AAAAAAAH GameFreakimage is reading my story! Again I can't say this enough, give his work a read for an amazing story!
JanSolo: it'll be a warm day in Hel (not a type, brush up on your mythology PLEBS) before anyone replaces Matthew. Legault didn't succeed at that and neither will Varric.
So because APs and finals simultaneously are a bitch to deal with, I'm uploading this a few days early cause I won't have time to refine it anymore throughout the rest of the week. So expect a long delay between this and the next chapter.
"What city is this?" Lyn said as she craned her head to see the full castle before them at the edge of the city.
"This is Araphen, M'lady. It's the second largest city in Lycia after Ostia itself." Sain replied in his best Kent impression.
"This city is infinitely bigger than it seemed in game…." Varric marveled in silence as he looked all around at the busy streets and bustling castlefront.
"I take it you don't visit the big cities very often." Wil said, starting Varric.
"Well, you guys DID say you found him in the middle of the plains." Erk commented.
"Um… yeah, I don't typically visit the REALLY big cities…" Varric said, still slightly enraptured by the sight of all the commuters.
Lyn stepped up next to him. "Second biggest...Hm, it is incredibly busy here….Wait where's Kent?" she asked Sain, somehow having fallen for his impression.
Sain laughed at the expression on Lyn's face. "He's meeting with-"
"M'Lady Lyndis!" the ACTUAL Kent called out as he rode up to the group on horseback. "I've secured a place of rest! Let us proceed to the castle!"
"Excellent work Kent." She replied happily. She motioned and the entire group made their way, with varric, Kent, and Lyn leading the pack.
"This will not end well. I should start taking notes now of the area's layout…" Varric thought as he observed his surrounding more than his companions.
"So, Kent, what exactly did the marquess say?" Lyn asked.
"He agreed to provide us with supplies, allow us rest, and even provide aid in reaching Caelin!" Kent said with almost excitement in his voice. "Araphen and Caelin have long been in a sturdy friendship, all i had to do was inform the Marquess of our plight and he agreed to help us!"
"You certainly are chipper about it." Varric remarked offhandedly.
"It brings me great joy to know these hardships that have plagued Lady Lyndis will soon end." Kent replied, and for a split second Lyn reddened.
"W-well, regardless, you certainly are loyal, even by the standards of a knight." She praised.
Kent bowed his head in gratitude. "I would lay down my life for Caelin without hesitation."
"Rath, go and meet the girl and her companions, let them into the castle."
A green haired nomad bowed to his superior, "Yes, m'lord." His expression remained cold and stoic as he left.
"...I wonder if this barbaric charade is truly worth what he promised…"
Varric, still focusing on the surrounding area, saw an unmistakable silhouette. "You guys go on ahead, there's something i need to check." He said and swiftly slipped away from the group, hiding a very wide smile.
"Hey Matthew." Varric said as he opened the door, surprising the thief.
"I'm sorry, have we met?" the cloaked blonde said preparing his knife.
Noticing the movement, Varric held up his hands. "HEY NOW! Your reputation precedes you, that's all! By which i mean i asked around town for a lockpick and everyone kept talking about a thief with that name. I just did some process of elimination and figured the person watching a soon to be battlefield like a vulture was him."
Matthew sheathed his dagger and grinned. "Well aren't you the perceptive one. Let's cut to the chase buddy: I don't work for free."
"I can't pay you."
"No dice then."
"Not even if by the end of this job I'll be able to pay you plenty?" Varric added.
"I'm listening." Matthew replied his grin unwavering.
"Someone like you must know about the power struggle in Caelin. Let's just say I'm on what's going to be the winning side. Wouldn't it be in your best interest to gain favor with the heiress to the marquess?"
There was a silence, before matthew laughed. "My, My, it seems you aren't as much a fool as you look!" he said as he stuck out his hand.
"And it seems you aren't dumb enough to pass up a golden opportunity." Varric countered grinning as the two shook hands. "I'm Varric by the way, the group's tactician-" he stopped dead in his tracks as he heard a shriek on the wind. "LYN!" in a flash he was running faster than he knew he could. By the time he got there, Lyn was talking to a mounted archer. Varric's hand slammed into his forehead. "I FUCKING FORGOT ABOUT HIM!" He screamed internally. A hand tapped his shoulder. To no one's surprise, the thief had easily kept pace.
