Welp, been a long time. Again. Better late than never I suppose. Had a pretty eventful year this past one. Got married, went to Mexico, moved three times, got promoted at my seasonal job, went without internet for half the year, went undefeated in rec volleyball, dealt with my wife's really bad car accident when someone rear-ended her, celebrated the return of Dungeon Fighter Online, and allowed my brother-in-laws to drag me into DOTA 2.

So yeah. That's my year in a nutshell. Didn't have a lot of time left over to write and this chapter was pretty hard for me. It's super long and still doesn't have everything in it that I wanted. But I figured I should probably post it now or I was never going to get it done. It probably has a bunch of small spelling mistakes and grammatical errors as well….despite my attempts at editing.

Thank you to everyone that reviewed this past year! I love them all and they truly inspire me to do better and keep going! Once again, however, I am not going to do a READER RESPONSE this time due to the sheer amount.

I apologize if this disappoints anyone and I hope it won't discourage you from reviewing in the future.

I will however give a big shout out to Schniedragon88 who sent me a PM with heartfelt well wishing and encouragement. Thanks a lot! It warmed my day!

Ok, so you've waited long enough. Let's get this started:

Whom She Found

Chapter 24:

Taking Back The Castle

xxx

"Ri… Ridiculous… Even Bauker?"

The large frame of Lord Darin, marquess of Laus, shook in disbelief. Bauker was the Commander of Laus's Imperial Army and one of his best men. It was his soldiers that had captured Castle Caelin to begin with. The news that he had failed to stop Eliwood's group was simply unthinkable. How could a motley band of rabble led by a whelp of a boy no older than his own son continually wade through his armies? It was a laughable concept and, under different circumstances, Darin might have either been impressed with their progress or disgusted by his men's weakness. As it was, he could only flounder in stunned confusion at the impossibility of it all and grind his teeth in frustration at his predicament. With Bauker defeated and the majority of his men with him, the Marquess of Laus now had only a small number of soldiers left and they had cornered themselves in the castle.

"Lord Darin," Haussen, Lyn's grandfather and ruler of Caelin, pleaded with his fellow marquess. "It's time to give up this madness. Further resistance is meaningless." The older man walked up behind the large marquess and put a hand on his shoulder. "For what you've done, you may never be forgiven, but it's not too late to try. Tell Eliwood everything. He'll intervene with Marquess Ostia on your behalf…"

Darin barely noticed the gesture but Hausen's words echoed through his ears. All those years of planning and preparation, his schemes for power, everything he had worked for…undone by a boy.

"I…I've…lost…"

Heartened by Darin's confession, Haussen hastened his encouragement. His world had shattered when Laus had suddenly attacked. Caelin was still recovering from his brother's attempted usurpation last year and stood no chance against the invading army. However, it wasn't for himself or his country that he feared, but for the life of his beloved granddaughter. She was the last of his line and his greatest treasure; the thought of her being harmed during this attack was more than he could bear. The wizened marquess knew that fighting the Lausian soldiers was a lost cause but doing so would give Lyn the time to escape. His granddaughter had been rather adamant about staying and fighting, her warrior's pride and love for her grandfather demanded that she stay. It had literally taken Hausen begging with tears in his eyes for her to acquiesce to his wishes. After she had left, the old man had resigned himself to whatever fate would befall him. As long as she was safe, nothing else mattered.

His heart had nearly stopped when he heard that Eliwood had come with reinforcements. He knew that somehow, Lyn would join up with him and attack. The news had terrified him for he believed that Eliwood's overall inexperience would make his efforts against Laus's seasoned men futile. The fact that they had apparently succeeded in reclaiming the outside grounds, while surprising, did little to assuage those fears. Even if though they had been successful, there were still quite a few men inside the castle, and cornered men were even more dangerous. If he could get Darin to surrender now then that was one less risk for Lyn to face.

"Hurry! Eliwood will be here in no time. Let me speak for you."

So great was his desire to see the conflict ended that he did not see the shadow approach from behind until he felt cold steel penetrate his flesh.

"Gurr… Guaaaa!" The old marquess cried out in pain before slumping to the ground. The shadowy figure behind him calmly cleaned the blood from a dagger.

"None of that now," the figure spoke in a chilling, emotionless voice. "Marquess Laus needs no troublesome advice."

Darin baulked at the sudden turn of events.

"L-Lord Ephidel? What is the meaning of this?"

"There is no turning back for you now," Ephidel replied smoothly. "You should know that. First Marquess Santaruz… and now Marquess Caelin. Both deaths are on your head."

Darin blinked at that.

"What?" He demanded. "My head? It was by your hand that they both died! I-I never asked for this."

"Yes, I killed them," the shadow replied smoothly. "For you."

"To…trap me?"

"Don't be absurd," Ephidel said. His words would have normally been said with an air of derision by anyone else, but the dark figure kept his tone in that same emotionless voice that sent chills down Darin's spine. He almost wished that Ephidel would mock him. At least then he could at least consider the man before him to be human. "I follow my master's orders. My only wish is to deliver your dreams to you. The crown of a united Lycia…And once that is done, dominion over the entire continent. Is that not what you desire?"

Darin was silent for a moment as he stared down at the body of Hausen. He was too far gone now.

"Yes…" He replied slowly, as if trying to convince himself more than anything else. "Yes, of course. That dream IS still worth a few sacrifices, isn't it?"

"You're exactly right," Ephidel tilted his head in acknowledgement. "Our plans may have gone drastically awry, but as long as we have the master's power behind us, we cannot be defeated. We'd do well to leave now, before those meddlesome worms arrive." He turned with a swish of his dark cloak. "You will leave everyone from Laus behind. We will use them to delay our foe."

"Everyone…" Darin baulked. "My soldiers? But…who will protect me?"

"The Black Fang and I will more than suffice for that task. There is nothing else you need, I assure you."

"I…see…. Where do we go from here?"

"To the Dragon's Gate… Our master awaits us there," Ephidel replied. "The master has informed me our hostage may be all we need. If all goes well, we may be able to perform the ceremony with him alone."

At this, Darin's eyes lit up with pleasure.

"Oh! Is that so? I suppose we've nothing to worry about."

Ephidel nodded.

"That is correct. Now please, begin your retreat. I have two or three orders to give then I will be right behind you."

"Right," Darin nodded, sparing one last glance at Hausen's body before turning and leaving the chamber. Ephidel watched him go with an impassive gaze.

"Pathetic imbecile…" the golden eyed man stated. Darin was a fool, a power hungry tyrant who could not be any easier to manipulate. So blinded by his own ambition that a few honeyed words had lead him to abandon everything he once held dear. Such a pitiful man.

"Leila?" He suddenly spoke aloud. "Where are you?"

"I'm here." A voice from the shadows replied. Ephidel turned his head slightly to see a woman step into the light. Though he had no opinion on such matters, to a mortal she would be considered quite beautiful. Her mid-length hair matched her blood red eyes and lips and obscured her right eye from view. She wore a tan cloak over a dark purple tunic with matching gartered leggings and a lighter skirt. A pair of loose belts hung from her hips and held several pouches, bags and a pair of daggers. On her feet was a pair of knee high boots and with a simple anklet on her left. A striking figure indeed, though Ephidel could only understand so from a logical point of view. After acknowledging her presence he turned his gaze down to the severely injured man on the floor who still somehow clung to life.

"While Eliwood is occupied, finish off Marquess Caelin and hide the body," He commanded. " The enemy will waste precious time searching for him."

"As you command…" Leila bowed to him.

"You know," Ephidel mused. "You've only been with the Black Fang a short while. However, you are quite skilled…" He stared at her with his eerie golden eyes for a long moment before turning away, his black cloak slithering behind him. "I look forward to watching you."

"Yes, sir." Leila bowed again and waited for him to leave before turning to the body of the fallen marquess.

She had work to do.

xxx

Castle Caelin, while certainly not small, was not an enormous structure. In fact there were several provinces within Lycia that boasted much larger and more heavily fortified citadels. But what it lacked in size and military significance it more than made up for in grandeur. Caelin's geographical location and resources had made it a relatively wealthy territory despite its only slightly above average size and military might, recent decline notwithstanding. This led the castle to being designed and furnished with a far more cultured and artistic theme than most. The beautiful gardens and fountains within its walls gave the castle an air of beauty and serenity that made it quite inviting.

However, despite its splendour, Castle Caelin was still a fortress and had all the fortifications and accessories one would expect in such a structure. Had Link not cleared the courtyard and ensured the gates were clear, Eliwood and Lyn's parties would have had a very difficult time getting in.

Now, however, they faced a different problem.

"There are still quite a few Laus soldiers in the castle," Eliwood mused aloud, trying to determine how best to proceed.

"Undoubtedly," Marcus nodded. "No Marquess would occupy a hostile castle without a substantial amount of guards to maintain their authority. Nobility, servants, and other guards all need to be kept in line."

"Speaking of which," Hector spoke up. "Where are the Caelin guards?"

"I think about half of them were killed in the surprise attack," Lyn replied evenly, although her fists were clenched so tight they were trembling at the thought of loyal men she had trained alongside and built a comradeship with killed in such a dishonourable manner. Laus would pay. "The survivors… they must be here somewhere…"

"They might be locked away as prisoners…" Eliwood rubbed a hand through his fiery hair. "We'd better make rescuing them our priority. If Marquess Laus decides to hold them hostage, it will make seizing the throne much more difficult. Besides that, we could use their help to secure the castle."

"I agree," Lyn nodded. "It is only right that they get the chance to avenge their friends."

"It's settled!" Hector grinned. "Let's find the guards and retake the castle!"

Eliwood turned his head to the beautiful Sacaean princess. "You know the layout of this place better than we do. How do you think we should proceed?"

"The Lausians know we are here. That means that any surreptitious activity will be impossible without a distraction. We'll need to split up," Lyn replied firmly, her eyes with fierce determination. "One group to attack the dungeons and free the soldiers, the other to occupy the enemy within until they are rescued. The first group will need to be stealthy and fast, we can't let the Laus soldiers know that we plan on freeing them. All of us are young, so let them think we are overconfident and facing them head on."

Her response was a testament to how much she had grown over the past year. There was no hesitation in her words, no hint of indecision or nervousness. While never afraid to make decisions for herself or to face the challenges before her, Lyn had always hesitated and second guessed everything when it came to assuming a leadership position. She held herself to the highest of standards while simultaneously believing that she was truly nothing special. It was this contradictory set of beliefs that caused her to doubt her abilities to lead. Lyn had no troubles putting herself in danger, but it was another matter when her decisions put her friends at risk. For this reason she had relied heavily on Link's support in the past. But now that uncertainty was gone. This was her home and it was her family that was in danger. There was no room for hesitation.

Link couldn't suppress the smile the tugged at the corners of his mouth. While she was not raised as a noble and groomed to lead like Eliwood and Hector, Lyn had the most real combat experience of the three and seeing her take charge like that in a situation where the two young men would normally be expected to command was rather amusing.

"All right," Eliwood nodded. "Then you should lead the team to find your men. Hector and I will provide the distraction."

"No," Lyn shook her head. "That won't work. All three of us need to be present with the distracting force. If one of us is missing then the enemy will know that our forces aren't committed to a single attack."

"Hmm makes sense," Hector nodded. "Well if stealth is what you need, I have just the man to help with that."

"Oh?" Lyn eyed him curiously.

"Yup," the large man nodded before calling over his shoulder. "Oi! I know you've been listening to all of this! Get over here!"

"Ah," a familiar voice replied with an air of disappointment. "I've been found out…"

Lyn's eyes widened in surprise. "You!"

"Ah!" Matthew's eyes bulged and he quickly ducked behind Hector's bulky frame. "No! I'm not who you think I am!"

"Come back here, Matthew!" Lyn demanded with a smile.

