“You’re not – ”

“Just forget it. I hate causing all this angst and trauma for everyone. So, I’m leaving. I won’t bother you anymore.”

“Roy, you’re not a bother,” Marth tried to explain.

“Oh, yeah,” Roy scoffed. “No problem here, huh?”

“But you’re not – ” Marth sighed. “You’re not a monster, or anything.”

Roy’s brow furrowed over his suddenly pain-filled eyes, and Marth stopped.

“Thanks,” Roy huffed and turned away again to hide his hurt.

“No, I don’t mean – ” Marth cut off in frustration. “This isn’t going well.”

“I’ll say,” Roy muttered under his breath. “Look, just let me go already.”

“No, Roy – ” Marth tried to stop Roy as he once more attempted to take off. “I’m sorry.”

Roy froze in place. “What?”

“I’ve been a real jerk.”

Roy slowly turned around, still shocked by the humility of Marth’s words.

“But you’re still my best friend.” Marth looked back up warily. “That is - I don’t understand. How can you possibly not hate me right now?”

“What does this have to do with you?”

“You grew up with me.” Marth shifted on the spot. “You grew up under my father. You know what he taught me, and what I’ve done.”

“Yeah, I know.” Roy slumped his shoulder against a tree trunk, and turned his head back to look up at the moon. “Not much we can do about all that now, though, huh?”

“I guess not,” Marth replied. “But you don’t – ” he hesitated again with apprehension. “You aren’t going to hold that against me?”

“What, your dad?”

Marth’s shoulders twitched and he looked away. His face paled beneath the moonlight. He could feel Roy watching him, and he waited in fear of some further attack or words of condemnation.

“What good would that do?” Roy asked.

Marth stared in silence, unable to argue with such simple and straight-forward logic.

“He was wrong.” Marth looked up.

Roy’s head shot up and he looked almost ready to collapse. “What?”

“My father was wrong,” Marth repeated, and the impact of his own words showed clearly on his face.

“But… you – ” Roy cut off, too stunned to put his words together. “But, your dad was like… your hero.”

“That doesn’t make him perfect,” Marth admitted. “I know he made mistakes. I guess this is one of them. I’m just sorry I listened to him.”

“Wow.” Roy said in amazement. He paused again, painfully aware of the unusual amount of awkward silences passing between them.

“So, I don’t hate you, and you don’t hate me…” he trailed off, and looked to Marth.

Marth sighed and sat back against a tree, thinking for a moment.

“What do we do now?” he asked, looking up.

“How should I know?” Roy gave a broken, mirthless laugh. “You’ve still got to take your Emblem to Etruria, and I’ve got to go to Valor. I guess we only have one option.”

The quiet resignation in Roy’s voice made Marth’s heart sink. Already, he could see Roy itching to move. If he waited more than a few seconds, Roy would take off again, and he didn’t know if he would be able to stop him.

“There is only one option,” Marth agreed. “You’re going to Valor, and I’m coming with you.”

Roy’s head shot up and he stared at Marth in shock. “You – no you’re not.”

“Says who?” Marth asked.

“Why would you?”

“I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it.”

“Why?” Roy asked. He looked at Marth suspiciously and added, “If you say ‘duty’ again, I might just bust the other side of your jaw.”

Marth stopped, but then he noticed the touch of a smile on Roy’s face, and he returned it.

“Maybe I don’t always act like it, but I meant it when I called you my brother. This doesn’t change that.”

Roy gawked at him, too stunned to reply.

“Unless,” Marth went on hesitantly, “you really don’t want me to…”

“You’re serious?” Roy gaped. “You’re really willing to put this Emblem quest on hold, just to help me?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Roy.”

“You’ll really help me,” Roy said, no longer questioning, though he still looked vaguely stunned.

“How can I pass up a chance at another crazy adventure?” Marth looked up with a crooked smile.

“This one might be more than you can handle,” Roy replied, and doubt crept back into his eyes. “And Elice…”

Roy took a steadying breath, then looked up.

“Could you tell me something?” he asked warily.

“What?”

“What color are they?”

Marth squinted through the darkness, looking into Roy’s eyes with apprehension. He stared for a second, and relief washed over his face.

“Blue,” Marth confirmed.

