Sword of the Stars Part 17
The Pathway to Opportunity
It was only a day later that they reached the Zendran Palace. As they walked through the capital of Zendra, they found it to be largely populated with different soldiers from across the lands. Duo saw the crests of Rykin, Kato, Nevana, Lakia, and even Norana. Duo thought it was strange to see so many different soldiers in one place.
When he asked Quatre about it, the Garranian told him that most of them were the surviving soldiers of the nations that had fought Triantia, and others were from the nations Triantia had not yet reached. Duo found it strange that soldiers would abandon their homeland before they had even fought, but Quatre told him that the Zendran Army was much stronger than any other. If the other soldiers joined with Zendra before they were forced to help Triantia or die, they would have a chance to defeat the Empire. Yohan liked the fact that all the soldiers were present. He said it coincided perfectly with his plan. They walked onward toward the palace. The city was so cluttered, no one paid them any mind.
When they arrived at the palace, the guards at the gates had given them odd looks, and were especially surprised when they saw Duo's mark and medallion. Apparently, Duo learned, a lot of people knew the story of the Star Sword, the Netherworld, and the Warrior. It wasn't long before they were led into the palace and offered seats in a cool room. While they waited for Lukin, they were served punch and left to relax.
They didn't wait long, however. Soon, the doors were opened, and a man in very regal clothes wearing a crown walked in. He stared in shock when he saw them. Or, rather, he stared at Duo's star-shaped mark in shock.
Yohan broke him out of his trance. "King Lukin."
Lukin gave a start and smiled warmly. "Well, well, well. A Stardragon Mage, a Healing Cleric of the First Degree, Grantis' nephew, and the next Warrior." He shook his head. "My, I am fortunate to be in the presence of all of you. May I have your names?"
"I am Yohan, Master Mage."
"Wufei Chanter."
"Duo Zendrick."
Quatre opened his mouth, but Lukin forestalled him. "Quatre, my boy, your uncle and I knew each other for a long time. I am so sorry about Garrania. If only my men had been closer, I would have helped."
Quatre nodded. His eyes filled with tears, but he didn't shed any. "Thank you."
Lukin smiled. "And although I am sure the Garranians will be happy to accept you, I will be ready to help you settle into the throne, Prince Quatre."
Quatre nodded happily. Lukin took a chair in front of them and looked at Yohan. "Several Stardragon Mages that reside in Zendra have told me to prepare my troops for a counterattack. They said the Star Sword has chosen a new Warrior to battle the Netherworld," he gazed at Duo. "Now I see they spoke the truth."
"Stardragon Mages always speak the truth, Lukin," Yohan said. "And what I speak now is the truth. The Triantian Army is led by General Talpa of the Netherworld. The conquest of our world has begun, and the Dark Lord is using Grantis' army. There will be a new host for the Dark Lord soon. Duo must acquire the Star Sword and defeat the Dark Lord in Triantia."
"Agreed," Lukin said. Duo blinked in surprise. Lukin was not skeptical at all about the existence of the Netherworld. /It just proves how isolated Redwood is./ "But what will our role be in this, Master Yohan?" Lukin continued.
"The forces of Triantia are low. They have had one army for this war. Triantia has a dense population, but not everyone is the age for fighting in war. With all of the fighting, especially in Norana and Garrania, they have lost a great number of their soldiers. Besides, if the main army is out conquering the world, then there is only a small force left in the nation. Our plan is this: Once Duo gains the Star Sword, I will send word to the other Mages. The Mages, in the meantime, have been gathering scattered soldiers from other nations and convincing the remaining free nations to fight Grantis.
"When I give the word, you will all siege Triantia's Palace. With the main army gone, it will be perfect. No one would expect any nation to siege Triantia. While you are attacking, we will sneak inside and dispatch the Dark Lord before he grows too powerful."
Lukin considered this for a moment. Quatre was nodding slowly. Wufei tapped his lips thoughtfully. Duo folded his arms. He didn't know much about war, only hand-to-hand combat, but it sounded like a good idea to him. King Lukin frowned. "That is a good plan, Master Yohan, but how do you intend to get us passed the Triantian Army that is marching this way? There is a mountain range separating us from Lakia, remember? If you want us to attack Triantia, we will have to go around."
Yohan smiled. "Not necessarily." Lukin cocked his head, and the mage chuckled. "I will be creating a little pathway in the mountains for your army to get by."
Lukin smiled. "Alternating the landscape? Isn't that against your code?"
"Not when it is for the good of the world. The Dark Lord must be stopped at all costs."
"Very well," Lukin conceded. "I agree to this. I will stand ready for your signal. When the mountain is altered, we will move for Triantia. Lakia will not be a problem for us?"
Yohan shook his head. "I think not. They have been under Triantian rule for a long time now. The Lakian soldiers will gladly rebel and join us."
"Very well." Lukin rose. "Will you be staying the night with us?"
Yohan shook his head. "I'm afraid not. We have much to do and not much time to do it in. Before we leave for the Great Forest, I will alter the mountains. You are to take your army and the others through it as soon as possible. Make sure the other armies will also be ready to attack by then."
"Then allow me to wish you good fortune. Prince Quatre, please be careful. Cleric Wufei, don't get hurt. And Duo..." he paused for a moment. "Do not fear the Dark Lord, and believe in the power of the Star Sword. Our future depends on you." Lukin stood. "I will have a soldier show you out. Please wait here." King Lukin bowed deeply to them and left the room. For a few moments, no one said anything. Then, Wufei turned and touched Duo's shoulder.
"Duo...are you still afraid to fight Heero?"
Duo winced and turned his head away from the Cleric. "I...I've been trying not to think about it..." he replied softly.
Wufei took his hand away. "I--I'm sorry, Duo. I didn't mean to..."
"No, it's all right. Sooner or later I'll have to face it."
When Duo said nothing more, Quatre cleared his throat. "Are there any dangers in the Great Forest?"
"None whatsoever," Yohan assured. "This I know. You cannot enter the forest without the Orbs due to a magical seal, and a dense mist cover the area. Only the bearer of the mark and the medallion may clear away the mist. The Temple of the Skies should not take more than a few hours to reach."
They waited patiently for a soldier to come and lead them out.
TBC...
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