"Oy, looks like someone's moving in on your lady." He said smirking. "And before you ask, it's 'cause it's written all over your face. I'd have to be blind to not notice how you felt after that display."
"...Don't you dare say a word to a soul." Varric muttered, disheartened.
"Lips are sealed, but I'll still probably give YOU shit about it."
Varric was already running over to Lyn.
An aging man overlooked the skirmish at the front of the castle. "Hmph. starting things early?….common bandits indeed, hardly fit for mercenary work. At this rate they'll only cause me trouble, even more than the girl…"
"M'lady! Are you alright?!" Sain asked as he moved over to Lyn.
"Yes… I am… this man helped me." she replied as she looked up at the mounted archer. He began to move without saying a word. "W-Wait!" Lyn called.
"I thought i saw a Sacaean woman in need of help. It seems i was mistaken." The archer said coldly.
"No, no you're right! I am from Sacae! My name is Lyn, I'm from the Lorca tribe."
The man's eyes ever so slightly widened. "The Lorca….there were survivors? …I am Rath. Rath of the Kutolah. If you truly are of the plains, I have every reason to trust you. Either leave now, or help us men of the marquese fight off these scum. They've set the castle ablaze. There are secret passages, one of which leads to the castle chambers. There are keys…"
"LYN!" Varric called as he sprinted up. Immediately Lyn turned.
"V-Varric! Are you alright?! Bandits have attacked the castle-" She began.
"I'm fine, are YOU alright?! I heard you scream…."
"I'm fine, Varric. Thank you for your concern, but you don't need to worry. This man saved me!" She gestured to Rath atop his horse, who simply looked down coldly. When he refused to introduce himself, Lyn continued. "His name is Rath, he's from the Kutolah tribe, a Sacaen nomad tribe like my own. He's also in service to the marquess of Araphen and has explained how we can help!"
Varric and Rath seemed to be engaged in a glare off, but at Lyn's coaxing, Varric stepped down and listened to her explain what Rath had told her.
"...so we need locks opened?" Varric confirmed.
"In short, yes." Lyn replied."
"Well then we're in luck, I just met-"
"ME!" Matthew interrupted, bowing dramatically. "Matthew, the master of acquisitions at your service!"
"We've no need for a thief." Lyn scathingly replied immediately.
Matthew smirked "Really? That's not what your tactician said when he hired me."
"You HIRED him?!" Lyn said as she turned to Varric in disbelief. "Varric! I thought-"
"You literally just said we needed locks opened." Varric interjected flatly, immediately silencing Lyn.
"...fine. But I take no responsibility for this odd one's actions." She said before turning back and speaking to Rath in a very one sided conversation. The moment she was out of earshot Matthew leaned on Varric's shoulder.
"I can see why she's a keeper, she's absolutely sweet." Matthew chided sarcastically.
"...Shut it, You don't know her like I do. Now get to lockpicking up north, and as soon as you're done, start looting whatever chests you find without hesitation. If you find any powerful weapons, bring them to us, i have a feeling we'll need them."
"You got it buddy!" In a flash Matthew began to make tracks.
There was a clap, and everyone gathered save Matthew.
"Alright. Sain and Kent, i can see two axe bandits from here. You each take one. I trust you're more than capable by this point to single handedly take out one. Still, Wil and Erk, you each support one of them in taking out their target, using ranged attacks from behind. There's a locked door down there. I'm willing to wager a large sum of gold at least one of the bandits around here has a spare key. Whoever kills the bandit with the spare key, immediately deliver it to the group to our south. That group will consist of Dorcas and Serra, as well as Wil and Erk once they finish their first task."
"Wait, so what do Kent and I do?" Sain questioned, but was quickly shushed by Kent.
"I'm getting there." Varric responded. "First off, I've sent Matthew ahead to unlock any northern doors, he should be-"
"Back any moment! All done!" Matthew said cheerily twirling a blue and yellow skeleton key. "Two doors unlocked, one had a weird panel, the other oddly enough a lockpick, which is good 'cause my current one is on the verge of breaking."
"Does he always just pop in?" Serra said bewildered.
