Wow, last chapter I posted didn't get as many reviews as I thought it would. After all that work I was hoping to get at least five before I started this one, but for the longest time I only got four. Maybe it was the name change…Well that totally killed my enthusiasm for awhile. I was getting a lot of hits but only a couple of wonderful people decided to review! I started writing this chapter after I was sure that I wasn't going to get any more when lo and behold I got a few more! That pumped me right back up and I wrote the rest of the chapter in about two days. Unfortunately, I couldn't post due to internet problems, but by then I got a couple more reviews and jumped right into chapter 8! Thanks to that and the hopeful reviews on this chapter my next one will be up in a jiffy!
And now to my awesome reviewers…
To Dairokkan: Glad you enjoyed it. My next one will be in quick. Promise.
To The Remembrancer: You sure go through a lot of names, huh? That's ok. I'm envious cause I am terrible at coming up with names! I'm really glad that you are enjoying my fic and keep reading cause I got a load of great stuff planned! I'm not too concerned about SC3 anymore cause I found a few other games but I still wish I had it. I hate Voldo, too; he's a freak!
To OniKiDD: My fic is one of your favourites? SWEET! That makes me real happy! FE and LOZ are two of my favourite games too and while I was playing Fire Emblem over again I kept thinking "you know, I could fit Link in this real easy" and thus was born this fic! I'm glad you think I'm making good with the character attitudes and stuff cause personally I kind of doubt myself a lot in that area. Thanks for your vote! Every one I get helps! Thanks for the great review and my next chapter will be up shortly. Oh, and if you like the Link/Wil conversations, just wait till I get Mathew in there!
To Sensei of Slipknot: What up, man! Glad you're still enjoying this thing! How's life going for you? I can always count on you to brighten my mood! Keep it real!
To Serina: Glad your back! Wow what a long review, I love it! Thanks for the reviews on the chapters. I figured Link should be good at taunting his enemies and he with other members of the group can lead to some rather humorous situations. Hehheh! Bombs go boom! Chapter 5 might have been a bit boring for those who have played Ocarina of Time (it sure was hard for me to write, I thought I'd never get it out of the way) but it was necessary. In Chapter 6 I had a real hard time trying to decide what to do. At first I had Link bring out all three of his usual but then I decided against it and to have him not cast any at all. That went down the drain fast and after a lot of revising it turned out the way it did (I thought the last line might have been a bit cheesy, but I'm glad you liked it). I agree with you about how hard it is to find good crossovers. I've looked through a lot and I've only found a few I really like. Some of them start out good but then lose my interest while others don't have enough action for my tastes. The ones I do like though are excellent and very creative. I fully agree with you about finding a fic that is easy to read. A lot of the great fics that I would like to get into I just can't handle cause it's so hard to read. Because of this I try to write well and avoid causing headaches, but I find it surprising that you think it's so great. Thanks! I'm working on getting Link into the script part more, and I might even revise previous chapters. It's funny how once I get something done I come up with an idea a few days later that make me say "Aw crap I shoulda had so and so do this or say that". Aw well, such is the creative mind. I'm sorry to say this but you can uncross your fingers because I've thought about it and I defintaly won't be bringing Zelda or any of the other LOZ crew in on this fic. HOWEVER; who said I wasn't going to do a sequel? I'm not gonna say any more cause that would spoil it. Wow what a long response….I sure use the word "glad" a lot, don't I? Anyway thanks for the great review and I hope to hear from you again!
To MidnightRayn13: Hey now worries! Better late than never! I'm always open to a review! I'm a big Zelda fan as well and while I was playing FE my creativity took off and I found myself imagining Link helping out the FE crew and that's how this fic was born. It's frustrating for me to write these chapters though cause I really want to jump ahead to the climatic stuff. Patience is a virtue though so I'm just gonna have to bear it. YAY! Two Link pairing votes! That's kind of cheating cause it's two but I can't complain cause I'm having a hard time deciding out of all of them. Your votes help thanks! I'll be updating shortly so keep watching for it!
To Shadow Rave: YES! A new reader! I welcome you with open arms and I'm glad you are enjoying my fic so much! And you voted, too! You just made my day! Thanks!
That's all for the review responses. Looks like I'm missing a few people from previous chapters though. (sobs) COME BACK!
Sniff...
Well a few more votes to the Link pairing poll leave the standings as follows
Lyn: 6
Florina: 2
So far it's just between these two, but maybe that will change later on. A special thanks to all who voted! It really helps! I just can't decide who to pair Link up with on my own cause I also have to consider what the other pairings will be. Your input gives me something to work with and is greatly appreciated!
Now then, I bring you…
Whom She Found
Chapter 7:
A Desperate Man
There were mixed emotions from the members of the newly formed Lyndis's Legion as they departed from the town. Sain was expectantly happy to have Florina travelling with them. Florina had a mixture of happiness at being with her friend and nervousness at the men around her. Kent had his usual dutiful and serious attitude on his face. Wil, as always, was cheerful and glad to be back on the road among friends. Link seemed to share Wil's cheerfulness, though to a lesser extent, while Lyn was very reluctant to except a rather large sack of gold from the townsfolk.
"I'm sorry," She shook her head. "I can't accept it. It's too much."
"Lady Lyn, please take it." The village elder held out the bag to her again. "It is the least we can do."
"No. Please, you have already done enough by giving us a place to stay for the night."
"My dear, if you and your friends had not driven away those ruffians, WE would not have a place to stay."
"But that money should be used to rebuild your town."
The elder shook his head. "We live close to the mountains so bandit raids are expected from time to time. As a precaution we have stored away enough money to get us back on our feet after such an occasion. We would have lost far more than what I am giving you had you not been here."
Lyn still felt reluctant to take the money despite the reasoning placed before her. Truth be told, with the addition of Florina and Wil, they would run short on funds much sooner than expected. Not waiting for a response the old man walked up to her and placed the sack in her hands.
