Suikoden VII

Chapter Five: Part Seven

Chapter Five: Part Seven

After they reached Felgenz, Biehn took his leave from the group. They did not press him for details about what his plans were, though Viktor made him promise to go drinking with him the next time they were in Toran together. That evening he sat in an inn room in the bustling port town. He was examining his notes, and he felt...deeply conflicted.

I didn't technically deceive them; only withholding information. But it didn't feel good hiding information from Sir Viktor. Or...from her.

He heard enough about Princess Astraea Reiser, and none of it was good. But he considered himself a good judge of character, and in the short time he had traveled with he could tell that she wasn't like the rumors. He could sense natural authority from her, but he could also sense empathy from her.

Not exactly the type to perpetuate a massacre. Especially against her own kin.

Biehn rubbed a hand over his face. He still needed more info in order to compile his report. But he already knew this was going to be messy. "...I don't think Lady Sarka will be happy about this," he murmured.

—

The next day...

Honigmilch

Mercer Hall was jammed with people. Eartha Riddick wasn't surprised, but it was a little annoying.

"Okay, get out of my way," she announced, grabbing arms and pulling people aside. The mercs in her unit followed suit; pushing people aside so they could get through. Once people recognized them however, men fled from Eartha's direct path. She couldn't help but smirk.

I AM pretty intimidating, aren't I?

She reached Mercer Hall's bulletin board; a massive wall covered in leaflets. She recognized the man who stood looking at the notices and called out, "Hey, Ignaz!"

Ignaz Hingabe, commander of Unit A of the Lindwurm Mercenary Brigade, glanced over his shoulder at her and smirked. "Well hello, Eartha. Ready to admit defeat once and for all?"

"Last I checked, the Couatl Mercenary Brigade has a better record than the Lindwurm Mercenary Brigade," Eartha retorted in a good-natured tone. "What's the latest with the rebellious princess?"

"Not good," Ignaz said, gesturing to the huge parchment sticking to the center of the board. "Looks like Lord Lambert's thrown his support behind her."

"Oh no, not your favorite drinking buddy," Eartha said, genuinely sounding sympathetic. "So what does His Majesty want us mercs to do?"

"It looks like—"

A hand suddenly reached out and tore the notice from the bulletin board. "Oi," Ignaz snapped, but then he stiffened. Eartha glanced to her left to see who had torn down the notice she instinctively straightened her posture.

"This job has been cancelled," Ernst said. He folded the noticed into several small squares before tucking it into his chest pocket. "New orders have been handed down for the Magic Guild. You can take it up with the Mayor or Lady Norma if you have any complaints." Then he turned to walk away.

A stony silence swept across Mercer Hall following his departure. Ignaz gave a sideways glance at Eartha. "I'm surprised you didn't try to stop him," he said.

Eartha scoffed. "I'm smarter than trying to step up to the husband of the Mistress of the Magic Guild. There's something...beastly about him."

"...Yeah," Ignaz said. "I did hear during the Falenan Civil War Prince Freyjadour personally chose that guy for his party to retrieve the Sun Rune."