I AM ALIVE!
Hello everyone, this is MidnightFenrir speaking and here I am with the eleventh chapter of "Child of the Fell and Divine Dragons"!
First, let me say that I'm grateful for everyone who sent me their OC. They have been noted down on a file, ready to be used at anytime I need them. Also, I will not be accepting anymore OCs.
Moving on, I haven't reached a decision concerning Lloyd and Linus yet, but it has been decided that Robin's fighting style as a grandmaster shall be similar to his SSB style.
Also, I noticed that, in the Kathelet chapter, Kent said "about 10 days ride to the castle" and I've decided to change that. So 10 days will become a week.
As always, my thanks to Soren180 for betaing this story.
And now, without further ado, let's get on with this chapter!
Enjoy.
-Robin's POV-
It's been a little bit over than week since the battle on the plain.
Picking up the pace, we managed to reach Kathelet in three days by nightfall. Immediately we explained the situation to Elliwood and he agreed to help, sending Marcus back to Pherae with several messages that would be sent to Caelin's neighbors.
Eliwood and I had talked about what course the other Lycian houses would follow and we had concluded that either they would support Lundgren, albeit not openly, in hopes of gaining his favor once he'd become Marquess or remain neutral, not wanting to interfere in a family feud.
In the end, the only thing we're able to do is wait for the nobles' answers.
The Legion took the news of being branded as followers of an imposter hard. While I have to admit our group looks like a bunch of mercenaries, I don't think a mere company of sellswords would dare to take on Caelin's army by themselves in hopes of seizing the throne if there wasn't something fishy behind all of this. But we can only hope the nobles would see it that way.
What worries me the most, however, is the state of mind of both Sain and Kent. The two knights took the blow of being branded as oathbreakers harder than any of us and while I know that Kent is level-headed enough to think about it rationally and calmly, I fear that Sain might not be able to cope with it. The fact that they now have to fight their own comrades doesn't help things either.
For now, we can only give them space and hope for the best.
But at least, this will give us some time to nurse our injuries and come back at peak conditions. The money we gained from selling some of the reaver weapons and other such items we had no use for made it easy to resupply in vulneraries and other useful items that we might need for the rest of the journey. Fact is, I didn't even realize that we were THAT rich. Even by sending a good portion of what we have to the village that was raided by the Ganelon Bandits, we still have enough to pay everyone a full two weeks at the inn if needed.
"You're wide open!"
I snap out of my thoughts just in time to dodge a vicious blow from Lyn's wooden sword before raising my own to block another strike.
"Geez, Lyn! I know you're angry, frustrated and need an outlet to vent all of this, but do you REALLY have to use me as a training dummy?" I ask the Sacaean woman as we lock swords.
She pouts slightly. "Dummies are just that: dummies." she replies before frowning slightly. "And besides, you're the only one who I can truly spar with, right now."
I sigh. "Give them some time, Lyn. It's not easy for them." I say, looking back at the inn. "But it's been a week since the battle. It cannot continue like this. Should it come to it, I'll give them an ultimatum that will force them to choose. Though I won't like it, I'll do it because it'll be necessary."
Looking back at Lyn, I see her looking down, slightly depressed. I grin.
"In the meantime, I think you're wide open yourself." I say mischievously as I disengage my sword from hers and step to the side.
Lyn, who was still pushing against my weapon by reflex, widens her eyes as she stumbles forward, with nothing to block her, and I give a weak low kick to her feet, making her fall to the ground with a "kya!" that I can't help but find cute.
I laugh as she rolls on her back, using her elbows to push her upper body off the ground and glares at me. "That was mean." she says.
I shake my head, still laughing. "Don't give me that. You know that unless it's a duel with rules in it, there is no such thing as dirty fighting." I reply before snickering. "Besides, you know that you should always expect the unexpected."
She growls. "I'll show you 'unexpected'!" she shouts as she tackles me to the ground.
Unexpected indeed, as I let out a "Wah!" before laughing again as we start rolling on the ground like two children playing with each other and I hear Lyn join me in my laugh. As we stop, with Lyn standing above me and both of us breathing rapidly, I can't help but wonder about what awaits us at Castle Caelin, no, even what awaits beyond this journey.
Lyn, still smiling, tilts her head, giving me a quizzical look. "What is it, Robin? Is there something wrong?"
My eyes that were cast down snap back to her face, and I feel my breath catching itself in my throat at the way the sun makes her hair shine.
Gods, she's beautiful.
Absently, I lift my right arm and my hand comes to cup her face. "Lyn... When all of this is over, what will you do? What do you want to do?" I ask, ignoring her look of surprise.
For a moment, she simply looks at me. "...I want to see the land that watched my mother grow. I wish to experience the world she used to live in before she joined my father in the Plain." she says before closing her eyes. "I want to know the kind of man my grandfather is. I want to laugh and cry with him. I want to be there for him. I don't... want to feel alone anymore." she continues, tears appearing at the edges of her eyes.
"To see the world my father lived in... no, the world he LIVES in... To see such a peaceful world is one of my greatest wishes. I want to see him and mother smile as they go around their daily lives, both as shepherds and as rulers of the kingdom. I want to watch myself and my still yet to be born friends grow in a world where death will claim you at any moment. I want... to see peace with my own eyes..."
I smile softly. "And I swear I will make those wishes come true. Besides, you're not alone, you know that. Florina, Kent, Sain, Wil, Nils, Ninian, Dorcas, Matthew, Rath, Serra, Erk and I, we're all here for you. We wouldn't have gone so far if we didn't care about you. In a sense, we're like a big family." I say as I gently wipe the tears before they can even fall.
She smiles at that. "It's true. I have all of you here to keep me on my toes. These past weeks... they have been the best I had in months.." she giggles. "And to think nothing might have happened had I not found you in the plains that day. I must thank you, Robin."
I chuckle. "Thank me when we're done with Lundgren and his ambition."
