Voices echoed as Darkness, like that from the deepest corners of space, enveloped the Captain of Comanches. He felt motionless; however, he saw himself falling into an abyss, seeing his body ripple in front of him as if he were the pool in the abyss. Once one form was complete, a new one formed, one after another.
Above him, he saw what looked like waves rippling through the Darkness before a bright light encompassed everything, blinding everything.
Captain Mathew Ryder was running through a dark forest. Seeing a dark form appear in front of him, he stopped and fired three shots from his M31. The shadow suddenly disappeared, but a loud screech echoed from all directions.
He looked around and saw more shadows from which he fired. The shadows disappeared, and everything went dark, making him panicky, looking around with his rifle at the ready. The screech faded and was replaced by a giggle. That was when he noticed a golden glow deep into the forest.
Everywhere else, being nothing but Darkness, Ryder ran toward the light.
As Ryder ran closer to the golden light, he started to notice that there was a figure within it. When he got closer, he saw it was a girl but noticed there were different features. That was when the world around him split into two and folded into itself.
The world reformed, and all that could be seen was him looking through a pair of eyes. While everything was in color like usual, Ryder could see the right eye iris being gold and the left being blue, confirming that this was Assiaya's vision—the iris being inverted from him seeing her perspective. Her eyes were focused on a vampire boy holding her up by the neck.
"I might not be able to kill your kind, but I can punish you for shaming my family name."
"No...."
Feeling the terrifying sensation from her eyes, Assiaya looked down as the vampire bit into her neck and fed off her blood. Suddenly, her eyes filled with gold, blue, and white glow, fuzzing the vision. The vampire boy suddenly blinked as if he had a significant migraine; he blinked his eyes with a dazed look with his hand on his forehead.
Assiaya's gold and blue eyes broke, and dust filtered the air with heat and sun appearing.
Feeling the ground tremble, Ryder rushed past his company of airborne soldiers fighting off the Republican Guard. Anti-air missiles flew through the sky as the enemy attempted to prevent friendly aircraft from providing support.
An explosion from an enemy tank destroyed one of the buildings that the company was utilizing. Rushing over, he saw the company captain lying on the ground, killed by the explosion. Taking command, he went to help directly with the defense. By a ruined wall, he saw Lieutenant Colonel Hackett, who was ordering the other special forces in the defense. The two met and began fighting against the attacking force.
A mortar round impacted a machine gun position, and Ryder rushed over. When he arrived, all the soldiers were gone. He saw a golden girl again, this time with tiny wings on her back and two small antennas on her head.
When the girl saw him, she flew away, and he chased her.
The sandy ground disappeared, and Ryder found himself hovering, unable to move. The desert vanished, and below was a grassy field in Poland. There were two caskets, one for an adult woman and the other for a child. On the adult tombstone was Carlie Ryder, and the child was named Nelka Ryder.
He saw many people there: family members, friends, and guests. The only one he saw missing was himself. Ghosts formed around the burial as he saw Comanche fighting in the Nile War. The Captain then saw himself directing his team in clearing a village, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded. Shame, regret, guilt, and dishonor poured in the form of rain.
Then a glowing light of gold surrounded him, and the ghostly funeral sunken into the earth, the moment lost forever.
That was when there was a strong breeze, and around him was a bright glow, almost dancing with the wind. Around him were hundreds of the spirit bugs, all dancing within the wind, swinging around in a circle.
While taking a long spring, below the nest tree was a little blue-eyed girl lying on the ground, almost lifeless. The spirit slowly decanted toward the girl and levitated above the head. A humming sound brought the other glowing bugs. A bright light ignited when the big one landed on the girl's forehead.
He reawakened with the same golden-blue dual eyes as Assiaya. She was walking through the stone hallways of Kallem castle. She entered a large room and saw Kallem speaking with the Unity Priestess, arguing as usual. As she passed around drinks, she looked at the large map on the table.
The table suddenly engulfed in flames except for one point: a mountain named Orlatus. There, a ship figure sat with additional figures presenting Altaerrie prisoners of war.
Then, everyone in the room started to split apart into strings, floating away as they continued to argue as if everything was normal. The environment reattached itself, but this time, Assiaya was outside in the courtyard, staring out at the Altaerrie prisoners as they were being processed.