"Take it and be safe on your travels. We will pray for your success." With that, the village elder turned away, leaving the subject closed.
"Thank-you." Lyn nodded.
The group left the town with many waves and thank-yous from the townsfolk.
"Be safe on your journey." The elder said quietly.
"Elder, are you sure it was wise to give them that much?" A young man asked him. "We don't have as much money as you made it out to be."
"This town was built from nothing. We have more than that now so we will be fine with a little hard work." The Elder smiled. "Besides, my boy, that was the rightful heir to the throne of Caelin and she is going to need all the help she can get."
"The heir to Caelin? But how did you know?"
"She looks just like her mother who passed through here over nineteen years ago."
xxx
"WHAT!" A large bandit roared. "Migal's been defeated!"
"Yeah, we was just finishin off the raid when some crazy woman and her mercenaries came chargin in. There wasn't too many of'em but they was strong. We managed ta catch the woman but then a weird guy in green fell from da sky and freed her. After that she insulted the Ganelon bandits and killed Migal. We figured we'd just get ourselves killed if we stuck around so the rest o us came back to tell ya so we could take our revenge."
"Grrr." The bandit growled as he hefted his large axe onto his shoulder. "Ya did the right thing, now go tell them other lumps uh lard that we got some hunting to do."
"Right oway, Carjiga!" the bandit dashed off to inform the rest of his raiding party.
"She's gonna pay." The bandit known as Carjiga grumbled.
xxx
"KYAAA!" Florina screamed as she dashed behind Lyn to escape from yet another one of Sain's oh so noble actions.
Link and Wil chuckled while Lyn sighed. Kent made as if to strike his friend but Lyn waved him off.
"Sain, if you don't leave Florina alone then I'll have Link beat you senseless, again."
"What do you mean my lovely lady liege?" Sain smiled.
"Ah, yes," Kent grinned a little. "Don't tell me you have forgotten my dear friend. What was it again? Eighteen to Zero for Link?"
At this Sain's face fell and he subtly stepped away. It was true that Sain had not yet been able to beat Link, heck; he hadn't even landed a blow. It was only a matter of time though, Sain told himself. He would beat him.
"Why the long face Sain?" Link asked. "You're getting better every…well, almost every time."
Lyn, Wil, and even Kent laughed at the poor knight of Caelin. Florina was to shy to raise her voice but a sheepish smile did cross her face. Link grinned and folded his hands behind his head as he walked. Link stared off into the sky as his thoughts began to drift again. It hadn't taken very long to go from Lyn and himself to a small band of mercenaries. It was an interesting feeling for him.
He had travelled all across the land of his world, fighting, protecting, helping, training, learning, and yet through all that time he had never thought of himself as a mercenary. Though almost everyone knew of the Hero of Time even outside of Hyrule, except Termina being a parallel world and all, not many would think that was his title at first glance. It wouldn't take them long to find out though as events would either cause him to reveal himself or someone would put two and two together and then tell everyone. Link didn't hate being the Hero of Time; on the contrary he really enjoyed having the power to help people and the strength to fight for what he believed in. That was his destiny and his path and he walked it gladly.
However, he had bore that title since he was a child and had fought since he had first grasped the hilt of a sword. He had lived longer than anyone his bodily age and had seen things that no man should see in his lifetime while losing out on the experiences that everyone has as they grow. The respect and honour he was given as the Hero of Time he enjoyed as a welcome change from his bullied days as a Kokiri. Yet Link cherished the times when no one knew his title because it gave him the feeling of a normal person and what it would have been like had he not been the chosen Hero of Time and the bearer of the Triforce of Courage.
Absentmindedly, Link raised his left hand over his forehead and stared at the back. Even after all these years the Triforce of Courage was still a mystery to him. He had felt its power during times of extreme duress but he could not control it or call it forth at will. He also knew that he had yet to experience even a fraction of its power. The Triforce was balanced, meaning that all three pieces of Power, Wisdom, and Courage were equal to each other in their own way. Whether Ganondorf was able to wield the full might of the Triforce of Power Link did not know, but the raw force that he felt from Triforce of Power during that last battle with King of Thieves was greater than what he felt from the Triforce of Courage.
"Is something wrong, Link?" Lyn's voice pierced his thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, Lyn. No, I'm alright. I was just thinking to myself."
Lyn was about to ask what he was thinking when he gave her a cheerful grin that clearly said "I'm ok" and she realised it was really none of her business.
As if sensing her thoughts Link continued. "I've never been a part of a mercenary group before, so it's kind of a new experience for me. I've always travelled alone or with a friend before."
Lyn opened her mouth to reply when she was cut off by a high pitched screech that came from an area of taller grass. Lyn ran towards the noise, followed by the rest of the group and found a fox with the wing of a large hawk in its jaws. A dead rabbit lay off to the side that the hawk had killed. Obviously the scavenging fox wanted the meal for itself.
"PSHAW!" Lyn hissed at the red predator. "Go on! Git!"
She flailed her arms at the fox that, startled by the sudden appearance of humans, dropped the bird of prey and disappeared into the grass. Lyn bent over to the flailing hawk and scooped it up. The bird let out another loud screech and tried to claw at her arms. Lyn flinched as it managed to give her forearm a long cut where her long half-gloves ended their protection as well as several smaller nicks. She cuddled the hawk firmly, but gently against her body to subdue its thrashings so it wouldn't injure itself more. After a few minutes she could feel the tension in the bird lessen enough for her to relax her grip a little. Wil stepped forward and wrapped some leather loosely around its talons to prevent any further injury to Lyn. He then slowly and carefully stretched out its wing to examine it. The hawk screeched again and snapped its beak in protest.
"It's definitely broken." He said after a moment. "I could splint it, but he wouldn't live long enough for it to heal."
"We'll take him with us." Lyn said firmly.
The Pheraean archer grinned. "I thought you'd say that."
