Chapter 10 The Metal Beast
I yawned and tried to get up before realizing that someone was carrying me.
"What's going on here?" I asked. As soon as I uttered these words, Dorcas put me in my feet with one swift motion.
"I guess being on night guard is too much for you Rohan," Kent explained, "Wil and Lyn found you half asleep at the post. Once you heard their voices, you lost consciousness,"
"Oh I see. So where are we?"
"We are heading south. That's the fastest way to Castle Caelin. But we still have to pass by General Eagler's estate... Looks like we still have one more obstacle to face," I remembered him telling me about the knight commander of Caelin. General Eagler.
'If what he had told me was true, could Eagler help us?'
"Wait, Kent. Eagler may be sympathetic to our plight! If what you told me is true, he should be able to see past Lundgren's lies!"
"He won't," Sain said sadly, "I have just spoken with a few people. From what I've heard he's being forced to comply. No doubt Lundgren's holding someone he cares for hostage,"
"Ah he's awake, Lyn said referring to me, "The fog's rolling in,"
"That's bad. We'll be almost blind in fog. It'll be hard to fight what we cannot see," Kent responded.
"We... Er thieves, if you must, can see farther into the fog," Matthew stated.
"I can see theough it as well. Stop with the surprised looks! I was trained by the Black Fang. Darkness and fog don't bother me as much," I informed. Their surprised glances annoyed me.
"So you've come..." We all turned to see a bald man in gray armor. He had his helm in his hands.
"You! You're Lord Wallace!" Sain exclaimed.
"The one and only!" The man announced proudly. He was quite loud.
"Kent who is this?" Lyn inquired.
"He used to be the commander of the knights of Caelin,"
"Aren't you supposed to be retired now?" Sain asked.
"I am and I was. Then I received orders from Lord Lundgren. I was told to capture an imposter and a pair of traitorous knights,"
"But surely you don't believe his lies!"
"Bring me the girl who claims to be the marquess' granddaughter,"
"What are your intentions?" Kent asked firmly yet respectfully.
"If I don't like what I see, I will take her,"
"We will prevent you,"
Wallace roared with laughter, "You? You must be-"
"Enough!" Lyn interjected, "I'm Lady Lyndis,"
Wallace was silent as he studied her. While he did this Lyn continued, "I'll understand if you don't believe me. But I've had enough of you and your foolish posturing!"
"Hmm... Such beautiful eyes,"
"Pardon?"
"I've been a knight 30 years and I've learned that one with eyes like yours is no deceiver. Ha ha ha. Ah yes. I like you, girl! Why I believe I'll even join your little band of mercenaries!"
The group seemed happy enough to hear this. The knights were staring agape, "Are you... Certain Lord Wallace?"
"I may be retired, but I pledged my services to Caelin! I would never allow an usurper to the throne! Let's march!"
I chuckled. I liked this guy too. As loud as he was, he was honest. I ran to meet him as he prepared for march, "I'm glad that we have another ally,"
"Ha Ha Ha! Why of course. Lundgren will pay for his lies! Who might you be young lad?"
"Just the tactician of this lovely army,"
"Also known as the reason we got this far!" Sain beamed.
"Well then! I can see we are in good hands. Let us prepare to charge!"
"Let's," I agreed but I caught something he was holding, "But how about we take a look at what you are holding Sir Wallace,"
"Ha Haa! So you've noticed my knight's crest eh? You've eyes like an eagle my friend! Once I've used it I'll be even stronger! A terrifying thought eh Sain?"
Sain gulped and chuckled nervously, "Uh. Yeah Sir Wallace. A very terrifying thought,"
"Ha haa! Well what are your orders then my friend?"
"Hmm. I've never seen this happen for a knight before... Well use it. Let's make a terrifying thought a reality,"
Wallace roared again as the crest glowed. Wallace and his armor also glowed white and a beam of light engulfed him. I was unable to see what happened next but once the light faded, Wallace was standing in extremely heavy armor. It was grey, shiny, and strong. In his hand, he held a lance with a chain attached to it.
