"Fabul!"

The dark-skinned warrior gazed in appreciation at the magnificent castle in the distance…the exhausted party stood in the midst of tiny sprigs of green grass, the last snow of the winter melting around them as they forced their way through the thawing ground. A chill still hung in the air, but the sun shone brightly in the azure sky…the travelers had left behind the bleak and desolate environment of the mountains and had emerged unto the plains…it was a heartening sight, the Imerian plains stretching for miles and miles as far as the eyes could see, only interrupted in the north by the gulf…upon the shore of the crystal-like sand sat the castle of Fabul…

"It is still unharmed --" Yang breathed a sigh of relief. "--Though possibly not for long…"

The prince of Damcyan approached the warrior and also gazed in fascination at the renowned castle of Fabul.

"I've seen the castle of Fabul many times but it seems to be more noble and more beautiful each time…"

Cecil nodded…

"It's hard to imagine the castle of Fabul…being…destroyed --"

He wondered why he was speaking aloud…telling the truth, I guess…

"--It looks indestructible…"

"It can't be destroyed!" Rydia announced, springing to Cecil's side. "Not when we're here to protect it!"

Edward smiled at her determined words.

"With that kind of faith, who cannot agree with her?"

A cool light breeze drifted across the plains, causing Yang's long black braid to flutter against his muscular back…he seemed to regard Fabul with some sadness…

"I fear we will not have much time for preparation…"

The warrior spoke with his back turned, but Cecil knew his words were meant for him…for the leader, he thought ruefully…

"Let's go --" he stated simply. "--Golbez won't get the crystal this time…"

The uncertain tone of his voice was obvious, but no one said anything else as they started again toward the magnificent castle…

* * * * * *

"It's so...beautiful!"

Rosa was first to utter a gasp as they gaped around the courtyard of the castle of Fabul. A stone fountain was erected in the center of the majestic courtyard…ivy curled around the iron gates and the walls…vines spilled lazily over the stone walls…and flowers of every color littered the dozens of gardens throughout the courtyard…the sweet sense hovered in the air, and the warmth of the sun overhead made the scene perfect…

The dark-skinned man blushed at the reactions of the others…Rydia wriggled with excitement as she gazed around the courtyard, her hazel eyes glowing as she darted toward the fountain…

"Look!"

She scurried to the stone fountain with such enthusiasm that she nearly toppled in. The prince of Damcyan hurried behind her…

"Rydia! Please! Don't --"

Too late…the eager little girl plunged her face into the crystal clear water cascading from the mouth of the stone serpent…she sputtered in the water, giggling as it flowed through her green hair…

"Good lord, Rydia!" Edward watched her in dismay. "Leave everything alone!"

She frowned at him as Yang shook his head with a smile.

"It is quite alright! It would not surprise me if she caught cold…"

"It would serve her right…" Edward mumbled…Rydia instantly dashed toward him.

"I'm okay!"

Edward backed away as the girl lunged at him, her hair and face dripping wet.

"Wait Rydia! Great God!"

Drops of water splashed onto his shirt as Rydia shook her hair in front of him. He stared at it in disgust…

"Now I'm soaked!"

Edward began wringing out his shirt as Rydia reached for his hand.

"It'll dry!" she declared indignantly, and the prince frowned again…

"I suppose so, but it is --"

"Master Yang!"

A deep voice rang through the courtyard and they looked up, startled, to see the arrival of a burly dark-skinned man much like Yang…he had no braid drooping from his bald head as he bowed politely to Yang…

"We are glad to see your safe return!"

The man's gaze shifted to the company with Yang…

"But the warriors…? Where --"

"Something…terrible has…happened…" Yang broke in grimly…"I shall not speak of it now…there is still much to come…"

The man was baffled.

"Wh-what are you saying…sir?"

Before Yang could reply, Rosa stepped toward the puzzled guard.

"We desperately need to speak to the king, sir…"

The guard's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"The king..? Master Yang, what is going on here?"

Finally Yang seemed to give in…he looked at the man…

"The kingdom of Baron…seeks…the crystal of Air..."

The dark-skinned guard scowled and Yang continued:

"--I must let his majesty know this because --"

"Sir!" the guard stuttered, stepping aside. "--You should have mentioned it sooner! It is very urgent that you see the king now!"