Wil withdrew an arrow from his quiver and used a knife to slice off the head and cut off the appropriate length needed for the splint. He then split the wood in half and sliced up a few strips of leather.
"Now for the tricky part." He said. "You'll need to hold on to him cause he won't like this."
Lyn nodded as Wil lifted up the hawk's wing again. Taking a deep breath he snapped the broken half back in place. The hawk let out its loudest screech yet and tried to thrash away, but Lyn held true to her word and held him tightly. Wil then quickly splinted the wing and stepped away so that the bird could relax again. After awhile the bird calmed down and was able to fold its wing into its natural position to heal.
Lyn nodded her thanks to Wil before the group resumed their trek. After an hour or so the bird had become visibly much more calm and quiet. It sat cradled in Lyn's arms in a position similar to how a bird would sit on its eggs.
"Couldn't you use a vulnerary on it?" Link asked her.
Lyn shook her head. "Vulneraries are meant to heal flesh and stop the loss of blood. They do not affect bones."
"Oh." Link nodded understandably.
After awhile they entered a small forest where Wil left the group before sundown to scout ahead for a place to spend the night. He came back with his usual cheery grin and said that he had found adequate lodging for the night and led the group into a clearing where a long abandoned fort sat in the center.
"Ah, this should suffice! Tonight's bed!"
Sain was aghast. "This mildewy old fortress? Is this the best we can do? Come, Wil! Surely you jest!"
Wil shook his head. "The bandits keep everything in turmoil around here. No one has time to worry about travellers. And there are rather a lot of us."
Sain was about to object when Lyn stepped forward. "This will be fine." She said. "Who wants to be stuck outside, anyway? I prefer a place where I can feel the wind blow."
As the technical leader of the group, that pretty much closed the subject.
"As long as I'm at Lyn's side, I'll be fine." The timid pegasus knight said.
At this Sain's attitude immediately changed. "And for your protection, your man-at-arms Sain will be right here by your side ladies."
Kent reached over and grabbed his friend's shoulder. "Sain," he said calmly and seriously. "Both you and I are to remain awake. We will alternate the watch."
Sain's face fell. "Ah," he took a step back. "Alas…"
Wil chuckled and turned to Link. "The guy doesn't quit does he?"
Link smirked with amusement. "At least he's entertaining."
"That he is." Wil laughed as he grabbed a bedroll and entered the fort.
"Is this place alright with you, Link?" Lyn walked towards him.
"Huh? Why do you ask me?" Link cocked his head to the side. "You are the leader of this group, aren't you?"
"Well…uh..I don't know." Lyn lowered her head slightly. "I just think that, well, you've been with me since the beginning and you're a better fighter than I am and I don't believe that the pupil should lead over the master."
Link laughed lightly and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Lyn, I'm not your master. I'm just a friend with more experience. However, I do understand your reasoning and I thank-you for your concern, but the person who leads isn't always the best fighter. A leader is more qualified by being able to take command when needed and make the best decisions based on the circumstance. At the same time a leader must be a friend to those he or she commands and holds the respect and loyalty of all." He removed his hand from her shoulder and lifter her chin gently. "Lyn you should never doubt your capabilities as both a leader and a fighter."
"Besides," he smiled. "I'm a stranger in this land and you have the highest social status among us as well."
"Link!" Lyn resisted the urge to slap him.
The Hero of Time laughed knowing he had touched a soft spot. Florina giggled slightly behind her. Lyn turned to glare at her as Link walked away. The pegasus knight merely shrugged and picked up her bedroll. Florina may be shy and timid but she was the only one in the troop who could stand up to Lyn's glares. Lyn sighed and gently stroked the hawk in her arms. The regal bird had been allowing her to do so for sometime now though he had been rather reluctant at first and snapped at her fingers.
She followed the rest of the group into the abandoned fortress to find a place to set up camp. Despite its age and neglect it was in fairly good shape. True there was vegetation growing everywhere and a few caved in walls and cracks, but all things considered it provided adequate shelter. They found the main area of the fort and set about pitching camp for the night. Kent started working on the fire while everyone laid out their bedrolls. In minutes, Kent had a blazing fire and everyone was sitting comfortably around it. Link, who had taken his sword off his back and was letting it rest on his shoulder in his folded arms, gave a comment about the bird that was now perched on Lyn's left arm, her leather glove protecting her from its sharp talons.
"He seems to like you Lyn."
Lyn smiled as she stroked its chest with a crooked finger. "Maybe."
Link chuckled for a second before falling silent and turning his head away from the group; his face bore a serious expression.
"Hmm?" Lyn quirked an eye at him. "What's wrong Link?" At the same time she also noticed the hawk was also staring in the same direction.
Link didn't reply, instead he flicked his sword loose from its scabbard with his thumb, ready for a quick draw. Everyone instantly turned their attention in the direction Link was focused.
"Is someone there?" Lyn called. "Come out!"
A soft voice answered her.
"Your pardon, milady…"
A young woman stepped out from the corner. She looked only a few years older then Lyn, perhaps in her early twenties. A white ribbon held her long brown together as it fell over her shoulder. Her eyes, the same colour as her hair, showed no signs of hostility but more of a hidden hopefulness.
"I… Forgive my intrusion…" she bowed. "My name is Natalie. I'm from a village not far from here…"
She walked towards them but stumbled after a few steps.
"Ah!"
Wil, who was closest, leaped up to help her.
"Ow…" Natalie winced. Wil put her arm over his shoulder and helped her to the fire.
"Are you alright?" Lyn stood up with concern. "Hmm? Your leg…"
She stared at the young woman's leg. It grew pale from just above the knee down. Lyn could tell it was weak and probably painful to walk on.
Natalie shook her head. "It's fine. Don't worry. It's from a childhood sickness…I can't travel far on it, but it doesn't trouble me too much."
"If that is so, what are you doing out here all by yourself?" Lyn inquired.