Feeling his body shake, he leaned back and fell deep into a dark void. This time, he landed in a grassy field with black sand in small circles. The environment was waving as if nothing was acting natural. Trees listed from the breeze have a colorful delay effect. The mist formed the nearby lake, acting more alive and fluid. In the sky, Tekai hovered above, emitting strange ripples from herself.
The world suddenly started spinning slowly until Tekali moved above him. A set of ripples flowed down and surrounded the area, stopping the spinning. That was when Ryder saw the golden glowing girl sitting with her arms across her knees.
Ryder walked forward, and the girl stood. As he approached, his body felt different, almost as if he was splitting between reality or walking with the lack of gravity – and yet, he walked as if nothing was wrong. He was much taller than the girl, so her wings vibrated and lifted her.
He wanted to speak but could not hear anything coming from his mount. The strange golden girl said, "Nissa," then gently touched his forehead.
The sudden flashes of memories of being tortured by Kallem, fighting against the Akuma, and being hunted like a dog raced throughout his mind. But slowly, the thoughts passed away, and harmony emerged. The memory of fighting against the Harpy and J'avia emerged, seeing Natilite arriving. The feeling of accomplishment, protecting the girl until that point and believing that all his suffering was not for nothing.
The environment around them slowly faded dark, pushing aside the ripples from Tekali until Darkness remained. The Darkness swirled like a whirlpool before being swallowed into two singularities, swirling and swirling. That was until they opened, and two eyes stared down at him.
"And then, and only then, destiny is challenged."
Wanting to ask a question, Ryder heard a familiar metallic screech coming from behind. He turned and saw an Akuma that he fought before. Its blade ignited blue as it came toward him. Before he could react, the machine swung its blade into him....
March, 12th, 2068 (Military Calendar)
Forest of Rostham, Western Frontier, Yuplenia Mountain Range, Verliance Aristocracy
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore
*****
Natilite crossed her arms in frustration as she stared at the resting Captain.
After the battle at the abandoned fort, Comanche drove for hours until they believed they had found an excellent hiding place. Not wanting to go through the goblin-infested tunnel at night, it was decided to be encamped here. In addition, the team medic wished to give their captain time to rest before the next engagement. Heavy foliage that they could hide behind combined with their tents to aid in hiding the vehicles from a distance.
The stunning effect from the elecprobus staff weapon should have worn off hours ago; however, Ryder had yet to awaken. Marcos Gonzales believed the Captain was exhausted, so the effects could have been amplified by the stun. It was a point she could understand, getting this far without allies or weapons.
Who was sitting on her knees while holding a bottle of water, staring at the sleeping Captain? The girl's gray, wet, muddy, ragged clothing was replaced with a clean size olive green with tan and brown patterns around her shirt that draped past her knees, becoming closer to a dress than a shirt.
What Natilite found adorable was that the girl, Assiaya, had yet to leave Ryder's side, waiting for the man to awaken. The water in her hand was intended for her, but the Valkyrie knew the girl was waiting to hand the drink to him. This told her how much love and respect the girl had for the Captain.
Deciding that they needed more information and wanted to know Ryder's new friend, Natilite said, "Assiaya, correct? You know that you do not have to wait here. You can go rest."
"I am okay," Assiaya said. "I want to be here when he wakes."
Seeing the medic smile, Natilite couldn't help but enjoy the moment. The sight had made almost everything they had experienced this week worth it.
"What you two must have gone through must have been traumatic," Natilite said. "But as I said before, we are all friends. You can wait patiently."
The girl glanced toward the Valkyrie with slight distrust and stared back at Ryder, waiting patiently. Natilite's concern was that since being found, the girl had not eaten or slept, and she was worried that the girl would get sick or worse. Knowing that the girl was essential to Ryder, she felt responsible enough to make sure the girl was taken care of while he was in this state.
Seeing the girl's loyalty and stubbornness, Natilite leaned into it. "You must be a very strong girl for what you've been through—far stronger than most. But you do know that you do not always have to be strong, like now. You are safe."
