Triangle Strategy-Beyond Utility

Liberation of the Grand Norzelian Mines

Still mostly talking in this chapter, but Caeden and Serenoa will meet up. Probably not going to have Frederica show up until next chapter at the soonest. And I'm thinking on whether to have Daren become a full-blown antagonist or just a plain anti-hero who will slowly warm up to Serenoa. I also have a certain character in mind who will eventually make an unexpected appearance, later on.

Disclaimer: Triangele Strategy and its characters were made by Square.

Liberation of the Grand Norzelian Mines

The bulk of the early afternoon was spent in quiet contemplation as Serenoa finished the day's paperwork before going into the throne room of Whiteholm Castle to wait for Benedict to arrive with the Scales. Roland, Cordelia, Hughette and Maxwell joined him, soon after.

"How was patrol?" The consul asked Hughette.

"Quite well" Hughette replied, affably. Even with Roland having given up his station as king and become Minister of Salt, the Hawk Rider had continued to serve as Roland's bodyguard whenever he went between the Salt Mines, the Source and Whiteholm.

"All is well on my end" Maxwell told Serenoa"I just conducted a training session with some of the new soldiers."

"Good to hear from you both" Serenoa nodded"Did Roland and Cordelia inform you and Hughette of what we discussed earlier?"

Hughette nodded"Yes, he even suggested that Maxwell and I begin making preparations in the event a decision to cast aside the Teachings of Hyzante was made. I'm sure you remember that I was disturbed at the idea of abdicating rule of Glenbrook to Hyzante, but it was still my duty to support him."

"I was quite surprised, judging from the state of Norzelia as of now" Maxwell responded"Most of Glenbrook's current military strength comes from not only the soldiers of House Wolffort, but from inexperienced boys and men whose passion outstrips their skill. As of now, they'd stand little chances against the might of the forces commanded by Ministers Kamsell and Exharme if we are to break away from Hyzante."

"That does not surprise me" Serenoa commented"But I'm sure that there are ways we could bolster our strength."

The group waited silently until Benedict came into the room, accompanied by Anna, a certain Shieldbearer and a dark-haired white mage. The old tactician looked at Serenoa.

"I brought the Scales with me as you requested, Lord Serenoa" Benedict stated"I had Erador and Geela accompany me on the way, here." He placed the Scales of Conviction on a table.

"Thank you, Benedict" Serenoa nodded.

"I knew of the rumor from overhearing a couple speaking of the Sect while on a prior visit to Wolffort Village" Geela added"I can't say that I was surprised that you learned of it, too. Anna is as efficient as ever, I see."

"I was simply doing my duty" the Wolffort Spy said.

"So, Lord Serenoa" Erador said in his usual, booming tone of voice"I am hearing correctly that you want to help Lady Frederica?"

"That is what we are to discuss, Erador" The Consul nodded"Today, yet another difficult choice is to be made, right here and now, with the Scales. As you all may know, a rumor was going on about a strange sect that is preaching about Centralia. Roland, Cordelia and I believe that the person leading this sect is Frederica."

Geela nodded, thoughtfully"I knew that the leader of the sect had to be Frederica, I heard that she has been struggling with getting the truth out regarding Hyzante's deception and the existence of Centralia. I hadn't originally intended to speak to you of this, due to the rather difficult problems that would be present if you decided to intervene. And the rumors of Centralia's existence and the true history of Norzelia weren't being taken at face value, by most."