Hector frowned as he looked around the castle, "Still quite a bit of Laus soldiers are in the castle."

Eliwood scanned the area as well before frowning, "Lyndis, where are the Caelin guards?"

Lyn's eyes stared at the ground, refusing to make eye contact, she leaned against Mark and closed her eyes. Her tactician friend draped his arm around her shoulders. The Sacean let out a pained sigh, "I think about half of them were killed in the surprise attack. The survivors must be here somewhere…"

Hector, taking a hint for once, responded in a gentle tone, "They're probably locked away as prisoners. Right. Well, let's find and rescue them too!"

Eliwood kicked a rock that had somehow found its way into the castle, "I wish we had more power, to make up for our lackluster numbers…"

Lyn sighs, sitting back up straight, "As do I, that's why I hired mercenaries, I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to afford them though…" She closed her eyes, "Hold on, Grandfather… We'll be there shortly."

Hector hopped to his feet, "Time to get inside! Let's reclaim the castle! The key to victory is seizing the throne! That's where we'll find their commander I'm sure."

The four teens were about to go back outside and gather their comrades when they were stopped. Before them stood a short blue haired (mustache included) man. He looked up at the kids with fear in his eyes, "Um, hellooooo!"

The kids stared at him in confusion as he continued, "Are you from Castle Caelin?"

Hector narrowed his eyes, "What's it to y-"

"I am," Lyn exclaimed, cutting Hector off, "May I ask your business in the castle?"

The short man cleared his throat nervously, "I am Merlinus. I am a traveling merchant with goods beyond compare. If you would be so kind to hire me, I-"

Lyn walked around him, "My apologies. Now is not the time."

Merlinus reached for her arm, which made Eliwood draw his sword and Hector pull out his axe. In addition Mark glared at the short man, which prompted him to withdraw his hand and stare at the ground, "Please, my lady… I've dreamt of working for a noble house for so long. By all means, please call on my services!"

Hector rests his axe on his shoulder, "Hey old man! Are you really a merchant?"

Merlinus raised an eyebrow, "Old man?"

"Hector!" Eliwood scolded, sheathing his sword, "You're being rude!"

Hector rolls his eyes, "Right, sorry, Old Gentleman. Is it true you… aspire to work for a noble house?"

The old man nodded, "Yes my boy, yes I do."

Mark and Lyn snickered at the 'my boy' comment, Hector rolled his eyes, again, "In that case, I'd like to hire you."

Merlinus's eyes light up, "Really?!"

Hector's companions stared at him blankly until Eliwood spoke up, "What?"

Hector turned to stare at his friends, with a smug look plastered on his face, "This journey could last a while and for once I've been thinking ahead. We've acquired many items and it would be quite convenient if we had someone to manage our things."

Merlinus's eyes were still shining, "Leave it to me! Managing…things is my specialty!"

Eliwood hadn't given up convincing the man not to join, "Our journey is dangerous, and has no end in sight. Is that acceptable?"

"Did you say da-dangerous?"

Unfortunately for Eliwood, Hector hadn't given up either, "I'm brother to Marquess Ostia. He's Marquess Pherae's son. We would be glad to have you join us."

At the words 'Pherae' and 'Ostia' all of Melinus's fear was suddenly gone, "Oh? Ostia and Pherae? Nobility beyond compare! I'm coming! Most definitely!" With that Mark led him outside to where the rest of the soldiers were waiting.

Hector grinned triumphantly at Eliwood, who simply rolled his eyes, "Whatever."

Lyn messed with her ponytail, "Great, yet another person I can't even afford to hire."

Hector dismissed her concern with a wave, "It's fine I'm rich. Besides now we've got mercenaries, a tactician and a merchant! We're set!"

Eliwood shakes his head, "Oh Hector…"

Suddenly Hector stopped, "Hey um, anyone else getting a chilling feeling. Someone's watching, someone who wants me dead."

Lyn grunts, "Yeah, and their name is literally every Laus soldier that is currently staring at us, they want me dead too! You're not special!"

"YOU'RE NOT SPECIAL!"

"GUYS!" Eliwood yelled, "Now is not the ti- wait a minute, Lyndis, did you say they are all watching us?"