"A GIANT WALKS AMONG YOU! My defense is impenetrable now! Let our enemies break their weapons against me!"
Sain sounded like he was whimpering. I was probably staring at his armor in disbelief. I had seen this happen with some thieves and even pirates, but a knight's transformation was truly a truly amazing sight!
"Tell me General Wallace, do you know about the enemy forces we will be encountering shortly?"
"Hm... General Eagler's men are stronger than the forces that you have faced earlier... But you have me! Ha ha! I trained these whelps! Reinforcements will probably be coming from the fortresses in the mountains and forest. Eagler is smart, he'll try to wear you down before sending out enough to try to wipe us out!"
"He won't be able to," Wallace and Sain heartily agreed at my comment.
"Rath where did you get this?" Lyn asked
"I inquired at a village. It should be useful when the fog comes," Rath had acquired a torch from the people of the vilage, "They were kind and sympathetic to out situation"
"Thanks you Rath!"
"Milady. Where is Rohan? We need to-" He stopped short when he saw me walking with a metal giant and Sain trailing behind me. Wallace was good at getting attention.
"What happened to Wallace?" Lyn asked as shocked as Kent was.
"Um. It's a long story. Let's just say he's stronger now. If everyone is here, we're preparing for an attack. most likely judging by what Wallace has told me, we're going to be very defensive. Eagler will be sending reinforcements to wear us down. Florina, I'll need you to fly above the mountains and give me estimates on the enemies there. Sain you're going to stay back and protect Ninian and Nils. The rest of us are going to go to the forest ahead and wait for Florina. Everyone understand?"
They nodded and took their positions by the forest. Florina flew off and I tried to persuade Sain to sit out for this battle. He reluctantly agreed grumbling the whole while about how we may need him and how he would heroically save the day at the end. I also gave him orders of what to do in case some enemies attack the village. It was unlikely but it was possible. Afterwards, I headed to the forest to meet Florina who decended to give me a report.
"Um... There seem to be fortresses everywhere. One to our north, northeast, and the others are surrounded my mountains. Also there are knights riding out to meet us..."
"... Lyn, could you and Kent deal with them?"
"Why just us?"
"Trust me, I know what I'm doing. Use the Mani Katti and you two should be fine," Lyn looked doubtful but she obeyed.
"Ok now the rest of us are going to deal with the forces coming at us. From here we can attack the northern reinforcements with our ranged attackers. Meaning Wil and Rath. Florina, I'm going to need you to stay in the air and give me vision on any enemies that come out of the fortresses you mentioned. If the northern forces come down quickly attack from above. But if you see an archer get down immediately. Erk, Lucius, I need you to watch the mountains for any signs of movement... It'll be hard to hit enemies in the mountains, so don't attack unless you think you have a clear shot. Dorcas you'll be attacking the northern forces as well. Oh and I think you should take this," I smiled as I gave him the hammer. Dorcas looked at the weapon and gave a grunt of approval.
Lyn didn't have even have to cross the bridge before the first cavalier came. He went after Kent trying to stab him with his lance. Kent easily deflected the attack with his own lance and proceeded with a series of strikes that killed the cavalier easily. The rest followed their dead brethren and Lyn found herself able to out speed them. She then disappeared in the eyes of her enemies, while in reality she was attacking them so fast that they didn't even notice until they cried out in pain and fell of their steeds. Not one of them was left standing. Lyn looked at her handiwork and then at the Mani Katti.
"So this is why they call it a blade without equal," Kent commented.
"So what happens now?"
Kent looked past the bridge as the fog descended. It was slow but it would become very hard to see soon. But he heard the thundering hooves of more knights.
"Are you ready for another wave milady?"
"Hey did anything interesting happen?"
"I'm beginning to get tired of you running off to other places without telling me,"
"Sorry it's what I do. Speaking of which, I forgot to give this to you,"
"Hm? What is this?" Matthew gave me a sword that was curved differently. It was similar to a schimitar, but with a more pronounced curve.