Getting only silence from the girl, Natilite softened her tone and said, "Tell me what you two did. I bet you were chased and attacked multiple times."
"I also would like to know," Gonzales said. "What on Earth left him a scar on his chest? Also, what bit him, and should I be worried about that?"
"A Laryenas bit his leg while protecting me," Assiaya said.
Natilite understood the seriousness of the carnivore's pose. The poison within its teeth was not long-lasting, just enough to make the intended target weak enough to be eaten alive. While not a strong beast, they were master stalkers and attacked when their target least expected it. "How did you two survive?"
"An Orc farm family saved us," Assiaya said. They patched his leg and chest and gave him medicine."
"The chest scar?" Gonzales asked.
"He got that wound from one of those demons in a cave." Assiaya went silent for a moment and started to cry. "It nearly killed me until he fought back with his small ax. The Demon cut through his armor as if it was butter."
The Templar's eyes widen as she understands the gravity of what Ryder went through. She turned toward the unconscious man, shocked that they were alive. Demons are not a threat to be underestimated. Even the Unity, with their advanced magitech, still fears them, as so few live to tell the tale from an encounter.
Replacing the shocked expression with one of pride, Natilite placed her hand on the girl's opposite shoulder and gently pulled her close to comfort. "It is okay. I understand. But it would be best if you got something to eat and drink. He would not want you to go hungry."
"I know she is right," Assiaya said.
Confused by the response, Natilite leaned in. The girl noticed the reaction and closed her eyes as if concentrating on something.
Assiaya opened her eyes and looked up. "Okay."
"How about this?" Gonzales said. "I will come get you when he awakens."
"Besides," Natilie said, waving Fraeya over. "I think everyone will enjoy the story of your escape. A tale like that should not be hidden."
Assiaya remained quiet as if she didn't know how to respond. However, when Fraeya arrived, the girl took the elf's hand and walked away.
As the two girls left, Natilite turned back at the unconscious Captain as Marcos Gonzales inserted a needle into his arm. The man had brushed over his body with a black eye. Most of the damage was caused by using healing potions that he obviously overused, which angered her.
She looked left and saw Captain Webster of Redcoat and Warrant Officer 1 King from Comanche approach.
"Hello, mates. How is the Jent?"
"Be stupid," Natilite said.
Webster chuckled. "He is a Yank. Would you mind being more specific?"
"I take offense to that," King said.
"I will set you up with an appointment with the NHS," Webstar replied.
"War will be over by then," King responded before refocusing on the Templar.
Confused by the humor, Natilite showed the British man a heal potion vile. "Ryder was overusing healing potions. He drank three of these in a week."
"A week is three days here?" King asked.
"That is correct. One rotation around Tekali is considered a week. But our days are longer than yours."
"You said healing potions?" Webster asked. "Like those drinks in video games?"
"What is a video game?"
"I will show you later," King said. "But yes, they have potions that heal the body."
"How does a healing potion hurt you?" Webster asked. "Isn't the point of a healing potion being to heal the body?"
Natilite scratched her head. She had never had to explain the modern medication of potions before. She had no idea why, as she didn't know how they were made or what examples the Valkyrie could use to help educate them; she just knew overusing them could negatively affect the body. They were familiar enough for the warrior classes of society, as that was where the need was most excellent.
She observed that the Altaerrie invented technology to have the maximum number of uses, which was different from potions. "You are correct, but you are being too liberal about it," she said.
"What do you mean?" Webster said.
"Correct me if I am wrong, but do you think a healing potion fixes your body instantly after drinking it?" Natilite saw both men confirm that was their mindset. "That is not how it works. Yes, the potion does heal the body, but it takes time. It boosts and accelerates the body's repair systems, so your body naturally heals faster. Also, you must properly prepare the body before drinking the potion as it does not have a universal effect, or you can create other complications. In the case of the Ryder cut, the wound will heal, but the burning damage would remain unless treated beforehand. You also cannot drink more than one vile a week, and even then, that isn't advisable."
"That makes sense," Webster said. "I had a feeling it was too good to be true. They're always a side effect."
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"That is correct," Natilite said. "People in combat or extreme working conditions are the ones who typically drink such medicine. Most other professions do not use it because why?"
