Jaffar: ..girl…friend…?

Legault: grin I think Swordchick might get jealous.

Swordchick: …

Jaffar sat alone on the mountainside. Another job was finished. He was through with assassinations, of course, and now just did odd jobs for spare cash. A bit of spying here, a theft mission there, just enough to help him get by. This job had been for a man who wanted something from a merchant, an expensive sword or something. Jaffar never asked what whatever he was stealing was for; then you just drag yourself into whatever is going on. It could just be because the guy was cheap, or maybe the next thing you knew you could be wound up in a whole suicide mission.

Lying on his back, closing his eyes to get a quick break before continuing to the next city, Jaffar heard the man walking towards him before any normal man could with his keen senses. Leaping to his feet, his daggers were in his hands in an instant. And, sure enough, there was a man before him, axe in hand.

Jaffar paused, waiting for the man to talk first.

"Calm down," the man said. "I don't want any trouble." Then he grinned. "We can do this with or without a fight. Either way we get your money."

"So you try to rob me?" Jaffar asked, tightening his grip on his weapons.

"If you prefer to say it that way, then yes," the man said. "But I suggest you stand down. There are men hidden all around you, waiting for my signal to attack."

Jaffar's eyes narrowed and he raised his daggers, ready to strike.

The bandit grinned, showing his uneven teeth. "It was your choice," he said. Then he shouted, "Attack!"

Suddenly there were men everywhere. They leapt down from the mountain face, bracing themselves with their axes. But Jaffar did not hesitate. He lunged for one of the bandits, who fell dead in an instant. Then he leapt for another. In a matter of minutes, almost all of the bandits were dead. The bandits' leader was stunned.

"What? You wimps!" he shouted. "Let me handle this."

Jaffar's lips twitched a grin. That was what he had been hoping for. Once their leader was dead, the others would scatter.

The man lunged forwards, bringing his axe down with terrifying power. But Jaffar leapt nimbly aside, easily dodging anything the bandit threw his way. Jaffar successfully dodged attack after attack, growing in confidence. That was, until he felt his back hit the hard mountainside. He had been tricked. He was now surrounded by bandits by all sides, save for his back that was pressed against the mountain face.

Jaffar grimly held up his daggers, getting ready for whatever the bandits would do next. But suddenly, he was saved by the sound of hoof beats. The bandits whirled around just in time to see a small army of Caelin knights charge into the clearing. That was all the distraction that Jaffar needed. In an instant he lunged, killing off the bandits' leader. The others cried out in alarm, and were either killed or scattered by the Caelin knights riding around the clearing.

"Jaffar?" someone said, and Kent rode up to him. "Are you alright?"

Jaffar's gaze hardened. "I was doing fine on my own," he said darkly in a low tone.

"I'm sure you were," Sain said sarcastically, joining Kent. "And you're welcome."

Kent ignored his mocking comrade and turned back to Jaffar. "Lady Lyndis and Lord Eliwood are waiting for you in the Caelin castle. I trust you got our message?"

Jaffar fingered his daggers uncomfortably. Yes, he had gotten the message. Whether he had had any intentions of obeying them was a different matter. Actually, he had been heading in this direction for that precise reason. Meeting with the Lady of Caelin was not high on his priority list.

"Yes," Jaffar murmured, trying to think of a way to get out of this.

Kent seemed to know what he was trying to do. "Good. Then I trust that you will come with us without delay?"

"…" Jaffar remained silent, furiously thinking of any way to duck out before it was too late. But there was none. Well unless, of course, he wanted to say full outright, 'I don't want to come. Lords and Ladies are hell', and give them a departing rude hand gesture. Ha. That would have been a laugh.

"Good then!" Sain cried. "We're off! I knew you wouldn't keep the fair Lady Lyn waiting!"

Still Jaffar didn't speak. But finally he sighed. There was no way out. He would have to go, or risk being embarrassed by being dragged the whole entire way to Caelin. He just hoped that Lord Eliwood and Lady Lyn hadn't found out what he had been doing for cash lately. That would have been a nice conversation to start a reuniting after a year of separation.