She opens her mouth to say something but the sound of someone clearing their throat stops her in her tracks and we both turn our heads to see Matthew and Florina, the first with a cheshire grin and the second with her face red out of embarrassment, looking at us.
Oh, for the love of...
"L-Lyn, I-I didn't k-know you w-were so b-bold!" The pinkette exclaims.
"THIS ISN'T WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!" both Lyn and I shout as we jump away from each other, our faces the color of tomatoes.
Matthew's grin widens. "Suuuuuuuure." the thief says, thoroughly amused by us. "Don't worry, you lovebirds, you secret is safe with us, right Florina?" the thief says to the pegasus knight, who nods frantically.
I palm my face, groaning.
Why? Just why did it have to be MATTHEW of all people?
"What do you want? I'm pretty sure you've got more interesting things to do than spying on your leader and contractor." I say, glaring at the blonde, whose smile just widens at my attempt to change the subject.
"Oh I'm pretty sure it can wait. You two clearly have more important matters to handle at the moment." he replies.
I'm never going to live it down, I know it.
My eyes narrow. "Matthew..." I start, my voice low and threatening.
The thief laughs and raises his hand in surrender. "Okay, okay! Shutting up now." his face then turns serious. "That aside, Marcus just came back with the answers of the Lycian houses. Figured you'd want to know."
Lyn and I's faces turn serious at the news and we look at each other. "No backing out now, let's go." I say with a determined voice.
She nods and the four of us go back inside the inn, where we find Eliwood waiting for us at an empty table.
The red head stands up as we approach him. "I've finally received word from Caelin's neighbors. They were quite quick to answer, not that it was very surprising given the situation." he says as we all sit down. "Lahus, Tuscana, Araphen, Tania and Santaruz. Those are the houses that Lundgren asked help from in order to stop you. However, they have promised Pherae that they would not interfere in Caelin's affairs."
Lyn and I breath out a relieved sigh. "Eliwood, I... I don't know how to thank you..." the swordswoman says.
The lord shakes his head, looking down. "All I've done is to convince them to remain neutral in this dispute." he replies before grimacing slightly. "However, this means I cannot help you in any way either." his gaze goes back to us. "Will you be alright?"
Lyn nods sharply. "I will win. I have to. It's the only way I can help out my grandfather."
"It's Lundgren who started all of this, but it is up to us to finish what he began." I add. "Don't beat yourself up, Eliwood. You've already helped us more than we could have asked out of you."
The red head closes his eyes for a few seconds, nodding. "I understand." he replies, opening his eyes again. "Although I cannot help you directly, as a friend, I pray for your success."
Lyn and I nod. "Thank you. We won't waste the opportunity you've given us." she says as we stand up and turn to me. "We must leave now. Time is against us."
I nod. "We must make haste before Lundgren can fully prepare his troops." I reply before turning to Matthew. "Go warn the others. I want everyone outside and ready in fifteen minutes."
The thief nods before rushing upstairs.
The fifteen minutes aren't even over that the whole Legion, better than ever, are standing outside at the ready, in front of Lyn and I.
I step forward and immediately, the chatter ceases. "We have received news from Eliwood about the decision of the Lycian houses regarding our war with Lundgren." I say loudly and I see everyone, minus Matthew and Florina, tense. "And it would seem that the Gods themselves wish for us to succeed, as the nobles have chosen to remain neutral. As a result, the only force opposing us will be that of Lundgren himself!" I shout.
A collective cheer of joy and relief rises up from everyone as Lyn takes up after me. "This is our chance to make the final push to the castle before the enemy can re-organize his men! There is no backing out from this! Will you follow me until the end?! Be it victory or death?!"
A roar answers her question.
She nods. "Then let us go!" she shouts back before turning to Sain and Kent. "We cannot take the same way we did before. What's the best route in that case?"
Kent puts a hand on his chin in thought. "Let me think... Our best path would be further down south, even more so than the previous one..." he answers before frowning. "However, that runs through General Eagler's estate."
I wince at that.
The two knights had talked of the man who had trained them into the soldiers they were today many times around the fire of the camp. They had spoken highly of him, as a man who was both strong and honorable, one of Caelin's finest knights.
That same knight and mentor that now stands in our path. And it seems that we have no alternative but to force our way through.
Damn it all.
Lyn give the two a sad look. "It looks like we still have one final obstacle to pass... In more ways than one." she mutters.
I can only nod at that.
I hope Kent and Sain have what it takes. For their own sake as much as ours.
After a couple hours of marching, we finally arrive in view of Eagler's estate. But the atmosphere is tense and the skies filled by gray clouds only seem to add pressure to our steps.
Riding behind Florina on Huey, I take in the sight of the surroundings. Other than the estate, I only see a single fort and a forest surrounded by rocky hills.
It is most likely that the battle will take place in the forest itself, but with how the weather is coming along, I might have to revise that judgment.
I frown as I watch several soldiers moving inside the fort. It seems the enemy know we're coming.
As we land, I gaze at the sky with apprehension.
"The weather is turning foul. It looks like a fog is rolling in." Wil says, narrowing his eyes at the heavens.
"This is no good. If the fog thickens, we'll be blind in battle. It will be difficult to fight what we cannot see." Kent adds.
"However, the same can be said for our foes. As long as we're careful, we should be able to slip by unnoticed and land a surprise attack inside their ranks. But fighting with fog inside a forest... that might not turn well for us." I summarize before looking back the Legion. "Stay grouped everyone. Always keep one of us inside your field of vision. The last thing we want is for someone to get lost alone inside enemy territory. Matthew, I want you to take point and guide us when the fog comes in."
The blonde snaps into a salute, grinning. "Yes sir! Oh, by the way. I was given a few torches by some sympathizers to our cause from that village we passed by earlier. Figure that could help us." he says as he takes out half a dozen of torches from his bag.
