Chapter LCIV: Taking Charge

"Danienne, get down here," Rykoshet shouted as he burst into the main hall of Oztroja. "Anybody and everybody outside the castle walls, return immediately. Raidom, get Wolfgang immediately. And above all," he paused before speaking into his linkshell again, "nobody panic."

Confusion was beginning to spiral out of control around him. Soldiers were scrambling around the castle trying to find a superior officer. Civilians looked for their children and loved ones, gathering up their valuables and seeking safety. Some Yagudo were angrily arguing with one another about following Altanan orders now, something which he knew he had to head off immediately. As he purposefully strode past a clutch of the birdmen, he grabbed one he recognized by the arm, pulling him away.

"You're Huu Xalmo, right?"

The Yagudo pulled away, surprisingly powerful despite his thin arms. "I am Huu Xalmo the Savage, Champion of Yagudo," he declared firmly. The beastman was big, taller even than Rykoshet, and he folded his arms with a menacing stare. "What is the meaning of - "

"Listen, there's an army heading this way and we have every reason to believe it's being sent here by the same demons that attacked Oztroja. I need a strong Yagudo to rally the rest so that they can get revenge for last time. You've been working with Danienne, right?"

"I - "

"Good, then you know all the soldiers. You're my man. Spread the word, champion, the Yagudo are going to have their chance to get even."

Huu Xalmo, whom only moments before had been discussing defying his authority, appeared greatly conflicted. Rykoshet was not naive enough to think the Yagudo would not leap at the chance to overthrow the new rulers of Castle Oztroja. Fortunately, they were bound by strict rules of honor - the same rules by which he had taken over the fortress in the first place. That honor demanded the Kindred pay in blood for the Yagudo lives lost during their initial attack. After a few anguished seconds of internal debate, Huu Xalmo's priorities settled into place. He clapped a fist against his heart, staring down at the Elvaan.

"I shall prepare the Yagudo for war and await further command." He confirmed. From the corner of his eye, Rykoshet could see the clutch of birdmen he had been talking with exchange glances and whispers. Someone of Huu Xalmo's status in their society would not be questioned lightly.

Rykoshet respectfully returned the salute. "Good. Once all the Yagudo soldiers have been alerted, bring the top commanders to see me. We'll start planning things from there." The Yagudo nodded, and they turned almost simultaneously to pursue their respective duties. It took him three powerful strides before he collided with Danienne.

Both Dark Knights staggered backwards, Danienne tumbling over into a heap of black hair and armor. Rykoshet escaped with only some arm-flailing, and after a desperate but successful attempt to regain his balance he extended the Hume a hand. She clasped it, pulling herself up and dusting off in the midst of the horde of people running directionless around them.

"Is what Celeres said true?" She asked without preamble. "Are we under attack?"

He shook his head. "We don't know anything yet but we can't take chances. Right now we need to get everybody inside the castle, especially Icon. We need to hear everything he saw."

"I've tried contacting him, he's not answering his linkpearl," she tapped her own, which she had attached as an earring. "We have to assume the worst, Rykoshet, and start making preparations."

Grimly, Rykoshet accepted the truth of her words. "I know, you're right. Go and get your divisions in order. Decay," he took hold of his linkshell as he called the Red Mage's name, "get up here."

"What's going on?" The Hume's angry voice shot back.

"Staff meeting," he replied. "Attendance is mandatory. Tear yourself away from your rock and come to the central hall." He set the shell down against his chest, looking back at Danienne. "Let's get on top of this one. I'll round everybody up, you make sure the castle is ready for an attack."

"You've got it, boss," she affirmed, breaking away at a brisk pace into the depths of Oztroja. Rykoshet did the same, heading up the stairs while touching two fingers to his linkshell once again.

"Bael," he said into it, "meet me at outside my room." He rushed up the flight of stone steps, throwing off his cloak. He tore through the buttons on the linen shirt he was wearing, trying to tug it off over his head simultaneously. When he halted at the door to his room, Baeladar was already there, raising an eyebrow at the undressing Elvaan.