"Ugh…" the thief/spy sighed and scratched his head as he stepped back out into view and removed the cowl he had been using to cover his hair and eyes in an attempt to remain incognito. "I was reeeally hoping you wouldn't recognize me, milady…"

"How could I not recognize you?" Lyn asked in confusion. "You're…you!"

"Being recognizable isn't exactly the greatest trait for a spy…" he replied sullenly.

Lyn blinked at that. "A spy? You're a spy? I thought you were a thief. What's this all about?"

Matthew chuckled nervously at her inquiry but didn't respond. Fortunately he was saved by Hector of all people.

"As much as I enjoy seeing this idiot flustered for a change, don't we have more important issues to deal with?"

"Ah!" Lyn's cheeks tinged with a bit of shame. "Right. Well Matthew, if you're willing, your assistance in this matter would be most welcome."

"Of course, milady!" The thief replied a bit too exuberantly, glad to be off the previous topic. "Your wish is my command."

"I'll go as well," Link added.

Lyn flashed him a grateful smile. That would severely reduce the number of people needed to find the soldiers.

"We'll need someone else that the soldiers recognize and can rally around," He added.

"Hmmm…" Lyn tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Sain."

That statement gave Matthew pause. "Sain?" He frowned. "No offence milady but are you certain of that? Wouldn't Kent be better suited to this?"

Lyn, however, shook her head in response. "He can be quiet when he needs to be and there's no better person to raise morale than him."

Well that was true enough. Hard to argue that point against a man whose natural charisma and exuberance made him as well liked as Sain was.

"Ah, fair point," Matthew nodded.

"Lastly," Lyn continued. "You should take a healer with you as well. Some of the men might be injured."

"Priscilla!" the thief announced almost immediately. The red head was the only other healer among them besides Serra and it wasn't very hard to tell which one he would rather have with him.

"Very well then," Lyn nodded, not knowing who Priscilla was but trusting Matthew's judgement. "That should be enough. The rest of us will face the invaders head on."

"Right!" Hector grinned and hefted his axe. "We'll give'em a show they won't soon forget!"

"Let's go!" Eliwood agreed and followed after his friend.

Lyn spared a quick glance at Link, their eyes meeting for a brief moment and a silent conversation passing between them. Link gave her an encouraging nod before they broke away to their separate tasks.

"Hold on, Grandfather… We'll be there shortly."

xxx

The dungeons of Caelin were fairly standard in design. Large underground chambers and hallways filled with prison cells and quarters for the guards posted there. It was the type of dungeon one would expect to find in any self-respecting castle, although Caelin was one that lacked a designated torture chamber.

The prison cells had been used to hold criminals, prisoners of war, and even the occasional person who required disciplinary action. But now, for the first time, the dungeons of Caelin were being used to hold its own soldiers; at least those that had survived the initial attack.

"Damn those dogs of Laus!" One of the soldiers growled in frustration. "How dare they do this?!"

"We were just starting to recover our strength too," Another man grumbled.

"Do you think Lady Lyn escaped?"

"Of course she did! She had the Commander and the Sub-Commander with her! No cur of Laus would be able to take her alive!"

"Well, the guards would have said something about it if they had."

That fact was certainly true. The Laus soldiers keeping watch over the prisoners were certainly not shy when it came to their boasts.

"Why would they attack us anyway?" A soldier who was leaning against the bars of the cell opposite the first asked.

"I heard one of the guards claim that Lord Eliwood of Pherae drove them from their capital." Another replied.

"Wha-? Really? Why would he do that? More importantly, HOW did he do that?"

The soldier shrugged. "Who knows? It doesn't really matter at this point."

"Blast!" A younger man slammed his fist against the bars of his cell in frustration. "If only the Wanderer were here!"

A chorus of murmured agreements rippled amongst the prison cells and the soldiers within. They all knew who the youth had meant: the man that had traveled with their lady and helped secure the throne. The swordsman in green who had singlehandedly decimated half of Lundgren's rebel forces and lifted the defensive gate of the castle. His deeds during the civil war and rumours of his travels throughout the land had granted him many whispered titles with his steadily growing reputation.

The Blue Eyed Beast.

The Wanderer in Green.

The Behemoth of Caelin.

Of course, there were many people who doubted the rumours of the Wanderer's abilities. How could one man perform such amazing feats as he was rumoured to have done? It was simply impossible - at least in the minds of some folk. However there were a number of soldiers in Caelin's surviving army that witnessed what he had done and the Commander and Sub-Commander both declared the rumours true to all those who didn't. This had elevated the Wanderer's status to a legendary degree amongst the Caelin military and inspired great awe in new recruits. If he had been here, things might have been different.

Despite the overwhelming odds that had been against them, there was not a single soldier held prisoner that did not feel as if they had failed the Wanderer for falling to Laus's might. Commander Kent had claimed that the Wanderer had left Caelin believing that they would be able rebuild without him. Their failure to do so felt like they had spit upon his faith in them. It was that knowledge more than anything else - more than their current situation, more than the lives of friends lost, and more than the audacity of the attack - that made the valorous men of Caelin seethe with anger.

"But he's not here," One of the slightly older soldiers stated bluntly from his spot on the stone floor. "So we'll have to deal with this ourselves."

"Right," another agreed. "Lady Lyn will return. We have to be ready for when she does. Then we'll show these dogs of Laus what real men of Lycia can do!"

The enthusiastic chorus of agreement was carried by all except for a single man, who stood with his arms crossed against a wall apart from the soldiers he was with, and his companion who sat on his knees beside him. His hard, red eyes and the scowl that seemed permanently etched on his face only served to enhance the aura of disdain that radiated from him.

"Fools…" He muttered under his breath, just loud enough to be heard by his companion who sat with a far more serene disposition. "They talk big for having lost so easily."

"Ah…don't be like that Lord Raven," His companion replied. "These men have hope and their courage is admirable."

"Little good it will do them, against Laus's superior might."

"Do not be so quick to dismiss them. You'd be surprised what their drive can accomplish."

"Drive?" The bigger man scoffed. "No one knows more about that than me."

"Then why not help these men?"

"This isn't my fight."

His companion frowned slightly. "Then what do you plan to do?"

Raven glanced down at the man clad in monk's robes. "I'm biding my time. Opportunities come to those who wait, Lucius."

xxx

Matthew took the lead down the hallway, moving with silent steps and ghosting between torchlight to minimize shadow casting. He kept one hand on the hilt of his dagger at all times, ready to draw in an instant of need. The others followed several paces behind him and the thief/spy was impressed by how well they moved. While he knew that he didn't need to worry about Link for…well…anything really, Matthew had been somewhat less sure about the other two members of their merry little rescue band.

Turns out he was worried for nothing.

Priscilla was naturally light footed, her petite frame and grace allowing her to be almost as silent as the thief himself, a far cry more stealthy than Serra thank Elimine. Sain was easily the noisiest walker among them but he was doing a remarkable job of staying quiet as well. He could never fully erase the noise his armour made as he moved but he was doing a very well despite it. The knight would have been all but unnoticeable in any situation with even a bit of background noise. Matthew was using this possibility to its full advantage. By moving in absolute silence ahead of the man who was making the most noise anyone sharp of hearing enough to detect them would assume the lead intruder was further away, giving Matthew the element of surprise. Matthew liked surprises, at least as long as he was the one doing the surprising.

The four comrades crept along until they reached an intersection. Matthew held up a hand to call for a halt and carefully peered around the corner to look down one hallway and then the other. He could hear the muffled voices of guards and prisoners alike echoing down the stone hallways and they needed to remain undetected for as long as possible. Seeing nothing, he waved his companions forward and slid in to the new corridor. Just as they were about to move forward, a door opened in front of them and a Laus soldier stepped out with a grumble of annoyance. Leave it to a man walking out of the privy to throw a kink in the works. The soldier blinked in surprise when he noticed the four of them standing a few feet to his left before his eyes widened in alarm.

Matthew was on him in flash. Like a wraith he covered the distance between them in an instant, grabbing the man by his wrist and slamming him into the stone wall. The sandy haired spy immediately clapped a hand over the man's mouth before ramming his dagger up his chin.

Priscilla barely managed to clap a hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp at the brutal action.

"Shhhhhhhh….." Matthew whispered softly. "No shouting now…that would be badbadbad …"

The dying man could only stare with wide, terrified eyes before slowly falling limp to the floor. With a light sigh of relief, Matthew wiped the blood from his dagger before standing up straight and listening to see if they had alerted anyone nearby. Hearing no change in the distant voices he let out a slow breathe.

"Elimine's light…" Sain whispered with a shudder. "What a way to go…"

Matthew gave him a wry grin. Catching people off guard was his preferred method of attack but this was the first time in recent memory that he had caught someone with their pants down in such a literal fashion. It was rather funny now that he thought about it.

"Let's just hope we don't have any more surprises like that," The thief replied easily and continued his forward creep.

Unfortunately at that point their luck ran out as a pair of guards turned a corner farther down the hall. They spotted the group easily and were shouting the alarm only seconds after.

"Well, damn…." Matthew groaned and readied his dagger once more.

xxx

The sounds of battle echoed through the halls and alerted both the guards and the prisoners.

"What's happening?!" One of the guards demanded.

"We're under attack!"

"Hah! You curs are in for it now!" A prisoner cheered heartily as the Lausian soldiers scrambled to action. Other prisoners joined in the jeering at the sudden turn of events and howled obscenities at the invaders. One of the prisoners, however, did participate.

"Opportunity knocks at last," Raven smirked before pushing off the wall and striding to the bars. "Hey, you." He called to one of the scrambling guards. "Let me out of here."

The soldier blinked at him in surprise, unsure if he had heard the man correctly.

"What?"

"Marquess Ostia's brother is among your enemy, right?" Raven continued. "Let me out, and I'll help you. But I must have the brother. I've a score to settle with House Ostia."

"Do you think me a fool?" The soldier baulked. "You work for house Caelin! I cannot trust your word!"

Raven merely shrugged. This man was a fool and he was panicked. Easily manipulated.

"Then I'll have to break down this door and go through you. You were using Lucius as a hostage," He gestured to the monk behind him. "but now he's here with me…"

"Uh…" The soldier hesitated, clearly not sure what to think.

Lucius, however, launched to his feet.

"No, Lord Raven! You mustn't! You cannot betray your debt to Marquess Caelin."

"Shut up, Lucius!" Raven whirled on him. "You think me foolish, but you don't understand… How about it?"

He stared at the soldier for a long moment before the man finally relented.

"Very well." He unlocked the door and opened it wide enough for Raven to step out. "Just remember, if you betray us, your companion dies."

"I see." Raven nodded, then shrugged as he walked away and grabbed a sword. "If that happens, you die next."

"Wait! You can't go!" Lucius cried out. "It's too dangerous!"

"Lucius, stay here and be quiet. I'll be back for you."

"Lord Raven!"

xxx

"So how many men do you think are down here?" Matthew shouted as he ducked away from guard and made room for Sain to engage him directly.

"Guards or prisoners?" The green clad knight asked, killing the guard with a swift stroke of his sword.

"Uhhh…Both?"

Sain shrugged before blocking another guard's attack.

"Hard to say, they could have an entire company crammed down here."

"Best guess?"

"20, 50, 100…we won't know until we get there."

"If we make it that far…" Matthew muttered as he darted in like a swallow and knifed a guard in the armpit just as he raised his sword.

"What's this?! You doubt our success?!" Sain's voice was aghast. "That is unacceptable my good man! I demand you cease your disbelief at once!"

"I'm just being saying anything could happen."

"Your negativity is unappreciated," Sain stated and kicked his current opponent's corpse out of the way. "And requires that you pay for a night of merriment at the tavern as compensation."

"Wait, what?!" Matthew blinked. "Why would I have to do that?"

"You obviously need the morale boost brought on by fine drink and company as well as the proper motivation to not be negative anymore."

Matthew stared at the exuberant knight for several long seconds, current combat situation notwithstanding, before sighing and chuckling to himself.