Seeing a different British man approach, the Captain noticed that this one had darker skin than Rommel King but still had the same accent as Webstar. The man informed the British Captain of a small situation with their team that needed him to address. It didn't seem urgent, as the man was not panicky, but it was important enough to deal with. The British Captain respectfully dismissed himself and walked away.
"Alright, you two," Gonzales said. Would you mind giving us some space? I need to repatch the burn marks on his chest."
"Do not fix him up too much," Natilite said as she stood up. "A woman loves a scar."
She watched as the two Comanche men turned to each other in surprise and confusion. When they looked at her, she waved with a cute smile before walking away.
The Templar walked through the camp. Unlike before, morale was high. Everyone seemed thrilled that they had succeeded and that their gamble of going after their leader paid off.
That was when the Farian woman blocked Natilite's path. Remember that the Farian assisted her during the engagement at the fort; she said, "Thank you for having my back, or as the Americans call it, my Six."
"You are welcome," Ar'lya said. "I hate J'avais."
"So do we all," Natilite said. You are a good marksman with your sling. I am surprised you don't use a circiletum."
"I know I am, but I prefer to carry my gun in a sling or bow. It is quieter when traveling."
"I can understand that. And burning pellets?"
"It gets the job done. Anyway, I am happy you found him."
"I think we all are."
"I meant you. Honestly, I am shocked you people did. I did not want to say it then, but I thought all of you were fools for trying to save him, especially you, being a Templar."
Natilite rubbed the back of her neck. "You are not wrong. It was foolish, but I am just happy that it was not for nothing."
"Well. I am happy for you. I hope it was worth it."
The Templar wanted to respond; however, she was puzzled by the look in the Farian traveler's eyes, as if she was implying a different motive. Before she could inquire, Ar'lya walked away, so Natilite headed toward the fireplace with Dark Fire. She sat next to King on a log and grabbed a drink to rest.
"That is impressive," King said. "I have been wondering what you meant by dark fire. I have never seen anything like it."
"Yes," Fraeya said. It is one of many fire types that is utilized. It is well known. We didn't know about blue until the Unity arrived."
"What is blue?" King asked.
"I do not fully know," Fraeya replied. "I do know that it is hotter than red."
"Why is the dark fire so cold?" Bruno asked. "For fire, it is barely producing heat."
"It is not supposed to," Natilite replied. "Sometimes, it is called The Traveler Fire. People outside civilization, soldiers, travelers, guilds, whoever uses it, use it to have some warmth while not attracting unwanted guesses."
"I get it," Forest said. "It is harder to see in thermal. But is that being used only?"
"No," Fraeya said. "Traveling is the primary purpose but is also commonly used in cooking and crafting."
"Hey, Natilite," King said. "I have a question."
"About what?"
"Before, you and the girl were talking about a Demon. What is that?"
Natilite placed her hand on her chin as she considered describing a Demon. "It is like a humanoid construct, like your IRiSS, but much deadlier."
"You sounded shocked that they survived.
"Yes, most do not live to tell the tale. If provoked, they have wiped out entire cities and Legions."
"I had a feeling," King said. "Mind asking her? I need to confirm something."
"We can. I also have questions. Demon attacks only happen in places related to Orilla."
The Templar headed toward Fraeya and Assiaya, with Rommel King close behind. The elf girl was showing the dual-eyed girl how an MRE worked. As the food cooked, the elf told the girl a story. Based on how excited Fraeya was, it must have been intense.
"Hello, you two," Natilite said. "I hope everything is going well, Fraeya?"
"Of course," Fraeya said. "I was telling her about our adventures, what I saw on Earth, and Salva."
"Fraeya," King slowly said, being slightly annoyed. "Remember our conversation about classified information?"
"Do not worry, Sir King," Fraeya said joyfully. "I was getting to that part."
Seeing the Warrant Officer sign with frustration, Natilite couldn't help but giggle from the conversation. She then leaned down so she was at eye level with the girl. "Assiaya. My friend here wants to know more about the Demon you two-faced. Also, I would like to know why you two went to Orilla. You should know better than to stay away."