"I'm looking for my husband…I had heard he was in the area. He said he was going to raise money to have my leg mended, but there isn't the means to do so in our village. He left a few weeks ago and hasn't returned."
She bowed her head. "He's a kind-hearted man, but I think he might be involved in something dangerous. I got so worried…"
Natalie produced a piece of paper. "Here's a sketch of him. It's a poor likeness at best, but…"
Lyn took the sketch and examined it. Natalie didn't give herself enough credit; she thought the sketch was actually quite good. It portrayed a muscular man with a very short beard and firm facial features.
"His name is Dorcas. Do you know him?"
Lyn shook her head and passed the paper on. "I'm sorry. I don't believe I've seen or heard of him."
Natalie looked downcast. "I see…well if you do meet him could you please give him a message. Tell him that Natalie is looking for him."
Lyn smiled and nodded. "I will tell him. I promise."
Natalie bowed again. "Thank-you."
Wil gave her back the sketch of her husband that had made its way through everyone in the group before standing up.
"I'm going out for some food." He said as he picked up his bow.
"Do you need any help?" Lyn asked.
Wil shook his head. "Nah. I noticed a thicket just a little ways away that should have a few hares in it and if that fails I also saw a clearing that will probably host a few deer by now."
Lyn could tell that Wil was obviously an experienced hunter and as such it would probably be best if he went alone. She nodded and Wil left with a cheery grin. The rest of the group settled back around the fire. After awhile, Link stood up to have a look around the fortress. Experience taught him to know his surroundings at all times so as not to be caught unprepared by anything. This was even more important now that Lyn was the target of professional assassins. He still had not told Lyn about his first encounter with such people; she had enough on her mind to worry about. Everything in her life was changing so fast, just like Link's own when he went from more or less carefree Kokiri to destined Hero of Time, he did not want to add another load to her weighted shoulders.
Link had been thinking about telling Kent about it, however. The dutiful knight put everything below protecting and serving his lady liege and Link felt he would understand the reasoning behind Link's course of action. Link sighed after making a thorough search of the area. All was well and now he knew where they would be most vulnerable in an attack. He turned around and made his way back to camp.
xxx
Wil made no sound as he skilfully slid through the foliage like a snake. His mind raced with the familiar and welcomed thrill of the hunt. His keen eyes soon spotted his prey, a doe striding cautiously through the forest heading towards the clearing Wil had mentioned earlier. Wil grinned to himself as he smoothly and silently drew an arrow from his quiver and readied his bow. The Pheraean archer focused on the animal with unblinking eyes, waiting for his opportunity. He drew his bow back ready for the instant he got a clear shot. Just as he was about to let his arrow fly, Wil blinked and sighed before lowering his bow. He watched as a fawn bounded gaily towards its mother. Wil smiled to himself as he silently watched the pair pass.
"Ah well. Maybe something else will turn up."
As if answering his thoughts, a few minutes later a young buck made its way through the trees.
"Perfect!"
Wil once again readied his bow and let his arrow fly. His aim was true and the arrow sunk into the deer's heart. The buck jerked to the side a bit and staggered for a few seconds before falling to the ground. Wil grinned again as he left his hiding place and walked up to his kill. It was a fine and healthy animal that promised to yield good meat. The Pheraean withdrew his dagger and with practised expertise began working on the carcass. His bag was soon full to bursting with as much venison as he could stuff into it. There would be a good meal tonight with plenty left over that could be prepared for long term storage.
Wil looked back at the fallen deer. There was still quite a bit left of the animal and he hated the thought of it going to waste. He tilted his head back and mimicked the howl of a wolf. Every few moments he repeated his howl before listening to the silence. After a few minutes he received a reply. Judging from the sound, the pack was not far off and so would probably find the dead deer with ease. Satisfied, Wil washed his hands with some water from his travel flask before slinging the bag of meat over his shoulder and made his way back to the fort.
xxx
The sun had begun its decent in the west bathing the land in a golden glow before darkness would sweep over the sky. The smell of meat roasting over a fire filled the fort and made the mouths of Lyndis's Legion water. Praises had been given upon the return of Wil and a meal was immediately prepared. A rack had also been set up while he was gone so that they could prepare the extra meat and keep it from rotting. It was common knowledge to all travellers so it wasn't hard. While the meat cooked, Lyn was offering strips of raw meat to the hawk which almost took a chunk out of her fingers at first but soon learned to snatch the meat without Lyn having to pull her hand away. Unfortunately the appealing aroma from the fire lured an unwelcome band of guests.
Outside the fort, the party of Ganelon Bandits under the command of Carjiga, were gathering.
"So this is where they are hiding. We've finally tracked down the band that defeated Migal." Carjiga rubbed the stubble on his chin. A mousy-faced bandit walked up beside him.
"So, they've decided to hole up in this ruined fortress, eh?" he grinned. "Perfect. We'll wait 'til it gets dark, and then…"
"Idiot!" Carjiga roared. "There's only a few of them and some are women! If we attacked at night I'd be a laughingstock!"
"Besides…" He grinned widely. "We might hurt the women by mistake. I'll not be so wasteful!"
"But one of those women killed Migal…"
"Bah!" Carjiga waved his hand. "Migal was weak. The kind of man who would let himself be beaten by a woman. I am not. She will pay for what she has done, but it will be a different pain than death."
"Ah!" The mouse bandit's face lit up. "You're right, Carjiga! You're so smart!"
"We'll avenge Migal and get some pretty souvenirs to boot." Carjiga laughed. "Who knows, maybe I'll be a leader after all!"
"Let's go!" He yelled. "Spread out and encircle the place you rogues! Let's finish this before it gets to dark to see!"
Bandits erupted from everywhere. Bushes, trees, rocks, over twenty bandits leapt from their hiding places.
One of them, a bit larger than most, was more reluctant to attack and stepped forward more slowly. Carjiga noticed this and stomped towards him growling.
