dude: Thanks. I do what I can.
Dairokkan: lol Thanks mr turkey.
T man: Thanks for revewing every one. Soone i'll pass the 30 reply marker but only if there are people still willing to read and review my stories even though it's been so long.
Mathew: Ya, what ever tyle but will you let me down now? (hanging upside down.)
T man: No. (glares at him)
Mathew: Why?
T man: Because you said some of the words I dispise.
Mathew:What? All I asked was if that I could be with leila for valentines day.
T man: (Covers his ears) Yes. Those words.
Mathew: (Smiles and yells) Valentines day.
T man: (Hits himwith a metal bat)
Lyn: Just to let you know the author gets abit craby this day since he's not one for the holiday and I think you're being hard on him tyler.
T man: Not hard enough.
Canas: How can you do any worse?
Mathew: (Goes bug eyed) Canas. You fool. Why'd you say that?
T man: Because he wants to see you suffer. (presses a button and mathew gets dressed up like erk. A hole opens up under him to show a pit full of Serra's.)
Serra's: Erky poo (they start jumping trying to get him.)
Mathew:(Starts swinging trying to avoid them) No!Any thing but that.
T man: O.k. (snaps his fingers and a chef brings in a table full of food.)
Lyn: You're going to feed him?
T man: Nope. I turned leila into some sort of food and he has to eat some of it with out knowing if it's leila but it's choice which he wants to take.
Canas: That's kinda evil.
T man: You're point is? Just get to starting the fic or i'll do the same to you.
Canas: Err..The author does not own fire emblem or some of the orignale characters. If he did own fire emblem he wouldn't be writting fan fics.
(--)
The group had left the forested area and were on some hilly plains of the territory known as lacen. Lyn and the other saceans were comforted to be in the open plains and the way the wind blew they were reminded of home. The army seemed to be doing well. Dart was riding Merlinius's cart with James who was talking to him about the ax and how to use it. Lyn let out a sigh seeing how things were peacefully at the moment. She wondered how long it'd last till the next attack by Roan's soldiers or the next appearance of Lana. Lyn shook her head dispelling the thoughts. She figured if the next attack wasn't going to be from Roan or Lana the it'd probably be some one who had heard about them and didn't want them around.
"Are you alright Lyn" a voice asked from behind her.
She turned around and saw Tyrin behind her. She smiled and shook her head.
"I'm fine Tyrin. I've just been thinking about some thing. I guess this place reminds me about home" Lyn said.
"I guess it does. Even though there is danger the other saceans seem to be at peace here" Tyrin said.
"And what about you? How have you been" Lyn asked.
"My own concerns do not matter. I know by duty and I follow it" Tyrin said shaking his head.
"I know you're a morph and emotions don't normally mean much and your duties are important but I'd like you to try to get to know the others. Every one in our group from the past years already know each other and I'd like them to get to know you and the others who have joined up with us" Lyn said.
"I will try Lyn" Tyrin said as he walked ahead.
Lyn let out a sigh as she closed her eyes. Most of the people who had joined up with them were getting along with the others except Tyrin. Far back before the attack on the lorca tribe Tyrin hadn't been one to make friends with other people and normally kept to him self unless it was required other wise. She wondered if being turned into a morph made that part of him stronger but all she could do was hope that he'd come around. As she opened her eyes the mani and sol katti started vibrating. She looked around wondering what had set them off. To her left she noticed a group of trees. It was hard for her to see but inside the group of tree she could see some one wearing a cloak the same color of the trees. They noticed that Lyn had seen them and ran off. She wondered if the person was a spy or a sentry for the territory they were going into to. She decided that she'd worry about it later. She looked around and noticed that she had fallen behind a bit ad started running to catch up.
(SC)
The army started along a worn path indicating a city up ahead but as they walked they could see there had been some problems. The farms they passed and been destroyed. The buildings were burned or broken apart and they say ruined fields and dead live stock.
"Did bandits attack" Hector asked.
"Doesn't look like it. To organized for bandits" Lyn said shaking her head.
"Then what caused this" Eliwood asked.
"Soldiers probably" they heard James say from behind them.
They looked back as they saw him walk up to them.
"Why would soldiers do this" Hector asked.
"Before I left the marquees of lacen didn't have a son to follow in his foot steps but had a daughter. Their law says that only men can rule as the next marquees but some said that the daughter should be able to since the present ruler wasn't willing to remarry since the death of his wife and didn't want the position of marquees to go to any one out of the family. My guess is that the problem has come out and isn't being discussed any more" James said.
"In other words we might be heading into a power struggle then" Hector said.
"Maybe. We can not be sure if these problems have been dealt with yet" Eliwood said.
"I guess we'll just find out when we get there" Lyn said.
Eliwood just nodded as they continued along the path. A couple of minutes later they came to a walled city. At the gate four guards stopped them.
