Wow it's been a while since I've written these Author's notes. This is one of my longer chapters. :) Good thing support conversations are only limited to my creativity in this chapter. Thanks to the people who read this and I hope you enjoy
Chapter 9 Closing the Gap
"So that is it... You saved our lives... If anything we are in your debt," Ninian concluded. There was something she had left out. She said something about me knowing something, but she immediately dropped the subject. I'm not sure if the group picked up on it, but I did.
Yet again all eyes were on me. Waiting for some sort of reaction. I nodded slightly attempting to show no signs of emotion. Speaking of emotion what was I feeling? I was originally fearful of this revelation when I ran and Lyn brought me back. But now... Only one word could, perhaps, come close to describing my feelings.
"Um, Rohan?" I looked up to see the group continuing to watch me.
"Yes?"
"What do you think?" Ninian asked
"We can't tell what you're feeling," Woah Florina got through a complete sentence without stuttering in front of me. That's a start.
"...I don't know. Am I supposed to think anything?"
"If I just had my past revealed, I'd feel something. Granted I don't know how I'd feel but I'd feel something," Wil shrugged as he said this.
"If you need time..." Erk began.
"Hey! Come on tell us! After all if you don't tell us who else would you tell if not us? Come on tell us!" Serra squealed. As annoying as she was, she had a point.
"I-I feel content with what I was. There may be many mysteries still... But at least I'm not completely in the dark anymore,"
I didn't know what the group wanted to hear. Though they seemed satisfied by my response and nodded. After several of them came to me telling me that I could talk to them if I needed someone, they dispersed and set up their tents and doing other activities. Nils and Ninian stayed.
"I-I'm sorry Rohan. I shouldn't have been so quick to judge,"
"Don't worry about it Nils. I can't blame you. I would guess I'm still suspicious due to my previous involvement with the Fang,"
"That's not true! You saved our lives earlier..."
"I guess,"
"One last thing, Rohan," Ninian said, "i don't know if you noticed but in the past you knew what we 'really were,'"
"Yeah I caught that. I don't think the rest of them did,"
"Well..." She came close and whispered in my ear.
"...I see,"
"Doesn't it bother you?"
"Why should it?"
"Well... We're different from you. Half-dragon and half-human,"
"So? I don't care what you are. I care about what you do. So far your actions have been for our benefit. So I accept you as my friends. Hopefully you consider me the same,"
Yes I am full of cheesy lines. But to my surprise the two came forward and embraced me. I didn't react for a solid... 5 seconds? I wasn't sure. I slowly returned their gesture of affection.
"We are in your debt," Was all the two said before releasing me and running away. Well that was that. I was part of the Black Fang. A group I still did not have much information about. Then again I doubted anyone in my group could tell me.
"...Hello," Of course. Someone up there just had to prove me wrong... Again.
"Ah hello Erk,"
"Can we speak?" This was surprising. Erk was normally reclusive, I wondered why he wished to speak to me.
"Sure," I answered and we walked into the woods. After a good fifteen minutes of walking we stopped and stood near some trees.
"Was there anything specific you wished to speak to me about?"
"...Would you like to know about the Black Fang?" My eyes widened. Just a moment ago I thought no one could have told me about them and now...
"Don't tell anyone else about this, but I was raised by the Mage General of Etruria, Count Reglay," He revealed. I nodded eager for him to continue, "Well he told me some details about them. I had encountered their name and asked him. He told me that the Black Fang was a good group of assassins who dedicated themselves into killing corrupt nobles and helping those in need. They were founded by a man named Brendan Reed. However... They have changed. In Ninian's story, you yourself said so. They have begun killing anyone as long as they have something to gain. Though not everyone knows what it is..." He paused for a moment.
"...Thank you Erk. But why are you telling me all this?"
"Because I thought that if it had so much to do with your past you ought to know who you worked for. You aren't a bad person... Don't feel that way," With that small statement of consolation he turned and headed back to camp. I was somewhat stunned but I felt better about myself.
'I must have worked as their tactician when they attacked the nobles or when they protected villagers from bandits... Something like that... I wonder... How my family is doing... Nino and Kai. It's been so long... Last I remember was a blurry vision through my tears as I left them... For all I know my parents probably disowned me. But they would still always be family...'
"Hi..."
"WOAH! Oh Shoot sorry you startled me,"
The initial look of terror subsided into one of confusion, but for the first time the uneasy feeling of fear subsided. Don't get me wrong, she was still afraid to be here alone with me, but she wasn't as afraid as before
"I-I just thought I'd come looking for you,"
"Oh? Who sent you?"
"Sain wanted to speak with you,"
"I see. Well I'll go talk to him then... Hey Florina?"
"Um yes?" She asked before Huey landed near us. She came closer to us and nuzzled my hand.
I petted her in response before asking, "W-Why are you so nervous. Talking to guys I mean?"
