Permission To Die

May 5th, 999 A.S.

Ostia, Lycian League, Elibe

Barth watched as the final man was downed, an Ilian blade piercing the man's chest. Around him, the remnants of the mercenaries hired by Leygance lay dead or dying, their moans being snuffed out by the vengeful Ilians and Ostians. Barth himself had entered the fray as soon as he discovered what was happening within the arena. A company of Ostian knights at his back, the Ostian general crashed into the disorganized sellswords and the treasonous knights who dare called Leygance master; relieving the gallant group that had withstood the brunt of the trap, Ostian and Ilian knights made short work of Leygance's men.

Making his way to the exhausted group of knights, Barth nodded to each as he drew near. To his left, he spotted Zealot astride his horse, spear in hand. The Ilian commander had led a small portion of his Ilians alongside Barth, demonstrating the loyalty the Ilian mercenary company held for their employer.

"Sirs and Dame," Barth held a hand as he drew near, "apologies for coming so late to the fray. Praise be to Elimine that no true casualties were inflicted."

"You came at just the right time, Sir Barth," Alan rubbed his hand, "we were beginning to be overrun."

"Thankfully, we made it when we did then." Barth frowned as he surveyed the battlefield; around him, the crowd cheered and hollered, amazed that a real battle had taken place. "Damn savages. Cheering for a when a man's life is ended."

"Speaking of," Zealot came closer, "I believe that all the men have been struck down. Not a one has been spared."

"Good," Barth waved his lieutenant to him, "Wendy, lead a group of knights out to see if we cannot find Leygance. He's on foot - he couldn't have gotten far."

"General Barth," Edward looked up with tired eyes, "Leygance fled on horseback as soon as the battle started. I witnessed it with my own eyes, sir."

"He's on horseback?" Barth looked at the Caelin knight, shocked, "he can't be! He must have had this planned from the get go!"

"Only he was counting on eliminating you and Sir Zealot," Wallace frowned, "he mustn't reach the castle. If he reaches the castle with whatever men he has left..."

"And if Lord Roy hasn't driven out Devias from the castle..."

Barth drove his fist into his open palm, "we must catch Leygance before he reaches the castle!"

"We'll never catch him," Noah shook his head, "he's mounted. We're not. Simple as that."

"No one knows these streets better than I. Leygance rose through administrative means...I patrolled these streets as a marshal before becoming a knight. I can catch him."

Zealot looked at Barth before dismounting, "then take Zodiac. He may seem to be large but he's faster than your average stallion. Hurry Barth."

The Ostian knight nodded in thanks before handing his axe and mace to the Ilian commander; hoisting himself in the saddle, the general fixed his axe to his belt before holding his morning star in his left hand, right on the reins. Not wasting a moment, the blue armored knight kicked the horse into motion. It was but a few moments before he passed through the same gate Leygance did, already planning the route he would take to catch the Ostian steward.

Dieck ducked under a thin blade, the sharp edge narrowly missing the top of his head. Pushing forward with his shoulder, the capable mercenary created a bit of distance between himself and his foe before bringing his large blade off to the side. Using the flat end of the sword to harmlessly pass his opponent's sword to the side, Dieck brought the large sword off forcefully to the right; immediately moving the tip the ground, the man immediately changed direction, viciously cutting upwards. Though relatively unharmed by the first strike, the mercenary in front of him was felled by the second, a gaping divide running down his torso.

Spotting a group of three mercenaries rushing towards him, the large man blocked immediately upwards, deflecting an axe chop as he did so. Instinctively stepping to his right, Dieck watched as a short sword stabbed harmlessly in the air beside him. Shooting his blade to his left, Dieck took the leg of the man in front of him before blocking a large axeman's blow; struggling under the man's power, Dieck noticed the swordsman readying another strike and knew there was nothing he could do to stop it. Frowning, the mercenary prepared himself for the blow that never came.

Splattered with blood, the former pit fighter nodded in appreciation. Behind the imposing swordsman stood Rutger, his sword red with the man's blood; the red nomad silently nodded as his wicked sword bit into the axeman's side, drawing a fresh line of blood. Howling in pain, the man's offense shattered, allowing Dieck to break the stalemate. Between Rutger's biting blade and Dieck's colossal blows, the giant of a man fell underfoot, nearly half a dozen sword wounds inflicted upon him.

"Thank you," Dieck sighed, "I thought I had bit off more than I could chew."

Rutger frowned, "of course you didn't. You would never."

The mercenary shook his head as Rutger headed off once more, sword slicing through the air as it carved more of Leygance's men. "Well aren't we chipper today?"

Though outnumbered roughly two to one, the battle against Leygance's men was going well. Roy's small force had almost solely encountered the mercenaries hired under the general's name. As they began to dwindle off, the Lycian Army's chosen companions found themselves in a slight respite.

"Men," Dieck called to his own mercenaries, "are you all okay?"

"A pretty nasty cut on my leg, Cap'n," one man called out, "but otherwise I think we're alright."

Bors looked around the rest of the allied soldiers, nodding approval. "I believe we're all in one pi-wait. Where's Lady Lilina?"

