Voices echoed as Darkness, like that from the deepest corners of space, enveloped the Captain of the Comanches. He felt motionless; however, he saw himself falling into an abyss, his body rippling before him as if he were the pool itself. 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 him.
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, at which he fired. The shadows disappeared, and everything went dark, making him panic as he looked 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 within the forest.
Everywhere else was nothing but Darkness, so 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 she had 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. Everything was in color as usual, but Ryder could see that the right eye's iris was gold and the left was blue. Somehow, he knew this was Assiaya's vision—the irises inverted from what he saw when viewing 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 through her eyes, Assiaya looked down as the vampire bit into her neck and fed on her blood. Suddenly, her eyes filled with a gold, blue, and white glow, fuzzing the vision. The vampire boy suddenly blinked as if he had a severe migraine, staring ahead with a dazed look as he held a hand to his forehead.
Assiaya's gold and blue eyes parted, and dust filtered through the air as heat and sunlight returned.
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's tombstone was Carlie Ryder, and the child's 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 Comanches 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 down in the form of rain.
Then a glowing golden light surrounded him, and the ghostly funeral sank 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. Hundreds of spirit bugs surrounded him, 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 descended toward the girl and hovered above her 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's 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 became 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 were 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 naturally. Trees listed from the breeze with a colorful delay effect. Mist formed over the nearby lake, acting more alive and fluid. In the sky, Tekali 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 were splitting between reality or walking without gravity—and yet, he walked as if nothing were 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 mouth. The strange golden girl said, "Nissa," then gently touched his forehead.
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 the Harpy and J'avais emerged as Natilite arrived. 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 into Darkness, pushing aside the ripples from Tekali until Darkness remained. The Darkness swirled like a whirlpool before being swallowed into two singularities, swirling and swirling. Then 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 had fought before. Its blade ignited blue as it came toward him. Before he could react, the machine swung its blade into him….
March, 12th, 2069 (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 encamp here. In addition, the team medic wished to give their captain time to rest before the next engagement. Heavy foliage they could hide behind, combined with their tents, helped conceal 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 stun's effects could have been amplified. It was a point she could understand, considering they had gone this far without allies or weapons.
Sitting on her knees while holding a bottle of water, the girl stared at the sleeping Captain. Her gray, wet, muddy, ragged clothing had been replaced by a clean olive-green shirt with tan and brown patterns that draped past her knees, making it look more like a dress than a shirt.
What the Valkyrie found adorable was that the girl, Assiaya, had yet to leave Ryder's side, waiting for him to awaken. The water in her hand was meant for herself, but the angelic warrior knew she was waiting to hand the drink to him. This told her how much love and respect she had for the Captain.
Deciding that they needed more information and wanting 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," she said. "I want to be here when he wakes."
Seeing the medic smile, the Templar couldn't help but enjoy the moment. The sight alone 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 before staring back at Ryder, waiting patiently. Since being found, she had not eaten or slept, and the winged woman was worried that she would get sick or worse. Knowing how essential the girl was to Ryder, she felt responsible for ensuring she was cared for 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, as you are 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?"
The unknown girl went on to explain what had transpired, starting from when the Tornlado Knights dragged Ryder's body to Forlace. The Altaerrie man and the Vampire Lord endured other forms of mind torture before they were able to escape, thanks to her failed attempt to give her former master a sleep potion. Afterward, they struggled in the wild, fighting animals, Adventurers, and a Demon, which left him with a scar across his chest.
The Templar's eyes widened as she understood the gravity of what Ryder had gone through. She turned toward the unconscious man, shocked that they were alive. Demons were not a threat to be taken lightly. Even the Unity, with their advanced magitech, still feared them, as so few lived to tell the tale of an encounter.
Replacing her shocked expression with one of pride, Natilite placed her hand on the girl's shoulder and gently pulled her close for 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 her 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," Natilite said, waving their Wood Elf mage 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, sparking a long story of how her family brought the Altaerrie to defeat the Unity.
As the two girls left, the Templar turned back toward the unconscious Captain as Marcos Gonzales inserted a needle into his arm. The man had bruises all over his body, along with a black eye. A gray foam-like substance covered the still-fresh cut across his chest, and there was much more. Many of his irregular breathing patterns and blood-blistered eyes were caused by overusing the healing potion, which angered her. His body was exhausted.
She looked left and saw Captain Webster of the Redcoats and Warrant Officer 1 King from the Comanche approaching.
"Hello, mates. How is the Jent?"
"Being 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," Webster replied.
"War will be over by then," King responded before refocusing on the Templar.
Confused by the humor, Natilite showed the British man a vial of a healing potion. "Your Captain 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?"
"Ben 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 to heal the body?"
