Tatsu: Man, so much for that idea. No new review people… but I'm glad I at least have two solid readers. So in my beginning remarks for this chapter I wanted to thanks Knives91 and Frog-Lizard for reviewing and reading! Well, I'm sure other people have read it, but they just haven't reviewed yet.

Err… no, that's not right. Anyways what I was tryingtosaywas….

Aww, never mind. Let's get on with the chapter!

Will: Do I really need to repeat myself? You should know the drill. Will owns no personal writing slaves or personal shopping slaves or any slaves of the like, so don't bother asking to borrow one!

Chapter 4: Opposite Camps

Well, it's been one year to the day since we parted on that hill. That's where he made me his promise. His year is up now, so I'm sure he'll return soon. After all, his only condition was 'Unless I get drawn into some other big quest like yours was.'

Let's speak rationally. How often does stuff like that happen? Also, what are the chances it would happen to him again, and in the span of one year? It just doesn't seem all that likely. Although… I've been getting the feeling that something bad is happening. The wind has changed.

I've heard whispers that Eliwood's father has disappeared. I've also heard rumors of Will's whereabouts ranging from Ilia to Etruria, and even in Caelin itself. Of course, most are just that, rumors. The angel of death is still feared, it seems… and yet, he shouldn't be. Everyone who has met him can attest to that.

As for me, I've spent my time with grandfather, as we tell each other all about our lives, and take walks, and listen to music together. His strength and recovery amazed the doctors, but it was the strength of his heart that overcame his illness.

I've been forced to learn the ways of the castle. It isn't pleasant. It only makes me think back to when we would laugh, and he would jokingly call me 'Princess.' If he saw me now, he might actually think I was one.

I miss the plains… I miss the open skies, the friendly conversations we shared on the road. Yes, I want to return to the times where we traveled, seeing new things every day. And then, when I've seen the world and its wonders… I want to return to the plains, and help rebuild the Lorca tribe.

Lyn was sitting at the overly large table, Florina next to her. That was the most baffling thing to her about this place. Everything, and she meant EVERYTHING, was far too big for its own good. Why did up six or seven foot tall people need twenty feet high doorways? It just made her feel very… insecure.

Florina had also noticed this, and the two often spent time laughing about it, or would go away from the castle for small stretches of time. She had noticed Lyn standing on a hill often, most likely where Will had said goodbye. She also missed him, perhaps even more than Lyn herself. He was a good friend, and now a fellow tribesman to both of them.

It wasn't just them either. Wil, whose archery skills had raised him to quick praise and prestige, wasn't quite as happy as he used to be. Perhaps it was that the 'Will/Wil combination and name confusion jokes weren't very effective without Will to sigh and shake his head at.

Sain continued to be the life of the army, always finding some way to make people smile or get annoyed at him. His love for women was indeed unchanged, but with only Kent to bring when he visited the villages, he didn't seem to have the same gusto as when the others were around. Kent still admonished him on his behavior, but a small smile always appeared when Sain made a stab at normalcy in their lives.

Kent was, if possible, even more serious than before. The Crimson Shield was now trying to help the Caelin army recover from the news of The Crag's death. In an attempt, he began training recruits like Wallace used to. While it hasn't helped his popularity, it seems to bring him peace of mind, and no one could complain that Caelin was ready for a crisis should it arrive.

Akira, the strange thief wasn't as effected, and lessened some of their unease. Of course, she often popped out of the shadows as Matthew had once done to them, and more than often it scared the living daylights out of them. She didn't have the same sarcastic comments, but her smile after she had just scared the life out of them was somewhat irksome.

Other than that, they had never done so much together as a bandit cleansing since a year ago. So now all of them were waiting, Florina especially. None of them said it, but they were also silently praying. If he came back, things would begin to seem much more… natural. Besides… Will owed her a walk in the garden.

Matthew jotted down a note in his notebook. He wasn't as fancy as Will, but for his first try, he thought it had gone quite well. Lord Hector, Myself, and Raina have now taken leave of Ostia. We are to move towards Santaruz to meet up with Eliwood as quickly as possible. We encountered that strange group at the castle with their dark garb and even darker purpose. Perhaps these same forces are the ones we fought a year ago, or are even now pointing their weapons at Eliwood. Lord Hector feels the need to hurry for the sake of his friend.

"Don't spout such nonsense!" Hector shouted, smacking Matthew in the back of the head. After all, they weren't hurrying. They had just now stopped to make camp for the night. If things were truly that desperate, Hector wouldn't have stopped lie this.

"Apologies, my lord, but I am a rather pessimistic person." Matthew said, closing the book with a snap. Hector sighed. He knew Matthew was lying. He just enjoyed watching other people squirm. "My lord, I believe I should tell you this though." Hector looked back at Matthew, who pointed to the trees. "We have company."

Hector readied his axe, and Raina her sword, but there was no need. The shrill scream of delight could only come from that one person they couldn't believe was their 'ally.' "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lord Hector! There you are!"

"Oh no…" Matthew looked more terrified than the rest, and quickly hid himself behind a rock. Not the best choice of hiding places, but it worked. Hector was still looking stupefied as the girl emerged.

"Serra? W…What are you…" He gulped, afraid to ask. "What are you doing here?"

She struck an overly important pose, which made Raina look at her as though she were a mad woman, which may have actually been accurate at that point in time. "You're going to meet Lord Eliwood, right? Well, I want to go too!" The last part sounded as though she were a child asking to play with her friends.