She nods, "Yeah they- AH! RUN!"

KNOCK! KNOCK! The mercenary was pounding on the door again. His dark red hair looked nearly black in the dim light. His blond haired companion and the captured Caelin soldiers watched his pointless efforts, they didn't have anything better to do locked in a prison cell.

The mercenary continued pounding, he was interrupted by the voice of a Laus soldier, "Stop you're insistent pounding, and back away from the door! I need to open it!"

The mercenary stared through the bars on the door to see that the soldier was holding a young boy's wrist. The boy tried to pull his arm away to no avail. The mercenary narrowed his eyes, "Let me out of here."

The soldier tilted his head, "What?"

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

The soldier laughed, "Do you think me a fool? You work for house Caelin! I cannot trust your words! Now back up, I need to throw this brat in with you."

The mercenary growled, "If you don't let me out, I'll break down this door and go through you! You were using Lucius as a hostage, but now he's here with me…"

"Uh…"

The mercenary's companion, Lucius, shook his head in disapproval and his eyes widened, "No, Lord Raven! You mustn't! You cannot betray your debt to Marquess Caelin." He had not yet noticed the boy that was being held by the Laus soldier.

Raven didn't spare him a glance, "Shut up, Lucius. You think me foolish, but you don't understand…" he began to glare at the Laus soldier, "How about it?"

The soldier shoved a key into the lock and opened the door, "Very well. You! Get out! Remember, if you betray us, your companion dies."

As Raven walked through the doorway he stared coldly at the man, "I see. Just remember, if that happens, you die next."

The soldier wasn't sure how to respond, "Urr…" He nervously stepped past Raven and through the boy he'd been holding into the cell. He then turned and left to return to his post.

Lucius rushed forward and caught the boy before he fell onto the cold hard ground. Once making sure he was okay, Lucius looked back toward the door, "Lord Raven…"

The boy sat up with a groan, "Sir Marcus would be disappointed in my horrible stealth skills…"

Lucius tilted his head, "Huh?"

"Sorry, let me start over. My name is Wolt, I'm a knight- I mean, I want to be a knight of Pherae, right now I'm just an archer."

"Okay, so what are you doing here?"

"Um… Well my plan was to shoot an arrow at the guy guarding the throne but… I underestimated just how little arrows do to a guy with heavy armor…"

Lucius laughed, "I'm sorry… It's not funny I swear-"
Wolt rolled his eyes, "Look I wasn't thinking straight, I was upset and not considering the consequences of my actions."

"Well, it was very noble of you to try and free the castle anyway. Unlike someone I could name."

"You're talking about your friend, right?

"Yep."

"I have a friend who I disagree with. A lot. We're friends though, so we come around every time! It'll work itself out, don't worry."

Lucius smiled faintly and messed with his long blond hair, "I hope so Wolt… I hope so…"

"ELFIRE!" Lilina screeched as her giant fireball exploded, burning the Laus soldiers that had been approaching Hector from behind.

Hector turned around, "Woah! That was pretty powerful!"

"R-really?"

"Sure, axes are still better though," he then turned and ran away to his next fight.

Lilina blinked and just stood still for a while, He… Noticed me… Father he- She was so lost in thought she didn't notice the soldier sneaking up behind her.

"LILIANNA! LOOK OUT!" Roy screamed, he slammed his sword into the first soldier who then fell into the second, "Are you okay."

She snapped out of her trance and nodded, "Just fine…"

"Try to focus on the battle, okay?" He hadn't noticed he grabbed her hands.

Lilina's face turned red, Roy tilted his head in confusion. He looked down at his hands and his face also turned red.

"HEY LOVEBIRDS!" yelled the newest addition to the army, Merlinus, "THE SUPPLY LINE IS BEING ATTACKED! I NEED HELP!"

The 'lovebirds' let go of each other's hands and drew their weapons. Lilina dashed over to Marcus, who was being healed by Serra after getting a pretty nasty shoulder wound. She stepped in front of him, "I've got this, ELFIRE!" Fire shot out of her tome and engulfed the cavaliers in flames.

"SERRA WE NEED A HEALER," came the loud voice of Hector from a distance!