"You…" He called. "Your name's… Dorcas, right?"
The man addressed as Dorcas stared at him silently.
"You haven't done much since you joined us. So if those weapons of yours aren't just for show, you better show us what you can do. I want you to attack from the back entrance to the east. There's supposed to be a couple of women inside. One of'em uses a sword. I want you to capture her and bring her to me. Do that and I'll increase your share of the take." Carjiga turned away but said over his shoulder. "If you want gold, you'll get the job done."
"A bunch of women, huh?" Dorcas muttered under his breath. He shut his eyes as he shook his head. "It would break Natalie's sweet heart to see me sink so low." He turned and headed to the east.
xxx
Meanwhile inside the fortress, the hawk on Lyn's arm began to make a fuss. Twittering and ruffling its feathers despite its broken wing.
"Something's wrong." Link said. He had felt it as well and the hawk's actions only confirmed his suspicions.
"I will go look." Kent stood up and left. He returned seconds later in a rush.
"Lady Lyndis! Outside the fortress! Bandits!"
Lyn jumped to her feet. "What did you say?"
"Hmm, persistent bunch, aren't they?" Sain sighed as he and the rest of the Legion stood as well. "What do you think? Shall we go out and face them?"
"No…" Lyn shook her head. "Natalie cannot move well and that would put her in danger."
She strode over to the entrance to the main area and put her hand on the wall. "Let them come to us. We'll fight them here, within these walls."
Everyone nodded and Link chuckled to himself.
She may not notice it outside of battle, but her true colours shine through when it counts. Protecting Natalie, letting them come to us, she's thinking things through and making the appropriate decisions based on the circumstance. A true leader.
"Alright, Kent, Sain." Lyn addressed the two knights as she placed the hawk on a nearby stone. "You two guard the main entrance. I'm sure we can assume that most of them will be axe users so remember to use your sword, Sain. Wil, Florina back them up. Link and I will guard the east entrance."
Everyone nodded at Lyn's orders. Florina seemed, at first, nervous about being alone with the three men, especially Sain, but just like in their previous battle an inner fortitude had awoken and she steeled herself for the fight.
Natalie tried to stand up as well but her leg buckled underneath her and she fell.
"Oh…" Natalie winced.
"Rest easy, Natalie." Lyn said calmly before placing a hand on the hilt of her sheathed sword. "No one will harm you!"
"Everyone fight with caution!" She shouted before everyone raced for their positions. Sain, Kent, and Florina mounted their steeds and took up formation at the main entrance with Sain and Kent in the front and Wil and Florina behind them. Kent made a quick sweep of the area with his eyes and sighed when he realised this would be a difficult fight.
The bandits made the first move and charged for the door. One of the brigands leapt into the air in hopes of taking down one of the mounted knights but his flight was interrupted by an arrow from Wil's bow lodging itself into his shoulder. The bandit's landing was thrown off and he crashed to the ground to meet his end on Sain's sword. Another large bandit took a swipe at Kent who skilfully manoeuvred his horse to the side to evade the strike before countering by thrusting his sword through the man's throat. Before he could remove his sword Kent was targeted by another bandit who executed a jump attack. Grunting with effort the red knight pulled sharply back on his reigns and made his steed rear up on its hind legs. The brigand's axe fell short of its target and the last thing the brutish man saw were the hooves of the war horse flying towards his face before his skull was crushed between the stone floor and the horse's hooves.
xxx
At the east entrance Link and Lyn watched as a large man with an axe approached on his own. Link drew his sword and stepped forward holding it in a two-hand grip. The approaching man seemed undaunted and drew a different axe from his belt. It was smaller than his other one but had a dual bladed head and a shorter shaft in proportion. The brigand heaved the axe at his green clothed opponent with great force, aiming to take off his head. Link ducked under the flying axe and blinked in surprise as the axe curved in midair and flew back to its owner's hand.
"What the?" Link had never seen a throwing axe act like a boomerang before. He didn't even think it was possible. It was heavier, slower, and less agile in the air than his own boomerang, but the axe was much deadlier.
Shaking off his surprise, Link dashed forward to engage the man. Once again, the axe flew at him before he could reach his target, but Link was ready. He deflected the axe with his sword and caused it to spark across the stone wall of the fortress before falling to the ground. Now without the range disadvantage Link let loose a battle cry as his sword clashed with the bandit's axe. Link hesitated for a moment in surprise once again and in that brief instant he felt a ham-sized fist crash into his chin. The Hylian hero flew back and landed hard in the dirt.
"LINK!" Lyn screamed before drawing her own sword and lunging forward.
xxx
At the front gate, Kent and Sain were forced to fall back into the fort a bit as the bandits began ganging up on them. The small area forced the bandits to fight in small numbers but it also gave them time for allies to group together and step in for their fallen comrades.
"We're getting nowhere fast!" Sain panted as he lopped off the arm of a swordsman.
"I agree!" Kent replied as he blocked an axe.
Skilled as they were, they would not be able to hold out against swarming numbers for very long. Wil was doing his best to help, but Florina was forced to stay behind due to the number of large axe wielders and the activity at the entrance would make it difficult to take off without injury. Wil had also noticed an archer that was staying behind that further hampered Florina's helpfulness. As he was, Wil was too far away to pick him off and the two cavaliers had their hands full.
"Argh!" Sain cried in pain as an axe bit into his side. His armour prevented a deep wound but still blood began to seep through.
