Fire Emblem:The Blazing Sword
As a preliminary announcement- I do not own or work with the Fire Emblem game series, or any of its characters and themes, in any way. What you are reading is the upload of the script I have been writing for the Fire Emblem radioplay I will soon be producing. Thank you, and please enjoy. ~Tenkage
Episode 2: The Footsteps of Fate
Cast
The Bard:
Maiu:
Lyn:
Kent:
Sain:
Smithy:
Zugo:
Bandit 1:
Bandit 2:
Bandit 3:
The Bard:
Once, dragons and men coexisted. They shared a peace forged in wisdom- a peace that had lasted many generations. However, all that was lost when mankind disrupted this balance in a sudden onslaught. Man fought dragon in a savage war that shook the very foundations of the world. This war was called the Scouring. Defeated and humbled, the dragons vanished from the realm. In time, man rebuilt and spread his dominion across the land, reaching even the furthest islands…
A millennium has passed, since those darkest days ended…
Opening Song
Bard: Chapter 2… The Footsteps of Fate…
Bard: The apprentice tactician, Maiu, and the young swordfighter, Lyn. A strange pair, on an even stranger journey. Our tale last ended in the Plains of Sacae, where Lady Lyn valiantly defeated the bandits attacking her fellow plains folk, under the guidance of the Lady Maiu. With the battle won, the two young women agreed to travel together, seeking out the paths of their destinies as one.
Bard: We begin again in the city of Bulgar, where after three long days of travel, Lyn and Maiu now found themselves. To prepare for the long road ahead, they go to Bulgar- the commercial center of Sacae. They meant to stop at the city for a brief respite, restocking their supplies before deciding where next they would travel. However, unbeknownst to Lyn, she would discover something that would alter her life forever…
Lyn: Come on, Maiu! Quickly!
Maiu: Hah-hah, all right! All right! *thinking* It's good to see Lyn so cheerful. She was down heartened, when we'd left her home. But once we saw the city gates, she was bursting with excitement. Ah, the carefree days of adventure…
Lyn: Maiu! Over here! *laughing, pausing briefly* This is Bulgar, the biggest city in all of Sacae! *sounds of the city* It's been a long time since I've been here. The last time was with my father and mother, when I was still somewhat young. I remember how amazed I was at the size of the place, that so many people could live together to create something like this!
Lyn: We should purchase supplies for our journey here. Although… I'm not really sure how much gold we're carrying.
Maiu: Don't worry, we have more than enough. Even some for a bit of splurging.
Lyn: Splurging? On what?
Maiu: We'll just have to see, won't we? For now, though, I need to visit a mapmaker. I don't have any charts of Sacae, and I'd rather have some knowledge of the terrain we'll be traveling through before we get going.
Bard: Resting her hands on Lyn's shoulders, Maiu steered her young friend towards the market, intent on enjoying their time in the city together. But even as the two young women worked their way through the crowded city streets, outside the gates approached two men on horseback. Two knights foreign to Sacae, their armor, though battle-worn, shone clean and smooth due to the polish and care they so obviously put into them. Both were handsome, young, and strong, and many a damsel stopped to watch them enter, so striking was the figure they cut.
Bard: One donned armor stained crimson, trimmed in gold, a lance and sword secured at his side. His hair was a bright, coppery red, and his eyes so pale a blue as to seem lavender. He was the picture of an ideal knight; his jaw firmly set, his eyes clear and noble. His focus unwavering, he gave only the guard a brief nod in greeting, and returned his gaze ahead. The knight beside him donned armor of green, trimmed in the same gold as his companion's. He, too, carried a lance, but the sheath beside his leg was empty, it carried no blade. He, too was handsome, his brown locks tinted a greenish cast by the sunlight, just a touch longer than his companion's well-groomed red ones, their loose waves secured by a dark headband. His dark blue eyes would scan the crowd, and when they would settle upon a fair maid, he would give her a smile and a wink that would leave her heart fluttering.
Kent: We're barely inside the gates, and you've already started.
Sain: Started what? I was merely appreciating the scenery.
Kent: *sighing in exasperation* I'm going to find an inn to make arrangements for the night. Can I at least trust you to go and buy a sword for yourself?
Sain: I'm surprised you'd even ask such a thing! *mock-offended* After all the years we've served together, trained together-
Kent: *unamused* That's why I'm asking.
Sain: Harumph! You're like an old maid, sometimes... I should think I'm perfectly capable of buying a blade by myself.
Kent: You wouldn't have had to, if you'd bothered to take better care of your first one.
Sain: Can I help it if I was bit over-zealous?
Kent: *still not amused* Over-zealous isn't the word. I'm serious, Sain. This isn't Lycia, and your usual antics won't be tolerated. Or have you forgotten that we're here on a mission?
Sain: Not with you reminding me at every town we come across. *sighs, trying to comfort his friend* Relax, Kent, I know what we're here for. We'll meet back up in the market after you've made the arrangements, and then we'll begin asking around. Agreed?
Kent: Hmph. Agreed. And I'd better not catch you flirting when I find you!
