51

Everyone has returned to Sagax Academy. The news of the attack spreads quickly, and though a holiday will come in only a few days, dozens of students are recalled to their home territories. Sion sits in the almost empty classroom, waiting along with the other remaining students for Valere’s arrival. When Valere walks in, he appears almost unsure. He moves to the front of the room and begins to talk.

“Given the current state of the academy, Headmaster Mirus has decided to push the holiday for the harvest festival forward. Classes will be suspended from now until when classes were scheduled to return. In short, you’re all free to go for now. You can stay in the dorms as long as you like, but this extension was decided on to better allow you all to return to your homes, so I hope you can spend this time well. Alright, you’re dismissed.” At that, Valere turns and leaves the classroom, leaving the students confused. The students begin to leave. Eva stands and looks at the other three.

“Alright, let’s go. We’ll discuss this at the manor.”

Eva begins to leave, Scima following after her. Sion and Anima follow after them. They leave the academy grounds, make their way through the shifting labyrinth back into Messis, and return to the manor. The whole time they walk, they remain in silence. Both Eva and Scima seem far too tense for simple conversation, leaving Sion and Anima unable to talk. Sion looks towards the sky. Roiling clouds are coming in, leaving the horizon a dull gray. Sion wouldn’t be surprised if he saw the storm if only he looked out to the ocean from the port.

Sensing the oncoming storm, Regn sits patiently near the manor. Sion pets his head and smiles.

“Regn, I’ll know what we need to do soon, so just wait a little while.” Regn yips happily.

The four of them walk into the manor. Even once they’re seated, Eva and Scima still seem solemn. Eva begins to talk, poised as though it were a royal address.

“The battle against the True Dracabanan Army has taken a more intense turn. It seems that a real war will soon be upon us.” Scima interjects.

“Lady Eva, I have a letter on that topic.” Scima takes a letter from his pocket and hands it to her. “I intended to tell you about it this afternoon.” Eva inspects the seal.

“It’s from the general? By his lightning doves, I presume?” She opens the envelope and reads the letter enclosed. “I see. It seems that Scima and I have been summoned to Clea to plan for the war. This was the purpose of your letter then, Scima?” Scima nods. “I see. Then our own plans are settled. Scima, what do you make of the current situation?”

“I think that it’s a dangerous spot for us to be in. I don’t think there’ll be a better time to launch an offensive than the festival for a while at least. There’s a degree of bustle to a festival that makes it use up more resources for security. And with so many people walking around, it would be way easier for enemies to sneak in, especially Hyrtan’s modified soldiers. If not for this sudden suspension of classes, I would have suggested that we leave in spite of them. The sooner we can prepare a counter, the better.”

“Thank you, Scima.” Eva is interrupted by a knock at the door.

Scima stands up and moves to the door quickly, all without a word. Scima opens the door, prepared for a fight, and finds Tenka standing there.

“Good morning, Scima. May I come in?”

Scima doesn’t know how to answer, so he leaves the door open and walks back to the others. Tenka takes it as an invitation and follows after him. Scima returns to his seat. Tenka, meanwhile, enters the room, opting to stay standing near Eva.

“Lady Evangelina, I have a request to ask of you. Will you permit me to visit your kingdom during this upcoming break?” Scima responds sharply, but without his typical mocking edge.

“We’re about to fight a war.” Eva continues.

“Indeed. To welcome you as our guest would be tantamount to asking you to fight in our war. I cannot allow that to pass.”

“I have already weighed such a fact. However, I have no intention of fighting your battles. I have strength enough to flee on my own. And more than that, if it comes to that, I will not be ashamed of fighting for the sake of my friends. However, Dracabana is a kingdom born of dragonslayers, so I cannot imagine this battle even reaching that point to begin.”

“Even still—” Scima interrupts, a wry smile on his face.

“In that case, what’s the harm? I say we let him come.” Before Eva can refute him, Scima shifts the topic away. “Sion, come—” Eva interrupts him now.

“Sion, what do you intend to do during this holiday?” Sion can’t meet their eyes.

“Well, my village is small. I should go back and help with the harvest. Every pair of hands helps. And I was always told that I was wonderful to have around the smaller kids when there’s a festival.” Scima responds angrily, with an anger far greater than even when they fought over the tournament. He grits his teeth and spits out the words.

“Sion! How dare—” Again Eva interrupts him.

“Scima! Sion is free to do as he pleases. He is not indebted to the throne. Anima, what do you intend to do? Visit your father is Ecg?” Anima is somewhat nervous to answer.

“Ah… I guess… I haven’t decided yet.”

“I see. Then, in that case, we can bring this meeting to a close. Tenka, will you join us for lunch?” Before Tenka can answer, Scima turns back towards Sion.

“Sion, a storm is coming in soon, isn’t it. You should leave right away, beat the storm there.” Sion ponders the plan for a moment.

“You’re probably right. Excuse me.” Sion goes to the second floor. Scima begins to talk aloud once he’s gone.

“What’s that, Anima, you need a little help? Allow me.”

Scima begins to leave, Anima following him, curious. Once they’re alone, Scima corners her, leaving her no way to escape but to answer him.

“Anima, I know you must be dying to meet Sion’s parents. I have a proposition. Go with him. I’ll give you one of the general’s messenger birds, so when I send a letter to you telling you to get him to us, get Sion to come to Clea right away.” Scima’s voice softens. “Please, Anima. Help me protect Lady Eva.” Scima bows his head to her.