"Master Roy as well," Marcus said, immediately frowning.

"The two set off towards the barracks - Matthew and Wolt followed him." Astol nonchalantly stroked his beard. "I saw them leave not too long ago. It was too busy for me to really say anything until now."

"Should we set off after him?"

"I'm not quite sure if we have the time," Saul intoned, his heal staff glowing as he healed a cut on one of Dieck's men. "Look towards the front of the hall."

All eyes converged towards the front of the grand hall, some widening in surprise. Assembling near the open doors was the remainder of the mercenaries; accompanied, however, by the rank and file Ostian knights who had joined Leygance and betrayed Hector. Though only half of the knights were true infantry, the other half were once part of the vaunted and glorified Steel Guard. Outnumbered three to one against a much more formidable opponent, the Lycians realized their true test awaited them. The waiting group nervously shuffled amongst themselves until a ragged voice started barking.

"Sir Bors," Marcus yelled, "anchor the line in the center. Dieck, have your men allay outwards from Sir Bors - Ward and Lot, you shall cover the ends. Rutger, Dieck, you two shall move along the line, ensuring we are not flanked. Lady Clarine, support them. Master Lugh, Miss Dorothy, line behind our men and attempt to cause as much damage as you can. Father Saul," Marcus growled, "support us from the rear with your holy magic and your staff. Master Astol," the veteran knight looked towards the Ostian, "ensure no one slips past us."

"Where will you be, Sir Marcus?"

The venerable knight grinned slightly, "I will be directly in the center, where the most action shall be. Form up!"

As the Lycian force began to move, Dieck moved beside Rutger. Nodding to the Sacaen, the mercenary nearly allowed himself to grin as the scarlet-clad swordsman stood protectively in front of Clarine. Readying his weapon, the Western man waited with bated breath as the enemy drew near. With a mighty yell, Dieck helped to push the charge forward, his mighty blade leading the way.

"You did well," Mark smiled softly at his tired champions, "you held off scores of men by yourselves for a good deal of time."

Alan shook his head tiredly, "credit Sir Wallace for holding our line. He single handedly challenged five men to combat."

"If these damn mercs think I'll bend my knee to them, they gotta 'nother thing coming!" Wallace grinned, "though, I admit, I'm not as spry as I once was. I once would've been able to eliminate the entire lot o' them!"

"Sadly," Mark smiled wider, "he's not fibbing. I once had the pleasure of commanding both Sir Wallace and Sir Oswin on the field - together, they formed an unstoppable force and an immovable object, all at the same time. Nonetheless...I think I found a new elite unit."

Mark nearly continued before a shock of blue hair caught his eye. Turning slowly, the tactician barely had time to register what his eyes saw before the individual bounded in front of him.

"Master Mark," Thany nearly yelled, "I have orders from Sir Sain!"

Mark smiled, "well, let's hear them, Thany."

The young pegasus knight nodded eagerly, "Sir Sain requests for you to open the main gate of the city in the southeast to allow Mage General Cecilia and Knight General Percival of Etruria to enter the city."

"Wait," Mark's head shot up as the knights around him stirred at Thany's words, "you said Generals Cecilia and Percival are here?"

"Yes. I saw them with my own eyes."

Mark's mind worked at a million thoughts a second, constant scenarios running through his head. Eventually deducing that Sain's judgment was sound and that the two Etrurian generals were likely here to discuss Lycia's future, Mark nodded. "Thany, come with me. Can you fly me to said gate?"

"Of course."

"Then you and I shall head towards there so I can speak with the two generals. The rest of you," Mark turned towards his remaining forces as well as Zealot's men, "shall head towards Castle Ostia, wherein you shall assist Lord Roy's force, if so needed. Hurry to your assignments - we have no time to dally."

"Get him!"

The sound of footsteps was heard as Roy's group chased Devias. After making their way through the halls towards the barracks, the four had discovered Devias alongside two of his closest knights. Using his own men as a distraction and a speed bump for the Lycians, the former Ostian commander had fled, a wooden shield and a thick blade his only weapons.

Knowing he didn't stand a chance against four opponents, particularly against a skilled mage, the man showed surprising speed as he retreated, nearly losing Roy and company more than once. It was only after the man nearly ran into a dead end did the foursome catch up to him, hot on his heels.

"Sir Devias," Lilina yelled as she sprinted beside the other three, showing surprising endurance and agility, "atone for your crimes and pay heed to the law! There shall be a fair trial!"

"Milady," Devias' haggard voice was heard from ahead, "there are no trials for traitors! My apologies!"

Perhaps the worst situation possible, Devias wheeled off towards the right, exiting the citadel as he did so. Following him, Roy and his companions nearly ran head-on into the waiting spears of what little remained of Leygance's men. Perhaps what stopped the four in their tracks, however, was the sight that awaited them: Devias stood behind a large group of mercenaries and fallen knights, panting heavily but still very much alive and aware of the scenario, his thick blade quickly being accompanied by the heavy shield. Behind the two, the entrance to the castle lay open.

