You know, I'm no stranger to conflict and warfare but never have I ever seen so many cavaliers in an army. It's like they came straight from a jockey race. That also meant they approached incredibly fast. As a Shaman dealing with cavaliers are rather easy, I mean all you have to do is aim the spells at the horses. As cavaliers they most likely were never taught on how to fight on foot since the stories of Sigurd. A shame for anytime that isn't right now. At any rate a cavalier rode up to us. He gave Luphy and I a death stare type thing. Then notices Yuki and he looked like he was stalking prey.
"For a bunch of mages you three are powerful. Especially you Yuki."
He then winked at her. Yuki looked like she was ready to barf. Literally. She pulls it back and responds.
"I.. thank you for the compliment. But I prefer being with who I'm with now thanks."
Embarrassed the nameless cavalier attacked her but she cast a Thunder tome and killed him instantly.
"Huh." I say
Luphy approaches me and says:
"What is it Wes?"
"Oh, I was just wondering who's running this army."
"From what I heard, Erik is running the opposing fo"See, now you're thinking like a tactician. From what Hector told me Erik isn't very gifted much let alone combat and strategy. But despite this he has a Silver Lance and need I tell you that getting hit by one is no fun."
"Maybe you should send Hector to deal with Erik. Axe wielders do hold the advantage over Lance wielders and commonly cavaliers. Hector would be perfect for this."
"My thoughts exactly. But two things."
"What?"
"One I want you to go with Hector. I feel like you could and should cover his blind spots."
"Didn't you ask me to guard Serra? What about her?"
"Yuki and Rebecca have that under control. Your uses on the battlefield stretch to almost everything. Plus Yuki told me about what happened. To me the only way to get over someone's death is surround yourself with loved ones. You made friends with Dorcas, Eliwood, Hector and myself. So I will send you to work with many other members of the army. I will try my damned hardest to help you with this problem. And I will not take no for an answer. OK?"
I never thought Mark would try so hard to help me with this constant issue. Granted from the moment we met him he was a very caring person but to do this, was well beyond what I expected.
"OK Mark. You're the tactician. What's the second point?"
"How you'll spend time with me. I've already talked to Eliwood about this and I want you to be my tactical advisor."
"Why me? I don't know a single thing about strategy."
"Don't question my methods Wes. Just accept it and move on."
"... Fine."
"Excellent! We'll wait until we send you and Hector after Erik. For now, I'm sending you to that village southeast of Castle Laus. Now go!"
"Jeez, Mark you don't have to drill me."
I book it towards the village only to realize that I'm not really in a rush. As I make my way past Anna's shop I see the titular girl come outside. She was dressed in a red and yellow suit. I can see the chainmail under the suit however and she had what I believe is a Steel sword. She stops me while I'm still walking to the village.
"Wes! What brings you back into this part of the area?"
"I've been instructed to go check on this village here. What are you doing outside your shop? It isn't time close yet."
"Oh, I decided to close the shop down. The placing was incredibly stupid of me. I think I'll wander around the continent to look for a better place."
"If it's for the best. I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors."
"Hold on Cowboy! I wasn't finished yet! I plan on talking with Lord Eliwood to get a spot in the army so don't think you can just brush me off?"
I give Anna a confused look.
"Is that really necessary? You look like you can ravage an entire army."
"Hey, I resent that. A lady needs protection you know."
"Yes, Anna whatever you say."
I turn around and head for the village and as I enter another redhead (Just my fucking luck) on horseback rides up to me with a very determined look on her face.
"The Marquess sends more men to force me into marriage? I said I refuse?"
"I'm not from Laus. I was sent by an opposing army to check on the villagers. But it would seem that the villagers aren't strangers to what is going on outside. I'll be on my way then."
I start for the open field but then that lady called for me again.
"Wait! If you're not with Laus then may I….. come with you?"
"Uhh are you useful on the battlefield? Outside is a war zone after all."
"I'm a registered Troubadour. With heals at the ready!"
"Then I guess you can come after all. I take you to the de facto leader of our troupe. Stay close Miss….."