"COMING," Serra called back! She turned to Lilina and Roy, "You to lowly mercenaries, come with me." She flipped her hair and walked off. Lilina rolled her eyes, but ran after her anyway, followed shortly by Roy.

Merlinus watches them go and shakes his head, "Oh to be young and in love…" Marcus pulled out his silver lance again, preparing to fight anyone else who dared to come close.

Meanwhile, Priscilla had been riding her pony around the battlefield, healing her allies whenever she could; while doing so a red haired mercenary caught her attention. He donned a blue mercenary garb and his forearms were wrapped in neat bandages. His eyes were narrowed, darting all over the place as if looking for someone. The man's stance was strong, he sheathed his bloodied steel sword, noticing there were no enemies nearby. Priscilla was about to brush off the familiarity when the mercenary called out to her, "You…"

Despite her better judgment she responded, "Hm?

His gaze had softened, "Can it be?"

"I…"

"You don't… recognize me," the man's heart sank, "That's not surprising. You were so young when we were separated…"

"What?" suddenly her eyes widened, "Are you… Raymond? My brother, Raymond?"

"You've grown, Priscilla…"

Priscilla practically jumped off her mount and tackled her long lost brother into a hug, "Brother! My brother!"

Raymond wrapped his strong arms around her, his face wearing a look of concern, "What are you doing here? It's been ten years since Count Caerleon of Etruria took you in as his foster daughter…"

She looked up at him, "That's right. My adopted father has treated me with much kindness. But I am of Caelin's House Cornwell by birth. I still remember Father and Mother. I've never forgotten them. Or you, Raymond."

He closed his eyes, "…Priscilla."

His sister buried her face into his shoulder, "…When I heard that House Cornwell was lost…I… I was so worried about you."

"So that's why you left Etruria? You've come quite a way."

"Dear friends of mine in Etruria helped me. They provided a young mage to be my escort. Then we passed through Laus… The marquess learned of my lineage and refused to let me leave. I would be there still if not for Lord Eliwood and his companions."

Raymond's hug loosened, "His…companions?"

The young troubadour lifted her head up, "Lord Hector, Lady Lyndis… They're all such kind people. I'm so glad I came to Lycia. And now I've found you…"

Her brother's eyes darkened, "You've become friends with…him?"

"Raymond?"

He pulled completely out of the hug and rested his hand on his sword's handle, "…I see. Then I will join you."

"Dear Brother!" his sister grabbed his freehand happily, a smile returning to her face, "Will you truly come with us?"

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

"What is it?"

"It's nothing. 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… That is best."

"Brother?"

Raymond rested his hand on her face, "Priscilla, we must keep our relationship secret. okay?"

"All right…" Priscillia placed her hand on top of his and closed her eyes, "If you say we must…"

"Another thing, my name is Raven now. Raymond is…a name I've discarded," he spoke gently as he returned his hand to his sword's handle.

"Brother… You have your reasons, don't you?" she sighed before continuing, "I understand. As long as we can travel together, I'm happy."

When Raven didn't respond his sister smiled and cheerfully declared, "If we continue on, we'll be able to see Father and Mother, too!"

Raven avoided her eyes as she remounted her pony and began to ride away. He sighed in sorrow before suddenly remembering, "Shoot, I forgot about Lucius!"

"What in the blazes!? It's getting even noisier than before," complained one of the Caelin soldiers.

Wolt rolled his eyes and sarcastically muttered, "No way really? I had no idea."

Lucius ignored his young prison mate, "Isn't that the sound of combat?"

The Caelin soldier's face lit up, "It must be Lady Lyndis! She's found reinforcements! It's time…" He began feeling the stones on the floor, seemingly looking for a loose one.

Wolt leaned over and whispered in Lucius's ear, "What is he doing?"

"I don't know," he whispered back, he turned to the soldier and spoke louder, "Ezra? What… What are you doing?"

Ezra finally found the loose stone and lifted it up, under it were four lances, a light tome and some keys. Ezra began to pull the items out of the hole they were in, "I thought aid might come, so I hid keys and weapons here."

Lucius stared at his feet, "Oh, I see."