"You know, that might not be a bad idea actually. Can we bring Wil, too?"

"Elimine forbid we exclude Wil!" Sain proclaimed with a wide grin. "It will be like old times! Come! Let us finish here so we may celebrate!"

With that, Sain threw himself into the fray with even more enthusiasm than before, Matthew following close behind.

Priscilla watched them charge down a corridor, leaving her and Link behind.

"Should we….follow them?" She asked hesitantly, having been caught off guard by the direction of their conversation.

Link turned to look over his shoulder at the departing pair and shrugged before smacking away the guard who thought to rush him while he was distracted. "They'll be fine. This way should lead to the other half of the dungeon, I was going to suggest we split up here anyway."

"Oh, all right then," Priscilla nodded. "I'll follow you then."

Link nodded and proceeded to cut through several more guards in his way. He had honestly been expecting more Laus soldiers to be present than they had found. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it could mean that there were only a few Caelin soldiers down here. A small force would not need as many people to watch over it as a large one. He hoped that this wasn't the case now and that Laus was just short on man power.

His thoughts were brought up short when he came across a somewhat unusual sight.

"Hm?" Link paused and quirked an eyebrow at the man scowling at him from down the corridor. He was leaning against the wall at an intersection that joined several hallways leading towards rows of cells. His arms were crossed and he glared at the duo with cold, uncaring eyes.

"Hmph," the unidentified man scoffed. "So the commotion was a rescue party after all. I thought so." He stood up straight from the wall and turned fully towards them, resting one hand threateningly on the hilt of the sword buckled at his waist. "Are you a vassal of the Marquess Ostia?"

Link didn't answer his question; he asked one of his own instead. "You do not bear the colors of Laus. Are you a mercenary?"

The man scoffed. "Who I am is not your concern. All I need from you is whether or not you can take me to Marquess Ostia's brother."

"And if I can't?"

"Then I will kill you and find someone who can."

Link's eyes narrowed slightly at this. "That's a bold statement. What business do you have with the young lord?"

"I have a score to settle with him."

"Oh? What kind of score?"

"I have no reason to tell you. Take me to him."

Link's scowl deepened further. This guy was seriously starting to grate on his patience. Link was no stranger to the attitudes of cocky brigands that took courage in numbers and conceited nobles whose false bravado was built on a foundation of powder-puff pampering. He dealt with those types often enough, but it had been a long time since he come across someone so self-assuredly arrogant.

The Hero of Time was not unaware of the fact that he himself had spoken in such a manner to people before, his parley with Baulker being the most recent example. But in all those cases it had been directed towards someone who had legitimately pissed him off or purposefully used to make a point. He never spoke like that to anybody without reason. Doing so made far more enemies than friends and it was just plain rude. This guy on the other hand seemed to portray this attitude as his base state of being, a person who firmly believed that all those around were beneath him in some way.

And Link hadn't been 'beneath' anyone in a loooong time.

"If you have no reason to tell me, then I have no reason to take you anywhere," he growled.

"Hmph, then you are of no use to me," The man replied and drew his sword. He rested the blade against his shoulder and gestured to Priscilla who was standing a few feet behind Link. "Perhaps your companion will be more cooperative after I kill you."

Now THAT was the wrong thing to say. Threaten him all you want but Link had better be dead before you try to do so to any of his friends. Bad things tended to happen otherwise.

Link took a purposeful step forward and drew his own blade. His face twisted into a feral snarl before melting into a stoic expression of cold rage. The smart thing to do would be to just kill this idiot and move on to free the soldiers as soon as possible. It was, after all, what they had come to do in the first place and what Lyn, Eliwood, Hector, and the others were fighting to provide the distraction for.

Yes…the proper thing would be to beat him and move on. But…...this guy had just offhandedly threatened Priscilla and he also needed to have a cold dish of humility shoved right down his throat and Link reeeally wanted to smack him down a few pegs.

The unnamed man scoffed again, unimpressed by the display. "I am Raven. A man should know the name of the one who kills him." He introduced himself before leaping forward in a fast, somersaulting, jump slash. The flip was meant as a manoeuver to not only throw an opponent off guard but also to add power to the downward strike. Unfortunately for him, it was a move that Link was not unfamiliar with and he met the blow with ease. It was a good attack but Link noted that it wasn't as strong as Hector's and he didn't even flinch from the force. He turned the blow aside and countered with a moderately fast return slash. It wasn't really a serious attack, more of a probe to gauge the man's abilities. If he couldn't dodge it then the man would be dead and not worth Link's time, but Link's years of experience made him a pretty good judge of ability and he didn't believe this man would fall quite so unspectacularly. As expected, he dodged with ease and hopped back a step to settle into a guarded stance.

Link took note of Raven's posture and felt something…familiar in the way he held himself. He couldn't quite place what it was though and he quickly pushed the thought to the back of his mind. It was his turn to attack and he rushed forward to deliver a series of quick strokes aiming for the neck, shoulders, and sides of the man. Raven skilfully parried each blow and kept his scornful expression focused on Link.

The two swordsmen broke away after a few seconds to regard each other.

"Is that all you have?" the red-haired man frowned. "How disappointing."

Link raised an eyebrow. He should have felt angry at such a statement, especially with how irritating he had found the man only moments before. But, ironically, the comment amused him more than anything else. Did he really believe Link was being serious during that exchange? That it showcased the extent of his strength? If so then he was really suffering from delusions of grandeur because Link put forth more effort into grooming Epona than he had in that brief bout. On the other hand, Link now had a very good grasp of the red-headed mercenary's skill and he was somewhat disappointed.

With the way he acted one would think he would be stronger than he was. True, he was certainly stronger than the average foot soldier, but there was more than one person who could match this man in combat within the Legion alone, let alone Eliwood's band. Lyn, for one, would outright destroy him. But then that wasn't necessarily a fair comparison. Lyn was, after all, the chosen wielder of the Mani Katti and a prodigy of swordsmanship who trained hard every day and only accepted the very best from herself. Add that to her experience in battle, her constant spars with Link and the others, and the fact she had made it her ultimate goal to stand as an equal to the Hylian warrior, and you had a one seriously deadly young woman.

Compared to that…well, most people just didn't measure up and the red-headed mercenary barring their way was no exception.

That being sad, Link could sense a vast amount of potential within him; potential that he had yet to scratch the surface of. Link was a firm believer that the best way to learn about someone's true nature was to fight them. In a fight for your life it is impossible to hide who you really are from your opponent. The feelings of the heart were laid bare and one could look into the deepest recesses of the soul if one knew how. Through experience, one could learn to guard their hearts for an extended period of time and reveal as little as possible, but if one was observant enough then there was much that could be learned in a fight. In fact, high level fights between opponents of similar skill were often determined by whoever could pierce deepest into the mind of the other.

Thanks to his years of experience and lifetime of combat, Link was quite adept at both aspects. During the brief clash of blades he had felt a number of emotions from the young man that forced him to alter his opinion of the mercenary. There was focus, determination, and a cold rage smoldering just beneath the surface of his outward appearance. This was a man who was driven by something…a goal he desired to achieve above all else and led him to view the world through a narrowed lens.

Link could sympathize with him in that regard. He had been guilty of such feelings during his quest to defeat Ganondorf, but his friends had helped him show him that such focus was dangerous and one fight in particular had really opened his eyes.

The Hylian warrior fought to keep his composure neutral as he remembered the mirrored room in the Water Temple and his battle with his dark half. To this day Link wasn't sure if that fight had been real or just within his own mind, but he did know that it had been the most difficult trial of his life and he had walked away from it with a much clearer perspective of the world.

Yes…he didn't know what drove the red-headed swordsman, but he could sympathise with him. Unfortunately that goal of his seemed to involve Hector and that was where Link had to impede his path.

Sucked to be him.

Link didn't respond to Raven's taunt, instead he drew up straight and calmly sheathed his sword. He ignored Raven's smirk, obviously believing that Link was conceding defeat, and reached into his bag to pull forth a much more appropriate weapon.

The red-haired man blinked. Then blinked again.

"What…is that?" He growled.

Link responded by settling into a loose fighting stance, his weapon held in a neutral position.

"Do you mean to fight me with a stick?!" the mercenary demanded angrily, for indeed Link stood before him wielding a long piece of simple wood. There was no metal, leather, or cord used to reinforce or pad the stick, it wasn't carved to resemble a sword which meant that it wasn't even a practice weapon. It was just a plain old branch off of a tree. There was even a leaf still poking out of the side! "I guess that means you WANT to die! Hmph so be it!"

He charged with the full intent of splitting Link in two. His attack was fast, precise, and strong enough to break the guard of an average footman with ease. A mere stick would be useless.

So it was with great surprise that he felt his sword knocked upwards, the blow deflecting over the green-clad swordsman's head, when the simple piece of wood struck the broadside of the blade from below. The sudden turnaround was so fast that he had no time to react before he felt the same stick strike him a fetching blow across the face.

He gasped in pain and reeled backwards away from Link, one hand clutching at his cheek while his eyes burned murderous holes through Link's head. Link responded with the slightest of smirks, a barely perceptible upturning of one corner of his mouth, and one that couldn't have been more insulting to the proud mercenary. He gave the stick a minor flourish before crooking two fingers at the red-head in a 'bring it on' gesture.

For a brief moment that seemed to stretch for an eternity the two warriors stared at each other, one with a look of incredulity and anger, the other a calm countenance that simply dared one to challenge him. The red-haired mercenary glared harshly but didn't rush forward in anger like many would; instead he tightened he grip on his sword and reset his stance to regard Link in a new light. They stared at one another for a brief moment before the mercenary lunged forward again. He struck rapidly, slashing and stabbing in a whirlwind of motion aiming to overwhelm the Hylian. He struck with a ferocity born of rage and hate but each and every blow was either deflected in a similar manner to his first strike or skilfully dodged by the barest of margins. No matter what he did, he could not land a single attack. On the other hand, the red-haired swordsman felt the impact of that damned stick more times than he could count.

He was struck on the shoulders, chest, stomach, legs, arms, wrists, and even suffered a few more blows to the face. It was absolutely infuriating to the mercenary and the worst part about the exchange? None of the blows he suffered were dealt with near the amount of force they could have been. It was as if each strike was merely meant to point out the fact that he would be either dead or severely maimed under other circumstances. Like he was a boy being drilled by an old warmaster.

At first he was able to keep calm, Raven normally held himself above such weakness as giving in to blind anger, but with each passing second and every new hit the rage swelled in his veins until he could no longer keep it in.

Suddenly, he wasn't fighting the green swordsman anymore. In his mind he saw the horrors of his past: the dissolution of his house, his family, and his lands - and his inability to stop it. He had been too weak back then and he had sworn to one day avenge the crimes against his family. Raven had spent years with that vow being the sole purpose of his existence. He had fought to survive, cast off his name, struggled, and trained to become strong enough to exact his vengeance. Raven had thought he was ready. Believed he had become strong enough, that nothing could stand in his way. But now he was being forced, in a most blatant and humiliating way, to see that he was not nearly as strong as he believed he was.

It was as if the man he was fighting had become his ambition and each strike of the stick was a casual dismissal of Raven as a threat, like a master disciplining a pup who had snapped at his heels. After all, what hope did he have to avenge his family if he was so weak that a random swordsman was easily beating him with a stick?

Raven lost it then. Perhaps it was the realization that his vengeance was still so far out of reach, perhaps it was the blow to his hard earned pride as a warrior, or perhaps it was just one too many jabs to the chest that set him off. Whatever the cause, Raven's temper finally exploded outwards in a roar of rage that manifested in an all-out thrust towards the green clad swordsman.

Link responded to the attack with contemptuous ease, spinning around the attack and striking Raven across his shoulder blades hard. The red head grunted in pain and crashed to the ground, his sword skittering across the stone floor. He landed in a daze caused by both the impact and his dissipating anger. It took him a moment to register the gasp of surprise that emanated from the woman whose feet he had landed at. Blinking slowly from his stupor, Raven lifted his head to look at the girl and his eyes widened in alarm.

