CHAPTER 11: Mission

"Eiridan was founded on Trust. Dakkone was founded on Power. Obsidian was founded on Fear. Yet these three united to overthrow Aldren. A Dominion founded on Darkness."

-Lecture Series 413, by Naomi Andromeda, Paladin 2nd-Class

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The Templar Paladinium, Kingdom State of Galiron, Eiridan Empire

Ezakem 10 AE

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Nash has never been to the dark continent Mashashen located in the north pole of the world. All his life, he has been confined to Atraidan. He has never even left the Eiridan Empire. This is one of the reasons why he chose being a Paladin over being a general Torren. Sure the skill is specialized and not widely applicable, but Paladins can move about the Empire more freely compared to other Torrens.

"But if what the boy said is true," Eckard continued, "then we should not ignore the warning."

"True," Reinhard said. "I have noticed a commotion in the atmosphere over Maceria just over a month ago."

Nash marveled at the Emperor's power. Maceria is miles away to the north. It is the northernmost civilized frontier of the continent Atraidan. It also belongs to the territory of the Obsidian Empire, one of Eiridan's allies in the last Atraidan War against the Aldren Dominion.

"If this warning is legitimate, then I want General Synestra to personally investigate the matter over there," the Emperor commanded.

Nash's eyes widened at the order. Eckard's face likewise lit up.

"I'm sorry, Your Imperial Highness," interjected the lead council member. "But I feel the need to remind you that our current cold war with the Obsidian Empire prevents the free movement of military personnel between empires."

"True," Eckard said, downcast. "And I'm not exactly anonymous."

"Not if he goes there as a commoner," the Emperor said.

Eckard is a legend in the entire Atraidan continent. The Emperor's comment did not make sense.

"I can mask your identity," Eiridan proffered. "Only Geoffri Obsidian will be able to detect you if you meet him. But I am confident you will not come across him in this mission."

"Pardon the interruption, Your Imperial Majesty," Eckard said. "Merleon and Obsidian are practically brothers. If you felt this commotion over Maceria, I doubt if Emperor Obsidian will not be there. I even doubt if the Obsidian Monarchies are not involved in that commotion at all."

"I know he will be there," Eiridan replied. "But you will not make contact with any monarchy. You will enter the Obsidian Empire as a slave trader. Lieutenant Synestra will be your merchandise. I understand that the Lieutenant graduated from the Torrens Academy early, correct?"

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty," Eckard replied. He eyed Nash. Nash began to understand where the proposal was going.

"Then make sure to 'sell' Lieutenant Synestra to the Obsidian Torrens Academy in Maceria. His age should still qualify," the Emperor said. "Movement between borders may be restricted. But the slave trade there is one commerce that will always be open.

"Then find a way to the Warrens and make your way to the Dagren Kingdom of Thurim. From there, you need to find a way to Mashashen. But do not engage with whatever you will encounter in the dark continent."

Nash did not like the idea of being sold as a slave. More than that, he did not like the idea of going through Torrens Academy all over again. The only appealing factor to this entire mission is that he gets to explore outside the borders of the Eiridan Empire. More than his worries, he worried about the welfare of his mentor.

Eckard, however, brightened at the proposal. "Finally!" His mentor always wanted action. He admired that about Eckard.

"You sure about this?" Nash whispered. "What about Mira?"

"Oh, she'll manage. She might even rejoice at my absence. Sixty years of marriage with no children? She prefers that I'm away from time to time."

"What say you, General?" the lead council member asked, purposefully.

For some time now, Nash had the impression that the High Council has been trying to prevent Eckard's participation in any significant action. Why, though, he doesn't know. Politics. It is the other reason why he hated staying put in the Templar Paladinium. Eckard most probably feels the same way.

"This is not a request, Councilman," Eiridan said coldly. "This is an Imperial Command of the highest order.

"I want you to arrange Lieutenant Synestra's papers. Has he been registered in the Imperial Registrar?"

"Not yet, Your Imperial Majesty," the lead council member sheepishly replied. "He only came to our notice two years ago when he took up Paladin specialization. General Synestra never performed this obligation, even after five years from his adoption."

"Taxes," Eckard simply scoffed.

"Good," said the Emperor, surprising even Nash. The Emperor looked at him straight in the eye then said, "you can be anybody.

"Find out what you can from their Torrens Academy. It will be dangerous but I know you can handle it. I only have this warning – whatever happens, never allow yourself to be Revenated. This might not concern you because their primary candidates are girls, but it still pays to be vigilant. You will be entering as a slave, after all."

"Aye, Your Imperial Majesty." Nash did not understand what all of it meant, but he had a feeling he will encounter the term again when he gets to Maceria.

"And stop writing and burn that page from the ledger, Councilwoman," the Emperor called after the council member who was writing the minutes. The woman abruptly looked up, startled, and raised her pen.

"This conversation never happened," the Emperor continued. "Lieutenant Synestra went along with his supposed assignment from Captain Archevaughn. General Synestra went along with his usual class. They will appear to continue with their usual routine here in the Empire. Find a way to make that happen."

Then the Emperor knelt before his son, held him in the shoulders, and gently said, "I know you admire Lieutenant Synestra. But you're not yet strong enough to be trained by someone like him. I want you to train your hardest here. Then when he comes back, you can show him how good you've improved, and maybe he'll take you under his wing."

The boy nodded, seemingly satisfied. That or he simply understood the gravity of the situation.

"As for you, Gentlemen," the Emperor turned back to Nash and Eckard, "settle your matters here. You will be gone for a very long time."