The Templar scratched her head. She had never had to explain modern medicine in the form of potions before. She had no idea why, as she didn't know how they were made or what examples she could use to educate them; she just knew that overusing them could harm the body. They were familiar enough among the warrior classes of society, as that was where the need was greatest.
She observed that the Altaerrie had invented technology to achieve maximum versatility, unlike potions. "You are correct, but you are being too literal 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?" She saw both men confirm it with their expressions. "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, helping it heal 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 Ryder's cut, the wound will heal, but the burning damage will persist unless treated in advance. You also cannot drink more than one vial 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. There's always a side effect to everything."
"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 minor issue with their team that needed addressing. It didn't seem urgent, as he wasn't panicky, but it was important enough to address. 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 had paid off.
That was when the Farian woman blocked Natilite's path. Remembering how she had assisted her during the engagement at the fort, Natilite 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 a sling or bow. It is quieter and lighter when traveling."
"I can understand that. And the 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 were implying a different motive. Before Natilite could inquire, Ar'lya walked away, so she 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 used. 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 attention."
"I get it," Forest said. "It is harder to see in thermal. But is that its only use?"
"No," Fraeya said. "Traveling is the primary purpose, but it is also commonly used in cooking and crafting."
"Hey, Wings," 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 how to describe a Demon. "It is like a humanoid construct, like your IRiSS, but much deadlier."
"You sounded shocked that they survived."
"Of course. Most do not live to tell the tale if they encounter one. They slumber in ruins before orilla, guarding its secrets. If provoked, let's just say that they have wiped out entire cities and Legions. All Empires of Alagore agreed to outlaw any exploration of these ruins, solely so that we do not awaken them."
"I had a feeling," King said. "Mind asking her? I need to confirm something."
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 the Elf Girl was, it must have been intense.
"Hello, you two," Natilite said. "I hope everything is going well, Fraeya?"
"Of course," she replied. "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 sigh in frustration, Natilite couldn't help but giggle at 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 the two of you went to Orilla. Even as a slave, you should have known better than to enter."
"It was not Orilla," Assiaya said. "We were in a normal cave, so we thought." She saw King and pointed to the ax. "He fought it with that."
The Templar was completely shocked that the Altaerrie Captain had fought one of these construct death machines with an enchanted melee weapon. It was almost unheard of. It made her wonder why a stranger from another world would risk facing such a challenge just for a slave girl, but he did. It mostly confirmed what she had seen in Salva after the Milita was freed. It wasn't a fluke, but a trait.
That was when she saw the Warrant Officer pull a strange rectangular device from his pocket that these Altaerrie all carried around obsessively. It was like a liquid-crystal screen, but more compact and solid.
The Templar saw the image, which was of a Demon construct but looked slightly different. This one was more silver with a rusty red 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, but his fire was blue, not red."
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 went Super Saiyan against 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."
The group laughed.
"I see your world has them, too," Natilite said as she stood.
"Not exactly," King said. "Comanche never fought them directly, but in training simulations before the Bridge activation. Our people are secretly waging a war against them on Mars, where we found the Orb. They are not native to Earth."
Barrett leaned against the hood of an AMTV, hand on his chin as he thought. "What concerns me is that your people encounter them constantly."
"That is not true," Fraeya 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 Elvish word," Fraeya explained. "Orilla relates to anything from the old world, thousands of years ago. Those ruins are cursed by these demons, who protect 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 journals, 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 with 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 the 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 our way over the mountains."
As the conversation moved to how both teams would regroup with Ghost, a loud sound rang out behind everyone, and they turned to see Ryder and Gonzales aiming their weapons at them.
The Templar placed her hand on her sword hilt and saw Gonzales on the ground, 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."
She let go of her sword, flexed her wings, and burst forward. Using her Valkyrie's agility, she reached the Captain before he could harm someone.
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 acknowledged that Natilite was correct.
She could tell that he had suffered a nightmare. Most likely, having been a prisoner for sport and hunted like an animal, he was still in survival mode. Within her proverbial vision, she also saw Wallace grab him by the arm and wrap an arm around him so that he wouldn't fall onto the ground. Barrios appeared on the other side, prepared to intervene if needed. The Templars understood the Warrant Officer's order to calm 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 looked around frantically again and pushed Wallace away. Barrios grabbed him by the shoulder but allowed the Captain to look around, unsure if their leader had fallen or was reaching for a firearm again.
