Author's Notes: Hi there! This is the first story I'm submitting here (like anyone cares about that detail). I don't mind if you like it or not, although out of sheer narcissism I'd like a review whatever your opinion.

Shinon's Notes: I miss those days. I could get drunk almost every night and no one would mind. Damn you Ike and your little helper.

Disclaimer: I don't own copyright to Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance or any of its characters. This story is purely fan made and not associated with the actual game itself.


The two mercenaries were hidden in from sight in the woods when a caravan passed through. Shinon eyed it carefully before shaking his head in disappointment.

- 'It's not these either. They're just merchants.' He said quietly.

Shinon was sitting in a small tree alongside the road through the forest. Gatrie was hiding in the bushes at the foot of the tree.

- 'Hey, Shinon!' Gatrie grunted. Shinon turned his head to face him, scowling.

- 'Quiet you idiot or you'll give us away!' Shinon hissed. 'It's bad enough that you moan about the heat and your armour's weight all the time!'

- 'But--' Gatrie began.

- 'I said quiet!' Sweet, he is having some unimportant problem again that he wants my help for, Shinon thought and shook his head in disgust. Gatrie was very good at picking the wrong moment for sharing secrets with other, often also the wrong secrets that should be his alone to keep. I sometimes wonder why I just don't abandon him, Shinon thought. Right now he is about to get ourselves killed.

Four days ago a very upset mother had rushed towards the mercenaries' fort. She claimed that her daughter had been taken by some bandits yesterday, and she had searched high and low for her along with her neighbourhood. As soon as she had finished her story she almost fell forward in exhaust, but Titania had steadied her and whispered some calming things to her while she sobbed violently. And now I and Sir Whiny have to spot out the next mysterious carriage that has been reported to pass by this road. Talk about levity, Shinon thought. What in King Ramon's crown could have made Greil to take on this stupid job for a very, very small fee? Shinon looked towards the convoy that nearly had gone out of sight. If Gatrie had been louder he would have made caravan guards attack them, regardless of whom they really were. I could probably have gotten myself out in one piece (but not unscathed though), but that useless piece of shit beneath me would have most likely been overtaken and killed. I would probably skip his funeral if Titania weren't such an emotional wench. Gatrie shifted under him, which broke Shinon out of his reverie.

- 'Shinon, what do you think happened to this girl?' Gatrie whispered. Shinon let out a heavy sigh and gave Gatrie a tired look.

- 'You never ever give up having something said, do you?' Shinon replied with a faint smile. 'She was probably raped, spanked, then killed and left for the crows.' Let's see his reaction to that, Shinon thought nastily.

- 'I hope not.' Gatrie shuddered. 'I wonder if she is cute.'

- 'Just continue your daydreaming in silence now, okay?' Shinon said tetchily.

- 'Okay, okay.' Gatrie muttered.

Another hour went by before a new carriage went by. This one was much more ragged than the previous one. Shinon also noticed the behaviour of the guards. They were not stern and quiet; instead they showed their unease and jumped at the slightest sound. They looked like they were about to cut down one of their own by mistake. They also showed little to no organisation. After they passed out of sight, Shinon leapt down from his hiding spot.

- 'I'm going to take a closer look at these guys, Gatrie. You stay here and look out for more convoys.' Shinon said.

- 'Whaaat? But I'm hungry--OW!' Gatrie began before Shinon hit him with his bow.

- 'Shut up and stay put!' Shinon spat furiously. 'And be on lookout instead of letting your love-dreams make your head foggy, idiot!'

Shinon didn't stay to hear Gatrie's reply. He had disappeared into the woods and left the heavy armoured lancer on his own.


The Feathered Falcon was a very dusty inn with little warmth emitting from the fireplace. Two of the guards had taken a table for themselves and mumbled something to each other while casting nasty looks at everyone else. They were very good at making themselves look suspicious, Shinon thought. He had followed them for three hours before they made camp about a fifty yards or so from the village Dhemer. Two of the group had slipped away though after a quarrel about the food ransom and Shinon decided that he couldn't keep the strange convoy in place, but he could at least catch some information. The serving wench gave him two drinks without him noticing.

- '…what do ye think 'bout the boss catch this time?' One of the guards mumbled excitedly.

- 'Same as always, bad.' The other one grunted.

- 'Come on Tofana, the tigers are a real tough lot.' The first one retorted. Tigers? Oh, that's what they are, Shinon concluded. He noticed his drinks and started on the first mug.

- 'And the cats are ugly and a real turn-off. The boss of course doesn't care, but since he's an idiot, what can be done?' Tofana sneered. Nothing special with these guys then, Shinon thought angrily. I have only been wasting my time at some sub-human slave traders. Well, it's time to get back and hope that Gatrie hasn't fallen asleep or worse; scored a date. In the best case he's dead.

- 'Bandits! Bandits are coming!' A man screamed. 'Bandits are coming here to sack us!' Dear me, what have I caught myself up with now, Shinon wondered while taking a look out of the window. A group of ruffians, about ten or so, were storming the village. Everyone were fleeing without a fight. Tofana and his companion were also taking a look before bolting out without paying. Guess I should follow suit. Wait, maybe… A cold smile split Shinon's face. He ran towards the nearest villager.

- 'You! Where's your leader?' Shinon asked bluntly. 'Speak up man, now! I don't have all day!' The man pointed terrified to a person of somewhat noble stature. Shinon was tempted to forget this right but ran towards him anyway. The man turned his face to see the archer running towards him and his eyes widened in fear and confusion.

- 'No need to make a drama of this.' Shinon said irritated. 'I have an offer for you.'

- 'Wh-what d-do you w-want?' The leader asked shaking.

- 'Five-hundred gold and I'll drive these wretches off.' Shinon said, still irritated by the fear in the man's face. The man's reaction was to stare at the archer in confusion. Great, this is hardly worth it, Shinon raged inside.

- 'Why? Wh-why don't you save yourself?' The leader blurted out.

- 'Fine, die then!' Shinon sneered and strode away. 'Don't blame me for it! Goddess-damned bluestocking…'

- 'Wait…' the man began but was struck in the back by a hand axe. He fell to the ground with a gurgle. This becoming quite dangerous, Shinon thought somewhat alarmed. Time to make an escape for the woods.


Author's Comments: I will get back to this one later on to do some retouches. The final part was bit to quick I noticed. Oh well.

Shinon's Comments: I can sympathize with a man who hates his boss.