Chapter 022

The Gathering

Sabine found her major standing by himself inside of his office emptilly peering out a window.

He hardly reacted when she opened the door carrying a metal plate of tea and a quartet of the scones he favored so dearly. She figured it wouldn’t do much to lift his spirits, however, her mother once told her the ticket to a man’s heart was with the food he’d be willing to sacrifice an arm or a leg for. But even as the cinnamon scented aroma kissed the air, James hadn’t even bothered to spare her a fraction of a stare. He remained focused, his back facing her.

Recalling their history, there really wasn’t a lot she knew of the bizarre and reckless major. Just that he had a bad habit of not following orders and a consistent tendency to anger the higher-ups with his hot-wired tongue. Then there was that of his ingenious brain; probably his most refined quality. James’ unique brand of thinking and strategizing got them safely out of many dire situations, especially during the war. Why, she owed him her very life. She wouldn’t be standing in this room as she did had it not been for him.

Gently resting the platter of treats onto the desk, her consciousness rewinded, back to when their destinies intertwined. Having just graduated from the Military Academy, she hadn’t the foggiest clue as to where her life was headed. Would she just become another faceless pawn for the military to capitalize on until they growed bored with her? Or did the future offer her a grandeur gift wrapped in ribbons of opportunity? To be a legend like the Everburn or Goldstar Mages, would history remember her so fondly? Or would she merely fade into obscurity? Another tiny, insignificant splodge in the grand symphony that was the country of Esteras?

She’d then be greeted by that annoying smile of his, and an offer that, for the life of her, she couldn't comprehend why she accepted. “Sabine Zenobio, I want you to be my guardian,” he had said. In the military, some had the authority to handpick specific soldiers or combat mages to serve as a part of their exclusive squadron. A "guardian", so to speak. However, that honor usually went to high-ranking officials, not pretty-boy captains like James. What was so special about this man, she thought, that the military granted him with the pristine power of choice.

She would later come to find out that he was completely out of his rank to do so. But this revelation only came to reveal itself after she helped him in one of his “missions”. It involved taking out a gang of weapons’ smugglers near Peon City. With his military insight and her powerful magic, they defeated the group before the local mage bracket caught wind of their involvement. They were shunned and ridiculed for their actions, but, must surprisingly, the general himself praised James for his initiative. Did he know such a result was likely? Or perhaps he was only concerned about doing the right thing? The curiosity garnered around the odd man named James Griffin grew and grew the longer she spent time with him.

Discounting her own priorities that soon found her, she was determined to remain by his side. If not to only witness what kind of effect his presence would have on Esteras as a whole. And when he told her his dream, that of unifying the countries to make a so-called “Utopia”, Sabine was at a loss of words. Not only at the sheer ridiculousness of the statement, but out of satisfaction for knowing he trusted her so much to disclose what he was striving for.

To see him like this now, wallowing in his own defeat, why, it disheartened her deeply. Holding a hand to her mouth, the woman cleared her throat. James shuttered, almost as if he’d only now come to the realization he wasn’t alone. When he peeked at her from over his shoulder, Sabine started, “The meeting will be under way soon, sir.”

Miraculously, as he turned to greet her, he had the same kind of snarky grin befitting a devil painted from one cheek to another. Was it a facade? “Thank you, Zen. I was starting to get a bit peckish,” he chuckled, happily grabbing a scone. “You could use a bite too, yes? Please, help yourself.”

“I’m fine, sir. I promise.”

“Suit yourself, more for me,” he sang, grabbing another.

“Sir, if I may be so bold, what are you planning to do?”

“Come again?” he asked with a mouthful of sugar and dough.

“I mean, they haven’t given you any form of punishment yet but that’s just because of the knowledge you have to offer. Once you’ve outlived your purpose, sir, they’ll more than likely...”

“Fire me?” James concluded. “Yup, that much is obvious.”

“And you aren’t the least bit concerned?!”

“Should I be? Once their decision has been made, nothing can change their minds. They’re stubborn like that. No point in fretting over the inevitable.”

“Then...what will become of you?”

James looked out his office window again, answering, “Who knows? Maybe I’ll move to another country. Try my luck in becoming a general there.”

“Wh...What?”

“My utopia won't be solely beneficial for Esteras, Zen. I want everyone to have a great future, no matter who they are or where they come from. Whether it be Eywa, Chung, or even Gyrak. I’ll forge the vision he saw, and I won’t rest until it comes true.”

Sabine’s astonishment was fixed with a smile. “You’re incredible,” she admitted, diving her chin. “No matter what happens, nothing can keep you down, can it? But sir, are you really so open to the idea of resignation, even if it means you’ll be leaving behind people that...really care about you?”

James smirked. “With me gone, maybe you and Striker will be assigned to a more traditional and efficient officer. Someone who’s better at the whole leader stuff than myself.”

“If you leave, I’ll go with you,” she refused.

“...Huh?”

“And I’m sure Striker would as well. You’re not the only one invested in you and your father’s dreams, you know? I want to play a part in building Utopia as well."