He bowed politely as they passed him…his gaze remained on Cecil for a moment…Cecil paused because he knew what the man wanted…

"Sir…you wear the armor of the Knights…of Baron…"

Cecil couldn't say anything…he couldn't agree or offer a reason…

"It is okay --" Yang's voice saved Cecil from trying to speak. "--You have nothing to fear…"

They proceeded through the door but once again the guard restrained them…

"Sir, I must ask you to leave your dark sword…behind…"

Cecil frowned but said nothing and began unbuckling the sheath from his back…Yang gestured for Cecil to wait and he scowled at the guard.

"It is not necessary for him to leave his blade behind…I can honestly say --"

"But Master Yang --" the guard cut in. "It is my duty…" He seemed quite embarrassed to press the subject. Yang was about to protest again but Cecil was already giving the guard his sword.

"It's okay, " he assured Yang…with a faint smile. "It's his duty…" Cecil bowed his head. "Everyone should remain loyal to his…duty…"

I haven't figured out mine yet, he thought glumly…the guard motioned for them to follow him through a bright tunnel…thick animal fur rugs covered the stone floor…tapestries clung to the walls…

"This is kinda scary!"

Rydia leaned toward Edward and whispered secretly…the prince nodded and realized that she was right…it was frightening…The deep maroon tapestries dangling on the walls were rivulets of blood coursing through the grooves in the stones…the soft animal fur beneath their feet was slime…mold…mildew…guts…flesh…the dull thudding of their boots on the stone was the crunch of decayed bones in a tomb where no foot had walked…

Sweat beaded on Edward's forehead and he breathed a heavy sigh of relief as they arrived in the antechamber…two guards greeted them with their polite bows…

"Master Yang, you have arrived!"

Yang looked at him with a bit of surprise.

"Was I expected not to arrive?"

One of the guards replied regretfully:

"When you didn't appear earlier, his majesty ordered the scouts to --"

"Scouts?"

Cecil raised his eyebrows in confusion as he turned to Yang.

"--Scouts shouldn't be --"

"Sir, the scouts should not be out of the limits of Fabul --" Yang explained before Cecil finished. The guard who held Cecil's dark sword nodded hastily.

"--Listen…there is word of an attack on the castle --"

"--An attack?" One of the guards echoed in amazement. "By whom?"

Yang avoided the question and turned to the guard holding the dark sword.

"Sir, leave as quickly as possible and locate the scouting party --"

He took the sword from the man's hand before he could object.

"--Tell them to make haste and as soon as they arrive, make preparations by equipping the bow-men and the foot soldiers…anyone who is willing…"

The man was rather taken aback but he nodded nevertheless.

"Yes sir…"

He turned and disappeared into the darkness of the corridor…one of the guards clutched Yang's arm earnestly.

"--Preparations? What is --"

"Yes --" Yang gave Cecil the dark blade and gestured toward the two guards. "--I give you two permission to make absolutely sure that the defense of the castle is tightened immediately, and --"

"--Pray to God to protect Fabul," Edward interrupted wistfully…one guard glanced at him but the prince didn't notice…

"--And hurry about your duty --" Yang finished, starting toward the tremendous wooden doors of the throne room. "--I fear we haven't enough time…"

One of the men shook his head.

"Sir, I wish you would not be so vague…" He shrugged. "I don't understand the urgency of your situation…"

"Let it not worry you now," Yang stated, not unkindly. "When the scouts return then you will be summoned to the Armament Chamber --"

Yang pushed one of the doors open.

"--Now we must speak to his majesty…"

The guards cast uncertain looks between themselves but bowed politely to their superior.

"The defense of the castle will be tightened immediately, sir…"

Yang returned the polite bow from his position in the doorway.

"Prepare a defense strong enough to --"

He paused thoughtfully…then corrected himself:

"--Prepare as though Hades itself is burning through the earth…and seeks to destroy Fabul…"

After his mysterious command, Yang gestured for the others to follow him into the throne room.