“Good,” Roy sighed. “At least it’s only temporary. That’s a start.”

Roy paused for a moment. “You really think you can pull this off?”

“Pull what off?”

“Convincing them all to come with me to ‘Ghost Island’?”

“Well, you already have Link and Zelda on your side,” Marth said bracingly.

“They’re not the ones I’m worried about.” Roy looked back down at the ground and absentmindedly knocked his boot against the base of the tree.

“Don’t worry about Elice,” Marth assured him, though the words didn’t bring confidence to either of them.

Roy leaned more heavily against the tree. He had nothing to say to that.

“Really, Roy, you know her. She overreacts, but eventually she always sees reason. And,” Marth added with a small smile, “she really loves you. Much too much to let something like a little dragon blood get between you.”

Roy tried to look appreciative, but he couldn’t manage to fully wipe the look of trepidation from his face.

“What about Ciara?”

“You let me handle her,” Marth replied confidently.

Roy raised a skeptical brow. “Since when have you ever handled anything with her?”

Marth tried to come up with a clever response, but settled for a defeated shrug.

“Might as well get this over with, then.” Roy straightened and tried to pluck up his courage.

“It won’t be so bad,” Marth assured him, as he rose to his feet and stepped forward.

“Sure,” Roy mumbled nervously.

“You have me on your side,” Marth clapped Roy on the shoulder as they walked. “And I’m the one in charge, remember?”

“You’re willing to take responsibility for all this mess?” Roy asked. “You’re braver than I thought.”

“How does this always happen to us?” Marth gave a breathless chuckle.

“What?”

“One minute, everything is fine, and the next – ”

“A Sentei tries to blow you pieces – and ends up blowing up your entire existence, instead,” Roy finished scornfully.

“Larry really is a jerk, isn’t he?” Marth replied.

Roy looked up and stared at Marth, almost astonished.

“So, we’re going with ‘Larry’, then?” The weak but hopeful smile returned to Roy’s face.

“I think so, though I liked your other option, too. It might be a little too colorful for everyday use, but it’s no less appropriate.”

“Remind me to thank Ciara,” Roy said as they walked away from the cliff.

“For what?”

“Finding your sense of humor. It wasn’t that great to start with, and it’s a little rusty after years of neglect, but it’s better than nothing.”

“Thanks,” Marth replied sardonically.

“No problem, Sunshine,” Roy joked, his words still lighter than his tone.

They walked leisurely, Roy nearly dragging his feet with every step.

“So,” Marth said after a moment. “Her name is Ninian?”

Roy started slightly, then he looked to Marth, only to find his friend looking back attentively.

“Yeah.” Roy smiled sadly.

“What’s she like?”

“She was…” Roy stopped to think, searching for the right words. “Beautiful.”





*****




Manasa stalked off through the trees, still fuming. She thought of Marth, and her temper flared within her. She wanted to scream, just to let go of the tension building up inside her, but she knew she couldn’t. Even now, she was no more than a few yards from camp, and she had drawn more than enough attention to herself for one night.

Stupid!

She cursed herself and moved deeper into the forest. But her frustration kept rising, and she could find no way to calm it. She had thought that if she could just keep moving, it would be enough, but her temper boiled in her chest with such fury that she couldn’t control it. She knew if she stopped moving, she might just explode.

Almost without thinking, she transformed from Ciara’s body back into her own. Though it always made her feel better, she wasn’t quite ready for the sense of release it gave her now. She walked on, almost defiantly. She knew that it was dangerous to transform so close to camp, but at the moment, she didn’t care.

For all she knew, anyone could have seen her. Roy was still wandering around the woods, and Marth –

Manasa gritted her teeth and felt another hot flash of anger.

Let him see me, she thought as she weaved through the trees. He’s seen me twice before and he still hasn’t figured it out. I guess he’s not as smart as I thought. Certainly not as smart as he thinks he is.

She stopped beside a tree, trying in vain to calm her thundering heart.

Obviously, with the way he was acting back there. He’s no better than the rest of them. Humans… they’re all alike. Cocky, arrogant, narrow-minded fools who think they rule the world and everyone in it.

Her feet moved forward again, faster and faster, nearly breaking into a run, though it did no good. Nothing could calm her nerves.