“But Zen, what of your priorities here? Surely your life doesn’t solely revolve around myself.”

Sabine stammered. “That’s not...they can...”

“Listen, Zen,” he said, walking towards her, lidding his hands on her shoulders. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but I won’t be comfortable with you abandoning your life here all for my sake. Contrary to popular belief, I’m not as selfish as I let on.”

“Sir, that’s not what...”

Before she could complete her sentence, a knock belched from the door. “Come in,” James called.

When the man entered, Sabine felt her nerves shock to life. Beside her, James too transfigured his original, lax disposition in favor of wearing a suit of reservation, stained with a fraction of shivering reluctance. Standing before them was Raize Grisham, the one and only sovereign of the country of Esteras. He was a tall, rather muscular man, with a set of well-kempt dark hair, a pair of hazel-eyes, a pampered mustache slumbering above his top lip, and was enveloped in an aura that would make even someone like Leones quiver out of intimidation. For he had the power to do anything and everything he wanted. A true god captured in human form. The velvet suit he commonly donned was covered in a black robe, and in his right hand was his ever-cherished golden scepter, an amethyst orb neatly implanted into its head.

“Good afternoon, Griffin, Zenobio. I wasn’t intruding on anything important, was I?”

“Nothing is too important for you, my grace,” announced James, bowing the upper portion of his body towards him. Sabine followed his lead. “And to what do we owe the pleasure?”

The sovereign lifted his hand. “I desired to speak with you, my boy. From what I’ve been told, you have caused quite the upset recently. Ferdinand’s rarely the type to lose his composure, and yet you somehow forced him to turn red in the face. A feat to be proud of, I reckon,” he laughed. “It seems like just yesterday when I saw a young little sprout playing with his father in the gardens. Who knew that same child would cause so many problems in the future.”

“Am I...has a decision been made?”

“Soon, Griffin, soon,” was the sovereign’s reply. “I won’t act like what you’ve done isn’t against the military’s protocol, however, I can acknowledge the good your endeavor has brought. Even if others might not be inclined to agree. And yes, as the true head of the military, the decision when it comes to your fate as a soldier ultimately falls to me. Though, I’ve known Ferdinand for a long time now. I value his judgment as much as I do my own. I know this isn’t something you might be fond of hearing, but whatever choice he comes to is one I myself will support as well.”

James hid his frown. “I see...”

“So, I offer to you some advice, my young friend. For the remainder of this case, as in, until this Gyrakian threat has been properly dealt with, try not to draw too much attention to yourself. The more you adhere to what the others expect of you, the chances of you remaining in the military will increase ever so slightly.”

“Yes, sir. I will...try,” James responded, bowing to him again as the sovereign made his way to the door.

“I won’t be in attendance for this conference. Other duties to manage, I’m afraid. Though, when I’m informed of the fruits it shall bear, I sincerely hope everyone’s opinion of you has improved.”

And with his parting words, Sovereign Raize left them as suddenly as he appeared.

A few more fleeting minutes after the strange encounter, the very same meeting Raize spoke of would commence. Sabine entered the meeting room after her major. A long table extended from the door all the way to the windows at the rear of the office. Sitting at each chair was a high-ranking military official. Commanders, captains, and brigadier general’s fixed their stern scowls onto the source of the ongoing discord. And sitting at the very head of the table was none other than Ferdinand Lightbourne, the general of the entire military. “Well then, now that everybody is here, let us proceed in our discussion,” he announced. James sat at a chair reserved especially for him near the halfway divide of the table. Meanwhile, Sabine was positioned in a line of other lieutenants practically glued to the navy walls. Several paces directly ahead of her she observed her major, wondering if he would indeed heed the sovereign’s warning. When it came to him, anything was possible.

“According to the reports, this terrorist group led by a man named Trevor Thatch was last spotted in Star Bell, of which forty of his men were apprehended and brought into custody. Thatch, as well as a large handful of his personal enforcers, escaped the scene before reinforcements could arrive,” a dark-haired man wearing glasses read from a document. Side-glancing at Ferdinand, the general only a seat apart from him, he continued, “Since then, a team of our combat mages stationed in Rosal City have reported sightings of suspicious men in dark cloaks and covered in bandages scattering the area at night. One of the men they captured was indeed a Gyrakian, however, he has refused to speak with us, in addition to not disclosing any information regarding where the rest of our missing combat mages might be located.”

“Go on,” Ferdinand ordered.

“Regarding their motives, it seems as if they’re attempting to enact revenge on Esteras for the “war crimes” we committed during the 7 Year War. One of the combat mages, Rune Ransford, mentioned the phrase “The Day of Zero” in his reports. He was told directly by one of Thatch’s head enforcers that it is the key to their plan’s success.”

“Day of Zero? What does that even mean?” inquired a general.

“We’re still looking into it but it is most likely a spell. And if they’re so confident it could wipe us out for good, then it must be a highly powerful one, at that.” From underneath the table, the soldier pulled out a tiny, blue-colored crystal shard. Placing it in front of General Lightbourne, he continued, “This was recovered from the scene of the crime. It’s a fragment of a manite crystal, enchanted minerals with the obscene ability of absorbing the essence of their surrounding environment and living organisms alike.”