"Y-you?!" He wheezed with shock and made to lift himself up. However before he could rise an inch Raven was jerked up by his color and slammed against the stone wall. He grunted in pain but any further movement was halted by the powerful forearm that pressed him against the wall and the weapon held to his throat. Gone was the wooden stick that had been used to humiliate him, replaced by the infinitely sharper sword now poised to slit his jugular. If Raven would have looked into the face of his attacker he would have seen a look of cold fury that would have frozen his veins. Luckily for him, his eyes were focused solely on Priscilla.

"Can it be?" he whispered hoarsely.

"Hm?" Priscilla tilted her head slightly in confusion.

"It IS you…" Raven breathed heavily, a dangerous action for someone with a blade to his throat but he made no motion besides that. Link narrowed his eyes even further.

"Do you know this man, Priscilla?" His voice was stern and hard. He spoke to her but his gaze remained on the man at his mercy. When Raven had moved with his attention on the young woman, Link had perceived it as a threat to her. Not an unreasonable conclusion when he had subtly threatened her earlier. Link had cursed himself for getting so caught up in the 'fight' that he had let her come within dangers reach. He had reacted accordingly then, but now he sensed something else in the man's body language.

"I…" Priscilla stared at them intently, trying to put a name to the face of the other red head.

Her hesitation seemed to hurt Raven in some way for his countenance fell and his shoulders sagged slightly. "You don't… recognize me." He stated in soft voice that concealed a sharp pain. "That's not surprising. You were so young when we were separated..."

"What?" Priscilla blinked vapidly several times before suddenly widening. "Are you… " She took a step forward. "Raymond? My brother, Raymond?"

At her words a slight smile tugged the corners of Raven's mouth.

"You've grown, Priscilla…"

Hearing the confirmation of his identity, Priscilla ran forwards with a cry of joy and threw her arms around her brother, completely surprising Link who was half shoved away by the girl's jubilant action.

"Brother! My brother!"

Link watched the two embrace through stoic eyes. On one hand he felt happy for the young woman for suddenly finding an estranged brother. On the other he was watching a hardened mercenary who had recently stated he was willing to hurt his friend now being hugged by said friend. This created a rather unique juxtaposition that Link was unsure on how to respond. He didn't have long to think about it before Raven quickly broke the embrace and held Priscilla out at arm's length, his sharp eyes boring into hers.

"What are you doing here?" He demanded. "It's been ten years since Count Caerleon of Etruria took you in as his foster daughter…"

Priscilla beamed and nodded. "That's right. My adopted father has treated me with much kindness." Her smile softened to something a bit more solemn. "But I am of House Cornwell by birth."

Link blinked at that. Priscilla had introduced herself as the daughter of Count Caerleon when they had first met, but she had never mentioned anything like this. He didn't know much about Cornwell, but from the various tidbits of information he had garnered this past year he seemed to recall that it had once been a territory of the Lycian League. It had been dissolved some years ago for corruption, though the details of which were something Link could only guess at. Destruction or not however, if Priscilla was indeed of House Cornwall than she was of even higher noble standing than he realized. Technically only a step below Lyndis since Lyn was the heir of Caelin due to the lack of a male candidate. If this man was her older brother, then…..

Priscilla continued speaking oblivious to her companion's thoughts. "I still remember Father and Mother. I've never forgotten them. Or you, Raymond."

"…Priscilla…" Raven's face softened slightly though Link could see a flash of pain behind his eyes.

Priscilla bowed her head to rest her brow on her taller brother's chest.

"…..When I heard that House Cornwell was lost…I… I was so worried about you."

"So that's why you left Etruria?" Raven's question was more to himself than anything else but Priscilla made a confirming noise anyway. "You've come quite a way."

At this Priscilla lifted her head and gave him a brilliant smile.

"Dear friends of mine in Etruria helped me. They even provided a young mage to be my escort. Then we passed through Laus…" At this her smile grew tight and she forcibly suppressed a shudder at the memory. "The marquess learned of my lineage and refused to let me leave."

"He what?!" Raven's eyes narrowed as he growled in anger.

"He wished me to wed him. I would be there still if not for Lord Eliwood and his companions."

The young woman turned her attention to their silent observer and gave him a smile of eternal gratitude. Link couldn't help but return it with the barest of gestures, the action softening his scowl just enough to acknowledge her feelings. He rather liked Priscilla. She was very much like Rebecca in many ways: kind, earnest, hardworking, stubborn, and a bit naïve to the world. The only real difference in personality was that Priscilla had the bearing and manner of an exceptionally polite noble. The young woman was a very welcome addition to the party and Link was glad he had been able to help her when he did.

Raven, however, was hung up on the last thing she had said.

"His…companions?"

Priscilla turned back to him and nodded. "Sir Link, Lord Hector…They're all such kind people. I'm so glad I came to Lycia and met them. And now I've found you…"

Her brother didn't seem to hear much of her words. His face had twisted into something unpleasant at the sound of Hector's name.

"You've become friends with…him?"

Priscilla took a step back, alarmed by the venom in his voice, an expression of confusion on her face.

"Raymond?"

Her brother didn't acknowledge her. He simply stared at something only he could see with that same hard look on his face.

"… I see. Then I will join you."

At his words Priscilla's face lit up with joy and she clasped her hands in front of her excitedly.

"Dear Brother! Will you truly come with us?"

Raven nodded. "I could not refuse my little sister. And besides…"

"What is it?"

"It's nothing," Raven shook his head. "You're better off not knowing. Tell me, your lineage… Do Eliwood and his friends know of your heredity?"

"No, we've never spoken of it."

"I see…" Raven nodded again. "That is best."

Priscilla cocked her head to the side. "Brother?"

The red headed swordsman gave his sister a soft smile. "Priscilla, we must keep our relationship secret. OK?"

"All right…" She nodded slowly. "If you say we must…"

"Another thing, my name is Raven now. Raymond is…a name I've discarded."

"Brother…" Priscilla returned his smile. "You have your reasons, don't you? I understand. As long as we can travel together, I'm happy." She brightened further. "And if we continue on, we'll be able to see Father and Mother, too!"

Raven's face fell and he watched solemnly as his sister stepped away. "…Priscilla… That's…"

"Not so fast," A sharp voice cut in, startling both youths who had apparently forgotten they weren't alone. The both turned to see Link step towards them, his eyes narrowed dangerously at Raven. "What makes you think you can just invite yourself along? Especially after your recent actions?"

Priscilla gasped in surprise, clapping one hand to her mouth in shock, and gave him a pleading look.

"Sir Link! You can't mean to turn my brother away!"

"I can and I should," Link replied firmly. "He's made it quite clear that he means Hector ill and he's expressed his willingness to harm anyone to do so. Or did you forget that he threatened to hurt you after he killed me?"

"But he wouldn't have done that!" Priscilla denied vehemently. "He's my brother!"

"He didn't know that at the time," Link shrugged. "That was just a happy coincidence. If you weren't his sister than he would have hurt you."

"But…he didn't," The young princess stuck out her lip.

"Only because I was here. What if I had been someone else?"

"Well…you weren't, so it's ok, right?" She smiled tentatively.

Link sighed and shook his head. "Regardless, I won't allow someone I can't trust in our midst."

Priscilla's face fell. "But…"

"Do you plan to kill me then?" Raven cut in. "Because that's what you're going to have to do to stop me."

His sister gasped and quickly stood between Raven and Link as the green clad warrior's glare sharpened and he took another step forward.

"No!" She stretched her arms out protectively. "Please Sir Link! Don't kill Raymond!"

The Hylian stopped and considered her silently.

"He's the person that I left Etruria to search for," Priscilla continued. "Now that I've found him, please…don't take him away from me…"

Link's glare softened considerably and he moved to stand directly in front of the young woman.

"What would you have me do, Priscilla?" He whispered gently to her. "He's a threat. If I let him go he'll just come after us again."

"He could help us though…" She replied. "My brother is strong…and…" She bit her lip nervously. "I…love him. He's family…"

The Hero of Time stared at her for a long moment. After an expanse of time that seemed to stretch forever, he let out a deep sigh.

"Do you trust him?"

Priscilla didn't respond immediately but looked directly into his eyes before answering.

"I do."

Link sighed again. "Very well then."

Before anyone could react, Link whipped his arm forward with blinding speed. Raven had no time to move before Link's sword buried itself into the stone behind him a mere inch from his face. The shock from both siblings barely had the chance to register before Link had darted past Priscilla and was on him. He slammed Raven harshly back against the wall with his forearm and glared directly into the stunned redhead's eyes.

"You listen to me and you listen well," The Hylian's voice was full of steel. "The only reason you're still alive is because your sister begged me not to kill you and I trust her enough to give you a chance. But that's the only one you're going to get. If I sense so much as a thought of betrayal from you then mark my words, Raven…I WILL end you. Do you understand?" He glared into Raven's eyes, waiting for the young mercenary's response. It took all of the red head's willpower not to swallow nervously. While he was proud of his strength, he knew when he was outmatched and was not fool enough to deny it. The sword buried in the stone wall next to his head only reinforced what he already knew. It took a lot of power to drive a steel blade into stone and even if one managed to do it the metal would be terribly damaged. The fact that this sword had not only stuck cleanly into the wall but also appeared undamaged spoke volumes. Therefore his only logical choice was to nod his head in understanding.

"Good," Link stated as he ripped the sword from the wall and turned away. "Now then, you've wasted enough of our time. Let's go free the prisoners.

xxx

As it turned out, the soldiers of Caelin were in slightly less need of rescuing than expected. One of the more prudent of them had realized how dire the situation had been when Laus attacked and had taken it upon himself to conceal some weapons and a set of prison keys inside the cells. They had just waited for an opportunity to present itself where they could act. Hearing the commotion brought on by Link and the others had been just the thing they had been waiting for.

Once they had routed all the guards and regrouped, Sain revealed that he was definitely the correct person to rescue the imprisoned soldiers.

"Ah! My fellow knights! How glorious to see you all well!" He had announced upon seeing his comrades in arms.

"Sub-Commander! Is that you?!"

"Indeed it is I, Sain, you're heroic Sub-Commander come to free you so that we might drive these curs from our fair lands!"

"We are ready to fight, sir!"

"Does this mean that Lady Lyndis has returned already?"

"Yes it is true!" Sain proclaimed with all the fervor of a holy minister. "Our lady has come with the help of Lord Eliwood of Pherae and Lord Hector of Ostia to reclaim the castle!"

The cheers of the soldiers echoed throughout the dungeon halls at this news and made them eager to do their part to assist their princess.

"But that is not all my friends," Sain's voice dropped low but the force behind his words cut the cheers of his men short so he had no trouble being heard. "For our good fortune does not end with that. Oh no indeed, for St Elimine has chosen to shine her light on us this day and grant us a boon of divine proportions. For who should appear, my fellow men of Caelin, to our Lady's rescue in her time of need than the greatest of our allies! The man who singlehandedly decimated much of the traitorous Lundgren's men and who has sworn his loyalty to our Lady Lyndis! I tell you, none other than Sir Link himself!"

There was a pause after his declaration. A moment of stillness and silence as the soldiers registered this information.

"Is that true?" one of them whispered. "Has the Wanderer returned?"

Sain did not answer. He simply gave them the widest grin he could possibly manage and turned to indicate Link standing several paces away from him with a grand flourish of his hands.

Link, to his credit, didn't flinch at the sudden attention that every single person in the dungeon suddenly directed at him. He met their gazes impassively for a few seconds before he cracked a light smirk and raised a hand in greeting.

"Hi."

Silence filled the area once more for several long moments. Then a roar of such magnitude filled the air that observers would have feared for the structural integrity of the stone around them. With his words and grand presentation Sain had awakened a beast made up of loyal Caelin men that would have done absolutely anything. If he had asked them to march on the very gates of Hell at that moment, they wouldn't have just followed him - they would have raced him.