"The old man who gave it to me described at... Hm it was called a lancereaver I believe," That made sense. The way it was curved it was a good weapon to deflect lances. Basically it reversed the weapon triangle so axes would be hard to block with it.
"Well you found it. I suppose you should keep it for now. Use it on those soldiers!" The northern reinforcements had arrived. The only thing protecting us was the forest. Rath and Wil let arrows fly. That in itself decimated the forces. The few that remained advanced to Dorcas and Matthew. Dorcas took his axe and sliced the first soldier in two. The others circled him while leaving only two to fight Matthew. A mistake they wouldn't live to regret. Matthew had his cloak firmly on as he watched the two soldiers strike. He pulled out the lancereaver and using the curved edge, deflected one of their lances and disarmed them. Afterwards he slit his opponent's throat, but recoiled as he was stabbed in the back... Literally. The other soldier had succeeded in wounding Matthew but an arrow brought him down. Serra quickly went to Matthew's aid and healed his wound. I looked back wondering why the magic users weren't attacking as well and immediately understood. Not only had the fog descended and blinded our soldiers, but brigands had begun to descend from the mountains.
'Wait a minute! Bandits?! Here?! But that doesn't...'
The fog was deep now and many of our units were blind to what approached. It was then to my horror that I noticed something flying down to meet us from the south.
"Matthew... Is that what I think it is?"
Matthew followed my gaze and his eyes widened, "It can't be!"
Rath wasn't one to complain. But even he grumbled at his position. The soldiers were smart and attacked after the fog settled. Whether they were familiar with the terrain or had enchanted vision, he knew not. But the fog did not affect them. Dorcas and had to rely on Matthew on positioning and that greatly affected his accuracy.
"WIL! RATH!" His voice came from the fog. Instantly, Rath reached for Wil and pulled him onto his horse.
"What's going on?"
"Not sure,"
"I can't shoot well on a horse," Wil warned him.
"I'll let you off once we can see him," Rath assured. They didn't have to look far. The tactician wasn't too far away.
"What's happening?" Wil asked.
"Pegasus knights are coming,"
Wil's jaw dropped at the statement, "But... How?!"
"Doesn't matter. We have to take them down,"
Suddenly the fog escaped as a bright light emerged to our left side. Lyn and Kent were now visible along with a bloody trail of dead knights and horses behind them. This light from the torch she was holding may have saved us since it allowed Rath and Wil to see the pegasus knights descending. They strung an arrow each and with amazing accuracy let it loose piercing the wings of two of the knights. The cry of the pegasi was one they would never forget. Their shrieks were cries from the heavens to stop this madness. Two of the pegasus knights fell to the mountains, their pegasi soon following. But there was still one more pegasus knight, one who was determined to avenge her companions. As she approached, Kent readied his lance. It wasn't necessary. Florina collided with the enemy pegasus knight and jabbed her with her slim lance. Pegasus knights didn't have strong armor, so the lance was effective in wounding the knight. She and her pegasus were bloody from the jabs, but they weren't finished. They descended and Florina followed, a mistake on her part. The enemy tricked her by making a sharp ascent and slashing upwards wounding Huey. Huey cried out as well. But Florina had another trick. She pulled out a javelin and threw it with surprising speed. The javelin impaled the knight causing her to fall. She landed at the tactician's feet with a sickening thud. Her pegasus followed her riders fate. Such a scene was unbearable to look at.
Rohan was silent for a long time before he spoke, "Let's press on... Are the cavalier's finished?"
Kent answered, "We believe so. There might be more though,"
"We'll have to go... Wait a minute. Where's Wallace?!"
While all this was happening, Dorcas, Matthew, and the magic users had dealt with the onslaught of soldiers. Blood, body parts, and, (due to lack of a better term), meat flew everywhere. Lucius and Erk had used so much magic that the battlefield that the battlefield was scorched parts of it were glowing from the light magic. Especially when Wallace bounded in and crashed into almost every soldier left.
