Got re-inspired after reading Trials of a Teenage Tactician, it seems to inspire me to keep going with this one. Enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 6: Blood of Pride
When we arrived in Araphen I smirked at the shocked expressions of the guards when they saw a small caravan of villagers behind us, Lyn took care of it all though, with the help of Kent who graciously added she was the princess of Caelin. Once again, may I mention the shocked expressions of the guards? They grumbled to themselves as they let us through, the villagers from the borders stopped along the area of houses set outside the castle. Kent excused himself and rode to the castle, I leaned against the wall and tapped my foot against the ground. Kicking up small clouds as my foot made contact with the dirt, I noticed smaller clouds and saw someone walking up to me. It was of course, Lyn. She stood in front of me, there was a small silence for awhile until I decided to break it.
(Playing Nick's Theme: Result – Sonic the Hedgehog (Next Gen))
"We um…finally made it," I said.
"Yes," she nodded, "I'm a bit worried about the villagers, I hope they get settled in…"
"It's not settling in I'm worried about," I confessed, "It's… Lyn, do you think I could have saved them?"
She frowned for a second and I continued, "If I… if I moved faster, or sent Kent or someone to the village first… anything, do you think I could have…?"
"Don't," Lyn cut me off, "Don't start with these 'what if' questions, they'll haunt you no matter what answer I give you."
I frowned and she spoke again, "But you weren't to blame, the bandits chose to be dishonorable and attack villagers. I know you… you would have done all that you could to save them."
I lifted my head up, could she see that in me? Ellie said something about me having a caring soul, and hiding it with other emotions. God this is embarrassing, it's hard for me to admit when someone is right. Even harder to believe her words, but, I slowly nodded.
"Yeah, I would have done what I could… but that's not good enough now, I need to do better," I said firmly, "I don't know if I can, but I'm going to try my hardest in battles to win. And make sure no one gets hurt because of mine, or anyone's, actions."
"Nick, it wasn't your fault," she said consolingly.
"I know… but, why is it, I can't believe you?" I asked softly, my voice breaking as I recalled my last battle.
She said nothing, she walked up to me and put her arms around me and holding me tight. This time I could actually hold her back, although I regret that I did it awkwardly. All she did was whisper in my ear while I let me tears flow.
"You will, one day…you'll believe."
(End Nick's Theme: Result)
It wasn't long until Kent returned from the castle, he seemed to be excited, which was something I wasn't expecting from the normally calm red knight. Lyn and I exchanged glances and walked up to him with the legion right behind us.
"Milady," Kent said, panting, "Let us proceed to the castle, they will supply us with provisions and gold for our journey. The marquee has agreed with to help us on our journey to Caelin."
"He's going to help us?" Lyn asked, she seemed… disbelieving?
"Yes," Kent assured, "Araphen and Caelin have enjoyed a sturdy friendship over the years. Once I informed the marquee of our plight he agreed to lend us his aid."
"It looks like we've got a smooth road up ahead," Sain grinned, "It seems we won't have to worry about pushing you too hard Nick."
"Are you kidding?!" I yelped, "This isn't a good thing! No wait, I mean… it's good that we have help for our journey, but, I want to be pushed, I want to fight…to be stronger."
That earned a small, but acknowledged, silence. The group seemed to pick up how much I need to train, to be stronger, in body and mind. They see the change in me, I was reluctant to fight but I did, and now I'm more than ready for a battle, in fact I'm almost pumped. Now don't get me wrong, if there are peaceful solutions then let's do it, less bloodshed is good. But if I have to fight, then I give a confident grin and say 'bring it on'.
"Let's go to the castle," Lyn suggested, running ahead of us.
"Lyn!" I called out, running after her, why is she always so eager?
Unfortunately I could never catch up to her, it's obvious those nice legs of hers were more than just for looking at…whoa, did I actually just comment on her legs?
The answer is yes, in case you were wondering.
But anyway, getting back to the subject at hand…my legs were not for running, so it was embarrassing to say about halfway I decided to give up and wait for everybody else. Or, that was the plan anyway.
"Somebody help!" Someone was shouting, I turned and saw a sandy brown haired man running to us. "The castle is burning! It's on fire!"
Just then a bunch of men ran up from the castle courtyard and over to the group, my eyes widened, I sensed the danger coming our way.
"Lyn—," I began, the men were nearing her. "Look out!"
The man in question grabbed his axe and leaped into the air, Lyn reached for the Mani Katti but it wasn't fast enough.
"NO!" I shouted, leaping in front of her to try to shield her, or something.