Wolt glanced at the weapons, "Got any bows?"

Ezra shakes his head, "Um, no, but we do have an extra lance. I put it in just in case we broke one, you can use it if you want."

Wolt picks it up, "Great… I definitely know how to use one of these…"

Ezra picked up the light tome and turned back to Lucius, "What are you going to do?"

Lucius ran his fingers through his hair, "Uh…"

"Your master… He's betrayed us. Lucius, I must ask. What will you do?"

"I… I want to stop Lord Raven. However… In his current state, I…doubt he will lend me his ear. And so…I will…wait. I will wait for Lord Raven here. I'm sorry… I cannot fight. …Please understand."

"I do," Ezra handed him the light tome, "Here, this is for you."

"For me? Lucius blew off the dust on the cover, "Lightning… It's been a while since I've seen one of these."

"You don't have to fight, just protect yourself. I've known you only a short time, but you're a friend. I don't want to see you die."

Lucius pulled Ezra into a quick hug, "Thank you… Thank you."

Wolt exchanged an awkward glance with the other two Caelin soldiers. After what seemed like forever, Ezra broke away from the hug. He turned to Wolt, "What are you going to do?"

The young man shrugged, "I suppose I'll stay with Lucius, I barely know how to use a lance."

"I thought you said you knew how to use it?"

"I was being sarcastic."

"Sarwhat not?"

"Nevermind. I will stay and defend Lucius."

Ezra nodded, "Alright, good luck kid," he glanced back towards the other soldiers, "All right, men! Open that door! On our honor as Caelin knights, we will save the marquess!"

Wolt watched them charge out the door, "Good luck!" He then turned and began stabbing the air with his lance, "One, two, three, four…"

Lucius tilted his head, "What are you doing?"

"Practicing! A kni- er, my friend used to do this all the time in the middle of battle!"

"Isn't that wasting energ-"

"Lucius!" came a voice, cutting him off.

Lucius whirled around in confusion, suddenly his eyes lit up, "Lord Raven! I'm so pleased to see you well!"

The man, Raven, rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah… Listen, things have changed. For the time being, we side with Caelin."

"That is good… So you've had a change of heart?"

"No, I will still have my revenge against House Ostia. The closer you are to your enemy, the easier it is to strike, right?"

Wolt choked and dropped his lance, "House Ostia? Enemy? REVENGE?!"

Raven narrowed his eyes, "If you know what's good for you you'll keep your mouth shut."

Wolt gulped, Lucius put a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder, "Calm down Lo-lord Raven, you're scaring him!"

Raven grunts, "He should be scared, Let's go Lucius." He then turned and walked off.

Lucius stumbles nervously after him, he spares Wolt a glance, "Please don't judge him too harshly, deep down, he's a good guy." The blond man sighs in distress and continues walking.

Wolt shakily picked the lanced back up, "I hope I find Master Roy soon… I never should have left him…"

"MARK!" came the scream of Lyn, Caelin Princess, Sacean Orphan. Her steel, the Mani Katti, was drenched and dripping in blood. It was nothing compared to the enemies she left in her wake. Her friend, Eliwood's esteemed tactician, looked from her to the bodies littered all around her. His eyes eventually locked with hers, and though no words were spoken, they were having their own conversation. Lyndis nodded and ran off.

On her way out, she nearly tripped over multiple corpses.

"MATTHEW!" she called to the spy, "Mark wants you to lockpick that chest!"

"Okay- wait a minute, this is your castle, don't you have the key to the chest?"

"Well, in my room sure but Mark says-"

"What do you mean Mark says? I'll tell you what Mark says! Nothing! He says nothing!"
"I thought we talked about this-"

"Look, not everyone can have a conversation by staring into someone's eyes, it's not normal!"

"Apparently we didn't talk about this, but anyway we don't have time for this, JUST DO YOUR JOB!"

"Alright, I'm going, jeez, no need to be so aggressive!" Matthew twirled his cape dramatically and stormed off aggressively, well as aggressive as possible while tiptoeing away quietly.

Lyn sighed in relief and walked off. She glanced at her reflection in the blade of the Mani Katti, her face was splattered in red and her ponytail had come out. In this state her long green hair nearly reached her knees. She closed her eyes, Will all this death never stop? Oh grandfather… You better be alive…

"Lady Lyndis!"