She didn’t know why she cared so much, being hit with the reality that Marth was, after all, just another Aritian. Born with all of the prejudices and fears marked by the rest of his people.

And everyone else on the continent.

Another flash of emotion surged through her, so powerfully that she couldn’t stop herself. Manasa teleported, as far as she possible could, hoping to release some of her anger along the way. The weightless sensation of vanishing overcame her, and for the split second before she regained physical form, she felt the pressure slip away. But the moment her feet hit the ground, it crashed back down around her. So she vanished again, and again, clinging desperately to each fleeting moment of relief.

In the back of her mind, she kept her senses tuned for any sign of Navarre, but none came. She couldn’t find it in herself to really worry about him much at the moment, either.

In fact, it sent a thrill through her body each time she jumped. Navarre could be watching. Marth and the others could spot her – but she didn’t stop. There was something invigorating about the possibility of being discovered, and the danger her reckless behavior presented. A different type of energy began to fill her now, something separate from the flaming rage that Marth’s comments had left in her heart.

He doesn’t understand. How could he?

Manasa cursed her own stupidity again.

It’s my fault, she admitted bitterly. My fault for putting faith in a human, or thinking he could ever change.

She teleported higher this time, and landed on the edge of a craggy-faced rock on the cliff above. Far below, she could see the tops of their tents, peeking through the trees. But she saw no movement around the campfire. Link and Zelda had both gone inside for the night. It looked like Elice was still hiding, and she couldn’t imagine that Roy had come back yet – if he would at all.

Not after that display.

She knew how much it hurt, to be gawked at and looked upon with fear simply because of what she looked like, and the connotations that went along with it. She knew what it was like, to be glanced at with suspicion. She’d heard every dirty word and filthy name that people could possibly come up with – but always from strangers.

Even in her understanding, Manasa could not fathom what it must feel like to have someone she loved look at her with fear, or call her a monster.

But it’s not Roy’s fault. Manasa huffed a silent, derisive laugh. Marth said it himself. It’s not our fault we’re not human.

Manasa sighed, and sank to the ground against the rock, staring out over the treetops. A small figure moved into view, walking across the campsite. She perked her head up, feeling a small twinge of hope as she watched him. He turned his head from side to side, considering. His dark cape billowed behind him as he set off towards his tent, and vanished inside.

Her last bit of hope faded and she felt another flash of anger in her stomach. After everything she’d said to him, he’d still just come back and gone to bed. He couldn’t even be bothered with going after his best friend.

Manasa curled up her knees and rested her chin on them.

She could remember so clearly the way he had looked at her. How he had peered up into the trees that morning, setting eyes on her true form for the second time. The first time, she had caught him off guard. But this time, he looked right into her eyes.

At least he didn’t attack me.

But it was more than that. In the few short moments they had spent together in her true form, she thought she had seen something in his eyes, when he had looked up at her, and asked her who she was. She could still hear his voice in her mind, how he’d spoken so calmly, and so gently.

Her hand moved to her pocket, withdrawing the tattered strip of cloth he had ripped from his own tunic. She ran her fingers over it, turning it over in her hands. He’d been so kind that day, too. Behind all of his seriousness, and the at-times cold exterior, she knew he had something more inside. The wall had crumbled more than once, and she had seen it.

She thought she had seen it.

Growling under her breath, she glared down at the strip of cloth in her hands and wadded it up in her fist. For a moment she contemplated chucking it right off the side of the cliff.

I don’t know why I even care! she burst furiously, gritting her teeth and seething at herself once more. It doesn’t matter! It doesn’t matter what he thinks, or anyone else. I’ve just got to get this done and get out of here.

Manasa took another deep breath, trying to slow her pulse. She’d already gotten too involved. More than once, she had stuck her nose into business she should have simply ignored. She never should have yelled at Elice, or gone after Marth, or made any other number of the stupid, pointless mistakes she kept falling into.

She wasn’t supposed to get involved at all. Get in, get out. Get it done.

Her fingers twirled around the balled-up cloth in her hand, and she shoved it back into her pocket.

Stupid.