"Who are you and what business do you have here" one of the guards asked.
"We're from forlen. We're traveling on orders of lord Owen" James said walking up to the guards.
"We weren't told that you were coming" another guard said.
"We're doing some thing on the behalf of lord Owen and it is some thing that he wished other lords not be involved in" Kiers said.
The guards looked at each other then back at the army.
"Well you can tell us then. There's no lord reigning around here" a guard said.
"What do you mean" James asked.
"The previous lord died awhile ago and his kid was assassinated before it could be decided that she'd take over. General Karsk is leading the city at the moment" the first guard said.
"Well let us in and see him. I'm sure he'll tell his troops what he's learned" James said as he thought about what they said.
The guards looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. Three of them stepped aside as the other one started walking.
"I'll lead you to the mansion" the guard said and he started walking.
James walked with Lyn, Hector and Eliwood out of the guards hearing.
"Do you think they're lying" Lyn asked.
"Partly yes and no. The previous ruler is dead but not his daughter. I smell fear on them" James said smiling.
The three lords looked at each other then back at James.
"Are you feeling alright James" Eliwood asked.
"Um... I think so" James said as he put his hand up to his head and tried to concentrate.
The three of them decided not to push it any further as they came up to a large mansion. Thy figured that the dragon blood in James had spread through his body more. The mansion in front of them was a large one that could probably be seen from the walls of the city. There were four large towers and each corner. Lyn couldn't tell if it was for looks or for keep a watch out for people trying to sneak in or escape. The two large gates of the wall surrounding the mansion and they walked in. they were met by a man in white and gold armor who had black hair with grey streaks in it. By the way the armor look she guessed that he was a paladin. On his back was a brave lance and on his hip was a silver sword. She guessed that he was the one who had taken over in the absence of the king. The guard who had led them there. The paladin nodded and turned to them.
"I am General Karsk. Normally we don't get any one from forlen. What business do you have here" Karsk asked.
"I'm Eliwood and we're on mission for lord Owen" Eliwood said.
James had talked to them earlier about using there titles such as lord outside of forlen. If any one heard they came from over the seas people would ask questions and that wasn't what they needed.
"Well what has he sent you out for? Any thing important to him should be important to the other marquees" Siege said.
"But technically you're not a marquees so why would it be any matter of yours" Hector said looking at Siege.
"That maybe be so but the advisers of the previous marquees are debating whether to make me the new leader and I'm sure that those who don't think I'll be a good leader will thing other wise soon enough" Siege said.
Even though Siege was trying to hide it Lyn noticed that he had smiled a bit when he was talking.
"Why wouldn't they think you were a good leader" Lyn asked.
"Just rumors flying about. Nothing you need be concerned with" Siege said.
"If that is so you wouldn't mind if we stayed at the inn here then" James said looking around.
"Of coarse not but if needed you can stay at the mansion. There has been some thefts and I'd rather not let any thing happen to you" Siege said.
James nodded and started walking. Lyn, Eliwood and Hector ran and caught up as they left the mansion grounds and the gates closed.
"So what do you think" Eliwood asked.
"He's up to some thing. Can't tell what though" Hector said.
"He smiled when he talked about the advisors of the previous marquees coming around to having him become the marquees. That could have some thing to do with it" Lyn said.
"He said rumors were going around and that could be why the advisers aren't moving with his plans" Eliwood said.
"Guess we'll just have to find out our selves for now. Unusual plan of asking about and going to the bars" Lyn asked.
"Yes. Mathew, Legault, Jaffar" James said turning to the group.
"You needed us James" Legault asked walking up to them.
"Yes. I need use of your skills. Mathew, I want you to go to the bars and see what you can find. Owen gave us enough money to help supply us incase you need to bribe some one. Legault, I want you to travel along the walls of the city and see what you can get from the guards. Jaffar, I want you to go into the mansion and report back what's you find in there. You can go now Mathew but I want Legault and Jaffar to go when the sun starts setting" James said.
They nodded as they headed out to the inn.
(SC)
Lyn, Hector, Eliwood and James sat at a table around a table in a library they had found at the inn. Zephiel was at a window writing a message to Owen. He rolled the message up, tied it to the owl's leg and it flew off.
"Do you think it'll get there safely" Zephiel asked as he closed the window then walked back over and took a seat at the table.
"It should. The messenger birds my brother use are all trained well. If some thing happens it'll go to the closest person who can get the message sent" James said.
"Hopefully he'll send any word he has of what's happening here" Eliwood said.
"Any chances that we're not going to get involved" Zephiel asked.
"Not likely. With the way things seem to be happening we're get pulled in one way or another" Hector said.
As James was about to speak there was a knock on the door.
"I'd like to speak with the 5 of you if I may" A voice said from the other side of the door.