Varric ignored both of them. "Well then, Rath you head onto that panel and trigger it, then join the rest of the group. That panel will likely open up the majority of the hidden paths. Florina, Matthew, and Lyn will lead the charge in. Kent and Sain, you follow once you finish off your two bandits. Florina, I'm guesstimating we're gonna see lance users. It'll be your time to shine if that happens, as Lyn and Matthew are sword and or dagger wielders."
Florina nodded. "Got it!"
"Her confidence is growing by the day. Or maybe she's just used to me by now…." "Rath, you'll join the back of the group after stepping on the panel. Ready? Bre-"
"Hold on." Rath interrupted coldly. He still hadn't descended from horseback. "I know the passages, I should lead. Does that not make the most logical sense, 'tactician'?"
"I was wondering that myself, to be honest." Lyn agreed. " Rath is in service to the marquese after all."
Varric scowled and shook his head. "...I don't care about that. He can lead once the castle interior is reached but for now he sticks to the back. He's a mounted archer, but we'll be indoors so mobility like that isn't as useful. That means we use his natural mounted height to our advantage. He can aim over our heads at enemies…"
"Meaning he can support from the back without putting himself in harm's way and without being hindered!" Lyn finished. "I see…"
"...very well then." Rath conceded.
"Alright. Break." Varric finished.
Lyn furrowed her brow. "Matthew, what are you doing? You keep breaking away from the group."
"Oh, just unlocking and looting."
"WHAT?! So those chests we passed by-"
"Are now empty! Correct!" Matthew cheered as he held up and Angelic Robe, trying it on. "Hm...not really my style, but i bet it would look lovely on Florina!"
At the mention of her name, Florina looked over, and was momentarily enraptured by the cloak. "Wh-what is that…?"
"An Angelic Robe! When activated, they merge into your very being and increase your vitality forever! There are alot of treasured items like that in the world, but they're nonetheless highly valued!"
"ENOUGH!" Lyn yelled angrily. "We are NOT stealing from this place!"
"Hey! It isn't stealing if we earned it! Your tactician agrees with me, he authorized it, so take it up with HIM if you got a problem." Matthew countered.
"Gods Varric, why would you let him do as he pleases?!" "...so be it." Lyn said coldly.
"AGH!" Kent cried as he was sent flying by a heavy lance.
"KENT!" Sain cried as he rode over to his partner.
"This ain't good, without Erk we don't have a good way of dealing with this guy, but they're no doubt busy down there dealing with the reinforcements…." Varric thought aloud as he oversaw the group's attempt on the powerful knight standing between them and victory. "C'mon Matthew where's that Armorslayer?!"
"Everyone, don't let up!" Lyn cried as the group continued to rain down attacks, enough to keep the knight from targeting any single one of them.
"Ugh….arrows barely leave a scratch…" Wil grumbled.
"Da-da-da-da-dada!" A familiar voice cried as a figure cleared all their heads, landing in front of the knight with a "SHING" noise. "MATTHEW TO THE RESCUE!" He cried, holding in two hands a serrated, INCREDIBLY sharp blade.
"That's an-!" The knight cried out, before having his armor sliced through like melted butter. "GAH!" he cried as he fell over from the deep cut.
"Finally! He's back!" Varric cheered.
"'Finally'?" Lyn thought.
"FINISH HIM LYN!" Varric called, and in a flash, Lyn had her blade inserted into the opening like a key in a lock, finishing the knight.
Matthew slung the blade across his back. "Matthew saves the day once again with his incredible cunning!" He laughed.
"I must admit… We were at quite the roadblock." Kent muttered, helped up by Sain.
"Yeah, no joke" His partner confirmed. "Nice work Matthew!"
The thief bowed. "At your service!"
Rath rode in front. "I'll go and rally my men! You leave the rest to us!" he called over his shoulder as he disappeared further in."
"Well guys, let's do as he said and leave it to him!" Varric called out, before heading out. "Let's go help the south group!"
As the group was cleaning up their equipment, Lyn pulled Varric off to the side.
"What'd you wanna speak to me about?"
"When Matthew brought that Armorslayer, you said 'finally' ...why did you tell him to loot any chests he found?" She asked quietly.