Wil feathered an arrow in the brigand's head to aid the green knight while Sain recovered from the pain. No rest for the wounded though as Sain was forced to raise his sword again to block another axe. This time however, the bandit fell from the tip of a lance piercing his face. Florina swooped overhead and soared into the air on her regal mount after her attack. After seeing one of her ally's hurt, her determination to help further strengthened her and she gracefully rose to aid her comrades, her sudden action causing enough surprise to leave the confines of the fortress. Her biggest threat was now the archer who had been waiting for the pegasus knight to show. Florina was too high to shoot but he readied an arrow for the instant she came within range. The Winged Knight of Ilia closed her eyes as she took a deep breath to steady her nerves. Soon adrenaline drove away her fear and she twirled her lance rapidly over her head before diving towards the man. Her pegasus beat its pinions as hard and fast as it could gaining speed with every passing instant. The archer merely grinned and drew his bowstring back. Her dive was a critical mistake as her speed prevented maneuverabilitity and her distance gave the man time to aim. She would fall before she even came close.
xxx
Carjiga grunted as he watched his men pile up around the front gate.
"Hmm…the rats are doing better than I thought." He signalled a few men who hadn't moved to attack.
"Circle around the fort and attack the east entrance. If that idiot Dorcas isn't dead he should have cleared it out and we can catch'em from behind."
The bandits left quickly, eager to join the fight. Carjiga turned back to the scene ahead of him and rubbed the stubble on his face.
"Well, well…speak of the devil." He grinned as he watched a familiar large man walk towards him with a girl slung over his shoulder.
"Haha…good work!" Carjiga laughed as Dorcas walked up to him and deposited an unconscious Lyn on the ground before him.
"Is this the one?" Dorcas asked.
"Aye it is." Carjiga nodded as he squatted down to look at his new trophy. "And she's a pretty one, too! I can see why Migal didn't want to sell her. Join the rest of the group and crush the rest. I'm going to see I f I can wake her up. I want to hear her scream."
xxx
"HYAAAAAAAH!" Sain bellowed as he felled yet another bandit with his sword. He and Kent, though tiring, were still holding the gate; now on their own. Florina had taken off right after her assist with Sain and Wil had left saying he thought he heard something to the west. With the diminishing numbers at the entrance, the knights were doing fine by themselves.
"How do you think Lady Lyn is fairing?" Sain asked over the clash of blades.
"She is with Sir Link," Kent grunted before replying. "She will be fine. I am more worried about dame Florina."
With the archer lurking out there, Florina would be in grave danger and the knights could do nothing about it presently. For now, she was on her own.
xxx
Wil yawned as he stretched his arms before casually fitting an arrow into his bow. The wall he was facing crumbled a bit more as bandits on the other side tried pounding their way through a weakened section.
"Jes' a lil more and we can take'em by surprise." One of them said as he pounded away.
"Aye them fools will pay for killing our brethren."
With another smash a section of wall gave way enough for an arm to go through.
"Hah! Finally!" The bandit peered through the crevice only to see an archer grinning back at him, bow strung.
"Hello." Wil greeted cheerfully.
The man before him let out a weak half-laugh half whimper before an arrow turned his world black.
xxx
"What a fool." The archer sighed as he watched the pegasus knight dive towards him. It's a shame she probably won't survive the fall at this speed, oh well.
His eyes suddenly went wide with shock before Florina's lance pierced his chest and embedded itself into the ground behind him.
"Wha…" he coughed blood before his bow fell from his hands and his eyes closed forever.
Florina landed gracefully and withdrew her lance from the corpse. Panting heavily she wiped away the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand before cleaning the blood from her lance with a cloth. As her adrenaline rush receded she began to tremble as her mind registered the risk she had taken. Her long-range dive would never allow her to come within range to strike normally so she had instead built up speed and power before throwing her lance like a javelin. Luck was on her side as the lance flew down the same line the archer's arrow would have flown. The hapless man didn't even see the thin weapon until it was too late.
Florina shook her head to clear her thoughts, remembering that she was still on the battlefield and her friends needed her help. With a firm expression she urged Huey into the sky to resume the fight.
xxx
Carjiga reached down and grasped Lyn's chin. He licked his lips as he stared at her beautiful figure.
"Hmm?" He lifted his head to see Dorcas still standing there.
"I told you to get out of here!"
Dorcas just stared at him, unmoving.
"Dorcas! If you gold, then get outta my sight!"
"I'm afraid…" Dorcas said calmly. "I am no longer a part of this group."
"What!" Carjiga stared at him.
Lyn's eyes suddenly flashed open as she spun her body on her hands and smashed a heel into Carjiga's cheek. The bandit leader grunted as he was knocked back while Lyn sprung from the ground and onto her feet.
"Ever heard of playing dead?" Lyn laughed as she drew her sword.
"But how?" Carjiga looked at her confused.
"Simple." Lyn replied.
xxx
Lyn dashed towards the large man who had punched Link. The axe man merely braced himself for the attack, their weapons meeting in a clash of sparks. Lyn gritted her teeth as she pushed against the axe of the much stronger man, whose face remained neutral the whole time. Lyn quickly pulled away as the man made to grab her with his free hand. Despite her lack in strength, Lyn was far more agile than the bulky man. Like a crouched cat Lyn sprung forward again.
"STOP!" Link shouted.
Lyn stumbled at his voice, completely losing her form and left herself vulnerable to her opponents counter. Fear crossed her eyes as she tried too late to raise her sword. A flash of green light momentarily blinded her as the clash of metal on metal rang through her ears. Link stood between Lyn and her attacker blocking him with his sword.
"HAAAA!" Link shouted as he pushed back, causing the larger man to stumble backwards a few feet.
"You!" he called. "What's your name?"
"Huh?" Lyn blinked confused as the bandit stood with a slightly surprised expression.
Link continued. "Tell me, are you Dorcas?"
"What!" Lyn jerked her head in surprise. She stared at the man's face and realised that he did look like the man in Natalie's drawing.
"…How do you know my name?" Dorcas said slowly.
"So it is you. I thought you looked familiar." Link said.
"Oh!" Lyn's eyes lit up. "Is that why you got hit?"
Link nodded and rubbed his chin. "Yeah, I didn't notice until I got close. It surprised me a little and I let my guard down."