The entire mission was a complete mess, and she knew it. It was only a matter of time before the Black Fang caught up to her, or Navarre poked his head around some dark, unexpected corner, or she finally made a slip-up so glaring that the others couldn’t help but figure it out.

Then, she’d be lucky if all they did was let her walk off into the woods like they had for Roy.

Manasa bit her lip, but it only seemed to make the burning in her eyes worse. She tilted her chin and settled her cheek against her arm. To her surprise, she spotted movement down below at camp. She raised her chin slightly.

Marth emerged from his tent, looking around as though not sure which way to go. Only seconds later Link appeared as well. The two men had a short conversation, then Link vanished back inside. Manasa watched intently now, waiting as Marth turned, then set off in the same direction Roy had run off in hours before.

Manasa stared after him, long after his tiny figured disappeared into the distant forest. Maybe, just maybe…

Stupid, she accused herself wryly, and she let her head fall back against the rock.

One who has evaded detection for as long as you have can hardly be considered stupid. Manasa froze, certain that her heart had burst in her chest. Foolish, undoubtedly, but not stupid.

She knew that voice. She could never mistake it for anyone else, but she couldn’t bring herself to accept it was him.

Do not go silent on me again, Manasa. That’s what got you into this predicament.

Manasa’s entire body began to tremble, and she knew that if she weren’t already crouched on the ground, her legs would have given out.

Borden has informed me that, despite his many attempts to reach you, your mind has been completely silent for a long time. Now, speak!

Manasa jumped, and her mind jerked back to life. Lord Vale, I –

Oh, good. You are alive and well, then. I was beginning to think something had gone wrong.

No, my Lord, but –

Chatty little thing now, aren’t we? Now that you’re in the mood to speak, would you begin by explaining why you have been out of contact with the Black Fang for nearly a month?

My Lord, I can explain.

It is not my job to keep tabs on you, child, so you should pray this is worth my time.

Navarre, my Lord! Manasa burst in desperation. Navarre is back, and he –

“Augh!” Manasa screamed as a jolt of electricity seized her mind, paralyzing her. Every nerve in her body seared with pain. Her arms contracted, and she crumpled up on the ground. With another jolting strike, she jerked back and fell to the ground, shaking and panting for her breath.

I ask for an explanation and you give me some excuse about that worthless traitor? His voice rattled through her brain, and she crawled backwards in a useless attempt to escape it.

But… Navarre –

You have one job: bring those three to the pass at Groebän with the Emblem. Nothing else.

I know, Lord Vale. I am trying, but after he attacked I had to block my mind off to keep him from seeing  –

Don’t trouble me with Navarre! Vale thundered.

The threat in his voice made her jump. She slammed her back against the rock wall, trying to get away.

I – I thought you would want to know. He’s a traitor to you. If you would only send someone –

What you are involved in is far more important to us than Navarre. If he was causing you a problem, you should have disposed of him yourself. His interference is no excuse for your behavior. You have a job to do. If he gets in your way again, kill him.

I – Manasa’s mind began racing as her only defense slipped away. Yes, My Lord.

Still, Vale’s voice quieted. This doesn’t explain a month of silence.

I – I had to, she explained with mounting fear. Navarre… he –

What are you hiding?

Manasa’s heart jolted and hammered against her chest so loudly that she could barely think.

Nothing.

Manasa.

Nothing! Nothing, I swear! Manasa’s hands clenched in fear of what she knew was coming. She could hear it in his voice – she knew what he was going to do.

Don’t lie to me!

Manasa braced herself against the coming strike, but nothing could prepare her for the pain of Vale forcing his way into the depths of her mind. It felt as though his hands had taken hold of her head and sunk his nails into her skin. She could almost feel bone shatter, as he had cracked open her skull. Her own thoughts lay open before her, exposed and completely out of her control.

Manasa threw herself against the rock, smashing herself back in a frantic attempt to relieve the pressure. A shriek caught in her throat, echoing through the trees so loudly that it sent another burst of terror through her. She screamed again, unable to stifle her own voice. In desperation, she bit down on her fist, trying in vain to silence herself. If her voice to carried back to camp….

Her head throbbed to bursting, and blood pulsed through her veins with agonizing force as Vale dug deeper and deeper. He forced her memories to the surface. The vivid pictures flashed before her eyes with blinding pain.