Sain: Ah-hah-hah… But that's Kent for you, ever the stoic knight. Now! To see a man about a sword- *spies a pretty girl* Oh! And what have we here…
Lyn: *furious* Mother Earth's Blood! That smithy is unbearable! Making such insinuations about buying customers within his own shop?! Grahh! I was so angry, Maiu actually sent me outside to wait! How does she put up with it?? Are all men so infuriating?! Well, I'll be damned if I let another man get to me like-
Sain: Oh, my heart! What a dazzling vision of beauty!
Lyn: *still irritated* Hm?
Sain: Wait, o' fair and beauteous one! Would you not favor me with your name? Or better yet, your company?
Lyn: *thinking* Not again! What is it about men that they turn into complete idiots around women?!
Setting: Inside the smithy shop
Maiu: Are we agreed?
Smithy: …Agreed. You drive a hard bargain, lass.
Maiu: I've been haggling longer than you might think.
Smithy: An' tell yer friend that I apologize for teasin' her like that. I enjoy givin' my lady-customers a bit of a hard time, is all. But it's been a long time since I came across a woman like ye.
Maiu: *amused* Yes, well, don't go falling in love, or anything. *leaves the shop* Now, where did Lyn get off to?
Lyn: *flatly, controlling her temper* Where are you from, sir knight, that you speak so freely to a stranger?
Maiu: Oh dear…
Sain: Ha! I thought you'd never ask! I am from Lycia. I hail from Caelin canton, home to men of passion and fire!
Lyn: Shouldn't that be 'home to callow oafs with loose tongues'?
Sain: Ooooh… You're even lovelier when you're cruel.
Maiu: *thinking* I'd better jump in before this gets any worse! *jumps in* There you are! I wondered where you disappeared to, Lyn.
Lyn: *relieved* Ah, Maiu! So you got the sword?
Maiu: It took a bit of haggling, but yes.
Sain: And what's this? May I ask the name of your sweet-voiced companion, milady?
Lyn: You may not! Let's go, I've nothing more to say.
Sain: Wait! Please-
Kent: *furious* Sain! Hold your tongue!
Sain: *busted* Uh-oh… Eh-heh-heh… *trying to smooth things over* Ah, Kent! My boon companion! Why so severe an expression?
Setting: Another pause, as we move to another part of the market.
Maiu: Here.
Lyn: What's this? *sniffs gingerly*
Maiu: Bath oil. There was some money left, so I couldn't resist splurging on something nice. I hope you don't mind.
Lyn: Maiu, this smells wonderful! This is what you bathe with?
Maiu: Lilies are my favorite. I was planning on a hot bath, when we stayed at the inn, so that seemed like a worthwhile purchase. There's more than enough for the both of us to have one.
Lyn: Oh, Maiu… You didn't buy this just to cheer me up, did you? I'm so sorry.
Maiu: What for?
Lyn: You know, for… for letting my temper get the better of me in public like that. First with the smithy, and then again with that knight… I embarrassed you… I'm sorry.
Maiu: Don't be ridiculous. Don't give the smithy a second thought. And as for the knight, well… I'd say you controlled yourself rather well with him.
Lyn: I loathe the idea of coming across another one like him, or that knight. I can't believe the nerve he had! Making a scene like that in the middle of the street!?
Maiu: I thought it was rather amusing.
Lyn: Oh, did you, now?
Maiu: Of course, you have to admit, the knight was rather good-looking.
Lyn: Hmph!
Maiu: *giggles* Listen, what do you say we just forego staying the night?
Lyn: You mean, get started now? And miss your chance for a hot bath?
Maiu: I can always get a hot bath at the next inn. No sense staying in Bulgar, when we've got so much ground to cover, right? *spots someone* Oh-oh…
Lyn: What is it?
Maiu: It seems we have a little obstacle to pass before we can leave.
Lyn: What's that?
Maiu: You're suitor.
Sain: Really, Kent, I don't see why you're so upset about this.
Kent: *irritated* If your manner were more serious, I wouldn't have to be so severe! We still have a mission to complete, Sain!
Sain: I know that. But how could I remain silent in the presence of such beauty? It would've been discourteous!
Kent: *unbelievably flustered* What do you know of courtesy?!
Sain: *snickering at his friend's uproar* Oh, don't take it so personally, Kent. We've been at this for almost a month, now. Can you blame me for wanting to relieve a little stress by talking to a pretty girl, or two?
Kent: *settling down* If it were simply that, then I'd have no qualms with it. But you and I both know that "talking" isn't what you have in mind.
Sain: *snickering again, Kent is right after all* Heh-heh…
Lyn: Excuse me!
Sain: Ah! My fairest lady!
Lyn: Hmph… *irritated* You're blocking the road. If you would be so kind as to move aside…
Kent: Of course, my apologies.
Lyn: *slightly appeased* Thank you. At least you seem to be honorable.
Kent: Hm? Pardon me, but… I feel we've met before.
Lyn: *darkly* I beg your pardon?
Sain: Hey! No fair, Kent! I saw her first!
Kent: *confused by Sain's reaction* What?
Lyn: Tsk! It seems there are no decent men among Lycia's knights! Let's go, Maiu! I'm out of patience!