I immediately regretted is as she gave a light squeak. I quickly tried to control the damage I caused, "You don't have to answer if it's a touchy subject,"
Silence was her answer. 'Was silence supposed to be consent or denial? Gah! Me and my big mouth,'
"I'm shy in general really... I-It's just that... Men... They're so intimidating,"
It took a lot of willpower to suppress the sudden urge to laugh, "Do I look intimidating to you?"
"Um... Well... I'm not sure. It's just that you're a guy and all so that's really all I focus on...Why...Why are you..." She almost squeaked the last few words.
"I was asking because... Well I don't know. I just feel odd that someone in my group would be so afraid of me. I hoped to assuage your fears to some degree. Hey I'm not a scary person,"
Again silence from her. She couldn't seem to understand something I had said, but she simply nodded, accepting my answer.
"Sain! You needed me?"
"Ah hello Rohan. Just wanted to ask a favor,"
"Why did you send Florina?" I blurted out, "In fact how did you send her? I wouldn't think she'd be able to talk to a man... Like yourself,"
"I asked Serra to get you actually, but she seemed busy so she asked Florina to,"
'I wonder why she agreed... Oh wait it's Serra,'
"Well. I was hoping you would spar with me," I recoiled in shock to this request.
"But... Sain, I cannot fight!"
"I know but... Well I've rarely seen you fight and besides..."
"You want to impress the ladies by showing your amazing sword skills against a helpless tactician," I finished for him.
"My good man! The thought never... Well ok maybe the ladies part... But that wasn't the main reason. Everyone who can use a sword is busy. So please. Would you do me the honor," I sighed but it was the perfect opportunity to practice.
"Very well Sain. Just don't beat me too badly ok?"
"Of course! Here," Sain replied tossing me a wooden sword.
"Where'd this come from?"
"Heh. Well to tell you the truth. I bought these instead of actual swords at Bulgar,"
As much as I wanted to rest my palm on my face, I resisted the urge and we went to an open area where we could spar.
"Ready?"
I sighed, "No but let's do it!"
Sain happily agreed by thrusting his blade at me. I sidestepped the strike and tried slashing with some techniques that I was taught in school. We needed some self defense classes in order to graduate. He barely managed to get his sword back to parry the slashes. He managed to counterattack and our swords met. For the first time, I was able to fully observe his fighting style. He was slow. Slower than me but what he lacked in speed he made up for in power. I was unable to last a few strikes without having my weapon flying out of my hand
"Good job. Though something I've noticed. You seem to be purposely slowing your attacks to gain power,"
"I was always that type. That's my style. It's how I use my lance as well,"
"Well... try focusing on accuracy and speed. Power will come naturally to you with your fighting style,"
He nodded and we sparred again. I almost regretted giving him that advice because despite Sain being somewhat of an oaf sometimes, he was a quick learner. His speed had already improved and his blows were still powerful. I had to focus all my energy on defense to avoid being disarmed. At the end, we fell to our knees, gasping for breath.
"Phew... You're... Strong,"
"Not... Very... Again?"
Despite his initial protests he relented against my determination. We sparred about 15 times after that. Sain won the majority. But to my surprise, he was praising me.
"I never realized you were this skilled with the blade. You managed to best me a few times,"
"Ha you're better. A fast learner too. I see now how you became a knight despite your... Sometimes juvenile behavior," The praise pleased Sain and they walked back to camp. Neither of them noticed the green haired girl watching from the distance.
'Phew. Now I can rest. I just don't feel like talking to anyone anymore... Well besides Lyn. I never get tired of talking to her... Maybe if I weren't so awkward... Hmph. What would my sister say? Hmm she'd probably be all giggly and tease me about it quite a bit. She'd probably say something like "Get her cookies! She'd love you if you did!" Yeah that's my sister. I miss Nino. Although it was strange. I looked nothing like my kin. My brother and sister didn't even look that much alike. But I totally didn't belong in that family. I didn't look like them, I couldn't do magic, I was way better at history and math than Kai was... Man I doubt anyone who didn't know us could tell that I was part of the family,'
"Well someone looks happy," Lyn smiled as she walked in.
"I'm not sure if I'd describe it as that, but ok,"
"You look so much better. You know something now right? It's as if someone handed you a map to your maze,"
I almost laughed at her analogy. It was actually somewhat true, "Well I couldn't have found it without you... Thank you," I touched her hand. It was soft and I meant for it to be quick. But I think I lingered a lot more than I meant to.
She gave a genuine smile, "Your welcome. I'm always here if you need someone to talk to. Assuming you don't get tired of talking to me that is,"
"When have I ever felt tired of talking to you? I doubt I can feel that way seeing as how much better I feel after I talk to you," I mused. 'Man I have a big mouth. Did I really just say all of that? I'm cheesy as cheese can get,'
I saw her cheeks change into a bright hue, "I'm glad you feel that way,"
"Yeah... I think now I really understand what I want to do after this war,"
"What would that be?" Lyn inquired puzzled.
