<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><div style="text-align: center;">Gless - Grand Cathedral, Caletta, Squad Eight Quarters</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"It's not enough..."</span>Guilford stared worriedly at the troop markers on the map. Beside him stood an older man, Gray, whom he had called for advice on how to deal with the two-front attack. He too shared the same worried look Guilford had.<br/><br/>Gray noted the numerous pinholes that riddled the map, an indication of the constant movement of the markers and that the Seraph no doubt had been at it for quite some time. At this point, Gray felt like whatever advice he had left to offer, must have already been considered and discarded by the man, much like the one he was about to discard now. "Then I don't know what else to say."<br/><br/>There was only a contemplative hum from the Seraph. Judging from the eyebags that were slowly becoming prominent beneath Guilford's eyes, Gray could only surmise that his earlier thoughts about the man were not too far off the mark. He watched the Seraph constantly glancing at the Asset record he was holding, then back to the map to move some of the troop markers around. "When was the last time you had some sleep Master Guilford?" he asked simply out of curiosity.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"It doesn't matter."</span>he sternly replied. Sleep was the least of his worries right now. They were out of time if what Lillith told Gray was true. How could he possibly rest? There were only a few more days left before the thirteenth moon comes.<br/><br/>Gray sighed. "Then, have you considered abandoning either Palaugrim?"<br/><br/>Guilford paused immediately. The thought of giving up on an island was logical, they could never hope to meet a two-front attack head on, much less expect to actually win it without great casualty. However, giving up on an island is just utterly ridiculous!<span style="color: #0080FF">"The thought never crossed my mind. These floating islands are all that we have left for the people."</span>his arms folded and his head bowed down just a bit in thought.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Things are not the same as they were in the First War. The option of a strategic retreat will never be on our tables ever again."</span><br/><br/>"I'm well aware of that Master Guilford, but think about it for a second. We can deploy our troops in full force to meet the attack, but you have to consider that we're going to be facing forces that are unknown in strength and numbers. Tethel for one could already be too much for our forces in Palaugrim alone. Pulling them back to defend Lindela would be the most prudent choice. Also, the same could be said of Eve's forces in the Barrens. There's just no guarantee that our current forces in Lindela can hold her at bay!"<br/><br/>No. Gray wasn't being negative about anything. As a matter of fact, he was being tactical. True, the enemy wouldn't be attacking if they didn't think they had the upper hand on either front.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Are you suggesting that we consolidate our forces and pick a ground where we should stop them dead on their tracks? Is that it?"</span><br/><br/>"Precisely Master Guilford. If we do so, we would not have to involve our troops stationed in Gless for its defense, cut our losses effectively by a little over half of the expected values, and still have the strength to mount a counter-offensive."<br/><br/>All things considered, it was a logical plan, if not for the fact that should they choose this route, they would have to give up on an island, and Palaugrim would once again, be that island. There's just no way they could let Lindela fall, it was far too close to Gless to let the enemy make a foothold there. Then again, the people of Palaugrim had suffered more than enough. Abandoning them would just be... he didn't dare finish the thought. Instead, Guilford immediately thought about Lethe. She was still on Palaugrim, and so was Lance. No! This would never sit well with him.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Gray... I cannot even consider this strategy as an option. I'm sorry, but there has to be another way. Thank you for the insight. I will call for you again should I need more advice. Please do not leave the Grand Cathedral. You are dismissed."</span><br/><br/>Left alone to his own devices, Guilford crumpled the Asset Record he was holding. It was clear that he was out of options, but sacrificing an island? He scoffed at the thought.<span style="color: #0080FF">"There has to be another way... there has to be!"</span><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><br/>"I have taught you all I know. The rest is up to you."<br/><br/>Abel had his reservations about those who showed less promise at mastering the basics of wielding Light's Wrath, but there was hardly any other choice. These knights had a little over a month to learn what he had to teach. The responsibility of Light's Wrath, their proficiency in it, will all fall upon their shoulders from here on out.<br/><br/>"Master Guilford has ordered all of you to return to your respective assignments posthaste. It would seem the enemy will move soon and you are all expected to prepare and stay alert. Further orders will be issued once we have finalized our strategy. That will be all. May the Divine Light guide us and bring us victory! Dismissed!"<br/><br/>There wasn't any point in sugarcoating his words. These knights will have higher expectations placed upon their shoulders from here on out, with them having the capacity to wield a power the majority didn't even have. He felt bad for this particular group of knights, but it wasn't just the knighthood that will place their hope and trust in them, but the people as well. Even he himself could feel the pressure breathing down his neck. Abel shook the grim thoughts away. He had a report to make and preparations for mobilizing after that. Grabbing a good number of documents in hand, Abel made his way to the Grand Cathedral. Hopefully, Guilford would be in the talking mood. He hasn't seen him since the last time the two of them spoke. Perhaps his temperament changed? Only one way to find out.