Many moments passed then, as Devias looked torn between his devotion towards Lilina and his loyalty to Leygance. It was only after a few minutes did the armor knight finally speak. Walking towards the four companions, Devias stopped a few feet away, far out of reach of his horse and the exit.

"I am sorry, Master Roy, Lady Lilina. But I must please Lord Leygance. He has called for your head."

"A shame," a voice boomed, "that you must please him in hell!"

Barth came charging in through the exit Leygance had passed through, morningstar in hand. Crashing through the few number of mercenaries assembled, Barth's deadly weapon collided with the head of a man, killing him instantly. Riding behind his liege and her closest ally, Barth quickly dismounted, arming himself with axe and mace.

"My apologies, Lady Lilina," Barth stepped forward, shielding the two lords with his body, "I witnessed Leygance leaving just moments ago and nearly pursued but I simply could not, knowing you and Master Roy were in such dire straits."

"Fear not, Barth," Lilina smiled deeply, "I cannot express enough how valuable you have been."

"Your confidence is not misplace, Milady." Barth looked back at the group, "now, Lady Lilina, ride! Catch Leygance and eliminate him! Master Roy...strike him down! Use Zealot's horse to track that dog!"

Roy wasted no time in mounting Zodiac, helping Lilina up as she nodded gratefully towards her loyal retainer. Kicking the horse into action, Roy and Lilina sped off, leaving Barth, Matthew, and Wolt to combat the remaining men.

Barth immediately set his way towards the men, axe and mace quickly mauling any who came before him. Behind him, Wolt notched arrow after arrow, each finding its way into any man who attempted to outmaneuver Barth or Matthew. The spy in question darted around the outskirts, hemming in men towards Barth's circle of death - it was only once Devias engaged Matthew did the man retreat, not possessing the strength or weaponry to combat a heavily armored knight.

Barth, however, did.

Quickly setting upon his former comrade with much ferocity, the Ostian commander proved why he was one of Ostia's most respected warriors. Axe and mace relentlessly pounding away at Devias' defenses, the blue armored knight barely gave his one-time contemporary any opportunity at an offensive. Though Devias was able to deflect Barth's axe with his heavy blade, the same could not be said of the mace. Barth's deadly morningstar was narrowly avoided or was perilously blocked by the wooden shield, where in it caused Devias' arm to go numb every blow. It was only once Devias managed to formulate somewhat of an offense did the arm regain any sort of feeling.

Swiping away a cut from Devias with his axe, Barth growled at the orange armored knight before him. "Devias, you dog! How could you ever serve Leygance over Lady Lilina!?"

Devias separated himself from Barth, silently noting that Matthew and Wolt had killed the rest of his men while the two knights dueled. "Lord Leygance's acumen and experience far outstrip that of Lilina's! He shall lead Ostia into a golden age, a pathfinder in an uncertain time!"

"You...are truly lost."

Barth set up Devias once more, axe and mace working in unison. Their bout continued, Devias blocking or avoiding most of Barth's blows. However, the tide changed when Barth's morningstar collided once more with Devias' wooden shield. However, on this blow, a shard of wood flew upwards, noticeably catching Barth's eye. Realizing that the shield would not last, the brutal knight began to beat away at the shield, slowly compromising its defenses until the wood finally gave way.

With a scream, the morningstar shattered the shield and broke Devias' arm in one mighty blow; its wicked spikes sunk deep into the knight's arm, likely rendering it useless. Using his other hand, Barth chopped at Devias' blade arm; while the knight was distracted by the immense pain in his other arm, he did not see Barth's attack until it was too late.

Devias' arm flopped to the ground, still grasping the blade even as the nerves were severed. With a yell of shock and a look of terror, Devias collapsed to his knees as Barth yanked his mace free. Looking at his mangled arm and what remained of the other, Devias shook his head in fear.

Looking up at his former companion, Devias shook his head. "I am sorry Barth. Forgive me. I chose the wrong lord."

"Yes, you did." With one final blow, Barth's morningstar shattered Devias' skull.

Coated in the blood of his former comrade, the ever-loyal knight's only thoughts lay with his liege and her current struggle to put down her mortal enemy.

Nestled deep within the royal city of Bern, the Cathedral of St. Lucas stood silently. Perhaps the gaudiest building within the city, ornately decorated as was the Elimine Church's custom. Standing taller than every building besides Castle Bern, the Cathedral of St. Lucas cast an impressive sight. Marvelous stained windows were strategically placed throughout the church, catching the eye of any who entered; angelic statues rested on either side of the entrances, casting a heavenly appearance. The sight was made even more impressive by the massive spires that jutted upwards from the cathedral; it was believed that the spires on St. Lucas' were even larger than those in St. Ignatius' in Aquleia.

The most notable feature about the building, however, was the large bell tower that sat directly in the center of the church. Very Bern-line in appearance, the tower was simple in design and function. Round in shape and without any true trappings, the tower soared upwards with a small spire on the top; under the spire, open for the city to hear, rested ten magnificent silver bells. Standing taller than a man and wider than a horse's length, the bells of St. Lucas were renowned across Elibe. Called the Bells of Bern, St. Lucas' bells were a staple of Bern life. Heard daily, many religious men and women within Bern chose to use the bells as indicator of when to pray.