"Well... I want to find a trace of my family,"
"I thought your parents..."
"Not them... I don't care about them," I said. It was a harsh statement, yet it was true at the time, "I want to find my brother and sister. If it weren't for them..." I didn't need to finish the thought before she got my meaning.
"I understand... You don't really feel that way about your parents do you?"
"How should I feel Lyn? Should I love them after being persecuted for all this time? I have been trying to win their acceptance since the day I was born. Now it doesn't matter,"
"But surely you must appreciate them. They raised you!"
"Lyn, they did almost anything to destroy my confidence. I guarantee you if my father stood by me watching me guide a battle, we'd all die!" I didn't really notice how angry and loud I had suddenly become. Luckily it seemed that no one else had heard.
"Why?"
"Because the only thing my father and mother were capable of doing was causing doubt to emerge in my mind. Doubt is fatal. If I doubted myself as a tactician do you really believe we could have made it this far? I feel the only thing I'm worth is this. I can't do anything else!"
"...I see. I cannot understand your feelings since I've never been in that kind of situation and I doubt I'll ever be. But just remember that they chose to keep you rather than abandon you elsewhere,"
She had a point as usual.
'Sheesh I can't even win an argument about my own life,'
"All right you win again. How about you tell me something. I'm tired of talking,"
"Ok. I just had a talk with Florina," I felt my chest hurting all of a sudden. I knew I would have regretted that.
"Uh..." I began weakly.
"She was actually touched by what you had to say,"
'WHAT?'
"She looked pretty afraid to me,"
"Well we talked. I'm glad you talked to her a bit. Maybe she won't be as shy anymore,"
"Doubt it. I was just hoping that I could help her become less afraid of me. I mean I feel like I'm constantly doing something wrong when she does those things,"
"I see. You care a lot of other peoples opinions of you don't you?"
I could feel my cheeks burning at the statement, "I-I... Whatever gave you that idea?"
"You. You gave me that idea,"
"Well... Ok maybe a little but... Still!"
Lyn smiled knowingly, "Well... It was just an observation,"
"Do you not care about others opinions?"
"Not as much,"
"Oh... Well I suppose that's just one of my many weaknesses and your many strengths,"
"I am very flattered,"
Personally, I usually don't think of myself as someone who finds it hard to talk to people. Yet there have been multiple times when I've wanted to keep a conversation alive, but I didn't know what to say.
Lyn kept it alive, "Remember the time you got me flowers?"
"That sort of thing is hard to forget,"
"Well I was just wondering, how much did you flirt with that innkeeper?"
Normally I would've been embarrassed, but I was in a good mood, "Well she was attracted to my charms. Who could blame her though? I'm just that good,"
"You wish!" Lyn said playfully, "I wouldn't have to flirt to get what I want,"
"No? I saw you in Bulgar Lyn. Don't lie," I replied slyly.
"Hey!" She yelled. Her face was red
"See you don't deny it..." I couldn't continue because at that point Lyn had slapped me. Well someone was flustered. She gave a light smile. But her cheeks were still red. I was really going to enjoy this,
"Weren't you the one saying how hilarious it would be to see me of all people flirt?"
"Yes. It took every ounce of willpower to prevent me from laughing uncontrollably,"
"Oh! You..."
"Remember what I told you at Bulgar. You're the type that attracts a bunch of Sains,"
I braced myself for the next slap or hit. When it didn't come I looked up quizzically and that was when she struck.
"Ow... Should've seen that one coming,"
"You should've. But you'll never learn. By the way, I had a chat with your favorite innkeeper!"
"Oh? What did she say?"
"Oh lots of things. Mostly about you," Lyn winked at me
My cheeks burned, "Um... What did she say?"
"Now who's flustered?" She teased.
"...It's called curiosity,"
"And why might you be so curious about her?"
"Alright, then. Who should I be curious about?"
"I wouldn't know... I was just teasing you you know. It's fun," Before I could respond, she added, "I saw you practicing today. With Sain I mean," She looked at me and gave a small smile
"Yeah I thought I saw some green hair in the bushes,"
"You don't need to do that though. I'm here. I can protect you!"
"I'm tired of being protected. Besides my peerless warrior has so many other... Duties,"
"...Well I'm proud of you. But you know this means you're going to spar with me as well,"
I groaned, "I don't want to die..."
"What's the worst thing I could do?" She asked innocently, but she laughed when I shot her a "really?" look.
"You could probably slap me to death... Elimine forbid that I die such a horrible, embarrassing death,"
Lyn laughed heartily at that, "I suppose I should commend your humor..."
"...I know this is late... But can you teach me your ways with the sword sometime? I want to learn," I was suddenly tired. I barely remembered mumbling, "Well I think I'm going to sleep now,"
Lyn simply smiled and nodded. This time I made the bold move of wrapping my arm around her as I slept.
