"Master Ephidel! What is the meaning of this?"
"Peace, Lord Helman. Whatever is wrong?"
"You said you were going to frighten Eliwood! Your men almost killed him! My patience is at an end! I've decided I must tell Eliwood everything and apologize."
"...You would betray us?"
"I am tired of you and the Black Fang! Now, remove yourself from my castle. Your presence pains me!"
"Lord Helman...is there nothing I can do to change your mind?"
"Nothing!"
"In that case...you're no longer of any use."
"What? Gaa...urrgh..."
~*~
"There's the castle, Eliwood! We finally made it!"
"We have to speak with Lord Helman..."
"That's not gonna happen, laddie!" The two young lords turned to the voice. A knight was approaching them.
"Who are you?"
"Who am I? Ah, boy, you'd do better to worry about yourself. You'll be worm's meat before much longer."
Hector pushed Eliwood behind him, standing between the knight and his prey. "You think so? I think my axe'll change your mind."
"Ha! The cub thinks he's a wolf. Does your bite match your bark? Tell you what; if you make it to the castle alive, we'll find out, eh? Geh heh he hehhh!"
As he began to leave, the lords formulated a quick battle plan. Marcus, Oswin, and Rebecca were to try for a sneak attack, taking what appeared to be an unguarded route north of the castle. The rest were to try a frontal attack.
Giving a brief description of the plan to the others, they all headed out without any argument, except for Marcus.
"Lord Eliwood, please allow me to fight by your side."
"Marcus, I'm sorry, but you are needed elsewhere."
"But Milord, surely Lowen could take my place?"
"Marcus, you must understand. Your skill is needed, and no one could afford to take your place."
"Very well, milord, but you must promise to accompany me...I cannot break my vow to Lady Eleanora."
"Marcus, no...I-I ca-"
"If it easies your worries, Marcus, then I will personally guard Eliwood."
"Hector?"
"Very well, Lord Hector. I suppose I have no choice in the matter. Both of you please be careful." Taking off to join Oswin and Rebecca, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt by leaving his lord's side.
~*~
Hector pulled his axe out of the soldier's head, watching him fall to a bloody heap. He was enjoying the battle, having found a way to release his extra energy. Hearing footsteps from behind him, he swung around, flailing his axe with him.
"Shit!" Hector just managed to fling his axe in a different direction, just managing to avoid Eliwood.
"Hector! That was too close for comfort..."
"Sorry, Elie, but you shouldn't sneak up on me like that!" He sheepishly grinned, slightly embarrassed by his overreaction.
"Would you stop calling me that? And besides, I hardly 'snuck up' on you."
"Alright, fine! You win! But it is good to see you well."
"Hector? You were worried about me?"
"Well, yeah. You're not exactly used to this type of stuff, and you're hardly built for it."
"Oh really? If I recall correctly, out of twenty-six sparring matches, I've won fourteen, while you've only won twelve."
"Sorry, El, but it's an even thirteen-thirteen split."
"Ah, Hector, but you recall wrong."
"What I recall is my promise to Marcus to protect you. You wouldn't want me to up it a notch to Marcus's level, would you? Maybe hold your hand?"
"(Sigh) Fine. You win. I'm going now!" Before Hector could tell him it was a joke, his friend was long gone.
~*~
Marcus couldn't help but let his mind drift to his young lord. He didn't have much battle experience, so he found himself worrying about Eliwood. Luckily, this path wasn't well guarded, so his full attention was required.
/No, I mustn't worry...Lord Hector has promised to protect Lord Eliwood...and I couldn't ask for any better/
"Marcus, come quickly!" Rebecca came running up beside his steed.
"What is it!? Is Lord Eliwood in danger!?"
"...Uhh...no. Oswin believes he has found a way to the castle, but he needs your help in doing so." She explained slowly, trying to catch her breath.
"Right. Lead the way."
~*~
Matthew remained hidden in the shadows, striking down those unlucky enough to come close to him. He had already taken down three, and he planned to make the death count much higher.
