A/N: Alright, time to meet Eliwood and his tactician, Rachel.
Chapter 2: Combination Tactics:
As we walked, we were intercepted by two horsemen. I recognized the first one as Sir Oswin from the castle guard. Hector groaned. "Oswin. What are you doing here?"
The knight replied. "The marquess has requested I come with you and bring the cleric Serra along." I sweat dropped and whispered to Matthew, "He just wanted to get rid of her, didn't he?"
Matthew whispered back, "Most likely, though her heal staff will be useful to a tactician like you. It should make your plans more flexible." When I looked back to the others, Hector had just finished talking to Oswin. "Well, it's up to my tactician. Can they come."
I nodded. "They'll be great additions to our team. Matthew, hand out some of those healing medicines we picked up earlier.
After a few hours of travelling, we arrived in Santaruz, where Eliwood and a smaller group of companions were under attack from bandits. After Hector elected to enter the field of battle, I gave my orders. "They have an archer, but Hector, stay alert to the threat of Pegasus Knights. Matthew, go down south with Serra to heal Eliwood's troops and take out those axe users. Oswin, I need you to use your heavy defence to protect Lord Hector." They nodded and set off
Eliwood, Bartre, and Dorcas were slowly losing ground to the bandits while Marcus guarded the tactician, Rachel. Lowen and Rebecca went to scout ahead and fire on the Pegasus Knights swooping down on them. Rachel wiped sweat from her brow. "We can't hold out forever."
As if on cue, Lowen rode back ."Lady Rachel, there are soldiers to the north led by Lord Hector of Ostia." At this, Eliwood smiled. "Hector will be able to help us! Come on. We need to link up with him." Rachel's expression also brightened. "Marcus, come on. Ride out with me! We need to connect with them!"
Hector had managed to beat the remaining Pegasus Knights, while Serra had healed up the wounds on Eliwood's side, under Matthew's protection. I travelled with Osiwn, his armour keeping me safe from any stray shots. Hector and Eliwood moved in on the leader, but they didn't fare too well. It was a lucky shot from Rebecca that took him out.
As Hector and Eliwood caught up, Matthew, Serra and I went to observe the other army. It looked solid, but the largest surprise would be meeting the tactician. "Rachel!" I cried, seeing her. She turned my way, running toward me and giving me a big hug. "Adam! It's so good to see you again! I thought you had a contract with House Ostia."
I nodded, peeling her off of me. "I do. I'm travelling with the Marquess' brother, keeping him alive. And I thought you were in Bern."
She nodded. "While on my way, I passed out in Sacae. A girl named Lyndis saved me, and I helped her re-establish her birthright and claim her place as the Princess of Caelin." She then screamed as Matthew appeared out of nowhere and wrapped Rachel in a hug. "Rachel! Long time no see! It's nice to see you again! You still look as lovely as a Pegasus Knight." She blinked and looked at him. "How did you-"
I smiled. "Information is his business. Leave it at that." Serra quickly ran over. "Ohmygosh! Rachel, it really is you! I suppose you'll lead us on to victory once more?" Everyone stopped and turned at this, because she did have much more experience then me, and was the senior strategist.
She cleared her throat. "There's no one I trust more then Adam. The Ostians are his to command." As she announced this, I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding. I shook her hand. "It'll be nice working with you….. Partner." We mounted as we set off for Castle Santaruz to talk to the Marquess about the disappearance of Marquess Pharae.