The familiar voice shook her out of her head, "Ezra? Where are the others? Are you the only one left?"

Ezra flinched, "Well my lady… There are two more but we… we got split up."

Lyn could feel her face turn pale, "Two more… Only three! W-what happened to the rest?"

"All… dead. My lady."

"My country… my citizens… What about my grandfather?"

"We don't know… We've yet to find a body so we can only hope…"

"..."

"Come My Lady, Lord Eliwood has this just about sorted out."

"Alright…"

The other two Caelin soldiers had been surrounded, they were backed up into a corner. The first gulped and whispered into his friend's ear, "It's been an honor…"

"Yeah… But if I'm going to die I have one question."

"What?"

"Did you take a shower this morning? You smell really bad."

"I'VE BEEN TRAPPED IN A PRISON CELL ALL MORNING, HOW ELSE WOULD I SMELL?!"
"So is that a no or…"

"FRED! Just try to say something nice for once, we're on our deathbed and all you can do is joke!"

"I JOKE WHEN I'M NERVOUS ALRIGHT!"

Despite everything their back and forth managed to distract the Laus soldiers long enough for help to arrive.

"Rejoice, one and all! Your beloved subcommander is here to rescue you!"

The Caelin soldiers snapped out of the argument to see Sain, their subcommander, retainer and sworn protector of lady Lyndis, the glorious knight in shining emerald armor, notable for his flirtatious habits that drive literally everyone to insanity! He rode his magnificent umber coated steed and he wore his legendary snarky smile, with his steel lance hanging to the side. The soldiers were so distracted by Sain that they barely noticed Wil, random archer number three, riding behind him.

"Subcommander!" they cheered, "You're unharmed!"

Wil mumbled something that no one could quite understand.

Sain spun his lance with one hand, "Are y'all ready to fight!"

"SIR YES SIR!" the two soldiers chanted.

"All right! Direct your energy on your foes and drive them out!"

"SIR YES SIR!"

"I'm fine too, thanks for asking," Wil mumbled.

Fred tilted his head, "Ohhhhh Wil, buddy! Glad to see you're well."

Wil hops off the back of Sain's horse, "Whatever, I'm over it. Anyway, Laus may have some tough soldiers, BUT THEY CAN'T DEFEAT US, CAN THEY!"

"NEVER," screeched Fred, "Let's show them the might of the Caelin knights!"

The other Caelin soldier rubbed his ear, "Let's get hearing aids on the way there."

Sain chuckled, "Good one! But no, we need to get to the throne before Lady Lyndis decides to commit mass genocide and murder our future hostage."

"Yeah," agreed Wil, "I have a new torture method I've been meaning to try out."

Deciding to ignore Wil's disturbing statement, the group continued on, they made just in time to watch Lyndis's wrath unfold. She ran at the would have been hostage, Bernard, screaming at the top of her lungs. She leapt, and slashed the Mani Katti across his chest, slicing his armor and knocking him down. The Sacean Warrior landed on his stomach, she stalked up his body to his neck and rested the tip of her blade in the flesh of Bernard's neck. Lyn wore a scowl, eyes dark and threatening.

"Tell me Bernard," she spat out his name as if it were a plague, "What happened to my grandfather."

The man's eyes were wide with fear, he tried to speak, "A…Assas…i-in…"

Lyn screamed and thrust her sword into his throat. She ripped it out only to immediately shove it back in.

"Lyndis!" Eliwood called in horror, "Calm down!"

She did anything but calm down. She repeatedly pulled her sword out and slammed it back in. By the time she was satisfied, the ends of her hair were drenched in blood, as was her once blue Sacaen garb. Bernard's body was red beyond recognition, the liquid poured down his sides and drenched the ground, Roy and Lilina backed up to avoid stepping in blood.

"What, are the mercenaries afraid of a little blood," Matthew teased.

Hector shot him a glare, "Now is not the time."

Mark slowly walked towards Lyn, he walked carefully so as to not splash any blood. Once he reached his friend he knelt down beside her and rested a hand on her shoulder. The woman sighed and lifted her head up.