"Priscilla of House Caerleon. And your name is?"
"Wes of Latasi. Come Miss Priscilla."
On the way to Eliwood we run into Anna….. again.
"Wes, I didn't know you were a player? *Whistles*"
"Oh stop it Anna. I thought you were on the way to speaking with Eliwood?"
"Eliwood of Pherae leads the army? I've heard of his missing father! Wes I'll be glad to help if you lead me to him."
"You might as well take me to him too Wes! It seems that we'll be working together after all."
"Ugh. Fine, follow me."
When we get back to the others Mark gave me a confused look and I mouth:
"I'll explain later."
He nods slowly and gets back to what I believe was counting inventory with Merlinus. I catch up to Eliwood and introduce Priscilla and Anna to him.
"Excellent! It'll be very nice to have a second healer who's mobile. Wes good find!"
"No worries Eliwood."
"Now what of you Anna?"
"I'm a fellow traveling merchant. But I know my way with a sword and staff. Normally I charge for my services but for a limited time if you'll allow it I'll work for free."
"We'll take it! We need to save as much funds as we possibly can. Welcome aboard Anna."
"The pleasure is mine Lord Eliwood."
"Wes, you mind telling Mark about our two newest members?"
"Putting me through the ringer today I tell you. I'll go tell him."
"Oohh let me go with you!"
I sigh and walk off with Anna following me. I make it to Merlinus' tent and the place looked less than…. desireable. But a few a seconds after I enter Mark pops his head.
"Wes! That's a new high for you. I take that the villagers are safe?"
"And sound."
"Fantastic. Say who's the redhead behind you?"
"Anna one of two redheads who are new additions to this army. Pleasure to meet you man."
"Mark will be fine thanks. That makes three new members."
"Three? Did someone follow us here?"
"No, Wes. Serra recognized a mage that used to be her bodyguard. He's now with us. Luckily for me he's someone I worked with. And thanks to him the way to Erik is clear. I told Hector that you'll catch up because I told him to go on ahead. He's fighting right now."
"Then let me go. As superhuman as Hector is he can't fight forever."
"Truer words haven't been spoken all day. Go Wes!"
I book it out of the tent (while accidentally not accidentally knocking Anna on the floor hehe.) to the middle of the field and I see Hector fighting the man himself. I take out Flux and use a spell while Erik is about to strike Hector. The spell connected but it wasn't direct. I finally catch up with Hector who looked unfazed despite ravaging the soldiers. The field looked like a very poorly designed graveyard.
"Wes! Glad you could make it!"
"Sorry for being late Hector. But your extra pair of eyes is here."
Erik looked all but happy when I arrived to help Hector. He looked like someone assaulted him which is probably what Hector did to him before I came. After about a minute of silence he finally spat.
"Hector.. You've always been... an eyesore to me. No matter how hard I tried... You two garnered all the attention...all the praise. In the classroom... on the training grounds... Everywhere and everything!"
"Erik. You always did care more about appearances than ability. If you'd had even a hint of skill, perhaps you'd-"
"Hold your tongue! I will hear no more! No more!"
He rushed towards Hector but because he had that Lance Hector countered him easily and he was aggressively pushed back. I try to hit him with Flux but Erik counters and charges towards me.
"You will die Shaman! So stand still!"
Almost instantly the Levin Sword that I put away resurfaces in my left hand. Erik is fast approaching so instinctively I swing the Levin Sword towards his mount and it dies instantly. The whiplash from the falling horse caused Erik to fly in the air and fall harshly on the field.
"I think he's unconscious."
"Someone wake his ass up!" Hector practically yelled… in my ear.
Oswin, Dorcas ,and Bartre arrive to get Erik who somehow woke up despite being thrown like a pebble. Didn't really hear his yelling as I droned him out but what I did hear was:
"Unhand me! I am no one's prisoner! Gwaaa!"
"After you pry the information we need can you gag him? He doesn't know when to stop running his fucking mouth."
This is what got me.
"No promises."