Universally loved by the people, St. Lucas' bells were almost eliminated in 986 when King Desmond, known as an atheistic man, attempted to remove the bells. Decreeing that the bells would be removed before the winter solstice, Desmond's popularity plummeted as citizens of Bern, peasant and noble, expressed their outrage. Known, however, for not caring about his popularity, King Desmond persisted; ignoring a request by the Elimine Church not to remove the bells, Desmond even went so far as to attempt to have the Cathedral of St. Lucas demolished and rebuilt in a corner of the city.

Even as people clamored for Desmond to cease his action, no progress was made until Prince Zephiel himself stood against his father. As many of the nobles and government officials started to back his son's cause, Desmond finally relented and decreed that while he would remove the existing bells, he would replace them with newly furnished silver ones. Though Desmond's popularity surged slightly afterwards, all knew it was Prince Zephiel who truly saved the church. It was the first true moment that the people had picked Zephiel over Desmond and it ultimately would not be the last.

Zephiel realized what an important moment the Crisis of St. Lucas was for his legacy. Though he personally did not care for the bells, finding them to be somewhat annoying at times, the King of Bern realized how important they were. It was the main reason he had acted against his father, knowing what such a move would garner immense favor with the people.

Unlike Desmond, who ruled through strength of kingship alone, Zephiel knew how important the people were. Drawing on his readings from the Etrurian Revolt of 439 a great deal, Zephiel ruled through popular demand and imperial will. Any declaration Zephiel gave was met with great enthusiasm because of his popularity; for that reason, the king could decree any action he so wished and it would be supported. The will of Zephiel extended far and possessed great power, especially within Bern.

Therefore, once the king came forward and declared his immensely loved sister, Guinevere, missing, all of Bern rose up in search for her. Though King Zephiel explicitly ordered that no Bern citizen should leave the borders of the kingdom, many had, travelling into Etruria and Sacae, searching for their beloved princess. Although none had seen the Princess of Bern, hope was held high that they would find Guinevere soon.

Zephiel wasn't so optimistic. Knowing that Guinevere had left of her own accord, Zephiel hoped to find his sister but for varied reasons. Though he truly loved Guinevere dearly, he knew that she carried an immense amount of influence; a gifted speaker and a charismatic figure, Guinevere could rally Zephiel's opponents against her brother, creating a united front against Bern. Though he knew Guinevere truly did not wish to harm her brother, he did know that she despised the war and wished an end to it.

It was for this reason that Zephiel knew that his sister was not in Bern. Nonetheless, as he sat on his throne, disinterestedly listening to search captains reporting their finds, he was formulating ideas on how to reacquired Guinevere and bring her home. Listening to the man before him ramble on, Zephiel suddenly had a stroke of an idea then; nodding absent mindedly then dismissing the man with a word of thanks and inspiration, Zephiel watched as a knight walked into the great hall.

Only recently returned from Ilia, General Gale had performed brilliantly in the invasion. Serving as Murdock's lieutenant, the Ilian-born man outshone his primary competition, Narshen; utilizing his men with perfect coordination and showing an innate knack for stratagem, Gale had immensely impressed those above him, with the exception of Narshen. It was only Orer's trust in Narshen's unrealized ability that kept Gale from claiming the title of Dragon General from the other man. Nonetheless, as he continued to serve, many of Bern's senior military generals believed that Gale would eventually be named the third Dragon General.

Clad in deep purple armor with his shocking blue hair swept back, the otherwise unassuming man cast an intimidating air. Though not as large as Murdock or as handsome as Narshen, Gale looked as if he were a dangerous man. Cunning, intelligent, and fierce in battle, to say Gale was competent was not justice to his ability and skill.

"Gale," Zephiel nodded at his general, "returned from Ilia? I have not seen you since you left with Murdock. I congratulate you on your successes - I have heard many great things from Murdock."

Gale bowed low, hair falling over his shoulder. "Your praises are too great for me, Your Majesty. I only perform to serve your name well."

The King of Bern sat silently for a moment before shifting in his throne. Looking at Gale with those dull eyes, he asked Gale a question. "Have Orer or Murdock informed you of your next assignment? Or are you free to command?"

"I received no word from either the Prime Minister or General Murdock, besides report here to you, Majesty." Gale tapped his chest, "besides, I am always free to command for you, sire."

Zephiel nodded, "good. Well then, Gale, allow me to ask a question. You are intimate with Captain Miledy, correct? The lady-in-waiting of Princess Guinevere?"

Gale's cheeks reddened slightly but it went unnoticed by his king. "You are correct, sire."

"I trust you have heard of my sister's disappearance?"

Gale nodded, "I have."

Zephiel tapped a finger to his cheek as he rested his head on his hand. "Your next assignment comes from myself. No one is to alter it besides Prime Minister Orer, should it be in the event of an emergency. You are to take Captain Miledy and fly through Elibe. Search for Princess Guinevere and attempt to return her to me. Should she be in the custody of any of our foes, attempt to use diplomatic means to return her; however, should that fail, you are to report to me, where I shall assemble a mobile task force to aid you in her return. Are my instructions clear?"