A taste of blood filled her mouth as her teeth broke through the skin of her hand. She knew it should hurt, but her entire body felt numb. She could feel nothing but her skull breaking to pieces.

The entire journey played in her memory, moment by moment in a rapid blur. Navarre’s face pierced through the fog of images, and a wave of fear broke over her. Her nails clawed at the dirt as she choked down another scream.

Vale forced her to relive every moment of Navarre’s attack in excruciating detail. Tears streamed down her face as her body contorted around her, though she remained only vaguely aware of the sensation. She curled up, drawing her knees to her stomach as her hands crawled to her head. Her nails dug into her scalp, clawing at the roots of her hair, trying to physically extract Vale’s presence from her mind.

The pressure spread from her skull, like needles stabbing down her spine, and out through every limb in her body until she was aware of nothing but pain. Every bone in her body seemed to shatter. Her fingers locked in place, and the muscles in her arms constricted. As she lost all control of all physical movement, she could no longer suppress her cries.

Manasa beat her fists on the ground, and she writhed hysterically. Even the horror of her memories could not compare with the unbearable torment of Vale’s invasion.

Images flashed in rapid succession now. She tried to stop them, and regain some sort of control over her thoughts. Each time she tried to stop the memories, Vale pushed harder. He delved deeper, pulling her most private thoughts to the surface. Manasa tried to hold on, but she knew if she resisted he would only fight harder. Already, he threatened to break down her mind entirely. Just when she felt herself giving in to the darkness that slowly closed in around the pain, it stopped.

Manasa’s body crumpled to the ground, and she felt her cheek press down on cold, jagged rock. Her back arched involuntarily, then fell, sending a jolt up her back. The muscles along the back of her neck twitched and her head jerked from side to side. Her fingers trembled uncontrollably, clawing at the ground.

So, Vale’s voice echoed quietly in her mind, though the mere sound threatened to split her skull once more. He attacked you. You had him at your mercy and you let him get away?

Manasa moaned, but choked back the pitiful sound. Her whole body shook and convulsed, and she remained unable to move under the direction of her brain. She tried futilely to lift herself by her arms, but she immediately collapsed back to the ground.

You had him right there, and you let him go.

But he… she tried to force out any meager excuse she could find, but before she could utter a word, Vale seized her mind again.

No memories this time – no point to his assault – only pain.

Manasa shrieked. The long, tremulous sound ripped from her lips, extending until her throat felt ready to tear open. Blazing fire consumed her as the sensation of needles piercing through every inch of her body returned. She lost all control of her muscles, and could do nothing but scream, and wait for the torture to stop.

At last, Vale released her, and she lay still, panting, with an uncomfortable lingering tingle running along her skin. Violent sickness welled up in her stomach and she choked back the taste of acid in her throat.

She stared ahead with bleary, unfocused eyes, unable to see anything past the blinking lights flashing in her vision. A trickle of blood ran down from one nostril, dripping into the dirt beneath her.

Do not come crying to me about your personal problems when you can’t even find it within yourself to kill a traitor. You know the laws, Manasa. By letting him live, you’ve forfeited your own life.

No… please, she begged.

Your folly with Navarre is one thing, but the matter of the Manakete you have traveling with you is quite another.

Her chest tightened.

I didn’t… she wheezed. He just told… I didn’t know. I swear, Lord Vale… I didn’t –

The Manakete, Vale pounded each word with renewed rage. Years of scouring the continent for Ninian’s child, and here he is, right under your nose.

I didn’t know! she insisted. Please –

You saw the ring as clearly as I did! Vale’s voice boomed through her mind once more, and she twisted her head away from the inescapable sound.

Vale broke through her fragile barrier once more and presented her with images of Roy, lying on the floor of the cave. Covered in sweat and consumed with fever, he writhed on the floor in pain. The image focused closer, and Manasa spotted the silver ring on his finger that she had seen many times, and never given a second thought.

His ring? she stammered in confusion.

When were you planning on telling me this? Vale demanded, and she fell back once more, cowering from the mere sound of his voice.

I didn’t see it, my Lord. I didn’t recognize it!

Two Emblems in your grasp. Vale’s voice sank into a low growl.