But I didn't need to, an arrow flew out of nowhere and stabbed the man in the back. When that didn't stop him more arrows stabbed into him, the bandit gave a dying gasp and fell on his stomach. Who I saw made me mentally grin.
Rath of Kutolah, I remembered, the nomad on horse back stared at the two of us.
He still wore the red bandana, the light tunic, his green hair long from under the bandana. His bow in hand and several arrows in the quiver, dare I may say it he was faster than Wil when it came to archery.
Kent and Sain rode up to us and I sighed, "Close one eh Lyn…Lyn?"
But Lyn wasn't listening, instead, she was staring at the nomad on the horse. I looked back and forth between the two and I groaned, you have to be kidding me!? Do I suck so much that the moment the guy in horseback comes up, it's bye-bye to me?
"Milady Lyndis!" Kent shouted, the group running over. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine… this man saved me," Lyn looked back at Rath.
You know how in those romance Fanfictions the hero faces another person as an obstacle to the girl of his dreams? Well, I was feeling like my life was being typed on a computer and made into one. The nomad was now becoming my obstacle to Lyn… wait, did I just admit that Lyn is the girl of my dreams?
That question was rhetorical by the way.
Rath stared at Lyn for a while and then began to turn away, before I could breathe a sigh of relief Lyn ran up and called out to him.
"Wait, why did you help me?"
Rath turned his head back at her and sighed, "I thought a Sacean plainswoman was being attacked, but it appears I was wrong. My mistake."
"But she is from Sacae!" I ran up, "Her name is Lyn, she's the last of the Lorca Tribe."
Rath stopped his horse and looked around, his expression was of shock. He glanced back and forth between me and Lyn before speaking softly.
"The Lorca…there were survivors?"
"Yes," Lyn said and I nodded, the nomad regained composure and turned his horse to face us.
"Then you should leave at once, a blaze has started at the castle and it's spreading. Don't be foolish to waste the life I just saved." Rath warned.
"You're from the castle?" Lyn asked, genuinely surprised by this, "How severe is the fire? Is the Marquee safe?"
"The castle is under attack, the Marquee has been accosted." Rath explained, "The man who just attacked you was probably one of the marauders. As captain of the castle guard, it is my duty to rescue the Marquee."
"I see…" Lyn said, and I saw a familiar look in her eyes. "All right, we'll help you."
"Milady?" Kent turned to her, I sighed.
"Kent, we've been Lyn long enough to know she's just not going to stand idly by," I smirked, "Not in her nature."
I swear I caught the glimpse of a grin from the plainswoman as she turned back to Rath, "These brigades are after me, if they're attacking the castle it is because of me. So I must help if I can…"
"It sounds like you're involved somehow," Rath mused, "Let's go."
"You'll accept out aid?" Lyn asked.
"I am Rath of Kutolah," he introduced himself. "Our tribes may be different, but I will not abandon a woman of Sacae."
"Thank you Rath!" Lyn smiled, "A thousand blessings upon you."
"And a thousand curses upon our enemy," Rath nodded, drawing his bow.
I sighed to myself, pretending to study the terrain, I hate it when my life becomes too much like a Fanfiction…
(Playing: Force Your Way (Black Mages Version) – Black Mages, The Black Mages)
"Once the marquee is safe my men and I can move in," Rath said, "Perhaps the secret passageway…"
"Secret passageway?" Lyn repeated and the nomad nodded.
"Yes, there are three in the barracks," he said, pointing over to the stony complex, "We need to activate all three at the same time, it will take us into the castle and to the marquee."
"Yeah…and let me guess, we'll need keys to get into the barracks?" I asked.
"Yes we will," he nodded.
"That's what I thought… wait here," I said, heading for one of the houses in the village.
If my knowledge of the game was correct then a certain someone should be here, before I was about to knock on the house door I heard someone chuckling.
"Now where are you going in such a hurry?"
I turned to saw a man with sandy brown hair, a long red scarf, a tan shirt and loose pants, he had a belt of weapons on him and a confident smirk spread on his face.
"Looking for someone who deals with lock picking," I said, enjoying my tiny joke. "Happen to know one?"
"Why yes I do," the man smirked, "Me, my name is Matthew, I'm a lock specialist."
"Well then Matthew," I said, putting my hands on my hips. "How much does it take to hire a specialist?"
"For this job: 500 gold," he said, leaping to my height (which he was my height actually…), "And this is me being generous."
"I'd hate to turn down such a generous offer, you're hired," I shook his hand.
"Right then, time to get to work," he smiled, pulling a lock pick and heading for the barrack doors.
"Nick!" Lyn shouted, running up to me, frowning at Matthew, "Who's he?"
"His name is Matthew, a 'lock specialist'," I explained. "He agreed to help us open the barrack doors."