"Crystal, sire."

"Good," Zephiel waved a hand towards Gale, "now be off Gale. Time is of the utmost. Requisition any supplies you will need, under my order. Now go."

The homes and shops blurred all around him as Roy struggled to hold on to the horse under him. Though Roy's own horse, Scipio, was a wondrous animal and one capable of outrunning most other horses, Zodiac was a different breed of beast. Though not as large as Scipio was, Zodiac soared through the streets, moving at an incredible pace. Reminding himself to praise General Zealot on his horse rearing prowess, the Pheraen noble spurred the horse to go faster.

It did not take long for Roy and Lilina to track down the fleeing general; assisted by starstruck Ostian civilians, Leygance was eventually deterred by two pages that served under Barth. After witnessing that he was being pursued, the steward set himself to go quicker, attempting to outrun the two nobles. Witnessing and experiencing Zodiac's speed for himself, however, Roy knew that no such thing would happen. Directly behind Leygance as they made their way down a long alley, Roy shouted over his shoulder to his friend.

"Lilina," the man before them turned to their right, "see if you can stop him with magic!"

As Roy turned down the same way Leygance did, he could feel Lilina's hands moving as she brought forth her magic tome. Hearing her mumble, Roy instinctively ducked his head as Lilina placed a hand on it. Her hands glowing orange as magical runes circled around them, a mighty flame shot itself from her fingertips. Travelling faster than the horses were, the fireball quickly caught up to Leygance; though missing the flame seemingly spooked the man as he suddenly veered to the left before setting himself straight.

As Lilina launched another fireball at the fleeing general, Leygance veered once more. Realizing that perhaps it was not the steward who was spooked, but rather the horse, Roy pointed towards a sign of an inn that lay down the road.

"Lilina, try firing at the sign! See if you can get it to catch fire!"

Nodding wordlessly, the girl behind him began to mumble once more. Feeling the heat of the runes, Roy ducked once more as yet another flame left her hands. Splashing against the wooden sign, the old wooden posts quickly caught fire; connected to a sign across the alley by a rope overhead, the rope caught alight as the flames travelled up the dry wood and fabric. Instantly travelling across the rope's length, the rope was severed as it fell, dropping in front of the horse along with the decorations that hung from it.

The flaming object caused Leygance's horse to instantly rear, its front hooves lifting from the ground; the movement caused Leygance to lose his grip on the reins, falling from the saddle as he fumbled with them. Grunting as he stood, the man realized there was no way he was outrunning his pursuers now. Darting into the inn whose sign was alight, the man disappeared into the wooden structure.

Slowing Zodiac as they drew close, the two teens quickly dismounted, each grasping their weapons. Avoiding the flames as they walked towards the inn, Roy turned towards Lilina, a frown on his face.

"Lilina," the Pheraen held her hand gently, "stay either near the entrance or in the lobby. I'll go after him...make sure he doesn't escape."

Nodding as he spoke, Lilina walked into the doorway before Roy set off, rapier in hand. After checking that the first floor contained no sign of the steward, the noble set off towards the stairwell. Giving a reassuring smile to Lilina, who looked on with bated breath, Roy slowly made his way up the stairs, careful to make sure the cunning general did not attempt a sneak attack.

Making his way steadily down the hallway, the redhead kept his eyes peeled for any sudden movements. Noting how many of the doors in the inn were open to indicate vacancy, the Pheraen lord knew that trouble could lurk behind any one of these openings. As he passed a room, a sudden creak from behind alerted him; raising his sword up blindly to defend, Roy was blindsided as a small wooden chair crashed into him.

Forced off balance and nearly tumbling backwards, the young knight reacted on instinct, throwing his sword up to defend. Marcus' training paid off then, as the sound of steel against steel sounded, as Leygance's blade was checked by Roy's own. Regaining his balance, the noble forced the general's sword away from his own, checking any further advance with a short cut to the right.

"General Leygance."

Leygance shook his head, bemusement on his face. "Master Roy...I will admit, you have thrown quite the knot in my plans."

Roy growled at the steward, "be assured, General, I will do quite a bit more to you now."

"Oho! So the pup shows his teeth! Careful dog," Leygance snarled, "that you aren't able to back up your bark!"

Leygance darted forward, blade chopping downward as the man yelled. Roy brought his saber up, using a spread grip to block the cut better. Leygance kicked out with his foot, creating separation as Roy hopped backwards. Flipping his sword over his elbow and back towards Leygance, Roy struck outwards, blade flashing as it caught the light of the torches. Reverting to a fencer's form, Roy dashed and thrust his blade to and fro, internally smiling as Leygance struggled to counter. Though the mighty general had been taught swordsmanship from a prominent knight, he had not learned how to duel the nobleman's way. As such, the form was foreign to him and he struggled to defend.

