Chapter two
The Sacred Blade
They stayed at the oasis for three days.
During this time, Lyn discovered a love for horsemanship. This however did not mean she was any good at it...
This mean't that she spent a lot of the time recovering from various bumps and scratches under the cool shade of the trees.
Too ease her frustrations, Kent and Sain took turns telling her of her mother's homeland. The rolling green hills. The small and large towns, all constructed from whitened granite, as well as the golden sea of grain during harvest time stretching endlessly unto the horizon. Also they told her of Lord Hausen, her grandfather. Supposedly a leader beloved by his people, and trusted by lords at his borders. The departure of his daughter sent him into a spiralling depression that almost crippled his ability to lead. Learning of Lyn's existence seemed to reignite Hausen's spark of life, and reinvigorated the old man despite his growing illness.
Inbetween this she found time to train, now with three sparring partners instead one, much to Mark's relief.
On the third day the refugees arrived.
Exhaustion and despair were etched into the bandaged bodies on the tanned Sacaens as the stood off, nervously eyeing the two figures of Kent and Sain, until Lyn rushed forward. Her presence seemed to reassure the men and women as the settled, many groaning with pain from obvious wounds, in the shade of the oasis. Using pieces of linen from their packs, Lyn busied herself helping the few uninjured men, and women, making makeshift bandages for those worse off. Their leader, a priest called Maric, told the men that they hailed from the small village that sprung up around the self same shrine that was their destination.
"It was madness," he said shaking his blonde hair. "The shrine is sacred to all the tribes of Sacae, bandits know that attacking the shrine would enrage them."
"What is it that they were looking for?" Mark asked. "From what our friend's told us, the shrine has none of the type of riches that would attract thieves."
"Not the average thief no...but their leader is a swordsman," Maric replied. "He wants the Mani Katti."
"A sacred blade..." Mark nodded to himself. "That would call to the more unscrupulous of those that wield swords. Judging from your situation I'm guessing he has it then?"
"Only if the sword chooses him..." At this Kent coughed. Maric looked up at him, anger flickering in his eyes. "I'd expect that from a Lycian knight. But, despite what you might believe, no one can move the blade unless it so chooses. Many have tried. None have yet succeeded."
"This's all well and good," Sain remarked. "But considering what the priest's said, maybe we should skip the visit to the shrine."
"Ordinarily I'd agree. That would make the most sense...however," Mark glanced over to where Lyn was now tending to a young man, more a boy, with a broken arm. "I think Lyn would oppose any decision along those lines.
Following his gaze, both knights fell into an uncomfortable silence. Feeling their gaze, Lyn looked up, curiousity etched into her gaze.
"Better go check on the weapons," Sain muttered.
Later
"The temple was converted from an old fort that was used when Bern tried to invade Sacae over two hundred years ago." Mark, Kent, Sain, Lyn and Maric knelt around a drawing in the sand of the temple. "It was a small one, designed only to hold, maybe fifty soldiers, but it's main use was likely a way station for their Wyverns."
Around them, the few uninjured refugees gathered, a kind of nervous excitement permeating the group at the thought of retaking their holy place.
Gesturing at the picture Maric continued, "There were only around ten bandits, all were fairly skilled. But their leader was in a class all his own. He slaughtered three of the temple guards in as many heartbeats. It was he that captured the bishop and forced our guards to retreat."
"I think you'll find that Caelin knights are a sight more capable than a few hired hands," Sain remarked. Then he gestured down. "That being said, I don't relish the thought of charging through the front door. Even if we were to get in, they'd still the hostage"
"You surprise me Sain, I'd never have though that you understood subtlety." Lyn remarked.
"There's a lot about me you have't seen yet milady," Sain winked. "I look forward to the chance to show you."
"Enough, Sain." Kent commanded. "As much as I dislike it, I don't see any other option, but a frontal assault. There're no other way of entrance."
"Then we make our own."
"What?" Lyn looked up from where she was in the process of strangling Sain.
"This temple is over two hundred years old. In my experience unless it's members are of the upper class most old churches have a weak wall or two," Mark glanced over at Maric. "Is my assessment correct, priest?"
Maric swallowed, embaressment reddening his face, "You are sadly correct. The western wall is indeed in need of repair at various junctures. Here...here...and here."
"Near the altar...excellent. That's also most likely where they'd be keeping the bishop." Mark said. Rising he moved over to his pack picking out an orange. Slicing off a piece of the fruit, he began pacing, eyes focused on the picture in the sand. A few seconds later, he squatted in the sand, a free finger circling the weak point nearest the altar.