Saying that they left or emerged from the dungeons would be a wholly inadequate description of the men of Caelin entering the caste proper. They didn't charge, race, or even stampede out of the castle vaults. They had done none of these meagre things. With a mighty roar that echoed throughout the entire structure, the soldiers of Caelin had exploded forth and swept through the castle like an unstoppable wave washing away the filth. Their momentum only increased when they came upon the clashing forces of Eliwood's Company and Laus. Upon seeing their liege lady alive, unharmed, and fighting like the wind itself, the men of Caelin had ploughed right through what remaining forces Laus had left. Lyn, herself, had killed the Knight Commander of Laus, Bernard, so quickly that few people had even time to notice their interaction, the Mani Katti making short work of his armour.

When they were done, not a single man from Laus was left within. With the way cleared, Lyn charged for the throne room in search of her last remaining kin.

"Grandfather!" She burst into the room with swords drawn followed closely by Eliwood and the others. "Grandfather! Where…"

"Lord Hausen?" Eliwood called. "Where are you?"

"Eliwood," Hector waved at his friend from where he stood. "Here, on the floor… It's blood."

Lyn whirled on him. "Blood? No! It can't be!"

"Lyndis!" Eliwood spoke sharply. "Calm down. He might only be injured. Come, let us find him."

Lyn paused in her frantic movements to stare at him for a moment before taking several deep breaths.

"Yes, you're right. I must be calm." She closed her eyes to center herself when a sudden noise caught her attention. "There! Over there! There's someone…"

Eliwood put a hand to his rapier and stepped forward.

"Who's there? Show yourself!"

At his words, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a woman with auburn hair and a purple tunic wrapped in a tan cloak.

Hector blinked in surprise. "You… Leila!"

The now identified woman gave a short bow of her head.

"Yes, it's me, Lord Hector. It's been a long time."

"You know her?" Eliwood turned to his friend.

Hector nodded slowly. "Yes, her name's Leila. She…" He hesitated slightly. "works for Ostia…"

Eliwood raised an eyebrow at him which caused Hector to throw up his arms in resignation. "All right, she's a spy."

Leila's lips quirked up slightly in a tiny smirk before turning her attention to the other two nobles in the room.

"Lord Eliwood of Pherae and Lady Lyndis of Caelin, correct? I am Leila." She bowed to them. "Pleased to make your acquaintance." She then indicated the small door behind her leading out of the throne room. "Lady Lyndis, Marquess Caelin is back there receiving treatment."

Lyn gave her a sharp look.

"My grandfather is safe?!"

Leila nodded slowly. "…His life is yet his own."

"Ah!" Lyn cried out in relief and sank to her knees. "Father Sky and Mother Earth! I thank you for your mercy!"

Without wasting a moment more, Lyn dashed through the door to find her grandfather.

Everyone watched her depart in silence for a moment before the young lord of Ostia turned to female spy.

"Leila, what are you doing here?"

"I… I'm following Lord Uther's orders." She replied. "I'm investigating Marquess Pherae's disappearance."

At this Eliwood stepped forward. "My father? What have you learned?"

Leila stared at him for a moment before she sighed and turned away.

"Come with me. We should talk in private."

xxx

Leila eyed the rooms occupants impassively from where she stood, with arms crossed, leaning against the edge of a desk. She knew the heirs of Ostia and Pherae for obvious reasons and also recognized Caelin's long lost princess who had come back after she had found her grandfather sleeping under the watchful eye of chancellor Reissmann. However, Leila did not know the strange warrior in green that both Lord Eliwood and Lady Lyndis had insisted be present for their meeting. As such, the spy was trying to decide what she should say and how much she was supposed to reveal in the presence of the unknown man.

"Well, Leila?" Hector prompted gruffly, obviously impatient. Leila inwardly smiled at his demeanor. That was one thing that she liked about Lord Hector and his brother Lord Uther, neither of them liked wasting time with polite niceties. She decided then that she might as well give a full report while she had the chance. If all three nobles had allowed the man in green to be present during a meeting with a spy then they must trust his discretion.

"Let me start with my conclusion," Leila began and turned her attention to Eliwood. "Marquess Pherae… is alive."

Eliwood visibly sagged at this news and the two other nobles gave their own shouts of excitement.

"Whooooo! Eliwood!" Hector clapped a large hand on his friend's shoulder. "You hear that? We still have time!"

"That's wonderful!" Lyn beamed brightly, all too familiar with the relief such news could bring.

"Are you sure?" Eliwood asked hesitantly.

Leila nodded. "I've been posing as a member of the Black Fang for several months. That's where I got this information. I believe it is true."

"Black Fang…" Eliwood cocked his head. "They're the assassins guild that Erik spoke of."

"They're also the group that hunted Ninian and Nils," Link added softly, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Are you sure, Link?" Lyn asked. The Hylian nodded and Lyn's frown soon mirrored his own.

"And this group knows where my father is?" Eliwood asked.

Leila nodded again. "Yes, we've known of their existence for quite some time."

Hector frowned at this news.

"Explain."

"The Black Fang is a guild of assassins founded about ten years ago by Brendan Reed. They're based in Bern. Their arms spread rather quickly in several other countries. Originally, they targeted only nobles who abused their positions. The masses saw them as chivalrous, defenders of the common man. Their activities found wide support."

"Hmph," Hector snorted. "Chivalrous assassins…"

"It may be hard to believe, milord," Leila shrugged. "But to the common folk, especially those who suffer under the laws of the higher class, men who seem to act in their benefit and accomplish the things that they wish to do but lack the means are held in high regard."

"I suppose that makes sense," Hector grudgingly admitted. "I suppose that's why my brother didn't act against them?"

"Yes," the spy confirmed. "The Black Fang, while technically a group of assassins, tended to conduct themselves in a manner more befitting a group of mercenaries. The only targets they assassinated were corrupt nobles or particularly notorious criminals that preyed upon the commoners. Almost every place that the Black Fang did business in was better off for it."

Leila then frowned as she continued.

"Then about a year ago, Brendan got married again. Black Fang's operations have slowly changed since then. Now, they'll take on any target, no matter how difficult, as long as they're paid. And they're no longer killing only criminals; anyone is a fair target."

Lyn face turned hard. "Is this Black Fang responsible for what's happened to my grandfather?"

Leila turned to the young Sacaean woman and nodded. "Yes. We've learned of a mystery man named Nergal, behind Reed's wife. It seems the Black Fang is performing secret tasks across Lycia for him."

"A smart move," Link mused. "Subvert the leader and gain a group of men who can do his dirty work."

"That's what I believe as well," Leila nodded. She was beginning to like this man. He was smart and seemed to understand the larger picture behind her report. "Nergal's trusted retainer Ephidel is with Marquess Laus. He manipulated Laus into hatching the rebellion plot against Ostia."

Her face grew sombre at this point. "The first to answer Laus's call for rebellion was… Marquess Santaruz."

Eliwood stiffened at the mention of the now deceased marquess.

"Lord Helman… Why would you…"

"Next…" Leila continued. "was Lord Elbert, Marquess Pherae."

Eliwood snapped his head to her in shock. "You're telling me that my father endorsed this plan?!"

Leila shrugged calmly. "I cannot say. All I know is that he answered the call to meet with Laus. What his motives were are anyone's guess. I do, however, know that he is with Marquess Laus currently. In a place called… the Dragon's Gate."

"Dragon's Gate?" Eliwood blinked. "Where is that? I've never heard of such a place."

"Few people have," Leila admitted.

"I've heard of it," Link stated, once again catching everyone's attention. "Or rather I read about it in Etruria while I was searching for a way home."

This statement caused different reactions within the small group. Lyn's eyes brightened slightly, hoping that Link may have made some progress in his search. Eliwood and Hector were both surprised to hear he had heard of the mysterious place. Leila, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes slightly at him. It wasn't the fact that he had heard of the Dragon's Gate that piqued her interest. It was the part about searching for a way home in Etruria, the magical center of Elibe, that gave her pause. She hadn't missed Link's pointed ears or the somewhat unusual garb that he wore. While far from the strangest things she had seen in her life, several things added up to paint a rather intriguing picture around the warrior. Of course, as a spy, that sort of intrigue was basically the center of her world so it wasn't surprising that she was interested.

"Really?" Eliwood tilted his head towards Link. "What did you learn?"

The Hylian shrugged. "Not much I'm afraid. It was a portal supposedly built and used by the ancient dragons to leave Elibe after the Scouring War."

"Are you serious?!" Eliwood gasped. "Dragons?"

"Hence the name, Dragon's Gate," Hector muttered.

"Yes," Link agreed. "Unfortunately the records I was able to access publicly had little information beyond that. I couldn't find any reference as to where it might be or even if it truly exists."

"It exists," Leila said, once again impressed by the man. "It is on an isle called Valor, off the southern coast of Lycia." She then sighed and shook her head. "I apologize, but that is all the information I have."

Hector cursed under his breath and Eliwood's shoulders slumped. "Of all places to be, Valor… Blast!"

"What kind of place is it?" Lyn asked, having never heard of the island.

Eliwood rubbed a hand on his face and let out a long breath.

"It's said that those who step onto the island never return. The common folk call it the Dread Isle."

"Seems like an appropriate place to for something to remain unnoticed." Link noted.

"True," the young Pheraean agreed. "But if that's where my father is, I will go and find him. And this 'Dragon's Gate,' too!"

"I'm going with you," Hector proclaimed immediately. "I'll tell you right now, you can't stop me. So don't even try."

Eliwood couldn't suppress the smile that spread across his face and he clasped a hand on his large friend's shoulder.

"I'm also going."

Eliwood blinked in surprise and turned to the new voice.

"Lyndis?" He shook his head. "I appreciate your kindness, but… Shouldn't you stay with Marquess Caelin?"

"Laus must be stopped," Lyn stated resolutely. "Otherwise, they might target my grandfather again. I also wish to help your father. There's also the fact that I still owe you for your help last year."

She then gave him a tight smile. "Besides…Losing a parent… It's an unbearable pain. It's something I'd rather you didn't have to feel yet."

Eliwood just stared at her for a long moment before he bowed his head low.

"Lyndis… Hector… Thank you. You give me strength."

"Don't mention it," Hector snorted and turned away while Lyn simply smiled.

"We're friends. It's what friends do, Eliwood."

Leila gave them their moment before she rose from the table.

"I'm also going to continue searching. But Lady Lyndis, I think it would be prudent to let the world think Marquess Caelin is dead."

Lyn nodded.

"I understand. I'll do that. Thank you."

Leila bowed to her.

"No thanks necessary. If you'll excuse me."

She moved to leave but Hector called her to stop.

"Leila!"

"Yes?"

Hector crossed his arms.

"Nergal and this…Ephidel? What are they like?"

Leila turned back to him.

"I've yet to lay eyes on Nergal…I've spoken to Ephidel on several occasions, however," she paused for a moment, unsure exactly how to describe the inhuman figure that was Ephidel. "He's…eerie….He always wears a cloak that covers his face. And yet…" She paused.

"What is it?" Hector prompted

"His eyes glow golden… You can't miss them. They seem…inhuman."

With that, the spy left, leaving the rest of them to ponder their next move.

xxx

It was early evening outside in the castle courtyard and the grounds were full of activity. Men and women alike were bustling about trying to deal with the aftermath of the battle. Bodies needed to be removed, quick repairs needed to be made on essential structures, wounds needed tending, and much more. There were certainly no idle hands among them. It was the perfect time to slip away and Leila fully intended to do just that.

"Hold up a moment," a voice called somewhat surprising her. The Ostian spy turned with an eyebrow raised in curiosity when she saw the strange warrior, Link, walking towards her.

"Can I help you, Sir Link?"