As they entered the throne room, a soothing aroma encased them…it was the smell of incense…and cleanliness…and luxury…Without realizing it, all of the rugged travelers were ashamed of their appearances…Rosa began combing her fingers through her tangled golden hair…Cecil snatched his dark horned helmet from his head and wiped his face with the back of his hand…Rydia even gazed down bashfully at her dirty brown boots…Edward's face flushed red as he recalled the water that soaked his shirt…

The throne room of Fabul was garnished with exquisite sculptures, and candles burned brightly throughout the entire room…In the darkest corners of the room there were doors…a balcony hovered over their heads, instantly reminding Cecil of the crystal room of Mysidia… a staircase on the right side of the room spiraled up to the low-hanging balcony…dark maroon tapestries drooped over the edge of the balcony and brushed the floor below…

The king of Fabul stood near the gigantic throne…a noble and stoic figure he was…the king stood in serious conversation with one of the dark-skinned warriors…a young warrior, Cecil realized…probably a warrior-in-training…that's who will be here to stand against Golbez and the Red Wings…young men…God how awful…

"Sir Yang FanLieden!"

The king at last noticed the approach of the company and his eyes opened wide in surprise…he turned quickly to the warrior-in-training:

"You may be dismissed now, sir…"

The warrior nodded and offered a polite bow to the king and Yang…he also gave a friendly salute to the company trailing behind Yang before he turned and left the throne room…there was a moment of silence…This is it, Cecil thought glumly…

"Well, Sir Yang --" the king broke the silence as he turned his attention to Yang again. "--I had the scouts seeking you --" He gave a sly smile. "--I suppose they found you?"

"To tell you the truth, your Highness --" Yang started with a reverent bow. "--I have seen no trace of them…"

The king's face fell.

"--But I have asked the scouts to return as soon as possible --" Yang explained…then he paused thoughtfully…

"You were away for quite awhile, Sir Yang --" The king observed in genuine concern. "--What was the trouble?"

Yang smiled half-heartedly.

"I was engaged…in other activities…your Highness --" Yang indicated those behind him. "--I could never have returned without the aid of these brave gentlemen and women…"

The warrior's eyebrows fell over his eyes in a scowl.

"--But I was forced to return with…bad tidings…"

"Oh..?" The king surveyed the bedraggled group. "What sort of bad tidings, sir?"

"Your Majesty --" Cecil stepped close to Yang and bowed low to the regal figure before him. "Master Yang's right…We have no time to waste…"

The king of Fabul stared at Cecil but listened to his mysterious words.

"--A man named Golbez is attempting to capture the crystal of Air --"

"--Capture the crystal?!"

The king gasped then frowned suspiciously at the dark knight.

"--But how can this information just be thrown about…? How do I know it is credible?"

Rosa came forward next…the king's gaze shifted to her…

"Your majesty, I've seen this happening…I'm from the nation of Baron…"

She seemed to be ashamed of her words, and she lowered her head…

"And your Majesty --" Cecil stepped forward again, hoping that he could take the blame for it…with his dark armor…and his past…

"--I was the Captain of the Red Wings…of Baron --"

He indicated the double-cross upon his black armor…Cecil drew a deep breath but never shifted his eyes from the suspicious gaze of the king…

Yang watched the king's reaction carefully…the king of Fabul offered no expression to reveal what he thought…

"You…are a dark knight of Baron --" He frowned at Cecil curiously. "--Why are you not seeking the Crystals with the soldiers of Baron…? Why is it that you --"

"Your highness --" Yang pleaded before Cecil could mutter an excuse…an explanation…whatever he could mutter…

"--Though I do not know him well, I cannot judge Cecil by his past actions after I have seen his courage in battle --"

Yang indicated the others again with a sweep of his hand.

"--They came to fight at my side on the snowy peak of Mt. Hobs…They traveled through the treacherous climate to bring us the warning of an attempt to claim the crystal of Air --"

The warrior bowed humbly to the king and concluded:

"--By my honor, your Majesty, if they are not trustworthy then I myself shall be damned as a liar…"

The King said nothing…Cecil wanted to scream to him…to tell him some of the horrible scenes to prove that the threat was real…Do you know what they'll do to your warriors?! he wanted to shout…Do you know what they'll do your friends and family for God's sake?!

...Because I know what they'll do….and I've done it before …

Cecil heard someone shift slightly beside him and glanced up to see the prince of Damcyan step forward, a bit reluctantly.

"Since you cannot readily believe the words of a stranger --" Edward's voice trailed off as the king turned to him…stunned…he remembers me, Edward thought with relief…

"--It is a pleasure to see you again…King Luarca…"

The shocked king stared dumbly at the prince…

"…Prince Edward…?"