"Using axes and pikes, how long would it take to knock down this wall."
"If enough of us are it, maybe two minutes," was the general answer. "But it'd be safe to safe they'd hear us at it."
"You leave that to me."
At the shrine, several hours later
"I'll take the rest of the people to Bulgar," Maric said. "With hard riding hopefully the soldiers there will be in time to help."
Kent held no illusions about reinforcements. It was down to two knight, a tactician, an untrained swordswoman and six militiamen that looked more at home in the fields than on the battlefield. Added to which he felt the plan Mark cooked up to be insane...
"You're brooding again," Mark remarked.
Kent glanced over at him, his irritation rising. Mark lounged at their hiding point behind a slate of granite, obviously mean't to repair some area of the shrine, "Well excuse me for being anxious."
"Anxious of my plan?" Mark said. "Or anxious because I assigned Sain to guard Lyn."
Kent flinched at the jibe.
"It's Lady Lyndis," he snapped. "And I follow her orders, however I might feel personally."
"She's not her mother, you realise, " Mark continued. "The more you keep thinking that she is, the more it'll eat you up inside."
"I don't think that it's any business of yours." Kent gritted.
"You're right...it's not."
The two lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. A short time later, as the sun was setting, they heard the soft cry of the spotted winged owl.
It was time.
Rising from behind the slate, they focused their attention on the two guards outside the temple. Kent hefted a Javelin, while Mark readied his daggers. Nodding in unison, the two left into view, Kent's Javelin flying true, impaling the left guard through the chest. The other guard raised a shout, that was answered from within, before one of Mark's daggers slammed into his throat. From inside several axe wielding men rushed outside.
"Well that worked well." Kent remarked, drawing his sword. "And the second part of your plan was..."
Holding his other dagger before him in a defensive position, Mark glanced at him. "Not dying."
Sain and Lyn PoV
"Sounds like the Kent and Mark have started," Sain remarked. Behind him the militia had begun hacking away at the broken wall.
Lyn however had a pensive look in her eyes, as she stayed in the shadow of the building.
"They'll be fine, Sain assured her. "Kent's one of the best of our battalion. And I saw Mark fight. They've got the fun job. All we got to do is swoop in and rescue the old guy."
Nonetheless the sound of constant battle in the distance, despite being reassuring, made her nervous. When the wall finally collapsed it was a relief to finally be able to do something to take her mind off of it. Rushing in ahead of the militia she stopped just below the altar. Following close behind Sain stopped as he followed her gaze.
Atop the altar was a thin blade, giving off a faint blue glow.
The Mani Katti.
The man holding his sword to the bishop's throat spoiled the view though.
"I thought I'd have more time, considering how fast you trash ran last time," the swordsman remarked raking his gaze over the group, resting on Lyn and Sain. "Oh, I see you got me some fresh meat to play with. At least the bitch will give me something to do after I'm done with the rest of you."
"You're awfully sure of yourself friend," Sain remarked, moving forward. "I'd like to know the name of the one who's going to end my existence."
"I am Glass, my power is known all throughtout Llia and Bern," Glass gestured grandiously. "Even the gods fear my name."
"Yet you hide like a simpering whelp, behind an old man," Sain noted, voice dripping contempt. "I think the name Glass, killer of defenseless women and old men, would be more accurate."
"Oh, this one?" Glass glanced downward at the prostrate bishop. "This one's outlived his usefulness.
"NO!" Sain yelled as Glass ran his sword across the old man's throat. The bishop gave a single gurgling cry before toppling forward, dark red blood dripping down the stairs.
With a scream of rage Lyn hurled herself forward, sword flashing out of it's sheathe to clash loudly with Glass's. Swearing Sain unsheathed his own blade before turning to the stricken militia, "leave him to us. Keep to the plan and go help our friends."
For moment it seemed like the militiamen would break from the plan, such was shock and grief on their faces. Then one by one they turned and sprinted for entrance, while Sain turned back to the fight. Maric's assessment had been correct. Glass used his sword like an extension of his own body and was in the process of driving Lyn back. Joining the fight, Sain leapt in as a particularly powerful blow drove Lyn back several paces. Glass however never lost momentum swinging his sword up to block Sain's downward blow. Lunging forward he butted at Sain, knocking him to the ground. Lyn however had recovered, and prevented the intended deathblow, driving Glass back several paces with her sheer fury. Sain quickly rose to assist.