I stare at the rods for a few seconds before nodding. "Give two of them to Ninian and Serra. They don't fight, so it won't pose any problem to them. It can even become a makeshift weapon if the need arises. Give two to Sain and Kent and keep the last two in case of emergency. Now let's go. We should be able to make it to the forest before the fog rolls in. First, we must cross a bridge I saw earlier, but it should be alright since I didn't see any soldiers."
After a few minutes of walking, we arrive at the bridge that I saw earlier. However, I frown as we near it.
Looks like I was wrong. There IS someone on that bridge. Rather, there are two people on it.
What in the blazes...
"That's weird. Why would they stand there alone? Is it a trap?" Erk voices my thoughts.
"I don't know, but we can't afford to take any unnecessary risks. Stay sharp everyone." I reply as we continue to march toward the bridge.
As we approach the two, I manage to make out several things about them. First, they are men, judging by their build, one bald and the other blond. The first one, a knight clad in light gray colored heavy armor, looks in his late thirties while the second, a swordsman with neck-length blond hair clad in dark blue clothes, seems in his early twenties. He looks a bit laid back and carefree, but I can see by his eyes that he is ready for anything
The knight, however, is something else altogether. He has a heavy presence to him. Whoever he might be, he is no greenhorn. That's the aura of a war veteran. Definitely the most dangerous of the two.
As we stop as the edge of the bridge, the knight steps forward, his lance in hand. "So you've come..." he says in a deep voice, his sharp eyes scanning us.
At that moment, I hear shocked gasps from Sain and Kent.
"Ah!" the green knight shouts as if he just saw a ghost.
"You! You're... Lord Wallace!" his red companion says in disbelief before turning to the swordsman. "And... is that you, Kayn?"
The blond man merely crosses his arms and stay silent.
"Kent, who are they?" Lyn asks, a frown on her face.
The knight swallows nervously. "The man before you used to be the commander of the knights of Caelin. Back in his days, he was called Caelin's Iron Wall by the soldiers." he answers.
"Aren't you supposed to be retired?" Sain asks nervously. "We heard you were sowing fields now."
The bald man nods. "I am. And I was. Until I received orders from Lord Lundgren, that is." he says, narrowing his eyes. "I was told to capture an imposter and a pair of rogue knights."
At those words, everyone tense as looks of horror cross the two knights' faces.
"Lord Wallace!" Kent shouts desperately. "Surely you don't believe us to be oathbreakers, do you?!"
Wallace calmly gazes at him. "Bring me the girl that claims to be Lady Madelyn's child." he demands.
I choose that moment to step in. "What are your intentions?"
The retired knight shifts his cool eyes to mine and for a few seconds, we stare at each other. "If I do not like what I see, I will take her." he coldly says.
"Never!" shouts Sain as he takes up his lance.
"We will prevent you." Kent adds, drawing his blade.
I frown.
This is starting to get messy.
Wallace snorts. "You? Prevent me? You must be-"
"ENOUGH!"
At those words, everyone turn to Lyn, who marches toward the old knight. "You wished to see me, then here I am! I am Lyndis. Make your judgment, Lord Wallace."
The knight's eyes widen slightly. "Ah..."
"I'll understand if you do not believe me." Lyn replies, her face full of anger. "But I've had enough of your foolish posturing!" she shouts.
Wallace simply smiles as he looks at her, as if he didn't even hear her words. "Hm... Such beautiful eyes..." he says quietly.
Silent falls, as all of us are shocked by the words that came out of the knight's mouth.
"Pardon?" Lyn mutters, utterly flabbergasted.
The old knight smiles as he closes his eyes. "I've been a knight for thirty years, and there is one thing that I learned." he says before opening his eyes again and gazing at Lyn. "A person with eyes as bright and true as yours is be no deceiver." then, his smile widens as he hits the bridge with butt of his lance and start laughing. "Hahahahahaha! Ah, yes! I like you, girl! Why, I believe I'll even join your little band of mercenaries!"
Once again, shocked silence follows the words of the man.
"Are you... Are you serious?" Sain asks, clearly not believing what's happening before him.
I can't say I'm faring better than him.
Wallace nods. "This old bull's pledged his loyalty to Caelin. I would never allow an usurper on the throne." he replies, shaking his head. "Ah... I'd planned on living my days out in peace on my farm... Ah, well... It seems it's time to take up arms once more." he continues before grinning wildly. "Let us march!" he shouts before walking toward the forest.
"Lord Wallace!" Kent shouts, but his call falls on deaf ears. "He... he hasn't changed at all." the red knight mutters, shaking his head slowly.
Lyn smiles. "I like him. He's... honest."
I nod. "That he is, and probably much more. Truly someone worthy of respect."
"Well, glad that was resolved without violence. Looks like my hunch was proved right." a new voice says and we turn to see the blond swordsman walking toward us.
"And you are?" Lyn asks.
The man smiles before bowing. " As Kent said before, my name is Kayn, milady. I am merely one of the lower knights that serves Caelin to the best of their ability."
"And the most troublesome and laid back person I've ever seen in the army beside Sain." Kent adds in a flat tone and Lyn and I must cover our laughs with a cough. "That aside, what are you doing here, Kayn? Last I knew, you were posted at the castle on patrol duty."
The blond laughs at the comment on his personality. "You know that no one, not even my grandpa could beat that attitude out of me!" then, his face turns serious. "Well, long story short, I was sent here to deliver Lord Lundgren's orders to Lord Wallace. But I felt that there was something fishy about all this. That an imposter might come and lay claim to the throne, I might believe. But that you and Sain became traitors to Caelin? Now that's a load of bullshit. Still, I carried out my orders and went to deliver the message. And when Lord Wallace stated his intentions to figure things out himself, I decided to go with him rather than to go back to the castle." he finishes with a shrug. "So here I am."
Sain smiles widely at him. "Glad to have you aboard then, partner." he says before shaking his fellow knight's hand in a warrior's salute.
I smile softly before turning my face serious. "It's always great to have new people join our cause, but do you mind if I ask you a few questions, Kayn?"