"HA HA HA LET'S CHARGE!" The metal giant thundered as he bounded northeast. Of course the other four followed him to make sure he didn't get lost.
"Phew. Slow Down!"
"Should we take a break Erk?" Lucius suggested.
"Yes... That's a good idea," Erk collapsed breathing heavily, "How can someone in THAT armor move so fast?"
"Who knows. Kent said he was a monster. This is evidence,"
"When did he say that?"
"Before Wallace somehow got that armor,"
Erk groaned, "We better get going,"
Wallace was right. The reinforcements from the north and east were meant to wear us out. When we crossed the bridge a huge force was waiting. Cavalier's, soldiers, fighters, and even some sword wielding soldiers. This was an army!
"What's our next move?" Rath asked, unaffected by the numerous soldiers preparing to charge,"
"CHARGE!" Bellowed our reinforcements. Wallace began a one man assault against the force. Their attacks did nothing to deter his might. Just running into an enemy knocked him over and probably gave that enemy a concussion.
"Well then. I think we better help him," Dorcas and Matthew appeared along with Serra, who was complaining that a noble such as herself shouldn't be forced to run so much. How they managed to ignore her was beyond me.
Our group charged in. Rath and Wil let arrows fly while Lyn, Kent and Florina charged in brandishing their weapons. Dorcas let down the hammer on any soldier not affected by Wallace's reckless charge. Matthew was busy stealing supplies and slitting the throats of enemies who were too slow to realize he was there, Lyn was fighting her way past a force of fighters. Her graceful strikes and ability to either dodge or parry any blows allowed her to slice and dice the force of fighters. Afterwards she left the trail of dead, disfigured fighters to help Kent fight off knights. He was tormented by the knight's cries.
"Traitor!"
"Blackheart!"
"Give up the child or suffer traitor!"
"Servant of an imposter!"
Nevertheless he fought on. Knowing he was slaughtering those he trained with.
"Kent! LOOK OUT!" Kent's horse reared up as Lady Lyndis dived to intercept the injury he was supposed receive. A knight had found an entrance to stab Kent with his sword. Lyndis realized this and took the blow for him. Kent's reaction was to stab the enemy forcing him off his horse. Kent was reluctant to finish him, but he didn't need to. Spears of light penetrated the rogue knight's armor killing him instantly. The magic users had arrived.
"Lady Lyndis! Why? Are you alright?"
"I'll live,"
"Why did you do that? I'm supposed to protect you Lady Lyndis!"
"You didn't notice that enemy... I had to warn you,"
Kent decided to hold his protests for another time. At that moment the rest of the group came to check out the commotion.
"What's going on?" Rohan asked before he saw the injury. He turned pale, "What happened?"
"I'll explain later. For now let's focus on the battle,"
Lyn would hear none of his protests. Slightly mollified by Serra's assurances, he reluctantly shifted his focus back to the battle.
"I think all that's left is the leader... Are you certain that he won't listen to us?"
"I'm not sure. I'll try. But I must fight him then,"
"Wallace can you wear him down first? If he doesn't listen..."
"I understand,"
For now Kent, Wallace, Dorcas, and I went to face Eagler at the huge fortress to the east. The few forces that remained were beaten down by Wallace. All that was left was a man in red armor standing at the gate. He was staring at us. He had a look on his face similar to the one Dorcas had when we first met him. He didn't want to do this, yet he had no choice.
"Imposters to the throne! You shall not pass! No quarter for traitors!"
Wallace went first as I requested, "Eagler!"
"General Wallace... So you've sided with the girl, too, have you?
"I fight for Caelin's honor. Not for Lundgren's lies!"
"Is that so? You are... Enough! I name you traitors all!" He pointed his lance at all of us, "Come! Do your worst!"