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><div style="text-align: center;">Gless - Training Grounds</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/>Alfrei skidded back after blocking a forceful hit from Alona. He could feel his arms going numb just from the impact of their swords alone. What's worse than that, he couldn't believe the pressure the remaining crests were putting on them! It was incredible! Ducking to avoid Hyuga's flying body heading straight for him, Alfrei pulled his sword back and attacked head on, just after Hyuga flew past him. Once again, their squad is getting pummeled and there was nothing he could do about it. Frustration flowed freely in him, empowering the rage he was feeling because of his own incompetence as a Vice Captain. As Alfrei closed the distance between him and Alona, he suddenly found himself slammed back first to the ground and pinned down by Akira with a dagger at his throat. This effectively made it the 20th loss in a row for them.<br/><br/>Akira smirked, relieving Alfrei's neck from his dagger. "You still don't get it do you?" He then helped the Vice Captain back to his feet and looked around. "Take a good look around you Alfrei. This is what happens when a leader fails to fulfill his responsibilities."<br/><br/>Alfrei obliged and panned his vision around the training grounds. It was a devastating blow to his pride that was already crushed. Just the sight of his squadmates getting effectively taken out was anything but pretty. The Crests, even with their disadvantage in numbers, have managed to forcibly pair them up with the ones they worked less effectively with. To think they were even allowed to pair up before the drill! And still lose?! Alfrei could only sigh in defeat, he was at a loss and in the dark. Although he already knew, this was the first time he truly felt how difficult their Captain's job was as their leader. They were this bad and yet their Captain could somehow manage to keep them together? Again it was unbelievable.<br/><br/>Akira stared at the pensive Alfrei. "So, are you going to give up? Or are you going to try again?"<br/><br/>"I'll..." Alfrei paused, glancing at his squadmates who were catching their breaths. "We'll keep going!"<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"What is it Abel?"</span><br/><br/>It has been a while and yet the hostile atmosphere Guilford was giving him has not changed one bit. Abel was not about to go against his better judgement. The old knight refrained from going any closer from the Seraph, maintaining a respectful distance from the man. "The qualified knights have finished their Light's Wrath basic training with me. As per your mandate, I have already given them the order to return to their respective posts." he informed Guilford in the most professional tone he could manage, yet there was no response.<br/><br/>"Also, I made prowess reports for the knights who showed great promise during their time with me. I believe it would be to our benefit if you looked over them and decide if we should give them new roles." he said and placed the documents on Guilford's desk.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Thank you Abel, I will keep that in mind. Is there anything else?"</span><br/><br/>Though Guilford was clearly immersed in his current planning, the lack of interest and dismissive manner when it comes to him was painfully present. Abel backed down from this once, perhaps it was time for the both of them to face the issue. He firmly stood his ground and placed both hands behind his back. "There is." he said calmly. Guilford however, didn't budge an inch. He still refused to look at him, much less encourage him to go on. Abel sighed. "Do you have something to say to me? I'm not blind, nor am I insensitive enough to not notice you harbor a certain disdain for me. Is it because I faked your death?"<br/><br/>It took a while for Guilford to respond to him, but the words that came next, only served to fortify his thoughts.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Why ask when you already know?"</span><br/><br/>Abel took a deep breath, reflecting on his actions that were mostly rooted from a greater cause, or so he would like to think. Did he make a mistake this time? Now that he was thinking about it, he could have trained Guilford in the usage of Light's Wrath here in the Grand Cathedral. Then again, if he did, he wouldn't be able to show him the Hidden Truth, or even dream of getting the chance to do so. Or could he? Now the old knight was unsure what to say. He only did what he thought was right at the spur of the moment. He just wanted the Council and Knighthood to wake up from the false sense of peace that have plagued them for ten years! He just wanted to let the people know that the first war has not truly ended and that what they were doing now, is not going to solve anything! He believed Guilford was the one who could change things, bring about a true time of peace... save them. Was he wrong? Did he make the right choice? Could it be Guilford? Or was it Lethe all along? He didn't know.<br/><br/>"What's done is done Master Guilford. I only did what I thought was right. I had my reasons, and you know what they are."<br/><br/>The brooding silence from the Seraph was overly oppressive. Had it been a normal person standing in the same room with him now, they would have opted to flee in just a matter of seconds. But Abel was here to stay. He wanted to fix things if he still could. Nothing good will come out of it if they were to just leave things as they are.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"You're right. What's done is done, and you believe you did the right thing... <span style="text-decoration: underline">without</span> my consent!"