The man turns to me. "Well, no I don't but..." he trails off, looking at the sky. "You might want to play twenty questions later if you want us to cover some ground before the fog covers the valley."
Following his gaze, I see that the sky have turned an even nastier shade of gray than before. "Indeed. Let us go."
As we're about to enter the forest, I make everyone stop. "Since we have two new additions to our group. I will revise our strategy accordingly. Matthew, you still have point. However, I'll have Wallace follow right behind you so that he can immediately switch with you in combat. Then will come Lyn, Dorcas and I. As always, the non-fighting members will be at the center of our formation with Kent, Sain, Erk and Lucius on the sides. Finally, our rear guard will be composed of Florina, Rath and Kayn." I explain before focusing my eyes on the swordsman. "Judging by that longsword on your back, I assume, you are quite strong, physically speaking?"
The blond nods. "Yeah, I might be not as strong as axe guy here," he says, pointing at Dorcas, "but I'm definitely a lot more stronger than myrmidons, even if I'm not as fast."
I nod before taking the armorslayer along with its sheath off my back and throw it to him. "Then take this. You'll probably use it better than I do."
His eyes lit as he catches the weapon. "An armorslayer?! Where did you get such a beauty?"
"Not the time, not the place." I retort as I see fog starting to cover our surroundings. "Keep your eyes open. Let's move."
And with that, the Legion disappears between the trees.
-Lyn's POV-
Our progression is slow. Even with Matthew guiding us, navigating through a forest when you can't see anything beyond ten feet isn't easy, to say the least. Moreover, any sudden or foreign sound makes us halt and stare around, as if the enemy might jump from the fog onto us at a moment of inattention. The tension is so thick I could probably cut it with my sword.
I glance at Robin, feeling slightly nervous, and my eyes widen slightly at his almost relaxed posture. His body isn't tense, rather, it's in a state of acute awareness of his surrounding, ready for anything that might happen, yet still calm.
"Your body must be as swift as the wind; your blows as fierce as the fire; your mind as silent as the forest and your spirit as unyielding as the mountain. Do so and your enemies, no matter their strength, no matter their number, shall fall to your blade."
"Yes, Father!"
For some reason, seeing Robin in such a state makes me relax, the tension leaving me to be replaced by a sense of calm readiness, both of mind and body.
"Incoming!" Matthew suddenly shouts from ahead.
"Matthew, fall back! Front and sides, fan out! Rear guard, protect the non-fighters! Stay grouped and do not let the enemy surround us!" Robin orders quickly as he takes out his wind tome.
I smile slightly as I draw my sword and jog to his side.
Let them come.
-Robin's POV-
"O howling wind, cut my enemies down! Wind!" I chant, springing my hand forward, and a crescent blade of magical wind rushes at my foe, creating a deep gash in his chest.
That's another one down.
I look around me as the soldier falls to the ground. Though I can hear the sounds of battle all around me (including Wallace's booming laughter), I can barely make out the silhouettes of Lyn and Dorcas not ten feet at my sides.
I frown slightly.
Why did the enemy decide to go in just as blind as we are? Those men clearly aren't trained in guerrilla or hit-and-run tactics, so why were they sent in? Scouting, maybe? No, their number is too great for them to be a simple scouting unit. Canon fodder? That doesn't match what Kent and Sain told me of Eagler. Just what is their purpose? Is there something I'm missing? Or...
I sigh. "Damnit." I mutter before turning around.
Even though there aren't any signs, I KNOW there is a reason those men were sent. But whatever this reason is eludes me.
I shake my head before jogging back into the fight.
No use getting frustrated over this. All I can do is prepare our group for anything that might happen.
Besides, no plan truly survives first contact with the enemy.
-Sain's POV-
I grimace as I impale yet another soldier on my spear, the man dying with a wet gurgle as blood floods his throat, before I shake the corpse off the weapon.
Even though the fog covers our surroundings and impede our vision, I can't help but still be a bit thankful for it. I mean... who would like to see their foes' face as they die if they knew they were fighting their own countrymen?
And yet, even though it makes killing them easier, somehow, I can't help but wonder... What if I had just killed someone I knew?
I feel sick and dirty. There is no thrill or excitement here. This isn't the kind of battle I thought I'd fight in this quest for Lady Lyndis. There is no glory or heroism in fighting your own countrymen.
How did it come to this?
"Sain."
I jump at the sudden sound and swing my lance to the side, narrowly missing a surprised Kent who managed to bend forward just in time to dodge.
"Sain! What are you're doing?!" my fellow knight shouts at me, anger replacing surprise in his eyes.
"S-sorry! I... I just..." I stammer as I try to reply.
Kent frowns at me. "Sain... are you alright?"
His question makes me freeze.
Am I alright?
No. No, I'm not alright.
I'm not alright with killing my comrades. I'm not alright with having my own country against me. I'm not alright with having to fight against my mentor in a kill-or-be-killed battle.
But what choice do I have but to endure? I swore I would fight for my Lady, that I'd bring her to her grandfather by any means necessary.
But at what cost? How many soldiers of Caelin will we have to kill in order to achieve that? How many of them are simply being manipulated by Lundgren and how many truly are in league with him?
"They were your brothers in arms! People who wished to protect Caelin just as much as you do! But we killed them! YOU killed them! And do you know why?! Because we're fighting to keep a usurper from sitting on the throne of Caelin! And I'll tell you something: they thought they were fighting for the same thing! You cannot simply say that they are traitors to their home when they died thinking they were protecting it!"
Damn you, Robin... Why did you have to say that back then? Imaging them as traitors to Caelin would be so much easier...
"Snap out of it, Sain!"
I blink, and raise my head to meet Kent's concerned gaze.