"Yes," He replied and halted a few feet away from her. "I'd like to know more about this Ephidel person."

"I've already told you all I know."

"I'm not talking about facts or hard evidence." Link shook his head.

Leila tilted her head to the side. "Then what do you want?"

"You say you've encountered him several times, however brief, tell me what it felt like to be in his presence. What were his mannerisms, method of speech? What did your instincts say about him?"

The auburn haired spy stared at him for several long moments. Finally she spoke.

"Ephidel…cannot be trusted. He's cold, silver tongued, and speaks without emotion. He has completely wrapped marquess Laus around his finger yet I've heard him say that the marquess is almost worthless. To him, Darin is simply a piece to be moved around a board. Every fiber of my being screams at me to get as far away from him as I can. And his eyes…." She couldn't suppress the shudder that ran down her spine. "He doesn't feel…human."

"Hmmm," Link crossed his arms thoughtfully. "And yet he himself is but a pawn to this…Nergal."

"I believe so, yes," Leila nodded.

"I see," Link turned his head to gaze towards the horizon as if lost in thought. He stayed that way for several moments and Leila began to wonder if that was all he wanted. She was just about to excuse herself when he turned back to her.

"You're going back there aren't you?"

"It is my assignment."

"Maybe so, but I wouldn't recommend it."

"Oh?" Leila placed a hand on hip. "And why is that?"

"What if you're caught?"

Leila scoffed and glared at him. "You think I don't know that? I've been a spy for a long time. The risk comes with the job."

Link raised his hands in a placating manner. "I do not doubt your ability. I just have a feeling that you may be in more danger than you know."

"What makes you think that?" Leila continued to glare at him. Link shrugged.

"Just a feeling. This Nergal may be a lot more dangerous than you realize."

Leila was about to make a smart retort to that comment but Link interjected before she could.

"You say that the Black Fang changed about a year ago?"

The spy blinked, then nodded. "A little over, yes."

"Hmmm…" Link rubbed his chin. "Did you ever come across any information about a pair of siblings, a boy and a girl, both young with red eyes and greenish blue hair?"

"Uh…not that I can recall…Why?"

"I met them last year, they were on the run from the Black Fang but wouldn't tell me why. I didn't think much of it at the time but now something about their situation troubles me."

"Like what?" Leila asked rather curious about this new piece of information.

"They were a unique pair with interesting abilities and they're pursuers were…rather adamant about capturing them. I can't help but believe now that Nergal wanted them for some reason."

"I…see…"

"Just be careful…" Link said. "This rebellion by Laus, the sudden changing of the Fang, and the sibling's plight…the whole thing feels a lot more complicated and dangerous than it seems."

He fixed her with a stern gaze that made Leila flinch slightly. "Your cover might not be as secure as you'd like."

The spy was stunned. To stunned to form an immediate reply. She had not known about the people Link was referring to, but now that she did a small lump of uncertainty had formed in her belly. What if he was right? She was about to reply when a new voice cut in.

"Is that you, Leila?"

She blinked again and turned to see a sandy haired man she recognized approaching with an enormous grin on his face. She couldn't help it, she smiled as well.

"Matthew. It's been a long time."

"Too long," Matthew agreed. "What have you been doing? More dangerous work?"

Leila giggled.

"We're spies, Matthew. Everything we do is dangerous."

"That's true," Matthew sighed dramatically. "Such is our life." He then turned to Link.

"I see you've met our resident destroyer of basically everything."

Both Leila and Link blinked at him, though Link quickly turned it into a chuckle.

"Just wanted to have a quick word," Link said and turned to leave. "Keep in mind what I said, Leila."

The two spies watched him depart, one a bit bewildered, the other curious.

"What did he say to you?" Matthew asked.

"He…wanted some more information about a man in the organization I'm infiltrating and he…warned me to be careful."

"I see," the sandy haired spy nodded. "You should listen to him then."

"Oh?" Leila raised an eyebrow at him. "Why do you say that?"

"He's the man I told you about."

Leila cocked her head to the side in confusion for a moment before her eyes widened and she jerked her head to stare at the retreating figure.

"Him?"

"Yeah," Matthew nodded. "Whatever he said to you, Leila, I'd take heed. He's not your average warrior by any means, and I trust him."

Leila simply stared at her friend. That was probably the highest praise Matthew could give to someone, which gave his words significantly more weight. It couldn't hurt to be a little more careful…

So how long do you think this mission's going to last?" Matthew interrupted her thoughts.

Leila shook her head lightly to clear her thoughts before turning back to him.

"My objective is the same as yours: to rescue Marquess Pherae. If things go well, I'll be in Ostia at the same time as you are."

"Is that so?" Matthew beamed at her. "That's good news. I have something for you."

"Oh?" Leila raised an eyebrow and she adopted a more aloof pose with one hand on her hip and her face slid into sultry, languid smile.

Matthew simply grinned at her and produced a golden necklace with a ruby pendant. The same one he had looted from Araphen last year. Leila was barely able to suppress the gasp that threatened to burst from her throat at the sight of the beautiful piece of jewelry. She took it gingerly from his hand and gently touched the precious gem.

"When you get back," Matthew spoke quietly. "You need to visit my hometown."

"Where you were born?" Leila tore her gaze away from the necklace to stare at him. "Why?"

Matthew grinned slyly at her.

"…To meet my parents."

This time she did gasp, however lightly, and her eyes widened again.

"Matthew…"

But before she could say more, the sandy haired man laughed and darted away.

Well, that's that! See you!"

Leila watched him disappear into a crowd of people nearby and clucked her tongue in disapproval.

"As slippery as ever…" She muttered under her breath before a slow smile spread across her face. She eyed the necklace he had just given her before she slipped it over her head and hid it beneath her tunic. "Didn't even wait for my reply."

xxx

Lyn sighed tiredly as she slumped on one of the cushioned benches in the hall outside her grandfather's quarters. The relief she felt from knowing he yet lived was so profound that it was almost paralyzing. Combine that with the bone deep weariness that can only come from prolonged combat and Lyn was left with barely strength enough to keep herself in a, somewhat, seated position.

"You all right?" A voice from beside her broke the silence of the hall and she turned her head just enough to gaze at the approaching figure.

"Ah…Link," She gave him a tired, but warm, smile. "I'm fine. Just…a bit tired."

Link nodded in understanding and silently moved to sit beside her. They stayed that way for a few minutes, neither of them feeling the need to speak for a time, and simply enjoyed each other's company. Lyn inhaled deeply through her nose and sat up a bit straighter for a brief moment before exhaling slowly. She shifted her position slightly as she did so that her body was leaning against Link's side and rested her head on his shoulder.

"You came back."

It was a simple statement, but her voice carried a distinct undertone of pleasure and relief.

Link let out a low, rumbling, chuckle which she felt resonate through her body.

"Are you surprised?"

"MmMmm," She shook her head lightly. "I was a bit shocked at first. I fervently wished that you were here at the time but I knew it was an unlikely to happen." She lifted her eyes slightly and gave him a tender smile. A smile filled with sincere gratitude and affection and one that Link readily returned. "I didn't expect you to show up when you did, but...you've always been there when I needed you most."

The young Sacaean was an unquestionably strong woman, of that there was no doubt. She had a fierce pride in her heritage and an unshakable loyalty to her friends that made many people love and respect her. Lyn worked hard to improve herself every day, whether it be her swordplay or capabilities as the heir of Caelin, and strove to fulfil her responsibilities to the absolute best of her abilities. No one that knew her could doubt her courage or character.

Yet despite this, Lyn was also emotionally fragile. It was not long ago that she had witnessed her entire clan and parents massacred by ruthless bandits and she had been powerless to do anything about it. Despite being the daughter of the chief, none of the survivors would follow her lead because she was both young and a woman. She had tried to rally them together, she honestly did, but her old fashioned people would not listen to her. Their pride had cost them their lives.

For months after Lyn had lived alone, struggling to live and move on with her life while trying to cope with the trauma from that terrible day. The damage to her psyche had only increased when she had gone back to the remains of her clan's campground to salvage whatever she could from the aftermath of the bandit attack. The sight of the mangled bodies of her people strewn about in drying pools of blood was forever burned into her mind and filled her entire being with feelings of despair and rage.

It was then that she had come across Link, unconscious and lying in the middle of the plains.

That chance meeting had changed her life in ways that she could scarcely imagine. Since then she had learned of her true heritage and the existence of her last blood relative, fought a civil war in a race against time to meet him, and taken up the mantle of a princess - all within the space of a year.

And Link had been an immovable pillar of strength throughout all of it. He had appeared in her life at the exact moment when she had truly needed him and Lyn had latched onto his presence with the unconscious desperation of a man clinging to a raft at sea during a hurricane. Link had been her lifeline during a storm of uncertainty and emotional pain and an unyielding sentinel against the physical trials thrown at her. Lyn believed with every fiber of her being that without Link's presence she would have not only died long ago, but also broken down in complete despair.

Even now, a year later, she had been faced with the same scenario that had shattered her world in Sacae: an attack upon her home and family. Her grandfather, while safe now, had faced the very real threat of death and he had forced Lyn to abandon him for her own safety. Such events did no favors for the delicate state her slowly healing heart and mind had achieved. But once again Link had been there to strengthen her.

"Of course," he smiled again and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, gently pressing her closer to him. "That's what friends are for."

"Hmmm," Lyn smiled happily and settled back down, inhaling once more to breath in his scent, and revelled in the comfort of his company. Her friend had returned to her.

They sat in silence for a few more moments, giving Lyn the time to resettle her thoughts and regain a bit of energy.

"I missed you," She whispered softly, knowing that Link's sharp ears would have no trouble picking up the words despite their quiet tone.

"And I you," he replied gently although not as quietly as she did. "It's good to see that you are well." He paused for a moment before the corners of his mouth quirked up in a half smile. "You're stronger."

The statement brought a pleased little smirk of her own to Lyn's face and she sat up straight to give him a pointed look. He had said as much earlier when they had met in the woods but the words seemed to carry more weight this time.

"You expected anything less?"

Link gave a quick snort of amusement and shook his head.

"Not in the least. You, Lyndis, are nothing if not dedicated and determined. I never doubted that you would grow stronger," He flashed her a challenging grin, "the question is: how much?"

Lyn met his grin with feline smile of her own. "Would you care to find out?"

The Hylian hero tapped his chin in thought for a moment before glancing at the three swords she wore.

"Why three blades?"

Lyn followed his gaze down to the two swords at her hip and moved one hand to touch one of them. She closed her eyes for a moment and took in a slow breath before responding, her words cool and meaningful.

"My father always taught me that it is not the sword that makes the warrior. A weapon is but a useless tool if one lacks the ability and judgement to use it properly. While I have come to accept that the Mani Katti has chosen me, it is still a sacred blade to my people and not one to be used lightly. It is my responsibility as its wielder to see that its power is not misused and to become skilled enough to be truly worthy of it." She gave him a sheepish look. "It's a rather…humbling burden at times. That is why I carry a third sword."

Link nodded in understanding and took a moment to think over what she had said.

"Do all Sacaeans believe as you do?"

Lyn tilted her head to one side in thought before shrugging lightly. "In a way, I suppose. While we do have customs and beliefs common throughout the plains, the various tribes have their own interpretations on philosophies and fighting styles that can differ from others."

"Hmmm, I see…What are some of the common views on swordsmanship?"

"Well…" Lyn thought for a moment, slightly curious as to why he was asking her such questions when they had discussed topics like this at length before. "For one thing, we consider our swordsmanship as much of an art as it is a means to kill and therefore a great deal of discipline is put into the teaching of a style. Many students and apprentices will train for years without ever being allowed to touch a real blade until their master deems them ready. Attempting to do so beforehand is considered dishonourable and often results in harsh punishment."

She glanced down at the Mani Katti at her hip and sighed again. "You can often gauge the ability of a swordsman from Sacae by the quality of the blade they wield…Which is another reason why I need to be much better than I am."