Link stared at the large man before him. "Natalie told us your name Dorcas. Your wife also showed us a sketch of you and that is how I recognized you."
"What are you doing with these rogues?" he said sharply.
Dorcas lowered his head. "I need money. And this is the only way to earn gold in these parts."
"You would lower yourself to being a bandit and destroy other people's lives?"
Dorcas grimaced and turned his head away in shame before steeling himself and raising his axe.
"I'll do anything." He said softly. "Even this. Now step aside I'm here to take her."
He gestured toward Lyn who reflexively stepped back into a defensive stance. Link, however, remained undaunted.
"Anything? Would you hurt the one you love the most?" He glared right into the axe fighter's dark red eyes. Lyn shivered at Link's expression. Though not as fierce as the one Glass received it still frightened her and it was enough to make Dorcas visibly flinch. Lyn was not surprised, Link's eyes truly terrified her and she prayed she would never be on the receiving end of them.
"Would you hurt your wife?"
Dorcas was taken aback. "What?"
"Natalie is here!" Link shouted. "We are protecting her in this very fortress!"
"Natalie…is here!" Dorcas choked, his face pale. "But…how..why?"
"She was worried for you and came looking hoping to find you. We met her in this fortress all by herself favouring the leg you need the money to heal. She asked us to keep an eye out for you in our travels when we were forced to take up arms to protect her." Link's glare intensified. "Protect her from a bandit attack that YOU are part of! DORCAS! YOU ARE ATTACKING YOUR OWN WIFE!"
Dorcas dropped his axe as he staggered back, a look of pure horror on his face. Tears began to fill his eyes as he fell to his knees clasping the sides of his head.
"No…" he wept. "I can't do this…I can't…why did…why did I…"
Link walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You can change this, Dorcas." He said gently. "Do the right thing and help us fight."
Dorcas's heavy breathing slowly returned to normal before the muscle-bound man slowly rose to his feet.
"I understand. I can't do this." He hefted his axe with grim determination and turned to face the two people before him. "I'm done with these bandits. Here and now."
"Good." Link nodded. "Now can you tell us where the leader is? Men such as these derive their courage from their boss. Cut the head off the snake and the rest will flee."
"He is over there." Dorcas pointed south. "But he will have men nearby."
"Wait," Lyn stepped forward. "You said you were here for me?"
Dorcas nodded. "Yes, my orders were to capture you and bring you to him."
Lyn grinned. "Then perhaps we can use that."
xxx
"And it worked wonderfully." Lyn stated mockingly.
"You'll pay for that!" Carjiga roared as he grabbed his axe.
"I hear that a lot." Lyn replied coolly. "Care to back that up?"
Carjiga narrowed his eyes and glanced from Lyn to Dorcas. Although he was sure he could take on the girl, Dorcas was as big as him and two on one was not a battle he wanted to face. Carjiga smirked and whistled loudly. Seconds later more bandits appeared and circled around them.
"Think you can win against all of us?" Carjiga laughed.
Lyn looked around her and shook her head. "No, if we faced all this alone we would surely lose, especially surrounded as we are."
"But," Lyn smiled mischievously. "Who said we were alone?"
At her words a flash of steel behind her separated a bandit's head from his shoulders.
A man in green stepped forward, sword in hand.
"Am I late?" Link asked. "I ran into the guys that were apparently Dorcas's reinforcements."
"Perfect timing." Lyn said evenly.
"So is he the head of this bunch."
Lyn nodded.
"Hmph." Link smirked. "No wonder these guys are losing. A leader like that wouldn't be able to beat a dog."
A vein pulsed on Carjiga's temple as his rage rose.
"What did you say!" He growled.
"Ooh…" Link taunted. "Did I hurt your feelings? I'm sorry I guess the little man doesn't like the truth. How sad."
"KILL HIM!" Carjiga roared.
The bandits circling Lyn and Dorcas charged at Link who merely grinned as he turned around and strode back into the trees, the bandits in hot pursuit.
"Gah! What a fool," Lyn sighed and shook her head as she turned back to the bandit leader. "That was the biggest mistake that could have been made." Lyn glared at him. "You just sent your men to their deaths and sealed your own fate."
"Ha!" Carjiga laughed. "Do you really think that idiot will survive?"
"Actually," Lyn replied. "I do. He is the best warrior among us and could probably take on you, your whole gang, and all of us at once and still walk away without a scratch."
"I'm not worried about him at all and you should worry about yourself." Lyn smoothly bent into a fighting stance. "No men to cover your cowardly back now."
"I'll kill you both!"
Carjiga leapt forward, blind rage filled his eyes. Dorcas stepped forward and intercepted his attack. The power struggle between the two lasted only an instant as Lyn sliced cleanly through one of his arms. The bandit leader howled with pain as he stumbled back and dropped to his knees. Dorcas shoved the man to the ground with his boot and raised his axe high.
"For Natalie." He drove the axe through Carjiga's skull.
Lyn sighed as she sheathed her blade. "Well that's that. We should head back to the fort now. I'm sure the others could use our help if the dogs haven't fled yet."
"What about your friend." Dorcas asked as he stepped away from the carcass.
"He'll be fine." Lyn waved a hand casually as she turned around.
"So you really meant what you said?"
Lyn stopped and turned her head to him. "I don't know for sure." She said truthfully. "I mostly said that to anger him. I haven't known Link for very long and he is a bit of an enigma."
"But," Lyn turned back and continued walking. "From what I know and seen of him now, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if he was."
xxx
Link stood surrounded by the group that had chased him. He calmly looked around at all of them, each one ready to strike.
"Is that all of you?" Link yawned. "This will be over fast."
His taunts worked again as the bandits lunged forward. Link grinned as he bent his knees and held his sword out behind him. The Master Sword glowed with magic power as the bandits came within range. Instantly Link's sword whirled around in a blaze of fire striking every one of them down at once. The devastating power of his Spin Attack completely cleared the immediate area of bushes, trees and even cleaved a large boulder. The magical flames scorched whatever was beyond Link's sword reach.