"It was not Orilla," Assiaya said. "We were in a normal cave." She saw King and pointed to the ax. "He fought it with that."
"An unenchanted melee weapon? Impressive." Natilite noticed Rommel King pulling out a rectangle device from his pocket, a device she noticed all Altaerrie had on hand. Seeing a concerned look, she asked, "What is wrong?"
The Warrant Officer showed the screen to the girl. It was like a liquid crystal screen but more compact and less fluid.
The Templar saw the image, which was a Demon construct but looked slightly different. This one was more silver with a red rusty tint. The eyes and blade color were also different: blue-green tints with a black base.
"Was it this?" King asked.
The girl nodded her head. "It was similar to that."
Other Comanche approached and looked at the image. They all had the same concerned and impressed reaction as she did.
"Holy shit," Forest said. "The Boss soloed an Akuma."
Ford looked and laughed, turning to Wallace. "Eger, you're twice the size of the Boss, and yet you died in second place while he did a Rocky."
The group laughed.
"I see your world has them, too," Natilite said as she stood.
"Not exactly," King said. "Our people faced one on Mars where we found the Orb. The Minutemen only engaged them once during training, which we all lost to."
Barrett leaned against the hood of a JLTV, hand on his chin as he thought. "What concerns me is that your people encounter them constantly."
"That is not true," Frayea said as she stood. "We only encounter them when dealing with Orilla."
"What is Orilla again?" Ford asked. "I am still struggling to understand the term."
"It is an elf word," Fraeya explained. "Orilla relates to anything from the old world, thousands of years ago. Those ruins are cursed with these demons, protecting them for some reason. Every time someone tries to explore them, they end up dead, or even worse, nearby villages and towns are destroyed consequently. It was learned long ago that if we avoid them, they leave us alone."
"Calling them cursed is an understatement," Wallace said.
"Is that why your father was considered an outcast?" Ford asked. "Because he researched this topic?"
"Yes," Fraeya reached into one of the vehicles and pulled out one of her journeys, flipping through the pages until she found the one she wanted. The page showed a drawing of one of the Akumas. "In my father's notes, he describes a few encounters of them."
"The story is that explorers were studying ruins on the continent's western side," Natilite said. They snooped too closely within the ruins. These Akumas, as you called them, appeared. After killing the explorers, they assaulted the nearby City-State of Orilla, killing the entire city. Since then, every power has outlawed any research into Orilla."
"Natilite," King said. "Have you fought one of these things?"
"Only once," Natilite said. "It was when I was helping your father, Fraeya. It was one of the most intense fights I had ever encountered, barely making it out alive. I am just glad that encounter had lasting meaning. Still, it is surprising that Assiaya and Ryder encountered one in a cave."
"It does not matter," King said. "They are alive, and that is all that matters to me. The Brass can figure out how to deal with the Akuma after we return home. We are leaving before sunrise. The Ghost Team is already scouting the path forward, and we will regroup with them before making the path over the mountains."
As the conversation moved to how both teams were going to regroup with Ghost, a loud sound formed behind silent everyone as everyone turned around and aimed their weapons toward Ryder and Gonzales.
The Templar placed her hand in her sword grip and saw Gonzales on the ground with his hand on his helmet. Ryder, on the other hand, was standing there shirtless, frantically looking around while holding Gonzales' M31.
"Hold fire," Barrett said.
"What is wrong?" Ford asked.
"The last time he was awake, he was being hunted," Natilite said. "He might still be confused."
Natilite let go of her sword, flexed her wings, and burst forward. Using her Valkyrie agility, the woman reached the Captain before he harmed someone.
Reaching the Captain, Natilite grabbed the rifle and ripped the weapon out of his arms while gripping his arm to restrain him. Seeing that he was struggling, she dropped the rifle on the ground and placed her free hand on his forehead.
"To the heart of the mighty soldier, please rest assured that you are at peace, surrounded by loved ones and not the forces of Darkness. Calm yourself. Rise above your primal nature and rejoin your comrades, as our Goddess will protect you. Ryder, come back to us."
Mathew Ryder slowly stopped, looking at her. She saw that he was breathing heavily, sweating, and his eyes were red with the intent to kill, but he was slowly calming down.