Link chuckled again and nodded once more. Anybody who carried the Mani Katti at their hip would be expected to be among the very best of swordsmen if that was the case.

"And what level would you expect someone who wields a Killing Edge to be at?"

Lyn blinked at him, her eyebrows lifting in surprise.

"A Killing Edge? Why do you ask? Have you met somebody with one?"

Link didn't reply immediately but gestured for her to continue. She gave him a dubious look for a few seconds before continuing slowly.

"There are several stages of skill recognized in Sacae: disciple or pupil, apprentice, myrmidon or journeyman, Swordmaster, and Grandmaster. There is also the title of Sword Saint that is recognized throughout Elibe as belonging to the greatest swordsman in the land."

She paused to take a breath before continuing.

"As you know Killing Edges are incredibly sharp and designed to do just that: kill. But they are also relatively fragile when compared to sturdier blades and aren't meant to stand up to repeated blows against other metals. As such anyone who wields one would be expected to be at least the level of a Swordmaster, someone capable of dealing swift death in a single stroke. Swordsmen of such skill would wear one as both a symbol of their ability and their willingness to shed blood."

"Hmmm," Link nodded. "Would you use one?"

Lyn gave a sharp snort of amusement and shook her head. "Me? No. I am not at that level yet. If I was to rate myself, which is often considered an invalid assessment to others, I would claim somewhere between a mid to high ranked journeyman at best."

Link made a gesture of agreement and folded his arms in quiet thought. He felt that Lyn gave a very accurate measure of her own skill despite her humble tendencies. She was definitely stronger than the average myrmidon, but was still a long ways from claiming the level of a Swordmaster; which gave Link the opportunity to solve a certain problem as well as seeing a bit of how much she had grown.

"Then perhaps you could help me with something."

She gave him a serious expression and straightened even further.

"Anything."

He smiled at her and tilted his head in acknowledgment. "There is a swordsman from Sacae in Eliwood's party around your age, perhaps a bit younger." He sighed lightly and scratched the top of his head. "He's skilled and has a lot of potential, but he's not as strong as you are."

Lyn's eyes narrowed as she followed the train of thought and she let out a huff of disdain.

"And yet he carries a Killing Edge, does he not?"

Link grinned at her and nodded. Lyn's frown deepened and she shook her head in disapproval before crossing her arms.

"I see your problem then. He is overconfident of his ability and seeks to build a reputation; one which he cannot live up to."

"Yes," Link agreed. "And our group is too small to have such a weakness hampering us."

"But neither can you confront him about it since none of you are from Sacae. He would not accept such criticism even if you do beat him," She sighed again. "We of the Plains do not tell lies, but we can fall victim to our own pride and misjudge our skills. It is not a lie to us if we believe it is true. That is why assessing your own skills is considered a meaningless appraisal."

She nodded once to herself and gave Link a direct look. "Take me to him."

The Hylian blinked at her. "Now?"

"Yes."

"Don't you think you should rest first? You've had a long day and this can wait till tomorrow."

Lyn shook her head. "I'm rested enough for now. We may not have time later and this needs to be nipped in the bud while we have the chance. Besides…." She gave him a light smile. "I could…use the distraction right now…"

He stared at her neutrally for a long moment before nodding and turning down the hall, gesturing for her to follow him. He led her down and out of the castle into the courtyard where what was left of Caelin's soldiers had taken up defensive positions in the wake of the battle. Eliwood's group had also set up a base camp amongst them. Link quickly spotted Marcus barking out a few orders and helping organize the efforts to give medical attention to the wounded.

"Marcus!" He called out to the veteran knight who gave him a nod of acknowledgment as they approached.

"Sir Link."

"How are things going down here?"

"As well as can be expected," the older man replied seriously. "We've secured the area and rounded up whatever prisoners surrendered during the conflict, mostly whatever servants and squires accompanied the army. There's not a single Laus soldier left. Most of the seriously wounded have been seen to and we're just wrapping up the last bit of minor injuries."

"Hmmm," Link made an approving rumble in his throat. "Good. Have you seen Guy anywhere by chance?"

"Guy? The last I saw him, he was over there by the supply wagons." Marcus gestured to the train of carts where they could see Merlinus bustling about with a scroll in hand.

"Thanks Marcus," Link nodded and he and Lyn moved towards the wagons. Their progress was slowed somewhat as they passed Caelin soldiers and Lyn paused to say a few words to everyone they encountered. Link watched these exchanges with a quiet smile on his face, seeing firsthand how much the young woman had grown into her position as a princess and how much she had come to love her people. Their pace might have been slowed, but Link would not have interrupted her for anything. When at last they reached Merlinus the neurotic merchant had finally paused for a moment to scratch a few things on the scroll with his quill.

"Merlinus, have you seen Guy anywhere?" Link asked as they walked up to him.

"Yes, yes," the merchant nodded absently, not looking up from his work. "He came by a few moments ago for some food. He's probably over by one of the fires."

"Alright, thanks Merlinus," Link smiled to the merchant who responded wordlessly with an absent wave of his quill. Link chuckled at that, the noise catching Lyn's attention and caused her to raise an eyebrow in a silent question.

"Merlinus is really in his element right now," he replied lightly, still chuckling. "Otherwise he'd be babbling nonstop about something or other and trying his very best to be useful which generally leads to him making a nuisance of himself more than anything else. He's a bit enthusiastic in that regard."

"I see," Lyn nodded and turned her head slightly to look at the merchant over her shoulder.

"Ah there he is," Link stated calmly, bringing her attention forward again where she could see a young man with green hair like her own dressed in Sacaean garb and sitting on a crate by one of the small fires set up for the evening. He was running a whetstone down his sword and Lyn stiffened slightly when she saw that the blade was indeed forged of the same process that gave the metal the distinct red hue which marked it as a Killing Edge.

"I see him," Lyn nodded sharply. Her eyes were narrowed and she unconsciously tightened her grip on one of her own swords. "Let me handle this."

She stepped forward ahead of Link and into the light of the fire. She moved to stand before the young man, her face schooled into a neutral expression, and looked down at him.

"You are, Guy?" She asked her tone even, making the words more of a statement than a question. The youth in question paused in his work and arched an eyebrow at her.

"Who wants to know?"

His reply was also even although his tone carried a hint of disinterest, giving the impression that he was paying attention but didn't really care about the conversation.

"A daughter of the Plains and fellow swordsman."

"Reeaally?" Guy responded dryly, a touch of amusement in his voice as he eyed the three blades Lyn carried. "Well then, daughter of the Plains, I am Guy of the Kutolah Tribe. What name may I know you by?"

"I am Lyn of the Lorca Tribe."

"The Lorca?" Guy's eyebrows rose in surprise at that and he straightened up a bit. "Truly? I thought the clan was destroyed over a year ago."

"It was," Lyn replied softly. "I am the only survivor."

Guy rose slowly to her feet and gave her a formal bow. "I mourn for your loss, daughter of the Lorca. May Father Sky guide your way."

"Thank you," Lyn returned his bow with one of her own. After that, with their greeting out of the way, Guy settled back down on his crate.

"How may I serve you this night?" He asked, picking his whetstone back up as he did.

Lyn watched him for a few moments before answering. "I'm curious…you are a swordsman of some skill are you not?"

"I am," Guy replied proudly. "I aim to be the best swordsman in the world."

"A noble goal and a difficult path."

"Nothing worthwhile in life is easy."

"Very true," Lyn nodded in agreement. "but tell me, does your blade match your skill?"

The whetstone froze in place mid-stroke and Guy tilted his head up to regard her with narrowed eyes.

"Why do you care?" His tone was frosty, dangerous, and guarded.

Lyn met his hard gaze flatly and responded without fear or hesitation. "I wish to know if you are as good as you claim to be."

"Hmph," Guy snorted. "Are you hoping for some lessons? Wouldn't your time be better spent learning to cook or sew?"

Lyn suppressed the flash of hot anger that raced through her with the ease of much practice. It was not a new opinion to her; women of the plains were responsible for much of the domestic affairs of the nomadic tribes and most were happy to do so. While female warriors were not uncommon, there were proportionately far fewer of them when compared to the men. As such most tribes held the belief that women were unsuited for combat and therefore any woman that chose to pursue the path of a warrior had a steep hill to climb to gain the same respect afforded by the men. Granted once they had done so no one ever knowingly disrespected them again, but the struggle to reach that point was often an arduous one.

Lyn, while much loved by her clan, had not gained the level of respect needed to claim a form of authority before the attack on her people, despite being the chieftain's daughter. If she had, then the few survivors of her clan may have been willing to follow her at the time. As it stood, however, they had not and they had died because of it.

Now, however, things were different. Lyn had fought, struggled through, and overcome many trials and obstacles in the last two years and had gained a far greater measure of strength in more than one area because of them. She knew what she was capable of, knew her strengths and her weaknesses, and had learned how to deal with such attitudes. She glared down hard at the young man before her and came to an abrupt conclusion in her mind: Lyn could beat him.

The Heir of Caelin wasn't quite sure what led her to this decision. Sure Link had said that she was stronger than Guy and his opinion was as close to fact in her mind as the knowledge that the sky was blue or the grass was green, but something else had solidified that concept into cold, immutable, truth. Perhaps it was the way Guy responded to her words, the subtle changes in his bearing and facial expressions. Or perhaps it was the way he unconsciously held his blade while he worked or even the condition of the blade itself. It may not have been any one thing at all that led her to this belief, the conclusion built upon several smaller tells into a cohesive whole. However it had come about, Lyn knew it without question and her jaw set with the steely resolution to prove it to him.

"Actually," Lyn responded smoothly, her tone mirroring Guy's earlier cold one. "I came looking for a match."

THAT statement caused the swordsman's face to split in an amused smirk. "Really?" He drawled, his voice carrying a tone not unlike someone humouring a child. "And why would I accept such a spar?"

"Not a spar," Lyn replied flatly. "I challenge you to the Chi no Daisho."

Guy's smirk dropped from his face in an instant and he blinked at her in shock as if she had just slapped him, which…in a way…she just did. The Chi no Daisho was a Sacaean duel of blood that could not be denied by anybody who wished for their honor and pride to remain intact. Such challenges were often laid when one's honor was called into question or when insults of such slight were perceived that the victim required a price in blood in order for penance to be made. They were serious matters and not to be thrown about lightly, especially when they could very easily result in grievous injury or death, which they often did. Even if it had been meant as a backhanded joke, by insinuating that Lyn was so much less skilled than him that she should lay down her sword for more demeaning work he had offered her a grave insult.

One may perhaps argue that the comment could be viewed as Guy saying that he was so confident in his abilities that Lyn would be no match for him regardless of her own, but either way the insult was still there. Being so addressed by one whose own honor was being called into question through a misrepresentation of his skills added even more weight to the offence.

Guy wasn't a rude person by nature. He was brash, eager, and overconfident, a typical attitude for young Sacaean swordsmen, but he was not characteristically rude. He honestly hadn't meant to give such an insult to her; their conversation had started out friendly enough. But Guy was also unused to the idea of a woman being his equal in swordplay, especially since it was really the only thing he was good at. He couldn't hunt, use a bow, or ride, and his sole redeeming quality in the eyes of his elders and teachers in the Kutolah had been his decent sword arm.

Lyn's question had been honest, if a bit abrupt and somewhat inappropriate, but one that could very easily be interpreted as genuine interest in his skill or even as a friendly challenge to a spar. Had she been a man, Guy's response to her would have most likely been a smirk with a responding challenge something along the lines of 'care to find out?' and not the cold, back-handed insult he had given.

Lyn was well within her rights to issue the challenge, and Guy knew it.

He rose to his feet to look her square in the eye. "Are you sure? I won't hold back just because you're a woman. My pride as a swordsman won't let me."

"I think I'll manage," Lyn replied frostily.

"Very well," Guy nodded formally. "I accept your challenge."