Link sheathed his sword as he surveyed the area.
"Oops…" he scratched the back of his head nervously. "I think I might have over done it."
xxx
With the bandit's leader slain, the survivors of the bandit party soon beat a hasty retreat. The member's of Lyndis's Legion met back in the fortress for a well-deserved rest. Sain and Kent sported several wounds where their armour was pierced while Florina clutched an injury in her side she had sustained while fighting a few swordsmen. Wil, who was uninjured, distributed a few vulneraries to them. Lyn had brought Dorcas to Natalie whom, after a few seconds pause, burst into tears and flung herself into her husband's arms. The two sat together away from everyone else holding each other and conversing quietly. No one disturbed them.
Link had resumed his previous sitting position after a private talk with the two of them earlier when Dorcas suddenly rose with Natalie.
"Our village is close. I'll take Natalie home and return tomorrow."
Lyn stared at them curiously. "Why can't we just say our farewells today?"
"Well, I…" He looked at Link who nodded. "I spoke with Link and I…I've been invited to join your group."
"What!" Lyn looked at Link stunned. "But we're going to Lycia…"
Dorcas shrugged slightly. "I have to go somewhere to earn money. If you think I'll be of use…I'd like to fight for you. It is also my way of repaying your kindness toward Natalie and my thanks to Link for opening my eyes. You helped my wife…and you helped me. I owe you."
"Dorcas…" Lyn sighed.
"Please Lyn." Natalie said. "We are both in agreement to this. Watch over my husband."
Lyn sighed again, defeated. "If you really wish to come you are welcome to join us, Dorcas. I just thought that you would want to stay with Natalie now."
Natalie smiled. "I will be alright. The villagers will help me and I know where he is going now so I don't have to look for him."
"In that case." Lyn smiled. "Welcome to the Legion, Dorcas!"
"Thank-you." Dorcas bowed before taking his wife in his arms and carrying her out of the fort.
Lyn turned and sat back down at the fire with the hawk once again perched on her arm.
"And another one joins the group." Link stated.
"Why did you ask him to come?" Lyn asked him.
"He is a devoted husband who wants nothing more than to care for his wife. You saw yourself he was even willing to join a bandit party to aid Natalie." Link replied. "A man who is willing to sacrifice everything for even a small piece of relief for a loved one, doesn't deserve to struggle alone. This is the best thing for him right now."
Lyn pondered on his words for a moment as she realised he was right. If Dorcas went back to the village he would be in an even worse position than before he left.
"Don't you think you were a bit harsh on him earlier?"
Link shook his head. "It was necessary. He needed to feel the full impact of what he was doing. It was the only way for him to realise that nothing good can come from such a bad choice. He won't make another again."
Lyn sighed again. "Well things have finally calmed down. We should get to sleep, tomorrow will be another long day and we may not find shelter like this again."
Kent rose from treating his wounds. "We'll continue taking turns keeping watch. Please rest easily."
Lyn rose as well. "Is that all right? Are you sure?"
Kent nodded.
"Sain?"
The green knight who had been muttering under his breath perked up. "Oh! Er, yes! Of course!"
"Let me warn you." Lyn stated. "If we are attacked again and the bandits sneak up on you, they'll cut you down without mercy. Do you understand that?"
Sain looked shocked. "What, do you doubt my bravery? Am I not a knight? There is no need to worry!"
"Right, Kent?" He turned to his friend.
The red knight nodded. "If there's anything suspicious we'll take care of it. Rest assured."
"Really?" Lyn smiled at them. "Thank-you. Well, good night then."
"See you tomorrow, Link, Wil." Lyn left for her bedroll next to Florina who was already asleep.
"Let's go." Kent said to Sain as he turned to leave.
"Ha! No one ever trusts me…" Sain muttered as he followed his friend.
"And for good reason," Link whispered to Wil who chuckled lightly.
"Poor guy." Wil grinned as he settled into his own bedroll. "Night." He said.
"See you in the morning." Link replied as he stood up and followed after the knights.
As expected, Kent took the first watch while Sain was setting out his bedroll. Link waited till he was asleep before walking over to Kent.
"Can I have a word with you?" Link asked quietly.
"What is it Sir Link?"
"First of all don't call me "Sir" and secondly I need to tell you something about Lyndis."
xxx
Kent folded his arms as he leaned against a pillar and stared at the moon. "Assassins, huh?"
Link nodded.
"Hmm." Kent thought for a moment about this new information.
"I don't believe we have to worry about that for another few days. Lundgren will believe they have killed her if the bandits haven't and even if they travelled hard they wouldn't make it back to report for a few days." Kent turned his head back to the Hero of Time. "It will probably be awhile before he realises they failed and sends out more and even then he may not at all."
"Bandits." Link stated.
"Mmhmm." Kent nodded. "We will more than likely encounter them again and more than a few nobles in the Lycian League, Lundgren included, believe that women should have no place in battle."
Link nodded understandingly. "So he may believe that Lyn will be killed before she even reaches Lycia, right?"
"Yes." Kent replied. "The assassins were probably more of a precaution, than anything else."
"Still we should be wary."
"Agreed." Kent nodded again. "Thank-you for telling me, Link. I won't tell Lady Lyn. I agree with you, she has enough to worry about."
"Hmm." Link nodded.
"You should get some sleep." Kent told him. "I will wake Sain in a moment. I need to think some more."
Link nodded again and left quietly.
Kent watched him leave then turned to stare back at the moon. It would be hours later before he woke Sain.
A/N: How was that? I had a lot of ideas for this chapter and wasn't sure what to put in. I tried to make it more suspenseful and stuff but I'm not sure how I did. I think it turned out the way I wanted it though. I got a few more votes for the Link pairings but I'm still looking for more, so please let me know what you think. The next chapter should be up real soon so until then please R&R!