Kent: Wait, please! It's not like that!… *turns on Sain, angry* Sain, you lout!
Sain: *confused* Huh? Not like that? I thought you were…
Kent: I am not you! Get you're horse from the stable, we have to hurry!
Sain: Hurry? Kent- wait! What is going on?!
Kent: Come! We must follow her!
Sain: Her? You mean that girl?
Kent: Yes! I suspect she might be…
Sain: Be what?! Wait, she's our mission? You're joking! Wait!!
Setting: Out on the plains
Lyn: Oooh, of all the- As if the first one wasn't bad enough, but to have both of them trying the same stunt?!
Maiu: *very amused* Most women would be flattered, you know. Having two handsome knights vie for your attention? They never even gave me a second glance.
Lyn: If you want them, you can have them! All I want to do is get as far away from Bulgar, and those two knights, as possible before sundown!
Maiu: *chuckling* All right, enough joking. But seriously, I'm not entirely certain that other knight was making a pass at you.
Lyn: And what gives you that idea?
Maiu: I'm not sure, it's just… his mannerisms were more like you'd expect of a Lycian knight, you know? Not like the other one, in green. He was clearly skirt chasing.
Lyn: Hmph… *footsteps stop, Lyn pauses, thinking* Something's not right.
Maiu: *also ill at ease, sensing something wrong* Lyn?
Lyn: *seriously, not shouting* Run!! *they take off* We're being pursued! Could it be those knights from town?
Maiu: *an axe barely misses her* Ahhh!!
Lyn: Maiu!! *draws her sword, hurrying to Maiu's side, pause for a few moments* No, it's not them… These men are out for blood! Are you all right?
Maiu: *turning tactician* Fine.
Zugo: Heh-heh-hehh… aren't you the pretty one!
Lyn: Filthy bandit… What do you want?
Zugo: …You're name is Lyndis, is it not?
Maiu: Lyndis?
Lyn: *shaken* Wh-what… what did you call me??"
Zugo: *sighs unhappily* Such a waste. An absolute waste. The things I'll do for gold.
Lyn: What do you mean? Who are you?!
Zugo: Let's just say that there's someone who's been inconvenienced by you, my dear, and he asked me to handle things. Oh well, time to die, darlin'! Come on out, boys! *several bandits step out of hiding*
All Bandits: *laughing evilly*
Lyn: Oh, no! *pause* There are more than I can handle! …But I'll not give up!
Maiu: We need to break through them! Get ourselves to a more defensible position! *hears hoof beats* What?
Sain: Hey! There she is!
Zugo: Huh? *a spear whistles through the air and lands in front of him, he jumps back* What?!
Sain: Whew, finally caught up… *out of breath* Hold! You there! What is your business? Such numbers against a girl? Cowards, every one of you!
Lyn: You! You're from-
Kent: We can discuss that later. It appears these ruffians mean to do you harm. If it's a fight they want, let them look to me!
Sain: Stand back! I'll take care of this!
Lyn: *furious* No! What in the nine hells are you following me for?!
Kent: My apologies, milady. Don't let my companion's earlier actions concern you, we are here only for your safety. Please, leave these curs to us.
Lyn: No! This is my fight! Stay out of the way!
Sain: Well, I can't just stand here and do nothing!
Lyn: My business is no concern of yours! Now leave me-
Kent: Milady, please!- *interrupted*
Maiu: That's quite enough, all of you!! You're giving those men more than enough time to surround us, with your bickering! Get over your problems with each other now, because I'm not putting up with any in-fighting while we're taking those brigands down!
Lyn: Maiu?!
Maiu: Lyn, this is no time for being prideful. I'm not the sort of tactician with the confidence to send one fighter against seven, and I'm certainly not cold-hearted enough! We need help. They're offering. Just trust my council on this. Please?
Lyn: *defeated* …All right.
Maiu: *gently* Thank you.
Kent: You are a strategist?
Maiu: I am. Albeit but an apprentice, but I am.
Kent: I see… I have a solution, then. Why don't you command us? That should prove our intentions are noble.
Maiu: You'll follow my orders?
Kent: Without question, my lady strategist.
Maiu: Very well, but shouldn't you introduce yourselves to us first?
Kent: I am Kent. My companion is Sain. By our oaths as knights of Lycia, we pledge our swords to you. Is this acceptable, Milady?
Lyn: Hmph… Yes, it is. Mayu and I will lead!
Maiu: So, it's decided, then. Our opponents number seven. Their leader is that man with gray hair and the scar above his left brow. From the looks of them, I'd say they're no more than hired thugs. They may seem like a bunch of fools, but I don't doubt they know how to handle those axes of theirs. Now, they're currently trying to outflank us, but with the three of you, we should easily be able to out-maneuver them. Especially with your mobility, sir knights. Are we all prepared?
Lyn: Let's go!
Sain: Then allow me the lead! *his horse rears* O fair and beauteous one! And… Maiu, is it? Allow me to show you the might of a knight of Lycia! Let me be the first to strike a blow in your honor!
Maiu: The nearest enemy is four meters to the west, straight ahead!
Sain: Hahh!