"Fool!" Wallace muttered. He thrusted his lance forward at a perfect angle. This lance dug into Eagler's hip and retracted with the chain attached to it. With a surprised grunt, Eagler charged and thrusted his own lance at Wallace. It was his offense against Wallace's defense. In the end, the general's armor was strong enough to deflect most of the attacks by Eagler. But paladins are known for their offense and speed. So with so many attacks, Eagler managed to pierce through part of the armor, but he fell back as Wallace recovered and prepared for another attack. Eagler was strong but Wallace was unpredictable. The metal giant roared as he run with speed inhuman for one in his armor. Eagler's horse reared and their lances connected. This time Eagler gain the advantage. His horse kicked Wallace which caused him to recoil slightly and allowing Eagler to strike again causing blood to spill through Wallace's armor.
"General Eagler!" Kent cried out. At this both men stopped fighting and turned to Kent.
"Kent?! Is that you?"
"We've found Lady Lyndis on the orders of the marquess! We've worked so very hard to return her safely to Caelin!"
"And yet you have no proof of the girls's identity, is that not true?"
"Yes, but-"
"Then our talk is finished!" Eagler interrupted, "Draw your weapon and come!"
Kent looked genuinely dejected as he drew his lance. Dorcas slapped his hammer against his hand and stepped forward. It was three on one. Eagler prepared to defend himself.
"ENOUGH!" A voice boomed.
All five of us looked to the direction of the voice in bewilderment. Lyn stood partly covering her wound and holding the Mani Katti in her other hand.
'Serra was supposed to heal that!'
"Lyn... Why are you here? You're wounded!" She ignored me at first and faced General Eagler.
"So you are the imposter who calls herself 'Lyndis'! You shall not pass beyond this point,"
"I am Lyndis. And I am no pretender, I'd ask you to believe me, but your heart and mind seem set,"
"Enough talk... Prepare yourself!" Lyn motioned for us to clear the way so she could fight Eagler. Everyone except me and Kent obeyed her request.
"You can't do this... Please..."
"Milady we cannot allow this!"
" And I cannot allow others to fight for me. Besides it is dishonorable to attack one man with three. This way it is more honorable,"
"But you're injured! I don't..."
"...I do what I must. As a friend... I ask you both to step aside," I could protest no further. We did as she asked and helplessly watched her as the two combatants prepared to fight.
Lyn lunged forward and feinted towards the horses face. This forced Eagler's steed to rear up and throwing him off balance. Lyn used this to her advantage and struck at his legs. The Mani Katti pierced the armor and caused red-hot liquid to ooze out of the armor. Eagler couldn't retreat further so he lunged forward as well. Their weapons met in a shower of sparks as Lyn barely managed to parry the blow. All the while she winced from the pain of her wound. Eagler charged again, but he was weaker from his battle with Wallace. Though he managed to hit Lyn, it didn't look like it did much against her. She then took her fighting stance. The one where she played her trump card. She seemed to fade, when in reality she had already struck Eagler once in his leg, once at his shoulder, and her final hit was so strong it knocked him of his horse. She reappeared in her original position clutching her new bruises she obtained in the skirmish. Eagler was lying on his back, with three grave wounds and a giant hole in his chest. With his last breath he raised his neck and spoke.
"Go... Go quickly. The marquess... He knows nothing of this. His life... There is no illness... Only poison... Please... For the marquess... For all of Caelin," Then he rested his head on the floor and died with a peaceful look on his face. A true warrior's death.
Lyn knelt beside the body and uttered a prayer.
"Lyn?" I stood by her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"May Lundgren never know the peaceful embrace of Mother Earth! I care not others do. I will stop that man!" With that vow she allowed me to help her get back to the others.
The whole camp was busy after the battle. Serra was extremely busy healing Lyn, and the others who were injured during the battle. Everyone took it upon themselves to check their weapon supply and restock from the supply we had. An action that I was grateful for. Kent, Wallace, and I were discussing strategies.
"Who gets the honor of crushing the traitor?" Wallace asked eagerly.
"I'm going to have him surrounded. No risks. Most likely you'll be sent to wear him down and Lyn will finish him,"
"Shall we all strike at the same time?"