The red knight sighs, before looking away. "I know this isn't easy. I know it's hard to think that because of the lies that came from the mouth of one person, we are being forced to fight our fellow knights. Damn it, I know how hard it is!" he says, clenching his sword, before snapping his head back to me. "But we can't give up. We've come too far to simply stop. This has become something bigger than just an inheritance dispute. The future of Caelin depends on us!" he exclaims. "We swore an oath! To protect our home and its righteous ruler from all threats! Would you truly become an oathbreaker, Sain?! Answer me!"
I gape at him.
"Life isn't fair, Sain." Kent continues solemnly. "It's not fair that we're being forced to do this. It's not fair that what was supposed to be a simple mission evolved into a war. But we cannot let our resolve falter. Remember who we serve in the first place, Sain! We serve Marquess Caelin! And what did our liege order us to do?"
"To bring his granddaughter to him." I answer mechanically.
The red knight nods. "Exactly. It doesn't matter if the world is against us. We were given a mission. A mission that we shall accomplish or die trying! Because we know that our cause is just, there is no need for hesitation! Let us forgive those who have been fooled, but let us not forget them, for they died fighting for their home, just like we're fighting today." He looks like he's about to say more but shakes his head and turns around. "Come, Lady Lyndis needs us."
I blink as I watch him leave before shaking my head. "Seriously... what do you want me to say after such a pep talk?" I mutter under my breath.
I guess I'm just an idiot who needs someone to get his head around when he thinks too much, eh?
-Robin's POV-
It's been a good two hours since we dealt with the squad of men that ambushed us, and there still isn't any sign of a reaction from the enemy. Either Eagler isn't as great as I thought he would, or there's something else going on here. I'm leaning toward the later but I'm still drawing a blank at what kind of strategy is being used here.
"Robin."
Did I overlook something? Or am I just looking for something that isn't there?
"Robin!"
Gah! This is so frustrating!
"ROBIN!"
"What?!" I snap as I turn to look at the person who shouted my name.
Lyn recoils slightly in surprise at my outburst before frowning at me. "Are you alright?" she asks, looking concerned.
I run a hand through my hair with a sigh. "Yes, I am. It's just that I can't make heads or tail of what's going on and it frustrates me. Why was there no follow up to that ambush? Were those men simply sacrificial lambs? Is there something else at play here? I can't figure it out!" I don't even notice that I'm almost shouting as I go on.
The Sacaen woman lands a hand on my arm in comfort. "I know it's your job to be prepared for everything, Robin, but sometimes I think it's better to just go with the flow. You can think of a plan when we know what we're facing."
"She's right, lad."
We both turn to see Wallace coming up behind us. "I know how Eagler thinks better than you do. I trained him, after all. But even I don't know why he might have sent those men to their death like that. There's something suspicious, that much is sure. But what it is remains to be seen. So don't beat yourself up for something you have no control over." the old general says before giving me a pat on my back that almost makes me stumble as he laughs loudly and walk back to his position.
"There is wisdom to his words." Lyn says after a moment and I nod.
"True. It shows he wasn't promoted general for nothing." I reply.
"Robin." I hear Matthew say and turn toward him as he continues. "We are nearing the edge of the forest."
I nod. "Still no sign of the enemy?" He shakes his head and I sigh. "We've come this far, so we might as well continue forward.
A couple of minutes later and the Legion emerges from the forest. While the fog is still here, I can easily see the outline of Eagler's estate.
I frown slightly as I look around me once more, only to see nothing else but my companions.
Which means Eagler is probably waiting for us.
"Stay sharp everyone." I simply say as we continue to move toward the castle. "There is no telling what the enemy might be up to."
It's a tense walk but, after a about half and hour, we finally arrive at the estate itself.
And facing us is Eagler himself along with half a dozen mounted knights and twice that many soldiers.
I curse silently.
He knew. He knew that we have no choice but to go forward, that we can't go back, so he placed himself in a defensive position where we would be forced to be on the offensive. And since we're out in the open now, it becomes easy for him to neutralize us. The soldiers that ambushed us in the forest were just a way of saying that he could attack us even if we chose to stay hidden. Clever.
Eagler makes his horse step forward. "Bring forth the individual who calls herself "Lyndis"! This imposter shall not pass beyond this place unless bound by chains!"
I bit my lower lip.
This isn't good. Conflict seems to be unavoidable at this point.
Lyn steps forward, confidence marred on her face. "I am Lyndis." she simply says.
Something seems to pass in the general's eyes as he looks at the swordswoman but it's gone too quickly for me to decipher it.
"So you say." Eagler replies. "But what proof do you have of your heritage? You cannot simply ask me to believe that you are the lost grandchild of my liege." His gaze scans our group before they settle on Kent. His eyes narrow. "Kent? Is that you?"
"General Eagler!" the red knight shouts as he brings his steed by Lyn. "We found Lady Lyndis on orders of the marquess. We've worked so very hard to return her safely to Caelin. I-"
"And yet you have no proof of her identity." The older man interrupts him coldly. "Is that not true?"
"Yes, but..."
"Then there is nothing to talk about!"
"Eagler!" Wallace's voice booms as he steps forward.
The younger general seems to pale slightly at the sight of his mentor. "General Wallace... So you've sided with the girl too, have you?"
"You foolish boy! I fight for Caelin's honor! Not Lundgren's lies!" the bald man exclaims.
I feel like I'm seeing a petulant child being punished by his father. And I think I'm not the only one.
Eagler's face contorts into and uncertain expression "Ah... Is that so? You are-" he shakes his head. "It doesn't matter. I cannot let you pass!"
I frown slightly. 'Cannot'? Why use such a term? He makes it sound like it's not his choice of weather he lets us pass or not.
My eyes widen in realization.
"Ah!" I almost gasp.
Of course! Why didn't I think of this?! And it makes perfect sense!
"What is it, Robin? Have you figured a way to get out of this situation?" Matthew asks me and I turn to him so fast I think I hear a snap.
"Matthew, do you know if Eagler has any family? Anyone that would be important to him?" I ask quietly, my tone being urgent.