Maiu: *thinking* Wait, his lance? What is that fool doing?!
Kent: Sain!!
Bandit 1: Hrahhhh!!
Sain: Whoa! I missed?! *an axe grazes him, he winces, then counter attacks* Mph! Grrah!
Bandit 1: Hckk! Gah! *backs off*
Kent: *riding up* Sain! You know lances are vulnerable against an axe! Why aren't you using your sword?
Sain: Because! A lance is more heroic. And a knight should look heroic, don't you think?
Maiu: *groaning* Please tell me he isn't always like this?
Kent: Allow me to make up for my companion's blunder. Command me!
Maiu: Take the enemy's other flank, before any of his comrades catch up to us. We'll take them down one at a time, if we have to!
Kent: Hm! *draws his sword* Haahhh!! *attacks*
Bandit 1: Whu- gahh! *trying to block*
Maiu: It's your turn now, Lyn! Finish him off!
Lyn: Right! Tahhhhh!! *slices and kills the bandit*
Bandit 1: Hkk!! *dies*
Maiu: *pause* Quickly, the next three are approaching. *to Sain* What in hell were you thinking?!
Sain: What??
Kent: You're hopeless. If you don't take fighting more seriously, you're going to find yourself on the end of a blade!
Sain: *laughs sheepishly* Truth be told, I… forgot to buy a sword.
Kent: Forgot? Or were you simply too busy dallying with the ladies again?
Sain: Don't be so mad! I'll be fine with a lance. I'm that good!
Kent: *irritable* I'd prefer to rely on your skill, not your empty bragging! Take my spare blade, and use it to attack, next time!
Sain: Are you sure? My thanks, Kent!
Kent: You're almost more trouble than you're worth. Almost.
Maiu: Are you finished, gentlemen? We've more pressing issues. Sain?
Sain: Milady?
Maiu: This time, I want you to take the two to the southwest. Kent, you support him. Lyn? We need to start advancing on their leader. We'll stay behind these two for now, then start heading north when they engage the other bandits.
Lyn: Alone? *thinking to herself* How odd… Maiu's almost a different person, when she's commanding like this.
Maiu: I trust in your abilities, Lyn. Remember that river we crossed to get here?
Lyn: Yes?
Maiu: He's waiting for us just across the northern bridge, he's expecting us to come that way. *confident* We're going to give him what he wants, and play into his little trap.
Kent: Isn't that rather dangerous, milady?
Maiu: Of course, it is. But then, these men are after us. You, gentlemen, are only an inconvenience to their work, and I'd imagine they'd prefer not to fight with you, at all.
Sain: *shrugging* Makes sense.
Maiu: Which is why we're going to set up a little ambush of our own. Rather than following behind us, I want the two of you to take the lower bridge, and come up from the south. Lyn and I will already have their attention focused on us, and they'll be expecting you to back us up. When you two ride up from behind them, we'll have them outflanked. Taking care of the remaining brigands should be quite simple, at that point.
Lyn: And what of the leader?
Maiu: Once we've defeated his underlings, we'll have him trapped. Don't underestimate him, though. A cornered beast is more dangerous than a loose one. Any questions?
Sain: Sounds good to me.
Lyn: I trust your judgement, Maiu.
Maiu: Good. Timing is very crucial here, gentlemen. We're depending on you to defeat those two bandits to the south as quickly as you can, if we're going to outflank the rest of them.
Kent: Understood.
Lyn: You're name is Sain, isn't it?
Sain: *very happy to be addressed by Lyn* Yes, yes I am! Sain, the gallant knight of Caelin, that's me!
Lyn: *wierded out* If you in insist… Why have you not healed yourself?
Sain: What, this little thing? 'Tis but a scratch, I assure you. But, what a cad I am! To wrinkle that perfect brow of yours with worry for me.
Lyn: *really wierded out* Uh… I was thinking of giving you a vulnerary, but it looks like you're fine. So never you mind.
Sain: *realization dawn him, rather like an "Oops"* No! Wait! I'll take it! Please, I'll take it!
Kent: *sighing in disgust* That man is such a cad.
Maiu: Guess he was hurt more than his boasting suggested, eh?
Kent: *shrugging* It's his manner.
Maiu: It certainly seems that way. Oh, and Sain?
Sain: Yes, Maiu?
Maiu: No more screwing around.
Sain: *sheepish* Eh-heh-heh…
Bard: The unlikely comrades started off again, this time with a goal set clearly in their minds. As the two knights went galloping towards the southwest, Lyn and Maiu continued to the north, splitting apart from them. Kent was worried about allowing the two go off by themselves, but seeing Lyn's skill with a blade had done much to ease his concerns. Now, if only Sain would behave himself…
Sain: I'll go in first!
Bard: Sain again charged his opponent, this time with blade drawn. With a knight charging down on him at top speed, the best the brigand could manage was a scrambled run towards the trees. It wasn't a dense forest, but mounted as he was, Sain had to pull up short or take a mouthful of branches. This allowed the bandit a chance to come at him from around the tree. The Caelin knight swung to his right in an attempt to stave off his attacker, but the short sword swung harmlessly through the boughs. Sensing the approaching danger, he pulled back on his reins as hard as he could without hurting his stallion, making the horse practically jump back out of the axe's swing.