"A thief?" Lyn gasped, looking at me with shock, "You hired a thief?"
"We can argue moralities later," I countered, "Fact is the more we delay, the more danger the marquee is in."
"I…" Lyn began, shaking her head, "Fine. Rath said there is a door on the outside of the barracks, what do you think we should do?"
"Hmm," I put my hands to my chin, thinking for awhile before deciding. "Send Erk, Dorcas, and Florina. Kent, Sain, you, Rath, and Matthew will head into the barracks. I want Serra and Wil behind as support."
"Alright," She nodded, turning to run off but then stopped and stared at me oddly.
"What's wrong?" I frowned.
"Nothing, but you seem more…" she paused to search for the right words. "Sure of yourself now."
"I can't afford doubt now," I said, "I need to focus on the battle."
She nodded and ran off, giving the group the orders as Matthew unlocked the barrack doors. I ran over with the group and ran inside, the barracks were bright due to the amount of sunlight that poured into the windows. The stone flooring made footsteps much louder than usual, it made me wince with every step that was taken. Just then I heard a yell and solider ran for us, Matthew smirked and ran for him. He leaped over his head and landed behind him, when the soldier swung his lance at him he ducked and went behind him again. This time he drew a knife and stabbed him in the back of the neck. The body fell forward and he sheathed his knife.
"I'd prefer our entrance to be silent, do you?" Matthew smirked at us before walking on.
We walked for awhile before we found the first switch, but now was the problem, what character would we sacrifice to hold the switch down? Just then we heard angry huffing and we turned around, Serra came stomping in, eyes flaring, her pink hair actually looked wild and messy.
"You left me outside?!" she growled at me, lowering her voice after I shushed her. "How can I grace everyone with my power if no one will see it?"
"Look Serra, unless someone is injured we really don't…" I spoke and trailed off, realizing who can stand on the switch now.
"Hey Serra, actually you can be of some help," I smirked slyly, "We need someone to hold down the switch here so we can help the marquee, and we all agree it should be you."
I got some confused glances but they nodded quickly, Serra, looking strangely pleased hopped on the switch. We heard the sound of a wall moving and we ran for it.
"Thank you again oh generous Serra," I gave a quick bow and ran off, I could hear her give a happy giggle as we passed the corner.
As we rounded the corner was saw a small chest, Matthew stopped in his tracks and pulled me aside.
"Say Nick, you see that chest there…? What do you say about me helping myself to its contents?"
"I don't know…" I frowned, stealing from a royal is not the first impression I'd like to have.
"Oh come on, we're merely helping ourselves to supplies needed to win the battle!" he grinned slyly.
I could feel Lyn's gaze on me and I cleared my throat. Speaking to Matthew in a way that he may pick up on my hint.
"Why Matthew, stealing is a horrible crime," I said in a loud voice, "Shame on you for even suggesting it!"
I saw out of the corner of my eye Lyn nodding in agreement and running off, I was about to run after him when I whispered to Matthew.
"Make sure Lyn doesn't see you."
Matthew nodded and went to work opening the chest, I ran down the hall and found Lyn and the small group staring at a knight with a long Lance, he was guarded by other soldiers.
"Ah, you are Lyndis… and this must be your tactician." The knight smirked, "Lord Lundgren informed me of you."
Even Lundgren has heard of me?! Geez word spreads fast in Lycia…
"I am Bool," the knight introduced himself. "And for the pride and honor of Lord Lundgren, I shall not let you pass."
"Well, they do say pride can kill you," I shrugged, "You think you can bar the path from us? You're sadly mistaken."
The two soldiers next to Bool picked up their lances and ran at us, I looked at Kent and Sain and they drew their lances, riding forward and swiftly stabbing them in the chest. They fell to the ground and rode back behind us, Bool was outraged and he picked up his Lance and ran to us. Lyn immediately drew the Mani Katti and ran for him, he swung his lance at her and she leaped over it. What I saw next was unbelievably cool: as Lyn leaped she landed on the front of Bool's armor, she pushed herself off it and continued to leap forward, spinning and flipping, her dress twirling with her. It made her look like a blue flower floating in the spring breeze, she landed perfectly on her feet and stabbed the Mani Katti in an exposed part of his armor. Bool roared in rage and pain and swung around, swinging his lance so the blunt end knocked her into the wall. She hit the wall and fell, unmoving.
"Lyn!" I yelled, Bool was advancing to the unconscious Lyn, I had to think fast.
I turned to Rath and tried to say as quietly as I could, "Attack Bool, he'll be distracted with your arrows while Kent saves her."