The next seven tiring days of travel went by slowly but they were uneventful. I was glad when they were over
"Look Rohan! The mountains seem so far away now. We've come such a long way," Lyn exclaimed.
I looked back and I understood what she meant. The towering mountains were nothing more than small hills from where we stood.
"Yeah. It won't be long now,"
"By my reckoning, we can reach Castle Caelin in two days if we hurry,"
"Two days... Hold on grandfather. Please,"
Florina came to comfort Lyn while I took a closer look at the two paths we could take. To the left were forests and to the right was a village but no visible path.
"Rohan," A voice called.
Matthew appeared next to me, "I have some business I must attend to. I'd prefer that few people know that I'm going somewhere,"
"What? Why?"
"Not now please. Just know that I'm coming back ok?"
"Fine. Good luck with whatever you have to do," I answered. He gave me a smirk before running off.
"Lyn... Danger approaches," Nils began.
"What did you say?"
"I don't see anything... Are you certain?" Sain challenged. But Ninian confirmed his fears.
"Milady don't move!"
Those words probably saved her life. A bolt appeared inches from Lyn's feet.
Lyn was astonished, "What in the... Where did this bolt come from?"
"It looks like a ballista bolt," I observed.
In response to this discovery Sain commented, "Lord Lundgren is getting serious. Deploying siege engines is no easy task,"
"What is a ballista?"
"Basically it's a long ranged bow. Any archer can use it," I clarified.
Lyn turned to Wil, "Do you think you can use a ballista Wil?"
"Well I've never used one before. But it's just a large bow right? I should be able to figure it out,"
"All we ask is that you try," Reassured Lyn, "What is our best strategy then?"
"My guess would be that we should let someone with high defense force the ballista to waste bolts," Kent offered.
"Then one of us can knock the fool on the head," Sain finished.
"No. A ballista can fire max five bolts before breaking. By the time we get there, the ballista will probably not be worth using,"
"So what's our strategy then?"
"For now, let's proceed into the forest to the west. That should make it easier to dodge these bolts. Once there we can attack,"
I'll spare the details for this battle. It was tiring and unnecessarily long. Stupid ballista. We had to stay in the forest until I decided it was safe to approach the ballista. But nevertheless, we managed to take out the archer manning the ballista and proceeded south to eliminate the remaining soldiers. It was a smooth battle afterwards. Well at least for me it was. The knights of Caelin were unnerved after the battle.
"I see no more enemy soldiers. However, something is bothering me," Kent confessed. It was rare for Kent to openly admit something like this so I was concerned.
"What is it Kent?" Lyn asked
"During the fighting. The enemy soldiers, they were soldiers of Caelin. I recognized them. I even trained with some of them, yet they attacked me without hesitation..."
"Bah. They're black-hearted traitors who've joined Lord Lundgren. Good riddance I say. It also means less resistance to the castle," Sain responded vehemently.
"I hope you're right..."
"I'm just glad Nils and Ninian were with us. If that first shot had hit me, I may not have survived,"
"We are honored to have served you well milady,"
"We won't let you down!" Nils chimed in
'Matthew should be back by now. Perhaps he's gone to get some information... Ah there he is,'
"Welcome back Matthew,"
"What's this? You've dealt with the ballista too? Nicely done!"
"Matthew? Where were you during this battle?" Lyn interrogated the jolly thief.
"Heh. Well while you were fighting Rohan allowed me to do a little hunting for information. I got some interesting news for my troubles too,"
"Well let's hear it then," The whole group was listening intently.
"First off, about Marquess Caelin's illness. He really is unwell. He's been abed for nigh on three months,"
"Oh no... Grandfather..."
"But I've heard an interesting rumor about his condition though. People believe he's being poisoned. Though they are too afraid to mention a name. However after Marquess Caelin became ill a certain noble took control of the castle as though it were his own. I got a name after bribing an innkeeper. The Marquess' own brother, Lord Lundgren,"
Save for the occasional threat against Lundgren our group was silent. But it only got worse, "How could the people allow him to get away with this! The villagers know about this!"
"Unfortunately, they are afraid and they lack proof. The whisperings of the common people mean nothing," Kent informed
"That's the truth of it. And the marquess' retainers who have lent credence to these rumors have disappeared,"
"Are you saying that they've been silenced?"
"It's a fair assumption,"
"But we can fix this right? All we have to do is retake castle Caelin. Surely we cannot receive more opposition if people believe the stories you've told us!" Sain added.
"Unfortunately it gets worse. An imposter has arrived claiming to be the granddaughter of Marquess Caelin. That's the story that's been told to anyone who'll listen,"
Only I understood at first , "...No... That lying... He's smart I'll give him credit for that..."