Bandit 2: Hrahhgh!
Sain: Gah!
Kent: Sain!
Bard: Kent rushed in behind his comrade, coming in from the bandit's rear. With the trees shielding him as much as they were the bandit, it left the two on equal footing. Kent's superior weapon and skill won out, and he struck a glancing blow to the man's weapon arm, forcing him to retreat. Before he could turn around to flee, however, Sain's sword came flashing in from behind, neatly finishing the job.
Bandit 2: Guhhh! Buhh… *dies*
Kent: Are you all right?
Sain: *irritated at himself* Yes, yes I am. I was able to dodge in time. I can't believe he evaded my stroke so easily.
Kent: He lured you into the trees before you had a chance to properly set yourself. The branches made it difficult for you to gauge your strike properly. We learned this in basic training!
Sain: I know! I know. I was simply too focused on attacking.
Kent: You're lack of attention may someday cost you your life, you brazen fool!
Sain: Fine! I understand already! Let it go, Kent!
Kent: Tsk! If you truly understand, then act like it! Now hurry! We have to catch the other one!
Sain: *muttering under his breath after Kent* You'll be old before your time if you keep worrying like that! *gallops off*
Lyn: Yaahh!!
Bandit 3:Dahhh!!! *dies*
Maiu: Nicely done. Keep your guard up, though, we're still out-numbered.
Lyn: Mm-hmm.
Bard: Lyn nodded, cleaning the blood from her sword with a quick slice through the air. The calm motion seemed to unnerve the last two bandits, who glanced to each other uncertainly. Seeing Lyn so easily dispatch their comrade had shaken them, but it wasn't enough to scare the leader.
Zugo: What're ya gawkin' at, fools!? It's only a couple 'o little girls! Now stop yer shakin' and surround 'em!
Lyn: Hmph!
Maiu: *whispering to Lyn* Back up against the railing, we can't let them encircle us a second time!
Zugo: Heh-heh… dumb idea, girl. Takin' me on by yerself. Where're yer knight-protectors, now?
Lyn: I need no protection from cowards!
Zugo: Maybe not, But what about yer friend, there?
Lyn: Touch her, and you die!
Maiu: Now!
Bard: Hidden behind the swirl of Maiu's green cloak, Lyn dashed forward, thrusting her blade deeply into the heart of one of their attackers. However, with her blade caught in her opponent's chest, she was now completely vulnerable to attack by the second man, who lunged at her with his axe brandished high.
Bard: But at that precise moment, Kent and Sain burst from the forest on the river's opposite side, their horses at full gallop, swords lifted high. Taken off guard by their thunderous cry, the brigand stuttered in his attack, giving Lyn the necessary time to free her blade, slashing at her remaining opponent's legs. The brigand cried in pain, dropping to his good knee. Leaving him a still-target for Sain's lance, as her threw it with uncanny accuracy for the brigand's heart.
Sain: See? I told you it was more heroic!
Kent: Where's the bandits' leader?
Lyn: He's vanished! But he must be somewhere around-
Maiu: *panicked slightly* Lyn!
Bard: Lyn was suddenly shoved forward towards the two Caelin knights, her instincts taking over and forcing her into a roll. Coming to a stop spluttering, she turned in shock at her friend- Maiu had barely caught the motion in time. Seeing the hand bringing him over the bridge's railing, she had pushed Lyn forward to keep her out of the man's grasp. The leader had hidden himself by clinging to the bridge's underside! But while she was able to get Lyn out of the man's reach, she had placed herself within grasping distance. The scarred man pulled her roughly to him, -placing his axe just beneath her chin.
Lyn: Maiu! Unhand her this instant!!
Zugo: Well, I don't know about that…
Maiu: *calmly* Taking a hostage- haven't you strength enough to face your opponent without resorting to cowardly tactics?
Zugo: I'd watch my words, if I were you, missy. Yer forgettin' that yer bait, now…
Bard: The bandit pulled back the cowl of Maiu's dark green cloak for a clearer look at her lovely face, gasping in outrage as he gazed into her crimson eyes.
Zugo: So that's why I'm havin' such bad luck with this fight! Yer one 'o them! Damned Blood-eyes!
Kent: I suggest you hold your tongue, cretin!
Zugo: An why should I do that? Seein' as 'ow I got the upper 'and? *snickers* Accursed knights, always tamperin' in other's affairs… Think yer bein' the noble hero, rescuin' the pretty damsel, 'n such? She may be one a them cursed folk, but she is a looker. Heh… *pause, then barks his orders* Here's what I want! I'll trade one pretty face for another! Send me the Sacaen girl, and this one goes free!
Sain: You can't be serious!
Bard: Lyn never hesitated. Her sword went into its sheath, and she began to walk forward.
Sain: Ah! Milady Lyn, no!
Lyn: What else can we do? Maiu's my friend, I'll not see her harmed by this cretin!
Sain: *withering* My Lady…
Maiu: *pausing, then sounding oddly confident and amused* Really, Lyn. I appreciate the sentiment and all, but it really isn't necessary.
