Grey eyes scanned the room from the corner, taking in the delightfully full status of the inn. Kensey met the red eyes of her companion and saw the nervous excitement there so sent a wink just for him. Nils rewarded her with a small chuckle before winking in return and lifting his flute to begin a tune. She waited a few bars before joining in. They had performed this way for a few nights now. Once the music started, many of the patrons cheered and gave their undivided attention to the two in the corner.

After that first night, when they had played simply to alleviate the anxiety of waiting, the innkeeper had informed them that he hadn't had such good business in ages and offered the two free rooms for however long they needed as long as they would play some every night of their stay. When they had succeeded in getting the deal to include the entire group, Kensey and Nils had accepted. True to their word, they had played every night to the enjoyment of the local townspeople who appreciated their talents after a long days work. There had even been a couple of instances when a talented villager would come and sing to their music. It was just after one such performance when Kensey and Nils decided to bow out, having played for most of the evening. There were some good-natured protests before the people turned back to enjoy each others company.

"I bet you're getting tired of playing with me now, huh?" Kensey poked as she and Nils made their way to a table at the opposite side of the room where some of the others sat.

He turned to her with barely contained glee in his eyes, "Never. This is so much fun and these people are kind. Ninian and I don't usually spend so much time in one place." She shared his good mood, having enjoyed being able to play, and was glad that something good was happening in the midst of their troubles. They had even made a small amount of gold off their talents; there were always people who tipped the entertainers.

After taking a seat, her eyes wandered to the reason they were here in the first place. Eliwood sat in the corner seat, conversing with Lyn and Kent. Their group had arrived nearly a week earlier and had been able to do nothing but wait since. Upon hearing of their predicament, the young lord had immediately sent out riders to the neighboring cantons whom Lord Lundgren had asked for aid, imploring them not to interfere with Caelin's current affairs. The last reply had arrived just that afternoon, all in agreement to not act. It was a weight off their minds. They could now make their way to Castle Caelin in all haste.

During their stay, Kensey had picked up a few tidbits of information listening in on other people's conversation and having Matthew keep his ears open as well. It seemed many knew who they were and quietly supported their endeavors. Nobody openly came up to them but it was in their treatment of the group that they showed their support. Kensey suspected even the innkeeper had only allowed all of them to stay for free was because he knew of Lyn, the musical entertainment was just a perk. There was other talk as well, whisperings of foul play at the expense of a General Eagler who saw over this land.

Kensey was pulled from her musings by an arm around her shoulder and the feeling of being drawn in. "Is there no end to your talents my little songbird? If you keep this up I just might not be able to contain my admiration any longer!"

Kensey ducked out from Sain's grasp and shot him a glare that couldn't quite hide her amusement. Sain would be Sain after all. "I'll be sure to remind you to 'contain' yourself should my talents get the best of you," she replied dryly.

A chair scraping the floor drew their attention to where Eliwood had just stood. "Since I can't help you directly, I shall pray for your success. I should head back to Pherae; my father is planning some kind of journey in the near future and insists on going over every little detail of running the canton before he departs. Farewell."

"This chance you've given us is more than enough, thank-you Eliwood," Lyn stood with him and saw him out. Those at the table waved in farewell and watched him go. Once Lyn returned, she spoke to those still at the table, "Tomorrow we shall head out first thing once again. I want to reach Castle Caelin as quickly as possible." Everybody nodded in assent and many excused themselves, planning on turning in if they were to leave early the next morning.

Kensey had the same thought herself but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. "Where do you think you're going?" She glanced over her shoulder and eyed Matthew. "We still have a bit of work to do, you can't possibly have forgotten."

"Unless my days are blurring together, I would've sworn we went through practice already today." Matthew had kept good on his word and took her aside every evening to practice. She was improving, if only slightly. She was positive any sneak attack she attempted would be successful and her face to face skills were not totally abysmal any more.

Matthew tsked her, "The rudimentary practice, yes. We still have some sparring to do." He was grinning. Kensey had learned it was never good for her when he grinned like that about their practice sessions. It usually left her with a bruising, if only to her ego. At her suspicious look he turned and grabbed Sain. "This is your sparring partner for this session." Sain had been curious about their practice bouts lately and had even started coming to watch a few of them. It seemed Matthew thought it was time she got experience facing someone other than him.

Her expression cleared, slightly. While beating up on Sain would feel very good, she would actually have to be able to land some hits for that to occur. Facing Matthew, she had learned just how difficult that could be. There would be no improvement without practice though, "Lead the way."

She limped off the practice field with a satisfied smirk that night. Even though she had clearly lost, Sain would be sporting a few bruises himself. Her speed had surprised both of them. Kensey hadn't realized how fast she had gotten facing Matthew, seeing as he was a lightning fast striker himself, she had to be quick to be able to dodge any of his hits. She looked forward to future practice time now that she was able to see the results it produced.

-xxxxx-

There was trouble. Their group had just set out and a villager had run after them to warn them of the waiting ambush. The path they chose would lead them through General Eagler's estate and it appeared he knew they were coming. To top it off, there was a thick fog rolling in. "I don't care for fighting in the fog," Kensey muttered. It made things more difficult.