King Luarca's face creased with wrinkles as he gaped at the young man.

"Prince Edward von Muir of Damcyan?"

Edward nodded solemnly. King Luarca's eyes sparkled happily as he stepped forward and flung both arms around the neck of the young man.

"Prince Edward! It is such a pleasure to see you again!"

The king backed away, regarding the prince with a frown.

"It has been quite awhile since you and your dear mother and father visited Fabul…"

Edward nodded, mumbling in agreement, his voice trembling…

"But I had not originally intended to visit Fabul, your Majesty --" the prince revealed with a sad smile. "--I also must admit that this visit may become nothing less than…tragic…"

"Tragic?"

The king's eyebrows raised suspiciously…then he laughed…good-naturedly…

"Young man, you speak in riddles…it seems --" The lines at the corners of his mouth quivered as if he were about to laugh again…

"--Am I to --"

"Your Majesty! Every word that Cecil and Sir Yang spoke are true!"

Edward's voice rose angrily.

"Every word is too true!"

He leaped toward King Luarca…Cecil thought for a moment that the prince might strike the king...

"Damcyan once possessed the crystal of Fire, your majesty!"

Each word seemed to be more difficult to say than the last…but he continued in a trembling voice:

"Damcyan once possessed the crystal of Fire and now the castle of Damcyan stands no more!"

His last words fell into sobs and Edward turned away hastily as the king of Fabul leaped up in shock.

"Damcyan?"

King Luarca's voice was barely audible.

"Oh dear God, say that it isn't true…."

He grabbed the grief-stricken prince's shoulders and peered intently into his eyes.

"Say it isn't true!"

Edward shook his head in despair, breathing shakily between sobs…

"I pray…each time I awaken…that it is…a dream --"

The young man spoke in an even, measured voice…The king of Fabul released his arms and pushed him aside as if he were pushing aside a man with a contagious disease…

"--If it is a dream --" Edward wept bitterly. "--Then it's one from which I cannot awaken…"

There was silence in the room for several minutes…Rydia stared in concern at the prince of Damcyan and stepped near him to offer her tiny hand…At last King Luarca dropped wearily into the huge cushion of the throne and rested his head in his hands.

"Merciful God…how can it be true?"

Yang approached the king uncertainly.

"You majesty? You are…all right..?"

King Luarca shook his head lamentably and made no reply. Edward still had his back turned, and as Rydia started to speak to him, his voice broke the silence:

"Your majesty…Damcyan has suffered without end in the past weeks --"

He drew a shaky breath and held back the tears that threatened to fall:

"--First I lost my mother and father and I was not even there to say good-bye --"

Edward pressed the palm of his hand upon his forehead.

"--Then I held my beloved friend in my arms and…and --"

The hot tears finally trickled from his eyes and he squeezed them shut to prevent any more from falling:

"--I watched her…die…"

There was once again the god-awful lump in his throat that didn't allow him to speak…he could only whisper…

"--I watched her die…"

Silence…no one's eyes lifted from the floor…it was as if they were ashamed for what they had…for being alive…when Anna was not…

"Prince Edward --"

The king of Fabul finally gazed upon the face of the forlorn young man…a tear sparkled upon his own face:

"--I am sorry…"

Edward's eyes had a strange light in them as he lifted his eyes to the king:

"Please don't pity me…or Damcyan --" he pleaded, his voice rising…"--Just do not let the same happen to Fabul!"

The prince was on the verge of dropping to his knees in front of the noble figure…for a fleeting moment the king in front of him was the pitiful old man with long wispy strands of grayish white hair…stooped over his wooden staff…his scarlet robes gathered around his worn sandals…Edward almost saw the bright eyes set deep into the withered face…pressed into the wrinkles…Edward almost imagined Master Tellah LeStrata standing before him…his face showing no emotion as Edward wept at his feet for forgiveness…

"M--Mas --"

"Prince Edward?"

Yang's eyes were wide in concern as he gazed at the prince.

"--You do not look well…"

Edward dug his fingernails into his temples and finally managed to croak:

"--Majesty!"