They looked at each other. Since Hector and Eliwood were farthest from the door they rested their hands on their weapons. James got out of his seat and walked over to the door. When he opened it some one walked in. He wore a green robe with a purple sash going diagonally around it. On the sash was different medals and symbols. He has blue eyes and grey, white hair. By the look of him they figured he was in his 60's.
"One of the advisers I assume" James asked as he closed the door.
"Yes. I'm adviser Tiage. I heard that you were forlen and I wondered if you're here to help" Tiage said as he looked at them.
"It really depends. What do you need out help with" Hector said.
"Well I'm sure you've seen what's been happening around here. I thought word had gotten out and Lord Owen had sent you to help" Tiage said.
"We were actually passing through but if we can help we will. Can you tell us more about what's happening here" Lyn asked.
"The marquees had been killed by his trusted knight Zaien. When he left he took the sacred sword and shield from the mansions vault. No one's seen him since" Tiage said.
"Do you know why he killed the marquees" James asked as he sat down in his chair.
"The marquees had been killed a couple of weeks ago after a set of village attacks. From what was seen some people think it was bandits but others say soldiers did it" Tiage said.
"On our way in we some farms that had been destroyed. Could that have some thing to do with it" Eliwood asked.
"Most likely. General Karsk says he wants to become marquees so he could have more influence on the soldiers" Tiage said.
"Why would he want more influence? If he's general shouldn't the soldiers listen to him" Zephiel asked.
"They do but only to a certain extent. The soldiers who don't were those who were positioned under Zaiens command. Obviously they think he had a good reason for what he did as do I" Tiage said.
"There are rumors of that the marquees daughter might be alive. Any truth to it" James asked.
"I'm not sure but general Karsk has sectioned off parts of the mansion. He's been threatening the advisers to vote him into the position of marquees and we've been trying to stall for time. If the marquees daughter is alive then he doesn't want her to interfere" Tiage said.
"I think that's all we need to know" James said.
Tiage nodded and left. As he walked out Jaffar, Mathew and Legault walked in.
"Learn any thing" Hector asked.
"Talked to some guards and servants at the bars. Sections of the mansion have been sealed off to any one but certain soldiers and general Karsk. Some food is delivered to the guards but no one sees what they do with it" Mathew said.
"And you two" Eliwood asked looking at Legault and Jaffar.
"I did what I could with guards at the gates and walls. Apparently some have had dealings with bandits and mercenaries while others speak of a revolt. A third group doesn't seem to know what's happening and are just following orders" Legault said.
"I've gone through the mansion and gathered what I can. The sections closed off all meet at one point and the rooms have been locked. There are sets of four guards stationed at each point that rotate with other guards about every 3 hours. Weather the marquees daughter is on the first, second, third level of the mansion or in the basement is unknown since the halls keep the stairs blocked" Jaffar said as he took out a sheet of paper.
The paper was a floor plan of the mansion with different halls darkened in to show which halls were blocked. Red x's were marked to show were guards were and it seemed that there was at least two guards in the hall other than the four at the entrance. A pattern of guards have been set up making it so that even if the first set of guards were passed another one would see them and yell for the others. Apparently they didn't seem well trained since they hadn't seen Jaffar.
"Did you see any thing else" Lyn asked.
Jaffar just shook his head. They thought about what they should do. Obviously Karsk had the heir to the marquees but where she was inside the mansion they weren't sure.
"Well does any one think Zaien might be of help" Eliwood asked.
"What about him" Hector asked.
"Well the adviser said that he left but if the soldiers that served with him are planning against Karsk then he's probably alive some where" Eliwood said.
Lyn thought for a couple of seconds then turned to James.
"James, what do you know about the sacred shield and sword" Lyn asked.
"A sword and shield said to be made from over 500 pure souls during the war. Like the kattis they choose their owner but it's said that when the wielder of the two die their soul joins those inhabiting the sword and shield. The spirits wont go on till the land knows true peace" James said adjusting his glasses.
"The shield and sword would react to the kattis wouldn't they" Lyn asked.
"Probably. Why do you ask" James asked looking at her.
"I have an idea of where Zaien is. I'd like to take Rath, Tyrin and Zahk with me" Lyn said standing up.
"There's no need to ask Lyn. Go and see if you can find him and see what answers we can get" James said.
Lyn nodded as she turned and left the room.
(SC)
Lyn, Rath, Tyrin and Zahk rode out of the gates on horse they had borrowed. Lyn has brought the mani and sol katti with her to help search for Zaien. Lyn led them to the forest where she had seen them. After a couple of minutes they neared the edge of it. Lyn pulled on the reins of the horse and they slowed down. She slid off of the saddle and walked into the forest with the others following.
"This reminds me of when chef Hassar took us out of the camps to teach us how to hunt" Zahk said smiling.
