Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ About Darkness ❯ Edea ( Chapter 7 )

A dark castle, surrounded by high, solid walls, black towers reaching up towards a clouded sky. Mountain ranges in the distance blocking the view the fortress occupied a bare, lifeless valley in the South of Galbadia's vast landmass, impregnable and avoided by the free people.

 

High, cold corridors passed though the bastion, connecting the soldiers' quarters to the stables that held no horses but large, clawed beasts, with small, evil eyes and coarse brown fur that stood up along the spine.

 

Metal rings pierced their flat noses that seemed to constantly sniff for prey. Their hind legs were massive and muscular, made for jumping and sprinting. The talons of their front paws left deep ruts in the ground as they pulled against their restraints.

 

Low growls and foul breath escaped their black mouths, yellow teeth snapped for the metal chains that bound them; long, rugged tails bashed through the air that was thick with the stink of those creatures.

 

Further North the corridors led to a vast number of large storage rooms that were well-filled with weaponry, leather and food that had not been grown in these barren lands but were tokens from Galbadia's farmers and merchants from the coast and the flourishing areas in the North.

 

Presents to secure the peace, to diminish the ever-present threat that came from the black castle whose poisonous shadow hovered above the continent, promising nothing but darkness and desolation.

 

Behind one of the windowless walls lay a large hall, fading banners and once shiny armors reminding of the glorious days that had passed long ago.

 

A throne of cold stone stood on the far end, occupied by a bony, care-worn figure draped in thick layers of fur. Next to it a massive wooden chair that bore rich carvings and crimson cushions. A tall, slender woman dressed in the deepest shades of black sat there, long white hair framing a beautiful, cold face from which pale, dead eyes glanced at the guard that was kneeling on the floor, head bowed.

 

“My Lord Audebel, we have received news from Balamb. The time is not right. Suspicions have risen and the soldiers are strong and numerous”

 

“The longer we wait” a hollow voice replied “the smaller our chance of victory will become”

 

“You are right, my king” the woman spoke, her voice full and melodious as she covered a gloved hand with her white one. “But we have to be cautious and quick-witted. Let us raise an army that will match Balamb's strength. We will overthrow Galbadia, take its men, and conquer its harbors. We will create a fleet that is high in power and undefeatable. Be patient. Once we have secured you reign Balamb will not be able to stand against us”

 

Audebel turned his grey, vacant face to meet her gaze. “I have no interest in Galbadia and its pitiful people. It is Esthar I want”

 

“Do you not trust in my abilities anymore? I have foreseen your victory. Do not act impulsive now. If you give in to your wishes too soon the battle will be lost before it has begun”

 

“If this is what you have seen I will not question you, Edea. But I accept no further delay. Send out the troops to infiltrate the ports. We will strike now. Galbadia will fall before the next winter comes”

 

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