The group looked to me for an explanation, "You don't see? By adding some truth, he's made his lie far stronger. Now the soldiers of Caelin believe they are looking for a baseborn child of Sacae accompanied by two traitorous knights and lay claim to Castle Caelin!"
My words brought uneasiness among the group, but there was one last thing that Matthew had found, "Also... Lord Lundgren is sending messengers to the other kingdoms of Lycia asking for aid,"
Silence. If this were true and the other kingdoms chose to act, we'd never reach Caelin alive.
"Eliwood... He might be able to help us..." I offered weakly. But the rest of them latched onto this hope.
"That's it! Eliwood seemed sympathetic to our situation. We'd better head back to Kathelet," Lyn exclaimed.
So we were at a stand still. We sent a messenger with news of our plight and we didn't know when we could move. If we risked moving now, we may run into enemies from other realms of Lycia and if we did, we were done for. So we waited for days. It had been two days since the message had been sent.
"Something bothering you?" Wil asked me.
"Just apprehensive about the outcome of our message. That's all,"
"Well, I would trust Lord Eliwood on this. Our message should have arrived by now. Eliwood won't let us down,"
"Well let's hope so,"
"Hey... Can you help me with something?"
"Sure what do you need?"
"I... Er... Need to write a letter to my parents... But I don't know how to start,"
"Oh... Well just start with something like 'Dear mom and dad, I hope you are doing well...' and add other things,"
"Well it has been 5 years since... I've seen them,"
"Oh... How come you haven't written to them in so long?"
"Well, a lot has happened..."
"I see,"
"Look I'm sorry please don't..."
"Huh? I wasn't saying anything Wil. I'm sure they're worried though,"
Wil sighed then continued, "I wasn't going to say all this but well. I guess I have to tell someone here. I ran away with a friend... We had a simple plan. The two of us were going to get lucky and our families would live in happiness... But things didn't work out. My friend went home after a month,"
"Well why didn't you go home as well?"
"Hmph. I couldn't forgive him for what he did. How could he respect himself after giving up? But then again I'm the one not deserving respect. I was afraid to tell my parents. I thought they'd think the same thing,"
"Ah. I understand,"
"Yeah... I'm sorry. I've made many mistakes..."
"Well you can always correct them it's not too late. Don't put yourself down because you couldn't get lucky and make a fortune. You're worth a lot more than you make yourself out to be. Write to your parents and let them know you're ok,"
"...I guess... Hey thanks. I mean, hopefully they won't hate me,"
"I doubt they will... But what do I know? My parents hated me... So I suppose I'm not very good to ask for advice about problems with parents,"
Wil was taken aback, "Huh? Wait what?"
Just like that I told him my family history. He listened intently throughout the whole thing. At the end of my narration he said, "Ouch... That's rough,"
"Yeah... But you should write to yours. I doubt they're like mine,"
"...I will. Heh. You're a lot easier to talk to about these kinds of things. Easier than your girlfriend that is,"
"Yea- Wait WHAT?"
He chuckled at my impulsive reaction and turned his palms up, "Don't get so flustered. Just pointing it out. Lyn is harder to talk to about these things. After all she gave me a lecture before ordering me to write this letter,"
"Ok. But when did she become my girlfriend?"
"Heh. The way she treats you. I mean when you ran off she was after you in a heartbeat. I just said that I thought I heard a fox running. But hey she went off chasing that you. Besides the fact that you're so flustered now proves that you like her,"
This was the first time someone in the group had pointed it out. But for some reason I guessed there would be more. But I doubted that Wil could've come to that conclusion by just that
"Is that all the evidence? Just because Lyn went in pursuit of a fox doesn't mean that we're... Well you know,"
"Fine. Don't get angry at me for this, but that one time at the fortress. I heard you two talking. Saying something about not wanting to see you get hurt and asking some other question. Though I was half asleep at the time, I still heard,"
"...I hate you,"
"I'm sorry, I doubt anyone else heard though. Too much snoring,"
"Ha. Well it's not like she's my girlfriend or anything just because of that,"
"Well do you like her?"
"...I don't know,"
"What does that mean? Come on. I won't tell,"
"I mean what I said. I guess I have feelings for her, but I'm sure lots of guys would. Besides, it's not like she'll like me because of it. She's... I don't know. She could do better than me,"
"Really? So you like her. But you're afraid of getting rejected?"
"...Did I mention how much I hate you right now?"
"Don't worry about it. I feel you. Like I said I won't tell anyone," He sighed in resignation.
"Did you ever like someone?" I tried shifting the focus to him.
"Me? Well... Kinda... Eh. It's not worth getting into. Woah is that him?"
Normally I would've pressed him. After he pestered me about my feelings for Lyn, I should get some backstory about his feelings for someone else. But his last comment was referring to Eliwood who had appeared in the village we had just arrived at.