Lyn thought about it for a couple of seconds. She remembered how her father would take her, Zahk and Tyrin out to practice their hunting and tracking skills in the mourning. It was one of the happy memories she had before the tribe had been attacked by the taliver bandits. She let out a sigh as she remembered the time the three of them had been chased by a buck when they had messed with their arrows. It had cornered them into a group of large tree and seemed like it would kill them with their antlers but her father killed it in time. He just laughed saying it was a good tactic to lead the target into a trap. Lyn knew that her father thought they had messed up but he smiled through it saying it wasn't much of a big deal. She smiled as she remembered Zahk and Tyrin having to carry the buck on their backs.
"What are you thinking about Lyn" Tyrin asked.
"Just that time my father had taken us out to practice our hunting when we ran into the buck" Lyn said looking back.
"Ya. That was kinda funny. If I remember correctly Tyrin screamed loud enough to wake up every one back at the tribe" Zahk said laughing a bit.
Tyrin gave him a blank look saying that he shouldn't bring it up any more. Zahk stopped and Tyrin nodded.
"We were all saddened by chief Hassers death but what is left of the lorca tribe has pulled through. When they heard about your strength and skill when fighting Nergal all doubt left their minds about you not being able to handle the role of chief" Tyrin said looking to Lyn.
"Well when we get back I'd like you take me to them. I'd like to see how they're doing" Lyn said smiling.
Tyrin just nodded but they stopped when the kattis start giving off a faint glow. They looked around and saw the light of a camp fire through the trees. They looked at each other then headed towards the light. They walked into a small clearing in the center of the forest and saw a group of people around a camp fire. Lyn noticed that some of them were soldiers from the city, sages, monks and a couple of archers. The group noticed them and quickly stood up.
"Who are you and what do you want" one of the soldiers asked.
"We're here to see the one named Zaien" Lyn said.
The group looked at each other then quickly took out their weapons. Lyn and the others took out their weapons but the archers were faster and fired their arrows at them. Lyn and the others jumped out of the way. Tyrin took out his tome and sent a nosferatuato one of the archers. Two of the monks cast lightning and canceled out his spell. Lyn took out her mani katti and charged at a soldier who had an ax. Zahk and Rath fired two arrows at a soldier who had a spear who was charging at Lyn. Lyn was half to the ax wielding soldier when her kattis shinned brightly. She jumped back when a wall of tornados started forming between her and the soldiers. The wall took hold of the arrows and sent them into a tree. Lyn looked around as she put the mani katti away. A figure was walking through the forest. He wore grey armor with out the sleeves, black boots, had long black sleeves, a black head band with a purple pattern. His eyes were blue and so was his hair. On his left arm was a silver shield with a red jewel at the top, a blue one in the middle and a small green one at the bottom with gold patterns on it. There was a sword handle sticking out of the shield. The handle was silver with small red jewels in it and a black jewel at the bottom while there was leather for a hand grip. Lyn figured he was a hero class soldier and by the way her swords were reacting that he was Zaien. At a closer look she good see the sword and shield was giving off a faint glow of white light. He waved his shield and the wall of tornado's stopped. The soldiers their looked at him and put their weapons away.
"What's going on here" he asked.
"Sir Zaien. These people came looking for you. We think they're here to kill you" one of the archers said.
"Do you have any proof of that" Zaien asked.
The soldiers looked at each other then to Lyn and the others and bowed.
"I'm sorry for the way my soldiers treated you. What business do you have with me" Zaien asked.
"We're from forlen on orders of lord Owen" Lyn said.
Zaien just shook his head.
"I can see that you're not. Clothes are different from any around here, fighting style's different to and you don't give off the same aura as the others of this continent" Zaien said.
Lyn and the others looked at each other then back to Zaien. James had told them some one might since they weren't from the continent but they didn't think they'd run into some one who'd actually be able to tell.
"How about this. I till you some information and you tell me" Zaien said sitting down on a log.
Lyn just nodded as she sat.
"O.k. What happened to the city and why is it like this" Lyn asked as she sat down across from him.
Zaien looked into the fire then closed his eyes.
"It began like this..."
(--)
T man: Sorry for the cliff hanger thing. Thought it was getting long.
Mathew: Ya. What ever but will you let me down now (sees the serra's starting to stand on each others shoulders.)
T man: Eat the food or face them. You're choice.
Mathew: Isn't there a third choice?
Canas: Doesn't seem to be any.
Lyn: Well before this goes any further let's end it here. Don't forget to read and review and have a happy valintines day.
T man: (Has a shot gun out) Lyn... Did I hear correctly what you said?
Lyn: Crud (starts running.)
T man: Come back Lyn. I'd like to have a word with you (loads the gun and chases after.)
Canas: Well like Lyn said minus the last part read and review. The author will put up the next chapter when he can or when he's done punishing Lyn and Mathew. Which ever happens first.
Mathew: (Screams while crying) Some one. Save me.