Lyn: *confused* Maiu?
Bard: The tactician smiled, then shifted her gaze to Kent, locking onto his pale lavender eyes with her ruby ones. She winked, and his expression shifted imperceptibly, as something passed between the two of them.
Maiu: They should be in position by now, right?
Kent: Yes. The archers are awaiting your orders, Milady.
Zugo: What archers?
Maiu: The two back there, Rosalind and Alphonse… I wouldn't do that, if I were you. Moving right now would be a very foolish idea.
Zugo: And why not?
Maiu: Those two no doubt have you in their sights, by now. And any motion on your part will end up sending a volley of arrows towards us.
Zugo: *nervous* …Yer bluffin'.
Maiu: *bored* You can believe that, if it makes you feel better.
Zugo: *regaining his confidence* Then I'd say it's a good thing I have you as a hostage.
Maiu: Not particularly. You see, Rosalind and Alphonse can't see that you're holding me hostage. After all, your back is towards them. So, if I shout the order, they'll loose their arrows, regardless of the fact that you're holding me captive… Meaning, we'll both die.
Zugo: Not if they see I have you!
Bard: The bandit shouted defiantly, whirling suddenly to face the invisible archers. Just as Maiu had wanted.
Maiu: Lyn!
Bard: The Sacaen woman understood the second her name was called, her sword out of its sheath before she took her first, lunging step. The bandit realized he'd made a mistake, and started turning back to face his attacker. Too late, Lyn's sword sang out in the wind, slicing cleanly into the bandit's side. His axe nearly dropped in his numb fingers, and Maiu dove out of his grip in a roll, before even the blood of his injury could stain her cloak. Realizing his prey had escaped, he reacted, swinging his axe wildly in Lyn's direction. The agile Sacaen girl ducked under his blow, twisting the blade of her sword inside his abdomen, then pulling it out in a spinning slice that slit through the rest of his innards, spilling them onto the wood of the bridge. The bandit's eyes widened with the sudden agony of having his insides falling out of him, then glazed over, tumbling to the ground in his death throes.
Zugo: Damn… There was only… supposed to be a lone… girl… Accursed… Blood-eyes…
Lyn: Maiu! Are you all right?! Are you hurt??
Maiu: *shaken* I'm fine, I'm fine… I'm surprised that even worked, though! You are quite the actor, sir knight!
Kent: As Sain tells me, it's one of my faults that I have this stern face.
Lyn: Your stoicism saved Maiu's life. I'd hardly call that a fault.
Kent: *uncomfortable with the praise* Mmm…
Sain: Oh, come on, Kent! Just take the compliment!
Kent: *embarrassed* Sain!
Maiu: *laughing a bit* Please, gentlemen… I really don't have the energy to manage another battle.
Sain: Ah, Lady Maiu! Are you unharmed?
Maiu: *confused* What? I- I suppose so…
Sain: Ah, blessed Elimine! It does me good to see you well! When that brigand took a hold of you, my heart was racked with fear!
Maiu: *flat, as she understands where he's going* I beg your pardon?
Sain: To think the strategist who guided us was a woman of such beauty and intelligence!
Lyn: *bored* Is he serious?
Kent: *also bored* Unfortunately, yes. Sain always gets this way around women.
Maiu: You're failing to impress me, Sain. I've no intention of indulging a flirt. At least Kent noticed I was female, from the beginning.
Sain: Ah! I assure you, Lady Maiu, it was a simple mistake! Why, I'm ashamed that I failed to notice your radiant beauty from the very start-
Kent: *sarcastic* Oh, yes. After all, you have an unflappable attention to detail, don't you?
Sain: That's not very fair, Kent.
Kent: Isn't it?
Lyn: *sighs in amusement* I don't suppose we could leave them behind, could we?
Maiu: *laughing*I'm afraid it's gotten a bit too dark for that, now.
Lyn: I guess you're right… We thank you for your assistance, gentlemen. But it's time we were on our way, as it's almost dark.
Kent: *serious, earnest* Ah! Milady, a moment, please! There's something I need to speak with you about.
Lyn: *uncertain* Hmmm…
Kent: Please. I promise you, it's a matter of importance.
Lyn: …Very well, but do you mind if we find someplace to break camp, first?
Maiu: *agreeing with Lyn* Agreed. I'd like to get away from that brigand's corpse as well, if you don't mind.
Kent: Come along, Sain.
Sain: *the thought of sharing camp with two lovely ladies has him very happy* Ah- of course!
Bard: Victorious in their battle against the bandit Zugo, the new companions shared camp beneath the canopy of a large tree. The knight Kent had a fire quickly burning for the four of them, and they roasted conies on a makeshift spit. As the plains hares sizzled over the open fire the knights began the tale of their quest…
Kent: We ventured from Caelin, in Lycia, in search of someone.
Lyn: *thoughtful* Lycia… That's the country beyond the mountains in the Southwest, isn't it?
Kent: Correct. We've come as messengers to the Lady Madelyn.
Lyn: *shocked* Madelyn?!