“Is this how they’ve been extracting essence from our combat mages?” asked Ferdinand.

“That’s certainly one theory. Regrettably, nothing’s been confirmed. If the Gyrakians are planning to make use of these crystals and the essence stored within them, then there’s no limit as to what they can achieve. A most troubling development indeed.”

Ferdinand ran a gloved hand through his head of ginger. “Major Griffin,” he started. “Does this align with your personal report?”

“It does,” he nodded.

“Well then, this just begs the question as to what our next move should be.”

“We should focus our forces on Peon City. That was where Colonel Andrew and his men were last seen. If we hurry, we might be able to catch them in a surprise attack,” suggested a captain sitting across from James.

“I disagree, they’d see us coming from a mile away,” countered a female officer, a brigadier general from the looks of it. “What instead we should concentrate on are the provinces in Vion and Daisix. They have nurtured their fair share of criminal activity over the years. It wouldn’t surprise me if these Gyrakians have roosted there as well."

“Then wouldn’t their mage brackets have reported something by now? Sounds like a waste of time if you ask me,” said another.

Pretty soon, their conference had derailed into a storm of suggestions, inquiries, and accusations. Everyone was talking but, as far as Sabine was concerned, nothing of value was being said. James must have thought so as well as she noticed him raise his hand in the air, a feeble attempt to get his message heard. Though, before he could say or do anything else, an overpowering voice rocketed across the table, ushering the others to silence.

“Look at us, we’ll never get anywhere at this rate. All this time being wasted, we’re just allowing our enemies the opportunity to regroup and strategize their next attack!” he shouted, spit flinging out his mouth. Being a well known member of the military, Lieutenant General Damien Cole's words alone carried more weight than a low-class major. He was a crucial player during the seven year long conflict and head of Mage Bracket 1, the bracket that allegedly housed some of the most powerful mages in the entire country. Above all else, he didn’t exactly have a good history with James, the two butting heads on many occasions. Somehow Sabine had the feeling today would be no different.

Sitting forward in his seat, Ferdinand replied, “What do you have in mind?”

“I’m so glad you asked,” Damien answered, a slick, streaking smirk spreading on his chiseled, diamond-shaped face. “I think these terrorists of ours have long over-stayed their welcome. Give me command of Mage Brackets three and five, in addition to a full squad of your best military officers. I’ll have them march straight to Dianthion City. We’re finishing this mess today.”

“What makes you so certain you’ll find anything there?” a general asked.

“Let’s just say, I’ve done some investigating. You’d be surprised at how much someone’s willing to tell a mage.” In his hands danced arcs of bustling, blue bolts of electricity. Their flashes illuminated Damien’s proud expression. “Especially if their lives are at risk.”

“So you used force?” sighed Ferdinand.

“Not in the least. I merely had a little conversation, is all. Though a couple of those insects started crying answers as soon as I stepped inside their prison cell. Guess we can chalk it up to my devilish charm.”

“And this strike team, you're positive it will be enough to finish them off for good?” inquired a female soldier.

“Truthfully, this Thatch fellow sounds like a tough customer. Especially since he’s got his ugly mitts on a tome. But not even he would be a match for a unit of both powerful combat mages and soldiers.”

“Are we even knowledgeable of how he came into the possession of a tome in the first place? Let alone, one so powerful?”

“It hardly matters now, sir,” Damien responded, boasting a frown of frustration. “My point is, we have to act as fast as we can. Otherwise, we run the risk of these terrorists causing further destruction. I propose I be dispatched to supervise the completion of this assignment immediately.”

Ferdinand nodded his head. “Yes, yes I see.”

“So,” said the man with glasses. “Are we all in favor? Shall we proceed with the mission?”

“They’ve caused more than enough damage, General. Say the word, and I’ll eliminate this threat before the end of the day.”

“Well, if you think you can handle it, then I’ll permit the advances of...”

“No!” Sabine nearly let out a gasp. With one word, everyone’s attention melted on James, who’d now risen from his seat and was staring his general straight in his eyes. Not an ounce of fear or reluctance remained present on his face, he was as serious as ever. “If ever you had faith in my words, General, I insist we perish the notion of sending a bulk of our forces from the city at this time.”

“Is that so?” smirked Damien. “Well, far be it for me to disregard the opinion of the major responsible for this upset.”

“Major Griffin,” Ferdinand said, challenging James’ adamant scowl. “Have you something you long for us to hear, feel free to address it now. The floor is yours.”

Sabine gulped. Had he completely forgotten what the sovereign advised? Or was he just outright disregarding the advice? Regardless, there was nothing she could do to help him now. Then again, this was an outcome she should’ve already expected, given the major she was dealing with. Please, sir. Just this once, have some restraint! Gifted with a mind of a natural strategist and strongly equipped with a vast dictionary of retorts, James opened his mouth and liberated his rebuttal.