---

At the gate of Caelin, Jaffar hesitated. What if they really were here to send him off to prison? Should he really risk going in there? Surely he could outrun the clumsy knights in the crowded city streets…

But, once again as if knowing what he was planning, Kent rode closer, preventing Jaffar from escaping. "Me and Sain will take you to where the rest are waiting for us."

"The rest?"

"Yes. You will probably recognize more than one person in there. Lord Eliwood and Lady Lyn called them in from all over the continent."

"Speaking of Lady Lyn," Sain said, leaping off of his saddle, "Let us make her wait no longer!" He darted into the castle.

"Sain! Come back here!" Kent shouted, leaping off of his own horse and running after him.

Jaffar was about to take this opportunity to dart into the crowd and get lost in the mass of people, when two things stopped him. One was the curiosity of what the hell was really going on in there, but the biggest reason was the knights on either side of him, taking care to block his exit. Muttering under his breath, Jaffar strode into the castle.

It took a few minutes for Kent to finally catch Sain, and even longer for him to drag him back to where Jaffar was waiting. When he finally had, Kent looked exhausted and Sain looked completely annoyed.

"I don't see why you can't take him," Sain was saying. "Do you know how many ladies are waiting for me in that room?"

"Yes," Kent said, "and I believe they deserve a few more minutes rest. And besides, this was your assignment. Find Jaffar and escort him to Lady Lyn and Lord Eliwood."

Sain grumbled to himself, but did not run off again.

When they finally reached the great hall, everyone was anxiously waiting for the final three members of the meeting. Once Sain, Kent and Jaffar had arrived, they looked thankful. It made Jaffar wonder how long they had been waiting for him.

"Jaffar," Lyn said. "I'm glad you could make it. I was afraid you might not come."

Jaffar almost snorted in disgust. As if he had a choice.

Kent and Sain took a seat, and Jaffar reluctantly followed. He preferred standing. He felt more alert on his feet than on his ass. He took the only remaining chair, and found himself squashed between Matthew and Isadora.

As he scanned the room, he did see people he knew, but many others he didn't. They must just be knights and warriors from different parts of the continent. But one girl caught his gaze. Mostly because she was waving frantically at him. She had bright green hair and a long robe. Nino. Jaffar blinked in surprise, but looked away. He would talk to her later.

"I bet you are all wondering why you are here," Eliwood said formally.

But the effect was ruined when Matthew muttered, "Duh." The room was filled with stifled laughter, but it soon subsided when Eliwood looked sternly at them.

"Many of you I know from when I went in search of my father," Eliwood continued, his gaze shifting from face to face. "Others I know just of what I have heard of you from friends and citizens. But you were all called her because of you skills in warfare."

Matthew had his head resting in his hand, looking bored and fiddling with a piece of string.

"As you all know, the king of Bern died just a few days ago. Zephiel is to take his place as king, but cannot until he has a wife, who will be the Queen of Bern," Lyn explained.

"We have found a princess that had offered to be that wife," Eliwood explained, cutting of Lyn. "She is sailing from a distant continent as we speak. But she needs an escort to keep her safe on the long trail to Bern."

"So that is why we are here?" Marcus said. "We are to be her escort?"

Eliwood took a hesitant breath. "No, actually only a few of you will go."

"Then why did you call us all here?" Raven demanded harshly. "I was in the middle of a job when your little group of knights came up and said it was important. Are you telling me that I lost my job just to hear you guys talk?"

"No," Lyn said, defending Eliwood who was looking overwhelmed. "We don't like to send people off to do things against their own will. We would like you to volunteer for the job, so we don't feel forced to make you do something you don't want to. And of the volunteers, we will chose a few to go."

"How much will it pay?" one man asked.

Lyn and Eliwood hesitated.

"I'm out," the man said, leaning back in his chair in disgust.