"I received your message a few days back. Lucky I ran into you," He relayed the rest of the news to us then, "I have received word from Caelin's neighbors Laus, Tuscana, Kathelet, Tania, and Santaruz. They will not interfere with Caelin's affairs. This they have promised,"
"Eliwood...I don't know how to thank you,"
"All I've done is convinced them to remain neutral. However that means I cannot aid you either,"
"You've done enough Lord Eliwood. I won't waste the opportunity you have given me,"
"As a friend I pray for your success," With these words and a nod, Lord Eliwood exited and rode west from the village.
I didn't understand why Eliwood chose to ride when it was so dark. But it was his choice. Now that we were in Caelin I decided to speak with everyone. I had the feeling I didn't know my allies as well as I wished.
"Hello there Lucius,"
"Ah hello Rohan. Is there something you wish to discuss?"
"No. Nothing in particular. Just wanted to talk,"
"Ah I see. How is everything?"
"Fine. I'm really glad we're in Caelin..."
"Hmm. Yes this conflict... It'll be over soon,"
"Lucius may I ask you something?"
"Of course?"
"Well you're a monk so I hoped you could help... Am I evil?" I asked. I thought that asking a monk about these problems would help me
Lucius was taken aback, "Why no! Why would you think that?"
"Well, when it comes down to it... I'm just a murderer. I can't even fight... I can only bark orders and plan more deaths... I don't want to be evil... But I feel that my actions show that I'm a bad person... Or I'm just wallowing in the pleasure of self-pity,"
"My child do not be troubled by such thoughts... You are no bloodthirsty man who does this for pleasure. We are all on a mission and you aid us. You keep us alive,"
"Hmm perhaps. Yeah. I'll think of it that way... It'll make my stress easier... By the way Lucius, has anyone mistaken you for a-"
"Woman? Yes many times... But please, I have trouble explaining that I'm not one. Why not long ago the cleric, Serra, was bothering me about it. But I accept my looks,"
"Ah I see. Well it was nice chatting with you!" I ran off to look for someone else to talk to.
"Hmm... Where is everyone? I need to give someone in the group the honor of being able to speak to someone as glorious as me..."
"Hi... Wah! Never mind!" The tactician screamed before trying to run. He tripped and fell on his face,"
"Oh hi Rohan! Wow! You actually came to talk to me. That's touching!"
"Huh? No it's not like..." The tactician mumbled, scrambling to his feet.
"Hey! Now that you've started a conversation you can't run away! It's an honor to speak to one such as myself,"
"Oh. Well I don't deserve the honor,"
"So? I command you to sit and speak,"
"...Serra, you're not my master,"
"Hey! Cease your insolence!"
"...Um. I'll just..."
"Aw! Come on. Just for a few minutes! Please..."
He sighed and braced himself, "Alright. What do you want to tell me?"
"Well... What would you pray for?"
He was quite taken aback by the sudden question, "Well... I don't know. I guess I'd pray that one day I can... Well do what I want to do without spilling so much blood?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Well... I mean I love being a tactician. It's what I do. But I can't help wishing that I didn't have to indirectly kill people..."
"Oh. I would pray for... Well the speed to heal my allies, lots of food, lots of gold, only having to do fun jobs, and everyone should worship me and give me things,"
"...I see. Why do you focus on yourself so much?"
"Well. I want things too right?"
"True I guess... I don't know how you will be happy if you want so much. It would make it easier to be disappointed,"
"Hmm? Well. I still want them,"
"Ok... Well, I'll be seeing ya," He slowly edged away from her leaving her to her own private thoughts.
'That was strange, she didn't sound as... Annoying as she normally does. I wonder if something's troubling her,'
"Well met, Kent,"
"Well met, Rohan..."
"What's troubling you?"
"...Nothing important,"
"Come now. You cannot always keep your problems to yourself. It's obvious that something is troubling you. What is it?"
He sighed, "I tried confiding in Sain. Yet he doesn't seem to understand. I know he tried and yet... I cannot feel right when I kill all of these soldiers of my country. Some of them trained with me and yet... I must,"
"Ah... Sounds like my own problems. I'm sorry Kent, I cannot offer you any consolation other than this. Think of the lives you are saving. By completing this mission we are saving countless lives that would live in misery under Lundgren's selfish rule. Like I said before, doubt can condemn us... I'm sorry I cannot offer more,"
"That's fine... I'll get over this... So you're an assassin,"
"Was," I corrected, "To some extent. But you see how I fight. I probably did the same things then that I do now,"
"I see... I never trusted mercenaries or assassins... I felt that they were doing all of their work for money. It would be easy to change sides if the other side promised more money,"
"Hmm. I can understand how you get that impression... But I don't like to think of ourselves as mercenaries. I felt that we were actually doing good despite everything. We were more than just common cutthroats... Despite everything I actually got close to Brendan Reed and his sons. Many of them were like family to me..."
'Odd that I remember all of this now...'