The thief frowns in concentration. "Well, I've heard that his wife died giving birth to his daughter almost twenty years ago and that said daughter is following in the footsteps of her father but..." Then his eyes widen and I know he's come to the same conclusion than I did. "You don't think..."
I nod. "Knowing Lundgren, it's highly probable. And it would make sense as to why he's standing in our way when he surely knows what's going on and who is right."
Matthew nods back slowly. "True. But what can we do? I don't think he'll let us go simply because we know this."
I moisten my lips, my mind running at a thousand miles a minute. "Maybe he's testing us. To see if we have what it takes to take down Lundgren." I speculate.
The blond opens his mouth to reply but is interrupted by Eagler's voice. "ENOUGH!"
We turn back at the general as he continues. "The time for talk is over! I name you traitors all!" he draws his lance, pointing it at Wallace. "Come! Do your worst!"
The bald man shakes his head. "Fool..." his gaze hardens and he takes out his iron axe. "At the very least, let mine be the blow that finishes you!"
I draw my thunder tome as I watch the soldiers behind Eagler leveling their weapons at us before charging.
And I decide to take a gamble. "Everyone! The priority is to incapacitate the enemy! Try to avoid dealing fatal injuries but do not hesitate if you are in danger!"
I feel the gazes of everyone looking at in wonder but I don't respond as I begin chanting.
I can only hope that I didn't make a mistake.
-Sain's POV-
I grunt as I parry another sword strike from one of my fellow knights with my own blade. I don't know why Robin told us to try not to kill them, but it's making things damn hard.
With a shout, I disengage my sword from my foe's by pushing it upward, leaving him wide open for me to hit his head with the flat side of my sword, knocking him out.
"That's another one..." I mutter under my breath as I look around me.
Everyone is fighting but I can already see several of General Eagler's soldiers down. Still, we're not out of the woods yet.
"Sain! Relieve the pressure on Dorcas!" I hear Robin's voice amidst the fighting.
"Yes!" I answer, switching my sword for my lance, and charge at the three soldiers encircling Dorcas.
One of them sees me coming and shouts a warning for his comrades, but it's too late as my steed knocks the first one down and I swing my spear into the second's face as Dorcas, taking the opportunity my surprise attack created, delivers a massive punch to the face of the last one.
Yikes! I wouldn't like being on the receiving end of one of those, that's for sure. How would I woo the ladies with three missing teeth?
The axeman gives me a grateful nod before going into battle once more and I whirl my steed around before going toward the nearest knight.
But I'm not even halfway to my target that I'm forced to make an instant stop as a storm of steel and hooves crashes in front of me. I can only watch in awe as General Eagler and General Wallace continue to fight with a fierceness that defies everything I've seen before.
Axe meets axe and lance meets lance repetitively, Eagler moving his steed with expert tugs on the reins, the horse not hesitating a single moment in obeying its master's commands, and Wallace making quick and short steps in order to reposition himself for another attack without losing any momentum or balance.
Such precision in their movements, and yet such speed and power behind them. Is this what it means to have fought as a soldier for most of your life?
I'm brought out of my shock as, in a single motion, Eagler whirls his steed around and kicks his flanks twice. And then, to my astonishment, the horse PROJECTS Wallace with a double kick of its hind legs, sending the heavily armored man crashing across the battlefield in a shout of pain.
"General Eagler..." I mutter in disbelief.
Apparently, he heard me as he whirls his steed once again to face me. "Sain..." he quietly says before shaking his head. "I never imagined you could turn traitor..."
I bristle. "Who's the traitor here?" I reply in anger. "I am following the orders of my sworn liege lord. Not Lungren, but my true liege, the marquess himself!" I shout.
For a moment, Eagler stays silent, gazing at me with a strange look that seems strangely familiar, but it vanishes as soon as it came. "You speak with conviction." he finally says before picking up his lance once again. "I think it's time to test the bounds of your loyalty! Have at you!" and with that, he charges at me.
"Here I come, General Eagler!" I shout before charging too.
It was over in an instant.
Meeting halfway, we both thrust our spears at the other. Mine piercing through his shield, impacting his right shoulder before it shatters in splinters near the tip while his pierces my flank and brings me off my horse. I impact the ground hard, landing on my back.
Pain. Pain unlike any other injury I've ever suffered before. The spear is still embedded in my body and I can taste copper in my mouth. The taste of blood.
I've failed.
"A magnificent charge."
Slowly, I turn my head to look at Eagler, who's gazing down at me. His shield is missing and I can see blood seeping through his armor where my own lance hit him. His right arm is hanging limply at his side.
"You always showed exceptional skill with a spear, even back when you were still a trainee." he continues, looking at his arm. "Had I not have my shield, you would have knocked me down."
I try to talk, but the only thing that comes out of my throat is a bloody cough.
"Such a shame... You would have become such a splendid knight in but a few years." Eagler says, shaking his head as he takes out his axe. My vision is blurry now. "But you brought this upon yourself." he raises his arm above his head. "Farewell, Sain."
"I WON'T LET YOU!"
I only see a red blur smash into Eagler before I can feel someone starting to call my name as they start to carry me, telling me to stay awake.
I feel my eyes dropping heavily as the pain slowly goes away
"Sorry guys... I think... I'm gonna... sleep for a bit... Wake me up... in a while..." I whisper.
And darkness claims me.
-Robin's POV-
Shit.
"Hang in there, Sain! Stay with me. Stay with me!"
"Serra, we're loosing him!"
Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!
"I'm doing all I can, but he's lost too much blood! And that's not even counting the internal damage!"
"Can you at least stem the blood flow?"
SHIT!
"The wound is too grave! It's either repairing the internal damage first or closing the wound itself but there would still be an hemorrhage!"
"Then repair the damage first! Damnit! We need more vulneraries! Nils! I need you to help me keep pressure on the wound!"
How did I let it come to this?!
"C'mon. C'mon! C'MON! You're not dying on us like that, Sain! Not after coming so far!"