/Ah...Here comes another one/
He unsheathed his daggers, waiting for the soldier to come within range. But this one seemed different...he was a lot younger, and he didn't have any armor.
/He looks familiar...Wait, I recognize that braid/
Jumping out of the shadows, he landed right in front of the swordsman.
"Greetings, Guy?" He obviously startled the boy, for he had quickly drawn his blade.
"You seem familiar...Matthew, isn't it?"
"Nice to see you remembered me. So, how's it going?"
"This probably isn't the best time to be catching up."
"Why not?"
"This is a battlefield. We're on opposite sides."
"Oh, I see. We're enemies."
"Yes, we have no choice but to fight."
"I have a better idea. I'm calling in my favor. Switch sides and fight with us."
"What? But I've finally found work!"
"Did you forget? I saved your life, and you swore to me anything within your power."
"Alright! Fine! I hope you're happy!"
"Yes. Quite."
~*~
Eliwood kept slashing and thrusting, fighting like a madman to reach the castle.
/Please, Lord Helman...Please be alright/
There seemed to be no end to the guards, and yet he held his own. Everyone did. Eliwood could see Hector, Matthew, and the new myrmidon...Guy, fighting with everything they had.
Lowen had taken to protecting Serra, and Oswin, Marcus, and Rebecca were still not within the view of the castle.
Eliwood heard a cry from behind me. It was a guard, a hand axe protruding from his head.
"You bloody idiot! Pay attention!" The man came over, pulling his hand axe free.
"Hector? But-I...thought...where?"
"Forget it. Just remember to watch your back. Oh! And don't worry, I won't tell Marcus!" Slapping his friend on the back, he ran off to once again join the fray.
Eliwood suddenly noticed he had a clear view of the general. He was so close...
Noticing a clearing, Eliwood ran, avoiding most of the troops meant to kill him. He noticed the general issuing some sort of command, and was met with five guards...
Growling to himself, he continued onwards. He knew he couldn't take them all at once, but what choice did he have?
An arrow came flying from the distance, imbedding itself in the neck of one of the guards. Another one came, followed by the sound of hooves.
Marcus came into view, Rebecca riding with him. She jumped down, continuing to fire, while Marcus rushed the remaining guards.
/Oh, great...I'm never going to hear the end of this one/
He continued onwards, running right past Marcus and the approaching Oswin. Now nothing stood between him and his target.
"You've done well to come this far, laddie!"
"Where is Marquess Santaruz?!"
"I imagine he's on his way to a better place. Gehah! Geh heh hehhh!"
"Wretched cur!" Eliwood rushed the general, preparing an attack with his rapier. He wasn't expecting the young lord to move so quickly, and was unable to react in time.
Luckily for him, Eliwood hadn't planned on the armor being as strong as it was. The blow did no damage.
"Nice try, laddie! But you'll have to do better than that!" He thrust his spear at the lordling, but he quickly jumped out of the way, slashing his sword in an arc.
He connected with the general's face, but only managing a small cut on his cheek. Before he could properly land, the spear came at him again, forcing him to lose his balance.
He thrust the spear downwards, aiming for Eliwood's head, but the boy just managed to roll out of the way. Without a second thought, he stabbed his rapier, managing to luck out and pierce the skin through a chink in the general's armor. He drove the blade deeper, causing blood to ooze from the wound.
"You've beaten me...but you're too late to save him...too...too bad, eh, laddie? Geha ha...geha!" Eliwood watched as he slid to the ground, sorry that it had come to this.
Heading into the castle, he ignored his companions cries to wait for them. Having learned the layout of the castle from previous years, he headed straight to Lord Helman's chamber. He lay on the floor, blood embracing his figure.
"Lord Helman!!"
"...Is that you...Eliwood?"
"Hold on, my lord!"
"I...I must apologize...your father...he."
"Do you know something, sir?"
"...If I hadn't told Elbert...about...Darin's plans...this would...never...have..."
"Lord Helman!"