Ryder slowly calmed himself 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 genuinely to care for the former slave girl. Based on the story the girl told them, she couldn't blame him. In addition, she found it adorable that the first thing he thought of 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 pushed past everyone, and the Sergeant First Class ordered them to let the Captain through. When he arrived, he dropped onto his knees and wrapped his arms around her, pulling the girl tightly into his arms. The slave girl began crying as the two embraced each other, knowing that they had 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 choked up from the sight. For the moment, the memories of everything she had witnessed and been through throughout the war—the suffering at Salva, being taken captive, and the defeats and casualties of so many soldiers and innocents—led to this moment, proving the ordeal to be worth it. That was what she had hoped for when she brought 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 happy he was about not leaving the civilian behind. Others were recording the moment with their strange handheld rectangular devices. She had noticed that most of these humans did 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 dimly glowing fire, Mathew Ryder reflected on the past week and how he had finally reunited with his team. Still, that didn't mean his body had stopped shaking or that he had lowered his guard. His eyes were bloodshot, and every so often, his stomach twisted from the lingering effects of the excessive amount of healing potions he had consumed. More than once, he had to suppress a gag or swallow back the urge to vomit, a humiliating reminder that his body was still trying to process what had been forced into it.
Seeing a shadow, he glanced up and saw Assiaya holding a cup out for him to grab. He took a sip and realized that it was tea. Most likely, it had come from the British troops, but she wanted to be the one to deliver it. "Gratias tibi."
Assiaya's face lit up with joy before she turned around and walked away.
Ryder then saw some of his fellow Comanche. While others were performing their tasks, others were taking glances at him. The glances were not out of malice but probably came from commenting and reflecting on the embarrassment he had experienced not too long ago. The Captain turned back toward 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 had all expressed sympathy, it was not his proudest moment.
Noticing someone sitting on the other side of the campfire, Ryder saw the Elf Girl seated there. For some reason, she looked distressed and indecisive. "Is everything alright, Fraeya?" he slowly said.
She 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 if he struggled to respond. At first, he wanted to say no, that he did not get the opportunity to learn about anyone. He had been 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. Then there was the strange dream from Assiaya's point of view, showing a regional map and the realization that prisoners were being taken there at that time.
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.
The Elf Girl 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 AMTVs, grabbed the map, and prepared it on the vehicle's hood.
Ryder stood up but almost immediately stumbled to the ground, startling the Elf Girl. His Staff Sergeant came over to help their Captain walk, which he found humiliating but accepted.
"Thanks," Ryder mumbled.
"No problem," Forest said. "Just remember this during Christmas bonuses."
The three headed toward Higgins. Forest kept his robotic arm on the Captain's back to assist while also trying to be respectful by showing that their leader could walk alone.
When they reached the vehicle, Ryder saw that everyone was confused, but he ignored their reactions and focused on his task. The map was laid out, and he studied it. "Where are we?"
"Somewhere 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 is 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 farther. He hoped that was now a benefit, assuming his memories were accurate. While dealing with a major headache and the lingering nausea in his stomach, he carefully recalled the correct memories.
"What is going on here?" King asked. "Boss, you should be resting."
Ryder ignored his team's concerns and kept focusing on the map, needing 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 when there was 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 at him in confusion.
"Hey, Assiaya," Ryder said. "I have an important question for you. Do you remember Kallem saying where the prisoners were taken? The Altaerrie and Salva prisoners? It is to a port inside a mountain, correct?"
The former slave girl stood there, staring at Ryder. It seemed like the wheels were turning inside her mind as she processed 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 the Templar, who was staring down from the roof. The British SAS Captain and his second-in-command were also 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."
"Good job, kid," Ryder said before coughing. It took him a moment to breathe, and another wave of nausea rolled through his stomach. He swallowed hard, forcing down another gag before 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 coast, and I have yet to see aircraft."
"It could mean two things," Natilite said. "Alagore has many underground river networks that Goblins and Dwarves utilize for trade. It would be one of those. Most likely, it could be a port for airships, 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. "The translation amulet doesn't understand this terminology."
"Makes 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," Natilite said. "All I know is that the Unity uses airships to maintain air dominance over the Coalition for decades."
"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's 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 asked King and Webster to stay behind. When alone, Ryder took a deep breath. The movement made his stomach churn again, but he managed to keep the nausea under control.
"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 looks, 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 left him slightly exhausted. He felt his stomach tighten again and quickly took another breath until the sensation passed.
"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-eyed color said."
Webster paused and then smirked. "I do have to ask you, Captain. Dinosaurs at 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 had told Assiaya at the cave to cheer her up. He had no idea she could understand the story, so he had elaborated on the details to make them more exciting.
Webster stood there, shaking his head. "Americans."
Still amused, Ryder wondered what else he had said. Before he could answer, he noticed the Elf Girl standing there with a concerned look.
"Fraeya?"
"Do you think we will find my father?"
The Captain closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he collected his thoughts. He opened them, staring at the tan 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."