"No worries," Matthew spoke as he strolled to the head of their column. "I can take the lead and warn of anyone coming." At the doubtful looks he received from those up front he looked offended. "Surely you believe me. I have excellent eyesight and this fog is perfect for someone of my talents. Fog is nature's natural cover after all. I've pulled many thefts under its protection and have attuned eyesight for the lack of range it provides for others."

"It's worth a try. That's more than any of us can say." Kensey stepped aside and let him walk to the front where she followed close behind. She was amazed at the truth to his words. To prove how far he could see, Matthew began quietly relating random landmarks in the distance that she couldn't see and would smirk when she finally relayed when she could make them out as well. They both knew that enemies could be in wait around any cover so were constantly scanning their surroundings and were getting nervous when no one appeared. Surely the villager hadn't lied to them?

Both were beginning to get jumpy when a solitary figure took shape in the fog in the middle of the path, a heavily armored figure with a lance drawn. Matthew was the first to spot him and called a warning to the others. Kensey took note of the higher quality of his equipment and wondered who they had run into now. Her gaze zeroed in just above his breastplate where the edge of a crest could be seen. She knew what that specific type of crest meant and did not want this man as an enemy. Kent and Sain immediately took to the front of the group and faced the knight. Upon a closer inspection, Kent lowered his weapon and gave a distressed cry, "Lord Wallace! Surely you cannot intend to fight us. We are no oath breakers."

Sain stayed by Kent's side, his weapon still up, "We have done nothing but follow the orders given to us by our Lord Hausen, orders we intend to complete."

Lord Wallace eyed the cavaliers, a certain spark in his eyes, "I received orders myself from Lord Lundgren to capture rogue knights and an imposter." The way he said Lundgren's name made one think he was not fond of the man. "Where is the girl? I would see her myself."

Lyn strode forward to stand just in front of Kent and Sain, a hint of impatience in her stance. "I am Lyndis. Madelyn was my mother. I can understand if you don't believe me, but I've had enough of these delays that have prevented us from reaching Castle Caelin and my grandfather."

Wallace took her statement in stride and only continued to study her. Kensey moved to stand by Lyn, if for nothing else than moral support in this situation. Wallace broke the silence, "You have beautiful eyes, clear and bright."

Lyn shared a look with Kensey before turning back to the old knight, "Pardon?"

"Thirty years of knighthood and one thing I've learned is that someone with eyes as clear as yours is no deceiver." He than let out a roar of a laugh that was deep and full. Kensey found it to be a bit intimidating and reminiscent of another old fighting dog she knew back home. "You have your mother's eyes and your father's backbone. You truly are the daughter of Madelyn and Hassar and I will gladly join you to see that you reach your grandfather safely."

"Are you serious?" Kensey found herself saying before she could stop. This was more much needed good news and felt the need to confirm his words.

His gaze turned to her and Kensey felt his scrutiny. Whatever he saw, it was to his liking for he gave another bark of laughter. "I pledged my loyalty to Caelin when I took up arms and I will not see some usurper ruling over her. Now who might you be?"

Sain was quick with introductions, "This is Kensey, Commander, our tactician."

"Commander? Ha! I am retired from that position. I'm just an old soldier now with far too much time on his hands." His gaze swung back to Kensey, "Tactician, huh? Well than, in whatever lies ahead, my arm is yours to command Lady Kensey."

She nearly choked at the title. While it was true many of her profession acquired titles if they didn't have them already, she was neither a noble nor had she earned any such honor. "Please, Lord Wallace, there is no need for such titles with me. I am no noble."

"Than you must call me Wallace. I will have none of this 'lording'." He gave her a penetrating look that instantly turned the atmosphere serious. "Although, I'll have you know that bloodline has nothing to do with being noble in my book. I've learned that over the years as well. Now what are we waiting for? It's time to march!" He turned and ambled on down the road.

Kensey felt a hint of relief that such an experienced man would defer to her commands, relief and anxiety. This man had more years experience in battle than she was old, yet he would follow her. She gave herself a mental shake, they still had a foe to face and there was something she wanted to address so she ran the few yards to catch him. "Wallace, is that a knight crest you wear?"

He looked down to where it hung beneath his armor, only slightly showing over top, "You saw that? You've eyes like an eagle girl." He paused in thought then chuckled and nodded in response.

"Why haven't you used it?"

"I received it in honor of my service. I retired soon after and saw no need. I have always kept it close since." His response was understandable. Items like those were often bestowed upon loyal vassals and retirement probably didn't see much applicable use for it. There were going to be battles now though and an item like a knight crest, when used on a worthy person, augmented their natural abilities.

"Would you use it now?"

"I suppose there's no better time, eh? No point letting it go to waste!" With an ungauntleted hand he grasped the crest and held it in his palm. Kensey had never seen one used so was entranced with the ensuing display. It was very much like when Matthew had used the angelic robe. A fierce glow emanated from Wallace's hand and spread to settle on his entire body before seeming to sink into his person. As it faded completely, Wallace sported a wicked grin. "The enemy's weapons shall shatter against me."