Despite being outnumbered it was clear that Glass was the superior fighter. Staring hard and Sain, he feinted a thrust. As Sain jumped back, Glass pivoted, driving a boot into his stomach knocking him down from the altar. With one opponent out of the fight, albeit temporarily, he now focused a smug gaze on a hard breathing Lyn. Cocking his head to the side, he remarked. "Do you hear that?"
Unwilling to be distracted, Lyn attacked again only to be slowly driven back towards the altar.
"I'd say that about now my boys would have killed off whoever you had at the front. And those trash that went to help won't last very long, "Glass remarked smugly. Using both hands he delivered a final blow that knocked Lyn's sword clattering down the stairs and knocking her atop the altar. He reached down grabbing the light blue fabric of her robe. "Now then, let's get a look at what I'll be enjoying tonight."
Dragging her up to eye level he remarked, "Oh yes..very pretty. Hard to believe that these trash can have women like this but..."
Furious now, Lyn swumg her foot in a forward arc and felt contact. Which was more than Glass could say as his eyes rolled back into his head, releasing Lyn and dropping to his knees on the floor. Down below, Sain winced, his hands unintentionally moving down to protect his jewels. Spinning, Lyn dove for her sword only to be brought up short as Glass grabbed her leg, causing her to fall across the altar.
"You're going to pay for that," she could hear the pain and fury in his voice as her fingers scrabbled at the altars flat surface for a hold. Her hand settled on the Mani Katti's. In her mind she heard a soft click as she swung her arm in a backwards arc. With an audible hiss the blade came free from it's hilt slicing across Glass's face. looking back, Lyn saw surprise etched in his face as a red line was drawn, almost slowly across it. Lyn flinched away as the top part of his head tumbled to the ground as his body went limp. Kicking herself free Lyn rose slowly, avoiding looking at the corpse, stumbling down the steps. Sain offered her his shoulder, which she took numbly.
A sudden noise from the shrine's entrance drew their attention as one of the militia, bruised and bloodied staggered in.
"We...we're done outside as well," he said, his eyes resting on Glass's corpse.
"Kent and Mark?" Sain asked.
"They're a bit cut up," he replied. "But they'll live."
Outside
"It was crazy," Mark declared. "These guys were good, very good...OW, easy there."
"Suck it up," Lyn said, tightening a bandage along his arm. "Looks like the two of you got lucky."
"Sometimes luck is all you need," Mark gestured at the newcomers. "If the militia had been any later it could have ended very badly."
Acknowledging his praise the four remaining men continued tending to the large fire intended to be a beacon to guide any help from Bulgar through the night's dark.
"I must say though Kent," Mark remarked turning painfully to face his comrade. "You impressed me. I'll have to re-evaluate my notes on the Lycian cavalry.
Being worse off, Kent had been the first to receive treatment. Nonetheless, his better conditioning allowed him to appear better off. "As...did you," he remarked, grudgingly.
"One day you're going to have to tell me where you learned to fight."
"One day, maybe..." Mark smirked. "But don't hold your breathe."
The next morning
"I'm so sorry," Lyn said, bowing low. "I know we promised to save him, but..."
"His life was the god's to take," Maric replied, the sorrow on his face reflected by those around him. Behind him the signal fire had been built up, onto which the bodies of the bandits were being thrown. The sickly sweet smell of burning flesh filled the air. "Onto other matters. I would see the Mani Katti, that you now wield."
Silently Lyn drew the sword from it's scabbard, the light blue glow drawing gasps from the crowd. Frowning slightly, Maric reached for the blade...only to withdraw his hand hastily as the blade's glow suddenly changed to a fierce fiery red.
"The Mani Katti has finally chosen," Maric made the sign of the goddess, calling down a blessing. Around them the Sacaens all fell to one knee, heads bowed in reverence. Glancing around Mark, Kent and Sain shrugged then also dropped to their knee heads bowing. Flustered, Lyn looked around wildly at the kneeling mass of humanity. Finally all that had been happening caught up with the young woman as her eyes rolled back into her head as she tumbled to the ground in a faint.
"Well that can't be good..."
"Milady."
Later
Lyn groaned, coming back to her senses. The Ger was dark, with the curtain drawn, but as her eyes became accustomed to the dark, she saw Kent seated cross-legged across the room, dozing. Hearing a soft snore, she also caught sight of Sain asleep while standing across from Kent. Rising from the bed she realised that her clothes were curiously softer, and with a look of horror she realised she'd been changed from her leather robe into a soft linen shift. Glaring around, she heard the sound of voices just outside. One she recognised as Marks'...the other was of a light feminine pitch.