She called out in desperation, "Grandfather… Grandfather!"

Hector ran through the blood, not caring as he 'accidently' drenched Lyn and Mark in it. He stopped when he reached the Caelin throne, "Eliwood, here! There's blood on the throne."

Eliwood walked over more carefully, "Obviously there's blood on it, there's blood everywhere!"

"Eliwood. The blood did not splash onto the throne. It must belong to Lord Hausen."

Lyndis began hyperventilating, Mark held his hand on her back comfortingly. Serra screamed and grabbed Erk's arm. The violet haired mage stumbled and growled at her in retaliation. Bartre rolled his eyes, "Stop being so dramatic." That earned him a glare from Dorcas.

"The horror!" Rebecca cried, "This is simply awful!" She was leaning against Lowen who was silently annoyed with her dramatic antics.

Suddenly everyone began talking at once.

"Poor Lady Lyndis…"

"Not Lord Hausen! He was so young…"

"No he's not! He's the grandfather of a teenager!"

"I MEANT YOUNG IN SPIRIT!"

"This army is full of wimps."

"It's called SYMPATHY, something YOU clearly DON'T DESERVE!"

"CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!"

"NOT ON YOUR LIFE!"

Eliwood combed through his hair, stressed, "CALM DOWN EVERYONE!"

In an instance everyone went silent.

The man sighed, "Thank you. Now let's just-"

Lyn cut him over, "Eliwood! Over there! There is a person!" She hopped to her feet so quickly that Mark barely had time to get out of her way.

Eliwood whirled around, "Who's there! Show yourself!"

All was quiet for a bit, suddenly the person stepped into the light. She had the look of a thief, her rose-colored haired shone the second she stepped into the light. Between that and her brightly colored yellow cape, it was a miracle she managed to hide in the shadows so well.

Hector's eyes settled on her, "Ah! You… Leila?"

The woman took a knee and bowed, "Yes, it's me, Lord Hector. It's been a long time."

Eliwood's face was full of confusion, "You know her?"

"Yes, she… works for house Ostia. Doing something? And- you know what curse my brother's stupid secrets, she's a spy! "

"Just like Matthew…" Lyn mumbled under her breath.

Leila smiled at the mention of her fellow spy, "Lord Eliwood of Pherae and Lady Lyndis of Caelin, correct? I am Leila. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Lady Lyndis, Marquess Caelin is back there receiving treatment."

Lyn let out a sigh of relief, "My grandfather is safe?!"

"…His life is yet his own."

Lyn clapped her hands together, "Ah! Father Sky and Mother Earth! I thank you for your mercy!"

Noticing the absolutely horrible state of the Princess's hair, Serra handed her a hair tie, "You clearly need this more than I do." Lyn accepted it and quickly tied her hair into an extremely messy ponytail.

Serra wrinkled her nose, "Wow. That made it SO much better." Erk took a moment to reflect on what idiotic part of him decided it was a good idea to be the escort of this annoying pink pig-tailed weirdo, all of which led him to question his own sanity.

Hector shifted his attention back to Leila, "Anyway… Why are you here?"

She rose and looked him dead in the eyes, "I… I'm following Lord Uther's orders. I'm investigating Marquess Pherae's disappearance."

Eliwood's eyes widened in what was either excitement or relief, "M-my father! What do you know?!"

Leila turned to leave, she looked over her shoulder and beckoned for them to follow, "Come, we should talk in private."

Serra followed, "Yes, let's."

Leila shot her a glare, "I wasn't talking to you."

Serra rolled her eyes and walked away, "Rude as ever.

Lyn, Mark and Hector moved to follow Leila, Eliwood however, was seemingly frozen to his spot. Hector glanced back at his friend questioningly, "Huh? Come on, Eliwood."

His friend opened his mouth but all that came out was, "Ah…"

"Worrying about things won't change them."

"I know. I'm fine. Let's go!"

The second the five left Matthew arrived on the scene, "I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack!"

Oswin looked at him with a look of confusion, "When did you leave?"