"I see,"
"I suppose you must suspect me. After all I was an assassin,"
"...Earlier I might have suspected you... But I do not believe you are like a common mercenary,"
"I am glad,"
"You should get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a big day,"
"Actually I was wondering if you could do me a favor,"
"What do you need?"
Well I've been sparring with Sain for a few days now. Besides that Lyn has agreed to try to teach my how she wields a sword. I was wondering if you could spar with me as well... It would help to spar with people who have different fighting styles,"
"...Well I suppose I can do my best. I hope you take it more serious than Sain does,"
"I can do that,"
"When would you like to do this?"
"Now? It's going to get dark soon and I though that we could practice a bit before going to sleep,"
"Seems a bit sudden. But I'm free to do so. Can you just give me a few minutes? I'll come and get you when I'm ready,"
I nodded and left him to his duties.
"No! NO! Never again! I don't trust you after what you did last time!" Hopefully no one was watching me. Talking to a pegasus is totally normal right?
Huey reared up and tried biting my robes but I did my best to push her nose away. It happened once and I didn't want it happening again.
But Huey refused to leave my side. So I tried walking with a pegasus trying to eat my robes... Not the most comfortable experience.
"Is Huey bothering you?" Came a familiar squeak from Florina.
"It's ok. Your pegasus is in love with my robes..."
"Well... Yeah... I'm sorry,"
"Huh? You don't have to apologize,"
"Not about Huey... I guess I've made a bad impression with my shyness,"
"Eh, no big deal. There are people like that,"
"Yeah... But you seem to be bothered by it,"
"Well. I just feel that I'm doing something wrong,"
"You're not... Though thanks. I don't feel as... Uncomfortable talking to you... Like other men,"
"Thanks that uh means a lot,"
"Mhm. Maybe you ought to fly with Huey... Sometime. She seems to um... Like you,"
"Yeah. She does..."
"Well I'm going to go fly now... Nice talking... To you," Her words were barely audible but I acknowledged her with a nod. That day I learned to never turn my back on a pegasus. I took max 7 steps before the familiar feeling of being dragged came upon me.
"No! NO! WHY?!" I screamed before the crazy pegasus lifted me up into the air. Again I found myself gripping her neck to try to prevent myself from falling. The last time this happened was nothing compared to this. I was certain that Florina was on Huey since I heard some laughter above. I wasn't sure if Florina actually wanted Huey to let me go or if she didn't care. Either way Huey decided to spin around, flip in the air, and do other aerial tricks. It was just like riding a roller coaster... A deadly scary roller coaster without any safety belts or restraints. It was the most traumatic event of my life so far. After what seemed like an hour, Huey calmed down enough to let me down. I collapsed and heard the familiar roar of laughter from the louder members of the group
After recovering from my dizziness, which took quite a while, I looked up to see the whole legion surrounding me. Erk had a ridiculous look on his face as he was trying to keep his mirth to himself. Serra was crying, Dorcas had a familiar warm smile on his face, Rath was smiling for the first time since we met... And the rest of the group was laughing at me...
"Heh. Smooth. Last I checked, you are supposed to be on the pegasus,"
"Shut up. You wouldn't be so smart if this happened to you Matthew," I scowled at the thief who responded with a shrug.
"Er...I'm sorry... Again,"
"What happened?" I asked the pegasus knight
"Well. I got on Huey, and then she suddenly lunged towards you and grabbed your robe... Afterwards... Well..."
"Uh huh. Can you people stop laughing?"
The group stopped as I requested, but I could still hear giggles from them
"Yeah... I guess I am guilty though... I didn't try to hard after Huey started spinning... Aerial tricks have always been interesting and I wanted to practice it..."
Of course I was speechless at that time. I excused myself and got a sack of gold. When I went out, he was waiting for me.
"Hello Dorcas... I haven't paid you for a while now,"
"...This. It's too much,"
"Huh?"
"I cannot accept this much gold. I thank you for your generosity but I..."
"Come on. You need this money more than I do. Besides we still have a ton from what Rath gave us. You earned this Dorcas,"
"You have my thanks,"
"Of course... Shall we sit down and chat? It seems we haven't talked much since your recruitment,"
"Well I suppose we have the time... Natalie may not be here, but she is greatful as well,"
"Oh? I haven't done much,"
"You protected her during the siege at the fortress and you have kept me alive. We are greatful,"
"I'm glad that I could help. Do you have any plans after this conflict? I know you have to return to Bern but..."
"Well. If the money you give me isn't enough, I will probably make money as a mercenary... Fight off the local bandits,"
"Heh. Guess either way you'll be swinging your axe at someone,"
"I wouldn't want to get rusty now. Bandits look so much better beaten with an axe," He said with a hint of dry humor.
"Guess so. Bandits are the least of our worries now,"
"Of course. What are your plans?"