Kent: Our lord, the Marquis of Caelin's only daughter. She eloped with a Sacaen nomad some 19 years ago. He was heartbroken his own daughter would abandon him so… Eventually, the Marquis simply declared that he had no daughter.
Sain: And then, this year, we received a letter from Lady Madelyn. It said that she, her husband, and their daughter were living happily on the Sacae plains. The Marquis was ecstatic to learn he had a granddaughter of 18 years. Heh, I remember the smile on his face when he announced that he'd suddenly become a grandfather…
Sain: The granddaughter's name is Lyndis. This was also the name of the Marquis' wife, who passed away at an early age.
Lyn: *quiet, shaken* …Lyndis?
Sain: That she should bear this name thawed the Marquis' heart. Now, his only wish is to meet his daughter's family at least once. This is why we're here… *saddens* We didn't know that Lady Madelyn died a few days after sending her letter… We only learned shortly after we arrived here, in Bulgar.
Kent: But we also learned that all was not lost. Her daughter yet lives. We heard she was living alone on the plains… As I tried to think where I might've seen you before, it came to me, and I knew it immediately… You are the Lady Lyndis.
Lyn: *softly* Why would you think that…
Kent: *also softly* Your resemblance to your departed mother is remarkable.
Lyn: *gasps* What? Did you know my mother?
Kent: *sadly* I'm sorry to say I never met her directly, but I… *hiding his embarrassment* I saw her portraits back in Castle Caelin.
Lyn: *long pause* …To the rest of my tribe, I was always Lyn… But, when I was with my parents… When it was just the three of us… I was Lyndis. It's all so strange. I… I was all alone in the world, and now I have a grandfather… *inhales, remembering, slightly tearful* "Lyndis"… I never thought I would hear that name again…
Lyn: *lost* What should I… do about this?
Kent: *softly* If I may, Lady Lyndis… Please, come with us to Caelin. Come and meet your grandfather. He wishes very much to see you.
Lyn: *still lost* … I don't know.
Maiu: *pause* If you're uncertain, then just take it slowly.
Lyn: *softly* Maiu?
Maiu: A lot has been revealed to you, quite suddenly, but it isn't a decision you have to make just yet. What's important now is that you allow yourself some time to absorb what you've learned. Eat, and rest up, for tonight, and take all the time you need to think.
Lyn: *hesitant* But…
Maiu: Never mind them. After dropping so much information on you, they can at least wait until dawn for your answer. *archly* Right, gentlemen?
Kent: Uh- Yes, of course. *flustered, not wanting to upset Lyn*
Sain: Take all the time you need, Milady Lyndis.
Bard: The rest of their meal passed in silence. Lyn was too occupied in her own thoughts to respond to conversation, and the knights too concerned with her to speak. Sain seemed content to focus on the food in front of him, but Kent kept casting furtive glances in Lyn's direction, a frown of deep concern etched on his handsome face. It seemed to be spoiling his appetite. Lyn ate even less, and after finishing only a meager portion, excused herself for bed. Kent followed her with his eyes, looking as if he meant to say something. He started to move, but was stopped by a soft grip. In surprise, he looked down to the pale hand resting on his arm, then into Maiu's ruby eyes.
Maiu: *gently* …This is something she needs to figure out for herself.
Kent: *sighs* …You're right. The decision is hers, after all… I think I'll retire as well. *bows politely to Maiu* MyLady.
Sain: *suggestive* Well, I suppose that leaves just the two of us.
Maiu: *groans in exasperation* I think I'll go and join Lyn, now. *sweetly* Do try to keep from falling asleep on your watch, won't you Sain?
Sain: *groaning* Yes, of course, milady. Good night, then.
Maiu: Good night.
Bard: Lyn was roused by the morning light, feeling considerably refreshed after the previous night's discussion. She still had a difficult choice to make, but opening her cerulean eyes to the breaking dawn seemed to dissolve her anxieties. She was still concerned, but now, Lyn had the confidence she needed to make her decision. She cast a glance to her right, down at Maiu still sleeping beside her, and stifled a laugh. The strategist was never an easy riser, a point demonstrated by her burrowed form beneath her blankets, covering all but the crown of her head. She regarded her friend with an amused smile, sadness tugging at its corners as she thought of what she would have to do.
Bard: Kent was already awake, having switched the watch with Sain at some point in the night. He had revived the fire, and even begun a bit of breakfast.
Kent: Did Milady sleep well?
Lyn: Surprisingly, yes. What about yourself?
Kent: Well enough, I suppose.
Maiu: Mrrr… *still half-asleep, and grumpy*
Lyn: Did I wake you? I'm sorry.
Maiu: Mph….
Kent: *amused* Something tells me that the Lady Maiu is not one for early rising… Breakfast?
Maiu: Tea, first… What about your friend, Sain?
Kent: I'll wake him in due time. Sain's always been something of a hassle in the mornings.
Maiu: Why doesn't that surprise me?
Kent: He may seem a bit unreliable, but Sain is as dedicated to the Caelin knighthood as I. To be honest, I… I wouldn't have asked for any other to accompany me.