I can only look blankly at the scene before me. Sain, lying in a pool of his own blood with Wil, Lucius, Nils, Ninian and Serra beside him doing everything they can to keep him alive.
A cry of anger makes me shift my gaze to the battle still going a dozen feet away. Dorcas and Erk are once four soldiers soldiers at bay, Matthew and Kayn are standing back to back against a couple of knights, Rath is leading another knight on a chase and Lyn is forced on the defensive against a trio of two soldiers and a single knight ganging up on her.
But the shout didn't come from any of them. No, it came from the brutal battle that Kent and Wallace are fighting against Eagler.
Kent doesn't get angry, that's a fact. He is a paragon of a soldier. Always calm, collected and focused. And yet, the sight of an angry -scratch that- furious Kent, as improbable as it sounds, sends chills running down my spine.
It's like watching a berserker. There is no sign of the usual finesse of Kent's swordsplay, just brutal and heavy swings of his blade that no one would expect from a knight.
It's terrifying, seeing him losing control like that. But who can blame him? After all, he just saw Sain, his companion, his brother in all but blood, almost being killed by their mentor. How does one react to that?
I shake my head. I can worry about the fallout later. Right now, we must finish this fight as quickly as possible.
"Everyone." I say quietly, looking at those trying to keep the green knight alive. "Take care of him. He isn't allowed to die. That's... an order."
And with that I take off to help Lyn with her opponents. "Vanguard of the heavens, lead my enemies to their doom! Thunder!" I quickly chant before sending a sphere of lightning at one of the soldiers, hitting him in the back. The man gives a short cry of surprise and pain before he falls face first on the ground, twitching.
I put my tome away and draw my sword as I jog up to Lyn's side. "Figured you could use a hand."
The Sacaean woman nods. "I was getting tired of simply dodging or blocking."
"Then let's go."
As one we move to meet our foes, Lyn crossing the distance in a couple of seconds before jumping at the knight with an ascending slash. The man was obviously surprised by her speed as he only managed to block the blow in time with his own sword. However, the force of the strike combined with his sloppy parry made his arms shoot up, leaving him wide open for a following blow from Lyn that came in the form of a downward thrust of her sword in the space between the knight's neck and shoulder, making him fall off his horse with a cry of pain.
Just as the soldier is about to aid his comrade, I place myself between him and Lyn.
"Your opponent is me." I say as I ready my sword.
The man sneers at me. "Damn you!" he shouts before charging at me with his lance.
I quickly sidestep the attack before bringing my sword down on the shaft so that it's caught between the blade and the hilt. Then, I make the sword slide alongside the shaft toward the soldier, who realizes too late that his only option is to let go of his weapon as my sword carves a bloody path across his chest. Not wasting time, I bring the pommel on sword on his head and knock him out.
"Let us hurry." I say as I turn to face Lyn. "This battle has already gone far too long."
"Right." she answers as we run to the aid of the others.
By the time we're done helping the others, the fight between Kent, Wallace and Eagler seems to have come to a stand still.
Eagler looks exhausted. Blood is pouring from several spots under his armor, his right arm is hanging limp at his side and his left hand seems to barely have any strength left to grip his axe.
Kent is panting hard, his face still set in an angry snarls, blood trailing down his face from a cut above his left eye.
Wallace is breathing heavily, but looks mostly uninjured aside from the hooves shaped dents in his armor.
Eagler slowly looks around him, realizing that his men have been taken down. Then he looks at us.
"Go..."
Everyone's eyes widen at the words that quietly come from the general's mouth.
"Go. Quickly. The marquess... he knows nothing of this..." he coughs harshly as he lets his weapon fall to the ground. "His life is... There is no illness... Only... Poison..." then, he locks eyes with Lyn. "Please... for the marquess... for all of Caelin..." he trails off before slumping on his steed.
For a moment, there is silence and I release a breath that I was unconsciously holding.
"Eagler!"
"Master Eagler!"
Only to jump as two shouts, one feminine the other masculine, sound through the battlefield.
Turning my head, I watch as a dark haired woman in what looks like noble clothes and a silver haired man dressed in a butler suit run from the entrance of the estate to the fallen general.
"Ah! So much blood... We must bring him back immediately!" the woman says in a concerned and almost frantic tone before turning to her companion. "Sebass! Bring the others and send word to the medical wing!"
"Understood, Lady Caitlyn." the man nods before running back to the estate as the woman gently pats the steed, making it sit before she gently brings Eagler to the ground.
"Foolish man..." She sighs as she settle him down. "Why must you always go to such lengths?" she asks quietly before looking at us. "Thank you. For showing restraint in this battle." she then looks past us and her eyes widen. "Saint Elimine... is that Sain?" she asks breathlessly.
I snap out of my daze and turn toward the others. "There is no time to lose, everyone! There is still work to do! Matthew, Erk I need you two to check all those men for vulneraries and bring those you find to Lucius! Dorcas, I want you to cut some wood so that we can make a stretcher for Sain! Rath, Lyn! Try to find plants, herbs, anything that has some minor healing properties!" Everyone's gazes shift to me, blinking and I hold back a groan of frustration. "What are you waiting for?! Move it! Every second that passes makes things worse for Sain!"
With a jolt, everyone scramble to their task and I let out a huge breath as I run a hand to my hair.
The Gods be damned, I'm more than fed up with this day.
It took most of what was left of the day, but we managed to stabilize Sain thanks to the help from the estate's healers and Serra's perseverance in her healing. The girl managed to exhaust all of her magical power and passed out as soon as we knew Sain would be alright.
Eagler is still alive too. Even though his injuries aren't grave, he received a lot of them and he isn't a young man anymore. Although he might never be able to fight again, the man will live.
Of the estate's soldiers, there were only a couple of casualties due in large part to blood loss. Other than some rest and days in bed in order to heal their broken bones, they should be fine.