He bit hard into his tongue to tear himself away from the image in front of him…he nearly shouted to the illusion of Master Tellah that he saw only in his mind…

"Your majesty --"

The word dragged Edward back into the throne room of the castle of Fabul where he was speaking to King Luarca…

"Prince Edward..?"

The king frowned at the young man…

"You look feverish…Are you certain that you are well..?"

"I'm fine!"

Edward blurted out at last…his words were harsh and he was instantly upset at himself for his weakness…As he continued he forced himself to speak calmly:

"--Your Majesty…please do not let the same happen to Fabul…"

He couldn't look into the king's penetrating eyes, so the young man turned away and stood quietly alone…Cecil watched King Luarca closely to see any kind of reaction…the king offered no expression…for what seemed like hours his eyes were turned to the floor thoughtfully…at long last King Luarca lifted his head decisively…

"Sir Yang?"

Yang approached the king eagerly as he continued…

"--You said that the scouts are being summoned back to the castle?"

"Yes, your Highness…"

King Luarca nodded.

"When they return, I give you permission to organize the leaders of --"

"--Then you're prepared to defend the crystal, your Majesty?"

Yang studied the king intently…everyone stood in solemn silence as they waited for the king's response…to their surprise the king smiled half-heartedly…

"Sir Cecil --"

The king's pensive gaze turned to the dark knight.

"--I believe you to be an honorable man, although you wear the dark armor of the Knights of Baron…"

Cecil bowed gratefully…

"It's an honor for me to hear those words from such a noble king and warrior…"

The King waved aside his remark and stepped toward Cecil:

"I believe that every man's hour comes that they may undo whatever wrong they have done in the past…You understand me, Sir Cecil?"

Cecil nodded…

"Your hour will come, Sir --" the king revealed. "--If it has not already come…"

Cecil bowed politely again and traced the double-cross upon his chest.

"Even the dark Knights of Baron uphold the ideals of truth, loyalty, and courage…"

He stepped aside…The words sounded empty…Cecil pushed his horned helmet over his silverish locks of hair…King Luarca surveyed the group behind Yang with a hint of a smile playing at his lips…

"I see in all of you bravery that even the strongest do not possess --"

The king indicated Rydia with a nod of his head.

"--This small child even displays strength greater than that of the mightiest warriors --"

The noble king next gazed at Edward with a look of sadness and respect…

"--And you, Prince Edward, have brought to my attention the harsh reality of death and despair and guilt --"

His eyes fell to the floor before he continued:

"--I cannot let the same happen to...Fabul…"

A wave of relief washed through the Cecil and the others…it was such a great rush that it was exhausting…The dark-skinned warrior stepped toward King Luarca with a humble bow…

"Preparations will be made immediately, your Majesty!"

The king nodded somewhat reluctantly…

"Sir Cecil…Prince Edward…I ask you to take what you need here and act as overseers in the underground chambers…

"Your Majesty?"

Yang gaped at the king.

"--They will not join in the battle against the knights of Baron?"

King Luarca scowled.

"Sir Yang, we cannot ask them to --"

"You don't have to ask, your Highness --" Cecil declared in determination. "--This is a fight we all have to take part in…"

…Especially since it's my fault that it's happening…

"You are willing to risk your lives defending the kingdom of Fabul?"

Before Cecil replied, it was the prince of Damcyan whose voice rang out…

"We cannot let you do it alone..."

Cecil watched the king as the man turned with a hopeless shrug to Yang…

"It is their will, Sir…"

Cecil breathed a sigh of relief…a chance to undo the wrong…here's that chance…but it will only undo a small portion of the wrong…

"It is settled then --" King Luarca concluded…"Sir Cecil and Prince Edward…I shall like if you would take the forefront --"

Cecil grimaced but said nothing…the king's attention turned to Yang.

"--Send for the chamberlain --"

Finally his gaze shifted to Rosa and Rydia…

"--The chamberlain will lead those not fighting into the underground chambers and --"

"Not fighting?!"

Rydia repeated in dismay…

"But I wanna fight!"

"Rydia, don't be ridiculous --"

Edward spun around and spoke quite harshly to the little girl. She stared at him with a hurt expression…

"Young lady --" King Luarca laughed wryly. "--I have no doubt that you are quite a fighter --"

"I am!" Rydia announced haughtily, crossing her arms and glaring at Edward. "I'm a good fighter!