Manasa shut her eyes, unable to find the will to fight back, or even make a final plea for her salvation.

You have done well, Manasa.

The words lodged in her brain, and she sat, unable to comprehend them.

Stop your fretting. You will not die tonight. Vale’s voice softened, taking on a calm, sleek quality that somehow sounded no less threatening than his previous rage. There is a reason you were given this assignment, Manasa. You still have a chance to redeem yourself.

Once more she forced her arms to move, and with every bit of strength she had left, she pushed herself up onto her knees.

You… she wheezed, her head still spinning madly. You are… merciful, my Lord….

However, Vale went on, ignoring her praise, your mission has just become twice as imperative. The Manakete is now top priority. I want him, and the key – and I want them now.

Manasa stared straight ahead, breathing intently as she struggled to find her focus.

If my Lord wants the Emblems in all haste… might I suggest a change in plans?

Vale remained silent, and Manasa rushed on.

I can just bring the Emblems to you. Right now. I can steal the pendant and the ring and have them back at the Fortress before the humans even realize they’re gone.

What was your mission? Vale interjected in a cold, unwavering tone.

Manasa swallowed painfully. Bring the Emblem to you, with the Prince, and the two Princesses… alive. She felt herself cringe, though she tried to hide the unwanted hesitancy she felt at the mere thought.

Then do it.

But, my Lord, she hurried on, knowing she was walking the line of fire, but unable to make herself stop, all of our original plans have failed, and I don’t know what to do.

You will do what I tell you to do.

But… Manasa fought to keep her flaring emotions under control, but already she could feel them betraying her. You said you wanted the Emblems. I can get them for you, I can bring them to you, if you’ll just let me –

They’re useless to me without their carriers! How dare you question me?

No! Manasa flew back in retreat, bracing herself once more. I would never!

The Manakete, two humans and a Hylian! How difficult can that really be to handle?

A sudden jolt sent her slamming back against the rock wall once more. She pressed herself against rock, shaking violently, consumed in a haze pain. Her teeth closed down, biting her lip to choke back her screams.

Vale stopped, and she slumped over.

I’m trying, she pleaded, as a fresh trickle of blood dripped from her mouth. But now the Manakete wants to go to Valor. If they split up, what am I supposed to do?

Manasa.

She fell silent. Her body tensed, awaiting her punishment.

This new revelation is an opportunity, not a setback.

Manasa huddled against the wall, gasping for air, and waited.

You say he wants to go to Valor. So, you will go to Valor. All of you.

But –

He has the key to the Dragon Gate.

I know, but –

I want that seal open! Vale ordered. We are waging a war here, Manasa, and we need everyone we can get on our side. The dragons have been sealed away from this world for long enough. It’s time we give them their freedom.

Manasa went still, listening quietly now.

That is what you want, isn’t it? he asked, his voice nearly caressing her now. To live in a world free from all of the hatred and violence that you have endured for so long? The same hatred that stole your parents, and left you an orphan. The same hatred that, years later, took your brother away and left you all alone.

Manasa felt herself sinking backwards. A surge of familiar longing flashed through her. The hint of emotion in his voice that so closely resembled caring left her unexpectedly vulnerable.

These humans you’re traveling with are no different from the ones who slaughtered your family. They stole our lands and drove us out… just like they did to the dragons.

But the tide is turning. After all these millennia of suffering, our chance has finally come. It is an honor to be a part of this, Manasa. You should be grateful for the opportunity you have been given to save your people from this tyranny.

We’re starting a new age, and it is time that we give the dragons the same chance to fight back that we now have.

She could feel her heart pounding, and her eyes burned beneath her tightly shut lids.

Lead them to Valor, and open the Gate.

I…. She swallowed the lump in her throat, and fought to bring her scattered thoughts together. They think I’m leading them to Etruria. How do I explain my sudden willingness to change course?

Manasa, Vale broke in, his voice slithering through her mind like a serpent. There is a reason you were sent on this mission. You have assets. Use them.

She blinked her eyes in confusion.

He trusts you, Vale explained knowingly, and he values your opinion – more than you know. Keep that faith growing, and soon he will do anything you ask.

Manasa choked down a gasp, though her mind was already whirling with possibilities. Who?