"While I am flattered you requested me, you will have to look elsewhere for a concubine," he told him. "I imagine sirs Atin and Esane are rather lonesome in their - "

"Can it Bael, I'm getting into my armor," he threw open the door to his chamber and stepped inside, tossing his shirt on the floor. "You should, too."

The Elvaan smoothed out the front of the silk doublet he was wearing, a rich San d'Orian red with the crest of Baeladar's family dyed into the left sleeve. "Rykoshet," he clasped his hands behind his back, "I hate to interrupt the panic you all seem set on, but I should point out we have practically no proper intelligence on our situation." He started to object, but the Paladin's hand shot up to cut him off. "We have a one-sentence report with no details attached at all. We must do our own reconaissance before we act rashly."

"Can we really afford to take chances?" Yanking the tightly-linked black chainmail shirt into place, he began struggling with his hauberk. "Odessa said she saw people out there, with the demons. If they had some way of knowing where she teleported to, they could have followed - "

"A plausible scenario, yes, but one we cannot be certain of."

"Look," he finally managed to squeeze his head through the armor, shifting his shoulders to settle it into place. "If there's nothing to it, we'll call it a drill and be none the worse for the wear. But right now we know there's an army coming our way, and the last time I checked," he clenched his fingers, hands now enveloped by thick gauntlets, "there aren't many armies out there still friendly to people like us."

"Hmph." Baeladar's thoughts were imperceptible from his expression. "Very well. However, be that as it may, I still request we send scouts into the field to be sure of what we face."

Struggling to pull his greaves on, Rykoshet nodded dismissively. "Fine, we'll send Betrayil, but this isn't what I called you here for."

"Oh?"

"No. Let's just assume for the sake of this conversation that this is a worst-case scenario. I need a floorplan for the entire castle and details on all of our available units. We have to know where we're strong and where we need the most support. And I'm not the only one who needs this. The Yagudo will know things about the castle we don't. We're going to hammer out the best defense we can." He stood, twisting about as he searched for his mantle. Seeing it sticking out from underneath a pile of coats, he yanked out the length of stout fabric and settled it over his shoulders. Baeladar stood where he was, watching the scene without reaction. "Well?" Rykoshet demanded.

"I am just waiting for my leader to dismiss me," he said with aplomb.

He rolled his dark eyes. "Come on Bael, don't drag your feet."

The Paladin offered a wry smile. "Simply a comment on how well you fit the role. I am off, please alert sir Betrayil to come see me as soon as he returns to the castle."

Rykoshet shot him an acidic glare, but the Paladin was already on his way out. Grumbling, he threw open the door of his closet, looking at the rack of weapons staring back at him. Tzee Xicu's enormous spear was there, and he reached for it, recognizing the authority behind it. His hand hesistated as he got near it. Instead, he took hold of a massive great sword, pulling the weapon from the hooks holding it up and strapping it across his back. He turned to look in the mirror, ruffled his hair a bit, and then strode from the room at a march.

When he reached the central hall, people were gathering in large groups as word spread. Jeunoans were occupying most of the space, but the Yagudo were encircling the periphery, waiting to see what happened. Rykoshet began walking towards them, but was headed off by an angry mass of red. He stopped short as Decay planted his feet in front of him, fists on his hips. The Red Mage looked gaunt, with dark circles under his eyes and a face unshaven for days.

"When was the last time you ate something?" He asked before anything else.

"If you called me up here to complain about my diet, I'll . . . " Decay stopped, rubbing his hand against the stubble on his face and taking a breath. "Look, I can't afford to take a break right now. This better be good."

"We just received word from Icon that there's an army heading this way."

"Keep them out of the caverns," he replied.

"Obviously we want to keep them out of the entire castle. That's not the point. Have you found anything yet? Anything we can use to defend ourselves?"

Decay shook his head. "I've found out a lot but nothing like that. I don't even know if it can be used that way."

Rykoshet was confused. "If it's not dangerous, why are you spending so much time researching it?"

"Did I say it wasn't dangerous? That thing puts out more power by itself every day than all the mages here combined could muster in a week. I knew when I started that magicite could store memories, but I didn't know the extent. There might be thousands of years worth of events recorded on that stone, Rykoshet, and any one of them might detail something which would be catastrophic."