He gave me a strange glare, but nodded, pulling his bow out and letting out arrows. They bounced off his armor and made him turn to Rath, while that was happening Kent rode over and picked up Lyn, riding her away before Bool even noticed. Now for part two of my plan, I went over to Sain and Matthew.
"Sain, strike on the exposed bits of his armor, Matthew you have that Armor Slayer right? It's time to put it to good use."
They both nodded and Sain rode up, striking his lance on the slits of his armor while Matthew snuck around him to the back. Bool roared and hit Sain with his lance, causing the green knight to crumple to the ground. This is not going well… I thought, silently praying that he was all right. Bool was so distracted with the arrows and Sain's attack that it gave Matthew the perfect opening to stab him in the back, he let out a gasp of pain and a shudder followed. The knight fell to his knees and then fell face forward on the ground. Matthew twirled his Armor Slayer expertly before sheathing it.
(End: Force Your Way (Black Mages))
Matthew stood on the switch and the last door opened, Rath rode forward and entered the castle. Serra ran back up, she was probably going to yell at me for leaving her behind, but when she saw an injured Lyn and Sain she went to work. I heard footsteps and saw the others.
"Hey guys, we defeated the enemy behind…what… what's wrong?" I asked, noticing the grim expression on their faces.
Erk and Wil moved aside to show Dorcas…carrying an injured Florina.
"Florina!" I gasped, Serra saw the girl and began healing her. "What happened!?"
"An archer," Erk said gravely, "Pierced her right leg and caused her to fall off her Pegasus."
"The archer in question lost a lot more in my opinion," Dorcas growled, glancing at the young girl being healed.
"Archer…damnit…I didn't think about that…" I groaned.
"Not surprising." A cold voice said.
I turned to see Rath staring angrily at me, he had apparently returned from his rescue operation. I glared back at him and he continued.
"You may be a tactician, but you're not a very good one." Rath said, walking up to me.
"Hey!" Serra shouted, "Where do you get off saying that?!"
"Experience," Rath said, "You won because the enemy was incompetent, any tactician on the field could easily see flaws in your planning skills."
I gritted my teeth, my jaw was set firmly as the nomad continued, "And in result, you nearly lost three of your warriors. I will say this…you seem to understand war, which is important. But you lack the thinking skills to develop a proper strategy."
"You can't plan for everything," I countered, "Battle plans don't survive combat with the enemy."
"True," Rath acknowledged, "But when that happens, are you prepared to change your strategy? Are you planned to meld and blend against the enemy?"
I flinched a bit, so much for not doubting myself. If this keeps up I'll be down to square one, I was almost gleeful when a guard came up to us.
"Sir, the Marquee of Araphen wishes to speak with you sir."
Rath nodded and motioned for us, "When Lyn and your comrades wake up, tell them meet me in the main hall."
"Whatever you say…" I said, adding when he left. "You smug bastard."
"Ohhhhh," I heard Lyn groaning, I turned around and saw she was up and awake. "My head…the enemy! Did we—,"
"We stopped him," I assured, "Rath wants us to go to the main chamber to see the Marquee."
"I see," Lyn nodded, "The battle went well with his help didn't it?"
"That's… a difference of opinion," I muttered, walking into the castle.
When I finally caught up to the group I saw Rath leaving the main chamber, he was looking a bit confused about something. I tried not to gloat about it. Later I saw Lyn, Kent, and Sain storm out, looking pissed.
"Lyn, are you all right?" I ran over, although I guessed what had happened in that room.
"No," she said, "The Marquee of Araphen has refused to help us, we're on our own."
"I…see," I frowned, holding back swears I wanted to throw at the Marquee. "It doesn't matter, with or without the Marquee we'll make it to Caelin."
Lyn nodded then she pointed to the chamber, "The Marquee wanted to speak with you as well."
I frowned, "M—me? Are you sure?"
Lyn nodded and I sighed, walking to the chambers where my second most hated Marquee is. When I entered I found the man staring at me with an odd look.
"Shut the door," he commander, and I did as I was told. "Come here."
I walked up in front of the throne room and the Marquee gave me an odd smile, leaning back in his chair. "It is finally good to meet you…Nicholas Skye."
"Wish I could say the…the…" I froze, something wasn't right. "What did you say?"
"You are Nicholas Skye from Earth are you not?" The Marquee asked, and I did a double take: how the hell did he know about Earth?!
"What the hell?!" I yelped, the Marquee held his hand up to silence me. I gulped as he stood up and approached me, standing in front of me and looking down at my face.
"Yes… yes you are truly a denizen from Earth," he decided, "You have no idea how long we have waited for the hero from Earth to come."