"We can do that yes. But Serra's staff won't last forever. The magic may drain during the battle so I want everyone to be carrying a vulnerary just to be safe... But he hired pegasus knights?"
"Many of the pegasus knights of Ilia are forced to work as mercenaries for money... Though he must have hired them in advance. He was planning for this to happen. He didn't expect us to have archers with us. Sain wanted to speak to me about something. Though knowing him he probably wants to spar. We'll speak more about this later,"
With that he left us alone, "So if you there the knight commander of Caelin then I would guess that the soldiers and knights of Caelin are... Strong,"
"Ha ha ha! Well, they're adequate,"
"... Could you perhaps find time to... Well train me?"
"Ha ha ha! You're the first person in years to actually ask for training! My training is no laughing matter believe me,"
"Then why are you laughing?"
"I always laugh! Besides I laugh because I am proud to see the progress their making... And I laugh at their pain... But only slightly,"
"Heh. I might regret it later but for now... Will you accept?"
"Of course. Wah ha ha! Just like the good old days!"
"I'll speak to you more about it later. It will only take a few hours to get to Caelin from here yes?"
"If we go fast enough yes,"
I nodded and went to the healers tent to check up on who was injured. Lyn was there with two wounds. One from General Eagler and the other that she received by defending Kent. Kent told me about that injury so I was informed. Matthew was recovering from the stab wound on his back. At that time, he was sleeping like a baby... And sucking his thumb. Aww how cute. Florina was the last one there with lots more wounds than I originally thought. Serra had managed to heal what she could for Huey and let the pegasus' healing cababilities take over. I went over and sat next to Lyn.
"It's sweet of you to come here," Lyn said smiling.
"I wanted to check up on the wounded... Serra how are we doing?"
It was nice that Serra was different when she was healing. She was more serious and less 'attention wanting' so to speak, "It looks like they should be healed by tonight... I gave Lyn a vulnerary but that wound on her chest is taking its time. Florina's wounds are relatively easy to heal, and Matthew? Well he's mean to me so who cares?"
"Serra-"
"He looks adorable when he's sleeping though. I'm not letting him hear the end of this,"
I chuckled slightly, "The wound on his back will heal right?"
"It should yeah. I'm going to go pick berries now. By the way, my staff is almost drained. I don't know how much I can heal before it breaks,"
"I've prepared for that. Good luck berry picking,"
She nodded and called in a singsong voice as she left, "Oh Erkie?!"
"So... Florina are you and Huey feeling ok?"
"...Um yeah we'll be fine... I feel really..."
After a yawn she fell back on her bedroll and slept.
"...Um ok. So, I believe this is the time where I get angry and chastise you for your rashness," I looked at her sternly
She chuckled slightly, "Guess I'm not a great peerless warrior,"
"Don't be silly, you are an amazing warrior. You just lack self-preservation,"
"That's a bit ironic coming from the one who sustained the first major injury,"
This would be the time when some person from the sidelines would say some thing like, "Need some ice for that burn?"
I stifled a laugh and replied, "Guilty as charged. But this time it was you. You're more important than I am. And don't try to deny it either!" I added the last part as. I saw her mouth open in protest.
"I still deny it. But I'll not get any more injuries ok? Wouldn't want my master tacticIan worrying about me,"
"Unfortunately, I'm always worried about something or another,"
"Why? You found out about your past,"
"Forget about me! I'm worried about tomorrow... The final battle is approaching and three of you are injured,"
"My injuries have almost healed... Tomorrow..."
"I'm sorry. I should be more concerned about how you're feeling. You'll see your grandfather again. I promise,"
"... Thank you..."
"Rest now," Lyn closed her eyes and slept with a placid smile on her face. All of them looked so peaceful while they were sleeping.
"Wah ha ha! Ready for your training?"
"Let's do it... By the way, you know how to train one on how to use a sword yes?"
"We won't be using weapons yet lad! We'll be building up endurance and strength first!"
"Huh?"