Varric was silent as he thought through an explanation. "...Okay, you're right, I did tell Matthew to do that. But I specifically told him to open chests of items. I figured we'd be coming across bigger threats sooner or later, and no one has anything good for dealing with heavy armor. Armorslayers, along with other slayer weapons, are usually seen as trophies among royalty. I had no doubt we'd find one down there."
"So you allowed Matthew to do all that…"
"Because I hoped he would find an Armorslayer, yeah." Varric finished. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you but… I figured if I said something you wouldn't allow it."
"But you're the one in charge." Lyn replied.
"You're the one who actually matters though." Varric countered. "Let's be serious, Lyn. If it comes between me and you, the gang is going to take your side…..I'm used to things being like that for me." Varric trailed off and Lyn's expression softened slightly.
"...It's like Florina said. You don't give yourself enough credit." Varric remained silent, and Lyn continued. "And today, neither did I. I'm sorry for doubting you." at that, Varric immediately turned back to Lyn.
"Don't apologize. You only did what you thought what right…..that's all you've ever done. It's….It's why I never hesitate with you at my back." Immediately Varric felt his face flush as he realized what he said. Lyn just smiled, and to Varric's surprise put a hand on his shoulder.
"I won't apologize then, but you need to realize how important you are to this group." she said softly before turning and heading back to the main group, leaving Varric with a hand to his shoulder.
Rath approached the group. "The Marquess has been secured. If you would, I ask you to accompany me. He should see the faces of his rescuers."
Varric, Sain, Kent, and Lyn all stepped forward.
"We go together."
Rath simply nodded. Varric turned to the remainders of the group. "Dorcas! I'm counting on you to keep them in check!"
"Whatever you say, boss." Dorcas replied.
"This is gonna be rough…" Varric thought as he headed with the other 4 to the interior of the castle.
Inside said castle was a seething marquese. "Those barbarians! How DARE they set fire to MY castle?! Lundgren, I swear by it you will regret going back on your promise…"
"Ah, Rath! Excellent work, marvelous performance!" a sly looking man dressed royally said as he approached the five.
"This is him, huh? Looks every bit unlikeable as he does in game." Varric thought.
"Thank you, your majesty, but if you were to thank someone, let it be this group."
"Oh?" The marquess exclaimed as if only now noticing the others.
Lyn paid respect. "My name is Lyndis."
"I see you're Caelin's-" immediately the marquess snapped to Rath. "Leave us. I wish to speak with Caelin's heir." At his word, Rath left in silence, and the two knights distanced themselves. Varric leaned against a nearby wall with his eyes narrowed. He could feel Kent's disapproving gaze, but couldn't care less.
"Now...Lady Lyndis. Do you know the identity of those responsible for this terrible uproar?" The marquess questioned.
"I believe it was the work of my granduncle….Lundgren." Lyndis responded. Before she had finished speaking the marquess continued.
"Exactly! Which means MY castle has been damaged in your family's petty inheritance dispute!" He said with a condescending air to him. Varric had to bite down on his tongue hard to keep from speaking, focusing on the taste of blood in his mouth.
Lyn immediately became unsure of herself. "My-My apologies-" she began before being cut off once more.
"When I had heard Lady Madelyn's daughter was in need of aid, I thought to lend my assistance. As it is now, I withdraw that offer."
Sain looked about ready to burst as well as Varric, but before either could say a word it was KENT who stepped forward. "MY LORD! Marquess Araphen, you gave me your word!" Kent exclaimed in disbelief.
The marquess stared in silence for an unnerving amount of time before responding. "Your name is… Kent, is it not? You failed to inform me of one. Vital. Detail."
"What are you-"
"While this girl might resemble Lady Madelyn...she is heavily tainted with the blood of Sacae." The marquess spat, and there was a blur of movement.
"BASTARD!" Varric screamed as he struggled against restraint. "LET ME GO SAIN!" he yelled and attempted to headbutt the knight behind him, barely missing. "I'LL MAKE HIM CHOKE ON HIS OWN WORDS!"
"Varric…" Lyn muttered quietly as she watched him writhe in an attempt to strike out at the marquess.
"Varric, stay yourself!" Kent commanded, but it fell on deaf ears. The marquess scoffed.