"If the job goes well we will pay you," Eliwood said hurriedly, knowing that his recruits were dropping like flies. "But that depends on how well the mission goes."

After a few minutes of thinking, a few dozen people stood. Eliwood and Lyn looked through the men and women that had volunteered. They conversed quietly to each other, consulting over whom to choose. Finally, after a few minutes of debating, they turned back to the warriors before them.

"We have made our decisions. You can sit down now," Lyn said.

Matthew, who had been one of the many standing, flopped down in his chair and resumed his regular bored pose. Isadora looked over at him with disgust while Jaffar tried to ignore them as well as he could. He had not stood with the others. Why would he want to go out and risk his neck for some rich prince? After all, he had already done that young brat a favor. He had been sent to kill him, and Jaffar risked his life to let Zephiel live.

Eliwood cleared his throat. "We thank those who volunteered. It helped our decision greatly. But we thought that some that didn't stand were still necessary, so we apologize to those unwilling men or women we send off."

Lyn stepped forwards. "Sain and Kent, you two are going to be messengers. If you need help or if something goes wrong, one of you will ride to Caelin or Pharae for assistance, while the other remains behind if something else goes wrong. Vaida, you will stay in Bern and give the prince regular updates on what happens with the team. You will also fly to the expedition on occasion just to check on how they're doing."

"Yes!" Sain cried. "Princess, I am coming!"

Kent winced. "Lady Lyndis, don't you find it unwise to send Sain with us? The princess is to be wed to Prince Zephiel."

"You will be able to contain him, won't you Kent?" Lyn asked.

"Yes," Kent answered as he eyed the cheering Sain, but Jaffar was sure he heard him mutter, "I hope so."

"Matthew, Rath and Legault, you will be scouts," Eliwood continued. "You will watch the trail ahead, and you will take turns keeping watch at night."

Matthew, who had been fiddling with the string again, sat bolt upright. "What? Me?"

Lyn laughed. "Yes, Matthew. You."

"Ha ha!" Matthew cheered, punching their so harshly his chair flew up on its back legs. "I've been stuck in Ostia for too long. Finally I get a mission!"

Rath was his usual silent self, while Legault's lips twitched a smile. Jaffar knew exactly what he was thing. Rich girl, rich loot.

"And finally we have the personal guard of the princess," Lyn announced.

Jaffar sat back in his chair. He had been slightly wary when they said they had chosen a few who hadn't volunteered, but now he knew he was in the clear. What kind of lunatics would chose a former assassin as a right-hand man to a princess?

Apparently these lunatics.

"Jaffar."

Jaffar lost his balance and chair toppled over backwards in his shock. "What?" he demanded, springing up from the floor.

"Yes, Jaffar," Eliwood said, unable to surpass a grin from Jaffar's amusing reaction. "We chose you because you have exceptional fighting skill and acute senses. You could hear someone from twice the distance as anyone else."

Jaffar stared at him, but finally regained his composure, ashamed at his outburst. He tried to sit in his chair again, but hit the ground. Looking up, he saw Matthew laughing. The little runt had pulled the chair out from underneath him when he wasn't looking. Jaffar glared. This was going to be a long trip.

Jaffar kept his face shadowed as he headed out of the great hall. It gave the impression that he was sulking, although he was not. Sulking was for spoiled children. He was…er…brooding.

There is a big difference, Jaffar thought, reassuring himself.

Suddenly Jaffar stopped short. Nino was standing before him.

"Jaffar! Where have you been? I haven't seen you in so long!" Nino said.

"This isn't the time to be catching up on things," Jaffar said sternly, trying to push past her.

But Nino held her ground. "Oh yeah! You got the job! Are you going to go rescue the princess?"

"Something like that…" Jaffar muttered. Actually, he was thinking more along the lines of rescuing himself. An escort for a princess? That could easily trash a hard-earned reputation. Not to mention a waste of time.

"Can I come?"

"What?"

"Can I come please?" Nino begged, putting on a cute face. Her eyes grew twice as large as before, if that was possible.