Ryder glanced around and blinked. "Nat...?"
The Valkyrie let go of him and took a step back. "Yes. It is over."
The Comanche Captain looked at her with disbelief. He started panicking and wobbling around as he searched for something. "Where is it?"
"They are dead," Natilite said. "Only friends are here."
"No!" Ryder yelled. "The eyes. And the.... Machine of death.... Akuma! It killed me... wait?"
The Captain seemed to realize that Natilite was correct. She could tell that he had a nightmare. Most likely, from being a prisoner for sport and hunting like an animal, he was still in survival mode. Within her proverbial vision, she also saw Wallace grab the Captain by the arm and wrap it over so that the Captain wouldn't fall onto the ground. Barrios appeared on the other side, prepared to intervene if needed. The Templars understood the Warrant Officer ordering them to tame their leader until he returned to reality.
"You are all good, Boss," Wallace said.
Ryder kept looking around, staring at everyone as if he did not believe what his eyes told him. He started to calm himself as reality set in. However, he suddenly frantically looked around again and pushed Wallace away, to which Barrios grabbed him by the shoulder but allowed the Captain to wonder if their leader had fallen or reached for a firearm again.
Ryder slowly calmed herself but looked around frantically. "Where is the girl? Where is Assiaya!"
To Natilite's surprise, she didn't see the casual concern in Ryder's eyes; instead, she saw something more profound. The Man seemed to care for the former slave girl genuinely. Based on the story the girl told them, she couldn't blame them. In addition, she found it adorable that the first thing he thought when regaining consciousness was the girl's safety.
"Alive," Natilite replied before pointing toward the girl's direction. "With Fraeya."
Looking over, Ryder saw Assiaya standing next to Fraeya by the fireplace. He forcibly pushed past everyone, and the Sergeant First Class ordered everyone to allow the Captain through. When the Captain arrived, he dropped onto his knees and wrapped his arms around her, pulling the girl tight in a compensation hug. Assiaya began crying as the two embraced each other, knowing that they made it through the hellish journey.
"Mission accomplished," Ryder said. "I told you I wouldn't let anything happen. I told you we would get here."
Natilite couldn't help but get stuffed up from the sight. For the moment, the memories of everything she had witnessed and been through throughout the war, the suffering at Salva, and being taken captured. The defeats and casualties of so many soldiers and innocents that led to this moment, moment proved the ordeal to be worth it. That was what she hoped for by bringing the Altaerrie to this world.
Turning to the rest of the team, she saw they seemed to enjoy the sight. Her eyes met King's, and she saw how he was happy not leaving the civilian behind. Others were recording the moment with their strange handheld rectangle device. She had noticed most Altaerrie do that: record everything with them.
"Should we tell him that we are still behind enemy lines?" Wallace asked.
"Give it a few minutes," Natilite replied.
*****
Staring at the crackling but low-illuminated fire, Mathew Ryder reflected on the past week and how he finally reunited with his team. Still, that didn't mean his body was not shaking or that his guard was up.
Seeing a shadow, he glanced up and saw Assiaya holding a cup in her hand, holding it out for him to grab. He took a sip and realized that it was tea. Most likely, it came from the British troops, but she wanted to be the one who delivered. "Gratias tibi."
Assisya's face blew up with joy before turning around and walking away.
Ryder then saw some of his fellow Comanche; while others were performing their tasks, others were taking glances. The glances were not out of malice but probably commenting and reflecting on the embarrassment he had experienced not too long ago. The Captain turned at the dark fire as if he were a fool. Freaking out the way he did and almost shooting up the place. In addition, an officer should never act like a drunken sailor in front of his unit. While they all had expressed sympathy, it was not his proudest moment.
Noticing someone sitting on the other side of the campfire, Ryder saw Fraeya seated. For some reason, she looked distressed and indecisive. "Is everything alright, Fraeya?" he slowly said.
Fraeya took a deep breath and leaned in. "I am sorry to ask you this question while you are in this state, but did you see my father?"
Ryder looked down as he struggled to respond. At first, he wanted to say no, that he did not get the opportunity to learn about anyone. He was kept isolated as a punching bag, gaining little insight into anything else. Still, a part of him felt like he had a different answer.