"Fantastic," he rubbed his forehead in irritation. "Alright, you're exempt from this meeting. Go back to studying, but keep in mind that you're now also on guard duty."

"Sure, fine," Decay waved his hand dismissively, already turning away.

"And Decay!" Rykoshet shouted, freezing the Hume in his tracks. "This order becomes effective after you get something to eat and take a nap." Decay raised his voice, but the imposing Elvaan stepped forward, his face darkening. "If this stone is as dangerous as you say, I need the people watching it on top of their game. You won't guard anything if you're half-dead. Now get to it."

Brushing past the angry glare he received, Rykoshet strode forward into the growing crowd. At the head of the congregation, he saw Huu Xalmo and Wolfgang in conversation. Raidom was with the Jeunoan, and Mee Deggi and Quu Domi stood with their own commander. All stopped and looked up as the Elvaan approached.

"These linkpearls of yours spread bad news quickly," Wolfgang noted.

"Better to have it now than be taken by surprise." Rykoshet looked over the assembled soldiers. "You know the situation as well as I do right now. I need your recommendations on how to proceed. Don't pretend you weren't talking about that before I got here."

Wolfgang stepped forward first. The air of authority the diminuitive Jeunoan carried with him offset the difference in height between them. "We should prepare for battle right away. Muster all of our forces, seal up the castle, and wait for them to show themselves."

"Feh," Mee Deggi grunted, "this is no battle plan. The Yagudo fight our enemy on the field, like warriors."

"Still your beak," Huu Xalmo commanded. "This is no skirmish against the Federation. They intend the extermination of our species." The big Yagudo's flashing eyes settled on Rykoshet. "It is as the Jeunoan says. Also, I recommend we . . . " he seemed to hesitate, glancing towards his two compatriots, but then resolutely stated " . . . we should send an emissary to the Yagudo of Giddeus and request their aid."

Quu Domi let out a squawk, and Mee Deggi looked incredulous. "That is sacrelige, Savage!" The former protested.

"This battle concerns all Yagudo whom defy the yoke of servitude to a false god," Huu Xalmo puffed his chest out threateningly. "We have put aside our differences with these Altanans for the sake of this battle, can we do less for our own brothers?"

The smaller Yagudo looked sullen. "Long has Oztroja distanced itself from the zealots of Giddeus. This will not be well-received."

Huu Xalmo's visage darkened. "Its reception will be better than the one we shall give the demons."

"Let's hold off on that." They turned back to Rykoshet, surprised he was still there. "We don't know the size or strength of our enemy yet. If we can handle this ourselves we should do so. Besides, we have no way of knowing if the Yagudo of Giddeus are still there, or if they're on our side."

"What are you saying?" Mee Deggi snapped.

"Just because you refused to join with Dynamis doesn't mean all the Yagudo did. Tzee Xicu doesn't hold authority over Giddeus, does she? So her order wouldn't extend to them. If they came to you, we can reasonably guess that they approached the other beastmen as well."

"And if they did refuse," Raidom spoke up, "the caves of Giddeus are not nearly as strong a defense against the Kindred as the halls of Oztroja. They would be easy prey."

Long glances shifted between the three Yagudo. The topic was clearly making them uncomfortable.

"We'll make a decision when we know more, which will hopefully be soon." Rykoshet changed the subject as quickly as possible. "Right now we have to decide what we're doing with the people already here. I've heard keep everyone inside and let them come to us. I like that, we're going with it." He took a glance around at the chaos brewing around their tiny gathering. A crushing weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders suddenly, and he tried hard not to appear physically pressed down. "First things first, let's put a stop to all of this," he gestured towards the glut of people milling about in various states of confusion. "Gather everyone together, I'll address them and get things settled. Can we do that in an hour?"

"We will make it so," Huu Xalmo pledged for his two underlings.

"Likewise," Wolfgang folded his hands behind his back. "Lieutenant, organize the soldiers." Raidom saluted before rushing off to obey the order. "Rykoshet, I'll speak bluntly here," he said after his sub-commander was out of sight, "this is likely going to be difficult and I don't very much trust you."

"So?"

"So the first sign I see that you're not capable of protecting the people of Jeuno, there's going to be a shake-up in the ranks here."