"Well, I realized that I never got the chest Lady Lyndis wanted me to get, and after witnessing her slaughter Bernard… I decided I didn't want to get on her bad side. So I went back and got it. What did I miss?"

Serra grabbed his arm, "Leila, you missed Leila. Not really though she was being rude. To ME! Can you believe it?"

Matthew deadpanned, "Somehow I can." He shook Serra off his arm and turned to Guy, a Sacaen swordsman just like Lyn, "Is it true Guy? Did I really miss Leila?"

Guy shrugged, "I don't know, did you? Do you really expect me to know the details of your personal life?"

Matthew glared at him, "Has anyone ever told you that you have horrible jokes."

"Jokes?"

"You've got to be kidding… I don't think I can be friends with you anymore."

Guy's eyes lit up, "Really! This is the best news I've had all day!"

Matthew rolled his eyes, "Whatever, I don't have time for this. Which way did Leila go?"

Oswin sighs, "And he didn't even notice that Lord Hector was gone…"

Marcus, who had just arrived with Merlinus, shook his head, "You would never see this kind of behavior with Pheraens…"

Oswin narrowed his eyes, "Is that a challenge?"

"No, that would be too easy."

"We'll see about that."

Erk shook his head and sighed, clearly annoyed, "This never would have happened in Etruria…"

Marcus and Oswin turned to face him.

"You want in on it too?" Oswin asked.

"No I-"

"So it's a competition?"

"Yes."

"Wait but I- You know what nevermind. I give up."

Leila led the four teenagers to what once was Lord Hausen's dinner table. She took a seat and motioned for the others to do the same. Mark moved to take a seat next to Lyn, unfortunately Hector took it first. Mark frowned and sat in the remaining seat instead.

Leila rested her feet on the table (ticking Lyn off a little), "Let me start with my conclusion."

Eliwood held his breath in anticipation.

"Marquess Pherae… is alive."

Hector slapped his friend on the back, "WHOOOOOOOOOOOO! Eliwood!"

Lyn smiled, "That's wonderful!"

Eliwood rubbed his back, "Are you sure?"

The Ostian spy nodded, "Positive. 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… They're the assassins guild that Erik spoke of."

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

Hector frowned, "Explain."

Leila nodded, "The Black Fang is a guild of assassins founded about ten years ago by Brendan Reed. They're based in Bern. Their arms reached 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."

"Chivalrous…"

"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's eyes darkened, "Is this Black Fang responsible for what's happened to my grandfather?"

"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 Nergal. Nergal's trusted retainer Ephidel is with Marquess Laus. He manipulated Laus into hatching the rebellion plot against Ostia. The first to answer Laus's call for rebellion was… Marquess Santaruz."

Lyn growled as Eliwood closed his eyes, "Lord Helman… Why would you…"

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

Eliwood's eyes widened in shock and confusion, "Y-you're telling me that my father endorsed this plan?"

Leila's eyes closed, ""I cannot say. I do know that he is with Marquess Laus currently," her eyes had opened again, and she wore a serious expression, "In a place called… the Dragon's Gate."

"Dragon's Gate? Where is that?"

"On an isle called Valor, off the southern coast of Lycia. I apologize, but that is all the information I have."

Hector threw his head back and groaned, "Of all places to be, Valor…" he rubbed his temples, "Blast!"

Lyn, unsurprisingly, couldn't recall the place, "What kind of place is it?"

"It's said that those who step onto the island never return. The common folk call it the Dread Isle," Eliwood answered, "But if that's where my father is I will go and find him. And this 'Dragon's Gate,' too!"

Hector hopped to his feet, "I'm going with you. I'll tell you right now, you can't stop me."

Lyn nodded her agreement, "I'm also going."

Eliwood stared at the Princess, "Lyndis, I appreciate your kindness, but… Shouldn't you stay with Marquess Caelin?"

"Laus must be stopped. Otherwise, they might target my grandfather again. I also wish to help your father. Losing a parent… It's an unbearable pain. It's something I'd rather you didn't have to feel yet."

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

Hector waved him off, "Don't mention it."

Lyn stood up from her chair as well, "We're friends. It's what friends do, Eliwood."