"The…hero?" I asked, "What do you…how do you… what's going on here?!"
"Walk with me," The Marquee instructed, and we walked out of his throne room and down the hall. "There is an old legend of Elibe, a legend passed to the Marquees and rulers of the Lycia."
"What legend?" I asked, feeling very confused and angry.
The Marquee smirked as he led me to an old mural, which made me choke: it was a drawing of me! Well, some things were off, it made me more like a heroic knight than the person I really am. There was some runic markings on the side of the drawing but I couldn't understand them, the Marquee understood my confusion and cleared his throat.
"The legend goes as this: 'When the light of the sun is hidden by the darkest shadows, when dragon's flame is reborn from ash, and man's time is drawing a close: a child-who-would-be-hero will come; bringing with him the hope of a bright and better future, for all of creation'."
My head was spinning, okay I understood some things: the dragon's flame I understood, the darkest shadow I could guess what it meant. But the last bit, that stumped me… if what the end of the game was true, there wasn't such a peace yet…
"Do you understand your destiny?" The Marquee asked.
I paused, then I faced the Marquee and asked him, "Why did you refuse to help Lyn, it would help me as well… why did you deny her?"
"Because, it would impede and change the meaning of your destiny," the Marquee asked. "I could not stand in the way of our savior, I am sorry for the arrogance I show to her… but my mind cannot be swayed."
"I understand…I think," I frowned, so much for my second hated Marquee.
"You will… one day," he said, turning away from me. "I will send Rath of Kutholah with you, he stands with the plains of Sacae. If I were to say something offensive about Lyndis, he would surely join her cause."
I was in denial, was the course of the game… the actions of this Marquee, intent and purpose to helping the tactician? Me? Before he disappeared I had to ask a question.
"Does Lundgren know? About me?"
The Marquee paused and nodded slowly, "Yes, however as arrogant as he is: he believes the legend is focused on you in his way to the throne. He is not the true darkness that threatens my home… his attempts on yours and Lyndis's life will continue until his death."
"His death will be sooner than he thinks," I said, and he nodded.
"Remove the stain of his rule," he said, before he disappeared around the corner and left.
When I left the castle I found everyone outside, every footstep seemed heavy with the Marquee's startling revelation. I thought this was some random fluke, a once in a lifetime chance, but it's actually part of some destiny that's even bigger than me. Bigger than anything I could ever imagine. Now what is going to happen to my life? To everything I know, now that I'm supposed to be this hero who's going to save everyone.
"The Marquee said my grandfather was ill," I caught Lyn's voice speaking, "We must hurry to Caelin!"
"As we approach Caelin Lundgren's obstacles will prove to be more difficult," Kent frowned, "But I vowed to see you safely to Caelin, and I will."
"Me too," Sain chimed in.
"Thank you, Kent, Sain… because of all of you," She looked at the entire team, "I will preserve, they shall not break my spirit!"
"That's the spirit!" Wil agreed.
"Yep! And Erky and I will be right here with you!" Serra added.
"As long as Serra wishes to travel with you, I have no choice but to follow," Erk added, although he didn't seem to grumble at helping Lyn.
"You have done much for me and my wife," Dorcas added, "I want to repay what you have done for us."
Florina nodded, but she didn't say or add anything. But a voice appeared behind me, "How about two more?"
I turned around and saw Matthew and Rath, the thief smirked as he walked up to me, "I won't add anything to for this job, you pay me what's owed after all is said and done."
"Deal," I said immediately, shaking his hand.
"Rath? Why are you here?" Lyn asked, walking past me to the nomad.
"I heard the Marquee talking to himself…" Rath trailed off, hinting he indeed heard the 'arrogance' he displayed to Lyn. "Lyn, proud daughter of Sacae, I wish to add my strength to yours."
"Really?" Lyn asked, as thought he thought of joining us was nothing but a wonderful dream.
"Yes," Rath answered, "And to offer this."
He held out a very heavy and a very thick burlap bag nearly busting with tiny round objects, my eyes nearly popped from my skull. It was gold, a LOT of gold.
"This is so much gold…I can't accept this," Lyn stuttered.
"I have no need for this," Rath shook his head, "And if it will help you…"
"But…" Lyn began, only to get cut off again.
"I cannot take back something that is offered," Rath said, his tone ending any room for argument.
"Rath… I thank you," She smiled, making me want to punch the nomad in the face, just cause I felt like it.
I growled to myself, first I'm part of some large destiny, second, some stuck up nomad is now making the girl I possibly have a crush on smile more than I can! Yep, I really, really, REALLY, hate it when my life is like a fanfiction.
To be continued
That's it. Hope it was good, please review and comment.