"That's all I need Hector."
After searching the perimeter with Anna (Damn it Mark) she stuck another conversation.
"So, Wes are you single?"
"Whoa! Where did that come from?"
"You're ignoring the question."
"Uh… in technicality yes but-"
"We should go out sometime. We'd be quite the power couple."
"Uh I feel like your sisters won't take that one of their sisters is getting hitched to a noble that they tried to rip off."
"I don't care. I'll take no as an answer but I will not give up. Toodle loo."
Support Lvl. Increased
And that was only the first bewildering conversation I had on my way back to Merlinus' tent. Priscilla rode next to me to start another conversation.
"Wes? I wish to speak with you."
"What is it Priscilla?"
"I would like to thank you for rescuing me earlier. Oh and I'm here to apologize for calling you a member of the Black Fang."
"No worries Priscilla. I've been called worse. It was nothing though. Think nothing of it."
"Um… may I ask something of you Wes?"
I raise an eyebrow in confusion.
"What might that be?"
"I would like to… show you around Etruria if you wouldn't mind."
"If time would allow it. Luphy would love to see one of the most prominent Monk and Bishop cities in Bern."
"Um.. Wes?"
"Yes, Priscilla?"
"It would only be the two of us."
"Oh…. then I'll consider it. Light Magic and its history never really interested me."
I say as I shrug my shoulders.
"Ok. But please think about it. I'll be seeing you Wes."
Support Lvl. Increased
And she rode off. Anna gave her the stinkiest of looks. But before I got to Merlinus' tent Yuki caught up with me. Without Rebecca.
"Yes Yuki?"
"Why were those two talking with you?"
"Where's Becca?"
"Stop ignoring the question Wes."
"Sorry. Anna was flirting with me and Priscilla wanted to show me around Etruria."
"Did you decide?"
"On what?"
"Wes, stop playing dumb. On your after war plans."
"Yuki we're not even at war yet."
"It's inevitable. You didn't get over Magi yet so getting involved with Anna or Priscilla in a relationship like manner is ill-advised."
"Yuki, you're not my advisor, Mark says getting well acquainted with the members of the army will help me get over her death."
"Is it working?"
"No but this plan started today. I have faith in him and his plan."
"Ok but don't be looking for rebounds Wesley."
"Oh you Had to use my full name Yuki?"
"I'll be seeing you Wes."
Support Lvl. Increased
After I make it to Merlinus' tent I find Merlinus and Mark doing inventory. Mark notices me and motions for me to enter he pulled up a couple chairs.
"I heard the news. Fantastic job Wes! It seems that my plan is working."
"You're damned good at your job Mark."
"One thing though."
"And what is that?"
"The sword that was in your hand. What was that?"
Instantly the Levin Sword re materializes in my hand.
"What is that?"
"It's kind of a long story. Let me explain."
I explained the run in with Anna who gave us the spellbook which I showed Mark. He analyzed the spellbook and enamored with what was inside. I explained the Levin Sword's chants were the first spell and how the Levin Sword in my hand is usable only by me and that anyone who tries to wield it gets shocked.
"It explains Luphy's arm injuries."
"Oh crap! I forgot to check on Luphy!"
"Don't worry he will be fine and he even volunteered to fight in our next encounter."
"Luphy is a hard worker. I'm kinda anxious to see what he does then."
"Same. This spellbook is very valuable. You, as well as the other mages should learn as many spells from this book as possible. Try to mix this in with Fenrir. That's an order as your tactical superior, got it?"
"Yea Mark. I got it."
"Anyway It's starting to get dark. We're going to march as we can before the gets completely dark."
"Yup. Let's get going!"
A/N:I've got to stop procrastinating. I could've finished this chapter a long time ago but graduating High School as well a plethora of other things stood as an obstacle. But I'm finally finished. Thank all one of you for reading. What'd you guys think? Leave your thoughts in the review section. Anyway It's time I get back to my first story. I can't even fathom how long it's been since I traveled in the world of Souls and Swords. I'll be seeing you soon!