Yet defend he did and for every slash and stab that Roy made, Leygance countered or dodged, albeit barely. Nonetheless, by the time Roy had driven the man to the backend of the hall, Leygance nearly had started the offensive. With his back against the wall, the general started to make his own attacks as the two men dueled, each trading blows back and forth. When Leygance had nicked Roy's thigh, the noble made a sweeping cut on the man's bicep; back and forth the two went until Leygance tossed a hard elbow into the teen's cheek. Stunned, it took Roy all of his prowess to defend the coming blows; eventually forcing the steward back, Roy panted heavily as the older man sauntered backwards.

"Your skill..." Leygance panted, still highly tired from his toils earlier in the day, "are not unfounded. Not many men have lasted this long against me."

"Your trust in your abilities are misguided, General," Roy raised his blade once more, "just as your confidence in your intellect is!"

Leygance spat at the knight, "foolish boy! I will ensure Pherae is razed to the ground and the name is lost to history when I put you down!"

Reaching out with his left hand, the elder knight grabbed one of the torches that hung on the wall and whipp it forwards, causing Roy to narrowly avoid the flames. Following the movement with his sword, Roy ducked under the strike to begin a game of cat and mouse. Though Leygance packed nowhere near enough strength to seriously wound Roy with either weapon, the two weapons were swung in conjunction with one another, creating a lack of opportunity for Roy to go on the offensive.

As Roy retreated, he opted to duck into a room, hoping that some of the items within could help him create an advantage. As Leygance pursued, Roy kicked out a chair in front of the man's path; the object did not deter the general, only causing him to swing more wildly in an attempt to strike the noble. As Roy attempted to deflect or dodge every attack, he finally miscalculated and paid dearly; Leygance's torch, still burning brightly from the oils on the stick, struck the teen harshly across the face. Though not catching the knight on fire, the flames wickedly burned the Pheraen heir, sending him sprawling to the side of the room. Leygance stood over the fallen teen, a wicked grin on his face.

"You should know better, Master Roy," the man pointed his sword at the boy's throat, "than to challenge those who are your better."

Roy grimaced, "Leygance," the vicious red marks on the boy's face were sure to be painful but likely would not scar, "through God's power, I shall bury you here!"

The man snorted. "God? Bah! What is a god to a nonbeliever! I will teach yo- AH!"

A fierce flame struck the man then, the flame splashing against his arm. Though unharmed by the fireball, Leygance's hand dropped the torch, where it fell on a mattress in the room, instantly setting it ablaze. Behind the man, Lilina stood, her eyes steeled on her mortal enemy; her hand raised in preparation for another strike, her other clutching her Elfire tome tightly.

"Ah," Leygance bowed in mockery, "our vagrant princess. Swift has your lust for revenge led you here to me. I do not wish to kill you, Lilina, so you will surrender to me. Too late and to their sorrow do those who misplace their trust learn their fate."

Lilina's face darkened in fury, "Leygance! How dare you show your worthless face in my father's kingdom! Your ambition controls you!"

"No," Leygance held up a hand and chuckled, a mad glint in his eye, "the power of ambition is the power of man! A weapon forged by his wisdom and strength, who would challenge the gods themselves! A fitting blade for a true Ostian king."

Leygance smiled thinly at the two, resting the blade of his sword in his hand. "Hector did but pretend the title, a cur begging scraps from his master's table. Hark! Lycia hails her true king, Leygance Solidor! I shall defy the will of the gods and alter the whole of Lycia!"

Lilina shook her head slowly, "you're mad...truly mad..."

"The new Lycia holds no place for the name Lilina. The stain of Roland's blood...shall be washed clean from history's weave."

Darting forward, Leygance's assault was halted by the girl in front of him. Lilina's hands lit up once more as a magical rune circled it, the orange glow quickly melting with the rising flames on the mattress. "Wicked fire, energy of the dragons...lay upon my enemy and burn him to ash! Fire!"

"Too slow, girl!"

Leygance's sword flashed upwards then, the metal of the blade splitting the arcane flame in half. Sending one fireball to the left and another to the right, the flames burned uselessly on either side of the general, quickly eating away at the wooden floor. Trying once more, Lilina's attack was once again deflected in two, as more of the wicked flames ate away at the wooden room. Her hands burning brightly with arcane power, the gifted sorceress launched a large fireball towards the man; narrowly dodged by a rolling Leygance, the fire crashed into a bookcase, where it immediately caught fire.

Standing upright, with a window directly behind him, General Leygance chucked. "There is nothing you can do to stop me, Lady Lilina. I will once again suggest you surrender yourself to me. For only once I am king, and the Lycian Army crushed under foot...will you then have my permission to die."

"Traitor!" Both of Lilina's hands glowed, brightening her face with a righteous wrath. "I will turn you to ash!"

"Lilina," Roy's voice came from behind her, "move!"

Sidestepping to her right, Lilina watched as the heir of Pherae stormed forward, moving full throttle towards the treacherous general. Colliding with enough impact to kill a lesser man, Leygance's eyes went wide as the force lifted him from his feet. His yell sounding similar to a dragon's roar, Roy of Pherae launched the two through the glass window behind Leygance. Lilina watched in horror as the two plummeted downwards, a loud clang being heard as they hit the hard dirt underneath.