"Me? Probably going to travel. I'm not one to stay at the same place,"
"That sounds... Just like you,"
"Does it? Well I guess it does. Perhaps one day I'll find your village one day,"
"Perhaps..."
"Well, I'm going to go check our supplies. See ya,"
"..."
"Oh. Hello Rath. Do you have enough arrows?"
"Yes..."
"Well I just went to check up on our supplies,"
"I have some vulneraries you may be able to use,"
"Thanks... Someday you should teach me how to be emotionless. It seems like something you're good at,"
"...That's not something that can be taught... Only learnt with time,"
"Perhaps. What were you up to before... You know before you became captain of the guard in Araphen?"
"... I trained as a mercenary. Right now I'm just biding my time..."
"... I see. I guess you've been away from your tribe for a while,"
"Yes. I am,"
"I see. Is there any reason you are so distant?"
"That's just how I am... It doesn't matter," He said but I caught something else. He said it in a very quietly but I picked it up. Rath said, "anymore,"
I shrugged and got up. I figured Kent would be waiting for me.
Sure enough the red knight was waiting in a clear area for our duel. I had asked Sain to lend me the wooden swords for this. I tossed Kent one of the swords and braced myself for an attack. Kent's first strike was quick. He focused on agility and accuracy rather than power. I couldn't evade his strikes easily. I couldn't attack without being deflected due to his superior speed. Most of the sparring was mostly parrying blows. Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough to avoid getting hit by Kent's swift blows.
"Yikes. You're fast..." I commented after a break.
"I try. You're not too bad yourself... Though I have a better idea before we spar some more. Try these slashes,"
Kent taught me some diagonal, slashes and combos that I should practice, "Try practicing these before sparring. They should help. We should go eat dinner now though,"
"No. I think I'll practice what you've taught me,"
"... You are much more diligent than Sain. Very well. Remember to have a firm grip when you practice. You'll get used to doing the same in battle,"
I thanked him as he left and began the combos that he taught me. My form was terrible, but I was worrying about getting the basics down so I could defend myself. I didn't have any aspirations about becoming a great swordsman yet. I needed to defend myself.
"Do you need some help?" A familiar voice sounded.
"If I didn't know better I'd say you were following me,"
"You did ask me to teach you," Lyn smiled as she took my hand, "Here,"
She showed me moves that were more graceful than Kent's slashes. Stab, turn and slash before backing out.
"Focus on form. Accuracy and power will come with practice... I'm still against you fighting though,"
"I'm not trying to learn how to fight. I want to defend myself,"
"...I guess I can understand that. Here take an iron sword," I obeyed but the added weight made it harder to hold up.
"Now do 50 slashes. The ones I taught you,"
"I love how you can just order me to do this with a smile on your face,"
"Ha. I had to do this too. You can do this. Have faith,"
"I never said I can't. But my arms are going to hate me now... Well here goes,"
Did I mention I was left handed? Yeah I forced myself to use the right hand so I could copy her form and then transfer to the left hand. It was hard work, but I wasn't going to back down after I volunteered to do it. Throughout my practicing, Lyn watched me intently. I liked her form better, it was faster and slightly easier to learn than Kent's slashes. After finishing with my right hand and wincing at the sore feeling, I transferred hands.
"That's fifty. You don't need to do anymore,"
"I want to... I guess you haven't noticed but I'm left handed,"
She nodded and watched as I tried to mirror her motions with my other hand. It took a while but I managed to copy the form, with no small amount of pressure on my left hand. After our practice I dropped the sword and sat down.
"You've done well," Lyn praised me and put a hand on my shoulder.
"Thanks... How did you become so skilled with the blade?"
"Simple I practiced. Often times I stayed up all night practicing what my father taught me... He was as skilled with the bow as the blade. I could never learn the bow though..."
"I see. Are you going to create a peerless warrior out of your 'master tactician'?"
"Who knows?"
"True. We're getting close to Castle Caelin. Are you ready to see your grandfather?"
"...I will see him. No matter what,"
"You will," I agreed, "Though I think I should prepare some strategies for our siege on the castle,"
"You usually don't plan ahead. It seems your strategies just come to you during the heat of battle,"
"I improvise. It's a necessary skill for one in my profession," I retorted, "Get some sleep Lyn, you'll need it. Good night!"
"Rohan you should be asleep,"
"I'm giving you a gift Kent,"
"What is it?"
"Sleep,"
He shook his head in protest, "I cannot. I must-"
"You must sleep Kent," I interjected, "We appreciate what you're doing but you've spent too many nights on guard. Now it's my turn. If that doesn't convice you then consider this an order from your tactician,"
He relented to my order, "Very well. If you find yourself unable to continue do not hesitate to wake me up,"
"I will," Kent grunted and sleepily crawled to his tent. At that point everyone besides me was asleep. I smiled and watched the stars.
'We are close to Caelin. And whatever it takes we're going to make it,'