Her eyes widened. There was no way...
Pushing aside the entrance curtain, she saw Mark conversing with a small girl...woman with a mass of pink curls. Marking down notes in his journal, he was clearly oblivious to the look of nervous fear on the girl's face.
"Florina?" Lyn blurted out. "What are you doing here?"
They turned to face her. Mark gave a grin as Florina flew over almost knocking her over as she latched onto Lyn's midriff with a cry of, "Lyn."
There was the sound of clanking armour as Kent and Sain barrelled out of the hut. Kent gave a sigh of relief, while Sain's face took on a rather lecherous look as Florina clung to Lyn, glancing around her at the men in terror.
"She showed up after you passed out." Kent said. "It took awhile for us to figure what she wanted. Seeing as how she refused to land."
"But once we got her to realise you were with us,she came down pretty quick."
"Though you almost scared her back up," Mark replied sourly. "In case you're wondering Lyn, Florina handled changing you. So you can relax."
"That doesn't explain why she's here," Lyn replied. Gently pushing Florina off, she gave her friend a stern look. "Why did you come here Florina, especially without Fiora or Farina?"
"They were away on missions, and I heard that you were trouble," Florina said hesitantly. "So I rushed over with Huey, but you weren't there so I..."
"I'm fine, as you can see." Lyn gave her a smile. "Even more to the point, you know how you are around men. Flying around on your own is risky."
"I've got to learn." Florina looked up at Lyn stubbornly. "I want to go with you Lyn. I can't keep relying on Fiora and Farina to help me if I want to become a true Pegasus Knight."
"If she's as determined as that, we might as well take her."
"What?" Lyn glared at Mark furiously.
"She's made it clear she has no intention of going back," he pointed out. "Would you rather have her here, where we can keep an eye on her, or wandering around on her own?"
Though she disliked the idea, she had to agree with his logic.
"Very well," she acquiesed grudgingly. Turning to Florina, she continued. "But if you're going to travel with us, you'll need to formally introduce yourself."
Florina managed a nervous curtsey as she said. "Pegasus Knight - in - training Florina. Pleased to meet you."
Kent bowed, while Mark nodded. Kent however...
"It's always an honor to meet a vision of loveliness such as yourself," Sain proclaimed, grabbing her hand. "Know that you've won the heart and devotion of Sain, knight of..."
"Shut it..." Kent grunted, exasperated, as he pounded Sain across the head, knocking him to the ground as a terrified Florina clung to her arm.
"That was uncalled for," Sain remarked glaring up at Kent.
"I beg to differ," Lyn remarked, laughing. A sudden strong wind sprung up, and Lyn was no longer laughing as, with an outraged cry, she realised the shift was now clinging to her in places she'd rather others not know. Unfortunately, looking up, they now knew.
A gush of blood exploded from Sain's nostrils as he passed out, a satisfied look on his face. Both Kent and Mark turned away coughing, their faces bright red, the same thought echoing in thier heads.
"I could see her breasts."
With a cry of embaressment, Lyn fled to the sanctuary of the Ger, Florina close behind.
"You realise this is going to be our fault." Mark said
"Oh yeah." Kent replied.
"But definetly worth it." Mark continued.
"Definetly," Kent grinned. Impulsively, he offered Mark his hand. Surprised, Mark nonetheless grinned back and gasped Kent's hand in the wrist shake of fellow warriors. Each grabbed an arm, dragging Sain back to the Ger they'd be given to await their punishment.
The Taliver Mountains
"So Glass is dead..."
"With Zugu's group, this makes almost twenty total, we've lost for this contract."
"it matter little, if they can't handle and a girl and a few knights we have no use for them."
"Why are we using Ganelon's group. Just let me take my Wyverns and..."
"Our employer was explicit. It must look like a mere bandit attack. Wyverns would defeat that purpose."
"So what do we do now?"
"Send me Dorcas."
Chapter two End
Another chapter completed. This one seemed to flow a lot easier than the first. As players of FE 7 would notice, there're already some deviations from the gameplay storyline. This is intended as, like i said, I'm trying to give it a more realistic flowing feel.
A thanks to my reviewers. Yeah I goofed with which FE it was based on. I'm using Wordpad to write and it seems to leave out quite a bit when I convert it on the FFnet upload. I'll see what I can do about that.