"Don't question! Now MOVE!" Boomed Wallace. At that point I understood why his training was 'No laughing matter'. He made me run what seemed like a marathon. He'd run behind me too. If he could catch up to me from behind, he'd jab me with the butt of his spear. Then he began making me do push ups with a giant metal weight on my back. No doubt a piece of his armor.
"Finally. We're going to test your agility,"
Actually "How are we-GAH!" I sidestepped and barely avoided getting shish ke·babed with Wallace's lance.
"Are you crazy?! Wah!" I had to dive to avoid the next one. They kept coming and I kept avoiding. My fatigue won after about twenty rounds of this madness. At that point I prepared to get impaled. Instead Wallace's lance sent me flying. I got off the floor in a daze.
"Wah ha ha! You didn't actually think that I'd use a sharp lance did you lad! All the same, you're not bad at all! You'd make a fine knight!"
"Wallace I think you're missing the point in... Wait... Stay here and don't make a sound!" My voice had dropped to a whisper as I heard footsteps heading towards the camp. I followed the sound and heard men talking close to our camp.
"You sure this is the one?"
"Yeah it's got to be. Remember Lundgren's orders. No survivors. They're probably still tired from their battle against Eagler,"
This sent shivers down my spine. This was an ambush. I quickly ran back to Wallace to relay the news.
"Ok. At this point we're probably going to just charge in to their forces. Did I say we? I meant you,"
"Wah ha ha! A fine plan!"
"Shh!"
"Huh what was that?" One of the assassins spoke.
"What was what?" Another responded.
"Thought I heard something never mind,"
'... How dumb are these guys?'
Let's go!" Wallace whispered, "I suggest that you warn the others,"
I nodded as I watched the metal giant march towards the team do enemies preparing for ambush.
"FOR CAELIN'S HONOR!" Wallace boomed so loudly that the assassins just froze in fear as Wallace knocked them over.
While this happened, I went to warm the camp that we were being attacked And what better way is there to warn people than screaming at the top of my lungs?
"AMBUSH!"
Everyone except the injured, Serra, and Erk (Still berry picking) responded to my cry.
"Where are the enemies?" Kent asked. Not too far away from the camp was Wallace completely destroying the forces meant to attack us. As dark as it was we still had to fight. There were more forces than I originally anticipated, but I managed to guide us with my enhanced vision and defeat the small force that remained after Wallace's initial attack.
"Phew that was close," I said.
"Lundgren really is getting desperate. I never expected that he would actually send soldiers at night to try this!" Sain replied.
"Those are the dangers of being so close to the Castle," Kent said.
"We'd better check on the others..."
I went to the healer's tent and my heart almost stopped. All the beds were filled... Except for one. Of course Lyn was missing! I relayed the news to the knights,
"But we must search for her! No one could have taken her could they?" Sain cried.
"No one was here. I was watching," Rath confirmed.
"I'll look. I'm more used to the dark. Give me 30 minutes and I'll be back whether I find her or not,"
Kent initially protested, but relented to my order. Though he warned me, "If you are not back in 30 minutes, I'm going to search for both of you,"
I nodded and ran as fast as I could to where the assassins originally struck. I circled that area, but she wasn't there. I then searched another path that lead to a small cliff. Fortune smiled on me when I saw a sword impaled into the ground. Upon further inspection, I realized that this was the Mani Katti... But why was it here? I uneasily grasped the hilt as the sword glowed slightly. Otherwise it did not react.
Lyn's wound had felt much better after she had woken up. At that point she decided to take a walk. She needed some time alone to sort things out. Tomorrow was the the final day. Tomorrow would decide if all the lives last in the past months were worth it. It would decide if she had any family left. She needed some time to sort these things out. She impaled the Mani Katti near the cliff and sat near it to think. When she saw the shadow she approached quietly and recognized the green cloak. She put a hand on his shoulder and heard a sigh of relief from him.
"Did I worry you?"
He abruptly turned to face her, "Yes! Why did you leave?"
"... I needed some time alone..."
"Lyn you could have at least told someone! We thought you had been taken!" She could see his eyes were wild with fear.