"And it seems your company is of the lowest caliber as well-"
"SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" Lyn snapped to everyone's surprise. She stepped up to the marquess and looked him dead in the eyes. "I am PROUD of my heritage! I will not accept aid from one who disrespects it, and I refuse to conform to anything said by one who disrespects my closest comrade! Kent, Sain, Varric, we are LEAVING!" she finished and stormed out at once, Varric finally giving up his struggle and letting Sain guide him with Lyn. Kent took one last look over his shoulder, before shaking his head and joining the other three.
"That Marquess was nothing but a lout!" sain cried as the group entered the open air. "M'lady, you held your ground! Do not fear anything, WE are all at your side!" he reassured.
"I….I beg your forgiveness…" Kent spoke up.
Lyn calmed and gazed at him. "What need is there for you to apologize?"
Kent raised his bowed head. "I've been so concerned with seeing you to Caelin. I failed to take your feelings into account…"
"Kent, you have put my safety above all else. Do not trouble yourself." Lyn consoled. "Hold your head up, and be proud."
Sain glanced over. "But… I've rarely seen Varric get so upset, and never him that upset at someone other than a bandit…"
Lyn walked over to Varric, who had put distance between himself and the other three. "Varric, why did you react like that?"
Varric bit down on his thumb. "...I may not understand your pride, but that doesn't mean I will allow anyone to insult it." he answered quietly. His expression was cold and solemn.
Kent and Sain looked at each other. "The last time we had to restrain him like that was…" Sain began.
"At the shrine in Sacae. Yes…" Kent finished.
Lyn's eyes widened a bit, and to varric's surprise she embraced him for a moment. "Varric… to hear you say those words brings me all the comfort i could need. But please, I don't want you to make enemies because of me. No matter what others might say about me, keep yourself safe as well….okay?"
Varric was grateful for his cloak hood to overshadow his flushed face, and he shakily nodded. "...A-Alright, Lyn…"
"Varric. Did you hear what I said to the marquess? You are closest comrade. It is because of you I have been able to persevere so. All I ask is you remain by my side through these trials, and I promise you they will NEVER break my spirit." She spoke with an unwavering gaze.
"Lyn….." Varric at first shakily, then firmly put a hand on Lyn's shoulder this time. "I promise. as long as you need me, I will be there."
Rath approached his lord, his gaze steeled. "You never made it clear how little you think of my people."
The marquese sighed. "You plan to leave me? Over mere words?"
Rath remained silent for a long while, staring into the distance as the Marquese gazed from his viewpoint. "I have no intention-"
"Then leave." The marquese cut off. "Go run along, be with your barbaric princess."
Despite the harsh words, Rath's expression did not reflect anger in any way. "That would leave many debts unpaid, my lord-"
The Marquese turned and glared. "You foolish boy. Don't you recognize an order when given one? You. Are. Dismissed. Once and for all. ….If you truly intend to repay your debt in full, you will heed my final request from you."
Rath slowly let himself fall to one knee. "...I'm listening."
The marquese smiled. "Teach Lundgren what happens when you try to destroy the longstanding bond between Araphen and Caelin."
In silence, Rath left the marquese's chamber for the last time.
"...it was such a simple plan too, lure the girl in, haul her off in her sleep….but Lundgren thought he could jump things and take us both out? He's even more foolish than I initially thought…" he let out a long sigh. "...And after seeing her face to face it seems I was right. If I raised my hand against the offspring of Lady Madelyn, I'd never be able to gaze at a mirror again…"
As the group was leaving, they found their path blocked by a familiar nomad.
"Rath!" Lyn cried and ran forward. "What are you-"
"I overheard the marquess… I no longer wish to be bound to that man."
"So you're gonna join us, wonderful. Let's go." Varric rushed, earning him several off looks. "...what? Might as well speed up the process if I know how it'll play out." he shrugged.
"...Very well then. I DO intend to offer my abilities to your group." Rath finally replied to the surprise of many.
Varric sighed and held out a hand. Rath simply stared. "...Well Mr. Antisocial? You gonna shake or what?"
Hesitantly, Rath reached out and took Varric's hand.
"There, not much, but it's a start." Varric concluded.