"Using your manners won't protect you on the battlefield," Jaffar said, finally succeeding in pushing past the young mage.

"But I can fight! You saw me! Remember in the Castle of Bern?" Nino persisted, following him through the hall.

Jaffar laughed bitterly. "You did nothing. Just waited in the shadows until Eliwood found you," he said, still walking swiftly away.

"But…but…" Nino trailed off, and stopped walking.

Jaffar sensed her distress and stopped, turning to face Nino. He used to be the Angel of Death, the heartless one, but since he left the Black Fang he had gained emotion little by little. Not that he was proud of it, mind you, but it still came.

Suddenly feeling a small pang of guilt, he quickly pushed it aside. But he still walked back to the young mage. "You are not strong enough. When you learn more, maybe then. But no sooner."

Nino crossed her arms in childish anger. "But I never get to do anything. Even mother didn't let me do missions for her."

"But Sonia wasn't your mother, remember?"

"…"

"Just wait. I'll be back soon."

Nino nodded, but still kept her arms crossed in annoyance. Jaffar, seeing this as a perfect opportunity to escape, did just that. But he was only a few paces away when someone caught his arm. In pure instinct Jaffar lashed out with his fist. Kent cried out in alarm and leapt back, stumbling into Fiora who was right behind him, talking to her sisters. Kent blushed, murmuring apologies while the three sisters kind-heartedly laughed at his embarrassment. Finally, after a moment or two, Kent turned back to Jaffar.

"I'm sorry. Did I startle you?" Kent asked awkwardly.

Jaffar's gaze hardened. "I don't get startled, Kent," he said in a low tone.

Kent flinched and Sain, who was beside him, laughed. "My companion, the socially challenged knight!" he said through laughter.

Kent shot a sharp glare at Sain, then turned back to Jaffar. "My apologies. But we really must be heading off. Vaida, Matthew, Legault and Rath are already heading out to the village to wait for us."

Jaffar's mind raced, once again trying vainly to find a way to escape. But Kent, yet again knowing what he was planning, gestured towards the door and walked off, motioning for Jaffar to follow. Sain waited for Jaffar, so there was no way he could escape now. He would have to wait until they put their guard down. Muttering darkly, Jaffar followed the Caelin knight out of the great hall.

---

Once outside, it took quite a while to finally get everyone ready to go. Legault was missing. Nobody seemed to know where he had disappeared to, but looking around at the rich-looking houses and stores Jaffar had a good guess. And, sure enough, when Legault had returned his pockets seemed to bulge more than they had before.

"Where have you been?" Vaida demanded. "We've been waiting for almost fifteen minutes!"

"Just enjoying the sights," Legault said with a sly smile.

"Well you can sightsee later," Vaida spat. Jaffar pitied them. They were all so clueless, thinking Legault was telling the truth. What else would a thief be doing in his spare time?

Kent turned to Vaida. "Now that we know where Legault is, you can return to Bern. Tell Zephiel that we will be there shortly with his bride."

Vaida nodded and mounted her wyvern. In a moment she had disappeared into the clouds. Once she was out of sight, Sain sighed.

"Finally. That has to be the only woman I feel uncomfortable around," he said, relieved. Then the energy returned to his voice. "Now that she is gone, shall we continue on our journey to protect the beautiful princess?"

Kent sighed. "Please try to restrain yourself, Sain."

"Okay, mother!" Sain said, riding off.

"Stop calling me that!" Kent shouted after him, following.

Jaffar sensed his moment to escape. He waited for several seconds until everyone's back was turned, then bolted. Jaffar heard Matthew's cry of alarm and he ran harder. Already Rath's horses' hoof beats were gaining.

Acting on a sudden impulse, Jaffar veered into a narrow, cluttered alleyway. Dammit. He had forgotten that Rath's horse was used to traveling in rough terrain. Still Rath followed. Jaffar ducked, throwing himself to the ground. Rath sped by, trying to turn his horse as fast as he could. Jaffar leapt up and caught a tapestry advertising for a weaponry. Nimbly he climbed up and out of reach.