Fear gripping her as she realized the room around her was falling apart, the Lady of Ostia made her way through the room, quickly exiting into the hall. Seeing that the flames had spread into the rest of the inn, Lilina hurtled down the stairwell, he feet barely touching the wooden blanks as she nearly leapt downwards. Making her way towards the exit - she noted that the entire ceiling was now beginning to catch fire - Lilina rushed to where Roy and Leygance had fallen, her heart full of dread.

Spotting her fallen friend, she raced to his side, screaming his name. "Roy! Roy!"

"Agh..." the Pheraen turned on his back from his side, his arm bent at an awkward angle. Immense relief fell over her as she noticed that both Leygance's sword and Roy's lay a short distance away, likely lost in the fall. "I'm alright...got the wind knocked out of me..."

Noticing a missing person, Lilina looked around, "where is Leygance?"

"He...got up and moved...ow. Hurry Lilina! He can't get away!"

Looking up, the Ostian princess saw the general ahead, limping away, his arm hanging limp by his side. Knowing she could catch him, she sprinted toward him, chanting as she did so. "Wicked fire, heat of the world...primordial spirit of flame, I beckon you to my call! Burn away all those who oppose your might! Elfire!"

Thrusting her glowing hands before her, two large fireballs left her finger tips. Dancing over one another as they made their way towards the disgraced steward, Leygance stood no change against the threat that lay behind him. Smacking into the general from behind, the fire caught the man's cape, instantly lighting it in a blaze of hellish fury. The flames quickly spread to the man's scalp, his hair being burned away by the arcane fury that Lilina had unleashed upon his mortal being. Screaming in agony as the flames caught his clothes, the man fell to his knees, struggling to undo the straps on his breastplate, attempting to pat out the flames. Assisted by the fire as it ate the straps that held the armor on, Leygance lay on his back and rolled back and forth, eventually successfully putting out the flames that caused him such pain.

As Lilina drew close, she hardly recognized the ambitious general. Though in a short time, the arcane fires of magic burned hotter than any natural fire; searing away his flesh and hair, a skull-like face stared up at his former liege, eyes red with blood. His skull exposed, the man's visage reflected handsomely on his ugly heart.

"I n-never hated you...Lady L-Lilina...I shall apologize...b-before you die..."

Lilina raised an eyebrow, "before I die?"

"General Narshen...was t-to arrive today...with his army...you s-shall all f-fall to his blade..." Lilina shook her head with disgust at the man - even as death drew near, he sprouted constant threats. Writhing in agony at the horrendous burns that scarred what was once his body, Leygance continued. "L-Lady...Lilina..." he reached out feebly to her, his breaths coming in short, "spare me...the agony...show y-your fabled m-mercy, milady..."

"Tell me where Narshen was to meet with you, and only then," Lilina's hand burned an intense orange once more, "will you have my permission to die."

"Follow me, men," Narshen waived his hand forward, a grin on his face. The man had never been to Ostia and though he certainly preferred Augusta to this backwater city, it certainly was better than the bare capital his king enjoyed! "We are to meet General Leygance in front of the castle."

Narshen's men had landed in the northeastern corner of Ostia, relatively far from where the citadel was. Although it would have been much easier to fly over the city, Narshen couldn't risk being accidentally mistaken by Leygance's men and being filled with arrows. Though the general had promised to withdraw his archers from the Wall of Roland, he did not promise the same of Lion's Hold. Understandably, Narshen was initially not pleased before getting over the matter quickly.

Leading his men through the crowded streets of Ostia, the Bern riders had plenty of enjoyment scaring the Ostian citizens. Though prohibited from attacking or raiding any within Ostia, it would not do to simply allow them to carry on their merry way! The men Narshen travelled with was a relatively small group; the general had left half of his riders at their descent point, whilst the rest travelled with him. Roughly a group of twenty riders, the general felt comfortable that, if Leygance chose to betray him, he could effectively retreat.

As they drew close to the gatehouse of Lion's Hold, Narshen couldn't help but feel uneasy. Drawing it up to air sickness, the man continued onward, his perpetual grin stuck on his face. Noticing a relatively large group assembled at the entrance, Narshen led his men close, hand in the air.

"Ho! I am Dragon General Narshen of Bern! Inform your general, Leygance, that I have arrived!" Shaking his head in disgust, Narshen mumbled to himself. "How dare such a lowly man keep one such as I waiting..."

"General..." Narshen's wingmate spoke to his right, "you may want to look up..."

Narshen looked up from his musing with widened eyes. Before him, a lady stood before the Ostian flag, her eyes burning. To her right, a redhead stood, the Pheraen hawk on his breast. Frowning, Narshen looked to his men. "We go forward slowly, without intimidation. Careful."

Raising his hand in the universal sign of peace, Narhsen moved his mount forward, his men doing the same. Smiling deceptively as he got closer, Narshen noticed that a group of mercenaries stood behind the two, alongside knights of Ostia and Pherae. Realizing that the boy was Roy of Pherae, Narshen held back a snarl.

"General Narshen," the boy Narshen suspected was Roy spoke, "we will take your unconditional surrender."

"Unconditional surrender? Why, surely sir, you thin-"

"Save the formalities, General," Lilina spoke, "you will surrender your arms to the Lycian Army."