He then remembered the intense dream he had while unconscious. Flashes of his dream and his time-fighting Kallem. Loose comments about taking other Altaerrie prisoners to a mountain port. A strange dream from Assiaya's point of view was showing the regional map, hearing that prisoners were being taken then.
Feeling that he had an answer, the Captain stood up with such speed that he almost fell into the campfire. Higgins grabbed his shoulder to prevent him from falling into the flames.
"Mountain port," Ryder said. Fraeya, who was in front of him, looked confused.
Forest gently grabbed the Comanche captain with his robotic arm to try to restrain him. "Calm down, soldier."
Ryder pointed to Forest and said, "No. Map... I need a map."
"Wait," Fraeya said. "Are you saying you know where my father is?"
The Captain turned to the elf girl and said, "Maybe..., I..., do not know. I need a map."
Kurt Forest called toward Higgins to bring over the map. The Airman walked to one of the JLTVs, grabbed the map, and prepared it on the vehicle hood.
Ryder stood up, but because his body was so weak, he nearly fell, which scared Fraeya. The staff Sergeant grabbed him and then helped stabilize him.
"Thanks," Ryder mumbled.
"No problem," Forest said. "Just remember this during Christmas bonuses."
The three headed toward Higgins. Forest kept his robotic arm on their Captain's back to assist while also trying to be respectful by showing their leader could walk alone.
When they reached the vehicle, Ryder saw that everyone was confused but ignored their reactions as he was single-focused. The map was laid out, and he studied it. "Where are we?"
"Right here, sir." Higgins pointed to the southern side of the Yuplenia Mountain Range, closer to the center area. "This is where the mountain tunnel we will be heading toward in a few hours."
Seeing that he was only halfway on the wrong side of the mountain range, the Captain was upset that he didn't make it further. He hoped that was now a benefit, assuming his memories were accurate. While dealing with a major headache, he carefully recalled the correct memories.
"What is going on here?" King asked. "Boss, you should be resting."
Ryder ignored his team and kept focusing on the map as he needed to concentrate on his nightmare. He knew the general area where the enemy port should be but needed help remembering exactly where it was. The memory was too fuzzy and fading. Then he remembered that Assiaya, Kallem's slave, might know.
"Fraeya," Ryder said. "Can you get Assiaya?"
The elf girl did not hesitate, quickly rushing through the camp to get the girl. She would not waste time seeing a possible opportunity to save her father.
Turning away from the vehicle hood, Forest had to keep his arm on the Captain's shoulder so he wouldn't fall over. Ryder saw that Fraeya was holding Assiaya's hand as they walked over to him, but the girl stared, confused.
"Hey, Assiaya," Ryder said. "I have an important question for you. Do you remember Kallem saying where the prisoners were taken? The Altaerrie prisoners? It is to a port inside a mountain, correct?"
"Just the Altaerrie?" Fraeya asked.
"I do not think Kallem had him around with the amount of time to spend on me," Ryder said. "They are being sent to the Unity, so there is a good chance he would be with them."
Seeing that Fraeya understood his logic, Ryder turned to Assiaya. The girl looked around nervously but nodded her head. "I was there when the Unity built the port with my Master during his inspections."
Ryder shrugged Forest's robotic arm off and kneeled. "Formal Master. Now, can you show me on the map?"
The formal slave girl stood there, staring at Ryder. It seemed like the wheels were turning inside her mind, processing what he said. He realized the context of his words probably never crossed her mind in her entire life—that she was no longer a slave but free.
Assiaya smiled and nodded. "I can take you there."
The Captain stood and attempted to help the girl onto the hood; however, Higgins had to help. When Assiaya sat on the hood, she studied the map. During that time, others gathered to see what was happening. Among them was Natilite, who was staring down from the roof and watching. The British SAS captain and his second in command were paying attention.
Assiaya studied the map and pointed to a general area. "The mountain port is about here. It is called Orlatus."
"Without an MGRS map, we won't know which mountain is Orlatus," King said. "It isn't like we are looking for the Lonely Mountain. There is a lot of guessing work."