Rykoshet narrowed his eyes. "Right. Just make sure you hold up your end, Wolfgang. Meet back here in an hour. Dismissed."

Before they could say anything else, he had turned away from them. He grasped his linkshell, the sound of chatter instantly filling his ears. "Betrayil," he growled into it, "you better be listening to this."

The other voices went silent momentarily. He awaited a response for as long as his patience held, which was not long in the current situation. "Whatever you're doing, stop it. Drag Hiraiko back if you have to, but get back to the castle and report to Baeladar immediately. Danienne, where do you stand?"

"Ready to go here, boss," the Dark Knight's voice replied. "Just waiting on Wolfgang's division."

"Raidom's on his way to round them up. Come to the central hall. That goes for everybody who can hear this, and tell the ones who can't. We've got decisions that concern us all." He let go of his shell and stopped in place, trying to collect his thoughts. This was unavoidable, they all knew it. From the moment they took up residence in Oztroja, it was foolish to think they wouldn't be made to defend it one day. Now that day was here. Despite what Baeladar said, he was certain, as they all were, that it was an enemy army heading their way. If it was anything else Icon would have come back with them instead of sending word ahead. No, this was trouble.

He was pacing back and forth, lost in thought, when he stumbled and fell forward. He laid sprawled out on the ground for a moment, grumbling into the stone, before tearing himself free.

"Who - " his angered shout died in his throat.

"Watch where you walk you, you . . . ugly, pink-skinned twit!"

Rykoshet stared mutely at the Goblin, but it was doing enough talking for the both of them.

"What kind of greeting is this?! You Altanans!" It made a spitting sound from beneath the brown air filtering mask it wore, squinting its eyes behind its goggles. "After I haul my poor bones all the way here from Crawler's Nest, through those yellow-eyed nasties, with plenty of gobbie-eating monsters trying to suck the succulent skin from my bones . . . "

"Wait, wait - " the Elvaan started to pick himself up off the ground. "You came from Crawler's Nest?"

"Are those ears for show?!" It stamped up and down. "Where's Antiqix? Where's that other dhalmel-necked girl, Odessa? She brought us here! Is this any kind of way to welcome - "

Rykoshet pressed a hand against its mask, and it stared furiously at him as its words were cut of. Slowly, he stood up, peering down at the dwarfish beastman fuming up at him.

"You're one of the Goblins from Crawler's Nest." He said it again.

"What are you, an Orc? How many times do I have to repeat myself?"

"We got in touch with you three weeks ago! We thought you'd been wiped out by the demons!"

"Pfah!" The creature kicked dust up onto Rykoshet's armor. "As if they could find our hiding places! It just took us longer to sneak around, especially since they've gone and put that big stupid army in between there and here."

Rykoshet blinked at him several times. "An army."

"I'm not repeating myself again!" It jumped up and down angrily.

"No, no, it's okay, I just - " he stopped, peering at the stunted beastman. "Who let you in here?"

"I told your gate guard that Odessa sent for us and he opened the doors for me. He didn't ask nearly so many stupid questons."

"Us?"

"The Goblins! Two thousand, four hundred and eighty-three Goblins promised shelter and protection from the demons! Although from the number of them coming this way, I'd say you're going to be hard-pressed to keep that promise!" It snorted at him, folding its arms. "Who's in charge here? I don't have time to talk to some clueless underling. Where's Odessa?"

"Wait!" Rykoshet kneeled to eye level with the fuming beastman. "Are the other Goblins out there too?"

It made a noise from its throat that might have been a chuckle. "'Course not, they're waiting for me to give them the signal that you Altanans are on the up-and-up."

"Okay, okay." His mind was moving quickly. "What's your name?"

"Lootblix," he responded, "are you going to take me to Odessa or not?"

"Of course I will, Lootblix. She'll be here in a few minutes, actually. In the meantime, can you tell me everything you know about this army you saw?"

"Fah, I suppose." The creature grumbled. Leaning in, Rykoshet listened intently as the stubby beastman went into detail about what exactly was in store for them.

It was less than an hour later Rykoshet found himself standing before the assembled might of the Yagudo and the Jeunoans, with all the members of Those Guys in attendance, informing them that war was coming their way.