"...Go to Laus...Darin...the marquess of Laus...knows all."
"Marquess Laus?"
I'm sorry, Eliwood...I...I can't..."
"Hold on!"
"Beware...the Black Fang......"
Lord Helman!" Eliwood felt a hand rest on his shoulder, and he realized that Hector had finally caught up.
"He's gone..."
"It can't be... Lord Helman...Why...why did this happen?"
"Blast! What is going on?!?"
"...We go to Laus. We must speak to the marquess of Laus, Lord Darin."
"You're right. We should leave quickly. I'm not sure how far we can go today, but... I can't sit still." Hearing footsteps approaching, the two turned towards the entrance.
"Pardon me..."
"Hm?"
"If I may?"
"Who are you?" Eliwood asked, not sure if this man was friend or foe.
"I'm the steward of Santaruz. With our lord gone, what are we to do?"
"First, you give Lord Helman a proper burial. After that...I'm sure the Lycian Council will have to meet. Stay here and defend the castle until you hear more."
"I understand." He left without another word.
"Let's go. We must keep moving." Eliwood issued, motioning with eyes to the exit.
"Yes...and now we seek answers for Marquess Santaruz, too." Hector headed out, leaving Eliwood alone with Lord Helman.
"...Lord Helman...May you find peace."
A/N:
Whew...finally, anther chappie up! This one only took me two days, too bad I waited so long to start it.
sjd372: Unfortunately, I never did find Geitz or Karla. I'm trying to find them now, so if I do, I'll definitely add them in.
fairydust125: There ya go. Another chappie for ya. Probably wasn't fast enough for ya, but hey-it's done!
Rockiel: Yes, I guess that part would appeal to yaoi fans. This fic isn't a yaoi, but I find that if yaoi is done properly, with the right pairing, it is adorably cute. I've actually got a FE yaoi story started right now called Birthright.
And now, a note:
Unfortunately, this fic is going to start updating slower than it's been, mainly because I've fallen behind in some of my other fics, and I like them better than this one.
"Peace, Lord Helman. Whatever is wrong?"
"You said you were going to frighten Eliwood! Your men almost killed him! My patience is at an end! I've decided I must tell Eliwood everything and apologize."
"...You would betray us?"
"I am tired of you and the Black Fang! Now, remove yourself from my castle. Your presence pains me!"
"Lord Helman...is there nothing I can do to change your mind?"
"Nothing!"
"In that case...you're no longer of any use."
"What? Gaa...urrgh..."
~*~
"There's the castle, Eliwood! We finally made it!"
"We have to speak with Lord Helman..."
"That's not gonna happen, laddie!" The two young lords turned to the voice. A knight was approaching them.
"Who are you?"
"Who am I? Ah, boy, you'd do better to worry about yourself. You'll be worm's meat before much longer."
Hector pushed Eliwood behind him, standing between the knight and his prey. "You think so? I think my axe'll change your mind."
"Ha! The cub thinks he's a wolf. Does your bite match your bark? Tell you what; if you make it to the castle alive, we'll find out, eh? Geh heh he hehhh!"
As he began to leave, the lords formulated a quick battle plan. Marcus, Oswin, and Rebecca were to try for a sneak attack, taking what appeared to be an unguarded route north of the castle. The rest were to try a frontal attack.
Giving a brief description of the plan to the others, they all headed out without any argument, except for Marcus.
"Lord Eliwood, please allow me to fight by your side."
"Marcus, I'm sorry, but you are needed elsewhere."
"But Milord, surely Lowen could take my place?"
"Marcus, you must understand. Your skill is needed, and no one could afford to take your place."
"Very well, milord, but you must promise to accompany me...I cannot break my vow to Lady Eleanora."
"Marcus, no...I-I ca-"
"If it easies your worries, Marcus, then I will personally guard Eliwood."
"Hector?"
"Very well, Lord Hector. I suppose I have no choice in the matter. Both of you please be careful." Taking off to join Oswin and Rebecca, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt by leaving his lord's side.