Hector immediately felt his annoyance rising. "You've got to be kidding! Go home! This isn't a game."

Serra huffed angrily. "But Oswin said I could come!"

Everyone blinked a couple times, before Hector, Raina and Matthew (Who poked his head out over the rock) yelled "OSWIN?!?!"

The old soldier sighed. Delayed reaction, much? He stepped out of the trees as well, finally betting his arm free from the branch it had gotten stuck… err… inconvenienced by. "Yes, Lord Hector. On the Marquess's orders Serra and I are to accompany you."

Hector felt like chopping something up with his axe, but now wasn't the time for that. "This is ridiculous. Always have to have the last word, eh brother?"

Oswin looked slightly angered. "No matter what you may think, my lord, your brother is only worried for you. After all, you're the only family he's got left."

Hector still seemed angered, but also slightly sad. "I know… alright, let's make sure we're prepared for tomorrow then. Serra, Oswin, get some rest." The two nodded. "Raina, take first watch." She nodded. With that, he himself went to get some rest.

Will had now heard the whole story from Eliwood. The whole fact that it was likely Laus was preparing for war, and that his father had vanished after being there, as well as one other place, Santaruz. Of course, it hadn't shown at the time, but now that he and Mirage were on watch, he could let it out. "Damn."

Mirage let out a small smile. "I take it you have something on your mind?"

Will sighed. "I didn't want to return to Santaruz. I've been there once, and never want to go back again."

Mirage nodded. "I remember. At the time I was with the Fang, remember? All that you discovered there… it's not easy to accept."

Will sighed. "Not only that, but I have no right to be there. Not after what we've done."

Marcus looked curious. Will didn't flinch when the older man spoke. "What's this about? You two have been there before?"

"Once. When I was… a different man." He knew it sounded corny, but it was true. It was there that their doubts first started to arise. There they saved a village, and there Mirage left to take the blame for himself and Jaffar and Mark. "We… saved a village in that land a long time ago."

No one but Eliwood knew now of his relation to the Fang, and apparently Eliwood felt it unneeded for the others to know. Maybe he thought it would cause too much strife in the group or scrutiny of his tactics as a former member of the group they may have to fight. Eliwood thought this was more than just a simple errand, Will was convinced of that. Why else would he hire two axemen along with a dark mage, two archers, and a tactician?

Marcus seemed satisfied and left with Lowen to do a bit of sparring before they went to bed, and Brian the nomad was practicing with his bow, as well as giving pointers to Rebecca. Eliwood was now resting. Dorcas and Bartre were also sparring. It was nice to see the man again, and especially travel together. Dorcas was someone who knew Will, and who Will knew. Both trusted the other without the need for explanations on either end.

"Why are you coming though, Dorcas? What about your wife?" Will asked, as they continued their walk. Soon they would stop to make camp, but now seemed the best time to ask.

"Natalie is safe in that village you visited, remember? She wanted me to go with you." He smiled. "This time it isn't for personal profit, it's to help you. I hope you'll still accept the offer."

Will smiled. "Of course, and I thank you for it. Though I think your friend has already signed both your contracts with Lord Eliwood."

Dorcas laughed. "Well then I won't walk away completely empty handed. He's a good man, Bartre, don't hold it against him."

Will nodded. "Don't worry, I won't. Thanks again, Dorcas. I have a feeling your services will be most helpful."

Mirage sat next to him. "That's not the only reason, huh? You gave Lyn the necklace for safe keeping, but he'll still recognize you. After all, you have her eyes. And that messy mop of hair."

Will's brown eyes looked sad as he gazed into the fire, ignoring the comment about his hair. It wasn't his fault he cut it with a dagger because they were on the road so much. It could look worse, he reasoned. "It was so much easier to think they were my last ties to life as 'William.' Just like Lyn, huh? Being Lyndis and the Princess and all. Except she was happy to know… I'm terrified."

"The cases are different, you know. Besides, if you meet privately there isn't a need for the others to find out…" Mirage was trying to comfort him, and Will was glad for it.

"Yeah… you may be right. Thanks Mirage, I may try it." The Mage smiled, and left for his own tent. Will reviewed again the maps of Santaruz. "Tomorrow… more things will come. We need to be prepared for everything that might happen… right Maria? That way, I won't be surprised at what takes place."

He went to the tent as well. He also noted they would need some form of caravan soon, as the horses and members couldn't carry everything, and if a battle occurred, someone would need to stay behind and guard their extra supplies while the others lessened their loads to fight. He assumed that would be Marcus's job, as he was the most reliable soldier in the group. That way the supplies wouldn't be stolen or destroyed by the enemy, and all that was left to worry about was their lives.

"Tomorrow… We hit Santaruz."

Tatsu: If his father was also of the Lorca, as I established in the last fic somewhat, then his mother comes from where? I've already had that necklace with the daughter of M.S. inscribed on it, which Will passed on to Lyn.

I'm sure some of you are putting the pieces together, but for those of you who don't know or don't want to ruin the surprise, you'll have to wait until next chapter. Paths will begin to merge and something about Will may come to light! Wow, things are starting to heat up now! And what's going on with the group in Caelin?

Stay tuned for the next chapter: Birds of a Feather! RRR everyone, and see you again soon!