Bard: As Kent looked up from the fire, he was surprised to find the tactician smiling at him knowingly, chin resting in her hand. There was something about those ruby eyes of hers that made him feel as if she had already known his answer, a kind of worldly understanding. Kent quickly averted his eyes, an embarrassed flush creeping across his cheeks, he didn't feel entirely comfortable under the woman's scrutiny.
Bard: Their breakfast continued peacefully, Lady Maiu nursing a cup of strong tea like it were a glass of fine wine. Eventually, Kent became annoyed with the periodic snores coming from Sain's direction, and woke him with a forceful shake. It was difficult at first, until he leveled a threat concerning a bucket of river water. Sain was up very quickly, after that, his attitude turning suddenly cheerful at first sight of the two young ladies with whom they'd shared camp. Thankfully, he kept himself in check, and made no passes at either of them.
Sain: A fine morning! Kent, your cooking skills are on par with the best of housewives!
Kent: *dangerously* Sain…
Lyn: Well… *hesitant* If we're all finished here, we should be leaving, now. With all due respect, I think I'll ride with you, sir Kent. I don't think I could handle Sain's tongue with very much patience.
Kent: …You… You mean, you'll come with us, Milady?
Lyn: I feel I have little choice. I will go with you.
Sain: *delighted* Excellent!
Kent: I am truly grateful, Milady. Sain and I shall begin preparations for our departure immediately. *the two knights shuffle off to prepare their mounts*
Lyn: *softly, apologetically* Maiu…
Maiu: *she is unsurprised by Lyn's decision, and unconcerned* Hmm?
Lyn: I… I'm sorry, Maiu.
Maiu: Whatever for?
Lyn: For… for all of this. Their story… it changes everything for me. I… I have no choice, Mayu. I must go with them.
Maiu: *still easy and relaxed* I know that, Lyn. It was the best path, anyone can see that. And besides, they're not bad fellows. That Sain might need to start holding his tongue a bit more around you, though.
Maiu: What… what will you do, Maiu?
Maiu: Well, we'll need to make another stop at Bulgar before we go. If we're heading to Lycia, we'll need more supplies. We've hardly enough, with the four of us, and two horses. I'd also better get some more ink, the maps I bought show very little of the lands between Lycia and the plains…Something wrong?
Lyn: *stunned, and overjoyed* You… you mean… You're coming with us?
Maiu: Well, of course, I am. Why wouldn't I? *teasing* Or are you saying you don't want me to come along?
Lyn: No! No, I do! Of course your companionship would do much to ease my journey, but… it's going to be so dangerous. I just assumed… Thank you. Thank you, so much, Maiu! I- let me ask once again for your friendship and your aid.
Maiu: Come on, we have our own packing to do- Lady Lyndis.
Lyn: *at first happy* Lyndis… *then remembers something terrible* Lyndis!!
Maiu: *concerned* What is it?
Lyn: That bandit! He called me Lyndis, too!
Kent: *jogging back, a bit out of breath* Milady Lyndis… Are you certain?
Lyn: Completely. He knew my name.
Kent: How could he have-
Sain: *thoughtful, and unusually serious* He was a henchman of Lord Lundgren, wasn't he?
Kent: *angry* It seems that way.
Lyn: Lundgren? Who's that?
Kent: *still angry* He's the Marquis' younger brother. Everyone assumed the Lady Madelyn was gone forever. This made Lord Lundgren heir to the Marquis' title.
Lyn: What does any of this have to do with me?
Maiu: *darkly* I think I can guess. Royal inheritance disputes can be rather messy.
Lyn: Inheritance?
Sain: *angry, like Kent* To be blunt, Milady, your existence is an obstacle to your granduncle's ambitions.
Lyn: That's-but… But I have no interest in inheriting any title!
Sain: Unfortunately, your granduncle is not the sort of man to believe that. I believe the attempts on your life will persist.
Lyn: Oh, no… *worried, fearful* What should I do?
Maiu: *commanding* First! We need to head back to Bulgar. We've got a long journey ahead of us, and not nearly enough supplies. Second, I'll be having a number of questions to ask you gentlemen. I want to know everything I can about Lycia and the terrain ahead. It's more than likely our pursuers will try to ambush us, and I'd prefer to be prepared, if they do.
Lyn: Maiu, I…
Maiu: *gently* Don't worry about it, Lyn. Whatever lies ahead, I promise we'll get through it. I couldn't call myself a strategist if I'm unable to manage that much.
Maiu: *the sounds of a swirling cloak* Come on, you three! We haven't got all morning! We'll go with the original plan- Lyn will ride with Kent, and I'll ride with Sain.
Sain: *brightened* Ah!
Maiu: I'm far less likely to kill him for his flirtations.
Sain: *now disheartened* Aww…
Bard: Maiu's heart was feeling much lighter than it had in some time. Of course, the grief still lingered, but it had been replaced with something else- something given to her by a young Sacaen girl and two Lycian cavaliers. The wind was pulling, and it had guided her into the company of these three. The journey promised to bring many more discoveries, but her warming smile tightened with the thought of lurking danger. Lyn's grand uncle, the man behind the bandit's attack, loomed far ahead, at the end of their road, darkening the promises of their journey…
Fin
Ending song