"What do you mean?"
"We were ambushed... Lundgren thought he could finish us during the night when we were tired and recovering. It was a risk but it almost worked,"
"Is everyone alright?"
"Yes. They're safe. We were lucky that Wallace and I were training outside otherwise..." He didn't need to complete the thought.
"I'm sorry I didn't know,"
"Just don't scare me like that again! I thought I'd lost you! You're wound still hasn't completely healed and you still went out!"
"My wound is better now. It'll be gone by tomorrow. You don't have to worry about me,"
"I always am! Especially now! ugh my chest hurts,"
"Why?"
"I don't know. Maybe I'm so relieved that it hurts!"
She smiled and embraced the half delirious tactician, "It warms my heart that you care so much for me,"
"We should return to camp... Kent will come looking if we don't go back soon,"
"... Can you please sit with me?" The tactician didn't resist. But he was surprised.
"Sure. But we shouldn't linger,"
"Yeah. I won't. The final battle is approaching Rohan,"
"It is. We'll reach Castle Caelin by tomorrow,"
"... Have you planned a strategy?"
" Do you even need to ask?" He retorted.
"I was hoping you'd share,"
"Well if the knights' descriptions are correct, then we'll be making mad dash towards the gate. Not much of a strategy, I know, but once we're near the gate we can camp at the fortresses south. Then our ranged attackers and Wallace will wear Lundgren down,"
"I'll take care of-"
"No. Not alone,"
"This fight is mine. You can't-"
"Last I checked you made me tactician. And I forbid you to attack him alone. I'm planning in such a way so you can kill him,"
"You... I cannot believe you. Do you not trust me?"
"Lyn, I don't want you getting hurt again... I think..."
He stopped suddenly. It was as if he were thinking about whether he should say something or withhold it. He chose to be silent and leave the thought unfinished. Now Lyn wanted to find out what it was before they went back.
"What do you think?"
"Nothing," Rohan answered dismissively.
"Don't nothing me! I want to know what you think," Lyn replied. To her dismay, the tactician burst out laughing.
"I highly doubt that,"
"You're wrong... You know you're my best friend," Rohan immediately stopped laughing and turned to her as she continued, "You were the first one to accompany me. The first one to save me from my loneliness on the plains. Ever since then, you've been looking out for me ever since. You look out for all of us. I'm lucky that I found you as my master tactician and I want to know what my master tactician thinks. Especially if it concerns me,"
His dark brown eyes surveyed her. What she just said had affected him greatly. For a while he was silent. When he spoke he did so slowly. As if he were unsure what he was about to do and if he should do it.
"I... I think... Lyn... May I speak freely,"
"You are always free to speak around me Rohan,"
"... After all this time with you... I never thought we'd spend this much time together. But I'm glad we did and I wouldn't have it any other way. Often times you admonished me about being lost in thought and never being at peace. I still don't believe I've sorted out all my feelings but... I have a clearer picture of them now," Lyn's heart began to beat faster and her face began to feel warm in anticipation of what he was about to say, "You have an effect on me that I've never felt before... Your smile warms my heart, your words make me feel calm, your presence alone makes me feel confident, I feel safe and happy in your arms... The list could go on. When I was lost you led the way Lyn. You've given me more than I can repay you. Lyn, you are my best friend. You wanted to know what I think? Well... I think I love you,"
Lyn's face was a new shade of red. Hopefully he couldn't see that. Her heart was beating so fast that now her chest was hurting. Again she found it hard to formulate a response to all the things he said. Even if she could, the lump in her throat probably wouldn't let her say much. Due to all of these things, Lyn looked down for a moment, then up at the sky. She knew well that his eyes were still searching for a response to his words. She didn't betray any emotion... Yet.
"I never thought... I'd hear you say this... I never thought I'd hear anyone say something like that..." She remained silent for while before speaking again, "I love you too, Rohan..." As she uttered those words she took his hand in hers and clasped it tightly. She leaned against his shoulder and smiled. It was a beautiful night.