"We don't have the resources to explore the region to find one mountain," Webster said. We shouldn't even attempt it unless we know precisely where it is."
Ryder looked at Assiaya and asked, "If we get close, do you think you can recognize which mountain?"
"Yes," Assiaya replied. "I know where it is. Even the door."
"Alright," Ryder said before coughing. It took him a moment to breathe, and his second-in-command took over. Fraeya handed him a bottle of water, which he quickly drank a third of.
"Alright," King said. "If we are going to do this, we need to know about the enemy."
"Outside local forces, I do not expect to face the main enemy forces," Ryder said. None of them were chasing after us. I have no idea why, but I know there is an internal division between the Verliance Aristocracy and the Unity."
"Then we can exploit that," Webster said. However, I am confused about the fact that there is a port inside a mountain. Last time I checked, ports were on the coasts."
"It could mean two things," Natilite said. Alagore has many underground river networks that Goblins and Dwarves utilize. It would be one of those. Mothoseikely, it could be a Beas or Airship port, built into the mountainside for protection."
"I did see dragons flying around a few days ago," Ryder said. "There has to be a place for them to go."
"Dragons, I get, but what about these Airships Natilite mentioned?" Higgins asked. "You mean, like a Zeppelin?"
"Zeppelin?" Natilite asked.
"They are these big, round machines that can go high into the air," Higgins said.
"I think that is what they are," Natilite said.
"Make sense," Higgins said. "The US had ships like them a hundred years ago. The technology was not mature enough to continue development, and other aircraft innovations made airships pointless."
"Did they solve the issues we had?" King said.
"It's possible," Natalie said. "All I know is that The Unity uses Airships to maintain air dominance over the Coalition."
"This is the plan then," King said. "Ghost should cover the flank. With your permission, Captain, your Redcoats will join us in the main assault against this port."
"His Majesty Troops will be glad to give these Tossers a whopping and send them to Saint Helena," Webster said.
"That is very British of you, sir," Barrett said.
"Then we leave in twenty minutes," King said.
As both teams departed, Ryder requested that King and Webster stay behind. When alone, Ryder took a deep breath. "Thank you for taking over the meeting, Rommel."
"No problem, sir," King said. "I knew where you were going with it."
"We are already here, so it's worth checking it out," Webster said. "The issue is, what will we do if we find any prisoners? We do not have the logistics to transport them back to Salva."
"We are low on supplies, so there should be room for the UGVs," King said.
"That will only fit so many," Webster said.
"We will cross that bridge when we get to it," Ryder said. "But we only have one chance and cannot pass it. That was not why I asked you two to stay."
Seeing the two's confused look, Ryder continued, "I can admit that I am not at one hundred percent to lead this mission directly. Webster, I am willing to concede command to you. Rommel, you can maintain command over Comanche."
"I was wondering how we were going to address that," Webster said. "When the time comes, I will take command. However, I am not going to sideline you. If the mission goes south, I will need a wanker to take the blame."
Ryder chuckled, which slightly exhausted him. "You okay with this, Rommel?"
"If it prevents me from doing Officer paperwork, I am okay with it," King responded.
"Alright, anything else?" Ryder asked.
"There is," Webster said. "Something the two eye colour-."
"Color," Ryder corrected.
Webster started and then smirked. "Colour is how civilized men say. I do have to ask you, Captain. Dinosaurs a Trenton?"
Ryder stared at the Redcoat Captain with a baffled expression, having no idea what the man was talking about. "What the hell are you talking..., oh shit." That was when the Comanche Captain remembered the stories he told Assiaya at the cave to cheer her up. He had no idea she could understand the story, so he elaborated on details to make them more exciting.
Webster stood there shaking his head. "Americans."
Smirking from his high spirits and sense of humor, Ryder wondered what else he said. Before he could answer, he noticed Fraeya standing there with a concerned look. "Fraeya?"
"Do you think we will find my father?"
The Captain closed his eyes and deeply breathed as he collected his thoughts. He opened them, staring at the pale green elf. "I do not know. I cannot promise anything. But I did say I would at least try, so here we are."
"Okay," Fraeya said. "I do not blame you if we do not find him; I just hope we do."
"I understand. Now, prepare yourself.