An arrow hit the building beside him, narrowly missing his arm. Jaffar knew it was a warning shot. Next time Rath wouldn't miss. Rath wouldn't going to kill him, but an arrow shot that well could probably dig into his cape and pin him to the wall.

By now more footsteps were approaching. Jaffar felt the tapestry jerk as someone else leapt on, climbing after him. Finally Jaffar reached the roof. Running along the flat surface, he looked for a way down. He saw one; a large stack of boxes that could be used as crude steps.

Leaping down them, Jaffar turned another corner just to run right into Legault.

"Going somewhere, Jaffar?" Legault asked, smirking.

Jaffar stepped back, but already Matthew, the one who had followed him on the roof, was leaping down to the ground, obstructing his exit. Jaffar had his daggers in his hands in a flash, instinctively ready to fight.

"We aren't going to fight you," Legault said, grin widening. "Although I like that you see us as a threat."

Jaffar's eyes narrowed, but he replaced his weapons. By now Kent, Sain and Rath had rode up to them.

"Jaffar," Kent said, "as much as you may hate it you were chosen for this job. That means you have to follow orders."

Snorting softly, Jaffar made a rude gesture with his finger. Kent frowned and Matthew laughed.

"It is only for a while. The sooner you get this mission over with the sooner you can go," Kent pointed out, trying his best to regain his composure.

Jaffar thought for a moment. They would surely make him go one way or another. So why not just get it over with? He nodded. He would still make the trip hell for the others if he needed to, but he would do his part. Unless, of course, it got out of hand.

"Good," Sain said with a sigh of relief. "I thought we would never get to the princess."

Kent grunted his disapproval, but did not tell Sain off. Nodding for the others to follow, he rode off, heading out of the city.

While they walked, Matthew matched his stride beside Jaffar's.

"Really. What were you thinking?" Matthew asked, grinning and looking at Jaffar skeptically. "Did you really think you could get away?"

"Did you really think you could say that and walk away unscathed?"

Matthew flinched. "Calm down. It's just casual conversation. You need to learn to loosen up."

"He can't," Legault said, walking on the other side of Jaffar and looking over at Matthew. "The Angel of Death never loosens up, right Jaffar?"

"…"

Matthew shook his head. "You're hopeless. We are going to need to teach you some things on this trip."

"First of all," Legault said, grinning from ear to ear, "learn to smile every once in a while. You always look so moody."

"Second," Matthew said, smiling impishly as well, "get yourself a decent change of clothes. I haven't seen you wear anything but those assassin rags since I first met you."

"Third," Legault continued, but Jaffar didn't pay him any heed. He continued walking with the other two on either side of him. He was trying his best to ignore them, to keep on looking dead ahead. But it was too damn hard.

"Come on, you two," Kent said, riding back to the three men. "Leave him alone, or he will abandon us right here and now." But there was a large grin on his face. Even Rath was smiling slightly. Jaffar's fists clenched. They were toying with him. He would ignore it. He had to.

But why was he journeying with them? He had no legion to Caelin, Bern, Ostia, or any place like that. Why was he running this mission, sticking out his neck for some stuck-up prince so there would be a Queen of Bern? All that was coming out of it so far was him being made fun of. Did he really want to suffer this just for someone he didn't even know, much less like?

He thought about this long and hard for the rest of the day, but never got around to making a decision. Either that or he was trying to put if off. Ignoring the protests growing in his mind, Jaffar tuned in to the real world again. The others were making camp, Matthew and Legault still continuing their list of ways to improve him. They were now on idea 124, to find Jaffar a girlfriend. Ha. Like that could possibly happen.

Jaffar: Wait, if Vaida is going to be going back and forth anyways, why doesn't she just drop the princess off?

Swordchick: …um…

Matthew: rolls eyes …great job thinking ahead, Swordchick.

Swordchick: R&R