By this point, a small number of people had noticed the exchange and had stopped in their activities to pay attention. When the two Sacaeans moved several yards away from the fire to face each other on more open ground, they had a decent sized audience looking on.

Guy sighed unhappily as he faced down the beautiful woman before him and slowly raised his sword into a guard position in front of him. He really didn't want to kill her if he could help it, especially since it was he who had insulted her. Maybe if he struck quickly enough he could overwhelm her and satisfy the blood requirement with a light cut…He nodded to himself and set his muscles in preparation for the attack.

"Are you ready?"

Lyn turned so that she faced him with her side, standing straight and tall, with one hand hanging loosely by her thigh and the other gripping one of the swords at her hip, her thumb ready to flick the blade free from its scabbard in an instant.

"Come."

Guy let out one last huff of displeasure before he moved. In a blur of speed, the Sacaean darted forward in a perfect repeat of the same swift strike that he had employed against Eliwood on the bridge at Santaruz. His aim was true, his technique was flawless, and he struck with a decisive blow that could have sliced a man's head from his body in a single quick motion…only to gasp in surprise and pain when Lyn's shin slammed into his chest with a savage kick that sent him sprawling into the dirt like an old rag doll.

Guy simply lay there for a moment, too stunned to move, as his mind tried to process what had just happened while his chest heaved in an attempt to regain the wind that had been brutally knocked out of him. He blinked a few times to clear his vision of spots before slowly sitting up, his face twisted in an expression of pain, and put a hand to his chest.

"Get up," a voice demanded coldly and Guy looked up to see the woman he had so recently underestimated standing in the same position she had been before he had struck, as if she hadn't moved at all, and glaring down at him. "That cannot be all you have. Blood has not yet been shed."

Guy growled in anger, quickly rose to his feet, and struck again. Lyn watched him come through cool eyes before she swayed to the side at the last moment, her body tilting away ever so slightly, and flowed around the attack like water around a reed. She turned the movement seamlessly into a spin so graceful and controlled that she appeared to move slowly despite her speed and lashed out again with foot and striking her heel into Guy backside as he passed, throwing him into the dirt once more.

Cheers and laughter rang out from the onlookers while Guy lay sprawled on the ground, causing the swordsman to seethe with rage. He rose to his feet slowly and turned to face Lyn again, his eyes smoldering. He raised his sword back into a ready stance and focused his attention completely on her.

"Not bad," He grunted. "But that's the last one you'll get."

He lunged again, this time with far more focus, and his sword lashed out at Lyn's head. She leaned back again and the blade passed an inch from her nose. Undeterred Guy launched into a rapid series of strokes, each one light but fast, aiming to overwhelm his opponent's defences through sheer momentum. Lyn was forced to backpedal away from him, bobbing and weaving from side to side as she did, to avoid his attacks. Her eye's never wavered from him, not focusing on any one part of his body but taking it in as a whole and tracking his movements with her peripheral vision.

The Heir of Caelin had to admit that Guy was a worthy example of a journeyman swordsman. He was fast, skilled, determined, and had enough discipline to focus his anger rather than letting it cloud him. If Lyn had to judge, she would place him a little above the level that she had been when she had first met Link. If the two of them had sparred back then the match could have gone either way, but that had been a long time ago and Lyn was not the same person she was back then.

She continued to dodge Guy's assault, waiting patiently for her moment to strike back. She found it not two seconds later, an opening in the young man's stance when he aimed a horizontal slash just a bit too high. Lyn took a step forward, slid under his blade, flicked her sword from its sheath, seized the hilt and rammed its pommel into Guy's stomach.

He gasped in surprise and sudden agony as his body crumpled involuntarily around the attack. As he fell, Guy was dimly aware of Lyn moving again, stepping back and sheathing her sword with clear 'chk' in one smooth motion before Guy's knees had struck the ground. She stared at him impassively for a few moments, watching him try to heave air back into his empty lungs. When she spoke a half minute later her words were soft but perfectly clear and could be heard easily over his ragged gasps.

"You're strong. Better than I would have guessed, but you still have much to learn," She paused briefly to make sure he was listening before continuing. "You shame yourself by carrying that blade."

"W-What…*cough*…do you know of it?!" Guy glared at her.

Lyndis tilted her head to the side slightly as if looking at a curiosity before responding.

"Your goal is to be the best swordsman in the world. It is an admirable dream and a worthy ambition. I respect that," She nodded at him, and then frowned. "But it is not one that can be achieved through shortcuts." Her eyes hardened and her voice took a sharper, rebuking edge. "You know as well as I do what those swords represent and by whom they are carried; as a member of such a large clan as the Kutolah you should be well aware of how strong they are. Can you honestly say that you are on such a level?" She glared down at him, her beautiful face a stone cold mask of deadly seriousness. "Because I am NOT!"

Guy couldn't help but flinch away from her. It was an involuntary reaction to her words and her commanding presence and one that he would refuse to admit to later, but he did.

"If you can't beat ME when I cannot claim that sword, then you certainly are unworthy of it."

Guy ground his teeth in anger and struggled to his feet. He returned Lyn's glare and raised the red tinted steel of his Killing Edge to her.

"This duel isn't over," He replied coldly before leaping back away from her. He bent into a low stance with his sword raised over his head, one hand bracing the back of his blade near the tip. Lyn stared at him calmly, recognizing his intent, and smoothly shifted into her battojutsu stance. She watched him for several long seconds before, to everyone's eyes including her own, Guy's form seamed to shimmer and split before he vanished in a blur of speed. A pair of shadows, visible only as hazy distortions of motion, shot towards her with murderous intent. They moved so fast that the spectators had not even had time enough to gasp at the sudden attack before they were within striking range.

Lyn watched them come, unmoving, her expression unchanged. Just as the two phantoms converged on her Lyn moved, taking one solid step forward and whipped her sword free from its sheath.

A sharp, resounding clang of metal filled the area and Guy reappeared several paces behind Lyn, the expression on his face one of pure shock and disbelief. A whirling sound cut through the air above them as the red blade of Guy's sword fell to the ground to sink an inch into the dirt, the sword having been shattered at its base.

Lyn held her position for a moment, her sword extended out to the side, before she stood up straight and sheathed the weapon with a slight flourish. She turned and stalked back over to Guy to regard him with a calmly neutral expression.

"…how?" Guy asked in bewilderment.

Lyn shrugged lightly. "I'm stronger than you."

"But how?!" The young man demanded. "You're not much older than me, how can you be so much stronger?!"

Lyn didn't answer him immediately. Instead she held his gaze for a long moment before replying in a soft whisper.

"I had to be. In order to survive…in order to protect my friends and family…in order to see justice done…I had to become strong." She knelt down to meet his eyes directly. "Strength sought for its own sake is empty and meaningless. You will never be able to reach your goal on the path you are on now."

"Why do you care?" He spat.

"I care because you are fighting alongside my friends and your actions could bring them harm," She stated simply. "And I care because you are a fellow plainsman with a good heart and you have the potential to be something great."

Guy stared at her in surprise. As a fellow Sacaean he knew that she would not lie, but there was something beyond that in her words…something that he couldn't quite place. There was no malice or condescension in them, no petty spite or arrogant smugness either. She spoke with the genuine sincerity of someone who only wanted to help and that added a weight to her speech that honesty by itself couldn't.

He swallowed hard. "Do you mean that…?"

"I do," Lyn nodded.

"How can you be sure?"

She stared unblinkingly at him, her beautiful emerald green eyes sparkling with piercing intensity. After a moment she silently untied one of the swords from her hip and presented it to him with both hands.

"If you doubt my words…then draw this sword."

He blinked at her, confusion apparent on his face, and stared at the weapon in her hands for several seconds before his eyes widened in disbelief.

"That's…! How can you…!"

Guy's astonishment was so great that he couldn't gather his thoughts enough to form complete sentences. There before him, in the hands of a woman, was the most famous and sacred sword in all of Sacae: The Mani Katti.

There was not a single swordsman in the plains that could not recognize that sword for what it was and Guy's mind raced at the implications of seeing it in someone's hands so far from its shrine. He lifted his head to her, the incredulity in his features unmistakable as anything else.

"This sword judges the hearts of all who touch it and only those it finds worthy may wield it."

The young swordsman turned his attention back to the sacred blade before tentatively reaching a hand out to touch its hilt. He paused for an instant, as if unsure if he should, before wrapping his fingers around it and pulling.

The sword did not budge.

Guy blinked and tried again, pulling harder. Again the sword did not move. Gritting his teeth he tried again, taking the sword completely from Lyn's hands and grasping it fully in his own. He strained with all his might to draw the blade from its scabbard but the sword remained stubbornly sheathed, completely immobile to his hands. With a gasp of effort he finally ceased trying and his shoulders and head slumped from the effort. He took a couple of heavy breaths before he felt the sword being gently lifted from his hands. Guy looked up to see Lyn holding the sword up to his eye level. Her hands were close together, one holding the scabbard and the other wrapped around the hilt, being separated only by the sword's guard.

Without a word or a breath of effort, Lyn drew the sword halfway from its sheath. It slid free effortlessly, seeming to glide out of its own accord, and without a whisper of sound. The blade shone with an ethereal golden glow that reflected and cast shadows off of Lyn's eyes and face, giving her the appearance of something divine. Guy didn't know how long he stared in wonder at her; seconds, minutes, hours, he couldn't say: in that moment, time lost its meaning.

Then, without warning, the light vanished as Lyn slid the sword back with an audible click. She stood up straight and retied the Mani Katti to her waist with fluid ease and grace. Then she drew the other sword, the one that had shattered his Killing Edge, and stabbed it into the ground before him.

"I broke your sword with this blade; now use it to carve a new path for yourself."

She turned and began to walk away from Guy, who was still kneeling on the ground. He blinked at her again and quickly scrambled to his feet.

"Wait!" He shouted, causing Lyn to stop and turn her head to peer at him over her shoulder. "What about the Chi no Daisho?! We can't stop until one of us has shed blood!"

"One of us already has," she stated and tapped her cheek lightly before turning back and continuing to pace away. Seeing the gesture, Guy suddenly became aware of a hot stinging sensation high on his left cheek. He reached up to touch it with tentative fingers and felt a warm, sticky, liquid there. He drew his hand away to see fresh blood coat his fingers. Guy stared at them in stunned silence as he realized that he was bleeding from a fresh and fairly deep cut he must have obtained when his sword had broken. He reached back up and pressed his hand more firmly against the wound in an attempt to stem the flow. Injuries sustained in the Chi no Daisho were not allowed to be treated with magic; you had to heal on your own, living or dying based on your own strength. While his wound was far from fatal, it would definitely leave a scar, a permanent reminder of his loss.

The swordsman looked down at the sword in the ground before him. He stared at it for a long moment before taking a deep breath and pulling it from the dirt. Guy examined the blade closely. It was a simple weapon if one of excellent quality and its edge was keen, a fine example of a myrmidon's sword.

"A new path, huh?" Guy mused to himself and slid the sword into the empty sheath at his side. It was a rough fit, his now broken Killing Edge having been a slightly different shape, but it would do until he had another scabbard fitted for it. "Well it's not like I had any real direction before, might as well see where this one leads."

xxx

A/N: So there you have it. My longest chapter yet at over 20k words. As you can see, I skipped out on a lot of potential action and character interaction just because it was getting to be too much for now. Next chapter I'll work on some more character interactions, maybe a bit of fluff. We'll see. Hope you liked the fights with Raven and Guy. I honestly like those characters for their combat potential but Raven just reminds me too much of Sasuke from Naruto and I hate that guy, not only that but in the game the Killing Edge that Guy uses is wasted on him at such a low level. So a little bit of humbling is in order for both of them. I'm also severely debating whether or not to kill Leila off or save her. I've made plans for both cases…might just flip a coin. Hahahaha! Anyway, hope you liked this chapter! See you next time! And please RxR!