As they advanced on, his words proved to be quite accurate. Wallace was at point with Matthew close behind him to keep a lookout and so was the first many of the enemy encountered and the last. Their weapons couldn't breach his defenses and he swatted away the foe like flies. Any that sought to get around him were headed off by Kent and Sain who were forewarned by the thief with the killer eyesight. Erk and Lucius held light like torches in their open palms towards the back of their column which helped the others fend off any who dared try to flank them.

They made it to where General Eagler waited in good time and with little mishap. Serra was only called upon once to heal Erk when an archer got a lucky shot and he was too preoccupied keeping his flame going to notice the danger. Thankfully it was only a graze, a deep one but not life-threatening. Now they stood outside the walls of Eagler's estate, the paladin himself mounted by the gates and awaiting them. There were no guards, not another soul besides their own little group. He stood alone.

Wallace strode forth, "Eagler! You fight for a usurper and liar."

"You have sided with the girl than Wallace?" Eagler's voice was strained, tired. "I will hear none of this. Draw your weapon and face me."

"You fool," Wallace merely breathed the words but Kensey still caught them. He advanced towards Eagler with a lance and hand axe, borrowed from Dorcas, drawn. Both seemed reluctant for this battle, yet both were determined to fight it. Eagler spurred his horse on and charged Wallace. Will and Rath both drew back an arrow but Kensey quickly motioned for them to lower their weapons, they had no part in this fight. Wallace stood his ground till the last possible moment before ducking to the side and bringing the axe up and letting it fly to the paladins exposed back, unseating him. Wallace moved impossibly fast for the weight he carried and was face to face with Eagler where he now stood, sword out.

The two veterans squared off. It seemed this was an old dance that both knew well. They circled, eyeing each other, and it wasn't long before Eagler made the first move. He lunged with his sword but feinted to the right when Wallace went to swat it away with his lance. Eagler struck Wallace but only caught his armor if the screech was anything to go by and Wallace pivoted to strike out once more, connecting. Eagler clutched at the lance in his side, where Wallace had pinned him between armor plates, and fell to his knees.

He looked up to Wallace and seemed to wrestle with an inner dilemma before giving a sigh of defeat, "You must go quickly. St-stop Lundgren…and his p-poisoning of the marquess. For Caelin." His last words were let out on a sigh before he completely collapsed under Wallace's lance.

Making a snap decision, Kensey went to kneel by the fallen paladin. He was still alive. The lance was stemming the blood flow somewhat but if nothing was done, he would be dead quickly. "Serra! Come here and see if you can save him. Now!" she snapped at the cleric's confusion. Indeed, many of the others were giving her similar looks. She had a new appreciation for Reginald's decision to learn the healing arts. He could heal people himself.

With the shouted command, Serra quickly did as she was told, kneeling at Eagler's other side and pouring her healing light into him. "Wallace, pull out your lance nice and slow. Try to do so at the same angle it went in." Serra was nervous, Kensey could tell, but she tended to him the best she could. As Wallace did as she bade, Serra continued to do her best, now concentrating solely on the gaping hole in the paladin's side. Minutes passed and Eagler yet lived. Serra sat back on her heels, looking tired and biting her bottom lip, "I think he'll live, but we should move him"

Kensey gave her a warm smile, "Good job Serra. Thank-you." Lucius helped the cleric up and led her away from the patient to rest for a bit.

Lyn took the vacant spot, a perplexed look still in place. "Why?"

"Did you hear the talk during our stay at the inn? The people knew who you were and supported you, yet there was also talk of General Eagler. They said he was a good, honest man who treated everyone well. That means something coming from the regular, everyday people."

Kent, Sain and Wallace had grouped near them, staring down at a former comrade. "He was our teacher when Sain and I began our training," Kent whispered.

"I don't understand why he would side with Lundgren. He never held any love for the man," Sain commented.

"There was other talk as well," Kensey continued, "whispers of Lundgren holding someone dear to Eagler in order to get him to comply with his wishes. Talk of how no one had seen any of his family lately even though they would take regular rides and visit the people before this all started."

Wallace was studying her and Lyn looked disgusted. "This has gone on too long, this meaningless bloodshed. That man has no compassion, no mercy. I care not what others do but I WILL stop him."

"And we will be there with you Lyn," Kensey shared her friends determination. Lundgren did not deserve to rule over anything. "We must get General Eagler inside first and make sure he will be taken care of. Lundgren must not learn of any of this before we are able to reach him. Who knows what he might do to the ones he holds over Eagler if he learns of this failure to stop us?"

Sain rounded up Eagler's horse while Kent and Wallace gently moved him into his estate. The staff was terrified at first, thinking them to have killed their lord and coming to clean house, but once reassured that they planned no such thing, were quick to take over care of Eagler and swore not a word would be said of the happenings of this day. It was only a little while later that they were on the road once more, hastening to Castle Caelin.