On our side, aside from Sain, no one received any grave wounds. However, Serra's staff broke and our freshly restocked supply of vulneraries has been almost completely depleted. Which is quite problematic, to say the least.
Also...
I look at the setting sun outside the estate from the small garden where I'm currently sitting in.
We'll have to leave soon. Either tomorrow or the day after. If Sain hasn't woken up in that time frame, we'll have to leave him here to continue forward. The healers are confident that he should regain consciousness in the next 24 hours but there's no telling if he'll be able to fight again so soon after such an injury.
And, of course, Kent hasn't left Sain's side since he was allowed to see him. I thought he was nearly going to assault me when I suggested that he get some rest. Kayn told me that he'd keep an eye on his fellow knight, and for that I'm grateful.
I run a hand through my hair with a frustrated sigh and I can't help but note I've been doing that a lot today.
The wind picks up and I close my eyes as I feel the breeze flow on my face and my coat ruffle gently.
The soft sound of footsteps on the grass makes me open my eyes and I turn my head to see Lyn approaching me slowly. Wordlessly, she walks past me and sits down against the small wall, facing me.
For a moment, though I cannot say if it's been several minutes since she came or if it's simply been seconds, we stay silent. Me watching her and she looking at the horizon.
"He knew."
I blink and give Lyn a questioning look. She doesn't see it but seems to sense my inquiry as she elaborates.
"Eagler. He knew we were telling the truth." she says before locking her eyes with mine. Her eyes are red and while it doesn't look like she cried, I can see pain and exhaustion in them as she continues. "But if he did, then why? Why force the fight?"
I sigh quietly as I shift my position in order lean against the wall too,my gaze turning skyward. "Most likely, Lundgren was exerting some hold on him."
The swordswoman frowns at me. "You mean..."
I nod. "Eagler was probably trying to protect someone. His daughter, if what Matthew told me is true." I respond.
Lyn snarls in anger at that. "May Lundgren never know the peaceful embrace of Mother Earth." she spats. "I care not what must be done. I will stop that man from causing any more pain and suffering that he already has!"
Without saying a word, I simply move beside her and slide an arm around her shoulders. "We'll stop him. Together. This blood feud has already gone for far too long."
She sighs and nods before leaning her head against my shoulder. "The final battle is approaching. Everything will soon be decided." she says before shifting uncomfortably. "Robin... I..."
Without even realizing it, I gently press a finger to her lips to silence her and she looks at me in surprise while I shake my head. "Don't." I say softly. "Save those words for when we are well and truly done with this war."
She gives me a searching look for a moment, then slowly nods before scooting herself closer against me and I open my coat to drape it around both of us.
Slowly, I close my eyes as the scent of grass and pine needles fills my nose.
Let us rest for now. Tomorrow will be coming soon enough. And with it the start of another, hopefully the last, battle.
-Sothe's POV-
I frown in slight worry as I watch Micaiah going through the steps of a long-distance Sacrifice. I've seen the wound the green knight received when he confronted his mentor. It was a clean wound. With a few months of rest, he would be back on his feet without any lasting consequences.
Which is why I cannot help myself from commenting as I watch her. "Is this really necessary?" I ask, still frowning.
Micaiah doesn't turn to me as she answers. "You know why I'm doing this, Sothe."
My frown deepens. "Even so..."
"It is necessary." she interrupts me. "I appreciate that you worry about me, especially when I'm resorting to this ability. But I know what I'm doing."
I grit my teeth in frustration. "Damnit, Micaiah. You know I can't bear to watch you suffer like that. Even if I know that what you're doing is for the greater good, it doesn't make it any easier for me."
This time, the light priestess turns to give me a soft grateful smile. "Thank you, Sothe." she quietly says before returning to her preparations.
I shake my head sadly. No matter where we go or what world we're in, no matter what I do, Micaiah still has to endure pain for the sake of others.
I'm amazed it hasn't broken either her or myself yet.
"So this is how it works, huh? I never saw her doing one of those myself, but I must admit it looks impressive."
My head turns toward the woman whom is known as Katarina. She is looking at Micaiah with what seems to be interest and respect in her eyes.
"What are you doing here?" I ask bluntly.
The woman rolls her eyes at me. "What do you think I'm doing here, idiot? This is where we're all living, after all, so I'm afraid I can come and go as I please." she retorts. "And it's not like I have anything else to do."
I huff slightly. "I highly doubt that."
She throws her arms upward in exasperation. "Yes, whatever you say, boy." she replies and I twitch slightly. "But to answer your question, I'm just here to inform you two that another one has crossed the Gate. I don't think you guys have seen him yet, have you?"
I'm about to make a sarcastic response when another voice, an highly familiar one at that, interrupts us.
"Actually... I believe we already know each other. Isn't that right, Sothe? Micaiah?" the deep male voice says and we all turn our heads at the newcomer.
Short spiky blue hair with a green sash tied around his forehead, arms bare save for a pair of gauntlets and a single blue and gold shoulder pad, combined with chest protecting gear and
armored boots. And, finally, the huge golden sword that he seems to lift almost effortlessly across his shoulder. There is no mistaking who that man is.
"Ike." "Commander Ike."
The Radiant Hero looks between all three of us and gives a small smile. "It's nice to see both old and new faces but I would appreciate an explanation as to what I am doing here."
"Well, you see... It's actually pretty simple..."
I almost groan as Katarina starts going into what I have dubbed as her 'lecture mode'.
I'm not going to get any sleep tonight, am I?
And I'm finally done! God damnit, this took me too much time to write and I apologize for that. Unfortunately, I had a huge writer block when it came to how I should deal with Eagler's forces and I had to rewrite that part several times. I even went and made a cavalry charge inside the forest before I realized how dumb that actually was.
Anyway, I hope this chapter was worth the long wait, and I hope that you will give me your opinion in reviews.
Oh, and my thanks to GraveBreaker for his OC Kayn.
This is MidnightFenrir, author of "Child of the Fell and Divine Dragons", signing out.