You know who. Men are gullible creatures. Especially humans. Use it.

But… how do I do that?

Don’t play innocent with me, Vale sneered. You’re a smart girl. You’re a Sentei. Find a way.

Manasa didn’t answer. Her mind was reeling now more than ever. She felt dizzy and sick, and trapped.

Open that Gate. Send word when you have succeeded. I will take care of the rest.

Her throat burned dryly, and all thoughts went silent in her mind.

Are we clear?

Yes, she managed blankly. Yes, my Lord.

Good.

He was gone.

Manasa sat completely still, not moving or thinking. She concentrated on each breath she took, afraid to let her thoughts wander in any other direction.

The silence of Vale’s absence in her mind left her ears ringing and set her head pounding once more. She ran her hand beneath her nose, wiping the blood from her face. Her body trembled beneath waves of residual pain. The throbbing in her temples increased to the point of bursting, and she could do nothing to stop it.

Orders were orders. She had to follow through.

Still, she needed a plan, but she had no strength left with which to concoct one. She’d have to change her story yet again. Over and over, lie after lie.

It never ends…

Blinking tears from her eyes, she looked out over the waning night and her eyes settled on the tents far below. Cradling her bleeding hand in her opposite palm, she bit her sore lip and made a hasty decision.

She teleported to the edge of camp, and crouched low beneath the shadows. No sign of movement – no voices, even in the distance. A strong wind whipped past her face as she darted towards Elice’s tent. Carefully, she peeked beneath the flap.

Elice lay still on the ground, in deep sleep. She didn’t stir as Manasa ducked inside, and silently rifled through her pack. Seizing a pouch of fairy water, she teleported back to the ledge high above the campground. She settled herself against the cliff face, keeping a watchful eye on the camp.

As Manasa lifted the mouth of the pouch to her lips, she flinched with pain. Her bottom lip throbbed, still bleeding from the cut she had bitten into her own flesh. Gently, she raised the pouch again and sipped the water. The moment it touched her lips, she could feel the magic working.

The swelling in her lip went down and the bite mark on her hand stopped stinging. Manasa took a deeper draught, easing the thundering pain in her skull, though it had little effect on her nerves. She knew she couldn’t sleep now. She couldn’t bring herself to go back yet, anyways. Under the moonlight, she felt frozen and helpless, as though she had just awakened from a nightmare.

Her heart leapt painfully as a shadow moved across the clearing far below. Marth and Roy’s tiny figures stepped into view. She could barely believe her eyes. Despite everything that had happened, Marth had brought Roy back.

The two men stood still for a few minutes, speaking to each other. After a moment Roy vanished into his tent. Marth lingered outside for a moment, looking up at the stars. Manasa’s eyes followed his every step as he too disappeared inside.

Without realizing it, she withdrew the strip of tunic from her pocket, winding it around her fingers. Her eyes stayed blankly locked on Marth’s tent as her thoughts strayed back to what Vale had said. That Marth trusted her, and valued her opinion.

He’ll do anything I ask…

She would have laughed if she weren’t expending all of her energy trying to keep the tears locked behind her eyes.

Still....

She ran her fingers up and down the cloth, letting the sensation calm her.

When she had left him in the clearing, she had thought there would be no hope of him ever changing his mind. Now, only a few short hours later, Marth had convinced Roy to stay, at least for the night. She wondered what he had said, and she couldn’t help but think she must have had something to do with it.

He values your opinion – more than you know.

Her heart pattered hopefully, but she tried to shake the feeling away. It was ridiculous to feel this way. If Vale was right –

Vale’s always right.

She would have no problem twisting the details and convincing Marth that they should travel to Valor.

Even Roy had said it. Marth had been more willing to follow her, a complete stranger, across a continent than he was willing to take a small detour for his closest friend.

The beating of her heart intensified, matching the pulse pounding against her skull. She shut her eyes and ran the scrap of tunic beneath her nose, breathing it in. The smell sent a tingle of undeserved comfort through her.

The sky lightened above her head as she stared at Marth’s tent in the distance.

Anything I ask….

Her heart flipped, and her fingers tightened around the bit of cloth.

Vale’s orders could not be ignored.

I don’t have a choice.





*****