</span>There was a notable rise in Guilford's tone.<span style="color: #0080FF">"What choice did I have back then but to follow you?"</span>This time Guilford turned to look at him with eyes that were neither condemning nor filled with hate. He moved to the side of his desk, picked up a hefty bag filled with letters and well-wishes, and showed them to Abel.<br/><br/><span style="color: silver">“Death. It tends to change those left behind. Even temporarily.”</span><br/><br/>With her words ringing inside his head, Guilford let his self control slip momentarily.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Take a good look Abel, take a good look at what you have done!"</span>he was almost yelling.<span style="color: #0080FF">"This is the result of <span style="text-decoration: underline">your</span> actions! You changed people's lives! It doesn't matter if it was for good or for worse, what matters is that your actions brought about <span style="text-decoration: underline">this much</span> change! Have you ever stopped to think about that? Or are you always so one track minded that you think it's okay to do things as long as it's for the greater good?!"</span><br/><br/>"Is it not?" Abel asked back with a sharp tone of his own.<br/><br/>The old knight's bitter remark irritated Guilford.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I am not your pawn! You do not have the right to toy with people's lives like you did! Even if it was for the greater good!"</span>he yelled at him for the first time, throwing the bag he held at Abel's feet. Guilford's words heralded the coming of a long silence between the two knights, each one reflecting on their verbal clash of beliefs and ideas.<br/><br/>"Is there anything I can do to make this right?" Abel finally asked, his words a telling sign that he was yielding to his mistake and trying to own up to them.<br/><br/>Is there? That was a good question, but just like Abel said earlier, the answer was painfully obvious.<span style="color: #0080FF">"What's done... is done."</span>His mind was filled with thoughts of his fellow Seraph, and the gap separating them that only grew wider and wider with each passing day. Neither one of them could make it right, and the two of them will have to learn to live with the consequences of their actions. Guilford however, will not give up.<span style="color: #0080FF">"If that's all there is, you are dismissed."</span>his tone was passive. He had made it clear to Abel that he no longer has any desire to continue the pointless conversation. Any more words would only serve to add insult to injury. Abel brought a closed fist to his chest and immediately left Guilford's squad quarters in silence.<br/><br/>Alone once more, Guilford finally felt the exhaustion taking over. He was so tired, yet looking at the map only told him he did not have time to rest. Perhaps he should go over the prowess reports for a change of pace? Maybe then he would miraculously come up with a more solid plan to prepare for the thirteenth moon of the third phase. A welcomed rush of comfort immediately siezed his tired body the moment he sat on his chair. It almost lulled him to sleep but Guilford immediately grabbed the not so tall stack of documents left by Abel to fight the drowsiness. He went over the first document briefly, then the next and to the other one, only to stop and unconsciously grab the Faith necklace he was wearing.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Lights above guide me..."</span><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><div style="text-align: center;">Palaugrim - On the Road to Bastille once more</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/>He had seen passthrough towns in much better shape than the last one they visited. Lance rode on horseback, deliberately slower than the other two at front. He gave the reason of wanting to bring up the rear but he just needed some privacy for his own thoughts. He looked at the two riders in front of him. Lady Mei was once again cracking at the notes he turned over to Lethe. Up until now, she seemed displeased about it but no audible reasons have been given yet, if she actually even wanted to. On the other hand, the female Seraph seemed to be preoccupied with her own thoughts. The townsfolk did say some disturbing things about Santa Olivia and from there, she started acting a little off. He had known Santa Olivia had fallen during the Liberation Campaign and from what he heard from other knights, it was a massacre that happened. Perhaps the thought of not being able to do anything about it was eating away at her, or could it be the ghostly rumors? Either way, he wouldn't know if he wouldn't ask, but now was not the time.<br/><br/>Lance took out a pen and some paper and began writing. By now, he figured that Guilford would probably want to hear from him. The least he could do if he was overstaying in Palaugrim, was to report to him about his findings and current whereabouts. He expertly kept writing even through the uneven motion of his steed. He was trying his best to be concise about it but in the end, he still came up with a three-page report about his situation. After completing his report, Lance immediately sent it with his carrier pigeon towards the nearest knight controlled port. After making sure that the pigeon was on its way, Lance rode up next to Lethe. They were still quite far from Bastille and what good way was there to pass time? Yes. Conversation.<br/><br/>"So." he began casually, scratching the back of his head with his right hand while he held on the reigns with the other. He was not as good as some in striking sudden conversations but given with his two companions, Lethe seemed to be the more welcoming one.<br/><br/>"I heard that you are quite proficient with the Holy Arts. Some say that you have a unique ability, and that you can fly. Is that true?"