"But you'll still leave with the chamberlain when he arrives…" Edward stated simply. Rydia scowled darkly and her lower lip began to quiver furiously…

"Now…now…"

King Luarca stepped in their midst before Rydia could lose her temper…

"I do fear that I have been quite an inconsiderate host --"

He surveyed the company, stroking his grayish beard thoughtfully.

"--Let us leave the throne room and go --"

Before he could continue, the oak doors of throne room opened and a thin old man scurried in. His movements were quick, nearly frantic for one so old, and his bright eyes darted left and right.

"Your Majesty --" he started with a hasty bow. "--Master Yang said I was summoned…"

"Yes sir --" King Luarca turned to the feeble man…Cecil assumed it was the chamberlain…"--Let it be known in Fabul --" He paused to consider his next words. "--That all women, children, elders, and servants must…that is, must take refuge in the underground chambers --"

"But sire --" the chamberlain gasped, quivering. "--Those are only prepared in a time of…crisis…"

A wise old man, Cecil thought scornfully to himself…But he realized what the king was doing…

"Yes sir --" The king proceeded to calm the poor man before he continued: "--Please do not make a scene about it in front of those outside --" King Luarca cleared his throat. "--These travelers here --" He gestured toward Cecil and the others behind him. "--They have brought word of an unfortunate…event…"

"--Unfortunate event…your Majesty?"

The chamberlain stared at him blankly.

"Sir…I understand your curiosity, but --" He shrugged helplessly. "--There is still much I cannot understand…"

The elderly chamberlain ruffled his wispy white beard impatiently.

"I wish that you were not so vague, your Majesty…" the old man persisted…Cecil was beginning to dislike the strange fellow…he wished he would leave and make preparations…

"Sir, when something more develops, I shall let the people know --" King Luarca assured him hastily. "--Please make sure that your duty is carried out quickly…just as a precautionary movement…"

The old man's puzzled look grew even more prominent, but he bowed politely…

"As you wish, your Majesty…"

He turned to leave…Cecil was certain that nothing good would come of the old man's bafflement…he would most likely have the entire nation panicking…Shouldn't they? Cecil scolded himself…my God, you know this threat is real…Shouldn't they know the truth about what's going to happen to Fabul?

"It is only speculation as of now, sir…"

"Of course -" the chamberlain agreed, staring uneasily at the people around him. He snatched the door open and turned to leave.

"Oh --"

The voice of King Luarca stopped him once more…

"--Make absolutely certain that the people are in the chambers before midnight tonight…"

The strange old man nodded with a frown…

"I shall do my best, your Majesty…"

He hardly finished the words before he darted from the door of the throne room and disappeared down the corridor…the others watched him leave…this is the first and most important step in the preparations, Cecil thought glumly…if this doesn't work…

"We can leave later, can't we, your highness?"

Rosa's hopeful voice broke into Cecil's thoughts…the King was nodding earnestly…

"Oh yes…I shall be glad for you to remain here for awhile --"

He gestured toward the door with a chuckle.

"--As I was saying…the banquet hall is located down the corridor…And I know each of you must be in desperate need of refreshment…"

"Food!" Rydia shouted in delight, grabbing Rosa's hand urgently. "Let's go!"

King Luarca watched the little girl drag Rosa through the door…he gave another light laugh before turning to Cecil:

"--It is also a private room, sirs, where we may discuss the maneuver for the defense of the castle…"

Cecil nodded…

"I guess this is a time I'm proud that I was the Captain of the Red Wings --"

They started out the door, following the giggling of Rydia ahead of them…

"--I know some of the strategies, but I honestly don't know how to divert them…"

King Luarca shut the huge oak doors of the throne room with a resounding clang.

"There is no way to counter what strategy they use?" he inquired with obvious confusion. "If Baron attacks with foot soldiers then we will counter with the same…If mounted knights come against us then we will counter with the archers from the hidden positions of the towers…"

Edward finally spoke as they marched solemnly down the torch-lit corridor…

"But the kingdom of Baron rose to power not by being reckless…"

King Luarca halted before he entered the banquet hall…

"Well, Sir Cecil --" he spoke coolly, testily…"--Exactly what strategy does Baron so cleverly employ?"

His dark eyebrows raised expectantly.

"…Airships…"