Leila had finally taken her feet off the table and stood up as well, "I'm also going to continue searching," she turned to the other woman, "Lady Lyndis, I think it would be prudent to let the world think Marquess Caelin is dead."

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

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

Before she could leave Hector blocked her path, "Wait Leila! Nergal and this…Ephidel? What are they like?"

The spy closed her eyes, reminiscing, "I've yet to lay eyes on Nergal. I've spoken to Ephidel on several occasions, however. He's…eerie. He always wears a cloak that covers his face. And yet…"

"And yet?"

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

Eliwood exchanges a glance with Lyn as Leila takes her leave. Before she could make all the way out the castle though, she was interrupted.

"LEILA," a certain brown-haired thief screeched in excitement as he wrapped his arms around her neck, "I didn't miss you after all!"

The other spy smiled back as she placed her hands over his, "Matthew. It's been a long time."

Matthew released her, "What have you been doing? More dangerous work?"

"Actually I've been on a vacation."

"Really?"

"NO! Of course not, we're SPIES we don't get vacations. All we get is a bunch of terrifying and difficult missions! Or 'dangerous work' as you say."

"True true, sooooo how long do you think your mission will last?"

"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," the thief grinned, "In that case, you need to visit my hometown."

"Not that I don't like spending time with you, but why?"

"…To meet my parents."

"...What?"

"Ha ha. Well, that's that! See you," he winked and made a run for it.

Leila shook her head and smiled, "As slippery as ever… Didn't even wait for my reply." With that, she retreated outside and into the night.

Lyn and Mark exited back into the throne room to find the Caelin soldiers waiting for her.

"Lady Lyndis!"

"Everyone… I'm happy to see you all well. I'm going after Marquess Laus. Protect my grandfather."

One of the soldiers took a moment to search through his satchel, ""One moment, Lady Lyndis," he pulled out a red gem, "Please take this jewel before you leave."

"Jewel?"

"We were able to move it before Laus's men ransacked our vaults."

"We will take care of Lord Hausen. Please, Lady Lyndis, return to us safely," agreed another soldier.
"Looks like I'll be able to afford those mercenaries a bit longer!" Lyn smiled as she handed it to Mark, "And don't worry, I will."

The army thought they were finally done with surprises and ready to continue their travels, suddenly they heard gasping, "W-wait… Phew, I finally managed to find you guys!"

The group collectively turned around to see a young man with bright green hair. Lucius waved at him from next to Raven, and Leo gasped, "Wolt! You didn't abandon us after all!"

Wolt grinned, "Of course not Mas-"

He cut himself off noticing the frantic hand movements of Leo and Lilianna clearly trying to get him to shut up, "I mean… Mister…" Roy and Lilina attempted to spell it out for him with hand signals, "Mister L… Mister LEO! Oh yeah Mister Leo, my… leader?" Leo facepalmed as Lilianna whispered something in Wolt's ear.

Wolt seemed to have a sudden moment of realization, "Oh-er um… Right, Mister Leo our mercenary chief and his right hand lady, Lilianna! Curse my… um… amnesia? I must have hit my head or something."

Eliwood frowned, "These mercenaries keep getting weirder and weirder."

Marcus nodded his agreement, "Yes… It is very… eccentric."

Hector simply shrugs, "As long as they do their job, who cares how strange they are!"

Sorry it took so long! Anyway next chapter shouldn't take as long because I finally am done with set up! Next chapter will stray away from the main plot and show what the other kids have been doing, thanks for your support :) Also I've got a few pairings idea, but I'm still on the fence about Hector, it's either Florina or Farina! Also would Raven/Lucius be and interesting side pairing? Just curious.

KazeMagician- Thanks for the review! Matthew/Serra is one that I really want to use because Cath deserves to meet her parents! Lowen/Rebecca is a must do, they are so perfect! Hector/Farina is probably my favorite Hector ship, buuuuuuuut I still am not sure. Thanks for the suggestions!

WizardsNBlades- Thank you, I try to make it interesting! It's funny how you and KazeMagician have such similar opinions, Matthew/Serra is a probably, Lowen/Rebacca is a definetly and Hector/Florina is a maybe. Thanks for another review!

Stay tuned for next chapter in which Klein proves to be the only useful child :)