~*~
Hector pulled his axe out of the soldier's head, watching him fall to a bloody heap. He was enjoying the battle, having found a way to release his extra energy. Hearing footsteps from behind him, he swung around, flailing his axe with him.
"Shit!" Hector just managed to fling his axe in a different direction, just managing to avoid Eliwood.
"Hector! That was too close for comfort..."
"Sorry, Elie, but you shouldn't sneak up on me like that!" He sheepishly grinned, slightly embarrassed by his overreaction.
"Would you stop calling me that? And besides, I hardly 'snuck up' on you."
"Alright, fine! You win! But it is good to see you well."
"Hector? You were worried about me?"
"Well, yeah. You're not exactly used to this type of stuff, and you're hardly built for it."
"Oh really? If I recall correctly, out of twenty-six sparring matches, I've won fourteen, while you've only won twelve."
"Sorry, El, but it's an even thirteen-thirteen split."
"Ah, Hector, but you recall wrong."
"What I recall is my promise to Marcus to protect you. You wouldn't want me to up it a notch to Marcus's level, would you? Maybe hold your hand?"
"(Sigh) Fine. You win. I'm going now!" Before Hector could tell him it was a joke, his friend was long gone.
~*~
Marcus couldn't help but let his mind drift to his young lord. He didn't have much battle experience, so he found himself worrying about Eliwood. Luckily, this path wasn't well guarded, so his full attention was required.
/No, I mustn't worry...Lord Hector has promised to protect Lord Eliwood...and I couldn't ask for any better/
"Marcus, come quickly!" Rebecca came running up beside his steed.
"What is it!? Is Lord Eliwood in danger!?"
"...Uhh...no. Oswin believes he has found a way to the castle, but he needs your help in doing so." She explained slowly, trying to catch her breath.
"Right. Lead the way."
~*~
Matthew remained hidden in the shadows, striking down those unlucky enough to come close to him. He had already taken down three, and he planned to make the death count much higher.
/Ah...Here comes another one/
He unsheathed his daggers, waiting for the soldier to come within range. But this one seemed different...he was a lot younger, and he didn't have any armor.
/He looks familiar...Wait, I recognize that braid/
Jumping out of the shadows, he landed right in front of the swordsman.
"Greetings, Guy?" He obviously startled the boy, for he had quickly drawn his blade.
"You seem familiar...Matthew, isn't it?"
"Nice to see you remembered me. So, how's it going?"
"This probably isn't the best time to be catching up."
"Why not?"
"This is a battlefield. We're on opposite sides."
"Oh, I see. We're enemies."
"Yes, we have no choice but to fight."
"I have a better idea. I'm calling in my favor. Switch sides and fight with us."
"What? But I've finally found work!"
"Did you forget? I saved your life, and you swore to me anything within your power."
"Alright! Fine! I hope you're happy!"
"Yes. Quite."
~*~
Eliwood kept slashing and thrusting, fighting like a madman to reach the castle.
/Please, Lord Helman...Please be alright/
There seemed to be no end to the guards, and yet he held his own. Everyone did. Eliwood could see Hector, Matthew, and the new myrmidon...Guy, fighting with everything they had.
Lowen had taken to protecting Serra, and Oswin, Marcus, and Rebecca were still not within the view of the castle.
Eliwood heard a cry from behind me. It was a guard, a hand axe protruding from his head.
"You bloody idiot! Pay attention!" The man came over, pulling his hand axe free.
"Hector? But-I...thought...where?"
"Forget it. Just remember to watch your back. Oh! And don't worry, I won't tell Marcus!" Slapping his friend on the back, he ran off to once again join the fray.
Eliwood suddenly noticed he had a clear view of the general. He was so close...
Noticing a clearing, Eliwood ran, avoiding most of the troops meant to kill him. He noticed the general issuing some sort of command, and was met with five guards...
Growling to himself, he continued onwards. He knew he couldn't take them all at once, but what choice did he have?