"You dare demand my surrender, child?"

Lilina's hand clenched, a dangerous look in her eye, "should you not comply, you shall be hewn down by the combined blades of Lycia. Now lay down your arms, General."

"Pfeh," Narshen spat, "you brats and your backwater army will fall to the blades of Bern. Tooth and nail, we will fight you and we will kill you. One by one, we shall slaughter your men. Your wives? Whores owned by Bern men. Your children? Slaves to die in our mines. Your livestock? Gratefully accepted. Brick by brick, stone by stone, we shall lower this castle. One by one, we will raze your cities to the ground. Slowly, yet surely, we will kill Lycia. Your country shall become ash, bone, and dust. And all for what? To prove your independence? Your independence means nothing when you are nothing!"

"How many Bern soldiers are within Ostia, Dragon General? A score? Two score?" Roy of Pherae stood rigidly, "you have no chance of fleeing nor winning this battle. The Lycian Army shall request you lay down your arms only one more time."

"You believe you can stand against a Dragon General of Bern?"

"A man once said to me..." A voice drifted from Narshen's rear, causing the man to turn, "that we are the architects of our own undoing. Truly, Narshen, this wise man was speaking of you."

Seeing an unassuming brunette atop a horse, Narshen snarled. He had heard the same thing from Orer once, he would not hear the same from this paltry man! "Speak, cretin, so I may know which grave to spit on once you are dead."

"I have been known as many things. Master of the East. The Divine Commander. Most know me as the Famed Genius. Who I truly am, however, is Mark of Etruria. Companion to Hector of Ostia and Eliwood of Pherae, Grand Strategist of the Lycian Army. And I will take your surrender at this time."

"Bah!" Narshen shook his head, "why do you keep asking and what makes you believe you are in any position to demand my surrender!?"

"Because," a voice drifted to Narshen's right, "you have been sorely outmatched, outnumbered, and outplanned." To Narshen's horror, the Mage and Knight General of Etruria rode out, Pheraen and Ilian knights at their back. "The League of Lycia and the Kingdom of Etruria have officially allied. We have drug our feet, but the Kingdom of Etruria will not bend her knee while Lycia dies!"

"Damn you! Damn you! Damn you to hell, Cecilia! Damn you Percival! Damn you Roy of Pherae! And damn you Mark of Etruria! You will all rue the day you crossed Narshen of Bern!"

"General Narshen," Narshen's wingman spoke up, "we should retreat sir. Prime Minister Orer must be made aware of what has happened here."

"I am aware you dolt! Agh! Damn you Lycia! I will turn your fucking country into nothing! You are all dead! Dead! Dead! Dead!"

Yanking harshly on his wyvern's reins, the Dragon General took to the air, his men at his back. Within a fraction of a candlemark, the scourge that was General Narshen was gone from Ostia, never to return in his mortal life.

A noticeable smile came across Roy as Cecilia rode towards him, a soft smile on her face as well. Raising a hand in greeting, the Etrurian general dismounted. "Greetings, Roy. It is good to see you."

"You as well, General. And you as well, General Percival."

Percival regarded Roy with an approving eye, a ghost of a smile gracing his handsome features. "You are General Roy of the Lycian Army then? Quite the young commander you are...yet capable as not many can be. You have my respect, General."

Roy blinked, a small redness coming over his cheeks. "You do me great honor, General. Pray tell, what is Etruria doing here? No disrespect intended, of course."

"Etruria has decided to place Lycia under her care for the time being," Cecilia explained, "we marched our armies here in order to cow Bern into retreat. I daresay we are lucky - we arrived on Ostian lands only this morning."

"You, truly, have saved us, General," Mark rode up to the foursome, "much bloodshed was spared in your foresight. You have my thanks, as well as the thanks of the Lycian Army, I am sure."

"If that is all, then," Percival turned his horse back towards the main section of the city, "I should go back to our army. I must travel back to King Mordred - he must be made aware of what has transpired here." Without another word, Percival set off, his black armor contrasting to the orangeness of dusk.

"General Cecilia," Lilina spoke, "thank you for saving Ostia. I know not how I could face my father if I lost his dear city. Thank you greatly. And you as well, Master Mark. My father spoke exceedingly highly of you...it is good to know that you wouldn't fail him."

"Of course, milady," Mark bowed slightly, "it does me well to know my dear friend's precious daughter is safe once more."

"Mark," Roy spoke up, suddenly feeling extraordinarily sore from his fight with Leygance, "it's time to plan a course of action. My father needs to know what has happened here as well. As the sole remaining marquis in Lycia, he now is Lycia's elder statesman."

"Of course, Master Roy," Mark smiled warmly at his charge, "allow me to congratulate you on saving Lycia. You did it, sire."

And with this moment, so ends the Crisis of Lycia. Thirteen chapters and one hundred and thirty thousand words have gone into this story, yet we are not even a fifth of the way through!

Reviews are welcome as always. A kind hearted thank you goes out to all those who have supported me thus far. I hope you eagerly await the next update - I know I am hard at work creating it.

Once again, review if you would wish.