For over thirty minutes, Cypher had held Fayaldin's forces at bay while the members of Mother's Grace escaped through the rear of the estate. During that time, Gastor hadn't moved an inch. He had entrusted his wife to one of his comrades, and he stood resolute by Cypher's side.

However, his aloof nature still seeped through. He leaned against a pillar and smoked as he watched Cypher maintaining his barrier. He let his massive blade hang lazily from his right hand, and his eyes remained half-lidded the entire time. Cypher could feel him, as he had since their fight ended, channeling his Zight into the new Zweihander he was holding.

It was no doubt to use his movement technique. When the moment called for it. Still, a true battle was far off at this point. Without proper Conductors, the nobles would be unable to put up a decent fight against Cypher. Fayaldin's threat against Syntinnial was laughable in Cypher's eyes. Of course, they couldn't know that the old man was far stronger than even Cypher was at his peak.

That threat was empty and meaningless. He could destroy their entire force and each one of the nobles without breaking a sweat if he so chose. That said, Cypher didn't wish to involve himself in this struggle. He was a foreigner in a foreign land. This was not his battle to pursue. However, He knew all too well how heavily the cards were stacked against those of common birth.

At the very least he wanted to even the playing field for Gastor and his cause. That was the least he could do after he had unknowingly weakened Mother's Grace, and he still felt angry that he had been used as such. He would work harder in the future to avoid falling into another scheme like that. Still, this small measure of revenge brought him a smug sense of satisfaction. Watching a noble like Fayaldin lose his composure and fall for Cypher’s distraction was quite a good feeling.

Cypher eventually let his barrier fall, and the noble's forces soon got close enough that Cypher could break the enchantments on their minds. Just as before, those men and women were left with the memories of what they had done and the truth of what was going on. The work was taxing on his mind and Zight reserves but he held firm and completed his task as best as he could.

Gastor smiled and stood up straight as he watched the nobles in the distance, fleeing for their lives as they realized their forces were discovering the truth and turning against them. This battle for control of Farnor wasn’t over. They were still nobles and had incredible influence and power at their command. They would escape today, and Mother's Grace would handle them in the future. However, for now, things had ended peacefully and without more needless loss of life.

Cypher had gotten what he came for and even helped a budding resistance gain a proper footing against a superior and well-funded force. Furthermore, with so many witnesses on this battlefield, it would only be a matter of time before the Matriarch and her court would learn of this attempt to start an unjust uprising.

Cypher had grown in power and claimed his rewards. All that remained now was to return to Syntinnial's cottage and then head out to find his friends. He only hoped that they hadn't fallen prey to this series of events elsewhere in Farnor.

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Gastor looked to Cypher as he removed the Ark Cradle and placed it back into his dimensional pocket. He patted his shoulder and took a final drag off his cigarette before speaking, "You really came through for us. This whole situation could have ended a lot differently if you hadn't been there to help.

"Before we were left with little choice but to kill our brothers and sisters. You being able to break the enchantments on their minds was more than I could have hoped for when I first laid eyes on you back in there. I know you have your own goals, Cypher, but we could really use someone like you on our side. The fight to protect our land is still ongoing, and I know we haven't seen the last of Fayaldin and his corrupt nobles," finished Gastor with a serious look on his face.

Cypher smiled and shook his head. "I wish I could offer more help, but you're right. I have my own goals and problems to deal with. That said, I'll be in Farnor for quite some time. I'm heading to a place called Ardua, so if you happen to be heading that way, maybe we'll meet up again. I can't promise I can help, but you won't have to fight alone. You helped me see that I was being used and I won't soon forget that."

"Think nothing of it, my friend. These things happen, and it's important to learn these lessons so that you can avoid something similar happening in the future. Still, it's quite a shame that you can't aid our cause. You'd be spectacular. But I wish you all the best. Good luck out there!" With that, Gastor heaved his giant blade over his shoulder and headed out the back of the estate towards where his troops had departed.

Lent and his own troops remained near the front gate of the estate and looked quite lost. They had nowhere to go now and no goal now that they had been freed from Fayaldin's influence. "So what will you do?" asked Cypher as he walked up to Lent.

The man scratched his head and looked at the ground for a few moments before answering. "To be honest, I don't really know. For years we've served Lord Fayaldin thinking he was a right and just ruler. But now that we know we were being used to rise up against the Matriarch and her family, I feel like it was all for nothing. How do I even begin to make up for the things I've done? My men and I were at the forefront of Fayaldin's evil deeds. It'll take quite a while to even begin making up for that."

"Well," began Cypher. "There is no easy answer to that question. But if it were me... Well, I'd do everything in my power to make sure that he can't accomplish his goals. Be as much of a pain in his ass as possible. You know, Gastor and Mother's Grace could really use a force like yours. I know they seem a little rough around the edges, but maybe your training and guidance can make them a more effective force against those asshat nobles. Just a thought."

Lent looked a bit better after Cypher said that, and he quickly nodded his head and smiled. "You're right! The best thing I can do now is to provide support and aid to that cause. It's a lot more noble than what we were doing before. I think that's about the best thing we can do right now. Thank you, Cypher."

Just as with Gastor, Lent turned to gather his men, and together they all hurried after Gastor. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but things could only improve if they played their cards right. Cypher felt that this whole situation had been annoying at first. But in the end, he was able to piss off a bunch of nobles and enable a force to rise against injustice. He had even increased his own power as a result.

All in all, things had ended quickly, but in the best possible outcome as far as he was concerned. Now he just needed to hunt down Syntinnial and get back to the task at hand. Finding Alex and Melodi.

With that, he turned and dashed away toward their previous camp in hopes of finding the old man and getting back on the road.