An arrow came flying from the distance, imbedding itself in the neck of one of the guards. Another one came, followed by the sound of hooves.
Marcus came into view, Rebecca riding with him. She jumped down, continuing to fire, while Marcus rushed the remaining guards.
/Oh, great...I'm never going to hear the end of this one/
He continued onwards, running right past Marcus and the approaching Oswin. Now nothing stood between him and his target.
"You've done well to come this far, laddie!"
"Where is Marquess Santaruz?!"
"I imagine he's on his way to a better place. Gehah! Geh heh hehhh!"
"Wretched cur!" Eliwood rushed the general, preparing an attack with his rapier. He wasn't expecting the young lord to move so quickly, and was unable to react in time.
Luckily for him, Eliwood hadn't planned on the armor being as strong as it was. The blow did no damage.
"Nice try, laddie! But you'll have to do better than that!" He thrust his spear at the lordling, but he quickly jumped out of the way, slashing his sword in an arc.
He connected with the general's face, but only managing a small cut on his cheek. Before he could properly land, the spear came at him again, forcing him to lose his balance.
He thrust the spear downwards, aiming for Eliwood's head, but the boy just managed to roll out of the way. Without a second thought, he stabbed his rapier, managing to luck out and pierce the skin through a chink in the general's armor. He drove the blade deeper, causing blood to ooze from the wound.
"You've beaten me...but you're too late to save him...too...too bad, eh, laddie? Geha ha...geha!" Eliwood watched as he slid to the ground, sorry that it had come to this.
Heading into the castle, he ignored his companions cries to wait for them. Having learned the layout of the castle from previous years, he headed straight to Lord Helman's chamber. He lay on the floor, blood embracing his figure.
"Lord Helman!!"
"...Is that you...Eliwood?"
"Hold on, my lord!"
"I...I must apologize...your father...he."
"Do you know something, sir?"
"...If I hadn't told Elbert...about...Darin's plans...this would...never...have..."
"Lord Helman!"
"...Go to Laus...Darin...the marquess of Laus...knows all."
"Marquess Laus?"
I'm sorry, Eliwood...I...I can't..."
"Hold on!"
"Beware...the Black Fang......"
Lord Helman!" Eliwood felt a hand rest on his shoulder, and he realized that Hector had finally caught up.
"He's gone..."
"It can't be... Lord Helman...Why...why did this happen?"
"Blast! What is going on?!?"
"...We go to Laus. We must speak to the marquess of Laus, Lord Darin."
"You're right. We should leave quickly. I'm not sure how far we can go today, but... I can't sit still." Hearing footsteps approaching, the two turned towards the entrance.
"Pardon me..."
"Hm?"
"If I may?"
"Who are you?" Eliwood asked, not sure if this man was friend or foe.
"I'm the steward of Santaruz. With our lord gone, what are we to do?"
"First, you give Lord Helman a proper burial. After that...I'm sure the Lycian Council will have to meet. Stay here and defend the castle until you hear more."
"I understand." He left without another word.
"Let's go. We must keep moving." Eliwood issued, motioning with eyes to the exit.
"Yes...and now we seek answers for Marquess Santaruz, too." Hector headed out, leaving Eliwood alone with Lord Helman.
"...Lord Helman...May you find peace."
A/N:
Whew...finally, anther chappie up! This one only took me two days, too bad I waited so long to start it.
sjd372: Unfortunately, I never did find Geitz or Karla. I'm trying to find them now, so if I do, I'll definitely add them in.
fairydust125: There ya go. Another chappie for ya. Probably wasn't fast enough for ya, but hey-it's done!
Rockiel: Yes, I guess that part would appeal to yaoi fans. This fic isn't a yaoi, but I find that if yaoi is done properly, with the right pairing, it is adorably cute. I've actually got a FE yaoi story started right now called Birthright.
And now, a note:
Unfortunately, this fic is going to start updating slower than it's been, mainly because I've fallen behind in some of my other fics, and I like them better than this one.